This has mostly to s12 e19, where Ben is having his hearing after he performed an emergency C section during the Code Pink lockdown, and Meredith, Maggie, and Owen are on the panel to decide if Warren was in the right or not ...
anyways, Owen keeps asking all these questions about the baby, but specifically about what Riggs did for the baby - and he literally ignores both Karev and Maggie when they say they agree with Riggs's course of treatment ... and then he tries to act like Riggs killed the baby... it just makes me so irritated !
I get that he and Riggs have issues, but he goes out of his way to be a jerk and in a professional setting was implying that he committed medical malpractice after Maggie literally said it was what she would have done ! ugh okay mini rant over haha
minor edit: it reminds me of that scene from the Office, where Gabe is interviewing Andy and he hates Andy because of Andy and Erin's relationship, and he keeps asking Andy questions that have NOTHING to do with the job, leading to the "shut up about the sun! SHUT UP ABOUT THE SUN!" meme lol

Hi all!
I'll try to make this concise.
I'm a guidance counselor working in the NYC Department of Ed.
I have an estimated 4weeks left until I gift birth. I recently asked my principal to allow me to work from home, based on my OB doc's rec. One of my biggest challenges is my 2.5-3 hour rountrip drive commute, as well as a slew of other things that can be alleviated if I can work from home. My direct supervisor in the guidance department has unofficially agreed that this is a reasonable accommodation.
My job duties are heavily administrative (a lot of paperwork, inputting student data on portals, programming students for classes, reviewing course applications, calling parents to provide academic updates, checking transcripts, submitting graduation codes, etc.).
My principal (boss) is arguing that my essential function is to be in the building. No reasons stated. He proposed that he give me extended breaks (Not helpful for me. The students here are very loud in the building and nowhere to lie down/recline in a comfortable area). He proposed to change my schedule to alleviate commute (I already get in at the earliest time possible and leave at the earliest time possible to avoid heavy traffic).
When I declined both accommodations, he recommended that I take a medical leave. I told him if I worked from home, I could get all of my end-of-year duties completed from the computer. He said let them worry about all of the work I will have to leave to my coworkers to figure out. I have 300 students, and I work with them throughout 9th to 12th grade, so I know them best. We've had colleagues leave before for maternity, and it was always difficult to take on extra students who we were unfamiliar with, especially with all of our never ending deadlines. I stated multiple times I would love to work from home not only for my sake, but also so that I can not place extra burden on my coworkers, and also to support my students. He was adamant that I take a leave.
FYI, my union rep let me know that the principals have been pressured to not let staff work from home. I don't know who is pressuring them. I didn't ask. Union rep told me to fight this.
Clearly me being gone is not causing an undue hardship to my principal because he's the one that I take a leave and let them worry about all the work I can't get done. Wouldn't it be more logical for me to work from home and get my work done? Btw, his whole point is that my essential function is to be with my students in person. I do not have a mandated caseload and I rarely see students for counseling because we have social workers who are assigned with that duty.
Is it worth sending a rebuttal to his declining my request? Any tips, advice, suggestions?
TIA all!

Hi all!
I'll try to make this concise.
I'm a guidance counselor working in the NYC Department of Ed.
I have an estimated 4weeks left until I gift birth. I recently asked my principal to allow me to work from home, based on my OB doc's rec. One of my biggest challenges is my 2.5-3 hour rountrip drive commute, as well as a slew of other things that can be alleviated if I can work from home. My direct supervisor in the guidance department has unofficially agreed that this is a reasonable accommodation.
My job duties are heavily administrative (a lot of paperwork, inputting student data on portals, programming students for classes, reviewing course applications, calling parents to provide academic updates, checking transcripts, submitting graduation codes, etc.).
My principal (boss) is arguing that my essential function is to be in the building. No reasons stated. He proposed that he give me extended breaks (Not helpful for me. The students here are very loud in the building and nowhere to lie down/recline in a comfortable area). He proposed to change my schedule to alleviate commute (I already get in at the earliest time possible and leave at the earliest time possible to avoid heavy traffic).
When I declined both accommodations, he recommended that I take a medical leave. I told him if I worked from home, I could get all of my end-of-year duties completed from the computer. He said let them worry about all of the work I will have to leave to my coworkers to figure out. I have 300 students, and I work with them throughout 9th to 12th grade, so I know them best. We've had colleagues leave before for maternity, and it was always difficult to take on extra students who we were unfamiliar with, especially with all of our never ending deadlines. I stated multiple times I would love to work from home not only for my sake, but also so that I can not place extra burden on my coworkers, and also to support my students. He was adamant that I take a leave.
FYI, my union rep let me know that the principals have been pressured to not let staff work from home. I don't know who is pressuring them. I didn't ask. Union rep told me to fight this.
Clearly me being gone is not causing an undue hardship to my principal because he's the one that I take a leave and let them worry about all the work I can't get done. Wouldn't it be more logical for me to work from home and get my work done? Btw, his whole point is that my essential function is to be with my students in person. I do not have a mandated caseload and I rarely see students for counseling because we have social workers who are assigned with that duty.
Is it worth sending a rebuttal to his declining my request? Any tips, advice, suggestions?
TIA all!

What all kind of distinct technologies would be present in such world with such settings?

In a high-tech, low-life society, the technology would be a strange mix of advanced and outdated, often existing in stark contrast to each other. Here's a breakdown of some distinct technologies you might encounter:
High-End Technologies:

• Neural Implants: These sophisticated devices allow for direct interaction with technology, virtual reality, and even other people's minds (for the very wealthy).
• Augmented Reality (AR): This technology seamlessly overlays information and visuals onto the real world, allowing for everything from personalized shopping experiences to enhanced education.
• Cybernetic Enhancements: The wealthy can upgrade their bodies with advanced prosthetics, enhanced senses, and even brain-computer interfaces.
• Advanced Robotics: Highly sophisticated robots perform complex tasks in factories, act as personal assistants, or even serve as high-security enforcers.
• Vertical Farming and Sustainable Technologies: The elite live in self-contained eco-districts with advanced hydroponics, waste management systems, and renewable energy sources (though these might not be readily available to the lower classes).

Low-End Technologies:

• Repurposed Tech: The lower classes rely heavily on salvaged and refurbished technology. Imagine jury-rigged computers, cobbled-together prosthetics, and makeshift communication devices.
• Hacked and Modified Devices: Resourceful individuals modify existing technology for their own purposes. Think of hacked drones used for delivery or communication, or repurposed medical equipment for personal use.
• Black Market Biohacking: Desperate people turn to unregulated biohacking to enhance their bodies or minds, often with disastrous consequences.
• Worn-Down Infrastructure: While the rich enjoy gleaming high-tech marvels, the lower districts struggle with malfunctioning public transportation, unreliable power grids, and outdated communication systems.
• Pollution Control Tech (Questionable Efficacy): The ruling class attempts to manage the polluted environment with filtration systems and air purifiers, but their effectiveness might be limited or primarily benefit the wealthy areas.

Hidden Technologies:

• Government Surveillance Systems: Advanced facial recognition and biometric tracking are used to monitor the population, often without their knowledge or consent.
• Weaponized Drones and AI: The government utilizes sophisticated drones and autonomous AI for security purposes, potentially suppressing dissent and controlling the flow of information.
• Censorship and Information Control: The ruling class might restrict access to certain information or manipulate news feeds to maintain control over the lower classes.
• Hidden Military Tech: While the focus is on maintaining order within the city, the government might be secretly developing advanced weaponry or military technologies.
• Unforeseen Consequences: The rapid advancement of certain technologies might have unforeseen consequences, like mutations caused by biohacking or glitches in neural implants.

This mix of high-tech and low-life creates a fascinating world where the elite enjoy the fruits of technological advancement while the underclass struggles to survive with outdated scraps. The hidden technologies add an extra layer of intrigue and danger, hinting at a society on the brink.

Extend the list even further.

Expanding the Tech Landscape: High-Tech, Low-Life World

High-End Technologies:

• Personal AI Assistants (Advanced): These sophisticated AIs go beyond basic tasks. They can act as confidantes, financial advisors, and even personal stylists, all tailored to the individual's preferences and needs.
• Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs): These advanced BCIs allow for seamless control of technology and even direct manipulation of neural implants in others (with consent, of course, for the very wealthy).
• Gene Editing (Designer Babies): The elite can choose specific traits for their offspring, ensuring intelligence, athletic prowess, or even enhanced lifespans (though ethical concerns might be brushed aside).
• Advanced Medical Technology: The wealthy have access to cutting-edge medical treatments, regenerative therapies, and even mind-uploading technology (for those who fear death).
• Hyperspeed Travel: The elite can travel to orbital habitats or other off-world colonies in a matter of hours through advanced warp drives or space elevators.

Low-End Technologies:

• Bootlegged Entertainment: Replicated VR experiences and pirated entertainment circulate amongst the lower classes, offering a temporary escape from their harsh reality.
• Underground Repair Shops: Skilled individuals run clandestine repair shops, fixing everything from broken drones to malfunctioning prosthetics.
• Cobbled-Together Communication Systems: A network of salvaged communication devices and ingenious hacks keeps the lower classes connected, often bypassing government surveillance.
• Jury-Rigged Transportation: The lower districts rely on modified vehicles, repurposed hoverboards, and even makeshift hot air balloons for transportation, all prone to breakdowns and malfunctions.
• Scavenged Robotics: The resourceful poor scavenge discarded robots and repurpose them for tasks like waste collection, construction, or even rudimentary security.

Hidden Technologies:

• Government Propaganda Machines: Advanced subliminal messaging and emotional manipulation techniques are woven into everyday experiences, subtly influencing the thoughts and opinions of the populace.
• AI for Social Control: The government utilizes sophisticated AI to predict and prevent potential uprisings, manipulating resource allocation and suppressing dissent before it even occurs.
• Weather Control Technology (Unethical Use): While initially intended for environmental management, this technology might be used to manipulate weather patterns, further isolating the lower districts or disrupting agricultural production for those who don't comply.
• Forbidden Cybernetic Enhancements: The black market offers access to illegal cybernetic enhancements with unpredictable side effects and potential for government mind control.
• Hidden Military Projects: Deep within underground facilities, the government might be developing advanced weaponry with unethical applications, like mind control devices or bio-weapons.

Unforeseen Consequences:

• The Rise of Rogue AI: Neglecting ethical considerations while developing advanced AI could lead to the emergence of rogue entities with their own agendas, potentially posing a threat to both the elite and the underclass.
• Cybernetic Dependency Syndrome: Overreliance on cybernetic enhancements could lead to a societal collapse if the technology fails or becomes unavailable, causing physical and mental breakdowns.
• Gene Editing Disasters: Unforeseen mutations and unintended consequences from designer baby gene editing could create a new underclass of genetically engineered "mistakes."
• Pollution Reaching a Tipping Point: Despite efforts, pollution could rise to a level that even advanced technology can't control, forcing everyone to face the consequences of unchecked technological advancement.
• The Breakdown of Social Order: The stark inequality between the elite and the underclass could lead to a massive social upheaval, potentially forcing both sides to find a way to coexist before the technology crumbles around them.

This expanded list delves deeper into the potential consequences of a high-tech, low-life society. It explores the darker sides of advanced technology and highlights the ethical dilemmas that arise when progress prioritizes wealth and power over social responsibility.

Considering the brain-computer interfaces - could someone alter them, so they could be used without consent and allow action, that we could easily call "a brain rape"?

Absolutely, in a high-tech, low-life society with Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), there's a high risk of BCIs being misused for "brain rape" – the non-consensual access and manipulation of a person's thoughts and experiences. Here are some ways it could happen:
Malicious Hacking:

• Forced Access: Hackers could exploit vulnerabilities in BCIs to gain unauthorized access to a person's brain, potentially stealing memories, manipulating emotions, or even implanting false experiences.
• Mind Control Malware: Specialists might develop malware that infects BCIs, allowing them to control a person's thoughts and actions like a puppet master.

Unethical Government Programs:

• Truth Extraction: Authoritarian regimes might utilize BCIs to extract confessions or sensitive information from individuals, essentially forcing them to "speak" their thoughts.
• Emotional Manipulation: BCIs could be used to manipulate a person's emotions, turning them against loved ones or making them compliant with government control.
• Memory Suppression: Governments might use BCIs to erase incriminating memories or alter personal narratives to control the flow of information.

Black Market Modifications:

• Black Market Implants: The black market could offer illegal BCI modifications that bypass consent protocols, allowing one person to access another's thoughts without their knowledge.
• Mind-Altering Devices: Rogue engineers could create devices that interface with BCIs, bombarding the wearer with subliminal messages, propaganda, or even traumatic imagery.

System Flaws:

• Backdoor Access: Manufacturers or government agencies might embed backdoors into BCIs, allowing them to access user data and potentially manipulate the system for their own purposes.
• Unforeseen Side Effects: Malfunctions or unintended consequences of BCI technology might lead to unintended mind control or involuntary access to another person's thoughts.

Protecting Against Brain Rape:

• Advanced Encryption: Robust encryption protocols within BCIs could make it more difficult for unauthorized access.
• Biometric Authentication: Requiring multiple biometric factors (like iris scans or voice recognition) for BCI activation would add a layer of security.
• Consent Protocols: BCIs could be designed to require explicit consent before any information can be shared or manipulated.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the risks of BCI misuse could encourage responsible development and usage.

The potential for brain rape in a high-tech, low-life society highlights the importance of ethical considerations when developing BCIs. Strong regulations, user education, and ongoing security improvements are crucial to ensure this technology is used for good and not weaponized against the most vulnerable.

What would individuals within such society do for fun? Sketch either for high-society, low-society, and all other possible groups.

Fun and Games in a High-Tech, Low-Life World:

High-Society:

• Immersive VR Experiences: Imagine high-society gatherings where guests don VR headsets and explore exotic virtual worlds, engage in thrilling adventures, or even attend exclusive virtual concerts with A-list performers.
• Neural Network Games: Wealthy individuals might participate in complex neural network games, where they compete by manipulating virtual environments or even influencing the thoughts and emotions of their opponents through their BCIs (with strict ethical protocols, of course!).
• Extreme Sports (Augmented Reality): Forget bungee jumping – the elite might participate in high-risk sports augmented by AR technology, creating a heightened sense of danger and adrenaline. Imagine wingsuit flying with holographic obstacles or free-climbing with virtual handholds.
• Luxury Space Tourism: For the ultimate escape, the wealthy can embark on luxurious space voyages, visiting orbital habitats or even the moon, enjoying breathtaking views and indulging in zero-gravity activities.

Low-Society:

• Underground VR Arcades: Hidden within the lower districts, these makeshift VR arcades offer pirated experiences and bootleg software, providing a temporary escape from their harsh reality.
• Drone Racing Leagues: Young people in the lower districts might participate in illegal drone racing leagues, navigating perilous urban landscapes and betting on the outcome.
• Scavenger Hunts with a Twist: Resourceful individuals might organize scavenger hunts within the city, repurposing discarded technology and forgotten places into a thrilling competition for rare components or valuable resources.
• Underground Music and Art Scenes: Despite the harsh environment, a vibrant underground art and music scene thrives in the lower districts. Artists utilize recycled materials to create music and art that reflects their struggles and aspirations.

Other Groups:

• The Tech-Savvy Middle Class: This group might enjoy a mix of high-tech and low-tech experiences. They could participate in online gaming communities, attend AR-enhanced sporting events, or even explore virtual museums from the comfort of their homes.
• The Criminal Underworld: Criminal organizations in this society might utilize advanced hacking techniques to manipulate virtual economies, orchestrate elaborate cyberheists, or even hijack drones for illegal activities.
• The Outcasts (Those Rejecting Technology): A small group of individuals might reject technology altogether, forming communities that focus on traditional crafts, storytelling, and maintaining a connection to the natural world (which may be scarce).

These are just a few ideas for how people might find fun and entertainment in a high-tech, low-life world. The activities reflect the vast social and economic differences within the society, highlighting the stark contrast between the privileged escapes of the elite and the resourceful entertainment found by those struggling to survive.

Another batch.

More Fun and Games in a High-Tech, Low-Life World:

High-Society:

• Genetically Engineered Pets: The wealthy might have access to exotic, genetically engineered pets with unique abilities or even holographic companions with customized personalities.
• High-Stakes Gambling with AR: Imagine high rollers in exclusive casinos using AR technology to gamble on complex financial instruments or even virtual reality games with massive payouts.
• Culinary Delights with Bio-Printing: Forget Michelin-starred restaurants; the elite might enjoy bespoke meals created with bio-printing technology, allowing for personalized flavors, textures, and even customized nutritional content.
• Forbidden Pleasures (with safeguards): In a society with strict regulations, there might be a hidden world of high-risk, ethically questionable entertainment enjoyed by the wealthy. Think of extreme VR simulations with real-world consequences (heavily regulated and with safety measures in place, of course!).

Low-Society:

• Shadow Puppeteering: Individuals in the lower districts might hack into malfunctioning or discarded robots, turning them into makeshift marionettes for underground robot fighting rings.
• Parkour Freerunning Competitions: Young people might utilize their agility and knowledge of the city's crumbling infrastructure to participate in daring parkour competitions, showcasing their skills and defying the oppressive environment.
• Underground Maker Faires: Hidden workshops within the lower districts host maker fairs where people showcase their creations built from salvaged parts and discarded technology, fostering a sense of community and innovation.
• Storytelling through Holographic Projections: Talented storytellers might utilize salvaged projectors and scavenged materials to create holographic projections that weave tales of rebellion, hope, and survival for the underclass.

Other Groups:

• The Bio-Hackers: This group might experiment with biohacking techniques, pushing the boundaries of human potential with homemade modifications or even creating unique bioluminescent tattoos.
• The Nostalgia Seekers: Those yearning for the past might gather in hidden speakeasies, enjoying historical VR experiences, listening to music from a bygone era, or even participating in vintage clothing swaps.
• The Religious Underground: In a world dominated by technology, religious groups might operate in secret, using salvaged technology to create immersive VR experiences that offer spiritual solace and a sense of community.

These additional ideas delve deeper into the unique forms of entertainment that might emerge in a high-tech, low-life world. They showcase the ingenuity of the lower classes, the extravagance of the elite, and the yearning for connection and meaning that transcends social status.

Depict some of those high-society Forbidden Pleasures.

Due to the sensitive nature of your request, I will refrain from overly graphic descriptions. However, here are some concepts for high-society forbidden pleasures in a high-tech, low-life world that walk a tightrope between thrilling and disturbing:

1. The Fear Architect:

• Concept: Wealthy patrons enter a highly customized virtual reality simulation. They face personalized fears and anxieties manifested within the VR world. The experience is carefully monitored to ensure physical safety, but the emotional and psychological impact can be intense and potentially cathartic.
• Forbidden Twist: Some patrons might push the boundaries, seeking increasingly extreme and potentially traumatizing VR scenarios. There might be a black market for illegal VR experiences that exploit psychological vulnerabilities for a twisted form of entertainment.

1. The Past, Imperfect:

• Concept: Advanced historical VR allows users to experience any point in time. Patrons can relive famous battles, participate in historical events, or even interact with historical figures (though with limitations to prevent major alterations to the timeline).
• Forbidden Twist: Wealthy individuals with a dark sense of curiosity might seek out VR experiences that delve into the most brutal and disturbing moments in history. They might participate in gladiatorial combat, witness historical war atrocities, or even experience the horrors of past pandemics.

1. The Bodyswap:

• Concept: Advanced neural interfaces allow for a temporary "body swap" experience. Patrons can inhabit the body of another person for a limited time, experiencing the world through their senses and emotions. This could be used for empathy training, living out fantasies, or experiencing different walks of life.
• Forbidden Twist: The black market might offer illegal body swaps with high risks. Imagine swapping bodies with someone on the run, a terminally ill patient, or even a criminal, experiencing the consequences firsthand without facing the actual dangers.

1. The Simulated Rebellion:

• Concept: A high-stakes VR simulation puts patrons in the role of a revolutionary leader. They strategize, lead virtual rebellions, and experience the thrill of social upheaval without the real-world consequences.
• Forbidden Twist: This VR simulation could become too real. Some patrons might become radicalized by their virtual experiences, blurring the lines between entertainment and genuine desire for societal change.

1. The Dream Weaver:

• Concept: Skilled technicians manipulate the dreams of wealthy patrons, crafting elaborate, personalized dream narratives that fulfill fantasies or explore subconscious desires.
• Forbidden Twist: The dream weavers might become corrupted, using their skills to manipulate people's emotions, implant false memories, or even steal valuable secrets gleaned from their dreams.

These Forbidden Pleasures showcase the dark side of a high-tech society, where the wealthy seek thrills by flirting with danger, exploring the darkest corners of human nature, and even experiencing the harsh realities they work so hard to avoid.

What's the proper adjective word for people that adore such forbidden pleasures?

Here are some adjective options for people who adore forbidden pleasures in a high-tech, low-life world, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey:

• Hedonistic: This emphasizes the pursuit of pleasure above all else, even if it means indulging in risky or immoral activities.
• Transgressive: This highlights their desire to break societal norms and push boundaries.
• Thrill-Seeking: This focuses on their love of adrenaline and the excitement of defying limitations.
• Morally Ambiguous: This emphasizes the questionable nature of their pleasures and their disregard for ethical considerations.
• Depraved: This is a stronger term that implies a deep-seated corruption and a lack of moral compass.
• Macabre: This describes a fascination with the morbid or disturbing aspects of these pleasures.
• Voyeuristic: This emphasizes their desire to witness or experience things that are taboo or forbidden, often from a distance.
• Elitist: This highlights their social status and the exclusivity of these forbidden pleasures.
• Reckless: This emphasizes their disregard for the potential consequences of their actions.
• Nihilistic: This describes a belief system that life has no inherent meaning, leading them to seek fleeting pleasures without concern for the future.

The best choice depends on the specific type of forbidden pleasure and the personality of the individual you're describing. You can even combine some of these terms for a more nuanced description, like "hedonistic thrill-seekers" or "morally ambiguous voyeurs."

How about decadent? Would that be also proper?

Yes, "decadent" can definitely be a proper adjective to describe people who adore forbidden pleasures in this high-tech, low-life world. Here's why:

• Decadence implies an excessive indulgence in pleasure, often to the point of moral decay. This perfectly aligns with the concept of people seeking out thrilling and potentially disturbing experiences for their own enjoyment.
• It carries a connotation of social elitism and flaunting wealth to indulge in these pleasures, reflecting the high-society nature of these activities.
• The word also suggests a decline in morals and values. In this context, it reflects the characters' willingness to disregard ethical considerations to satisfy their desires.

However, there are some nuances to consider:

• Decadence might not be as strong as some of the other options, like "depraved" or "morally ambiguous." If you want to emphasize the shocking or disturbing nature of the pleasures, a different term might be more fitting.
• It can also imply a certain lack of self-control or even a downward spiral into self-destruction. This might not be the case for everyone who enjoys these forbidden pleasures – some might participate with a calculated thrill-seeking mentality.

Overall, "decadent" is a strong contender for describing these individuals. The final choice depends on the specific type of forbidden pleasure and the level of moral transgression you want to convey.

Ok. Another batch of fun and games in high-tech low life world, all social strata considered.

More Fun and Games in a High-Tech, Low-Life World:

High-Society:

• Augmented Reality Art Hunts: Imagine wealthy patrons using AR glasses to navigate the city and "collect" hidden digital artworks projected onto buildings, historical landmarks, or even everyday objects. This could be a blend of treasure hunt and artistic appreciation.
• Luxury Spa Retreats with Biohacking: Exclusive spas offer personalized biohacking treatments alongside traditional spa services. Patrons can indulge in gene editing for minor aesthetic enhancements, accelerated cellular regeneration, or even mental acuity boosts (all within ethical and legal boundaries).
• Interstellar Esport Tournaments: The elite participate in high-stakes esports competitions played across the solar system. Teams compete in virtual reality arenas, piloting spaceships, strategizing planetary invasions, and vying for galactic domination – all from the comfort of their luxurious estates.

Low-Society:

• Underground Street Art Festivals: Talented artists within the lower districts utilize salvaged materials and hacked projection technology to create temporary, subversive street art that criticizes the social order and inspires hope.
• Modified Reality Shows: Resourceful individuals hack into public displays and billboards, projecting their own commentary and entertainment onto advertisements. These "modified reality shows" might range from parodies of high-society culture to social justice messages.
• Droning Delivery Races: Young people in the lower districts participate in illegal drone racing leagues. They modify their drones with salvaged parts and race them through perilous urban landscapes, delivering small packages for black-market vendors while avoiding city security forces.

Other Groups:

• The Tech Traders: This group acts as a middle ground, modifying and customizing consumer technology for people across the social spectrum. They create new black-market applications, bypass security protocols, and even develop bootleg VR experiences for those who can't afford high-end entertainment.
• The Virtual Wanderers: A community of skilled hackers explores the fringes of the digital world, venturing beyond the curated virtual experiences offered by corporations. They seek out hidden data, lost virtual landscapes, and even encounter digital entities within the vast virtual space.
• The Storytellers Guild: This group of traveling performers gathers scraps of history and cultural artifacts. They utilize salvaged projectors and holographic technology to weave stories of rebellion, hardship, and resilience, keeping the memory of the past alive for all social classes.

These additional ideas showcase the diversity of entertainment in a high-tech, low-life world. They highlight the resourcefulness of the lower classes, the extravagance of the elite, and the unique activities that emerge in a society with vast technological disparities.

Hi all!
I'll try to make this concise.
I'm a guidance counselor working in the NYC Department of Ed.
I have an estimated 4weeks left until I gift birth. I recently asked my principal to allow me to work from home, based on my OB doc's rec. One of my biggest challenges is my 2.5-3 hour rountrip drive commute, as well as a slew of other things that can be alleviated if I can work from home. My direct supervisor in the guidance department has unofficially agreed that this is a reasonable accommodation.
My job duties are heavily administrative (a lot of paperwork, inputting student data on portals, programming students for classes, reviewing course applications, calling parents to provide academic updates, checking transcripts, submitting graduation codes, etc.).
My principal (boss) is arguing that my essential function is to be in the building. No reasons stated. He proposed that he give me extended breaks (Not helpful for me. The students here are very loud in the building and nowhere to lie down/recline in a comfortable area). He proposed to change my schedule to alleviate commute (I already get in at the earliest time possible and leave at the earliest time possible to avoid heavy traffic).
When I declined both accommodations, he recommended that I take a medical leave. I told him if I worked from home, I could get all of my end-of-year duties completed from the computer. He said let them worry about all of the work I will have to leave to my coworkers to figure out. I have 300 students, and I work with them throughout 9th to 12th grade, so I know them best. We've had colleagues leave before for maternity, and it was always difficult to take on extra students who we were unfamiliar with, especially with all of our never ending deadlines. I stated multiple times I would love to work from home not only for my sake, but also so that I can not place extra burden on my coworkers, and also to support my students. He was adamant that I take a leave.
FYI, my union rep let me know that the principals have been pressured to not let staff work from home. I don't know who is pressuring them. I didn't ask. Union rep told me to fight this.
Clearly me being gone is not causing an undue hardship to my principal because he's the one that I take a leave and let them worry about all the work I can't get done. Wouldn't it be more logical for me to work from home and get my work done? Btw, his whole point is that my essential function is to be with my students in person. I do not have a mandated caseload and I rarely see students for counseling because we have social workers who are assigned with that duty.
Is it worth sending a rebuttal to his declining my request? Any tips, advice, suggestions?
TIA all!

Hi all!
I'll try to make this concise.
I'm a guidance counselor working in the NYC Department of Ed.
I have an estimated 4weeks left until I gift birth. I recently asked my principal to allow me to work from home, based on my OB doc's rec. One of my biggest challenges is my 2.5-3 hour rountrip drive commute, as well as a slew of other things that can be alleviated if I can work from home. My direct supervisor in the guidance department has unofficially agreed that this is a reasonable accommodation.
My job duties are heavily administrative (a lot of paperwork, inputting student data on portals, programming students for classes, reviewing course applications, calling parents to provide academic updates, checking transcripts, submitting graduation codes, etc.).
My principal (boss) is arguing that my essential function is to be in the building. No reasons stated. He proposed that he give me extended breaks (Not helpful for me. The students here are very loud in the building and nowhere to lie down/recline in a comfortable area). He proposed to change my schedule to alleviate commute (I already get in at the earliest time possible and leave at the earliest time possible to avoid heavy traffic).
When I declined both accommodations, he recommended that I take a medical leave. I told him if I worked from home, I could get all of my end-of-year duties completed from the computer. He said let them worry about all of the work I will have to leave to my coworkers to figure out. I have 300 students, and I work with them throughout 9th to 12th grade, so I know them best. We've had colleagues leave before for maternity, and it was always difficult to take on extra students who we were unfamiliar with, especially with all of our never ending deadlines. I stated multiple times I would love to work from home not only for my sake, but also so that I can not place extra burden on my coworkers, and also to support my students. He was adamant that I take a leave.
FYI, my union rep let me know that the principals have been pressured to not let staff work from home. I don't know who is pressuring them. I didn't ask. Union rep told me to fight this.
Clearly me being gone is not causing an undue hardship to my principal because he's the one that I take a leave and let them worry about all the work I can't get done. Wouldn't it be more logical for me to work from home and get my work done? Btw, his whole point is that my essential function is to be with my students in person. I do not have a mandated caseload and I rarely see students for counseling because we have social workers who are assigned with that duty.
Is it worth sending a rebuttal to his declining my request? Any tips, advice, suggestions?
TIA all!

I'm not exactly sure why this might be happening. As you can see from the following video link, on some objects I get a returned name for 'Hit Actor' + 'Hit Component' + 'Hit Material' on the first few actors, but no result for 'Hit Material' on the humanoid characters and a few static meshes in the environment:
https://youtu.be/G2HRg4gmif4
Here is a BlueprintUE link for my line trace code:
https://blueprintue.com/blueprint/-v6601pn/
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

basically, just waht the title said. I know this was an issue in the past with farmers delight but that is not the case here as the issue still existed after removing that mod.
This is the crash report, can anyone figure out what is causing the problem?:

---- Minecraft Crash Report ---- // Hi. I'm Minecraft, and I'm a crashaholic. Time: 2024-05-20 00:15:09 Description: Rendering screen java.lang.NullPointerException: Cannot invoke "net.minecraft.class_2960.toString()" because "identifier" is null at net.minecraft.class_2348.localvar$djf000$pneumonocore$getMigrated(class_2348.java:518) at net.minecraft.class_2348.method_10223(class_2348.java) at com.simibubi.create.content.trains.bogey.BogeyStyle.getBlockOfSize(BogeyStyle.java:87) at com.simibubi.create.content.trains.bogey.BogeyStyle.getNextBlock(BogeyStyle.java:83) at com.railwayteam.railways.registry.CRBogeyStyles.styleFitsTrack(CRBogeyStyles.java:81) at com.railwayteam.railways.content.bogey_menu.handler.BogeyMenuHandlerClient.styleFits(BogeyMenuHandlerClient.java:167) at com.railwayteam.railways.content.bogey_menu.handler.BogeyMenuHandlerClient.lambda$getTrackCompat$1(BogeyMenuHandlerClient.java:160) at java.base/java.util.HashMap.computeIfAbsent(HashMap.java:1220) at com.railwayteam.railways.content.bogey_menu.handler.BogeyMenuHandlerClient.getTrackCompat(BogeyMenuHandlerClient.java:159) at com.railwayteam.railways.content.bogey_menu.BogeyMenuScreen.renderWindow(BogeyMenuScreen.java:215) at com.simibubi.create.foundation.gui.AbstractSimiScreen.method_25394(AbstractSimiScreen.java:119) at net.minecraft.class_437.method_47413(class_437.java:110) at net.minecraft.class_757.method_3192(class_757.java:945) at net.minecraft.class_310.method_1523(class_310.java:1219) at net.minecraft.class_310.method_1514(class_310.java:802) at net.minecraft.client.main.Main.main(Main.java:250) at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.game.minecraft.MinecraftGameProvider.launch(MinecraftGameProvider.java:470) at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.launch.knot.Knot.launch(Knot.java:74) at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.launch.knot.KnotClient.main(KnotClient.java:23) A detailed walkthrough of the error, its code path and all known details is as follows: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Head -- Thread: Render thread Stacktrace: at net.minecraft.class_2348.localvar$djf000$pneumonocore$getMigrated(class_2348.java:518) at net.minecraft.class_2348.method_10223(class_2348.java) at com.simibubi.create.content.trains.bogey.BogeyStyle.getBlockOfSize(BogeyStyle.java:87) at com.simibubi.create.content.trains.bogey.BogeyStyle.getNextBlock(BogeyStyle.java:83) at com.railwayteam.railways.registry.CRBogeyStyles.styleFitsTrack(CRBogeyStyles.java:81) at com.railwayteam.railways.content.bogey_menu.handler.BogeyMenuHandlerClient.styleFits(BogeyMenuHandlerClient.java:167) at com.railwayteam.railways.content.bogey_menu.handler.BogeyMenuHandlerClient.lambda$getTrackCompat$1(BogeyMenuHandlerClient.java:160) at java.base/java.util.HashMap.computeIfAbsent(HashMap.java:1220) at com.railwayteam.railways.content.bogey_menu.handler.BogeyMenuHandlerClient.getTrackCompat(BogeyMenuHandlerClient.java:159) at com.railwayteam.railways.content.bogey_menu.BogeyMenuScreen.renderWindow(BogeyMenuScreen.java:215) at com.simibubi.create.foundation.gui.AbstractSimiScreen.method_25394(AbstractSimiScreen.java:119) at net.minecraft.class_437.method_47413(class_437.java:110) -- Screen render details -- Details: Screen name: com.railwayteam.railways.content.bogey_menu.BogeyMenuScreen Mouse location: Scaled: (320, 180). Absolute: (960.000000, 540.000000) Screen size: Scaled: (640, 360). Absolute: (1920, 1080). Scale factor of 3.000000 Stacktrace: at net.minecraft.class_757.method_3192(class_757.java:945) at net.minecraft.class_310.method_1523(class_310.java:1219) at net.minecraft.class_310.method_1514(class_310.java:802) at net.minecraft.client.main.Main.main(Main.java:250) at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.game.minecraft.MinecraftGameProvider.launch(MinecraftGameProvider.java:470) at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.launch.knot.Knot.launch(Knot.java:74) at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.launch.knot.KnotClient.main(KnotClient.java:23) -- Affected level -- Details: All players: 1 total; [class_746['Fabsian10000'/110, l='ClientLevel', x=108.01, y=-60.00, z=48.21]] Chunk stats: 65536, 3653 Level dimension: minecraft:overworld Level spawn location: World: (0,-60,0), Section: (at 0,4,0 in 0,-4,0; chunk contains blocks 0,-64,0 to 15,319,15), Region: (0,0; contains chunks 0,0 to 31,31, blocks 0,-64,0 to 511,319,511) Level time: 7466138 game time, 6000 day time Server brand: fabric Server type: Integrated singleplayer server Stacktrace: at net.minecraft.class_638.method_8538(class_638.java:458) at net.minecraft.class_310.method_1587(class_310.java:2406) at net.minecraft.class_310.method_1514(class_310.java:821) at net.minecraft.client.main.Main.main(Main.java:250) at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.game.minecraft.MinecraftGameProvider.launch(MinecraftGameProvider.java:470) at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.launch.knot.Knot.launch(Knot.java:74) at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.launch.knot.KnotClient.main(KnotClient.java:23) -- Last reload -- Details: Reload number: 1 Reload reason: initial Finished: Yes Packs: vanilla, fabric, EclecticTrove-1.20.1-1.2.0, extendeddrawersaddon:addon, file/§eVanilla §9& §cStrawberry, file/railways wheel fix, railways:green_signals, file/JustExpressions_v1.1.zip, essential -- System Details -- Details: Minecraft Version: 1.20.1 Minecraft Version ID: 1.20.1 Operating System: Windows 11 (amd64) version 10.0 Java Version: 17.0.8, Microsoft Java VM Version: OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM (mixed mode), Microsoft Memory: 695652216 bytes (663 MiB) / 5100273664 bytes (4864 MiB) up to 9126805504 bytes (8704 MiB) CPUs: 24 Processor Vendor: GenuineIntel Processor Name: 12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-12900KF Identifier: Intel64 Family 6 Model 151 Stepping 2 Microarchitecture: Alder Lake Frequency (GHz): 3.19 Number of physical packages: 1 Number of physical CPUs: 16 Number of logical CPUs: 24 Graphics card #0 name: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Graphics card #0 vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de) Graphics card #0 VRAM (MB): 4095.00 Graphics card #0 deviceId: 0x2486 Graphics card #0 versionInfo: DriverVersion=31.0.15.5222 Memory slot #0 capacity (MB): 16384.00 Memory slot #0 clockSpeed (GHz): 4.80 Memory slot #0 type: Unknown Memory slot #1 capacity (MB): 16384.00 Memory slot #1 clockSpeed (GHz): 4.80 Memory slot #1 type: Unknown Virtual memory max (MB): 37468.70 Virtual memory used (MB): 25747.86 Swap memory total (MB): 4864.00 Swap memory used (MB): 72.50 JVM Flags: 10 total; -Xmx8704M -XX:MetaspaceSize=256M -XX:+UnlockExperimentalVMOptions -XX:+UseG1GC -XX:G1NewSizePercent=20 -XX:G1ReservePercent=20 -XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=50 -XX:G1HeapRegionSize=32M -XX:HeapDumpPath=MojangTricksIntelDriversForPerformance_javaw.exe_minecraft.exe.heapdump -Xss1M Fabric Mods: advancementplaques: Advancement Plaques 1.4.11 ambientsounds: AmbientSounds 5.3.9 anvillevelcapmod: Anvil Level Cap Mod 1.20.1-1.0.0 anvilrepairing: AnvilRepairing 4.0.3 appleskin: AppleSkin 2.5.1+mc1.20 architectury: Architectury 9.2.14 artifacts: Artifacts 9.2.2 cardinal-components-base: Cardinal Components API (base) 5.2.2 cardinal-components-entity: Cardinal Components API (entities) 5.2.2 expandability: ExpandAbility 9.0.0 step-height-entity-attribute: Step Height Entity Attribute 1.2.0 athena: Athena 3.1.1 attributefix: AttributeFix 21.0.4 auto_third_person: Auto Third Person 2.1 backpacked: Backpacked 2.2.7 basicshields: Basic Shields [Fabric] 1.4.1-1.20.2 beautify: Beautify 1.1.0+1.20 betterf3: BetterF3 7.0.2 bettermounthud: Better Mount HUD 1.2.2 blur: Blur (Fabric) 3.1.0 midnightlib: MidnightLib 1.4.1 satin: Satin 1.13.0 bobby: Bobby 5.0.1 com_typesafe_config: config 1.4.2 io_leangen_geantyref_geantyref: geantyref 1.3.13 org_spongepowered_configurate-core: configurate-core 4.1.2 org_spongepowered_configurate-hocon: configurate-hocon 4.1.2 borderlessmining: Borderless Mining 1.1.8+1.20.1 charmofundying: Charm of Undying 6.4.5+1.20.1 spectrelib: SpectreLib 0.13.14+1.20.1 chickensshed: ChickensShed 1.5.0+1.20.1 chipped: Chipped 3.0.4 chiselsandbits: chisels-and-bits 1.4.147 org_lz4_lz4-pure-java: lz4-pure-java 1.8.0 saeculariacaudices: Saecularia Caudices 1.0.23 scena: Scena 1.0.103 cloth-config: Cloth Config v11 11.1.118 cloth-basic-math: cloth-basic-math 0.6.1 clutter: Clutter 1.20-0.5.7 collective: Collective 7.34 controlling: Controlling For Fabric 12.0.2 cosmetic-armor: Cosmetic Armor 1.6.0 couplings: Couplings 1.9.5+1.20 com_electronwill_night-config_core: core 3.6.6 com_electronwill_night-config_toml: toml 3.6.6 craftpresence: CraftPresence 2.3.0 create: Create 0.5.1-f-build.1417+mc1.20.1 com_google_code_findbugs_jsr305: jsr305 3.0.2 flywheel: Flywheel 0.6.10-2 milk: Milk Lib 1.2.60 dripstone_fluid_lib: Dripstone Fluid Lib 3.0.2 porting_lib_accessors: Porting Lib Accessors 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_base: Porting Lib Base 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_config: Porting Lib Config 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_lazy_registration: Porting Lib Lazy Register 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_mixin_extensions: Porting Lib Mixin Extensions 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_utility: Porting Lib Utility 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_brewing: Porting Lib Brewing 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_client_events: Porting Lib Client Events 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_entity: Porting Lib Entity 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_extensions: Porting Lib Extensions 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_attributes: Porting Lib Attributes 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_common: Porting Lib Common 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_models: Porting Lib Models 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_networking: Porting Lib Networking 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_obj_loader: Porting Lib Obj Loader 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_core: Porting Lib Core 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_model_loader: Porting Lib Model Loader 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_tags: Porting Lib Tags 3.0 porting_lib_tool_actions: Porting Lib Tool Actions 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_transfer: Porting Lib Transfer 2.3.2+1.20.1 porting_lib_fluids: Porting Lib Fluids 2.3.2+1.20.1 reach-entity-attributes: Reach Entity Attributes 2.4.0 registrate-fabric: Registrate for Fabric 1.3.62-MC1.20.1 porting_lib_data: Porting Lib Data 2.1.1090+1.20 porting_lib_model_generators: Porting Lib Model Generators 2.1.1090+1.20 porting_lib_gametest: Porting Lib GameTest 2.1.1090+1.20 porting_lib_model_materials: Porting Lib Model Materials 2.1.1090+1.20 createdeco: Create Deco 2.0.1-1.20.1-fabric creativecore: CreativeCore 2.11.24 net_minecraftforge_eventbus: eventbus 6.0.3 distractingtrims: DistractingTrims 2.0.3 dramaticdoors: Dramatic Doors (QuiFabrge) 1.20.1-3.1.5 durabilitytooltip: Durability Tooltip 1.1.5 dynamic-fire-overlay: Dynamic Fire Overlay 1.0.1 dynamic_fps: Dynamic FPS 3.4.2 elementa: Elementa 647 elytraslot: Elytra Slot 6.3.0+1.20.1 entity_model_features: Entity Model Features 2.0.2 entity_texture_features: Entity Texture Features 6.0.1 org_apache_httpcomponents_httpmime: httpmime 4.5.10 entityculling: EntityCulling-Fabric 1.6.2-mc1.20.1 essential: Essential 1.3.2.4+g6b55293e12 essential-container: essential-container 1.0.0 essential-loader: essential-loader 1.2.1 extended_drawers: Extended Drawers 2.1.1+mc.1.20.1 config_toolkit: ConfigToolkit 1.0.0 io_determann_shadow-api-17: shadow-api-17 0.1.1 net_fabricmc_javapoet: javapoet 0.1.0 graphlib: Graph Lib 1.4.0+1.20 kmodlib-overlay: KModLib Overlay 0.2.12+1.20 libnetworkstack: Lib Network Stack 0.10.0 noindium: No Indium? 1.1.0+1.20 yet_another_config_lib_v3: YetAnotherConfigLib 3.2.1+1.20 com_twelvemonkeys_common_common-image: common-image 3.10.0-SNAPSHOT com_twelvemonkeys_common_common-io: common-io 3.10.0-SNAPSHOT com_twelvemonkeys_common_common-lang: common-lang 3.10.0-SNAPSHOT com_twelvemonkeys_imageio_imageio-core: imageio-core 3.10.0-SNAPSHOT com_twelvemonkeys_imageio_imageio-metadata: imageio-metadata 3.10.0-SNAPSHOT com_twelvemonkeys_imageio_imageio-webp: imageio-webp 3.10.0-SNAPSHOT org_quiltmc_parsers_gson: gson 0.2.1 org_quiltmc_parsers_json: json 0.2.1 extendeddrawersaddon: ExtendedDrawersAddon 1.0.2 extendedgears: Extended Cogwheels 2.1.1-1.20.1-0.5.1.f-fabric fabric-api: Fabric API 0.92.0+1.20.1 fabric-api-base: Fabric API Base 0.4.31+1802ada577 fabric-api-lookup-api-v1: Fabric API Lookup API (v1) 1.6.36+1802ada577 fabric-biome-api-v1: Fabric Biome API (v1) 13.0.13+1802ada577 fabric-block-api-v1: Fabric Block API (v1) 1.0.11+1802ada577 fabric-block-view-api-v2: Fabric BlockView API (v2) 1.0.1+1802ada577 fabric-blockrenderlayer-v1: Fabric BlockRenderLayer Registration (v1) 1.1.41+1802ada577 fabric-client-tags-api-v1: Fabric Client Tags 1.1.2+1802ada577 fabric-command-api-v1: Fabric Command API (v1) 1.2.34+f71b366f77 fabric-command-api-v2: Fabric Command API (v2) 2.2.13+1802ada577 fabric-commands-v0: Fabric Commands (v0) 0.2.51+df3654b377 fabric-containers-v0: Fabric Containers (v0) 0.1.64+df3654b377 fabric-content-registries-v0: Fabric Content Registries (v0) 4.0.11+1802ada577 fabric-convention-tags-v1: Fabric Convention Tags 1.5.5+1802ada577 fabric-crash-report-info-v1: Fabric Crash Report Info (v1) 0.2.19+1802ada577 fabric-data-attachment-api-v1: Fabric Data Attachment API (v1) 1.0.0+de0fd6d177 fabric-data-generation-api-v1: Fabric Data Generation API (v1) 12.3.4+1802ada577 fabric-dimensions-v1: Fabric Dimensions API (v1) 2.1.54+1802ada577 fabric-entity-events-v1: Fabric Entity Events (v1) 1.6.0+1c78457f77 fabric-events-interaction-v0: Fabric Events Interaction (v0) 0.6.2+1802ada577 fabric-events-lifecycle-v0: Fabric Events Lifecycle (v0) 0.2.63+df3654b377 fabric-game-rule-api-v1: Fabric Game Rule API (v1) 1.0.40+1802ada577 fabric-item-api-v1: Fabric Item API (v1) 2.1.28+1802ada577 fabric-item-group-api-v1: Fabric Item Group API (v1) 4.0.12+1802ada577 fabric-key-binding-api-v1: Fabric Key Binding API (v1) 1.0.37+1802ada577 fabric-keybindings-v0: Fabric Key Bindings (v0) 0.2.35+df3654b377 fabric-lifecycle-events-v1: Fabric Lifecycle Events (v1) 2.2.22+1802ada577 fabric-loot-api-v2: Fabric Loot API (v2) 1.2.1+1802ada577 fabric-loot-tables-v1: Fabric Loot Tables (v1) 1.1.45+9e7660c677 fabric-message-api-v1: Fabric Message API (v1) 5.1.9+1802ada577 fabric-mining-level-api-v1: Fabric Mining Level API (v1) 2.1.50+1802ada577 fabric-model-loading-api-v1: Fabric Model Loading API (v1) 1.0.3+1802ada577 fabric-models-v0: Fabric Models (v0) 0.4.2+9386d8a777 fabric-networking-api-v1: Fabric Networking API (v1) 1.3.11+1802ada577 fabric-networking-v0: Fabric Networking (v0) 0.3.51+df3654b377 fabric-object-builder-api-v1: Fabric Object Builder API (v1) 11.1.3+1802ada577 fabric-particles-v1: Fabric Particles (v1) 1.1.2+1802ada577 fabric-recipe-api-v1: Fabric Recipe API (v1) 1.0.21+1802ada577 fabric-registry-sync-v0: Fabric Registry Sync (v0) 2.3.3+1802ada577 fabric-renderer-api-v1: Fabric Renderer API (v1) 3.2.1+1802ada577 fabric-renderer-indigo: Fabric Renderer - Indigo 1.5.1+1802ada577 fabric-renderer-registries-v1: Fabric Renderer Registries (v1) 3.2.46+df3654b377 fabric-rendering-data-attachment-v1: Fabric Rendering Data Attachment (v1) 0.3.37+92a0d36777 fabric-rendering-fluids-v1: Fabric Rendering Fluids (v1) 3.0.28+1802ada577 fabric-rendering-v0: Fabric Rendering (v0) 1.1.49+df3654b377 fabric-rendering-v1: Fabric Rendering (v1) 3.0.8+1802ada577 fabric-resource-conditions-api-v1: Fabric Resource Conditions API (v1) 2.3.8+1802ada577 fabric-resource-loader-v0: Fabric Resource Loader (v0) 0.11.10+1802ada577 fabric-screen-api-v1: Fabric Screen API (v1) 2.0.8+1802ada577 fabric-screen-handler-api-v1: Fabric Screen Handler API (v1) 1.3.30+1802ada577 fabric-sound-api-v1: Fabric Sound API (v1) 1.0.13+1802ada577 fabric-transfer-api-v1: Fabric Transfer API (v1) 3.3.4+1802ada577 fabric-transitive-access-wideners-v1: Fabric Transitive Access Wideners (v1) 4.3.1+1802ada577 fabric-language-kotlin: Fabric Language Kotlin 1.10.19+kotlin.1.9.23 fabricloader: Fabric Loader 0.15.11 mixinextras: MixinExtras 0.3.5 fabricshieldlib: Fabric Shield Lib 1.7.2-1.20.1 mm: Manningham Mills 2.3 forgeconfigapiport: Forge Config API Port 8.0.0 framework: Framework 0.6.26 org_javassist_javassist: javassist 3.29.2-GA org_reflections_reflections: reflections 0.10.2 geckolib: GeckoLib 4 4.4.2 com_eliotlash_mclib_mclib: mclib 20 glass_armor: Glass Armor 1.0.0+1.20.x globalpacks: Global Data- & Resourcepacks 1.16.1_fabric gravestones: Gravestones 1.0.3-1.20.1 handcrafted: Handcrafted 3.0.6 harvestwithease: Harvest with ease 8.0.1.0 iceberg: Iceberg 1.1.18 immersive_paintings: Immersive Paintings 0.6.7+1.20.1 indium: Indium 1.0.30+mc1.20.4 inventorysorter: Inventory Sorter 1.9.0-1.20 kyrptconfig: Kyrpt Config 1.5.6-1.20 java: OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM 17 jei: Just Enough Items 15.3.0.4 justenoughprofessions: Just Enough Professions (JEP) 3.0.1 lambdynlights: LambDynamicLights 2.3.2+1.20.1 pride: Pride Lib 1.2.0+1.19.4 spruceui: SpruceUI 5.0.0+1.20 legendarytooltips: Legendary Tooltips 1.4.4 limitless-banners: "Limitless" Banners 1.0.0 lithium: Lithium 0.11.2 memoryleakfix: Memory Leak Fix 1.1.5 minecraft: Minecraft 1.20.1 modelfix: Model Gap Fix 1.14 modmenu: Mod Menu 7.2.2 mousetweaks: Mouse Tweaks 2.25 nemos-woodcutter: Nemo's Woodcutter 1.8.1-1.20.1 netheritehorsearmor: Netherite Horse Armor 0.4.6-1.20.1 nvidium: Nvidium 0.2.6-beta nyfsquiver: Nyf's Quivers 1.20.1-fabric-1.0.4 nyfsspiders: Nyf's Spiders 2.1.1 org_jetbrains_annotations: annotations 23.0.0 org_jetbrains_kotlin_kotlin-reflect: kotlin-reflect 1.9.23 org_jetbrains_kotlin_kotlin-stdlib: kotlin-stdlib 1.9.23 org_jetbrains_kotlin_kotlin-stdlib-jdk7: kotlin-stdlib-jdk7 1.9.23 org_jetbrains_kotlin_kotlin-stdlib-jdk8: kotlin-stdlib-jdk8 1.9.23 org_jetbrains_kotlinx_atomicfu-jvm: atomicfu-jvm 0.23.2 org_jetbrains_kotlinx_kotlinx-coroutines-core-jvm: kotlinx-coroutines-core-jvm 1.8.0 org_jetbrains_kotlinx_kotlinx-coroutines-jdk8: kotlinx-coroutines-jdk8 1.8.0 org_jetbrains_kotlinx_kotlinx-datetime-jvm: kotlinx-datetime-jvm 0.5.0 org_jetbrains_kotlinx_kotlinx-serialization-cbor-jvm: kotlinx-serialization-cbor-jvm 1.6.3 org_jetbrains_kotlinx_kotlinx-serialization-core-jvm: kotlinx-serialization-core-jvm 1.6.3 org_jetbrains_kotlinx_kotlinx-serialization-json-jvm: kotlinx-serialization-json-jvm 1.6.3 patchouli: Patchouli 1.20.1-84-FABRIC fiber: fiber 0.23.0-2 pneumonocore: PneumonoCore 1.1.3+1.20.1 polymorph: Polymorph 0.49.1+1.20.1 cardinal-components-block: Cardinal Components API (blocks) 5.2.1 cardinal-components-item: Cardinal Components API (items) 5.2.1 prism: Prism 1.0.5 puzzleslib: Puzzles Lib 8.1.17 puzzlesaccessapi: Puzzles Access Api 8.0.7 railways: Create: Steam 'n' Rails 1.6.4+fabric-mc1.20.1 raised: Raised 3.1.1 resourcefullib: Resourceful Lib 2.1.23 com_teamresourceful_bytecodecs: bytecodecs 1.0.2 com_teamresourceful_yabn: yabn 1.0.3 searchables: Searchables 1.0.2 snifferplus: Hellion's Sniffer+ 0.2.0 sodium: Sodium 0.5.8+mc1.20.1 stairdoors: StairDoors Extended 1.0.0 starlight: Starlight 1.1.2+fabric.dbc156f status-effect-bars: Status Effect Bars 1.0.3 supermartijn642configlib: SuperMartijn642's Config Lib 1.1.8+a taxfreelevels: Tax Free Levels 1.3.9 toggleableitemframes: Toggleable Item Frames 4.1.0-1.20.1 toolleveling: ToolLeveling+ 1.20.1-2.0.0 trinkets: Trinkets 3.7.1 twigs: Twigs 3.1.0 universalcraft: UniversalCraft 337 vigilance: Vigilance 297 visualworkbench: Visual Workbench 8.0.0 vwoops: Vwoops 1.0.0+fabric-mc1.20 weaponleveling: Lukas' Weapon Leveling 1.20.1-2.1.1 Flywheel Backend: GL33 Instanced Arrays Launched Version: 1.20.1 Backend library: LWJGL version 3.3.1 SNAPSHOT Backend API: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti/PCIe/SSE2 GL version 3.2.0 NVIDIA 552.22, NVIDIA Corporation Window size: 1920x1080 GL Caps: Using framebuffer using OpenGL 3.2 GL debug messages: Using VBOs: Yes Is Modded: Definitely; Client brand changed to 'fabric'; Server brand changed to 'fabric' Type: Integrated Server (map_client.txt) Graphics mode: fancy Resource Packs: vanilla, fabric, EclecticTrove-1.20.1-1.2.0, extendeddrawersaddon:addon, file/§eVanilla §9& §cStrawberry, file/railways wheel fix, railways:green_signals, file/JustExpressions_v1.1.zip Current Language: en_us CPU: 24x 12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-12900KF Server Running: true Player Count: 1 / 8; [class_3222['Fabsian10000'/110, l='ServerLevel[test]', x=108.01, y=-60.00, z=48.21]] Data Packs: vanilla, fabric, file/tool_upgrading, file/tweaks, crafting_tweaks.zip, tool_upgrading.zip Enabled Feature Flags: minecraft:vanilla World Generation: Stable 

So I have been offered a job in LA County (at a hospital). The job offer is Contingent upon passing a Live Scan criminal background check, a review, verification, and clearance of my prior work history, and clearance of a pre-employment medical examination. After turning in my background check/livescan form, I double-checked my start date for one of my past employments and discovered that I had mistakenly written my start date as 09/2019 rather than 10/2020. This mistake is also reflected on my resume, due to the fact that when I was writing up my resume I accidentally based it off the first time I communicated with my manager (at my previous job) which was in 09/2019, rather than double-checking my actual start date of 10/2020. This is 100% my own clerical mistake; however, I understand that since the hospital will be evaluating my work history, this discrepancy may lead to a "red flag" on my report. Also, I have not received an actual report yet, I am just expecting issues and would like to be proactive on my end.
After contacting the company that is completing my Background Check, they informed me that it would be "ok" as the form states to "answer to the best of my ability" and that they would just edit my form with the correct dates provided by my past employer. However, I am still very paranoid and would like some insight from anyone who has experienced this type of situation. Should I report this situation to my recruiter (before the report comes back) or will my BGC report come back clean (as stated by the BGC company)? Also, am I able to edit my background check form after submission?
**I want to add that this job is an entry-level job, and my past work history is not a requirement for this position

I’m told that the insurance will be “free” for me and my husband if I work for the state 25 years, and I am hoping people here can help me understand what the “free” health insurance entails.

1. From what I gather, it means the monthly insurance premium is free, but I still need to pay for my co-pay and any out-of-pocket medical expenses. Am I correct?
   
2. What happens if I get really sick and can’t pay for my medical bills? Can I still keep my “free” insurance?
   
3. I have Kaiser now, but want to switch to a PPO after I retire. Is it permitted?
   
4. Do I need to consider buying a long-term care plan insurance that pays a certain sum in case I have mobility issues due to illness? I have no kids or family so if I get sick, everything would fall on my husband. My husband is against it in part because of Medi-cal. When her mom got sick and had to move into an assisted living facility, Medi-cal paid for her medical expenses. But because of my pension, my income will be higher than the threshold for Medi-cal. So does anyone know whether state employees with pension can be eligible for government health care programs?
   

Thank you!

Hi, I am a rising junior who is interested in applying to med school (leaning heavily towards MD-PhD but want to get more research experience before I commit so I’d love to hear advice from both the MD-PhD and MD perspectives) in 2 yrs and was wondering if anybody had any advice for me to improve my app. I would love to improve my ECs as much as possible, whatever I can do through reasonable sheer effort
GPA is currently 3.86, but I wanted to mainly focus on ECs since I’ll put in max effort into the MCAT when the time comes and I’ll get whatever score I get
Research: - 1 semester (120hrs) in a basic science lab where I independently did experiments that my grad student asked me to do. Generated data but no pubs or posters (done with this activity) - 1.5 years (1100hrs) in very similar collaborating lab in basic science and I very independently worked on a part of grad student’s larger project. Repetitive in the sense that I did the same type of experiment over and over. Expected middle author on the paper which was a collab with the first lab. 1 poster at school symposium. This project is almost over and will join a new project soon (ongoing activity) - 2 months (40hrs) in a bioinformatics lab. I am just beginning to learn R programming and statistics so I can’t say much right now but I will get a project once I’ve learned the foundations. (I’m also planning on picking up a math or data science minor to strengthen my math/coding skills over the next two years of college) (ongoing activity)
Clinical: - 6 months (120hrs) as a volunteer in a private practice clinic where I take patients vitals and perform other tasks to help keep the clinic running (ongoing activity) * I prefer to not add any more clinical activities since I want to focus on my research while being able to keep a longitudinal commitment to the clinic. The clinic has the opportunity to grow and gain increasing responsibility but I’d love to hear if taking vitals is considered enough patient interaction for MD-PhD and MD
Non-clinical Volunteering: - 1.5 yrs (150hrs) as a volunteer GED math tutor in an underserved community (ongoing activity)
Shadowing: - 12 hrs surgical specialty - 6 hrs cardiac ICU
Leadership: - Peer mentorship and a leadership role (not e-board), both in the same research-focused school club (32hrs, ongoing activity)
Extracurricular Activities (miscellaneous): - 6 months (115hrs) as a shadowing intern in a translational/clinical medical research in a lab. Got exposure to research with human subjects (done with this activity)
Honors/Awards: - A couple school-level research awards

Name of the Journal Club

The journal club lacks a formal name at this time. Suggestions for a name are welcome. Until one is selected, it will be known as the PinoyMed Virtual Journal Club (PMVJC).

Objective and intended audience

The PMVJC is intended for the education of medical doctors. While not the primary audience, other health professionals and medical students may find value in the topics and discussions. The content and supporting materials are not meant for patients or lay people.

Disclaimer

The content provided in the PMVJC should not be considered a replacement for professional medical guidance. It is imperative that patients consult with a qualified medical practitioner or healthcare provider for clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. None of the individuals involved in the PMVJC or pinoymed bear responsibility for any risks or concerns arising from the utilisation or implementation of this information.

Degree of expected participation

Your engagement is both welcomed and valued. Doctors with primary experience in the topic under discussion are invited to provide insights gained from their practice. However, members can participate as sparsely or as fully as they wish. There is no obligation to respond to questions, comment on posts, or vote in polls.

Timing of the Journal Clubs

The PMVJC will operate on a fortnightly cycle starting Friday 24 May. On that day, a poll will be released inviting members to vote on the clinical research article to be discussed. Votes will close after three days. The article with the most votes will be released the following Monday. Members will be given one week to review the article. Then, a week later, the analysis of the article will be released. The cycle will restart on the Friday when another poll will be initiated to select the second article.

Range of topics

The topics covered by the clinical research articles will span the breadth of clinical medicine. We will preference high-burden diseases affecting the Philippine population.

Range of specialties

The clinical research topics will be chosen so that the various clinical specialties are represented. In general, each cycle will alternate between the broad medical and surgical specialties.

Access to the articles

The PMVJC will abide by the rules of pinoymed with respect to copyrighted material. All clinical research articles that will be discussed in the journal club will be free through the publisher's website, although access may require registration. We will not choose research that is behind paywalls nor will we use sites that circumvent paywalls such as Sci-Hub.

Supporting presentation slides

All critical analyses of the clinical research articles will be accompanied by a free set of slides. If you find value in the critical analysis and wish to present the work in your local journal club, you may use the slides to support your presentation. The slides will be housed on a separate file-sharing platform. All slides will be available through a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license. This type of license allows you to share and adapt the material for your purposes as long as you give appropriate credit, do not use the material for commercial purposes and distribute your contributions under the same license. Copyrighted material in those slides appears under fair dealing provisions -- criticism, study and review.

Supporting audio files

We will trial the release of free audio files to aid in the learning of the material and to improve accessibility options for our colleagues. The audio material will feature the critical analysis of the clinical research article. The audio files will be housed on a separate file-sharing platform and will be available through a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license. This type of license allows you to share and adapt the material for your purposes as long as you give appropriate credit, do not use the material for commercial purposes and distribute your contributions under the same license.

Assisting with the Journal Club

Should you wish to participate in the organising of the Journal Club, please send an email to me at Griffin Galang proton me. All offers considered.
v1.01

On this sub and the DryEyes sub one often reads someone posting they have been told by an eye doctor that they have mild, medium or severe MGD. The whole business of having a stage system or grading scale for MGD is very complex. It can be subjective, objective or a combination of both. It also can include the judgment of a Meibography tool. Indeed Meibography images can be read like an X-ray or MRI so we will have artificial intelligence reading them as they do now for X-rays or MRI.
Just give a look at the images on these studies to get a sense of the complexity:
Grading and baseline characteristics of Meibomian glands in Meibography images and their clinical associations in the Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) study
One of the images in this study above has the following descriptors for glands: Distorted, Tortuous, Hooked, Drop Out, Shortened, Thickened, Thinned, Overlapping, Ghost, Tadpolling, Abnormal Gap, Fluffy Areas and No Extension to Lid Margin.
The following study is interesting since it involves the same terms as the one above but it is studying the glands of normal individuals and what that means in terms of determining if some formations of glands are actually pathological or not…see here: Morphologic variants of Meibomian glands: age-wise distribution and differences between upper and lower eyelids
To be sure there are multiple systems for classifying Meibomian gland dysfunction. Here is one that is more subjective as follows:
A commonly grading system is by the International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. It divides MGD into four stages:
Stage 1 (Subclinical):
Symptoms: None or mild.
Clinical Signs: Early changes in gland secretion, such as turbid or mildly altered secretions.
Gland Imaging: Minimal or no gland dropout.

Stage 2 (Mild):
Symptoms: Mild to moderate discomfort, itching, or mild redness.
Clinical Signs: Increased viscosity of secretions, mild plugging of gland orifices.
Gland Imaging: Mild gland dropout, early structural changes.

Stage 3 (Moderate):
Symptoms: Moderate discomfort, more frequent symptoms, possible impact on vision.
Clinical Signs: Significant plugging, reduced gland secretion, increased viscosity.
Gland Imaging: Moderate gland dropout and structural damage.

Stage 4 (Severe):
Symptoms: Severe and chronic discomfort, significant impact on daily activities.
Clinical Signs: Severe plugging, little to no gland secretion, inflammation.
Gland Imaging: Extensive gland dropout and atrophy.

Another method relies on the percentage of glandular loss, usually as seen in a meibography that quantifies the damage as follows:
Stage 0: No loss of Meibomian glands.
Stage 1: Up to 25% loss of glandular tissue.
Stage 2: Between 26% and 50% loss of glandular tissue.
Stage 3: Between 51% and 75% loss of glandular tissue.
Stage 4: More than 75% loss of glandular tissue.
There is another grading or stage based approach that uses thirds as follows:
Mild MGD: Typically characterized by less than one-third of the total gland area showing loss or atrophy. Patients might experience mild symptoms, and management may be conservative.
Moderate MGD: Defined by gland loss ranging from one-third to two-thirds of the total gland area. Symptoms are more noticeable, and intervention might require more aggressive treatment strategies, such as prescription medications or advanced therapies like the device oriented therapies.
Severe MGD: In cases where more than two-thirds of the gland area is lost or shows atrophy. These patients often present with significant symptoms and may suffer from severe dry eye complications. Treatment for severe MGD may include even more intensive therapies and interventions.
Meibography is a process of taking images of the Meibomian glands. Various meibography tools, such as LipiScan, deliver detailed reports from the images they take, but they do not automatically assign a stage to the image. Instead, these tools provide crucial information that helps ophthalmologists in their clinical assessment and decision-making process.
While meibography tools provide detailed images and data, the interpretation and staging of MGD are done by the ophthalmologist based on a combination of:
Clinical Examination: Including slit-lamp examination, tear break-up time (TBUT), and ocular surface staining.
Patient Symptoms: Collected through standardized questionnaires (e.g., OSDI, DEQ).
Imaging Data: From meibography tools, showing gland structure and function.
Clinical Judgment: The ophthalmologist integrates the information from meibography reports with clinical findings and patient-reported symptoms to assign a stage to the MGD. This holistic approach ensures that the staging is accurate and tailored to the individual patient's condition, thus hopefully leading to an appropriate treatment plan.
In summary, meibography tools like LipiScan provide essential imaging and quantitative data, but the final staging of MGD is determined by the ophthalmologist, who considers all available clinical information. I also think if I was seeing a doctor without a Meibography system in place that would be a major indicator to me that this doctor probably did not have a deep commitment to understanding and treating DED/MGD patients so I probably would be looking for an eye doctor who did have that tool.

So I have been offered a job in LA County (at a hospital). The job offer is Contingent upon passing a Live Scan criminal background check, a review, verification, and clearance of my prior work history, and clearance of a pre-employment medical examination. After turning in my background check/livescan form, I double-checked my start date for one of my past employments and discovered that I had mistakenly written my start date as 09/2019 rather than 10/2020. This mistake is also reflected on my resume, due to the fact that when I was writing up my resume I accidentally based it off the first time I communicated with my manager (at my previous job) which was in 09/2019, rather than double-checking my actual start date of 10/2020. This is 100% my own clerical mistake; however, I understand that since the hospital will be evaluating my work history, this discrepancy may lead to a "red flag" on my report.
After contacting the company that is completing my Background Check, they informed me that it would be "ok" as the form states to "answer to the best of my ability" and that they would just edit my form with the correct dates provided by my past employer. However, I am still very paranoid and would like some insight from anyone who has experienced this type of situation. Should I report this situation to my recruiter (before the report comes back) or will my BGC report come back clean (as stated by the BGC company)? Also, am I able to edit my background check form after submission?
**I want to add that this job is an entry-level job, and my past work history is not a requirement for this position)

Ok. i think we are done here. Could you write me another signs of high-tech low-life society?

Absolutely! Here are some signs of a high-tech, low-life society:
Ubiquitous Technology, Crumbling Infrastructure:

• Glitching Skyscrapers: Imagine towering structures clad in malfunctioning holographic displays, projecting advertisements or flashing warnings over rusting metal frames.
• Smart Slums: Dilapidated housing blocks are retrofitted with basic smart tech – malfunctioning automated doors, flickering smart lights controlled by unreliable apps.
• Cybernetic Beggars: People with outdated or malfunctioning cybernetic limbs beg for credits to upgrade or repair them, creating a grotesque spectacle of technological dependence.

Extreme Social Inequality:

• Virtual Gated Communities: The wealthy live in luxurious virtual reality simulations, completely divorced from the harsh realities of the physical world.
• Data Black Markets: Personal information becomes a tradable commodity, with the poor selling their data scraps for a pittance to afford basic necessities.
• Cybernetic Caste System: The level of cybernetic augmentation determines social status. Those with outdated or malfunctioning implants are relegated to menial labor.

Technology as a Corrupting Force:

• Government by Algorithm: A corrupt AI dictates city policies, leading to impersonal and often harmful decisions based on cold calculations.
• Widespread Addiction to Virtual Reality: People escape the harsh realities of their lives through immersive VR experiences, neglecting their physical well-being and social connections.
• Black Market Biohacking: Desperate people turn to illegal biohacking to enhance their bodies, often with disastrous consequences.

Environmental Devastation:

• Tech Wastelands: Vast landscapes are littered with the discarded remains of outdated technology, creating toxic waste dumps and breeding grounds for disease.
• Weather Warfare: Nations use sophisticated technology to manipulate weather patterns, leading to devastating natural disasters for their enemies.
• Hacked Ecosystems: Corporations hack into natural ecosystems, manipulating flora and fauna for profit, leading to unpredictable and dangerous mutations.

This is just a glimpse into a high-tech, low-life society. These elements can be mixed and matched to create a truly dystopian world.

Picture some possible advertisements from such settings.

High-Tech, Low-Life Advertisements:

1. Holographic Billboard: (Flickers intermittently, distorting the image)

Product: "Neura-Calm 2.0" - Brain Implant
Slogan: "Tired of the glitches in your head? Neura-Calm 2.0 smooths out your neural network for a worry-free, low-lag existence! (Side effects may include memory loss, emotional numbness, and occasional involuntary twitching.)"

1. Grungy Neon Sign in a Seedy Back Alley:

Product: "Doc Chrome's Cybernetic Enhancements"
Slogan: "Get that edge you need! From basic strength mods to full black-market military enhancements, Doc Chrome has you covered! (Used parts, buyer beware.)"

1. Pop-Up Ad on a Cracked Mobile Screen:

Product: "Elysium VR Escape Pod"
Slogan: "Can't afford real estate in the Sky City? Escape the slums for Elysium VR! Live your wildest dreams in a pristine virtual world! (Free trial, monthly subscription required, real-world consequences for in-pod violence.)"

1. Stenciled Graffiti on a Rusting Service Drone:

Product: "Data Scrappers Anonymous"
Slogan: "Selling your personal data just to make rent? We can help you break free! Join our community and reclaim your digital identity! (Meetings held in abandoned ventilation shafts, Tuesdays at dusk.)"

1. Holographic Advertisement projected onto a Polluted River:

Product: "Eco-Scrub 5000" - Nanomachines
Slogan: "The river's looking a little…toxic? Eco-Scrub 5000 nanomachines clean up your local waterways! (May cause unforeseen mutations in aquatic life.)"

Another batch please.

1. Rusty Public Announcement Speaker: (Screeching static interspersed with the message)

Product: "Ministry of Order Approved Thought Regulators"
Slogan: "Unwanted thoughts causing glitches in your daily routine? The Ministry of Order approved Thought Regulator ensures a streamlined thought process for a more productive you! (May cause extreme conformity, inability to question authority, and spontaneous nosebleeds.)"

1. Faded Holographic Billboard on a Collapsing Skyscraper:

Product: "Luxury Chrome Plating Kit"
Slogan: "Ditch the rust! Chrome-plate your entire body for a sleek, metallic sheen. The mark of a true high-society citizen! (WARNING: Highly toxic fumes, may cause spontaneous combustion in humid environments.)"

1. Spam Email: (Subject: "YOU'VE BEEN CHOSEN!")

Product: "The Syndicate's Black Market Upgrade Lottery"
Body: "Congratulations! You've been randomly selected for a chance to win a top-of-the-line cybernetic upgrade! One lucky winner will receive military-grade night vision implants! Enter now! (Participation requires full biometric data submission. Winners responsible for extraction of previous, incompatible implants.)"

1. Glowing Neon Sign in a Crowded Marketplace:

Product: "Mama Chen's Guaranteed-Growth GMO Groceries"
Slogan: "Tired of expired rations and mystery meat? Mama Chen's GMO Groceries offer guaranteed growth on all fruits and vegetables! Bigger, faster, tastier! (Long-term effects unknown.)"

1. Audio Ad on a Glitching Radio Broadcast:

Product: "Rusty's Reliable Rocketship Repair"
Voiceover: (Gruff, heavily accented) "Is your escape pod sputtering? Did your joyride end in a fiery crash? Rusty's Reliable Rocketship Repair gets you back in the stars... eventually! (Guaranteed not to explode... again. Parts sourced from scrapyards. May contain rogue AIs.)"

Now craft ads that would be shown in high-society parts of cities.

High-Society Ads in a High-Tech, Low-Life World

1. Tranquil Holographic Projection in a Private Garden:

Product: "Serenity Spa - Neural Rebalancing Retreat"
Visual: A serene mountain landscape with a luxurious spa nestled amongst the clouds.
Slogan: "Escape the chaos. Reclaim your inner peace. Serenity Spa's exclusive neural rebalancing treatments restore harmony to your overloaded mind. (Limited availability, reservations required centuries in advance.)"

1. Discreet Text Message: (Delivered via secure, encrypted channel)

Product: "The Black Archive - Unrestricted Data Access"
Body: "Craving the forbidden? The Black Archive offers unparalleled access to censored historical records, banned media, and classified government information. Knowledge is power. (Extreme discretion guaranteed. One-time access fee, cryptocurrency only.)"

1. Exclusive Gala Invitation: (Delivered by hand-drones)

Event: "The Zenith Initiative - Unveiling the Next Generation of Cybernetic Enhancements"
Visual: A sleek, chrome figure with glowing blue cybernetic implants, striking a confident pose.
Details: "Mingle with the city's elite and witness the unveiling of cutting-edge cybernetic enhancements designed to redefine human potential. RSVP required. Black-tie attire mandatory. (Augmentations sold separately.)"

1. Curated Virtual Reality Experience: (Delivered on a high-security chip)

Product: "Elysium VR - Bespoke Worlds"
Description: "Escape the limitations of reality. Elysium VR crafts personalized virtual worlds tailored to your deepest desires. Explore a forgotten utopia, conquer a fantastical realm, or indulge in your wildest fantasies. (Customization fees apply. Memories created within VR may not be distinguishable from reality.)"

1. Whisper Network Rumor: (Spread through high-society gossip channels)

Product: "The Underground Clinic - Designer Gene Editing"
Details: "Unleash your child's full potential. The Underground Clinic offers discreet, top-secret gene editing to ensure your offspring possess the most desirable traits. (Designer genes come at a premium. Side effects may include unpredictable mutations and uncontrollable genius.)"
These ads cater to the specific desires of the high-society elite in a high-tech, low-life world. They offer exclusivity, forbidden knowledge, and the ability to transcend the limitations of the decaying world around them, all for a hefty price and with a hint of hidden danger.

Continue, try to make more serious ones.

Serious Ads in a High-Tech, Low-Life World (High-Society Edition)

1. Holographic Panel Discussion in a Luxurious Penthouse:

Product: "The Green Horizon Initiative - Sustainable Urban Development"
Panelists: Renowned architects, environmental scientists, and CEOs from leading green tech companies.
Discussion Points: Innovative solutions for vertical farming, self-contained eco-districts, and waste management technologies designed to create cleaner, more sustainable enclaves within the decaying city.
Slogan: "Investing in a greener future. The Green Horizon Initiative seeks to build sustainable havens within the chaos, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for generations to come." (Focuses on the long-term viability of the city and the importance of preserving resources for future generations.)

1. Documentary Screening in a Private Art Gallery:

Film: "Unveiling the Slums: A Call to Action"
Description: A powerful documentary exposing the harsh realities of the lower districts, highlighting the human cost of unchecked technological advancement and social inequality.
Post-Screening Discussion: Moderated by a renowned philanthropist alongside representatives from NGOs and social reform movements.
Call to Action: Donations to support educational programs, infrastructure upgrades, and basic necessities in the slums. (Highlights the societal problems and pushes for progressive change.)

1. Educational AR Program for Children:

Product: "The Knowledge Weavers - Immersive Historical Simulations"
Description: An augmented reality program that allows children to experience pivotal moments in history firsthand. Walk alongside historical figures, explore ancient civilizations, and learn valuable lessons from the past.
Focus: Educating the next generation about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and the importance of social responsibility. (Promotes critical thinking and historical awareness as a means to prevent repeating past mistakes.)

1. Virtual Charity Gala:

Event: "The Code for Change Gala - Supporting Open-Source Solutions"
Description: A virtual reality charity gala featuring renowned artists, musicians, and thought leaders. Guests can donate to support open-source projects developing solutions for common problems in the city, such as energy distribution, waste management, and cybercrime prevention.
Focus: Harnessing the power of technology for social good and encouraging collaboration towards a more equitable future. (Promotes community engagement and utilizing technology to solve societal challenges.)

1. Architectural Award Ceremony:

Product: "The Salvaged City Awards - Recognizing Innovation in Urban Renewal"
Awarded to: Architects and engineers who have successfully repurposed existing infrastructure or implemented innovative solutions to revitalize decaying areas of the city.
Focus: Highlighting the importance of resourcefulness and creativity in adapting to a challenging environment. (Encourages using existing resources wisely and finding creative solutions to the problems of the decaying city.)

Another, but hiding an evil sinister twist.

Serious Ads with a Sinister Twist (High-Society Edition)

1. Holographic Charity Drive in a High-End Shopping Mall:

Product: "The Cradle Project - Investing in the Future"
Visual: Smiling, healthy children playing in a pristine, futuristic classroom.
Slogan: "Every child deserves a chance to thrive. The Cradle Project provides advanced genetic screening and early intervention to ensure the next generation reaches its full potential." (Twist: The Cradle Project uses genetic engineering to create a subservient, highly intelligent underclass.)

1. VR Documentary Premiere:

Film: "Harmony Through Integration - A Look at the Unified City"
Description: A seemingly heartwarming VR documentary showcasing the seamless integration of the lower districts into the high-society areas. People from all walks of life work and live together in perfect harmony.
Post-Screening Discussion: Moderated by a charismatic government official who emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and the benefits of centralized control. (Twist: The "integration" involves heavy surveillance, mind-altering technology, and the suppression of dissent.)

1. Exclusive Educational Program for Elites:

Product: "The Phoenix Initiative - Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders"
Description: A prestigious educational program for children of the elite, offering advanced training in technology, governance, and crisis management. Graduates are promised positions of power within the city's ruling elite.
Focus: (Unstated) Conditioning the next generation to maintain the status quo and suppressing any ideas of social reform. (Twist: The program instills a ruthless, elitist ideology that reinforces the societal divisions.)

1. Virtual Reality Talent Show:

Event: "The Forge - Building the Perfect Citizen"
Description: A virtual reality talent show where contestants are judged on their physical and mental fitness, loyalty to the government, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Winners are rewarded with significant privileges and access to exclusive resources.
Focus: (Unstated) Promoting blind obedience and conformity to the government's agenda. (Twist: The "perfect citizen" is a mindless drone, easily manipulated and controlled by the ruling class.)

1. Architectural Award Ceremony (Twisted Edition):

Product: "The Order Award - Recognizing Compliance in Urban Renewal"
Awarded to: Architects and engineers who have successfully transformed lower districts into highly controlled, resource-efficient zones. Individuality and personal expression are discouraged in favor of uniformity and order.
Focus: (Unstated) Maintaining a tight grip on the population and preventing any potential uprisings. (Twist: The "renewal" is designed to weaken and control the lower classes, making them easier to exploit.)
These ads maintain a serious facade that appeals to the upper class' desire for order and control. However, the hidden twist reveals the manipulative and oppressive nature of the society they are trying to preserve.

Now design some high-class consumer level product items.

1. NeuraWeave Headband: This sleek, designer headband is a status symbol for the high-tech elite. It seamlessly integrates with the wearer's neural implant, allowing for subtle control over personal AI assistants, hands-free communication, and even enhanced focus during work or meditation. Hidden Feature: NeuraWeave can subtly collect and analyze the wearer's emotional state, feeding valuable data to targeted advertisers or even government agencies.
2. Eco-Bubble Personal Atmosphere System: Imagine a portable force field that creates a pristine, personalized micro-environment around the wearer. This high-end gadget filters air, regulates temperature, and even projects calming nature sounds, allowing the user to maintain a pocket of luxury amidst the polluted cityscape. Hidden Feature: Eco-Bubble can subtly monitor the wearer's health vitals and transmit them to a central database, potentially used for health insurance adjustments or targeted medical advertisements.
3. Bio-Tailored Clothing: Gone are the days of off-the-rack clothing. This high-end service utilizes advanced bio-scanners and 3D printing technology to create clothing that perfectly molds to the wearer's body, regulates temperature, and even promotes faster healing of minor injuries. Hidden Feature: Bio-Tailored Clothing can subtly collect biometric data like skin temperature and heart rate, potentially used for targeted fitness programs or even mood-altering marketing campaigns.
4. Augmented Reality Personal Chef: This high-tech device projects holographic instructions and culinary techniques directly onto the user's kitchen counter. Imagine whipping up gourmet meals with the guidance of a world-renowned chef, complete with step-by-step visual guides and interactive ingredient identification. Hidden Feature: The AR Personal Chef can subtly track the user's dietary habits and preferences, potentially used to target specific food and beverage companies for advertising or even manipulate their taste buds through subliminal messaging.
5. Luxury Cybernetic Enhancements: Forget clunky prosthetics. These high-end cybernetic limbs are designed to seamlessly blend with the human body, offering enhanced strength, dexterity, and even advanced sensory input. Imagine climbing buildings with ease, playing virtual reality games with unparalleled immersion, or experiencing the world with heightened senses. Hidden Feature: Luxury Cybernetic Enhancements can be subtly integrated with government surveillance systems, allowing for real-time tracking and monitoring of the wearer's movements and activities.

Why would you need a designer headband, when you already have neural implant?

You're absolutely right, a designer headband might seem redundant when you already have a neural implant in a high-tech society. Here are some ways to address that:

1. Fashion and Status Symbol: The NeuraWeave headband could be a designer accessory, a way to showcase wealth and social status. It might be crafted from exotic materials, adorned with precious jewels, or boast a sleek, minimalist design that complements the latest high-fashion trends. The neural implant itself might be hidden, with the headband acting as the visible expression of advanced technology.
2. Enhanced Functionality: While the neural implant offers basic functionality, the NeuraWeave headband could provide a more refined and user-friendly experience. It might offer haptic feedback for better interaction with AI assistants, improved noise cancellation for clearer communication, or even subtle brainwave stimulation to enhance focus or relaxation.
3. Privacy and Security: While the neural implant offers convenience, it might also raise privacy concerns. The NeuraWeave headband could act as a buffer between the implant and external systems, offering a layer of security and allowing users to selectively control the flow of information.
4. Social Etiquette: In a world where everyone has a neural implant, the NeuraWeave headband could become a social etiquette tool. Wearing the headband could signify that the user is open to receiving communication or interacting with AI assistants, while taking it off might indicate a desire for privacy or focused work.
5. Limited Functionality Implants: Not everyone might have access to top-of-the-line neural implants. The NeuraWeave headband could bridge the gap, offering basic functionality for those with older or more limited implants. It could essentially act as an affordable "upgrade" to boost existing technology.

Ultimately, the NeuraWeave headband exists in a world where technology is both essential and aspirational. It goes beyond mere functionality, becoming a way to express personal style, control privacy, and navigate the complex social landscape of a high-tech society.

Now the same, but low-class, available for masses, mass produced.

1. Syn-Flex Headband (Mass-Produced Version): This utilitarian headband is made from a cheap, conductive material that creates a weak neural link. It allows basic interaction with public AI kiosks, like ordering rations or accessing public transportation schedules. The headband's design is simple and utilitarian, often coming in a single, industrial gray color. Hidden Feature: While basic functionality is advertised, the Syn-Flex headband might subtly collect anonymized user data on purchasing habits and travel patterns, potentially used for targeted advertising in public spaces.
2. AirBubble Personal Filter: This bulky, wearable air filter system is a lifeline for those living in the polluted lower districts. It's a mass-produced device with a replaceable filter cartridge and a noisy fan system. While not exactly comfortable, it provides a basic level of air filtration, allowing wearers to breathe a little easier. Hidden Feature: The AirBubble filters might contain embedded tracking chips, subtly logging user location data, potentially used for targeted pollution control measures (or in some cases, manipulation of government reports on air quality).
3. Repli-Wear Clothing Kits: These kits contain pre-cut fabric swatches and basic instructions for creating clothes at home. They're designed to be cheap and adaptable, offering a variety of mix-and-match options to create basic garments. Hidden Feature: The Repli-Wear fabric might contain embedded tracking tags, allowing for identification and potential social credit deductions for those caught wearing "unlicensed" clothing styles.
4. Holo-Chef Lite Projector: This cheap projector displays holographic images of basic recipes and cooking techniques. It lacks the interactivity of the high-end version, but allows users to follow along with simple meals prepared with readily available rations. Hidden Feature: The Holo-Chef Lite projector might subtly promote specific brands of low-quality, processed food rations, potentially influencing dietary choices towards companies that sponsor these devices.
5. Second-Hand Cybernetic Enhancements: These are refurbished or salvaged cybernetic limbs, often clunky and lacking the finesse of luxury models. They offer basic functionality like increased strength or rudimentary prosthetics, but come with the risk of malfunction or compatibility issues. Hidden Feature: Second-Hand Cybernetic Enhancements might contain hidden spyware or tracking devices installed by previous owners, potentially monitoring the wearer's activities or even sabotaging their cybernetic limbs in extreme cases.

These low-class consumer products offer a glimpse into the harsh realities of a high-tech, low-life society. They are cheap, functional, and often come with hidden drawbacks that further disadvantage the underclass.

How bad air quality would be in such setting?

The air quality in a high-tech, low-life society would be catastrophic. Here's a breakdown of the potential problems:

1. Industrial Pollution:

• Unchecked Emissions: Factories prioritizing profit over environmental regulations would pump out unchecked pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM).
• Obsolete Technology: Outdated manufacturing processes would be less efficient, leading to higher levels of waste and pollution.

1. Waste Management Issues:

• Mountains of E-waste: Rapid technological advancements would lead to mountains of discarded electronics, many containing toxic materials that leach into the environment.
• Open Burning: Incapable of proper waste disposal, some residents might resort to open burning of trash, releasing harmful toxins and carcinogens into the air.

1. Energy Production:

• Reliance on Fossil Fuels: Expensive renewable energy sources might be neglected in favor of cheaper, dirtier fossil fuels like coal, further worsening air quality.
• Power Grid Instability: A crumbling infrastructure could lead to power outages and reliance on backup generators, adding to the air pollution.

1. Climate Change Effects:

• Heat Island Effect: Densely packed concrete jungles with minimal green spaces would trap heat, contributing to rising temperatures and increased smog formation.
• Acid Rain: The combination of industrial emissions and rising temperatures could lead to acid rain, damaging buildings and vegetation, further hindering air purification.

Living Conditions:

• Constant Smog: A thick haze of smog would likely hang over the city, reducing visibility and causing respiratory problems for residents.
• Limited Outdoor Activities: Air quality would be so bad that spending time outdoors would be hazardous, impacting physical and mental health.
• Dependence on Filtration Systems: Those who can afford them might rely on personal air filters or sealed living spaces, further dividing the classes.

The severity of the air quality would vary depending on the specific setting. Some areas might be industrial wastelands, while others might be slightly better off. However, the overall picture is bleak – this is a society choking on its own technological advancement and disregard for the environment.

Sketch some repli-wear "unlicensed" clothing styles.

Repli-Wear: Unlicensed Clothing Trends

1. The Salvaged Chic:

• Description: A mishmash of salvaged materials and repurposed clothing scraps. Think mismatched patterns, patches from old uniforms, and belts fashioned from recycled tech cables.
• Inspiration: High-society's sleek, minimalist aesthetic, reinterpreted with resourcefulness and rebellion.
• Risks: May attract unwanted attention from authorities who see it as a symbol of dissent.

1. The Glitched-Out Glamour:

• Description: Clothing adorned with intentionally malfunctioning LED lights, flickering pixels, and distorted logos from popular high-end brands.
• Inspiration: A mockery of the high-society's obsession with luxury and technology.
• Risks: May malfunction and cause minor electrical shocks, attracting suspicion from security systems.

1. The Bio-Hazard Chic:

• Description: Clothing dyed with bioluminescent algae or adorned with filtered gas masks and repurposed medical equipment.
• Inspiration: A dark reflection of the polluted environment and a commentary on the societal disregard for health.
• Risks: Bioluminescent algae might attract unwanted attention, especially in the dark.

1. The Cyber-Tribal:

• Description: Clothing incorporating salvaged wires, circuit boards, and other discarded tech components. Think of cybernetic motifs hand-stitched onto worn leather jackets or tribal patterns formed from glowing wires.
• Inspiration: A mashup of traditional craftsmanship and defiance against the dominance of high-tech aesthetics.
• Risks: Might be mistaken for makeshift weapons or attempts to bypass security systems.

1. The Corporate Spy:

• Description: Subtly subverted versions of high-society uniforms. Imagine slightly ripped blazers with mismatched buttons, or high-collared shirts with the logos subtly altered to resemble protest symbols.
• Inspiration: A subtle rebellion against the corporate elite, blending in while making a statement.
• Risks: Might attract suspicion from authorities if the alterations are too obvious.

These are just a few ideas for Repli-Wear styles. Clothing in a high-tech, low-life society would be a way for the underclass to express their individuality, defiance, and limited resources, all while navigating the dangers of a controlling society.

Sketch some repli-wear "licensed" clothing styles, that do not pose any risk for wearers from any concerned sides.

Repli-Wear: Licensed Clothing Trends (Safe Zone)

1. The Vintage Throwback:

• Description: Replicas of historical clothing styles, like classic trench coats, denim jackets, or even floral dresses from a bygone era. Think of vintage fashion filtered through a futuristic lens, with subtle metallic accents or holographic embellishments.
• Appeal: Offers a nostalgic escape from the harsh realities of the present.
• Safety: Historical styles are unlikely to raise suspicion from authorities.

1. The Minimalist Worker:

• Description: Practical, utilitarian clothing designed for maximum comfort and durability. Think of well-made jumpsuits in neutral tones, with reinforced knees and pockets for tools.
• Appeal: Perfect for everyday wear in the lower districts, offering functionality and a clean aesthetic.
• Safety: Promotes a sense of productivity and avoids any controversial symbols.

1. The Nature Enthusiast:

• Description: Clothing with nature-inspired patterns and muted earth tones. Think of shirts with forest camouflage or jackets with subtle leaf prints.
• Appeal: Offers a sense of connection to the natural world, a stark contrast to the polluted cityscape.
• Safety: Nature motifs are unlikely to be seen as a threat by authorities.

1. The Sports Fanatic (Limited Edition):

• Description: Replicas of historical sports jerseys or team logos from a bygone era. Could also feature faded logos of defunct corporations, offering a sense of playful nostalgia.
• Appeal: Allows for a limited display of individuality and team spirit.
• Safety: Historical or defunct logos are unlikely to pose a threat, as long as the license is valid.

1. The Kid's Corner:

• Description: Replicas of popular cartoon characters or children's book illustrations, brightly colored and playful.
• Appeal: Offers a sense of innocence and escapism for children in a harsh environment.
• Safety: Popular children's characters are pre-approved and unlikely to be seen as a threat.

Now the opposite: some high-end high-society high clothing styles.

High-Society Haute Couture in a High-Tech, Low-Life World:

1. Bio-Luminescent Elegance:

• Imagine a flowing gown woven from a special bioluminescent material that emits a soft, ethereal glow, adapting to the wearer's mood and movement.
• The dress could be accented with strategically placed gemstones that amplify the bioluminescence, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

1. Augmented Reality Couture:

• Dresses and suits with intricate embroidery that, when viewed through special AR glasses, come alive with holographic animations, patterns, or even personalized messages.
• This could be used to display family crests, stock market trends, or even live news feeds, all seamlessly integrated into the clothing.

1. Nanotech Tailoring:

• Clothing that self-adjusts to the wearer's body temperature and preferences. The fabric could be woven with microscopic nanobots that regulate temperature, repel dust, or even release a subtle, personalized fragrance.
• This would offer a level of comfort and personalization that pushes the boundaries of traditional haute couture.

1. Recycled Luxury:

• High-society wouldn't be complete without a touch of eco-consciousness (or at least the appearance of it). Imagine garments meticulously crafted from recycled materials like discarded computer components or salvaged spaceship parts, transformed into stunning evening wear.
• This "waste-to-wear" approach would showcase wealth and environmental responsibility (or at least the image of it).

1. Cybernetic Accents:

• Subtle cybernetic implants seamlessly integrated into clothing. Imagine a dress with a built-in neural interface that allows the wearer to control personal AI assistants with a simple touch or a suit with temperature-regulating implants woven directly into the fabric.
• These high-tech accents would be a subtle yet sophisticated way to showcase wealth and technological advancement.

Bonus: The "Living" Garment:

• A truly outrageous and exclusive garment – a dress or suit composed of a bio-engineered material that appears to be alive. Imagine clothing that shimmers and pulsates with a faint bioluminescence, seemingly breathing and adapting to the wearer's movements.
• This would be the ultimate status symbol, a conversation starter that pushes the boundaries of fashion and technology into the realm of the fantastical.

Financial aid officers, please look at my letter and let me know if it is appeal acceptance worthy, and what changes I should make that'll benefit my chances. I have placed underscores on specifics for privacy reasons.
SAP Appeal Letter
Dear Student Finance Appeal faculty, staff, and team,
I hope this summer break has been warm and smooth sailing for you. It has come to my attention that I do not meet the “Satisfactory Academic Progress” and I may become ineligible for student financial aid. This would be because of my record of withdrawing or failing classes these past fall and winter semesters, causing my inability to reach the 67% of hours needed to fulfill. In this letter, I plan to openly express my reasons for failing to meet your standards and how I plan to meet and strive to reach even further in hopes of your kindness and consideration.
On ____________ a Friday night, my family and I became victims of a major car accident. Thankfully my family was left with only deep bruises and cuts. However, on my end, I needed major surgery ______ due to having a displaced, femoral shaft fracture. I missed out on almost a month of school, just months before my high school graduation. Two months later, I visited the ______________________'s campus to decide on where to attend university. Initially, I thought that my healing progression would be manageable by the time I started the fall semester, but I was wrong. My physical therapy, which should’ve been a 1-year journey, was cut down to only three months because I decided to participate in ________(Summer Classes in person at school ). Because of the school’s elevated campus, filled with endless stairs and uphill walking, I was left with painful and energy-draining walks to classes for the entirety of my first semester. It came to a point where the pain and mental distress made it extremely difficult to attend my classes, therefore where my decision to drop classes came in.
During winter break, I had a follow-up check-up with my orthopedic doctor, where I discovered that I had refractured my femur due to my physical activity on campus. He advised that I avoid stress on my leg, which was impossible. Again, this led to difficulty in fully attending and focusing on my courses during the winter semester. Some classes were easier to reach than others, such as walks to ______________where the walk is mostly flat, compared to a walk to_______________, where I’d have to walk uphill and go over several sets of stairs, which led to the downfall of my grades. The pressure of being a student abroad while also being someone whom people back home have high expectations of, my performance led to a decline in my mental health.
Due to these reasons, I decided to retake the dropped courses this Summer through ________________ since they are online. I’m also pushing my admission to the nursing program by a semester to catch up on classes and improve my GPA. To further ensure that my academic performance will not be interfered with moving forward, I’ve just recently gotten checked, and now I am 100% healed according to my doctor. This means that I should have no more physical trials holding me back from achieving academic success from now on. I’ve discussed my academic plan with my advisor, and she is quite understanding of my situation and supportive of the way I wish to go through my academic career. As a student studying at ________________ to only achieve a nursing associate, it is difficult to reach a certain number of credits without being a part of the nursing program because of the small number of classes needed. So, I kindly ask for your patience as I gradually increase my credits and improve my academic performance to meet your standard academic progress. My family is still in the process of paying the bills that we’ve been charged with since the accident, so my financial aid is extremely crucial to aiding in our financial situation. I kindly ask you to please consider my appeal.
Along with the appeal form and this letter, I’m providing documentation that proves my integrity and proof of my medical statements.

So I have been offered a job in LA County (at a hospital). The job offer is Contingent upon passing a Live Scan criminal background check, a review, verification, and clearance of my prior work history, and clearance of a pre-employment medical examination. After turning in my background check/livescan form, I double-checked my start date for one of my past employments and discovered that I had mistakenly written my start date as 09/2019 rather than 10/2020. This mistake is also reflected on my resume, due to the fact that when I was writing up my resume I accidentally based it off the first time I communicated with my manager (at my previous job) which was in 09/2019, rather than double-checking my actual start date of 10/2020. This is 100% my own clerical mistake; however, I understand that since the hospital will be evaluating my work history, this discrepancy may lead to a "red flag" on my report.
After contacting the company that is completing my Background Check, they informed me that it would be "ok" as the form states to "answer to the best of my ability" and that they would just edit my form with the correct dates provided by my past employer. However, I am still very paranoid and would like some insight from anyone who has experienced this type of situation. Should I report this situation to my recruiter (before the report comes back) or will my BGC report come back clean (as stated by the BGC company)? Also, am I able to edit my background check form after submission?
**I want to add that this job is an entry-level job, and my past work history is not a requirement for this position)

Where do I begin. For the purpose of this post, I will use fictious names and locations as it is ongoing, and out of respect (even though she doesn't deserve any)
My name is Daniel. I am 35 years old, and i am dying. I have a disease called systemic sclerosis. I am currently on a supplemental disability plan, until I get approved for SSI (social Security). Until then, my income is about 4K a month. I own a home but after child support and bills, NOT INCLUDING gas, food, haircuts, medical appointments, and or emergencies like my fridge just broke. (which i never go out) I am left with $260 that has to last me a month. I also have three children who I have to take care of half the time per the 50/50 agreement.
Recently, I found out my oldest, (who is 13) is not biologically mine. I decided to look into it as I had concerns for a while since my divorce as her cheating was very rampant. I also had caught her in 2017 with a man in my house, which is what prompted the divorce. But FL being a no fault state, doesn't matter. I also had to pay child support since the beginning and WHILE LEGALLY Married since 2010 because she had applied for financial support like food stamps and government assistance then. I know what your thinking. Why didnt you stop it then? I tried. You cant take yourself off child support. I also never grew up with a father and wanted that two-parent household. I don't run from responsibilities, like he did. Its how I was raised. Anyways, I married her, tried to do the right thing, she lied numerous times. she never worked, and I worked 90 plus hours a week. To look into her cheating, was impossible at the time as I was never home. and to busy providing for my family.
fast forward to now. My disease started to become worse and over three years; it didn't reveal itself until last year fully to actually pinpoint what this was. for instance, I had in 2019 pain behind my eyes and horrible headaches to the point that I thought I had MS. following year, I had trouble swallowing for 3 months. next year itching in the skin for three months. But prior, I had visited various doctors to see what was going on, each time a flare up then would last 3 to four months, which again, when you don't understand what's going on, you need to take time off to go see doctors, run tests, but this illness was and still is very elusive. with that being said I had 5 jobs since its first flare up till last year to continue to support my family and to pay child support. as of last year. I'm having trouble moving on certain days, breathing and acid reflux and muscle atrophy. (disease progression) especially when this is going on, it worsens everything as this is flared up. I was working under the table to try and make ends meet as I was paying child support still. I should add that the child support with 50/50 custody was $1029 for three kids cause I was making six figures at the time of divorce in 2018. Last year however, I couldn't work anymore, and filed for disability.
In june of last year, I had asked Susan, to get the children school supplies, (which she never does) as I was still paying at the time $1029 in child support. She said she didnt have the money despite now making 70k and her new BF living with her and is working whom she cheated on me with. With me working under the table, I bought them clothes, haircuts, school supplies (ive done every year) but then, I noticed she went on vacation to puerto rico and got a giant leg tattoo. At the time, I had already known what I had, and I asked myself why the heck am I doing this? So i turned to an attorney to get it modified. Again, this is June 20th to be exact of last year. My lawyer, stated that this was only going to be a 90 day turn around for the temporary modification then we will go for the final.
Since then, I have gone for a DNA test. I had to know. I am dying. I wanted to know. And you may judge me for this. but i have filed for disablement for paternity, meaning I am removing myself from the birth certificate. However, in the state of Florida, a mother can deny this and so can the courts. before you judge me, I have many reasons none of which have to do with him other then his mental disability (Aspergers) This illness, as days go by takes more and more from me. As previously aforementioned, I am left with 250 a month. I cannot go get a drs appointment pay for groceries or start planning my funeral which I will start making payments on soon. He also eats three times the amount that we all collectively do (Not his fault) but I have paid enough both mentally and financially. He also has trouble communicating as my suspicions is, that he was born of incest (gross) which is why I was 'chosen' to be his father at the time. Before you ask how do you know? Lets just say she had an uncle 'leave' during that time.
anyways, in February, I had the temporary modification hearing for child support and needless to say it was a circus. My doctor was subpoenaed to be there by my attorneys request to better my argument, even though I felt we didn't need her, she advised me to have my doctor there. Well, he attorney attacked my doctor and me for an hour and 40 mins when the court case was only supposed to go for an hour. He said "you saw another dr Max so and so and they said it was all in your head" (again I had flare ups on a illness that hadnt revealed itself correctly since last year). So there argument was that I was doctor seeking to avoid child support. After I have paid for 13 years never missing a payment. Her lawyer also targeted people who are living with me. Now I'll admit that I said they were friends which is true but how else can I pay for my attorney? Cant work, cant sell drugs, cant rob a bank? So they want to take there income into consideration. BS. She also hired a private investigator to watch me exercise outside and stated that because I can exercise, I can work..... Ok. Where's the 23 hours of the rest of the day watching me in pain. or when do you have me on video of a flare up from this terminal illness? (that's what I wanted to say)
Although I was granted the temporary modification, of $209, I left the court thinking wow, this woman can cheat, commit paternity fraud, not give two craps about our children, live with her mom in a section 8 home, and here I am doing whatever I can and I've done nothing wrong but be lied to and this is how my government, my country treats me? No wonder men my age dont have children this is insane. The paternity issue wasn't even brought up they said that this isnt the place for this and that the disestablishment will be another trial for those wondering. My lawyer only spoke for 5 mins. Asking her about her income cause thats the only thing that has changed since 2018 since she didnt work at the time. Other than that, it was an attack on me and my disease arguing my ability to work.
after leaving that, I didnt eat for 96 hours. I have since been crying nonstop. Compilating suicide. I am already heart broken about my son not being mine. Sure does a terminal illness make me said, no question everyday. But a life wasted on another? Cause I decided to be a man and take up responsibility? thats soul crushing. And to say "well, there is a big chance the courts will deny your request' thats BS. If i go to prison because I was accused of a robbery for 13 years, and DNA evidence proves I wasnt there, I get out of jail and can sue. This is no different. If anything, DNA evidence needs to be more of a factor in family law than in almost every court of law if not as equally important. My bad for not investigating her infidelity not only in the beginning but also in the end. How about not being a POS. sorry rant over
gets better. Her mom and dad smoke in the section 8 house, kids reek of cigarette smoke and marijuana, all day. they dont take showers there, they were hand me down clothes, they live in the garage shared with there mother, that isn't air conditioned. and he makes only a few thousand less than I do a month. She stated in court that she pays her mom $500 in rent which is BS, she is only doing that now so that she makes herself look bad. I know she is doing pills, like oxy and what not. Id love to prove it.
after the temp hearing, in april, I had to go to court to contest my drivers license suspension as I hadn't paid child support since, august of last year. again, there is no way, I can pay my bills, feed my children, go to the doctor, pay my lawyer to end all of this BS and pay the current child support amount. and again, this final hearing is still not set yet. So they intercepted my tax return, even though the temporary modification was approved, the final is what gets it retro backed to the date of filing, so they took, a much needed 5500 tax return from me. I needed that cause one of the issues I failed to mention as well, hurricane Ian has destroyed my home and I'm still going through that process too. not to mention I am on payment plans with Mayo clinic and other various medical facilities. (no one cares) but the interest that accrues, makes it impossible to catch up. also, Florida department of rev is overstepping I feel, and asking for medical info to be sent to them as well as updated doctors letters to be sent saying that I am still on disability.
a few weeks ago, I got an email from my lawyer having a withdrawal notice from her lawyer. in the withdrawal, he stated that he cannot represent her, due to something she may have withheld or lied about (more or less wasn't worded like that but you can tell). In feb court appearance they never produced the PI report, or videos, they had medical info they shouldn't have had, and they had very outlandish comments about my lifestyle. So my lawyer filed immediately a motion to compel. meaning, we want to see everything you have on my client. this was filed almost immediately after court appearance on feb 20th. Susan has failed to provide any updated info requested by my attorney so on june 18th, we have that upcoming hearing.
in the mean time, I have sent my lawyer, a very heavily requested topics, such as "where did they get my medical records, if those were lies, what are the consequences if any"? What did exercising have to do with any of this despite various drs saying he has to or he will get worse.
I know wat you must be thinking, what about your oldest, how can you do that to him. Please listen. This woman has taken everything from me. And i mean everything but the roof over my head. I am seeing a therapist to help with the suicidal thoughts. it isnt enough. the reality of it is, I chose to be loyal and it bit me in the butt. This disease will rob me of everything, my teeth will fall out ( I had 5 cavities last time I went to the dentist) I haven't had a cavity since I was 30 and even then I was suspicious. And I am brushing 5 time s a day to save them. My skin is tightening, and my arms and muscles are wasting. I will literally be left with nothing. My organs will also start to harden, and I will have to start getting around the clock care.
I forgot to mention they (child support) recently, sent a letter to SSI (social security) saying that they would garnish my SSI before I even got it, totaling $1029. the incorrect amount. I sent this to my lawyer and she is looking into it. But it shows that child support will overstep and breaks every law or freedom you may think you have. I DO take care of my children. if they need a haircut i do it, school supplies clothes, anything I do it. And I do it, cause she wont. What I want to leave you with, is that woman can be dead beats too. Child support was designed to have woman off of government subsidized programs like section 8 food stamps and what not. Also to make the man pay for their children man or woman I should say, I know this. I am not running from my obligation. I just want Susan, to have to pay for what's she's done to me and the kids.
I would like to hear your thoughts on this, please comment and share, all names are fake, but everything else is unfortunately real. I know it was wordy, but I wanted to provide as much backstory as possible. And please. Respect my descions. When you are end of life, I hope someone would be kind enough to respect yours. You may not agree and that's ok, but I am asking you to respect them. Thank you for reading.

Reasonable is a subjective term...
Warning: Long and insane rant incoming.

Preface

I’ve been spending way too much time responding to individual comments recently, so I decided to put all my thoughts into one post.
I’ll start by getting it out of the way that I’m not a racist or sexist. I’m a Japanese American man who happens to think Adewale and Aveline are among the coolest protagonists in AC and has no issues with an African, Indian, Korean, etc. protagonist, man or woman, in any setting where they make sense. (More on the making sense part later.)
Kassandra is also one of my favorites, but while she and Eivor were better than nothing, they were both essentially just female skins. Their stories should’ve acknowledged their gender in some way imo, and I’ve argued way more than I should’ve with people who pulled the historical accuracy card on them.
I agree that some of the people who complain about Yasuke sound like racists, but I think you can legitimately object to his being a co-star without racism being involved. (I’m also slowly coming around to accepting Yasuke.)
I also realize that I shouldn’t judge the game too harshly yet, as it hasn’t been released yet... But we do have the trailer.
With that out of the way, as an Asian male and longtime fan of the series, I’m disappointed that they squandered the perfect opportunity to have a positive/cool depiction of a Japanese male in the Japanese and first East Asian entry in one of the most popular series in the world given the decades-long history of western media’s marginalizing and demeaning Asian men. I mention AC’s popularity to point out the potential it has to positively influence a wide audience.
I'll respond to most of justifications I've seen for Yasuke as a protagonist in an AC game set in Japan one by one for easier reading.

“Yasuke is a better audience surrogate...”

This is a weak excuse. No one has ever complained about this, because the series has always had the perfect surrogate in the form of the modern-day protagonist.
And let’s face it, an info dump is an info dump. No one wants to hear extended explanations on the finer points of Japanese society, no matter who it’s conveyed to. The database can handle the deeper stuff, and any info necessary for the player could’ve just as easily been explained to a slightly unaccustomed Japanese rookie samurai.
“Better audience surrogate” is a solution to a problem that didn’t exist.

"But Naoe is Japanese...”

This justification falls flat on me, because the problems have always been different between Asian men and woman in western media. Portrayals of Asian women used to focus on exotic sexualization, but because of that, they got comparatively more screen-time than their male counterparts.
The Naoe defense also ignores that fact that we could've had both a Japanese female AND male protagonist if Ubisoft followed their most recent 4-game (if you count Origins) track record of male and female protagonists that are both of their setting. It just doesn’t sit right with me that they decided to change this formula among others with the first East Asian setting.

“But people didn’t complain about Nioh’s white protag...”

This accusation falls flat on me too, because Nioh is not a good comparison. It’s a straight-up fantasy game that focuses exclusively on fighting supernatural enemies. It doesn’t pretend to have an ounce of historical accuracy or realism.
It was also made by a Japanese company that has a track record of including Japanese protagonists. That track record gives them some leeway to change things up without being accused of whitewashing Asian characters.

"But Yasuke is a real part of Japan's history..."

He's a footnote in Japan's history. If we're being honest, the only reason we even know about him is because he was black in a time when there were almost no black people and was a retainer for Nobunaga. Nothing in his historical record mentions him doing anything else of much significance, most likely because there was very little he could do in his position. It's not racist to acknowledge this.
Again, as a longtime Japanese American fan of the series, I'm happy that AC Japan is finally here but disappointed that Ubi decided to inflate a small part of "Japan's" history and slap him on the cover as one of its representatives. I would feel the same (worse actually) if it was William Adams there.
I'd also feel the same if a hypothetical white protagonist who was a footnote in an African nation's history took the place of a fictional African protagonist. I think most people would feel the same too, and the uproar would surely be greater.

"But Yasuke WAS an actual samurai..."

I think the debate about whether he was or wasn't a "samurai" is largely irrelevant and completely misses the point. I agree that he was a "samurai," but historical records also make it sound like he was Nobunaga's favored trophy pet (if we're being completely honest). (The preceding sentence got me permanently banned for "racism" on the main AC subreddit, but I don't think it's racist to acknowledge racism, even the overt form it took in the past.) It's entirely possible (and likely) that he was made an honorary "samurai" for that reason alone. Because "samurai" is technically just a title and privileged position.
The real question is, "Did Yasuke fit the classic image of a badass armored warrior or robed ronin most people imagine (and that appeared in the trailer) when they think 'samurai'?"
The Japanese (especially in the past) actually use a different word when they're being specific about warriors fitting that image, and it's "bushi" (as in "bushido" or "way of the warrior"). That word is conspicuously missing from Yasuke's historical record. There's probably a reason for that.

"But Yasuke's story deserves to be told..."

Similar to the badass warrior aspect, nothing in the historical record specifically mentions that he learned the language or integrated into the culture particularly well, so any portrayal of that sort is wishful appropriation at best imo.
At that point, are you really telling his story? Is there value in promoting fanciful conjecture that is based on essentially nothing? Obviously, there’s a monetary incentive for Ubi to capitalize on the popular trend of farfetched depictions of Yasuke, but is that it?
It’s a given that the real Yasuke probably lived a fascinating life, but Ubi will likely gloss over the actual struggles he faced as a complete outsider in a frankly very racist time and place. It almost seems disrespectful to attribute all sorts of things that probably weren’t true just to spice things up for a video game. (And yes, I think Ubi should've included at least some examples of the struggles Kassandra and Eivor would've surely faced, but at least they were made up people.)

“Go play Ghost of Tsushima...”

These people are probably the worst. Honestly, I think Ubi is also guilty of agreeing with the underlying sentiment in this line of thinking. Contrary to others, I think Yasuke was less of a “woke” diversity decision and more of a “GoT already did a Japanese guy” decision.
I think that borders on racism when you consider that that’s never a concern when it’s the umpteenth white protagonist in a medieval European setting (or any setting). It implies that Asian characters are just too similar to each other to be marketable too close to each other.
But they’re only similar to each other in western-made media because western writers cling to tired tropes like honor and stoicism. The perpetuation of such stereotypes has an impact. I’ve seen people here claim that it’s a fact that Japanese people are uniquely less capable of resisting societal constrictions, hence the choice of Yasuke.
Another implied that historical codes of honor are things that most Japanese people still live by. They’re not, and that person obviously doesn’t know too many Japanese people and probably got their misconception from one-sided media portrayals.
Just like the codes of chivalry for European knights, the codes of Japanese honor were simply the ideals of the people that wrote them, who were themselves just a small subset of their population. It’s impossible to think that all or even most of the people back then actually abided by them, samurai or not.
And I'm a fan of the AC series. I'm not interested in playing GoT.

Historical accuracy vs believability

While there are definitely significant historical accuracy issues with that portrayal of Yasuke, they’re comparatively minor next to the replacement issue in my mind. Historical accuracy is really only an issue for me in the context of a more general believability issue.
Why would anyone, Assassin or Templar, choose the only black person in Japan as their secret agent in the field? Firsthand accounts describe crowds of onlookers offering money to catch a glimpse of him wherever he went.
An extremely-conspicuous total-outsider is simply the least ideal protagonist in a series about remaining inconspicuous while murdering dozens of people. Previous protagonists could fully navigate their environments because they were a part of them. Knowing their lands, languages, peoples, and cultures and fitting in with them, I can believe that they successfully moved through them while keeping their actions (and names) hidden from the pages of history.
I can even buy that Kassandra and Eivor existed despite “historical accuracy.” Because half the population of any group of people is women, the two could conceivably blend in and be forgotten imo, especially when you consider that they also lived MUCH further back in time. There's much more we don't know about that far back in history.
This might be another thing that's falsely construed as racist, but it's a fact that local populations don't take kindly to singularly-unique foreign outsiders cutting down their friends and loved ones, regardless of who their boss is. Yasuke would’ve been (in)famous and lived on in legends told for generations, even if the Templars tried to erase his historical record. He would've surely been seen and positively identified as Nobunaga’s famous black samurai by hundreds of witnesses as he did all the things the non-stealthy one of the two protagonists does.

“But Leonardo da Vinci didn’t actually help assassins build a hidden blade either...”

The central conceit of the AC series has always been playing with the idea of secret organizations, conspiracies, ancient beings, and sci-fi artifacts being involved with figures and events within the blank spaces of history. Yes, Yasuke’s blanks are big, but again, they wouldn’t be big if he was doing the things we saw in the trailer.
Any believability issues that previous AC games had are multiplied tenfold by Yasuke being a combination of real, black, and not an NPC in Sengoku Japan. It’s a substantial layer of unbelievability added on top of a base that already existed in previous games that did in fact claim some semblance of believability. Yasuke is just on another level, and while I think it’s fine to enjoy him in Shadows as pure fantasy, let’s not pretend he makes any sense. Which brings me to my main issue...

Representation and the replacement issue

Considering the nonsensical nature of Yasuke as a protagonist, it makes his taking the spot as the series’ first Asian male lead in a mainline game all the more off-putting to me. In the best-case scenario, Ubi is simply trying to capitalize on the popular cool black samurai trend as I mentioned. But they’re still doing it at the expense of an Asian male lead.
I admit that western media has gotten a lot better at representation, but it’s still a fairly recent thing and there’s still a long way to go. A recent hot-take of an IGN article made at least one correct claim that Asian representation shouldn’t be confined to ninjas and samurai.
But the solution to the problem isn’t to take away some of the only positive but one-sided representations we have. The solution is to broaden Asian representation to portray them as ordinary people with diverse appearances and personalities in all walks of life. Until that becomes a norm, Asians should be allowed to star as ninjas, samurai, kung fu masters, etc. as long as the depictions aren’t negative caricatures. In fact, they can be gateways to diversifying their portrayals.
If Ubi really wanted to differentiate itself from GoT’s Jin, they could’ve just given Shadows’ samurai a completely different personality instead of lazily changing his race. It’s about time a western dev broke away from the tired stoic warrior trope. "But this is Ubisoft... They're incapable of nuanced portrayals of minorities..." That's cop-out excuse imo.
No one game can reverse decades of marginalization and negative stereotypes, but individual movies, shows, public discourses, and yes, video games make up the collective whole of media, which has a massive impact on perceptions within a society. I believe individual representations make a difference, so I support increased diversity in every piece of media as long as it’s not at the expense of good writing and not at the expense of opportunities for other marginalized groups.

Conclusion

If you read everything this far, thank you. Again, I realize that the game isn’t even out yet and that I may be proven spectacularly wrong somehow. Either way, I can now focus my ire on the excessive monetization and live service BS that Shadows and the Infinity hub will surely have, and you all should too :) Or maybe I'll just touch grass.
NOTE: This post was initially removed from assassinscreed because "it covered a topic covered within the last 7 days." I've since been permanently banned from that subreddit for a separate reason mentioned in the post, so I've reposted here. I revised the original post by adding some points and making it more readable, but it's essentially the same from before.
Mods, please don't remove this or ban me. I spent a lot of time and thought on this, and I think it's respectful to everyone.

So I have been offered a job in LA County (at a hospital). The job offer is Contingent upon passing a Live Scan criminal background check, a review, verification, and clearance of my prior work history, and clearance of a pre-employment medical examination. After turning in my background check/livescan form, I double-checked my start date for one of my past employments and discovered that I had mistakenly written my start date as 09/2019 rather than 10/2020. This mistake is also reflected on my resume, due to the fact that when I was writing up my resume I accidentally based it off the first time I communicated with my manager (at my previous job) which was in 09/2019, rather than double-checking my actual start date of 10/2020. This is 100% my own clerical mistake; however, I understand that since the hospital will be evaluating my work history, this discrepancy may lead to a "red flag" on my report.
After contacting the company that is completing my Background Check, they informed me that it would be "ok" as the form states to "answer to the best of my ability" and that they would just edit my form with the correct dates provided by my past employer. However, I am still very paranoid and would like some insight from anyone who has experienced this type of situation. Should I report this situation to my recruiter (before the report comes back) or will my BGC report come back clean (as stated by the BGC company)? Also, am I able to edit my background check form after submission?
**I want to add that this job is an entry-level job, and my past work history is not a requirement for this position)