Hardie board cost compared to cedar

DRAFT 2 - NTW in Alphabetical Order. Chapter 1: Alsace-Lorraine

2024.05.19 22:19 malcolio DRAFT 2 - NTW in Alphabetical Order. Chapter 1: Alsace-Lorraine

DRAFT 2 - NTW in Alphabetical Order. Chapter 1: Alsace-Lorraine
Europe in Early January, 1805. How the continent looks at the start of a Napoleon: Total War game.
(Thumbnail) Seven years ago I started posting a writeup of playing a game of Empire: Total War with the challenge of conquering every region in alphabetical order. This was inspired by someone trying to play Crusader Kings in alphabetical order back in 2006. After 75 chapters, with about 2,600 images and just a silly amount of text, I completed the game and swore off touching another Total War game for some time!
I’m now back, to try and achieve the same goal of conquering every region in alphabetical order but in Napoleon: Total War. I’ve never finished a game of N:TW before, so it will fun to see what this more focused and refined(?) version of E:TW will be like to play. As with my last playthrough, I’m using DarthMod and playing on Normal/Normal difficulty. I have no idea if those settings will make this challenge too easy or impossible, let’s find out!
Napoleon Bonaparte’s stats and the 11 regions I have to sell off before I can start this challenge.
There is a vast quantity of books studying the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, but what none of them will tell you is that he had a passion for the alphabet just like King Louis XIV. So obviously he was forced to sell off every region of the French Empire so that he could conquer the entirety of Europe in alphabetical order.
Unfortunately if I lose France I automatically lose the entire game, so I’ll need to unofficially keep hold of that, but otherwise I first need to trade away Alsace-Lorraine, Aquitaine, Bretagne, Corsica, Hannover, Normandie, Pays d'Oc, Picardie-Champagne, Piedmont-Liguria, Provence, and the Southern Netherlands. At the moment the French Empire’s prosperity is spectacular, its prestige sublime, but that’s going to take a bit of a hit…
The French military units in those region capitals will soon need to vacate, most are just militia and basic cavalry, but Strasbourg has a decent sized force led by Napoleon’s brother-in-law Joachim Murat.
The French Imperial Army, scattered across Alsace-Lorraine, Northern Italy, and Hannover
The rest of the Imperial Army is along the empire’s eastern border. Napoleon himself commands the largest army to the west of Strasbourg, close to two smaller forces led by Marshals Michel Ney and Louis-Nicolas Davout. Over in Northern Italy a detachment led by Marshal Jean-André Masséna guards the border with Austria, and in isolated Hannover a similar-sized group guards the city with Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte as its commander.
The two French fleets, one off Portugal and the other near Genoa, and the flagship Scipion.
The French Navy has just two fleets. The Atlantic Squadron is currently stationed near Portugal, Admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve commands the immense 122-gun Scipion, two 3rd rates, two 4th rates, and frigate. The Mediterranean Squadron is near French-controlled Genoa, led by Vice-Admiral Victor Durand it consists of just two frigates and a corvette.
Soon the French Empire won’t have any ports that need defending or to repair ships at, and my income is about to nosedive, so I think it’s time to do something reckless…
An outnumbered French fleet is defeated by Britain’s finest, but not without scoring a massive blow against the Royal Navy.
Admiral Villeneuve is told to take his fleet north and engage whatever enemy vessels he can find, to sink as many ships as possible even if it risks wiping out his own. It doesn’t take long: in the Bay of Biscay the Atlantic Squadron bumps into none other than Vice-Admiral Nelson and a huge British fleet. The two commanders had previously fought at the Battle of the Nile as Rear-Admirals, and in reality weren’t due to meet for another 10 months at the Battle of Trafalgar. The British fleet greatly dwarfs the French, with Nelson commanding his own 122-gun Heavy 1st rate, a 1st rate, two 2nd rates, and three 3rd rates!
I auto-resolve the battle, resulting in an expected defeat. Villeneuve survives on board a battered Scipion, with only a 4th rate for company, but somehow his squadron managed to sink every British vessel except for Nelson’s Rose! The Royal Navy has suffered a pyrrhic victory, my navy upkeep costs have gone down by more than 1,000 gold, and what remains of the Atlantic Squadron flees south to join up with the Mediterranean Squadron next turn.
Parts of the French Empire are sold off, ready for them to be retaken in alphabetical order with the rest of Europe.
With those naval manoeuvres finished I start haggling with other nations to remove eleven French regions that are stopping me from starting my alphabetical challenge. I sell each region to a different ruler, to get as much cash from the sale and to stop any one nation becoming too powerful. I try to give territory that is towards the end of the alphabet to my allies, and those towards the start to my enemies, to prevent having to backstab my friends until I’m already forced to destroy them anyway.
While cash is important I also barter for as many technologies as I can: one technology can take 7 turns to research, gaining them now will pay dividends in growing my economy and strengthening my armed forces.
The main achievement of these region swaps, apart from losing all my income and making me only one region away from defeat, is completely changing the United Kingdom’s foreign policy: by letting George III have both a personal and political union with Hannover I convince the British Empire to abandon all of its allies, and instead join the side of its centuries-old nemesis. That recent battle in Biscay didn’t seem to matter! Along with becoming friends with Prussia I now feel less worried that Paris might be immediately marched on, though it’s hard to tell how long these new alliances will last.
The first unedited screenshot of the game. France is exempt from taxes, to help pretend it doesn’t exist, which doesn’t help the Empire’s negative income.
After all those region swaps I now only control France, as mentioned before I can’t remove this territory without automatically losing the game. So to try not to benefit from being forced to keep France I’ve set myself the rule that I cannot build anything there, cannot research there, cannot recruit any troops from Paris, and the region is exempt from taxes. I keep a company of Grenadiers à Cheval and two artillery batteries to defend the capital, together they cost 546 gold a turn in upkeep so Paris is losing me money!
Right, the game is now set up to start my challenge of conquering Europe in alphabetical order (sort of, ignore France). Which region do I need to capture first?
Alsace-Lorraine. Only just traded to the Austrian Empire, it is surrounded by French armies including one teleported from Hannover.
This is Alsace-Lorraine. Two images ago it became Austrian, in exchange for 5,530 gold and two technologies that would have taken me 14 turns to research. Unfortunately for Austria the region is surrounded by the bulk of the French Imperial Army, so the question isn’t how will I immediately conquer Alsace-Lorraine but can I do so without losing a single soldier?
The full might of the Imperial Army is amassed against Strasbourg, defended by a small number of Austrian infantrymen and some armed civilians.
Marshals Ney, Murat, and Bernadotte link up to immediately attack Strasbourg together. The full stack of units is supported by further armies commanded by Napoleon and Marshal Davot. Protecting the city is just five companies of Austrian line infantry, supported by hastily-armed citizens.
Alsace-Lorraine is captured, denting the expected deficit and allowing resources to be spent on improving the French military and economy.
It would be insanity to resist such an attack so the small Austrian infantry detachment wisely surrenders without a fight. Unfortunately, yet again, there is no battle to see here!
I choose to peacefully occupy Strasbourg and immediately start the construction of basic roads, a cannon factory, a musket manufactory, and an iron mine, plus a cantonment to replace the local tax office. Until that’s all built I can’t actually recruit any more soldiers, cavalry, or artillery (as I’m ignoring France existing). So avoiding a battle is boring but the troops I have are priceless!
The people of Alsace-Lorraine are unhappy under French rule, despite being Austrian for less time than it takes to read this sentence. Luckily I need to keep a large garrison here anyway to protect against my enemies to the east, and I also lower taxes a little to keep the region’s population and wealth growing, so the newly conquered population should be content for now.
OK, so far this challenge seems ridiculously easy, I captured my first region immediately without a single casualty. What’s next?
Aquitaine. Until very recently French, traded away to the Russian Empire.
This is Aquitaine. Like Alsace-Lorraine it was part of the French Empire but quickly traded away, this time to Russia, and like Strasbourg an enemy force has magically popped into existence to guard the region’s capital.
Unlike last time though there are no doom stacks waiting, ready to steamroll the city. What I do have is a random collection of units which originally guarded Bordeaux, Rennes, and Toulouse. A force of two companies of Chasseurs à Cheval (light cavalry) and two cohorts of the local National Guard is led by Captain Alexandre de Rosée, who waits for a company of Chevau-légers Lanciers (lancer cavalry) and another cohort of militia to reinforce him from Bretagne. Combined, this ragtag group of misfits should be enough to win against six battalions of Russian infantry squatting in Bordeaux. So attacking the city will need to wait until next turn, but before we move to Late January 1805 I have a few chores to do…
The French Empire is leaps and bounds ahead of every other nation in research, but this has ground to a halt until a college can be acquired.
One task is to think about researching new technologies. Most nations begin with all technologies locked, some are lucky to have already researched one or two when the game starts. France is luckiest of all with three technologies already researched: Army Corps Organisation, Conscription, and Division of Labour). Thanks to those earlier region trades the French now also understand Classical Economics), Fire and Advance), Improved Coppering), National Debt), and Public Schooling.
Those technologies provide various small economic and military bonuses which will take any other nation at least 50 turns to research, so I’m at a significant advantage on turn 1. However with my self-imposed rule of ignoring the existence of France I cannot use Orléans to start researching any new technologies, instead I send my two gentlemen east towards the first region which will provide a college I can use. It will take more than 10 turns for François-René de Chateaubriand and Jean Rapp to reach their destination, in the meantime my enemies will have unlocked a new technology each, and I have to hope the college they’re travelling to will be controlled by the French Empire by the time they arrive! Charles-Louis Schulmeister, French spy extraordinaire, joins them on the journey.
The French Council of State sees the appointment of a Keeper of the Seals, and new trade deals dent an expected deficit.
One other job to do before ending the first turn is to review who is running things. My starting ministers all have decent stats except for 3 star Keeper of the Seals Claude Ambroise Régnier. I replace him with a string of candidates until one, Oliver Molyneux, arrives with the Stallholder trait which give him a total of 4 management stars. That one extra star means the cost of repressing unrest in my regions is 3% cheaper, and that repression now has a +1 bonus. Small benefits like that could make or break my game in the long run!
Selling off all my regions severed all my trade routes. I reestablish all of them except the one with Spain, as I no longer have a sea or land connection with the Iberia Peninsula. Instead I create a trade agreement with the Electorate of Hesse-Kassel, worth 300 less gold than the Spanish agreement. Overall my trade income has dropped by 1,100 gold since I started this game, but at least I’m now only going to lose 2,880 in gold per turn!
This is just a draft, it will be taken down when I post the finished thing on the total war subreddit.
submitted by malcolio to u/malcolio [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 22:11 Solignox My idea for a Nuxia rework

Nuxia is a problematic character, she can feel extremely unfair to fight and is overall a good duellist, but her 4vs4 abilities are some of the worse in the game. She is also a very unique character, she has barely been touched by Ubisoft since her release, and also has a truely one of a kind mechanic in her traps. As such, a rework of Nuxia is a tall order, it must manage to buff her in 4s without making her broken in duels and while keeping the character unique. Here is how I propose we go about it.

~I-Nuxia’s damage~
If there is one thing that is said to be strong about Nuxia it’s her damage, she can absolutely delete someone if she gets an opening. As such, before we buff her in other ways, we must adress her damage. Her dps is high because of two things : her base damage, and her two damage feats.
Regarding her base damage it’s actually not that high, her lights deal 9-12 damage and her heavies 24-30. This is on par with a lot of assassins, with Orochi being 10-13 on his lights and 22-32 on his heavies. Berserker is also 9-12 on his lights and 24-32 on his heavies. Her damage overall is a bit lower but more consistent, with less of a gap based on the direction of her heavies and their place in the chain.
Her damage is boosted by her two feats, Deadly Duet gives her a passive 20% damage increase when close to a lone ennemy, and Slip Through gives her a 30% damage boost to her next attack after a dodge. Are those feat too strong ? Not really in my opinion, Deadly Duet isn’t active a lot of the time in 4s as people tend to stick together, and Slip Through boost one attack with no garantee of landing it while being a tier 3. They are a lot of stronger feats, and I think they play into her unique identiy, you should be rewarded for roaming the battlefield and hunting lone targets.
As such I don’t think a damage nerf is needed even with those buffs, but if something had to be nerf I would nerf the base damage instead of the feat. Nuxia is a better duellist than teamfighter, as such I doubt such buffs would risk making her broken in dominion, only in duels where the feats are a non issue. This way she gets to keep her unique feats, while reigning in her damage if it proves to be too high after those buffs (even though as of now it is not above the average of assassins).

~II-« Quality of life » buffs~
Those are a few things that don’t make a huge impact but would still help her. First I would give her something similar to Shinobi and Shugoki’s run, if she is meant to be a roamer she needs to be able to move across the map fast. I would make it not as good as Shinobi’s so he keeps his own identity, but better than Shugoki. In addition, I would give her hyperarmor on Mirror Raid, her unique parry counter. The move itself deals 15 damage, but is made useless in teamfights due to interrupts, it would give her a bit more anti gank viability. Finally traps should beat any attack thrown in their direction, including non crushing counter lights and light parry attempts, so that ennemies don’t randomly beat traps by messing up parry timings, while still giving them the ability to counter the trap on a good read by lighting Nuxia in another direction.



~III-Opener~
This might be a controversial take but as of right now Nuxia lacks a reliable opener. Most people will tell you her trap mix up is, and it is an opener, just not a reliable one. The idea is to heavy, so that your opponent as to decide if you are going to either let it fly, trap, hard feint to gb, or just feint. However, this opener heavily favors the opponent. For once it is extremely slow, and a lot of the time your opponent while just do their opener at the same time or even slightly after you and you will just eat it. For example wether or not you are feinting or trap your heavy, a forward dodge bash will beat you, or even a simple light. It also is not stamina efficient, costing 22 to 24 stam based on if you trap or hardfeint. There is a reason why characters with bash openers rarely open by feinting heavies in the air.
Even in a best case scenario where you don’t get interrupted, the defender is still massively favored, and that’s because the defenders options beats several of Nuxia’s own. For example :
-Dodging and dodge attacking beat both traping and letting the heavy fly, with empty dodges beating hard feints and dodge attack beating feint to gb. This is the biggest culprit, by alternating between empty and dodge attack the defender can beat ¾ of Nuxia’s options reliably.
-Lighting in any direction (except the heavy direction if your hero has crushing counter lights) beats the trap, feint to gb, and for most player hard feinting if they can’t react to the light in time to parry it. They can block it but they are then back to neutral.
-Parrying beats the heavy, and has a chance to beat the trap if the defender messes up his parry timing, it’s also neutral to hard feinting to nothing. So even if the defender doesn’t dodge, he still has a lot of options, making so banking on him dodging or dodge attacking as Nuxia isn’t a reliable option either.
Compare this to your regular bash opener and it’s simply a two options mind game of predicting if you your opponent thinks you are going to empty dodge or dodge bash and you will see that Nuxia’s opener is fairly unnremarkable. Put it this way, imagine two sets of two duelling bots. One duo is Nuxia vs another hero, the other is JJ vs another hero. The Nuxia bot is programmed to open by selecting randomly an option from her heavy opener, while the JJ bot does the same thing with his forward dodge bash opener mix up. Their opposing bot randomly picks an answer to counter it, mathematically Nuxia’s opponent will win the trade more often than her, while JJ and is opponent would be fairly even.
So should we just give Nuxia a bash opener ? No, one of the goal of this rework proposal is to keep her uniqueness. So here is my proposal, in addition to her trap make her able to soft feint an opener heavy into a weaker, undodgeable light which always come from the same side as the heavy. My reasoning is simple, this change makes her opponer closer to a bash opponer as it reduces the imbalance between the defender and attacker, dodging and dodge attacking doesn’t beat 3/4 or Nuxia’s options anymore. The defender can still dodge and dodge attack if he makes a correct read, but Nuxia has a reliable way to beat both. As such the opponent must now make a real decision if dodging is the right answer, and if not actually has to interract with the trap mix up. The soft feint light would both deal less damage and be 600ms lights (like Zhanhu unblockable lights), the damage nerf is to make them less oppressive, and being slower they allow the opponent an easier light parry on a correct read since they also always come from the same direction as the heavy.
In conclusion, the oppenents options would now be :
-Dodge and dodge attack still beats trap and heavy, with them additionnaly beating hard feint heavy and feint to gb respectively, but they can be punished by the soft feint light if they abuse it
-Light interrupt a trap by lighting on a different side
-Parrying either the heavy or the feinted light (which again is slower and always come from the same side as the heavy).

~IV-Recovery cancels, or why Nuxia should have an all guard~

If you look at the top heroes in 4s, most of them have access to some form of recovery cancel, typically dodge recovery cancels. Those are extremely powerful tools, especially in teamfights. During ganks it makes babysitting harder since the baby sitter as to interrupt you during your attack, instead of during your recoveries. And during brawls they allow you to quickly switch target and reposition. This is one of Nuxia’s biggest weaknesses in 4s. She is a sitting duck in ganks, unable to get any damage in before getting revenge and even when she does get it there is nothing stopping the ennemy to wail on you while you are trying to attack their teammate. But giving her dodge recovery cancel is just making more like other heroes, and we don’t want that. That’s where my idea of an all guard comes in.
Let’s describe what it would look like first. It would be more similar to Musha’s guard, she cannot hold it and has to go into it at the right timing. Additionnaly, hers would be weaker than Musha’s to not make him redundant. She wouldn’t be able to access while in hitstun, only after a block and to cancel the recovery of her attacks except her traps. If the ennemy hits her all guard she has three options, she can do a weaker version of mirror raid, doing less damage while still having hyperarmor, she can do a weaker hyperarmored zone or she can immediatly follow up with a non garanteed heavy or zone to go back into her trap mix up. In addition just like Musha she can go back into her all guard after blocking with it, and she is ofc gb vulnerable on the same timing. Notice that all of her options are weaker version of Mushas, she gets a weaker garanteed damage and a weaker zoning tool (though unlike Musha’s this one is not garanteed and can be blocked or parried, finally she can use it to go back into her bread and butter mix up.
This solution has several benefits. It solves her lack of recovery cancels without giving her dodge recovery cancels, it makes her a bit stronger in teamfights by being able to defend herself better when ganked with the block recovery cancel and allows her to get some damage in by punishing people just wailing on her when she is in revenge. At the same time it’s still a weak all guard, the only garanteed damage she would get out of it would be around 10, as her only other offensive options out of it is her trap mix up with both the heavy and zone, which the opponent can beats on a proper read. It also fits her lorewise, she doesn’t have a shield so having her hold an all guard wouldn’t make sense, but hookswords are meant to trap the opponents weapon. Currently they do when she is on the offense with her traps, but they should also be able to do it while she is on the defensive.
This concludes my proposed Nuxia rework, let me know what you think.
submitted by Solignox to forhonor [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 22:09 ChernoDelta77 23M, Never had a gf just looking for thoughts.

To start I am a very introverted person and really until I was 19-20 borderline antisocial. I was homeschooled up to college which didn’t help but even if I had the opportunity I actively avoided social interaction. Somehow at 18 I managed to get my first kiss hanging out with friends one night but never had a date.
When I got to college I opened up a little bit and realized how behind my social skills were compared with everyone else. Lots of parties and drinking made me more “social” but that had its issues, for a long time the only social interaction I had outside of a small group of guys would be when I was drunk and as I’ve learned girls don’t like drunk guys.
I still didn’t really talk to girls or really try to date because 1. I was scared and didn’t know how and 2. I was focused on life goals that I have for myself. For me those have always been more important than relationships/marriage, kids etc. I got on tinder and kinda dated casually and lived a heavy drinking partying college life. I lost my vcard drunk af at 21 to a one night stand, I don’t have many regrets in life but that’s one. Since then I’ve got about 7 more bodies all were hook ups (mostly drunk too). I feel bad about it because I would like to have sex only with someone I’m in a relationship with but if I stuck to that I’d still be a virgin and I didn’t want to miss out on sex in college.
Being out of college now I feel like that was the best chance I ever had to date but a combination of poor social skills and other priorities got in the way of that. Now I am pursuing those before mentioned goals but it’s starting to get to me that I’m at a serious risk of being very much alone through my 20s. I think it gets harder to start dating the older you get and the experience gap grows and grows and I’m not sure I want to get into my 30s never having a relationship.
I’m not going to lie a lot of me just wants to be having good regular sex in my 20s but I do also want to have some kind of meaningful connection with a woman. I just don’t even know where to start or where to meet women. If this continues I’m probably going to lean hard into a fuck bitches get money mindset then party it up in 10-15 years with the money I’ll have made from only having to support me (I’m pretty low cost no loans or debt).
Additional info if anyone’s read this far, I’ve been an athlete my whole life and am in great shape and I think I’m alright looking but my experience with women leads me to believe otherwise. The longest I’ve talked to a girl was about a month and she was the only person I’ve met who I would actually want to be with. My life now has put me geographically and logistically in a hard place to date and I can’t just leave, I feel like I kinda fucked myself and dating life for the next few years with that one but I’m pursuing my dreams so.
If you read all this thank you I kinda just needed to vent a little. I didn’t really ask a direct question but any advice or opinions are appreciated.
submitted by ChernoDelta77 to dating_advice [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 22:08 enoumen AI Weekly Rundown May 11-May 18th 2024: Major Breaking News from 🚫OpenAI 🚀ChatGPT-4o, Google AI Veo, 🍎Apple AI-enhanced eye tracking, 🎧Meta AI-assisted earphones , 💸 Stability AI, 🤖 Humane AI and more

Enjoying these daily updates, listen to my podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ai-unraveled-latest-ai-news-trends-gpt-gemini-generative/id1684415169

Sam Altman quashes search engine launch rumors

OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, denied rumors of launching a search engine ahead of Google I/O, stating that the upcoming announcement is neither related to GPT-5 nor a search engine. He described the forthcoming revelation as something that "feels like magic."
However, there are reports that OpenAI is developing an AI voice assistant.

iOS 18 iPhones may soon have ChatGPT

OpenAI will bring ChatGPT to iPhones. The integration is expected to happen with the upcoming iOS 18. This could significantly enhance the user experience and expand the capabilities of Apple's virtual assistant, Siri.
Parallel to negotiations with OpenAI, the tech giant is also engaging with Google's parent company, Alphabet, to integrate the Gemini chatbot into Apple's devices. These ongoing talks, however, haven't led to an agreement yet.

SoftBank’s Arm Holdings all set to come up with AI chips in 2025

SoftBank's subsidiary, Arm, plans to develop AI chips and launch them in 2025. Arm is establishing a dedicated AI chip division and targeting a prototype by spring 2025 and mass production by autumn. SoftBank will contribute to the initial cost of 10 trillion yen ($64 billion).
The AI chip business could be spun off to SoftBank. Negotiations with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (TSMC) and others for production capacity are underway. The move reflects rising demand for AI chips, which has boosted Arm's share price since its IPO in September.

GPT-4o: 2x faster, 50% cheaper, 5x rate limits than GPT-4 Turbo

OpenAI unveiled its new flagship model, GPT-4o (“o” stands for “omni”). It provides GPT-4-level intelligence but is 2x faster, 50% cheaper, has 5x higher rate limits, and enhanced text, voice, and vision capabilities than GPT-4 Turbo. It also matches GPT-4 Turbo performance on text in English and code, with significant improvements for text in non-English languages.
GPT-4o can respond to audio inputs in as little as 232 ms, with an average of 320 ms, which is similar to human response time in a conversation. It is available in the ChatGPT free tier and to Plus users.

TikTok tests ChatGPT-powered search results

TikTok is testing a new search feature that uses AI to generate results for some queries. For certain search terms, like recipes or product recommendations, TikTok will display AI-generated answers at the top of the results. These answers are powered by ChatGPT, and when you click on one of these AI results, it takes you to a page with a full response.
TikTok is also testing "search highlights," which appear at the top of some searches. However, it's unclear whether these highlights are AI-generated.

Meta explores AI-assisted earphones with built-in cameras

Meta is currently exploring AI-powered earphones with built-in cameras. The project is known internally as “Camerabuds;” however, it’s uncertain if the final product will be in-ear earbuds or over-ear headphones. The cameras let the AI take in surrounding information visually, allowing it to translate foreign languages, identify objects, and more.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly seen several possible designs but has not been satisfied with them. Outside of design, the major hurdle is fitting a camera and batteries in a tiny device like an earbud.

Google announced a wide array of updates across its AI ecosystem

Major headlines were Project Astra, an AI agent that can see and hear users in real time, and AI teammates that can answer questions and organize data within Workspace.
Google also introduced Veo, a high-quality video generation model, and significant updates to Google Search, including expanded AI Overviews, advanced planning capabilities, and AI-organized search results.
The company launched Gemini 1.5 Pro, boasting a massive 2M context window extension, and Imagen 3, the next version of its text-to-image model. Other notable announcements included:

Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI's co-founder and chief scientist, has left the company

Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI's co-founder and longtime chief scientist, has left the company. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the news on X, expressing his sadness and gratitude for Sutskever's contributions. Jakub Pachocki, OpenAI's research director, will step up as a chief scientist.
Sutskever's departure comes amidst reports of disagreements with Altman over OpenAI's direction, mainly concerns about rushing AI-powered product launches at the expense of safety. The situation escalated last November when Sutskever and OpenAI CTO Mira Murati approached the company's previous board to express their concerns, leading to a brief attempt to fire Altman. However, Altman was swiftly reinstated, and much of the old board resigned.

Apple unveils AI-enhanced eye tracking, music haptics, voice shortcuts

Apple recently unveiled new accessibility features that will launch later this year. One of these features is Eye Tracking, which enables users with physical disabilities to navigate their iPhones and iPads using only their eyes.
By leveraging the front-facing camera and AI, Eye Tracking allows precise control through a “Dwell Control” feature, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
Another noteworthy addition is Music Haptics, designed for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. When enabled, the Taptic Engine in iPhones plays taps, textures, and refined vibrations synchronized with music audio.
Additionally, Apple has introduced Voice Shortcut, which allows users to create custom voice commands for specific actions on their devices. With Voice Shortcut, users can perform tasks hands-free by simply speaking their personalized commands.

Humane’s AI Pin upgraded with GPT-4o

Humane has upgraded its popular AI Pin product with the GPT-4o model. This upgrade aims to enhance the AI Pin’s performance. The new version runs faster, provides more accurate answers, and offers richer information.

Stability AI seeks buyer amid financial woes

Stability AI has been in discussions with at least one potential buyer recently regarding a possible sale. The company is facing a cash crunch, having generated less than $5 million in revenue during the first quarter of 2024 while incurring losses exceeding $30 million. Stability AI also owes nearly $100 million in outstanding bills to cloud computing providers and other entities.
The reported sales talks came after the company laid off some staff as part of a restructuring process following the resignation of founder Emad Mostaque as CEO.

OpenAI is bringing Reddit content to ChatGPT and new products

OpenAI and Reddit have formed a partnership to benefit both the Reddit and OpenAI user communities in a number of ways:

OpenAI introduces improvements to data analysis in ChatGPT

OpenAI is rolling out enhancements to data analysis:
These improvements will be available in OpenAI’s new flagship model, GPT-4o, for ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Enterprise users over the coming weeks.

GenZ and millennials optimistic about GenAI use at work: Deloitte Survey

Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey connected with more than 22,800 respondents in 44 countries to explore their attitudes about work and the world around them. One of the key findings was that Gen Zs and millennials are feeling uncertain about GenAI and its potential impact on their careers.
However, respondents who frequently use GenAI at work are more likely to say they feel excitement about, and trust in the technology. Frequent users of GenAI are also more likely to believe it will free up their time, improve the way they work, and improve their work/life balance.
But, conversely, the more a respondent uses GenAI the more likely they are to have some concerns as well.

Enjoying these daily updates, listen to my podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ai-unraveled-latest-ai-news-trends-gpt-gemini-generative/id1684415169

submitted by enoumen to u/enoumen [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 22:05 fair-crimson I hate being the smart kid.

TW: self harm
I know this seems dumb. I know I seem immature. I know it's probably my fault. But here we go anyway, because I have everything to lose and this 'everything' is my grades.
To my teachers, specifically a few of you:
How dare you demand a perfect score from me? How could you compare others to me? How dare you, with that innocent stupidity of yours, say to my face that my ELA award and my straight A's came at no cost at all? Do you know how many times I'm cried or screamed inside because I missed an assignment or got below an A? Do you know what it feels like to get anything below excellent, to have that feeling of "you're supposed to be the smart kid, you dumbass"? Have you seen the way people stare at me with jealousy while you compliment me in front of everyone? Have you heard my friends telling me to stop calling myself dumb because if I'm dumb, then what are they?
Do you know why I hold my arm in a weird position or walk with my right shoulder higher than my left? Do you know what it feels like to have open wounds that aren't deep enough to be satisfying but not shallow enough to be painless, because you were an idiot last night and cut yourself with sewing scissors? Do you know what it feels like to not be able to sit or move without being in pain, because you made the mistake of cutting on your upper body near your stomach?
The answer is no, isn't it?
Exactly.
Then stop calling me the smart, intelligent, imaginative, excellent student. Stop making others look up to me. If they were to see the scars beneath my sleeves or find me silently crying at night then they wouldn't want to be me either. Tell these things to me classmates and ask them, "who would want to be me?" I am not a "pleasure to teach", I'm an anxious, perfectionistic, sleep deprived, overthinking procrastinator who won't accept anything less than perfect and if my average grade drops below an A I want to jump off a bridge.
Tomorrow, I have my Algebra End of Course exam. The SHEER AMOUNT OF NEW THINGS I'M DISCOVERING BEFORE THE DAY OF THE TEST is absolutely HORRENDOUS. What is are marginal and joint frequencies??? How do you remember transformations??? How do you write an expression equivalent to 2.3 to the power of 2t-1???? We never went over this! If we did, then maybe I'm the dumbass, I don't know! And you STILL WANT A PERFECT SCORE FROM ME?! I heard what you said to my friend when she got an 83 on a formative. What will you do to me if I get anything below a Level 5? You've only ever celebrated my success, but you've never seen how I am when I fail, do you?
So look at me and tell me you want a perfect score from me. Tell me you're confident in me, tell me you'll know I'll do great, tell me you'll be disappointed if I get anything less than that sweet sweet Level 5. Because as much as I hate myself, despite all you've done for me, I hate you too. And if you tell me to get a perfect score, I'll score anything but that.
submitted by fair-crimson to offmychest [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 22:03 Life-Observer Are we living through the beginning stages of hyperinflation?

Not necessarily saying we are there yet, but at the start.
Are we starting to live through the beginning stages of hyperinflation?
I was just thinking about how 9 years ago when i had a part time job in college i was able to afford a brand new car and paid ~$250 a month on a $22,000 car and you could haggle below msrp. That same car today starts at $32,000 today, but good luck getting it for that price considering dealer expenses now and mark ups. That means the car price increased in price over $1,000 per year. Back of the napkin math, that would cost around $500-600 with today’s interest rate. That’s over double the payment in less than 10 years. That’s a big increase. This is just rough idea math so not sure what the % increase is. But i know it’s far above 2% inflation lol. And to also note the same job wages increase would not have kept up anywhere near the rate of increase on the car.
Then i was thinking is the car actually “worth” that much more value wise and the answer is no. Sure, it has different and better features, but it’s comparable to what every other car gets in this day and age just like when i bought new back then it was the same case.
Then i was like, well has anything in day the day to life, compared to back then, actually gotten cheaper? And the answer is no. Literally not one thing.
So with a lot of factors the same/worse the same person would not really be able to do that as easily compared to back then.
submitted by Life-Observer to financialindependence [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 22:01 TheLotStore Lot 3, Gettysburg Drive, Cherokee Village, AR 72529

Lot 3, Gettysburg Drive, Cherokee Village, AR 72529
Lot 3, Gettysburg Drive, Cherokee Village, AR 72529
No SID Fees. Nice secluded lot in Cherokee Village.
Property is NOT located in the SID and is not subject to SID fees or restrictions!
Priced way below area comparable sales in the area!
Debit/Credit Cards Accepted No Closing Costs Cash Price: $950 Finance with $150 Down and 9 Payments of $115 Per Month No Credit Check, No Income Documentation, No Prepayment Penalty
Property Address: Lot 3, Gettysburg Drive, Cherokee Village, AR 72529 (Map location is approximate)
County: Fulton
Assessor Parcel Number: 110-10440-000
Legal Description: Lot 3, Block 1, Sixteenth Addition
Zoning: Residential
Annual Property Taxes: $7.79
View our amazing property deals at TheLotStore.Com.
Additional Information: https://thelotstore.com/property/lot-3-gettysburg-drive-cherokee-village-ar-72529/?feed_id=10983
submitted by TheLotStore to u/TheLotStore [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 22:01 BlogMower Should I Buy an iPad Pro M4 or a MacBook Air M3 16GB? Lawyer Seeking Advice

Hi everyone,
I'm in a bit of a dilemma and could use some advice from this community. I'm a lawyer in India, and my work involves reading a lot of files and referring to multiple documents when arguing in court as well researching and drafting documents. Currently, I have a MacBook Pro 2017 version with 8 GB of RAM. It's slowed down a bit, but it's still usable and doesn’t give me any MAJOR problems. However, it heats up significantly if I open too many tabs (around 30 tabs), and the fan starts going on full speed. The same happens when I join video conferences on Zoom. Additionally, the battery sometimes drains quickly, making it risky to carry without a charger.
I'm considering an upgrade and am torn between two options:
  1. iPad Pro M4 with Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro
  2. MacBook Air M3 with 16 GB of RAM
Both options are coming to the same price, so cost isn't a deciding factor here. Here are some considerations I have:
I don’t plan to replace my laptop with the iPad but rather get a new laptop later and use the iPad with my current setup. Alternatively, I could replace my current laptop with a new MacBook Air now and get an iPad Pro later. I also considered waiting for the MacBook Air with the M4 chip.
Has anyone else here faced a similar decision? Which option do you think would be better for my needs as a lawyer? Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
submitted by BlogMower to macbook [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 22:00 popcodswallop [WTS] VINTAGE • Black and Gold from the Big Four 1910s-20s (Flex-Wet Noodle, Stub): Waterman 92 1/2, 12, 52, 52 in Box, 55 in Box Wahl 72 Parker 20 ED, 16 GF Overlay •

This week’s vintage batch features black hard rubber pens from three of the Big Four American Makers of the 1910s-20s. Nibs range from Flex to Wet Noodle. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/R5fpCKe
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs installed in the last couple weeks. Each of these pens is guaranteed to fill and write as designed without leaks or other problems. Nibs have been adjusted when necessary to ensure that all lay down a smooth and consistent line.
THESE PENS HAVE NO CRACKS, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS, LOOSE OR MISSING PARTS, BENT NIBS, MISALIGNED TINES, BROKEN/WORN OFF TIPPING, OR THREADING ISSUES.
 
Line Widths and Writing Samples: To provide buyers with as much information as possible, I have started to adopt the following line width standards: XXF (.1-.2mm); XF (approx .3mm); F (approx .4mm); M (approx .6mm); B (approx .8mm). Nib flexibility is determined by variation (max line width under pressure) and softness (amount of pressure). Flexibility designations based on variation generally run as follows for an XF/F nib: Semi-Flex (approx. 1mm); Flex (1.2-1.9mm); Superflex (>2mm). All line width measurements are taken with a digital caliper but should be considered approximations providing a general guide. Width may vary slightly depending on type of ink and paper used as well as amount of pressure applied. All writing samples are on Rhodia dot paper using Waterman Serenity Blue.
 
 
1. 1920s Waterman 92 1/2 (BCHR, GPT, lever filler, 14k XF Flex nib). This slender (1/2-sized) model is longer than a ring top but slightly shorter than a 52, measuring 4 3/4” capped and 6” posted. Not to be confused with the later, celluloid 92, this 92 1/2 is made of black chased hard rubber with gold-plated trim. It’s the first I’ve ever encountered. Cap came clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a clip), but has been outfitted with a gold-plated accommodation clip. Based on its absence from US catalogues, I believe this model was made strictly for foreign export. The barrel has a Canadian imprint while the nib reads “Ideal / England,” it being a common practice for Waterman’s Canadian pens to be finished in England. That 14k nib is a Flexible writer (note change from writing sample after taking measurement. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.8mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for shaded writing. Condition: fine [C]. This pen has no functional flaws but does show some use. Hard rubber is an even dark chocolate color – still much darker than the brown these can turn. Chasing is significantly yet evenly weakened across the cap and barrel. Hard rubber surface is smooth with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Gold-plating on the lever has a sliver of brassing in the center and parts of the clip look tarnished, though I’m not sure this amounts to full-fledged brassing. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and number stamp on barrel end are weakened but fully legible. An affordable user and a lovely writer for those wondering at what all the fuss is about early Watermans. Price: $150
 
2. 1910s Waterman 12 Eyedropper (BCHR, German Silver clip, eyedropper filler, 14k F Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. This slip-cap eyedropper is made of black chased hard rubber with a rivet clip marked “German Silver” – less common than the standard nickel clips. This pen is an eyedropper. The section unscrews for the barrel to filled using an eyedroppepipette – holds far more ink than a lever filler of the same size. My usual caveats about early eyedroppers apply here. If carried, it is not uncommon to find a little ink on the nib or in the cap. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal NY #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Easy variation and reliably wet flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent- [B-]. Hard rubber of the cap is dark black with virtually no fading but center of barrel shows fading to dark chocolate under certain lights. Chasing on cap is sharp and deep but barrel chasing is very light and only visible when the light strikes it. German Silver clip is pristine with no brassing or other notable wear. Hard rubber surface is smooth with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is weak but mostly legible while number stamp on barrel-end is all but worn away. Price: $190
 
3. c.1918 Waterman 52 (BCHR, NPT w/ Sterling Silver clip, lever filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 5/16” capped. A nice example of Waterman’s celebrated workhorse made of black chased hard rubber with a sterling silver Ideal accommodation clip with “Waterman’s / Made in France” stamped on one side and a hallmark that reads “GP” on the other side (DETAIL PHOTO). This pen came clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a rivet clip). Super-Flexible 14k Ideal NY #2 nib has a needlepoint width and superb snap-back that gives it a surgically precise feel when writing. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Insanely responsive snap-back, needlepoint hairlines, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with virtually no fading. Chasing is weakened a bit yet readily visible over the cap and barrel. Hard rubber surface is smooth with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is quite weak and only partly legible while number stamp on barrel-end is deep and fully legible. Price: $260
 
4. c.1918 Waterman 52 in Box (BCHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k M/B Superflex Factory Stub nib). This full-sized model measures 5 5/16” capped. This pen comes in its original factory box with 5-page pamphlet including care and filling instructions as well as other offerings from Waterman (BOX PHOTO). It’s a clean 52 made of black chased hard rubber with nickel-plated trim including earlier, wide rivet clip. 14k Ideal #2 nib is a Super-Flexible Factory Stub that manages to deliver sharp unflexed variation without compromising smoothness. Under normal pressure it lays down a smooth and consistent M/B line (approx .7mm) on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes. And the line widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE – note change in flex grade after measuring). A versatile nib whose responsive snap-back, easy variation, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it well suited to shaded notes under normal pressure and calligraphic writing styles under flex, the Stub grind keeping one’s letterforms neat and straight. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. This pen and the one below came from an estate of someone who seems to have purchased these pens, wrote with them a few times, then stowed them away in their boxes. This one is definitely collector-grade, having seen very little use. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with no discernible fading. Chasing is evenly sharp and crisp. Hard rubber surface is smooth with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are deep and fully legible. Box is in sound condition with no torn ends but original owner managed somehow to burn a couple small holes in the paperwork. A boxed 52 with an uncommon nib in uncommonly clean condition. Price: $310 [ON HOLD]
 
5. c.1918 Waterman 55 in Box (BCHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Flex/Superflex nib). This oversized model has a thick girth and measures 5 1/2” capped. This pen comes in its original factory box with 5-page pamphlet including care and filling instructions as well as other offerings from Waterman (BOX PHOTO). This pen is made of black chased hard rubber with nickel-plated trim including earlier, wide rivet clip. Commensurably oversized Ideal NY #5 nib yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE – note change in flex grade after measuring). Condition: excellent+/near mint [B+]. This pen came from the same estate as the 52 above and also resembles an artifact of a time capsule. Hard rubber retains its factory black color with no discernible fading. Chasing is factory sharp and crisp. Hard rubber surface is smooth with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are deep and fully legible. Box is in sound condition with no torn ends but original owner managed somehow to burn some small holes in the paperwork for this one as well. These big fellas are getting tougher to find, especially in this condition. Price: $440 [ON HOLD]
 
6. c.1921 Wahl Pen 72 (BCHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k XXF Superflex nib). This standard sized model measures 5 3/16” capped. Having purchased the assets of the Boston Fountain Pen Company, Wahl began manufacturing fountain pens in 1917. Wahl’s first pens were essentially rebranded Bostons and Tempoints (a NY company they acquired in 1918). The first full-fledged Wahls, dubbed simply “The Wahl Pen,” rolled off out of the factory in 1921. This 72 one of those pens. Its’s made of black chased hard rubber complemented by nickel-plated trim including Wahl’s patented roller-clip. The Wahl Pen is chiefly distinguished from earlier designs by its patented Wahl lever with apexed center. Super-Flexible 14k Wahl Pen #2 nib is a lovely writer. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.4mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, superbly responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent/near mint [B+]. Hard rubber retains its factory black color with virtually no fading/oxidation. Chasing is factory deep and crisp with no discernible wear. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Nickel-plated trim is exceptionally clean with no brassing or other noteworthy blemishes apart from light scratching to the clip. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are deep and fully legible. Price: $280
 
7. 1910s Parker Lucky Curve 20 (smooth BHR, eyedropper filler, 14k XF/F Superflex/Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 5/16” capped. Parker collectors know all too well how much harder it is to find early Parker eyedroppers compared to say, Waterman 12s. This simple, utilitarian Lucky Curve eyedropper from the early teens is made of smooth, black hard rubber. Slip cap came clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a clip). Long Lucky Curve feed is intact. This pen is an eyedropper. The section unscrews for the barrel to filled using an eyedroppepipette – holds far more ink than a lever filler of the same size. My usual caveats about early eyedroppers apply here. If carried, it is not uncommon to find a little ink on the nib or in the cap. Early 14k Lucky Curve #2 nib with teardrop breather hole yields Super-Flexible variation with softness and flow verging on that of a Wet Noodle (comparable to a soft dip pen nib). It lays down a smooth and consistent XF/F line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.4mm) under very light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines with a light hand, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Black hard rubber retains its factory black color apart from minor fading to a deep, dark brown on the barrel visible under certain lights. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes aside from a group of short scratches to the left of the imprint (see imprints photo). Nib shows a small scuff here and there and a scratch on one tine that has no effect on durability or performance. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are deep and fully legible. A lovely writer and the first example of one of these I’ve ever offered. Price: $270
 
8. c.1915 Parker 16 Overlay (gold-filled over BHR, button filler, 14k XF Wet Noodle nib). Measures 4 5/8" capped and 6” posted. While Waterman overlays of this period aren't particularly common, they're far more numerous than their Parker counterparts today. Parker overlays like this one were commissioned to the George W. Heath company in New York, who is credited for some of the finer overlays on early Watermans and Conklins as well. The gold-filled filigree over this black hard rubber ringtop features an exquisitely hand-engraved Art Nouveau pattern as well as an indicia on the barrel for engraving. The pattern is the earlier, more intricate design that's more sought after than the simpler Art Deco pattern of the later 1910s-20s. Barrel overlay is stamped "Parker Fountain Pen" along with patent dates from 1891 and 1905. Pen has an Xmas tree, Lucky Curve feed and knurled blindcap unscrews to reveal brass button for filling. To fill, one simply unscrews the blind cap, submerses the nib, and depresses the brass button once. The fine workmanship of this pen is complemented by an early 14k Lucky Curve #3 nib, a scarce “Lazy S” variant with long tines. The nib is a Wet Noodle with softness, variation, and flow comparable to that of a dip pen nib. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Another nib with astonishingly responsive snap-back giving it a precision feel and you maximum control over the line. Together with its thin hairlines and reliable flow over its full range of flex, this makes for an ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Overlay shows no brassing, dents, or other notable flaws aside from some pin-sized dings confined to the knurled portion around the top of the cap. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with scarcely any fading. Knurling of blind cap isn’t quite as sharp as it once was and number stamp on barrel-end is faint but legible under bright light. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $380 [ON HOLD]
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. Otherwise they are mailed within 2 business days of payment. All pens that do not come with their original boxes are packaged in PVC or thick plastic tubes to protect them in transit. To CONUS locations the following shipping options are available:
  • USPS First-Class with tracking for $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, I strongly recommend that the Priority shipping option be chosen. All packages will include full insurance (covered by me). Rest assured that a full refund is guaranteed (issued through Paypal) in the event of a lost parcel and you will not have to wait until I receive a reimbursement from the USPS.
  • USPS Priority with tracking for $9
International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). Please do not ask me to commit mail fraud by altering the declared value of a pen for customs. Not only am I registered as a business but shipping insurance is based on declared value.
New York Customers: For tax purposes, I am now required to add an 8% sales tax on any sale made in the state of NY. If your shipping address is in NY state, please let me know before payment to receive an adjusted total. Discounted shipping is included for NY State residents to help defray the extra cost.
Ordering: Pens are placed on hold for the first person to reply to the thread and PM me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” would be best to avoid confusion), to which I’ll reply with payment details. Please note that a message inquiring into a price discount does not suffice to place a pen on hold. If I haven't received Paypal payment within 24 hrs after a hold is placed, then pen(s) may become available to the next person.
Payment, & Guarantee: Payment by Paypal only. All pens are guaranteed to be in the condition in which I've described them. If I've missed something objectionable or the filling mechanism is not fully functional, the buyer may contact me up to 7 days after receiving the pen for a full refund (issued once I receive the pen back in the same condition as sold). Buyer must ship the return no later than 2 weeks after it was delivered to receive a refund. I've sold pens online for over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS
submitted by popcodswallop to Pen_Swap [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:54 PixelScriptsUK Laser level recommendations

Looking for my first laser level, I've read that green is much better than red for visibility, but cost more.
Typical usage will be, lining up sockets and switches, Marking joists when over boarding.
So ideally will need a pole or method of easily mounting.
Never owned one so any pro and cons of your recommendation would be amazing.
Cost will be the deciding factor, but I am willing to pay more if it can be justified.
So far I've considered
A floor to ceiling mounting pole that seems to come in around £50
  1. Cheap £30 ones off Amazon
  2. Stanley cubix for around £50
  3. Around £150 for a typical big brand version
Hard to tell the merits of all the options from descriptions alone.
submitted by PixelScriptsUK to DIYUK [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:35 MGK_2 A Means to an End

It occurred to me that my previous post Changing Gears left people hanging. So, I felt compelled to follow up and give an answer.
Part 2.
So, I would say we have hit upon a link of sorts that exists between Merck and CytoDyn that cannot be denied.
As I alluded to in that post, there must have been a massive conflict of interest in CytoDyn's management BOD and Cyrus' intentions when it came time to making the decision to proceed or not to proceed with a fully funded MD Anderson combination Keytruda Clinical Trial for mCRC. While it would have been greatly in favor of CytoDyn to pursue this trial, the BOD incredulously made the unbelievable decision to walk away from it, completely against Cyrus' wishes. As we know, "Any government divided cannot stand. It will fall... eventually."
Was there an argument between Cyrus and Tanya? I'd say more than likely yes. He was still VP and remains as such. I believe the reason why the BOD decided the way they did was due to their 1st allegiance to the FDA and not doing anything that would risk the hold getting lifted. After all, they came too far to blow it at the last mile. However, it remains possible, that Merck did not want the MD Anderson Phase II Combination trial for mCRC to happen. After all, Merck just completed their own trial of Keytruda with their own CCR5 blockade Vicriviroc and the trial just finished last week. It failed. Maybe they needed time to see if their own CCR5 blockade would work before experimenting with ours at MD Anderson?
Could Merck have influenced the BOD in one way or another and push to cancel the free trial? The trial that Cyrus arranged which would provide CytoDyn with a vast amount of FREE unequivocal Research Data so valuable to CytoDyn. That would have provided that pot of gold, free of charge to CytoDyn. The unassailable and unequivocal data set which Cyrus absolutely required in order to properly present the Company to Big Pharma so as to receive proper bids and valuation. Merck could have been against proceeding in this trial because they had their own to try first and that might have influenced our BOD to pull the plug. Maybe Merck said, "wait, we want to try out our drug first. If it fails, we will be knocking on your door." And that was all which was necessary to get the BOD to comply.
Now, with Dr. Lalezari as CEO, CytoDyn is back on board in the pursuit of mCRC and his decision is supreme. Why wouldn't that fully funded MD Anderson trial still be an option? Maybe it still is available, but it would have to be a combination trial ONLY. The two drugs cannot be pitted one against the other. You cannot have leronlimab beating Keytruda. No absolutely not. Given that Keytruda is on the ticket, the FDA accepts the trial.
From this BioSpace Article March, 2023, Cyrus confidently asserted:
"These are both areas where checkpoint inhibitors have failed to show efficacy when added to a standard-of-care backbone, Arman said, adding that leronlimab has shown positive signals in both.
“From a mechanistic standpoint, we believe we could get a synergistic effect with a checkpoint inhibitor,” he said.
Leronlimab is currently being trialed in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in a breast cancer xenograft model in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Arman said CytoDyn expects to observe an enhanced anti-tumor effect from the combination and identify immunological biomarkers."
From the May 2024 Letter to Shareholders, Dr. Lalezari stated:
"It is imperative that the Company generate unassailable results in the clinic and I believe the above trials can accomplish this. Starting the oncology study and related fundraising is the top priority of the Company at this time"
Both of them boldly claim the effectiveness of leronlimab in mCRC. Cyrus says it could generate a synergistic effect with Keytruda resulting from the combination of the two drugs, while Lalezari points to the unassailable results both must have appreciated. Certainly, both men have also seen the unassailable results that shall be described in the coming (2) journal articles in mTNBC. When Amarex was forced to hand over the raw data of these trials, it had to be decoded and put into FDA Good Clinical Practice format which took hours and hours of painstaking work, but it got done thanks to Bernie Cunningham, Joseph Miedling and the auditors Cyrus put into place for such work. What they found must have been truly amazing so as to compel them to put those results into a peer reviewed journal articles.
In my prior thesis which u/psasoffice had also helped me determine, The Timeline and The Connections as to why CytoDyn pulled out, I discussed Kivlighn's role in the matter. Remember, I put forth that Kivlighn had pulled it away from Merck. That he took the free trial opportunity away from them so they could just buy us to perform the trial themselves. I said that Kivlighn caused CytoDyn's BOD to pull out of the trial in hopes of forcing Merck to swoop in and buy CytoDyn outright. I wrote:
"Kivlighn needed to determine CytoDyn's best path to partner. Kivlighn began changing the direction of the company while Cyrus Arman was sick. Cyrus was headed down the "do it alone" path. His main goal was MASH, but he also wanted to partner in Oncology and he wanted HIV, cure, long acting and was eyeing the resubmission of HIV-MDR. When Cyrus was out on MLOA, Kivlighn had the opportunity to modify or change Cyrus' original heading. Kivlighn wanted the company sold. He wanted the company partnered or bought out.
At some point, because of the results of the MD Anderson study, I believe Cyrus Arman had negotiated with MD Anderson on a CRC trial where CytoDyn would supply all the leronlimab, while MD Anderson did everything else. MD Anderson offered this to Cyrus and Cyrus was all in. Just waiting for the hold to lift. But, while Cyrus was sick and out on MLOA, and because Kivlighn had Merck experience and because Kivlighn "knew" how to make the company obtain a partnership, he recommended that CytoDyn turn down the MD Anderson offer to perform the CRC trial and to take that away from Merck. Almost like a "bait and switch". Kivlighn was thinking that if Merck really wanted CytoDyn, that they would come on in, swoop down and buy it outright, completely before anything was proven by trial, that might raise the asking price as they knew its capacity already given the study was with Keytruda, MD Anderson and leronlimab. They could do the trial themselves if they bought CytoDyn. Maybe, Kivlighn wanted to prevent Merck from thinking that they can wait to see how well leronlimab does in the MD Anderson sponsored trial which would give Merck some time before making the offer to buy CytoDyn. He wanted to take that away from Merck and force them to buy now. Because if the MD Anderson trial were to proceed in CRC, the good results would make CytoDyn even more valuable. I'm really not sure what Kivlighn was thinking, but whatever it was, it sure did piss off many people, especially Cyrus Arman."
If this conjectured hypothesis is right, then Kivlighn must also have believed, that the data in both the mCRC murine study and the mTNBC trial which he had also seen, in his opinion, was powerful enough such that a Phase II trial was not even necessary and a pull out of the trial would surely induce Merck, (who was also privy to the same murine data), to purchase the Company. What Kivlighn failed to consider though, (if this whole scenario is true), is that CytoDyn never owned the MD Anderson data and CytoDyn now has no way to prove that the MD Anderson results in fact do amaze unless they decide to purchase that data from MD Anderson. In addition, he also failed to recognize that Merck was running their own combination Keytruda + CCR5 Blockade Vicriviroc against mCRC simultaneously. So, then the BOD, Kivlighn and possibly Merck could be all to blame for the cancellation of this otherwise windfall and gratis trial that CytoDyn could have immensely benefited from.
As to the pursuit of what the FDA intended for CytoDyn to proceed once coming off hold, which is the Inflammation and Immune Activation trial, it initially did not draw sufficient support from the public and therefore did not result in an increasing share price to the point to raise funds without completely depleting available shares. Therefore, CytoDyn now has its CEO and VP in concert back on the mCRC train again. But a partner is necessary and fund raising has become #1 priority.
Look, all of the companies are out to find the best weapon against these MSS tumors. Right now, there is no solution. Leronlimab is the solution and the data that proves it is in the hands of MD Anderson. Soon, data for it is forthcoming in the (2) peer reviewed journal articles in mTNBC. But regarding mCRC, that data resides with MD Anderson and it is only in a murine study, but apparently good enough to have been offered a fully funded Phase II combination trial with Keytruda. So, Dr. Lalezari made the decision to shift gears to this new mCRC indication but he needs money. He also needs a partner. But he has Cyrus there at his side and Cyrus somehow got MD Anderson to create this Phase II trial.. How did he do that? He must have spoken to some Merck people, wouldn't you think? to see if they also wanted to take the profound murine mTNBC results and apply them towards mCRC in a fully funded human, phase II combo trial? Maybe he can do it again and if need be, without Keytruda?
But this time around, the only way the trial could be run is as a combination only trial. The two drugs could not be pitted against each other. If they were synergistic before, then they are kept that way. Regardless of which PD-1 blockade is used, it should remain a combination trial because of the partnership. The partnership is more important than which drug is doing the work. But, Why would we want to experiment with another PD-1 blocker when we already have seen the results as synergistic? We wouldn't unless we were forced to. Meaning, Merck fails to enter while another PD-1 comes in and partners. Would that induce a Merck counter bid? Assuming they have found no solution to their expiring patent problem, it probably would.
After all, why is every drug out there failing to extend their patent? Is Keytruda simply unable to treat MSS type tumors despite all means of assistance? But we have evidence of their synergism. Given that the only known substance on Earth that is capable of treating these MSS tumors is leronlimab, why have we not been the #1 choice to combine with? Until now, with the hold said and done with and given the new change in priority to mCRC, and with Merck's Keytruda with their own CCR5 blockade Vicriviroc Trial which failed, will Merck now be interested to take a second look at CytoDyn? How long will this search go on for? How many patients?
The provocative data is coming in peer reviewed journal articles that prove leronlimab treats the very difficult mTNBC. Merck already knows from the murine study that it treats the MSS mCRC tumors. What matters is that they know the data and that the data is unassailable as per Lalezari and Arman. They know that by combining with leronlimab, they would have a successful result. The only problem is that they cannot show that leronlimab is better at it than Keytruda. Therefore, they cannot have a standalone leronlimab arm and a standalone Keytruda arm. The two cannot be pitted against each other. And I thank Respert24 for this ingenious answer.
"Notice they didn't create a Dud-Only arm versus a Keytruda-Only arm. A surefire way to inadvertently show that a different drug is better than your own. Keytruda is already "proven" and is going to want to run a trial that shows they can extend their patent. Similar to this trial, if we ended up in a trial with them it would, in my humble opinion, be Keytruda + LL all day. Maybe both of the doses we've had in studies (350/700).
What I don't expect is a trial that Cytodyn would run if there was no partnership, which is to compare and contrast LL to Keytruda. If Merck is running it they're just trying to show that together you see a better result, and boom! They've got new life and we've got the exciting new darling of the oncology world."
CytoDyn have seen the data on mCRC, but it is not in their pocket. However, they do have the mTNBC data, but no priority to target that right now. Is that because, Merck or MD Anderson might have an interest in treating mCRC MSS type tumors? So, it seems like this won't be solved until Merck finds a solution to their problem before their patent expires. Patent expiration is the end all to all of this and they have 4 more years of trying to find something that will extend it. Something that allows it to be used on all MSS tumors, not just mCRC or mTNBC, but 85% of all cancers.
Given that Keytruda is the Darling of the Oncology World and given leronlimab is the only drug that can treat 85% of the oncologic tumors out there while Keytruda can only help less than 15%, doesn't it make sense for them to come together in combination therapy to treat the entirety of cancers across the board? In this way, so many of the world's problems could be wiped out in one solid partnership. Isn't the name of the game to have a therapeutic solution to the entirety of this disease? And who can't work with Lalezari? That is no excuse.
submitted by MGK_2 to Livimmune [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:34 Radiant_Ad_1851 Popular perception of "Paris in the Twentieth Century" is...lacking, in my opinion

Popular perception of
Paris in the Twentieth century is a novel written by Jules Verne and published in...the 1990s.
Now if you've heard about the book without having read it, it's probably for 1 of 2 reasons. Either you've heard about its late discovery by his great grandchildren, or for its wonderous predictions about future technology which were really close to the truth.
However, that is often where the popular analysis ends. (In my experience at least, you might have had a different one obviously).
The book also delves into social questions as well. Verne wrote the book with a future warning, and his publisher prevented the publication of the book specifically because it was too dark and dystopia compared to Verne's previous novels.
In the book, a young prodigy graduates at the age of 16 with a degree in literature. However, as he explores the titular Paris, he finds that his skills are unwelcome and the arts forgotten in exchange for undying efficiency and technological development. He only manages to barely get a banking job that allows him to live and pursue art. Love even has its luster stolen, as people are so worked to the bone that everyone had become cynical and neurotic.
The book is treated, rightly, as a dystopia. However it isnt dystopia in the 1984 sense. Even taking a cursory glance at 1984 or Farenheit 451 or HG Welles fictional society in The Time machine, you can see that those places are not places you would want to live in. And you wouldn't blame people for wanting to leave them, or change the system...The world in this book, though, it really is a beautiful world when you look in from the outside. Without venturing through the struggles of Michel Dufrénoy and his friends and family, all you can see are the technological marvels of the world.
Elevators, planes, quality rail. Even the end of war, since war is now fought by chemists and machinists and technology has made war too costly for great powers to fight eachother as they had decades previously.
Doesnt this all sound familiar? Everytime I hear someone say something like "your an idiot for getting a liberal arts/philosophy/etc. Degree" I think back to this story. And everytime I hear people complain about the lack of "traditional women" I think back to this story. (Funnily enough, both of these are said by the same type of person, despite their cause being the same. Meaning you cannot have one without the other.)
And everytime I hear about the great peace we live in today and how we should be so greatful for the times we live in, I think back to that story, and it's ending.
(Spoilers)
In the end, global climate shifts and an unprecedented winter destroys that year's crops. Mass famine erupts, and thousands starve in the streets as Michel freezes to death, searching for his love who was evicted from her home.
Those are the things I think about when Paris in the Twentieth century is mentioned. Those are the things I think about when I'm told to be grateful for the technological times we live in. And I think those should be the things thought about. Those are the principles contradictions of the society we live in. And if today we praise Verne for predicting the elevator and jet aircraft, then I think he should also be praised for his predictions about society and culture.
Note: For some reason I can't post without a link so the link is just some article that kinda exhibits my point.
submitted by Radiant_Ad_1851 to books [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:32 herein2024 Luba 2 5000 vs Husqvarna 450EPOS - The Missing Comprehensive Comparison

So, I have the dubious honor of having owned both the Luba 2 5000 and the Husqvarna 450X EPOS at the same time for the same yard. I also have the Husqvarna 315X wired version as well. But in this post I want to provide a comprehensive comparison between the Husq 450X EPOS and the Luba 2 5000. There are already tons of vendor marketing materials, YouTubers with their reviews, etc. My goal is to provide a real comprehensive review, with no fanboyism, no hidden agenda, just as a homeowner who wants something that works reliably and that lasts.
In this post my goal is also to provide new information that I was not able to find anywhere when I was comparing these two prior to purchase, if you have any questions that you want answered that I did not cover here just let me know.
MY YARD
My yard is a pretty simple Florida rectangular acre with about 5 big oak trees and plenty more overhanging my yard from my neighbors' yards. I have about 1/2 acre in the back and about 0.30 acres in the front. I use the Husq 315X to mow the front and decided to buy a wireless version to mow the back. I also have a thin strip outside of the front fence that I mow on occasion after opening the gates and fences.
LUBA2 5000 vs HUSQ 450X EPOS
Below I have arranged my findings by categories, with the most surprising being first.
OVERALL WINNER (TIE)
Right now both the Luba 2 and the Husq 450X EPOS have a fatal flaw; the Luba 2 badly chews up my yard, and the 450X EPOS can't seem to find its RTK/Satellite Signals. At this point in time I do not know if the Luba's or 450X EPOS's problems are just software or a fundamental hardware problem. Mammotion is addressing their hardware design with the release of the Yuka, I can only hope the RTK problem with the 450X EPOS can be fixed via a firmware update.
I know the 450X EPOS won a lot of categories for me, but if it sits around in my yard all day searching for a signal then none of the rest of its features matter. RTK is so important to the fundamental operation of a wireless RTK robot that it supersedes all else in my book.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Luba 2 - I would recommend the Luba 2 if any of the below are true:
450X EPOS - I would recommend the Husq 450X EPOS if ALL of the below are true:
Wired Solutions - My front yard Husq 315X wire guided mower is great, problem free, and still uses a wire. I used a trenching machine, bought heavy duty 14 gauge wire, and buried it around 8" deep. In my opinion, if you can deal with installing the wire, not being able to change things later, and risk the wire breaks, wired is still the most reliable way to go. I think wireless mowers are very close to being mature, but something needs to come along to reduce the problems with satellite reception, RTK placement, and blockage from buildings and trees. We don't all have that perfect wide open yard with no trees or buildings.
submitted by herein2024 to automower [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:31 delsci Should I take my anxious cat on a 3 week vacation? Or board her?

I have had my cat for a year and a half. She’s extremely anxious when traveling (even a 10 min drive to the vet). And hides at the vet and when new people come over. She does get used to new things pretty quickly now the longer she’s stayed with us. Isn’t scared of storms or fireworks just of new situations.
I am going on a 3 week vacation. I would fly with her so the total journey house to vacation home would take no more than 6 hours. I would get medicine so hopefully she just sleeps thru it. At the vacation we would be in a condo so she would have a few rooms to roam. The thing I am concerned about is running away.
Do you have experience with taking your cat on extended vacation? Would you do it again? What would you do differently?
Boarding: I have boarded her at our vet for 2 weeks before. She was stressed the first two days but then for used to it and was a love bug and played with the techs. It’s a nice facility with natural light, she gets a dog sized high walled kennel, a tree in the space, regular checks with play and affection, and it isn’t busy with other cats. It would probably be more traumatic for me than her. It would cost $1700ish but price isn’t a huge issue for me as long as she is safe and comfortable. I know being boarded maybe is the best option as she would be safest.
With us: she would be alone for a max of 6 hours a day. It’s a good sized house and she would have a tree as well. She isn’t destructive in our house so she wouldn’t be in new house, especially when stressed her response is hide and be quiet. She would get a lot of stimulation (new house) plus leashed in the backyard if she is comfortable. Price would be $700 since I would fly with premium seat for more space for her and buy a tree or two to arrive at that house that we would have to leave there. My big concern is she would run away and because I need to return home for work I would be able to stay long term and find her. Now she never has run away from home or even escaped. Instead she is actually afraid of going outside! However with a new environment I am worried she will be unpredictable and may do something dramatic like run outside. That’s my biggest concern and this may just be a personal anxiety concern. If I take away the run away possibility taking her with her with us is the best option.
What do you think? Please any advice would be good.
submitted by delsci to CatAdvice [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:27 jtothehizzy Recently finished table

Recently finished table
I needed a table for my PC to sit on beside my desk. So instead of buying one, I built one for at least twice the cost and who knows how much extra time, but I do like it and happy with the way it turned out.
The top is red oak, cedar, and maple. Skirt and legs are also maple. This is the first time that I have used Natura OneCoat and it is phenomenal to work with. As good, maybe better than Rubio. Finish has a little more sheen to it than Rubio and the cost is significantly less. Nights and weekend project. The desk beside it has seen YEARS of abuse and is my next project, when my 3 yr old and 8 month old allow me to spend time in the shop.
submitted by jtothehizzy to woodworking [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:27 mindcatwaterman Attorneys Defending RNs to Board of Nursing TN & MS

I do not seek law ADVICE, only legal information. - What law allows, states, its application, etc... & FILING specs...
U spend all day, every day reading you DONT WANT TO READ THIS. But THIS IS TRULY A CLUSTER FCK CHALLENGE, I do mass tort/consulting stuff... not my bag... & I've put in UNGODLY AMOUNT of hours of research into this. I'm throwing a hail marry. Maybe you deal w/ this sht every day and the picture is super clear to you. You'd literally be saving me MONTHS more of research, if ya just threw a lil bone my way.... Dont even have to solve the whole dilemma... Just ONE liners will do. Any gem ya got. SKIP TO THE BOTTOM IF YA WANT THE SHORT VERSION.
Allow me to lay the fkd context. This info may answer questions you may need answered before you are able to appropriately navigate my salvation.
One ridiculous hypothetical scenario: RN is off duty, out w/ friends, EMS called > Narcan WRONGFULLY admin > occurs in TN, the same state in which she is currently employed; Is licensed in MS (a Compact State). No arrest, No charges. A PD report stating suspected OD. Sent to ER; No tox screen; Requests discharge; END OF EVENT.
The RN's position of the "facts" : There was no OD, regardless of who called 911 or what they may have thought or stated to get an ambulance there. There is NO evidence of intoxication, as their physical status could have been attributed to countless a diagnosis. States she was coherent and talking with the EMT prior to the Narcan admin; claims she verbally made EMT aware Narcan is contraindicated to a CONSCIOUS person, as she was NOT on any substance that would indicate the need of Naloxone/Narcan. Herself, being an RN, was qualified to make an informed decision. EMT administered anyway, RN stated that there was ZERO improvement in her condition, as she knew there would not be.
This may have been a decent argument, easy enough to explain to the TN Board of Nursing, who called upon RN for a Disciplinary Hearing- Privilege to Practice in jeopardy. HOWEVER, when the RN returned from a travel contract job out of state to her home, she found the letter informing her of this hearing ON THE DAY IT WAS SCHEDULED. She drove like a bat out of hell to TN BON; She arrived only 15 min after 5pm that day. She stayed the night in a hotel, where the next a.m. she was told TOO LATE. FINAL ORDER. By being absent, she forfeited her right to be heard/defend herself and the order has already been filed. But, not to worry terribly, bc she only lost her Privilege to Practice in TN, nothing had happened to her actual Nursing license.
FF to MS BON Hearing.... Not bc they heard or knew anything about EMS or ODosing- BC they were notified when she lost her priv to practice in a diff state. So, another hearing. RN goes to this one- She gives her defense. She was a nervous fkn mess, but in the end the MSBON orders: her to pay a fine, do some classes, some mental/phys eval, etc... ton of stuff that cost a ton of money. This hearing took place over ZOOM in the SLAM BAM middle of the COVID quarantine.
She didnt do it. ANy of it. So, of course, when they go to eval it a year later, she repsnded talking w/ them a few times about deadlines, extra time, ect- they dont budge, instead, slap her w/ another displ action: FRAUD. (Bc she agreed to do all that stuff by a certain date and didnt).
Short version/TLDR: Rn got wrongfully narcanned by EMS; lost priv to prac in a state bc she missed hearing; her home state board of nursing does a discplnry action on her due to loss of priv to prac- orders her to do a bunch of crap she didnt do in time, slap her w/ another discp action (fraud) for it. now, its been 3 years and she wants to get this shit straight.
The official standing of her license does NOT say REVOKED, it says, " ADMIN INACTIVE" & "Suspended"
Is it administratively eligible (by NPA laws) to do the things she was ordered to do and request new hearing? Past appeal date, any way circt court might just hear all this and order reinstatement, overriding the MSBONs final orders? (that ever happen to anyone successfully?)
fix the TN priv. to prac revoke before fixing MSBON licensure? or does that matter, procedurally?
submitted by mindcatwaterman to legal [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:26 TOP_TIER Competitive Consensus: Sage

Intro

This thread is a discussion series at the tail end of the week for each newly introduced Spotlight card. This gives us nearly a week of hindsight to build a consensus and help inform players if they should open their caches for a given week. Ideally, we are looking for proven results (which can understandably be difficult to achieve in a week) more than theoretical applications to help reach this consensus, so players know what becomes less accessible to them after the Spotlight rotation.
​

This week's card: Sage

Energy: 3
Power: 0
On Reveal: +2 Power for each different Power among all other cards here.
​

Background, High-level Strategy, and Use Cases

I have good news and bad news about Sage: the bad news it that her only ability is to provide Power; the good news is that Power wins games of Marvel SNAP.
Sage joins a class of cards at 3-cost that scale to high ceilings with some support, including Bishop, Wolfsbane, and Hit-Monkey. Unlike her peers, Sage reaches great heights without much effort. She has a "natural" ceiling of a whopping 14 Power when you and your opponent's lanes are filled up just right, which is head and shoulders above the other cards in this category.
I'll walk through each example to illustrate the point. Bishop needs to come down on turn 3 and needs 2 cards played to match each 1 card needed to boost Sage, whereas Sage can scale off your turn 1 and 2 plays, and gets better drawn later while Bishop gets worse. Wolfsbane doesn't see competitive play, and only outshines Sage in a scenario where you are filling lanes with a bunch of the same Power, like with Brood, but she doesn't scale at all with your opponent's presence; the unfortunate reality is that Sage is very much the same card, just reborn at a series-5 power level. Lastly Hit-Monkey still holds a meaningful competition with Sage, and as the decklists below will illustrate, the two are often played together. We can somewhat demonstrate that Hit-Monkey has a "ceiling" of 10 Power when no discounts are involved; this is a turn 6 with Mysterio and a 1-cost for support. We can see that Sage compares very favorably to the other scaling 3-costs that act as win conditions in these decks packed with low-cost cards (i.e. Beast and/or Kitty decks).
To re-iterate a concept I briefly mentioned in Valentina's release, the above comparisons can be thought of like a "value over replacement player" statistic. From Wikipedia:
In baseball, value over replacement player (or VORP) is a statistic popularized by Keith Woolner that demonstrates how much a hitter or pitcher contributes to their team in comparison to a replacement-level player who is an average fielder at that position and a below average hitter.
Considering Sage does not bring a unique effect, even if she is the best-in-class for this effect, you must determine how much it's worth to you (in Spotlight keys) to have that extra margin of premium stats over a replacement-level card like Bishop. Depending on the deck -- especially if it's a strategy other than Bounce -- Sage is quite replaceable by a card like Gladiator, who also boasts premium stats with a different set of strengths and weaknesses.
Speaking of weaknesses, you may have dismissed Sage altogether due to this season's villain: Leech. He's a real problem for a card you want to hold in your hand for a late-game On Reveal effect. While I don't have a crystal ball, Leech has been changed three times since April 2023 (from 5/3 On Reveal: Remove all abilities, to a 5/3 with trigger on turn 6, to a 5/3 On Reveal: Remove On Reveals, to the current 4/2 On Reveal: Remove On Reveals) and I would expect him to continue to get changed to where he's less of a metagame-defining card. If/when Leech is no longer a problem for Sage, her value goes way up as a card that can turn around a lane on turn 6.
Another important dimension helping to future-proof this card is her synergy with Ravonna "the new Zabu" Renslayer. Ravonna has seen play in a wide variety of archetypes, including Mr. Negative, Tribunal, Patior, Junk, and those oddball Havok decks. There's even a Ravonna Surfer list below, where Sage is the perfect intersection of two deckbuilding requirements. Playing out this card at a discount further pushes her as an elite rate of stats.
And lastly, on the note of stats, sometimes that's all you need for a card to be great. Since starting this series, the cards I've covered that are "just stats" include Red Hulk, Mockingbird, and Cull Obsidian, which have all had noteworthy competitive performances. Sage might be the next addition to this powerful roster, but I'll leave that question to the discussion below: Is the juice worth the squeeze?
​

Sample Decklists

  1. Bounce
  2. Falcon-Focused Bounce
  3. All-in Junk
  4. Nova Surfer
  5. Ravonna X/Ball Ravonna Surfer Daredevil Junk
  6. Goose Surfer
  7. Jane Negative
  8. Jane Hammers
  9. Ultron
  10. Mill
  11. Wong+Odin Combo
  12. High Evo
These decklists come from a variety of sources but generally the top 1k of ladder; some are more proven than others.
​

What's your verdict?

Is Sage worth the key(s) now, or should players wait until a future Spotlight rotation?
Is Sage a sleeper hit waiting to be rid of the metagame menace?
submitted by TOP_TIER to marvelsnapcomp [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:24 SpacemanSpiffEsq General Information / FAQ

General

This subreddit is North American focused. If you would like to provide information from other countries, please leave it in a comment below or contact the moderators.
 
What is a perfusionist and what do they do?
A perfusionist’s central role is to operate a heart-lung machine during open heart surgeries or other surgeries where blood flow may be impaired or interrupted. Examples of surgeries or devices that may require perfusionists most commonly include:
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
  • Heart Valve Repair or Replacement
  • Congenital Heart Defect Repairs
  • Organ Transplants
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
  • Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD)
  • Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABP)
  • Chemoperfusion
 
What is the salary and job outlook?
Salaries for perfusionists are generally higher than $150,000 per year. There are a wide variety of pay structures that will affect total compensation packages.
The future of perfusion is unclear, mostly due to concerns of market saturation. A search through /Perfusion will reveal a wide variety of opinions on the matter. The American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) publishes an annual report listing the number of certifications gained and lost. Included in the most current report (2023) is a historical list going back to 2000. Included in the 2022 report is the number of students admitted and graduated in 2021 and 2022.
 
Professional Organizations and Resources:  
 

Education and Credentialing

 
How do I become a perfusionist?
To become a practicing perfusionist in the United States, you must become a Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP). This credential is governed by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) and is awarded after passing two board examinations: the Perfusion Basic Science Examination (PBSE) and the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination (CAPE).
Qualification to sit for the board exams is achieved by completing a certified program. The accrediting body for programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and a current list of programs may be found by going to this page, selecting “Profession” and choosing “Perfusion.” Unfortunately, this does not include programs that are defunct or programs that are undergoing the preliminary accreditation process. All schools require an undergraduate degree before entry regardless of outcome: degree or certificate.
The list of schools maintained at Perfusion.com and at SpecialtyCare are not current.
Programs currently undergoing preliminary certification include (alphabetical):
Program lengths vary from 18 to 21 months and cost varies from approximately $30,000 to $140,000.
 

Common Questions About the Application Process

 
Is it competitive?
The application process is extremely competitive. Schools are typically receiving several hundred applications and most take 20 or fewer students.
When does the application cycle begin?
The application cycle is different for each school, but typically start as early as June 1 for start dates the following year.
That means that for the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year, applications will begin opening on June 1, 2024.
When do applications close?
Again, each program will be different. Some programs close earlier than others. Some programs have processes that take awhile to complete, so it is advisable to complete your application before the process closes.
Which school should I apply to?
You should apply to every school you're qualified for.
What prerequisites are required for perfusion school?
Each of the programs have different requirements. Contacting each of the programs with program specific questions is going to result in much more accurate answers than asking here. Programs can and do change requirements on an ongoing basis.
Nearly all programs require at least a documented conversation with a perfusionist or shadowing a case as part of the application process.
How do I find a perfusionist to shadow?
LinkedIn is your best resource. You may also post a request for a specific geographical area using the flair “Shadow Request.” You can also try contacting hospitals that do open heart surgery and arranging to shadow a perfusionist.
What kind of work experience is useful when applying to perfusion school?
Perfusion assistant jobs are sometimes referred to as a “golden ticket” for admission to a school. Many schools seem to value healthcare experience, through what type varies from school to school. Traditionally, RNs with critical care or operating room experience and respiratory techs seem to have a high degree of success. Other perfusion / OR adjacent jobs like anesthesia techs also seem to correlate with higher acceptance rates. As the application process becomes more competitive, it may be worth reaching out to current students to see what class make ups look like or Program Directors to see what advice they may give. Unfortunately, the application process is a “black box” and each institution has different qualities, traits, and experience they seem to value.
What are my chances of getting into School X? / Should I apply this year or wait until I have more experience?
No one knows. Your chances of getting into a school that you haven't applied to are zero. Contact the program for specific questions and guidance about your situation. The application process is a "black box" process with only the Program Directors and Admissions Council Members knowing how they work and what they are looking for in the current cohort. If you have specific questions about feedback you have received, feel free to ask them. Generic "what if" questions have a low likelihood of being approved in this subreddit.
Social Media
Look over all your social media accounts. Clean them up. Present yourself well online.
Additional Resources
/prospective_perfusion - subreddit dedicated to the application process and questions
/perfusion_accepted - subreddit dedicated to accepted students
 
 
Thanks to ghansie10 for the original thread - if you see this, please DM me!
Please report broken links or incorrect information to the moderators.
Feel free to post questions or information below.
submitted by SpacemanSpiffEsq to Perfusion [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:22 TheNordicCrypto CryptoTag Zeus Review - Seed phrase metal plate

Let's review the seed phrase steel plate storage CryptoTag Zeus. Nothing in my posts or content are financial advice
Youtube video showing CryptoTag Zeus https://youtu.be/I0wBTSXnc44
What is the CryptoTag Zeus? CryptoTag’s titanium seed phrase storage Zeus is a way for crypto people to keep their seed phrases extra safe from fires or water damages.
Why is this needed? When you start with crypto and get your own wallet, it’s likely that the wallet use seed phrases. A 12 or 24 word combination of words that is the key to our crypto funds. And everyone that have these seed phrases on paper have at least once thought about the risks of water and fire. If the paper were our seed phrase words are stored on gets lost or is destroyed, we lose access to our crypto. Cryptotag's products makes it so that we can avoid that risk by storing the seed phrase info on metal plates instead that can withstand high temperatures and water.
How does it work? The seed phrase words are, with the use of a BIP39 word list, converted into numbers (four numbers per word). These numbers are punched into a metal sheet so that the person with the metal sheet can see which numbers are "punched in" for each section. Having the metal sheet and a BIP39 word list one is able to convert the numbers back into the seed phrase words to access the entire seed phrase and thus the crypto wallet.
How much does this seed phrase storage cost? The Zeus standard package costs around $139 dollars. The Zeus seed phrase storage can be found here at CryptoTag.
What comes with the Zeus package? The package comes with everything we need to set it up. The titanium plates, the puncher to punch the holes in the metal sheet with, conversion sheets and a book containing the BIP39 word list which we use to convert the seed phrase words into numbers with back and forth.
Why choose a metal seed phrase wallet instead on paper? Well, it's quite obvious for most that the paper based seed phrases are in risk of being destroyed by fire or water if the place were they are stored are burnt down or flooded. The titanium seed phrase storage sheets are able to sustain high temperatures. (1665C/3029 F).
Is it difficult to setup and use Zeus? No, it's easy to setup and quite straight forward. I took me 15 minutes to setup a new hardware wallet and convert the seed phrases to the numbers on the steel plates. So, the setup goes quite fast.
What hardware wallets work with the CryptoTag Zeus metal plates? We can use the Zeus metal seed phrase storage sheets for our Metamask wallet, our Ledger, Trezor, safepal or any other seed phrase based wallet. As long as a wallet use a seed phrase it is able to be stored using Zeus.
How does it compare against other metal plate seed phrase storages? I have seen other people making comparisons between different metal/steel seed phrase capsules in terms of heat test, heavy pressure and pouring acid on the plates?!? Out of the tests on several different products, the products were users make indents into metal sheets were the most reliable ones during all those tests.
Final thoughts on CryptoTag Zeus This seed phrase storage does indeed increase the security of our crypto funds, but mostly against environmental risks such as fire or floods. If someone have seed phrase papers, having this instead on metal sheets is no doubt much safer. And it does not take up much space either. This storage solution is great for the wallet you want to store crypto on long term. So, this will not be a wallet/seed phrase storage that you transfer funds back and forward to all the time, because it takes a little while to decipher the numbers into words again. The product is not that expensive either for a titanium solution that lasts forever. So if you have a lot of crypto that you want extra secure, I think Zeus is a great addition.
submitted by TheNordicCrypto to Nordic_Crypto [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:22 herein2024 Luba 2 5000 vs Husqvarna 450EPOS - The Missing Comprehensive Comparison

So, I have the dubious honor of having owned both the Luba 2 5000 and the Husqvarna 450X EPOS at the same time for the same yard. I also have the Husqvarna 315X wired version as well. But in this post I want to provide a comprehensive comparison between the Husq 450X EPOS and the Luba 2 5000. There are already tons of vendor marketing materials, YouTubers with their reviews, etc. My goal is to provide a real comprehensive review, with no fanboyism, no hidden agenda, just as a homeowner who wants something that works reliably and that lasts.
In this post my goal is also to provide new information that I was not able to find anywhere when I was comparing these two prior to purchase, if you have any questions that you want answered that I did not cover here just let me know.
MY YARD
My yard is a pretty simple Florida rectangular acre with about 5 big oak trees and plenty more overhanging my yard from my neighbors' yards. I have about 1/2 acre in the back and about 0.30 acres in the front. I use the Husq 315X to mow the front and decided to buy a wireless version to mow the back. I also have a thin strip outside of the front fence that I mow on occasion after opening the gates and fences.
LUBA2 5000 vs HUSQ 450X EPOS
Below I have arranged my findings by categories, with the most surprising being first.
OVERALL WINNER (TIE)
Right now both the Luba 2 and the Husq 450X EPOS have a fatal flaw; the Luba 2 badly chews up my yard, and the 450X EPOS can't seem to find its RTK/Satellite Signals. At this point in time I do not know if the Luba's or 450X EPOS's problems are just software or a fundamental hardware problem. Mammotion is addressing their hardware design with the release of the Yuka, I can only hope the RTK problem with the 450X EPOS can be fixed via a firmware update.
I know the 450X EPOS won a lot of categories for me, but if it sits around in my yard all day searching for a signal then none of the rest of its features matter. RTK is so important to the fundamental operation of a wireless RTK robot that it supersedes all else in my book.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Luba 2 - I would recommend the Luba 2 if any of the below are true:
450X EPOS - I would recommend the Husq 450X EPOS if ALL of the below are true:
Wired Solutions - My front yard Husq 315X wire guided mower is great, problem free, and still uses a wire. I used a trenching machine, bought heavy duty 14 gauge wire, and buried it around 8" deep. In my opinion, if you can deal with installing the wire, not being able to change things later, and risk the wire breaks, wired is still the most reliable way to go. I think wireless mowers are very close to being mature, but something needs to come along to reduce the problems with satellite reception, RTK placement, and blockage from buildings and trees. We don't all have that perfect wide open yard with no trees or buildings.
submitted by herein2024 to MammotionTechnology [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:17 unleaded987 Need help for buying a budget motherboard for a 7800X3D (non-US).

These are the options I'm considering (taxes / shipping costs included):
ASRock B650M-HDV: ~$150 (new) / $145 openbox
MSI Pro B650M-A Wi-Fi: ~$190 * Pros: Wi-Fi card.
MSI Pro B650M-P: ~$155
I'm not in the US, so prices are a little bit higher because of import costs.
I already own a "FENVI Wi-Fi 6E wireless network card" I got from Aliexpress. Is the one included in the MSI better?
I have a P400a case that came with DRGB fans, is there a way of controlling them any other way?
SSDs: Kingston SKC3000 / WD SN750
Main uses are: software development > gaming QHD/4K > occasionally recording and rendering workshop videos.
submitted by unleaded987 to buildapc [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 21:15 theant97 Weekend Rant : LULU MALL

I live more than 10 kilometers away from LULU Mall, but I still visit it once a week, either on weekends or weekdays. Lately, I've been feeling guilty about bypassing local vendors and going to LULU for groceries, thinking their veggies are of better quality. We can't just ignore local vendors, even if they are overpriced and assume they don't provide quality. I’ve compared prices and found that local groceries are about +/- 70 rupees cheapemore expensive. Considering the cost of petrol and the time spent in the queue to bill the veggies, how have we become tolerant of these inconveniences lately?
It's not just about the money. My biggest concern is, why do we go to supermarkets just for groceries? Don't say we don't only go for groceries, many people does this. We're wasting money on petrol and time stuck in traffic. The traffic and parking at LULU are overcrowded. Is it worth wasting our weekend or weekday time in traffic just to visit the mall, only to find there’s not even enough space to sit? Who benefits from spending 30 minutes just to park and buy groceries? Don't ask are you buying from Online(Amazon,Flipkart) or Offline. I find where things are cheaper and return items if they lack quality. I'm just saying, only Groceries DO NOT BUY GROCERIES AT LULU, SPENDING YOUR TIME, ENERGY, AND MONEY—IT IS A TOTAL WASTE.
Can anyone prove that LULU's vegetables are better? They are super duper expensive, and the quality is the same as what you get at any local shop. How can a local street vendor compete against these BIG BIG SUPERMARKETS daily? Some people say that's why Swiggy Instamart is there to support these vendors, but that's another topic for debate.
Can anyone start a delivery business like Swiggy Instamart that sources from local vendors and delivers in the same way in less than 30 minutes, with competitive rates compared to these giants? Let's say, Swiggy at 120, LULU at 110, and Amazon Fresh at 115. We offer 120 + 20 for delivery as well, plus if you subscribe, we waive the delivery charges for a monthly subscription. It can be based on ratings of nearby street vendors. Nowadays, no one can escape ratings and reviews—it's competition in itself. So, vendors won't send spoiled items because bad ratings would spoil their business.
submitted by theant97 to Trivandrum [link] [comments]

http://rodzice.org/