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For context, my undergrad’s annual Reunion is coming up next week. Tens of thousands of people descend on my small, suburban college town, and all of the hotels are typically booked out a year in advance.
I’ve had a Marriott booked since last September, but out of curiosity was perusing local Hilton properties, and saw a Doubletree that had a couple rooms available for 40K HHonors points per night (80K total for the stay). Amex also has a promotion for Hilton transfers right now (1K MR = 2.8K Hilton points, a 40% bonus).
I transferred 29K MR points and booked a room for 80K Hilton points, for 2 nights total. Due to the Reunions, the same room would have cost $1,050 in cash. I’m calculating this as a $1,050 / 29,000 = 3.6 cent / MR point redemption.
I’ve seen some crazy high redemptions on here, but those are mostly for international business class flights.

1. Is this the right way to calculate my redemption value?
2. Is this a good redemption for someone who almost exclusively travels up and down the U.S. East Coast?

Thanks in advance!

Greetings! I am a seasoned tutor with extensive experience and I am excited to assist you with your essays, online exams, assignments, and school projects.
I take great pride in my work and assure you of top-notch quality; I deliver nothing short of excellence.

• Original content guaranteed
• Error-free writing
• Prompt delivery

Upon completion, I provide plagiarism and AI detection reports for your peace of mind.
My expertise covers a wide range of subjects including Psychology, 3D modelling,Business, History, Government, Law, Python, Computer Science, C++, Political Science, Religion, Sociology, IT, and International Relations. If your field of study is not listed here, feel free to inquire.
You can reach me via DM, email qwriters727@gmail.com or Discord dr.nicho
I accept payments through PayPal, Crypto, CashApp, Zelle, Venmo, Wise, and Revolut.
For testimonials and samples, please reach out for more information.
I eagerly anticipate working with you.

I’m a 24 year old woman currently & two years ago, during this month, I was in an episode of what I know now as psychotic depression. this episode lasted from April 2022 to the beginning of July 2022, with severe negative emotional repercussions & life setbacks for the rest of the year (2022) & some of 2023. today, I am still dealing with ptsd from this experience.
Where it began, I have always had anxiety & depression. During 2022, however, I was very depressed about my parent’s divorce, disappointments, past trauma (what I know now is complex ptsd) & working a very stressful full time job. I was also in school full time & put pressure on myself to make the Dean’s list every semester. I was crying at work and moving slowly during my tasks. My bosses had a talk with me and asked me if I was doing okay; I shared I was depressed & going through a lot. They were supportive. I was using cannabis at this time (mostly legal THC amounts) & overall not coping well.
One day at work, I developed a migraine (usually anxiety or depression related for me) & needed to go home. My boss was not happy with me needing to leave…I was sobbing in her office. We talked & she suggested I see a therapist. I went home feeling defeated. That night, probably 2am, I woke up feeling disconnected from myself. I was pacing outside. I was an anxious mess. The anxiety never subsided~ I was going to work but barely functioning. I had to take care of 20+ children while internally panicking. I paced a lot around the classroom & during outside time. I thought people pleasing would fix this, so I began giving my boss classroom ideas & such.
Then began the delusions… which made work & life in general very difficult. I ended up taking a leave of absence from work for about a week & a half. I came back to work part time as a cleaner, still very sick & dissociated. I had chances at being a teacher again but the support was not there for me.
I reached out to my primary doctor multiple times telling them I feel off and anxious. I went to a few therapists who should have hospitalized me or at least noticed psychotic features. My doctor prescribed buspar, which felt like it was helping at first but I was still very dissociated. I was taking buspar 3 times a day for a week & then stopped because I was convinced it was making me worse. I was prescribed Abilify but of course my delusional mind thought I wasn’t psychotic, so I didn’t take them. I even went to the ER & told them I was confused and dissociated. My older brother was there to attest that I wasn’t myself. They discharged me after giving me propranolol so my heart rate from anxiety wasn’t 160bpm. I wish they admitted me. I lived with my mom at the time, she wasn’t the most supportive & yelled at me to take my meds. I feel like everyone failed me during my crisis. I spent a lot of my time researching my symptoms & posting on depersonalization/derealization forums.
~Trigger Warning~ Talk of my Delusions, symptoms & SI. * I was daydreaming about not living and didn’t think I could make it another second living like that. Living moment to moment was extremely difficult, trying to cope. * Flashbacks, dissociation, anxiety, pacing. * Delusions: * I felt I was the last person on earth. I thought maybe I was dead or god’s last person. I thought I created every thing I read on the internet. I was alone. * I thought people (mostly my bosses) were constantly monitoring me, talking about me. * I was worried I would hurt others. I didn’t want to but I felt out of control so what if I accidentally did. * I felt like my body wasn’t mine. There is probably more, I just don’t want to get into it right now as it’s incredibly triggering. I fear a mental health crisis occurring again, my therapist & I talk about this fear many sessions, & in between sessions ~ I constantly think I’m going insane. my therapist has been patient and kind.
my healing journey consisted of lying in bed for half a year~ I tried doordash, instacart & other part time jobs but couldn’t keep up while trying to process what my brain just went through. I was very flashback-y and depressed. luckily, I have a very supportive boyfriend and he was patient while I healed.
I now live in my own apartment, have had a full time job for a year that I’m being promoted at w/ supportive bosses and coworkers, I have been with my boyfriend in a healthy relationship for 2 years, & I’ve been in therapy with my amazing therapist since August and found a new doctor that listens to me and explains things appropriately. I am still scared sometimes of it coming back but with each day, I feel less broken.
Thanks for reading. ♡ don’t give up.

Some of you might know me here. I have posted about the creation of the tabletop game Goblin Auction. This post is meant to be an overview of what I did to create my game, market it and start a Kickstarter for it. Spoiler alert, the Kickstarter did not reach its funding goal and I will also go into what I learned, what I would do instead and what is next for my specific project. I hope you can glean something from my experience if you are also going to games yourself and thinking about self-publishing.
I worked on the creation and marketing of Goblin Auction from about August 2023 to April 2024. That is about 8 to 9 months of really putting in the hours and being serious about game creation. I started as anyone should. Some basic printed cards and components and just playing the games with friends on a regular basis. I honed the project to a point where I had the basic idea of what I was going for and I could move on to the art. (Note: I understood that the game would likely go through many changes before the end. This may require me to redo art or change some significant things, but for personal motivation, starting the art and getting some semblance of what the final game would look like was important to me. Also, starting art and putting out posts can start accruing more attention than just a text post about a game’s creation.)
I have the luxury (or maybe not haha) of being an artist and trained in creating illustration. I didn’t have to pay for someone to design my game for me so the majority of the time spent on the game was spent with me drawing. Art, in my opinion, is the best way to market your game. A good looking and polished product is always better than a good concept in text format, although preferably you’d want both. With drawings I was able to start posting about my game. I felt like this was the best course of marketing for the project initially that costs no money and I could record speed art timelapses and post progress in stages to get feedback from a growing community of people.
Throughout this process, I was posting on mainly Reddit and Instagram. I had a YouTube and posted sometimes to it but not often and everything was mainly art. Retrospectively, I think what would have been a better idea was creating a dev log of how the game is going, what part of the process I am at, showing off the game’s core mechanics and new abilities and combos I was working on. It would give people a better sense for the game’s mechanics beyond just the flashy art as I found that, towards the end, the main thing that I didn’t feel like I conveyed well was how the game was played.
I eventually tried to start branching to new platforms. The one I really liked and found the most value from was Discord. I set up a server, just a general chat and a voice channel and started getting people actually interested in the game interacting there. I think what I wish I would’ve done is started seeking out as many communities that already had my target audience, tabletop gamers, and mingled there more. I also tried to establish myself on BoardGameGeek, but I found it unnecessarily un-user friendly. I have heard from many people that it is the hub for many people when it comes to tabletop gamers, but it was unnecessarily complicated to create a game page and designer page and even understand what the best course was when it came to even using it, so I abandoned it altogether. Not sure if that was the right move and I do think that it may be something I need to really crack down on and understand when moving forwards.
Then came finding a quote and the Kickstarter. I found a quote from Panda Game Manufacturing for about $8000 for 2000 units with the idea that international shipping would cost $2000 and I personally added a buffer of $2000 to be safe for a total of $12,000. In hindsight, this was wayy too high. I saw big projects get funded and assumed if I had a good product and did my job, that it would be enough to fund. And I still think this was possible, but I had to do a lot more advertising wise to get over that hump (advertising is not my strong suit, so admittedly this was the hardest learning curve I had to overcome). Anyways, long story short, the Kickstarter didn’t get funded, reaching only about 29% of the final goal, which I will emphasize is a LOT and I am very grateful for everyone who did actually contribute and sorry that the full vision wasn’t realized into a product.
So, what have I learned?

• I learned that I need to stop thinking so big so early. Of course, the dream should be to go into bulk manufacturing and I’m not saying I never will do that, but for a first game with a growing community, runs of a smaller amount of units, therefore a cheaper funding goal would be better, and if I exceed that goal by a large margin then I can talk about quoting for a larger amount.
• Advertising should NOT only be done through free means. It can only get you so far to try and adhere to every subreddit’s guidelines on self promotion and showing off what you have before you’ve exhausted everyone that’s going to see your product. I think that if you’re serious about tabletop game creation, you should understand that it will cost some money. Of course a huge savings of mine was doing the art myself, but I should have had a plan for marketing and budgeting that out to begin with before I pressed the launch button. I started to go through Meta advertising and paying to boost posts on Instagram, but I think I should have done that before the campaign started and used that follower count on the pre-launch page to gauge the general interest for the product.
• In terms of paid advertisement as well as resources for better looking advertisements, I should have gotten a few prototypes made, done some photo shoots myself and also sent out copies to board game reviewers and streamers to try.
• I should have created specific video trailers and explanation videos. A “How to Play” video was definitely a MUST that I did not create. Beyond that, little posts about card interactions and different strategies in the game would’ve been a great idea to boost engagement, especially releasing that over a planned period of time to always have something new to post about.

And what’s next for Goblin Auction?
I have heard that a failed Kickstarter is the worst outcome for up and coming games due to image and perception of the game. I personally take it as a big lesson and don’t have any plans of giving up just because my first try didn’t go as I wanted.
For Goblin Auction, the game is not dead to me. It just needs more work. More tiers for Kickstarter than just “Base Game”. For the second launch I will be creating new expansions. An Orc expansion that allows for PvP combat, and a Gremlin expansion that allows for co-op gameplay and a variant Hut deck that allows for different decisions when getting victory points to win the game. I would create all this before re-releasing as well as seeing about trinkets and ad-ons to give backers better options and more to have a more well-rounded Kickstarter experience. This also includes those How to Play and explanation videos that I had been avoiding before.
For me personally, though, these new expansions won’t be immediate. I will take my time in creating something that truly is worth investing money into, like was my mindset with the original base game of Goblin Auction. I also will not solely focus on Goblin Auction and pursue some other game ideas that I have had for a while. This is all happening outside of my day job, so it definitely is going to be a long process, but I am truly excited to show off the ideas I have had, and to make more games!
Thank you for those who have followed my journey so far and stick around for the future of Dirty Gold Games!

is it my CV and my experience or just because I'm Syrian I tried every job site and international hiring group and I didn't get a single interview yet even though I know people with less experience and worse English skills than me who work and live in Qatar I think when they see that I'm from Syria they don't even look up the rest of the CV can someone help me or give me a guide on what should I do?

When I first started selling on Amazon, there were times when a product just wouldn’t sell. It was frustrating, but I learned that there are several options to consider when faced with slow-moving inventory. Here’s what I did to turn things around and how you can too.

Evaluate Your Listing

1. Optimize Your Product Listing

One of the first things I did was revisit my product listing to ensure it was fully optimized. This included:

• Title: I made sure my title was clear, concise, and included relevant keywords.
• Images: I updated my images to ensure they were high-quality and showcased my product from multiple angles.
• Bullet Points and Description: I improved the bullet points and description to highlight the key features and benefits of my product.
• Keywords: I conducted keyword research to ensure I was using the best possible keywords to attract customers.

Reassess Your Pricing

2. Adjust Your Pricing Strategy

Pricing can make or break a sale. I experimented with my pricing to find the sweet spot:

• Competitive Pricing: I checked out my competitors’ prices and adjusted mine to be more competitive.
• Discounts and Promotions: I offered discounts, coupons, and deals to attract more buyers.
• Dynamic Pricing Tools: I used repricing tools to automatically adjust my prices based on market conditions.

Improve Product Visibility

3. Invest in Advertising

To increase visibility, I invested in Amazon Advertising:

• Sponsored Products: I ran Sponsored Product ads to boost my product’s visibility in search results.
• Sponsored Brands: If you have a registered brand, consider using Sponsored Brands to showcase your brand and product portfolio.
• Amazon PPC Campaigns: I optimized my Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns to target the right keywords and audience.

Enhance Customer Engagement

4. Leverage Customer Reviews

Customer reviews can significantly impact sales:

• Request Reviews: I used Amazon’s request a review button to encourage customers to leave feedback.
• Respond to Reviews: I responded to both positive and negative reviews to show customers I cared about their experience and to address any issues.
• Improve Product Quality: Based on feedback, I made improvements to my product to meet customer expectations better.

Offer Additional Value

5. Bundle Products

Creating bundles can increase the perceived value:

• Complementary Products: I bundled my product with complementary items to offer more value.
• Exclusive Bundles: I created exclusive bundles that were unique to my store, making them more appealing.

Explore Different Markets

6. Expand to Other Marketplaces

Sometimes, a product that doesn’t sell well in one marketplace might do better in another:

• International Markets: I expanded my reach to international Amazon marketplaces.
• Other E-commerce Platforms: I listed my products on other platforms like eBay, Walmart, and Etsy to reach a broader audience.

Liquidate Inventory

7. Liquidation

When all else failed, I considered liquidating my inventory to recover some costs:

• Amazon Outlet: I used Amazon Outlet deals to clear out excess inventory at discounted prices.
• Third-Party Liquidators: I worked with third-party liquidators to sell off unsold stock in bulk.

Analyze and Learn

8. Review Sales Data and Analytics

Continuous improvement is key:

• Sales Reports: I regularly reviewed my sales reports to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Customer Feedback: I paid close attention to customer feedback to make informed decisions about my product and listing.

Hej Reddit,
Jeg er for nyligt vendt tilbage til arbejde efter barsel, og jeg har fået tilbudt en god stilling et andet sted henne. Jeg er fristet, men også meget i tvivl. Jeg ved god beslutning er min at tage, men jeg er nysgerrig: hvad ville I gøre?
Forestil jer, at I er mig: en kvinde midt i 30erne som endelig har landet en leder stilling og har ambitioner om at gøre det godt. Jeg er fagligt meget stærkt, men stadig relativ ny i lederrolle. Vores branche er meget lille, og de største eksperter er i UK og USA. Jeg har analyseret mit nuværende og mit mulige nye job, og kort opsummeret er situationen som følger:
Nuværende stilling - Pros: kender virksomheden rigtig godt efter at have været der i knap 10 år, jeg har et godt renomme og solidt netværk, vi er et internationalt firma så man har kollegaer i flere lande, jeg kan rigtig godt lide mine kollegaer og mine ansatte, god internationel eksponering ved fx kongresser, en stor gruppe faglig eksperter at sparre med - Cons: langt til mere ansvatil tops (4 niveauer ledere op til CEO), mit ansvarsområde er svært at omsætte til “gængse termer” for dem ikke i feltet, jeg kan virkelig ikke lide min direkte leder (dog har vi et rigtig godt professionelt forhold) og det påvirker mit humør og lyst til at være på arbejde
Mulig anden stilling - Pros: mindre virksomhed, kortere vej til tops (2 niveauer ledere op til CEO), bedre work-life balance, bedre muligheder for hjemmearbejde (vigtigt for vores familie, da jeg har en lang tur til kontoret), god mulighed for at sætte sit præg i udviklingen af virksomhed, nemmere at omsætte kompetencerne til noget alle kan forstå (relevant for CV’et) - Cons: udelukkende dansk virksomhed, ingen andre faglige eksperter af den store kaliber man kan søge sparring hos, ingen international eksponering, ingen dokumenterede processer så jeg forventer man vil skulle bruge en del tid på at “rydde op”, inden man reelt kan arbejde.
Så hvis I var mig, og så sådan på mulighederne - hvad ville I vælge, og hvorfor?

28 - The Fountain Build

Point Summary

Point Total: 1000 CP 1000 (Base)

Jump Details

Document name: 28 - The Fountain Version: 1.1 Author: SJ-Chan Source: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J9PF3AIk-7AcY8Gd2R7CJXaqDZPdxgeO/view

Jump Duration

Years: 10 Months: 0 Days: 0

Perks

Noble Thought (Free)
A noble is a creature of excess, and excess has a way of blinding one to reality. Well, not you. No matter how much you have, you will never forget the value of things, the realities of the lives of people who aren’t you, and truth that the world does not, in fact, revolve around you. You will not forget to treat people with the respect due them, nor will you disregard their suffering simply because it doesn’t affect you.
Noble Deed (Free)
Things you do echo further, have greater impact, are remembered longer. History books never leave you out and, when you visit places you once tread, you will find relics and signs of your passage no matter how much time has passed. You will not be forgotten. But you might not be remembered fondly.
Inventor's Vision (Free)
When you look upon a problem or issue that you understand even a bit, you instantly get a sense for how you might solve that problem, upgrade that item, or improve that situation. The longer you study some situation or item, the greater the insight will be and the more far reaching the solution. You might look at the state of education in your society and within a week have a dozen workable plans for small ways to improve the situation, and within a year of study have a comprehensive and feasible plan for a complete overhaul of the system. While not guaranteed that all your ideas will be good ones, improvement becomes far more likely with time and effort. Unforeseen side effects might still crop up though.
Inventor's Intent (Free)
One of the worst things an inventor can experience is discovering that someone has used their invention in a way they would not approve of... or even worse, that their invention has some horrible side-effect. Now this is much less likely to happen to you. Processes, techniques, and tools invented by you are much harder to abuse in ways you would not approve of, and you’re much better at foreseeing potential problems ahead of time and figuring out ways to head them off or, at least, lessen the fallout that will result from them.
Improved POV (Free)
Somehow, wherever you go, you always seem to be in five closely related locations at the same time. Well, that’s not quite right. Let me try again. When you are anywhere, four versions of you that aren’t quite really there, but could be there if you weren’t there... are there. Does that make any sense? Probably not. But what it boils down to is that for every event you experience, you have not one but five points of view on the event. Maybe one of you was right in the middle of a bar-fight, while another you was in the corner watching, and a third was working a pick-up shift behind the bar, and a fourth was an EMT who responded to the event and the fifth was a bum on the sidewalk outside listening. Only the primary you is the one who was really in the moment, but you can freely remember what all the four... let’s call them shadows... would have seen and experienced from their own unique POVs. You can’t really choose what they were doing, as they are more like echoes of potential you’s, but their experiences will be close enough to what you’d have experienced to be easily internalized and all the details will be as true as anything you actually experienced.
Bystander (Free)
When you don’t want to be involved in the events unfolding around you, be that a war, a fight, or a natural disaster, you may remove yourself from the flow of events almost entirely. As long as no individual or entity involved wants to target you specifically, you may become an all but intangible, unperceivable, untargetable observer. Even area effect things like, say, atomic bomb blasts, will pass harmlessly through you, though you might want to get out of there before the radiation gets to you. All Together Now (Free)
You have grown tired of casting off the memories and emotions each Jump layers over your basic identity. You may now choose to absorb the personality of any self you gain or have ever been into a gestalten whole. While this may dilute your basic youness, it also makes it much harder for anyone but you to make sense of your memories or to use any specific traumatic experience against you. Although there is now more of you, your essential sense of self only grows stronger the more times you do this, as all these facets of yourself serve to reinforce your fundamental identity, and you realize that the more you appear to change, the more you explore the limits of who you are. In layman’s terms, each apparent change is more akin to uncovering further digits of pi. Pi itself never changes even as it grows more complex.
500 Years of Practice - Teaching [100/900 CP]
You have spent five centuries mastering (and beyond mastering) any singular skill or artform. Sure, you might be a bit obsessed with that subject, but that obsession will fade as the jump comes to an end. Your compulsive delving into the limits of this singular area of study has granted you insights that no other living being has ever reached, allowing you to casually compose masterpieces which can profoundly move those who witness them, or create stunning refinements undreamt of by mere masters. A painter could trace a perfect circle in black on a white background and viewers would stare for hours. A dancer could reduce the audience to tears simply by standing still. A sculptor could carve hard stone until it was all but impossible to tell the sculpture from a living being. A poet’s words could touch the hardest heart or sway public opinion like a gale-force wind.
Soothing Presence [200/700 CP]
You have achieved inner calm and can project it at others as long as you are not currently experiencing any strong emotion yourself. Merely being in someone’s presence is enough to calm them dramatically, but physical contact, oratory or song, or simply allowing them to see you can all boost the effect by orders of magnitude. This can sooth mental, emotional, or spiritual suffering, or simply induce a sense of lassitude over the target or targets. This can work on any number of people as long as you can reach them with your presence.
Absolution [300/400 CP]
If you can convince someone to willingly pour out their deepest fears, regrets, or sins to you, you can grant them true absolution, allowing them to forgive themselves and move on. This does absolutely nothing for you as it does not work if you make it conditional. Their repentance must be genuine for this to work and they cannot desire gaining absolution for any immoral or unethical purpose.

Items Stipend: [+200/600 CP]

Meditation Garden (Free)
The Body. The Mind. The Soul. A perfect trinity, working in harmony to reflect the Self. But when one of these is disrupted, balance can be at risk. Balance must be maintained. Upon purchase, your Warehouse gains a small Meditation Garden attachment, that while it cannot be used for storage, it will always fit whatever form you are wearing. Its aesthetics will always change to represent what you interpret as an environment of perfect serenity and 'oneness', and a significant time meditating in this space will help you reach an intrinsic understanding of the self and how your experiences can define you. The past cannot always be changed, but the present can forever be gleaned on... so that the future is always one of your design. You can, if you like, plant a few small plants in your Garden as well. Any plant inside the garden will always be in the full flush of life.
Biosphere [200/400 CP]
The body is but a vessel of the mind, with one changing as the other does, constantly learning from what it experiences and accomplishes. It is only natural then, that the experiences of those around the body will likewise help shape it. To gain the perspective and change you desire, your environment must reflect that. For this meager price, your Warehouse has gained the properties of a Biosphere; self-contained, but controlled. The walls and ceiling can be made 'open', to make it appear as though you were in the middle of an open field in the summer, or a cliffside as the night sky illuminated the plains. While you cannot store anything outside of the Warehouse boundaries, and you will always be aware of these boundaries... the weather and the environment around you shall be in your control, with even simulacrums of wildlife that may fly around. Perhaps by expressing your mind in here, you can begin to understand it. The higher price unlocks the Biosphere Supplement and grants you 800 BP to spend there instead of the default 600.
Tree of Life Sapling [400/0 CP]
You have managed to obtain a fully viable, albeit fairly young Tree of Life. It produces both bark and, once a decade, six fully viable fruits that will (if left on the tree) mature to seeds. Each takes a hundred years to become a sapling, and a thousand years to reach full maturity. The sap is incredibly deadly, so it’s a good thing the flesh of the tree is all but impenetrable to anything short of divine weapons. If you purchased the Meditation Garden, the Sapling will initially be planted there. If you did not, it will be planted in a small reflecting pool attached to your Warehouse. Those who eat the fruit of the tree of life can live forever in the prime of life and free of all disease, gaining the effects of the Perfect Health Perk above.
Note - Perfect Health [Free in the Future, 400 to Keep]: Thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, you have gained perfect health, immunity to all diseases, the ability to heal from any non-lethal wound, and to live, essentially, forever.

28A - Biosphere Supplement Build

Point Summary

Point Total: 800 CP 800 (Base)

Jump Details

Document name: 28A - Biosphere Supplement Version: 1.7 Author: SJ-Chan Source: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XhaR5HSde1GKV_kbfp2u_YQEYFGqOg2a1GIBOgp8FfQ/edit

Items

Biosphere Basic and Freebies (Free)
Note: Main island is 64km diameter (3217 sqkm area - basically the same size as the county I live in) , 2 islands are 16km diameter, 3 islands are 4km diameter, etc. "World" zone is 25,736 sqkm area (181km diameter)
The Sphere is divided into an inner “Land Space” World and an outer “Air Space” Shell. If the World expands, it does not increase the thickness of the Shell and vis versa. The sphere is always a perfect sphere.
The initial World is 1 km from edge to edge and contains your base island. The Island is 1 km in diameter. It is mostly circular, with an area of 0.785 km2. It is 200-250 meters thick and all jagged on the bottom. The World is a sphere, though the half above “sea level” is likely to be largely full of air. It is exactly as tall as it is wide. Your warehouse is always at the exact center of the World’s horizontal axes, though it can be raised or lowered vertically if you have the means.
The initial Shell is also 1 km. This means it is ½ km give or take, from the edge of your initial island. If you fall off the edge of the island, you will fall to the bottom of the sphere and need to get someone to come and get you if you cannot fly. Building within ½ km of the outer edge of the Shell is prohibited.
Gravity is Earth normal.
Biosphere Day Cycler [Free] - Now you can run your Biosphere through a day night system.
Utilities [Free if you have them from the Warehouse or Housing] - Electricity, Intranet with wifi (will only connect to outside data net if you have that upgrade), Running Water (Fluoridated or not, your choice), Sewage System, AC & Heating to all buildings.
Basic Pollution Scrubber [Free] - This pulls all incidental contamination out of the atmosphere of your Sphere.
Rope Ladders [Free] - Extends off the bottom of all your islands so you can climb up.
Biosphere - The Huge Island [90/710 CP]
Your Island is now 64km in diameter / 3,217 km2 in area. The thickness increases to 1600-2000 meters. Your World expands to contain this respectably sized landmass.
Biosphere - Double Archipeligo [150/560 CP]
You really like land, don’t you? Okay, just for you. You now have 2 Secondary Islands, 3 Tertiary Islands, 4 Quaternary Islands, and so on. You may also have up to 200 smaller islands that may not exceed 4 m across. This doubles the size of your World one last time.
note: each island is 1/4th the diameter of the last. If your main island is 256 km across, your other islands will be 64 km, 16 km, 4 km, 1 km, 250 m, 62.5 m, 15.6 m.
Biosphere - Snowball in Hell [20/540 CP]
The thickness of your Shell is now 4 km in all directions.
Biosphere - The Ocean Not So Deep [50/490 CP]
Instead of just being surrounded by air, your Island is surrounded by water. This water is freshwater and drops down to the bottom of your island, but only has a seafloor for the first 100 meters in all directions. It does not have tides or waves and has no flora or fauna. This ocean extends out to within 1km of the walls of your sphere, including down. Requires at least Snowball in Hell.
Biosphere - The Seafloor [20/470 CP]
The ocean around your islands now has a seafloor that extends out as far as your ocean does. It gets progressively deeper the further from land it is, down to within 200 meters of the bottom of your thickest island. Requires The Ocean Not So Deep.
Biosphere - Ocean Life [20/450 CP]
Your ocean now teams with freshwater plants and fish, shellfish, and bivalves. Nothing poisonous or dangerous exists in this environment naturally, but you could import it if you like. There are no marine mammals, but you could bring those in too if you like. The native species are self replicating, even if fished to extinction. Requires The Seafloor.
Biosphere - Weatherworks [15/435 CP]
Want to do a spot of sailing or just like a breeze? This machine makes the wind blow. There are now heavy updrafts for you hang-gliders. There are now big white fluffy clouds floating around inside your Biosphere. You have complete control over weather if you have the Observation Deck.
Biosphere - Season Simulator [10/425 CP]
Like variation? Now you can set the seasons to cycle anywhere from once a day to once a century. Don’t like Winter? Skip it! Want to make up your own seasons? Cool! Requires Weatherworks & Day Cycler.
Biosphere - Climatology [10/415 CP]
Now you can designate latitudes inside your sphere where the climate varies, either arctic at the center and tropical at the edges or vis versa. Need not be that extreme. Requires Season Simulator.
Biosphere - Terrain Modification Engine [40/375 CP]
All the flat getting to you? This machine can raise hills or create valleys or rivers or any other terrain features you might want within your Biosphere. You could even make mountains that tower up to 30 km high if your Sphere is big enough. Terrain features rise or fall no more than 1 meter per 24 hours. High mountains will develope snow caps if you have the Weatherworks and Oceans.
Biosphere - Floral Universe Creation Kit [20/355 CP]
All the endless grass getting to you? This machine can create forests, jungles, savannahs… you name it. Plants grown with this machine grow 1 meter per day and each machine can create up to 5,000 cubic meters of living plant matter every day. This system can generate 10,000 different species of plant and adding a new one simply requires a genetic sample. Only natural plants can be generated. The machine can be removed from your Biosphere for up to 7 days before needing 28 to recharge.
Biosphere - Small Fauna Generator [25/330 CP]
Want some chipmunks, birds, butterflies, bees? Nothing this machine generates is overly dangerous or a pest species, and the system automatically keeps everything in check, even if you’re a dick to nature. Each Generator can produce and maintain up to 500 species of small (5kg or smaller) animal life, both terrestrial and aquatic. Each machine can create up to 5,000 kg of animal life per day. To add a species to this machine’s databank, you must have at least 50 different genetic samples of that species. Only natural animals can be generated.
Biosphere - Big Fauna Generator [50/280 CP]
Want some more… aggressive or majestic species? Or just some sheep or cows or piggies? This is for you. Each machine can generate and maintain up to 50 species of large (500kg or smaller) animal life, both terrestrial and aquatic. Animals made by this machine will not be hostile, but can be dangerous if provoked. Each machine can create up to 5,000 kg of animal life per day. You will need to acquire at least 50 different genetic samples from the same species for this machine to add it to its databank. Only natural animals can be generated.
Biosphere - Celestial Bodies [5/275 CP]
Suns, Moons, Stars, Rings, Comets, Meteor Showers, Other Planets? You name it, all of them can progress across your fake sky. They’re just images, but comforting ones. You have full control of them.
Biosphere - Transport Disks [20/255 CP]
These disk platforms are all over your Biosphere. Each one can carry a person at 10km/h to anywhere within the sphere and each can carry up to 750kg. THey can be programmed to follow you around and there is even a Transport Disk launch station at the very bottom of the sphere in case someone gets stuck down there. Biosphere - Industrial Disks [10/245 CP]
Removes the weight limits from Transport Disks.
Biosphere - Airport & Marina [20/225 CP]
Not only does this give you a place to store, maintenance, and launch all your watercraft and aircraft, it also allows you to generate a world rift that allows you to bring them into or out of whatever world you happen to be visiting.
Biosphere - Observation Deck [25/200 CP]
This structure is at the top of the Sphere and allows you to look down upon all your creation, like some kind of god. If you have controls, they can be accessed from here instead of from the warehouse. You can even move your bedroom up here. Only you and those you invite can enter.
Biosphere - Restricted Zones [25/175 CP]
You get to set areas of the Biosphere (like the warehouse) off limits to some people. Like keeping kids out of the arsenal… or your friend who’s on a diet out of the fridge.
Biosphere - Hydrogeology [20/155 CP]
Your islands now have a complete hydrogeological cycle, meaning that water, in the form of cold, freshwater springs, will form on all your islands, providing rivers and ponds as appropriate.
Biosphere - Farming Zone x6 [30/125 CP]
Farms for your Farming Needs. Covers 20 hectares initially, but can be purchased multiple times, doubling the farming area each time. The soil is always perfect for whatever crops you plant in it. (total 640 hectares: 1581 acres / 6.4 sqkm)
Biosphere - Freestanding Buildings [10/115 CP]
Each of the various add-ons to your Warehouse now are freestanding, forming a nice compound, or spread out across your entire domain.
Biosphere - Industrial Plant [100/15 CP]
Your Biosphere includes a complete factory system, including advanced Atmospheric and Hydrological Pollution Scrubbing. You'll have to find someone to do the actual production, or find robots. It is the size of Detroit and automatically up to whatever tech-level your science has reached.
Biosphere - X - Spaceport [15/0 CP]
I just made this up, it's not in the doc, but this seems reasonable. Requires Airport & Marina and sufficient space

https://preview.redd.it/75ngqs5j3g1d1.jpg?width=791&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7885a7cbc661b12fcdb210d1ce2e28104bd8fff6
https://preview.redd.it/u3qz6t5j3g1d1.jpg?width=791&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9c37b7a15e01f251a81ff24dc6ad31fbc5b55b6

Faction Song Inspiration:Screaming Jay Hawkins - I Put a Spell on You (Audio)
The Book of Founding from the Holy Tome.
“1
In the days of upheaval, when fear gripped the heart of man, the Gods whispered unto the first of our order, he who would be known among men as The Christian.
And The Christian, seeing the shadow of doom stretch across the land, spake unto the remnant, "Come forth and follow me, for I shall lead thee to safety beneath the wings of the divine."
Thus he led them to the place that would be their sanctuary, the venerable St. Patrick’s Church, and laid his hand upon its ancient stones, and behold, it was consecrated anew.
We adorned the sanctuary with the visages of gods of old—mighty Odin, wise Isis, and sovereign Zeus—and the windows shone with their countenance, casting divine light upon all who dwelled within.
2
The Christian then established the sacred rites, teaching his followers the paths of communion through offerings of the earth’s bounty.
First were the beasts of the field, brought forth as burnt offerings, their essence ascending as sweet incense to the heavens.
And when the stars aligned in the firmament, revealing signs of ancient power, The Christian decreed the deeper covenant of sacrifice.
Brave souls, pure of heart, stepped forth, laying down their lives upon the altar of salvation, their spirits rising to join the celestial choir.
Thus was the bond between the divine and the Coven sealed in blood and fire, a testament to their faith and devotion.
3
The Christian, knowing the weight of eternity could not rest upon a single soul, established the Circle of Elders, wise and steadfast.
And he proclaimed, "Upon my departure, another shall rise to wear the mantle, chosen by divine will and the council of elders."
Thus each Christian who ascended to lead was as a star in a dark sky, guiding the Coven with the light of the ancients.
4
In the fullness of time, the Coven grew, its roots stretching far beyond the sanctuary, into the broken world.
And The Christian’s teachings were as seeds sown on fertile ground, sprouting in the hearts of those who wandered in desolation.
The Elders walked among the towns and wastelands, their words a balm to the weary, their rituals a spectacle of hope for the forlorn.
5
Now, I, Brother Marcus, by the grace of the Circle, inscribe these sacred texts as a beacon to those who shall come after.
For as long as the night endures, and as long as the stars wheel overhead, so shall the covenant of The Christian remain unbroken.
We are the keepers of the flame, the stewards of the divine path, and through us flows the eternal power of the covenant.
So it has been written, and so it shall forever be.”
The Coven's origin is shrouded in betrayal. Initially founded by a Catholic priest seeking to provide sanctuary amidst the chaos following the Great War, the group was soon infiltrated and overtaken by a charismatic figure formally a member of the Church of Satan, who possessed a deep knowledge of religious studies and mythology. This individual, exploiting the despair and vulnerability of the survivors, incited a rebellion against the priest's Christian teachings, warping the sanctuary into a stage for his irreligious cult. The sanctuary was desecrated with pagan imagery, and the group was torn by internal strife that escalated into violence and sacrificial rites in the name of forgotten gods.
Over the centuries, this brutal beginning was mythologized into a divine founding narrative, detailed in the "Book of Founding" within their Holy Tome. The horrors and betrayals were recast as prophetic visions and holy sacrifices, with the role of The Christian evolving into a title bestowed upon the coven’s leader, who is viewed not merely as a guide but as a direct conduit to the divine. The title now is seen as holy and endearing, but originally was an insult to the man who originally tended the church as its priest. This brutal beginning has been forgotten by its followers, but not by the elders, who keep their "lessers" in a pool of “blissful” ignorance. The Christian and the Elders are all aware of the original plot, and are aware of the sham religion, but they maintain the Great Psychodrama to this day. This faction is not a descendant of the original Christianity, but is instead a division of the idea of Satanism taken to a militant degree and perverted into a cult of control. The original cult leader whose name was lost to time due to all documents referring to him as The Christian, was an ardent practitioner of the text Might is Right, and he used this philosophy after this war to conquer his own following. The current Coven secretly uses this text as their holy text, and not the text that was written by the Circle of Elders to control the “lessers.” Potential elders are promoted from promising "lessers," their trial is if they can accept the facade. If they fail, they are executed and fail the trial. These tests are held in private. So far no one has discovered the secret of the elders.
The Book of Ascension from the Holy Tome.
“1
Lo, in the time of gathering shadows, the Elders shall perceive among the faithful a stirring of the spirit—a readiness to ascend.
For this spirit is marked not by worldly signs but by a divine clarity of purpose and steadfastness of faith.
2
The chosen shall enter the Crypt of Visions at dusk, where the silence of the saints and the whispers of the divine converge.
Surrounded by the sacred relics of the forebearers, the chosen shall spend the night in contemplation and communion with the eternal.
Those who emerge with hearts unshaken are affirmed in their faith and prepared for greater revelations.
3
Upon the new light, the chosen partakes in the Feast of Enlightenment, where the Elders and the faithful gather to share divine sustenance.
At this feast, the chosen is nourished by the bread of wisdom and the cup of courage, embodying the sacrifices of those who walked the path before.
Here, the scrolls of ancient teachings are unrolled, revealing the deeper truths of our faith and the duties it entails.
4
Should the chosen prove true, they are presented before the assembly of the Elders and The Christian to affirm their commitment.
In the presence of the congregation, the chosen swears an oath upon the Holy Tome, vowing to uphold the tenets of our faith and to guide the flock with integrity.
They partake of the Chalice of Fellowship, signifying their unity with the leaders past and present, and their readiness to serve the divine will.
5
Thus consecrated, the chosen ascends to the Circle of Elders, tasked with preserving the light of our teachings and nurturing the spiritual growth of the community.
They stand as guardians of the faith, exemplars of divine virtue, and shepherds to the flock entrusted to their care.
As it has been written, so shall it continue; the cycle of ascension sustains the lifeblood of our covenant through the ages.
For as long as the heavens wheel above, the line of The Christian shall endure, a beacon to those who seek refuge in the divine embrace.”
​
Link to full WIP setting: Texoma Valley 2284

I would love any advice you guys have on how to improve my application along with what schools you think might fit me!
Demographics: upper middle-class LGBTQ+ South Asian male from small-town/rural Indiana; medium sized non-competitive public school (600-750 kids per graduating class)
Intended Major(s): Astrophysics/Physics/Computer Science, Vocal Performance, French
SAT: 1510 SAT - 760 Reading, 750 Math (first time taking it as a bench; will study and retake over summer - goal: 1550)
UW/W GPA and Rank: 4.0 UW / 4.78 W (UW rank: 1/725; W rank: 3/725)
Coursework: taken 6 APs so far (5 on the one’s I’ve received results for), taking 8 APs senior year
Awards:
Ronald Reagan Leadership Medal 2024
2024 Rising Star of Indiana (Indiana Association of School Principals)
Show Choir Nationals Grand Champion at the Grand Ole Opry under my leadership
2024 Outstanding Vocalist from my whole school’s choral program
Gold Medal (ranks 3-5 nationally, rank 1 in state) in Le Grand Concours (2022, 2023, 2024) - a French national board exam
Student Officer of a student government named 2024 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils
Extracurriculars:
STEM:
-will be conducting research in astrophysics at local university labs for six weeks this summer; will be producing and hoping to publish a research papers (11-12)
-will be conducting an independent project in computer science over the summer; planning on creating an astronomical model and producing a research paper for it as well
-paid research assistant at local university’s Department of Physics for half a year; ran simulations of charged crystals to enhance data quality and tested projects to be used in college workshops for physics students (11)
-conducted and paid stipend for research in soil metagenomics at local university; used Python to analyze DNA sequences to uncover soil biodiversity in samples to solve soil quality problems in local agriculture (10-11)
-trained at the Advanced Space Academy at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center; unanimously elected by crew to be the pilot on our final extended duration mission (10-11); rigorous training involving piloting skills, undergoing physical training (SCUBA diving, pole and rock wall climbing), debating space law, and working on space materials science and engineering problems (rocket design, building and launching, space suit design, etc.)
-remote shadowing under graduate student of astronomy at UChicago learning astronomical data analysis of galaxies, using Python tools and libraries (11)
-Math NHS + local math college competition (9, 10, 11)
-HOSA Junior Officer (9)
Volunteerism/Outreach Initiatives:
-volunteerism at a large Space Day event at my local National Armory; headlined by the Indiana Astronomical Society and engineering teams at Purdue involved with Mars rover - over 1550 participants; volunteer instructor of astronomical phenomena (eclipse demonstrations), materials science, space history (11)
-programming contributor and volunteer at local Solar Eclipse Festival, raising over $15,000 for Habitat for Humanity through a “Run for the Sun” 5k fundraiser (11)
-author of multiple articles on various space science topics; published in an international youth-driven science journal with the goal of more accessible and impactful youth science communication (11-12)
-virtual volunteer work for the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
-planning to organize and direct a watching party/educational event or program for the peak of the Perseids meteor shower (12)
-conceptualized and planned for a space-themed prom as a officer of my class in student government (11)
***Student Government (9-11)
As an elected officer and secretary of my class of ‘25, I am responsible for managing much of our group and organizing our tasks, including
-planning/execution for Homecoming and Prom for all of the students at our school
-planning, coordinating, and building Homecoming Parade floats to increase community and school spirit over months of meetings and hours of student-led construction
-a city cleanup project near the public library and park to make the community a better and cleaner place to live in
-increasing school spirit with planned spirit weeks, pep rallies, and other activities (Staff vs Student games, etc)
-leading class meetings to further overall goals of community service, leadership, and raising spirit
Officer in the group that was named a 2024 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils
***County Youth Leadership Representative (11)
I was chosen to represent my school in a selective group of youth leaders in my county tasked with initiating community improvement and local leadership. We use our leadership skills in order to take civil, financial, and interpersonal action and change within our community. As part of the group, I
-took charge of a team to put on a promotional fair for over 20 fantastic non-profit organizations in our county, along with producing promotional videos in order to spread awareness about them on social media and other platforms; I wrote the scripts for the interviews and filmed them myself, set up all of the non-profit booths, welcomed representatives, and kept the event running smoothly.
-presented at our conferences, researching and speaking at length about the history of our county, important local non-profits, and about our non-profit fair project.
-was chosen from the group to introduce our own Mayor at our conference (11-12)
Music:

• school’s varsity mixed show choir since my freshman year and primary dance captain and section leader; led our group to a vocally undefeated year and our first overall undefeated year against multiple nationally recognized groups, winning Best Vocals at every competition we attended; won Show Choir Nationals with Best Vocals for the first time in our group’s history under my section leadership; named showchoir.com’s 2024 Best Show Choir of the Year

-hand-picked by choreographer to attend Show Choir Camps of America on full scholarship
-named Best Performer of the group (3x) and Best Male Soloist
-student director of a selective A Cappella group; we perform at charity events, such as funerals and veteran services, along with the national anthem at several sporting events and go caroling to dozens of homes and venues around the community during the holiday season to spread cheer
French:
-taught myself French since I was 13 and am still an active and passionate learner and lover of the language; top student in my school’s French program
-volunteer tutor for other French students in my free periods at school
-Vice President of French NHs (9-12)
-participated in initiative to raise hundreds of dollars worth of hygiene supplies for local Haitian refugees (11)
LORs/Other:
LORs from my AP Calculus teacher that I’ll have for two years, my AP French teacher, who I’ll have for four years, and my varsity choir coach, who I’ll have for four years; all will have plenty of things to talk about regarding my leadership in their disciplines over years
School List (as of now, from least likely to most likely): Harvard (uncle worked/researched there), MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Northwestern, UMich, U of Maryland, U of T at Austin, Notre Dame, UIUC, UC Boulder, IU Bloomington, Purdue (legacy), Penn State

DAY: May 18 2024

• 5-18-2024 HAVE SMARTPHONES KILLED THE ART OF CONVERSATION? Once upon a time, human relationships unfolded without smartphones. The reality may be hard to recall, so profoundly have these devices transformed the way we relate to the world and others in fifteen years or so. As an anthropologist interested in modernity, I am particularly preoccupied by the impact of these devices on our conversations. In my book, “The End of the Conversation? Words in a Spectral Society” (French original: “La fin de la conversation? La parole dans une société spectrale”), I investigate the pernicious effects of this technology
• 5-18-2024 HOW TO REWARD EMPLOYEES FAIRLY AND IMPROVE TEAM DYNAMICS A recent study has shed light on how to reward employees more fairly and improve team dynamics. The study found that when less skilled employees report their performance voluntarily, they often exaggerate their achievements and ask for higher bonuses. These employees also tend to put in less effort and are less concerned about fairness when sharing their contributions voluntarily. Interestingly, the researchers discovered that requiring employees to explain their contributions leads to fairer decisions about bonus allocation and improves
• 5-19-2024 BILLIONS ARE SPENT ON EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, BUT WE DON’T KNOW IF IT WORKS During the COVID lockdowns, schools and universities worldwide relied on education technology—edtech—to keep students learning. They used online platforms to give lessons, mark work and send feedback, used apps to teach and introduced students to programs that let them work together on projects. In the aftermath of school closures, the market for edtech has kept on growing. The value of the sector is projected to rise to US$132.4 billion globally by 2032. The problem is that we don’t know very much about how effective many edtech apps or programs
• 5-19-2024 STUDY FINDS CONSUMERS WILLING TO PAY MORE FOR NATURALLY COLORED COTTON CLOTHING Research has looked at consumer attitudes toward naturally colored cotton clothing. The study found that amid increasing concerns over the environmental impact of conventional cotton processing, consumers are willing to pay more for a greener T-shirt.
• 5-18-2024 HOW AI IS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SALES STRATEGIES In the fast-evolving business landscape, artificial intelligence, or AI, is taking center stage in transforming sales processes, making them more efficient and responsive to the dynamic market demands. A new University of Alabama at Birmingham study titled “AI in Sales: Laying the Foundations for Future Research” highlights the pivotal role AI is playing in reshaping the sales sector.
• 5-18-2024 WHEN CONSUMERS WOULD PREFER A CHATBOT OVER A PERSON Actually, sometimes consumers don’t want to talk to a real person when they’re shopping online, a new study suggests. In fact, what they really want is a chatbot that makes it clear that it is not human at all. In a new study, researchers found that people preferred interacting with chatbots when they felt embarrassed about what they were buying online—items like antidiarrheal medicine or, for some people, skin care products. “In general, research shows people would rather interact with a human customer service agent
• 5-18-2024 NEW STUDY REVEALS THE POTENTIAL OF COACHING EMPLOYEES TO DRIVE NEW STRATEGIC IDEAS In the landscape of modern business, inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a strategic imperative. Companies like IBM, Volkswagen and Starbucks are moving to more participative strategy development approaches that reflect a growing understanding of the importance of diversity in fostering innovative and creative strategic ideas. Yet the outcomes of inclusive strategy processes often fall short of expectations. A new study in the Strategic Management Journal sheds light on why that may be. In their study of an inclusive strategy process in a large insurance company, Violetta Splitter, along with co-authors
• 5-18-2024 RESEARCHERS SHOW WAYS TO PROPEL PRODUCT SUCCESS New research explores the key strategies that firms should adopt when launching a new product. The researchers say that these strategies depend on the current market view of the product and the firm. Employing the correct one, which might sometimes be collaborating with overtly demanding reviewers or instituting rather challenging pilot tests, ensures that the product launch will go as successfully as possible.
• 5-18-2024 RESEARCHERS DEVELOP ALGORITHMS TO UNDERSTAND HOW HUMANS FORM BODY PART VOCABULARIES An example of the study’s language sample and the words for arm/hand and leg/foot in English and Wolof. Human bodies have similar designs. However, languages differ in the way they divide the body into parts and name them. For example, English speakers have two words for foot and leg, whereas other languages express the concepts foot and leg in one word.
• 5-18-2024 STUDY FINDS AVOIDING SOCIAL MEDIA BEFORE AN ELECTION HAS LITTLE TO NO EFFECT ON PEOPLE’S POLITICAL VIEWS In the weeks before and after the 2020 presidential election, researchers ran a number of tests to try to understand how much Facebook and its corporate cousin, Instagram, may be contributing to the nation’s political divide. One of those experiments—led by Matthew Gentzkow and Hunt Allcott, economics professors at Stanford University—centered on more than 35,000 Facebook and Instagram users who were paid to stay off the platforms in the run-up to Election Day. There’s a lot that researchers could glean from the social media hiatus, including whether people’s political attitudes
• 5-18-2024 USING COMPUTER MODELS TO UNDERSTAND THE DEBATE ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE Different types of noise and how they act inside or outside the social interaction process. Cognitive biases are among the most important factors that prevent people from changing their minds. Climate change deniers and climate activists often tend to accept only information that confirms their respective opinions on the matter. However, opinion dynamics are also influenced by a factor that the researchers call “ambiguity noise.” Unlike biases, ambiguity noise is variable, depends on many random factors, and leads to inconsistent judgment.
• 5-18-2024 FOR SOME INDIGENOUS SOUTHERN PLAINS TRIBES, AN ORIGINAL FLUTE SONG IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARD MARRIAGE “Warrior with flute” by Timothy Tate Nevaquaya. Used with permission. Credit: Timothy Tate Nevaquaya Every love story is unique, and in traditional Indigenous Southern Plains culture, it begins with an original ballad performed on the flute. In order to win a lover’s affection, and respect among the tribe, each pursuer must compose one good flute serenade. Paula Conlon, a former music professor at the University of Oklahoma, has researched the history and cultural significance of the Indigenous flute since the 1980s. Conlon presents her work Tuesday, May 14, at 9:45
• 5-18-2024 WANT TO BE AN INFLUENCER? OUR RESEARCH SHOWS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FIRST You’re hard at work, lying in a hammock, composing the perfect selfie on the beach. The turquoise sea sets off the idyllic sunset, and just visible though the fronds of a palm tree is the logo of the hotel which is paying you to promote it to your millions of followers on Instagram. Click. The perfect shot. And another typically perfect day in the life of an influencer. Or is it? Certainly a career as an influencer can seem appealing. The work generally involves promoting products or services through sponsored
• 5-18-2024 WHY STUDENTS CHEAT IN ONLINE EXAMS Media psychologists at the University of Cologne have studied how students’ individual needs, conceptions and reasons relate to cheating behavior in online exams. Online exams have become a more common type of exam at universities, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. They are advantageous because they save time and offer flexibility. However, cheating attempts present a big challenge for lecturers. This is why universities have been working on ways to thwart cheating in online exams by putting organizational and technical measures into place.
• 5-18-2024 WHY STUDENTS CHEAT IN ONLINE EXAMS Trust and distrust in social media coexisted in the study participants. Credit: Emmaline Nelsen Are anti-misinformation interventions on social media working as intended? It depends, according to a new study surveyed over 1,700 participants in the United States, revealing that anti-misinformation features increased users’ awareness of misinformation in social media; but did not make them more likely to share information on social media
• 5-18-2024 MOST CRIME HAS FALLEN BY 90% IN 30 YEARS—SO WHY DOES THE PUBLIC THINK IT’S INCREASED? Seventy-eight percent of people in England and Wales think that crime has gone up in the last few years, according to the latest survey. But the data on actual crime shows the exact opposite. As of 2024, violence, burglary and car crime have been declining for 30 years and by close to 90%, according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW)—our best indicator of true crime levels. Unlike police data, the CSEW is not subject to variations in reporting and recording. The drop in violence includes domestic violence
• 5-18-2024 MOST CRIME HAS FALLEN BY 90% IN 30 YEARS—SO WHY DOES THE PUBLIC THINK IT’S INCREASED? Can we truly assess whether someone finds us attractive? Cognitive psychologist Iliana Samara discovered that men, in particular, tend to overestimate the interest of their date. She explains why this may be. “Imagine you walk into a packed bar, looking for a date. Your eyes are naturally drawn to attractive faces. If you’re a man and find someone attractive, you’re more likely to assume they’re also interested in you. “Then, when you approach them, whether you’re a man or woman
• 5-18-2024 MOST CRIME HAS FALLEN BY 90% IN 30 YEARS—SO WHY DOES THE PUBLIC THINK IT’S INCREASED? Having more education has long been linked to better individual health. But those benefits are also contagious, say the co-authors of a new working paper. “It’s not just that the individuals who have more years of education are in better health,” said David M. Cutler, Otto Eckstein Professor of Applied Economics. “It’s that even people with fewer years of education—for example, people with just a high school degree—are in better health when they live around
• 5-18-2024 MOST CRIME HAS FALLEN BY 90% IN 30 YEARS—SO WHY DOES THE PUBLIC THINK IT’S INCREASED? Our research on children in early primary years, show they are better are writing with a pen or pencil than a keyboard. Children today are growing up surrounded by technology. So it’s easy to assume they will be able to write effectively using a keyboard. But our research suggests this is not necessarily true. We need to actively teach students to be able to type as well as write using paper and pen or pencil. Our research Our research team has published two recent
• 5-18-2024 MOST CRIME HAS FALLEN BY 90% IN 30 YEARS—SO WHY DOES THE PUBLIC THINK IT’S INCREASED? The provision of therapies for children and young people (CYP) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be an affectively challenging, sometimes procedurally complex, process for the various stakeholders involved. However, the efficiency and effectiveness of this process, are crucial to various outcomes, in particular
• 5-18-2024 HOW DO MINDFULNESS, COMPASSION AND NEED FULFILLMENT AFFECT SATISFACTION IN MIDLIFE MARRIED COUPLES? Many people practice mindfulness or self-compassion techniques in their everyday life as part of their normal self-care routine. Although many studies support the individual benefits of mindfulness and self-compassion, few have focused on romantic relationship outcomes. A new study published in Personal Relationships has examined how mindfulness, self- and other-compassion, and need fulfillment relate to relationship and sexual satisfaction in midlife married couples. The study involved survey results from 640 adults aged 40–59 years who were residing in Canada and were married. Mindfulness is the nonjudgmental attention and awareness to
• 5-18-2024 HOW ENTERTAINMENT BRANDS ARE ADAPTING TO GENERATION ALPHA Growing up, did you play with hyper-sexualized Barbie dolls, boys-only Thomas the Tank Engine trains, or slim, white Disney princesses? If so, you’re not alone, but this is no longer the case for Generation Alpha. Brands like Mattel, once criticized for promoting unrealistic body standards and gender stereotypes, now portray themselves as feminist and progressive. The recent Barbie movie serves as a prime example of this shift. Millennial parents are actively seeking out toys, books and movies to educate their children about life and teach them values that align
• 5-18-2024 STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA FACE CHALLENGES TRANSITIONING TO THE WORKPLACE, BUT WITH SUPPORT THEY CAN THRIVE Transitioning from university to the workplace is a critical period in anyone’s life, but it can be especially challenging for students with dyslexia. While academic settings often offer accommodations for people with dyslexia, professional environments often fall short on such support systems. Fortunately, there are strategic interventions that can be established in workplaces to help individuals with dyslexia not only adapt, but excel in their careers. It is estimated that up to 20% of the population has dyslexia and 80% of people with a learning disability have dyslexia
• 5-18-2024 BUSINESSES UNINTENTIONALLY DISCOURAGE DIVERSE IDEAS, FINDS STUDY Businesses influence the ideas they receive from external contributors by unintentionally signaling which ideas they like, a research analyzed 1.44 million ideas to understand how organizations unknowingly shape the ideas they receive. Data came from organizations that asked visitors how they could improve their websites before choosing which ideas to use. Chosen ideas were communicated for all to see.
• 5-18-2024 WHAT’S IN A NAME? A LINGUISTICS EXPERT EXPLAINS WHY SOME BABY NAMES DOMINATE THE CHARTS YEAR AFTER YEAR What do names like Noah, James, Mateo, Mia, Evelyn and Luna all have in common? They’re not only some of the top baby names in the United States, but they also seem to flow off the tongue. And that’s exactly why parents love them. On May 10, the Social Security Administration released a list of the top baby names in the United States in 2023. Liam and Olivia maintained the number one spot in their respective categories for the fifth consecutive year while Noah and Emma also retained second place.
• 5-18-2024 ACCESS TO GARDENS AND CITIZEN SCIENCE HELPS ENCOURAGE CONSERVATION AMONG CHILDREN, STUDY SHOWS Access to gardens and citizen science projects at school can help promote pro-conservation behavior among pupils, a new study shows. Offering children the chance to take part in authentic scientific ecological work and gardening encourages an interest in plants. This can change behavior—to spend more time gardening or to pursue a botanical career—and fuels a positive attitude towards safeguarding the environment, experts found
• 5-18-2024 WHAT PROFESSIONALS EXPECT FROM FUTURE EMPLOYERS Employers who want to attract new talent should recognize diversity and enable inclusion. This is confirmed by a representative study by IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), which surveyed more than 1,200 trainees and students across Germany. The results clearly show that 75.1% of prospective employees consider it very or somewhat important that companies implement measures to promote diversity and inclusion. This suggests that companies that communicate these measures openly and transparently
• 5-18-2024 RESEARCH LINKS VOTER BEHAVIOR IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS TO HOUSING MARKET PERFORMANCE If the 21st century has proven anything to the United States electorate, it is that presidential elections are notoriously unpredictable affairs. The seeming randomness by which the country’s electorate chooses its next president has only emboldened polling outlets, talking heads, and amateur psephologists to scrutinize every conceivable variable to give their respective electoral forecasting models a much-needed edge. However, Sherwood Clements, collegiate assistant professor of real estate in the Pamplin College of Business, had an electoral theory that, to the best of his knowledge, had never been explored with regards
• 5-18-2024 RESEARCH LINKS VOTER BEHAVIOR IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS TO HOUSING MARKET PERFORMANCE If the 21st century has proven anything to the United States electorate, it is that presidential elections are notoriously unpredictable affairs. The seeming randomness by which the country’s electorate chooses its next president has only emboldened polling outlets, talking heads, and amateur psephologists to scrutinize every conceivable variable to give their respective electoral forecasting models a much-needed edge. However, Sherwood Clements, collegiate assistant professor of real estate in the Pamplin College of Business, had an electoral theory that, to the best of his knowledge, had never been explored with regards
• 5-18-2024 MECHANISTIC MODEL SHOWS HOW MUCH GOSSIP IS NEEDED TO FOSTER SOCIAL COOPERATION Gossip often has a negative connotation, but imagine you are part of a group deciding on a job candidate to hire or a local political candidate to back. Candidates who get a good reputation by helping others may be more likely to receive help in the form of a job offer or endorsement, a feedback loop known as indirect reciprocity. Gossip can facilitate cooperation. Previous research has shown that people tend to cooperate more when they think their peers are gossiping about their behavior, gossip
• 5-18-2024 SINGING RESEARCHERS FIND CROSS-CULTURAL PATTERNS IN MUSIC AND LANGUAGE Are acoustic features of music and spoken language shared across cultures? Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in Nijmegen have contributed to a global study of music and speech, published in Science Advances. An international team of researchers recorded themselves performing traditional music and speaking in their native language. In all 50+ languages
• 5-18-2024 NEW RESEARCH REVEALS JUST HOW FEW LGBTQI+ PEOPLE PLAY SPORTS The topic of homophobia in sport has recently made headlines in Australia, with a series of homophobic incidents involving men’s AFL players. These homophobic incidents are usually well-reported in news media, but research has rarely explored the impact on participation for LGBTQI+ people. Fresh research into the problem Our new research is one of the first pieces of academic research in Australia to document how many LGBTQI+ people play and engage with sport. We also explored current levels of discrimination across sport in Australia, and the barriers and enablers
• 5-18-2024 SWIPE RIGHT OR LEFT? HOW DATING APPS ARE IMPACTING MODERN MASCULINITY What it means to be a man is changing. Critical men or masculinity studies is an emerging robust research field that explores how men and masculinity are being transformed by shifting socio-economic, sexual and political conditions in our post-industrial world. Fascinating new male-identifying sub-cultures and communities have emerged, like mushroomcore and dandies. Yet heteronormative masculinity is typically framed as threatening, toxic or maladaptive, as in the case of fragile masculinity. In my years of swiping on dating apps, I encountered different kinds of masculinities, as well as some very offensive
• 5-18-2024 RESEARCHERS SAY AUTOMATED NEWS VIDEO PRODUCTION IS BETTER WITH A HUMAN TOUCH AI-generated videos for short messages are only as well received as manually created ones if they are edited by humans. News organizations—including Bloomberg, Reuters, and The Economist—have been using AI powered video services to meet growing audience demand for audio-visual material. A study recently published in the journal Journalism now shows that the automated production of news videos is better with human supervision. Technology providers like Wochit and Moovly are allowing publishers to mass produce videos at scale. But what do audiences think of the results? Researchers led by LMU
• 5-18-2024 HOW ‘ETHICAL INFLUENCERS’ ENGAGE THEIR AUDIENCES ABOUT SAVING THE PLANET Have a quick think back to the last time you scrolled through social media. Maybe it was this morning, last night or a few minutes ago. What do you recall? One thing you’re bound to remember is the continuous stream of influencers showing off their latest content. These could be videos of influencers discussing the latest skin-care products, the trendiest places to eat, their latest shopping haul or the PR packages they received from various brands. Much of social media influencing is about getting consumers to buy more products.
• 5-18-2024 ALLYSHIP IS ESSENTIAL TO NEW MOTHERS RETURNING TO WORK, SAYS STUDY Returning to work after parental leave can be one of the most challenging experiences for any parents, especially mothers, to navigate. Fortunately, there are simple, kind and thoughtful ways in which organizational members—regardless of formal status, parental identity or gender identity—can help mothers feel supported as they return to work, which can also benefit job satisfaction and maternal well-being.
• 5-18-2024 STUDY FINDS SAYING ‘PLEASE’ MAY NOT BE SO POLITE IN EVERYDAY REQUESTS By kindergarten age, most children have been taught that “please” is a magic word. “Please” is an expression of politeness that shows courtesy and respect, turning a potential demand into a request that will—poof!—magically be granted. But a new study on the ways people make requests of one another suggests that “please” might not be an all-purpose marker of politeness, but rather a more focused, strategic tool to manage frictions or obstacles among family members, friends and even coworkers.
• 5-18-2024 MILITARY RANK AFFECTS MEDICAL CARE, OFFERING SOCIETAL INSIGHTS: STUDY Stock project from Pexels Human relationships are inherently shaped by power dynamics, yet quantifying their impact has remained a scientific challenge. Now, a large new study published Thursday in the journal Science reveals that military doctors give more attention to higher-ranked patients, providing concrete evidence about the privileges that come with elevated status, frequently at the expense of the less powerful. “One of the things we are trying to show is that this is not a military-specific analysis,”
• 5-18-2024 RESEARCHERS DISCUSS CURRENT STATE OF HOMOPHOBIA, TRANSPHOBIA AND BIPHOBIA Gender-neutral bathrooms, conversion therapy and Quebec’s advisory committee on gender identity have been in the news lately. These are polarizing, hot-button issues. While there have been legislative and social advances for LGBTQ+ rights, ignorance and discrimination persist and continue to negatively affect the lives of many. On May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, UdeMNouvelles asked two Université de Montréal professors and researchers who are experts in the field to share their views.
• 5-18-2024 PICKLEBALL COURTS IN A LEGAL PICKLE OVER THE ASSOCIATED NOISE Experts recommend HOAs and communities consider the “popping” noise associated with pickleball when deciding to build courts near homes. Credit: AIP Pickleball Legal Consultant is a job title that likely did not exist a decade ago, but as pickleball courts infiltrate neighborhoods to satiate an appetite for a sport whose namesake is a snack, communities take issue with the resulting influx of noise. Now homeowners’ associations and city councils face litigation by those whose lives are disrupted by pickleball’s din. Charles Leahy, an attorney, retired mechanical engineer, and former HOA
• 5-18-2024 TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING HOW COMPANIES DO BUSINESS In the fast-paced world of modern business, technology plays a crucial role in shaping how companies operate. One area where this impact is particularly significant is in the organization of production chains—specifically the way goods are made and distributed. A new study from the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business advances understanding of the U.S. production chain evolution amidst technological progress in information technology (IT), shedding light on the complex connections between business IT investments and organizational design. Advances in IT have sparked significant changes in how companies design
• 5-18-2024 HOW DOES THE US KNOW THAT FORCED LABOR IS HAPPENING IN CHINA? A SUPPLY CHAIN EXPERT WEIGHS IN The Biden administration has added 26 more companies to the list of Chinese textile traders and manufacturers whose goods are blocked from entering the United States because of their alleged ties to forced labor. The banned imports, known as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List, names businesses that are said to be involved in exploiting

I work for a company that researches the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, or if you prefer, just social media. Our clients are international corporations. This is my first IT-related job. Previously, I worked on another project where I was involved in data validation, but after being promoted and moved to a new project, my skills/responsibilities are now:

• SQL (selects, joins, merge, insert, update)
• Python scripts connecting to BigQuery and checking data quality (mostly pandas) & adding those scripts with pushing results to BQ to ArgoWorkflow
• Scheduling SQL queries & Python scripts to run automatically
• Creating analysis tables for the DQ team to easily access the most important data and see check results
• Creating dashboards in Grafana to visualize results and easily read results, for example, data availability or consistency between datasets by source and client
• Additionally, I have created a dashboard to monitor processes of pulling & transforming data, plus log overview, so if something goes wrong, I know the reason and can forward the problem to developers

In the beginning, I was what I would call a data validation specialist, but now I am more of a data monitoring and processing/data quality analyst. With automation, I have a lot of time that I would like to spend learning new things and improving my skills and CV. However, I honestly don't know which path I should take to have a good foundation for development. Data Analyst? BI Developer? Data Engineer?
The current company isn't bad, as I have an excellent work-life balance, but the pay is pretty poor (1.68 times the net national minimum). So it's a good company to start with, but not for longer than 2-3 years.

I work for a company that researches the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, or if you prefer, just social media. Our clients are international corporations. This is my first IT-related job. Previously, I worked on another project where I was involved in data validation, but after being promoted and moved to a new project, my skills/responsibilities are now:

• SQL (selects, joins, merge, insert, update)
• Python scripts connecting to BigQuery and checking data quality (mostly pandas) & adding those scripts with pushing results to BQ to ArgoWorkflow
• Scheduling SQL queries & Python scripts to run automatically
• Creating analysis tables for the DQ team to easily access the most important data and see check results
• Creating dashboards in Grafana to visualize results and easily read results, for example, data availability or consistency between datasets by source and client
• Additionally, I have created a dashboard to monitor processes of pulling & transforming data, plus log overview, so if something goes wrong, I know the reason and can forward the problem to developers

In the beginning, I was what I would call a data validation specialist, but now I am more of a data monitoring and processing/data quality analyst. With automation, I have a lot of time that I would like to spend learning new things and improving my skills and CV. However, I honestly don't know which path I should take to have a good foundation for development. Data Analyst? BI Developer? Data Engineer?
The current company isn't bad, as I have an excellent work-life balance, but the pay is pretty poor (1.68 times the net national minimum). So it's a good company to start with, but not for longer than 2-3 years.

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 [ON HOLD]
 
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 SOLD
 
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 SOLD
 
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 SOLD
 
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 SOLD
 
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 SOLD
 
 
 
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

• Vintage Montegrappa Extra Edacoto
  
• Waterman Nurse’s Sets
  
• Off-Catalogue Sheaffer Stubby Balance Lifetime
  
• Psychedelic Bayard Excselsior
  
• Waterman Taperite Citation
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac