I currently work at a place I detest. In my state, slot machines are installed in restaurants, bars, gas stations, and other locations. I work for a company that services around 250 such locations. I started as a technician, which was a fantastic learning experience. After a few years, I got promoted to the highest level tech position. While I'm grateful for what I've learned, I can no longer stand my current job. The issues I have with it are unfixable, and I just don't want to continue.
Recently, my cousin, who manages another company, offered me a way out. I verbally accepted the offer, though nothing is written or confirmed yet. We're discussing my potential start sometime in the middle of next month. However, today I received an offer for a position I'm more interested in at a different company, where my friend works after leaving our current company due to similar frustrations.
I'm torn because if I tell my cousin I prefer the other position, I'm worried it might affect our relationship. Any advice would be appreciated.

Any shop within an hour that does the “Get What You Get” tattoos? My husband and I are visiting in two weeks and we have been getting travel tattoos for the different cities we visit. We’d love a gumball machine tattoo or even some flash that represents the area? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Hi all, I have just finished building a brand new PC - all new components. Not my first build, but I am also not an expert.
​
- ASRock B650M PG Lightning WIFI
- Ryzen 5 7600
- Corsair Vengeance 32GB 6000/CL30 RAM
- Silicon Power UD90 SSD
- Coolermaster 750 Gold PSU
- ASUS TUF RX 7800 XT
​
I am having issues after installing windows as the display will lose signal and never regain it. I get a similar issue with either the 7800XT or the Ryzen 5 7600's iGPU. To simplify things, I am putting the 7800XT to the side and focusing on first getting things working with the iGPU alone. I have narrowed it down to a consistent issue that I can recreate as follows:
​

1. I do a fresh install of Windows via a flash drive.
   
2. I let Windows launch with no ethernet connected. Everything is initially fine while offline, I’ve let it sit there for over an hour with no issues.
   
3. It seems as though as soon as drivers start to install, my display monitor loses signal. I have installed (or let Windows install) drivers the following ways:
   

3.1 Manually installing the motherboard drivers from ASRock’s website. The chipset driver installed ok, but I lost signal during the VGA driver install.
3.2 Plugging in ethernet and doing nothing. I think something is downloading/installing some drivers in the background. Within 5 mins of plugging in ethernet, I lose signal.
3.3 Plugging in ethernet and doing the ASRock Auto Driver Install tool that pops up.
3.3 Plugging in ethernet and quickly downloading/Installing AMD’s Auto Detect driver software and letting it do the Factory Install (supposedly pauses windows updates).
3.4 Plugging in ethernet and doing my Windows Updates.

1. Consistently, within a few moments of any of these actions, I will lose signal to the monitor. The PC remains on. Once I lose signal, I cannot regain it despite rebooting or changing monitors. I’ve waited for 30mins to see if it comes back, which it does not. From here on, the display is only available for BIOS until I do a fresh install if Windows again.

​
A few more details:
- BIOS is up to date (one of the first things I did), and I am using BIOS defaults for everything.
- I have tried CMOS resetting by removing the battery with it unplugged for 15 minutes
- I have tried this with Windows 11 and Windows 10
- I have confirmed the Monitor and HDMI cables work on other machines.
- I have confirmed tried using both sticks of RAM, one stick of RAM (each), in different slots, etc. A check in the BIOS always confirms it is showing up correctly.
- I have confirmed the CPU is installed correctly and running at like 47C in BIOS always.
- I have confirmed the SSD works in a different PC.
- I have removed everything from the board and re-seated everything multiple times (including in the PSU itself).
- I have tried this with as few things plugged into the board as possible (power switches, CPU and 24Pin connectors, and CPU fan only pretty much)
- I have tried putting the 7800 XT in and I get the same issue is consistently.
- The only way I can get past the initial 5ish minutes of having ethernet plugged in is if I install my old GTX970, which seems to work fine. The problem only occurs if I am on the Ryzen 5 7600 iGPU or the new 7800XT. The fact that I can use the PC in this configuration suggest to me that the SSD, RAM, and PSU are all working fine (but not an expert).
- Another (possibly related?) issue is that I put the RX 7800XT into my old PC and it worked fine initially. No display signal loss for 20+ minutes, even when connected to the internet. However, as soon as I ran the AMD Auto-Detect Driver tool, I lost signal in that PC too.
​
Very unsure where to go from here after 20+ hours of troubleshooting and reinstalling windows dozens of times. My feeling is that there's something wrong with the board, CPU and/or GPU. I just don't know exactly what and where. Please let me know if you have any suggestions. Thanks!

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A few days ago, there was a post here showing a woman transferring $20k from her bank account onto a slot machine, and I can't find it now. Does anyone have a link?

I'd really like to explore the abyss before starting hardmode as there's so much new and cool content there. But I'm losing my mind trying to get this single, required, piece of equipment. I've been fishing for crates for the past 3 days, potions, fishing gear, all of it. I've managed to get one piece of equipment so far (Iron Boots) out of the 10+ crates I've opened. This item has completely destroyed my progression and has me wanting to give up on Calamity by the minute. Really wish this item was craftable like the vanilla equipment is, as it's mandatory if you want to explore one of the biggest pieces of new content. Question is, should I be trying the unbearable strat of creating a world, running to the edges, finding the crush depth, then search the few chests I find, rinse, repeat; or should I keep hitting the slot machine that is fishing?

I basically have my own little Nuka World / Western Tavern CAMP going. So I love that when I am not even around I hear the Vending machine go off, I sometimes travel back to say thanks for the purchase, and I’ll see some people actually playing around, sitting at the bar. Usually lower level players who make their way to Foundation. Play Nuka games and get Cade points, get Luck buffs Bowling, relax in my hot tub, gamble at the slots! I don’t have a maze of a CAMP, it’s very easy to see it all for the most part just peering inside if that’s all you care to do before browsing my shop. Honestly, if I was further into the game to be resource rich, I’d give Nuka Cola away. But I’m still stacking those up til I have a comfortable amount to switch off Stimpacks then I’ll fill my Nuka fridge for those soda pop loving fiends.

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

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

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

Low-End Technologies:

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

Hidden Technologies:

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

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

Extend the list even further.

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

High-End Technologies:

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

Low-End Technologies:

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

Hidden Technologies:

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

Unforeseen Consequences:

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

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

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

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

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

Unethical Government Programs:

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

Black Market Modifications:

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

System Flaws:

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

Protecting Against Brain Rape:

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

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

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

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

High-Society:

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

Low-Society:

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

Other Groups:

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

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

Another batch.

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

High-Society:

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

Low-Society:

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

Other Groups:

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

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

Depict some of those high-society Forbidden Pleasures.

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

1. The Fear Architect:

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

1. The Past, Imperfect:

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

1. The Bodyswap:

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

1. The Simulated Rebellion:

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

1. The Dream Weaver:

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

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

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

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

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

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

How about decadent? Would that be also proper?

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

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

However, there are some nuances to consider:

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

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

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

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

High-Society:

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

Low-Society:

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

Other Groups:

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

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

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https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/hugewin/

Hello good people of the PCMR, once upon a time I built my PC back when I graduated from college in 2015. It was rolling along for almost 9 years playing pretty much whatever I throw at it without much issue, but today my venerable MSI R9 390 8GB finally bit the dust and I am running on integrated CPU graphics for the moment. In broad strokes, my build consists of the following:

• Intel i7-4790k
• Asus Z-97A Motherboard
• Corsair RM1000 1kw Gold power supply
• 16GB DDR3 Gskill RAM
• Samsung EVO 850 250GB SSD
• MSI R9 390 8GB
• A couple other drives for storage totaling a few TB

Yes, I understand that this is quite dated. I have been out of the PC building game for almost a decade, have a house, wife, and kid, and don't get around to playing nearly as much as I used to. But, I would like to have a decent experience when I do get time to spend gaming, so I am trying to think of a cost efficient and middle-of-the-road solution.
My question for you all who have not been under a technological rock for as long as me is how foolish would it be to simply try to find a replacement GPU that would still be serviceable in my current machine? I have not used my PC nearly as much in the last 3-4 years as I did right after I built it, so it is not supremely heavily used, but it is still coming up on 9 years old this year. Would there be a GPU out there that is of decent performance and moderate price (say around the $400 mark or less) that can slot into my somewhat ancient mobo and later be transferred into a more modern machine if another major component like my CPU died? Or is that just delaying the inevitable and starting with a fresh build would be more advisable, even if its considerably more expensive than just getting a GPU alone?
I would really appreciate any advice you could give me. Thank you all!

Alcohol is something you can get addicted to that messes with your decision making and can make you make bad decisions.
Weed is something you can get addicted to that messes with your decision making and can make you make bad decisions.
Heroine is something you can get addicted to that messes with your decision making and can make you make bad decisions.
A slot machine is something that does not affect a single bit of your brain. You are deciding to gamble money away. You chose to go on that gambling site. You aren’t drunk, you aren’t high, you aren’t mentally ill. You are choosing to waste money on a GAMBLE.
Don’t hit me with “it’s an illness” or “it’s an addiction” you are dumb for wasting money on gambling.

Went to that casino, and found 3 slot machines next to each other. Spamming them for about 10 minutes I made about 12000 credits.
Going back to spam again.

I'm hoisting this to its own post with a few edits and clarifications, hopefully so people will find it easier.
This freeplay guide is excellent and comprehensive: https://www.facebook.com/groups/myvegasguides/permalink/4088637667860237/
(You probably need to join that Facebook group first before you can view their guide)
But here's a short-ish version of the Freeplay rules:
ALL FREEPLAY (regular and myKonami)

• All freeplay awards can only be used at the hotel named on the award. You have to go to that hotel's MGM Rewards desk (typically near the cashier) and have them load it onto your MGM Rewards account, just before you want to use it.
• Each player has a limit of MGM Premium awards they can use in a 30 day period, and all forms of freeplay are premium awards. Most players have a limit of 3, but if you spend money in the apps, that can get raised to 4, 5 or 6. You have to spend around $50 or so to get 4, probably several hundred to get higher.
• You can get one award per "batch" of each specific award. The batches update randomly every few months and there's no indication in the apps. You just have to try to buy one and if you already got one from that batch it will say so. This is specific to a single award. If you get the $150 freeplay on one trip and the batch hasn't changed before your next trip, you can still get the $100 freeplay, because that's a separate award.
• Freeplay can be used on most slots and video poker machines, but not ones with a progressive jackpot (a big number on top of the machine that counts up constantly). Also some brand-new slots may not allow freeplay. When in doubt, try and see.

REGULAR FREEPLAY (not myKonami)

• The regular freeplay awards have the name of the hotel they are for and an amount from $25-$150. They do not have a myKonami logo and are found in all of the apps' rewards section (including the myKonami app).
• You must be staying in a PAID room at the matching hotel, for the required number of nights in order to use a regular freeplay award. Each regular freeplay award lists the number of nights in the terms and conditions. If you think it's not there, read it again; it's a wall of text and it's easy to miss. If it's really not there, you're either viewing a myKonami award (see below), or some new award we've never seen.
• "Paid" just means the room is not a comp. You must have paid a room rate, not just the resort fee. It can booked via any method; direct, travel agency, Expedia, etc.
• One person per room can use one per trip.
• If you have multiple rooms, multiple DIFFERENT people, one per room, can use a regular freeplay
• Each person who is planning to use a regular freeplay needs to be listed as a guest on a room. If the room is not already in their name, they can be added as a guest by the front desk.

MYKONAMI FREEPLAY

• myKonami awards look very different from the regular freeplay awards. They have a big "myKonami" logo, have "myKonami" in the name, and are much more expensive in loyalty points because they are less restricted. They are only found in the rewards section of the myKonami Slots app, along with all the other freeplay rewards.
• No room stay of any kind is required to use a myKonami award. You can be staying at a completely different non-MGM resort. You can be staying on a comp, either myVegas or MGM Rewards.
• You can have a myKonami AND a regular freeplay for the same resort
• You can buy and use one for each resort offered (currently 5: Aria, Bellagio, Luxor, Mandalay Bay and Park MGM), subject to your Premium award limit and the batch limits.
• You can buy more than you intend to use, and that can be handy if your plans are fluid and you don’t know which resorts you’ll be visiting. You can get one of each, if you have the points, and return the ones you don’t end up using for a refund.
• You don't need to use myKonami rewards on Konami machines! Some of the myKonami awards have a line in the terms and conditions saying that they have to be used on some specific Konami slots. That may have been true at one time, but not any more. You can use them on any slot that is freeplay-enabled.

IMPORTANT: Sometimes you get an MGM rewards desk person who doesn't know the rules well and will tell you you've run out of premium awards, or that you can't combine myKonami with a regular award or something. Don't argue, just come back later when someone else is at the desk.

Item Name Set Number: 10256 Taj Mahal
Lego Price: $419 (US BL 3M Avg)
Shipping: $51 UPS + insurance (24x21x9, 15lbs, 10017 to 98357)
Raffle Total/Spots: $470, 94 spots @ $5/ea
Price justification: US BL 3M Avg
Call spots: Y
Spot limit per person: N/A
Duration of spot limit: N/A
Location (Country): Continental US, AK/HI pays the difference
Will ship international: Canada, pays the difference
Timestamp pics: https://imgur.com/a/mqyu1fI
Payment required within 20 minutes of raffle filling.
Payments should have NO COMMENTS. Comments will result in a permanent ban. PayPal payments must be friends and family. G&S payments will be refunded less fees.

PayPal Info: https://www.paypal.me
Cash App Info: https://cash.app
​
Tip BlobAndHisBoy
Number of vacant slots: 68
Number of unpaid users: 6
Number of unpaid slots: 16
This slot list is created and updated by The EDC Raffle Tool by BlobAndHisBoy.
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2 BourbonandTattoos PAID
3 therontheteej
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Hi A2C,
I got into UofT(University of Toronto) for both Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Mathematics. I want to work as a research scientist in the future, hopefully at a company working on AI and machine learning in the US, and I'm trying to decide which program to pick.
Math Program: I'm thinking about doing Applied Math and either Physics or Economics, which will also allow me to minor in Statistics / Computer Science. I can take all the first and second-year CS courses I want, but only three upper-year CS courses. I can take machine learning courses in the Stats department., which still leaves me with three slots for upper-year CS courses. Here are the CS courses I might take: https://artsci.calendar.utoronto.ca/section/Computer-Science. A friend working in Industry recommended taking Algorithms, Microprocessor systems, and Parallel Programming.
The Applied Mathematics Specialist will look something like this: https://artsci.calendar.utoronto.ca/program/asspe2053
ECE Program: This program lets me specialize in software, control, communications, and signal processing. If I want to minor in CS, I'll need to take extra courses on top of the usual 5-6 courses per semester. Here’s more info: https://engineering.calendar.utoronto.ca/undergraduate-program-electrical-engineering-aeelebasc
ECE does allow me to take more "Programming/Computer Science courses" with some specialized courses as well, such as Reinforcement Learning, Deep Learning etc. I'm not too sure how that would work out as I don't know if those courses would be enough of a preparation for grad school and whether I'd end up learning those skills in the ML courses offered by the stats department anyway. It also comes with a PEY/Co-op option. For Math,physics,CS I'd have to apply to the Co-op program.
Money is important to me because I haven’t grown up rich. I know the ECE program might give me better job options, but I love solving problems in math, CS, and physics. I spend a lot of my time on platforms like Leetcode and Codeforces and just do a lot of Math just because I enjoy doing it.
I'm a very pragmatic individual and I'm trying to pick a program that's good for my AI career goal but also gives me a good backup plan for jobs that pay well because I realize that university is hard and things most of the times don't really go according to plan. I'd appreciate any advice you have on which program might be better for me.
Thanks for helping me out!

----- WELCOME TO THE 10TH ODST-----
The 10th Shock Troopers Battalion is a long-running Arma 3 Unit that focuses on semi-serious milsim. We were founded in 2019 and, since then, have grown to be one of the largest active ODST Units. Whether you are new to Arma Units or a long-time veteran, the 10th has a place for you! Our missions include a wide variety of objectives over a large area. We focus on squad-based objectives that allow each squad to get into the fight and take their own objectives while working as a more significant part of a platoon to complete our missions. Currently, we have 8 Squads set across 3 Platoons with a Support Platoon that hosts our Air Wing and Armor Company. Once you join and have completed your first operation, we will slot you into one of our squads, where you will be a part of a team tasked with completing objectives every week. Our objective range is anything from HVT Grabs, Destroying Key Infrastructure, Counter-Terrorism, Stealth Based Objectives, destruction of Planetary Defenses, and many more! If you want to join a dedicated community that is friendly and open to anyone to join, then the 10th ODST is for you!
---Different MOS’s we offer---
Rifleman
Anti-Tank
Auto-Rifleman
Machine Gunner
Squad Marksman
Grenadier
Combat Engineer
Medic
Squad Mortar Man
Pathfinder (Sniper)
Sentry Defense Specialist
Breacher
Pilot
Crewman
---Operations---
Our unit operations are every Sunday at 7 PM EST; we also offer side operations that anyone can use whenever and fun ops that we call Firefights.
---Contact Info---
Discord: https://discord.gg/GERZ4Un
If you wish to join or find more info about us, please enter the discord/teamspeak and speak to a recruiter, or DM me directly! We may not get back to you immediately, but we will ASAP.

----- WELCOME TO THE 10TH ODST-----
The 10th Shock Troopers Battalion is a long-running Arma 3 Unit that focuses on semi-serious milsim. We were founded in 2019 and, since then, have grown to be one of the largest active ODST Units. Whether you are new to Arma Units or a long-time veteran, the 10th has a place for you! Our missions include a wide variety of objectives over a large area. We focus on squad-based objectives that allow each squad to get into the fight and take their own objectives while working as a more significant part of a platoon to complete our missions. Currently, we have 8 Squads set across 3 Platoons with a Support Platoon that hosts our Air Wing and Armor Company. Once you join and have completed your first operation, we will slot you into one of our squads, where you will be a part of a team tasked with completing objectives every week. Our objective range is anything from HVT Grabs, Destroying Key Infrastructure, Counter-Terrorism, Stealth Based Objectives, destruction of Planetary Defenses, and many more! If you want to join a dedicated community that is friendly and open to anyone to join, then the 10th ODST is for you!
---Different MOS’s we offer---
Rifleman
Anti-Tank
Auto-Rifleman
Machine Gunner
Squad Marksman
Grenadier
Combat Engineer
Medic
Squad Mortar Man
Pathfinder (Sniper)
Sentry Defense Specialist
Breacher
Pilot
Crewman
---Operations---
Our unit operations are every Sunday at 7 PM EST; we also offer side operations that anyone can use whenever and fun ops that we call Firefights.
---Contact Info---
Discord: https://discord.gg/GERZ4Un
If you wish to join or find more info about us, please enter the discord/teamspeak and speak to a recruiter, or DM me directly! We may not get back to you immediately, but we will ASAP.