Health Research Authority (HRA) – a part of UK’s National Health Service – regulates health and social care research (clinical research) by

Making sure that research is ethically reviewed and approved
Promoting transparency in research
Overseeing a range of committees and services
Standardizing research regulatory practice and
Providing independent recommendations on the processing of identifiable patient information where it is not always practical to obtain consent, for research and non-research projects

As part of standardizing clinical research practices, NHS publishes Best Practice documents and guidance documents that cover a range of activities covering ICH-GCP such as informed consent, investigator training, publication of research summary (required within 12 months of trial completion); tools for study documentations, costing tool; investigator CV template. (here)
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NHS/HRA and UK-MHRA DIVERSITY GUIDANCE
But one thing missing from the resources available at NHS/HRA is guidance on increasing diversity in clinical studies, but this is being addressed. Currently, HRA and the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are jointly working to develop guidance to help researchers increase diversity in clinical trials.
The HRA website meanwhile lists several resources to help address lack of diversity. A few of these sites that have actionable advice are:

• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) website lists 6 themes accompanied by tools and resources addressing each (here or here). Suggestions include:

Embed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) during all planning activities; include diversity in research design
Understand and adapt to local context such as barriers and access to opportunities for underserved communities
Use diverse channels including non-English media

• For Equity has an inventory of guides and tools with a generic focus on health equity research, including study designs and methods (e.g. systematic reviews, randomized control trials). The search page (here) provides links to published guidance or peer-reviewed research on following attributes:

Socio-economic, gendesex, race/ethnicity, disability, intersectional, age, religion, sexual orientation, place of residence, education, and social class

• MHRA Guidance. Language interpreting and translation: migrant health guide. Advice and guidance on the health needs of migrant patients for healthcare practitioners. Last updated 22 March 2021 [archive]
• GOV.UK Style Guide. Writing About Ethnicity Last updated December 2021 [archive]

Refer to ethnicity not race
Use "ethnic minorities" for all groups except white British group
Use "people from a black Caribbean background". "the black ethnic group", and "black people" NOT "Blacks. Use "people from the Indian ethnic group" NOT "Indian people"
Use "people with a mixed ethnic background" or "people from the mixed ethnic group" NOT "mixed people"
DO NOT use the terms BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) or BME (black and minority ethnic), because these terms mask disparities between groups and exclude other minorities

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FDA DIVERSITY GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS
FDA is ahead of HRA/MHRA and published 2 guidance documents on the topic.

• April 2022 Draft FDA Guidance: Diversity Plans to Improve Enrollment of Participants from Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Populations in Clinical Trials. Guidance for Industry. (Link) (PDF)
• Nov 2020 Final FDA Guidance: Enhancing the Diversity of Clinical Trial Populations — Eligibility Criteria, Enrollment Practices, and Trial Designs. Guidance for Industry (Link) (PDF)

SOURCE

• Increasing the diversity of people taking part in research. NHS Health Research Authority. Last updated on 20 Mar 2023 [archive]

Related Posts: here, here

I am a 22 year old female and I currently am diagnosed with adhd, ocd, anxiety and depression. I’ve had three hip surgeries in case that’s relevant? I currently take vyvanse 40mg, abilify 2mg and Prozac 40mg. I’m 5’6 and i weigh 130lbs.
Since I was in high school I’ve been able to drink alcohol and handle it fairly well. I always knew my limit and could recognize when enough was enough. I never got out of control at parties or clubs.
In 2021, i began noticing rashes on my face the morning after I drank. Dark red spots scattered my cheeks every time I drank. But they only appeared the next day. They also didn’t appear anywhere else on my body. But they were quite obvious.
I started noticing more significant hangovers. Such as, throwing up after one or two drinks the night before.
In fall 2022 I drank the same amount, if not less, than I would typically drink in a night. 4 drinks? Maybe? When the summer before I could handle well over 5. I felt fine and I was present until I immediately wasn’t. I threw up all over myself in the Uber. And then I passed out in a parking lot until my parents got me home.
Last weekend, I attended a get together with friends at a baclub. I drank the same amount as them, possibly less? I went into the washroom and felt okay. Sure yeah I was drunk but I felt okay. I closed the stall door and locked myself in before I collapsed. Security was called by my boyfriend when I never came out of the washroom. Thank god he got me home safely. But he almost had to call me an ambulance or the police.
Ultimately, I will just not drink moving forward. But I would really like to know what could possibly be causing this sudden and scary change.
Side note: i only really drink once every few months.

Link to original story
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The floor of the cell is covered in decades of mildew and dust. This disgusting carpet does nothing to dull the pain as I skip across it, thrown in by someone with the intention of making a point.
My Name’s Mike, and if any of you are the types to go on a deep dive, you probably know A little about me already.
For those of you that don’t, Jesus I don’t know exactly where to begin.
The Cliff’s notes would be that I spent a little over a decade either being a serial killer or a vigilante. I won’t try to justify my actions, both of those are just sides of the same shitty coin. I’m not a person to be idolized or emulated, so I choose not to plead my case.
Now, while I thought that was just about as screwed up as life could get, one day, out of the blue, after burying my best, fuck, my only friend I found myself, somewhere else. A world that looked and felt like mine, but one where the things that go bump in the night actually existed.
Where I came from, I’d seen monsters, to be sure, but only the kind that happen when people break.
Since I’ve been here? Got caught up in some demented gameshow for demons or something, threw a massive shit in the punch bowl of the thing running the production, and got the world’s unluckiest man his freedom.
And that leads me to my current situation, staring down the rage filled, mildly bruised face of that asshole, that fucking, demonic Ted Turner, Art.
He runs a hand aggressively through his slicked back hair, standing at the door to my cell.
“Looks like your little plan didn’t work, exactly as I predicted, you fuck.
I mean, great try with the little cat thing you had, honestly didn’t see that coming. But, Jesus, Mike, what was your end game? “ Art gloats.
“Cards on the table? It was a lot better, but shit fell through, that whiskey abomination, it was the one that ratted me out I assume?
That being said, still got Kev out. And you can’t really ‘flip off his lightswitch’ if he didn’t let you screw around with his wiring, can you? “ I grin, I keep it, even as a Gucci shoe slams into my face.
Am I scared? Of God damn course I am, I’ve been pissing myself (metaphorically speaking.) since I realised that the rules of reality don’t really apply any more.
Every new grain of sand on the beach of hell my life has become, tosses me further down the road of mental failure. Shit, that’s half of what fucked up my last plan in the first place.
If I could have just kept my shit together long enough, I’d be sipping a beer with Kev in some shit hole town somewhere. But the only thing harder than trying to stamp down fear in the face of God’s and monsters, is trying to do it while projecting some kind of ‘death fears me ‘ persona.
Between you and I? Death doesn’t fear me, in fact, it seems to love to hang around. And every day I have to stare down that grim spectre, the closer I get to losing the tenuous grip on reality I have .
“Oh, fuck Kev. He’s smart enough to stay off my radar, and too stupid to figure out a way to come back at me.
He's got a 1 bedroom in Idaho or something? Salud, good on him.
You, I had high hopes for, and then you decide to wipe your ass all over my carpet, cost me more than I could even explain, and even, get me a little roughed up. My favorite shell, anyway.
I want to recoup some loses Mike. So, you, get to be a part of another one of my projects.
You thought The Path was bad? Oh, you literal, fucking clown, you haven’t seen anything.
I won’t spoil it for you, the devil’s in the details and all, but you know what everyone loves?
Prison.
Not being in it themselves, of course, but seeing others, especially those they hate in there.
This place isn’t fair, the path was a boxing match with Queensbury rules, this is a handcuffed knife fight.
And I can’t wait to see you figure out, all the little surprises it has in store for you. “ Art laughs and tosses me a battered, ancient looking smartphone, “ Feel free to drum me up some good press online if you want. “
My heart is pounding, I have to use every bit of will I have to stop from shaking, to roll my neck and sit against the cold, padless cement bed behind me.
I feel sick, my stomach boiling and gurgling.
“For the love of whatever the demonic equivalent of Christ is, why not just kill me? I’m right here, I have no way of fighting back, and you know damn well that if you give me enough time, I’m going to find a way to wipe my ass on your doorframe next. “ My tone is flippant, or at least, I hope it is.
“The ego on you kid, you think you’re that guy don’t you?
They exist, don’t get me wrong, probably a couple thousand folks capable of taking me out, but trust me, you are not one of them.
This isn’t some ‘Arch’ idiocy where I leave my greatest rival alive. This is me watching you squirm because I can, and making a little profit on the deal.
Don’t flatter yourself. “ Art has produced a long thin knife as he talks, he spins and rolls it absently.
“Before your guys dragged me off, I met something. A corner store, I don’t know if it was haunted, possessed, or if it was some kind of creature that just decided to look like a knock off 7-11.
Point being, it was out there, ethereal, I couldn’t hurt it, outwit it, even slow it down. I ran from that thing as fast as I could. It gave me some serious Lovecraft vibes.
You, Art, are not that guy. “ I notice myself tapping my finger nervously on the slime covered floor, I focus, stopping the tic.
The tip of Art’s knife glows, the sick, grey sheen isn’t heat, but something that makes me start to back up.
“I am, but you will never see that. You’re not worth the effort.
I want to give you a little something though. “ Art stalks toward me, I stand as I back into the farthest corner of the cell, “ Proud of your face paint were you? “
Art grins, and for a moment lets some of his true self slip through. For just a moment I see timeless horror in his eyes, a dark black void of consumed souls and unrestrained evil.
That knife parts my flesh with pain like a whip. Without even using the blade, it’s presence flenses my face, opening up raw, textured furrows in my flesh.
He leaves after he is done, laughing to himself.
The pain makes me black out, my stomach is boiling, I come to dry heaving, the effort sends me back into the oblivion of sleep.
I don’t know how long has passed, my face feels like it is on fire, and the thick steel bars of my cell door are closed.
It takes me two minutes of cupping my hands under the grime laden steel tap to get enough water to clear off a spot on the rusted, old, wall mounted steel mirror.
No mortal hand could have scarred me as accurately as Art did. The wounds, not healed, but cauterised as to not make me bleed out, used depth, and width, to create a colorless replica of my makeup.
I know trauma, physical as well as mental, and these are scars that will never heal. As the fact sinks in that my face is literally no longer my own, I scream, heart pounding, I split open my knees on the cold cement floor.
Pain flares, threatens to send me back to the bliss of unconsciousness, but I don’t care.
I read Kev’s journals, and they paint me in a really… positive light, in a sense.
What I mean is, going by what he thought he saw, I’m some kind of supervillian or something. Tossing three hundred pound air conditioners ( it was the outer shell, seventy pounds, physics and luck did the rest.), wrestling Art ( I was clinging on for dear life, had it not been for Jr and the mass of denizens, I’d have been killed with a flick of his wrist.), or appearing like a ghost (people, even immortal are very unobservant. Especially in an emergency.).
I’m great at seeming horrifying, and that’s a weapon in and of itself, but at the end of the day, that’s all it is.
Kneeling in my own blood, vision blurry with pain, I realise how small, vulnerable, and unarmed I truly am.
By the time daylight shines through the yellow reinforced glass window, I’m already awake. I’ve spent an hour and a half calming myself, trying to find some focus, some centre to keep me going.
I’ve been in prison before, back home, first and last time I tried plying my trade outside of America.
Being the stupid payaso gringo that I am I bit off so much more than I can chew that I wound up choking on it for 2 months in a Mexican prison.
The routine of, count, lineup, chow, remained the same.
The demographics of the population on the other hand…
Being observant is one of my main skills and as I was brought into the absurdly sized cafeteria, I was taken aback at just how many people were here.
Tens of Thousands, easily, maybe a hundred. I try and think of how many missing person cases this accounts for, and even that math doesn’t quite add up.
I quickly inventory the groups that make up the place, not that it wasn’t obvious.
The first, of course are the guards. Some, the majority, appear to be human, well geared up and in intimidating physical condition.
But a handful, they are clearly, something else. Some are smooth featured ebony skinned giants, carrying truncheons that could crush a car engine. Others are grinning, pale skinned bad attempts at human copies, wild eyed and twitching.
Second would be what I called the cultists. They all appeared to style themselves after certain tropes and urban legends, clearly human, but dressing, tattooing and mutilating themselves to appear like, myths, legends, and monsters.
The subtle violence I see tells me I’ve found the gangs.
Third are the Everymen, I can’t see any kind of pattern to them, but they seem to make up the majority of the population. They keep their distance from the guards and the cultists, but on more than one occasion I see then stand, united against attempts at extortion.
The last group, I call the candles, people that are clearly on their way out mentally and physically. Sunken eyed, and set upon from all angles, at any moment these folks could be simply snuffed out.
I keep my distance, and stay respectful, the meandering, twisting line seems to take hours to get me my thick slice of crumbling yellow bread, and thick red slurry that reminds me of porridge masquerading as meat.
My coat is gone but I’m left with the majority of the clothing I fashioned back in the path. I see a mix of unwashed orange uniforms and ‘civilian’ clothing, some of the cultists, bordering more on costume than wardrobe.
As the massive, butchers apron wearing man in smeared clown makeup sits down, I wish I’d have been issued something more generic. I saw this coming the second I noticed a lump of Chlorophiles in blood stained getups.
“You sit with us. “ I can’t tell if it’s an accent or speech pattern, the clown sounds strange, either way.
I eat a spoonful of the red sludge.
“No disrespect intended, I’m not one for clubs. I’m going to make no waves, no plays, nothing. I’m a ghost. “ I say, levelly, avoiding eye contact.
Why, you might ask, having been told about my adventures in murder.
Well, that’s just it. Murder is easy, and any time you saw me end a life, it was just that.
A fight, that’s another thing entirely, especially against someone with a significant weight and height advantage.
“Not asking. You got friends. “ The massive clown moves his bulk closer, it’s like sitting next to a forklift.
I eat the bread, it tastes amazing until I swallow, then has a foul, chemical aftertaste.
I drink some tepid, burgundy fluid that might be caffeinated.
No weapons nearby, no one watching that might step in. I’m full of bruises and sprains, and probably anemic from blood loss. Not to mention one eye is running at about fifty per cent. Art didn’t sever the optic nerve last time, but he wasn’t gentle. My heart races.
“I don’t play well with people who take clowning and slap a coat of dark paint on it.
You guys are Clown Killers. You are good at killing, I’m sure, but the clown part, it’s tacked on.
Myself, I’m a killer clown…. “ I had a really good rant planned, honestly, it was a corker, douche bags would have used it in memes for a decade.
But before I can react, with one massive hand, he bounces my face off of the pitted steel table.
It rings my bell, but not as much as I let on. In clowning terms, what I do Is called a pratfall.
For those of you that don’t speak nerd, I oversell the hit, falling backwards, eyes fluttering.
I tip backwards, reaching out my left arm, as if to steady myself. The meat mountain is unbothered, knowing I have no chance unarmed, in this close, he let’s me grab one shoulder of the butchers apron. The material is thick, and matted in stains that will never come out, literally or metaphorically.
If you want to take someone out, in a relatively harmless way, you don’t want to choke them. It takes forever, usually ends up killing them, and generally is a bad idea for everyone involved.
Your goal is go cut off blood flow to the brain as quickly and fully as possible.
I hook my thumb around the opposite shoulder strap, and snap my body backward, the apron acting as an impromptu Garrotte.
His right arm is knotted through my left, as he tries to struggle, to put his murderous intent and ability to work, the choke only becomes tighter.
I don’t want enemies here, and I only have so many tricks to play before things come to a knock down drag out fight, so I leave the clown unharmed.
I do need friends, but the look I get as I take a seat at a loose collection of men is cold and fearful.
A red haired guy, five foot nine or so, makes eye contact, “Anything we can help you with? “ he says, fearless.
“Yeah, despite the face work I’ve had done, I have fuck all in common with any of those penny wise, Icp, Gacy dressed, assholes.
I need a tribe guys, you all look like the unlucky ones around here, but I don’t want to get involved in bloodshed.
I’m Mike “ I know, that’s only mostly true, but I mean it, either way. I extend a hand.
“Chris. “ the red haired guy says, he wears a white dress shirt and surprisingly blue jeans, “Those stains around your cuffs tell me otherwise.
If you’re telling the truth, that’s great. If you are lying, and still sane enough to keep your word, that’s even better. “ Chris’s tone is mirthless, I read him easily. He’s been here a long time for a short life, he looks thirty max, and I shudder to think how young he may have been when he came in.
Chris catches me up on the ins and outs of this place, beyond what a general knowledge of prison would give.
Everyone here has crimes they were not convicted of, that would, otherwise put them in jail for life. A large amount, obviously are murderers, torturers, real bastards.
But a significant minority are just regular folks, maybe a bit thoughtless, but that have collected a litany of small, petty, in cases almost victim less crimes.
No one seems to be aware of the… reality t.v. Meets demonic fast food aspect of things, but there is a Doom cherry on this fear Sunday.
There is a single way someone can get out. To earn 20 tokens.
And how does one earn these tokens you ask?
Each day the prison holds an event, to call it a challenge would insinuate a level of fair play that is simply not there. The events range from somewhat fair, a fight or game of chance, to esoteric rituals complex enough to rip someone’s soul from their body.
These tokens are also the sole form of currency in the prison, they can buy everything from commissary snacks to literal free passes from guards.
The economy has created a cut throat society, the heads of the cults not even taking advantage of being able to be free, but simply reveling in the power of being psychotic and enabled.
The weak are enslaved, their lives traded on the off chance at tokens.
So, of course, braindead asshole that I am, I signed myself right up. Feeling a little more confidant after climbing Mount Bozo.
It's 8pm and the volunteers are rounded up and brought to a massive room that has all the trappings of a gymnasium, but the scale is large enough easily hold the focus of tonight’s events.
In tiered bleachers all around us, our fellow prisoners cheer and scream. The smell of thousands of unwashed, men is overpowering, the din of excitement is deafening.
But my attention is focussed on the small, single floor home, sitting out of place in the middle of the polished wood floor.
What I wouldn’t give for Demi to appear right now, give me the low down on all the supernatural bullshit that is heading my way. But the longer we stayed in the mountain the less and less the most useful voice in my head could, or would, make an appearance.
I study each of my fellow volunteers, the goal seems simple, last the longest in the home. Men enter and leave within minutes. They come out looking shaken, with minor lacerations, and a general sense of shell shock.
By the time my turn arrives, I think I know what I’m in for.
I’m wrong.
As the baby blue door closes behind me, nothing immediately in the home causes me concern. The fixtures and furniture is a bit out of date, the lighting is, not inviting, and there is a general fog of gloom hanging around.
I smile, I’ve felt this before. Granted I had Demi feeding me supernatural errata at the time, but, I’m positive I can wing it.
“So, I think I may have met one of you guys before. Back in New York, a Happy-Face corner store, anyone you know?
Scary dude, took a couple of pieces out of me.
But this, it’s more like an MMA fight, right? I tap out when you start kicking my ass? “ I stretch, trying to see if I’m getting any kind of reaction.
I inventory the objects around me, last time everything that wasn’t nailed down, shifted, changed and tried to take me apart.
You may have noticed by now, I love using the phrase ‘ last time’, and that’s because up until this moment, I haven’t learned a fucking thing here.
Mike’s first rule of paranormal survival, last time means nothing.
“It’s you” the voice is young, late teens, and male.
I spin, expecting violence, then, wishing violence.
I know the young man, not this pale, older, revenant with a self inflicted gunshot wound, but I know him none the less.
I’m not being metaphorical when I say my heart misses a beat, I almost fall over, pounding at my chest to stop it’s arythmatic pounding.
I knew what happened to him, found it out long after I could do anything about it. And wasn’t in the best of places when I did.
I’ll call him a ghost for simplicity sake, but this kid, he’s my first, and biggest mistake.
I based who I turned into on finding what I thought was one of the worst people on earth. This kid’s father.
I did things to him worthy of what I knew he did. And to top it all off, I had him die by his wife’s hand.
Well, a decade later I find out, the guy wasn’t a Saint, but he didn’t do anything worthy of the twisted shit I put him through.
I got wind of some false information put out there in a moment of rage by a tech savvy ten year old. The kid never intended it to see the light of day
“I found out about you Mike, I saw that you were a hero. “ The voice is thin echoes like a stuck record.
“No kid, don’t think that. “ I mumble, I’m shaking, the air is freezing, each breath comes out as white mist.
I’m sitting on the flower printed couch now, and it hits me.
I’d assumed because Art couldn’t screw around in my head last time, the same went for everything here.
Remember what we said about last time.
“My told me what happened one night, what I made you do.
I destroyed her memory of him, I made a real Hero kill him, I couldn’t keep hurting people. “ I can see images, flashing in my mind, memories that are not mine.
I’m counting seconds, trying to focus, trying to stay long enough to get the token. It has to have been fifteen, twenty minutes at least.
I try to work up a smirk, to convince myself that I’m just being played by the paranormal equivalent of a heckler.
That’s not it though, This place, this house, is reaching inside me and finding places to look. As I stare into the young man’s rotted eyes I know this is some part of him, torn away from whatever rest he was entitled to.
The lights dim, then turn off. The house is silent.
Hollywood gets being both a lunatic and a hitman wrong in equal measure. No matter how much morality you want to inject into the profession, there are going to come times when you make mistakes.
As the lights slowly turn to a dull orange glow, I’m surrounded by the hovering, mutilated forms of mine.
Those that died that could have been spared, those that died because of my inaction, or stupidity. I’ve never forgotten them, I use them to make sure I never make the same mistakes again, but having them looming, screaming, all demanding I hear their stories, their accusations, their placations.
It's too much, I stumble from the couch, trying to avoid the icy touch of these phantoms. For a moment I find some last scrap of courage, I close my eyes, shut out the shrieking din of the dead.
The silence hits like a truck, I focus, trying to calm my burned out nerves.
Then they are reignited like a fucking welding torch.
“This place didn’t bring us here.
We’ve been right next to you for years Mike. We can’t leave. “ The voice of my first mistake.
Like a toddler I try to run with my eyes closed, I trip over a glass coffee table, clawing my way up the door, grasping at the handle.
I can feel a slight pull now, almost magnetic, trying to drag me backwards.
My hands shake too much, I have to steady my right wrist with my left hand, the floor becomes slick, I see the door, escape start to move further away as I’m pulled backward.
I've taken a hit or two, and had a couple of three day benders that have made me piss myself. But as I stumble, trying to make progress on the nearly friction less floor, I have another unpleasant first experience.
I grab the handle, pulling myself out of the house, launching my body into a skin peeling tumble across unforgiving plank flooring.
I’m a shaking, fetal wreck, by the time I’ve pulled myself together enough to take in my surroundings, I see the red Led clock displaying my time.
42 seconds. Bottom of the barrel. The jeers and booing from the crowd do nothing for my frayed nerves or the storm of fear and anxiety going through my mind.
I’m exhausted, but I can’t sleep, it has nothing to do with the concrete slab that serves as my bed.
My stomach has been knotting and cramping, with each passing second I get more worried I blew some internal gasket in one of the many life or death struggles in the past months.
When I finally manage to vomit, the urge is strong enough I get no where near the filth crusted hole in the floor that serves as my toilet. And my worst fears are confirmed as I see the massive pile of vomit is mostly blood.
… and bones? Is that an eyeball? A piece of fur?
The mass begins to pull itself together, bits and pieces forming the most rudimentary attempt at a face.
“Junior? “ I say, stunned.

Background
With the development of society， the progress of science and technology, Intelligent TFT Screen HMI is gradually changing people’s life. Nowadays, because low-carbon life and environmental protection are becoming more and more popular, and in order to avoid traffic jams, more and more people choose public transportation for traveling. Subway and bus have become the best choices in most people’s life. And compared with the subway, the bus coverage is wider and the number is very considerable.
Ten years ago, taking a bus could only be done with a bus card or cash. But now, there are more and more new ways to travel, such as scanning the code and using the mobile phone. The interface has also changed, from the old black and white, monochrome screens to brightly colored ones with voice prompts.

Comparison Between The 2 Kinds Of Intelligent TFT Screen

Old Bus Fare Collection System

Older screens have only two colors, so when viewed with the naked eye, the content wasn’t clearly partitioned enough to get the information you wanted directly. Color screens can display different colors according to different contents, and can also have artistic word effects and voice prompt effects. So that passengers can immediately know the balance in the card at the moment of swiping the card, and can instantly confirm the success of payment when scanning the code. As for black and white screens or monochrome intelligent TFT screens, their colors are monotonous. So it is difficult to make the intelligent TFT screen go with the shell color. Naturally, it would be difficult to make the product beautiful.

New Bus Fare Collection System

However, color intelligent TFT screen can display a variety of colors. For example, our intelligent TFT screen can display at least 65000 kinds of color. And equipped with a chip driver, the third generation intelligent TFT screen can display more than 16 million colors, greatly increasing the free space of the designer. Besides, users can design the whole appearance of an inductor, according to their color preferences. And then design the presentation style and dominant tone of the intelligent TFT screen to achieve perfect matches. Products that have a better look will naturally be more likely chosen.
The color screen solution can not only show the basic content of the bus fare collection machine but also show the screen saver when it is not frequently used. We can make full use of the screen saver to advertise for public welfare when it is lit. Our intelligent screens also support external Wi-Fi, which enables remote updating of the firmware in the bus fare collection machine.
Our intelligent TF screens are color LCD modules integrated with the driver. They are not just color TFT LCD screens.

A Module Is Mainly Composed Of The Following Parts:

A TFT LCD screen, which allows us to see in color;
An iron frame, which gives the LCD a protection layer;
An MCU& diver, which makes screen development easy.
An optional touch screen (there is no need for a touch screen on a bus fare collection machine).

More About STONE TECH

At present, the volume of monochrome intelligent TFT screens on the market is decreasing year by year, and the reduction of production capacity further leads to unstable supply and price increases. The color TFT screen is just the opposite, the annual shipments are growing rapidly, but the price is decreasing year by year.
STONE TECH currently has a science and technology park with a construction area of 6,000 square meters in Wuhan, with 3 production lines and 100,000 pcs monthly capacity. We have independent R&D and production capabilities. Provide one-stop intelligent TFT screen HMI solutions.
One of STONE’s advantages is that we can provide long-term stable supply while providing high-quality design and supporting services. And the price is only affected by exchange rate fluctuations, which has won the trust and praise of users.
Article Source： https://www.stoneitech.com/stone-intelligent-tft-screen-to-bus-fare-collection-machine/

1. What will you be doing with this PC? Be as specific as possible, and include specific games (ex: resolution, FPS, settings) or programs you will be using.

• Getting this pc for school work and occasional games, i mostly play FPS like apex Legneds, etc, and AAA games. ResouResolutionltion would be 1440 p and medium settings as i want to maximize the span for pc to last a long time

2. What is your maximum PRE-TAX budget before rebates and shipping?

• $2500

3. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Note: beyond a week or two from today means any build you receive will be out of date when you want to buy.

• planning to in mid-April, waiting for x3d cards

4. What, exactly, do you need included in the budget? (ex: toweOS/monitokeyboard/mouse/etc)

• OS, Tower

5. If reusing any parts (including monitor(s)/keyboard/mouse/etc), what parts will you be reusing? How old are they? Brands and models are appreciated.

• Resuing Monitor, Keyboard, headset, mouse

6. Will you be overclocking (ex: CPU/GPU/RAM)? If yes, are you interested in overclocking right away, or down the line?

• no

7. Are there any specific features or items you want/need in the build? (ex: SSDs, mass HDDs, Wi-Fi / Bluetooth, VR, VirtualLink, tensor cores, large amount of storage or a RAID setup, CUDA or OpenCL support, etc.)

• Bluetooth would be nice

8. Do you have any specific case preferences (ex: mITX/mATX/mid-towefull-tower sizes, styles, colours, window or not, LED lighting, etc.), or a particular color theme preference for the components?

• not a fan of RGB, prefer performance over it,

9. Do you need a copy of Windows included in the budget? Note: some post-secondary students can get Windows 10 for free at OnTheHub or through their school's IT software distribution department.

• Yes

10. Will you be upgrading this PC in the future (ie: will you swap out better parts later on or will you build an entirely new tower later)? If so, when?

• yes but not in like 4 - 5 years

11. Do you have a brand preference? (ex: AMD/Intel for CPUs, AMD/NVIDIA for video cards, etc.)

• AMD for CPU

12. What are the specs of your old PC / laptop? Do you want to see if it can be upgraded instead? If so, paste its build from PCPartPicker here.

• Older laptop had R9 5900 hx and rtx 3060

13. Extra info or particulars:

• Replace this text with answer.

This is the build i was thinking to get and please suggest fans for the case. If it is in my budget, i can switch to AIO for CPU.Thanks
[PCPartPicker Part List](https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/txpYsL)
​
TypeItemPrice
:----:----:----
**CPU** [AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 4.5 GHz 8-Core Processor](https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/WfqPxamd-ryzen-7-7700x-45-ghz-8-core-processor-100-100000591wof) $444.00 @ Canada Computers
**CPU Cooler** [Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black 82.52 CFM CPU Cooler](https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/84MTwP/noctua-nh-d15-chromaxblack-8252-cfm-cpu-cooler-nh-d15-chromaxblack) $139.94 @ Amazon Canada
**Motherboard** [Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ATX AM5 Motherboard](https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/WBwypg/gigabyte-b650-aorus-elite-ax-atx-am5-motherboard-b650-aorus-elite-ax) $299.99 @ Canada Computers
**Memory** [Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory](https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/PNKKHx/corsair-vengeance-32-gb-2-x-16-gb-ddr5-6000-cl36-memory-cmk32gx5m2d6000z36) $167.88 @ Canada Computers
**Storage** [Samsung 980 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive](https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/DDWBD3/samsung-980-pro-1-tb-m2-2280-nvme-solid-state-drive-mz-v8p1t0bam) $144.94 @ shopRBC
**Video Card** [Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 6750 XT 12 GB Video Card](https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/RbYmP6/gigabyte-radeon-rx-6750-xt-12-gb-gaming-oc-video-card-gv-r675xtgaming-oc-12gd) $584.29 @ Amazon Canada
**Case** [Corsair 4000D Airflow ATX Mid Tower Case](https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/bCYQzy/corsair-4000d-airflow-atx-mid-tower-case-cc-9011200-ww) $119.99 @ Best Buy Canada
**Power Supply** [Corsair RM850x (2021) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply](https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/26rRsY/corsair-rm850x-2021-850-w-80-gold-certified-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-cp-9020200-na) $179.50 @ Vuugo
*Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts*
**Total** **$2080.53**
Generated by [PCPartPicker](https://pcpartpicker.com) 2023-03-22 01:42 EDT-0400

Are you struggling to attract and retain visitors to your website? In today’s digital age, having a website optimized for mobile devices is essential. With more and more people using their smartphones and tablets to browse the internet, a mobile-friendly website can make all the difference in attracting and retaining visitors. In this article, we will explore why mobile optimization is critical for your website’s success and provide some tips on optimizing your website for mobile users.

Mobile Users Are Everywhere

The rise of smartphones and tablets means that people are accessing the internet from anywhere and at any time. In fact, according to a study by Statista, mobile devices accounted for over 50% of all internet traffic worldwide in 2021. You could miss significant traffic if your website is not optimized for mobile users.

Improved User Experience

One of the main benefits of mobile optimization is that it provides an improved user experience. When a website is not optimized for mobile, it can be difficult to navigate, with text too small to read and buttons too small to click. This can result in a frustrating user experience, leading to high bounce rates and low engagement.

error: log
00:00:00.042 I Configuration LogValueChange: ResScale set to: 1
00:00:00.047 I Configuration LogValueChange: ResScaleCustom set to: 1
00:00:00.047 I Configuration LogValueChange: MaxAnisotropy set to: -1
00:00:00.047 I Configuration LogValueChange: AspectRatio set to: Fixed16x9
00:00:00.048 I Configuration LogValueChange: BackendThreading set to: Auto
00:00:00.049 I Configuration LogValueChange: GraphicsBackend set to: OpenGl
00:00:00.049 I Configuration LogValueChange: PreferredGpu set to:
00:00:00.050 I Configuration LogValueChange: AntiAliasing set to: None
00:00:00.050 I Configuration LogValueChange: ScalingFilter set to: Bilinear
00:00:00.051 I Configuration LogValueChange: ScalingFilterLevel set to: 80
00:00:00.052 I Configuration LogValueChange: EnableDockedMode set to: True
00:00:00.061 I Configuration LogValueChange: EnableVsync set to: False
00:00:00.061 I Configuration LogValueChange: EnableShaderCache set to: True
00:00:00.061 I Configuration LogValueChange: EnableTextureRecompression set to: False
00:00:00.061 I Configuration LogValueChange: EnableMacroHLE set to: True
00:00:00.061 I Configuration LogValueChange: EnablePtc set to: True
00:00:00.061 I Configuration LogValueChange: EnableInternetAccess set to: False
00:00:00.061 I Configuration LogValueChange: EnableFsIntegrityChecks set to: True
00:00:00.061 I Configuration LogValueChange: FsGlobalAccessLogMode set to: 0
00:00:00.062 I Configuration LogValueChange: AudioBackend set to: SDL2
00:00:00.062 I Configuration LogValueChange: AudioVolume set to: 1
00:00:00.062 I Configuration LogValueChange: MemoryManagerMode set to: HostMappedUnsafe
00:00:00.063 I Configuration LogValueChange: ExpandRam set to: True
00:00:00.063 I Configuration LogValueChange: IgnoreMissingServices set to: False
00:00:00.063 I Configuration LogValueChange: UseHypervisor set to: True
00:00:00.066 N Application PrintSystemInfo: Ryujinx Version: 1.1.675
00:00:00.070 N Application Print: Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10.0.22621 (X64)
00:00:00.070 N Application Print: CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6700K CPU @ 4.00GHz ; 8 logical
00:00:00.071 N Application Print: RAM: Total 16346 MiB ; Available 10684 MiB
00:00:00.074 N Application PrintSystemInfo: Logs Enabled: Info, Warning, Error, Guest, Stub
00:00:00.074 N Application PrintSystemInfo: Launch Mode: UserProfile
00:00:45.105 I Application HandleInstallerDialog: Installing firmware 14.1.2
00:00:47.569 I Application HandleInstallerDialog: System version 14.1.2 successfully installed.
00:00:59.998 I Configuration LogValueChange: PreferredGpu set to:
00:00:00.060 I Gpu : Backend Threading (Auto): True
00:00:00.364 N Application LoadApplication: Using Firmware Version: 14.1.2
00:00:00.365 I Application LoadApplication: Loading as XCI.
00:00:00.453 I ModLoader QueryContentsDir: Searching mods for Title 01008F6008C5E000
00:00:00.455 I ModLoader QueryContentsDir: Searching mods for Title 01008F6008C5E000
00:00:00.461 I Loader LoadExeFs: Loading rtld...
00:00:00.468 I Loader PrintRoSectionInfo: rtld:
Module: nnrtld
00:00:00.469 I Loader LoadExeFs: Loading main...
00:00:01.195 I Loader PrintRoSectionInfo: main:
Module: C:\jenkins\workspace\titan\v_1_0_0\rom_build\programs\prog\app\msvc\main_app\NX64\Release\main_app.nss
SDK Libraries: SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoSDK_libcurl-13_3_5-Release
SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoSDK_gRPC_For_NPLN-0_0_0-Release
SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoSDK_OpenSSL_For_NPLN-0_0_0-Release
SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoSDK_NPLN-1_4_1-Release
SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoSDK_Google_APIs_For_NPLN-1_4_1-Release
SDK MW+Nintendo+PiaCommon-6_20_1
SDK MW+Nintendo+Pia-6_20_1
SDK MW+Nintendo+PiaLocal-6_20_1
SDK MW+Nintendo+PiaLan-6_20_1
SDK MW+Nintendo+PiaReckoning-6_20_1
SDK MW+Nintendo+PiaSession-6_20_1
SDK MW+Nintendo+PiaTransport-6_20_1
SDK MW+Nintendo+PiaNpln-6_20_1
SDK MW+NINTENDO+nlib_LZ4-22_0201
SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoWare_Font-13_3_5-Release
SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoWare_Ui2d-13_3_5-Release
SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoWare_Vfx-13_3_5-Release
SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoWare_G3d-13_3_5-Release
SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoSDK_gfx-13_3_5-Release
SDK MW+Microsoft+Havok_AI-2021_1
00:00:01.195 I Loader LoadExeFs: Loading subsdk0...
00:00:01.268 I Loader PrintRoSectionInfo: subsdk0:
Module: multimedia
SDK Libraries: SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoSDK_movie-13_3_5-Release
00:00:01.268 I Loader LoadExeFs: Loading sdk...
00:00:01.421 I Loader PrintRoSectionInfo: sdk:
Module: nnSdk
FS SDK Version: 13.3.5
SDK Libraries: SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoSDK_libz-13_3_5-Release
SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoSdk_nnSdk-13_3_5-Release
SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoSdk_BuildTarget-64Bit
SDK MW+Nintendo+NintendoSDK_NVN-13_3_5-Release
00:00:01.627 I Ptc Initialize: Initializing Profiled Persistent Translation Cache (enabled: True).
00:00:04.003 I Ptc Load: Loaded Translation Cache (size: 171605734 bytes, translated functions: 78630).
00:00:04.025 I Ptc Load: Loaded Profiling Info (size: 257654 bytes, profiled functions: 78630).
00:00:04.036 I Loader LoadNsos: Loading image 0 at 0x0000000008000000...
00:00:04.038 I Loader LoadNsos: Loading image 1 at 0x0000000008004000...
00:00:04.109 I Loader LoadNsos: Loading image 2 at 0x000000000c3f9000...
00:00:04.115 I Loader LoadNsos: Loading image 3 at 0x000000000ca93000...
00:00:04.136 I ModLoader LoadCheats: Build ids found for title 01008F6008C5E000:
567CDD4C5251494C5CD70822E3CCC740C190C2B2000000000000000000000000
959ED651BF1AE0CCCAFE8C3F4C64BFD2600AED09000000000000000000000000
D0F13015E5BADF2243D60A2BC9B978DDDBA80608000000000000000000000000
3644A6760469451CABC99F00C540ACC2A64AEE41000000000000000000000000
00:00:04.138 I Application EnsureSaveData: Ensuring required savedata exists.
00:00:04.145 I Loader LoadNca: Application Loaded: Pokémon Violet v1.0.0 [01008f6008c5e000] [64-bit]
00:00:04.153 I GUI.WindowThread Hid Configure: Configured Controller JoyconPair to Player1
00:00:04.426 I GUI.WindowThread Hid SetupNpad: Connected Controller JoyconPair to Player1
00:00:04.541 W GUI.RenderLoop Gpu Initialize: OpenGL Debugging is enabled. Performance will be negatively impacted.
00:00:04.542 N GUI.RenderLoop Gpu PrintGpuInformation: NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070/PCIe/SSE2 (4.6.0 NVIDIA 531.29)
00:00:04.571 I GPU.MainThread Gpu LoadShaders: Loading 2515 shaders from the cache...
00:00:12.784 I GPU.MainThread Gpu LoadShaders: Shader cache loaded.
00:00:16.441 I HLE.GuestThread.19 Ptc LoadTranslations: 78630 translated functions loaded
00:00:16.579 S HLE.OsThread.20 ServiceAm GetAppletResourceUserId: Stubbed. {appletResourceUserId: 1}
00:00:16.592 S HLE.OsThread.20 ServiceAm AcquireForegroundRights: Stubbed.
00:00:16.593 S HLE.OsThread.20 ServiceAm SetFocusHandlingMode: Stubbed. {unknownFlag1: False ; unknownFlag2: False ; unknownFlag3: True}
00:00:16.593 S HLE.OsThread.20 ServiceAm SetOutOfFocusSuspendingEnabled: Stubbed. {outOfFocusSuspendingEnabled: False}
00:00:16.607 S HLE.OsThread.20 ServicePctl Initialize: Stubbed.
00:00:16.904 W HLE.GuestThread.19 KernelSvc : MapPhysicalMemory() = LimitReached
00:00:17.216 S HLE.OsThread.20 ServiceAm SetPerformanceModeChangedNotification: Stubbed. {performanceModeChangedNotification: True}
00:00:17.221 S HLE.OsThread.9 ServiceHid ActiveNpadImpl: Stubbed. {appletResourceUserId: 1 ; revision: 3}
00:00:17.228 S HLE.OsThread.9 ServiceHid SetSupportedNpadIdType: Stubbed. 2 Players: Player1,Handheld
00:00:17.228 S HLE.OsThread.9 ServiceHid SetSupportedNpadStyleSet: Stubbed. {pid: 96 ; appletResourceUserId: 1 ; type: ProController, Handheld, JoyconPair}
00:00:17.420 I HLE.OsThread.20 SurfaceFlinger CreateLayerFromId: Creating layer 1
00:00:17.421 I HLE.OsThread.20 SurfaceFlinger CreateLayerFromId: Creating layer 2
00:00:17.432 S HLE.OsThread.10 ServiceNv FinishInitialize: Stubbed.
00:00:17.448 S HLE.OsThread.10 ServiceNv InitializeEx: Stubbed.
00:00:17.466 S HLE.OsThread.10 ServiceNv GetActiveSlotMask: Stubbed.
00:00:17.469 S HLE.OsThread.10 ServiceNv ZbcSetTable: Stubbed.
00:00:17.469 S HLE.OsThread.10 ServiceNv GetActiveSlotMask: Stubbed.
00:00:17.478 W HLE.GuestThread.19 KernelSvc : MapPhysicalMemory() = OutOfMemory
00:00:17.479 W HLE.GuestThread.19 KernelSvc : MapPhysicalMemory() = OutOfMemory
00:00:17.561 G HLE.OsThread.15 ServiceLm Log: Guest Log:
Log level: Info
Time: 17s
ProgramName: main_app
Thread: MainThread
Message: Pure virtual function called!
​
00:00:17.580 I HLE.OsThread.20 ServiceAm SetTerminateResult: Result = 0x000002a2 (ResultErrApplicationAborted (2162-0001)).
00:00:18.157 I HLE.GuestThread.19 Cpu PrintGuestStackTrace: Guest stack trace:
Process: Application, PID: 96
0x000000000cbfe8e8 sdk:0x16b8e8
0x000000000cbfea14 sdk:0x16ba14
0x000000000cbff8f4 sdk:0x16c8f4
0x000000000d043dfc sdk:0x5b0dfc
0x000000000cffc704 sdk:0x569704
0x000000000cfeb408 sdk:0x558408
0x000000000cfeaec4 sdk:0x557ec4
0x000000000cf4aca8 sdk:0x4b7ca8
0x000000000901e5a4 main:0x101a5a4
0x000000000901d918 main:0x1019918
0x000000000901d76c main:0x101976c
0x000000000901d62c main:0x101962c
0x00000000093fdce8 main:0x13f9ce8
0x00000000093fd880 main:0x13f9880
0x00000000093f83bc main:0x13f43bc
0x00000000093f8308 main:0x13f4308
0x0000000008b09a80 main:0xb05a80
0x0000000008b027cc main:0xafe7cc
0x0000000008aa56b8 main:0xaa16b8
0x000000000943fe54 main:0x143be54
0x000000000943dfec main:0x1439fec nnMain:0x00ac
0x000000000cd6efe4 sdk:0x2dbfe4 nn::init::Start(unsigned long, unsigned long, void (*)(), void (*)(), void (*)()):0x0054
0x00000000080000d4 rtld:0x00d4
​
​
00:00:18.159 I HLE.GuestThread.19 Cpu PrintGuestRegisterPrintout: Guest CPU registers:

X\[00\]: 0x0000000000000000 X\[01\]: 0x00000049eff08208 (SP:-0x01a8) X\[02\]: 0x0000000000000004 X\[03\]: 0x0000000000000000 X\[04\]: 0x0000000000000000 X\[05\]: 0x0000000000000000 X\[06\]: 0x0000000000000000 X\[07\]: 0x0000000000000000 X\[08\]: 0x0000000100000000 X\[09\]: 0x000000000ca93000 (sdk:0x0000) => X\[10\]: 0x0000000000cd8910 X\[11\]: 0x0000000000008000 X\[12\]: 0x0000000000000000 X\[13\]: 0x0000000000000002 X\[14\]: 0x0000000000000002 X\[15\]: 0x0000000000000000 X\[16\]: 0x000000000cc00120 (sdk:0x16d120) => nn::diag::detail::Abort(nn::Result const\*) X\[17\]: 0x000000000d76b910 X\[18\]: 0x0000000000000000 X\[19\]: 0x00000049eff08208 (SP:-0x01a8) X\[20\]: 0x0000000000000000 X\[21\]: 0x000000000d513ab1 X\[22\]: 0x000000000d513ab1 X\[23\]: 0x0000000000000000 X\[24\]: 0x000000000d513ab1 X\[25\]: 0x00000049eff081e8 (SP:-0x0188) X\[26\]: 0x000000000cbfea14 (sdk:0x16ba14) => X\[27\]: 0x000000000d513ab1 X\[28\]: 0x00000015c1b126e0 FP: 0x00000049eff08060 (SP) LR: 0x000000000cc00138 (sdk:0x16d138) => nn::diag::detail::Abort(nn::Result const\*):0x0018 SP: 0x00000049eff08060 (SP) PC: 0x000000000ce60350 (sdk:0x3cd350) => 

​
​
00:00:18.160 W HLE.GuestThread.24 KernelSvc : WaitProcessWideKeyAtomic() = TerminationRequested
00:00:18.160 W HLE.GuestThread.21 KernelSvc : WaitSynchronization(handleIndex: 0xFFFFFFFF) = TerminationRequested
00:00:18.160 W HLE.GuestThread.23 KernelSvc : WaitProcessWideKeyAtomic() = TerminationRequested
00:00:18.161 W HLE.GuestThread.22 KernelSvc : WaitProcessWideKeyAtomic() = TerminationRequested
00:00:18.161 W HLE.GuestThread.27 KernelSvc : WaitProcessWideKeyAtomic() = TerminationRequested
00:00:18.161 W HLE.GuestThread.26 KernelSvc : WaitProcessWideKeyAtomic() = TerminationRequested
00:00:18.161 W HLE.GuestThread.28 KernelSvc : WaitProcessWideKeyAtomic() = TerminationRequested
00:00:18.161 W HLE.GuestThread.30 KernelSvc : WaitProcessWideKeyAtomic() = TerminationRequested
00:00:18.161 W HLE.GuestThread.25 KernelSvc : WaitProcessWideKeyAtomic() = TerminationRequested
00:00:18.161 W HLE.GuestThread.29 KernelSvc : WaitProcessWideKeyAtomic() = TerminationRequested
00:00:18.161 W HLE.GuestThread.31 KernelSvc : WaitProcessWideKeyAtomic() = TerminationRequested
00:00:18.226 E HLE.GuestThread.19 Application : Unhandled exception caught: Ryujinx.HLE.Exceptions.GuestBrokeExecutionException: The guest program broke execution!
at Ryujinx.HLE.HOS.Kernel.SupervisorCall.Syscall.Break(UInt64 reason) in D:\a\Ryujinx\Ryujinx\Ryujinx.HLE\HOS\Kernel\SupervisorCall\Syscall.cs:line 1873
at Ryujinx.HLE.HOS.Kernel.SupervisorCall.SyscallDispatch.Break64(Syscall syscall, IExecutionContext context) in D:\a\Ryujinx\Ryujinx\Ryujinx.HLE\Ryujinx.Horizon.Kernel.Generators\Ryujinx.Horizon.Generators.Kernel.SyscallGenerator\SyscallDispatch.g.cs:line 1807
at Ryujinx.HLE.HOS.Kernel.SupervisorCall.SyscallDispatch.Dispatch64(Syscall syscall, IExecutionContext context, Int32 id) in D:\a\Ryujinx\Ryujinx\Ryujinx.HLE\Ryujinx.Horizon.Kernel.Generators\Ryujinx.Horizon.Generators.Kernel.SyscallGenerator\SyscallDispatch.g.cs:line 3461
at Ryujinx.HLE.HOS.Kernel.SupervisorCall.SyscallHandler.SvcCall(IExecutionContext context, UInt64 address, Int32 id) in D:\a\Ryujinx\Ryujinx\Ryujinx.HLE\HOS\Kernel\SupervisorCall\SyscallHandler.cs:line 38
at Ryujinx.Cpu.Jit.JitExecutionContext.SupervisorCallHandler(ExecutionContext context, UInt64 address, Int32 imm) in D:\a\Ryujinx\Ryujinx\Ryujinx.Cpu\Jit\JitExecutionContext.cs:line 99
at ARMeilleure.State.ExecutionContext.OnSupervisorCall(UInt64 address, Int32 imm) in D:\a\Ryujinx\Ryujinx\ARMeilleure\State\ExecutionContext.cs:line 145
at ARMeilleure.Instructions.NativeInterface.SupervisorCall(UInt64 address, Int32 imm) in D:\a\Ryujinx\Ryujinx\ARMeilleure\Instructions\NativeInterface.cs:line 50
at ARMeilleure.Translation.Translator.Execute(ExecutionContext context, UInt64 address) in D:\a\Ryujinx\Ryujinx\ARMeilleure\Translation\Translator.cs:line 150
at Ryujinx.Cpu.Jit.JitCpuContext.Execute(IExecutionContext context, UInt64 address) in D:\a\Ryujinx\Ryujinx\Ryujinx.Cpu\Jit\JitCpuContext.cs:line 32
at Ryujinx.HLE.HOS.ArmProcessContext`1.Execute(IExecutionContext context, UInt64 codeAddress) in D:\a\Ryujinx\Ryujinx\Ryujinx.HLE\HOS\ArmProcessContext.cs:line 50
at Ryujinx.HLE.HOS.Kernel.Threading.KThread.ThreadStart() in D:\a\Ryujinx\Ryujinx\Ryujinx.HLE\HOS\Kernel\Threading\KThread.cs:line 1270

It was so fucking hard not to break down. He died in 2021 of lung cancer. The man I served today (I am a waitress) looked. Sounded. Talked. Exactly like him. I couldn’t believe it. My grandpa talked in a low mumble, occasionally stuttering on his words. Sounded tired but was very sweet. The man talked like that too. I miss my grandpa so much. What’s worse is I had a breakdown a few nights ago over his death and the reality of mortality and this man coming in today was fucking mind blowing and also a pain in the heart. I wanna hug his big belly again and hear him grunt cuz I hugged him too much. It’s so fucking unfair.

As a quick rundown, I’m currently a junior in high school and am currently applying to a program where students take only college courses for the entirety of their senior year. All these classes will likely align well with the college prereqs. The past two years, I’ve been an average student: I got a lot of Bs here and there but nothing atrocious. I’ve also been involved in a few clubs/research and held various leadership positions.
However, this past year, my grades/overall motivation have been at an all time low and have been sick and tired of this “rat race” for bullshitting your ec’s and talking a ton of AP classes.
Thus, since I have already spent the last two years establishing an already sufficient extracurricular profile, I figured that I could possibly use these past activities in my transfer app. Also, since so would be taking only college classes the next two semesters, I could max out all my units and complete all the requirements for the associates degree or at least to make a successful transfer (since I already would have taken AP Calc AB, Calc BC, Stats, Comp Sci, Wold Hist, and Physics 1). I could even start taking classes this summer, which could waive even more units.
There is only one problem: If I chose to take part in the program, I would need to apply as a freshman applicant to UCs and privates. While it might not seem too big an issue, I would like to apply where the college only considers my CC grades and not my HS grades. I don’t have too much of a problem staying one more year in CC but I would prefer to enter college in a timely manner (alongside my fellow HS peers who took the traditional route). While I did make some fond memories in high school, from how I’ve heard CC to be like, I could possibly remake those experience and strive in a more encouraging environment compared to the current state I am in.
I was wondering what any possible solutions could be around this issue. I am fully aware that my situation is not too extreme as it appears to be, but I would still really prefer to apply as a transfer, considering how well it would correspond to my current circumstances.
Thus, I am wondering what the potential drawbacks would be if I “drop out” of my current HS and enroll in CC full time. Or possibly pursue this program and drop out before the deadline to apply as a transfer (which very likely would not work since I’m still “enrolled” in my current HS).
TLDR; high school offers program at local CC, wanting to apply as a transfer instead of first year applicant

https://preview.redd.it/eq7p9akyt7pa1.jpg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7e4f3c283f990a692d2ee625074866685cf3301a
“1… 2… 3… 4!”
With a simple, yet energetic count-in, The Beatles were on their way to leaving an indelible mark on popular culture, and it all started here. Released 60 years ago today, Please Please Me marked the first album in The Beatles’ discography. A brisk, lively pop-rock confection lasting just over half-an-hour, over a half century later it remains a stunning document of the unbridled joy of the early Beatles.

Background

The Beatles got their start as a skiffle band in the late 1950s in Liverpool. By 1961, after many personnel changes, their lineup consisted of John Lennon on rhythm guitar, Paul McCartney on bass, George Harrison on lead guitar and Pete Best on drums. The group had cut their teeth playing grueling sets in Hamburg nightclubs, often times playing over 8 hours a day and taking uppers to get through the shows. Their repertoire largely consisted of cover songs, though a fledgling songwriting partnership between Lennon and McCartney contributed a few numbers here and there to the proceedings. In the fall of 1961, a rock and roll cover of “My Bonnie” with the Beatles playing backup to Tony Sheridan was released in Germany. Shortly thereafter, the Beatles met Brian Epstein, who would become their manager. He cleaned up their image and sought out a recording contract for them. A New Years Day 1962 audition for Decca Records would prove fruitless (Decca executives felt that "guitar groups are on the way out" and that "the Beatles have no future in show business"). Undeterred, Brian continued searching, eventually inking the band a deal with EMI Records in May.

The Lead-up to Please Please Me

EMI placed the group on Parlophone Records, which was run by George Martin at the time. Martin was impressed by the group’s charisma and personalities, but was doubtful of their ability to write hit songs. An initial recording session on June 6th, 1962 proved futile. Martin was especially unimpressed with the drumming ability of Pete Best. Insistent on the use of a session drummer, The Beatles used this as an opportunity to drop Best in favor of fellow Liverpudlian Ringo Starr. The next session on September 4th 1962, proved much more successful. With Ringo on the drums, the first version of “Love Me Do” was recorded (this was the version used on the 45). A week later, the band re-recorded “Love Me Do” (this was the album version) with session drummer Andy White, as well as “P.S. I Love You”, which served as the B-side to the “Love Me Do” 45.
Despite Martin’s skepticism, “Love Me Do” was a hit, peaking at #17 on the British charts by November of 1962. Convinced of the Beatles’ hitmaking ability, Martin met with the group and proposed the recording of a full album. This was an alien concept to The Beatles, since the LP market was largely driven by adults rather than teens at the time. On November 26th, The Beatles finished up the songs “Please Please Me” and “Ask Me Why” to serve as another single. Upon release on January 11th, 1963, “Please Please Me” became the Beatles’ first #1 hit on the NME and Melody Maker charts (Retroactively, the Record Retailer chart became the basis of the UK Singles Chart. Here, the song peaked at #2).
Originally, Martin wanted to record a live album of The Beatles at their resident venue, the Cavern Club. However, Martin quickly realized the acoustics of the club were insufficient for the recording of an LP. Instead, Martin came up with the idea of recording 10 additional songs to complement the 4 songs already released. Upon asking for potential album names, Paul McCartney suggested Off the Beatle Track.

The Recording of the Album

February 11th, 1963 was to be what was later referred to as “the 585 most productive minutes in the history of recorded music”. Essentially, Martin wanted the album to reflect the group’s stage show. During a gap of their first national tour, the Beatles arrived that morning with John Lennon suffering from a bad cold and attempting to rectify it with a large amount of cough drops (been there, done that).
For the morning recording session, the group started off with recording “There’s a Place” and “Seventeen” (this would later become “I Saw Her Standing There”). Rehearsing through lunch, the afternoon session produced “A Taste of Honey”, “Do You Want to Know a Secret”, and “Misery”. The evening session was produced covers of “Anna (Go to Him), “Boys”, “Chains” and “Baby It’s You”. An early version of “Hold Me Tight” was also recorded during this session, but it was not used and the song was later rerecorded for The Beatles’ sophomore album, With the Beatles.
At 10 PM, shortly before the studios were set to close for the day, the group launched into a cover of “Twist and Shout”. This was saved for last as Martin feared the song would’ve destroyed Lennon’s voice for the day. The song was nailed in one take, which prompted Martin to say, “We've been recording all day but the longer we go on the better they get." The Beatles attended a full tape playback of the album that night, and left happy with the results.
A week later, on February 20th, George Martin overdubbed piano on “Misery” and celesta on “Baby It’s You”. The Beatles were not present. Settling on the name Please Please Me (Off the Beatle Track was later used for Martin’s orchestral album of Beatles songs), the cover art was taken of the group looking down over the stairwell inside EMI’s London headquarters. This shot was later recreated in 1969 for the Get Back album, but not used when it eventually was as Let it Be in 1970. The 1969 photograph was later used for the Beatles’ “Blue Album”.

The Songs

Kicking things off with a bang is “I Saw Her Standing There”. Paul’s count-in was actually taken from Take 9 and spliced onto Take 1 of the song itself. George Martin left the count-in to simulate the effect of a live album. This song was written primarily by Paul, with John contributing a few lyrics, most notably “Well you know, what I mean.” It should be noted that on Please Please Me, the songwriting credits read McCartney-Lennon rather than the more familiar Lennon-McCartney
Next up, is “Misery”. Foreshadowing some of the Beatles’ later work, “Misery” is a portrait of self-pity. The song was actually originally composed with Helen Shapiro in mind (with whom The Beatles performed with on a national UK tour). When it was deemed unsuitable for Shapiro, Kenny Lynch, who was on the same tour, released the song as a single, making this the first Beatles song covered by another artist. Lennon later claimed he had a bit more input on this tune, was McCartney claimed it was a 50-50 collaboration.
We then make our way to the first cover song on the album Arthur Alexander’s “Anna (Go to Him)”. A personal favorite of John Lennon, his cold-stricken vocals add a tinge of pain to this song, making it a personal highlight for me. The Arthur Alexander original would later play a role in the Season 5 episode of Married… with Children, “Oldies But Young 'Uns”.
The next cover song is “Chains”. Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, this song was originally recorded by girl group The Cookies, and immediately became a popular cover song among bands in Liverpool. The Beatles version features George Harrison on lead vocals, the first time many a Beatles fan heard Harrison singing lead on a commercially released song.
The final cover song on Side One of the LP is “Boys”. Originally released by The Shirelles, “Boys” had long been known as The Beatles’ “drummer song”, with Pete Best covering it on stage prior to Ringo entering the band. Ringo also performed the song as a member of Rory Storm and the Hurricanes prior to joining The Beatles. Despite some pronoun changes from the Shirlles’ original, the song retains a large amount of homoerotic undertones.
“Ask Me Why”, primarily written by Lennon in the style of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, is up next. Close listening can reveal the deteriorating state of Lennon’s voice during the marathon session. “Ask Me Why” was also included as the B-side to “Please Please Me”.
Rounding out the first side of the LP is “Please Please Me”. Originally conceived by John Lennon as a slow bluesy song in the style of Roy Orbison, it took much convincing and rerecording for Martin to release the song as a single. Martin originally felt the song was “dreary” and too slow. Martin wanted to release “How Do You Do It?” as a single for The Beatles. However, the group stood their ground as they only wanted to release original material as singles. “How Do You Do It?” later became a number one hit for Gerry & The Pacemakers. The arrangement for “Please Please Me” was radically altered into the version we know today, and 18 takes of it were recorded before George Martin released the song as a single to major success.
Opening up Side Two of the album is “Love Me Do”. McCartney wrote the bulk of the song, with Lennon writing the bridge. The version on the album was the take with session drummer Andy White playing drums and Ringo on tambourine. The original single version with Ringo on drums was later reissued on Past Masters in 1988. “Love Me Do” was released as a single in the US in 1964 and became a #1 hit.
“P.S. I Love You”, a McCartney composition, was actually produced by Ron Richards in George Martin’s absence (though Martin retained production credit). Like the aforementioned “Love Me Do”, this song features Ringo on maracas with Andy White on drums. Richards was insistent that “P.S. I Love You” had to be the B-side, due to it sharing a name with a 1934 song co-written by Johnny Mercer (who later wrote the lyrics to “Moon River” and “Days of Wine and Roses”).
“Baby It’s You”, another Shirelles cover (with music by the legendary Burt Bacharach), follows. This one features Lennon on lead vocals. The song had been part of the Beatles stage act since 1961, their version differing from the Shirelles’ by repeating the second verse rather than the first. Interestingly enough, a 1969 cover of the song by the band Smith became the highest charting version of the song in the United States (Smith’s version peaked at #5, compared to the Shirelles’ version peaking at #8).
“Do You Want to Know a Secret”, an original song with Harrison on lead vocals is next. Lennon claimed the song as entirely his own, while McCartney later claimed it was a 50-50 collaboration explicitly for George to sing. Lennon was inspired by “I’m Wishing” from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which his mother Julia sang for him as a child. The song was released as a single in the United States in 1964, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and becoming the highest charting Beatles song with a Harrison vocal until “Something” topped the charts in 1969.
McCartney’s cover of the pop standard “A Taste of Honey” follows. This song was originally an instrumental track written for the 1960 Broadway version of the 1958 British play A Taste of Honey (which was later adapted to film in 1961). The first vocal version of the song appeared in 1961 by Billy Dee Williams (Yes, Lando from Star Wars. He appeared in the original Broadway production of the play). Lenny Welch’s 1962 rendition of the song proved to be a big hit, as well as the basis of the Beatles’ version. Lennon allegedly hated the song, going as far to sing “A Waste of Money” for the backing vocals in concert.
The final original song on the album is “There’s a Place”. While Lennon claimed to write the song himself in the Motown style, McCartney claimed the song to be a collaborative effort. He noted the song’s title phrase originated from “Somewhere” from the soundtrack album to West Side Story, as he owned a copy of the album. Regardless, the song has been praised for its introspective lyrics and depth not commonly found in contemporaneous pop songs.
The grand finale, and arguably the most famous of all the Beatles’ covers, is their raucous, electric take on the Isley Brothers’ rendition of “Twist and Shout”. As previously mentioned, Lennon used every last bit of his voice that day shredding through the song. He initially felt ashamed of the performance, feeling his performance was subpar. The song was released as a single in the United States in 1964, peaking at #2 behind the band’s own “Can’t Buy Me Love”. It was the only million selling Beatles single to be a cover song, and was famously used in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in 1986.

Release and Impact

The album was released on March 22, 1963. The album had reached the top of the UK charts by May of 1963 and remained there for 30 weeks until being replaced by the group’s second album, With the Beatles. Please Please Me was also the first non-soundtrack album to spend more than a year consecutively within the top 10 of the UK album charts (with 62 consecutive weeks in the Top 10). This was also a record for a debut album until April 2013 when Emeli Sande’s Our Version of Events achieved a 63rd consecutive week in the Top Ten. Please Please Me’s success was unprecedented for a pop album, as the UK charts at the time largely consisted of film soundtracks and easily listening albums. The success of the album has been attributed to the packaging, particularly it’s cover art and linear notes.
Capitol Records, the American subsidiary of EMI, passed on the opportunity to release the Beatles’ material, feeling the music would have limited appeal to American listeners. Instead, Vee-Jay records attempted to bring The Beatles to America. However, the first two American singles (“Please Please Me” and “From Me to You”), failed spectacularly. Vee-Jay lost interest in The Beatles, not releasing a truncated 12-track version of the album until Beatlemania hit in early 1964 as Introducing… The Beatles (more information on that release can be found here). Capitol included “I Saw Her Standing There” on their first Beatles album Meet The Beatles! (It also served as the B-side to the American version of “I Want to Hold Your Hand”) After Vee-Jay’s license to release Beatles material expired, Capitol released The Early Beatles in March 1965, which consisted of 11 out of the 14 tracks from Please Please Me (along with “I Saw Her Standing There”, it excised “Misery” and “There’s a Place”. The latter two songs were released for the first time by Capitol in 1980 on the Rarities album). The first official American release of Please Please Me occurred in 1987 with the standardization of The Beatles’ catalog on CD.
In the decades since it’s release, Please Please Me remains highly regarded as not only one of the best debut albums of all time, but one of the greatest albums of all time period. In 2012, it was voted 39th on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. NME, Rolling Stone and Uncut have all named it one of the best debut albums of all time. For the 50th anniversary of the album in 2013, modern artists celebrated the album by re-recording it in one day. Stereophonics recorded the cover of “I Saw Her Standing There”. The rerecorded album was broadcast on BBC Radio 2.

Discussion

1. What is your favorite original song on Please Please Me? Favorite cover?
   
2. How would you rank the album within the Beatles’ discography?
   
3. Much has been said about how joyous the album feels. Do you feel it captured the energy of The Beatles’ early performances well?
   
4. How does this album compare with other pop albums from the same time?
   

Pros: * Gifts, love gestures and kind words are in the experience * She gets along well with your family * Interests in common and shareable interests (movies, shows, certain video games can be shared) * Will not judge your worries * Will be constantly aware of your important schedules. * Chances of wanting to ruin your image like previous ex’s are incredibly low * Apparently, she can “eventually” get well with your friends * Defends you from false accusations even post-break up * Her friends are people who are against you in the (tl;dr false SA accusation) situation. (Could potentially VOUCH for you, and she knows this.) * Your school life will be less miserable. * Dumb humor, offensive humor, has a very high tolerance towards people who aren’t special snowflakes. * Cool friends. They have a very 2013 Spanish gaming community style. * You got along well with her parents. * Occasional classic 2008 emo style. * Loyal in relationship until literal death. * Enjoys my English speaking. * Masculine energy in public. * Based.
Cons: * Elephant in the room: Liver condition. Cancer mini. Will have migraines with intense pain due to medication and most of the time you will not be there to help. Has a very strict diet due to condition. Will most likely have multiple important hospital visits and could one day die whether that be in months to a few decades from now. * Pregnancy could kill her. Potentially deformed baby. * Cannot have kids in the next 7 years. * Unstable. Will cry. * Kinda crazy. * Wants full commitment. Immediately. * Does not like it when you’re clueless or falling asleep in situations. * Will want room into your privacy. * Did NOT get along with your friends the first time. * Wants you to be fully aware of her important schedules. * Will be VERY clingy * These last few wouldn’t be bad, except for the fact that she will be very upset if you don’t accept them. * Has a 30% chance of crying, having negative self-talk or arguing over something when the sun goes down. Every day. * Her friends are people who are against you in the (tl;dr false SA accusation) situation. * Will talk about wanting to die, but will supposedly never kill herself. * Masculine energy in public. * Sexual problems (will cry if you don’t enjoy it) * Lots of trouble speaking and reading English * If you decide to date her again, there is no going back. You will have to take good care of her.

I lurked a bunch in this group before my trip so am hoping that a trip report will help others. We had a larger group and a couple people in the group are mobility challenged so some of my tidbits are unique to those aspects.
Some general notes:
-I got a pocket wifi from Ninja Wifi and it was great. I picked it up from Kansai and dropped off at Narita and it was so easy. I rushed through customs and had it before the others were all through. Others in the group were using their travel plans (T mobile and Verizon) and by the end of the trip most were just connecting to my wifi because it was much faster. It wasn't completely perfect and had a couple glitches here and there, but nothing that restarting the unit didn't fix. I did bring my own power bank and 100% needed it.
-We flew into Kansai and landed around 7pm. The entry at Kansai was a breeze. Everyone had done the Visit Japan ahead of time. We took screenshots but there is airport wifi in the customs area so we could have used that as well. We were through and had our bags within 30 minutes.
-It did take us a couple of days to get the hang of the various train lines, reading google maps, etc. A lot of the train station are huge as well so we learned to allow ALOT more time than google suggested for walking, especially since our group moved on the slower side. I tried to prep everyone to add Suica/Pasmo on their phones but myself and my mom were the only ones who actually did. Two people had physical IC cards from a previous trip but the other 4 kept putting it off and ended up not ever getting an IC card. It was a huge pain to stop and get tickets every time and they regretted it by the end of the trip.
-I had saved everything using Google's MyMap before we left but I ended up not using it very much. I chose it so I could color code locations but it didn't integrate very well into the app. I had to click on the saved maps every time I wanted to see what was around us, and you also can't add anything on the app. This could be user error as this was my first time using the MyMaps instead of a list but I'll probably go back to just creating a list within the app next time.
-We brought little goodies with us to hand out in lieu of tips and everyone loved them. Little things like mac nuts (we are from Hawaii) were received with much exclamation and appreciation.
-We were celebrating 3 different birthdays while we were there so we did reserve those dinners, since we had a larger party. We mostly split up for the rest of the meals. I can't speak to how easily we would have gotten in without reservations as we didn't try.
-Like everyone else, I HIGHLY recommend the luggage transfer services. It was so nice to take the train from city to city with just a backpack. We stayed in hotels in each place and the front desk handled it for us each time. I had a larger suitcase and it was about 2000 yen for each of the transfers (Osaka to Tokyo and Tokyo to Nagano). The only time we took our luggage was on the last train ride back to the airport and that's only because we forgot to ask how far in advance we would need to drop off and I was nervous about getting it in time for the flight. It probably would have been fine though. I also left my computer charger in Osaka and the hotel shipped it to me overnight. You usually pay when you drop off your bags but they let me pay that one upon pickup.
-Day 0 - Arrived in Osaka. We stayed at the Swissotel Nankai Osaka and it is located on top of Namba station. This hotel was recommended to us by a flight attendant who travels to Japan frequently and it was great for convenience being right at the train and metro station. It was a 10 minute walk to the Dotonbori area, which was about the maximum that my aunt could walk with her walker.
- Day 1 - day trip to Nara. I signed us up for a free tour with the YMCA EGG Club and it was fantastic. We did get a wheelchair from the Kintetsu station info office. They have exactly one available and it's first come, first serve but our guide said she has never seen anyone use it before. It was perfect for us as there was a lot of walking that day. A few things were not accessible but we could leave the wheelchair outside and my aunt could use her cane.
We split up after the tour to get lunch. Me and an auntie ended up at Maguro Koya for oo toro and it was the perfect first lunch in Japan. A true mom and pop but they did have an English menu and spoke great English. It was only a few blocks from the Kintetsu station as well. Auntie and I had a few cups of sake as well and after a lingering and delicious lunch we went back to the train station and back to Osaka.
After a nap, we took a couple of cabs to the Dotonbori area since we were running late for dinner. In hindsight, it was silly for all of us to cab since the able bodied could have walked in the same amount of time. We didn't know our way around yet, though, so we all just cabbed. Dinner was at the Kanidoraku crab restaurant on the Dotonbori. It was just OK, probably wouldn't go back as there are so many fantastic places in Osaka. After dinner we went to Donki for a little chaos. Uncle nearly had a panic attack at the crowds and needed to wait outside.
-Day 2 - day trip to Kyoto - Only half of us did this as the other half had been before. We wanted to see as much as possible in the day so we reserved a guided taxi tour with Doi Taxi. It was 40,000 yen for our group of 4 and up to 7 hours but there was no way we were going to get to see much if we had to walk and take busses. I had asked him to take us to one temple and requested few stairs and little walking. He started by driving us to Gion and we did get out and walk around a bit. I had requested lunch at Yudofu Sagano in Arashiyama and if you like tofu you must go there! We walked around the Tenryu-Ji temple and gardens after lunch, which was beautiful. The Arashiyama area was packed with people. I thought Gion would be the crowded area but it had nothing on Arashiyama. After the temple we headed back to the train station to go back to Osaka. We probably didn't get quite the bang for our buck that we could have but we were getting very tired.
-Day 3 - free day. We all did our own thing. Some went to Osaka Castle, some did the Aquarium, and some just wandered.
Day 4 - Osaka to Tokyo. The teenagers were not impressed that we woke them up to get to the train station early to get bentos. They would have preferred to sleep and grab Family Mart but the rest of us wanted to browse and pick out the perfect ekiben. The selection was not as large as I was expecting at Shin-Osaka but we did still get some goodies. The teenagers were not impressed by the Nozomi and slept but the rest of us enjoyed our bentos and scenery. We got some beers and highballs from the snack cart and noted that they only took cash or IC cards, not credit cards.
Our hotel in Tokyo was the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu. It wasn't quite as nice as the Swissotel but had a prime location right on the Scramble and the rooms were decently sized for Japan. My uncle almost had a panic attack when we got out of the Shibuya Station and he saw all of the people but he got used to it. We booked this hotel pretty far in advance and got a great deal. When I checked closer to the trip (just for giggles) it was a lot more expensive.
Day 5 - Tsukiji Market in the morning for breakfast/lunch/shopping then TeamLab Planets. Nothing new to report about those activities but this day is when we started to have issues finding escalators and elevators in the train station. Several stations in Tokyo were under construction and there were a couple of times we couldn't find any accessible options. Luckily, our mobility challenged people aren't totally immobile and could take the stairs but it was very tiring for them. I did appreciate that most of the subways and trains (and busses) have screens that show the stops and the location of escalators and elevators but they weren't always accurate if there was construction.
I really wanted to go to the Shibuya Yokocho for dinner and everyone in the group liked that idea, even the teens. I didn't think there was any chance we would all be able to eat together but we went early just in case. To my surprise we did find one place that could seat exactly 8 (if we crammed, which we did) and it was wonderful. I have no idea what it is called since most of the signs outside are in Japanese but the ownechef/bartender is named Hiro. We had some of my favorite bites of the whole trip there including a uni miso omelet and blue cheese baked mochi. The "menu" was just slips of paper on the wall, all in Japanese, but it was fun to try and use Google Translate and pick random things based on the translation. The mochi, for example, translated as "blue rice". A few of the adults bar hopped after dinner and we had a great time at each place, but Hiro's was my favorite.
Day 6 + 7 - Random Tokyo wandering and nothing interesting or crazy to report. Uncle went to Golden Gai by himself and reported that he liked the Shibuya Yokocho better. He thought Golden Gai seemed like a larger, more touristy version.
We did go to Tokyo Skytree one of these days and for the love, make a reservation if you want to go there. They do let you buy tickets same day but the line was horrendous and we were regretting our lack of planning as we watched the people with reservations walk right up.
Day 8 - Tokyo to Nagano - Our group split at this point. Half started in Shibu Onsen for some relaxation and half went to Lotte Arai resort for some skiing. I was part of the Shibu group so I'll report mainly on that. We chose Shibu because it was close to the snow monkey park and for the onsen experience. Shibu has 9 "public" onsen that only locals and people staying in a ryokan in Shibu get a key for. Getting there was very easy. The shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano took 1.5 hours and then the Dentetsu line to Yudanaka was about an hour. Our hotel picked us up at the train station.
Shibu was one of the highlights of the trip and it was especially relaxing after Tokyo. We stayed at the Shibu Hotel, which is a ryokan and family run for over 100 years. It was a bit of a splurge but we chose to include the kaiseki dinner and breakfast. The service was incredible. There are two brothers that are basically shuttling people around all day, to and from the train station and to and from the snow monkey park, and running the hotel. One of the wives and the mother run the front desk. The ryokan also has several public and private onsen for guests. It seemed like a lot of the ryokan in town were similar but as I've only stayed at Shibu Hotel I can only speak for them. Also important to note, they have a few rooms with Western style beds and an elevator, which is the main reason we stayed there. Most of the ryokan only offer Japanese style rooms, which I would have been fine with by myself but did not work for the group.
Shibu was very accessible, which I was not expecting. The town is tiny and the whole thing can be walked easily. Some of the little alleys weren't walker friendly but the main streets were tiled (I think), very smooth and wide enough for the walker. Not all of the onsen were accessible but most had a little step/s or railing so we could all participate. It was some family bonding for sure LOL
Day 9 - Snow Monkeys! We took the hotel shuttle to the park entrance and they even had snow boots for us, as the trail gets icy or muddy depending on the season. It was cold but not icy for us but we still appreciated the boots as it was a bit muddy in spots. It took us about 20 minutes to walk each way but I can see it taking much longer if there's snow or ice. There were so many monkeys and they were very unconcerned with people. No shit throwing or bag stealing was seen, unlike my previous monkey experience in Thailand. You could do this as a day trip from Nagano or even Tokyo very easily. This was not accessible as there are stairs at the beginning and end of the trip and auntie didn't want to try and walk a mile so she stayed at the hotel and enjoyed coffee in the lobby and browsing some of their homemade goodies (green onion miso, yum!).
We then took the local train back to Nagano and checked in to the Metropolitan Hotel, again right at the train station (have you sensed our preference yet). Lunch was at Misoya for my favorite ramen of the trip. I love me some miso. We saw the main temple in Nagano and visited the sake brewery close by.
Day 10 - Last full day and it was raining and cold. We didn't do a whole lot this day because of the rain but did some last minute shopping. At the Tokyu department store we found the best basement grocery with a bunch of food stalls so we grabbed a bunch of different foods and a bottle of local sake for lunch in the room.
Day 11 - Lunch at Misoya again before catching the Shinkansen back to Tokyo Station and then the Narita Express to the airport. We were pretty disappointed in the food and shopping options at Terminal 2, unfortunately. We left Nagano after lunch at 1:30 so had allowed extra time at the airport for dinner and some duty free shopping but nothing was open by the time we got through security at 6pm. We should have had dinner outside of security but we didn't realize nothing would be open. There was one little conbini that has some tuna musubi and egg salad sandwiches so that was dinner. We were more sad that the duty free was closed as we had been planning on buying some of our whisky and sake allotment there. We didn't come home empty handed but just less than we had planned.
Whew, that took awhile to write. I hope someone, somewhere finds any part of this helpful!

This isn’t a traditional chance me post because I’m only now I sophomore and high school and want to know if I’m on the right track to actually have a good shot at getting into NYU. I plan on spending next year bulking up my ec’s too.
Demographics:
Male
Pacific Islander
Large public school in Houston
Middle income
GPA and course load- 3.9 UW
7 AP classes including ones I have already signed up for for junior year (plus however many I decide to do senior year- probably will end up being 11 at the end)
No ACT or SAT yet obviously
EC activities
Clubs: peer tutoring club, cultural history club, Latin club, Best Buddies (very low involvement here so I probably won’t be in it much longer), national music honour society, national honour society. (Seniority is a big consideration at my school so I wasn’t able to get any leadership positions campaigning my freshman year)
Other activities:
I tutor a kid with autism once a week, helping with his reading and English.
Violinist in school orchestra (intend to do all four years)
Varsity Track and cross country runner (also intend to do all 4 years)
Dog walker and babysitter for my community
Life guard
Volunteer at my church’s ‘food fair’ partnered with the Houston Food Bank
Summer Journalism program at Columbia University
I’m a writer, but haven’t put any of my work out there yet
-I want to major in journalism, so I’m trying to plan a passion project around that. I’m currently looking for internships at any of the various local papers in the Houston area, but so far haven’t been successful.
Anyway, I know this probably seems stupid but it’s something I’m worrying about more and more as I get closer to closing off my junior year and going into college applications.
Obviously it’s not to late for me to work on my extra curriculars so I am more than open to advice and suggestions!!!!

In 2021. I met my ex, I was always there for her, she was rarely there for me, very inconsiderate of my own life and my feelings, and pretty immature, and liked playing games. but at the same time we had good chemistry so it leaves me confused. I had to take my power back blocked her on everything she eventually came back, we dated again, she did the same thing, I realized she didn’t change so I blocked her on everything again. In 2022, I got a new gf, my ex came back, I told her to move on, since I’m already dating someone else, she did….for about a couple months, I became single again for abit, my ex comes back in 2023, when I’m single, this time she is mature and not playing games anymore we connect easily, and the chemistry is good, but she keeps being inconsiderate and inconsistent, ignoring me and texting me whenever she’s just bored or something, I felt low priority to her, eventually I exploded and couldn’t take her treatment anymore I blocked her with no closure this time because I feel no need to, It’s been 3 days since no contact, but I already know sooner or later she’s gonna come back again… why do they keep coming back seriously.

I’ve been privileged enough in that I have been able to play every generation in some way or another.
MH1 (2010…ish?) - Didn’t play it and probably never will, but I remember being a little kid looking at the Devil May Cry 3 cover with that “monster hunter demo included!” sticker on it and being soooo fascinated by the title alone. Turns out the demo was not actually included lmao.
Freedom (2017?) - Played about 1 hour of it, iirc after completing Portable 3rd. Didn’t really find a reason to continue with it due to the monsters already being in FU plus how clunky it was.
Freedom 2 (2016 ish) - I’m pretty sure I downloaded the iso to play on PPSSPP only to immediately find out FU is the exact same game with extra content.
Freedom Unite (2016) - What was capcom thinking with that title? At least call it “Freedom 2 Unite” 😭. First MH game I played. I didn’t get far at all, pretty sure I never even left Low Rank. It was just too hard for me, and clunky to boot.
I have plans to get back to it, though.
Portable 3rd (2016) - Second game I played, first one I completed! Definitely the main reason I’m such a big monster hunter fan today. Wish it had a G version.
3U (2022) - Yeah technically P3rd’s G but not the same. I’m currently going through it, I just entered High Rank, but put it on hiatus while I finish Rise.
4U (2020) - I finished the main story (Shagaru) but couldn’t get past that since I played it on my ex’s 3DS. I’ll probably replay it and complete G rank after I’m done with 3U since it’s currently my favorite game in the series.
Generations/U (2020) - I tried Generations on my ex’s 3DS too but only for like one mission. I had a switch and I wanted to get GU, but ended up selling the thing. So yeah.
World (PS4 2019, PC 2020 I think) - I used to live with a friend who bought a PS4 and I got this game for him, I remember we both completed it on separate save files. Became my favorite MH back in the day. After I got my gaming PC it was the first MH game I bought on my own…legally 🙈 it was still my favorite MH but then my experience was soured by…
Iceborne (2021) - It was such a different experience to base World that it has a whole section dedicated to it. From what I’ve seen this is a controversial opinion but I just didn’t …enjoy Iceborne compared to previous games, and it’s due to one thing: the fucking grappling hook. Feeling like I had to tenderize the monster parts every 3 minutes in order to do some decent damage was genuinely grating and it killed my enjoyment of the game after a while. I really wonder what the hell they were thinking.
I still managed to complete it, but in my opinion you can just FEEL this had a different director compared to base World. I’m kinda glad he left CAPCOM.
Rise Sunbreak (2023) - Currently in the middle of it (almost done with HR) and I like it a lot! It feels so streamlined and smooth, even compared to World. I can understand the people saying it’s TOO streamlined at times, and those saying it feels more like Monster Fighter instead of Monster Hunter, but I personally don’t mind that. Controversial opinion apparently, but my favorite part of these games has always been fighting the monsters, not finding them on the map or looking for tracks…HOWEVER I know a lot of people enjoy doing that so I hope MH6 is more like World in that sense. Honestly Rise would be my favorite if it wasn’t for 4U, but it lacks…something, I don’t know what it is, maybe monster selection? My opinion might change for the better when I get to Sunbreak.
I like what they’ve done here, making the Portable game more focused on fighting and goofy anime bullshit while also making the mainline game slightly more “realistic”, hunter focused and slower paced. It will prevent people from feeling burnt out by the nearly yearly releases.
But enough about me. How about you guys?

When COVID first hit, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were expanded to help with the pandemic. Statistically, “Around 42 million Americans are currently enrolled” in the SNAP program, meaning a very large population of low-income Americans heavily reliant on it will be suddenly and severely hurt by the rollback. Data seems to point to the fact that “Snap allotments for the average recipient by $90 a month, with some households losing $250 a month or more. Older adults at the minimum benefit level will see their monthly Snap benefits drop from $281 a month to $23“. With such an unbelievable drop, a household with disabled persons would essentially mandate the individual(s) to return to work, regardless of disability, simply for survival. One such account is detailed in the Guardian article linked below.
Furthermore, it’s a troubling time to rollback the extended benefits given the circumstances. According to The Guardian, “20.5 million Americans currently behind on their utility payments and nearly 25 million behind on credit card, auto loan or personal loan payments, the highest number since 2009”. The same article mentions further trends that have shown that workers making less than $20/hr, “have experienced drops in wage growth compared with other workers in recent months”. This is all the while the cost of food has been rising, “…the US Department of Agriculture estimated that all food prices will increase by 7.9% in 2023 – and they were already 9.5% higher in February 2023 compared with February 2022”. The extended benefits are being cut back, as the debt and cost of food rise, all the while the money available for lower-income dwindles; no doubt a precarious situation, happening in a very short period with basically no way to prepare.
The immense stress and worry coming from a rapid and massive loss of financial help for food would also lead to a surge in demand for food bank aid. The number of reports of, “skipping meals, eating less, visiting food pantries or relying on family or friends for meals” has significantly increased in areas where the benefits stopped.What’s odd in the rollback of extended benefits is how beneficial they were: for example, “The Urban Institute found that the increased Snap benefits during the Covid-19 pandemic kept 4.2 million Americans out of poverty in the fourth quarter of 2021, reducing poverty by 9.6% and child poverty by 14% in states with emergency allotments. They also have a wider economic benefit. Every $1 invested in Snap benefits yields between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity during economic downturns”. Not only was it socially helpful in supporting those who needed it, but it was also economically stimulating. Given such grand positives, what would incentivize the limitation of the program?
Tragically, despite overwhelming support for continuing the expanded program from many, Congress is unlikely support the expansion due to opposition on the floors. That said, change does not come about through silence. If this is something enough are interested in supporting, a convincing push can be made to perhaps sway the decision to support maintaining the expansion while a path towards compromise is worked on.
Sources:
(Main one, highly recommend reading): https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/ma17/snap-food-benefits-us-cuts-impact-families
https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/01/politics/food-stamps-pandemic-emergency-allotments/index.html
https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/temporary-pandemic-snap-benefits-will-end-in-remaining-35-states-in-march
https://frac.org/programs/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/emergency-allotments
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20all%20food%20prices,of%205.6%20to%2011.8%20percent.
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm
https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2023/02/28/states-strive-to-help-snap-recipients-cope-with-lower-benefits?fbclid=IwAR0_6afJ0RVlU72Fa5_4zTOI864maXkjA_CSAH-TpGrrni6m_xNbyK514bA
https://www.urban.org/research/publication/effect-reevaluated-thrifty-food-plan-and-emergency-allotments-supplemental
https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/93529/err-265.pdf?v=2789.4

What camera settings to use to produce the best results with their equipment is a common question among novice photographers. While there is not a universal set of camera settings that perform well in all shooting situations, you will find that there are a few settings that you always use on any camera you use and that applies to all camera manufacturers now on the market.
You make these original "basic" settings; you never return to them once they are complete. Also, there are specific camera modes that, especially for a beginner, make taking pictures simpler or faster. In this blog, we will discuss those settings for your Cameras & Photo

1. Camera Setup

Let us start by reviewing some camera settings that should apply to any contemporary digital camera. As the following settings are essentially the same for all brands and types of cameras, you should be able to discover them:
· RAW image quality
· RAW Records without loss Compressed (if available) (if available)
· Standard White Balance, Automatic Picture Control, Artistic Picture Style, and Film Simulation colour space
· LONG SURFACE Reduced noise at high ISO Reduced noise: Off
· Lens Corrections (Vignette Control, Chromatic Aberration Control, Distortion Control, etc.) Active D-Lighting / DRO, HDR: Off
The most crucial camera settings are those listed above. Always begin by choosing the correct file format, which is RAW. Lossless Compressed should always be selected when choosing RAW compression, as it uses less space than other options and is described here. Even though Picture Controls, for example, only affect how the image appears on your camera's LCD when shooting in RAW, it is best to stick with a standard profile and avoid adjusting any other settings, such as Sharpening, Contrast, Saturation, etc., because these factors only matter when shooting in JPEG format.

2. Best Autofocus Mode

Regardless of what you are photographing, you should always make sure you are using the best autofocus setting. Suppose you are photographing a still subject, for instance. In that case, you might want to use Single Area Focus Mode (also known as "Single Area AF," "One Shot AF," or simply "AF-S"). In contrast, if the subject is continuously moving, you would want to switch to Continuous / AI Servo Focus Mode because you probably want your camera to actively track your subject.

3. Metering Mode

While your camera may offer a variety of metering modes, including spot metering, center-weighted metering, and matrix / evaluative metering, it is usually ideal to use matrix / evaluative metering by default because it considers the entire scene and normally exposes your subjects more accurately.

4. Best Lens Aperture

You must be careful about the aperture you choose in each setting since lens aperture affects how your subject is isolated from the foreground and background and determines how much light passes through your lens. The ideal aperture to choose depends on your topic and the lighting conditions where you are shooting because it can also affect aspects like image clarity and depth of field.
It is advisable to take pictures with the widest maximum aperture your lens can provide if you are taking photos in low light and you want to prevent adding camera shake to your images when shooting hand-held. This will allow your camera to capture as much light as possible. If you are interested in buying a camera, you can check on eBay alternatives sites.

Bio
Age: 32 Occupation: Senior Digital Marketing Manager Location: HCOL, Midwest, US
Salary
Gross income: Currently, $103.5K + 10% annual bonus. Starting next week, $117K + 15% annual bonus! I do some sporadic freelance work for $2-3K per year. Husband is $51K. HHI is $168K (no bonus).
Net income: Current biweekly paycheck is ~$2.8K. Deductions: $75 HSA, health insurance, taxes. Not sure what new paycheck will be! Husband’s is ~$1.5K. Deductions: 401K, health insurances, taxes.
Income progression:
- 2012: After undergrad, got a part time contract job as a community manager (when social media was just barely a thing for businesses). Made $12/hr. Also was a server. All in w/both, $35-45K.
- 2014-2017: Over 5 years, contract gig got more serious. I quit my serving job as I made more from contract gig. Eventually, my role was absorbed by largest client. Started w/them as a social media manager at $55K.
- 2019: After a couple years, took new job in editorial/writing for $51K.
- 2019: Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy 6 weeks after I got there (lol). So got a digital marketing manager job in a new, much more expensive city making $70K.
- 2021: After 2 years & a short COVID furlough, joined my current company as a digital marketing manager (under a former boss) at $102K + 10% bonus.
- 2022: Last year, received COL raise to $103.5K.
- March 2023: As of next week, start promotion to senior digital marketing manager w/, $117K + 15% annual bonus.
Assets & Debt
First, to start: my husband & I share finances. We’ve been together for nearly 8 years. We officially combined everything after we got married about a year ago. All assets, spend, etc. reflects both of us.
Assets:
Retirement balance: ~$2K & that’s it. I did not grow up w/financially fluent family (they also didn’t have any money), nor did I have an understanding about retirement until recently. I’ve also been prioritizing enjoying some of my spoils/saving for other things, tbh. This is changing soon!
Savings balance: $21.5K. Have some medically necessary procedures coming up (not covered by insurance) so socking away for that. We also rent, so always want to have moving cash accessible just in case.
Joint checking: $5.6K.
Solo checking: $1.4K
Debt:
Student loans: none! Paid mine off in 2020 (~$20K total). (I qualified for a lot of aid; scholarships, grants & subsidized student loans covered my undergrad degree. My parents did not contribute/)
Mortgage: n/a. We rent.
Car: $550 monthly. Bought the car 6 years ago. First decent car either one of us has had. Worth it. (~$3.5K left. We’re gonna pay this off in the spring).
Credit card: Currently $3K but we pay off in full each month.
Monthly Recurring Expenses
Rent: $2,100 for 2 bed, 2 bath, 3rd floor walkup, including outdoor parking space. We’ve lived here almost 4 years. Rent has not increased.
Electric & gas: $250-$350 depending on time of year.
Internet: ~$70.
Car insurance: ~$200 for two cars.
Phones & service: $155 for two phones + service but I get an $80 subsidy for work, so $75.
Fitness: $209 for unlimited Orangetheory. I go ~3 times/week & it’s great.
Prescriptions: ~$90. I have a daily inhaler & I take Adderall for ADHD.
Subscriptions: YouTube music, streaming TV, random podcasts, etc. my husband supports: ~75.
Savings: We put $1K-$2.5K in savings every month.
Weekly Diary!
DAY 1 – TOTAL: $4.75

• Up at 6:15 – Wordle, NYT Spelling Bee, Reddit, catch one Pokemon in Pokemon Go so I keep my streak
• Quick bath & read a book (this week’s reading: When You are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris; Mindset by Carol Dweck)
• Dressed & ready, took bus to work. Had team lunch, meetings, etc. all day.
• Getting home was a shitshow. Waited for the train – too crowded to get on. Waited for a bus – same. Eventually caught the train home. $2.50.
• Hung around w/husband, watched Succession, made half a grilled cheese for dinner

DAY 2 – TOTAL: $208.20

• Up at 6:30ish - Wordle, NYT Spelling Bee, Reddit, catch one Pokemon in Pokemon Go so I keep my streak
• Bath & reading – every morn!
• Cleaned the kitchen a bit
• Had to pay a bunch of bills manually. My credit card number got stolen awhile ago so bank sent me a new one w/a new number. But the old number (on file w/lots of places for autopay) still worked?? So I just let it ride.
• Started getting emails/calls that the old CC number was no longer valid. SO i paid some bills:
  • Speech pathologist: I’m getting evaluated for possible double jaw surgery so had to see a speech path for evaluation. If you have never been asked by a doctor to open your mouth & show them the chewed graham cracker on your tongue, I highly recommend. :) $178.20
  • Physicians assistant: I go see a PA once every 3 months for ADHD medication. $30
  • iPhone: covered above
  • Orangetheory: covered above
• Then off to WHF! Reporting for pilot I led, atatus meeting w/our digital agency, other calls, etc. On Wednesday nights, I take a stand up comedy class! Super fun & I’m really enjoying it. Had to do a rewrite of last week’s set so banged out right before class. Listened to last week’s piece & feedback, then voice transcribed into Word doc. I have an editing/writing background/degree & lots of speaking/performance so had a great time on rewrite. I was running late so I took an Uber there: $12.90
• Had a great time at class! It goes til 10pm & I’m old so caught an Uber home: $18.95.
• Got home & dumped tonight’s set & feedback into Word doc. Reddit-ed for a few. Sleep around 11pm.

DAY 3 – TOTAL: $325

• WFH again. Chill day. Hard for me to stay out late (for me) at class on Wednesday nights & have a good productive day the next one.
• Was NOT going to spend money today but Colin Jost the comedian is coming to town the night before my birthday!! I bought 2 tickets on Vivid Seats for my husband & me. $229.78
• Was gonna go to Orangetheory in the evening but cancelled – too tired. $14 for cancelling
• Husband went to Costco on his way home. Got paper towels & a few other things & a giant pizza! We ate it for dinner. $81.22

DAY 4 – TOTAL: $0

• Up around 6:40. Wordle, NYT Spelling Bee, Reddit, catch one Pokemon in Pokemon Go so I keep my streak
• Bath & reading! Washed my hair, so styling routine & diffusing.
• 9am meeting w/agency – took from the couch.
• Called around for a pharmacy who has my prescription for Adderall & found one! So then called the doc & had them send it over. Glad this is done!!
• THEN called health insurance. I need to have an expander put in my mouth because I have nasal breathing issues (and a severe open bite & moderate cross bite, all due to a narrow upper palate), BUT not clear if insurance covers it. Was on for 40 minutes – answer is conclusive. A TIP: orthodontic/orthognathic surgeries are an insurance nightmare. :/
• Lots of downtime today. Emails & reporting mostly but also a lot of researching the procedure I need to have. Called a coworker in the afternoon.
• Really sluggy so Diet Dr Pepper around 2:30pm – rare for me. Try to avoid caffeine after lunch.
• Ended up taking a nap from 5:30pm-7pm. Hung around & ate leftovers for dinner.

DAY 5 – TOTAL: $484.57

• Woke up, loafed around a bit.
• Caught the bus to meet a friend for brunch! Read a bit on the bus. $2.25
• Brunch w/my girl! Good to catch up. Ate some pancakes that were pretty good but made my stomach hurt. Got a giant cookie to take home to husband. $29.60
• Went to Anthropologie. Bought 5 things, all on clearance: 3 sweaters, one top, one blazejacket thing. $185, which is pretty great for Anthro.
• Then got ice cream!!! Bought my friend’s cone too. $17.60.
• Took the bus home. $2.25.
• A bit later, husband & I Ubered to a little cocktail bar. $12.99. It was really nice! We each had 2 cocktails. $76.76
• Then we went for dinner! Originally wanted wings but the place was crazy with very drunk March Madness goers. So went to a bistro-y place down the street. Had a couple beers each & ate some really excellent short rib pappardelle & husband had a delicious meatball sub. $138.12
• Ubered home! $20

DAY 6 – TOTAL: $38.49

• Slept in!! Realized we didn’t have any food so ran to Chipotle for a nice big brunch. $38.49
• Otherwise, had a very chill day. Long bath & reading w/face & hair masks. Tidying & laundry.
• Husband made meal prep (rice bowls) for dinner, so ate that & started The Last of Us & went to bed early.

DAY 7 – TOTAL: $143.67

• Up around 6:30 for the normal morning routine – phone, bath/reading, get ready.
• Had to call a bunch more pharmacies to sniff out Adderall – had very little luck. 
• Ordered flowers to be delivered for my mother’s birthday: $76.78
• Had a chill WFH day. Did some planning & reporting, had a few afternoon calls.
• Husband went to the grocery on his way home. Got a few staples: salsa, bagels, yogurts, etc. $66.89
• Wrapped up around 5:30pm. Laid around & stretched, then went to Orangetheory at 7pm.
• Had a great workout! Came home, cleaned up, wolfed some meal prepped food, then went to bed around 10pm.

TOTAL FOR WEEK: $1,204.68
This was an above average spending week. Brunch & shopping is not a weekly occurrence, nor are those medical bills. We typically eat/cook/meal prep at home a bit more too. But there ya have it – hope you enjoyed!

Balthus was the HARDEST character for me to build by far, which is why I'm barely posting him now.
His intended playstyle is so backwards it's not even funny. For starters, his personal Golden Fists is clearly made for farming money, but he himself can't use it efficiently since he doesn't learn the Despoil ability from the Assassin class, which gives money for defeating enemies. Additionally, his unique support ability King of Grappling and the Eye for an Eye attribute from Vajra-Mushti (his signature Heroes' Relic) both activate with lower HP, but his major Crest of Chevalier has a 50% chance to restore HP when landing combat arts AND he doesn't learn Impossible Feat or Lifeforce to lower his HP with recoil. As if all of that wasn't enough, Golden Fists is based on hit count and he doesn't learn the Concentration ability.
Because of these contradictions, I found it basically impossible to make any sort of Vajra-Mushti build work without giving him a different personal. However, giving him a different personal leaves him with VERY slow movement speed, since War Master has the same movement speed as Emperor and Warrior. Ultimately, I decided leaving him as a War Master wasn't worth it, even though he is one of only two characters that gets Apex Gauntlet.
Speaking of the War Master class, I personally don't think it's ever worth using regardless, even with the Fetters of Dromi. Being good against mages is largely redundant due to their low HP and Def stats, which let any strong physical attacker break through them pretty easily. Even magical attacks do lots of damage in most cases since their HP is low.
Anyway, after I concluded War Master wasn't worth it for Balthus, I tried out Warlock so he can spam Bolganone and Ragnarok. However, even with Hrotti and all of his damage boosting abilities, it still felt quite weak. I even tried other personals such as Edelgard's Solar Prominence.
I was very stuck for a while after that, until recently when I payed close attention when reading Golden Fists's in game description. I don't know why, but I've NEVER seen anyone mention that Golden Fists ALSO powers up your attacks as the hit count goes up. I always thought that it was simply for farming money.
After I read that, I tested Balthus as a Dark Knight and Holy Knight (don't judge me lol) with a +100 Chain Lv 3 & Boost Consecutive Hits Lv 3 Lance of Zoltan to see how significant the Golden Fists power boost is. The results were NUTS, to the point where I think Balthus is a better Holy Knight than Rodrigue despite not having Apex Lance.
I've already made so many posts featuring lance builds though, so I looked around to see if had any good tomes with Chain Lv 3 to test him as a Dark Bishop with Dark Spikes T and Hades. It turns out, I had a +100 Scholar's Tome laying around with Chain Lv 3 & Boost Consecutive Hits Lv 3, probably to test potential Gordian Stroke builds. Then......
The Fists of Darkness were born 😈
CLASS: Dark Bishop
You guys have no idea how happy I am that this build turned out amazing. I was hoping to include at least one dedicated Dark Bishop build post when the build series started, but as time and time went on I was afraid the class might just be too weak. It's quite funny that out of all characters, Balthus is probably the only one that actually wants to be a mage even though he doesn't have Apex Tome.
The fourth strong attack combo is boosted by Essence of Fire, lingers for a while after using and hits multiple times, which makes it easy to rack up the hit count for Golden Fists.
WEAPON: Scholar's Tome/Sage's Tome @ Chain Lv 3 & Boost Consecutive Hits Lv 3
Boost Combat Arts/Magic Lv 3 is the best alternative if you don't have Boost Consecutive Hits Lv 3. Chain Lv 3 is important though for Golden Fists.
ACCESSORY: Fetters of Dromi or Magic Staff
The Dark Bishop class has pretty slow movement speed, which is why I personally prefer the Fetters. If you don't mind moving slower though, Magic Staff is definitely worth using to boost his already powerful spells.
BATTALION: Resist Gauntlets
MAGIC SPELLS: Dark Spikes T & Hades
The best overall spells in the game, Hades is boosted by Essence of Fire. The Dark Bishop class ability Dark Magic Mastery lowers the cooldown of dark spells too, which lets Balthus use them frequently. Unfortunately, both spells have to be taught to him. Dark Spikes T can be learned easily from Shez, but Hades can only be learned from C rank support characters. I promise it's VERY worth it though. Hapi, Lysithea and Monica can teach Hades.
Both spells hit multiple times, which makes it easy for the hit count to rise for Golden Fists.
Best class(es) to level up with: War Master x120
This probably doesn't make any sense, but having max Str is important to optimize Absorb Strength boosts. Balthus doesn't need high Mag since he has the Dual Onslaught ability, which ensures his magical attacks hit as hard as possible. The ideal stats after leveling are max Str, 90+ Spd and 75+ Dex.
ABILITIES:

1. Reason Lv 3
2. Wild Abandon (Brigand Lv 1)
3. Underdog (Brawler Lv 3)
4. Boost Critical (Grappler Lv 1)
5. Offensive Tactics (Wyvern Rider Lv 1)
6. Essence of Fire (Warlock Lv 3)
7. Big Game Hunter (Mortal Savant Lv 2)
8. Dual Onslaught (Mortal Savant Lv 3)
9. Tomebreaker (War Master Lv 1)
10. Absorb Strength (Dark Bishop Lv 3)

Being a mage that is good against other mages (thanks to Tomebreaker) is incredibly useful, since mages are common enemies in the story. The Dark Bishop class is good against cavalry units too, which makes Balthus useful in plenty of missions.
Just like Lorenz, Balthus can also be recruited in all three routes, making him one of the most efficient characters in the game. Balthus's power combined with these traits is more than enough to land him a spot in S-tier, above Rodrigue and even Sothis.
Now it's time to showcase the Fists of Darkness 🤜🤛 these clips are with a +100 Scholar's Tome with the recommended attributes and all the Gatekeeper paralogue clips are from the same run:
General gameplay, showing his spell power against final chapter enemies
Making Lorenz on the Gatekeeper paralogue look like a joke
Making both Hubert and Monica on the Gatekeeper paralogue look like a joke
Making Dimitri on the Gatekeeper paralogue look like a joke
Beating Claude on the Gatekeeper paralogue like it's nothing
Even Edelgard couldn't take the heat 🔥