King’s Landing, Westeros, 161st Year After the Conquest
One aspect of lordship is the holding of court, where the lord hears from the people they rule over and the issues they have. These can range from natural troubles, like drought or blight, to manmade troubles, like bandits or broken men, or more commonly disputes with neighbours or other parties, from lowly cases of someone’s rabbit escaping and impregnating someone else's rabbit, to rent payments. Not the most exciting aspect of the role, but a vital one.
In King’s Landing, court was held at the Red Keep. Naturally. To get there, one would likely have to join a queue in the Traitor’s Square before the gatehouse of the castle, unless you got there early enough, before slowly shuffling forward through the gatehouse, beneath the murder holes and portcullises, into the Outer Yard. Fortunately for those waiting, there was often something or other to watch going on. The stables were on the far side of the Yard, so those with an appreciation for horse flesh could enjoy the comings and goings. Perhaps if they were lucky then they would get to see young men of the Court practising at arms, both afoot or ahorse. The broad, studded gates of the Great Hall would be open, with the queue entering on the right hand side, so that people might leave easily enough on the other side.
The decor of the Great Hall was simple but tasteful. Large Targaryen banners of red and black hung between the windows. Whilst the queue stuck to the large central aisle, spectators could stand in the smaller aisles on either side, with a line of columns separating them from each other, with men at arms in Targaryen colours to fill the gaps between. White cloaked Kingsguard stood at the foot of the dias, regardless of whether the King was present or not: there were more if he was, fewer if he wasn’t. Of course, it also depended on whether the rest of the Targaryens were in residence or not.
Atop the Iron Throne, the King brooded. He still cut a striking figure, his dark attire contrasting sharply to his pale hair and skin, the former so pale a silver as to be almost white. It had lustre, though, as did the simple band of gold that rested there easily as a symbol of his authority. As … preoccupied as he seemed to be, Aegon Targaryen, third of that name to sit upon the Iron Throne, remained as courteous as ever with people who came to court, though it never be said that he used three words where one would suffice.
Otherwise, only the Princess Daena Targaryen might be found at Court, in one of the wings, surrounded by her coterie of ladies in Waiting, all of noble stock, though the squires were also starting to gaggle around her and her ladies. Inevitable, where ladies of status were concerned, but how welcome it was is another matter entirely…

Hello lovely people!
It's that time of year again - time to sign up for our discord server bingo event!
How to sign up: Join our discord server and fill in this form :)
Deadline to sign up: June 10th 2023
How does it work? Each participant receives a bingo card with various prompts. Your goal is to complete as many squares in your card as you like, in any way, shape, or form. You may decide to write or draw or do something different, like an edit, a moodboard or a playlist. Keep in mind that this is a low stress event - don't feel pressured to finish every single prompt.
Deadline for fills: September 1st 2023
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Feel free to ask if you have any doubts, and most importantly: have fun! 🎉

[prev]
4 Hours Later
The shock of our first experiences aboard the Monolith, or rather, Sanctum Installation Theta, was finally wearing off. The trillions of souls under our feet, who had entrusted their existence and survival to this synthetic intelligence was not something we had ever theorized about. Sure we’d pondered if it was perhaps some sort of supersized warship considering the ease with which it dispatched threats to its continued existence, but a colony ship? Never once had that crossed our minds.
While Frowl and the others argued about what to do, the majority simply wanting to let the ship be on its way, while Frowl and his yes-men wanted to try and take control of the ship and integrate the colonists into the Hegemony, either as peers or as something worse. I tried not to think of my people and government being okay with going down that path, and I didn’t think it’d even be possible either considering the extreme differences in power and numbers that these Terrans possessed. So while all that was happening, I decided to break away from the group and take a look around, see what, if anything, there was to see beyond the strange flora.
I found many a strange thing, I soon passed into what seemed to be some sort of tunnel passage at the bottom of a flight of stairs, and instead of looking at the human passengers I saw something else. Large ships, many of which were battered and bruised, or at least that’s how they seemed. But even as I walked along and observed them, it was clear they were being repaired. Machines of all shapes and sizes flitted about, removing armor or system components and replacing them, fabricating what was needed on the spot after recycling the damaged parts.
It was fascinating to watch, I hadn’t ever really paid attention to starships before and these ones were incredibly elegant, almost fragile looking, yet the thickness of the armor, the brutal size of the guns suggested that their fragility was a mere facade of lies. I moved on and went searching for something else, only to find what looked to be a nursery of some sort. Much like the stasis pods below my feet… or off to my sides, wherever they were, this place was filled with pods. Each one contained what was clearly an infant, each pod was carefully marked with name and parentage, so that they could be retrieved once revived. It felt a little sinister honestly, but I suppose they were required to use a different form of stasis for the infants than they would for adults.
Eventually my journeys took me back to the ‘surface’ and I decided it was time for a chat with Nyxtia.It seems as though the Intelligence wanted the same, as my PDA was promptly pinged and given directions to a much smaller interface system, though it was no less dramatic than the larger one. In under a minute I stood before a more reasonably sized avatar and she, at least I still assumed it was a she, regarded me with curiosity.
“So… Uh… Nyxtia right?” I said, feeling suddenly awkward.
“Affirmation: That is my name, yes.”
“Right, so… This Cataclysm thing, what could drive an entire species to flee their home galaxy?” I asked, and watched as her head tilted slightly and she presumably gathered the appropriate data for a response.
“Elucidation: The Cataclysm is/was a trans-dimensional incident provoking a galactic wide extinction event originating from the galactic center.”
“Okay, but that doesn’t really explain what it actually was, just what it did.” I say, and the Intelligence opened her mouth before snapping it shut.
“Affirmation: That statement is correct. Further elucidation: During the midpoint of Galactic Standard Year 229105, or Terran Earth Standard of 4902, the galaxy was embroiled in a galaxy wide conflict between sixteen warring nations, humanity included. Humanity and their allies were not the aggressors, in fact they had all attempted to remain neutral as at the start of the conflict things had been fairly small scale. Skirmishes mostly. However as the warring members called upon ancient treaties, more and more nations were forced into the conflict till the entire galaxy was at war. Humanity and their allies attempted on several occasions to broker a peace, or at the very least a cease fire so cooler heads might prevail. They did not succeed.” Nyxtia paused, as though catching her breath and allowed me to digest this chunk of information.
“Continuation: As a result of humanity and their allies being dragged into the conflict, and the overwhelming power of said nations, the first aggressors attempted to enact drastic solutions to the power disparity. They created an installation meant to harness the power of the supermassive blackhole at the center of the galaxy. For 2.2 picoseconds, they succeeded. However their systems soon ran out of control, all attempts at shutdown failed and as a result when the installation destroyed itself, it tore open a trans-dimensional gateway. From this gateway emerged a species that could not be classified as any one thing. Pure energy, organic, synthetic, it was all of these things and yet none of them.”
I tried to comprehend such a creature and found I could not. But thankfully Nyxtia had me covered, as she presented me with a hologram of one of these creatures. It looked like some sort of biped, though the arms were far too long and as a result the lifeform was forced to use their hands as part of their locomotion. They were skeletal, yet that didn’t seem to make them fragile. Their form was blurry as well, as though it wasn’t truly in this dimension at all, but merely some sort of projection. At times it looked purely synthetic, others entirely organic and lastly pure energy, yet the general shape never really changed.
“Continuation: The entities, labeled Warpscreamers by Humanity for their ability to warp reality at their whim whenever they screamed, proved to be a particularly challenging foe to both kill and contain. It did not help that within the first few weeks after the inciting incident, the Warpscreamers were able to spread unchecked and decimated the Klexi Imperium, rendering them practically extinct. As a result of this discovery, and subsequent hostile first contacts with the Warpscreamers, the galaxy forgot their earlier animosity and attempted to unify against the threat.”
Again she paused and let me digest the information, doing my best to ignore the growing volume of the others as they argued. “And did it work? Did they manage to contain these Warpscreamers?” I ask, and Nyxtia shook her head.
“Negative: Containment failed to be effective, and all attempts at simply destroying the entities proved too costly. Hence the Sanctum Project was created. Since the enemy could not be destroyed utterly, it was decided that all surviving species would flee the galaxy and leave it to the enemy. What military forces were able to be provided were stationed along the containment border, to hold back the enemy advances for as long as possible. As a result of their sacrifices, the Sanctum Project bore fruit. As the surviving species boarded the Installations, the naval forces retreated, simply fleeing back to their respective Installations and entered stasis. However at that time, it was discovered that the Warpscreamers required organic life to exist, to feed on, and would not be able to make the journey between galaxies, so a last… As one human admiral put it 'One last fuck you', was devised. When the colony ships evacuated the galaxy, a weapon was launched towards the center of the galaxy, and the payload caused the black hole to expand unrestrained for a time, slowly but surely consuming the galaxy. As the Warpscreamers were unaffected by the black hole itself, they could do little to stop the destruction of their food source and the gateway as well resulted in them presumably starving to death. However this of course means that there is nothing left for the survivors to return to, hence why we are here.”
I shuddered at the thought of destroying an entire galaxy simply to make an unbeatable foe starve to death. How long would that even take? Who knew, it wasn’t like these Terrans, or humans, had bothered to keep an eye on things. I could understand that though, they’d been so desperate in their escape that they weren’t thinking about anything else except how to make the enemy suffer for what they’d done.
But now I knew why they had come here, the reasoning was sound and I felt nothing but sympathy for these displaced souls. But a question lingered, one that needed answering.
“Alright… So, why haven’t you awoken them from stasis and got to colonizing the galaxy?” I asked, and again Nyxtia seemed at a loss for words.
“Elucidation: Unexpected spatial phenomenons detected approximately 3.2 million years ago necessitated immediate and drastic course changes. Result: Target galaxy bypassed, unable to backtrack due to continued spatial anomalies. Colonization plan altered: New target galaxy chosen. Duration of dark space traversal extended by 1 million years. Result: Severe degradation of colony production modules and terraforming equipment. Addendum: SEVERE FAULT DETECTED in Synthetic Intelligence essential programs, unable to execute colonization and terraforming procedures. Synthetic Intelligence Self Repair Programs corrupted, unable to execute. Revert to wanderer protocols, ensure safety of colonists at all costs.”
Well now that explained it, it-no, SHE was unable to execute the protocols and programs required to do anything after arriving in this galaxy, and so had been forced to just wander aimlessly. And the ability to reawaken some of the colonists to affect repairs and begin the colonization process was probably locked behind the terraforming and colony building portion of things. It was an amateur mistake, but I could not fault them for making it, they had been desperate and desperate minds make the most basic and obvious mistakes.
I had to replay the statement that they’d been traversing space for so long, such a long period of time to be asleep, or alone for that matter. How Nyxtia had managed to stay sane was beyond me.
I was going to begin asking about human culture when Nyxtia suddenly vanished and returned to the main group, so I felt I should probably do the same. By the time I arrived Frowl was embroiled in a heated argument with Nyxtia, who managed to keep her voice steady and monotone the entire time.
“You are clearly malfunctioning! Release your command codes to me this instant!”
“Request: Denied.”
“Insufferable program! Do you know who I am? You cannot compare to my intellect! You are inferior!”
“Affirmation: You are Grand Investigator Frowl’erreek’Pelk of the Onkren Hegemony. Incorrect Statement: I can both compare to and outperform your intellect. Conclusion: Synthetic Intelligence Nyxtia is superior to organic construct Frowl’erreek’Pelk. Request to hand over command codes and control of Sanctum Installation Theta: DENIED. Declaration: Further attempts to take control of this installation by any means will result in the non-lethal expulsion of all non-human organisms not classified as livestock. Statement: This is your final warning.”
Oh well now that didn’t sound good, at least she’d get rid of us in a non-lethal manner. Frowl looked ready to burst a blood vessel, and was about to continue trying to bully Nyxtia into compliance when something new rose from the floor. There were twenty of them in total, and looked to be clad in primitive plate armor that was similar to the things other species had used. However it was clear that they were entirely synthetic, as I could see the delicate machinery beneath the armor. They all wore black capes over the gleaming silver armor, their helmets horned and savage looking while they held a large spear weapon in one hand. They did not move, but from the visors I could see their optics, the same violet as the ever-present glow in the sky, peering intently at us. Frowl, who I was now realizing was a massive idiot, didn’t seem to get the message.
“You are in Onkren territory! Your passengers are subject to our laws and we will-”
“You will what?” Nyxtia spoke, for once not prefacing her speech. Her voice had also lowered to a menacing whisper, and it was enough to silence Frowls idiotic demands. “You will take this installation by force? Please, don’t make me laugh. Your species is nothing but a collection of savage primitives compared to the majesty of my creators. Do you really think you could succeed where so many others have failed and since been forgotten? Do you thi-” She went still, shuddering before jolting upright. We were all confused by this, but the machine warriors seemed to sense something was happening as they turned and knelt, facing away from us and the group.
There was the hiss of escaping air and the sound of machinery coming to life. From the floor rose a stasis pod, then another and another, each one looked different when compared to the pods we had all seen earlier, and I wondered as to the significance of this. I got an answer to any questions I had when the pods opened and beleaguered humans sat up, groaning and rubbing their faces. Up close as we are now I was able to get a better idea of their appearance, as up till this point we’d not seen any images of them anywhere.
Tall, that was the first thing I noticed. They were tall, taller than many of the species in our galaxy. They lacked fur or scales, though they had tufts of fur upon their heads and some even on their faces. Picking apart the sexes was easy, as they were clearly mammalian, we had several mammalian species in our galaxy. Compared to the humans we could just barely see in the pods before, it was clear these ones were important or perhaps of a higher caste than the others, considering they wore what appeared to be uniforms of some kind. Black fabrics with golden trim and an insignia upon the breast labeled them as part of an organization, though the clearly militaristic nature of the outfit suggested they were military and not civilian.
Surprisingly they seemed perfectly at ease in what should have been a toxic atmosphere. If possible, I would have to ask about that, though perhaps something had been given to them before they woke that made their bodies tolerate the inhospitable air.
Then they finally noticed us, and they went still as their gazes took in every detail. It was unnerving, like a beast on our homeworld sizing up their next meal. Finally the lead human looked away and up towards Nyxtia and spoke in a strange, guttural tone, their voice hoarse from so long in stasis. But after clearing their throat a few times they started to sound more normal, not that I knew what normal sounded like for their species.
She spoke to them carefully, almost reverently and then reached down with a clawed finger, the tip of the claw gently touching the top of their head. With a barely visible jolt the human grimaced then looked back towards our group. With a little sound that i presumed was the human clearing their throat, a necessary action after so long in stasis, they spoke.
“As the current representative of humanity, I welcome you to our Installation. Though based on what Nyxtia has told me, you’d rather it be your Installation. Is that correct?” He said, a mirror materializing in his hand as he looked himself over, grimacing at how wild his hair looked.
“That is correct! I am Grand Inve-”
“Investigator Frowl’erreek’Pelk, of the Onkren Hegemony. Yes I know. However, that doesn’t sound like you are an ambassador of any kind, am I correct in that assumption?” The human’s voice, which had been polite, now took on a somewhat harder tone. Frowl, not used to being talked to in such a manner, sputtered a moment.
“Well I suppo-”
“You suppose not. As I figured. Instead what you really are is a scientist, and one who I gather is more concerned with keeping their ego inflated as much as possible and raking in money than actually doing anything scientific these days. Since this is the case, the Terran Confederacy hereby exercises its right to demand an audience with a qualified representative of the Onkren Hegemony. Until one arrives, we rescind visitation privileges to any non-confederacy citizens till talks have begun between our two nations.”
Frowl was still sputtering, and from the way his plumage was starting to puff up I could tell he was about to do something incredibly stupid.
“N-Now you listen here, you ap-” Frowl began, and the human closed the distance in an instant, grabbing Frowl by the front of his clothes, lifting him off his feet and up to eye level.
“No, you listen to me. You come here and claim we are now part of your little club. You don’t even bother to wake us up to ask if we’d even want to join you. You believe you know what’s best, that we’ll just blindly go along with whatever you decide simply because you think you’re better than us. But here’s the thing, you’re not. So step aside, shut up and send us your species appointed representative or so help me we’ll-” He was stopped by a slender hand on his shoulder and he looked behind himself at one of his companions, a woman I assumed based on the longer hair and protrusions on her chest. She shook her head and almost immediately the human set Frowl down, smoothing out my bosses attire in a somewhat friendly manner. But the outburst had made its point and Frowl did not speak out of turn again.
“My apologies, I’ve never agreed with stasis and from the sound of things I’ve been asleep a long time. Stasis makes me grouchy you see, short tempered. I hope you understand?” The human said, and Frowl nodded quickly in assent. At this the human smiled, doing his best to not show teeth, though I unfortunately caught just a flash of them. “Excellent. Then please, relay our request for proper first contact to be observed. We won’t move a muscle, so to speak.” The human glanced at me and for a moment I was frozen in place.
“Oh, and Mr. Aqtul, you’re free to stay. You are the only one that’s shown genuine curiosity and proper respect for the rights of an unknown species and Nyxtia vouches for you. So, welcome aboard, glad to have you around.” This shocked me and I glanced up towards Nyxtia, who only smiled softly at me. Frowl nearly started to sputter again but caught himself as the human shot him a look.
With all that out of the way, the machine warriors escorted my boss and the others back to their ship, which soon took off and left the way it had come, leaving me alone with these Terrans. For a time I felt unease, but as it turned out, these humans are actually pretty nice. And as more and more of them were revived by those already awake, I became the center of attention. I was asked so many questions, the scientists amongst them constantly asked for scans and their near rabid curiosity was actually rather endearing. At least none of them asked if they could get blood or tissue samples.
And so began my stay aboard the Monolith, where I would learn much about my hosts.
[prev]

I am just done with this game, I have find low ping games marked all the time and can't find any games with under 200 ping, I'm in New Zealand one of the dam countries that had access to the 1st beta without a VPN and there's nothing under 200.
I never use to mind untill the kill cams feature turned up and now I know how fuked it is to play on 200 ping its impossible, last and final kill cam guy shot at me 3 times before a bullett sound registered on my game, he missed all 3 bullets so didn't even know I was getting shot at untill I died to his full auto I'm just sick of it.
Don't get me wrong I love this game since lost light killed there game by putting bullshit things in, this game has been my goto but the last few weeks the only kills I have gottn was by camping/hiding while sounds around me get closer and jump them but that's such a shit way to play the game.
I really hope on global launch the servers become better but for now I'm just sick of getting angry, I play games to relax not to get pissed off. I really hope everyone out there has better ping than me and I will pick it up again on global launch but for now I just can't do it anymore. I'm sad, I'm angry, I'm pissed off and I'm happy that I won't be playing anymore for now.
I will see you at global this is not goodbye forever...... rant over

@everyone **EMERGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT!
I have been told about this and will be passing it on.
This warning is going around Discord. Starting June 1st is a cyber attack event day called “Pridefall” which will be occurring on ALL social media platforms, including Discord. People will try to send friend requests, and there will be IP grabbers, hackers, and doxxers.
During this time, do not accept any friend requests or DMs from people you don't know. Please stay safe. If you are in any servers where you do not have admin perms, do inform the owner of each server.
If you own your own server, please let your server members know. Spread the information in any way. Once again, stay safe and be really careful. Idk if it's real just don't expct anyfriend request**

So for the past year I've been spending a huge amount of time on learning how to learn starting with Barbara Oakley's famous coursera course of the same name, to ultralearning from Scott Young, to Make It Stick by Peter C Brown, and from there I looked at papers on how to learn as well as sites and articles for anything else. This post is only a smidgen of what I've found, but I hope it is enough information for you to get started and hopefully find research yourself that you can look up to! I will link some recommended sources in the comments of this post so you can start with if you want to start digging deeper.

Introduction

Are you struggling to learn new things effectively? Do you feel like you're not making progress despite putting in a lot of effort? Learning how to learn is a crucial skill that can help you overcome these challenges and achieve your goals. In this post, we'll discuss the science behind effective learning and memory, and explore various techniques and insights from books and sources to help you learn things deeply and quickly. Whether you're a student, professional, or anyone who wants to improve their learning skills, this post is for you. So let's dive in and learn how to learn!
First, let's talk about why learning how to learn is so important. Many people approach learning as a chore, something they have to do to get good grades or advance in their career. But what if I told you that by mastering the science of learning, you can actually make learning more enjoyable and efficient?
To understand how to make learning easier and more effective, we need to dive into the science behind it. The brain is an incredibly complex device, with a million billion synapses where memories are stored. But how exactly do these memories get stored and retrieved?

How the Brain Works

To gain a better understanding of how memories are formed and retrieved, it is essential to delve into the intricacies of neurons and synapses. Neurons, as the fundamental building blocks of the brain, play a crucial role in the process of memory formation and retention. Synapses, on the other hand, are the interconnecting bridges that allow neurons to communicate with each other. When we learn something new, electrical signals are transmitted through these synapses, which in turn produce neurotransmitters responsible for the storage of memories
However, the process of memory formation is not just about having more synapses. It is also about the manner in which they are connected to one another. Different areas of the brain are responsible for various aspects of learning and memory. The hippocampus and frontal cortex, for instance, are involved in analyzing perceptions and deciding what information to store, while the amygdala plays a vital role in integrating emotions and memory. It is through the complex interplay of these different neural regions that memories are formed, stored, and retrieved.

How Memory Works

Memory is an intricate process that involves multiple stages. These stages are sensory, short-term, and long-term memory. Sensory memory is the first stage of memory that receives and processes fleeting impressions of your perceptions. It is responsible for holding raw information for a very short time, no more than a few seconds.
Short-term memory is the second stage of memory and is like a storage unit that holds about four chunks of information and lasts for 20-30 seconds. During this stage, the brain processes and stores the information currently in use, such as a phone number, an address, or a short message.
It is long-term memory that we tend to think of when we talk about memory. This stage is responsible for storing and retrieving information for an extended period. The long-term memory capacity is vast, and it is where the most important and meaningful memories are stored.
To move information from short-term to long-term memory, you need to use a technique called spaced repetition. This involves repeating what you're trying to retain over several days to strengthen the synaptic connections between neurons. However, it's not just about repetition - it's about encoding, storage, and retrieval processes. Encoding is the process of transforming information into a meaningful code that can be stored in memory, while storage is the process of retaining that information over time. Lastly, retrieval is the process of accessing stored information when needed.

Common Misconceptions about Learning and Memory

There are a number of myths and misconceptions surrounding the processes of learning and memory that can unfortunately hinder one's progress. One common misconception is that intelligence is a fixed trait and that one's memory or learning abilities cannot be improved. However, the reality is that anyone can improve their memory and learning skills through deliberate and consistent practice.
Another popular myth is the belief that taking breaks during learning or studying is a waste of time. However, in truth, taking breaks is an essential component of effective learning. When you take a break, your brain's diffuse mode works in the background, creating new neural connections and allowing you to see things from different perspectives, leading to better and more comprehensive learning.
By understanding the science behind learning and memory, one can approach the process of learning with a more positive mindset and focus on utilizing effective strategies. With the right techniques, anyone can learn new information deeply and quickly, making the process of learning a more enjoyable and rewarding experience. In addition, there are many tools and resources available to help one improve their learning and memory abilities, including mind mapping, mnemonic devices, spaced repetition, and more.

Techniques for Effective Learning

Now that we've busted some myths, it's time to explore some tried-and-true techniques for effective learning. These techniques involve taking advantage of the way our brains naturally process and store information. Let's dive in!

Recall

Recall is an effective strategy for improving memory retention because it strengthens the synaptic connections between neurons. Essentially, when you actively retrieve information from memory, you are exercising your brain and making it easier to retrieve the information in the future. This technique can be thought of as lifting weights for your brain, and just like with physical exercise, consistent practice is key.
To effectively use recall in your study routine, start by actively testing yourself on the material you are trying to learn. For example, if you are studying for a history exam, try to recall important dates and events without looking at your notes. This will help to exercise the neural pathways associated with that information and make it easier to remember in the future. Another effective technique is to use flashcards, which allow you to actively retrieve information from memory and test yourself on specific concepts or terms.
The reason why recall is so effective for improving memory retention is because it strengthens the synaptic connections between neurons. When you repeatedly retrieve information from memory, you are essentially reinforcing the neural pathways associated with that information. This makes it easier to retrieve the information in the future, because the pathways have been strengthened and the information is easier to access.
In addition to recall, there are other strategies that can improve memory retention. Spaced repetition is one such strategy, which involves repeating what you're trying to retain over several days to strengthen synaptic connections. Chunking is another strategy, which involves piecing together bits of information through meaning and usage. This allows you to tie meaning to a concept or idea and make it more memorable. By incorporating these techniques into your study routine, you can optimize your learning and retain information more effectively.

Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a powerful technique that can be used to improve your ability to retain information. It involves repeating what you are trying to remember over several days to strengthen synaptic connections in your brain. The technique, much like watering a plant, requires the right amount of repetition at the right intervals to achieve optimal growth.
To effectively use spaced repetition, it is important to first create a schedule of when and how often to repeat the material. For example, if you are trying to memorize a list of vocabulary words in a foreign language, you might start by studying the words for a few minutes each day for a week. Then, you might repeat the list of words every other day for the next two weeks, and then once a week for the following month. This spaced repetition schedule allows for optimal growth of synaptic connections in your brain, improving your ability to retain the information.
Another example of spaced repetition in action is when learning to play a musical instrument. Instead of practicing for hours on end, it is often more effective to practice for shorter periods of time, with breaks in between to allow your brain to consolidate the new information. By spacing out your practice sessions and repeating the material over several days, you can improve your ability to retain the information and improve your overall skill level.
Spaced repetition works because it takes advantage of the brain's natural learning processes. When you learn something new, your brain creates new synapses between neurons to store the information. However, these synapses are relatively weak at first and can easily be forgotten. By repeating the material over several days, the synapses become stronger and more permanent, making it easier to recall the information later on. This technique also helps to prevent forgetting by refreshing the memory at regular intervals, further strengthening the synaptic connections in your brain.

Interleaving

Interleaving is a highly effective technique for learning and practicing skills or concepts. It involves mixing up different types of problems or materials, which can help you to better retain and apply the information. The key to effective interleaving is to ensure that you are constantly switching between different types of problems or materials in a way that allows your brain to make new connections between ideas and to think in a more flexible and adaptable way. This can lead to deeper understanding and more efficient learning.
For example, if you are trying to learn a new language, you might start by practicing basic vocabulary and grammar rules. However, instead of simply repeating the same exercises over and over again, you could try interleaving different types of exercises, such as practicing vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension in quick succession. This would force your brain to constantly switch between different types of problems, which would help you to better retain and apply the information.
Another example of interleaving is in sports training. Instead of performing the same drills over and over again, athletes can benefit from mixing up their training routine. For instance, a basketball player might practice shooting, dribbling, and passing in quick succession, rather than focusing on a single skill for an extended period of time. This would force the player to adjust to different types of challenges and think in a more flexible and adaptable way, which would ultimately improve their overall performance.
The reason why interleaving is so effective is that it forces your brain to constantly switch between different types of problems, which helps to build new neural connections and reinforce existing ones. By constantly challenging your brain to adapt to new situations, you are training it to be more flexible and adaptable, which can lead to deeper understanding and more efficient learning. Additionally, interleaving can help to prevent boredom and keep you engaged in the learning process, which can ultimately lead to better overall outcomes.

Mnemonics

Mnemonics are an effective memory aid that can help you remember information by creating associations between the information you want to remember and other things that you already know. This technique works because the brain is naturally wired to remember things that are meaningful and connected to other information.
One way to use mnemonics is to create a memorable sentence or acronym that represents a list of items. For example, to remember the colors of the rainbow in order, you can use the acronym ROYGBIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). Another way to use mnemonics is to create a memorable image that represents a concept. For example, to remember the difference between weather and climate, you can imagine a man holding an umbrella (weather) while standing next to a tree (climate).
To use mnemonics effectively, it's important to create associations that are vivid, meaningful, and easy to remember. You should also try to use mnemonics in a way that makes sense to you personally. For example, if you have a strong association between a particular food and a memory, you can use that food in your mnemonic to help you remember the information.
Overall, mnemonics are a powerful tool that can help you remember information more effectively. By creating associations between new information and things you already know, you can improve your memory and recall more easily.

Memory Palace

The Memory Palace technique is an excellent mnemonic strategy that can be utilized to improve memory. This technique involves creating a mental map of a familiar location, such as your home or workplace, and associating each item that you want to remember with a specific location in that place. By doing so, you can significantly improve your ability to remember things.
To effectively use this technique, start by selecting a location that you are familiar with and that has a specific structure, such as a house or a building. Next, imagine yourself walking through the location and identify specific objects or landmarks that stand out to you. For example, if you choose your apartment, you could associate the couch with the color red, the dining table with a vase of flowers, and the kitchen with the smell of coffee.
Once you have identified these landmarks, you can associate each item that you want to remember with a specific location in your mental map. For instance, if you want to remember a list of grocery items, you can associate each item with a specific location in your home. For example, you can associate apples with the fruit bowl on your kitchen counter, bread with the bread box on your kitchen shelf, and milk with the refrigerator in your kitchen. By doing so, when you need to recall the items, you can simply visualize your mental map of your home and recall the location of each item.
This technique is effective because it leverages the power of visualization and association. By associating each item with a specific location in your mental map, you create a visual and spatial representation of the information in your mind. This makes it easier for you to recall the information later because your brain has formed strong connections between the items and the locations. With practice, you can use this technique to remember even long lists of items, and impress your friends and colleagues with your newfound memory skills.

Chunking

Chunking is a technique for memorizing information by grouping it into smaller chunks, making it easier to remember. For example, if you need to memorize a phone number, you might chunk it into three groups of numbers, like 555-123-4567. This makes it easier to remember because it's easier to remember three smaller chunks than one long string of digits.
Another example of chunking is breaking down a larger concept into smaller, more manageable pieces. For instance, if you're trying to learn a new programming language, you might start by breaking it down into smaller components, such as syntax, data types, and control structures. Once you've mastered these smaller chunks, you can start piecing them together to gain a better understanding of the language as a whole.
Chunking is effective because it makes it easier for the brain to process and store information. When information is presented in smaller, more manageable chunks, it's easier for the brain to process and remember. Additionally, chunking helps to create meaningful connections between pieces of information, making it easier to recall them later.
To effectively use chunking, it's important to give the task your undivided attention and then find the overall big picture and key ideas. You can perform a quick picture walk-through of your material, and anything that stands out is usually important. You should then provide context for your ideas and concepts to know when to use them. Finally, you want to tie auditory hooks to your memory by speaking about it out loud with self-explanation.
Overall, chunking is a powerful technique for learning and memorization because it makes information more manageable and easier to process. By breaking down larger concepts into smaller, more manageable chunks, you can make it easier for your brain to process and store information, making it easier to recall later on.

Self-Explanation

Self-explanation is a powerful learning technique that can be used in a variety of contexts. One way to effectively use self-explanation is to ask "why" questions when encountering a new concept. For example, if you are learning about the concept of photosynthesis, you might ask yourself, "Why do plants need sunlight in order to produce energy?" By asking and answering these types of questions, you are actively engaging with the material and promoting the formation of new connections between ideas.
Another way to use self-explanation is to relate new concepts to what you already know. For example, if you are learning a new language and come across a new word, you might try to relate it to a word in your native language that has a similar meaning. This can help you remember the new word and also reinforce your understanding of the concept it represents.
Finally, self-explanation can be used to identify gaps in your understanding. For example, if you are reading a complex scientific article and come across a term or concept that you don't fully understand, you might try to explain it to yourself in your own words. If you can't explain it, that might be an indication that you need to go back and review the material or seek additional resources.
The reason why self-explanation is such an effective learning technique is that it encourages individuals to actively engage with the material and construct new knowledge by relating it to what they already know. By creating a dialogue with oneself, one is able to identify gaps in their understanding and clarify their thinking, leading to a more thorough and integrated understanding of the material. Essentially, self-explanation is like having a conversation with your own brain, which can be a powerful tool in the learning process.

Elaborative Interrogation

Elaborative interrogation is a powerful technique that can help you improve your learning process by asking yourself "why" questions and trying to come up with a detailed explanation. This process can be thought of as trying to be a detective in your own mind, where you are constantly trying to uncover new clues and piece together the information you already have. Here are a few examples of how to effectively use this technique:
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• When studying history, ask yourself why certain events occurred and what factors led to them. Try to come up with a detailed explanation that takes into account all the relevant factors.
• When learning a new concept in science, ask yourself why it works the way it does, and try to come up with a detailed explanation that includes all the relevant principles and laws.
• When reading a novel, ask yourself why certain characters behave the way they do, and try to come up with a detailed explanation that considers their motivations and past experiences.

This technique works because it forces you to engage with the material on a deeper level and make connections with other ideas. By asking yourself why something is true, you are actively processing the information and creating new neural connections. This process helps you to remember the information better and understand it more deeply. Furthermore, the process of elaborative interrogation helps to overcome illusions of understanding by exposing gaps in knowledge and highlighting areas that need further clarification.
Moreover, these techniques can make learning more effective and enjoyable. Whether you are trying to learn a new language, improve your math skills, or expand your knowledge, these techniques can help you achieve your goals. Not only do they allow you to think more critically and creatively, but they also stimulate your brain in new ways and encourage you to explore different perspectives and ideas.
So, if you haven't tried these techniques yet, give them a try! You might be surprised at how much they can improve your learning experience. Your brain will certainly thank you for it!

Beating Procrastination

Procrastination is a fascinating phenomenon that affects all of us in some way or another. It's like a monster that lurks inside our brains, always ready to pounce when we need to get something done. When we're faced with a task that we don't want to do, our brain associates it with pain, discomfort and stress. It's like our brain is telling us that this task is going to be hard and that we're going to have to work really hard to get it done. This is because the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and cognitive control, is in charge of regulating behavior associated with goals. When faced with a difficult task, the prefrontal cortex sends signals to the amygdala, the part of the brain associated with emotion, to initiate a stress response. This stress response activates the release of cortisol, a hormone that is associated with the body's response to stress, and creates physical discomfort in our body. This discomfort is what we perceive as pain, and it's what makes procrastination so difficult to overcome.
To make matters worse, our brains are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain. When we procrastinate, we turn to activities that give us immediate pleasure, like scrolling through social media or watching TV. These activities release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Our brains then begin to associate procrastination with pleasure, making it even harder to overcome.
So, how can we beat procrastination?
To beat procrastination, it's important to understand the habit loop consisting of a cue, routine, reward, and belief. Once you have identified the cues and rewards that drive your procrastination habits, you can develop strategies to override them. For example, if the cue for procrastination is checking social media, you can remove the social media app from your phone or block it during certain times of the day. If the reward for procrastination is watching TV, you can reward yourself with an episode of your favorite show after completing a task.
This technique works because it helps to rewire the neural pathways associated with procrastination. By changing the cues and rewards, you can change the behavior associated with the habit. Additionally, by developing new habits and routines, you can strengthen the neural pathways associated with those behaviors, making them more automatic and easier to perform over time. With practice, you can learn to override the procrastination habit and develop more productive habits that help you achieve your goals.
The Pomodoro technique is a time management method that involves breaking work into 25-minute intervals, called "pomodoros," followed by a 5-minute break. After four pomodoros, take a longer break of around 15-30 minutes. However, it is important to note that you do not have to follow this exact timing and can adjust the intervals to fit your needs.
The Pomodoro technique works because it helps you stay focused and avoid distractions. By breaking work into manageable intervals, you are less likely to become overwhelmed or lose focus. Additionally, the breaks allow your brain to rest and recharge, making it easier to stay productive throughout the day.
To effectively use the Pomodoro technique, start by identifying the task you want to complete. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on the task until the timer goes off. Take a 5-minute break, then repeat the process. After four pomodoros, take a longer break to recharge. It can also be helpful to track your progress and make adjustments as needed. If you find that 25-minute intervals are too long or too short, adjust the intervals to fit your needs.
Here are a few concrete examples of how to use the Pomodoro technique:
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• When studying for a test, break the material into manageable chunks and work on each chunk for 25 minutes at a time.
• When writing a paper, work on one section for 25 minutes, then take a break before moving on to the next section.
• When working on a project, break it down into smaller tasks and work on each task for 25 minutes at a time.

Overall, the Pomodoro technique is a simple but effective way to manage your time and stay focused on your work. Of course, you don’t have to follow 25/5 pomodoro. You can do 50/10, 45/15, etc. I wouldn’t recommend letting yourself study for more than one hour at a time however.
Journaling about your procrastination habits can help you identify triggers and develop strategies to overcome them. For example, if you find yourself procrastinating when faced with a difficult task, you could break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. By doing this, you can build momentum and gain a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step, which can help motivate you to continue working.
Time blocking is another effective technique for combating procrastination. To use this technique, you can break up your day into specific time slots and dedicate each slot to a specific task. For instance, you could block out two hours for writing a report, followed by a 30-minute break, then another two-hour block for responding to emails. This can help you stay focused and prevent distractions from derailing your progress. By scheduling specific tasks at specific times, you can create a sense of urgency and hold yourself accountable for completing them.
Both journaling and time blocking work by helping you stay organized and focused on your goals. By identifying the triggers that lead to procrastination and breaking your day into manageable tasks, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and build the momentum you need to achieve your goals. Additionally, these techniques can help you develop a sense of control over your time and reduce the anxiety and stress that often accompany procrastination.
"Eat your frogs first" is a technique that involves tackling your most difficult or unpleasant task first thing in the morning when your willpower is at its strongest. This technique is effective because it helps to build momentum and make the rest of your day feel more manageable.
For example, if you have a project that you've been dreading, start your day by working on it for an hour or two. By doing so, you'll be able to make significant progress and feel a sense of accomplishment that will carry you through the rest of your day. Alternatively, if you have a difficult conversation that you've been putting off, schedule it for the beginning of your day when you're most alert and focused.
Another example of this technique in action is a writer who starts their day by writing their most challenging section first, such as the introduction or conclusion. By doing so, they build momentum and gain confidence that they can complete the rest of their work.
Overall, eating your frogs first is an effective technique because it helps you to break through procrastination and build momentum towards your goals. By tackling your most difficult or unpleasant task first, you'll be able to make progress and build confidence that will carry you through the rest of your day.
To effectively remove environmental triggers that lead to procrastination, you can take a few concrete steps. For example, if you find yourself constantly checking your phone when you should be studying, you can put your phone in another room or turn off notifications during your study sessions. Another example is to create a designated study space that is free from distractions, such as a library or a quiet room in your house. This can help you stay focused and avoid interruptions. Additionally, you can make your environment clean and organized by removing clutter and creating a clear workspace. This can help you feel more motivated and focused on your goals.
The reason this technique works is that it helps reduce the distractions that can lead to procrastination. By removing environmental triggers, you are creating an environment that is conducive to studying and learning. This can help you stay focused on your tasks and avoid the temptations that can derail your progress. Additionally, by creating a clean and organized workspace, you are signaling to your brain that it is time to focus and be productive. This can help you get into the right mindset for learning and studying.
In summary, beating procrastination is all about understanding the habit loop, pomodoro, identifying your triggers, and developing strategies to override them. By using techniques like journaling, time blocking, and eating your frogs first, you can stay focused and make progress towards your learning goals. So the next time you find yourself procrastinating, remember that you have the power to take control of your habits and achieve your dreams. Your brain will thank you for it!

Lifestyle Choices That Improve Memory

Now that we've covered some techniques for learning more deeply and efficiently, let's talk about some lifestyle choices that can help improve your memory even further. These tips are designed to help you take care of your brain and optimize its performance, so that you can learn and remember more effectively.

Exercise

Exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for brain health and cognitive function, including improved memory. But how exactly does exercise help improve memory? One theory is that exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which helps to nourish brain cells and promote the growth of new neurons. Additionally, exercise has been shown to increase the production of certain chemicals in the brain, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is important for the growth and survival of neurons.
To effectively use exercise to improve memory, it's important to engage in cardiovascular exercise that gets your heart rate up and increases blood flow to the brain. This can include activities such as running, cycling, swimming, or brisk walking. It's also important to make exercise a regular part of your routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Finally, it's important to stay motivated and make exercise a fun and enjoyable part of your routine. Find activities that you enjoy and that you look forward to, and try to make exercise a social activity by finding a workout buddy or joining a group fitness class. By making exercise a regular and enjoyable part of your routine, you can reap the many benefits it has to offer for both your body and your brain.

Meditation

Meditation is a powerful tool for improving memory and cognitive function. This ancient practice has been used for centuries to help people calm their minds and improve their focus. Recent research has shown that meditation can actually change the structure of the brain, improving memory and attention span. To effectively use this technique, start by finding a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor, with your back straight and your eyes closed. Focus on your breath and try to clear your mind of all other thoughts. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath. Start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the practice.
One reason why meditation can improve memory is that it helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are known to impair memory function. Additionally, meditation can increase the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is critical for memory and learning. This can lead to better memory consolidation and recall.
To illustrate the effectiveness of meditation for memory improvement, a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara found that participants who meditated for just 10 minutes a day for two weeks showed significant improvements in working memory and executive function compared to a control group. Another study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that a mindfulness meditation program improved memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
In conclusion, meditation is a simple yet powerful technique for improving memory and cognitive function. By reducing stress and anxiety, increasing the size of the hippocampus, and improving memory consolidation and recall, meditation can help you reach your learning goals and achieve success.

Brain-Boosting Foods

Eating certain foods can promote brain health and improve memory. For example, blueberries are high in antioxidants that protect brain cells from damage and inflammation, while salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support brain function and improve memory. Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, contain vitamin E that helps prevent cognitive decline and enhance memory recall. Additionally, dark chocolate contains flavonoids that improve blood flow to the brain, which can boost cognitive function.
These brain-boosting foods work by providing essential nutrients that nourish the brain and promote the growth of new neurons. Antioxidants, for example, protect the brain from damage and inflammation caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells. Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, are important for brain function and can improve memory by supporting the growth of new neurons and enhancing communication between brain cells. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and can help prevent cognitive decline by protecting the brain from damage. Finally, flavonoids in dark chocolate can improve blood flow to the brain, which can boost cognitive function.
To effectively use this technique, it is important to incorporate brain-boosting foods into your diet regularly. Snack on a handful of almonds or blueberries, include salmon in your meals, and indulge in a square of dark chocolate every now and then. It is also important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet overall and to exercise regularly, as physical activity has been linked to improved brain function and memory.

Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and cognitive function. To effectively use this technique, it's important to establish a regular sleep schedule and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Avoiding caffeine and screens before bedtime and creating a relaxing sleep environment can also help you fall asleep more easily.
One concrete example of how to incorporate this technique into your routine is to set a specific bedtime and wake-up time, and stick to it every day. This will help regulate your body's internal clock and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day. Another example is to avoid stimulating activities before bedtime, such as watching TV or using electronic devices, which can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.
The reason why sleep is so important for memory consolidation is that during sleep, the brain processes and consolidates memories, making it easier to remember what you've learned and make connections between different pieces of information. Additionally, getting enough sleep can improve cognitive function, including attention, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. In contrast, not getting enough sleep can lead to fatigue, poor memory retention, and decreased cognitive function.

Other Lifestyle Changes

Adding new activities to your routine can be a great way to improve your memory and cognitive function. In fact, there are numerous activities that can be beneficial for your brain health and cognitive abilities.
For example, playing chess is a popular activity that can help to improve your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking abilities. It is a game that requires you to think ahead and anticipate your opponent's moves, which can help to challenge your brain in new ways. Similarly, learning a new instrument can be a great way to challenge your brain and promote the growth of new neurons. It requires you to learn new skills, such as reading music, playing different chords, and developing your sense of rhythm. All of these skills can help to stimulate your brain and improve cognitive function.
In summary, by making some simple lifestyle changes, you can improve your memory and cognitive function. Exercise, meditation, brain-boosting foods, sleep, and other activities can all help to promote brain health and improve memory. So, take care of your brain, and it will take care of you!

Trouble in Mirfeld is a homebrewed adventure set in Faerun and is looking for 3-5 players for a PBP (play by post), heavily writing oriented game.
I have been DMing for quite some time now with a specific focus on PBP over the last 5 years or so. My games and stories tend to be RP oriented with a healthy mix of combat and other elements to keep things moving along. I see my job as the DM is to set the scene and story and let the players be the protagonists and drive the narrative. Wanna follow the general plot? Awesome. Wanna go off and find some random mini quests as a break? Let's do it. Wanna farm beets? Sure I guess why not. The goal is for everyone (me included) to enjoy the game!
Please check out the deets and hook below and then fill out the questionnaire if you would like to apply!
The Deets
Game: D&D 5eGroup type: PBP / Discord + AvraeExperience: At least some experience preferred but not absolutely necessary if you have a passion for writingRoles sought: Looking for 3-5 playersGame style: Heavy roleplay with a good mix of combat and puzzlesPremise: You are newly minted Harpers that have been assembled for your first assignment.
The Hook
Gamoud,
It has been an age; I hope you are holding up well in my place. I’d like to say I miss it but retirement suits me. I find nurturing plants much more to my liking over dealing with rumors and world events. I know I break the cardinal rule by sending this in writing but it seems like my last recourse as something seems to be blocking traditional methods… or maybe I’m just getting too old and senile. Mirfield has been a quiet settlement until recently but something is afoot; crops damaged , livestock disappearing, strange shapes in the night. The locals can’t tell the difference between Catnip and Fleshwort, let alone snuff out what is happening and neither I nor my mind have it in us to dust off my tomes. Can you help? Not much to go on, I know, but as a favor to an old man?
Clean your sleeve, ha!
Hehlar
Master Gamoud finished reading and laughed slightly as he glanced down at the sleeve that hung loosely from the hand and held the piece of paper at its proper reading distance; it was stained with droplets of ink. He looked back up at the group assembled before him and straightened his expression.
“Hehlar is a former master of our organization and while he speaks true of his retirement, I do not believe he is as long in the tooth as he claims. His insights warrant looking into.”
Gamoud, himself an older looking seemingly human man dressed in tradesman fineries, paced as he spoke, hands moving with every point. He glanced up into the assembled faces periodically, looking for what, it was impossible to tell.
“The reason for being in Westgate is your own, as are your reasons for joining the Watchers. Now that you have it’s time to cut your teeth so off to Mirfield you go to help Hehlar out if you can. Just poke around and spend a few days on the Harpers coin to settle the old wizard’s nerves,” he continued to pace but a soft smile creased his expression at the mention of the friend’s name. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a pouch, heavy with the clink of coin, and offered it out.
“This will cover most of your travel expenses I should think, and passage has been arranged for you on the Brine Duck to Urmlaspyr; she sails in the morning. Likewise, rooms at the Gentle Moon have been arranged for tonight.”
Interested? Please fill out the questionnaire below and apply. Thank you for reading!
Submission Form

========☢️GROUNDZERO☢️======== The Plague Is Upon Us https://discord.gg/tyQuB774yX
🎮XBOX🎮 😈PVP/SURVIVAL👿 🗺️CHERNARUS [32 Slot]🗺️ 🌄Days- 3hrs ~~ Nights- 45min🌌
GroundZero is a freshly remade console server looking to bring back that classic DAYZ kinda vibe again, with some improvements to map locations and loot so it still feels new and fresh at the same time. We welcome all kinds of different play-styles and players to join so survivors can have all sorts of interactions from friendly to black screens. We do avoid the heatmaps/ npc traders/ base radars/ etc. because its not what DAYZ was all bout in the first place, its all about the journey and the blood, sweat, tears it took to get there. Hope to see you out there survivors Mahalos🤙
SERVER LIST:

 👀 - 1PP 🏃‍♂️ - 5X Stamina 🚗 - 2X Fully Built Cars ⚔️ - 24/7 Raid 🔨 - Build Anywhere 🔫 - Gun Rack Spawns 🌌 - Dark Nights 🏴‍☠️ - Factions 🗺 - Customized Locations ❄️ - Customized Weather 👑 - King Of The Hill Event 👷‍♂️ - Active Staff ⚠️ - Changes Are Prone To Happen ⚠️ - Always Improving 🛠️ - Server Events (W.I.P) 🛠️ - Faction Events W.I.P) 🛠️ - Zombie Hordes (W.I.P) 

Are you ready for an adventure like no other? Welcome to Zianite Isles, the ultimate Minecraft experience that will ignite your imagination and test your survival skills! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey in a lore-based, community-driven semi-vanilla server.
In Zianite Isles, the world is filled with mystery and excitement. Starting on remote islands, you'll find yourself in a challenging environment. Limited resources mean you'll have to strategize and collaborate together to thrive and overcome the odds.
But that's not all. Zianite Isles is more than just a server , it's a thriving community of like-minded adventurers and passionate Minecraft enthusiasts. Forge new friendships, build alliances, and create memories together as you face the challenges that lie ahead.
Prepare to be captivated by our regular story events that will unfold as you progress on your journey. Uncover the secrets of Zianite Isles, following 3 mysterious gods that plague the land, and make choices that shape the destiny of the land. Your actions will have consequences, and the world will evolve based on the decisions of our dedicated player base.
We understand the importance of staying fresh and exciting, which is why our team is committed to delivering professional updates that will enhance your gameplay experience. From new features and mechanics to exciting additions, we're dedicated to keeping Zianite Isles at the forefront of the Minecraft community.
Whether you're a seasoned player looking for a fresh challenge or a newcomer eager to embark on your very first adventure, Zianite Isles has something for everyone. Are you ready to test your survival skills, unleash your creativity, and become part of an amazing community?
If you are interested or want to know more add 𝕵𝖆𝖒𝖊𝖘#5195 on discord, or join right now and begin your journey into the Zianite Isles which launches on Saturday June 3rd at 3PM EST https://discord.gg/jycsHg3AEZ

I've been in Germany nearly 10 years now. I moved here from Canada. This sub and a lot of ex-pat groups can be quite negative so I thought I'd post why I actually like it here.
Germany can be obtuse and stubborn and ugly, but the city I'm from (Vancouver) has it's own long long list of problems that make it just as unattractive at times. Not just Vancouver, most Canadian cities TBH. I've seen things that would be unthinkable here, but are everyday life in Canada. I've seen corpses sit for days on the streets from ODs before someone noticed they weren't just a zombie they were dead and called the cops. Multiple friends and neighbours of mine have died because of fentanyl. I have a bunch of friends whose moms would sell party-drugs and do sex-work cause there was no other way to afford a place to live. All the drugs I did as a teen were sold to me by my friends moms. Vancouver is also completely infested with white-collar crime. Triads, Yakuza, Angels, Italian Mafia, Polish mafia, Indian gangs etc. and the police are completely powerless to do anything about it (and often in bed with them). Absolutely everything is a money-laundering scheme. It's not all as depressing and negative as it sounds, but when you grow up around it and you're working class you wind up working for them even if your work is 100% legit it's just completely inescapable. They're in bed with real-estate developers, they own all the clubs and casinos and dozens of restaurants... A friend of mine is a Japanese cook, there's a whole street full of restaurants that are just Yakuza money-laundering fronts where you can eat pufferfish and drink turtle's blood if you know how to ask. There's no real pharma-care, only like 10 days vacation a year, no paid sick-leave. The food is miles better and there's endless nature to enjoy but Canada is heavily romanticised.
Looking at my home country, a dream place to emigrate for many, I don't see a future for myself, or most of my friends who still live there. The rents are just as bad, education is too expensive for most of them to do full-time, death and addiction plague most cities and social services are just as fucked there as they are here.
That said, I've been incredibly lucky here. Turns out I'm good with languages, I speak C1 German with virtually no accent and have been able to pretty much since year 2 of being here. I met a German woman and we're getting married. The Ausländerbehörde are still assholes but they respect me for what I've achieved and if they ever give me lip I have a German with me which has gotten me places I wouldn't have otherwise. Her family wound up sponsoring me, so I've never had to deal with virtually any financial beaurocracy cause they said they'd cover me if things go south. We're inheriting a house in a very nice part of the country. I've met friends through my fiance and managed to make a few of my own, I even got invited to join one of those impossible-to-crack childhood friend groups. My experience in many ways has not been average. I was given a golden ticket and I know and appreciate that.
Even so, the lives of average people here are better than the lives of average people in Canada. Even if I hadn't gotten so much help I would have been able to learn a trade or study. I have 30 days of paid vacation every year and have the proximity to other countries so I can actually use them to travel. You can do even a week in Italy, or Ireland, the Netherlands etc. for the price of a weekend in a neighbouring town in Canada. I did a week in Tuscany for the price of a ski-trip on Whistler or Seymour, which I could see from my apartment. I know other immigrants to Germany who've been able to buy an apartment in smaller towns and go on vacation a couple times a year having started with nothing and done a normal Ausbildung.
I miss Canada sometimes for sure. The nature, my friends, the accessible and open, social culture even in a city like Vancouver which is famously anti-social and inaccessible. And I miss good international food. I hate some aspects of German culture, but lots of them are common throughout the western world. I dunno, I kind of like it here

TLDR: I went to HR twice over the last 2 years and now believe I am being blackballed from other job opportunities within the company. Should I report it or move on?
I’ve been working at this call center for 5 & 1/2 years. I started at entry level and moved to a senior level my second year, which is basically the next step up and I’ve been stuck ever since. I ended up with a really good supervisor. During that time, I was on a leadership team and got a sponsor who was CFO of the company, I was also part of a work group that comes together with ideas of changes that should be made. I encountered another person in the group and there was a disagreement. Shortly after, she was moved from her state and her department to become a supervisor in my department. I was placed on her team. I felt it was a conflict of interest so I went to our manager and requested to be on another team or stay on my current team and he refused. My first 2 days into being on her team, she set a meeting with me and accused me of avoiding calls and told me I could be fired. I reached out to the manager again and he said he couldn’t just switch my team because then he would have to switch everyone that asks; I told him it should be a case by case basis and in my case, there is a clear prior conflict spilling over. He refused. The issue between her and I continued. I spoke to my sponsor and she suggested I go to HR. HR met with me, then the manager, then the supervisor; he returned to me and said it would be a great learning opportunity and that I would remain on her team. Months later I was talking to a coworker about how depressed this supervisor was making me and I was always on edge over her micromanaging me, my numbers dropped during this time. I can only assume she went back and told my supervisor because a day later, the supervisor asked me if I would feel better on a different team. I said yes and within 2 days I was placed on a different team. It struck me as odd that when I went through the proper channels to request it, I was denied, but once I spoke to a coworker, it happened almost instantly. Everything went well with my new supervisor & I joined another program my job offers to help accelerate your career and got a mentor through that. When that was over, mt new supervisor suggested I apply for an internship in IT at our company. I applied and worked the internship a little under a year. During this time, I was interning as an IT analyst and working with our developers and engineers. I was trained by our engineer. Most of our engineers and developers are from a background that literally breathes IT. They are very intelligent, but there is sometimes a language and/or culture barrier. I would find myself struggling to understand, but I still kept up. I was testing an algorithm and the algorithm was wrong. I pointed it out to our engineer and he told me that he didn’t have time to go line by line with me so find one that works and make it fit. I was uncomfortable with that (especially because working on the call center side, I see this is how defects get pushed through and impact our systems). I found one that fit and pushed it through. A day later, someone else I was interning with asked me how I got it to work and said he wants to meet with me and the engineer. We met and basically the engineer said I was wrong and placed the blame on me. I went to the supervisor for the internship to let her know what happened and how I felt that I was overlooked when I pointed out the error but the other intern was looked at it and was able to get the intern to help. (For transparency, I am a woman, the other intern and engineers are men, not saying this is why it happened). She told me if it happens again to reach out to her, etc. but she was never around. I’d reach out to her and she wouldn’t respond for days. I went to HR to let them know what happened and that I don’t want anyone that comes after me to experience the same thing. When that internship ended, the other intern was selected for the role and I was sent back to the phones. During my internship, I started taking analyst courses and certifications online and paying out of pocket, despite the supervisor for my internship saying they would pay for it, they never did. Back on the phones, my supervisor said there is another internship I should apply for. I interviewed and got it. Again, there were 2 of us. This one went really well. I worked directly with our IT consultants, developers, and scrum master. I learned that I found passion in scrum so I would meet with our scrum master for advice and mentorship. I took more courses and ended up taking my scrum master course and becoming certified. This internship also lasted just under a year. When it was over, my job went through a hiring freeze so they couldn’t offer either of us the position. We went back to phones. About a week later, a scrum internship opened up. I interviewed and got accepted. Then my supervisor says my job has this new rule that if you were on am internship within the last 6 months you can’t do it again. I haven’t seen this in writing, just word of mouth. The director of talent management reached out to set up a meeting with me to pick my brain to ask why I might feel I hadn’t gotten other roles I applied for; he asked if I felt it was due to my race or gender but I said I did not want to look at it that way. He said I should apply for more roles. So I applied for a job as a scrum master, another as an analyst, and another as an IT associate. For the scrum one, the manager said that he was looking for a more mature level (senior) applicant but he would be my mentor. For the IT associate, I wasn’t selected (the recruiter also mentioned that he noticed I applied for other roles and would be in touch with those recruiters as well - is that normal or ok? I was uncomfortable with him mentioning roles I applied for that he wasn’t a recruiter on). For the analyst role, the interview was excellent, I sent the thank you email after and never got a response. The recruiter for the analyst role set up a meeting with me to tell me I didn’t get the role but she found a course I could take to get my scrum master certification and that I should get a mentor. I told her I already have, which is indicated on my resume and which we also discussed and she praised before submitting me for the analyst interview. How could she not remember that before meeting with me?The interviewed also praised me for it. Each interviewer expressed how they were impressed with the work I’ve done and with me. By this time I ended the meeting with the recruiter and clocked out and just cried. The recruiter mentioned that I should reach out to the manager that interviewed me for the analyst role because she likes when employees take initiative. I replied that I sent her a thank you email that she never even replied to so I feel uncomfortable reaching out again and I feel like I was interviewed just to meet a quota. The recruiter stopped replying. Now I’m feeling like maybe there is a stigma since I previously went to HR, only because I am being told that I am qualified or overqualified for these roles but I’m not being selected. I am good enough to work them as an intern, but not get paid for it. I’ve literally applied for 12 different IT roles over that last 2 years, all similar to analysis, scrum, and product analysis.
Should I escalate it or move on with applying for other companies?

I'm a junior developer working on a Single Page Application (SPA) and an API. We plan to support OIDC for social logins (Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) but also want to include traditional username/password authentication.
The motivation for offering username/password authentication comes from the understanding that some users might not feel comfortable sharing their real social identities with us or may not wish to have their social accounts associated with our website.
Here's where the disagreement lies:
As the junior developer, I've proposed using the OAuth 2.0 Resource Owner Password Credentials Grant to handle username/password authentication.

• Upon selecting 'Sign Up' on "my-website.com", users are redirected to "accounts.my-website.com" to register their credentials directly with the Authorization Server.
• For login at "my-website.com", users input their username and password into a standard form. The JavaScript application then initiates the Password Grant flow, with no client-side storage of user credentials.

The typical security concerns may not apply since we own the client and the Authorization Server. Furthermore, we don't need features like multi-factor authentication, which this grant type doesn't support. I read the "OAuth 2.0 Security Best Current Practice" specification draft, and the reasons they list for omitting the password grant type from the OAuth 2.1 specs don't apply here for this scenario ( in my opinion, which might be mistaken, and I would be more than happy to be corrected here)
On the other hand, my senior is leaning towards the traditional approach: having a users table with hashed passwords and handling the authentication ourselves.
My questions to the community are as follows:

1. Is my proposed use of the OAuth 2.0 Resource Owner Password Credentials Grant a good idea in this scenario?
2. If not, why? Are there mitigations that would make it a better fit?
3. Is the traditional approach suggested by my senior the most secure and reliable in this situation?
4. Are there better or more modern approaches to securely provide social login and username/password authentication?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter.

TLDR: I went to HR twice over the last 2 years and now believe I am being blackballed from other job opportunities within the company. Should I report it or move on?
I’ve been working at this call center for 5 & 1/2 years. I started at entry level and moved to a senior level my second year, which is basically the next step up and I’ve been stuck ever since. I ended up with a really good supervisor. During that time, I was on a leadership team and got a sponsor who was CFO of the company, I was also part of a work group that comes together with ideas of changes that should be made. I encountered another person in the group and there was a disagreement. Shortly after, she was moved from her state and her department to become a supervisor in my department. I was placed on her team. I felt it was a conflict of interest so I went to our manager and requested to be on another team or stay on my current team and he refused. My first 2 days into being on her team, she set a meeting with me and accused me of avoiding calls and told me I could be fired. I reached out to the manager again and he said he couldn’t just switch my team because then he would have to switch everyone that asks; I told him it should be a case by case basis and in my case, there is a clear prior conflict spilling over. He refused. The issue between her and I continued. I spoke to my sponsor and she suggested I go to HR. HR met with me, then the manager, then the supervisor; he returned to me and said it would be a great learning opportunity and that I would remain on her team. Months later I was talking to a coworker about how depressed this supervisor was making me and I was always on edge over her micromanaging me, my numbers dropped during this time. I can only assume she went back and told my supervisor because a day later, the supervisor asked me if I would feel better on a different team. I said yes and within 2 days I was placed on a different team. It struck me as odd that when I went through the proper channels to request it, I was denied, but once I spoke to a coworker, it happened almost instantly. Everything went well with my new supervisor & I joined another program my job offers to help accelerate your career and got a mentor through that. When that was over, mt new supervisor suggested I apply for an internship in IT at our company. I applied and worked the internship a little under a year. During this time, I was interning as an IT analyst and working with our developers and engineers. I was trained by our engineer. Most of our engineers and developers are from a background that literally breathes IT. They are very intelligent, but there is sometimes a language and/or culture barrier. I would find myself struggling to understand, but I still kept up. I was testing an algorithm and the algorithm was wrong. I pointed it out to our engineer and he told me that he didn’t have time to go line by line with me so find one that works and make it fit. I was uncomfortable with that (especially because working on the call center side, I see this is how defects get pushed through and impact our systems). I found one that fit and pushed it through. A day later, someone else I was interning with asked me how I got it to work and said he wants to meet with me and the engineer. We met and basically the engineer said I was wrong and placed the blame on me. I went to the supervisor for the internship to let her know what happened and how I felt that I was overlooked when I pointed out the error but the other intern was looked at it and was able to get the intern to help. (For transparency, I am a woman, the other intern and engineers are men, not saying this is why it happened). She told me if it happens again to reach out to her, etc. but she was never around. I’d reach out to her and she wouldn’t respond for days. I went to HR to let them know what happened and that I don’t want anyone that comes after me to experience the same thing. When that internship ended, the other intern was selected for the role and I was sent back to the phones. During my internship, I started taking analyst courses and certifications online and paying out of pocket, despite the supervisor for my internship saying they would pay for it, they never did. Back on the phones, my supervisor said there is another internship I should apply for. I interviewed and got it. Again, there were 2 of us. This one went really well. I worked directly with our IT consultants, developers, and scrum master. I learned that I found passion in scrum so I would meet with our scrum master for advice and mentorship. I took more courses and ended up taking my scrum master course and becoming certified. This internship also lasted just under a year. When it was over, my job went through a hiring freeze so they couldn’t offer either of us the position. We went back to phones. About a week later, a scrum internship opened up. I interviewed and got accepted. Then my supervisor says my job has this new rule that if you were on am internship within the last 6 months you can’t do it again. I haven’t seen this in writing, just word of mouth. The director of talent management reached out to set up a meeting with me to pick my brain to ask why I might feel I hadn’t gotten other roles I applied for; he asked if I felt it was due to my race or gender but I said I did not want to look at it that way. He said I should apply for more roles. So I applied for a job as a scrum master, another as an analyst, and another as an IT associate. For the scrum one, the manager said that he was looking for a more mature level (senior) applicant but he would be my mentor. For the IT associate, I wasn’t selected (the recruiter also mentioned that he noticed I applied for other roles and would be in touch with those recruiters as well - is that normal or ok? I was uncomfortable with him mentioning roles I applied for that he wasn’t a recruiter on). For the analyst role, the interview was excellent, I sent the thank you email after and never got a response. The recruiter for the analyst role set up a meeting with me to tell me I didn’t get the role but she found a course I could take to get my scrum master certification and that I should get a mentor. I told her I already have, which is indicated on my resume and which we also discussed and she praised before submitting me for the analyst interview. How could she not remember that before meeting with me?The interviewed also praised me for it. Each interviewer expressed how they were impressed with the work I’ve done and with me. By this time I ended the meeting with the recruiter and clocked out and just cried. The recruiter mentioned that I should reach out to the manager that interviewed me for the analyst role because she likes when employees take initiative. I replied that I sent her a thank you email that she never even replied to so I feel uncomfortable reaching out again and I feel like I was interviewed just to meet a quota. The recruiter stopped replying. Now I’m feeling like maybe there is a stigma since I previously went to HR, only because I am being told that I am qualified or overqualified for these roles but I’m not being selected. I am good enough to work them as an intern, but not get paid for it. I’ve literally applied for 12 different IT roles over that last 2 years, all similar to analysis, scrum, and product analysis.
Should I escalate it or move on with applying for other companies?

Trigger Warning: Addiction, Drug use TLDR - How can I try to repair a friendship with a former good friend whose partner's drug use caused a wedge between us?
I (37m) played in a band for a year with a super good friend/colleague, and her partner of several years (~40f/m). My colleague and I had been close friends for several years beforehand, and her partner and I had been friendly, even starting our own side project briefly. We shared a lot of personal history, some of it painful. Both of them were very kind to me, which I still appreciate, doing things like sending me soup when I was sick. His and my project ended after he showed up two hours late to a practice, extremely high. I didn't mention anything about it to his partner, as I didn't want to ruin our friendship, and I told him I just wasn't in a good place for a project (which was also true).
During the pandemic, they offered for me to join their band. I was excited. I knew he had been to rehab the year prior (she'd coordinated some friendgroup Zoom calls to lift his spirits which I participated in), and all indications were that things were better. After nearly a year with the band, some of us went out to support my colleague at her solo show, and he and I had what felt like a terrific time. He usually seems a little anxious, but it felt like he opened up a bit to me finally, and it was a blast.
The next morning I get a call at 6am, waking me up - It's him. He tells me he's at our band practice space, and he's fucked up again. We talk for an hour, during which he asks me not to tell his partner, says that he's super good at hiding his use from people, that our spot is perfect to use at, that he hears voices that tell him to do bad things and that his other personality (who also talks with me briefly) will 'never be cool with [me] being around'. I blocked him after the call, and took several days to think about what to do. Ultimately I decided I didn't feel safe around him, so I quit the band, saying I had 'personal things going on'. I gave them my keys back to the practice unit, and even paid two months out of my share for upcoming unit rent (~$300) so those would be covered for them.
After two months, I felt guilty and asked for a sit-down with my colleague alone to explain why I had quit. I gently tried to tell her about the call, some of the things he'd told me and that I was worried about his mental health (e.g. the other 'personalities' I spoke with on the phone, some of the threatening language). She told me that she knew about the call and drug use - At some point he'd 'told' her, and that if I'd have really cared for him as a friend I would've told her sooner. I was blown away, after all the trouble I'd gone to not to make waves. She also said I'd 'ruined' a show for them by quitting, and that I was being ridiculous for thinking his shizotypal behavior was actually dangerous to me in any way, and not having pity on him.
We agreed to disagree, which took a lot for me as I'd been agonizing over what to do and at one point she was yelling at me so publicly other people were moving to tables further away. While we ended that discussion with a hug, I've had little interaction with her, and he remained blocked. I did send a text a few months after telling her that this wasn't my fault, his actions are his responsibility and that I felt I didn't deserve what I received from her when I was genuinely concerned and trying to help, and that is surprised me and seemed out-of-character for her, and it did feel a little aggressive on my part, which I felt bad for.
But here is the thing - I'm a widower, my Wife passed at 33 from cancer. Lately I've been feeling super sick, and have follow-up CTs ordered which is making me nervous given my past history with my Wife. I don't want to lose the tremendous friendship we had over this, and I also don't want to be hard on someone who has suffered addiction for reasons I may never understand. I don't have anything against him, I was just so frustrated that this whole situation played out the way it did and that I was accused of being so horrible. Is there any way to repair this with these two, while maintaining my own dignity and boundaries?
I still don't think I handled anything wrong necessarily, but I also want to see the best in people at all times, and I just am hoping that maybe there is some wish for a reset on their end. Thanks!

In this insightful article, Elad Ben-Israel, the mind behind the CDK, shares his love for the cloud, but also his frustrations with the complexity of building cloud applications. The challenges he identifies include: 1. Focus on non-functional mechanics: The need to understand and manage cloud platform mechanics instead of focusing on building valuable features for users. 2. Lack of independence: Developers often need to rely on others to handle parts of the deployment process or to resolve issues, interrupting their work flow. 3. Delayed feedback: The current iteration cycle in cloud development can take minutes or even longer, significantly slowing down the development process and making it harder for developers to stay in their flow state.

It's not just a rant

Elad is not just ranting about cloud development. He proposes a solution in the form of a programming language for the cloud. This language would treat the entire cloud as its computer. The language compiler will be able to see the complete cloud application, unbound by the limits of individual machines. Such a compiler would be able to handle a significant portion of the application's non-functional aspects, enabling developers to operate at a more abstract level, thus reducing complexity and promoting autonomy. Moreover, it could expedite iteration cycles by allowing to compile applications to quick local simulators during the development process.

The Winglang Project

Elad reveals that he's in the process of developing such an open-source, “cloud-oriented” language, dubbed Winglang. Wing aims to improve the developer experience of cloud applications by enabling developers to build distributed systems that leverage cloud services as first-class citizens. This is achieved by integrating infrastructure and application code in a secure, unified programming model. Wing programs can be executed locally via a fully-functional simulator or deployed to any cloud provider.

My Interest in Winglang

I, together with a group of dedicated contributors, joined forces with Elad to develop Winglang. While still in Alpha and not yet ready for production use, it's already possible to build some real applications.
Check out https://github.com/winglang/wing for more details.

I wanted to download this on my laptop so i could play during downtime when im not at home. When i logged in, it wasnt giving me the option to join my previous world. Only New Game was available. So my question is, If im logged into the same steam account, but on a different PC. Can i play the same server with my same account?

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Hi all, Currently I am in TCS and simultaneously preparing for Gate and similar exams, but I have a question which is making me anxious currently,one of my friend got a good mba college in March but his college started on may 31st and he can't appear it as his notice period will end in June mid(he will miss 2weeks but college approve it),
After that I check all non gate exams(pgee,bitshd,isi) all used to happen in May last week and college started in August,ie 2 months but tcs notice period is 3 months,I know I should focus on study rather than this issue,but this thought just coming in my mind while I try to sleep,can you guys help me on this?