So Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (FFIE) held their earnings call, unveiling significant milestones that mark pivotal moments in the company's journey. As a forward-thinking and innovative player in the electric vehicle (EV) market, FFIE is taking bold steps toward establishing itself as a formidable force. Here’s a closer look at why investors should feel bullish about FFIE’s future.
1) First Revenue Generation: A Significant Milestone
For the first time, FFIE has reported revenue generation. While the initial figures might be modest, this achievement is monumental. It signifies the company's transition from concept to commerce, demonstrating that their business model is viable and that there is a market demand for their products. This milestone is a testament to FFIE's commitment to creating value and advancing the EV industry.
2) First Cars Off the Production Line
Another highlight from the earnings call is the announcement that FFIE’s first vehicles have rolled off the production line. This is not just a manufacturing achievement but a critical step in transforming visionary ideas into tangible products. The successful production of these vehicles underscores FFIE's capability to deliver high-quality, innovative electric cars to the market. It paves the way for scaling production and meeting the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions.
3) Strategic Partnerships: Expanding Horizons
FFIE’s strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Nvidia and regions such as China and the Middle East are particularly noteworthy. Collaborating with Nvidia positions FFIE at the forefront of technological advancements, integrating cutting-edge AI and autonomous driving features into their vehicles. Meanwhile, partnerships in China and the Middle East open doors to vast markets with a strong appetite for electric vehicles. These alliances enhance FFIE’s global footprint and reinforce its competitive edge.
TO THE MOON🌙
In light of these developments, the future looks promising for FFIE. The company is demonstrating clear progress, not only in product development but also in market penetration and technological innovation. Investors should feel optimistic about FFIE’s trajectory.
What can I say... I LIKE THE STOCK but let's squeeze the juice.

Hayao Miyazaki's View of the Japanese People

Maki Watanabe: Let’s talk about Director Miyazaki's "Princess Mononoke." This work was a representative blockbuster film of that year. It was not only the first Ghibli work to exceed 10 billion yen at the box office, but it even reached 19.3 billion yen!
Mamoru Oshii: That number is indeed impressive. Unlike the previous work, "Porco Rosso," which was whimsical and lacked a theme, this time he returned with a grand theme. This time the theme was "Hayao Miyazaki's view of the Japanese people."
Maki Watanabe: So the characters like the “People of the Mountains” appeared.
Mamoru Oshii: It can be said that it brings together an all-star lineup of images representing Japan in the old man's mind. From the Emishi to the people of Irontown, to the lepers, to the Forest Spirit, and so on, the theme of the “People of the Mountains” is the ethnic minorities and small groups of Japan.
Maki Watanabe: Mr. Miyazaki has done a lot of research in these areas.
Mamoru Oshii: The old man is indeed a hardworking and studious person. He reads history books very seriously and wants to leave behind the fruits of his studies. Mr. Takahata also has this side, and so do I. In other words, this is a common desire shared by all creators. In this regard, the old man's research interest fell on another kind of Japanese who are not well known, that is, the “People of the Mountains.”
Maki Watanabe: What about Ashitaka, one of the protagonists?
Mamoru Oshii: Although he is Emishi, he is also one of the People of the Mountains. He has a unique religious view and view of nature, which are consistent with the old man's orientation. The old man has absolutely no interest in agricultural peoples, and the people of the mountains are both hunters and makers of things.
Maki Watanabe: Ah, the “making things” setting that the old man likes.
Mamoru Oshii: That's right. So this is the world where he can best transfer his feelings to these people.
Maki Watanabe: So, unlike Mr. Takahata, Mr. Miyazaki is not interested in farmers?
Mamoru Oshii: Not interested. It never appeared in his (original) works, right? Mr. Takahata is good at rural themes, but the old man is not at all.
Maki Watanabe: What is Mr. Oshii's impression of "Princess Mononoke"?
Mamoru Oshii: This work is too stiff. The theme is too grand to be concluded. It's like spreading out a whole piece of wrapping cloth and then not knowing how to put it back together, and in the end, you can only make a mess of it. In the end, the flowers bloom muddleheadedly, and then the music plays as usual, and it ends without anything being resolved. Did they ever think about how to end it? Filmmakers generally like to make a grand opening, but very few can put it back together perfectly. But this is where the director's skill is shown.
Maki Watanabe: Christopher Nolan once said that when making a film, you have to think about the ending from the beginning, and once you decide on it, you don't change it. The endings of his films are indeed impressive.
Mamoru Oshii: Actually, that's the usual way to do it. I also think about the ending from the beginning. Structure is the life of a film, it's a matter of course. On the contrary, the old man, who doesn't write scripts properly, starts from scratch and doesn't want to think about the ending at all. I have said it many times, it is precisely because of this that he is not suitable to be a director.
Maki Watanabe: However, the more you say that about him, the more I find the old man cute. After all, he has always been true to himself, that's great, isn't it?
Mamoru Oshii: What's so cute about it? In a sense, he's someone who makes movies solely on his own talent. Indeed, he is a genius in a way, he doesn't consider anything before or after his death. It is Toshio Suzuki's job to assist him from the sidelines. Speaking of which, Miss Maki, do you remember the last scene of "Princess Mononoke?"
Maki Watanabe: I remember. In the end, everyone went back to where they belonged and it ended. I didn't understand why Ashitaka stayed in Irontown instead of going back to his hometown, so I complained: "Hey, go home." But I didn't quite understand it when it was released. To be honest, there are a lot of things in the story that are hard to keep up with. At that time, many magazines made special features on "Princess Mononoke," and they all sold well. It should be that everyone didn't understand the story, so they wanted to hear what was going on.
Mamoru Oshii: How many people can remember the ending of Ghibli movies, especially the old man's movies? The theme song or the main melody composed by Joe Hisaishi plays, and then it's "the end," forcibly ending. This is Suzuki's strategy.
Maki Watanabe: "Princess Mononoke" uses a song by Yoshikazu Mera at the end.
Mamoru Oshii: The song was also used repeatedly in the promotion, making people so familiar with the theme song that it lingered in their ears. So why use this song over and over again? Because the people in charge of publicity didn't understand the story either. What is the story of "Princess Mononoke" about? It should be the story of Ashitaka and San, but what happened to them in the end? Miss Maki, can you explain it clearly?
Maki Watanabe: The theme is the opposition between civilization and nature. San represents nature, Ashitaka is the middle ground, Lady Eboshi is civilization, and then the story is about the collision of these values. I just rewatched it, so I can probably explain it to this extent, but the part about Ashitaka and San feels very weak.
Mamoru Oshii: That's right, Ashitaka and San should have become like Pazu and Sheeta in "Castle in the Sky," but they didn't. Surprisingly, San is not charming in the slightest. The most surprising thing I saw at the screening was this. The old man, who has always drawn beautiful girls, could it be that he didn't put his heart into San? At least it seems so. The appreciation of the characters is significantly less than before. It's almost impossible not to ask, "What's wrong with the old man?"

The Magic of Hayao Miyazaki's Manga Films

Maki Watanabe: Indeed, although she is the heroine, her impression is very weak. She didn't even leave as deep an impression as Ashitaka.
Mamoru Oshii: That's right, it must be Ashitaka who left a deeper impression. Followed by Lady Eboshi, she is the old man's favorite type. The most interesting thing about the old man is that he doesn't just stop at simply praising nature and denying civilization. I've said it countless times, the old man himself has another side to him that loves fighter jets and mechanical civilization. He is a very contradictory person.
Maki Watanabe: Lady Eboshi is the character who speaks for the old man, right?
Mamoru Oshii: The process of civilization is an inevitability of human development. Human beings cannot survive without destroying nature. This is human beings. Lady Eboshi of Irontown is probably the representative of this kind of human being, just like Nausicaä in "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind."
Maki Watanabe: Lady Eboshi loses an arm at the end, and Nausicaä also has a prosthetic arm.
Mamoru Oshii: So, that's the price. In the old man's way of thinking, they must pay a certain price, and it is easy to see from the picture that it is manifested as the loss of an arm. The old man has a unique sense of balance, and he will definitely look for that balance point. Take the villain character, Colonel Muska, in "Castle in the Sky" as an example. As he is escaping, he throws his underwear out of his open suitcase. From this scene, you can also see that the old man did not completely portray him as a bad guy. Adding a bit of cuteness to the villains is what the old man does. Lady Eboshi is a character with very clear values, and for the old man, it is necessary to make her pay the price of losing her arm. In this sense, he is a genius in terms of balance. Although having said that, the old man would not do such a thing as adding a scar to a cute girl. The same goes for children. Girls and children are the old man's sacred realm, and he never lets these characters pay any price or suffer any trauma.
Maki Watanabe: But there's nothing entangled in Lady Eboshi, is there? For example, Ashitaka reported that the women in Irontown were in danger, but she said, "Women can take care of themselves", and then devoted herself to destroying the Forest Spirit. Generally speaking, wouldn't there be some hesitation and struggle? So I don't feel the charm from her strength.
Mamoru Oshii: That's the nature of the old man. Putting viewpoints side by side, putting out all kinds of values without omission, for the old man, there is no contradiction in liking characters who are not troubled and do not hesitate. Because the old man hates indecisive characters the most. He would never affirm those who are hesitant, hesitant, and prone to distress. In short, he doesn't like entanglement.
Maki Watanabe: This value is very interesting.
Mamoru Oshii: Of course, he likes nature the most. However, if the Forest Spirit is affirmed, human beings have to be denied, so there must be an existence that speaks for the human position, and that is Lady Eboshi. The old man is not such a simple person. He has studied why human beings have embarked on the road of industrialization, and he knows very well that this is an inevitable choice. But it wouldn't ease his mind if he simply affirmed it. But if he recognizes the Forest Spirit, he can only come to the conclusion that "human beings should be destroyed", so he has to add San, a character born in nature. Ashitaka is in a position between San and Lady Eboshi.
Maki Watanabe: But Ashitaka should go back to his village, right? Everyone is waiting for him. Why stay in Irontown? If you make such a choice, you have to go through some struggle, right?
Mamoru Oshii: That's why I said, the old man just hates struggling and tangling. The story itself is difficult to justify, so it can only end in such a forceful way. There is basically no drama in this work, because there is no struggle of values at all. As a film, there are often confusions like "Which direction is this story going?" The reason why it turned out like this is because the problem has been concluded in some aspects. That is to say, civilization will never go backwards, and it is precisely because of the creation of civilization that human beings have become human beings. Those who can really live in nature don't even know that it is nature. If one had never stepped out of the Garden of Eden, one would not even know that one was human. Industrial society is a necessity for human beings, and human beings can only survive by conquering nature. But humans don't want to deny the part of themselves that resonates with nature.
Maki Watanabe: I see.
Mamoru Oshii: The old man made "Princess Mononoke" on the basis of understanding all this, but even if he understands this rationally, he cannot let it go, so he will be divided. So how do you put an end to this split in a movie? He didn't think about it carefully, so "Princess Mononoke" became a film with an incomprehensible ending. Speaking of which, because the world in the movie is not a world of good and evil, children should not understand it. The old man clearly said that he made animation for children, and said that no matter what the real world is like, at least in the work, the black and white of good and evil should be clearly distinguished. This is one of the main tasks of being a director. However, his own work lacks such consistency. Although the theme is grand, it cannot be concluded properly. Of course, it's not just the old man, there are many movies like this.
Maki Watanabe: But the picture is very powerful. This time I re-watched it and felt very emotional.
Mamoru Oshii: Like this, in short, showing you some powerful things and making you accept it in a confused way is the unique magic of the old man's manga films. Although the director and the critics can see through the flaws at a glance and will not be deceived, the animators will be amazed and exclaimed, "Amazing!" after watching it. Of course, he is really good. Whether it is the demon or the Forest Spirit, he has made very, very grand scenes. The movements of all the characters are very neat and beautiful, and the background is also very magnificent. But as for the animals, because I'm a bit of an authority when it comes to the representation of "dogs", the image of Moro doesn't look good at all. The film is full of places like this that (the old man) made with his eyes closed.
Maki Watanabe: That's how it is. I was so shocked that I didn't pay much attention.
Mamoru Oshii: This work is extremely difficult to draw, and it's also very long, isn't it? It's impossible to be perfect. Apart from Moro, there are also some problems with the setting of Irontown. The animator who was in charge of drawing Moro also participated in the production of the movie "Jin-Roh." His performance in "Jin-Roh" was obviously better. Not to mention anything else, the running posture of beasts is a difficult problem for animators, more difficult than birds and horses. For example, the posture of a dog lowering its center of gravity and speeding up will make the animator cry.
Maki Watanabe: The Forest Spirit also looks very unique!
Mamoru Oshii: That's the old man's forte. The little mushroom-like spirits are also his forte. Not only are they rich in movement, but children also especially like them.
Maki Watanabe: Very cute, and adults love it too! (laughs) Later, the scene where the Forest Spirit stepped on the ground and the flowers and plants suddenly grew made people couldn't help but exclaim "Wow," it was really beautiful.
Mamoru Oshii: That part is very sensual, as if you can smell it. It's really sensual, very enchanting. I only admire the part with the Forest Spirit, just like the scene in Totoro where the trees suddenly grow. That's the essence of the animation world. Even if it's done with CG, it can't make that kind of feeling. That is the old man's unique sense of movement, a sense of sensuality, a kind of eroticism unique to plants. The old man is really good at drawing plants. He's definitely better at plants than animals. From this point of view, there are indeed many remarkable scenes in "Princess Mononoke", maybe the character that the old man put more effort into is not San, but the Forest Spirit, which is why everyone is glued to their eyes.
Maki Watanabe: The scene of the Forest Spirit walking on the water, being hit and sinking into the water for a while, and then floating up again… That scene is very touching.
Mamoru Oshii: The old man is also very good at water, he is simply a genius. So, I'm not always picking on him, I'll praise him where it's due. I'm making a fair assessment. There will never be another animator like the old man. It's just that, although I may have said it too many times, he's really not cut out to be a director (laughs).
Maki Watanabe: I re-watched it after a long time. Although there are many problems such as the ending not being closed and the story having loopholes, I am still shocked by the picture.
Mamoru Oshii: If you look at it again after a while, those grand themes will be put aside by everyone, and many parts can be enjoyed separately. Sure enough, the unique sexy charm of this film is irresistible.
Maki Watanabe: But the places made with digital technology are really not good, or because the hand-painted parts are so good, the digital production looks not so good.
Mamoru Oshii: This film used digital technology for the first time, which caused a lot of buzz when it was released. The scene of Ashitaka riding a deer was made using texture mapping, but that doesn't suit the old man. The old man's unique sense of movement and pleasure in the flowing scenery cannot be expressed by texture mapping. I am very sure of this. In fact, this place should be the same as the sea of clouds in "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" and the flowing scenery in "Castle in the Sky," all done by hand. But if we did, the work might not be completed.
Maki Watanabe: Another major feature of this film is the voice actors. This time the dubbing lineup is very luxurious.
Mamoru Oshii: Needless to say, this is Suzuki's strategy. Toshiro Mifune, Akira Emoto, Masahiko Nishimura, Yuko Tanaka, and even Mitsuko Mori were invited. Ghibli has also invited many actors to be voice actors before, but this is the first time that there have been so many. Almost all the main characters are well-known stars. Every Japanese can conjure up the faces of these stars in their minds.
Maki Watanabe: San is voiced by actress Yuriko Ishida, and Ashitaka is voiced by Yoji Matsuda. Mr. Matsuda voiced Asbel in "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind."
Mamoru Oshii: Speaking of San just now, speaking of the lack of presence of this character, she doesn't look like the beautiful girl depicted by the old man at all. One of the reasons is that her voice didn't move people's hearts. Also, why Akira Emoto? Do you have this question?
Maki Watanabe: But didn't Mr. Oshii's "Sky Crawlers" also use actress Rinko Kikuchi? And Ryo Kase.
Mamoru Oshii: But not many Japanese knew Rinko Kikuchi at the time, right? As for why Ryo Kase was used, it's a long story... But the reason why I used Rinko was because I thought no one in Japan knew her, so it didn't matter.
Maki Watanabe: How come, I know her. After all, she was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for "Babel" and has attracted a lot of attention.
Mamoru Oshii: That's because Miss Maki, you are in the film industry, but ordinary Japanese people don't know. And it was also because I liked her very much after meeting her once. Looking back on it now, she was wearing a black dress very similar to the one worn by the young Motoko at the end of "Ghost in the Shell."
Maki Watanabe: Was that intentional?
Mamoru Oshii: It's very possible. She seemed very positive and motivated at the time, which is what an actor should be. It is very important to have the momentum of "must win this role." Mélanie St-Pierre in "Garzey's Wing" is also like this, with a kappa hairstyle and a gun in the audition video.
Maki Watanabe: I didn't expect it to be so easy to capture Mr. Oshii's heart. A kappa hairstyle with a gun is all it takes (laughs).
Mamoru Oshii: What are you talking about! It's important whether it fits or not. That's the key. Let's not mention this for the time being, why don't I like this voice actor lineup very much? Because I watched the whole film at the luxurious premiere, and they stood on the stage in a row. These faces were very powerful, and the number of people was extraordinary.
Maki Watanabe: I've always had a question about letting actors be voice actors. Does letting Yuriko Ishida dub really attract audiences? It won't be the driving force to make people want to watch a movie, right?
Mamoru Oshii: Suzuki's strategy is "to do everything that can be done." Having celebrities lined up can get media attention, and Toshiro Mifune was more famous than Hayao Miyazaki back then, wasn't he? He didn't want to attract audiences with Yuriko Ishida, it was just a strategy to get media attention. Before the release, it was Suzuki's job to raise awareness of the film. First of all, "Princess Mononoke" is a very important work in every sense, and it must sell well, otherwise its investment scale will bankrupt Ghibli.
Maki Watanabe: It's a work that has put all its efforts into it.
Mamoru Oshii: Yes. The old man also made agrand structure in his mind, putting all his heart into it. Toshio Suzuki's efforts made this work a success in distribution. As I said just now, there are various sensitive issues in this work born from the old man's whims and fantasies, so Suzuki is responsible for the aftermath. You may have forgotten that there has never been a scene in a previous animation where a head or an arm is chopped off like in this work. When it was first released, every animation studio was talking about "Princess Mononoke," saying, "That old Miyazaki actually drew so many scenes of beheadings and severed limbs!" What does this mean? It can only be said that the old man has become unstoppable. What Suzuki said didn't work, it was completely out of control. In my opinion, this sign appeared in the "Porco Rosso" period. At that time, I let him do what he liked. On the other hand, Toshio Suzuki had to work harder to get the word out.
Maki Watanabe: Having said that, it has created a big-selling record in film history, which is very remarkable.
Mamoru Oshii: Judging from the results, it was a big hit at the box office, so it became more and more unstoppable.
In this way, the two consecutive films were created as they pleased, but the two works are completely different. The arbitrariness of "Porco Rosso" is a personal thing. But "Princess Mononoke" talks about Japan, nature, human beings, and even the theory of civilization. The old man put all the things he was interested in and studied into it, proposed a grand theme, and created it as an "author." That is to say, he officially debuted as an author.
Maki Watanabe: So, "Princess Mononoke" is a masterpiece of director Hayao Miyazaki, right?
Mamoru Oshii: Masterpiece? He hasn't even "mastered" it yet. Just put together interests and knowledge. No editing, no structure, just a list of content.
Maki Watanabe: Then how should it be evaluated?
Mamoru Oshii: Clearing inventory. No, it's more accurate to say picking up and shipping. Because he moved all the stock out.
____
The content is from a Japanese book 誰も語らなかったジブリを語ろう (Let's talk about Ghibli that no one has talked about).

My step daughter is 7 years old. Her mother and I work quite often, I own a business that takes me away from home anywhere from 8am to 10pm and her mother works from 4 to 9 (which is about the time she gets out of school) so she spends a majority of time at her grandparents.
The problem is, she's never disciplined over there at all, her biological father has only seen her twice, once when she was born and the second time on her 1st birthday; other than that I've raised her since she was 2. I completely blame the grandmother for the childs lack of respect for people. She says blatantly racist things, cusses, throws tantrums, cries until she gets her way, treats my other children horribly, as well as her own mother and I.
My biological daughter is an absolute sweetheart and when she comes over all she wants to do is go play with her little sister (they are 1 year apart), she constantly ask if she's gonna see her but anytime my step daughter comes over she bullies my daughter and treats her like crap. Calling her names and saying she doesn't like her. I fear that my daughter will begin to mimick this behavior and honestly, she's an angel (no exaggeration, I've never heard anyone complain about her, she's well mannered, polite, loving, and respectful. A polar opposite of her step-sibling).
The maternal grandfather works just as much as I do, but the grandmother stays at home and drinks pretty heavily. Talking bad about people (even about her own daughter in front of the child). When my step daughter is here, no lie, she literally sounds like her grandmother, mimicking her behavior and mannerisms. Honestly, there's nothing I can do. I'm in no position to discipline her because she's not my child and when I leave it up to her mother she completely agrees with me but nothing is ever done because she only gets to see her daughter so much and doesn't want to be the bad guy.
I just don't know what to do anymore, of course I tell her things like (don't talk to your mother that way, you only get one), (stop cussing, that's not very lady like), (cross your legs), (put some clothes on), (don't burp/fart at the table, go excuse yourself), (cover your mouth when you cough), (don't hit your brother), (don't say that its rude), (you shouldn't point at people), (that wasn't very nice, you need to apologize). The same way I speak to my other children but she just tells me to shut up or continues to do it anyway. The things this 7 year old says just completely baffles me and now our child that we have together, our 4 year old son, is beginning to act the same way and I won't have that. I have 3 older children that are all well behaved and it's because I made sure they were raised to be respectful and empathetic. This child just doesn't get it and I really don't want my youngest or even my daughter thinking that her behavior is acceptable or tolerated. I won't condone it or give that type of behavior a safe haven.
Something has to be done but I'm lost on what to do. Everything I've read on this topic has to deal with older children in their teens, she's only 7 and I feel like she doesn't understand what she's saying or the hurtful impact it has on other people. She's literally in the other room telling my 4 year old he's going to get an "ass whooping" and I've already told her multiple times to stop talking like that.
It's like my lady just gave up on trying to correct her and when it comes to my youngest child, her entire family encourages his bad behavior because they find it amusing not understanding the repercussions it will have later in his life.
My step daughter also eats a ridiculous amount of food, she's twice the size of a child her age, her mom even has her wearing sports bras, and she constantly plays roblox and is always role playing on there talking about things no 7 year old should talk about. "Boyfriends, Girlfriends, being gay, having sex, being retarded, being colored, cussing", she literally acts like an undisciplined spoiled 16 year old girl.
Now mind you, she hangs around a lot with her older cousins who live a couple houses down (my ladies entire family lives within a 3 minute walk), they're between the ages of 13 and 16, (3 girls) and she acts just like them. I've tried explaining to her that she shouldn't be talking about those things or even thinking about them at her age, she clearly ignores me though and anytime I try to put my foot down her mother just shrugs it off like it's no big deal.
I feel like giving up, honestly, at this point her behavior is accepted by everyone and there's no way I can punish her without negative reactions from her family. She runs back and tells her grandparents everything.
Like I said, my son is beginning to do the same thing and what's worse is my lady doesn't see it. Now, my youngest son was a little slower on learning to communicate with words but now that he talks he says things like (shut up, die shit, and bitch) and her family thinks it's hilarious. It's disgusting to watch because I was in no way raised like that, I'd be eating soap. He flips people off, hits them, screams, throws tantrums. It's like what the f*** do I do at this point. When I discipline him, my lady protects his every action. Saying he doesn't understand. Anytime I say something, she rebuttals telling me what his behavior is going to be and he acts it out instantly. Say for instance, when we are alone, he's very well behaved, he doesn't act all crazy running around babbling, he listens when I talk. But the second his mom is there his personality changes and he turns into Donny from the "Wild Thornberries". Example: If we're alone I encourage him to eat his food by pretending to take something off his plate and eat it, he protects his food and begins to eat. If mom is around and I do it, she says something like "you're gonna make him scream and throw a fit, why are you irritating him?" And almost instantly he begins to do exactly what she said. He listens to his mother and waits for her response and then acts it out. He literally stares at her until she says what he's going to do then he does it. I watch it constantly and when I point it out she says "I just know how he's going to respond". Like it's a permanent behavior.
Then there's things my lady says that really irks me, like asking our child who he loves more, mommy or daddy and if he says me, my lady makes a crying sound and he goes "mommy, mommy". She's slowly programming and conditioning him to not acknowledge or respect me and to choose favorites.
I will summarize quickly my ladies relationship to our children. Her biological daughter (from a previous relationship) has spent a majority of her childhood being raised by her grandmother so our son (4) which we have together, is the first child she has raised continously (noted: she definitely didn't read the baby books) and the way she parents is so off the charts I can't even begin to explain it all. She spoils him like an only child, treats my other biological children (17, 13, & 8 years old) as alien and indifferent, she's very jealous of their presence and my strong relationship to them, she gets mad when I do things for them, buying them things they need/ want, or I put them first (emotionally and financially). For instance my oldest turns 18 soon and I'm buying him a car, she's upset that I'm doing that for him and not buying her one, she has already taken me for child support even though we live together and I pay for everything in the house already. We have an agreement she pays gas, electric, water, and trash I pay the mortgage and everything else. (Roughly 8-10k a month).
I do make 300k+ a year and she might only bring home 20k, but I've worked really hard to get us to where we are from where we've been.
Enough rambling, my concern right now is the behavior of my step daughter and what actions I need to take to get her to start behaving like a well respected and empathetic human being and prevent my youngest son from growing up thinking the way his older sister acts is normal. I'm at a loss. I can't punish her because 1.) Physical punishment is unethical and frowned upon, 2.) Timeouts aren't heeded or respected, 3.) I can't take away her devices because she just leaves and walks down to her grandmother's house, 4.) I was told it isn't my responsibility, 5.) She's not my biological child.
Anything I do say is completely ignored and she goes right back to doing the same off the wall thing. Saying blatantly disrespectful things like "black people are disgusting", "You're stupid and lazy", "you're retarded", "I don't care", "you're not my dad", "why don't you just leave, this isn't your house", "my mom doesn't even like you", "you're not the boss of me", "I'm going to tell my grandma", "I don't even like you", "you don't even care about your son", "why are you here", "my mom loves my brother more than me", "I hope you die", "That girl is ugly", "that guy is a fatass", "why do they look like that", "you're annoying / you're stupid / you're ugly / you're dumb", "nobody cares".
These things were ingrained into my mind from a young age to be inappropriate and disrespectful and I've passed this empathetic understanding onto my other children. She just doesn't seem to get it and doesn't respect me at all even though I've treated her like my own daughter for a majority of her life. She even calls me dad. The only thing I haven't done is physically punished her but my God, some days I want to put her through a wall. Especially when she disrespects her mother or me.
Now before anyone goes on about how she doesn't get attention or she's seeking it, this child is spoiled. Not only by her mother but her grandparents also. They buy her whatever she wants, she's goes to so many different events, theme parks, movies, the store. Always has to get something. Her birthdays are massive, she gets hundreds of presents and she's always accompanied by someone who gives their undivided attention. It's not a lack of attention that is the cause of her ill behavior. If anything it's her grandmother's drinking and talking disrespectfully about other people in front of her that she picks up and is reiterated.
I've explained to my lady that her mother is a horrible influence on the child's young, susceptible, and maleable mind. That her behavior is mimicked, learned, and then projected onto others all while being condoned by people with an authoritive position to inact necessary discipline.
To counteract this and on a positive note, it's summer... school is out and the child will be spending less time over there, especially on nights she's been drinking. But the true question is this, is the learned behavior reversible after being accepted for so long? and what can I do (as a step father), to direct and coerce her perception to not only become more analytical but create a thought process that is more empathetic and understanding?
I'm sure there is not a one size fits all answer but if you have the time and the patience to share your opinions, I'm all ears.
Thanks, (Concerned Step-Father)

Long time Reddit-lurker and first post here, wish it was a more light-hearted subject but here we go.. Been stressing all night over this so I figured I may as well vent a bit and reach out for some support.
Started a new job yesterday and quit today. Was absolutely blindsided by what I was thrown into versus the job description I signed on for - "Pressure washing technician" - And right now, all I can taste is when I exhale is THE BLEACH IN MY LUNGS, but I'll get back to that in a sec:
I was cleaning out gutters on two-story houses in the rain with a bucket and scoop for the past two days without adequate training or gear - least of my concerns right now though and so much was wrong with this business, but I can get into all that in the comments later if necessary...
Yesterday, my now former boss brought me to a roof cleaning gig and shit got shady - that's when he took out his own full face respirator and a pesticide canister. He instructed me to follow him from the ground and to spray "ionized" water upwards to prevent this stuff from possibly killing the clients plants - or even etching their windows if it sat too long... Did I mention he didn't give me a mask or warn me about pesticides? Well yeah I could taste that sweet chemically shit thick in the air and my lungs and eyes got pretty irritated.
I asked if I needed a respirator also, and he said “only when you spray it up close” - total disregard for gravity, I guess. I wanted to leave on the spot right there, but this client was in South Burlington and my car was parked in HIS driveway over in Underhill. I probably sacrificed some health just to avoid an awkward car ride back - couldn't avoid that today though...
Today we had a house washing gig in which he basically just had me shadow his process. Halfway through and I realize that the shit he's spraying is burning my hands, burning my eyes and mouth and bleaching my clothes,so I ask why and he smugly says "Because it's bleach." Again, no proper protection or warning, literally just gave me shop glasses that didn't even conceal my eyes and I had to ask.
I know that bleach is commonly diluted with water and detergent for house cleaning, but the ratio of his solution was definitely way off. After bringing up my concern he started going off about how great Sodium Hypochlorite is for saving people during COVID, that the inventor deserves a Nobel Peace Prize and that the literal bleach I was covered in couldn’t have been worse than my tap water at home…
So yeah after that I realized I needed to GTFO and helped him with one more house before I tapped out with an excuse for the sake of not having to explain hazardous chemicals to a fully grown adult. Ride back wasn't too bad, but I didn't want to get into why I really decided to jump ship so soon since he either didn't care or was oblivious.
Finally get home, all I can taste is bleach, can't think straight, skin breaking out and harder than normal to breathe. I was mainly mad at myself for not backing out the first day, that was until this guy's wife/co-owner gives me the most condescending follow-up call ever to ask me why I left, so I told her the truth of my concerns. Told me I was covered in bleach & pesticides because of a lack of "common sense" and that this was going to look bad for me moving forward, and that they didn't have to disclose harmful materials in an SDS or anything.
That's exactly when I realized that the sweet family business I thought I was trying my best for are actually a coniving, corner-cutting couple who have zero fucks to give about anyone but themselves. They were ready to snap like clams from respectfully addressed concerns and tried to dismiss me in the most faux-professional/passive aggressive manner possible.
I'm pissed off, stressed as hell and nervous about my health (fucked up skin, eyes, breathing etc) and now tomorrow I have to submit a lease for my next apartment with much less financial security than I was anticipating for now.
So yeah, I don't know what to do or who to talk to that will be worth my time. I feel violated and discouraged, but mostly disgusted. This business has overwhelmingly positive reviews and I went into it with high hopes only to have my spirits crushed.
Unfortunately, this couple's M.O is to conduct an unethical practice while hiding their asses behind a scarecrow of legalese and just outright bizarre gaslighting techniques for both unsatisfied customers and employees alike.
Anyways, thanks for those who made it all the way through this book of mine. I'm open to any advice that will put my mind at ease for now and willing to answer any questions at all. Everything I've described here has been documented in proper format to submit to the right entity.
Btw the company in question is Mansfield Services, in Underhill.

Hi Everyone, Guy who hasn't been in a relationship so far here! ( tough to belive, but true). I'm a guy who grew up with more books than people and never had the time to socialize or do things. Fast forward to 27 years, and i'm living my best life, doing my dream job, taking care of myself and keeping my parents proud. I've heard from my fellow colleagues that this sub really works wonders, and i'm trying to give it a one in a million shot at finding my soulmate here. ( if this works, i'd definitely let ya guys know!😄)
About me, I'm 6'2, quite broad shoulders and people say i carry my personality well. I'm big on family and values and if we get along well, you'd definitely find me trying to introduce you to my parents as a new member of my family.I'm into good books,movies and tv shows. Though i don't mostly get time to play video games, i still have a fun life, getting to travel places and eat amazing food. I'm into swimming, hiking and i go bowling and golfing every weekend with my colleagues, i also love to go on long drives in my cars (i own two of em, a bit of a cars fanatic as well!) . I absolutely love pets! I used to have a cat who passed away recently(may his soul rest in peace), I try my best in keeping myself fit, yet pizza always distracts me. I travel,hike,backpack to places which my heart wants to explore (currently thinking about visiting Greece this year). I work full time at a job which involves Taxes and Audits, and i'm a student pursuing my masters too. I'm also a Pro boxer and an MMA fighter in my spare time. So you'd find me literally busy all day, but never busy when a text from you pops up😄 Oh, and i'm never doing personality tests. I believe that we should go with the flow of life and everything changes on it's own for the greater good.
What i'm looking for in a person:
Someone who's ready to bridge the gap,even if we are from different/Same places, and someone who recognises my efforts in learning to be a hopeless romantic ( up for LDR's as well)
Who's Monogamous,honest and literally knows how trust really works.
Someone who's stable mentally and financially, or en route to stability in terms of studies and work ( trust me, i'd be cheering for you throughout life!)
Who knows That Love is not just about being there for each other, but also giving the time and space necessary for personal improvement
Someone who's literally doing their utmost efforts in knowing me, and is kind enough to let me put in my best efforts to know them better as each day passes.
Someone who is ready to work togeather as a couple and improve ourselves every single moment of our life, from the moment we love each other till the end.
Oh,and btw Age and Appearance are never a matter of concern regarding a relationship,(it's fine even if you're older than me) but please be atleast 20+. And i once read in a novel that "every distance is meant to be bridged by two hearts", so wherever you are in this entire world, always remember that you're a flight's distance away. And i would definitely love to visit if we get along. And i guess, that's bout it.
If you're interested, HMU in my chats and let's get to know each other better. Hoping to hear from you all😇.

According to Faraday Future (referred to as "FF"), the company has received approval for continued trading on NASDAQ. Jia Yueting, the founder and CPUO of the company, revealed that since we officially proposed the "FF Automotive Industry Bridge Strategy," we have received many questions from friends. The company has answers to these questions and plans to officially release the "China-US Automotive Industry Bridge Strategy" in about a month, explaining these ten major questions. This is also the first phase of the "FF Automotive Industry Bridge Strategy." Here is a summary of the ten major questions:

1. What is the "FF Automotive Industry Bridge Strategy"? What value can it create for the relevant parties?
2. What value can be released from FF's ten years of accumulated advantages in American localization?
3. Many people are concerned about why we don't combine FF's cutting-edge advantages with the cost advantages of the Chinese supply chain to launch mass-produced popular models in the United States?
4. Can the popular models launched through the "Bridge Strategy" sell well in the United States?
5. The unbearable cost of trial and error and time costs have caused countless global car companies trying to enter the United States to fail. Recently, the U.S. government has imposed a 100% import tariff on Chinese complete vehicles. Is there still a chance for Chinese cars and products to enter the U.S. market?
6. Does the current U.S. automotive industry need the "China-US Bridge"? Can the unique FF turn this seemingly dead end into an opportunity?
7. The domestic market is highly competitive, and many Chinese car companies find it difficult to make a profit. How can we create new profit growth points for Chinese car companies? How can we make a wide range of Chinese car products go global, achieve supply chain expansion, technology expansion, and the ability to establish standards and systems, and build a global manufacturing instead of just "Made in China"?
8. The U.S. automotive market is a seller's market, while China is a buyer's market. Chinese AI EVs have high cost-effectiveness, and users have a wide range of choices. In contrast, the U.S. electric vehicle market is dominated by Tesla, and people have no other options. How can the unfortunate situation of U.S. users be changed to maximize their interests?
9. If we can introduce China's high-quality and efficient supply chain into the United States, while ensuring data security, can it drive the upgrading of the U.S. AI EV industry, promote consumption upgrading, and stimulate employment?
10. Although FF has advanced cutting-edge technology that is compatible with the U.S. automotive ecosystem and has advantages in compliance and market access, is there enough financial support to realize the "Bridge Strategy"?

In addition, during the company's Q4 2023 and full-year financial performance conference call held today, FF management shared the major milestones of 2023, business growth initiatives, and important plans for 2024. FF stated that with the successful submission of the 2023 10-K financial report, the company has met one of the listing compliance requirements and is actively working on the 2024 Q1 10-Q quarterly report. FF also emphasized that all the authorized shares approved at the previous shareholders' meeting have already been issued, and in the future, there will be no new share issuance unless the company obtains shareholder approval to increase the total authorized shares. Jia Yueting stated that as an important part of the FF China-US dual home and dual gene strategy, the "Bridge Strategy" will use FF's unique value to integrate the advantages of the U.S. automotive industry with the advantages of Chinese automotive companies and supply chains, creating original value for the China-US automotive industry, FF strategic partners, OEMs, supply chains, and FF itself. This year marks the tenth anniversary of FF's establishment and the tenth anniversary of the "SEE Plan." In the new trend of industrial development, the new original value may have the best opportunity to explode for the automotive industry, FF, and our "Bridge Strategy" partners. Jia Yueting stated in the video that since the proposal of the "FF Automotive Industry Bridge Strategy," the company has received more and more cooperation intentions and is now in preliminary discussions with several mainstream global automakers and suppliers on how FF can build a bridge for the China-US automotive industry through industrial coordination and cooperation. According to Jia Yueting, the company has received many questions, which can be roughly summarized into four categories: FF, the Chinese automotive industry, Chinese car companies, and the American automotive industry and market. Jia Yueting revealed that the company has answers to these questions and plans to officially release the "China-US Automotive Industry Bridge Strategy" in about a month, explaining these ten major questions. Jia Yueting stated that the FF "Bridge Strategy" will empower the four major full-value chains: 1. Product, technology, research and development, and vehicle engineering empowerment. 2. Production manufacturing, compliance certification access. 3. User ecosystem construction, including brand, marketing, sales, after-sales, and user operations. 4. Global profit empowerment and capital value empowerment. "We hope to not only bring high-quality and low-cost Chinese supply chains to provide high-quality and low-priced products to American users but also empower the core technology used in the FF 91, which is priced at over 300,000 US dollars, in popular models through the full-value chain, allowing American users to enjoy the experience of 'extreme intelligence technology luxury,' promoting the overseas expansion of Chinese automotive companies and products, and accelerating the popularization and development of the U.S. AI EV industry." Jia Yueting said. It is worth mentioning that since Jia Yueting announced the commercialization of his personal IP and the "FF Bridge Strategy" in early May, FF's stock price has set a historical record of a 90-fold increase within a week. During this period, it triggered 15 circuit breakers overnight, and Chinese and American retail investors jointly fought against Wall Street short sellers for the first time, marking a milestone event. This helped FF achieve an epic turnaround on the verge of delisting. At that time, Wall Street analysts stated that FF's surge set a new historical record for Jia Yueting and FF on NASDAQ, reflecting the value of Jia Yueting's personal IP commercialization and FF as a bridge between China and the United States. Currently, FF is considering adjusting its company strategy and returning to the early dual-brand strategy to differentiate itself in segmented markets. This will allow the company's high-value "extreme intelligence technology luxury" solutions and I.A.I (Internet, Autonomous Driving, Intelligence) technology functions to be integrated into more mainstream segmented market products. In the financial report, FF stated that the "China-US Automotive Industry Bridge" is a light-asset, fast-paced, high-value model. FF can provide five platforms out of the four technical systems and six technical platforms in the "FF aiHyper 6x4 Architecture 2.0" technology architecture. These AI technology platforms and vehicle software systems will become the intelligence, soul, and neural network of vehicles. In addition to professional knowledge and capabilities in product and technology, the company's contributions to this strategy include regulatory processes, the state-of-the-art FF ieFactory manufacturing plant in Hanford, and the establishment of a user ecosystem. During the financial report communication meeting, FF also announced its major work plan for 2024, stating that with the continuous advancement of operational initiatives, the main focus of 2024 is to increase production capacity. While ramping up production, the company has also initiated quality improvement work. In 2023, the factory achieved a series of achievements, including debugging robot body workshops and painting workshops, streamlining vehicle assembly processes, and improving throughput capacity. FF introduced that to strengthen the right to speak on quality, the company merged supplier quality, manufacturing quality, and after-sales quality organizations to improve communication and shorten response cycles. The company has doubled its efforts to ensure quality assurance at each stage, helping to establish a culture of continuous improvement. Currently, a stronger quality culture is being established, with a focus on improving customer satisfaction. Each vehicle undergoes comprehensive static, dynamic, and functional inspections to fulfill the quality commitment to users. As a result, the company's final Customer Craftsmanship Audit (CCA) score has increased by 50% compared to the first CCA. Under the keen eye of automotive manufacturing expert Ning Xiaoyang, our automotive manufacturing quality has continued to improve significantly in assembly, surface treatment, and vehicle functionality.

A vehicle's performance refers to its ability to fulfil its intended functions effectively and efficiently. This typically encompasses various aspects such as speed, acceleration, handling, fuel efficiency, braking, and overall driving dynamics.

Performance can vary significantly depending on the type of vehicle (e.g., sports car, sedan, SUV, truck) and its intended use (e.g., commuting, off-roading, racing). Manufacturers often emphasise different aspects of performance depending on their target market and the vehicle's design objectives.

Vehicle enthusiasts often seek to improve the performance of their vehicles through performance parts and performance upgrades for several reasons:
· Enhanced Driving Experience: Improving performance can make driving more enjoyable and exhilarating. It can provide a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment, especially for those who are passionate about cars and driving.
· Personalisation and Customisation: Many enthusiasts view their vehicles as a reflection of their personality and style. They enjoy the process of customising and modifying their vehicles to suit their preferences, including enhancing performance to make it unique and tailored to their tastes.
· Competitive Spirit: For those involved in motorsports or racing, improving performance is essential for gaining a competitive edge. Whether it is on the track or in informal competitions, enthusiasts strive to optimise their vehicles to outperform others and achieve success.
· Achieving Specific Goals: Some enthusiasts have specific performance goals in mind, such as reaching a certain horsepower level, improving acceleration times, or enhancing handling characteristics. Working towards these goals can be a rewarding challenge and a source of motivation.
· Continuous Improvement: Vehicle enthusiasts often have a passion for learning and tinkering with mechanical components. Improving performance provides an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in areas such as engine tuning, aerodynamics, suspension setup, and more.
· Social and Community Engagement: The automotive enthusiast community is vibrant and diverse, with enthusiasts sharing knowledge, experiences, and ideas about performance upgrades. Improving performance can be a way to engage with this community, share experiences, and learn from others.

The desire to improve performance stems from a combination of personal enjoyment, competitive spirit, technical curiosity, and social interaction within the enthusiast community. It is a way for enthusiasts to express their passion for cars and continually push the boundaries of what their vehicles can achieve.

What are the benefits of upgrading a vehicle’s performance?
Upgrading a vehicle's performance offers many benefits for the vehicle, in terms of:
· Increased Power and Acceleration: Performance upgrades such as engine tuning, intake and exhaust modifications, and turbocharging or supercharging can boost horsepower and torque, resulting in quicker acceleration and improved overall performance. For example, catless downpipes improve a car’s performance and power by creating a significant pressure difference for turbochargers.
· Enhanced Handling and Stability: Upgrades to suspension components, tyres, brakes, and chassis reinforcement can improve a vehicle's handling characteristics, providing better grip, responsiveness, and stability, especially during cornering and high-speed manoeuvres.
· Improved Fuel Efficiency: While not always the case, certain performance upgrades, such as engine tuning for efficiency or aerodynamic enhancements, can lead to improved fuel economy, allowing drivers to get more mileage out of each gallon of fuel.
· Better Braking Performance: Upgrading to high-performance brake components such as larger callipers, rotors, and brake pads can enhance braking power, reducing stopping distances and improving overall safety.
· Customised Driving Experience: Performance upgrades allow drivers to tailor their vehicle's performance to suit their preferences and driving style. Whether it is achieving a more aggressive exhaust note, fine-tuning throttle response, or adjusting suspension settings, upgrades can personalise the driving experience.
· Increased Resale Value: For certain vehicles, particularly those in enthusiast markets, performance upgrades can increase resale value. Buyers may be willing to pay a premium for a vehicle with documented performance enhancements, especially if they align with their own performance goals and preferences.
· Engagement and Enjoyment: Upgrading a vehicle's performance can be a rewarding hobby, providing a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment as drivers see tangible improvements in their vehicle's capabilities. It can also foster a deeper connection between the driver and their vehicle.

Performance upgrades offer drivers the opportunity to extract more performance and enjoyment from their vehicles, whether it is on the street, track, or off-road. However, it is essential to research and carefully consider the potential trade-offs, such as increased maintenance requirements, warranty implications, and legal compliance with local regulations, before making any modifications.

Most common performance upgrades for a car
The most common performance upgrades for cars vary depending on the type of vehicle, the desired performance goals, and the budget of the owner. However, some upgrades are popular across a wide range of vehicles and enthusiasts:
· Engine Tuning: This includes modifications such as reprogramming the engine control unit (ECU), installing performance chips, software calibration, or using standalone engine management systems to optimise fuel and ignition timing for increased power and torque.
· Intake and Exhaust Systems: Upgrading the intake system with high-flow air filters, cold air intakes, or aftermarket intake manifolds, along with installing performance exhaust systems, can improve airflow into and out of the engine, enhancing horsepower and throttle response while creating a more aggressive exhaust note.
· Turbocharging or Supercharging: Forced induction systems such as turbochargers or superchargers can significantly increase engine power by compressing air and forcing it into the engine's intake manifold, allowing for more fuel to be burned and producing more power.
· Suspension Upgrades: This includes installing performance coilover or lowering spring kits, upgrading to adjustable dampers, sway bars, and strut tower braces to improve handling, reduce body roll, and enhance overall stability and responsiveness.
· Brake Upgrades: Upgrading to larger brake callipers, rotors, and high-performance brake pads can improve braking performance, reducing stopping distances and improving fade resistance, crucial for high-speed driving or track use.
· Wheels and Tyres: Upgrading to lightweight forged wheels and high-performance tyres with stickier compounds and wider tread widths can enhance grip, cornering ability, and overall traction, improving both performance and aesthetics.
· Drivetrain Modifications: Upgrades such as installing limited-slip differentials, upgrading clutch kits or torque converters, and strengthening drivetrain components can improve traction, reduce wheel spin, and handle increased power output.
· Aerodynamic Enhancements: Adding aerodynamic components such as front splitters, rear spoilers, side skirts, and diffusers can improve airflow around the vehicle, reducing drag and increasing downforce for better stability at high speeds.
· Weight Reduction: Removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle by replacing heavy components with lightweight alternatives, such as carbon fibre body panels, aluminium suspension components, or removing rear seats, can improve acceleration, handling, and fuel efficiency.

These are just a few examples of common performance upgrades, and many enthusiasts combine multiple upgrades to achieve their desired level of performance and customisation. It is essential to research thoroughly, consider compatibility with other modifications, and consult with professionals or experienced enthusiasts before making significant upgrades to ensure optimal results.

Hello there, I'm David! I'm excited to share a bit about myself with you. While I may come across as introverted at first, once you get to know me, you'll see that I'm a warm and friendly person. I value deep and meaningful connections with others and I'm always willing to put in the time and effort to build those relationships. I'm also someone who loves to explore and try new things, whether it's a new hobby or a new place to travel to. So, while I may be a bit reserved at first, I'm always up for an adventure and I hope to share those experiences with someone special.
Hobbies:
Walking: Since the pandemic began, I've developed a newfound love for walking. I try to get in 5-10 miles a day. It's a great way to clear my mind and get some exercise at the same time.
Gaming: I've been a gamer for as long as I can remember, and I especially enjoy co-op games like Minecraft and MMOs like World of Warcraft. Currently, I am obsessed with Baldur's gate 3.
Reading: I love immersing myself in a good book, and one of my favorite series is The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. Also, I just started a book called "Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure" and it might be a new favorite book of mine I especially love the Character Donut, she is so cute!
YouTube: In my free time, I enjoy creating gaming let's play videos on YouTube. I'm inspired by content creators like Markiplier and TheRadBrad, who have a knack for making you feel like you're right there with them.
D&D: Dungeons and Dragons has been a favorite of mine for years. I love creating new characters and exploring different worlds with friends. It's a great way to use our imaginations and have a lot of fun at the same time.
Ice breaker, here are a few fun questions to get to know each other better:
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
What's your favorite video game of all time?
What's your favorite Book series of all time?
Also, could you tell me a bit about yourself? I'm interested in getting to know you too! Feel free to share any hobbies or interests you have. If you've made it this far, thanks for reading! Here's a few pictures of Me if you're curious. I'm open to chatting on Reddit, but Discord is my preferred platform. Feel free to message me if anything about my post catches your eye.

Hey you folks. On our trip home to germany from hawaii my wife and me will have a stopover of around 10 hours in Vancouver. We will land at around 8am and take off again at around 6pm. As we dont want to spend the whole time at the airport I booked a rental car for that day.
Any recommendations on how to spend that day? I guess the easiest way is to just go (downtown) vancouver, but all in all we are not that great fans of north american cities.
We appreciate any good advices. Thanks in advance!

Hi guys, hope this is the correct place to post. I'm looking for a book where the H marries women to help them with his insurance and medical support. I think his first wife left him(I think her name was Maria/Mary) a friend that I think works at university sets up the marriages. At the end he helps the h after she was in a car accident. They found out she is the daughter of his first wife. They had twins in the end I think and they also had cats. It's got a agegap. Thank you

Moving to Los Angeles, need to buy a new car (I don't have one). Help me choose.
Tesla Model Y (0.99 APR) or Mazda CX-30 (0% APR)

• I have stellar credit and qualify for the $7500 EV tax credit
• I have enough cash to buy the car outright, but I've been told to take advantage of ~0% APR at zero down
• I'll only be using it to commute (22 miles round trip / day)
• I'm not a speed demon or enthusiast. A car is just an expense and tool for me to get to work. I value getting the most for my dollar, min-maxing, and having peace of mind
• I need a car within the next 30 days latest
• I hate negotiating with car sales people
• I'm likely staying in Los Angeles for 3-4 years, after that I'd consider NYC
• I have not test driven either of these cars, but frankly, I'm such a non-car person that I don't think I'd give a shit about the 'feel' - I'd probably just get used to whatever I end up with

Please also explain your answer! Thanks.

I will start by saying that amulet was my absolute favourite series as a kid and it was such a full circle moment for me to finish the series now that I am in such a different walk of life. Little me would be soo happy omg
Moving on, here are my thoughts:

1. I am so confused. Wtf r ikol’s masters 😭😭 I actually really like the twist that ikol was from earth and created by Silas..but what the actual fuck r those robots that Emily uses the wavelength to see and how did it like create a portal for her?? How did she know they could do that??? That was so random???? Also if the masters r beyond the understanding of humans how did Silas create them????? Also why did Silas create ikol? Like is ikol built into all the stones? Cus many stonekeepers r bothered by him right? If book 9 focused more on the backstory of this voice that was literally hindering all of the stonekeepers sanities it would make for a much more satisfying end.
   
2. Objective of the stones was to make room for ikol’s masters because Earth was dying -supernova Ok first of all why the fuck would they need to make room for ikol’s masters if ikol’s masters r ROBOTS THAT ARENT EVEN VISIBLE???? I thought the reveal of them being from earth was sooo cool and thought they would play into global warming for a final call to action for readers to care about our planet, but why did they just ditch this objective? Yeah they rebuilt alledia but then Emily just went back to earth? Earth is still dying Silas created ikol for nothing then u silly girl
   
3. Emily’s dad The start of the story that drew me in was the tragedy of Emily losing her father - I LOVED how in that book about the memories underwater they took us with the guy that caused the car accident which killed her dad. I think if they brought her dad back at the end it would tie things together better and be a good reminder of where things started
   
4. What were navin and aly doing for the entire series Literally didn’t retain anything
   
5. Ok wait what are shadows??? The power that controlled the elf king and max was ikol right? But he used the shadows to take control of them & all of the elves. Does that mean Silas created the shadows too? Is Silas like evil?? I thought he just made sentient vacuums
   

I realize this post has just turned into a compilation of what I am confused about. If you can clarify any of these please do. Overall though I still enjoyed the book & series. I can understand why these books had me in such a chokehold throughout my entire elementary years.

Hello there, I'm David! I'm excited to share a bit about myself with you. While I may come across as introverted at first, once you get to know me, you'll see that I'm a warm and friendly person. I value deep and meaningful connections with others and I'm always willing to put in the time and effort to build those relationships. I'm also someone who loves to explore and try new things, whether it's a new hobby or a new place to travel to. So, while I may be a bit reserved at first, I'm always up for an adventure and I hope to share those experiences with someone special.
Hobbies:
Walking: Since the pandemic began, I've developed a newfound love for walking. I try to get in 5-10 miles a day. It's a great way to clear my mind and get some exercise at the same time.
Gaming: I've been a gamer for as long as I can remember, and I especially enjoy co-op games like Minecraft and MMOs like World of Warcraft. Currently, I am obsessed with Baldur's gate 3.
Reading: I love immersing myself in a good book, and one of my favorite series is The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. Also, I just started a book called "Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure" and it might be a new favorite book of mine I especially love the Character Donut, she is so cute!
YouTube: In my free time, I enjoy creating gaming let's play videos on YouTube. I'm inspired by content creators like Markiplier and TheRadBrad, who have a knack for making you feel like you're right there with them.
D&D: Dungeons and Dragons has been a favorite of mine for years. I love creating new characters and exploring different worlds with friends. It's a great way to use our imaginations and have a lot of fun at the same time.
Ice breaker, here are a few fun questions to get to know each other better:
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
What's your favorite video game of all time?
What's your favorite Book series of all time?
Also, could you tell me a bit about yourself? I'm interested in getting to know you too! Feel free to share any hobbies or interests you have. If you've made it this far, thanks for reading! Here's a few pictures of Me if you're curious. I'm open to chatting on Reddit, but Discord is my preferred platform. Feel free to message me if anything about my post catches your eye.

Hello there, I'm David! I'm excited to share a bit about myself with you. While I may come across as introverted at first, once you get to know me, you'll see that I'm a warm and friendly person. I value deep and meaningful connections with others and I'm always willing to put in the time and effort to build those relationships. I'm also someone who loves to explore and try new things, whether it's a new hobby or a new place to travel to. So, while I may be a bit reserved at first, I'm always up for an adventure and I hope to share those experiences with someone special.
Hobbies:
Walking: Since the pandemic began, I've developed a newfound love for walking. I try to get in 5-10 miles a day. It's a great way to clear my mind and get some exercise at the same time.
Gaming: I've been a gamer for as long as I can remember, and I especially enjoy co-op games like Minecraft and MMOs like World of Warcraft. Currently, I am obsessed with Baldur's gate 3.
Reading: I love immersing myself in a good book, and one of my favorite series is The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. Also, I just started a book called "Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure" and it might be a new favorite book of mine I especially love the Character Donut, she is so cute!
YouTube: In my free time, I enjoy creating gaming let's play videos on YouTube. I'm inspired by content creators like Markiplier and TheRadBrad, who have a knack for making you feel like you're right there with them.
D&D: Dungeons and Dragons has been a favorite of mine for years. I love creating new characters and exploring different worlds with friends. It's a great way to use our imaginations and have a lot of fun at the same time.
Ice breaker, here are a few fun questions to get to know each other better:
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
What's your favorite video game of all time?
What's your favorite Book series of all time?
Also, could you tell me a bit about yourself? I'm interested in getting to know you too! Feel free to share any hobbies or interests you have. If you've made it this far, thanks for reading! Here's a few pictures of Me if you're curious. I'm open to chatting on Reddit, but Discord is my preferred platform. Feel free to message me if anything about my post catches your eye.

Small Claims Judge asks to keep my Evidence.
As the Title says. My judge in Southern California asked to keep my evidence for a few weeks following my small claims. This claim is concerning Diminished Value of a vehicle. I am the plaintiff.
In a similar claim I’ve won on a different car, it was fairly open and shut with my Portal Minute order showing up same day with judgement. In this case, I sued the policy holder, only they were named and I held onto my evidence after the trial. My evidence present day followed a similar template with the documents pertaining to this situation.
Present day, the judge has asked me why I did not sue the insurance company directly. I simply followed what the defendant’s insurance company had explained to me which is why I took their insured to court. The thing that has stuck out to me is that the judge asked to keep my evidence, this was a different procedure from the first time I went for the same issue. I know every judge is different, and perhaps I was lucky on a same day judgement being posted.
I was wondering reasons why they’d want to keep my evidence? Also why they’d ask me a question about why I’m suing the policyholder? By applying Occams Razor I figure I maybe didn’t explain my case well and they need to look it over again?

Hi everyone, a bit of a long post here.
I feel like I am facing somewhat of a dream scenario, and I don't want to squander it. I will summarize my situation and my priorities, and I'm hoping you can help me sort out a way to use my time wisely.
Summary: I am a single American high school teacher in Korea (international school). My summer break is starting next week, and it will last for about 10 weeks. I have almost zero responsibility during this time. I am financially stable and have a good amount of disposable income.
I was originally planning to stay in Korea over the summer with my girlfriend, but we recently broke up. I have no travel plans for the summer as of now. I am open to making some. I am well traveled already. I enjoy the city where I live (especially in the warmer months).
The relationship was pretty toxic, and I need some space and time to heal before I jump back into the pool. I am open to casually dating. I'm not super enthusiastic about that right now but could be in a month or so. I am also exploring options for some therapy. Some travel may be helpful here as well.
I am taking a master's course (American university, asynchronous online) this summer. It will last for 8 weeks. It will take approximately 4 hours per week. I also need to work on a few things for my teaching job. I estimate that will take about 2-3 hours per week.
I highly value my fitness and love to lift weights. I have a gym membership.
I want to continue studying Korean -- unfortunately the class I signed up for was cancelled. Self study is difficult for me, but I am willing to give it another go in this situation. I speak decently already and am open to new ideas.
There are some books that I'm planning to read.
There are a few video games that I want to get through.
I do enjoy nights out with my friends, some of whom will be in town this summer.
Priorities in order: This is a loose order that I thought of in a few minutes. I want to make time to accomplish all of these things.

1. Fitness and sleep.
2. Master's // Working on things for my job.
3. Language study // Reading
4. Healing from relationship
5. Social life (dating and nights out)
6. Travel
7. Hobbies like video games/photography

Concluding thoughts: I understand my priorities may be fallible, so please provide constructive feedback if you think they should be in a different order. Most of my past summers have involved pretty elaborate traveling. During those summers, I have gotten off track in fitness goals and sleep schedules throughout, which was fine for that time. This summer, I am suddenly very flexible, and don't want to get overwhelmed with the amount of free time.
Question that needs answering: If you were in my situation, how would you structure your days/weeks in order to be as productive and wholistic as possible? If you can only speak to one part of my priority list or situation, that's totally fine as well.
Thanks for reading. Looking forward to the responses.