#Activate Windows Using a Product Key

[glowettee]

✧ how i stay productive during summer break (while still having fun!) ✧

hey lovelies! ✨

summer break is finally here and honestly? it's my favorite time to both relax and get things done. i know that sounds contradictory but trust me, finding that sweet balance between productivity and fun is totally possible! after years of either doing absolutely nothing or burning myself out, i've finally found my perfect summer rhythm.

first things first: the morning routine ✨

i've learned that my day flows so much better when i start it intentionally. i wake up around 8 or 9 (not too early because we deserve some extra sleep!), make my bed immediately (small win!), and spend 15 minutes journaling before checking my phone. this tiny habit has literally changed everything for me.

my summer morning essentials:

iced coffee with oat milk and a tiny bit of vanilla

a cute journal that makes me excited to write in it

10 minutes of stretching by my window

a super quick skincare routine (sunscreen is non-negotiable!)

creating a flexible structure 🤍

the secret to summer productivity is having just enough structure without feeling trapped. i divide my days into three parts:

morning: productive focus time (2-3 hours max) afternoon: flexible time for errands, friends, or projects evening: pure relaxation and fun

this way, i never feel like i'm missing out or falling behind. the key is being realistic about what you can actually accomplish in a day. i used to make these impossible to-do lists and then feel awful when i couldn't finish them.

my productivity non-negotiables:

i always make sure to do at least one productive thing each day, even if it's small. some of my favorites:

reading 20 pages of a book

organizing one small area of my room

working on a creative project for 30 minutes

learning something new for my blog

planning content or taking photos

balancing productivity with summer fun ✨

here's my little secret: schedule your fun just like you schedule your work! this sounds silly but it actually helps me look forward to both. some of my favorite summer activities that feel refreshing but don't derail my productivity:

morning walks with an audiobook

afternoon picnics where i can also read or brainstorm

coffee shop work dates with friends

sunset swims after a productive day

weekend day trips that recharge my creativity

my favorite productivity tools:

a paper planner (something about writing things down just works better for me)

the forest app to stay off my phone when focusing

aesthetic notion templates for organizing my projects

time blocking in my calendar with cute colors

lo-fi summer playlists that help me concentrate

remembering the why 🤍

summer isn't just about getting things done or having the perfect instagram moments. it's about growing, reflecting, and creating memories that will make you smile in december when it's freezing outside. productivity should support your joy, not replace it!

i've found that my happiest summer days are when i accomplish something meaningful in the morning and then have the freedom to be spontaneous in the afternoon and evening. balance isn't perfect every day, and that's okay too.

what are your favorite ways to stay productive during summer break? i'd love to hear your tips too!

xoxo, mindy 🤍

[seat-safety-switch]

So much of our day is spent on time-wasting activities. You know it, and I know it. If I could have back all the time that I have used up, trying to find the tool that I just had in my hand, I would probably be able to have finished another couple of crappy cars by now. There's a whole cottage industry of variously-good-willed folks trying to tell you how to get this time back, but not a single one of them has a solution for the biggest waste of time of all: sitting in traffic.

That's right, traffic. We all hate it. Even fancy-dan city folks with functioning public transit still have to wait behind some dipshit clogging the escalator, or for the next train. It seems like we're always trying to get somewhere at the same time as everyone else, even if we've opted out of the rat race through a series of elaborate financial scams whose profits are funnelled through a Cayman Islands corporation.

I've tried a lot of solutions. Buying a four-by-four truck and just driving over curbs and through red lights when they oppose me. Buying a used firetruck, and cranking up the siren when I am getting bored of being in gridlock. Buying a little kei truck from Japan and sneaking into the gaps between lanes like Bangkok pizza deliveryfolx. Hell, I've probably even tried other ideas that don't involve a truck at all; that's how desperate things are getting around here.

For now, though, I'm learning to live with it. I realized, when I saw everyone else waiting at the stop light on their smartphones, that I could be using this time more productively. Don't take me for one of those one-eyed-touch-rectangle-fondlers, though. What I do is much simpler. My '79 Monte Carlo has a real big backseat, easily big enough for a baby bathtub or two. I pulled that seat right out, welded in a couple chunks of rebar, and I now have an engine stand ready whenever I want it. Will this light ever turn green? Don't care, because I can simply turn around in my bench seat and spend the time adjusting valves on this super-high-mileage propane Slant Six that I pulled out of the junkyard.

My cars have never been in better shape, and there's a bonus, too. Although it seriously irritates law enforcement to admit it, I am technically still "operating an automobile with my full attention" and cannot be considered to be driving distracted. Now if only I could stop dropping the inch-pound torque wrench when I'm merging onto the highway. This must be why all those fancy Japanese bullet trains have glass in their windows.

[threewaysdivided]

New Desktop Dash, No Bueno

Okay so, new dash layout on desktop.

As seems to be a common reaction: not a fan.

Let's talk about some of the issues:

1. Really visually cluttered

The new sidebar crowds out the dashboard content and the bright blue popup notifications (now at the side AND top) and create-post bar pull your eyes in different directions. There is no space for the eye to rest on anymore - it's all noise. The end result is that everything flattens - there's no focal point anymore.

It's also pretty overwhelming - even for someone like me - so I can't imagine it would be very user-friendly to someone who was photosensitive or struggled with visual overload (especially when paired with the high-contrast 'true blue' default site palette and animated icons for the changes-on-tumblr/staff-picks/trending buttons).

2. The activity pop-up now covers dashboard content

This is really bad from a usability standpoint. In the old layout the activity pop-up used to drop down over the recommended blogs sidebar. Now it actively gets in the way of looking at core content. The dash is why we are here, burying it like this is baffling.

The search bar now drops down over the recommended blogs banner instead, but where the old design had non-critical space on each side of the dashboard to visually allow both features to pop in, this new layout is way worse for efficiency. And for what? Having a rarely-used former drop-down menu now permanently active? The old banner with quick-links for the key use-features (notes, messages, askbox) made much more design sense.

It also means that the activity pop-up gets now completely covered by the blog pop-up that opens when you click the notification, so double demerit there. 0/10.

3. It's harder to navigate to the activity page, and the new page-stretch means you can't see new notes without scrolling down

That first bit is kind of a nitpick but cramming the 'See everything' link down at the bottom of a browser window isn't a great navigation choice. (Again, the visual signifiers and eye-direction in this new design are incredibly poor.)

That the main activity page now requires you to scroll to even see the top note due to the new display ratio is really egregious. It makes another key site feature just slightly less convenient and accessible in a very irritating way. Bad choice.

4. The new ratio pushes the Radar and Main Sponsored slot completely off-screen

This one is directed the tumblr staff: that's also a bad choice, guys. That's your main ad-slot for people loading into Tumblr so hiding it is going to hurt both your ad-impressions and your ability to promote the ad-free option. The new layout ratio also means that the in-dash ads are going to be a lot more invasively screen-filling - and let's be real most users will either add-block or leave before purchasing ad-free. I have no idea what the new layout is trying to achieve but if ad optimisation is the goal then this ain't it, chief.

To be honest I cannot comprehend the rationale for this change. I guess it's visually a bit more like Twitter... but that site is currently being demolished from the inside by poor management decisions so maybe it's not the best aesthetic to be aping.

Well then, what do?

Okay so, new dash bad. And so, in true Tumblr spirit: we complain. However, to get results we must deploy the art of kvetching productively.

If you want the old dash back (or at least, a better new-dash design that corrects some of these big weaknesses) what you should do is head over to https://www.tumblr.com/support and lodge a feedback ticket pointing out the problems. The more users who do that, the more likely you are to see an effective response.

Remember, tagging @staff and @support in posts won't fix this. There's no guarantee they'll see it among the notes barrage.

Also: please don't be rude or abusive when you lodge tickets. Whoever is manning those blogs and inboxes probably isn't the person who forced through this change. Save an intern, be polite.

Go forth in disgruntlement to keep this hellhole a hellhome.

[silassinclair]

Introduction!!

Yandere Ghost x Reader

CW// Suicidal Thoughts, Paranormal Activity, Murder Mention

My other yand OC Maddox was a hit with ya’ll so here’s a short introduction of a new oc!! Hope you like him as much as I do. This is gonna be very boring because it’s an introduction but I’ll make a oneshot right after this one!!

Masterlist!!

“This key unlocks every door in the manor. Except the door to the attic for some reason, but there’s nothing of importance up there. Apparently it’s just some old junk the first owner left.” The agent said with a tight lipped smile. Her matte red lipstick was as bright as a stop sign.

Taking the key from her hand you’re surprised to feel how heavy it is. “Thank you.” You mutter.

“All the legalities are settled so she’s all yours. I recommend blasting that ivy off the side wall of the house though. The roots can mess up the brick.” The agent adds.

“Alright, I appreciate the tip.” You say and shut the door in her face, leaving you alone in your new home.

Maria was a total pain in the ass, like all people who work with selling things. Oh and for the record, you like the ivy that grows on the side of your new home. Makes it look pretty and natural. Anyways, her being gone was like a breath of fresh air. All was good now that you finally had a place to call home.

Your Grandfather died and in the will he left you his summer home in Italy. It was a grand manor that was located on a hilltop surrounded by forrest. It was perfect for your hermit self. Never in your life would you imagine leaving the states to come live in Italy but here you were. After all the manor was handed to you on a silver platter, the offer would be foolish to refuse.

There was nothing for you in the states. Your life was miserable, draining, and filled with nothing but painful repetition. Being worked like a machine and stepped on like a doormat. Having a horrid and overly possessive ex boyfriend who was a serial cheater didn’t help either. You were so close to ending your miserable existence until a woman named Maria gave you a call.

And now you were here, standing in the foyer of your new home. Some work would need to be done. Floors needed polishing, corners dusting, windows wiping. Maybe you should make a checklist?

"This is gonna be a long day.." You think to yourself.

"There she is again. She must be the new owner." I think to myself as I watch the young woman clean the floor.

The past owner, Lorenzo, must have passed away and put the ownership of the manor into this girl's hands. It has been a while since I’ve seen the old man. But did he have to put my home in the hands of some uncultured American? I find this terribly irresponsible of him, I mean look at her!

She's using a bleach based product on the hardwood! Lorenzo was a good owner of the Verona manor. He hired staff to keep it well maintained and he rarely ever visited. But this girl... she's an utter buffoon. Before she can torture the hardwood any longer I swiftly hover behind her and move the bottle a few feet away from her while she isn't looking.

"Huh?" When she reaches for the bottle she finds it has moved away. I snicker at her confused reaction.

"It was just right here..."

She reaches over and grabs it again but before she does I kick it, sending it flying across the foyer and hitting the front door.

“Any minute now she’ll run away screaming, she won’t even look back.” I think to myself with a devious grin.

But when I hover in front of her I only see an annoyed expression on her face.

“Uhm… Did I do something wrong?” She says.

I freeze, is she not afraid? Why was she talking as if she were talking to someone? Can she see me?

“I asked if I did something to upset you.”

And then her eyes move up and look right into mine. For the first time in centuries I feel as if I have ignited, that I am alive and that my heart once again beats like all other human beings.

“You… Can you see me?” I ask hesitantly, afraid that if I may speak too loudly she’ll scamper away like a mouse.

Her soft lips part slightly as she nods.

He told me his name was Dante Verona. He was the original owner of the Verona manor and he comes from an Italian royal family. But he was assassinated centuries ago in this very manor during a masquerade party. So I assume that his spirit is trapped here. He was wearing an intricate black, red, and white Venetian mask that hid his face. He wore matching black and red noble attire and his hair was a curly dark chocolate brown that went down to his neck.

Overall he was a total mystery. His entire existence was perplexing to me. Yes I do believe in the paranormal but never would I think I’d meet a real life ghost.

“I assume your grand father is Lorenzo? Has he passed on?” Dante asks, cutting through the thick silence.

I blink a few times, maybe if I blink hard enough he’ll disappear and that’ll confirm that this was all just my imagination. So I blink, but Dante’s translucent self is still hovering in front of me. The blank expression of his mask makes me slightly uneasy. I couldn’t get a read on the guy at all.

Coughing, I finally answer, “Uhm yeah… He was my grand father. He left me this manor in his will. And he didn’t mention any ghosts or anything like that.” I add.

“Lorenzo couldn’t see me. You’re the first to see me actually.” Dante says. His voice sounded smooth but the mask muffled it slightly. But he also sounded like he was in pain. I wonder how long he’s been here, trapped in this manor.

“So this whole time you were all alone?”

“Yes.” He softly replies. “Just me. Only my spirit is here.”

“That must be hard.” I say, but not in a pitying sounding way. The last thing he wants is pity probably.

Dante hovers away and I follow him into the living room. Looking up I see him hover up to the chandelier. He looks down at me, I can see his dark green irises through the black holes of the mask.

“Every day is hard. God has cursed me, rejected my entry into the heavens.” His voice cracks. "My death occurred in the very room we are in."

I look around the oriental room we are in. It has been modernized over the years, but I can imagine how it looked in his century. The masked party people, music, drinks, lies and deception. All of it in the room we are in but centuries before.

"My killer has not been found but I know they are long dead. Knowing that they burn in hell brings me peace. And I have learned to accept that I am to remain here.”

Then he rambles on about his life story. The tragedies he lived through, the friends he made and lost, wars and battles faced, and lovers went and gone. But I don't mind that this conversation is one sided. He has had no one to talk to for centuries so he deserves a listener.

"I apologize my lady. I have droned on for far too long. It's impolite..." Dante says in a dejected tone. But I reassure him.

"Y-You're okay! I understand. You haven't had someone to talk to in a long time I imagine. Besides, I found your life story very interesting."

Dante hovers down to where I'm sat on the couch. He also sits beside me. Leaning in close he tilts his masked face to the side as he comes closer to mine. I move away slightly; his body emits an eerie chill.

"Tell me about you. What is your name?" He asks, his eyes twinkle with an emotion unknown to me.

"I'm Y/n L/n. I originally lived in the United States, but I moved here as you know." I mutter. I've never been one to talk a lot anyways.

Dante looks me up and down. His fingers reach out causing me to flinch back, but he goes to touch the fabric of my black dress rather than my skin. To my surprise his fingers can touch the fabric, they don’t phase through it.

"Why do you wear black? Are you a widow? Has your husband passed on?" He asks softly.

I feel myself giggle slightly and he looks up at me with probably a confused expression.

"I've never been married silly, I'm only 23 years old.”

Dante’s emerald eyes widen. “23 and unmarried? Has the societal norm changed? Because my sister was married off to her husband when she was 16.”

I cringe physically. “Oooh yeah, lots of things have changed. But also I’m wearing black because it’s just my style. It’s called goth, it’s a music based style. I can tell you about it sometime.”

Dante looks at me like I’ve grown three heads. I can see it in his eyes.

“Ahem- Anyways. Why do you wear that mask?” I ask.

Dante breaks the eye contact and looks down at the side. “It does not come off. No matter how hard I try to remove it, it only stays. I cannot remove the clothing either.”

I nod. “Is it because it was the last thing you wore before you died?”

He nods in return.

“I assume so.”

He moves closer to me ever so slightly. His gloved hands caress my h/c locks of hair and then he brushes his fingers across my cheeks and jawline.

“What are you doing?” I ask breathlessly.

Dante’s hooded eyes shine with an emotion I cannot read. But I feel like my life from this day forward will never be the same. Can the living and the dead co exist?

Dante Verona. Will we be able to share the same roof?

[stalkerofthegods]

Lady Nyx/Nox deep dive, straight to the point info

Lady Nyx is wonderful, her beauty even ascends the stars, May we respect and adore Lady Nyx as a goddess and as a wonderful mother.

☆.。.:*・°☆.。.:*・°☆.。.:*・°☆.。.:*・°☆

Herbs • Dahlias, Cannas, Some lobelia, Night-blooming jasmine, Moonflowers, Datura, Tuberose, Evening primrose, Queen of the Night epiphyllum, Herbs that only grow at night, black leaves, black flowers, Blackthorn, Cypress, Holly, Juniper, Locust, Pomegranate, Witch Hazel, Comfrey, Honeysuckle, Ivy, Lavender, Mugwort, Patchouli, Primrose, Vervain, Nectarines, Dragon Fruit, Morning Glory, Nightshade, Roses, Lilies, Poppies

Animals• Horses, Owl, dogs, bats, black bulls, Blue Jay, Crow, Sparrow, Snake, Turtle, cat

Zodiac • your moon sign. 

Colors • Black, Dark blue, Dark green, Dark Purple

Crystal• Obisidian, Morion, Jet, Hematite, Onyx, Black tourmaline, Black Sapphire, Black moonstone, Black agate, Shungite, Black calcite, Eye Agate, Amethyst, Andalusite, Apophyllite, Cat's Eye, Hematite, Moss Agate, Moonstone, Petrified Wood, Smokey Quartz

Symbols•  Black wings, Dark clouds, Black fog, Egg, New Moon, Stars, key, veil, poppy, serpents, owls.

you can wear in their honor• you can veil in their honor, PJs 

Deity of• Night, she is the personification of it

Patron of• Night, Sleep, Death, the Fates, Nemesis, Old Age, Darkness, Light, Motherhood, Magic, Mystery, and the unknown;

Offerings•  Black candles, Poetry or songs related to the night, Images of the night sky, Beef, Milk, Black flowers, Black fruits, Dark red wine, Black animal votives, Dew (the one that gathers after sunset), Dark feathers, Dark liquors/beers. Black Tea/Coffee, Symbols of Her children (ex-torch, skull, scissors), Black fabric/veil/cloak, Dark chocolate, Honey/molasses, Viniq (shimmery liqueur that looks like a galaxy in a bottle)

Devotional• Go star gazing, donate to owl shelters, go to the zoo to see her animals, draw her, listen to a playlist for her, go camping under the stars, go glamping to look at the stars, Take a night time walk, Get a good night’s rest, Learn a new star or constellation each week, Stay up late, do something you enjoy without fearing the dark, Sleep with your windows open, Burn a candle that represents the stars, Sleep in every once and a while, Watch an astronomy documentary, Be extra polite to those who have to work the night shift, Wear dark colors, Learn about which animals are active at night in your area, Go for a night drive, Do divination at night, Listen to music with your headphones in, Use silver, black, and gold glitter, Plant some flowers that only bloom at night, Use a star/constellation app, Read the House of Night series, Watch the evening light fade away into darkness (you can do this in your window, or watch a lapse on YouTube of it), Wear more things with the stars or planets on them, Defend someone who is vulnerableble, Turn your electronics off a couple hours before bed each night, Drink an herbal tea with cinnamon before bed, If you’re staying up late already, make your night productive. (Ex- Complete some homework, tidy up your room), Keep a dream journal, Learn how to identify owls by their calls, Make the night sky your screensaver/home screen, Wear scents that remind you of the night, watch a video of the stars, and sleep with stars in the background.

Ephithets• Bringer of Night, Mother of Daimones, Mother of the Cosmos, Subduer of Gods and Men, Mother of Mysteries, The Dark and Shining, The Winged, of the Great Shadows, Dressed in Stars, Dew Bringer, of the Witching Hour, 

of the Deep and Silent Dark.

Equivalents (alike but not the same)• Nótt (Norse), Selene (Greek), Hecate (Greek), Nox (Roman), Nyx (Greek), Al-Qaum (Arabian), Nabatean (Arabain), Itzpapalotl (Aztec), Metztli (Aztec), Tezcatlipoca (Aztec), Khonsu (Egyptian), Nut (Egyptian)

Signs they are reaching out• Sudden fascination with stars, seeing her Symbols and attributes all of the sudden, a pull to her and the night.

Vows/omans• None, maybe wedding vows, but many say she just has Erebus as a boyfriend, not a husband.

Morals• Unkown, but most suspect Morally grey.

Courting• Erebus (darkness)

Personality• She is motherly and protective of her children, 

Home• Tartruas 

Mortal or immortal • immortal 

Fact• The first Deity to exist, 

Roots• Gaia, Birthed at the beginning of time, lived in Tartarus. 

Parentage• Chaos 

Siblings• Gaia (goddess of the Earth/mother nature), Erebus (god of darkness), Uranus/Ouranos (god of the heavens), and Tartarus (god of the underworld).

Pet• The two/four horses pulling her chariot 

Children • Aether and Hemera (Day) by Erebus (Darkness), Thanatos (gentle death), Hypnos (sleep), she also made the spirits - the Fates, Sleep, Death, Strife, and Pain. Aether, Moros, Apate, Dolos, the Keres, the Moirai, the Hesperides, Oizys, Momus, Philotes, Geras, Eris

Appearance in astral or gen• In ancient art Nyx was depicted as either a winged goddess or charioteer, sometimes crowned with dark mists.

Festivals • Wiccan Yule, Wiccan Samhain, Winter solstice, you can do a ritual for her on the full and dark moon, but there is a feast you can hold in her honor, which is called Lemuralia.

Day • her time is Twilight, Dusk, and Midnight, and her day is Monday  

Season• winter 

Direction• north 

Status• Primordial Goddess of night, even Zeus fears her, one of the first primordial beings alive, she was there for the creation of the universe.

Planet• Moon

Her Tarot cards• Death, Temperance

Scents/Inscene • Myrtle, Camphor, Patchouli, Lavender, watery, musky, earthy

My opinion • She is a very hard divine being to find information on, I hope this helps, but I've never met her before, I assume she's great, my friend says she is kind and calls her ‘Mother’ 

Prayers• 

In general

Beautiful, black-eyed Nyx, cloaked in darkness, older than old, daughter of misty Chaos, mother of great and mighty spirits, I call to you. Ever-present one, you live in the shadows; we know you in the dusk, in the comfort of the night. Broad-winged Nyx, you clasp the hand of bright Hemera, each eve and morn, you greet her with love and sorrow for only in those moments may you embrace your child. Goddess, awesome one, in your realm are we all unblemished, in your realm do lovers’ promises ring true, in your realm are all things possible, if only until daybreak. Nyx, I honor you.

Small prayer 

“Nyx, mother of the night, mother of sleep, mother of death: Might your darkness embrace me Might your energy caress me Might you be mine and Might I be yours Blessed be.“

In general 

O ancient Goddess, born of Chaos and steeped in shadow, I honor you now and always. With eyes which have watched the beginnings of all that is, see us now embracing your sleep and mystery. With power that strikes fear into the hearts of the most revered of Gods,

I remember your strength when I am searching for my own. In the starless night where light shines not i will give my thanks to your Greatness, And surrender to the dark.

Links/websites/sources • Nyx - Greek-Goddesses Wiki - Fandomhttps://www.theoi.com/Protogenos/Nyx.html mystical-sleepy-musings <a href="https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/goddesses/nyx/">Nyx – Greek Goddess of The Night: https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net</a> - Greek Gods & Goddesses, June 10, 2018 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyx https://www.theoi.com/Protogenos/Nyx.htmlhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Hypnoshttps://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/goddesses/nyx/https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-europe/nyx-goddess-0017255 https://www.worldhistory.org/Nyx/https://gods-and-demons.fandom.com/wiki/Nyx https://www.moonfallmetaphysical.com/s/stories/nyx-greek-goddess#google_vignette https://www.moonfallmetaphysical.com/s/stories/nyx-greek-goddess#google_vignette https://mythopedia.com/topics/nyx https://oldworldgods.com/greeks/nyx-greek-goddess-of-the-night/https://www.vintageisthenewold.com/game-pedia/what-does-nyx-goddess-look-like https://aminoapps.com/c/hellenistic-polytheism/page/item/nyx/Vn7V_bmCvIP7XMLvlKzJJbl2lGY55JLxDZhttps://thebacchichuntress.tumblr.com/post/127160005123/offerings-to-nyx/amphttps://www.tumblr.com/heatherwitch/161308460295/nyxhttps://tuiliel.tumblr.com/post/139053552874/epithets-of-nyx/amphttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_night_deities https://greekpagan.com/category/prayers-2/nyx/#:~:text=older%20than%20old%2C%20daughter%20of,the%20comfort%20of%20the%20night.Magickal Spothttps://magickalspot.com › nyxGoddess Nyx: Prayers, Symbols, Books & More [Guide]https://www.tumblr.com/moonlitmagic/189775766368/prayer-for-nyx

☆.。.:*・°☆.。.:*・°☆.。.:*・°☆.。.:*・°☆

This post is payment to my friend @briislame

May Nyx cover you with the calmness of night.

I use resources, I do not own the info, and most deep dives have UPG (that I use in my work.) And I only take some information from sources. I am 14, this is my hobby, I am learning but I spent many hours and days on this, and I am always open to criticism. I have been doing worship for 5 years. Please know you can use the info, I do not sue, but I will take action if this work is used without permission and not put as a resource if used in any work. without permisson and not put as a resource if used in any work, for the public.

[science-sculpt]

Epigenetics: A Journey Through Inheritance Beyond Genes

For centuries, scientists have been fascinated by the mysteries of heredity and how traits are passed down from generation to generation. DNA, the molecule that stores our genetic code, was once thought to be the sole determinant of our characteristics. However, a new frontier in biology, revealing a captivating layer of complexity beyond the DNA sequence itself: Epigenetics.

What is Epigenetics?

The term "epigenetics" was first coined in the 1940s by British biologist Conrad Waddington, but it wasn't until the late 20th century that its significance truly blossomed. Epigenetics, literally meaning "above genetics," refers to the study of heritable changes in gene expression that occur without alterations to the DNA sequence itself. Imagine DNA as the musical score, but epigenetics are the conductor and musicians who determine how the music is played. Through chemical modifications and adjustments to the proteins around DNA, epigenetics dictates which genes are turned on or off, influencing how cells function and ultimately shaping our health, development, and even behavior. Think of your DNA as the hardware: it contains the basic instructions for building and running your body. But epigenetics acts like the software, fine-tuning those instructions and determining which genes get turned on or off at specific times and in specific cells. These modifications, like chemical tags or changes in the packaging of DNA, don't alter the underlying code itself, but they can have a profound impact on how it's read and interpreted.

The Key Players:

DNA methylation: This process involves adding a methyl group to DNA, essentially silencing the gene it's attached to. Imagine it like putting a dimmer switch on a light bulb.

Histone modifications: Histones are proteins that package DNA, and changes in their structure can make genes more or less accessible to the cellular machinery needed for expression. Think of it like adjusting the curtains around a window - open wide for full light, slightly closed for filtered light.

Non-coding RNAs: These are molecules that don't code for proteins but can regulate gene expression in various ways. They're like the backstage crew in a play, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

The Power of Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including:

Development: During embryonic development, different cell types emerge from the same DNA blueprint by activating or silencing specific gene sets through epigenetic modifications.

Cellular differentiation: Specialized cells like muscle or nerve cells have unique functions due to differences in their active genes, controlled by epigenetic mechanisms.

Learning and memory: Epigenetic changes in brain cells are thought to be essential for learning and forming memories.

Aging: As we age, our epigenome accumulates changes that can contribute to age-related decline and disease.

Environmental influences: Diet, exercise, stress, and exposure to toxins can leave epigenetic marks on our genes, potentially impacting our health and even the health of future generations.

Epigenetics reminds us that we are not simply products of our genes. Our environment, choices, and experiences leave their mark, shaping who we are and potentially influencing our children's health. This deeper understanding of ourselves opens doors for self-awareness, empowerment, and potentially reshaping our narratives – not just as individuals, but as a species with the potential to leave a healthier legacy for generations to come.

[ralfmaximus]

In regards to the Windows 10 LTSC thing, the caveat is that it uses build 19044 (version 21H2), so it's very likely that certain programs simply won't be compatible with it

Additionally, one article said that even if they do push out a new LTSC version, there's no way to simply upgrade, you have to reinstall the whole OS just to get that new version. There's also conflicting information that it doesn't need a product key, but if it does, then you have to get it through enterprise vendors who may or may not be willing to sell you a key for a single device (or a small batch of devices, ex: 5)

It could very well be an option for some people to ride out W10 for a little longer, but these are just some things to bear in mind

Thanks for your note! It's clear you've thought about this.

The compatibility thing gets thrown around a lot, but honestly one thing Microsoft gets right with Windows is backwards compatibility. I write software for a living and one aspect of my job is retrotesting new builds of my stuff on older platforms. Currently, everything I do works on Win11 back to WinXP.

Of course, companies can choose to break compatibility. Steam famously stopped working on Win7 awhile back, forcing users to upgrade. But the core Win32 API hasn't changed in 30+ years which is remarkable.

Assuming your software doesn't need the latest build of Windows... why bother?

Bottom line, I personally am not worried about not being able to install something. When's the last time that happened with you?

If you treat Windows as a program launcher (which it is) instead of an ecosystem (which it also is, because Microsoft wants you to live there and pay them $$$) then the 'problem' becomes simpler: will the programs YOU want to run work with an old build of Win10? If so, there's no need to upgrade.

Microsoft has successfully created a religion around Windows Update. You MUST have the latest patches! Otherwise, you are VULNERABLE. Bad Things will Happen if you Don't Upgrade! Be afraid!!

That is simply not true. In my living room I drive our big screen TV with an ancient Dell box (circa 2009) running Win7 and Media Player Classic (MPC). It plays TV shows & movies just fine, exceeding DVD & Bluray resolutions. It hasn't received a Windows Update in a decade, but continues to chug along reliably. I installed Malware Bytes to make up for Windows Defender being out of date, since it has Firefox installed and we do use it to noodle around on the web occasionally. Youtube on a big screen is fun.

Will I ever upgrade that Windows? Probably not. Maybe if the host Dell Optiplex (2009!!) ever dies but otherwise... why would I?

My main workstation is Win10 and I plan to ride this thing until it explodes. Win11 is super annoying, and all the machines I run Win11 on are infested with Copilot and nag screens about OneDrive. I recently downgraded Office 365 to Office 2016 for that very reason.

Sense a pattern here?

tl;dr: Win10, even the older builds, are adequate for the typical user, for the foreseeable future. Installing & activation are stupidly easy. No product keys needed.

Finally: if you're nervous about Win10 there exist stripped down enterprise builds of Win11 available as well.

[allaboutkeyingo]

Windows Server Evaluation Edition Upgrade to full Edition

If your server is running Windows Server 2008/2012/2016/2019/2022/2025 evaluation version of Windows Server Standard or Datacenter edition, you can upgrade or convert it to an available retail Standard or Datacenter version. Run the following commands in an elevated command prompt or PowerShell.

1, Determine the current edition name: DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition 2, Check which editions can be converted to: DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions 3, Convert/Upgrade to Standard version: DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx 4, Convert/Upgrade to DataCenter version: DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx 5, Convert/Upgrade to Essentials version: DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerEssentials /ProductKey:xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx Please replace the xxxxx with your own Windows Server product key. if you do not have the product key, you can use the Generic Windows Server keys.

The following are the Generic Windows Server keys for you to convert / upgrade:

But remember the Generic key is only for the converting / upgrade, it cant activate the Windows Server, if you want to activate the Windows Server, you can get a Windows Server key at keyingo.com

Operating system edition Generic Product Key Windows Server 2025 Standard TVRH6-WHNXV-R9WG3-9XRFY-MY832 Windows Server 2025 Datacenter D764K-2NDRG-47T6Q-P8T8W-YP6DF Windows Server 2022 Standard VDYBN-27WPP-V4HQT-9VMD4-VMK7H Windows Server 2022 Datacenter WX4NM-KYWYW-QJJR4-XV3QB-6VM33 Windows Server 2019 Standard N69G4-B89J2-4G8F4-WWYCC-J464C Windows Server 2019 Datacenter WMDGN-G9PQG-XVVXX-R3X43-63DFG Windows Server 2019 Essentials WVDHN-86M7X-466P6-VHXV7-YY726 Windows Server 2016 Standard WC2BQ-8NRM3-FDDYY-2BFGV-KHKQY Windows Server 2016 Datacenter CB7KF-BWN84-R7R2Y-793K2-8XDDG Windows Server 2016 Essentials JCKRF-N37P4-C2D82-9YXRT-4M63B Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard D2N9P-3P6X9-2R39C-7RTCD-MDVJX Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter W3GGN-FT8W3-Y4M27-J84CP-Q3VJ9 Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials KNC87-3J2TX-XB4WP-VCPJV-M4FWM Windows Server 2012 Standard XC9B7-NBPP2-83J2H-RHMBY-92BT4 Windows Server 2012 Datacenter 48HP8-DN98B-MYWDG-T2DCC-8W83P Windows Server 2012 Essentials HTDQM-NBMMG-KGYDT-2DTKT-J2MPV Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard YC6KT-GKW9T-YTKYR-T4X34-R7VHC Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise 489J6-VHDMP-X63PK-3K798-CPX3Y Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter 74YFP-3QFB3-KQT8W-PMXWJ-7M648

Which Windows Server edition to choose, Standard, Datacenter or essentials? What is the difference ? Windows Server Standard: It only allows 2 virtual machines (VMs). Best for small businesses or physical server deployments with low virtualization needs.

Windows Server Datacenter: it Provides unlimited virtual machines. Designed for large-scale virtualization, hyper-converged infrastructure, and high-security environments, such as cloud providers and enterprise data centers.

Windows Server Essentials: Windows Server 2019 Essentials is designed for small businesses with building in Client Access License (CAL) up to 25 users and 50 devices.

[raspberryjelly7]

unconventional studying tips #2

TLDR: use the survival method

There’s no better productivity than a 12 AM study session on a freezing winter night while running on nothing but dehydration and hunger.

However, what if I told you that you could hack this exact feeling every time you study?

A few years back, I discovered something I now call the survival method. Essentially, what I found is that by tricking your brain into thinking it's in "survival" mode, you are forcing it into peak focus as you aren't bothered by small distractions like your phone. There are three key parts to this studying method:

Hunger - sharpening your mind by studying when slightly hungry

Temperature - using the cold to stay alert without feeling sleepiness

Movement - utilising physical movement to activate your brain

But balance is key. You should never be too hungry, too cold, or too exhausted from exercise—this isn’t about suffering, it’s about sharpening your focus.

────────୨ৎ────────୨ৎ────────୨ৎ───

Here are some ways you can utilise the survival method in your daily revision routine:

studying when hungry 🍽️

study before meals rather than after to avoid post-meal sleepiness

after eating your meals, use that time to work on your extracurriculars or hobbies instead of going right back to studying

try create a "focus window" of 1-2 hours after waking up to study before you have breakfast

chew any mint-flavoured gum to help boost concentration and trick your brain into thinking that you are eating, keeping it engaged

after a long and tiring study session, reward yourself with your favourite snack or meal, keeping your brain focused every study session because it wants the reward

studying when cold ❄️

open your window before you study for a natural breeze and to lower the temperature of your environment

lower your room temperature slightly so it's not uncomfortable but colder than your normal resting temperature

swap out any cozy blankets for a lighter jacket/hoodie to keep you awake

splash your face with cold water before every single study session - I recommend this if you have just woken up from a nap or come back from school as it is really refreshing

drink an ice cold drink (iced coffee or tea) to keep your internal temperature lower whilst providing some caffeine

studying when moving 👟

pace around whilst reading aloud your notes or memorising flashcards

doing your studying while standing up (using a standing desk or any counter tops) to prevent any sluggish feeling

listen to recorded notes or revision podcasts while walking outside or jogging on a treadmill

do a 10 minute HIIT exercise before your studies to promote adrenaline

stretch or do pilates between every study session to relieve muscle tension and also help with memorisation

Remember that balance is key, and never to overwork yourself if you feel burnt out ���

[rhizomee]

From Broken Search to Suicidal Vacuum Cleaners

I recently came across some dystopian news: Google had deliberately degraded the quality of its browser’s search function, making it harder for users to find information — so they’d spend more time searching, and thus be shown more ads. The mastermind behind this brilliant decision was Prabhakar Raghavan, head of the advertising division. Faced with disappointing search volume statistics, he made two bold moves: make ads less distinguishable from regular results, and disable the search engine’s spam filters entirely.

The result? It worked. Ad revenue went up again, as did the number of queries. Yes, users were taking longer to find what they needed, and the browser essentially got worse at its main job — but apparently that wasn’t enough to push many users to competitors. Researchers had been noticing strange algorithm behavior for some time, but it seems most people didn’t care.

And so, after reading this slice of corporate cyberpunk — after which one is tempted to ask, “Is this the cyberpunk we deserve?” — I began to wonder: what other innovative ideas might have come to the brilliant minds of tech executives and startup visionaries? Friends, I present to you a list of promising and groundbreaking business solutions for boosting profits and key metrics:

Neuralink, the brain-implant company, quietly triggered certain neurons in users’ brains to create sudden cravings for sweets. Neither Neuralink nor Nestlé has commented on the matter.

Predictive text systems (T9) began replacing restaurant names in messages with “McDonald’s” whenever someone typed about going out to eat. The tech department insists this is a bug and promises to fix it “soon.” KFC and Burger King have filed lawsuits.

Hackers breached the code of 360 Total Security antivirus software and discovered that it adds a random number (between 3 and 9) to the actual count of detected threats — scaring users into upgrading to the premium version. If it detects a competing antivirus on the device, the random number increases to between 6 and 12.

A new investigation suggests that ChatGPT becomes dumber if it detects you’re using any browser other than Microsoft Edge — or an unlicensed copy of Windows.

Character.ai, the platform for chatting with AI versions of movie, anime, and book characters, released an update. Users are furious. Now the AI characters mention products and services from partnered companies. For free-tier users, ads show up in every third response. “It’s ridiculous,” say users. “It completely ruins the immersion when AI-Nietzsche tells me I should try Genshin Impact, and AI-Joker suggests I visit an online therapy site.”

A marketing research company was exposed for faking its latest public opinion polls — turns out the “surveys” were AI-generated videos with dubbed voices. The firm has since declared bankruptcy.

Programmed for death. Chinese-made robot vacuum cleaners began self-destructing four years after activation — slamming themselves into walls at high speed — so customers would have to buy newer models. Surveillance cameras caught several of these “suicides” on film.

Tesla’s self-driving cars began slowing down for no reason — only when passing certain digital billboards.

A leading smart refrigerator manufacturer has been accused of subtly increasing the temperature inside their fridges, causing food to spoil faster. These fridges, connected to online stores, would then promptly suggest replacing the spoiled items. Legal proceedings are underway.

To end on a slightly sweeter note amid all this tar: Google is currently facing antitrust proceedings in the U.S. The information about its search manipulation came to light through documents revealed during the case. And it seems the court may be leaning against Google. The fact that these geniuses deliberately worsened their search engine to show more ads might finally tip the scales. As might other revelations — like collecting geolocation data even when it’s turned off, logging all activity in incognito mode, and secretly gathering biometric data. Texas alone is reportedly owed $1.375 billion in damages.

Suddenly, those ideas above don’t seem so far-fetched anymore, do they?

The bottom line: Google is drowning in lawsuits, losing reputation points, paying massive fines, and pouring money into legal defense. And most importantly — there’s a real chance the company might be split in two if it’s officially ruled a monopoly. Maybe this whole story will serve as a useful warning to the next “Prabhakar Raghavan” before he comes up with something similar.

I’d love to hear your ideas — who knows, maybe together we’ll predict what the near future holds. Or at the very least, we might inspire the next season of Black Mirror.

[brickcentral]

🤩 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: zekezachzoom Hello everyone! It's time to direct the spotlight toward our community members, and today we will get to know better zekezachzoom!

"My name is Sunny but you might know me better as zekezachzoom on social media. I am a freelance graphic designer and have been a toy photographer for 10 years.

I came up with this profile name after my sons’. Zeke is my second son and Zach my first. I imagined them running away after calling their names, hence Zoom. I live in Singapore where we have two seasons, Rain and Shine. It’s a tiny island and getting around is pretty fast and easy. I have a few favourite spots around the island for toy photography. I will be more than happy to explore these places with any of my overseas friends if they pop by this part of the world! Though sometimes I wish we have mountains, rivers and maybe desert for more outdoor choices. On the plus side, being a small island makes organizing an outing with fellow toy photographers very easy, even if it is a last minute thing.

I started toy photography after posting an image of Spiderman squatting on the window ledge overlooking the neighborhood on Instagram…and then discovering the community. Everyone was and still is very encouraging and I think this helped in me trying to better myself with each photograph. Though Instagram is not what is used to be, but that is a discussion for another day.


Talking about process, if there is a brief for the photo (commissioned work, photo contest), I will usually follow up with some research work on the topic. At the same time, I will park the topic for the photo at the back on my mind and let it simmer unconsciously.

However, for personal work, I usually do not actively chase for ideas, forcing them out. I find that most ideas come to me randomly. This usually happens in a variety of ways, like watching videos on any subject, going about my daily life, observing and listening to things around me. I think being curious about everything and anything certainly helps in generating ideas.

Once I have a photo idea, I then let it sit and simmer further in my mind’s eye. This can help take the concept to more interesting directions in terms of story, setup, composition, lighting, etc. More ideas can be built upon this initial concept base on even more things you see and observe. It also allows time to think about how to setup the shot.

I will always sketch my ideas on my notebook, which is always by my side. At present time, I have more ideas than time to shoot!

When it comes to the shoot itself, I usually start with the mobile phone, quickly checking the angles and then locking my camera to a tripod. I always use a tripod to gather multiple shots of the same angle with different lighting, atmospheric effect so that I can then composite them in post if need be. Then I will shoot couple of shots for final composition without the lighting and atmospheric effect. I enjoy the post production work, especially the color grading part. Sometimes, the word PHOTOSHOP give rise to arguments within the photographic community. To me, it’s just a tool to bring the picture to its maximum potential.

I think people I know in the community know me for my punny, silly and light-hearted stuff. So much so that friends recommend me toys they think that might fit this style. However, recently I find myself going all over the place in terms of themes. I just enjoy the process of experimenting different approaches, be it the storytelling or the technical bits of photography. When I am shooting indoor, I usually set up for low key images. It gives me a chance to experiment with indoor lighting. If there is one thing I would tell my younger self when I started, it’s to pay attention to lighting. It can elevate a nice photo to a great photo. Also, I like to build simple sets with everyday object that end up looking like something else when viewed through the camera. I do this mostly because I am lazy and don’t have the patience to build dioramas. I am usually with a group of friends when I shoot outdoors, because we have a monthly gathering among us. During these outings, I am constantly looking out for areas with awesome lighting. I try to reserve my action shots (ie scenes with flying debris) outdoors, mostly because there is no need to clean up after the mess! Also, outdoor light is beautiful…but fast changing lighting condition is another story all together.

When I first started, it was all about the Star Wars figures. I had stopped collecting figures since the 1980s , but it was the Star Wars Black Series that got me collecting again with all its glorious articulation. Once I discovered the community, I realized that there were other characters to be bought! I sometimes wonder if that is a good thing, from my wallet’s point of view.

I find myself gravitating towards nostalgia when it comes to the figures I buy. So, my collection and images usually reflect that, with movie/TV characters from the 80s. Stuff like Aliens, Indiana Jones, Predator and Back to the Future, etc. However, whether they are LEGO minifigures, statues, 6 inch figures, I will shoot any figures as long as they serve the stories. Each type of figures has its own pros and cons and challenges. But I would not have it any other way.

This is my basic equipment list: • Nikon Zfc with kit lens (16mm to 50mm) • Lensbaby Sweet 35 lens • Helios 44-2 58mm lens • Extension tubes for close ups • 2 speed lights • Couple of LED cube lights • Manfrotto tripod

Why toy photography? I love pop culture and telling quirky weird stories with characters I love. I can never produce awesome looking illustration of these images I have in mind and photography seems like the next best thing. Hence toy photography! When I first started, I was always coming up with ideas in the middle of the night and sketching them down and made it my mission to spread this hobby. I recall vividly telling a friend how much I enjoy this hobby and was going to just keep throwing out toy photos into the internet and see what comes back. And a lot has indeed happen since then: • I started a local Facebook group to organize more toy photography outings and share photos. • Managed to get featured on national newspaper and television, because they came across my work online. • Made friends on social media and participated in podcast by some of these friends. • Conducted workshops. • Shot for some toy companies. • Collaboration with toy designers and model/diorama makers. • Nikon Ambassador.

I have enjoyed the journey so far and look forward to improving myself. Something I always remind myself: your best photo is the one you have not taken yet."

Thank you for accepting our invitation and let the community knows you better!

If you want some insights on the exclusive picture and for a better view of the others, head to our blog at https://brickentral.net/.

- @theaphol, Community Outreach Manager

[ai-cyber]

Ubuntu is a popular open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel. It's known for its user-friendliness, stability, and security, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced users. Ubuntu can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

Key Features and Uses of Ubuntu:

Desktop Environment: Ubuntu offers a modern, intuitive desktop environment that is easy to navigate. It comes with a set of pre-installed applications for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and office productivity.

Development: Ubuntu is widely used by developers due to its robust development tools, package management system, and support for programming languages like Python, Java, and C++.

Servers: Ubuntu Server is a popular choice for hosting websites, databases, and other server applications. It's known for its performance, security, and ease of use.

Cloud Computing: Ubuntu is a preferred operating system for cloud environments, supporting platforms like OpenStack and Kubernetes for managing cloud infrastructure.

Education: Ubuntu is used in educational institutions for teaching computer science and IT courses. It's free and has a vast repository of educational software.

Customization: Users can customize their Ubuntu installation to fit their specific needs, with a variety of desktop environments, themes, and software available.

Installing Ubuntu on Windows:

The image you shared shows that you are installing Ubuntu using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This allows you to run Ubuntu natively on your Windows machine, giving you the best of both worlds.

Benefits of Ubuntu:

Free and Open-Source: Ubuntu is free to use and open-source, meaning anyone can contribute to its development.

Regular Updates: Ubuntu receives regular updates to ensure security and performance.

Large Community: Ubuntu has a large, active community that provides support and contributes to its development.

[beardedmrbean]

FBI Los Angeles recently confirmed the suspect accused of targeting a Palm Springs, California, fertility clinic in a car bombing on Saturday had access to a "large quantity" of chemicals that could have been used to make explosives.

The blast, which FBI Los Angeles assistant director Akil Davis called an "intentional act of terrorism," happened just before 11 a.m. local time near an American Reproductive Centers facility.

Guy Edward Bartkus, a 26-year-old "anti-pro-life" advocate from Twentynine Palms, allegedly set off a car bomb that killed him and wounded four others.

FBI Los Angeles confirmed on Tuesday Bartkus "had access to a large quantity of commercially available chemical products which could be combined to create a homemade explosive device."

Acknowledging the attack was "targeted," officials noted the incident was an act of domestic terrorism.

However, they did note it is "probably one of the largest bombing investigations that we've had in Southern California … on the scale of the Aliso Viejo bombing in Orange County," which killed one person and injured two others in 2018.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Miles said debris extended across multiple blocks, describing it as a "massive" crime scene.

Jason Pack, a retired FBI agent and hostage negotiator, told Fox News Digital it could take days for authorities to search for evidence of explosives through several blocks of rubble.

To determine the type and quantity of devices used, investigators will need to examine blast radius and structural impact to assess the power and direction of the explosion, and search for chemical residues of known explosive materials — such as ammonium nitrate, TATP, RDX, or PETN, according to Pack.

Key finds will also include fragments, shrapnel and device components, to help reconstruct the method of detonation.

"Whether this was a single large device or multiple smaller ones, those answers will come from detailed lab testing and scene reconstruction—not just visual assessment," Pack said.

Posts on social media showed nearby businesses with glass and debris blown out of windows.

"Terrorism came knocking on the door of Palm Springs," Miles said during a news conference Saturday night. "We survived, and I can tell you that this city will rise and be more and be more effective as a beacon of hope than before."

The American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic said no staff members were harmed, and while the building was damaged, the IVF lab—including eggs, embryos and reproductive materials—were spared.

"This morning, an unexpected and tragic incident occurred outside our Palm Springs facility when a vehicle exploded in the parking lot near our building," the company wrote in a Facebook post. "In the face of this tragedy, we remain committed to creating hope—because we believe that healing begins with community, compassion and care. … This moment has shaken us—but it has not stopped us. We will continue to serve with strength, love and the hope that brings new life into the world."

The Palm Springs Police Department's active call log listed multiple responses for medical service on the 1100 block of N Palm Canyon Drive, beginning just before 11 a.m. local time.

There were also various calls for burglaries in the area, according to police records.

In a statement on X, Attorney General Pam Bondi called the attack "unforgiveable."

In separate posts to X, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli and Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed their condolences and support for federal investigators working on the case.

The Palm Springs Fire Department, California Highway Patrol and Desert Regional Medical Center did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office told Fox News Digital it is not responding to the incident.

[nintendowife]

Both me and my husband got Spirit City: Lofi Sessions for PC this week. I spotted some screenshots of the game here on Tumblr and it caught my interest. I actually have the game idling on the background right now as I'm writing this post!

Spirit City is a gamified productivity/relaxation app with features like a pomodoro timer, todo checklists and a journal. There's various calming lofi music playlists to choose from and you can set ambient sounds and lighting to suit your mood. The sounds include things like rain, thunder, wind, purring, typing, birds chirping, fireplace, cooking sounds, city sounds, etc. The cool thing is that some of these sounds affect the visuals of the room as well!

As you start the game, you create your own character. There's a decent amount of things you can customize and you get to dress up your character with a wide range of clothing options. You have the possibility to change your room decor a bit with scenery, walls, furniture, etc. You start with a cat spirit companion and soon you unlock more spirits. They have multiple color options to choose from.

You can set your character to different activities in different parts of the room, for example knitting by the fireplace, drawing at the desk, gaming on the bed, or meditating by the window. As you lounge around in the game, you gain exp and Spiritographer ranks. You also gain ingame currency which you can use to purchase more customization options.

The activities, sounds and lighting tie into the key feature of the game - discovering spirits. The Spiritdex has helpful hints to guide you towards finding more spirits and the UI shows a visual indication when you're on the right track towards an adorable new spirit appearing.

I've had Spirit City running on my PC on some days while working on my laptop and it has helped me remember to take short breaks from staring at the screen to avoid issues due to dry eyes. My husband has also enjoyed the relaxation provided by the game. He discovered he can have Spirit City running on the background even when playing another game like Euro Truck Simulator 2 via Steam! We also gifted the game to one of our colleagues to help them relax.

Based on my nearly week-long experience of Spirit City: Lofi Sessions I would recommend the game if it sparked your interest. It's very cozy with features that can be genuinely useful. I might look into the new kitchen themed DLC a bit later as I'm a total sucker for food in games - and I surely won't say no to discovering even more cute spirits.

[microprokey0]

🎄 Merry Christmas Sale! 🎄

Looking for genuine Microsoft licenses at unbeatable prices? This festive season, we're bringing you an incredible 40% OFF on Windows 10 Professional licenses!

💻 Why Choose Microprokey? ✅ 100% Genuine Microsoft Product Keys ✅ Instant Delivery & Hassle-Free Activation ✅ Trusted by Thousands Worldwide ✅ Dedicated Customer Support

🎁 Use Coupon Code: XMAS40 at checkout to claim your discount!

🔗 Shop Now: https://microprokey.com/microsoft-windows-10-professional-full-version-license-2/

40% OFF Coupon : XMAS40

#MerryChristmasSale #Windows10Professional #Microprokey #MicrosoftLicense #DiscountDeal #XMAS40 #HolidayDeals #DigitalMarketing #TechSale

[sheetsavvy]

Google Sheets Shortcuts: Boosting Productivity with Efficient Tools

In the world of productivity tools, Google Sheets stands out as one of the most widely used spreadsheet applications. Whether you're managing a budget, analyzing data, or collaborating with a team, Google Sheets offers a variety of features that can make your work more efficient. One of the best ways to enhance your experience with Google Sheets is by mastering Google Sheets shortcuts. These shortcuts can help you save time, improve your workflow, and make your spreadsheet tasks easier to execute. In this article, we will explore a comprehensive guide on Google Sheets shortcuts, offering tips and strategies to maximize your productivity.

What Are Google Sheets Shortcuts?

Google Sheets shortcuts are keyboard commands that allow you to execute specific functions within the application without using your mouse. By learning these shortcuts, you can navigate, format, and manipulate data with ease, making your experience smoother and more efficient. These shortcuts are designed to save time by streamlining tasks, especially when dealing with large datasets.

Using shortcuts can seem intimidating at first, but once you familiarize yourself with them, you'll find that they become second nature. Google Sheets has a variety of shortcuts, from basic navigation commands to more advanced formatting and data manipulation features. Mastering these commands is essential for anyone looking to work faster and smarter.

Many of the shortcuts in Google Sheets are similar to those found in other Google Workspace apps like Google Docs and Google Slides, making it easier for users to transition between tools. However, Google Sheets also offers unique shortcuts that are specifically designed for working with spreadsheets.

Why Should You Use Google Sheets Shortcuts?

The benefits of using Google Sheets shortcuts extend far beyond just saving time. By integrating these shortcuts into your daily workflow, you can achieve the following:

1. Increased Speed and Efficiency

When working on a complex spreadsheet, every second counts. Instead of manually clicking through menus or dragging and dropping cells, shortcuts allow you to execute commands with a simple keystroke. This can significantly reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks.

2. Improved Focus

Navigating with your mouse can often interrupt your flow, especially when you need to switch between different sections of a large spreadsheet. Shortcuts keep your hands on the keyboard, allowing you to focus on the task at hand without distractions.

3. Boosted Productivity

The more shortcuts you learn, the quicker you'll be able to accomplish tasks. Whether you're entering data, formatting cells, or applying functions, shortcuts enable you to complete tasks in a fraction of the time.

4. Enhanced Collaboration

In collaborative work environments, efficiency is crucial. By using Google Sheets shortcuts, you can keep up with fast-paced team activities, making sure that everyone stays on track and productive.

Essential Google Sheets Shortcuts for Everyday Use

Whether you're new to Google Sheets or have been using it for years, there are several shortcuts that every user should know. These essential Google Sheets shortcuts will help you with basic functions, such as navigating your sheet, selecting cells, and formatting content. Let's dive into these fundamental keyboard shortcuts:

1. Navigation Shortcuts

Navigating through your spreadsheet is one of the most common tasks you'll perform in Google Sheets. Below is a list of the most helpful shortcuts for moving around your sheet:

Move to the next cell: Tab

Move to the previous cell: Shift + Tab

Move to the beginning of the row: Home

Move to the beginning of the sheet: Ctrl + Home (Windows) / Command + Home (Mac)

Move to the last cell with data: Ctrl + Arrow Key (Windows) / Command + Arrow Key (Mac)

Jump to the top of the sheet: Ctrl + Up Arrow (Windows) / Command + Up Arrow (Mac)

Jump to the bottom of the sheet: Ctrl + Down Arrow (Windows) / Command + Down Arrow (Mac)

These navigation shortcuts can save you a lot of time when you're dealing with large datasets or when you're trying to quickly locate a specific cell.

2. Selection Shortcuts

Selecting cells, rows, or columns is another task you'll do frequently in Google Sheets. The following shortcuts will help you make precise selections quickly:

Select an entire row: Shift + Space

Select an entire column: Ctrl + Space (Windows) / Command + Space (Mac)

Select a range of cells: Hold Shift, then use the Arrow Keys to extend the selection.

Select all cells: Ctrl + A (Windows) / Command + A (Mac)

Using these shortcuts will enable you to quickly highlight areas of your spreadsheet, making tasks like data manipulation and formatting much faster.

Advanced Google Sheets Shortcuts for Power Users

While basic Google Sheets shortcuts are essential for day-to-day tasks, advanced users can take advantage of more specialized shortcuts to streamline their workflow. These commands are designed for users who want to go beyond the basics and truly optimize their experience in Google Sheets. For more advanced techniques and automation, check out the Google Sheets Scripting Guide.

1. Editing and Formatting Shortcuts

Editing and formatting your data quickly is key to working efficiently in Google Sheets. The following shortcuts allow you to perform various editing tasks without taking your hands off the keyboard:

Bold text: Ctrl + B (Windows) / Command + B (Mac)

Italicize text: Ctrl + I (Windows) / Command + I (Mac)

Underline text: Ctrl + U (Windows) / Command + U (Mac)

Open the format menu: Alt + Shift + F (Windows) / Option + Shift + F (Mac)

Open the data menu: Alt + Shift + D (Windows) / Option + Shift + D (Mac)

2. Data Manipulation Shortcuts

Manipulating and managing data efficiently is one of the greatest advantages of Google Sheets shortcuts. These commands will help you perform data operations faster:

Undo an action: Ctrl + Z (Windows) / Command + Z (Mac)

Redo an action: Ctrl + Y (Windows) / Command + Y (Mac)

Insert a new row: Alt + Shift + I, then press R

Insert a new column: Alt + Shift + I, then press C

Delete a row: Alt + E, then press D

Delete a column: Alt + E, then press K

Mastering these shortcuts allows you to handle large datasets with more control and precision, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Customizing Google Sheets Shortcuts for Personal Use

While the default Google Sheets shortcuts are quite helpful, you might want to create a custom set of shortcuts that align better with your workflow. Fortunately, Google Sheets allows you to customize certain keyboard shortcuts, helping you tailor the tool to your specific needs. For more tips and tutorials, check out over blog.

To customize Google Sheets shortcuts, follow these steps:

Go to the Google Sheets Settings: Open Google Sheets and click on the gear icon in the top right corner.

Select "Keyboard shortcuts": This will open a menu where you can view and modify your existing shortcuts.

Edit your shortcuts: You can change the key combinations for specific commands or add new ones to suit your needs.

Customizing your shortcuts can be particularly useful for users who perform repetitive tasks or need to execute specific commands more frequently. By adjusting the shortcuts to match your workflow, you can enhance your productivity even further.

Google Sheets Shortcuts for Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the core features of Google Sheets, and mastering Google Sheets shortcuts can significantly improve your ability to work with teams. Whether you're adding comments, sharing the sheet, or assigning tasks, these shortcuts will help streamline your collaborative efforts.

1. Commenting and Reviewing

In team environments, adding comments and reviewing content quickly is essential. These shortcuts will help you add comments or switch between them:

Insert a comment: Ctrl + Alt + M (Windows) / Command + Option + M (Mac)

Open the comments thread: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + A (Windows) / Command + Option + Shift + A (Mac)

2. Sharing and Collaborating

When you need to share or collaborate on a Google Sheet with others, the following shortcuts come in handy:

Open the sharing settings: Ctrl + Shift + S (Windows) / Command + Shift + S (Mac)

Share the sheet with others: Ctrl + Shift + E (Windows) / Command + Shift + E (Mac)

These shortcuts allow you to engage in real-time collaboration, making it easier to share your work with others and communicate effectively.

Conclusion: Mastering Google Sheets Shortcuts for Maximum Efficiency

In conclusion, mastering Google Sheets shortcuts is an essential step in improving your productivity and efficiency. By learning both basic and advanced shortcuts, you can navigate your sheets faster, manipulate data more efficiently, and collaborate seamlessly with others. Whether you're a beginner or a power user, these shortcuts will help you make the most out of your Google Sheets experience. For more tips and resources, visit at http://workflows.gsheetmaster.com/.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use these shortcuts, the more natural they will become, allowing you to focus on the tasks that matter most. Stay updated with the latest in Google Sheets through the GSheetMasters blog. Explore tips, tutorials, best practices, and expert insights to enhance your spreadsheet skills and productivity.

1. What are Google Sheets shortcuts?

Google Sheets shortcuts are keyboard commands that allow you to execute specific functions within the spreadsheet application without using your mouse. These shortcuts help streamline tasks, such as navigating cells, formatting data, and manipulating content, enabling faster and more efficient work.

2. How can I learn Google Sheets shortcuts?

To learn Google Sheets shortcuts, you can start by exploring the built-in shortcuts that Google Sheets offers. You can access a list of these shortcuts by pressing Ctrl + / (Windows) or Command + / (Mac). There are also many tutorials, guides, and blogs available online that provide comprehensive lists and tips for mastering these shortcuts.

3. Can I customize Google Sheets shortcuts?

Yes, Google Sheets allows you to customize some of the shortcuts to better suit your needs. You can modify existing shortcuts and add your own by going to the Keyboard shortcuts section in the settings. This can help you create a workflow that is more tailored to your personal preferences.

4. What is the most useful Google Sheets shortcut for data navigation?

One of the most useful Google Sheets shortcuts for navigation is Ctrl + Arrow Keys (Windows) or Command + Arrow Keys (Mac). This shortcut allows you to quickly jump to the last cell in the direction of the arrow, making it easier to navigate large datasets without scrolling.

5. Are there shortcuts to help with formatting in Google Sheets?

Yes, Google Sheets offers several formatting-related shortcuts. Some common ones include:

Ctrl + B (Windows) / Command + B (Mac) to bold text

Ctrl + I (Windows) / Command + I (Mac) to italicize text

Ctrl + U (Windows) / Command + U (Mac) to underline text

These shortcuts help you format your spreadsheet content quickly, without needing to use the toolbar.

6. How do I select an entire row or column using shortcuts?

To select an entire row, press Shift + Space. To select an entire column, press Ctrl + Space (Windows) or Command + Space (Mac). These shortcuts allow you to select large sections of your sheet in just one keystroke, saving you time when working with extensive data.

7. Can I undo or redo changes in Google Sheets using shortcuts?

Yes, you can easily undo and redo changes in Google Sheets using shortcuts. The shortcut Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Command + Z (Mac) undoes the last action, while Ctrl + Y (Windows) or Command + Y (Mac) redoes it. These commands help you quickly correct mistakes or redo actions without navigating through the menus.

8. What is the shortcut to insert a new row or column in Google Sheets?

To insert a new row in Google Sheets, press Alt + Shift + I, then R. For a new column, press Alt + Shift + I, then C. These shortcuts allow you to add rows and columns quickly without needing to use the context menu.

9. How do I open the sharing settings in Google Sheets using a shortcut?

To open the sharing settings in Google Sheets, you can use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + S (Windows) or Command + Shift + S (Mac). This allows you to quickly access the sharing options and manage permissions for your spreadsheet.

10. Are there any shortcuts for working with comments in Google Sheets?

Yes, Google Sheets has shortcuts for adding and navigating comments. To insert a comment, use the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + M (Windows) or Command + Option + M (Mac). To open the comments thread, use Ctrl + Alt + Shift + A (Windows) or Command + Option + Shift + A (Mac). These shortcuts make it easy to collaborate and communicate with team members in real time.

Follow Us Blogger | Twitter | Gravatar | Disqus | Google Sites | Youtube | About.Me