Light from above reference

u/TheKingOfTheBees
How does the Bible define "Man" and/or "Woman"?
The Bible does not give a formal definition for man or woman.
How did they know who was a man and who was not?
By common sense based on their external genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics. Males and females had distinctive cultural and legal roles. It was very much binary.
Outside of the Bible, particularly in the AD era, gender was more fluid. The following is from Wiki:
Jewish law, or halacha, recognizes intersex and non-conforming gender identities in addition to male and female.[5][6] Rabbinical literature recognizes six different sexes, defined according to the development and presentation of primary and secondary sex characteristics at birth and later in life.[7] Jewish literature describes what today would be referred to as intersex such as the concept of a Tumtum being a person of ambiguous gender and/or sex as is the concept of the androgynos, being a person characterized with elements of both sexes.

• Zachar (זָכָר): This term is derived from the word for memory and refers to the belief that the man carried the name and identity of the family.[citation needed] It is usually translated as "male" in English.
• Nekevah (נקבה): This term is derived from the word for a crevice and probably refers to a vaginal opening. It is usually translated as "female" in English.[18]
• Androgynos (אנדרוגינוס): A person who has both "male" and "female" physical sexual characteristics. 149 references in Mishnah and Talmud (1st–8th centuries); 350 in classical midrash and Jewish law codes (2nd–16th centuries). According to Rabbi Meir in the Mishnah, it is "a unique creature, neither male nor female".[19]
• Tumtum (טומטום): A person whose sexual characteristics are indeterminate or obscured. 181 references in the Mishnah and Talmud; 335 in classical midrash and Jewish law codes. Rabbi Meir contrasts it with the androgynus, saying it is not a unique creation, "sometimes a man and sometimes a woman".[19] Unlike the Androgynos, the Tumtum's gender can be revealed to be either male or female and as such has different roles under Jewish Law.[20] Some Rabbi believe Abraham and Sarah were described to be Tumtum, unable to conceive before God intervened.[21]
• Aylonit (איילונית): A female who does not develop secondary sex characteristics at puberty and is assumed infertile.[22]
• Saris (סריס): A male who does not develop secondary sex characteristics at puberty or has their sex characteristics removed. A Saris can fall under two categories: One can be "naturally" born a saris (saris hamah) or one can become a saris through human intervention (saris adam).[23]

Introduction: In the rapidly evolving world of technology, businesses in Chicago face the challenge of managing their IT assets efficiently and responsibly. To meet this demand, IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) companies in Chicago offer comprehensive solutions for the secure and environmentally-friendly disposal of outdated or retired IT equipment. In this article, we will explore the significance of ITAD disposition companies in Chicago and how they provide reliable IT asset disposition solutions Chicago.

1. Understanding IT Asset Disposition: IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) refers to the process of disposing of IT equipment in a secure and responsible manner. Given the sensitive nature of data stored on these devices, it is crucial for businesses to partner with certified ITAD companies in Chicago to ensure data privacy and compliance with environmental regulations. These companies specialize in the proper disposal, recycling, and remarketing of IT assets, allowing businesses to extract value from their retired equipment while minimizing environmental impact.
   
2. The Importance of ITAD Companies in Chicago: ITAD companies in Chicago play a vital role in helping businesses effectively manage their IT asset lifecycle. By partnering with these specialized firms, organizations can ensure that their obsolete or surplus IT equipment is handled securely and in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Moreover, ITAD companies possess the expertise to thoroughly sanitize or destroy data-containing devices, safeguarding businesses against data breaches and legal liabilities.
   

Furthermore, ITAD companies Chicago prioritize sustainability. They employ environmentally-friendly methods for recycling and disposing of electronic waste, reducing the carbon footprint associated with IT equipment disposal. By recycling valuable components and materials, these companies contribute to the circular economy and promote a greener approach to technology management.

1. IT Asset Disposition Solutions in Chicago: ITAD companies in Chicago offer a range of comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses. These solutions typically include:

a) Secure Data Destruction: Certified ITAD companies employ advanced data sanitization techniques or physical destruction methods to ensure sensitive data is irrecoverable. This eliminates the risk of data breaches and protects confidential business information.
b) Asset Remarketing: ITAD disposition companies Chicago assess the value of retired IT assets and identify opportunities for remarketing. By refurbishing or reselling viable equipment, businesses can recoup a portion of their investment, reducing the overall cost of technology upgrades.
c) Electronic Recycling: Environmental responsibility is a key focus for ITAD companies. They utilize environmentally-compliant processes to recycle electronic waste, extracting valuable materials and minimizing the impact on landfills. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly business practices.
d) Logistics and Chain-of-Custody Management: ITAD companies handle the logistics involved in IT asset disposition, ensuring a seamless transition from the client's location to secure processing facilities. A well-established chain-of-custody process guarantees the security and traceability of equipment throughout its lifecycle.
ITAD disposition companies Chicago offer indispensable solutions for businesses seeking to manage their IT assets securely and sustainably. By partnering with these specialized firms, organizations can protect sensitive data, comply with environmental regulations, and optimize the value of their retired IT equipment. In an era where technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, businesses in Chicago can rely on ITAD companies to provide reliable and efficient IT asset disposition solutions, contributing to a safer, greener, and more responsible technology ecosystem.

I used to play this game quite alot, Last time i played it was element sabers +invoked meta thingie
I want to start a new account because my main is completley drained and almost all the decks i have right now either fell off or died.. Keep in mind i had that account since launch and wasted alot of gems on very very old boxes..
Small example: Sea stealth attack deck , sylvans with rose lover era , spell books with light and dark skill, masked hereos with anki era, gladiator beasts era , kokai miru + neos era
I want to make a new account to start fresh since i will have lots of characters to milk and with the addition of card ships thingie i can get i think it will be better, I will never delete my main account i just want a new one while accumilating gems on main..
Now here's the thing, I'm clueless about everything post 5ds like no clue about links or pendulums or even the decks. Never watched the animes for them and never played tcg
I tried searching youtube and its all old videos from 7+ months ago.. idk what deck to work towards or make to climb ranked to atleast legend..
Any deck suggestions for a returnee to make that are cheap/budget and strong?

So, as stated above im 23 from the UK. I've been working and just kinda grown bored over the past few weeks and miss having a good connection with someone I can chill with.
Little bit about me; I am a total an unashamed film nerd, kinda a general nerd all around tbh and I love video games (I play PS5 and a little bit of PC if you're interested in that)
Only things I don't like talking about are sports and politics (UFC and WWE are okay though) But other than that, I am open to talking about whatever you want.
If you wish to talk to me. I'd prefer doing it on Discord or Instagram. So if you wanna take this further, I'll see you in my DM's!

If you’re in any way exposed to real estate, whether because you’re looking to get in the market, curious about interest rates, or bombarded with BlogTO headlines, you’ve probably heard the terms “pre-qualification”, “pre-approval”, and “rate hold”.
A “pre-qualification” is a rough estimate of how much mortgage you could qualify for based on values you provide, including income, debts, and down payment. The calculation will also use a pre-determined set of shelter costs based on location (taxes, heating, and condo fees). This is a step up from the “income x4 or x5” rule of thumb, however there is no verification of the information you’ve provided. In other words, it takes what you provide at face-value and it’s not underwritten in any way. You can often get pre-qualified on your bank’s website, RateHub, Wowa, or even your broker’s calculator app, but you will always be prompted to get in touch with someone, or they will take your contact info and get in touch with you for the next step.
A “pre-approval” takes it one step further by requiring you to submit supporting documentation. These documents may include a letter of employment, paystubs, previous years’ T4s, bank statements to source down payment funds, and it will often require a credit check for a more accurate breakdown of your liabilities (Equifax or Transunion). This makes your application “underwritten” — meaning someone has taken the time to cross-reference the information on your application and your documents; and there’s a higher chance of getting approved once you have a firm offer.
This type of underwriting uses the most current rates available to determine your affordability at a-point-in-time, but unless the pre-approval application has been submitted and approved by a lender, your mortgage qualification may vary because it doesn’t include a “rate hold.” If interest rates rise, your qualification will be subject to a higher interest rate, which may result in lower affordability.
Most lenders offer “rate holds” (90-120 days for purchases and renewals; 60-90 days for refinances), but not every lender offers pre-approvals. In the mortgage world, most lenders will hold your rate while your application is live to give you enough time to close, but only a handful of lenders will offer a rate hold without a subject property.
Many lenders in the broker channel offer promotional rates that are available on live deals only, or for quick closes. This is often the case for “lowest interest rate” searches — the rates do exist but may not be available for a rate hold unless you submit a full application and your purchase agreement.
There are also lenders who offer pre-approvals and rate holds but add a premium to their posted rate (usually 10-25 bps).
Some lenders only offer pre-approvals on 5-yr terms, while most banks will offer them for any term.
Most bank branches can issue pre-approvals with a rate hold without upfront documents, but they often include conditions that protect their interest, so don’t be surprised if they choose not to honour the rate if your income, credit or down payment looks different once your deal goes live.
Most realtors insist on getting pre-approved before home shopping to increase your chances of securing financing, but it’s definitely not a requirement.
Most brokers also insist on getting you “pre-approved” so you know what you can afford, but also because having a pre-approval with them increases their chances of keeping you as a client when you’re ready to buy.
Finally, when you get a pre-approval, you’re not required to submit your financing application with that same lender. So you CAN have more than one pre-approval with different financial institutions and/or brokers.

So, as stated above im 23 from the UK. I've been working and just kinda grown bored over the past few weeks and miss having a good connection with someone I can chill with.
Little bit about me; I am a total an unashamed film nerd, kinda a general nerd all around tbh and I love video games (I play PS5 and a little bit of PC if you're interested in that)
Only things I don't like talking about are sports and politics (UFC and WWE are okay though) But other than that, I am open to talking about whatever you want.
I'll see you in my DM's!

Introduction:
In the digital age, video animation services have emerged as a powerful tool for businesses and individuals to captivate their audience and convey messages in an engaging and visually appealing manner. Video animation involves the creation of animated videos through artistic design, storytelling, and digital techniques. This blog explores the concept of video animation services, shedding light on their significance, benefits, and various applications.
What are Video Animation Services?
Video animation services encompass the process of creating animated videos that utilize a combination of visual elements, motion, and storytelling techniques. These services employ specialized software and tools to transform static images, characters, and ideas into dynamic and interactive videos. With a wide range of animation styles available, including 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, and whiteboard animation, video animation services offer a versatile means of conveying information and engaging audiences.
The Benefits of Video Animation Services:

1. Enhancing Engagement: Video animation services excel at capturing and retaining audience attention. Animated videos are inherently dynamic and visually appealing, making them more engaging than traditional static content. Through animation, complex concepts can be simplified and presented in an entertaining and digestible format, ensuring viewers remain connected to the content.
2. Conveying Messages Creatively: Video animation services provide a creative and imaginative approach to conveying messages. By utilizing visuals, motion, and storytelling techniques, businesses and individuals can present their ideas in a visually compelling and memorable manner. This creativity helps grab attention, elicit emotions, and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
3. Simplifying Complex Ideas: Animated videos excel at simplifying complex ideas and processes. Through the use of visual metaphors, illustrations, and step-by-step demonstrations, video animation services can break down intricate information into easily understandable segments. This simplification enhances comprehension, knowledge retention, and the ability to convey complex concepts effectively.

Applications of Video Animation Services:
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1. Marketing and Advertising: Video animation has become a popular choice for marketing and advertising campaigns. Animated explainer videos can effectively showcase a product or service, highlighting its features and benefits in an engaging and memorable way. Animated characters and storytelling techniques provide a unique opportunity for brands to connect with their target audience and leave a lasting impression.
2. Entertainment and Media: The entertainment industry extensively utilizes video animation services for creating captivating animated movies, TV shows, and web series. Animation offers a limitless canvas for storytellers to explore imaginative narratives, fantastical worlds, and unique characters. Additionally, animation is widely used in creating visually stunning music videos, advertisements, and promotional content.
3. Education and Training: Video animation services have revolutionized the field of education and training. Animated videos provide an effective means of delivering educational content, complex concepts, and training modules. Animation can simplify abstract ideas, present historical events, or depict scientific processes in an engaging and visually stimulating manner. This approach enhances learning outcomes and appeals to different learning styles.

Conclusion:
Video animation services have transformed the way content is presented and consumed. From enhancing engagement and creativity to simplifying complex ideas, video animation offers numerous benefits across various domains. Whether for marketing, entertainment, or education, animated videos capture attention, convey messages effectively, and leave a lasting impact on the audience. With its versatility and potential for innovation, video animation continues to play a vital role in the digital landscape, unlocking creativity and fostering meaningful connections with viewers.

Shopify ($SHOP) is the IBD Stock Of The Day as it bullishly rebounds, offering up a new entry in the process.
The Canadian company sets up e-commerce websites for small businesses. It also partners with others to handle digital payments and shipping. Current earnings are not ideal, but future profits are seen surging, with analysts expecting mammoth growth of 715% in 2023, according to MarketSmith data. Shopify stock ($SHOP) is actionable as it rebounds from its 21-day line and moves above a trendline, topping its recent high of 61.49. Shares jumped 6.2% to close at 63.66 on the stock market today. It also is working on a new base, though it is slightly too deep to qualify as a flat base. More conservative investors may opt to see how this progresses.
IBD Stock Of The Day Offers Entry
$SHOP has made good progress since gapping up above a buy point of 49.86 from a cup with handle in early May. Despite recent progress, it still has a long way to go before it comes close to its all-time high of 176.29, which it reached in November 2021.
All-around solid performance has netted Shopify stock a near-perfect IBD Composite Rating of 98.
Stock market performance is its strongest suit. SHOP's Relative Strength Rating is 97, putting it in the top 3% of stocks in terms of price performance over the past 12 months. It also is up around 75% since the start of the year.
Earnings performance is the Achilles' heel at the moment, with Shopify's EPS Rating coming in at 60 out of 99. But earnings growth is seen as being robust going forward. In addition to the 715% EPS growth seen for fiscal 2023, Wall Street expects 66% growth in 2024.
Analyst Backs Shopify Stock ($SHOP), Cites AI
Strong performance has netted Shopify stock a spot on the IBD Leaderboard list of top equities.
CFRA analyst Angelo Zino is rating Shopify stock as a buy with a 68 target. He hailed the firm's move to sharply cut expenses and to divest its logistics business. Artificial intelligence initiatives are also seen as possible catalysts.
"We like greater penetration for Shopify Payments as well as AI initiatives," he said in a May 27 research note. "We think subscription revenue, about a quarter of sales, will be bolstered by higher pricing (effective January for new customers and April for existing) should support higher revenue ahead."
The company announced the sale of its delivery and logistics business to Flexport when earnings for Shopify were reported back in May. The sales price of the deal was not disclosed.
https://www.investors.com/research/ibd-stock-of-the-day/shopify-stock-offers-new-entry-amid-expected-715-percent-profit-growth/

It encapsulates one of the key principles of Zen Buddhism. Zen often aims to express the inexpressible, to point towards the fundamental reality that is beyond words and concepts. It is about the direct experience of what is referred to as suchness or thusness, the immediate reality as it is.
This is often done through practices like zazen (sitting meditation), koan study (paradoxical riddles or statements), and mindfulness in daily life. These practices help to cultivate a mind that is clear, open, and free of preconceptions, allowing for a direct encounter with reality.
The Zen approach values direct experience over theoretical knowledge. It suggests that words and explanations can be more of a hindrance than a help on the path towards enlightenment, because they can lead to intellectualization and abstraction, away from the immediate, concrete reality. This is where the famous Zen saying comes from: "If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him." The "Buddha" in this saying represents the concept of the Buddha, any preconceived notions or images, rather than the actual experience of enlightenment.
That's why Zen masters often use unconventional methods, like shouting, hitting, or sudden actions, to startle their students into awareness, to cut through their discursive thinking and allow them to directly perceive the suchness of reality.

If you’re in any way exposed to real estate, whether because you’re looking to get in the market, curious about interest rates, or bombarded with BlogTO headlines, you’ve probably heard the terms “pre-qualification”, “pre-approval”, and “rate hold”.
A “pre-qualification” is a rough estimate of how much mortgage you could qualify for based on values you provide, including income, debts, and down payment. The calculation will also use a pre-determined set of shelter costs based on location (taxes, heating, and condo fees). This is a step up from the “income x4 or x5” rule of thumb, however there is no verification of the information you’ve provided. In other words, it takes what you provide at face-value and it’s not underwritten in any way. You can often get pre-qualified on your bank’s website, RateHub, Wowa, or even your broker’s calculator app, but you will always be prompted to get in touch with someone, or they will take your contact info and get in touch with you for the next step.
A “pre-approval” takes it one step further by requiring you to submit supporting documentation. These documents may include a letter of employment, paystubs, previous years’ T4s, bank statements to source down payment funds, and it will often require a credit check for a more accurate breakdown of your liabilities (Equifax or Transunion). This makes your application “underwritten” — meaning someone has taken the time to cross-reference the information on your application and your documents; and there’s a higher chance of getting approved once you have a firm offer.
This type of underwriting uses the most current rates available to determine your affordability at a-point-in-time, but unless the pre-approval application has been submitted and approved by a lender, your mortgage qualification may vary because it doesn’t include a “rate hold.” If interest rates rise, your qualification will be subject to a higher interest rate, which may result in lower affordability.
Most lenders offer “rate holds” (90-120 days for purchases and renewals; 60-90 days for refinances), but not every lender offers pre-approvals. In the mortgage world, most lenders will hold your rate while your application is live to give you enough time to close, but only a handful of lenders will offer a rate hold without a subject property.
Many lenders in the broker channel offer promotional rates that are available on live deals only, or for quick closes. This is often the case for “lowest interest rate” searches — the rates do exist but may not be available for a rate hold unless you submit a full application and your purchase agreement.
There are also lenders who offer pre-approvals and rate holds but add a premium to their posted rate (usually 10-25 bps).
Some lenders only offer pre-approvals on 5-yr terms, while most banks will offer them for any term.
Most bank branches can issue pre-approvals with a rate hold without upfront documents, but they often include conditions that protect their interest, so don’t be surprised if they choose not to honour the rate if your income, credit or down payment looks different once your deal goes live.
Most realtors insist on getting pre-approved before home shopping to increase your chances of securing financing, but it’s definitely not a requirement.
Most brokers also insist on getting you “pre-approved” so you know what you can afford, but also because having a pre-approval with them increases their chances of keeping you as a client when you’re ready to buy.
Finally, when you get a pre-approval, you’re not required to submit your financing application with that same lender. So you CAN have more than one pre-approval with different financial institutions and/or brokers.

I need really good codm players.
Requirements: highest rank ever achieved in multiplayer is master or above and highest rank ever achieved in battle royale is grandmaster and above(because br is full of bots). And no I'm not that good of a player ni vile mi si mnyonge.
Strategy. Keeping distance and playing from cover in Br. Know when to pick fights or run away. I know I said play from cover and stuff but at least know gunfights in such situations. Mine is that my settings are always hipfire for close range encounters.
People should know that the only way to rank up fast in BR is by staying alive and reaching top 5. More kills is just a waste of time tbh. Just stay alive and know how to defend yourself if caught.
Need someone who WON'T BREAK OFF and land on the opposite side of the map only to get knocked and start spamming the revive button. We will leave you there to rot😂.
Lastly don't run into things all of the time. The biggest disadvantage is running in the OPEN. Never do that, instead make your enemy do that so that as they are running in the open and you can kill them from cover.
I need a shotgun / sniper abuser who can carry the team if things go mulama since they're the most dangerous.
Keep your sensitivity high and stop being a bot.
We are mostly playing BR the mp rank proves your a really good player. I haven't finished downloading ranked maps but can play non ranked.
No mic required. I'm silent.
Don't take the game seriously. Just for fun and revenge ☺️.

*Please refer elsewhere if not allowed* This more of a general cycle question. Does the period restart the potential of pregnancy? Or, if I have sex the day before the period comes, does it mean there is no pregnancy or could it stick around until the next period?
The reason I'm asking is because I have become increasingly aware of my alcohol consumption. Basically, if I have a period, from that point to the next time I have sex, I can drink alcohol. Am I right in this? I just don't want to make any mistakes.

I know this post is at risk of getting downvoted to oblivion but please help a clueless 18 year old figure out what to do with their life.
For context, I just finished high school. I am at a point where I am not quite sure what path I want to follow; I graduated from the "technological orientation" of my high school which includes a programming course (though no "formal" programming languages were used, rather than one called "Pseudoglossa" (pseudolanguage), specifically designed to help students grasp the basic logic behind programming.)
Naturally, I recognize that this alone cannot be considered a determining factor when it comes to deciding whether I want to follow this path or not, but it was my favorite course through high school, and it was also one of my best ones (my teacher has been trying to convince me to pursue IT at university).
Nevertheless, I never really thought about actually going for IT/CS at university, as all programmes I looked into included heavy advanced mathematics and physics, which are courses I have not paid attention to during my education to put it lightly.
However, recently I have been considering looking for alternative ways of entering the industry. Some suggest I should start by learning on my own, however, I don't think I have the necessary concentration to do everything completely on my own (my house is VERY loud for that matter as well which doesn't help).
On the other hand, I believe I would function very well and be very productive and motivated in a more structured learning environment that suits me.
I started getting plenty of ads regarding the "42" coding schools, and after looking for more information, I was fascinated by what they offer and their approach, and believe they would be a good starting point for me. However, part of me feels this could be "too good to be true".
I do recognize that they do not replace the value of getting a university degree from an accredited institution, but considering that I am looking for an alternative; is it a viable way of launching myself into the industry?
There is no school in my country (Greece), so I would need to move to a different one (I am an EU citizen, so visa is not an issue, and there is some money set aside for me to support myself financially for the first couple of months at least, perhaps even more if I choose a more affordable city). I am considering Málaga in Spain, because I have a very high level of Spanish and rent is generally cheaper compared to other European cities where the school has campuses, but I'm also looking into other cities in Spain/France (I also speak French, but not as well as I speak Spanish; Quebec could also be an option as I am eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent).
(For that matter though, is it better to pick a school in a location I would like to work at afterwards, or can I always start it somewhere and work elsewhere later on?)
So what I am thinking about at the moment is applying, see if they select me for the "piscine", if that's the case go there for the duration of it this summer, and after if I like the environment and they accept me, stay there.
Maybe someone who went through, is attending or is considering going to one of the schools can share their thoughts?
If you would recommend against me doing it, do you have any other alternative to suggest or should I just follow a different path?
Thank you!

Sword of Damocles
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My Email:
Wed, Jun 14, 2017, 11:57 AM
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I feel like the Sword of Damocles is hanging over my head.
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No matter how good life gets, I feel there is always impending doom "hanging above me".
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Although the psych meds keep me well, I feel I'm going to get brain cancer from them.
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I've been exercising in the sun for years, I fear skin cancer will kill me.
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Although Cabergoline helps with sexual function, I fear prostate / testicular cancer.
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Even my delusions follow suit, thinking I acquired HIV/AIDS from sexual abuse. Or that I'm going to jail (the abusers told me that to intimidate me).
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Although it'd be great to have sex with a woman, I fear my penis won't erect and will look tiny - and I'll feel humiliated.
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I likely get this from my Mother who’s always catastrophizing. Much like her, I’ve experienced a lot of tragedy.
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Dr. Garrett's Reply:
Wed, Jun 14, 2017, 12:03 PM
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Andrew
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There is no evidence that they medication you are taking causes brain cancer. You are right that you are "catastrophizing" in this respect. Another psychological name for what you are experiencing is "hypochondriais" in which fears become focused on the body.
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Dr G
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Damage
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My Email:
Fri, Jun 16, 2017, 3:51 PM
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From late 2005 - 2011: I EXCESSIVELY exercised every day.
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I usually ran 14 miles, then walked for hours on top of that. And I barely ate.
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I'm surprised I didn't die!
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Could the lack of nutrition, oxygen, abnormal heartbeat, (or something like that), have caused brain damage?
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Because I started getting the sexual abuse delusions after punishing my body for years.
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Most people dismiss me as exaggerating when I tell them how much I was doing. I'm not! It was almost beyond comprehension.
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I'm amazed I have no severe damage from that.
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Dr. Coplan's Reply:
Fri, Jun 16, 2017, 4:00 PM
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You were doing some severe exercise. Your body can handle that although it was quite bizarre. And pretty much gone.
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Dr. Garrett's Reply:
Fri, Jun 16, 2017, 5:57 PM
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If anything your exercise strengthened your health.
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Train Station Starbucks
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My Email:
Wed, Jun 28, 2017, 6:11 PM
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I bought a Starbucks latte from the Atlantic Terminal train station. As we all know, Brooklyn’s unclean, and I think I swallowed a hair that was in my drink. Can I get an STD or something?
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Dr. Garrett's Reply:
Wed, Jun 28, 2017, 9:36 PM
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In a word, no.

It's cold. But when it's winter it must be cold. And that's the problem. You either have to pay for heat or get tired with getting coal or wood, starting the fire and checking it doesn't spread. Going out is a torture. You have to put in a dozen layers of clothes. Underwear, pants, short-sleeved shirt, long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, boots, neck warmer, hat, gloves. To go out to a shop that is on the ground level or just around the corner, you need all this wearing and getting tired. Winter clothes are heavy, limit motions, sometimes even visibility, and are hard to put on and put off. So buying those is hard and even if you do, then they're hard to walk in. Summer and spring don't have those problems, because you can put on clothes for outdoors and indoors, just change boots and you're alright.
And winter is such a great time to get sick. And the worst thing is having a stuffed nose and have to breathe with your mouth, with this cold air. Throat damage guaranteed, plus this pain in the face from the cold air blowing in your direction. Summer and spring don't have such problems. And winter has the highest amount of deaths of all the seasons. I literally got a frostbite because I touched snow with my bare hands because I didn't have gloves on them. And if you're healthy and put on the clothes, there's another problem.
Getting around. Most of us are rich and have a car and can drive wherever they want. But if you can't, you have to use public transit. I don't have anything about just using it or the fact of the existence of public transit, but the quality of those in Poland, where I live, leaves much to be desired. You have to wait, in cold. In a city this isn't a problem as big as in the rural areas where buses function. These are often coming only in early mornings and in early afternoon, but even if they come more often, they often are late. And no matter the location, you often have to stand, and even if you find a seat, you can sometimes smell people who don't shower very often. Trams, trains, metros and buses are often heated, like most indoor places, we'll get to that later, and people coming there in winter are usually in jackets and sweat in those vehicles, especially considering how crowded they often get and how warm those crowded people are. You'll sweat like a construction worker after 8 hours of work during a heatwave. And driving doesn't save you from the effects of winter. You have to scrape snow from your car, the engine can not start or the visibility is low and roads are blocked or icy, you can skid easily and crash into another car, a pedestrian, a pole or a tree. Walking does neither. If snow falls, it's crushed by people walking, melts and freezes again, and or forms ice on the sidewalk. And you can slip on it and either break something or die. Each time I walk on it, I think I'm gonna die. Either i slip on it and land on a spiked fence, I land on the sidewalk and break something, or I land on the street and get run over by a semi truck or a car. If you manage to get to your destination, there's another problem.
All the buildings are heated, so if you're in winter clothes, you're going to sweat like a construction worker after 8 hours of work during a heatwave.
It's dark half the day. You go to work or school, dark, you go back, dark. And the other half it's cloudy and grey. And the whole world dies. No leaves, no grass, no flowers, some animals hibernate, just grey, cloudy skies and white brown combination of snow, soil, water and mud. No sun. Sure, there are Christmas lights but let's face it, they are only to hide the grey and dark.
It's a hard time for students. The semester ends. You have to pass everything. They throw a lot of tests and quizzes at you. You will tire yourself to death.
Winter sports and games. Snowballs. I hate snowballs. Even if the person who throws one is someone I like. Usually, I take it easy, but in my mind, I hate it. Ice skating. I can't do that because the nearest lake or skating rink is too far away to walk. I could afford that, but I would need to wear all those clothes, get on the bus, ask my parents for approval, get back. No way. Skiing. I live in a city surrounded by forests and farm fields. No way. Sledding. Those are easier because I have some hills in my neighborhood, but going out, taking the sled, going back. Nope. Snowman. Going out. No.
And there are, CHRISTMAS IN WINTER. I'm fed up with them. Literally a few days after Halloween and All Saints Day, all the shops and malls are decorated, and Christmas songs are playing on the radio and Christmas commercials on TV. "Last Christmas, I gave you my heart...":“Christmas promotion! Bone carp, only 21.37 per package or a withered Christmas tree, 69.69 each plus delivery for 3.21. Holidays for Christmas, Old Zealand, 666.66 both ways. Christmas loans, only in Pierogi Bank Polski." Don't take Christmas loans, that's the stupidest thing you can do in that time of the year. They're still up everywhere, wherever I go, whatever I look at. Until the day finally arrives, December 24, when you are completely fed up with it. And it's not like I hate Christmas. Christmas in their current shape and theme are asking for dislike. You want to get up, leave, and come back when all this madness is over. But it's nice that we have time off and we get presents and meet our family. In the summer we have more free time, and on birthdays and name days we also get gifts and meet our family. But always something. And then there's another holiday.
New Year's Eve and New Year, when humans celebrate Earth going around the Sun once again, while nothing besides it happens in nature and humanity on those two days. You can do whatever you want on that day, and in my case, it'll be sitting on the couch in pajamas, watching TV and eating some unhealthy snacks like chips. Most people will spend it partying with friends and family and doing stuff together. And then, they will count from 10 to 1 like if a rocket was starting, and then fireworks explore, and dogs are scared. Afterwards, people will start to go home. And then you can't sleep the whole night because some idiots have too much fireworks and firecrackers, which is also a problem the whole winter.

I know this post is at risk of getting downvoted to oblivion but please help a clueless 18 year old figure out what to do with their life.
For context, I just finished high school. I am at a point where I am not quite sure what path I want to follow; I graduated from the "technological orientation" of my high school which includes a programming course (though no "formal" programming languages were used, rather than one called "Pseudoglossa" (pseudolanguage), specifically designed to help students grasp the basic logic behind programming.)
Naturally, I recognize that this alone cannot be considered a determining factor when it comes to deciding whether I want to follow this path or not, but it was my favorite course through high school, and it was also one of my best ones (my teacher has been trying to convince me to pursue IT at university).
Nevertheless, I never really thought about actually going for IT/CS at university, as all programmes I looked into included heavy advanced mathematics and physics, which are courses I have not paid attention to during my education to put it lightly.
However, recently I have been considering looking for alternative ways of entering the industry. Some suggest I should start by learning on my own, however, I don't think I have the necessary concentration to do everything completely on my own (my house is VERY loud for that matter as well which doesn't help).
On the other hand, I believe I would function very well and be very productive and motivated in a more structured learning environment that suits me.
I started getting plenty of ads regarding the "42" coding schools, and after looking for more information, I was fascinated by what they offer and their approach, and believe they would be a good starting point for me. However, part of me feels this could be "too good to be true".
I do recognize that they do not replace the value of getting a university degree from an accredited institution, but considering that I am looking for an alternative; is it a viable way of launching myself into the industry?
There is no school in my country (Greece), so I would need to move to a different one (I am an EU citizen, so visa is not an issue, and there is some money set aside for me to support myself financially for the first couple of months at least, perhaps even more if I choose a more affordable city). I am considering Málaga in Spain, because I have a very high level of Spanish and rent is generally cheaper compared to other European cities where the school has campuses, but I'm also looking into other cities in Spain/France (I also speak French, but not as well as I speak Spanish; Quebec could also be an option as I am eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent).
(For that matter though, is it better to pick a school in a location I would like to work at afterwards, or can I always start it somewhere and work elsewhere later on?)
So what I am thinking about at the moment is: apply, see if they select me for the "piscine", if that's the case go there for the duration of it this summer, and after if I like the environment and they accept me, stay there.
Maybe someone who went through, is attending or is considering going to one of the schools can share their thoughts?
If you would recommend against me doing it, do you have any other alternative to suggest or should I just follow a different path?
Thank you!

this is gonna be a rant on the absolutely asinine absurdity that is how schools teach H2 biology because my god, is the way the notes and tutorials are designed astonishingly APPALLING and ABYSMAL
so let me start off by talking about how convoluted EVERY SINGLE SET OF NOTES is. i understand that biology teachers — they're no expert in writing, textual organisation, or grammar; they're meant to teach us biology. well here's the thing: LECTURES ARE BORING AS HELL. i've fallen asleep in every single lecture since the second week of school. maybe that's just me, but that's besides the point. the point is, because i can't learn during lectures, i have to study all by myself, reading all the content all over again whilst doing my tutorials, which normally would be fine, because that's what i've been doing since secondary 3, but now, because marshall cavendish has ABANDONED ME, i have to rely entire on the DREADFUL set of notes that had been given to me i had to PURCHASE with MY MONEY — notes that are organised so terribly to the point where it reaches pure nonsensicality
WHY ARE YOU REPEATING POINTS IN DIFFERENT SECTIONS? WHY IS EVERYTHING SO DISJOINTED? WHY IS ALL THE INFORMATION SO DISCONTONIOUS???
i can't read ANY OF THIS. it's so DRY and SOUL-SUCKING; i can't even pay attention to what i'm READING. not only is everything completely disorganised, it is generally incoherent. i may just be pedantic, but how are you telling me that the set of notes that has been continuously used throughout GENERATIONS of students still has ELEMENTARY GRAMMATICAL MISTAKES?? you are a teacher, NOT A PRIMARY SCHOOL DROPOUT. HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO USE AN ADVERB TO DESCRIBE A NOUN??? AND HOW DID MICROSOFT WORD NOT CORRECT IT??? it takes an EXPERT level of incompetence to FAIL to concoct a grammatically coherent sentence even with an autocorrect feature that will literally NOT stop pestering you over a something as insignificant as a discrepancy in spelling due to differing locales of english
anyways, i'd even go on as to say that the whole set of notes is just generally INCOHERENT. maybe i'm the problem for not being able to comprehend vast amounts of jargon-loaded information that's under a chapter of a jam-packed syllabus, with which i have NO familiarity, all organised in bullet point form in a chronologically discontinuous mess of a ceaseless bombardment of information; or maybe, just maybe, STEM PEOPLE CAN'T WRITE
as i struggle painstakingly to answer the tutorial questions using the enigmatic sheets of perplexity (i.e. my membrane lecture notes), i see a glowing beacon of light, beaming through the screen of my phone via google classroom
the answer key.
the panacea; a promise of hope that guides with certainty; the cure to doubt and confusion; "i'm finally being saved," i thought
i was wrong
as it turns out, the answer key is just as confusing, if not WORSE than the notes. contradictory information, inconsistent terminology/explanations, irrelevant examples, and sometimes just straight up FAKE NEWS. they literally copy from the notes, BUT WRONG???
the essay examples from tutorial to tutorial range from being superfluous, to being BARELY sufficient, touching excessively on point point whilst barely convering another (what's so special about carrier proteins???)
i understand that to some extent i am at fault here — for not paying attention during lectures, for not clarifying my doubts in time during tutorials, etc. but at the same time, the notes could be less SHIT, my tutors could be more PRESENT (we had THREE changes of teachers this year and the latest one LEFT before the holidays so i literally have to EMAIL random teachers to get solid answers to my inquiries like a DESPERATE AIMLESS NOMAD)
i rewatch recorded lectures and STARE at my notes (braindead), make notes, copy the same thing over and over again, yet NOTHING goes in. i might actually just have a brain issue? idk, but at this current juncture, i choose to blame my notes and tutorials. i never had this problem with a textbook (during o levels), nor when doing the TYS (a or o levels), because the textbook, however tacky, was engaging, and because the TYS answers, while unreliable, are understandable. plus the official a level questions don't have HOLES in their LOGIC
i just miss my fat juicy marshall cavendish textbooks that i had to carry in my already heavy-ass backpack. i miss the colourful brain-stimulating pages. these dry and monochrome school notes will one day give me an aneurysm, and that will be evident when my body is discovered laying on the floor, with my hands clutching a set of my H2 bio notes. marshall cavendish PLEASEEEEE write ONE, JUST ONE gce a level bio textbook

IMO, affairs work well when we “stay in the moment.” I think most here would agree. Then, planning a meet, it’s necessary to look into the future. But then we’re faced with choosing to look at that future as a hoped-for one or an expected one. It’s been said that “expectations breed resentment.” And some here have said that delineating between hope and expectation is semantics.
To that, I say “poppycock!”
For fun (90% fun and 10% desire-to-exonerate-myself), I asked ChatGPT, “Is hope the same as expectation?”
This was its reply:
“Hope and expectation share some similarities but are not exactly the same.
“Hope typically refers to a positive emotional state or optimistic desire for a certain outcome or situation. It involves a sense of possibility and anticipation, often accompanied by positive feelings and a belief that something desired can happen.
“Expectation, on the other hand, tends to involve a stronger sense of certainty or anticipation based on assumptions or previous experiences. Expectations are often tied to specific outcomes or behaviors and may be accompanied by a sense of entitlement or a belief that something is likely or should happen.
“While both hope and expectation involve looking forward to something, hope is generally more open-ended and flexible, allowing for possibilities and positive anticipation without rigid assumptions or requirements. Expectations, on the other hand, can be more rigid and demanding, often involving specific criteria or predetermined outcomes.
“In summary, hope is a broader and more optimistic emotional state, whereas expectation tends to involve specific assumptions or requirements for a desired outcome.”
Most of us experience our affairs as emotional states as much as physical excursions.
The advice I give myself is: Hope (verb) in them but do not expect anything from them, and you will lessen your chance of heartbreak.

What will you be doing with this PC? Be as specific as possible, and include specific games or programs you will be using.

Id be playing all day while streaming, I play games like Valorant, Modded Minecraft, Roblox and other games. Id do some light editing just for school and stuff.

What is your maximum budget before rebates/shipping/taxes?

My max is around 360$(20kPhp) its okay if the build you recommended to me is a little over, just not too much.

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

Probably next week.

What, exactly, do you need included in the budget? (ToweOS/monitokeyboard/mouse/etc)

I only need a a case

Which country (and state/province) will you be purchasing the parts in? If you're in US, do you have access to a Microcenter location?

Philippines Cebu

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

A logitech mouse a Royal kludge keyboard and any headphones.

Will you be overclocking? If yes, are you interested in overclocking right away, or down the line? CPU and/or GPU?

I dont know anything about overclocking but since im only be using a cpu with integrated graphics, probably I guess.

Are there any specific features or items you want/need in the build? (ex: SSD, large amount of storage or a RAID setup, CUDA or OpenCL support, etc)

A Ryzen 5 5600g is what i want in my build.

Do you have any specific case preferences (Size like ITX/microATX/mid-towefull-tower, styles, colors, window or not, LED lighting, etc), or a particular color theme preference for the components?

Nope, but a Black theme color would be nice

Do you need a copy of Windows included in the budget? If you do need one included, do you have a preference?

No
Could you guys also recommend me some fans not included in my budget btw. Just some good cheap fans and a stock cooler :).

Music is a very interesting topic in the self-improvement genre; many people swear by it, whereas others are completely opposed to it. In the post, the Reformli team breaks down both sides of the argument for you to form your own opinion!
Number 1: Music as a motivator
Music has the ability to influence our thought patterns and our spiritual fluidity. When we are in certain situations where extra motivation via a cognitive boost is required, music offers us this extra energy by detaching part of our mind from its current physical state and relocating it to a place where that music attends to it! For example, when we are competing in sports and many of us are in a situation where we can potentially lose, we listen to music that somewhat relates to success. This lets us envision the glory of victory prior to actually achieving it! Allowing us to push that one step further!
The only issue here is that music can only act as a motivator in autonomous tasks where little attention to detail is required or in something that you are proficient in, for the following reasons: When we listen to music, we fundamentally become part of it, linking our soul and cognition to whatever the music is trying to portray, so it can strip you of your soul's personal identity, but this is not always the case for some people.
Number 2: Music as a force of stagnancy
I explained above how music can force us to become part of its essence and its proposed destination; therefore, if we attach our cognitive drivers to music designed to put us in our 'feels' or have us linger on the past, then we run the risk of staying there for too long or slowing our healing down! I understand that sometimes people can use these safe havens that the music creates as a potential respite from their current situation, as it allows them to essentially not be lonely, but please remember that your healing comes first!
Conclusion: There are both positives and negatives. Personally, I will only use music in low-level autonomous tasks like the gym, as I like my mind to be clear and unaltered from external influences, but like I said, what works for me may not work for you!
This is all for now! Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed reading, please upvote.
Team Reformli!

(I have only one more UFO incident for my Chinese mystery series after this one and it's back to the murders and disappearances. At least until I run out of those)
On June 23, 1990, at 3:00 AM many people across China's Henan province in Shishou, Baofeng Changge, Zhengzhou, Qinyang, Zhumadian and Luoyang all reported seeing what they thought was a row of orange and green lights in the sky. For these locales, the story ended there. But in the city of Kaifeng, the story was only beginning.
On that day only a few minutes later at 3:02 AM Xu Xiaojin. Was sleeping on the roof of a local police station due to the heat inside when he heard a loud thundering sound and saw a fire ball streak across the sky despite daylight having broke. Xu was not alone, however, most of the locals couldn't sleep due to the hot weather and instead went outside where many others witnessed the object and heard the sounds. The sky and weather were clear so even before they saw the object they were confused by just the sound of thunder alone.
Xu continued watching the fireball until something separated from it creating a small streak of light that plummeted to the ground and made a crashing noise. As the object detached over and crashed into a populated area. Xu immediately alerted all the officers under his command (who heard the sound but didn't see the object) about the incident and started a massive search effort for the object that had plummeted to the ground.
The police went door to door questioning each resident about the fireball and were soon pointed in the right direction. The object was found in the courtyard of No. 24 Zhuanqiao Street in Kaifeng. The home was owned by Xing Zhijun who alongside his brother Xing Zhixiang, witnessed the object crash onto his property. According to Xing it all from high in the sky at a fast speed before colliding with a toon tree. The object destroyed many of the tree's branches and then collided with Xing's bicycle fast enough to bend the steel frame. Luckily no one was hurt (It only barely missed Xing Zhixiang) and property damage was limited only to Xing's bicycle (handlebars and frame). The object the fragment fell from was never located and no other "crashes" were reported. The flying object was estimated to be 10 to 20 meters long and 3 to 4 meters wide. It was in a slanted upward posture at first, then turned slanted downward, and finally disappeared horizontally to the northeast. The sighting lasted only 30 seconds. The lights reported in Shishou, Baofeng Changge, Zhengzhou, Qinyang, Zhumadian and Luoyang were later determined to be the same object seen in Kaifeng and was thus moving at a fast speed transversing the entire province in 2-3 minutes
The police located the object underneath the bicycle and some branches. The object was unexpectedly cold which took the investigators by surprise since they were expecting the fragment to be at a high temperature. The fragment was 50 centimetres long and 8-11 centimetres wide with a spine two or three centimetres thick in the middle, thin edges on both sides and weighed 6-7 kg and was in the shape of a tile. The police brought the fragment back to the police station and took several photographs of it (These are not the pictures taken in 1990).
The story broke and became public on June 24 and Zhang Weimin a junior student in the Chemistry Department of Henan University and a member of the China UFO Research Association heard of the story and immediately set out toward Kaifeng. To ask the police about the object which was still in their possession. The police at first, believed that the fragment belonged to an airplane and contacted civil aviation authorities. They told the police that no planes were flying over the area at that time.
Tests performed on the object determined that it was mostly composed of 89.03% aluminum, 6.84% magnesium, 3.83% silicon, 0.30% zinc, etc. Further tests also showed that it wasn't radioactive. Zhang who was given permission to study the object himself brought it to the Kaifeng Air Force Base and showed it to a mechanic Wang Fuyu. Wang said that the object was likely not a part of an aircraft as it was of a "much better quality" than aircraft parts. According to the Air Force base and Kaifeng Airport's records, no flights occurred during the time of the incident. Russian/Soviet and American records also recorded no flights over the area. Eventually, all leads were exhausted and the investigation stalled.
The story isn't over, however. In 1991, one year after the incident. The trees in the courtyard of No. 24 Zhuanqiao Street where the fragment landed were in poor shape. Not only had the branches not grown back, but the rest of the trees and others that had not been struck by the object were withering and eventually died completely. Xing Zhijun, Xing Zhixiang and other family and neighbours were evacuated from their homes while officials conducted another round of tests and discovered no signs of radiation or danger to the public and were allowed back in their homes.
The trees were not all that were still feeling the effects. In November of 1991, Xing Zhixiang arrived at his job at the Zhengzhou National Cotton No. 5 Factory when he suddenly fell ill and suffered a stroke collapsing at the gate. He was rushed to the Zhengzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine by his co-workers. The doctors who treated him diagnosed him with a cerebral hemorrhage too severe to be treated and that Xing Zhixiang would likely soon pass away
Xing Zhixiang remained in a coma for the next few days until he against all odds made a miraculous recovery and woke up. Xing Zhixiang said that he was conscious and aware when two people over two meters tall, wearing white clothes walked towards him. Xing Zhixiang described the men as aliens based on their skin being grey and their "inhuman eyebrows" He said to the two "aliens" that there was too much he had left to do and couldn't go. The two according to Xing Zhixiang then wordlessly turned around and left with him waking up immediately afterwards. Xing Zhixiang said that the two had likely cured him. Xing Zhixiang was kept in a ward with many other patients and no doctors were in at that time and the other patients said that nobody was at his bed. The doctors dismissed his story as a hallucination while he was unconscious. Although a rational explanation, for many UFOlogist and Chinese netizens this event happening to Xing Zhixiang specifically, the man who found that UFO fragment as well as his trees having not healed was deemed too much a coincidence for some.
From 2003-2006 the incident was revisited and a new investigation started. The fragment was still in possession of the Keifang police in an evidence locker. A new round of tests was performed on the object. It was suggested that the piece was 5A06 alloy which is a common aerospace material. It was suggested that the fragment may have been a part of a rocket, spaceship, satellite or missile but there were no records of any of those being launched in China on June 23, 1990,
The origin of the fragment remains unknown. The story is confirmed real and is officially listed as unexplained by Chinese officials.
The fragment is still in possession of the Keifang police to this day. Other surviving evidence includes Xing Zhixiang's hospital records remaining and in 2016, CCTV made a documentary on the case.
The documentary interviewed several people including officers from the Keifang Public Security Bureau and various local residents of Henan province all of whom stand by their claims of seeing the object. Also interviewed was Zhang Weimin, various scientists and Xing Zhixiang's doctors and nurses.
The case which is known as the Kaifeng UFO fragment incident/The Kaifeng Debris Incident is one of China's 4 main UFO cases officially acknowledged by the Chinese government and officially declared unexplained.
Sources
https://www.gdmeifa.com/ufo/6454.html
https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/393344059
https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1738083031195116418&wfr=spider&for=pc