Metaphor stands out among JRPGs as a game with a just-right length. While its spiritual predecessor Persona 5 overstays its welcome by around 20 hours, Metaphor concludes within 65-70 hours for the main story. This is long by general game standards but ideal for sprawling JRPGs. However, for those like me, once we start playing, it's hard to stop. My final playtime exceeded 100 hours as I pointlessly ground and optimized. It's a lesson I need to learn to move on. Unlock the Sweet Spot of JRPGs with MetaphorJRPGs and the Compulsion to OptimizeWhat I'm describing is primarily a personal issue. I can't live an unoptimized life when the optimized one is within reach. Sometimes this leads to great discoveries, like finding the best multi-ply Japanese cookware set. But other times, it traps us in gameplay sinkholes, making us unable to do anything until we beat a game completely. JRPGs bring out this behavior more than any other subgenre. They often require a significant time investment, like slowly whittling away a few hours each night after work or devouring them in one go during teenage years. These games are filled with secrets that are often not clearly marked, and missing them can be a nightmare. Older JRPGs, in particular, can instill a sense of paranoia.For example, in a classic JRPG, there are often one to four extremely difficult super bosses whose difficulty far surpasses the main boss. There are hidden items and ultimate weapons with elaborate quests that may or may not be useful by the end. Modern open-world games try to imitate this mystique but often fail to capture the essence.The Impact of Persona Games on MePlaying Persona games has been torture for me since Persona 3. The calendared schooldays with their events and quizzes lead to a specific, optimized route with little room for deviation. I can't help but follow a guide while playing these games. It sucks the joy away and turns the experience into homework. But Metaphor is a radical improvement. The developers have removed the strict structure and made it easy to maximize social links without a guide. This alone shows their recognition of the need for a more flexible approach.Even so, I still spent 146 hours on Metaphor, grinding well beyond what was necessary. The game makes it simple to grind weak enemies in dungeons, making the entire process feel like playing an emulator with frameskip. It also makes money less of a concern by making the Merchant Archetype a money printer. But it also has a deep job class system that can be a time sink.Lessons from Past Gaming ExperiencesRemember when we used to buy PC games in Trapezoids? I spent a summer playing Final Fantasy VII for the second time on PC. The first time was on PlayStation, and I returned the rental late. The second time, I focused on leveling up each character to level 99. By the end, I had forgotten why I was doing it. The same thing happened with other games like Final Fantasy Tactics. I would power level jobs and save scum to get certain skills, even if they weren't that good.Games like Chrono Trigger, Live-A-Live, and SaGa Frontier prevent us from falling into this grinding trap. They are shorter games with multiple, selectable characters that can be played in any order. This breaks the linear progression and gives us more freedom.Growing Up and Letting GoMetaphor is a more reasonable game than the ones that used to suck me in. As I approached the end, I started to loosen up. I didn't maximize all my Archetypes but spent some time seeing how hard I could hit the last boss by throwing money at him. I'm older now and thinking about having children. I don't have as much time as I used to. I'm learning to take things easy and be a little less optimized. One day, I hope to play these games normally.

In Marquette, Michigan, a local startup is making significant strides in helping communities access crucial grant money. Syncurrent, a tech startup, is leveraging its AI technology to serve smaller communities better. The AI program aims to assist in finding grants and resources to enhance the livelihoods of these communities. Unlock Funding Opportunities with Syncurrent's AIInitial Steps and Community InterestSyncurrent is currently gauging interest among local communities. The Lac Vieux Desert tribe is one such community that has shown interest in the startup's program. Patrick Garrison, the LVD Treasurer, emphasized the importance of tribal communities in providing vital resources and local employment opportunities. He stated that when there is economic development, it leads to better services and keeps dollars within the local area. Majority of the employees in these tribal communities are non-native as well.Interested communities have until December 11 to reach out to Syncurrent. This provides an opportunity for more communities to benefit from the startup's efforts.The Role of AI in Grant FindingSyncurrent's AI technology plays a crucial role in helping communities access grant money. As Syncurrent CEO Dhruv C. Patel explained, these funding opportunities can be used for various purposes such as infrastructure, roads, highways, public utilities, and education. The AI program enables communities to identify these pockets of funding and gain a better understanding of how to pursue them. With the right education and resources, communities can now know exactly what to do and how to make the most of these funding opportunities.For example, a small rural community might have been unaware of certain grant programs available to them. With Syncurrent's AI, they can quickly identify relevant grants and start the process of applying for them. This not only helps in improving the community's infrastructure and services but also provides a boost to the local economy.The Significance of USDA FundingThe USDA's grant of $100,000 to Syncurrent is a significant milestone. As Patel mentioned, it marks federal support for both rural and tribal communities as well as AI efforts in general related to government technology. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative, highlighting the importance of leveraging technology to support local communities.The funding will enable Syncurrent to expand its operations and reach more communities. It provides the necessary resources to develop and improve the pilot AI program, making it more accessible and effective for communities in need. With this support, Syncurrent is poised to make a lasting impact on local communities across the region.

Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, has seen a significant increase in usage among children. According to one estimate, nearly one in five school-aged kids are taking it to fall asleep. However, a recent study by the Food and Drug Administration has uncovered some alarming facts. Many products marketed for kids contain much higher levels of melatonin than indicated on their packaging. This raises serious questions about the safety and efficacy of these supplements. Uncover the Truth About Melatonin for Kids' SleepWhat is Melatonin?Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that signals to the brain that it's time to sleep. It is secreted by the pineal gland in higher amounts when it's dark outside and decreases as the light increases. In addition to its natural form, melatonin is also available as a sleep aid in various forms such as tablets, capsules, liquid, and gummies. As a supplement, melatonin is largely unregulated by the FDA, which means there is no guarantee of its effectiveness or safety. 1: The lack of FDA regulation allows for a wide range of melatonin products on the market with varying dosages. This can lead to confusion and potential risks for children. Parents need to be aware of the different forms and dosages available to make informed decisions about their child's sleep. 2: The natural production of melatonin in the body is a complex process that is influenced by factors such as light exposure and age. Understanding how melatonin works and its role in sleep can help parents better understand the importance of maintaining a healthy sleep routine for their children.The FDA StudyIn 2023, the FDA conducted a study to assess the melatonin content in products marketed for kids. Researchers purchased melatonin products from various retailers and tested them to determine the actual amount of melatonin present. The findings were eye-opening. Only half of the products contained the amount of melatonin suggested by the package, and two items had no melatonin at all. Some products even contained significantly higher levels than advertised, with one sample having a staggering 667% of the listed dosage. 1: The wide variability in melatonin dosage across products highlights the need for stricter regulations and standard testing. Parents need to be cautious when choosing melatonin products for their children and ensure that they are getting the correct dosage. 2: The FDA's study serves as a wake-up call for the supplement industry and highlights the importance of accurate labeling. Without proper regulation, consumers are at risk of using products that may not be safe or effective.Expert AdviceExperts advise parents to approach melatonin use with caution. It is best to consult a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional before giving melatonin to a child. If parents do decide to use melatonin, it should be used only as a short-term aid for specific sleep disorders and under pediatric guidance. 1: Long-term use of melatonin in children is not well-studied, and there is not enough information to ensure its safety. Parents should be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with melatonin use and use it only when necessary. 2: In addition to using melatonin, establishing good sleep hygiene is crucial for helping children fall asleep faster. This includes creating a cool and dark sleep environment, avoiding naps during the day, and having a consistent bedtime routine.Choosing Melatonin ProductsParents interested in using melatonin for their kids should choose products from reputable and independently tested companies. A seal from third-party companies such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia and Consumerlab.com indicates that the supplement has been tested for identity and purity. 1: While there may be trusted brands, it's important to remember that even these brands cannot guarantee the exact amount of melatonin in their products. Parents need to be vigilant and read labels carefully. 2: Choosing the right melatonin product can make a big difference in a child's sleep. By selecting a reputable product, parents can help ensure that their child is getting the right dosage and the highest quality supplement.Monitoring for Side EffectsWhen using melatonin as a sleep aid, it's important to monitor for signs of too much melatonin. Short-term side effects may include headaches, dizziness, and irritability. If these symptoms occur, parents should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. 1: Parents need to be aware of the potential side effects of melatonin and be prepared to address them if they arise. Regular monitoring can help ensure that melatonin is being used safely and effectively. 2: In addition to monitoring for side effects, parents should also pay attention to their child's overall sleep patterns and behavior. If melatonin is not helping or if there are concerns about sleep, it may be necessary to seek further medical advice.