Is hydroco apap 5-500 stronger than darvocet
AMD T14s gen 2 vs T14 g4
2024.05.15 11:24 robbielanta AMD T14s gen 2 vs T14 g4
Hey guys,
I started browsing the used market in Italy and for my budget I'm on track for a T14 AMD. I'm just torned between two options, T14s gen 2 and T14 gen4.
Pros and cons of T14s gen2: - Screen is 500 nits + Stronger and sleeker case. + Octacore processor. Ryzen 7 pro 5850u + 32 gb RAM - RAM is DDR4
Pros and cons of T14 gen 4: +- newer processor, 6 cores though. Ryzen pro 5 7540u + Faster ram: 16Gb LPDDR5X a 6400MHz - screen is 300 nits.
Other than my daily driver usage, I mostly use PCs for audio processing. I'm.wondering in my case if it's more important RAM speed or ammount.
What would you recommend? They're essentially at the same price.
submitted by robbielanta to thinkpad [link] [comments]
I started browsing the used market in Italy and for my budget I'm on track for a T14 AMD. I'm just torned between two options, T14s gen 2 and T14 gen4.
Pros and cons of T14s gen2: - Screen is 500 nits + Stronger and sleeker case. + Octacore processor. Ryzen 7 pro 5850u + 32 gb RAM - RAM is DDR4
Pros and cons of T14 gen 4: +- newer processor, 6 cores though. Ryzen pro 5 7540u + Faster ram: 16Gb LPDDR5X a 6400MHz - screen is 300 nits.
Other than my daily driver usage, I mostly use PCs for audio processing. I'm.wondering in my case if it's more important RAM speed or ammount.
What would you recommend? They're essentially at the same price.
2024.05.15 05:30 delibirdguy Top 500 Songs Ever (Subjective)
Over the course of the past few months I have been working on compiling a list of my 500 favorite songs. It was sort of challenge that I gave myself and I'm super pumped with how it turned out. There were a few rules (only 5 songs per artist being the big rule, among a few others), and here's the list I came up with. Thought it was fun, so wanted to share here and see if it might spark any discussion about song placement, lack of songs/artists, or see if anyone had any similar lists. All thoughts are welcome! (and if you don't care to comb through all 500 songs for your favorite song or artist I'm more than happy to help you track 'em down)
submitted by delibirdguy to Music [link] [comments]
- Trash Panda - Aging out of the 20th Century
- Djo - Roddy
- The Beatles - Don't Let Me Down
- Snail Mail - Heat Wave
- Phoebe Bridgers - Savior Complex
- Joji - SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK
- The Shins - The Fear
- Talking Heads - This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)
- The Cranberries - Linger
- Post Animal - Ralphie
- Hop Along - Not Abel
- The Beach Boys - Heroes And Villains
- Electric Light Orchestra - Livin' Thing
- The Monkees - As We Go Along
- Blondie - Heart Of Glass
- The Strokes - Oblivius
- Chet Baker - It's Always You
- The Beatles - Rain
- Electric Light Orchestra - Telephone Line
- Husbands - Must Be a Cop
- Faces - Ooh La La
- The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize??
- Frank Ocean - Nights
- Harry James - It's Been a Long, Long Time
- The Turtles - Happy Together
- Etta James - At Last
- The Zombies - The Way I Feel Inside
- The Beatles - Here, There And Everywhere
- The Beach Boys - God Only Knows
- Kanye West - Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1
- Briston Maroney - Sinkin'
- John Lennon - Oh My Love
- Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass - Ladyfingers
- Squirrel Flower - Headlights
- The Backseat Lovers - Maple Syrup
- The B-52's - Rock Lobster
- George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
- Snail Mail - Ben Franklin
- Laura Elliott - Grass Stains
- Djo - Chateau (Feel Alright)
- Tame Impala - Eventually
- The Backseat Lovers - Snowbank Blues
- Claude Debussy - Clair de Lune
- The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
- Talking Heads - Thank You for Sending Me an Angel
- The Zombies - Time of the Season
- The War On Drugs - Nothing to Find
- Queen - Brighton Rock
- The Dream Academy - Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want
- The B-52's - Strobe Light
- The Cranberries - Dreams
- Fugees - Killing Me Softly With His Song
- Molchat Doma - Тоска
- Tyler, The Creator - ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?
- The Mamas & The Papas - Dream A Little Dream Of Me
- The Chords - Sh-Boom
- The Beatles - The Abbey Road Medley
- The Ronettes - Be My Baby
- The Who - Baba O'Riley
- Dr. Dog - Where'd All the Time Go?
- M83 - My Tears Are Becoming A Sea
- Billie Eilish - everything i wanted
- Outkast - Hey Ya!
- Nat King Cole - Orange Colored Sky
- The Notorious B.I.G. - Hypnotize
- Four Tops - Reach Out I'll Be There
- Foreign Air - Shut Up and Show Me
- Leonard Cohen - So Long, Marianne
- dodie - If I'm Being Honest
- Briston Maroney - June
- Post Malone - Sunflower
- John Lennon - Isolation
- Buddy Holly & The Crickets - Not Fade Away
- Phoebe Bridgers - I Know The End
- Kanye West - All Falls Down
- Alvvays - Adult Diversion
- John Lennon - Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)
- Clairo - Amoeba
- The Beach Boys - I Know There's An Answer
- Paul McCartney - Let Me Roll It
- Frank Ocean - Ivy
- Radiohead - Motion Picture Soundtrack
- Djo - Mutual Future (Repeat)
- Phoebe Bridgers - Scott Street
- Childish Gambino - Me and Your Mama
- Pink Floyd - Astronomy Domine
- The Pied Pipers - Dream
- The Beach Boys - All I Wanna Do
- Djo - Change
- Второй этаж поражает - Крайности
- Little Richard - Lucille
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Shanghai
- Chet Baker - Deep In A Dream
- The Beatles - It's All Too Much
- Post Animal - Dirtpicker
- The B-52's - Love Shack
- EDEN - foreve/over
- Kanye West - Ultralight Beam
- The Zombies - Going Out Of My Head
- Talking Heads - Found a Job
- Snail Mail - Pristine
- Tom Tom Club - Genius of Love
- Tears For Fears - Everybody Wants To Rule The World
- WILLIS - I Think I Like When It Rains
- Chet Baker - But Not For Me
- Naked Eyes - Always Something There to Remind Me
- Tyler, The Creator - GONE, GONE / THANK YOU
- Djo - Half Life
- Trash Panda - Check Please
- Briston Maroney - Deep Sea Diver
- Beach Fossils - This Year
- Momma - Medicine
- Hop Along - Prior Things
- Talking Heads - Road to Nowhere
- Electric Light Orchestra - Turn to Stone
- Briston Maroney - It's Not My Fault
- Tyler, The Creator - NEW MAGIC WAND
- Snail Mail - Headlock
- Phil Collins - Take Me Home
- Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
- The Beach Boys - Do It Again
- Tame Impala - Breathe Deeper
- Ella Fitzgerald - Misty
- Phoebe Bridgers - Waiting Room
- Kanye West - Runaway
- Daft Punk - Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers)
- Dire Straits - Money for Nothing
- Kendrick Lamar - Alright
- Black Country, New Road - Concorde
- George Harrison - If Not for You
- Harry Styles - Cherry
- Ms. Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing)
- Paul McCartney - Junk
- Wings - Maybe I'm Amazed [Live]
- Talking Heads - Houses in Motion
- Del Water Gap - Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat
- Pixies - Where Is My Mind?
- Queen - Seven Seas Of Rhye
- Paul McCartney - Jet
- Sufjan Stevens - Death with Dignity
- A Flock Of Seagulls - I Ran (So Far Away)
- Tame Impala - Let It Happen
- Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love
- Clairo - Management
- Tommy James & The Shondells - I Think We're Alone Now
- Fergie - Clumsy
- Childish Gambino - This Is America
- Prefab Sprout - The King of Rock 'N' Roll
- Joy Again - Looking Out for You
- Beach House - Space Song
- John Lennon - Mind Games
- The Weeknd - Gasoline
- Weezer - Buddy Holly
- Phoebe Bridgers - Sidelines
- Tame Impala - New Person, Same Old Mistakes
- Lana Del Rey - A&W
- The Dillards - I've Just Seen a Face
- The Doors - Break on Through (To the Other Side)
- Julie London - I'm Glad There Is You
- 2Pac - California Love
- Dean Martin - Everybody Loves Somebody
- Snail Mail - Anytime
- The Strokes - The Adults Are Talking
- Jordana, TV Girl - Better in the Dark
- Juice WRLD - Hide (feat. Seezyn)
- The Wild Reeds - Get Better
- Finom - Mine
- Hop Along - One That Suits Me
- The Killers - Mr. Brightside
- Michael Cera - Clay Pigeons
- Clairo - Bags
- Prince - Let's Go Crazy
- The Zombies - She's Not There
- Blackstreet - No Diggity
- Frank Sinatra - I've Got You Under My Skin
- John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads
- Harry James - I'm Beginning to See The Light
- The Clash - London Calling
- Charles Bradley - Changes
- Buddy Holly - (Ummmm, Oh Yeah) Dearest
- Eagles - Seven Bridges Road [Live]
- Moxie - Honey
- Faces - Stay with Me
- Post Animal - How Do You Feel
- New Order - Age of Consent
- Natalie Imbruglia - Torn
- Lana Del Rey - Doin' Time
- Twin Peaks - Blue Coupe
- Kanye West - Gold Digger
- Fruit Bats - The Bottom of It
- Frank Sinatra - Somethin' Stupid
- Lorde - Perfect Places
- Martha Tilton - Exactly Like You
- King Crimson - 21st Century Schizoid Man
- Glen Campbell - Southern Nights
- Claire Rosinkranz - Frankenstein
- Guillemots - Made-Up Lovesong #43
- Fleetwood Mac - Say You Love Me
- Frankie Valli - Can't Take My Eyes off You
- The Crickets - Don't Ever Change
- Paul Anka - Put Your Head On My Shoulder
- George Harrison - Isn't It a Pity
- Trash Panda - Off
- Super Besse - Holod
- Beyoncé - Hold Up
- Charlie Burg - I Don't Wanna Be Okay Without You
- Eagles - Peaceful Easy Feeling
- Ella Fitzgerald - It's A Lovely Day Today
- PERMSKY KRAY - Дорогой Человек
- The Little Dippers - Forever
- The B-52's - There's a Moon in the Sky (Called the Moon)
- Patti Page - Old Cape Cod
- Daft Punk - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
- The Soggy Bottom Boys - I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow
- Trash Panda - Things Will Never Change
- Hop Along - Well-dressed
- Sixpence None The Richer - Kiss Me
- TV Girl - Daughter of a Cop
- LAUNDRY DAY - Jane
- Tyler, The Creator - EARFQUAKE
- Sigue Sigue Sputnik - Love Missile F1-11
- Joji - Gimme Love
- The Backseat Lovers - Pool House
- The Weeknd - Take My Breath
- Mild High Club - Homage
- Doc Watson - Am I Born to Die?
- Daniel Caesar - Streetcar
- The Kinks - Sunny Afternoon
- John Lennon - #9 Dream
- Tame Impala - Elephant
- Chuck Berry - You Never Can Tell
- Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
- KIDS SEE GHOSTS - 4th Dimension
- Soft Cell - Tainted Love
- The B-52's - Song for a Future Generation
- Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
- Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans
- Billie Eilish - Halley's Comet
- Glenn Miller - In the Mood
- Kid Bloom - Control
- The Cinematic Orchestra - To Build A Home
- Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
- Brenda Lee - If You Love Me (Really Love Me)
- TV Girl - Lovers Rock
- Art Lown - Knew You Well
- Dean Martin - Ain't That A Kick In The Head
- Miniature Tigers - Like or Like Like
- Electric Light Orchestra - Sweet Talkin' Woman
- The Hunts - Ages
- The Cars - Good Times Roll
- Bill Withers - Lovely Day
- Drake - God's Plan
- Kansas - Point of Know Return
- The Neighbourhood - Stargazing
- The Clash - Rock the Casbah
- Hop Along - What the Writer Meant
- Briston Maroney - Under My Skin
- Jack Stauber - Buttercup
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Ya Love
- Ginger Root - Loretta
- Thompson Twins - Hold Me Now
- Frank Ocean - Pyramids
- Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)
- Destroy Boys - I Threw Glass at My Friend's Eyes and Now I'm on Probation
- Mild High Club - Dionysian State
- Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
- Kevin Abstract - Empty
- The Frights - Crust Bucket
- Stealers Wheel - Stuck In The Middle With You
- The Shins - Fighting in a Sack
- fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe)
- Lil Uzi Vert - Money Longer
- Miniature Tigers - Cannibal Queen
- The Doors - Touch Me
- Jean Dawson - Clear Bones
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Catching Smoke
- Molchat Doma - Люди Надоели
- The Go-Go's - Our Lips Are Sealed
- Billie Eilish - ocean eyes
- BOYO - Crown
- The 1975 - Somebody Else
- Husbands - She's a Betty
- Syd Barrett - If It's In You
- Trash Panda - Atlanta Girls
- Frank Ocean - Godspeed
- Alice Phoebe Lou - Glow
- Childish Gambino - Redbone
- New Order - Blue Monday
- Post Animal - Schedule
- Harry Styles - Fine Line
- Harry James - I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You)
- Depeche Mode - Never Let Me Down Again
- Chet Baker - I Fall In Love Too Easily
- The Cranberries - Put Me Down
- John Mayer - Edge of Desire
- George Harrison - All Those Years Ago
- Electric Light Orchestra - The Diary of Horace Wimp
- Alex Clare - Too Close
- Eric B. & Rakim - Know The Ledge
- Peter Frampton - Show Me The Way [Live]
- Simon & Garfunkel - Mrs. Robinson
- Black Eyes - Deformative
- The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody
- Bonny Light Horseman - Deep In Love
- The Walker Brothers - The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore
- Cage The Elephant - Cigarette Daydreams
- Hot Flash Heat Wave - Raindrop
- Clairo - Sofia
- Kendrick Lamar - PRIDE.
- Camille Saint-Saëns - The Swan
- Weezer - Say It Ain't So
- C418 - Sweden
- Lana Del Rey - Let The Light In (feat. Father John Misty)
- The Postal Service - Such Great Heights
- Pickin' On Series - Those to Come
- Lana Del Rey - Grandfather please stand on the shoulders of my father while he's deep-sea fishing (feat. RIOPY)
- John Mayer - Moving On and Getting Over
- Field Medic - POWERFUL LOVE
- Cage The Elephant - Flow
- Joji - Run
- The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again
- Boston - Peace of Mind
- Ben E. King - This Magic Moment
- David Bowie - Starman
- Beastie Boys - Sabotage
- Harry Belafonte - Banana Boat (Day-O)
- Gene Krupa & His Orchestra - Rhumboogie
- The Cardigans - Lovefool
- The Kinks - You Really Got Me
- The Zombies - She's Coming Home
- Michael Jackson - Thriller
- Moxie - Blue Skies
- The Mamas & The Papas - Straight Shooter
- Peter, Paul and Mary - Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
- Green Day - Brain Stew
- Dua Lipa - Levitating (feat. DaBaby)
- The Police - Roxanne
- Britney Spears - Toxic
- Tears For Fears - Head Over Heels
- Rex Orange County - Pluto Projector
- The Strokes - Call It Fate, Call It Karma
- Portugal. The Man - Feel It Still
- The Black Crowes - Twice As Hard
- Ted Nugent - Stranglehold
- fun. - Some Nights
- Wings - Silly Love Songs
- Paramore - Still into You
- Peter Frampton - Baby, I Love Your Way [Live]
- The Monkees - Last Train to Clarksville
- Royel Otis - Oysters In My Pocket
- The Backseat Lovers - Growing/Dying
- Nelly Furtado - Say It Right
- Post Animal - Goggles
- Erik Satie - Gymnopédie No. 1
- Childish Gambino - IV. Sweatpants
- Steely Dan - Dirty Work
- ABBA - Lay All Your Love On Me
- Still Woozy - Goodie Bag
- Arlo Parks - Black Dog
- Goth Babe - Weekend Friend
- George & the Handsomes - Sleepy Beats
- boygenius - 20
- The Mills Brothers - You Always Hurt The One You Love
- Travis Scott - SICKO MODE
- Pinegrove - Need 2
- The Backseat Lovers - Sinking Ship
- Franz Schubert - Ave Maria
- Zac Brown Band - Knee Deep (feat. Jimmy Buffett)
- Justin Timberlake - Mirrors
- Simon & Garfunkel - Cecilia
- The Cranberries - Zombie
- Daniel Caesar - Japanese Denim
- Billie Holiday - Easy Living
- ISLAND - By Your Side
- Phil Collins - Tomorrow Never Knows
- Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A-Changin'
- The Four Freshmen - Day By Day
- Fleetwood Mac - The Chain
- Billy Joel - Big Shot
- Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever
- Yot Club - down bad
- Rihanna - Stay
- Fleetwood Mac - Landslide
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 2: No. 10, Scene. Moderato
- The White Stripes - Fell In Love With a Girl
- Alvvays - Easy On Your Own?
- Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - If We Were Vampires
- Blackway - What's Up Danger (with Black Caviar)
- Albert Hammond - It Never Rains in Southern California
- Matt Maltese - Jupiter
- John Denver - Mother Nature's Son
- Childish Gambino - Sober
- Claire Rosinkranz - Pools and Palm Trees
- The Cars - Just What I Needed
- The Doors - Light My Fire
- Blondie - Tomorrow Never Knows
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Hell's Itch
- The Japanese House - Saw You In A Dream
- Franz Schubert - String Quartet No. 13 in A Minor, Op. 29 No. 1, D. 804
- The Drifters - White Christmas
- The 1975 - Robbers
- George Harrison - Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
- The Frights - Tongues
- Paramore - Ain't It Fun
- Billy Joel - Pressure
- Frank Sinatra - My Way
- Art Lown - Going Back to Carolina
- Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are
- Under The Rug - Lonesome & Mad
- The Mamas & The Papas - Dedicated To The One I Love
- Foster The People - Sit Next to Me
- Weezer - Undone - The Sweater Song
- Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
- Tia Blake - Plastic Jesus
- Los Bravos - Bring a Little Lovin'
- Lady Gaga - Bad Romance
- Minnie Riperton - Les Fleurs
- Billy Idol - Dancing with Myself
- Cody Fry - I Hear a Symphony
- Gringo Sapiens - Driver's Licence
- Vacations - Relax
- Glitter Party - time waits
- Steve Lacy - Bad Habit
- The Crystals - Then He Kissed Me
- The Pied Pipers - Mairzy Doats
- Mitski - Bug Like an Angel
- James Ray - I've Got My Mind Set On You
- Clairo - Bubble Gum
- Masayoshi Takanaka - SEXY DANCE
- Nat King Cole - (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
- Sleigh Bells - Crown On the Ground
- Olivia Rodrigo - favorite crime
- No Doubt - Just A Girl
- Foreigner - Long, Long Way from Home
- Heart - Crazy On You
- The Hunts - Darlin'
- David Bowie - Heroes
- Alice Phoebe Lou - Hammer
- Thee Oh Sees - Toe Cutter - Thumb Buster
- Roar - I Can't Handle Change
- TV Girl - Birds Dont Sing
- Laufey - From The Start
- Chas McDevitt Skiffle Group - Freight Train (feat. Nancy Whiskey)
- Metro Boomin - Am I Dreaming
- Liana Flores - rises the moon
- POP ETC - Speak Up
- Jean Knight - Mr. Big Stuff
- The Platters - Twilight Time
- Derek & The Dominos - Layla
- King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Homeless Man in Adidas
- Charlie Burg - Lovesong (The Way)
- Hot Flash Heat Wave - Gutter Girl
- ABBA - Fernando
- Mitski - My Love Mine All Mine
- Savannah Conley - More Than Fine
- Young the Giant - Mind Over Matter
- Future Crib - Yer Movin'
- Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone
- benches - Violent
- Musical Youth - Pass The Dutchie
- Olivia Rodrigo - vampire
- Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone - City Of Stars
- Maya Hawke - Thérèse
- Current Joys - A Different Age
- Wayne Newton - Danke Schoen
- La Roux - Bulletproof
- Jason Segel, Walter - Man Or Muppet
- U2 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
- The Raconteurs - Steady, As She Goes
- The Ink Spots - Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall
- Ace of Base - The Sign
- Vulfpeck - 1612
- Nordista Freeze - Hey GiGi
- The Chainsmokers - New York City
- Suki Waterhouse - Johanna
- Pete Rodriguez - I Like It Like That
- Calvin Harris - Summer
- The Rare Occasions - Notion
- a-ha - Take on Me
- Rush - Working Man
- Traffic - Dear Mr. Fantasy
- Starbuck - Moonlight Feels Right
- Van Halen - Drop Dead Legs
- The Troggs - Wild Thing
- Led Zeppelin - Good Times Bad Times
- The Byrds - Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)
- Cream - Sunshine Of Your Love
- Justin Timberlake - SexyBack (feat. Timbaland)
- David Bowie - Suffragette City
- Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 "Moonlight"
- Avicii - Wake Me Up
- The Who - La-La-La-Lies
- The Spinners - The Rubberband Man
- MGMT - Time to Pretend
- Hootie & The Blowfish - Only Wanna Be With You
- Sheck Wes - Mo Bamba
- Claire Rosinkranz - 123
- Ringo Starr - Photograph
- The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
- Duran Duran - Rio
2024.05.15 02:01 Subject_Media_682 How it ended
How It Ended
by Ethan O’Driscoll
A thrilling Post apocalypse story
Intro
HRV-1
22 July 2024
Dr Olivia Warren Head of Biotech NARU
This is my latest report on the HRV-1 Virus we were instructed to design by the Russian Government.
The HRV-1 is an incredibly viral and infectious Retrovirus similar to HIV. Changes have been make on a genetic level to provide the request modes of transmission and symptoms.
Those symptoms are:
The infection vectors are:
Chapter 1
The Outbreak
1 January 2025
Dr Olivia Warren Head of Biotech NARU
I can’t believe the bastards used it. The first cases came in from Kiev in December from there it spread like a wild fire through Europe the death toll now sits at 65 millions. The hordes rampage through city after city by the millions. There is no way to stop this. What have I done.
NATO forces have established a quarantine of Europe but I can’t help but feel like its too little too late. My estimate is that all infected nations in Europe will be consumed within the next month or two. The Corporation has started the construction of a company safe haven for us higher ups. All we can do is hope the construction is complete before this thing breaks quarantine.
15 February 2025
Dr Olivia Warren
The world is ending. Europe is gone. The quarantine is broken. We’ve got cases in Asia, South America, Here at home in the US, Australia and Africa nowhere is safe. I did this.
Infection number right now:
The safe zone is complete at least we are planning on moving all operations and personal within the week. I don’t know how I’m going to live with myself. Dixie is my only saving grace and at least she’ll be safe. I pray for the soul of all those my creation has killed.
20 March 2025
Dr Olivia Warren
Dixie is at the Safe zone.
I can’t live with myself any more. 4 billion people dead
Chapter 2
A New World
My name is Dixie Warren. Daughter of Dr Olivia Warren. Not that I’ve seen her in 15 years. I remember like it was yesterday. She told me to get on that NARU helicopter that she’d meet me at the safe zone. Those were the last words she ever said to me. I was 8 when the world ended.
Its been 15 years since the Outbreak. There isn’t really anything left of the old world. NARU still exists and turns out they created the virus and my mom was the head of the department that did it. They sold it to the Russians hoping they wouldn’t use it but they did.
It was specifically designed to spread and destroy as fast as possible and it did. I left the safe zone 2 years ago after I learned this information. Now I just spend my time wandering from town to town. My training on the NARU security team helps. At least I know all the best places to shoot a Freaker. That's what we call the infected and for good reason. Most of the time you’ll find them wondering around in groups of 5 to 10 if the group gets too big they turn on each other and form a pile of bodies devouring each other. They moan and scream to communicate and once they see you they will hunt you till you kill every last on of them or you get far enough away. They can run and are abnormally strong if there bodies aren’t damaged they’re a bitch to kill but I’m pretty good at it.
Right now I’m outside Richmond I’ve been stuck here for a week waiting for a large horde to move through. I’m hoping to hunt some of the stragglers and re-up on some supplies. A big horde like this usually leave a few hundred behind. My new AR has been waiting for some fun, I’ve got a new red dot and laser so I should be able to pop headshot after headshot but for now I should go find something to eat.
I’ve made it to a small department store outside the town. It looks like the horde is almost gone. Tons of freaks roaming around though. I can hear a few in the store. I’m going to try getting in through the back and take them out.
Made it back home and wow that store was a gold mine. I got food, water, bullets and even some whiskey. I’m going to enjoy the night then its time to hunt some stragglers. Then I’m thinking of going further south maybe New Orleans heard there might be a small settlement out there from another traveller, might be able to get another courier job or at least I’ll be able to stock up on supplies properly after all these years there isn’t much left in the cities to scavenge.
I better get some rest got a long day of freak killing and walking tomorrow.
Chapter 3
The Road to Home
I left Richmond yesterday. It’s a long road to New Orleans I wished I lived in the days when cars worked. NARU are the only people with working vehicles left and they aren’t exactly the sharing type. Its so lonely out here its been weeks since I last saw another living person the only things you see out here in the ruins are freaks by the hundreds. Its hard to believe the whole world was reduced to nothing by something my mom created. I remember her being the kindest most caring person in the world to think that she could create something so destructive is unbelievable. I’ve still got a long way to go the first city I should have to go through is Raleigh.
I’ve been walking for about a day and I can see the ruins from here. Its always so surreal to see the cities now, so desolate so empty. I remember growing up in Seattle, the city lights, the noise it was always so alive and busy. Now they’re all empty husks or mostly empty at least can’t forget about the freaks. Must’ve killed a thousand of them on my way here almost got bitten when one jumped me under an overpass about 10 miles back. Luckily my machete seems to be as good as ever at cutting up freaks. I should make it to Raleigh within the day.
Made it to Raleigh and its a mess, thousands of freaks I could hear the moaning and screaming from a mile away. I’m going to try finding my way around the city no point in trying to fight my way through a wall of freaks.
Heard crying coming from a house I walked past I decided to check it out and I found a young boy name Richie hiding in a bathroom with what looked like his infected parents trying to break the door down. I took both of them down with a clean headshot. The look on his face when he saw them dead breaks my heart. He says they’ve been hiding out in this house for a month or two after there homestead was overrun by freaks. Its a sad story but it gives me hope that people are at least trying to survive and rebuilt. He’s only 16 yet he’s seen so much and has nowhere else to go so I asked him if he wanted to stick with me and he was elated so I guess I’ve got a sidekick now. I’m not complaining should make the long lonely road more interesting. He’s got no combat experience but he can shoot a pistol so I gave him one of my backups at least I always carry extra. We’ve decided to hunker down for the night and do some scavenging before we leave for Charlotte tomorrow. I’ll be nice to have company for once I’ve been alone for so long.
I woke up to a gunshot and Richie screaming in the other room. When I got there I found Richie pale as snow and a little girl that was clearly infected shot lying on the floor. When I asked Richie who it was he replied in a cold distant voice “My little sister”. It was a heart breaking moment in less than 24 hours Richie had lost everyone. That was a feeling I knew too well my mom was all I had my dad died when I was really young and all I knew after the Outbreak before I left the safe haven was NARU but that wasn’t the best place to build personal connections just a bunch of science types that destroyed the world. Not exactly the most social lot and the security forces were just a bunch of military types that didn’t like the fact that as a teenager I was doing better than them in every metric except raw physical strength but even in that I was better than a lot of them. It’s almost time for us to get going I should pack up and make sure Richie’s okay.
We decided to stop by the old gun store on our way out of Raleigh. Richie mentioned seeing it when him and his dad went out to scavenge one time. He says it looked all locked up meaning there’s a good chance that there might still be something left to take. When we arrived there Richie was right it was locked tight it looked like there might be a way in from the roof so we decided to climb up when I got up there I was jumped by a freak that was just waiting but this one was different smarter in a way it heard me climbing up but instead of screaming and jumping off to get me it decided to hide and wait. In my years of freak killing I’ve never seen one that waits and ambushes. I hope this isn’t a sign that the infected are getting smarter. Anyway Richie popped it in the head and we got in to the gun store and what a find it was. I managed to get a brand new Glock 9 with a torch attachment and extended mag to replace the pistol I gave Richie. Speaking of Richie he decided on a 12 gauge pump with a tube extension and a AR-15 with a suppressor, extended mag and front grip. We also found enough ammo to keep us stocked even if we have to shoot our way to Charlotte now that we’re locked and loaded its time to leave this shit hole and start walking to the next shit hole at least for once I won’t be alone.
Chapter 4
The Road to Charlotte
We’d been walking for 60 miles before we were jumped by a gang of thugs. I caught a round to the leg before I knew what was happening Richie was more awake than me and managed to put a round through the bastards chest before his friends jumped out from behind two cars in front of us we managed to take cover behind a ruined car and we returned fire. I could see the thugs had no skill they just fired randomly in our direction while we were in cover I waited till they had to reload and tossed a molotov at one of them burning the bastard to a crisp. Richie rushed the other and unloaded some buckshot into his head. My leg hurts like a bitch. Richie bandaged it up for me he’s really starting to get used to life on the road. Looking at our map it looks like there is a gas station about 10 miles away so I guess I’ll limp my way there so we can hunker down while me leg heals. I still can’t believe I let the bastard catch me lacking but it won’t happen again
We made it too the gas station. The place looks almost perfectly preserved except the group of freaks that were shuffling around outside nothing that we couldn’t deal with. There is a lot of food and water here and we should be safe here while my leg heals. I hope we don’t run into any more problems till then. I trust Richie but he’s still learning and I’m not sure he’d be able to deal with any major problem on his own.
Its been 4 weeks since I took that shot to my leg and I’m feeling a lot better. Richie managed to find some painkiller so he was able to get the round out and everything healed nicely. He really is an amazing guy young and naive but he really is a good person. I don’t know how I did it without him for so long. It nice not being alone any more. I think I’m ready to get moving again we have about another 100 miles left to go before we get to Charlotte so we better get moving.
We’re about 20 miles from Charlotte, the roads been peaceful we ran into a group of survivors living on a pretty well fortified farm about 25 miles back. They were having issues with some freaks hanging around their water pumping station so we dealt with them for them in exchange for some antibiotics to help with an infection Richie got in his leg where he cut himself jumping a fence while a freak chased him before I could dome it. Only god knows how I didn’t get an infection in my leg after getting shot but he did from cutting himself on a rusty fence guess I’m just lucky. After helping them back we continued on our way. Nothing else interesting happened and Richie is looking a lot better and his cut is basically healed. We should get to Charlotte within the day but I want to stop on a hill on the Outskirts to set up base and get a look at the situation in the city because the farmers mentioned that a horde had passed through recently and they usually get held up in cities they should have moved on by now but better safe than sorry
Chapter 5
Charlotte
We made it to the hill outside Charlotte and the place is infested millions of freaks. I’ve never seen so many of them in one place and I think I know why. In the middle of the city is an old NARU emergency treatment centre. A place where all of the cities first infected were sent. A good plan till there were to many of them and quarantine was broken then all it was was a collection of infected right in the middle of the city which lead to the whole thing being infected much faster. I’m guessing this caused most of the freaks to pile and the smell was attracting more. Oh I forgot to mention the smell imagine a pile of thousands of rotting corpses that’s the smell I’m talking about. There’s no chance we’ll be able to get through the city but I need to get to that NARU site. There might be some old documents or something about my mom I need to find out what happened to her. I’ve spoken to Richie and we both agree that we should try and divert the horde away so we can have time to get to the NARU centre.
Richie has volunteered to draw the hordes attention away while I get to the NARU building. The plan is he triggers an explosion at an old gas station on the other side of town while I get to the building and look for information about the virus and what happened to my mom. All I know is that my mom created the virus while working for NARU. I need to find out what happened to her. I hate putting Richie at risk but it needs to be done.
I just heard the explosion and it works thousands of freaks started moving like a tidal wave of flesh towards the sound I hope Richie is on his way to the meeting place at the abandoned NARU checkpoint on the south side of town but I don’t have time to think about it now I’m almost at the NARU centre I need to be as fast as possible
I made it to the NARU centre and it’s covered in bodies there’s no way I can get in it looks more like a pile of living human corpses than a building I’m guessing the freaks all turned on and consumed each other till they were all stuck and fused together. I’m making my way to the NARU checkpoint I hope Richie is already there and safe.
I made it to the NARU checkpoint and reunited with Richie. He was covered in blood and gore. He had to kill hundreds of freaks to make it here. He says he was almost bitten a few times. I can’t believe I risked his life for nothing. I’ll never do it again. While exploring the place I found this.
20 March 2025
Dr Olivia Warren
Dixie is at the Safe zone.
I can’t live with myself any more. 4 billion people dead
The final communication between my mom and NARU it turns out she couldn’t live with the guilt and decided to kill herself. I can’t blame her I would probably do the same if I was the reason the world ended and killed billions of people but it still breaks my heart. I am happy to know she’s dead and not infected lumbering around somewhere.
Richie is exhausted and so am I were going to take a brake here and continue on to Atlanta tomorrow.
Everything is packed up and we’re ready to go. Last night was rough I kept watch while Richie slept I hate to admit it but I think I’m falling in love with him. I never really had a first love I live for 13 years at NARU but I was the oldest kid there by far by the time any of the boys were close to my age I was already jaded and thinking about leaving so I didn’t pay any attention to them but Richie is different when I found him he was so helpless and lost now he’s strong, confident and he’s so loyal to me. I don’t want to speak to soon by I think he might feel the same way I guess time will tell we still have a long road to walk together. Speaking of walking Atlanta here we come.
Chapter 6
Road to Atlanta
We ran into a group of survivors hiding in a shed on the outskirts of Charlotte on our way home two parents and a little girl they were all bitten and waiting to turn they begged us to put them down before they turned so I did but I think it took a toll on Richie. He’s been almost silent since it must’ve reminded him of his parents and little sister I hope the day never comes that one of us get bitten and the other one has to decide whether or not to do it but if it does I hope Richie has what it takes to put me down if not I hope I get to do it myself before I turn but I shouldn’t be thinking about things like that. Thinking about your own death is a pretty sure-fire way to make it happen.
We ran into a pretty large group of infected must’ve been about 20 of them but all of them behaved the same as the one that jumped me on the roof of the gun store back in Raleigh. I guess that confirms that it wasn’t a once off thing but I still wonder what causes it maybe I’ll find out one day. We took them all down and continued on I hate to admit it but I really enjoy killing freaks call it therapy I guess. Richie is running low on ammo for his 12 gauge. There should be a gun store in about 30 miles so we should be able to restock there. My ammo supplies are also running a bit low only got about a hundred rounds per gun left. I know that sounds like a lot but with all the freaks on the roads it barely enough after Raleigh I had about a 500 per gun. Lets hope we don’t run into any large hordes till we get to the gun store.
We made it to the gun store just to find it controlled by 2 less than friendly guys. They opened fire as soon as they same us. We returned fire and we’re about to enter the store. Richie kicked the door down and I rushed in I let of two shots taking down the one guy the other was a second away from filling me with bullets from his Uzi but luckily Richie put a round through his chest and another through his right eye before he could. Thank god. I don’t know what I would do without him. We’ve decided to rest tonight and continue tomorrow morning.
Dixie: “Hey Richie”
Richie: “Hey Dixie”
Dixie: ”How you feeling buddy”
Richie: ”Oh you know always OK”
Dixie: ”That’s good buddy”
Richie: “Hey Dixie thank you for everything you really are the best thing that ever happened to me”
Dixie: ”Don’t mention it buddy I love you”
We’re almost 20 miles away from Atlanta and I’m not hopeful judging by smell. I’m guessing its going to be a lot worse than Charlotte but we’ll have to wait and see.
We’ve made it to the outskirts of Atlanta and its as bad as I thought there are hundreds of body piles almost the size of buildings. The living freaks move around the city streets like blood through the veins of the body. Some of them are engaged in massive fights with other groups ripping each other apart.
We’re going in tomorrow but for now Richie’s hunting while I scope out the area. I hope he brings some venison anything but rabbit. I’m sick of rabbit meat. When he comes back I want to try and cuddle up to him and see what happens
Richie and I have eaten and we’re getting ready to sleep. I asked Richie if I could sleep in his sleeping bag with him. He looked at me like I was crazy but once I insisted I was serious I could see the joy on his face so we cuddled up for the night and went to sleep
Wow it felt so amazing sleeping in Richie’s arms and today everything feels different but in a good way everything just feels more intimate we had an amazing conversation about life this morning and it feels like our bond is on a whole new level. Its time to go explore Atlanta there should be an old NARU field hospital on the North-side of town but we’ve got a whole city to get through before that.
Chapter 7
Atlanta
Atlanta is a nightmare right now we’re stuck in a pharmacy bunch of freaks trying to get to us. I’m busy wiring up a pipe bomb while Richie holds the door then when I’m done BOOM
Richie Move....
BOOM....
Well that’s one way to deal with freaks. Always hate being covered in gore though. We’re near the city centre now and its as bad as we thought the place is infested with freaks every building, street and alley we’ve been fighting for every mile we’ve been moving basically carving our way through the city leaving streets flooded in blood but its worth it I can see the NARU hospital and it looks like I might be able to get in this time.
We’re Exploring the NARU hospital and its a goldmine I found a bunch of old documentation on the virus and even some reports of small towns keeping quarantine for years after the Fall. There’s also apparently an old supply and weapons depot nearby so were going there next.
Richie has been opening up a lot his little sister was out playing when a freak got her. Her parents couldn’t put her down so she turned and bit them he hid in the bathroom for 2 days before I got there and put then out of the misery. I wish I could understand how he feels because I never had anyone except my mom and I lost her so young so it never really affected me. I love him so much. This would be so difficult without him.
We made it to the NARU supply depot and it basically empty I mean it make sense Atlanta was one of the first city to fall due to vast number of infected that moved in from the nearby NARU detention camp. That was a bright idea locking up a bunch infected in one place and expecting the place to last. So the city fell to chaos pretty quickly and NARU withdrew most likely taking everything with them that or it was looted after the city fell doesn’t matter now its almost night and we should get some rest we’re going to camp on a nearby rooftop.
Sitting on the roof with Richie and a fire I can’t help but feel like life isn’t that bad yeah its not what it used to be but I mean I have food and freedom and someone I love what more could someone want from life. Looking out at the desolate streets full of freaks well except the streets we pushed through I see the death of the old world and the birth of a new one.
I should get to sleep we got a long road to Birmingham tomorrow. Its so warm and cosy pressed up against Richie.
Chapter 8
The Road To Birmingham
On our way out of Atlanta we ran into a huge freak and I mean a huge motherfucker must’ve been at least 10 feet tall and covered in muscle it looked like it was made of at least 5 other freaks. He tossed Richie against a car and knocked him out I managed to chop one of its arms off before it threw me 10 feat in the air and I crashed down on my back and passed out when I woke up Richie was putting round after round in the things chest and it still wouldn’t go down to I ran jumped on its back and used my machete to chop the freaks head off and burnt the body with a molotov just to be sure the thing was dead
Richie was pretty beat up and I’m not going to lie so was I my back hurts like a bitch but we keep on going no matter what because we still have each other. Still I wonder how those freaks got combined into that thing. Maybe that’s why they pile the way they do so they can combine into something bigger I remember something in one of the NARU document mentioning the virus being able to cause “cellular recombination” so I wonder if that’s not maybe what happened and if it is it means things are about to get a lot worse and a lot more dangerous.
We’re about 50 miles always from Birmingham now. The road has been pretty quite only the occasional group of freaks and the group of raiders we ran into outside a gas station awhile back but this time we got the drop on them and not the other way round gave all three of them a new hole in the head Richie was worried that they might be survivors till we found Sandra tied up in the gas station bathroom turns out the bastards grabbed her from her family farm during the night a few days ago and have been taking turns on her over and over since then. We agreed to take her home its the least we could do after everything that happened to her. When we got her home we found the place burnt down and her family butchered outside. I’m guessing after they grabbed her the bastards came back to finish the job. She’s decided to stick with us she’s a lot older than me and Richie. She used to be a nurse before the Outbreak she dealt with some of the first infected until NARU took over the hospitals. When things really started to go bad she moved back to Alabama to her old family farm to live with her parents they managed to set everything up before the Fall and have been living there since well till recently. She’s pretty shook about the whole situation but she should be okay in a day or two. We’ve all lost something in this new world.
We’ve made it to the outskirts of Birmingham and the place is a fortress looks like remnants of the US military and NARU have fortified the place they have watch towers, auto-turrents and armed patrols. Also looks like they have a lot of military hardware. I know better than to approach the main gate NARU has a shoot on site order for all there quarantine zones no reason to assume this place would be any different. Still I have to get a look inside. Tonight while Richie and Sandra set up camp I’m going to look around and see if I can find a way in. I have to know what’s going on here.
I’ve taken a look around and I’ve found a way in through an old sewer pipe running into an old factory from there I should be able to sneak into the city and have a look around maybe they have some new information on the virus or at least I should be able to find some weapons for Sandra
Chapter 9
Birmingham
Richie and Sandra are waiting for me back at camp while I go explore the city. I left most of my kit behind except my Glock and combat knife. I’m not planning on getting into any fights and if I do I want the finished as quickly as possible. I’ve made it to the sewer pipe it should lead me to the sewer grate I saw on the other side of the fence from there I should have free reign over the city as long as I avoid the NARU patrols and don’t draw to much attention to myself.
I’ve made it into the city and it looks like something out of a George Orwell novel. Security cameras on every street, I’ve seen security forces beat a man to death and another group drag a young women kicking and screaming into an abandoned building. I hate to say it but I think life is better outside with the freaks than in here. Can’t say I’m surprised there’s a reason I left the NARU security forces and the safe zone. Lets just say civilian life and happiness has never been on their priority list. I can see a NARU supply depot I should be able to get a uniform and standard load out last I remember NARU doesn’t have a way of removing employees from the database so my security id number should still work.
I was right NARU never changes I just used my id to get a brand new NARU-P-2a NARU's home grown assault rifle basically its everything the AR-15 is but better its literally a gun made for killing freaks and you can feel it. I always wished I stole one when I left but I guess better late than never I also scanned through a few of the latest security reports and it seems like big guys like we fought back in Atlanta are becoming more common as well as a new faster infected with razor sharp claws that hunt and ambush their victims. We haven’t ran into one of those yet and I hope we don’t any time soon. I hope Richie and Sandra are okay, they should be we have no shortage of fire-power but I still worry. I’m going to keep taking a look around and maybe find out how they’ve maintained quarantine for so long
Well I got my answer and its not a good one. The NARU higher ups here basically outlawed being sick. Anyone with any symptoms that might be HRV-1 are immediately executed and burnt without exception I guess that’s one way to maintain quarantine but I can’t help but wonder how many thousands of innocent people have died to maintain it.
I think its about time I get out of here and back to Richie and Sandra.
I made it back to camp. I’m so happy to be back with Richie. He went out hunting and brought back a nice fat wild pig for dinner. Sandra is looking a lot better as well she still has that distant look in her eye but that should go away soon
Next stop Montgomery Alabama.
Chapter 10
The Road to Montgomery
I still can’t get it out of my head. The freaks are changing getting more dangerous, if I understand correctly the longer they are infected the more unstable the virus gets leading to mutations. I hope this doesn’t mean that the longer we survive the harder its going to get but there’s no point in worrying about whether or not the freaks are going to be stronger in the future as long as we make sure we get stronger too it should work out just fine. Richie and I are doing really well our love kinda makes everything a lot easier. Gives us a reason if that makes sense Sandra on the other hand is kinda dead weight if I’m being honest but its not her fault. She’s been through a lot Richie and I do our best to look out for her and take care of her. I just wish she’d start to adjust to life out here she still winches every time we take out a group of freaks or thugs and she’s a bleeding heart. Yesterday as we were going past a little abandoned convenience store we heard a little girl crying when we asked what was wrong she said they were trapped and needed help. It was obviously a trap we could see the store was fortified and the little girl looked too happy for a kid whose parents were stuck and dying but Sandra insisted we go in and help and what do you know the kids parents are perfectly healthy and holding us at gun point luckily I’m pretty quick on the draw and managed to put two rounds through the fathers chest and Richie tackled the mom. I walked up to the big dude and put one through the head to make sure the mom learns her lesson. We agreed to let her and her daughter live as long as the promised to stop robbing travellers. Sandra couldn’t handle the fact that I finished the dad off even though I think that was better than leaving his family to watch him bleed out because there was no way he would have survive I shot him through both of his lungs they would have filled up with blood and he would have chocked to death I did him a favour by putting him down but she didn’t see it that way even threatened to go it on her own until Richie and I told her to go ahead if she really thought it was the best thing for her. She then decided to stick with us
We’re nearly at the outskirts of Montgomery, we just passed the old civil rights monument. The roads been a bit too still I have a bad feeling about what we’re going to find when we get there
submitted by Subject_Media_682 to postapocalyptic [link] [comments]
by Ethan O’Driscoll
A thrilling Post apocalypse story
Intro
HRV-1
22 July 2024
Dr Olivia Warren Head of Biotech NARU
This is my latest report on the HRV-1 Virus we were instructed to design by the Russian Government.
The HRV-1 is an incredibly viral and infectious Retrovirus similar to HIV. Changes have been make on a genetic level to provide the request modes of transmission and symptoms.
Those symptoms are:
- Profuse bleeding from the mouth, eyes, lips, gums and pores of the skin
- Confusion
- Coma
- Total organ failure leading to death
- Reanimation after death and post-mortem hypo-aggression
The infection vectors are:
- bodily fluids
- contaminated area
- ANYTHING that has come in contact with infected bodily fluids
- airborne droplets
Chapter 1
The Outbreak
1 January 2025
Dr Olivia Warren Head of Biotech NARU
I can’t believe the bastards used it. The first cases came in from Kiev in December from there it spread like a wild fire through Europe the death toll now sits at 65 millions. The hordes rampage through city after city by the millions. There is no way to stop this. What have I done.
NATO forces have established a quarantine of Europe but I can’t help but feel like its too little too late. My estimate is that all infected nations in Europe will be consumed within the next month or two. The Corporation has started the construction of a company safe haven for us higher ups. All we can do is hope the construction is complete before this thing breaks quarantine.
15 February 2025
Dr Olivia Warren
The world is ending. Europe is gone. The quarantine is broken. We’ve got cases in Asia, South America, Here at home in the US, Australia and Africa nowhere is safe. I did this.
Infection number right now:
- Africa 100 Million
- Europe 890 Million
- Asia 250 Million
- North America 250 Thousand
- South America 120 Million
- Australia 24 Million
The safe zone is complete at least we are planning on moving all operations and personal within the week. I don’t know how I’m going to live with myself. Dixie is my only saving grace and at least she’ll be safe. I pray for the soul of all those my creation has killed.
20 March 2025
Dr Olivia Warren
Dixie is at the Safe zone.
I can’t live with myself any more. 4 billion people dead
Chapter 2
A New World
My name is Dixie Warren. Daughter of Dr Olivia Warren. Not that I’ve seen her in 15 years. I remember like it was yesterday. She told me to get on that NARU helicopter that she’d meet me at the safe zone. Those were the last words she ever said to me. I was 8 when the world ended.
Its been 15 years since the Outbreak. There isn’t really anything left of the old world. NARU still exists and turns out they created the virus and my mom was the head of the department that did it. They sold it to the Russians hoping they wouldn’t use it but they did.
It was specifically designed to spread and destroy as fast as possible and it did. I left the safe zone 2 years ago after I learned this information. Now I just spend my time wandering from town to town. My training on the NARU security team helps. At least I know all the best places to shoot a Freaker. That's what we call the infected and for good reason. Most of the time you’ll find them wondering around in groups of 5 to 10 if the group gets too big they turn on each other and form a pile of bodies devouring each other. They moan and scream to communicate and once they see you they will hunt you till you kill every last on of them or you get far enough away. They can run and are abnormally strong if there bodies aren’t damaged they’re a bitch to kill but I’m pretty good at it.
Right now I’m outside Richmond I’ve been stuck here for a week waiting for a large horde to move through. I’m hoping to hunt some of the stragglers and re-up on some supplies. A big horde like this usually leave a few hundred behind. My new AR has been waiting for some fun, I’ve got a new red dot and laser so I should be able to pop headshot after headshot but for now I should go find something to eat.
I’ve made it to a small department store outside the town. It looks like the horde is almost gone. Tons of freaks roaming around though. I can hear a few in the store. I’m going to try getting in through the back and take them out.
Made it back home and wow that store was a gold mine. I got food, water, bullets and even some whiskey. I’m going to enjoy the night then its time to hunt some stragglers. Then I’m thinking of going further south maybe New Orleans heard there might be a small settlement out there from another traveller, might be able to get another courier job or at least I’ll be able to stock up on supplies properly after all these years there isn’t much left in the cities to scavenge.
I better get some rest got a long day of freak killing and walking tomorrow.
Chapter 3
The Road to Home
I left Richmond yesterday. It’s a long road to New Orleans I wished I lived in the days when cars worked. NARU are the only people with working vehicles left and they aren’t exactly the sharing type. Its so lonely out here its been weeks since I last saw another living person the only things you see out here in the ruins are freaks by the hundreds. Its hard to believe the whole world was reduced to nothing by something my mom created. I remember her being the kindest most caring person in the world to think that she could create something so destructive is unbelievable. I’ve still got a long way to go the first city I should have to go through is Raleigh.
I’ve been walking for about a day and I can see the ruins from here. Its always so surreal to see the cities now, so desolate so empty. I remember growing up in Seattle, the city lights, the noise it was always so alive and busy. Now they’re all empty husks or mostly empty at least can’t forget about the freaks. Must’ve killed a thousand of them on my way here almost got bitten when one jumped me under an overpass about 10 miles back. Luckily my machete seems to be as good as ever at cutting up freaks. I should make it to Raleigh within the day.
Made it to Raleigh and its a mess, thousands of freaks I could hear the moaning and screaming from a mile away. I’m going to try finding my way around the city no point in trying to fight my way through a wall of freaks.
Heard crying coming from a house I walked past I decided to check it out and I found a young boy name Richie hiding in a bathroom with what looked like his infected parents trying to break the door down. I took both of them down with a clean headshot. The look on his face when he saw them dead breaks my heart. He says they’ve been hiding out in this house for a month or two after there homestead was overrun by freaks. Its a sad story but it gives me hope that people are at least trying to survive and rebuilt. He’s only 16 yet he’s seen so much and has nowhere else to go so I asked him if he wanted to stick with me and he was elated so I guess I’ve got a sidekick now. I’m not complaining should make the long lonely road more interesting. He’s got no combat experience but he can shoot a pistol so I gave him one of my backups at least I always carry extra. We’ve decided to hunker down for the night and do some scavenging before we leave for Charlotte tomorrow. I’ll be nice to have company for once I’ve been alone for so long.
I woke up to a gunshot and Richie screaming in the other room. When I got there I found Richie pale as snow and a little girl that was clearly infected shot lying on the floor. When I asked Richie who it was he replied in a cold distant voice “My little sister”. It was a heart breaking moment in less than 24 hours Richie had lost everyone. That was a feeling I knew too well my mom was all I had my dad died when I was really young and all I knew after the Outbreak before I left the safe haven was NARU but that wasn’t the best place to build personal connections just a bunch of science types that destroyed the world. Not exactly the most social lot and the security forces were just a bunch of military types that didn’t like the fact that as a teenager I was doing better than them in every metric except raw physical strength but even in that I was better than a lot of them. It’s almost time for us to get going I should pack up and make sure Richie’s okay.
We decided to stop by the old gun store on our way out of Raleigh. Richie mentioned seeing it when him and his dad went out to scavenge one time. He says it looked all locked up meaning there’s a good chance that there might still be something left to take. When we arrived there Richie was right it was locked tight it looked like there might be a way in from the roof so we decided to climb up when I got up there I was jumped by a freak that was just waiting but this one was different smarter in a way it heard me climbing up but instead of screaming and jumping off to get me it decided to hide and wait. In my years of freak killing I’ve never seen one that waits and ambushes. I hope this isn’t a sign that the infected are getting smarter. Anyway Richie popped it in the head and we got in to the gun store and what a find it was. I managed to get a brand new Glock 9 with a torch attachment and extended mag to replace the pistol I gave Richie. Speaking of Richie he decided on a 12 gauge pump with a tube extension and a AR-15 with a suppressor, extended mag and front grip. We also found enough ammo to keep us stocked even if we have to shoot our way to Charlotte now that we’re locked and loaded its time to leave this shit hole and start walking to the next shit hole at least for once I won’t be alone.
Chapter 4
The Road to Charlotte
We’d been walking for 60 miles before we were jumped by a gang of thugs. I caught a round to the leg before I knew what was happening Richie was more awake than me and managed to put a round through the bastards chest before his friends jumped out from behind two cars in front of us we managed to take cover behind a ruined car and we returned fire. I could see the thugs had no skill they just fired randomly in our direction while we were in cover I waited till they had to reload and tossed a molotov at one of them burning the bastard to a crisp. Richie rushed the other and unloaded some buckshot into his head. My leg hurts like a bitch. Richie bandaged it up for me he’s really starting to get used to life on the road. Looking at our map it looks like there is a gas station about 10 miles away so I guess I’ll limp my way there so we can hunker down while me leg heals. I still can’t believe I let the bastard catch me lacking but it won’t happen again
We made it too the gas station. The place looks almost perfectly preserved except the group of freaks that were shuffling around outside nothing that we couldn’t deal with. There is a lot of food and water here and we should be safe here while my leg heals. I hope we don’t run into any more problems till then. I trust Richie but he’s still learning and I’m not sure he’d be able to deal with any major problem on his own.
Its been 4 weeks since I took that shot to my leg and I’m feeling a lot better. Richie managed to find some painkiller so he was able to get the round out and everything healed nicely. He really is an amazing guy young and naive but he really is a good person. I don’t know how I did it without him for so long. It nice not being alone any more. I think I’m ready to get moving again we have about another 100 miles left to go before we get to Charlotte so we better get moving.
We’re about 20 miles from Charlotte, the roads been peaceful we ran into a group of survivors living on a pretty well fortified farm about 25 miles back. They were having issues with some freaks hanging around their water pumping station so we dealt with them for them in exchange for some antibiotics to help with an infection Richie got in his leg where he cut himself jumping a fence while a freak chased him before I could dome it. Only god knows how I didn’t get an infection in my leg after getting shot but he did from cutting himself on a rusty fence guess I’m just lucky. After helping them back we continued on our way. Nothing else interesting happened and Richie is looking a lot better and his cut is basically healed. We should get to Charlotte within the day but I want to stop on a hill on the Outskirts to set up base and get a look at the situation in the city because the farmers mentioned that a horde had passed through recently and they usually get held up in cities they should have moved on by now but better safe than sorry
Chapter 5
Charlotte
We made it to the hill outside Charlotte and the place is infested millions of freaks. I’ve never seen so many of them in one place and I think I know why. In the middle of the city is an old NARU emergency treatment centre. A place where all of the cities first infected were sent. A good plan till there were to many of them and quarantine was broken then all it was was a collection of infected right in the middle of the city which lead to the whole thing being infected much faster. I’m guessing this caused most of the freaks to pile and the smell was attracting more. Oh I forgot to mention the smell imagine a pile of thousands of rotting corpses that’s the smell I’m talking about. There’s no chance we’ll be able to get through the city but I need to get to that NARU site. There might be some old documents or something about my mom I need to find out what happened to her. I’ve spoken to Richie and we both agree that we should try and divert the horde away so we can have time to get to the NARU centre.
Richie has volunteered to draw the hordes attention away while I get to the NARU building. The plan is he triggers an explosion at an old gas station on the other side of town while I get to the building and look for information about the virus and what happened to my mom. All I know is that my mom created the virus while working for NARU. I need to find out what happened to her. I hate putting Richie at risk but it needs to be done.
I just heard the explosion and it works thousands of freaks started moving like a tidal wave of flesh towards the sound I hope Richie is on his way to the meeting place at the abandoned NARU checkpoint on the south side of town but I don’t have time to think about it now I’m almost at the NARU centre I need to be as fast as possible
I made it to the NARU centre and it’s covered in bodies there’s no way I can get in it looks more like a pile of living human corpses than a building I’m guessing the freaks all turned on and consumed each other till they were all stuck and fused together. I’m making my way to the NARU checkpoint I hope Richie is already there and safe.
I made it to the NARU checkpoint and reunited with Richie. He was covered in blood and gore. He had to kill hundreds of freaks to make it here. He says he was almost bitten a few times. I can’t believe I risked his life for nothing. I’ll never do it again. While exploring the place I found this.
20 March 2025
Dr Olivia Warren
Dixie is at the Safe zone.
I can’t live with myself any more. 4 billion people dead
The final communication between my mom and NARU it turns out she couldn’t live with the guilt and decided to kill herself. I can’t blame her I would probably do the same if I was the reason the world ended and killed billions of people but it still breaks my heart. I am happy to know she’s dead and not infected lumbering around somewhere.
Richie is exhausted and so am I were going to take a brake here and continue on to Atlanta tomorrow.
Everything is packed up and we’re ready to go. Last night was rough I kept watch while Richie slept I hate to admit it but I think I’m falling in love with him. I never really had a first love I live for 13 years at NARU but I was the oldest kid there by far by the time any of the boys were close to my age I was already jaded and thinking about leaving so I didn’t pay any attention to them but Richie is different when I found him he was so helpless and lost now he’s strong, confident and he’s so loyal to me. I don’t want to speak to soon by I think he might feel the same way I guess time will tell we still have a long road to walk together. Speaking of walking Atlanta here we come.
Chapter 6
Road to Atlanta
We ran into a group of survivors hiding in a shed on the outskirts of Charlotte on our way home two parents and a little girl they were all bitten and waiting to turn they begged us to put them down before they turned so I did but I think it took a toll on Richie. He’s been almost silent since it must’ve reminded him of his parents and little sister I hope the day never comes that one of us get bitten and the other one has to decide whether or not to do it but if it does I hope Richie has what it takes to put me down if not I hope I get to do it myself before I turn but I shouldn’t be thinking about things like that. Thinking about your own death is a pretty sure-fire way to make it happen.
We ran into a pretty large group of infected must’ve been about 20 of them but all of them behaved the same as the one that jumped me on the roof of the gun store back in Raleigh. I guess that confirms that it wasn’t a once off thing but I still wonder what causes it maybe I’ll find out one day. We took them all down and continued on I hate to admit it but I really enjoy killing freaks call it therapy I guess. Richie is running low on ammo for his 12 gauge. There should be a gun store in about 30 miles so we should be able to restock there. My ammo supplies are also running a bit low only got about a hundred rounds per gun left. I know that sounds like a lot but with all the freaks on the roads it barely enough after Raleigh I had about a 500 per gun. Lets hope we don’t run into any large hordes till we get to the gun store.
We made it to the gun store just to find it controlled by 2 less than friendly guys. They opened fire as soon as they same us. We returned fire and we’re about to enter the store. Richie kicked the door down and I rushed in I let of two shots taking down the one guy the other was a second away from filling me with bullets from his Uzi but luckily Richie put a round through his chest and another through his right eye before he could. Thank god. I don’t know what I would do without him. We’ve decided to rest tonight and continue tomorrow morning.
Dixie: “Hey Richie”
Richie: “Hey Dixie”
Dixie: ”How you feeling buddy”
Richie: ”Oh you know always OK”
Dixie: ”That’s good buddy”
Richie: “Hey Dixie thank you for everything you really are the best thing that ever happened to me”
Dixie: ”Don’t mention it buddy I love you”
We’re almost 20 miles away from Atlanta and I’m not hopeful judging by smell. I’m guessing its going to be a lot worse than Charlotte but we’ll have to wait and see.
We’ve made it to the outskirts of Atlanta and its as bad as I thought there are hundreds of body piles almost the size of buildings. The living freaks move around the city streets like blood through the veins of the body. Some of them are engaged in massive fights with other groups ripping each other apart.
We’re going in tomorrow but for now Richie’s hunting while I scope out the area. I hope he brings some venison anything but rabbit. I’m sick of rabbit meat. When he comes back I want to try and cuddle up to him and see what happens
Richie and I have eaten and we’re getting ready to sleep. I asked Richie if I could sleep in his sleeping bag with him. He looked at me like I was crazy but once I insisted I was serious I could see the joy on his face so we cuddled up for the night and went to sleep
Wow it felt so amazing sleeping in Richie’s arms and today everything feels different but in a good way everything just feels more intimate we had an amazing conversation about life this morning and it feels like our bond is on a whole new level. Its time to go explore Atlanta there should be an old NARU field hospital on the North-side of town but we’ve got a whole city to get through before that.
Chapter 7
Atlanta
Atlanta is a nightmare right now we’re stuck in a pharmacy bunch of freaks trying to get to us. I’m busy wiring up a pipe bomb while Richie holds the door then when I’m done BOOM
Richie Move....
BOOM....
Well that’s one way to deal with freaks. Always hate being covered in gore though. We’re near the city centre now and its as bad as we thought the place is infested with freaks every building, street and alley we’ve been fighting for every mile we’ve been moving basically carving our way through the city leaving streets flooded in blood but its worth it I can see the NARU hospital and it looks like I might be able to get in this time.
We’re Exploring the NARU hospital and its a goldmine I found a bunch of old documentation on the virus and even some reports of small towns keeping quarantine for years after the Fall. There’s also apparently an old supply and weapons depot nearby so were going there next.
Richie has been opening up a lot his little sister was out playing when a freak got her. Her parents couldn’t put her down so she turned and bit them he hid in the bathroom for 2 days before I got there and put then out of the misery. I wish I could understand how he feels because I never had anyone except my mom and I lost her so young so it never really affected me. I love him so much. This would be so difficult without him.
We made it to the NARU supply depot and it basically empty I mean it make sense Atlanta was one of the first city to fall due to vast number of infected that moved in from the nearby NARU detention camp. That was a bright idea locking up a bunch infected in one place and expecting the place to last. So the city fell to chaos pretty quickly and NARU withdrew most likely taking everything with them that or it was looted after the city fell doesn’t matter now its almost night and we should get some rest we’re going to camp on a nearby rooftop.
Sitting on the roof with Richie and a fire I can’t help but feel like life isn’t that bad yeah its not what it used to be but I mean I have food and freedom and someone I love what more could someone want from life. Looking out at the desolate streets full of freaks well except the streets we pushed through I see the death of the old world and the birth of a new one.
I should get to sleep we got a long road to Birmingham tomorrow. Its so warm and cosy pressed up against Richie.
Chapter 8
The Road To Birmingham
On our way out of Atlanta we ran into a huge freak and I mean a huge motherfucker must’ve been at least 10 feet tall and covered in muscle it looked like it was made of at least 5 other freaks. He tossed Richie against a car and knocked him out I managed to chop one of its arms off before it threw me 10 feat in the air and I crashed down on my back and passed out when I woke up Richie was putting round after round in the things chest and it still wouldn’t go down to I ran jumped on its back and used my machete to chop the freaks head off and burnt the body with a molotov just to be sure the thing was dead
Richie was pretty beat up and I’m not going to lie so was I my back hurts like a bitch but we keep on going no matter what because we still have each other. Still I wonder how those freaks got combined into that thing. Maybe that’s why they pile the way they do so they can combine into something bigger I remember something in one of the NARU document mentioning the virus being able to cause “cellular recombination” so I wonder if that’s not maybe what happened and if it is it means things are about to get a lot worse and a lot more dangerous.
We’re about 50 miles always from Birmingham now. The road has been pretty quite only the occasional group of freaks and the group of raiders we ran into outside a gas station awhile back but this time we got the drop on them and not the other way round gave all three of them a new hole in the head Richie was worried that they might be survivors till we found Sandra tied up in the gas station bathroom turns out the bastards grabbed her from her family farm during the night a few days ago and have been taking turns on her over and over since then. We agreed to take her home its the least we could do after everything that happened to her. When we got her home we found the place burnt down and her family butchered outside. I’m guessing after they grabbed her the bastards came back to finish the job. She’s decided to stick with us she’s a lot older than me and Richie. She used to be a nurse before the Outbreak she dealt with some of the first infected until NARU took over the hospitals. When things really started to go bad she moved back to Alabama to her old family farm to live with her parents they managed to set everything up before the Fall and have been living there since well till recently. She’s pretty shook about the whole situation but she should be okay in a day or two. We’ve all lost something in this new world.
We’ve made it to the outskirts of Birmingham and the place is a fortress looks like remnants of the US military and NARU have fortified the place they have watch towers, auto-turrents and armed patrols. Also looks like they have a lot of military hardware. I know better than to approach the main gate NARU has a shoot on site order for all there quarantine zones no reason to assume this place would be any different. Still I have to get a look inside. Tonight while Richie and Sandra set up camp I’m going to look around and see if I can find a way in. I have to know what’s going on here.
I’ve taken a look around and I’ve found a way in through an old sewer pipe running into an old factory from there I should be able to sneak into the city and have a look around maybe they have some new information on the virus or at least I should be able to find some weapons for Sandra
Chapter 9
Birmingham
Richie and Sandra are waiting for me back at camp while I go explore the city. I left most of my kit behind except my Glock and combat knife. I’m not planning on getting into any fights and if I do I want the finished as quickly as possible. I’ve made it to the sewer pipe it should lead me to the sewer grate I saw on the other side of the fence from there I should have free reign over the city as long as I avoid the NARU patrols and don’t draw to much attention to myself.
I’ve made it into the city and it looks like something out of a George Orwell novel. Security cameras on every street, I’ve seen security forces beat a man to death and another group drag a young women kicking and screaming into an abandoned building. I hate to say it but I think life is better outside with the freaks than in here. Can’t say I’m surprised there’s a reason I left the NARU security forces and the safe zone. Lets just say civilian life and happiness has never been on their priority list. I can see a NARU supply depot I should be able to get a uniform and standard load out last I remember NARU doesn’t have a way of removing employees from the database so my security id number should still work.
I was right NARU never changes I just used my id to get a brand new NARU-P-2a NARU's home grown assault rifle basically its everything the AR-15 is but better its literally a gun made for killing freaks and you can feel it. I always wished I stole one when I left but I guess better late than never I also scanned through a few of the latest security reports and it seems like big guys like we fought back in Atlanta are becoming more common as well as a new faster infected with razor sharp claws that hunt and ambush their victims. We haven’t ran into one of those yet and I hope we don’t any time soon. I hope Richie and Sandra are okay, they should be we have no shortage of fire-power but I still worry. I’m going to keep taking a look around and maybe find out how they’ve maintained quarantine for so long
Well I got my answer and its not a good one. The NARU higher ups here basically outlawed being sick. Anyone with any symptoms that might be HRV-1 are immediately executed and burnt without exception I guess that’s one way to maintain quarantine but I can’t help but wonder how many thousands of innocent people have died to maintain it.
I think its about time I get out of here and back to Richie and Sandra.
I made it back to camp. I’m so happy to be back with Richie. He went out hunting and brought back a nice fat wild pig for dinner. Sandra is looking a lot better as well she still has that distant look in her eye but that should go away soon
Next stop Montgomery Alabama.
Chapter 10
The Road to Montgomery
I still can’t get it out of my head. The freaks are changing getting more dangerous, if I understand correctly the longer they are infected the more unstable the virus gets leading to mutations. I hope this doesn’t mean that the longer we survive the harder its going to get but there’s no point in worrying about whether or not the freaks are going to be stronger in the future as long as we make sure we get stronger too it should work out just fine. Richie and I are doing really well our love kinda makes everything a lot easier. Gives us a reason if that makes sense Sandra on the other hand is kinda dead weight if I’m being honest but its not her fault. She’s been through a lot Richie and I do our best to look out for her and take care of her. I just wish she’d start to adjust to life out here she still winches every time we take out a group of freaks or thugs and she’s a bleeding heart. Yesterday as we were going past a little abandoned convenience store we heard a little girl crying when we asked what was wrong she said they were trapped and needed help. It was obviously a trap we could see the store was fortified and the little girl looked too happy for a kid whose parents were stuck and dying but Sandra insisted we go in and help and what do you know the kids parents are perfectly healthy and holding us at gun point luckily I’m pretty quick on the draw and managed to put two rounds through the fathers chest and Richie tackled the mom. I walked up to the big dude and put one through the head to make sure the mom learns her lesson. We agreed to let her and her daughter live as long as the promised to stop robbing travellers. Sandra couldn’t handle the fact that I finished the dad off even though I think that was better than leaving his family to watch him bleed out because there was no way he would have survive I shot him through both of his lungs they would have filled up with blood and he would have chocked to death I did him a favour by putting him down but she didn’t see it that way even threatened to go it on her own until Richie and I told her to go ahead if she really thought it was the best thing for her. She then decided to stick with us
We’re nearly at the outskirts of Montgomery, we just passed the old civil rights monument. The roads been a bit too still I have a bad feeling about what we’re going to find when we get there
2024.05.14 22:15 Soninetz SimpleTexting vs. TextMagic: In-Depth Comparison Ever?
 | Did you know that text messages have an open rate of over 98%? When it comes to business communication, choosing the right platform, especially mobile platforms, is crucial for businesses. SimpleTexting and TextMagic are two popular options that offer unique features and benefits. In this comparison, we'll delve into the key highlights, strengths, and weaknesses of each service, helping businesses make an informed decision for their needs. From pricing to functionality, key highlights, email, customer support, and bulk SMS software, we'll break down the differences between SimpleTexting and TextMagic so you can choose the best fit for your communication strategy. submitted by Soninetz to NutraVestaProVen [link] [comments] Useful Links: Key Takeaways
Choosing the Right Messaging ServicePricing OptionsSimpleTexting offers flexible pricing plans based on the number of contacts you have, starting at $25 per month. TextMagic, on the other hand, provides pay-as-you-go options with rates varying by country, as a software platform.When considering SimpleTexting software, keep in mind that additional features like keywords and dedicated numbers may come at an extra cost. In contrast, TextMagic includes these features in their standard pricing. https://preview.redd.it/p4or85uk9g0d1.png?width=872&format=png&auto=webp&s=42eeeb9f13a3754df58878f8e9d3289af0a17c2f Simplify your workflow with SimpleTexting! Get started with our free trial and see how our built-in automation features can save you time and effort. ⏱️ Ease of UseBoth services boast user-friendly interfaces, but SimpleTexting stands out for its intuitive platform suitable for beginners. Meanwhile, TextMagic offers advanced functionalities that cater to more experienced users.
Customer SupportFor those prioritizing customer service, SimpleTexting shines with phone support during business hours. Conversely, TextMagic primarily offers email support with extended response times.Cost-Effective SolutionsAffordabilitySimpleTexting offers various pricing plans starting from $25 per month for 500 credits, with additional charges for extra credits. TextMagic, on the other hand, provides a pay-as-you-go option where you only pay for the messages you send.SimpleTexting's tiered pricing structure allows businesses to choose a plan that aligns with their specific needs and budget constraints. In contrast, TextMagic's flexible payment model enables users to control costs based on their messaging volume. Features vs. CostsWhen comparing SimpleTexting and TextMagic, it's crucial to consider the balance between features and costs. While SimpleTexting may offer more advanced features in its higher-priced plans, TextMagic's straightforward pricing appeals to budget-conscious users.Both services have their strengths in terms of cost-effectiveness. SimpleTexting's feature-rich plans cater to businesses looking for comprehensive messaging solutions, while TextMagic's transparent pricing is attractive for those seeking a no-frills approach. MMS Messaging AdvantageMultimedia BenefitsSimpleTexting provides a significant advantage over TextMagic through its support for Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). With MMS, users can send not only text but also multimedia content like images, videos, and audio files. This feature enhances communication by allowing businesses to engage customers with visually appealing content.Enhanced EngagementBy incorporating multimedia elements into messages, SimpleTexting enables businesses to create more engaging and interactive communication with their audience. Visual content tends to capture attention more effectively than plain text, leading to higher engagement rates and improved brand visibility.Increased Conversion RatesThe use of multimedia in messaging has been shown to boost conversion rates for businesses. By leveraging MMS capabilities, companies can deliver compelling visuals that drive customer actions. Whether it's showcasing products through images or providing video demonstrations, SimpleTexting empowers businesses to enhance their marketing strategies and achieve better results.Useful Links: Advanced Features and ToolsIntegration CapabilitiesSimpleTexting offers seamless integration with popular platforms like Zapier, allowing users to connect their texting campaigns with various apps. This feature enables automation and streamlines workflows for enhanced efficiency.On the other hand, TextMagic provides robust API documentation for developers, facilitating custom integrations with internal systems or third-party applications. This flexibility caters to businesses with specific integration requirements. Analytics and ReportingBoth SimpleTexting and TextMagic offer detailed analytics tools to track campaign performance. SimpleTexting provides real-time insights into open rates, click-through rates, and overall engagement metrics. Conversely, TextMagic offers in-depth reporting on delivery statuses, replies, and opt-out rates.Two-Way CommunicationWith SimpleTexting, users can engage in interactive conversations through two-way messaging capabilities. This feature allows businesses to gather feedback, answer customer queries promptly, and build stronger relationships.Similarly, TextMagic supports two-way communication, enabling recipients to respond directly to messages. This functionality enhances customer engagement and facilitates seamless communication between businesses and their audience. User Feedback and ReviewsCustomer SatisfactionUsers praise simpletexting for its user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and set up campaigns quickly. The platform's robust analytics tools also receive positive feedback for providing valuable insights into campaign performance.On the other hand, some users find textmagic's interface slightly less intuitive compared to simpletexting. However, textmagic excels in customer support, with many users highlighting the quick response times and helpful assistance provided by their team. Pricing Comparison
Reliability and PerformanceBoth platforms are known for their reliability, ensuring that messages are delivered promptly without delays or errors. Users appreciate this consistency as it helps maintain effective communication with their audience.Final RemarksIn weighing SimpleTexting against TextMagic, you've seen the key aspects to consider. From cost-effectiveness and MMS advantages to advanced features and user feedback, both platforms offer distinct benefits. Now, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently select the messaging service that best aligns with your needs.Choose wisely based on your priorities and objectives. Your selection between SimpleTexting and TextMagic will significantly impact your communication strategy. Make an informed decision to leverage the power of SMS marketing effectively. Streamline your communication with SimpleTexting's automation tools! Sign up for a free trial now and start sending out-of-office texts effortlessly. 📲 Frequently Asked QuestionsWhich factors should I consider when choosing between SimpleTexting and TextMagic?When choosing between SimpleTexting and TextMagic, consider factors like pricing, features, ease of use, customer support, and scalability. Evaluate your specific needs to determine which platform aligns best with your messaging goals.Are there significant cost differences between SimpleTexting and TextMagic?SimpleTexting and TextMagic offer different pricing structures based on usage volume and features required. It's essential to compare plans, considering factors like message volume, additional services needed, and any potential overage charges to determine the most cost-effective option for your business.How does MMS messaging benefit my business when using SimpleTexting or TextMagic?MMS messaging allows you to send multimedia content like images, videos, and audio files along with text messages. This can enhance engagement, convey information more effectively, and create a more interactive experience for your audience when using either SimpleTexting or TextMagic.What advanced features and tools are offered by SimpleTexting and TextMagic?Both platforms offer advanced features such as automation tools, contact segmentation, analytics reporting, API integrations, scheduled messages, two-way messaging capabilities, and customizable templates. These tools can streamline your messaging campaigns, improve efficiency, and enhance overall communication effectiveness.How can user feedback and reviews help me decide between SimpleTexting and TextMagic?User feedback and reviews provide valuable insights into the user experience with both platforms. By analyzing testimonials, ratings, case studies, and reviews from current users of SimpleTexting and TextMagic, you can gain a better understanding of each platform's strengths and weaknesses to make an informed decision based on real-world experiences.Useful Links: |
2024.05.14 21:14 Select_Green_1106 The 7 Best Bitcoin & Crypto Casinos Reviewed in 2024
The online casino industry has experienced an explosion in popularity in recent years and, in part, that's down to the legalisation of iGaming in a selection of US states that has allowed the industry to spread around the world. Of course, online casinos have come a long way since the early days. Now, there are more casino games than ever and, along with the increase in these, there are more and more payment methods. This means that crypto gambling is now with us, and this has brought a whole new audience to iGaming. With so many sites to choose from, how do you find the best bitcoin casino? How do you know what goes into making the best crypto casino? Should you be paying attention to new bitcoin casino sites? As you read on, that's what we're going to be exploring.
An Overview Of The Best Bitcoin and Crypto Casinos
If you're someone who likes to jump right in, and take a snapshot, to follow you'll find our summary of the crypto casino market and discover the ones that we think are the best. If you're someone who seeks more detail, we have you covered too, but you'll need to read on. So, here's a look at the best bitcoin casinos, as well as those accepting other top cryptocurrencies:
Let's have a closer look at what makes this one of the best bitcoin gambling sites:
Heybets and Crypto Casino Games
While there's plenty to consider when looking for the best bitcoin casino, there's no escaping the fact that the range of casino games matters. There needs to be plenty to keep players entertained, there need to be provably fair games, and sports betting is an added bonus. Here's what Heybets has to offer:
Slot Games
With traditional online casinos, slot games are the staple of what's on offer. These are the most popular casino games out there, and so you'd expect the best bitcoin casino sites to perform well here. The good news is that Heybets certainly delivers here. There are classic slots, jackpot slots, and those with stunning bonus rounds. Just a few of the titles include:
Table and Card Games
Something else that makes Heybets one of the best cryptocurrency casinos is the fact that it also caters well for fans of other games. Here, you'll find a selection of classics, such as:
Heybets also has a great range of live dealer games. You can enjoy live versions of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Thanks to the fact that the live casino is powered by Evolution Gaming, you can also make the most of live game shows, such as Dream Catcher and Monopoly Big Baller.
Banking and Crypto Transactions
As with all gambling websites, the payment methods on offer are important when it comes to choosing an online casino to play at. The top bitcoin casino sites allow players to use a range of cryptocurrencies, as well as supporting other methods that you'd find at fiat casinos. Ay Heybets, you can use the following to fund your account and play casino games:
When considering more traditional methods of depositing and withdrawing, Heybets also allows you to use bank wire. There are no fees when using this option for fiat currencies, but users of crypto will need to be aware of the relevant GAS fees.
Heybets and Bonuses and promotions
As you'd expect from a site that could well be considered the best bitcoin casino, there are a host of bonuses and promotions here. Let's get the bad news out of the way with first: this crypto casino does not offer a welcome bonus. With that out of the way, let's take a look at the bonuses and promotions on offer for existing players. While these change on a regular basis, these are the ones that are a constant:
Raise Your Arm Zeus
This bonus comes into play when you're playing the online slot, Gates of Olympus. You'll activate the bonus at this bitcoin casino if you manage to win 20x - 100x from the free spins feature. If you're in luck, this leads to this crypto casino boosting your winnings by 100%.
Extra Juice
The lack of a welcome bonus doesn't seem to sting quite so much when you look at the likes of Extra Juice. This bonus kicks in on a selection of new casino games. It can lead to winnings being boosted by 7%.
Sports Betting
While our focus is on online casinos, it's worth noting that Heybets also offers a range of ongoing bonuses and promotions for customers of its sportsbook.
Loyalty Program
If you're looking for the bitcoin casino with the best loyalty rewards then Heybets is it. The VIP program here has 5 tiers, and each comes with its own rewards. To enter at the bronze level, you need to have wagered at least $2,500. With this, you can enjoy 5% cashback on all bets. Reach diamond and you'll benefit from 10% cashback as well as exclusive bonuses and rewards. This certainly makes this site stand out from other bitcoin casinos.
Heybets Customer Service
With online gambling, it's a must that a site offers great customer support. At Heybets, you can be sure that you're covered here. Just like all relatively new bitcoin casino sites, there's a need for Heybets to go above and beyond to inspire confidence. It certainly does that with almost instant responses on its live chat which is staffed by knowledgable and polite agents. The only downside is that this isn't available 24/7.
Mobile Experience
While this bitcoin online casino doesn't have a dedicated app, players can still play games via their mobile browsers. The casino games here are compatible with mobile devices thanks to HTML5 technology and the work of the developers behind them.
Summing up the Heybets Online Crypto Casino
Let's sum up the pros and cons, and see what makes this online casino one that's worthy of your attention:
Pros:
Metaspins and Bitcoin Games
Something that is clear when looking at the best BTC casinos is that there is no shortage when it comes to the range of games that there are to choose from. What puts Metaspins in the running for the best bitcoin casino site is the fact that there are more than 2,500 games to explore. Given that this site was only launched in 2022, it can still be considered to be one of the new bitcoin casino sites, so there's a good chance that the range of games will only grow. Let's take a closer look at what's on offer now:
Slot Games
What makes Metaspins one of the best crypto casinos is the range of slots that can be played. These are provably fair games, and they come from some of the best providers in the business. In fact, what makes the range of slots so exciting here is the sheer number of providers that Metaspins works with. There are more than 30 of these, including the likes of:
Table and Card Games
As you'd expect from a site in the ranks of the best bitcoin casino, there's more to this BTC casino than slots. There's also a great range of table and card games, meaning that Metaspins is an attractive destination for fans of all casino games. The games that you'll find cover all the classics such as:
Like many of the best crypto casinos, Metaspins also has an impressive range of live games. These come from top developers such as Swintt and Evolution Gaming. When gambling online here, there are traditional titles to choose from, including live poker games, as well as game show experiences. such as Crazy Time and Boom City.
Banking and Crypto Transactions
This crypto casino accepts a range of cryptocurrencies. This is good news for players as it means that can find the crypto that suits them. The other great thing at this crypto casino is that, if you don't happen to have any crypto of your own, you can use VISA or MasterCard to purchase some. The cryptos available include:
Metaspins Bonuses and Promotions
A major part of online casinos is the welcome bonus money that's up for grabs. Alongside this, players also like to see reload bonuses, cashback, free spins and even no deposit bonuses (although these are a little on the rare side). With that in mind, let's take a look at what this bitcoin casino has to offer:
Metaspins Welcome Bonus
The welcome bonus offered here is certainly attractive, and is bound to catch the eye of many players. As one of the best bitcoin casino sites, Metaspins offers a 100% match bonus up to a maximum of 1 btc. That means that if you were to deposit 0.5 btc, you'd then be rewarded with another 0.5, meaning that you had 1 btc to play with. The only watch out here is the wagering requirements. They come in at 40x, and they need to be met within 7 days. This could prove a little tricky if you were to take advantage of the maximum bonus money offered.
Deposit and Get
As deposit bonuses go, this one we think is extremely impressive. It really is as simple as it sounds: you continue to make deposits, and you can be certain that you'll get rewards. You just need to keep an eye on your rewards panel. When you see a notification, give it a click and see what you've been given. Some of the rewards on offer are:
Sports Betting
Just like many of the other best bitcoin casinos, Metaspins also has an impressive sports betting section. There are separate bonuses to be enjoyed here.
Metaspins Customer Service
To be seen as one of the best crypto casino sites, there's a need for online gambling platforms to offer outstanding customer service. Bitcoin casinos are still relatively new, and knowing that the company is there when you need it matters even more than it does at traditional sites. Metaspins delivers here, with 24/7 live chat, as well as a detailed FAQ section. The fact that customer support is always there means that this truly is one of the top bitcoin casinos.
Mobile Experience
This btc casino doesn't have a dedicated app as yet, but that doesn't mean the games can't be enjoyed on the go. Simply by using your mobile browser, you can access Metaspins from any mobile device and enjoy the full crypto casino experience, no matter where you are.
Summing Up the Metaspins Crypto Casino
As before, now's the time to round up the pros and cons of this crypto casino site, so that you can decide if this is one that you want to play at:
Pros:
Inmerion Crypto Casino Games
With online gambling, players like to see a wide range of games. It's fair to say that when compared to other bitcoin casinos and fiat casinos, Inmerion has an impressive showing. There are more than 5,000 bitcoin casino games to be played, and we're going to explore these in more detail now:
Slots
You may think that Inmerion is the best crypto casino based on the number of slots alone. There are more than 3,000 of these to choose from, meaning that even the most ardent slot fans have plenty to keep them entertained. What we like here is that the number of slots isn't overwhelming thanks to the filters that can be used. You can set filters to search by provider, RTP, max win, and volatility.
Among this vast number of slots, you're going to come across new titles, as well as many classics, such as:
For gambling sites to be among the best, there needs to be more on offer than slots. Inmerion does well here with a range of other games:
Many crypto casinos give some attention to live dealer games, but here you'll find that there are more than 300 to choose from. There are all of the classic games, as well as the game show titles that Evolution Gaming excels at.
Banking Options
As you'd expect from one of the top bitcoin casinos, Inmerion has a range of cryptos that you can play with. You can make deposits and withdrawals using:
Inmerion's Bitcoin Casino Bonus
Whether it's a healthy welcome bonus, a loyalty program, or reloads that appeal, btc casinos need to have something special on offer to be classed as the best. Let's take a look at what Inmerion has to offer:
Welcome Bonus
As it stands, there is no Immerion welcome bonus on offer. This may be a letdown for some players who can't benefit from their first deposit. However, there are other casino bonuses to enjoy.
Engine of Fortune
This is a daily bonus that allows you to spin the wheel of fortune. You need to have deposited at least $50 in the last 24 hours and then you can spin. The prizes on offer include free spins, cash, and a more than impressive top prize of 5 btc.
Daily Cashback
No matter who plays at this online crypto casino, they can all benefit from the ongoing cashback offer. Each and every day you benefit from receiving 20% of your losses from the previous day. This is something that really appeals and certainly puts Inmerion in the running for the best bitcoin casino.
Sports Betting
This is another of the best crypto casinos that has an attractive sports book, along with some great bonuses.
Inmerion Customer Service
Reputable casinos need to be there for their customers. There need to be ways that customers can reach out and have their queries resolved in a timely manner. Here, you'll find that live chat is on hand 24/7 to deal with any issues. What we also liked was the fact that there is separate support for those wanting assistance with deposits and withdrawals.
Mobile Experience
Just like the other other crypto casinos that we've looked at so far, there is no mobile app here. However, you can still enjoy Inmerion online gambling via your smartphones and tablets via your mobile browser. Nothing is lost when compared to the desktop experience, and it allows you to enjoy all that Inmerion has to offer with added convenience.
Summing up the Inmerion Crypto Casino
That brings us towards the end of our look at this bitcoin gambling site. Before we move on to the next, let's sum up the pros and cons:
Pros:
BC Game Library
This crypto gambling platform is nothing short of mind-blowing when it comes to the number of games to choose from. At BC Game, you'll find that there are more than 9,000 to explore and that makes this crypto gambling site really stand out. What else is impressive here is that the games cater for high rollers as well as those with a more conservative budget. Let's take a look at just what there is here:
Slot Games
Like other bitcoin casinos that we've looked at so far, there are plenty of slots to enjoy here. Alongside titles that you'll find at other crypto casinos, BC Game also has a host of exclusive games that you won't find anywhere else. The remainder of the library is made up of titles from providers such as Play 'n Go, Microgaming, NetEnt, and Quickspin. Just some of the slots you'll find here include:
If you're a fan of jackpot slots, you'll find that there are more than 150 progressives here, with the chance to win life-changing amounts.
Table and Card Games
With so many games overall, it's probably unsurprising that there's also a great selection of table and card games too. Here, you can play classics such as:
BC Game also has live dealer games like the other btc casinos that we've looked at so far. These come from the best in the business, namely Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play. In truth, the selection here isn't as wide as it is at other crypto casinos, but there is still plenty to keep you entertained.
Banking Options at BC Game
Just like other crypto casinos that make our list of the best, BC Game has plenty of options to choose from. While there are no alternatives away from crypto, the number of these that you can play and withdraw your winnings with is impressive. Some of those that you can use include:
This bitcoin casino also comes with some attractive bonuses and promotions that are sure to appeal to players everywhere. Here's a look at what's up for grabs
Welcome Bonus
The welcome bonus here is a little different compared to that at other crypto casinos. That's because it's spread over your first 4 deposits. Here's how it's broken down:
No Deposit Bonuses
Right now, BC Game is also offering a no deposit bonus for new players who sign up. Simply by joining, you can claim $5 worth of free spins that can be used on the Lucky Wheel. Prizes can be up to $500 or come in a variety of cryptocurrencies.
Loyalty Rewards
Players in the VIP program can enjoy higher payouts, free spins, and a host of other rewards. Once a player reaches level 22, you're also given the chance to play with the Super Spin. This is a version of the Lucky Wheel that comes with even more rewards, with the chance to pocket 3 btc.
Sports Betting
Like the other bitcoin casinos that we've looked at so far, BC Game also has a sportsbook that comes with its own bonuses and rewards.
BC Game Customer Service
We're impressed with this crypto casino and the levels of support that are on offer. Firstly, there's the 24/7 live chat function. This is staffed by knowledgeable agents who provide speedy responses. As well as this, there is also the option to reach out via email. This takes longer to receive a reply, but when it does come it is detailed and resolves most issues.
Mobile Experience
If you're wanting to play on the go, BC Game has an impressive mobile app. This can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices and provides a truly outstanding experience. If you'd rather not download, you can also play via your mobile browser.
Summing up the BC Game Crypto Casino
If you're still trying to decide if this casino is for you, here's an overview of the pros and cons:
Pros:
Stake Game Selection
While Stake may not have as many games as we've seen at BC Game, there are still more than 2,000 to choose from. In truth, this is plenty to keep players entertained, and the good news is that each and every title is truly exceptional. Let's take a look:
Online Slots
Slots are a major draw for players, and Stake certainly delivers in this area. You'll find a wide range of titles, with those that are instantly recognisable such as:
Table and Card Games
Just like the other best bitcoin casino sites, at Stake, you'll discover a great selection of classic casino games. Whether you're a fan of blackjack, excited by the spin of the wheel, or looking to take a chance with baccarat, Stake has you covered. The only game lacking here is poker. If your casino experience is based on video poker, you may need to play elsewhere.
Live Casino Games
You're sure to be impressed with what's on offer in terms of live dealer games. The lobby is bursting with titles coming from Evolution and Pragmatic Play. There are also titles from Bombay Live Games. This means that Stake has everything covered, and offers a live experience that's second to none.
Banking Options
As you'd expect from an operator that makes our list of the best bitcoin casinos, there are plenty of payment options to choose from. While this is a 100% crypto site, the good news is that you're not just limited to one or two of these. Just some of the ones you can use include:
Bonuses at Stake Casino
Before we explore the bonuses and promotions that Stake has to offer, let's first look at what's not up for grabs. At Stake, there is no welcome bonus on offer right now. There's no first deposit bonus or free spins. Why? Well, Stake is confident that it has enough to offer, and can attract new players with ease. With that out of the way, let's take a look at what you can take advantage of:
Daily Race
There is a prize pool worth $100,000 every day. When you play casino games, or wager at the sports book, you have the chance to win from this.
Weekly Giveaway
Each week there's the chance to share in a prize fund worth $75,000. To take part, you need to wager $1,000 for a ticket.
Multiplier Race
If you reach the highest multiplier on specified games, you may walk away with the top prize of $10,000.
Loyalty Program
Stake has an attractive loyalty program. However, before you enter the first level, you need to wager at least $10,000. This makes this a program for true high rollers. The rewards on offer include rakeback and daily bonuses.
Stake Customer Service
Just like other operators that we class as being among the best crypto casinos, at Stake there is a live chat option. This is available 24/7 and offers a great way to resolve any queries. You can expect a speedy response from agents who are polite and courteous.
Mobile Experience
Stake doesn't have a dedicated mobile app right now. However, you can still play on the go by going directly through your mobile browser. This means that you can play on any tablet or smartphone, without the need to download.
Summing up the Stake Casino Site
Before we move on to the next of the best crypto casinos, here's a look at the pros and cons of Stake:
Pros:
As we continue our reviews of the best crypto casinos, next up it's Wild.io. As you'll see as you read on, this is a site that comes with an attractive welcome bonus as well as an impressive lobby. Let's take a look in more detail and see what else Wild.io has to offer:
Wild.io Games Selection
A common theme among the best crypto casinos is the wide range of games that can be played. Over at Wild.io, there are around 2,500 of these to explore. This means that there's never any danger of losing interest, no matter what type of games you're a fan of. Let's take a closer look:
Wild.io Slots
As bitcoin casinos, as well as traditional ones, go the range of slots here is certainly impressive. There are more than 2,000 of these to choose from, and you can expect to see these coming from the likes of Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Gamzix, and others. Some of the top titles that you'll be able to play include:
While Wild.io is one of the more impressive bitcoin casinos, we can't help feeling that there could be a little more on offer in this section. As it stands there are just 26 games to choose from. To be fair, all of the basics are covered, but we'd love to see this range expanded.
Live Dealer Games
This section seems to be a work in progress. As you click to enter the live area, it says that there are currently no games to play. However, there is a detailed explanation of how live bitcoin games work. This is something to be monitored as it surely means live games are on their way.
Banking Options at Wild.io
When comparing Wild.io to other bitcoin casinos, it's fair to say that there's a wide range of currencies that can be used. Here, you can choose between using:
Wild.io is one of the very best bitcoin casinos when it comes to the offers that it has. Let's take a look at these now:
Welcome Bonus
As bitcoin casino bonuses go, the welcome bonus here is very attractive. Rather than just being based on your first deposit, it's a package spread across your first three:
Wheel of Fortune
If you deposit at least $20 you can spin the Wheel of Fortune every day. Prizes can be as much as $1,000, and there are plenty of free spins up for grabs too. There is also the Jungle Wheel for VIPs. This wheel brings bigger rewards but requires a minimum deposit of $100.
Weekly Spotlight
Each week, Wild.io nominates a game that is in the spotlight. When you wager on the specified game, you're rewarded with more loyalty points.
Wild Weekends
Each Friday, Wild.io launches a promotion for the weekend. This could be a reload matched deposit bonus, free spins, or anything else that the operator decides to offer.
Rakeback and Cashback
The higher up you are in the VIP program you are, the more you can claim back. You can recover anywhere between 1% and 20% of your weekly losses.
Loyalty Program
Every player is automatically enrolled. The more you wager, the more points you have and the higher you claim. Each level has exclusive offers such as free spins and matched deposits. There are also other perks such as higher maximum withdrawals.
Wild.io Customer Service
Like the other bitcoin casinos that we've looked at, the customer service on offer at Wild.io is impressive. With a live chat function that is available 24/7, you can reach out whenever you need any assistance. When we gave this a try, we had an almost instant response meaning that our query was resolved quickly. There is also a chatbot to help with queries.
Mobile Experience
As it stands, there is no Wild.io mobile app. To enjoy this casino on the go, you can play via your mobile browser.
Summing up the Wild.io Casino
Before we move onto the final of our bitcoin casinos, here's a rundown of the pros and cons of Wild.io:
Pros:
Jackbit is the final operator to make our list that looks at the best bitcoin casino. With a great game selection and free spins up for grabs, you'll soon see why we rate this crypto casino so highly. Let's get into the detail now:
Jackbit Games Library
Established in 2022, Jackbit has quickly expanded its library so that it now exceeds 6,000 titles. There are plenty of slots to choose from, as well as an impressive range of table games. The live casino is also of note. Let's take a closer look:
Slots
There is certainly no shortage of slots at Jackbit. There are thousands of games to choose from, and these come from some of the best providers around. The likes of Yggdrasil, Red Tiger, and Microgaming mean that the quality is exceptional. Just some of the titles you will find include:
While some casinos only pay lip service to games other than slots, Jackbit is a little different. There is a vast range of choices here that covers all of the games that you could ever want to play. When you look at roulette alone, there are some 56 variations just of this game so you can imagine how vast the whole offerings are.
Live Casino
If live games are your thing, you'll find over 200 of these at Jackbit. As you'd expect, the classics are all covered, but there's also the inclusion of game show titles courtesy of Evolution. Just some of these include:
You can use a range of cryptocurrencies to play at Jackbit. If you don't happen to own any crypto, you can use your debit or credit card to purchase through the site. Some of the currencies that can used include:
If you're a fan of free spins, the Jackbit crypto casino may well be of interest to you. Let's take a look at why.
Jackbit First Deposit Bonus
When you make your first deposit at Jackbit, you're rewarded with 50 free spins that can be used on the Lazy Sheriff slot. What makes this bonus really attractive is the wagering requirements: wager once and any winnings are then yours.
Jackbit Loyalty Program
The loyalty program here has its focus on rakeback. As you wager more and move up the levels (Rookie to Legend), the greater the percentage of rakeback you're entitled to.
Customer Service
The Jackbit casino allows players to get in touch via live chat or email. The live chat option is there 24/7 and this is a big plus. There was a slight delay in being connected when we gave it a try, but after that the responses were all pretty much instant and we found our query being resolved very quickly.
Mobile Experience
There is currently no Jackbit mobile app. If you want to play via your smartphone or tablet, you can do this via your mobile browser. You'll find that the games translate well to the smaller screen and nothing is lost in terms of the experience.
Summing up the Jackbit Casino
Let's finish by taking a look at the pros and cons of this bitcoin casino:
Pros:
Are Bitcoin casinos safe?
Like any online casino, safety depends on the platform's reputation. Look for casinos with positive user reviews, provably fair games, and proper licensing.
What are provably fair games?
Provably fair games use cryptography to allow players to verify the randomness and fairness of each game round themselves, giving more transparency than traditional online casinos.
What types of games can I play at Bitcoin casinos?
Many Bitcoin casinos offer a wide variety of games, including slots, and table games (like blackjack and roulette.he online casino industry has experienced an explosion in popularity in recent years and, in part, that's down to the legalisation of iGaming in a selection of US states that has allowed the industry to spread around the world. Of course, online casinos have come a long way since the early days. Now, there are more casino games than ever and, along with the increase in these, there are more and more payment methods. This means that crypto gambling is now with us, and this has brought a whole new audience to iGaming. With so many sites to choose from, how do you find the best bitcoin casino? How do you know what goes into making the best crypto casino? Should you be paying attention to new bitcoin casino sites? As you read on, that's what we're going to be exploring.
An Overview Of The Best Bitcoin and Crypto Casinos
If you're someone who likes to jump right in, and take a snapshot, to follow you'll find our summary of the crypto casino market and discover the ones that we think are the best. If you're someone who seeks more detail, we have you covered too, but you'll need to read on. So, here's a look at the best bitcoin casinos, as well as those accepting other top cryptocurrencies:
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An Overview Of The Best Bitcoin and Crypto Casinos
If you're someone who likes to jump right in, and take a snapshot, to follow you'll find our summary of the crypto casino market and discover the ones that we think are the best. If you're someone who seeks more detail, we have you covered too, but you'll need to read on. So, here's a look at the best bitcoin casinos, as well as those accepting other top cryptocurrencies:
- Heybets - The best for VIP perks and regular promotions.
- Metaspins - Attractive first deposit bonus.
- Inmerion Casino - Huge range of classic casino games.
- B.C Game - Bitcoin gambling for all budgets.
- Stake - Impressive all-rounder.
- Wild.i.o - Best bitcoin casino for ongoing promotions.
- Jackbit - Great selection of bitcoin table games, as well as online slots.
The Heybets Crypto Casino Site
There's no denying that Heybets is one of the top bitcoin casinos around. As well as offering a great online casino experience, there is also an attractive sportsbook where you can enjoy sports betting on the top action. This means that you can play games, and win in the best sporting events, all in the same place.Let's have a closer look at what makes this one of the best bitcoin gambling sites:
Heybets and Crypto Casino Games
While there's plenty to consider when looking for the best bitcoin casino, there's no escaping the fact that the range of casino games matters. There needs to be plenty to keep players entertained, there need to be provably fair games, and sports betting is an added bonus. Here's what Heybets has to offer:
Slot Games
With traditional online casinos, slot games are the staple of what's on offer. These are the most popular casino games out there, and so you'd expect the best bitcoin casino sites to perform well here. The good news is that Heybets certainly delivers here. There are classic slots, jackpot slots, and those with stunning bonus rounds. Just a few of the titles include:
- Wanted Dead or a Wild
- Sugar Rush
- Hot to Burn
- Fruit Party
- NetEnt
- Hacksaw Gaming
- Red Tiger
- Quickspin
Table and Card Games
Something else that makes Heybets one of the best cryptocurrency casinos is the fact that it also caters well for fans of other games. Here, you'll find a selection of classics, such as:
- Blackjack - There's a range of blackjack variants at this btc casino such as American, Multihand, and Lightning.
- Roulette - You'll also find a range of roulette casino games to enjoy. You'll be able to play European and American roulette, as well as variants such as Lightning and Double Ball.
- Poker - While you won't find live online poker rooms here, there are 3 variations of video poker to enjoy.
Heybets also has a great range of live dealer games. You can enjoy live versions of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Thanks to the fact that the live casino is powered by Evolution Gaming, you can also make the most of live game shows, such as Dream Catcher and Monopoly Big Baller.
Banking and Crypto Transactions
As with all gambling websites, the payment methods on offer are important when it comes to choosing an online casino to play at. The top bitcoin casino sites allow players to use a range of cryptocurrencies, as well as supporting other methods that you'd find at fiat casinos. Ay Heybets, you can use the following to fund your account and play casino games:
- Bitcoin
- Litecoin
- Ethereum
When considering more traditional methods of depositing and withdrawing, Heybets also allows you to use bank wire. There are no fees when using this option for fiat currencies, but users of crypto will need to be aware of the relevant GAS fees.
Heybets and Bonuses and promotions
As you'd expect from a site that could well be considered the best bitcoin casino, there are a host of bonuses and promotions here. Let's get the bad news out of the way with first: this crypto casino does not offer a welcome bonus. With that out of the way, let's take a look at the bonuses and promotions on offer for existing players. While these change on a regular basis, these are the ones that are a constant:
Raise Your Arm Zeus
This bonus comes into play when you're playing the online slot, Gates of Olympus. You'll activate the bonus at this bitcoin casino if you manage to win 20x - 100x from the free spins feature. If you're in luck, this leads to this crypto casino boosting your winnings by 100%.
Extra Juice
The lack of a welcome bonus doesn't seem to sting quite so much when you look at the likes of Extra Juice. This bonus kicks in on a selection of new casino games. It can lead to winnings being boosted by 7%.
Sports Betting
While our focus is on online casinos, it's worth noting that Heybets also offers a range of ongoing bonuses and promotions for customers of its sportsbook.
Loyalty Program
If you're looking for the bitcoin casino with the best loyalty rewards then Heybets is it. The VIP program here has 5 tiers, and each comes with its own rewards. To enter at the bronze level, you need to have wagered at least $2,500. With this, you can enjoy 5% cashback on all bets. Reach diamond and you'll benefit from 10% cashback as well as exclusive bonuses and rewards. This certainly makes this site stand out from other bitcoin casinos.
Heybets Customer Service
With online gambling, it's a must that a site offers great customer support. At Heybets, you can be sure that you're covered here. Just like all relatively new bitcoin casino sites, there's a need for Heybets to go above and beyond to inspire confidence. It certainly does that with almost instant responses on its live chat which is staffed by knowledgable and polite agents. The only downside is that this isn't available 24/7.
Mobile Experience
While this bitcoin online casino doesn't have a dedicated app, players can still play games via their mobile browsers. The casino games here are compatible with mobile devices thanks to HTML5 technology and the work of the developers behind them.
Summing up the Heybets Online Crypto Casino
Let's sum up the pros and cons, and see what makes this online casino one that's worthy of your attention:
Pros:
- Great range of online slots and table games
- Impressive selection of live casino games
- Generous ongoing promotions
- Opportunity to explore sports betting
- Lack of welcome bonus/deposit bonuses
- No mobile app
- Customer support not 24/7
The Metaspins Bitcoin Casino
When looking at the best bitcoin casinos, Metaspins is another online gambling site that can't be ignored. If you're the kind of player seeking an attractive deposit bonus, then you'll be more than happy with what's on offer here. As we get into the detail, you'll soon see why Metaspins deserves a place on our list of the best bitcoin casinos.Metaspins and Bitcoin Games
Something that is clear when looking at the best BTC casinos is that there is no shortage when it comes to the range of games that there are to choose from. What puts Metaspins in the running for the best bitcoin casino site is the fact that there are more than 2,500 games to explore. Given that this site was only launched in 2022, it can still be considered to be one of the new bitcoin casino sites, so there's a good chance that the range of games will only grow. Let's take a closer look at what's on offer now:
Slot Games
What makes Metaspins one of the best crypto casinos is the range of slots that can be played. These are provably fair games, and they come from some of the best providers in the business. In fact, what makes the range of slots so exciting here is the sheer number of providers that Metaspins works with. There are more than 30 of these, including the likes of:
- Relax Gaming
- Wazdan
- Yggdrasil
- Quickspin
Table and Card Games
As you'd expect from a site in the ranks of the best bitcoin casino, there's more to this BTC casino than slots. There's also a great range of table and card games, meaning that Metaspins is an attractive destination for fans of all casino games. The games that you'll find cover all the classics such as:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Baccarat
- Video poker
Like many of the best crypto casinos, Metaspins also has an impressive range of live games. These come from top developers such as Swintt and Evolution Gaming. When gambling online here, there are traditional titles to choose from, including live poker games, as well as game show experiences. such as Crazy Time and Boom City.
Banking and Crypto Transactions
This crypto casino accepts a range of cryptocurrencies. This is good news for players as it means that can find the crypto that suits them. The other great thing at this crypto casino is that, if you don't happen to have any crypto of your own, you can use VISA or MasterCard to purchase some. The cryptos available include:
- Bitcoin
- Bitcoin Cash
- Ethereum
- Tron
- Ripple
- Dogecoin
- Litecoin
Metaspins Bonuses and Promotions
A major part of online casinos is the welcome bonus money that's up for grabs. Alongside this, players also like to see reload bonuses, cashback, free spins and even no deposit bonuses (although these are a little on the rare side). With that in mind, let's take a look at what this bitcoin casino has to offer:
Metaspins Welcome Bonus
The welcome bonus offered here is certainly attractive, and is bound to catch the eye of many players. As one of the best bitcoin casino sites, Metaspins offers a 100% match bonus up to a maximum of 1 btc. That means that if you were to deposit 0.5 btc, you'd then be rewarded with another 0.5, meaning that you had 1 btc to play with. The only watch out here is the wagering requirements. They come in at 40x, and they need to be met within 7 days. This could prove a little tricky if you were to take advantage of the maximum bonus money offered.
Deposit and Get
As deposit bonuses go, this one we think is extremely impressive. It really is as simple as it sounds: you continue to make deposits, and you can be certain that you'll get rewards. You just need to keep an eye on your rewards panel. When you see a notification, give it a click and see what you've been given. Some of the rewards on offer are:
- Reload bonuses to use on your favourite casino games.
- Free spins that can be enjoyed on the best slot games.
- MetaLotto tickets that can lead to substantial prizes.
Sports Betting
Just like many of the other best bitcoin casinos, Metaspins also has an impressive sports betting section. There are separate bonuses to be enjoyed here.
Metaspins Customer Service
To be seen as one of the best crypto casino sites, there's a need for online gambling platforms to offer outstanding customer service. Bitcoin casinos are still relatively new, and knowing that the company is there when you need it matters even more than it does at traditional sites. Metaspins delivers here, with 24/7 live chat, as well as a detailed FAQ section. The fact that customer support is always there means that this truly is one of the top bitcoin casinos.
Mobile Experience
This btc casino doesn't have a dedicated app as yet, but that doesn't mean the games can't be enjoyed on the go. Simply by using your mobile browser, you can access Metaspins from any mobile device and enjoy the full crypto casino experience, no matter where you are.
Summing Up the Metaspins Crypto Casino
As before, now's the time to round up the pros and cons of this crypto casino site, so that you can decide if this is one that you want to play at:
Pros:
- Attractive welcome bonus
- Huge range of provably fair games.
- 24/7 customer support
- Reload bonuses that include free spins
- Selection of cryptos accepted.
- Wagering requirements must be met within 7 days
- No mobile app (however the browser experience is outstanding).
The Immerion Bitcoin Casino Site
If you're looking for crypto casino sites that feature all of the classics that you're already a fan of, then Immerion could well be the crypto casino for you. As you read on, we'll be looking at just what's on offer here. As well as considering the crypto casino games, we'll also be looking at everything else that you need to know Let's get started.Inmerion Crypto Casino Games
With online gambling, players like to see a wide range of games. It's fair to say that when compared to other bitcoin casinos and fiat casinos, Inmerion has an impressive showing. There are more than 5,000 bitcoin casino games to be played, and we're going to explore these in more detail now:
Slots
You may think that Inmerion is the best crypto casino based on the number of slots alone. There are more than 3,000 of these to choose from, meaning that even the most ardent slot fans have plenty to keep them entertained. What we like here is that the number of slots isn't overwhelming thanks to the filters that can be used. You can set filters to search by provider, RTP, max win, and volatility.
Among this vast number of slots, you're going to come across new titles, as well as many classics, such as:
- Big Bass Bonanza
- Sugar Rush
- Gate of Olympus
For gambling sites to be among the best, there needs to be more on offer than slots. Inmerion does well here with a range of other games:
- Blackjack - There are more than 70 blackjack titles to choose from here.
- Roulette - With European and American versions to choose from, there are also another 146 titles to explore.
- Poker - There are live poker rooms as well as video poker here, with a total of 35 titles to choose from.
- Other Games - By exploring the tabs, you'll also find bitcoin casino games such as craps and bingo.
Many crypto casinos give some attention to live dealer games, but here you'll find that there are more than 300 to choose from. There are all of the classic games, as well as the game show titles that Evolution Gaming excels at.
Banking Options
As you'd expect from one of the top bitcoin casinos, Inmerion has a range of cryptos that you can play with. You can make deposits and withdrawals using:
- Bitcoin
- Bitcoin Cash
- Ethereum
- Litecoin
- Tron
- Dogecoin
- USD Coin
- BNB Coin
Inmerion's Bitcoin Casino Bonus
Whether it's a healthy welcome bonus, a loyalty program, or reloads that appeal, btc casinos need to have something special on offer to be classed as the best. Let's take a look at what Inmerion has to offer:
Welcome Bonus
As it stands, there is no Immerion welcome bonus on offer. This may be a letdown for some players who can't benefit from their first deposit. However, there are other casino bonuses to enjoy.
Engine of Fortune
This is a daily bonus that allows you to spin the wheel of fortune. You need to have deposited at least $50 in the last 24 hours and then you can spin. The prizes on offer include free spins, cash, and a more than impressive top prize of 5 btc.
Daily Cashback
No matter who plays at this online crypto casino, they can all benefit from the ongoing cashback offer. Each and every day you benefit from receiving 20% of your losses from the previous day. This is something that really appeals and certainly puts Inmerion in the running for the best bitcoin casino.
Sports Betting
This is another of the best crypto casinos that has an attractive sports book, along with some great bonuses.
Inmerion Customer Service
Reputable casinos need to be there for their customers. There need to be ways that customers can reach out and have their queries resolved in a timely manner. Here, you'll find that live chat is on hand 24/7 to deal with any issues. What we also liked was the fact that there is separate support for those wanting assistance with deposits and withdrawals.
Mobile Experience
Just like the other other crypto casinos that we've looked at so far, there is no mobile app here. However, you can still enjoy Inmerion online gambling via your smartphones and tablets via your mobile browser. Nothing is lost when compared to the desktop experience, and it allows you to enjoy all that Inmerion has to offer with added convenience.
Summing up the Inmerion Crypto Casino
That brings us towards the end of our look at this bitcoin gambling site. Before we move on to the next, let's sum up the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Massive range of games.
- Ongoing promotions, including free spins.
- Range of cryptocurrencies accepted, with the chance to withdraw your gambling winnings with ease.
- Impressive sports betting section.
- Exceptional live dealer section.
- No welcome bonus so no way to benefit from the first deposit.
- Lack of a mobile app
The BC Game Online Casino
As we continue to explore the best bitcoin gambling sites, next up is BC Game. This is a site that was established back in 2017, and there is no doubt that this is one of the most reputable btc casinos that there is. Let's take a look at what's on offer, and what makes this one of the best crypto casinos that there is.BC Game Library
This crypto gambling platform is nothing short of mind-blowing when it comes to the number of games to choose from. At BC Game, you'll find that there are more than 9,000 to explore and that makes this crypto gambling site really stand out. What else is impressive here is that the games cater for high rollers as well as those with a more conservative budget. Let's take a look at just what there is here:
Slot Games
Like other bitcoin casinos that we've looked at so far, there are plenty of slots to enjoy here. Alongside titles that you'll find at other crypto casinos, BC Game also has a host of exclusive games that you won't find anywhere else. The remainder of the library is made up of titles from providers such as Play 'n Go, Microgaming, NetEnt, and Quickspin. Just some of the slots you'll find here include:
- Book of Shadows
- Starburst XXXtreme
- Aztec Pyramid
If you're a fan of jackpot slots, you'll find that there are more than 150 progressives here, with the chance to win life-changing amounts.
Table and Card Games
With so many games overall, it's probably unsurprising that there's also a great selection of table and card games too. Here, you can play classics such as:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Craps
- Baccarat
- Scratchcards
BC Game also has live dealer games like the other btc casinos that we've looked at so far. These come from the best in the business, namely Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play. In truth, the selection here isn't as wide as it is at other crypto casinos, but there is still plenty to keep you entertained.
Banking Options at BC Game
Just like other crypto casinos that make our list of the best, BC Game has plenty of options to choose from. While there are no alternatives away from crypto, the number of these that you can play and withdraw your winnings with is impressive. Some of those that you can use include:
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum
- Dogecoin
- Ripple
- Cardano
- Tron
- Polkadot
- Solana
This bitcoin casino also comes with some attractive bonuses and promotions that are sure to appeal to players everywhere. Here's a look at what's up for grabs
Welcome Bonus
The welcome bonus here is a little different compared to that at other crypto casinos. That's because it's spread over your first 4 deposits. Here's how it's broken down:
- First deposit- 180% match bonus up to 20,000 BCD
- Second deposit - 240% up to 40,000 BCD
- Third deposit - 300% up to 60,000 BCD
- Fourth Deposit - 360% up to 100,000 BCD
No Deposit Bonuses
Right now, BC Game is also offering a no deposit bonus for new players who sign up. Simply by joining, you can claim $5 worth of free spins that can be used on the Lucky Wheel. Prizes can be up to $500 or come in a variety of cryptocurrencies.
Loyalty Rewards
Players in the VIP program can enjoy higher payouts, free spins, and a host of other rewards. Once a player reaches level 22, you're also given the chance to play with the Super Spin. This is a version of the Lucky Wheel that comes with even more rewards, with the chance to pocket 3 btc.
Sports Betting
Like the other bitcoin casinos that we've looked at so far, BC Game also has a sportsbook that comes with its own bonuses and rewards.
BC Game Customer Service
We're impressed with this crypto casino and the levels of support that are on offer. Firstly, there's the 24/7 live chat function. This is staffed by knowledgeable agents who provide speedy responses. As well as this, there is also the option to reach out via email. This takes longer to receive a reply, but when it does come it is detailed and resolves most issues.
Mobile Experience
If you're wanting to play on the go, BC Game has an impressive mobile app. This can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices and provides a truly outstanding experience. If you'd rather not download, you can also play via your mobile browser.
Summing up the BC Game Crypto Casino
If you're still trying to decide if this casino is for you, here's an overview of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- More than 9,000 games to choose from
- Accessible to players regardless of budget
- Impressive mobile app
- Generous welcome bonus
- Wagering requirements could be lower
- The selection of live casino games is a little limited.
Stake Online Casino Site
If you have ever explored crypto casinos, there's a very good chance that you have come across the name, Stake. Why? Well, it's widely regarded as one of the best out there. As you keep reading, we're going to delve into the details and show you why.Stake Game Selection
While Stake may not have as many games as we've seen at BC Game, there are still more than 2,000 to choose from. In truth, this is plenty to keep players entertained, and the good news is that each and every title is truly exceptional. Let's take a look:
Online Slots
Slots are a major draw for players, and Stake certainly delivers in this area. You'll find a wide range of titles, with those that are instantly recognisable such as:
- Sweet Bonanza
- Sugar Rush 1000
- Blue Samurai
Table and Card Games
Just like the other best bitcoin casino sites, at Stake, you'll discover a great selection of classic casino games. Whether you're a fan of blackjack, excited by the spin of the wheel, or looking to take a chance with baccarat, Stake has you covered. The only game lacking here is poker. If your casino experience is based on video poker, you may need to play elsewhere.
Live Casino Games
You're sure to be impressed with what's on offer in terms of live dealer games. The lobby is bursting with titles coming from Evolution and Pragmatic Play. There are also titles from Bombay Live Games. This means that Stake has everything covered, and offers a live experience that's second to none.
Banking Options
As you'd expect from an operator that makes our list of the best bitcoin casinos, there are plenty of payment options to choose from. While this is a 100% crypto site, the good news is that you're not just limited to one or two of these. Just some of the ones you can use include:
- LiteCoin
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum
- Dogecoin
- Bitcoin Cash
Bonuses at Stake Casino
Before we explore the bonuses and promotions that Stake has to offer, let's first look at what's not up for grabs. At Stake, there is no welcome bonus on offer right now. There's no first deposit bonus or free spins. Why? Well, Stake is confident that it has enough to offer, and can attract new players with ease. With that out of the way, let's take a look at what you can take advantage of:
Daily Race
There is a prize pool worth $100,000 every day. When you play casino games, or wager at the sports book, you have the chance to win from this.
Weekly Giveaway
Each week there's the chance to share in a prize fund worth $75,000. To take part, you need to wager $1,000 for a ticket.
Multiplier Race
If you reach the highest multiplier on specified games, you may walk away with the top prize of $10,000.
Loyalty Program
Stake has an attractive loyalty program. However, before you enter the first level, you need to wager at least $10,000. This makes this a program for true high rollers. The rewards on offer include rakeback and daily bonuses.
Stake Customer Service
Just like other operators that we class as being among the best crypto casinos, at Stake there is a live chat option. This is available 24/7 and offers a great way to resolve any queries. You can expect a speedy response from agents who are polite and courteous.
Mobile Experience
Stake doesn't have a dedicated mobile app right now. However, you can still play on the go by going directly through your mobile browser. This means that you can play on any tablet or smartphone, without the need to download.
Summing up the Stake Casino Site
Before we move on to the next of the best crypto casinos, here's a look at the pros and cons of Stake:
Pros:
- Well-established and trusted
- Amazing exclusive games
- Wide range of cryptocurrencies accepted
- Ongoing bonuses
- No welcome bonus
- High entry level to the loyalty program
Wild.io Bitcoin Casino
As we continue our reviews of the best crypto casinos, next up it's Wild.io. As you'll see as you read on, this is a site that comes with an attractive welcome bonus as well as an impressive lobby. Let's take a look in more detail and see what else Wild.io has to offer:
Wild.io Games Selection
A common theme among the best crypto casinos is the wide range of games that can be played. Over at Wild.io, there are around 2,500 of these to explore. This means that there's never any danger of losing interest, no matter what type of games you're a fan of. Let's take a closer look:
Wild.io Slots
As bitcoin casinos, as well as traditional ones, go the range of slots here is certainly impressive. There are more than 2,000 of these to choose from, and you can expect to see these coming from the likes of Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Gamzix, and others. Some of the top titles that you'll be able to play include:
- Wilds of Fortune
- Rise of Triton
- Book of Doom
While Wild.io is one of the more impressive bitcoin casinos, we can't help feeling that there could be a little more on offer in this section. As it stands there are just 26 games to choose from. To be fair, all of the basics are covered, but we'd love to see this range expanded.
Live Dealer Games
This section seems to be a work in progress. As you click to enter the live area, it says that there are currently no games to play. However, there is a detailed explanation of how live bitcoin games work. This is something to be monitored as it surely means live games are on their way.
Banking Options at Wild.io
When comparing Wild.io to other bitcoin casinos, it's fair to say that there's a wide range of currencies that can be used. Here, you can choose between using:
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum
- Bitcoin Cash
- Litecoin
- Dogecoin
- Ripple
- Tron
- Binance Coin
- Tether
Wild.io is one of the very best bitcoin casinos when it comes to the offers that it has. Let's take a look at these now:
Welcome Bonus
As bitcoin casino bonuses go, the welcome bonus here is very attractive. Rather than just being based on your first deposit, it's a package spread across your first three:
- First deposit - 100% match bonus up to $99 + 100 free spins.
- Second Deposit bonuses - Deposit between $100 and $499 for a 110% match plus 75 free spins.
- Third Deposit Bonus - Between 75% and 120% depending on the amount deposited, plus 75 free spins.
Wheel of Fortune
If you deposit at least $20 you can spin the Wheel of Fortune every day. Prizes can be as much as $1,000, and there are plenty of free spins up for grabs too. There is also the Jungle Wheel for VIPs. This wheel brings bigger rewards but requires a minimum deposit of $100.
Weekly Spotlight
Each week, Wild.io nominates a game that is in the spotlight. When you wager on the specified game, you're rewarded with more loyalty points.
Wild Weekends
Each Friday, Wild.io launches a promotion for the weekend. This could be a reload matched deposit bonus, free spins, or anything else that the operator decides to offer.
Rakeback and Cashback
The higher up you are in the VIP program you are, the more you can claim back. You can recover anywhere between 1% and 20% of your weekly losses.
Loyalty Program
Every player is automatically enrolled. The more you wager, the more points you have and the higher you claim. Each level has exclusive offers such as free spins and matched deposits. There are also other perks such as higher maximum withdrawals.
Wild.io Customer Service
Like the other bitcoin casinos that we've looked at, the customer service on offer at Wild.io is impressive. With a live chat function that is available 24/7, you can reach out whenever you need any assistance. When we gave this a try, we had an almost instant response meaning that our query was resolved quickly. There is also a chatbot to help with queries.
Mobile Experience
As it stands, there is no Wild.io mobile app. To enjoy this casino on the go, you can play via your mobile browser.
Summing up the Wild.io Casino
Before we move onto the final of our bitcoin casinos, here's a rundown of the pros and cons of Wild.io:
Pros:
- Attractive welcome bonus
- Ongoing promotions
- Great range of games
- 24/7 customer support
- Lack of live dealer games
- Limited table games
Jackbit Crypto Casino
Jackbit is the final operator to make our list that looks at the best bitcoin casino. With a great game selection and free spins up for grabs, you'll soon see why we rate this crypto casino so highly. Let's get into the detail now:
Jackbit Games Library
Established in 2022, Jackbit has quickly expanded its library so that it now exceeds 6,000 titles. There are plenty of slots to choose from, as well as an impressive range of table games. The live casino is also of note. Let's take a closer look:
Slots
There is certainly no shortage of slots at Jackbit. There are thousands of games to choose from, and these come from some of the best providers around. The likes of Yggdrasil, Red Tiger, and Microgaming mean that the quality is exceptional. Just some of the titles you will find include:
- 888 Dragons
- Wanted Dead or a Wild
- Sweet Bonanza
- Gates of Olympus
While some casinos only pay lip service to games other than slots, Jackbit is a little different. There is a vast range of choices here that covers all of the games that you could ever want to play. When you look at roulette alone, there are some 56 variations just of this game so you can imagine how vast the whole offerings are.
Live Casino
If live games are your thing, you'll find over 200 of these at Jackbit. As you'd expect, the classics are all covered, but there's also the inclusion of game show titles courtesy of Evolution. Just some of these include:
- Crazy Time
- Mega Ball
- Cash or Crash
- Monopoly Live
You can use a range of cryptocurrencies to play at Jackbit. If you don't happen to own any crypto, you can use your debit or credit card to purchase through the site. Some of the currencies that can used include:
- Bitcoin
- Tron
- Solana
- Ethereum
- Monero
- Tether
If you're a fan of free spins, the Jackbit crypto casino may well be of interest to you. Let's take a look at why.
Jackbit First Deposit Bonus
When you make your first deposit at Jackbit, you're rewarded with 50 free spins that can be used on the Lazy Sheriff slot. What makes this bonus really attractive is the wagering requirements: wager once and any winnings are then yours.
Jackbit Loyalty Program
The loyalty program here has its focus on rakeback. As you wager more and move up the levels (Rookie to Legend), the greater the percentage of rakeback you're entitled to.
Customer Service
The Jackbit casino allows players to get in touch via live chat or email. The live chat option is there 24/7 and this is a big plus. There was a slight delay in being connected when we gave it a try, but after that the responses were all pretty much instant and we found our query being resolved very quickly.
Mobile Experience
There is currently no Jackbit mobile app. If you want to play via your smartphone or tablet, you can do this via your mobile browser. You'll find that the games translate well to the smaller screen and nothing is lost in terms of the experience.
Summing up the Jackbit Casino
Let's finish by taking a look at the pros and cons of this bitcoin casino:
Pros:
- Great free spins bonus
- Low wagering requirements
- Impressive selection of games across the board
- Top customer service
- Limited ongoing promotions
Are Bitcoin casinos safe?
Like any online casino, safety depends on the platform's reputation. Look for casinos with positive user reviews, provably fair games, and proper licensing.
What are provably fair games?
Provably fair games use cryptography to allow players to verify the randomness and fairness of each game round themselves, giving more transparency than traditional online casinos.
What types of games can I play at Bitcoin casinos?
Many Bitcoin casinos offer a wide variety of games, including slots, and table games (like blackjack and roulette.he online casino industry has experienced an explosion in popularity in recent years and, in part, that's down to the legalisation of iGaming in a selection of US states that has allowed the industry to spread around the world. Of course, online casinos have come a long way since the early days. Now, there are more casino games than ever and, along with the increase in these, there are more and more payment methods. This means that crypto gambling is now with us, and this has brought a whole new audience to iGaming. With so many sites to choose from, how do you find the best bitcoin casino? How do you know what goes into making the best crypto casino? Should you be paying attention to new bitcoin casino sites? As you read on, that's what we're going to be exploring.
An Overview Of The Best Bitcoin and Crypto Casinos
If you're someone who likes to jump right in, and take a snapshot, to follow you'll find our summary of the crypto casino market and discover the ones that we think are the best. If you're someone who seeks more detail, we have you covered too, but you'll need to read on. So, here's a look at the best bitcoin casinos, as well as those accepting other top cryptocurrencies:
- Heybets - The best for VIP perks and regular promotions.
- Metaspins - Attractive first deposit bonus.
- Inmerion Casino - Huge range of classic casino games.
- B.C Game - Bitcoin gambling for all budgets.
- Stake - Impressive all-rounder.
- Wild.i.o - Best bitcoin casino for ongoing promotions.
- Jackbit - Great selection of bitcoin table games, as well as online slots.
The Heybets Crypto Casino Site
2024.05.14 19:01 garrettwilson42 Feeling confused and defeated - My two years post MD, reherniation.
I’ll try to keep this short as I can, I’ve made several posts over the years. I’m just feeling defeated and confused.
I’m currently a 25(M), and had a microdiscectomy on L5-S1 for a 20mm+ herniation (I don’t remember the exact size) in June 2022. Prior to that I was extremely active, I played college water polo up through the December 2021 season. Swimming for cardio is something I’ve done all my life and want to continue, I hate running.
I have a hard time remembering what the pain was like back in February 2022, but it must have been pretty bad since I wasn’t able to exercise (I have a high pain tolerance).
Post surgery was fine, I started walking again, getting back to work and normal daily activities such as running errands. Starting PT after 6 weeks (July 2022) and that was a brutal process I was so stiff and tight. I’ve never been very flexible.
The following 6-7 months, I solely did PT, stretched, and walked every day. Got to where I’d go for 4-5 mile walks at a 16 min pace. In February 2023 I began lap swimming again, this time I didn’t do flip turns, decided I’d just do touch turns to not put my back in a flipping motion. I started very slow and just did about 20 laps/500 yards (which is nothing compared to what I would do in the past).
From February 2023 – June 2023 I just slowly eased into swimming, got back to swimming 2,500+ yards. I also began lifting again, doing light machines and light weights. Did weight training at my PT office to make sure I was doing things correctly.
June 2023 – December 2023 I did well, I was swimming and lifting 4-5x a week. I might have been overdoing it but I felt fine. I’d do 30+ mins of pt warm up and stretches before swimming to make sure I was warm, then would do some lifting after I swam. I was doing some free weight stuff (bad idea) and was swimming fast again. I felt good and I felt like I wanted to start training again to play competitive water polo again.
December 2023 – was doing some light 10lb RDLs that I’d learned at PT. Hadn’t done them in a while and wanted to change it up for my hamstrings. After one set I felt some pain and discomfort in my back, something I hadn’t felt in a while and knew something was wrong. I stopped Immediately.
Went to the Dr. and got another MRI. New MRI shows disc herniation of 6mm at L5-S1 significantly smaller than the original. My surgeon told me it wasn’t surgery worthy and that it wasn’t compressing my nerve, and I don’t have much pain so I agree. He said many people can live with them, and they don’t even know, but I need to listen to my body and modify etc.
January 2024 – Since then I went back to PT, tried to come up with a good game plan for safe forms of exercising. It was hard to accept, but I decided I’d stop trying to push playing competitive water polo again for health reasons. I started slow again, swimming 3 times a week very slow and building up laps every week. I now do light machines to keep myself tone, that’s all I need and am happy with.
March 2024 - I got back to swimming 4x a week at a slower pace, I can maintain good form but still get winded. And I’ve been lifting 4x a week, all somewhat light weight all on machines. My feet are grounded, and my back or chest is against padding for support. Still do PT warm up stuff ahead of time, and stretch and roll out my glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors after.
April 2024 - I felt pretty good, just general stiffness when I wake up sometimes, and some days I get some achiness in my lower back and glut area but I accept that’s normal.
PT thinks my gluts and hip flexors are weak and my backs compensating for them. I guess I trusted them and agreed to do what thy said. But they started having me do back squats which made me nervous but felt fine. I started doing those several times a week. Then they had me start do incorporate hip trusts for my gluts, either with the barbell on my waist or using a machine at the gym. Then they wanted me to start doing weighted RDLs again and that’s where I drew the line. I was confused how if that’s how I hurt it in December then why would I do it again. They tell me I can do anything as long as I have good form, but I’d rather not risk it. They make it seem like I need to do them to strengthen my muscles and learn to load my spine again.
The surgeon told me no deadlifts and no hip thrusts. He said goblet squats are fine. It just made me not trust PT anymore. No matter what I tell them they tell me it’s normal and say I just need to get stronger. I felt like since doing some of the leg stuff I was getting stiffer and achier, so I wanted to get a second opinion
May 2024 – My dads good friend is a sports medicine professional, and he referred us to a good doctor he knows/went to school with in my area, he studied medicine at UCLA and works with sports and Olympic teams. I went to visit him to get some clarity on what exercises in the gym are safe for me to do and what to stay away from or maybe a new PT that he trusts. I was shocked when I went last week, he looked at my MRI results and said I have the herniation at L5-S1 and another 5mm herniation at L4-L5 that my surgeon didn’t even mention. The new doctor said I was having muscle atrophy from nerve compression and it could be serious and could need another surgery. He put me on a 6-day steroid pack and said if it relieves my symptoms then there would be some hope without needing another surgery. I have a call with him tomorrow to follow up on how I feel.
I’m confused. I don’t have bad symptoms. I’m stiff and my hamstrings are tight, but they loosen up during the day. I don’t really have any radiating pain down the leg. So, I can’t tell if the steroid even helped because there wasn’t much there to begin with. Over the last 6 days it hasn’t been as achy and tight when I get up in the morning, but honestly, just doing my daily activities such as going to work, walking around, etc. I don’t notice it at all. It’s just when I do certain movements like bend down, or twist a certain way, or lean backwards, then I feel some stiffness and pulling in my lower back and glut, but it doesn’t go down my leg it’s all centralized in my lower back. I don’t feel as achy and stiff so that’s good, but my QL and left glut still are a little achy when I think about it.
I’m just confused and frustrated. My surgeon told me in January there was no nerve compression and didn’t mention the second herniation. But then this new doctor makes it seem very severe and now I’m nervous. I’m frustrated that squat, hip thrusts, etc. have maybe been making things worse and I wonder If I need new imaging to see if they’ve gotten worse over the last 5 months. My dad’s friend who referred us to the new doctor also read my MRI report and said he would agree that if I don’t have that bad symptoms that my results wouldn’t suggest I need another surgery.
As I mentioned, up until a week ago I’ve been swimming 2,500 yards and doing some machine lifting 4x a week. And the symptoms aren’t bad, a little tight when I stretch and warm up, such as getting up off the ground after stretching I’m kind of stiff standing up straight again. Once I swim it loosens up and might get a little tight, but overall feels better after.
Just been a long two years since the surgery, and I don’t want another it was the most depressing thing I’ve ever gone through. All I want is to be able to swim some laps for cardio purposes (which I assume is safe) and then do some light machines at the gym to keep myself tone and have some muscle definition. But I want to know what machines are safe/what types of exercises to stay away from.
I know this is a long read. But any thoughts and Insight would be helpful. Thanks
submitted by garrettwilson42 to Sciatica [link] [comments]
I’m currently a 25(M), and had a microdiscectomy on L5-S1 for a 20mm+ herniation (I don’t remember the exact size) in June 2022. Prior to that I was extremely active, I played college water polo up through the December 2021 season. Swimming for cardio is something I’ve done all my life and want to continue, I hate running.
I have a hard time remembering what the pain was like back in February 2022, but it must have been pretty bad since I wasn’t able to exercise (I have a high pain tolerance).
Post surgery was fine, I started walking again, getting back to work and normal daily activities such as running errands. Starting PT after 6 weeks (July 2022) and that was a brutal process I was so stiff and tight. I’ve never been very flexible.
The following 6-7 months, I solely did PT, stretched, and walked every day. Got to where I’d go for 4-5 mile walks at a 16 min pace. In February 2023 I began lap swimming again, this time I didn’t do flip turns, decided I’d just do touch turns to not put my back in a flipping motion. I started very slow and just did about 20 laps/500 yards (which is nothing compared to what I would do in the past).
From February 2023 – June 2023 I just slowly eased into swimming, got back to swimming 2,500+ yards. I also began lifting again, doing light machines and light weights. Did weight training at my PT office to make sure I was doing things correctly.
June 2023 – December 2023 I did well, I was swimming and lifting 4-5x a week. I might have been overdoing it but I felt fine. I’d do 30+ mins of pt warm up and stretches before swimming to make sure I was warm, then would do some lifting after I swam. I was doing some free weight stuff (bad idea) and was swimming fast again. I felt good and I felt like I wanted to start training again to play competitive water polo again.
December 2023 – was doing some light 10lb RDLs that I’d learned at PT. Hadn’t done them in a while and wanted to change it up for my hamstrings. After one set I felt some pain and discomfort in my back, something I hadn’t felt in a while and knew something was wrong. I stopped Immediately.
Went to the Dr. and got another MRI. New MRI shows disc herniation of 6mm at L5-S1 significantly smaller than the original. My surgeon told me it wasn’t surgery worthy and that it wasn’t compressing my nerve, and I don’t have much pain so I agree. He said many people can live with them, and they don’t even know, but I need to listen to my body and modify etc.
January 2024 – Since then I went back to PT, tried to come up with a good game plan for safe forms of exercising. It was hard to accept, but I decided I’d stop trying to push playing competitive water polo again for health reasons. I started slow again, swimming 3 times a week very slow and building up laps every week. I now do light machines to keep myself tone, that’s all I need and am happy with.
March 2024 - I got back to swimming 4x a week at a slower pace, I can maintain good form but still get winded. And I’ve been lifting 4x a week, all somewhat light weight all on machines. My feet are grounded, and my back or chest is against padding for support. Still do PT warm up stuff ahead of time, and stretch and roll out my glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors after.
April 2024 - I felt pretty good, just general stiffness when I wake up sometimes, and some days I get some achiness in my lower back and glut area but I accept that’s normal.
PT thinks my gluts and hip flexors are weak and my backs compensating for them. I guess I trusted them and agreed to do what thy said. But they started having me do back squats which made me nervous but felt fine. I started doing those several times a week. Then they had me start do incorporate hip trusts for my gluts, either with the barbell on my waist or using a machine at the gym. Then they wanted me to start doing weighted RDLs again and that’s where I drew the line. I was confused how if that’s how I hurt it in December then why would I do it again. They tell me I can do anything as long as I have good form, but I’d rather not risk it. They make it seem like I need to do them to strengthen my muscles and learn to load my spine again.
The surgeon told me no deadlifts and no hip thrusts. He said goblet squats are fine. It just made me not trust PT anymore. No matter what I tell them they tell me it’s normal and say I just need to get stronger. I felt like since doing some of the leg stuff I was getting stiffer and achier, so I wanted to get a second opinion
May 2024 – My dads good friend is a sports medicine professional, and he referred us to a good doctor he knows/went to school with in my area, he studied medicine at UCLA and works with sports and Olympic teams. I went to visit him to get some clarity on what exercises in the gym are safe for me to do and what to stay away from or maybe a new PT that he trusts. I was shocked when I went last week, he looked at my MRI results and said I have the herniation at L5-S1 and another 5mm herniation at L4-L5 that my surgeon didn’t even mention. The new doctor said I was having muscle atrophy from nerve compression and it could be serious and could need another surgery. He put me on a 6-day steroid pack and said if it relieves my symptoms then there would be some hope without needing another surgery. I have a call with him tomorrow to follow up on how I feel.
I’m confused. I don’t have bad symptoms. I’m stiff and my hamstrings are tight, but they loosen up during the day. I don’t really have any radiating pain down the leg. So, I can’t tell if the steroid even helped because there wasn’t much there to begin with. Over the last 6 days it hasn’t been as achy and tight when I get up in the morning, but honestly, just doing my daily activities such as going to work, walking around, etc. I don’t notice it at all. It’s just when I do certain movements like bend down, or twist a certain way, or lean backwards, then I feel some stiffness and pulling in my lower back and glut, but it doesn’t go down my leg it’s all centralized in my lower back. I don’t feel as achy and stiff so that’s good, but my QL and left glut still are a little achy when I think about it.
I’m just confused and frustrated. My surgeon told me in January there was no nerve compression and didn’t mention the second herniation. But then this new doctor makes it seem very severe and now I’m nervous. I’m frustrated that squat, hip thrusts, etc. have maybe been making things worse and I wonder If I need new imaging to see if they’ve gotten worse over the last 5 months. My dad’s friend who referred us to the new doctor also read my MRI report and said he would agree that if I don’t have that bad symptoms that my results wouldn’t suggest I need another surgery.
As I mentioned, up until a week ago I’ve been swimming 2,500 yards and doing some machine lifting 4x a week. And the symptoms aren’t bad, a little tight when I stretch and warm up, such as getting up off the ground after stretching I’m kind of stiff standing up straight again. Once I swim it loosens up and might get a little tight, but overall feels better after.
Just been a long two years since the surgery, and I don’t want another it was the most depressing thing I’ve ever gone through. All I want is to be able to swim some laps for cardio purposes (which I assume is safe) and then do some light machines at the gym to keep myself tone and have some muscle definition. But I want to know what machines are safe/what types of exercises to stay away from.
I know this is a long read. But any thoughts and Insight would be helpful. Thanks
2024.05.14 18:08 Mophandel Archaeotherium, the King of the White River Badlands
 | Art by Bob Nicholls submitted by Mophandel to badassanimals [link] [comments] Nowadays, when we envision the words “prey,” among modern mammalian fauna, few taxa come to mind as quickly as the hoofed mammals, better known as the ungulates. Indeed, for the better part of their entire evolutionary history, the ungulates have become entirely indistinguishable from the term “prey.” Across their two major modern branches, the artiodactyls (the “even-toed ungulates,” such as bovids, pigs, deer, hippos and giraffes) and the perissodactyls (the “odd-toed ungulates,” including horses, rhinos and tapir), the ungulates too have created an empire spanning nearly every continent, establishing themselves as the the dominant herbivores throughout their entire range. However, as a price for such success, their lot as herbivores have forced them into an unenviable position: being the food for the predators. Indeed, throughout the diets of most modern predators, ungulates make up the majority, if not the entirety, of their diet, becoming their counterparts in this evolutionary dance of theirs. They have become the lamb to their wolf, the zebra to their lion, the stag to their tiger. If there is a predator in need of lunch, chances are that there is an ungulate there to provide it. Of course, such a dynamic is not necessarily a recent innovation. For the last 15-20 million years, across much of the world, both new and old, the ungulates have served as prey for these predators through it all. Over the course of whole epochs, these two groups have played into these roles for millions of years, coevolving with each other in an eons-long game of cat-and-mouse. The shoes they fill are not new, but have existed for ages, and within their niches they have cultivated their roles to perfection. Indeed, with such a tenured history, it seems hardly surprising the ungulates are wholly inseparable from the terms “prey,” itself. However, while this is the case now, as it has been for the last 15-20 million years, go back far enough, and we see that this dynamic is not as set in stone as we would think. Indeed, back during the Eocene and Oligocene, during the very earliest days of age of mammals, things were very different for the ungulates. While today they are considered little more than food for modern predators, during these olden days, the ungulates weren’t quite so benign. In fact, far from being fodder for top predators, the ungulates had turned the tables, instead becoming top predators themselves. Indeed, though nearly unheard of today, throughout much of the Eocene and Oligocene, carnivorous ungulates thrived in abundance, developing specializations for catching large prey and establishing themselves as top predators that competed alongside the more traditional carnivores, and even dominating them in some instances. Given such success, it’s no wonder that multiple such clades had arisen during this time. Such predators included the arctocyonids, a lineage of (ironically) hoof-less ungulates with large jaws and sharp teeth for capturing large prey. There were also the mesonychians, a lineage of dog-like ungulates with massive skulls and jaws that allowed them to reign as the top predator across much of the Eocene. However, among these various lineages, one stands stands out among the rest, by far. Arising during the Eocene, this lineage, though superficially resembling modern pigs, hailed from one an ancient lineage of artiodactyls far removed from swine or most other ungulates in general, with few close relatives alive today. Through perhaps not the most predatory of the bunch, it was among the most formidable, as their superficially pig-like appearance came with giant predatory jaws and teeth unlike anything from the modern era. And of course, as if all of that wasn’t enough, this lineage also went on to earn arguably one of the most badass nicknames of any lineage of mammals, period. These predators, of course, were the entelodonts, a.k.a the “hell-pigs.” More so than any other predatory ungulate lineage, these formidable ungulates were the ones to turn the current paradigm upside down, becoming some of the largest and most dominant carnivores in their landscape, even with (and often in spite of) the presence of more traditional predators. Through impressive size, fearsome teeth and sheer tenacity, these animals became the top dogs of their time, ruling as behemoth-kings of their Paleogene kingdoms, domineering all comers, and throughout the ranks, one entelodont in particular demonstrated such dominance the best. Though not the largest or most powerful of their kind, it is one of the most iconic, being among the most well-known members of its lineage to date. Moreover, this enteledont also has some of the most complete life histories ever seen out of this clade, with its brutality and predatory prowess being displayed in the fossil record in a way seen in no other member of its kind. More than anything else, however, it was this predator that best turned the notion of “ungulates being prey” on its head, living in an environment that bore some of the largest carnivoran hypercarnivores to date and still reigning as the undisputed top predator of its domain. This fearsome beast was none other than Archaeotherium, icon of the entelodonts, terror of the Oligocene American west and undisputed king of the White River badlands. The rise of Archaeotherium (and of entelodonts in general) is closely tied to the ascendancy of carnivorous ungulates as a whole, one of the earliest evolutionary success stories of the entire Cenozoic. Having become their own derived clade since the late Cretaceous, the ungulates were remarkably successful during the early Paleogene, as they were among the first mammalian clades to reach large sizes during those early days after the non-avian dinosaurs had gone extinct. As such, it was with incredible swiftness that, as the Paleogene progressed, the ungulates swooped upon the various niches left empty by the K-Pg mass extinction that killed the dinosaurs. This of course included the herbivorous niches we would know them for today, but this also included other, much more carnivore roles. Indeed, early on during the Paleogene, it was the ungulates that first seized the roles of large mammalian predators, becoming some the earliest large mammalian carnivores to ever live, well before even the carnivorans. Such predators included the arctocyonids, a lineage of vaguely dog-like, hoof-less ungulates with robust jaws and sharpened teeth that acted as some of earliest large carnivores of the Paleocene, with genera such as Arctocyon mumak getting up to the size of big cats. Even more prolific were the mesonychids. More so than what pretty much any other lineage of predator, it was the mesonychids that would stand out as the earliest dominant predators of the early Cenozoic. Growing up to the size of bears and with enormous, bone-crushing jaws, the mesonychids were among the most powerful and successful predators on the market at that time, with a near-global range and being capable of subjugating just about any other predator in their environments. Indeed, they, along with other carnivorous ungulates (as well as ungulates in general), were experiencing a golden age during this time, easily being the most prolific predators of the age. Given such prevalence, it should be no surprise that there would be yet another lineage of predatory ungulates would throw their hat into the ring, and by early Eocene, that contender would none other than the entelodonts. The very first entelodonts had arisen from artiodactyl ancestors during the Eocene epoch, at a time when artiodactyls were far more diverse and bizarre than they are now. Through today known from their modern herbivorous representatives such as bovines, deer, and antelope, during the Paleocene and Eocene, the artiodacyls, as with most ungulates of that time, were stronger and far more predaceous, particularly when it came to one such clade of artiodactyls, the cetacodontamorphs. Only known today from hippos and another group of artiodactyls (one which will become relevant later), the cetacodantomorphs emerged out of Asia around 55 million years ago, at around the same time that artiodactyls themselves had made their debut. These animals included the first truly predatory artiodactyls, with many of them possessing large skulls with powerful jaws and sharp, predatory teeth. Among their ranks included animals as puny as Indohyus, a piscivorous artiodactyl the size of a cat, to as formidable as Andrewsarchus, a giant, bison-sized predator often touted as one of the largest predatory mammals to ever live. Given such a predatory disposition, it wouldn’t be long until this clade produced a lineage of truly diverse, truly successful predators, and by around 40 million years ago, that is exactly what they did, as it was at that time that the entelodonts themselves first emerged. From their Asian homeland, the entelodonts spread across the world, spreading through not only most of Eurasia but also colonizing North America as well, with genera such as Brachyhyops being found across both continents. Here, in this North American frontier, the entelodonts began to diversify further, turning into their most successful and formidable forms yet, and it was around the late Eocene and early Oligocene that Archaeotherium itself had entered the scene. Just from a passing glance at Archaeotherium, it is clear how exactly it (as well as the other entelodonts) earned the nickname of “hell-pigs.” It was a bruiser for starters; its body bore a robust, pig-like physique, with prominent neural spines and their associated musculature forming a hump around the shoulder region, similar to the hump of a bison. With such a bulky physique came with it impressive size; the average A. mortoni had a head-body length of roughly 1.6-2.0 m (5.3-6.6 ft), a shoulder height of 1.2 m (4 ft) and a body mass of around 180 kg (396 lb) in weight (Boardman & Secord, 2013; Joeckel, 1990). At such sizes, an adult Archaeotherium the size of a large male black bear. However, they had the potential to get even bigger. While most Archaeotherium specimens were around the size described above, a select few specimens, labeled under the synonymous genus “Megachoerus,” are found to be much larger, with skulls getting up to 66% longer than average A. mortoni specimens (Foss, 2001; Joeckel, 1990). At such sizes and using isometric scaling, such massive Archaeotherium specimens would attained body lengths over 2.5 m (8.2 ft) and would have reached weighs well over 500 kg (1100 lb), or as big as a mature male polar bear. Indeed, at such sizes, it is already abundantly evident that Archaeotherium is a force to be recorded with. However, there was more to these formidable animals than sheer size alone. Behind all that bulk was an astoundingly swift and graceful predator, especially in terms of locomotion. Indeed, the hoofed feet of Archaeotherium, along with other entelodonts, sported several adaptations that gave it incredible locomotive efficiency, essentially turning it into a speed demon of the badlands. Such adaptations include longer distal leg elements (e.g. the radius and tibia) than their proximal counterparts (e.g. the humerus and femur), fusion of the radius and ulna for increased running efficiency, the loss of the clavicle (collar-bone) to allow for greater leg length, the loss of the acromion to enhance leg movement along the fore-and-aft plane, the loss of digits to reduce the mass of the forelimb, the fusion of the ectocuneiform and the mesocuneiform wrist-bones, among many other such traits (Theodore, 1996) . Perhaps most significant of these adaptations is the evolution of the “double-pulley astragalus (ankle-bone),” a specialized modification of the ankle that, while restricting rotation and side-to-side movement at the ankle-joint, allows for greater rotation in the fore-and-aft direction, thus allowing for more more powerful propulsion from the limbs, faster extension and retraction of the limbs and overall greater locomotive efficiency (Foss, 2001). Of course, such a trait was not only found in entelodonts but in artiodactyls as a whole, likely being a response to predatory pressures from incumbent predatory clades arising at the same time as the artiodactyls (Foss, 2001). However, in the case of the entelodonts, such adaptations were not used for merely escaping predators. Rather, they were used to for another, much more lethal effect… Such notions are further reinforced by the entelodonts most formidable aspect, none either than their fearsome jaws, and in this respect, Archaeotherium excelled. Both for its size and in general, the head of Archaeotherium was massive, measuring 40-50 cm (1.3-1.6 ft) in length among average A. mortoni specimens, to up to 78 cm (~2.6 ft) in the larger “Megachoerus” specimens (Joeckel, 1990). Such massive skulls were supported and supplemented by equally massive neck muscles and ligaments, which attached to massive neural spines on the anterior thoracic vertebrae akin to a bisons hump as well as to the sternum, allowing Archaeotherium to keep its head aloft despite the skulls massive size (Effinger, 1998). Of course, with such a massive skull, it should come as no surprise that such skulls housed exceptionally formidable jaws as well, and indeed, the bite of Archaeotherium was an especially deadly one. Its zygomatic arches (cheek-bones) and its temporal fossa were enlarged and expanded, indicative of massive temporalis muscles that afforded Archaeotherium astoundingly powerful bites (Joeckel, 1990). This is further augmented by Archaeotherium’s massive jugal flanges (bony projections of the cheek), which supported powerful masseter muscles which enhanced chewing and mastication, as well as an enlarged postorbital bar that reinforced the skull against torsional stresses (Foss, 2001). Last but not least, powerful jaws are supplemented by an enlarged gape, facilitated by a low coronoid process and enlarged posterior mandibular tubercles (bony projections originating from the lower jaw), which provided an insertion site for sternum-to-mandible jaw abduction muscles, allowing for a more forceful opening of the jaw (Foss, 2001). All together, such traits suggest a massive and incredibly fearsome bite, perhaps the most formidable of any animal in its environment. Of course, none of such traits are especially indicative of a predatory lifestyle. Indeed, many modern non-predatory ungulates, like hippos, pigs and peccaries, also possess large, formidable skulls and jaws. However, in peeling back the layers, it is found there was more to the skull of Archaeotherium that lies in store. Indeed, when inspecting the animal closely, a unique mosaic of features is revealed; traits that make it out to be much more lethal than the average artiodactyl. On one hand, Archaeotherium possessed many traits similar to those of herbivores animals, as is expected of ungulates. For instance, its jaw musculature that allowed the lower jaw of Archaeotherium a full side-to-side chewing motion as in herbivores (whereas most carnivores can only move their lower jaw up and down)(Effinger, 1998). On the other hand, Archaeotherium wielded many other traits far more lethal in their morphology, less akin to a herbivore and far more akin to a bonafide predator. For instance, the aforementioned enlarged gape of Archaeotherium is a bizarre trait on a supposed herbivore, as such animals do not need large gapes to eat vegetation and thus have smaller, more restricted gapes. Conversely, many predatory lineages have comparatively large gapes, as larger gapes allow for the the jaws to grab on to more effectively larger objects, namely large prey animals (Joeckel, 1990). Such a juxtaposition, however, is most evident when discussing the real killing instruments of Archaeotherium — the teeth. More so than any facet of this animal, the teeth of Archaeotherium are the real stars of the show, showing both how alike it was compared to its herbivores counterparts and more importantly, how it couldn’t be more different. For instance, the molars of Archaeotherium were quite similar to modern herbivores ungulates, in that they were robust, bunodont, and were designed for crushing and grinding, similar in form and function to modern ungulates like peccaries (Joeckel, 1990). However, while the molars give the impression that Archaeotherium was a herbivore, the other teeth tell a very different story. The incisors, for example, were enlarged, sharpened, and fully interlocked (as opposed to the flat-topped incisors seen in herbivores ungulates), creating an incisor array that was seemingly ill-suited for cropping vegetation and much more adept at for gripping, puncturing and cutting (Joeckel, 1990). Even more formidable were the canines. Like the modern pigs from which entelodonts derived their nicknames, the canines of Archaeotherium were sharp and enlarged to form prominent tusk-like teeth, but unlike pigs, they were rounded in cross-section (similar to modern carnivores like big cats, indicating more durable canines that can absorb and resist torsional forces, such as those from struggling prey) and were serrated to form a distinct cutting edge (Effinger, 1998; Joeckel, 1990; Ruff & Van Valkenburgh, 1987). These canines, along with the incisors, interlock to stabilize the jaws while biting and dismantling in a carnivore-like fashion. More strikingly, the canines also seem to act as “occlusal guides,” wherein the canines help align the movement and position of the rear teeth as they come together, allowing for a more efficient shearing action by the rear teeth. This function is seen most prevalently modern carnivorous mammals, and is evidenced by the canine tooth-wear, which is also analogous to modern predators like bears and canids (Joeckel, 1990). Indeed, going off such teeth alone, it is clear that Archaeotherium is far more predatory than expected of an ungulate. However, the real stars of the show, the teeth that truly betray the predatory nature of these ungulates, are the premolars. Perhaps the most carnivore-like teeth in the entelodont’s entire tooth row, the premolars of Archaeotherium, particularly the anterior premolars, are laterally compressed, somewhat conical in shape, and are weakly serrated to bear a cutting edge, giving them a somewhat carnivorous form and function of shearing and slicing (Effinger, 1998). Most strikingly of all, the premolars of Archaeotherium bear unique features similar not to modern herbivores, but to durophagous carnivores like hyenas, particularly apical wear patterns, highly thickened enamel, “zigzag-shaped” enamel prism layers (Hunter-Schraeger bands) on the premolars which is also seen in osteophagous animals like hyenas, and an interlocking premolar interface wherein linear objects (such as bones) inserted into jaws from the side would be pinned between the premolars and crushed (Foss, 2001). Taken together, these features do not suggest a diet of grass or vegetation like other ungulates. Rather, they suggest a far more violent diet, one including flesh as well as hard, durable foods, particularly bone. All in all, the evidence is clear. Archaeotherium and other entelodonts, unlike the rest of their artiodactyl kin, were not the passive herbivores as we envision ungulates today. Rather, they were willing, unrepentant meat-eaters that had a taste for flesh as well as foliage. Of course, even with such lines of evidence, its hard to conclude that Archaeotherium was a true predator. After all, its wide gape and durophagous teeth could have just as easily been used for scavenging or even to eat tough plant matter such as seeds or nuts, as in peccaries and pigs, which themselves share many of the same adaptations as Archaeotherium, include the more carnivorous ones (e.g. the wide gape, using the canines as an occlusal guide, etc.). How exactly do we know that these things were veritable predators and not pretenders to the title. To this end, there is yet one last piece of evidence, one that puts on full display the predatory prowess of Archaeotherium —evidence of a kill itself. Found within oligocene-aged sediment in what is now Wyoming, a collection of various fossil remains was found, each belonging to the ancient sheep-sized camel Poebrotherium, with many of the skeletal remains being disarticulated and even missing whole hindlimbs or even entire rear halves of their body. Tellingly, many of the remains bear extensive bite marks and puncture wounds across their surface. Upon close examination, the spacing and size of the punctures leave only one culprit: Archaeotherium. Of course, such an event could still have been scavenging; the entelodonts were consuming the remains of already dead, decomposed camels, explaining the bite marks. What was far more telling, however, was where the bite marks were found. In addition bite marks being found on the torso and lumbar regions of the camels, various puncture wounds were found on the skull and neck, which were otherwise uneaten. Scavengers rarely feast on the head to begin with; there is very little worthwhile meat on it besides the brain, cheek-muscles and eyes, and even if they did feed on the skull and neck, they would still eat it wholesale, not merely bite it and then leave it otherwise untouched. Indeed, it was clear that this was no mere scavenging event. Rather than merely consuming these camels, Archaeotherium was actively preying upon and killing them, dispatching them via a crushing bite to the skull or neck before dismembering and even bisecting the hapless camels with their powerful jaws to preferentially feast on their hindquarters (likely by swallowing the hindquarters whole, as the pelvis of Poebrotherium was coincidentally the perfect width for Archaeotherium to devour whole), eventually discarding the leftovers in meat caches for later consumption (Sundell, 1999). With this finding, such a feat of brutality leaves no doubt in ones mind as to what the true nature of Archaeotherium was. This was no herbivore, nor was it a simple scavenger. This was an active, rapacious predator, the most powerful in its entire ecosystem. Indeed, with such brutal evidence of predation frozen in time, combined with various dental, cranial, and post cranial adaptations of this formidable animal, it’s possible to paint a picture of how this formidable creature lived. Though an omnivore by trade, willing and able to feast on plant matter such as grass, roots and tubers, Archaeotherium was also a wanton predator that took just about any prey it wanted. Upon detecting its prey, it approached its vicim from ambush before launching itself at blazing speed. From there, its cursorial, hoofed legs, used by other ungulates for escape predation, were here employed to capture prey, carrying it at great speeds as it caught up to its quarry. Having closed the distance with its target, it was then that the entelodont brought its jaws to bear, grabbing hold of the victim with powerful jaws and gripping teeth to bring it to a screeching halt. If the victim is lucky, Archaeotherium will then kill it quickly with a crushing bite to the skull or neck, puncturing the brain or spinal cord and killing its target instantly. If not, the victim is eaten alive, torn apart while it’s still kicking, as modern boars will do today. In any case, incapacitated prey are subsequently dismantled, with the entelodont using its entire head and heavily-muscled necks to bite into and pull apart its victim in devastating “puncture-and pull’ bites (Foss, 2001). Prey would then finally be consumed starting at the hindquarters, with not even the bones of its prey being spared. Such brutality, though far from clean, drove home a singular truth: that during this time, ungulates were not just prey, that they were not the mere “predator-fodder” we know them as today. rather, they themselves were the predators themselves, dominating as superb hunters within their domain and even suppressing clades we know as predators today, least of all the carnivorans. Indeed, during this point in time, the age of the carnivorous ungulates had hit their stride, and more specifically, the age of entelodonts had begun. Of course, more so than any other entelodont, Archaeotherium took to this new age with gusto. Archaeotherium lived from 35-28 million years ago during the late Eocene and early Oligocene in a locality known today as the White River Badlands, a fossil locality nestled along the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Though a chalky, barren landscape today, during the time of Archaeotherium, the White River Badlands was a swamp-like floodplain crisscrossed with rivers and interspersed with by a mosaic of forests concentrated around waterways, open woodlands and open plains. As with most ecosystems with such a lush disposition, this locale teemed with life, with ancient hornless rhinos, small horse-like hyracodonts and early camels roaming the open habitats while giant brontotheres, small early horses and strange, sheep-like ungulates called merycoidodonts (also known as “oreodonts”) dwelled within the dense forests. Within this locale, Archaeotherium stalked the open woodlands and riparian forests of its domain. Here, it acted as a dominant predator and scavenger across is territory, filling a niche similar to modern grizzly bears but far more predatory. Among its preferred food items would be plant matter such as roots, foliage and nuts, but also meat in the form of carrion or freshly caught prey. In this respect, smaller ungulates such as the fleet-footed camel Poebrotherium, a known prey item of Archaeotherium, would have made a for choice prey, as its small size would make it easy for Archaeotherium to dispatch with its powerful jaws, while the entelodonts swift legs gave it the speed necessary to keep pace with its agile prey. However, the entelodont didn’t have such a feast all to itself. Just as the badlands teemed with herbivores, so too did it teem with rival predators. Among their ranks included fearsome predators such as Hyaenodon, a powerful, vaguely dog-like predator up to the size of wolves (as in H. horridus) or even lions (as in the Eocene-aged H. megaloides, which was replaced by H. horridus during the Oligocene). Armed with a massive head, fierce jaws and a set of knife-like teeth that could cut down even large prey in seconds, these were some of the most formidable predators on the landscape. There were also the nimravids, cat-like carnivorans that bore saber-teeth to kill large prey in seconds, and included the likes of the lynx-sized Dinictis, the leopard-sized Hoplophoneus and even the jaguar-sized Eusmilus. Furthermore, there were amphicyonids, better known as the bear-dogs. Though known from much larger forms later on in their existence, during the late Eocene and Oligocene, they were much smaller and acted as the “canid-analogues” of the ecosystem, filling a role similar to wolves or coyotes. Last but not least, there were the bathornithid birds, huge cariamiform birds related to modern seriemas but much larger, which filled a niche similar to modern seriemas or secretary birds, albeit on a much larger scale. Given such competition, it would seem that Archaeotherium would have its hands full. However, things are not as they appear. For starters, habitat differences would mitigate high amounts of competition, as both Hyaenodon and the various nimravids occupy more specialized ecological roles (being a plains-specialist and forest-specialist, respectively) than did Archaeotherium, providing a buffer to stave off competition: More importantly, however, none of the aforementioned predators were simply big enough to take Archaeotherium on. During the roughly 7 million years existence of Archaeotherium, the only carnivore that matched it in size was H. megaloides, and even that would have an only applied to average A. mortoni individuals, not to the much larger, bison-sized “Megachoerus” individuals. The next largest predator at that point would be the jaguars-sized Eusmilus (specifically E. adelos) which would have only been a bit more than half the size of even an average A. mortoni. Besides that, virtually every other predator on the landscape was simply outclassed by the much larger entelodont in terms of size and brute strength. As such, within its domain, Archaeotherium had total, unquestioned authority, dominating the other predators in the landscape and likely stealing their kills as well. In fact, just about the only threat Archaeotherium had was other Archaeotherium, as fossil bite marks suggest that this animal regularly and fraglantly engaged in intraspecific combat, usually through face-biting and possibly even jaw-wrestling (Effinger, 1998; Tanke & Currie, 1998). Nevertheless, it was clear that Archaeotherium was the undisputed king of the badlands; in a landscape of hyaenodonts and carnivorans galore, it was a hoofed ungulate that reigned supreme. However, such a reign would not last. As the Eocene transitioned into the Eocene, the planet underwent an abrupt cooling and drying phase known as Eocene-Oligocene Transition or more simply the Grande Coupure. This change in climate would eliminate the sprawling wetlands and river systems that Archaeotherium had been depending on, gradually replacing it with drier and more open habitats. To its credit, Archaeotherium did manage to hang on, persisting well after the Grand-Coupure had taken place, but in the end the damage had been done; Archaeotherium was a dead-man-walking. Eventually, by around 28 million years ago, Archaeotherium would go extinct, perishing due to this change in global climate (Gillham, 2019). Entelodonts as a whole would persist into the Miocene, producing some of their largest forms ever known in the form of the bison-sized Daeodon (which was itself even more carnivorous than Archaeotherium), however they too would meet the same fate as their earlier cousins. By around 15-20 million years ago, entelodonts as a whole would go extinct. However, while the entelodonts may have perished, this was not the end of carnivorous ungulates as a whole. Recall that the cetacodontamorphs, the lineage of artiodactyls that produced the entelodonts, left behind two living descendants. The first among them were the hippos, themselves fairly frequent herbivores. The second of such lineage, however, was a different story. Emerging out of South Asia, this lineage of piscivorous cetacodontamorphs, in a an attempt to further specialize for the fish-hunting lifestyle, began to delve further and further into the water, becoming more and more aquatic and the millennia passed by. At a certain point, these carnivorous artiodactlys had become something completely unrecognizable from their original hoofed forms. Their skin became hairless and their bodies became streamlined for life in water. Their hoofed limbs grew into giant flippers for steering in the water and their previously tiny tails became massive and sported giant tail flukes for aquatic propulsion. Their noses even moved to the tip of their head, becoming a blowhole that would be signature to this clade as a whole. Indeed, this clade was none other than the modern whales, themselves derived, carnivorous ungulates that had specialized for a life in the water, and in doing so, became the some of the most dominant aquatic predators across the globe for millions of years. Indeed, though long gone, the legacy of the entelodonts and of predatory ungulates as a whole, a legacy Archaeotherium itself had helped foster, lives on in these paragons of predatory prowess, showing that the ungulates are more than just the mere “prey” that they are often made out to be. Moreover, given the success that carnivorous ungulates had enjoyed in the past and given how modern omnivorous ungulates like boar dabble in predation themselves, perhaps, in the distant future, this planet may see the rise of carnivorous ungulates once again, following in the footsteps left behind by Archaeotherium and the other predatory ungulates all those millions of years ago. |
2024.05.14 16:25 Mophandel Archaeotherium, the King of the White River Badlands
 | Art by Bob Nicholls submitted by Mophandel to Naturewasmetal [link] [comments] Nowadays, when we envision the words “prey,” among modern mammalian fauna, few taxa come to mind as quickly as the hoofed mammals, better known as the ungulates. Indeed, for the better part of their entire evolutionary history, the ungulates have become entirely indistinguishable from the term “prey.” Across their two major modern branches, the artiodactyls (the “even-toed ungulates,” such as bovids, pigs, deer, hippos and giraffes) and the perissodactyls (the “odd-toed ungulates,” including horses, rhinos and tapir), the ungulates too have created an empire spanning nearly every continent, establishing themselves as the the dominant herbivores throughout their entire range. However, as a price for such success, their lot as herbivores have forced them into an unenviable position: being the food for the predators. Indeed, throughout the diets of most modern predators, ungulates make up the majority, if not the entirety, of their diet, becoming their counterparts in this evolutionary dance of theirs. They have become the lamb to their wolf, the zebra to their lion, the stag to their tiger. If there is a predator in need of lunch, chances are that there is an ungulate there to provide it. Of course, such a dynamic is not necessarily a recent innovation. For the last 15-20 million years, across much of the world, both new and old, the ungulates have served as prey for these predators through it all. Over the course of whole epochs, these two groups have played into these roles for millions of years, coevolving with each other in an eons-long game of cat-and-mouse. The shoes they fill are not new, but have existed for ages, and within their niches they have cultivated their roles to perfection. Indeed, with such a tenured history, it seems hardly surprising the ungulates are wholly inseparable from the terms “prey,” itself. However, while this is the case now, as it has been for the last 15-20 million years, go back far enough, and we see that this dynamic is not as set in stone as we would think. Indeed, back during the Eocene and Oligocene, during the very earliest days of age of mammals, things were very different for the ungulates. While today they are considered little more than food for modern predators, during these olden days, the ungulates weren’t quite so benign. In fact, far from being fodder for top predators, the ungulates had turned the tables, instead becoming top predators themselves. Indeed, though nearly unheard of today, throughout much of the Eocene and Oligocene, carnivorous ungulates thrived in abundance, developing specializations for catching large prey and establishing themselves as top predators that competed alongside the more traditional carnivores, and even dominating them in some instances. Given such success, it’s no wonder that multiple such clades had arisen during this time. Such predators included the arctocyonids, a lineage of (ironically) hoof-less ungulates with large jaws and sharp teeth for capturing large prey. There were also the mesonychians, a lineage of dog-like ungulates with massive skulls and jaws that allowed them to reign as the top predator across much of the Eocene. However, among these various lineages, one stands stands out among the rest, by far. Arising during the Eocene, this lineage, though superficially resembling modern pigs, hailed from one an ancient lineage of artiodactyls far removed from swine or most other ungulates in general, with few close relatives alive today. Through perhaps not the most predatory of the bunch, it was among the most formidable, as their superficially pig-like appearance came with giant predatory jaws and teeth unlike anything from the modern era. And of course, as if all of that wasn’t enough, this lineage also went on to earn arguably one of the most badass nicknames of any lineage of mammals, period. These predators, of course, were the entelodonts, a.k.a the “hell-pigs.” More so than any other predatory ungulate lineage, these formidable ungulates were the ones to turn the current paradigm upside down, becoming some of the largest and most dominant carnivores in their landscape, even with (and often in spite of) the presence of more traditional predators. Through impressive size, fearsome teeth and sheer tenacity, these animals became the top dogs of their time, ruling as behemoth-kings of their Paleogene kingdoms, domineering all comers, and throughout the ranks, one entelodont in particular demonstrated such dominance the best. Though not the largest or most powerful of their kind, it is one of the most iconic, being among the most well-known members of its lineage to date. Moreover, this enteledont also has some of the most complete life histories ever seen out of this clade, with its brutality and predatory prowess being displayed in the fossil record in a way seen in no other member of its kind. More than anything else, however, it was this predator that best turned the notion of “ungulates being prey” on its head, living in an environment that bore some of the largest carnivoran hypercarnivores to date and still reigning as the undisputed top predator of its domain. This fearsome beast was none other than Archaeotherium, icon of the entelodonts, terror of the Oligocene American west and undisputed king of the White River badlands. The rise of Archaeotherium (and of entelodonts in general) is closely tied to the ascendancy of carnivorous ungulates as a whole, one of the earliest evolutionary success stories of the entire Cenozoic. Having become their own derived clade since the late Cretaceous, the ungulates were remarkably successful during the early Paleogene, as they were among the first mammalian clades to reach large sizes during those early days after the non-avian dinosaurs had gone extinct. As such, it was with incredible swiftness that, as the Paleogene progressed, the ungulates swooped upon the various niches left empty by the K-Pg mass extinction that killed the dinosaurs. This of course included the herbivorous niches we would know them for today, but this also included other, much more carnivore roles. Indeed, early on during the Paleogene, it was the ungulates that first seized the roles of large mammalian predators, becoming some the earliest large mammalian carnivores to ever live, well before even the carnivorans. Such predators included the arctocyonids, a lineage of vaguely dog-like, hoof-less ungulates with robust jaws and sharpened teeth that acted as some of earliest large carnivores of the Paleocene, with genera such as Arctocyon mumak getting up to the size of big cats. Even more prolific were the mesonychids. More so than what pretty much any other lineage of predator, it was the mesonychids that would stand out as the earliest dominant predators of the early Cenozoic. Growing up to the size of bears and with enormous, bone-crushing jaws, the mesonychids were among the most powerful and successful predators on the market at that time, with a near-global range and being capable of subjugating just about any other predator in their environments. Indeed, they, along with other carnivorous ungulates (as well as ungulates in general), were experiencing a golden age during this time, easily being the most prolific predators of the age. Given such prevalence, it should be no surprise that there would be yet another lineage of predatory ungulates would throw their hat into the ring, and by early Eocene, that contender would none other than the entelodonts. The very first entelodonts had arisen from artiodactyl ancestors during the Eocene epoch, at a time when artiodactyls were far more diverse and bizarre than they are now. Through today known from their modern herbivorous representatives such as bovines, deer, and antelope, during the Paleocene and Eocene, the artiodacyls, as with most ungulates of that time, were stronger and far more predaceous, particularly when it came to one such clade of artiodactyls, the cetacodontamorphs. Only known today from hippos and another group of artiodactyls (one which will become relevant later), the cetacodantomorphs emerged out of Asia around 55 million years ago, at around the same time that artiodactyls themselves had made their debut. These animals included the first truly predatory artiodactyls, with many of them possessing large skulls with powerful jaws and sharp, predatory teeth. Among their ranks included animals as puny as Indohyus, a piscivorous artiodactyl the size of a cat, to as formidable as Andrewsarchus, a giant, bison-sized predator often touted as one of the largest predatory mammals to ever live. Given such a predatory disposition, it wouldn’t be long until this clade produced a lineage of truly diverse, truly successful predators, and by around 40 million years ago, that is exactly what they did, as it was at that time that the entelodonts themselves first emerged. From their Asian homeland, the entelodonts spread across the world, spreading through not only most of Eurasia but also colonizing North America as well, with genera such as Brachyhyops being found across both continents. Here, in this North American frontier, the entelodonts began to diversify further, turning into their most successful and formidable forms yet, and it was around the late Eocene and early Oligocene that Archaeotherium itself had entered the scene. Just from a passing glance at Archaeotherium, it is clear how exactly it (as well as the other entelodonts) earned the nickname of “hell-pigs.” It was a bruiser for starters; its body bore a robust, pig-like physique, with prominent neural spines and their associated musculature forming a hump around the shoulder region, similar to the hump of a bison. With such a bulky physique came with it impressive size; the average A. mortoni had a head-body length of roughly 1.6-2.0 m (5.3-6.6 ft), a shoulder height of 1.2 m (4 ft) and a body mass of around 180 kg (396 lb) in weight (Boardman & Secord, 2013; Joeckel, 1990). At such sizes, an adult Archaeotherium the size of a large male black bear. However, they had the potential to get even bigger. While most Archaeotherium specimens were around the size described above, a select few specimens, labeled under the synonymous genus “Megachoerus,” are found to be much larger, with skulls getting up to 66% longer than average A. mortoni specimens (Foss, 2001; Joeckel, 1990). At such sizes and using isometric scaling, such massive Archaeotherium specimens would attained body lengths over 2.5 m (8.2 ft) and would have reached weighs well over 500 kg (1100 lb), or as big as a mature male polar bear. Indeed, at such sizes, it is already abundantly evident that Archaeotherium is a force to be recorded with. However, there was more to these formidable animals than sheer size alone. Behind all that bulk was an astoundingly swift and graceful predator, especially in terms of locomotion. Indeed, the hoofed feet of Archaeotherium, along with other entelodonts, sported several adaptations that gave it incredible locomotive efficiency, essentially turning it into a speed demon of the badlands. Such adaptations include longer distal leg elements (e.g. the radius and tibia) than their proximal counterparts (e.g. the humerus and femur), fusion of the radius and ulna for increased running efficiency, the loss of the clavicle (collar-bone) to allow for greater leg length, the loss of the acromion to enhance leg movement along the fore-and-aft plane, the loss of digits to reduce the mass of the forelimb, the fusion of the ectocuneiform and the mesocuneiform wrist-bones, among many other such traits (Theodore, 1996) . Perhaps most significant of these adaptations is the evolution of the “double-pulley astragalus (ankle-bone),” a specialized modification of the ankle that, while restricting rotation and side-to-side movement at the ankle-joint, allows for greater rotation in the fore-and-aft direction, thus allowing for more more powerful propulsion from the limbs, faster extension and retraction of the limbs and overall greater locomotive efficiency (Foss, 2001). Of course, such a trait was not only found in entelodonts but in artiodactyls as a whole, likely being a response to predatory pressures from incumbent predatory clades arising at the same time as the artiodactyls (Foss, 2001). However, in the case of the entelodonts, such adaptations were not used for merely escaping predators. Rather, they were used to for another, much more lethal effect… Such notions are further reinforced by the entelodonts most formidable aspect, none either than their fearsome jaws, and in this respect, Archaeotherium excelled. Both for its size and in general, the head of Archaeotherium was massive, measuring 40-50 cm (1.3-1.6 ft) in length among average A. mortoni specimens, to up to 78 cm (~2.6 ft) in the larger “Megachoerus” specimens (Joeckel, 1990). Such massive skulls were supported and supplemented by equally massive neck muscles and ligaments, which attached to massive neural spines on the anterior thoracic vertebrae akin to a bisons hump as well as to the sternum, allowing Archaeotherium to keep its head aloft despite the skulls massive size (Effinger, 1998). Of course, with such a massive skull, it should come as no surprise that such skulls housed exceptionally formidable jaws as well, and indeed, the bite of Archaeotherium was an especially deadly one. Its zygomatic arches (cheek-bones) and its temporal fossa were enlarged and expanded, indicative of massive temporalis muscles that afforded Archaeotherium astoundingly powerful bites (Joeckel, 1990). This is further augmented by Archaeotherium’s massive jugal flanges (bony projections of the cheek), which supported powerful masseter muscles which enhanced chewing and mastication, as well as an enlarged postorbital bar that reinforced the skull against torsional stresses (Foss, 2001). Last but not least, powerful jaws are supplemented by an enlarged gape, facilitated by a low coronoid process and enlarged posterior mandibular tubercles (bony projections originating from the lower jaw), which provided an insertion site for sternum-to-mandible jaw abduction muscles, allowing for a more forceful opening of the jaw (Foss, 2001). All together, such traits suggest a massive and incredibly fearsome bite, perhaps the most formidable of any animal in its environment. Of course, none of such traits are especially indicative of a predatory lifestyle. Indeed, many modern non-predatory ungulates, like hippos, pigs and peccaries, also possess large, formidable skulls and jaws. However, in peeling back the layers, it is found there was more to the skull of Archaeotherium that lies in store. Indeed, when inspecting the animal closely, a unique mosaic of features is revealed; traits that make it out to be much more lethal than the average artiodactyl. On one hand, Archaeotherium possessed many traits similar to those of herbivores animals, as is expected of ungulates. For instance, its jaw musculature that allowed the lower jaw of Archaeotherium a full side-to-side chewing motion as in herbivores (whereas most carnivores can only move their lower jaw up and down)(Effinger, 1998). On the other hand, Archaeotherium wielded many other traits far more lethal in their morphology, less akin to a herbivore and far more akin to a bonafide predator. For instance, the aforementioned enlarged gape of Archaeotherium is a bizarre trait on a supposed herbivore, as such animals do not need large gapes to eat vegetation and thus have smaller, more restricted gapes. Conversely, many predatory lineages have comparatively large gapes, as larger gapes allow for the the jaws to grab on to more effectively larger objects, namely large prey animals (Joeckel, 1990). Such a juxtaposition, however, is most evident when discussing the real killing instruments of Archaeotherium — the teeth. More so than any facet of this animal, the teeth of Archaeotherium are the real stars of the show, showing both how alike it was compared to its herbivores counterparts and more importantly, how it couldn’t be more different. For instance, the molars of Archaeotherium were quite similar to modern herbivores ungulates, in that they were robust, bunodont, and were designed for crushing and grinding, similar in form and function to modern ungulates like peccaries (Joeckel, 1990). However, while the molars give the impression that Archaeotherium was a herbivore, the other teeth tell a very different story. The incisors, for example, were enlarged, sharpened, and fully interlocked (as opposed to the flat-topped incisors seen in herbivores ungulates), creating an incisor array that was seemingly ill-suited for cropping vegetation and much more adept at for gripping, puncturing and cutting (Joeckel, 1990). Even more formidable were the canines. Like the modern pigs from which entelodonts derived their nicknames, the canines of Archaeotherium were sharp and enlarged to form prominent tusk-like teeth, but unlike pigs, they were rounded in cross-section (similar to modern carnivores like big cats, indicating more durable canines that can absorb and resist torsional forces, such as those from struggling prey) and were serrated to form a distinct cutting edge (Effinger, 1998; Joeckel, 1990; Ruff & Van Valkenburgh, 1987). These canines, along with the incisors, interlock to stabilize the jaws while biting and dismantling in a carnivore-like fashion. More strikingly, the canines also seem to act as “occlusal guides,” wherein the canines help align the movement and position of the rear teeth as they come together, allowing for a more efficient shearing action by the rear teeth. This function is seen most prevalently modern carnivores mammals, and is evidenced by the canine tooth-wear, which is also analogous to modern predators like bears and canids (Joeckel, 1990). Indeed, going off such teeth alone, it is clear that Archaeotherium is far more predatory than expected of an ungulate. However, the real stars of the show, the teeth that truly betray the predatory nature of these ungulates, are the premolars. Perhaps the most carnivore-like teeth in the entelodont’s entire tooth row, the premolars of Archaeotherium, particularly the anterior premolars, are laterally compressed, somewhat conical in shape, and are weakly serrated to bear a cutting edge, giving them a somewhat carnivorous form and function of shearing and slicing (Effinger, 1998). Most strikingly of all, the premolars of Archaeotherium bear unique features similar not to modern herbivores, but to durophagous carnivores like hyenas, particularly apical wear patterns, highly thickened enamel, “zigzag-shaped” enamel prism layers (Hunter-Schraeger bands) on the premolars which is also seen in osteophagous animals like hyenas, and an interlocking premolar interface wherein linear objects (such as bones) inserted into jaws from the side would be pinned between the premolars and crushed (Foss, 2001). Taken together, these features do not suggest a diet of grass or vegetation like other ungulates. Rather, they suggest a far more violent diet, one including flesh as well as hard, durable foods, particularly bone. All in all, the evidence is clear. Archaeotherium and other entelodonts, unlike the rest of their artiodactyl kin, were not the passive herbivores as we envision ungulates today. Rather, they were willing, unrepentant meat-eaters that had a taste for flesh as well as foliage. Of course, even with such lines of evidence, its hard to conclude that Archaeotherium was a true predator. After all, its wide gape and durophagous teeth could have just as easily been used for scavenging or even to eat tough plant matter such as seeds or nuts, as in peccaries and pigs, which themselves share many of the same adaptations as Archaeotherium, include the more carnivorous ones (e.g. the wide gape, using the canines as an occlusal guide, etc.). How exactly do we know that these things were veritable predators and not pretenders to the title. To this end, there is yet one last piece of evidence, one that puts on full display the predatory prowess of Archaeotherium —evidence of a kill itself. Found within oligocene-aged sediment in what is now Wyoming, a collection of various fossil remains was found, each belonging to the ancient sheep-sized camel Poebrotherium, with many of the skeletal remains being disarticulated and even missing whole hindlimbs or even entire rear halves of their body. Tellingly, many of the remains bear extensive bite marks and puncture wounds across their surface. Upon close examination, the spacing and size of the punctures leave only one culprit: Archaeotherium. Of course, such an event could still have been scavenging; the entelodonts were consuming the remains of already dead, decomposed camels, explaining the bite marks. What was far more telling, however, was where the bite marks were found. In addition bite marks being found on the torso and lumbar regions of the camels, various puncture wounds were found on the skull and neck, which were otherwise uneaten. Scavengers rarely feast on the head to begin with; there is very little worthwhile meat on it besides the brain, cheek-muscles and eyes, and even if they did feed on the skull and neck, they would still eat it wholesale, not merely bite it and then leave it otherwise untouched. Indeed, it was clear that this was no mere scavenging event. Rather than merely consuming these camels, Archaeotherium was actively preying upon and killing them, dispatching them via a crushing bite to the skull or neck before dismembering and even bisecting the hapless camels with their powerful jaws to preferentially feast on their hindquarters (likely by swallowing the hindquarters whole, as the pelvis of Poebrotherium was coincidentally the perfect width for Archaeotherium to devour whole), eventually discarding the leftovers in meat caches for later consumption (Sundell, 1999). With this finding, such a feat of brutality leaves no doubt in ones mind as to what the true nature of Archaeotherium was. This was no herbivore, nor was it a simple scavenger. This was an active, rapacious predator, the most powerful in its entire ecosystem. Indeed, with such brutal evidence of predation frozen in time, combined with various dental, cranial, and post cranial adaptations of this formidable animal, it’s possible to paint a picture of how this formidable creature lived. Though an omnivore by trade, willing and able to feast on plant matter such as grass, roots and tubers, Archaeotherium was also a wanton predator that took just about any prey it wanted. Upon detecting its prey, it approached its vicim from ambush before launching itself at blazing speed. From there, its cursorial, hoofed legs, used by other ungulates for escape predation, were here employed to capture prey, carrying it at great speeds as it caught up to its quarry. Having closed the distance with its target, it was then that the entelodont brought its jaws to bear, grabbing hold of the victim with powerful jaws and gripping teeth to bring it to a screeching halt. If the victim is lucky, Archaeotherium will then kill it quickly with a crushing bite to the skull or neck, puncturing the brain or spinal cord and killing its target instantly. If not, the victim is eaten alive, torn apart while it’s still kicking, as modern boars will do today. In any case, incapacitated prey are subsequently dismantled, with the entelodont using its entire head and heavily-muscled necks to bite into and pull apart its victim in devastating “puncture-and pull’ bites (Foss, 2001). Prey would then finally be consumed starting at the hindquarters, with not even the bones of its prey being spared. Such brutality, though far from clean, drove home a singular truth: that during this time, ungulates were not just prey, that they were not the mere “predator-fodder” we know them as today. rather, they themselves were the predators themselves, dominating as superb hunters within their domain and even suppressing clades we know as predators today, least of all the carnivorans. Indeed, during this point in time, the age of the carnivorous ungulates had hit their stride, and more specifically, the age of entelodonts had begun. Of course, more so than any other ettelodont, Archaeotherium took to this new age with gusto. Archaeotherium lived from 35-28 million years ago during the late Eocene and early Oligocene in a locality known today as the White River Badlands, a fossil locality nestled along the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Though a chalky, barren landscape today, during the time of Archaeotherium, the White River Badlands was a swamp-like floodplain crisscrossed with rivers and interspersed with by a mosaic of forests concentrated around waterways, open woodlands and open plains. As with most ecosystems with such a lush disposition, this locale teemed with life, with ancient hornless rhinos, small horse-like hyracodonts and early camels roaming the open habitats while giant brontotheres, small early horses and strange, sheep-like ungulates called merycoidodonts (also known as “oreodonts”) dwelled within the dense forests. Within this locale, Archaeotherium stalked the open woodlands and riparian forests of its domain. Here, it acted as a dominant predator and scavenger across is territory, filling a niche similar to modern grizzly bears but far more predatory. Among its preferred food items would be plant matter such as roots, foliage and nuts, but also meat in the form of carrion or freshly caught prey. In this respect, smaller ungulates such as the fleet-footed camel Poebrotherium, a known prey item of Archaeotherium, would have made a for choice prey, as its small size would make it easy for Archaeotherium to dispatch with its powerful jaws, while the entelodonts swift legs gave it the speed necessary to keep pace with its agile prey. However, the entelodont didn’t have such a feast all to itself. Just as the badlands teemed with herbivores, so too did it teem with rival predators. Among their ranks included fearsome predators such as Hyaenodon, a powerful, vaguely dog-like predator up to the size of wolves (as in H. horridus) or even lions (as in the Eocene-aged H. megaloides, which was replaced by H. horridus during the Oligocene). Armed with a massive head, fierce jaws and a set of knife-like teeth that could cut down even large prey in seconds, these were some of the most formidable predators on the landscape. There were also the nimravids, cat-like carnivorans that bore saber-teeth to kill large prey in seconds, and included the likes of the lynx-sized Dinictis, the leopard-sized Hoplophoneus and even the jaguar-sized Eusmilus. Furthermore, there were amphicyonids, better known as the bear-dogs. Though known from much larger forms later on in their existence, during the late Eocene and Oligocene, they were much smaller and acted as the “canid-analogues” of the ecosystem, filling a role similar to wolves or coyotes. Last but not least, there were the bathornithid birds, huge cariamiform birds related to modern seriemas but much larger, which filled a niche similar to modern seriemas or secretary birds, albeit on a much larger scale. Given such competition, it would seem that Archaeotherium would have its hands full. However, things are not as they appear. For starters, habitat differences would mitigate high amounts of competition, as both Hyaenodon and the various nimravids occupy more specialized ecological roles (being a plains-specialist and forest-specialist, respectively) than did Archaeotherium, providing a buffer to stave off competition: More importantly, however, none of the aforementioned predators were simply big enough to take Archaeotherium on. During the roughly 7 million years existence of Archaeotherium, the only carnivore that matched it in size was H. megaloides, and even that would have an only applied to average A. mortoni individuals, not to the much larger, bison-sized “Megachoerus” individuals. The next largest predator at that point would be the jaguars-sized Eusmilus (specifically E. adelos) which would have only been a bit more than half the size of even an average A. mortoni. Besides that, virtually every other predator on the landscape was simply outclassed by the much larger entelodont in terms of size and brute strength. As such, within its domain, Archaeotherium had total, unquestioned authority, dominating the other predators in the landscape and likely stealing their kills as well. In fact, just about the only threat Archaeotherium had was other Archaeotherium, as fossil bite marks suggest that this animal regularly and fraglantly engaged in intraspecific combat, usually through face-biting and possibly even jaw-wrestling (Effinger, 1998; Tanke & Currie, 1998). Nevertheless, it was clear that Archaeotherium was the undisputed king of the badlands; in a landscape of hyaenodonts and carnivorans galore, it was a hoofed ungulate that reigned supreme. However, such a reign would not last. As the Eocene transitioned into the Eocene, the planet underwent an abrupt cooling and drying phase known as Eocene-Oligocene Transition or more simply the Grande Coupure. This change in climate would eliminate the sprawling wetlands and river systems that Archaeotherium had been depending on, gradually replacing it with drier and more open habitats. To its credit, Archaeotherium did manage to hang on, persisting well after the Grand-Coupure had taken place, but in the end the damage had been done; Archaeotherium was a dead-man-walking. Eventually, by around 28 million years ago, Archaeotherium would go extinct, perishing due to this change in global climate (Gillham, 2019). Entelodonts as a whole would persist into the Miocene, producing some of their largest forms ever known in the form of the bison-sized Daeodon (which was itself even more carnivorous than Archaeotherium), however they too would meet the same fate as their earlier cousins. By around 15-20 million years ago, entelodonts as a whole would go extinct. However, while the entelodonts may have perished, this was not the end of carnivorous ungulates as a whole. Recall that the cetacodontamorphs, the lineage of artiodactyls that produced the entelodonts, left behind two living descendants. The first among them were the hippos, themselves fairly frequent herbivores. The second of such lineage, however, was a different story. Emerging out of South Asia, this lineage of piscivorous cetacodontamorphs, in a an attempt to further specialize for the fish-hunting lifestyle, began to delve further and further into the water, becoming more and more aquatic and the millennia passed by. At a certain point, these carnivorous artiodactlys had become something completely unrecognizable from their original hoofed forms. Their skin became hairless and their bodies became streamlined for life in water. Their hoofed limbs grew into giant flippers for steering in the water and their previously tiny tails became massive and sported giant tail flukes for aquatic propulsion. Their noses even moved to the tip of their head, becoming a blowhole that would be signature to this clade as a whole. Indeed, this clade was none other than the modern whales, themselves derived, carnivorous ungulates that had specialized for a life in the water, and in doing so, became the some of the most dominant aquatic predators across the globe for millions of years. Indeed, though long gone, the legacy of the entelodonts and of predatory ungulates as a whole, a legacy Archaeotherium itself had helped foster, lives on in these paragons of predatory prowess, showing that the ungulates are more than just the mere “prey” that they are often made out to be. Moreover, given the success that carnivorous ungulates had enjoyed in the past and given how modern omnivorous ungulates like boar dabble in predation themselves, perhaps, in the distant future, this planet may see the rise of carnivorous ungulates once again, following in the footsteps left behind by Archaeotherium and the other predatory ungulates all those millions of years ago. |
2024.05.13 23:28 Ishcabibble14 Scaling Meliodas Main Versions + Overall Abilities
 | Speed and AP/DCBoS [Sealed] (3,370 with broken sword, 3,470 with Liz's sword, 3,870 with Lostvayne. 4,400 with demon mark in season 1): Mountain level, Massively hypersonic+
https://preview.redd.it/ik5gj1o8w30d1.png?width=1066&format=png&auto=webp&s=6f8203d5fcd5301601d25771c731a271f56a7b46 Using Gilthunder's 447 Megatons is downplay but its all we have, 447 megatons x 30 = 13.41 Gigatons (Island Level), considering this Gilthunder is not even comparable to when Meliodas used Revenge Counter on Hendrickson, Large Island Level is a logical highball in my opinion Prime during the Holy War (unknown combat class): Multi-Continental, 3.5x SoL, up to 7x SoL with demon marks
https://preview.redd.it/wj0xxoulz30d1.png?width=1067&format=png&auto=webp&s=531bcca764abd91bbe1257e8915cf6f47ac6f054 Ominous Nebula moves around darkness at high speeds, meaning when the suction of the attack double due to his demon mark, that was because the demon mark doubled his speed https://preview.redd.it/s8yr5hy5040d1.png?width=1067&format=png&auto=webp&s=ece9ce7e0bc5d00d6fee113d10eea0b9a8599962 Since Meliodas was using his 2nd demon mark to blitz Ludociel, we can say that in his 3rd demon mark, also known as assault mode, brings his speed up to 7x SoL
https://preview.redd.it/ersqakhb340d1.png?width=1067&format=png&auto=webp&s=83f321eb0b967cd858fb36ad70425f38a61f6e73 Post Purgatory/EoS/4KotA (unknown combat class): Multi-Solar, 44.217x-53.1x SoL, up to 353.736x-424.8x SoL with demon marks Meliodas performed this feat with no demon marks, and as we established above, each demon mark provides a 2x increase in speed, meaning if we multiplied 44.217 and 53.1 by 2 three separate times, one for each demon mark Meliodas has, we get 353.726 and 424.8 respectively
https://preview.redd.it/iioxqcrua40d1.png?width=1067&format=png&auto=webp&s=28458d372699f0ff9e2c1c8f7ec3895fe594be67 https://preview.redd.it/n97fpl5xa40d1.png?width=1067&format=png&auto=webp&s=151956e75cf276bdf2117dbc041e051b92cde8f0 Another example is when Cath easily created a dimension and Arthur destroyed it in an instant https://preview.redd.it/jexygrf4b40d1.png?width=894&format=png&auto=webp&s=916f2ac891abd74c4ce9ec07b76747255bcb33a2 True Magic Form has barely any screen time however it is Meliodas' strongest form: Multi-Solar, above 44.217x-53.1x SoL, up to and above 353.736x-424.8x SoL with demon marks Meliodas was stated by Zeldris to be stronger than the Demon King in this form https://preview.redd.it/1srdsc0sg90d1.png?width=1786&format=png&auto=webp&s=a4180d2f112c61310dfc30036261d442537e4a62 AbilitiesThese are the most notable abilities Meliodas has shown throughout the series:
|
2024.05.13 20:44 Legitimate-Shape3203 Are there any cars that I can buy for under 10K USD that are as fun to drive as an RX-8
(TLDR: I've always wanted an RX-8 because it was the best driving car I'd ever been in. It seems like I'm not going to be able to ever get one. Are there any alternatives?)
When I was 16 my parents gave me a 2009 Honda Civic (I don't remember the trim). It was a pretty standard car but it was in good shape and felt pretty good to drive. Unfortunately I was young and dumb and made a mistake that ended up totaling it.
I went to look for a new car using the insurance money and I wanted something small and quick. Because I was a dumb teenager, I started by looking at sports cars I had no business buying. While I was going through autotrader looking at cars I couldn't afford I stumbled upon an RX-8 for sale.
Since it was in my price range and looked pretty cool, I decided to do some research. Overnight I was smitten. It was fast, revv'd to the moon, had the coolest engine design I'd ever seen, and the car WANTED you to drive it like a bat out of hell. I spent hours researching, learning about all the problems, reading all the ways to mitigate them, and found a checklist of everything that I should check before buying one.
We found a private seller that had an 05 RX-8 with sub 60k miles in our price range and was willing to let a teenager test drive it. It felt fantastic to drive, granted I didn't have a ton of experience at the time but I loved it. Then we got back to the owners house and started talking stuff over for awhile. It seemed like I was going to be able to drive it but the owner mentioned that the engine had flooded out on him before and he'd had to tow it to the dealership to get it fixed. I knew about the flooding issue, I knew that the ignition coils on the 05's were weak and that flooding became less of a problem if you replaced them with stronger coils. My mom wanted they seller to start it again for us. He went to start it and flooded his engine.
That was that, my parents concluded that this was an unreliable piece of shit and I couldn't be trusted to look for a car myself. They took me to a dealer we had a family connection with and bought the first car he recommended, an 08 Nissan Altima. The transmission blew up after a year and a half, thankfully while it was under warranty , but two months after that a tree fell on the car.
While I was looking for a new car my parents and I got into an unrelated argument and they decided to go back to the same dealer that sold us the Altima and buy the first car he suggested. It's an 09 Chevy Malibu and I hate it. I've been driving it for around 5 years and it's killed all the love I used to have for driving and working on cars. It's slow and it handles like it's way bigger than it actually is. I'm so tired of it but since it's still driveable, I haven't looked into buying anything else.
Yesterday on a whim, I decided to try looking for a new car. Lo and behold I found my old dream car on sale for super cheap. An 09 RX-8 for 2,500 USD ... with 101,627 mi. So I started doing all the research again and remembered the fun thing about the RX-8, no one wants you to buy this car. I was reminded of all the reasons that this car is a bad idea. Premium gas with shit fuel economy, lots of upkeep, no parts being made. With no way of knowing if the previous owners had properly maintained the car, my main worry is the engine compression. So I called a Mazda dealership near the seller to see how much getting a test done would cost. As soon as I mentioned an RX-8 the tech immediately started trying to talk me out of buying one because the parts are non-existent and there's only one Renesis engine left in the US.
The world has finally convince me, getting this car as a daily driver is a bad idea. But I can't get it out of my head, I've wanted this car for nearly a decade. I'm still considering getting the car as a project without selling my Malibu since it is so cheap, but I'm not rich and $2500 is still a good chunk of money and the compression test is $640. So I'm turning to the good people of whatcarshouldIbuy, would I be a fool to buy this car? Is there any car that can drive as good as an RX-8 within my price range? Can I ever be free of this masochistic obsession with a car I've barley had a chance to drive but have longed for almost as long as I've been driving?
submitted by Legitimate-Shape3203 to whatcarshouldIbuy [link] [comments]
When I was 16 my parents gave me a 2009 Honda Civic (I don't remember the trim). It was a pretty standard car but it was in good shape and felt pretty good to drive. Unfortunately I was young and dumb and made a mistake that ended up totaling it.
I went to look for a new car using the insurance money and I wanted something small and quick. Because I was a dumb teenager, I started by looking at sports cars I had no business buying. While I was going through autotrader looking at cars I couldn't afford I stumbled upon an RX-8 for sale.
Since it was in my price range and looked pretty cool, I decided to do some research. Overnight I was smitten. It was fast, revv'd to the moon, had the coolest engine design I'd ever seen, and the car WANTED you to drive it like a bat out of hell. I spent hours researching, learning about all the problems, reading all the ways to mitigate them, and found a checklist of everything that I should check before buying one.
We found a private seller that had an 05 RX-8 with sub 60k miles in our price range and was willing to let a teenager test drive it. It felt fantastic to drive, granted I didn't have a ton of experience at the time but I loved it. Then we got back to the owners house and started talking stuff over for awhile. It seemed like I was going to be able to drive it but the owner mentioned that the engine had flooded out on him before and he'd had to tow it to the dealership to get it fixed. I knew about the flooding issue, I knew that the ignition coils on the 05's were weak and that flooding became less of a problem if you replaced them with stronger coils. My mom wanted they seller to start it again for us. He went to start it and flooded his engine.
That was that, my parents concluded that this was an unreliable piece of shit and I couldn't be trusted to look for a car myself. They took me to a dealer we had a family connection with and bought the first car he recommended, an 08 Nissan Altima. The transmission blew up after a year and a half, thankfully while it was under warranty , but two months after that a tree fell on the car.
While I was looking for a new car my parents and I got into an unrelated argument and they decided to go back to the same dealer that sold us the Altima and buy the first car he suggested. It's an 09 Chevy Malibu and I hate it. I've been driving it for around 5 years and it's killed all the love I used to have for driving and working on cars. It's slow and it handles like it's way bigger than it actually is. I'm so tired of it but since it's still driveable, I haven't looked into buying anything else.
Yesterday on a whim, I decided to try looking for a new car. Lo and behold I found my old dream car on sale for super cheap. An 09 RX-8 for 2,500 USD ... with 101,627 mi. So I started doing all the research again and remembered the fun thing about the RX-8, no one wants you to buy this car. I was reminded of all the reasons that this car is a bad idea. Premium gas with shit fuel economy, lots of upkeep, no parts being made. With no way of knowing if the previous owners had properly maintained the car, my main worry is the engine compression. So I called a Mazda dealership near the seller to see how much getting a test done would cost. As soon as I mentioned an RX-8 the tech immediately started trying to talk me out of buying one because the parts are non-existent and there's only one Renesis engine left in the US.
The world has finally convince me, getting this car as a daily driver is a bad idea. But I can't get it out of my head, I've wanted this car for nearly a decade. I'm still considering getting the car as a project without selling my Malibu since it is so cheap, but I'm not rich and $2500 is still a good chunk of money and the compression test is $640. So I'm turning to the good people of whatcarshouldIbuy, would I be a fool to buy this car? Is there any car that can drive as good as an RX-8 within my price range? Can I ever be free of this masochistic obsession with a car I've barley had a chance to drive but have longed for almost as long as I've been driving?
2024.05.13 10:47 Barix14 Idea for new items
🎯Gunslingeprimary/marksman (it will be very good as single target weapon)
Damage 300
Firerate 100
Accurate
Ammo 40(+8 in "mag")
Recoil strong
Medium penetration
One handed(incresed recoil and firerate by 50%)
Reload one by one
☢️Ray gun/secondary
Damage 80
Firerate 450
Pretty Accurate
Ammo 30(+15 in mag)
Recoil small
Light penetration
Explosive
Projectiles like punisher plasma but way faster and green color
Deal gas damage overtime for 10s and slow enemies a bit
One handed
🔪Butcheprimary/shotgun
Damage 500
Firerate 150
Accurate Only if close (15-20m)
Ammo 50(+5 in "mag")
Recoil medium
Medium penetration if close enough (after 15+20 only light)
Damage drop off noticeable after 15m
16 bullets in one slug (noticeable stagger if 8 bullets hit the target and if more bullets hit stagger is stronger)
Reload one by one
⚡A gun that shots strong beam/stratagem
It will have 10 ammo and one shot can kill a charger. It need to charge to shot and if you charge to long it will cosume 2 ammo instead of one but deal twice as much damage and you can charge it to cosume all of 10 ammo and deal 10x damage wnich probably can penetrate by 3-4 bile titans. Anything it can destroy or kill it will penetrate also after meeting object that it cant penartate it crate small explosion and if you used all 10 ammo at once to shot it will make that explosion 10 times bigger. 1 ammo will overheat your gun by 25% if you use more than 4 ammo to shot once it will explode after the shot(if your gun us a but overheated shoting charged shot up to 4 ammo will make it also explode) but i guess if you are really need to kill something its worth it also stratagem have 8 min cooldown also 2 ammo from resupplies
💥Demolishestratagem
A shotgun than have explosive bullets and can kill a charger and have 20 ammo (+4 inside) it good for clearing hordes and you can change bullet spreading so if you want kill a charger you want most accurate and if you want to kill a horde you want maximum spread.it can kill a bile titan but its takes some bullets and also you wont get a lot of ammo from resupplies (prob like only 4 slugs) cause this weapon can kill infact everything and destroy bug holes and fabricators but the cooldown is 8 miniutes.
submitted by Barix14 to Helldivers [link] [comments]
Damage 300
Firerate 100
Accurate
Ammo 40(+8 in "mag")
Recoil strong
Medium penetration
One handed(incresed recoil and firerate by 50%)
Reload one by one
☢️Ray gun/secondary
Damage 80
Firerate 450
Pretty Accurate
Ammo 30(+15 in mag)
Recoil small
Light penetration
Explosive
Projectiles like punisher plasma but way faster and green color
Deal gas damage overtime for 10s and slow enemies a bit
One handed
🔪Butcheprimary/shotgun
Damage 500
Firerate 150
Accurate Only if close (15-20m)
Ammo 50(+5 in "mag")
Recoil medium
Medium penetration if close enough (after 15+20 only light)
Damage drop off noticeable after 15m
16 bullets in one slug (noticeable stagger if 8 bullets hit the target and if more bullets hit stagger is stronger)
Reload one by one
⚡A gun that shots strong beam/stratagem
It will have 10 ammo and one shot can kill a charger. It need to charge to shot and if you charge to long it will cosume 2 ammo instead of one but deal twice as much damage and you can charge it to cosume all of 10 ammo and deal 10x damage wnich probably can penetrate by 3-4 bile titans. Anything it can destroy or kill it will penetrate also after meeting object that it cant penartate it crate small explosion and if you used all 10 ammo at once to shot it will make that explosion 10 times bigger. 1 ammo will overheat your gun by 25% if you use more than 4 ammo to shot once it will explode after the shot(if your gun us a but overheated shoting charged shot up to 4 ammo will make it also explode) but i guess if you are really need to kill something its worth it also stratagem have 8 min cooldown also 2 ammo from resupplies
💥Demolishestratagem
A shotgun than have explosive bullets and can kill a charger and have 20 ammo (+4 inside) it good for clearing hordes and you can change bullet spreading so if you want kill a charger you want most accurate and if you want to kill a horde you want maximum spread.it can kill a bile titan but its takes some bullets and also you wont get a lot of ammo from resupplies (prob like only 4 slugs) cause this weapon can kill infact everything and destroy bug holes and fabricators but the cooldown is 8 miniutes.
2024.05.12 23:24 Few-Investigator6724 Bullet proof skin Vs Bear, Tiger and Human
So I often hear the same argument over and over again when talking about primate fights, Their skin rips easily. Compared to dogs, cats and bears human and primate skin is skin tight (lol). Meaning that it has no way of moving around and causing it to easily rip or get cut if hit with a sharp object, bears on the other hand can bite and claw each other relentlessly without breaking the skin due it being stronger, thicer and loser.
Gorilla: Silver back alpha male 6 feet tall and 400-500 lbs, 180 cm and 180-225 kg
1: A silver back gorilla with bullet proof skin Vs black bear
2: The classic, Gorilla Vs Grizzly bear
3: 2 gorillas Vs A polar bear
4: A gorilla Vs 10 Knights/Samurais/Vikings or Neanderthals
5: Gorilla Vs Bengal/Siberian Tiger
Fight takes place in a open bit of jungle. There blood lusted and Start 5 m Apart. If the gorilla loses toss in a Chimp with bullet proof skin until he wins. And if they still lose hard make his bones and joints 2x stronger.
note: The skin is a little stronger than Kevlar.
Bonus: A gorilla, Grizzly, Chimp and Orangutang Vs The Top 100 best fighters in the UFC or just mma fighters. Fight takes place 10 m apart in a 100m X 100m MMA cage. No Perks and no gloves.
submitted by Few-Investigator6724 to whowouldwin [link] [comments]
Gorilla: Silver back alpha male 6 feet tall and 400-500 lbs, 180 cm and 180-225 kg
1: A silver back gorilla with bullet proof skin Vs black bear
2: The classic, Gorilla Vs Grizzly bear
3: 2 gorillas Vs A polar bear
4: A gorilla Vs 10 Knights/Samurais/Vikings or Neanderthals
5: Gorilla Vs Bengal/Siberian Tiger
Fight takes place in a open bit of jungle. There blood lusted and Start 5 m Apart. If the gorilla loses toss in a Chimp with bullet proof skin until he wins. And if they still lose hard make his bones and joints 2x stronger.
note: The skin is a little stronger than Kevlar.
Bonus: A gorilla, Grizzly, Chimp and Orangutang Vs The Top 100 best fighters in the UFC or just mma fighters. Fight takes place 10 m apart in a 100m X 100m MMA cage. No Perks and no gloves.
2024.05.12 18:14 pumpkpie_chem Love letter to reapplicants
As the cycle comes to a close and some of you may not have gotten an acceptance and are preparing to reapply, I wanted to write the message I really wish I could have read last year when that was the place I was in. I’m happy to say I’m a reapplicant who came out of the other side with a successful second cycle. Sorry in advance this will be very long and disorganized, but I hope it can help some of you!
I applied last cycle with what I thought was a very strong application. I’m a CA resident, went to a solid UC school, graduated with a 3.85 GPA, had a 515+ MCAT, 4th quartile CASPER, and diverse/unique set of activities I accumulated over 5 years. My freshman year of college when I decided I was set on medical school, I did a ton of research on the process and what it takes to get in and very strategically planned my next 4 years. The pandemic threw a wrench into some of that, so I decided to take 2 gap years (applied during 1st gap year) to strengthen my app even more. So all in all, my app was what I felt was the culmination of 5 years of very, very, hard work and careful planning. I applied to 35 schools and had a reasonable secondary turn around time for at least 20 of them. I got 3 interviews to good schools (1 T20 CA, 1 T30 CA, and 1 ~T30 OOS), but all ended in waitlists then rejections. I was devastated and so so so unbelievably frustrated. The worst part was trying to explain to my family members and mentors that I had to reapply. My family already gave me a very hard time for taking 2 gap years. Everyone (all of whom had very little knowledge on med school admissions) seemed to have their own opinion, and I could tell they all thought something was wrong with my app or that I didn’t work hard enough. (Was your GPA bad? Should you retake the MCAT? Did you do bad on your interviews? Were your essays bad? What if your LORs had red flags? Etc, etc). While it sucked I ended with no acceptances, I’m really glad I got those interviews because it was the confirmation I needed that my app must have been strong enough for me to get those interviews. And while everyone kept trying to convince me my interviews must have gone badly, I truly felt they went well and that my interviewers validated a lot of my answers. Multiple people advised me not to reapply consecutive cycles so that I could make more major changes to my app, but I trusted my gut that it was just a matter of bad luck and that my app was good enough as is (and I am SO happy I trusted myself!)
This cycle, I made some minor changes, but overall had a pretty similar app and had a FAR more successful cycle. I got 10 interviews: 4 at schools I had not applied to the first time, 4 at schools I was a reapplicant to but didn’t get an interview at the first time (one is a T5 school I almost didn’t apply to since I thought I had no shot), and 2 at schools I had interviewed at the first time. I ended with 4 off the bat acceptances (1 is one of the schools I was waitlisted at last year, 1 is a school I applied to last year but didn’t get an interview at, and 2 were schools I was a first time applicant to), 6 waitlists (2 turned into As, 4 still pending). I’d consider it a very successful cycle and am extremely grateful for how everything worked out, and if I get into the T5 school off the waitlist it would be successful beyond my wildest dreams. Overall, lots of takeaways and strategies I’ve learned from being a 2x applicant:
Do whatever you can to make this unplanned gap year the best year of your life. Religious/spiritual people call it fate when things don’t work out as they originally planned. But why can’t we all do whatever we can in our power to make active decisions and changes that will lead us to look back and say our setbacks were actually blessings in disguise? If possible, don’t let this year be as stressful as undergrad or your last few gap years. This WILL be your last gap year. Get 8+ hours of sleep each night, after you submit all your secondaries try to make life as chill as possible and cut out any activities you want to, if you can afford it travel, switch jobs if your current one sucks and you have the means to do so, pick up hobbies you’ve always wanted to do, work on your mental and physical health, etc. Once you submit your primary with your anticipated hours, and especially after you submit your secondaries, nothing actually matters that much. If you want to quit your shitty minimum wage lab tech or MA job with an abusive boss in October and be a barista, you can!! I was so fed up that I worked so freaking hard during my gap years and still had to reapply that I promised myself I’d do whatever was within my power and financial means to make this the best and least stressful year of my life. I worked very hard up until I submitted my last secondary, then I really looked into how I could streamline my activities, switch to a new and more fun job, and reduce my stress. I traveled, spent a ton of time with friends, worked on rebuilding relationships with friends I lost touch with, made new friends, slept the most I’ve ever slept in my life, went to the gym a ton, started cooking consistently for the first time ever, finally started the skincare routine I always complained I didn’t have time for, worked on my confidence and self esteem, addressed some of my social anxieties, read books, and picked up a few cool new hobbies. For the first year in a very long time, I did what truly made me happy and not what I felt I needed to do as a premed. In this present moment, I can say that I’m the healthiest, happiest, and most confident I’ve been in a long time. Whatever your dream year looks like that you can reasonably afford financially, do it! All the self work and things you’ve been putting off because you’ve never had enough time, do them! Obviously keep up with whatever premed stuff you see necessary and enjoy doing, but more than likely you don’t have to be as stressed as you were the year before. The way I see it, I now have the same exact end result I would have had if I had gotten into med school last year, but the universe just allowed me to have the most fun and wonderful “growth” year on top of that. 15 years from now, no one will care how many gap years you took or if you had to reapply, but this year of your life to come is so so precious. Maximize it and do whatever it takes so that you can look back a year from now like me and say you are so grateful everything worked out the way it did for you to still get into med school AND have had the best year of your life.
Being premed is tough, and for me the worst part was how isolated I felt being surrounded by people who didn’t understand what I was going through, but we have eachother! Random people on Reddit and SDN were the motivation and inspiration I needed to stay resilient and not give up. I hope I can be that for some of you. Keep your head up and keep grinding. I promise your hard work will pay off, and if you want to be a doctor, it WILL happen. The universe has plans for us beyond what we realize. And again, even if you’re not spiritual or religious, doesn’t mean you can’t do whatever is in your control to try and make the best of this very, very frustrating and difficult setback. This is a very long path and the only way to get through it is to make sure you enjoy the journey. Best of luck to each of you, and please feel free to dm me if you have any questions or just need to rant!
submitted by pumpkpie_chem to premed [link] [comments]
I applied last cycle with what I thought was a very strong application. I’m a CA resident, went to a solid UC school, graduated with a 3.85 GPA, had a 515+ MCAT, 4th quartile CASPER, and diverse/unique set of activities I accumulated over 5 years. My freshman year of college when I decided I was set on medical school, I did a ton of research on the process and what it takes to get in and very strategically planned my next 4 years. The pandemic threw a wrench into some of that, so I decided to take 2 gap years (applied during 1st gap year) to strengthen my app even more. So all in all, my app was what I felt was the culmination of 5 years of very, very, hard work and careful planning. I applied to 35 schools and had a reasonable secondary turn around time for at least 20 of them. I got 3 interviews to good schools (1 T20 CA, 1 T30 CA, and 1 ~T30 OOS), but all ended in waitlists then rejections. I was devastated and so so so unbelievably frustrated. The worst part was trying to explain to my family members and mentors that I had to reapply. My family already gave me a very hard time for taking 2 gap years. Everyone (all of whom had very little knowledge on med school admissions) seemed to have their own opinion, and I could tell they all thought something was wrong with my app or that I didn’t work hard enough. (Was your GPA bad? Should you retake the MCAT? Did you do bad on your interviews? Were your essays bad? What if your LORs had red flags? Etc, etc). While it sucked I ended with no acceptances, I’m really glad I got those interviews because it was the confirmation I needed that my app must have been strong enough for me to get those interviews. And while everyone kept trying to convince me my interviews must have gone badly, I truly felt they went well and that my interviewers validated a lot of my answers. Multiple people advised me not to reapply consecutive cycles so that I could make more major changes to my app, but I trusted my gut that it was just a matter of bad luck and that my app was good enough as is (and I am SO happy I trusted myself!)
This cycle, I made some minor changes, but overall had a pretty similar app and had a FAR more successful cycle. I got 10 interviews: 4 at schools I had not applied to the first time, 4 at schools I was a reapplicant to but didn’t get an interview at the first time (one is a T5 school I almost didn’t apply to since I thought I had no shot), and 2 at schools I had interviewed at the first time. I ended with 4 off the bat acceptances (1 is one of the schools I was waitlisted at last year, 1 is a school I applied to last year but didn’t get an interview at, and 2 were schools I was a first time applicant to), 6 waitlists (2 turned into As, 4 still pending). I’d consider it a very successful cycle and am extremely grateful for how everything worked out, and if I get into the T5 school off the waitlist it would be successful beyond my wildest dreams. Overall, lots of takeaways and strategies I’ve learned from being a 2x applicant:
- Shoot your shot. Trust your gut and the strength of your app. A lot of this process is luck, and some of my best interviews and the school I PTEd to as of now are schools I thought I had no shot at. In retrospect, maybe they are well deserved, but my unsuccessful last cycle made me seriously doubt my app and lose all confidence in myself. If you’re a reapplicant, your app can only be stronger this year as a result of whatever you did last year, so you deserve to aim for the same tier of schools or higher. (But ofc still apply to safeties and some schools you didn’t apply to last cycle!)
- Being a reapplicant is not a death sentence, if anything I think there’s a lot of inherent value in it. It is unbelievably emotionally taxing to reapply. I spent all of last spring crying, refreshing SDN and my email every 5 minutes praying I would get off a waitlist, and anxious about having no idea what I would do in my unplanned additional gap year. Amidst all of that, preparing a new primary app and going through the process of writing secondaries again while still holding out hopes for a waitlist to work out was grueling. But this cycle proved to me that schools do admire the drive it takes to be a reapplicant. It shows you are committed and truly want to pursue this career. And there are a couple of the schools I got interviews at I’m convinced just felt bad I’m a reapplicant lol.
- Make your school list and use MSAR wisely beyond just looking at avg gpa and MCAT. The second time I applied, I looked into more details about total number of applicants, OOS vs IS stats, demographics, etc to add 8 less popular safety schools that I thought I had a good shot at and didn’t apply to the first time. I turned in those 8 ASAP (<1 week turnaround) and got an interview at 4 of them. Some schools get 5000 total applicants, some get 12,000 - make sure you apply to some of those ones that get less.
- Secondaries are WAY more important than most people think in my opinion. I don’t think my secondaries were at all bad my first time, but I was unbelievably strategic and spent way longer on them the second time. I did a ton of research on each school before I started writing, and really tailored them to that school’s mission. For example, Creighton loves whole person care and non medical community service, a T20 school may value research way more, Rush is huge on community service hours, some schools are big on clinical hours, etc. I picked which activities I focused on in my secondaries very wisely based on what I felt that school would value most. I treated each school as if it was my dream school, really put time into each why us essay, and made subtle changes to wording of sentences to fit the “vibes” of each school. I extensively researched the patient population and community health needs of each school’s affiliate hospitals before writing the secondaries. And for schools I had no ties to, I tried to have a super quick secondary turnaround hoping that would be seen as a display of my interest. Med schools can only interview 500-1000 students. They are not going to just interview their best applicants, because those applicants would likely choose a different school. They will interview applicants who meet certain criteria AND have a very high likelihood of attending their school (whether that be because you have some sort of ties or are a great fit to their mission)
- “Why us” secondary essay tip - when applicants are picking schools, they often post on Reddit or SDN a school X vs Y post with pros and cons of each. I found these posts to be super helpful and have a lot of gems you wouldn’t find on a school website.
- A lot of schools offer feedback to reapplicants. I really regretted not doing this. Off the top of my head, I know UA Tucson, BU, and Indiana University do. I’m sure there are A LOT more I’m missing, and if a school doesn’t explicitly say in their rejection email that they can’t offer advice then why not just give it a shot and ask. At worst you get no advice but it shows them you care about their school and are a motivated individual looking for ways to improve, and at best you can get some useful tips.
- See what other ways you can show interest in schools. Do they have open houses? Do they have virtual info sessions? Do they have advisors you can reach out to and ask questions? Can you schedule a campus tour? Some secondaries even ask you to check boxes of what admissions events you’ve attended. But at least in your why us essay you can mention attending these events.
- Changing your Personal statement - Personally, I believe your core reasons for going into medicine aren’t going to change much in a year so no need to completely rework your PS. Obviously get it checked and get some opinions, but especially if you got interviews, your writing couldn’t have been that bad. All writing has room for improvement though, so definitely re write and make changes as needed but don’t feel pressured to completely change everything. I made only minor changes to my PS, kept 80% of my work and activity descriptions identical, and just re worded a few things and added in 1 additional activity that I gained. Trust your gut though and get some people to read your stuff. For me personally, I didn’t feel my PS and work/activities had any major issue bc of the 3 interviews I got, but for some people they could be.
- LORs - again, something like your college classes didn’t change so I don’t see why you need a new LOR. Get it redated if possible, but if you can’t don’t stress. 2/3 of my professor LORs I did not get re dated. I got one additional LOR the second time I applied, but my other 4 were identical (2 just re dated). For some people, LORs could be the reason you didn’t get interviews, but if you got interviews and were waitlisted, personally I think your LORs must have been fine (because I think most schools read your LOR before determining if you get an II, I could be wrong though?). Another thing I didn’t realize is that some schools only accept a few LORs and if you send too many they will randomly choose what to read. My first cycle, I sent all my LORS to every school through AMCAS. Second cycle, I looked up school specific policies and individually selected which letters to send to each school. For those that only accepted a few LORs, I was strategic in picking which one I felt would be valued more (in addition to my college professors, my research PI, or my letter from volunteer work with an underserved community supervisor, or from my clinical position)
- Interviews - I think what went wrong for me the first cycle is that all 3 of my interviews were at “reach” schools. For most schools, it’s not like the interview single-handedly determines whether or not you get in. You get a score for your interview, and that along with the rest of your app is reassessed. For my 3 schools, I think my interview was fine but I was just competing with a very competitive group of applicants I was already towards the bottom of because of the rest of my app. That’s why the second time I focused on trying to get interviews at “safety” schools. I was accepted to almost all those schools post interview this time. Again though, there is always room for improvement for everyone and everything, so keep working on your interview skills and doing mocks even if you are confident that wasn’t your issue.
- Applying DO - I didn’t the first time, but second time I did bc I knew I did not have it in me to apply a 3rd cycle and would much rather go DO at that point. I applied to 8 DO schools and got interview invites at 7 of them, attended the interview for 5 of them (other 2 were in person), and was accepted to all 5 I attended. So my takeaway from that was that DO schools don’t yield protect unlike a lot of MD schools. While I understand MD schools may be ideal, there are some amazing DO schools and ask yourself when you apply if you’d rather go to a DO school or be a reapplicant. And understand that your answer could change after a very frustrating app cycle. You don’t know how you’d feel from a year from now and if you would wish you had left that option open for yourself. Don’t stress about timing as much though, I submitted all my DO apps in September after my MD apps were completely finished.
- Changes to make for reapplication - while I feel like a lot of people had great apps and just got unlucky, really assess what you could do differently to improve your app or how you could market yourself better the second time. It’s kind of crazy when you think of it that 4+ years of your hard work will be read by an adcom member in a few minutes. Good writing and marketing yourself as best as possible are critical. For me, while I had a good amount of clinical hours, I felt that my clinical hours were weaker than my research hours so I started a new clinical position in April before reapplying. While I didn’t have that many hours by the time I submitted my primary, I was still able to write anticipated hours and write meaningfully about the impactful patient encounters I did have at that point. That was really my only tangible change I had. The rest of what I talked about in my reapplicant secondary essays were smaller things (ex. I learned a language during my gap year so spoke about that a lot, and talked about what I gained from continuing a lot of my existing activities for another year). But same MCAT, same GPA, identical LORs (except for the one additional one), mostly similar PS and Work/activities section, and improved secondaries.
- Rolling admissions are no joke! I really think 2-3 weeks could make the difference of an identical app getting an interview or not. And for some schools, interviewing earlier in the cycle really increases your chances of being accepted instead of waitlisted. Without compromising quality, get those secondaries in ASAP. Focus on your primary app now, but spend all of June pre writing. Einstein for example even says on their website that most of the people they interview submit their secondaries before the end of July. And again, I think a quick secondary turnaround time could be a great display of interest. It’s impossible to submit all your apps right away, but pick a strategic mix of which apps you want to have a 2-3 day turnaround for, which ones a 1 week, which ones a 2 week, which ones a 1 month, etc. this is especially important for schools you may be a great fit for but have no ties to.
- Update letters and continued interest letters - send them! personally I think October - December is a great time because that’s before the second wave of interviews will go out in Jan/feb. Don’t stress if you have no major updates. You really don’t need a publication or new position to write an update letter. It could simply be I continued X and Y activities and am still very interested in your school. Post interview too, look up school specific policies and see if an update letter could be useful. And of course, if you’re on a waitlist, see if an update letter of letter of intent would be appropriate.
- Get as much advice as possible. This process is so confusing and can truly be a crapshoot, the more tips you know the better. Talk to older students, other applicants, mentors, etc. I am shameless and will private message anyone and everyone on SDN. You’d be surprised at how friendly most premeds can be and how willing they are to share advice.
- You don’t have to retake PREVIEW, but you need a new CASPER each year. I found this out very late and wish I had known this earlier.
- Tip for saving money on reapplying if you don’t know if you’ll get off a waitlist- submit your primary application to just one school when it opens so you won’t face delays in verification. Give yourself til end of June to see if you get off a waitlist, and if you don’t, then add and pay for all of your other schools at the end of June or beginning of July. That way, if you get off a waitlist you only wasted money on applying to one school. If you don’t get off a waitlist, you would have zero delays in verification and submitting secondaries.
Do whatever you can to make this unplanned gap year the best year of your life. Religious/spiritual people call it fate when things don’t work out as they originally planned. But why can’t we all do whatever we can in our power to make active decisions and changes that will lead us to look back and say our setbacks were actually blessings in disguise? If possible, don’t let this year be as stressful as undergrad or your last few gap years. This WILL be your last gap year. Get 8+ hours of sleep each night, after you submit all your secondaries try to make life as chill as possible and cut out any activities you want to, if you can afford it travel, switch jobs if your current one sucks and you have the means to do so, pick up hobbies you’ve always wanted to do, work on your mental and physical health, etc. Once you submit your primary with your anticipated hours, and especially after you submit your secondaries, nothing actually matters that much. If you want to quit your shitty minimum wage lab tech or MA job with an abusive boss in October and be a barista, you can!! I was so fed up that I worked so freaking hard during my gap years and still had to reapply that I promised myself I’d do whatever was within my power and financial means to make this the best and least stressful year of my life. I worked very hard up until I submitted my last secondary, then I really looked into how I could streamline my activities, switch to a new and more fun job, and reduce my stress. I traveled, spent a ton of time with friends, worked on rebuilding relationships with friends I lost touch with, made new friends, slept the most I’ve ever slept in my life, went to the gym a ton, started cooking consistently for the first time ever, finally started the skincare routine I always complained I didn’t have time for, worked on my confidence and self esteem, addressed some of my social anxieties, read books, and picked up a few cool new hobbies. For the first year in a very long time, I did what truly made me happy and not what I felt I needed to do as a premed. In this present moment, I can say that I’m the healthiest, happiest, and most confident I’ve been in a long time. Whatever your dream year looks like that you can reasonably afford financially, do it! All the self work and things you’ve been putting off because you’ve never had enough time, do them! Obviously keep up with whatever premed stuff you see necessary and enjoy doing, but more than likely you don’t have to be as stressed as you were the year before. The way I see it, I now have the same exact end result I would have had if I had gotten into med school last year, but the universe just allowed me to have the most fun and wonderful “growth” year on top of that. 15 years from now, no one will care how many gap years you took or if you had to reapply, but this year of your life to come is so so precious. Maximize it and do whatever it takes so that you can look back a year from now like me and say you are so grateful everything worked out the way it did for you to still get into med school AND have had the best year of your life.
Being premed is tough, and for me the worst part was how isolated I felt being surrounded by people who didn’t understand what I was going through, but we have eachother! Random people on Reddit and SDN were the motivation and inspiration I needed to stay resilient and not give up. I hope I can be that for some of you. Keep your head up and keep grinding. I promise your hard work will pay off, and if you want to be a doctor, it WILL happen. The universe has plans for us beyond what we realize. And again, even if you’re not spiritual or religious, doesn’t mean you can’t do whatever is in your control to try and make the best of this very, very frustrating and difficult setback. This is a very long path and the only way to get through it is to make sure you enjoy the journey. Best of luck to each of you, and please feel free to dm me if you have any questions or just need to rant!
2024.05.11 21:13 SanderSo47 Directors at the Box Office: Wes Craven
 | https://preview.redd.it/5jhcjegtjuzc1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=71a26f361e87730152e07e12f1bc76322db0b023 submitted by SanderSo47 to boxoffice [link] [comments] Here's a new edition of "Directors at the Box Office", which seeks to explore the directors' trajectory at the box office and analyze their hits and bombs. I already talked about a few, and as I promised, it's Wes Craven's turn. Craven earned a master's degree in philosophy and writing from Johns Hopkins University. He subsequently bought a 16mm film camera and began making short movies. His friend Steve Chapin informed him of a messenger position at a New York City film production co, where his brother, future folk-rock star Harry Chapin worked. He started in the industry as a sound editor, before transitioning as a porn director. He said he made "many hardcore X-rated films" under pseudonyms. And then he transitioned into directing for the big screen. From a box office perspective, how reliable was he to deliver a box office hit? That's the point of this post. To analyze his career. It should be noted that as he started his career in the 1970s, some of the domestic grosses here will be adjusted by inflation. The table with his highest grossing films, however, will be left in its unadjusted form, as the worldwide grosses are more difficult to adjust.The Last House on the Left (1972)"Mari, seventeen, is dying. Even for her, the worst is yet to come."His directorial debut. The film stars Sandra Peabody, Lucy Grantham, David Hess, Fred J. Lincoln, Jeramie Rain, and Marc Sheffler. The plot follows Mari Collingwood, a teenager who is abducted, raped, and tortured by a family of violent fugitives led by Krug Stillo on her seventeenth birthday. When her parents discover what happened to her, they seek vengeance against the family, who have taken shelter at their home. Craven, who had no money at the time, was put on the job of synchronizing dailies for Sean S. Cunningham's Together. They became friends, and Hallmark Releasing gave them $90,000 to make another film. Craven considered a hardcore film, but decided to tone it down a bit. The idea for this film came from Ingmar Bergman's The Virgin Spring, and Craven wanted to make a film in which the violence would be shown in detail onscreen, as he felt that many popular films of the era, such as Westerns, glamorized violence and the "vigilante hero", and gave the public a misleading representation of death in the wake of the Vietnam War. The film attracted negative media attention for its heavy graphic content, and there were calls for some theaters to drop the film. But you know, bad buzz is still buzz and that translated to a pretty good run in theaters, earning up to $3 million in its initial run. Even to this day, the film is polarizing due to its violence and themes. But Craven just made his name well known.
The Hills Have Eyes (1977)"A nice American family. They didn't want to kill. But they didn't want to die."His second film. The film stars Susan Lanier, Michael Berryman and Dee Wallace. The film follows the Carters, a suburban family targeted by a family of cannibal savages after becoming stranded in the Nevada desert. Craven wanted to make a non-horror, but he found that his investors only wanted films with graphic content. At the New York Public Library, Craven checked the library's forensics department, and learned of the legend of Sawney Bean - the alleged head of a 48-person Scottish clan responsible for the murder and cannibalization of more than one thousand people. He drew influences from this, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Grapes of Wrath. Craven also had to cut a lot of scenes to avoid getting an X rating. The film once again drew negative attention for its violence. But it made over $25 million at the box office, which was an even bigger success than House. It subsequently earned a cult following.
Deadly Blessing (1981)"Pray you're not blessed."His third film. It stars Ernest Borgnine, Maren Jensen, Susan Buckner, and Sharon Stone, and tells the story of a strange figure committing murder in a contemporary community that is not far from another community that believes in ancient evil and curses. It received negative reviews, but it was another box office success for Craven.
Swamp Thing (1982)"Science transformed him into a monster. Love changed him even more!"His fourth film. Based on the DC Comics character created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson, it stars Louis Jourdan and Adrienne Barbeau. It tells the story of scientist Alec Holland who is transformed into the monster known as Swamp Thing through laboratory sabotage orchestrated by the evil Anton Arcane. Later, he helps a woman named Alice Cable and battles the man responsible for it all, the ruthless Arcane. The film made $2.5 million domestically, despite mixed reviews.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)"If Nancy doesn't wake up screaming, she won't wake up at all."His fifth film. It stars Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Johnny Depp, and Robert Englund. The film's plot concerns a group of teenagers who are targeted by Freddy Krueger, an undead child killer who can murder people through their dreams, as retribution against their parents who burned him alive. The film was inspired by several newspaper articles printed in the Los Angeles Times in the 1970s about Hmong refugees, who, after fleeing to the United States because of war and genocide in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, suffered disturbing nightmares and refused to sleep. Some of the men died in their sleep soon after. This, along with the song "Dream Weaver" by Gary Wright, motivated Craven to craft a horror film focused on people dying through their sleep. The film's villain, Freddy Krueger, is drawn from Craven's early life. One night, a young Craven saw an elderly man walking on the sidepath outside the window of his home. The man stopped to glance at a startled Craven and walked off. This served as the inspiration for Krueger. Initially, Fred Krueger was intended to be a child molester, but Craven eventually characterized him as a child murderer to avoid being accused of exploiting a spate of highly publicized child molestation cases that occurred in California around the time of the film's production. He settled on the name Freddy Krueger, which was based on a childhood bully of his. The process of writing the film went smoothly, the real problem was finding a studio. Craven sent it to most studios, and all rejected it. The first studio to show interest was Disney, but Craven declined their offer as they wanted a more toned-down kid-friendly PG-13 flick. When Paramount and Universal also turned it down, Craven decided to go to the independent studio New Line Cinema. The studio only distributed films, but they agreed in financing the film. As they lacked the financial resources for the production, New Line had to turn to external financiers. Despite opening in just 165 theaters, the film earned $1.2 million in its opening weekend, making it clear that it would be an immediate box office success. It eventually closed with $25 million domestically, and $57 million worldwide. It received critical acclaim, and has been referred as one of the best and most influential slashers ever made. Freddy Krueger would soon be hailed as one of the most emblematic figures of horror, and Craven quickly earned a reputation as a horror legend. But most importantly, it was the beginning of New Line Cinema as a studio, which is why it's referred as "the house that Freddy built." The film would later spawn a franchise, although Craven wouldn't direct any of the "sequels." Why the quotation marks? We'll get to that later on.
The Hills Have Eyes Part II (1985)"So you think you're lucky to be alive."His sixth film. The sequel to The Hills Have Eyes, it stars Tamara Stafford, Kevin Spirtas, John Bloom, Michael Berryman, Penny Johnson, Janus Blythe, John Laughlin, Willard E. Pugh, Peter Frechette and Robert Houston. It follows a group of bikers who become stranded in the desert and find themselves fighting off a family of inbred cannibals who live off the land. The film was shot on a very low budget, and it simply ended prematurely because they ran out of funds. There are no box office numbers available, but it received awful reviews. Deadly Friend (1986)"There's no one alive who'll play with the girl next door."His seventh film. Based on the novel Friend by Diana Henstell, it stars Matthew Laborteaux, Kristy Swanson, Michael Sharrett, Anne Twomey, Richard Marcus, and Anne Ramsey. Its plot follows a teenage computer prodigy who implants a robot's processor into the brain of his teenage neighbor after she is pronounced brain dead; the experiment proves successful, but she swiftly begins a killing spree in their neighborhood. Craven wanted to make a PG-rated science fiction film, with a similar tone to Starman, hoping to prove that he could make something that wasn't horror-themed. An unfinished version of the film was screened to a test audience of Craven's fanbase, and it was poorly received for its lack of violence and gore like his previous films. So WB decided to rewrite the film, adding more scenes with tons of gore. This made the final film appear tonally jumbled, and it went from easy PG to struggling to not get an X rating. The film was poorly received for its story and inconsistent tone. It also marked a huge flop at the box office, not even hitting $10 million. Craven lost interest in the film after WB inserted their own version, and he has since disowned the film.
The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)"Don't bury me, I'm not dead!"His eighth film. It stars Bill Pullman, and is loosely based on the life of ethnobotanist Wade Davis, recounting his experiences in Haiti investigating the story of Clairvius Narcisse, who was allegedly poisoned, buried alive, and revived with a herbal brew which produced what was called a zombie. The film received mixed reactions, but it was a much needed box office success for Craven.
Shocker (1989)"No more Mr. Nice Guy."His ninth film. It stars Michael Murphy, Peter Berg, Cami Cooper, and Mitch Pileggi, and follows a serial killer who uses electricity to come back from the dead and carry out his vengeance on the football player who turned him in to the police. Another mixed bag for Craven, but it was still profitable.
The People Under the Stairs (1991)"In every neighborhood, there's one house that adults whisper about and children cross the street to avoid."His tenth film. It stars Brandon Adams, Everett McGill, Wendy Robie, and A. J. Langer. The plot follows a young boy and two adult robbers who become trapped in a house belonging to a neighborhood's crooked landlords after breaking in to steal their collection of gold coins as the boy learns a dark secret about them and what also lurks in their house. After a slate of mixed performers, the film received Craven's best reviews since Elm Street. To the surprise of Universal, it was also a box office success.
Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)"This time, the terror doesn't stop at the screen."His 11th film. The installment in the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, it stars Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, Miko Hughes and John Saxon. The film is not part of the same continuity as previous films, and it portrays Freddy Krueger as a fictional movie villain who invades the real world and haunts the cast and crew involved in the making of the films about him. While Craven co-wrote the franchise's third installment, Dream Warriors, he wasn't that involved with the rest of the franchise. He wanted to make a deliberately more cerebral film than recent entries to the franchise, as he considered them as being cartoonish, and not faithful to his original themes. Specifically, he wanted Freddy to resemble his original vision: far darker and less comical. To reinforce this, the character's make-up and outfit were enhanced, with one of the most prominent differences being that he now wears a long blue/black trenchcoat. In addition, the signature glove was redesigned for a more organic look, with the fingers resembling bones and having muscle textures in between. The film received high praise, and was considered as the best film in the franchise since the original (it was Englund's favorite). But the franchise has been bleeding interest at the box office, and New Nightmare unfortunately had to suffer. It was profitable, but it became the lowest grossing film in the franchise.
Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)"A comic tale of horror and seduction."His 12th film. It stars Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett, Allen Payne, Kadeem Hardison, John Witherspoon, Zakes Mokae, and Joanna Cassidy. It follows a Caribbean vampire who seduces a Brooklyn police officer who has no idea that she is half-vampire. The film had awful reviews, and despite the presence of a huge star like Eddie Murphy, it disappointed at the box office. Craven really needed a hit.
Scream (1996)"Someone has taken their love of scary movies one step too far."His 13th film. It stars David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Matthew Lillard, Rose McGowan, Skeet Ulrich and Drew Barrymore. Set in the fictional town of Woodsboro, California, Scream's plot follows high school student Sidney Prescott and her friends, who, on the anniversary of her mother's murder, become the targets of a costumed serial killer known as Ghostface. As he was trying to make it in the industry, Kevin Williamson watched a Turning Point documentary about serial killer Danny Rolling which he said left him unsettled. Williamson later noticed an open window, armed himself with a knife, and called his friend for support. The pair began discussing horror characters that had resonated with them such as Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees. This experience prompted Williamson to start developing a concept wherein a girl is haunted by a caller. He started writing a film titled Scary Movie, and even left an outline for possible sequels. The concept was part of an era where there was debate over the influence of cinematic violence on audience, with Williamson coming up with a brilliant line "movies don't create psychos, movies make psychos more creative." It was inspired by many 1980s slashers, even though the genre was on decline by that point. His characters were intentionally designed to be knowledgeable about these horror films and their typical elements, with the intention of creating a unique killer who was not only aware of horror film clichés but also exploited them for his own advantage. While Williamson struggled with his previous films, this script was part of a bidding war with the studios, to the point that Oliver Stone himself wanted to direct it. Miramax (through Dimension Films) bought the script, and Williamson made some rewrites to scale back the violence. Bob Weinstein also wanted to change the name, as he believed the audiences would think the film is a comedy. The studio considered Danny Boyle, Tom McLoughlin, Sam Raimi, Robert Rodriguez, George A. Romero, Quentin Tarantino, and Anthony Waller as prime candidates to direct the film, but they all preferred to view the film as a comedy. Wes Craven was considered, but the studio believed he couldn't direct a satire. Craven also wasn't planning on directing it, as he wanted to focus on more mainstream films to salvage his career. Craven's assistant Julie Plec (who would collaborate with Williamson on The Vampire Diaries) convinced him in helming the project. By signing, Craven decided to get back some of the gore that was missing in the previous drafts. A huge contrast to the horror films of the era was that the film had established actors as the leads, as Craven and Williamson wanted to prove that no character was safe. Drew Barrymore had already starred in a few recognizable names, Neve Campbell was on the hit show Party of Five, Rose McGowan was known for Encino Man and The Doom Generation, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich were recognizable supporting characters, and Courteney Cox obviously was known for Friends. Vince Vaughn and Natasha Lyonne were the preferred choices for Billy and Tatum, but external problems caused them to drop out. After viewing the dailies raw footage, the Weinsteins criticized the quality of Craven's work as "workmanlike at best", believing it lacked tension and had an inconsistent tone. The Weinsteins also disliked the mask design, and said Barrymore lacked sex appeal because of the pageboy hairstyle she had chosen. While filming the final fight, Campbell's stuntwoman accidentally stabbed Ulrich with an umbrella tip, missing the protective vest he was wearing and hitting the site of an open heart surgery Ulrich had as a child. During post-production, Harvey Weinstein decided to name the film as Scream based on the Michael and Janet Jackson song. In a surprising move, the Weinsteins decided to release the film during the holiday season as counter-programming, offering teenagers an alternative to more traditional holiday fare. The decision was unpopular with the cast and crew, with Williamson expecting the film to fail. The film opened with $6.4 million and finishing in fourth place, leading analysts to consider the film as a bomb. But the film just kept growing. Buoyed by positive word of mouth, the Weinsteins increased marketing and the film managed to increase in its second and third weekends. It closed with $103 million domestically and $173 million worldwide, becoming the highest grossing slasher film ever and Craven's highest grossing film ever. The film received critical acclaim for its characters and writing, and has since been deemed as one of the most influential horror films of all time. It rekindled interest in horror, resurrected Craven's career and launched the careers of Williamson and the cast.
Scream 2 (1997)"Someone has taken their love of sequels one step too far."His 14th film. The sequel to Scream, it stars David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jamie Kennedy, Laurie Metcalf, Jerry O'Connell, Elise Neal, Timothy Olyphant, Jada Pinkett, and Liev Schreiber. The film takes place two years after the first film and again follows the character of Sidney Prescott, along with other survivors of the Woodsboro massacre, at the fictional Windsor College in Ohio where they are targeted by a copycat killer using the guise of Ghostface. As Williamson already had plans for sequels, the idea was for Sidney to attend college while being stalked by a copycat Ghostface killer. As filming began, Williamson's script had four killers: Derek, Hallie, Cotton Weary, and Nancy Loomis. But after Williamson transferred his script to the production, it was leaked onto the Internet in full, revealing the identity of the killers and a large amount of the involved plot. This resulted in the production continuing to film with only a partial script while Williamson conducted extensive rewrites, changing much of the film's finale, the identities of the film's killers and drastically altering the roles of other characters such as Randy Meeks and Joel. With a short deadline, Williamson couldn't fully compromise on the final script, forcing Craven to fill in the gaps himself. So the film was one of the very first cases where the Internet leaked major aspects of a film. As the Weinsteins wanted the film ready for December, it was able to capitalize on the audience's word of mouth to the original. It opened with $32 million in its first weekend, almost five times as big as the original, and the biggest December debut. It didn't hold as great as the original due to the competition, such as Titanic, but it still made $172.3 million worldwide, almost matching the original's gross. It also received very positive reviews, and so a profitable franchise was already underway.
Music of the Heart (1999)"She gave them a gift they could never imagine. They gave the system a fight it would never forget."His 15th film. The film stars Meryl Streep, Aidan Quinn, Angela Bassett, Gloria Estefan, Jane Leeves, Kieran Culkin and Jay O. Sanders. The film is a dramatization of the true story of Roberta Guaspari, who co-founded the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music and fought for music education funding in New York City public schools. After seeing the documentary Small Wonders, Craven was inspired to make a full-length film about Guaspari. Madonna was originally signed to play the role of Guaspari, but left the project before filming began, citing "creative differences" with Craven. When she left, Madonna had already studied for many months to play the violin. Streep learned to play Bach's Concerto for 2 Violins for the film. The project marked a huge departure for Craven; it was his first and only film to be rated PG, and his only one to not be horror or thriller. It received generally positive reviews, but it bombed at the box office. It received 2 Oscar nominations for Best Actress and Best Original Song, the only Craven film to get any noms.
Scream 3 (2000)"The most terrifying scream is always the last."His 16th film. The third installment in the Scream franchise, it stars David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox Arquette, Parker Posey, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Foley, Lance Henriksen, Matt Keeslar, Jenny McCarthy, Emily Mortimer, Deon Richmond, and Patrick Warburton. The film's story takes place one year after the previous film's events and follows Sidney Prescott, who has gone into self-imposed isolation following the events of the previous two films but is drawn to Hollywood after a new Ghostface begins killing the cast of the film within a film Stab 3. The plans for a sequel were already underway since Williamson sold the script, although Williamson still didn't write a script yet. When the Weinsteins approached him to write the film, Williamson was already busy with many projects (including his directorial debut), and was unavailable to perform his duties. He only made a 20-page outline wherein Ghostface would return just as production on a fictional film Stab 3 would be filmed. His plan was to show the killers were part of a Stab fan club (this idea would later be adapted into his show, The Following). With Williamson not available, Ehren Kruger was tasked in writing. Shortly before production began on the film, the Columbine High School massacre took place, and many parties began looking for reasoning behind the shooters' actions and there came an increased scrutiny on the role of the media in society, including video games and film, and the influence it could have on an audience. With production of Scream 3 not yet underway, there were considerations about whether the film should be made at that time, aware of the potential for negative attention but the studio decided to press forward, albeit with changes. The Weinsteins demanded to scale back on the gore and emphasize its satiric humor, as well as moving the setting to Hollywood. At one point in the production, the studio went as far as demanding that the film feature no blood or on-screen violence at all, a drastic departure for the series, but Craven directly intervened. One of the aspects changed was that the killer would be revealed to be Stu Macher, having survived the original film. The Weinsteins changed it after Columbine, as they didn't want to associate violence and murder with a high school setting. The film opened with $34.7 million, a franchise record and the biggest February debut ever. But it had weak legs, although it still made a very profitable $161.8 million worldwide. While the previous films were well-received, this film received negative reviews, who lambasted the film for becoming the very own thing it satirizes.
Cursed (2005)"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."His 17th film. It stars Christina Ricci, Joshua Jackson, Jesse Eisenberg, Judy Greer, Scott Baio, Milo Ventimiglia, Shannon Elizabeth and Mýa, and follows two orphaned siblings attacked by a werewolf loose in Los Angeles. Kevin Williamson started working on a script that followed the exploits of a New York City serial killer who discovers that his lethal tendencies are due to his lycanthrope nature. When one of his projects was scrapped, Craven decided to direct, teaming them up again for another Scream reunion. But it wasn't planned like that. Craven was making a film, Pulse, when Bob Weinstein abruptly pulled the movie from the schedule ten days before shooting and cut through all the slow lanes, wanting Craven to get to Cursed as soon as possible. Craven was reportedly not pleased so Weinstein doubled his pay in order for him to direct the film. The director deemed the script too tonally similar to his film Vampire in Brooklyn, but felt pressured by the studio, leading him to ultimately sign on. The film started filming in January 2003, hoping to get the film released in August. In June, they only had six days left for filming. Suddenly, Dimension Films decided to put the movie on hold because top executives at the company weren't happy with the film's ending or how the special effects were progressing, specifically the look of the film's lead lupine. Rick Baker was preparing the final transformation effects when production stopped and asked Weinstein to let his team finish the work in order for it to be ready for the reshoot, but he refused. Patrick Lussier was brought in for massive rewrites, and the film didn't return to production until November. Baker was fired, and the prosthetic make-up was replaced with CGI. Skeet Ulrich filmed his scene as one of the leads, but chose to drop out following the reshoots as he disliked the new direction. It was also heavily edited to get the R rating down to PG-13. The budget was originally $35 million, yet some reports suggest it ballooned all the way to $100 million, making it one of the most expensive horror films ever. With that budget, it was clear it was not going to be a box office success. It flopped with just $29 million worldwide, and was panned by critics. Craven himself dislikes the final product, and a director's cut was never an option because his original ending was never filmed.
Red Eye (2005)"Fear takes flight."His 18th film. It stars Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, and Brian Cox. The story follows a hotel manager ensnared in an assassination plot by a terrorist while aboard a red-eye flight to Miami. The film received Craven's best reviews in years, and was a box office success, earning almost $100 million. While he is fine with people loving it, Cillian Murphy is not really fond of the film, "I love Rachel McAdams and we had fun making it but I don’t think it's a good movie. It’s a good B movie."
My Soul to Take (2010)"Only one has the power to save their souls."His 19th film. It stars Max Thieriot, Denzel Whitaker, Raul Esparza, and Shareeka Epps. It follows Adam "Bug" Hellerman, who is one of seven teenagers chosen to die following the anniversary of a serial killer's death. This was Craven's first film in almost two decades where he would be directing, producing and writing. But that didn't pan out to a success: it was a critical and commercial dud.
Scream 4 (2011)"New decade. New rules."His 20th and final film. The fourth installment in the Scream franchise, it stars David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Anthony Anderson, Alison Brie, Adam Brody, Rory Culkin, Marielle Jaffe, Erik Knudsen, Mary McDonnell, Marley Shelton, Nico Tortorella, and Roger L. Jackson. The film takes place on the fifteenth anniversary of the original Woodsboro murders from Scream and involves Sidney Prescott returning to the town after ten years, where Ghostface once again begins killing students from Woodsboro High. In 2010, Williamson and Craven confirmed their plans for a new film. Craven said that endless sequels, the modern spew of remakes, film studios, and directors are the butts of parodies in the film. The main characters have to figure out where the horror genre is in current days to figure out the modern events happening to and around them. This was the first film in the franchise to use CGI, with the knife's blade added in post-production. Even though the franchise was profitable, it seemed like its glory days were long behind it by the time it hit theaters. The film disappointed in its opening weekend with just $18 million, and closed with a weak $97 million worlwide, far less than the previous films. It also received mixed reviews, particularly for its writing and new characters. It was the last film directed by Craven before his death in 2015.
MOVIES (FROM HIGHEST GROSSING TO LEAST GROSSING)
The VerdictQuite inconsistent, but a very iconic figure in the horror genre. You know you made it big when your creations include Elm Street and Scream. Craven often struggled with difficult productions (you can blame the Weinsteins for that), but he still managed to make competent and scary films, even if some are better than others. Some even see critical re-appraisal as time passes; even Scream 3 and Scream 4 have their fans. We don't know what he would've done with the franchise after the fourth film, but he made it clear he was exhausted by having to film without finished scripts. Rest in Peace to a horror legend.Hope you liked this edition. You can find this and more in the wiki for this section. The next director will be Clint Eastwood. I think I'll have to make two posts, given that he directed 42 films. I asked you to choose who else should be in the run and the comment with the most upvotes would be chosen. Well, we'll later talk about... Ang Lee. A legendary Asian director. This is the schedule for the following four:
And that theme is: controversial directors. I'm talking directors who have attained a polarizing response to their films (like Zack Snyder), or the directors themselves are also controversial figures in real life (like Oliver Stone). Basically, a director that has as many fans as haters. |
2024.05.11 20:25 Books-And-Blankets Hungrier as I lose weight??
Hi all. Curious to get other thoughts on this!
I’m 30F, ~5’4”, SW 230 lbs, CW 158 lbs, GW ?140-145 lbs.
I’ve been dieting and exercising for the past 7 months and have lost 72 lbs which is excellent and I’m very pleased! This whole time I’ve been eating 1200 cal/day (which I know some say is too low but I’ve been averaging 7.5 lbs lost/month after the initial brisk loss so it seemed appropriate), and exercising 6x/week (weight training 4x/week, cardio 2x/week), usually for 30-40 min at a time. I’ve felt generally full and satisfied and happy with this plan, rarely super hungry (and the hungry days tended to be around my period). No big cheat days or deviations from plan or even real temptations to do so since I started.
The past couple of weeks I decided to up my exercise a bit, now strength training 6x/week and cardio 3-4x/week, often combing strength and cardio in the same day, which has equated to more like 50-70 min exercise per day. Still one rest day per week. Aside from exercise, I’m pretty sedentary for the rest of the day.
This didn’t feel like too big of a jump in activity level, but I feel like I’m now WAY hungrier than I was! I also have been feeling more tired. I’m not sure if it’s due to the modest increase in my exercise or related to the weight loss somehow. Like now that I have less of my own fat to burn, I’m hungrier? But I feel like as my BMR decreases, I shouldn’t be needing MORE calories, right??
If I say lightly active on TDEE calculators, it says TDEE ~1700, so 1200 should be right for a 500 cal deficit. But should I listen to my body and increase to 1300 cal/day or so anyway?
Ultimately my goal is to be healthy, and I want to build muscle and get stronger, while also progressing towards a normal BMI. I’m willing to fuel my body however is the best way to do that. It just seems counterintuitive to increase my calories now that I’m down to my last 15 or so lbs!
Thanks for your help!
submitted by Books-And-Blankets to loseit [link] [comments]
I’m 30F, ~5’4”, SW 230 lbs, CW 158 lbs, GW ?140-145 lbs.
I’ve been dieting and exercising for the past 7 months and have lost 72 lbs which is excellent and I’m very pleased! This whole time I’ve been eating 1200 cal/day (which I know some say is too low but I’ve been averaging 7.5 lbs lost/month after the initial brisk loss so it seemed appropriate), and exercising 6x/week (weight training 4x/week, cardio 2x/week), usually for 30-40 min at a time. I’ve felt generally full and satisfied and happy with this plan, rarely super hungry (and the hungry days tended to be around my period). No big cheat days or deviations from plan or even real temptations to do so since I started.
The past couple of weeks I decided to up my exercise a bit, now strength training 6x/week and cardio 3-4x/week, often combing strength and cardio in the same day, which has equated to more like 50-70 min exercise per day. Still one rest day per week. Aside from exercise, I’m pretty sedentary for the rest of the day.
This didn’t feel like too big of a jump in activity level, but I feel like I’m now WAY hungrier than I was! I also have been feeling more tired. I’m not sure if it’s due to the modest increase in my exercise or related to the weight loss somehow. Like now that I have less of my own fat to burn, I’m hungrier? But I feel like as my BMR decreases, I shouldn’t be needing MORE calories, right??
If I say lightly active on TDEE calculators, it says TDEE ~1700, so 1200 should be right for a 500 cal deficit. But should I listen to my body and increase to 1300 cal/day or so anyway?
Ultimately my goal is to be healthy, and I want to build muscle and get stronger, while also progressing towards a normal BMI. I’m willing to fuel my body however is the best way to do that. It just seems counterintuitive to increase my calories now that I’m down to my last 15 or so lbs!
Thanks for your help!
2024.05.11 20:07 PossibleAssociate741 3 seasons gear upgrade: Same same, but lighter
EDIT: Thanks to your replies and other posts on Reddit, I've finally settled on my sleeping bag - REI Magma 30 - and a sleeping pad - NEMO Tensor All-seasons.Hello. I know the Reddit community is always passionate and full of first-hand experience.
I am now actively researching a 2P tent that would be 3 seasons + strong winds, yet light. I have my bias against non-freestanding because of past bad experiences.
I am trying to renew my trekking gear and I need some opinion.
Context and reasoning:
I have always been an occasional/recreational hiker I have the "80/20" gear set that you could find at Decathlon a few years ago (25 USD tent, 50 USD sleeping bag and pad), etc...
My current gear:
- Sleeping pad 1-R: 500g/17.5oz
- Sleeping bag 5*C/40F: 1200g/2lb10.3oz
- Self standing 3 seasons tent: , 2600g/5lb12oz)
As (1) I am stuck with less bang for my buck for budget options and (2) I am reaching my mid-30s, I think this is an occasion for upgrade my gear for something lighter.
Goals:
- Getting new 3-season (done researching)
sleeping bag, (done researching)sleeping pad- and (still researching) a light tent for 2. This gear would be lighter than my current gear listed above. Maybe not "ultralight", but something close to a weight halving, for possibly no more than 3/4 times the price. The idea would be a versatile 3 seasons gear that I would take with me 90% of the time for the next 10 years or so. I don't enjoy hiking in the snow or below 0C/32F and so if/when the occasion presents itself I'll just rent or borrow to a friend. - Have the gear do well for my Laugavegur trail. Historical temperatures an not going well under 40F so I want to feel comfy at this temperature. Weather can be capricious and so I want to be able to survive around 30F and up to 30mph winds. This trek would probably be the coldest of the ones I'll do with this gear so would be a good test.
- Male with narrow shoulders, 6.16"/188cm tall, side sleeper, sleeping warm outside of camping context, maybe average in camping context.
Examples of attractive options:
SLEEPING BAG (found! REI Magma 30)
- Magma 30 Long Narrow: 30F (probably worse than that) for 1lb.9oz/700g. Having a 700g sleeping bag that can be this light feels very attractive. For 380 USD - 5 times my current one same rating - I'll have the wait for a sale. The only other doubt is whether or not 30F is "warm enough". But for a 3-seasons / "main" bag I think a focus on weight is a good bet.
- Feathered Friends UL 30: 30F (probably accurate/better) for 1lb.6.4oz/635g. It's more expensive than the REI but seems warmer and still has a full zip for versatility. Less sure about durability and very few reviews online.
I need to investigate more on those sleeping bags, but this seems to be one of the best weight/warms ratio that I could find. I don't feel I want to go heavier, nor more expensive. Waiting for a good sale.
Decision: Will go for the REI Magma 30 because it is lightweight and versatile with his full zip. I choose it over the Feathered Friends UL because I expect the Magma 30 to be at 250 USD on sale at REI this week.SLEEPING PAD (found! NEMO Tensor all-seasons - thanks Reddit community!)
EXPED Ultra 3R: 2.9R value (closer to 3-seasons than my current 1R) for 12.9oz/365g. Not cheap, and no sure why this brand is the only one to be in the 3R category.
THERMOREST NeoAir XLite NXT: 4.5R value for 13oz which is great. It is more expensive than the one above but would allow me to be more comfortable with a lighter sleeping bag choice. I am wondering tho if I could still bring that one during hot summer (does a higher R rating imply being warmer in the summer too or the opposite?)
EDIT2: After more research, I think I'll be looking for more comfort on my sleeping pad - but I still want lightweight and good R rating. I am now debating between:
A. NEMO Tensor All-Seasons: 5.4R, 13oz (17oz packed)
https://www.rei.com/product/228436/nemo-tensor-all-season-ultralight-insulated-sleeping-pad
B. Big Agnes Rapide SL: 4.8R (really?), 18oz (22oz packed assuming)
https://www.rei.com/product/228436/nemo-tensor-all-season-ultralight-insulated-sleeping-pad
The A has a better R rating and weight, while the B is more comfortable and maybe more compact.
Decision: I think I'll go with the NEMO Tensor all-seasons for his great R rating and good rated comfort for an acceptable weight. Maybe the Rapide SL for my GF who will have a warmer-rated sleeping bag.TENT
- Nature Hike VIK series: Light, cheap. But can it sustain stronger winds?
- X Mid Solid 2P: I really would like a freestanding, but if there is a tent that would change my mind, it would be this one.
This is the remaining category for which I need to do deeper research. My poor old 30 USD Decathlon (MH100) did very well in rain and wind in NZ. This contrasts with another tent that was not self standing and was leaking.
Ideally I'd like to find a self-standing tent that is waterproof (like all night cold rain waterproof) and windproof, while being as light as possible. Impossible trilemna?
I'll upgrade the post as I find more options, as maybe it will help others.
2024.05.11 19:32 Pope-Francisco Tryndamere Rework
Tryndamere is stupid, I hate his design and especially how he is able to be unkillable for literally 5 seconds. So, I thought I’d change some of his problems. I’ll also explain the changes in (parentheses).
Passive: Battle Fury
Blood Lust - Tryndamere generates 5 Fury for every basic attack and 10 Fury for killing an enemy, maxing out at 100. Tryndamere loses 5 Fury per second 8 seconds after leaving combat.
Tryndamere generates 5 extra Fury while below 50% max health.
Every 10 Fury grants Tryndamere 5-10 bonus physical damage on-hit.
Critical Regeneration - Critical strikes generate 10 Fury and don’t deal additional damage, rather healing Tryndamere for 50%(+ 5% every 10 Fury) post mitigation damage on-hit.
(I like the Fury mechanic and how you get stronger the more you attack, but gaining 40% crit chance at level 1 is pretty dumb. So, I changed it to just bonus physical damage on-hit! Not to much either.
Plus, I also thought that Tryndamere would work a lot better as a champion who isn’t just an unkillable auto-attacker who deals lots of damage, but rather make him heal for a ton to make him “unkillable”. I took inspiration from Ashe, aka is wife, to make it so his crits heal him. Which will hopefully help. But, he still needs some damage on-hit to heal, so I gave him bonus AD based on Fury.)
Q: Double Slice
Tryndamere’s next attack is empowered for 3.5 seconds to critically strike.
Healing is increased to 75% if the attack was originally meant to crit.
Cooldown: 3 seconds Cost: 50 Fury
(I liked the idea of using a resource that increases your attack damage and sacrificing some to heal yourself. So, I kept it in, instead it’s an auto attack empowerment. This’ll help Tryn out in the early game while also rewarding players for building crit.
Plus, you don’t gotta build full crit to heal.)
W: Mocking Shout
Tryndamere selects an enemy champion within 850 units, slowing them 30/37.5/45/52.5/60% for 4 seconds if they are outside of 425. If the enemy is within 425 units, the ability icon changes.
Shouting at the enemy taunts them for 1.5 seconds.
Cooldown: 14/13/12/11/10 seconds Cost: 20 Fury
(I liked mocking shout, but felt like it shoulda been a bit different. Much like his Q, he’ll consume Fury to use it. Enemies who are far away are slowed, but those closer are taunted, which I feel is far more accurate to the abilities name. Plus you can only focus on one target.)
E: Spinning Slash
Same as before, except critical strikes do not reduce its cooldown.
Cooldown: 12 seconds
(Good dash, except it gives him way to much mobility based on crits. So I got rid of it.
You either go all in or not.)
R: Undying Rage
Tryndamere channels for 0.5 seconds before dealing 100/200/300 (+ 150% bonus AD) physical damage around himself, extending by 500 units.
Tryndamere also heals for 0%(+ 75% per 1 Fury) max health and is ghosted for 3 seconds. As well as generating 10 Fury on basic attacks and 20 Fury on Critical strikes and killing enemies.
Cost: 100% current Fury Cooldown: 120/100/80 seconds
(Aaand his ult, god I hate this thing! Rather than allowing the dude to be unkillable, I decided to instead make an AD version of Ekko’s ult, with the addition of Fury.
You still gotta use this thing when your on low health, plus it technically is making your “undying”. It’s just that you’re still able to die.)
So, how do you feel about this rework? Is it good, bad? I hope this fixes a good amount of his problems. And deals with the problem where he doesn’t need to build defense items.
submitted by Pope-Francisco to LoLChampConcepts [link] [comments]
Passive: Battle Fury
Blood Lust - Tryndamere generates 5 Fury for every basic attack and 10 Fury for killing an enemy, maxing out at 100. Tryndamere loses 5 Fury per second 8 seconds after leaving combat.
Tryndamere generates 5 extra Fury while below 50% max health.
Every 10 Fury grants Tryndamere 5-10 bonus physical damage on-hit.
Critical Regeneration - Critical strikes generate 10 Fury and don’t deal additional damage, rather healing Tryndamere for 50%(+ 5% every 10 Fury) post mitigation damage on-hit.
(I like the Fury mechanic and how you get stronger the more you attack, but gaining 40% crit chance at level 1 is pretty dumb. So, I changed it to just bonus physical damage on-hit! Not to much either.
Plus, I also thought that Tryndamere would work a lot better as a champion who isn’t just an unkillable auto-attacker who deals lots of damage, but rather make him heal for a ton to make him “unkillable”. I took inspiration from Ashe, aka is wife, to make it so his crits heal him. Which will hopefully help. But, he still needs some damage on-hit to heal, so I gave him bonus AD based on Fury.)
Q: Double Slice
Tryndamere’s next attack is empowered for 3.5 seconds to critically strike.
Healing is increased to 75% if the attack was originally meant to crit.
Cooldown: 3 seconds Cost: 50 Fury
(I liked the idea of using a resource that increases your attack damage and sacrificing some to heal yourself. So, I kept it in, instead it’s an auto attack empowerment. This’ll help Tryn out in the early game while also rewarding players for building crit.
Plus, you don’t gotta build full crit to heal.)
W: Mocking Shout
Tryndamere selects an enemy champion within 850 units, slowing them 30/37.5/45/52.5/60% for 4 seconds if they are outside of 425. If the enemy is within 425 units, the ability icon changes.
Shouting at the enemy taunts them for 1.5 seconds.
Cooldown: 14/13/12/11/10 seconds Cost: 20 Fury
(I liked mocking shout, but felt like it shoulda been a bit different. Much like his Q, he’ll consume Fury to use it. Enemies who are far away are slowed, but those closer are taunted, which I feel is far more accurate to the abilities name. Plus you can only focus on one target.)
E: Spinning Slash
Same as before, except critical strikes do not reduce its cooldown.
Cooldown: 12 seconds
(Good dash, except it gives him way to much mobility based on crits. So I got rid of it.
You either go all in or not.)
R: Undying Rage
Tryndamere channels for 0.5 seconds before dealing 100/200/300 (+ 150% bonus AD) physical damage around himself, extending by 500 units.
Tryndamere also heals for 0%(+ 75% per 1 Fury) max health and is ghosted for 3 seconds. As well as generating 10 Fury on basic attacks and 20 Fury on Critical strikes and killing enemies.
Cost: 100% current Fury Cooldown: 120/100/80 seconds
(Aaand his ult, god I hate this thing! Rather than allowing the dude to be unkillable, I decided to instead make an AD version of Ekko’s ult, with the addition of Fury.
You still gotta use this thing when your on low health, plus it technically is making your “undying”. It’s just that you’re still able to die.)
So, how do you feel about this rework? Is it good, bad? I hope this fixes a good amount of his problems. And deals with the problem where he doesn’t need to build defense items.
2024.05.11 18:31 adulting4kids It's Saturday!
- Fascinating Animal Kingdom Facts:
- Some frogs can freeze solid during winter and thaw out in spring, continuing their lives.
- Anteaters have no teeth and consume up to 30,000 insects a day with their long tongues.
- Male penguins propose to their lifelong mates by giving them a pebble.
- Unusual Historical Nuggets:
- The oldest known "your mom" joke was discovered on a 3,500-year-old Babylonian tablet.
- Ancient Romans used urine as a teeth-whitening agent due to its ammonia content.
- The Boston Tea Party, often seen as a rebellion against high taxes, was more a protest against a tax cut.
- Science and Technology Oddities:
- A single strand of human hair can support up to 100 grams in weight.
- The world's first computer programmer was Ada Lovelace, who worked on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine in the mid-1800s.
- There are more possible iterations of a game of chess than there are atoms in the known universe.
- Language and Linguistic Quirks:
- The word "set" has the highest number of different meanings in the English language.
- The longest word in the English language without a vowel is "rhythms."
- The word "facetious" contains all the vowels in alphabetical order.
- Geographical and Cultural Tidbits:
- The country of Monaco is smaller than New York City's Central Park.
- There are more public libraries in the U.S. than McDonald's restaurants.
- Mount Everest is not the tallest mountain on Earth when measured from base to peak; Mauna Kea in Hawaii holds that record.
- Human Achievements and Records:
- The longest duration spinning a Guinness World Records book on one finger is 4 hours and 25 minutes.
- The record for the most push-ups in one hour is 2,806.
- The world record for the longest handshake is 42 hours.
- Food and Culinary Marvels:
- The first product to have a barcode scanned for purchase was Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum.
- The world's most expensive burger costs $5,000 and contains gold leaf, caviar, and truffles.
- The world's largest chocolate bar weighed over 12,770 pounds.
- Entertainment and Pop Culture Trivia:
- The first movie ever made was the 1895 film "Roundhay Garden Scene," lasting about 2.11 seconds.
- The world's most-watched television event is the Super Bowl.
- The shortest film ever nominated for an Oscar is "Fresh Guacamole," which runs for 1 minute and 40 seconds.
- Legal Quirks and Odd Laws:
- In Switzerland, it's illegal to flush the toilet after 10 PM in an apartment building.
- In Canada, it's illegal to use comic sans in official government documents.
- In France, it's illegal to name a pig Napoleon.
- Miscellaneous Intriguing Facts:
- Honey never spoils; archaeologists have found edible honey in ancient Egyptian tombs. - Human bones are ounce for ounce four times stronger than concrete. - A small child could swim through the veins of a blue whale.
2024.05.11 16:19 Jhonjournalist Earnings boost US markets ahead of Wall Street Week
 | https://preview.redd.it/0hwqrqhe3tzc1.jpg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=af7ac7bfb98a8eb5578f17b8fc394006a4db182f submitted by Jhonjournalist to u/Jhonjournalist [link] [comments]
Well over 80% of the S&P 500 has released results during the first-quarter reporting season, which has been stronger than anticipated for US corporations. This corresponds with the rebound. Firms are expected to have reported 7.8% growth in earnings, exceeding the 5.1% growth predicted for April. US marketsSome investors, nevertheless, are concerned that if there is no proof that inflation is declining once more, the boom may come to an end. Although Fed Chairman Jerome Powell has reassured investors that a rate increase is unlikely to occur anytime soon, fears about a lack of rate cuts this year have been raised by months of high inflation.Although investors now feel more at ease in the market due to strong earnings, the direction of inflation is always crucial when we’re in a cycle where rate cuts are anticipated from the Fed. As the Fed has increased interest rates to reduce consumer inflation from four-decade highs reached in 2022, inflation reports have recently preceded market turns. Most recently, an announcement on April 10th that revealed a third consecutive month of higher-than-expected inflation sparked fears that the Fed might hike rates this year and resulted in a nearly two-week fall in stocks. Reuters surveyed economists predict that the consumer price index report on May 15 will reveal a 0.3% increase in April over March. Next week, investors will also be looking forward to earnings reports from Cisco, Home Depot, and Walmart as well as statistics on retail sales. Rate reductions for 2024 may be priced out if the CPI report shows higher inflation. Learn More: https://worldmagzine.com/stock-market/earnings-boost-us-markets-ahead-of-wall-street-week/ |
2024.05.11 09:51 ChillerID Singapore Update
Competitor Mo Batteries cancelled their Singapore plans recently which leaves only Gogoro in Singapore what comes to battery swapping.
"Gogoro has extended the trial by six months and is slated to exit the sandbox by September, LTA said. “They are currently on track to obtain type approval for their chargers,” the authority added. This would allow the chargers to be used commercially." S’pore company drops plan to launch electric motorcycle battery swop service The Straits Times
Here was the initial Mo Batteries entry article: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/singpost-mo-batteries-begin-trial-electric-motorbikes-swappable-batteries
No wonder why it wasn't economically viable solution: "The battery swop stations used by Gogoro, which look like a vending machine, charges the empty batteries when the riders return them. So, there is no need to transport the exhausted batteries to a centralised location, like in the Mo Batteries trial."
Currently Gogoro is the only company providing battery swapping in Singapore. However, new companies have plans to enter the market: "Even as Mo Batteries bows out, other companies are preparing to offer electric motorcycles with battery swopping capabilities in Singapore. One of them is Mah, which has been in the local motorcycle distributorship business for 51 years. The company is planning to spend up to $1.5 million to install battery charging and swopping stations by 2027. The first two locations will be ready by May, when it will start to sell electric motorcycles from Chinese brand Niu. Mah’s spokesman said that the company is starting on its shift towards electrification even though it does not expect the business to be profitable in the immediate term. He added that as there is no existing charging infrastructure to support electric motorcycles, the company has to start its own with the battery charge and swop solution."
Clearly the entry barrier to battery swapping market is extremely high (to operate while being profitable). Gogoro has a huge advantage just by thinking of the scale.
My way of thinking is that if they manage to live through the difficult times then when the good times come they will be stronger than ever. Inevitable fact is that EVs will be the mainstream. For example in Europe all sold cars has to be EVs by 2035 and also APAC countries realize that the era of ICE 2-wheelers should end. So, sustainability megatrend is supporting Gogoro.
I wonder if Honda regret their decision to build a competing solution. It would have been so much cheaper for them to just use Gogoro's solution and grow together. I also wonder if Indian battery swapping startups understand by now that co-operating with Gogoro would be a better option than building own standards that are not nearly as good. Those companies must be struggling at the moment in this market environment.
Mo Batteries problems reminds me of Indian company Ather. It tried to enter battery swapping business but ended up cancelling the plans. https://www.thebatterynews.com/battery-swapping-wont-work-in-india-ather-ceo
1st issue: "While building the model, we encountered many challenges that were not present during the conceptual phase. The first problem we encountered was the weight of the battery. Lifting the 10 kg battery is manual."
2nd issue: "Traditionally, Indians expect more support and assistance and may not be willing to deal with dangerous batteries, Mehta said. If a company send volunteers to replace batteries, it will only be economically viable if they put 200 batteries in the replacement station. And it takes up more space, half the size of a gas pump. Then the cost of the infrastructure suddenly increased."
3rd issue: "Such costs must be recovered from the buyer. he said Adding the cost of infrastructure, people, security, and other batteries, the average cost for a customer traveling more than 1,500 km per month is about ₹ 2.8 per km, which is more than the cost of replacing petrol ( ₹2.5 per km)."
As we know, Gogoro has tackled all these challenges with top notch technology and customer experience. Gogoro truly has made battery swapping a viable option. Entry barrier to the market is high as the newcomer should be able to develop better or at least as good product + find funding to scale the business.
submitted by ChillerID to Gogoro [link] [comments]
"Gogoro has extended the trial by six months and is slated to exit the sandbox by September, LTA said. “They are currently on track to obtain type approval for their chargers,” the authority added. This would allow the chargers to be used commercially." S’pore company drops plan to launch electric motorcycle battery swop service The Straits Times
Here was the initial Mo Batteries entry article: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/singpost-mo-batteries-begin-trial-electric-motorbikes-swappable-batteries
No wonder why it wasn't economically viable solution: "The battery swop stations used by Gogoro, which look like a vending machine, charges the empty batteries when the riders return them. So, there is no need to transport the exhausted batteries to a centralised location, like in the Mo Batteries trial."
Currently Gogoro is the only company providing battery swapping in Singapore. However, new companies have plans to enter the market: "Even as Mo Batteries bows out, other companies are preparing to offer electric motorcycles with battery swopping capabilities in Singapore. One of them is Mah, which has been in the local motorcycle distributorship business for 51 years. The company is planning to spend up to $1.5 million to install battery charging and swopping stations by 2027. The first two locations will be ready by May, when it will start to sell electric motorcycles from Chinese brand Niu. Mah’s spokesman said that the company is starting on its shift towards electrification even though it does not expect the business to be profitable in the immediate term. He added that as there is no existing charging infrastructure to support electric motorcycles, the company has to start its own with the battery charge and swop solution."
Clearly the entry barrier to battery swapping market is extremely high (to operate while being profitable). Gogoro has a huge advantage just by thinking of the scale.
My way of thinking is that if they manage to live through the difficult times then when the good times come they will be stronger than ever. Inevitable fact is that EVs will be the mainstream. For example in Europe all sold cars has to be EVs by 2035 and also APAC countries realize that the era of ICE 2-wheelers should end. So, sustainability megatrend is supporting Gogoro.
I wonder if Honda regret their decision to build a competing solution. It would have been so much cheaper for them to just use Gogoro's solution and grow together. I also wonder if Indian battery swapping startups understand by now that co-operating with Gogoro would be a better option than building own standards that are not nearly as good. Those companies must be struggling at the moment in this market environment.
Mo Batteries problems reminds me of Indian company Ather. It tried to enter battery swapping business but ended up cancelling the plans. https://www.thebatterynews.com/battery-swapping-wont-work-in-india-ather-ceo
1st issue: "While building the model, we encountered many challenges that were not present during the conceptual phase. The first problem we encountered was the weight of the battery. Lifting the 10 kg battery is manual."
2nd issue: "Traditionally, Indians expect more support and assistance and may not be willing to deal with dangerous batteries, Mehta said. If a company send volunteers to replace batteries, it will only be economically viable if they put 200 batteries in the replacement station. And it takes up more space, half the size of a gas pump. Then the cost of the infrastructure suddenly increased."
3rd issue: "Such costs must be recovered from the buyer. he said Adding the cost of infrastructure, people, security, and other batteries, the average cost for a customer traveling more than 1,500 km per month is about ₹ 2.8 per km, which is more than the cost of replacing petrol ( ₹2.5 per km)."
As we know, Gogoro has tackled all these challenges with top notch technology and customer experience. Gogoro truly has made battery swapping a viable option. Entry barrier to the market is high as the newcomer should be able to develop better or at least as good product + find funding to scale the business.
2024.05.11 03:06 Plane-Ice-1828 Everything I did to glow up in 2 years
Warning this will be a long post, it has everything I've learnt in the past couple of years from hair growth, to styling, to weightloss, to nervous system regulation and more.
I'm in my early 30s, I have 3B hair, tall, two years ago I was obese, prediabetic, I had anxiety problems, now I'm just a tall [seemingly ;) ] effortlessly pretty black girl and I want all my beauties on here to have my beauty secrets.
Topics discussed:
Hair Growth: Here is the true secret sauce to hair growth, stimulating your scalp. I do daily scalp massages with a bamboo brush (even the bristles are made of rounded bamboo) very gentle. This is the one I use: Golab Beauty I do short strokes which prevents any tangles. Morning and Night. I then go in with a scalp serum, I use The Oui scalp serum but it costs a pretty penny. In the first yearish I used (The 'Ordinary' Haircare Growth Set Multi-Peptide Serum For Hair Density) which worked wonders and was cost effective. At nights I seal with any scalp oil that has rosemary oil. Sadly Mielle's formula no longer works for me, but As I Am rosemary oil has been working, I also like the Camille Rose Rosemary Oil Strengthening Hair and Scalp Drops. For Washing my hair I suffer from sebaceous dermatitis which causes scaliness. Paradoxically my scalp is so oily which is what triggers the ezcema and develops the dry patches. Reversing my PCOS symptoms fixed this but what also helped was the Nizoral shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole. It's harsh so I do it once to twice a month at most and I always follow up with a moisturizing shampoo, and of course finish with a wash out conditioner & leave in conditioner.
Hair Retention: This is the info we all know about preventing breakage but I'll include just in case. Hair growth happens in the scalp like said before but to retain that growth it's important to wear protective hairstyles (especially while asleep), a silk/satin bonnet or wrap, silk/satin pillowcase, do not let your hair air dry at night. There is debate about this but I've seen hair specialists and scientists say our hair is especially fragile when wet (especially curly/kinky hair). Therefore, we are much more prone to snags and breakage while our hair is wet. So going to bed make sure your hair is dried. If you're air drying your hair during the day try not to touch it too much - as little manipulation as possible. Personally choose to diffuse/blow dry my hair and this has prevented most of the breakage I was previously experiencing. Lastly, moisturize and oil your ends. I won't pretend like I know which order is best or even if it's important but I've found that using hair moisturizediluted leave in conditioner then hair oil works best for me.
Hirsutism/Facial Hair: Spearmint essential oil. I add 1-2 drops of the oil to my moisturizer each time I put on my moisturizer and it helped A LOT with reducing my facial hair. I also drink a lot of spearmint tea. Spearmint specifically has been proven to lower androgen/testosterone levels which is why it helps. I also took supplements which I'll include at the end because they served multiple purposes. Be sure not to add the oil to the entire bottle because that will ruin your moisturizer's formula. Just add the drops in your palm/finger tips and mix in your face cream each time you moisturize your jawline, chin, underneck. Also, do this after moisturizing the upper part of your face without the oil because it's harsh and the scent can be irritating to your eye area.
Body hair: Personally I sugar wax my arms and legs, the hair has grown back so thin now. I make it myself and follow tutorials from abetweene on youtube.
Hair colouHairstyle: This will depend on your face shape and color season. I'm a dark winter colour season and I have a heart face shape. I used the Dressika app to discover my color season before I could afford to get myself professionally assessed and I got the same results. Just be sure to use natural lighting, like by a window. Once you have your colour season you can choose hair colours that work best for you (although natural almost always works best). For my hairstyle I try to choose styles that compliment my heart shaped face. I used the youtube channel Dear Peachie to help me with figuring this out.
This was the game changer with colour seasons. Most of us know about our true seasons, but it can get restrictive. Sister seasons and colour dissonance is also helpful to know.
My colour season is dark winter, so my sister seasons would be dark autumn and true winter. Thid gives me more wiggle room to style myself.
Dissonance are colours that are outside your true season and your sister seasons, you sprinke this in to add interest. Think of an outfit that is extremely matchy and cohesive but has that one accessory or item that stands out and adds interest. It's really fun in art and in fashion.
For my shoes I've started wearing dancing heels which help my flat feet lol and look stylish. Heel insoles help too, as well as the product Shoe Gummi. I still can't last more than 2, 3 hours at most but it's definitely bearable compared to before.
Matching pajamas and loungewear. You just feel so luxurious dressing up at home and they can (should) be comfy :)
Accessories:
I have a low visual weight face and I am a romantic ingenue, because of this I go for more subtle looks that emphasis two facial features maximum at a time (eyes, lips, cheeks).
Don't get me wrong I love glam bold makeup but soft and subtle makes me glow, I turn heads when my makeup is done like this.
Facial Care: The basics includes chemical exfoliation, retinol, moisturizerecover. I cycle my nightly skincare routine with this in mind and always keep the same morning routine. Mornings look like this (Jojoba oil to help while I use my gua sha, Water based cleanser, eye cream, vitamin c/peptide serum, moisturizer with a drop or two of glycerin, spearmint oil mixed with face cream on the jawline & neck area, finish with sunscreen).
My nights I alternate these routines in this order
Night 1 - Chemical Exfoliation (Oil cleanser to help while I use my gua sha, Water based cleanser, eye cream, glycolic/lactic acid, moisturizer with a drop or two of glycerin, spearmint oil mixed with face cream on the jawline & neck area, castor oil on lashes and brows)
Night 2 - Retinol (Oil cleanser to help while I use my gua sha, Water based cleanser, eye cream, retinol, moisturizer, spearmint oil mixed with face cream on the jawline & neck area, castor oil on lashes and brows)
Night 3 - MoisturizeRecovery (Oil cleanser to help while I use my gua sha, Water based cleanser, eye cream, retinol, moisturizer with a drop or two of glycerin, rosehip oil as sealant on entire face, spearmint oil mixed with face cream on the jawline & neck area, castor oil on lashes and brows)
Repeat Night 1 - 3 (sometimes I need more days to recover if my skin is sensitive or acting up, do what works for you personally)
Other things that I've done/used to help: red light therapy (helps with both hair growth, so I use it on my scalp, and with stretch marks so I use it on my face and body), Microcurrent device (helps with collagen production and stretchmarks) - I use the brand NuFace & NuBody, Volufiline (a skin serum I mix with eye cream that helps with hollowness under the eyes, Kigelia Africana Skin Cream (I use the brand Maelys B-Perky which contains this ingredient and helped to tighten my chest area and my loose skin on the area), face yoga and myo fascia face massage, these help with the tautness of my face (basically everything else helps with wrinkles, these exercises and the microcurrent helps and prevents, sagging especially jowls). I follow tutorials I search for from youtube.
Body Care: Similar to facial care body care includes exfoliation, retinol, moisturizerecover
Night 1 - Physical Exfoliation (Dry brush/Body Scrub, Hydrating lotion with a few drops of glycerin, rosehip oil as sealant on entire body)
Night 2 - Retinol (Jojoba oil to help while I use my gua sha, retinol body wash, retinol body lotion)
Night 3 - MoisturizeRecovery (Jojoba oil to help while I use my gua sha, Hydrating lotion with a few drops of glycerin, rosehip oil as sealant on entire body)
Again, repeat Night 1 - 3 use more days for recovery if needed
Stretch marks/loose skin: Whether due to weight gain, pregnancy, etc. we can't ever truly get rid of loose skin or stretch marks but moisturizing the skin and derma rolling can help with the appearance. Especially derma rolling. Do NOT derma roll while pregnant but you can do so after when you’ve recovered and talk to your doctor (if you've had a c section you have to wait before derma rolling). I used this video as motivation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChG8aSvEU6A
For the body I never went beyond 1.5mm it worked for my deepest stretch marks. If this is too aggressive 1.0mm still works just as well. Make sure you use 70% alcohol as this is what experts say is better at disinfecting. It has more water, which helps it to dissolve more slowly, penetrate cells, and kill bacteria. The disinfecting power of rubbing alcohol drops at concentrations higher than 80%-85%. Make sure you disinfect the derma roller before and after use, and make sure you disinfect your area of contact before rolling as well. Do not do heavy workouts workout or sweat inducing activities for at least 3 days after and avoid harsh products.
I started derma rolling while working on losing weight (at the beginning of my journey while still obese) and continued a year after losing 130lbs. Derma rolling works by causing micro tears, the skin heals the area and in the process of doing so develops more collagen - leading to thicker skin, lighter stretch marks and tighter skin. Since I did this before losing the weight it helped my skin adapt a lot. I won't pretend like I have 0 loose skin or stretch marks but it's barely visible. Someone has to be intimately close to notice. Obviously genetics, how slowly you lose the weight, diet, and moisturizing the skin helps but my PCOS contributed to low collagen (thin skin) and so the derma rolling really helped.
Weightloss comes down to calories in versus calories out. I know that's rudely simpliflied and not that easy, but it truly is the answer to weightloss (which may be fat, water, or muscle). This is why people can eat barely nothing, lose weight but their shape stays the same (basically skinny fat). It's also why fasting or going low carb works so fast (water weight is the first to go).
Fatloss on the other hand is more complicated. This involves our TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure).
TDEE includes: Resting/Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), Metabolic Equivalent of Task or Exercise activity thermogenesis (EAT), Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), Thermic Effect of Food (TEF), and Adaptive Thermogenesis (AT).
BMR (~70% daily energy) the energy taken to exist, so tasks like breathing. Your sex, body composition (muscle to fat ratio), age, and genetics play a role in this EAT (~5% daily energy) the energy taken for exercise weight lifting, swimming, high intensity walks, etc. NEAT (~15% daily energy) the energy taken for non exercise movements like walking, fidgeting, showering, standing, etc TEF (~10% daily energy depending on the macronutrients of your meal) the energy taken to digest, protein has the highest TEF of all the macronutrients, Carbs have a TEF of around 5-10%, while Fats have the lowest TEF, around 0-3%.
Adaptive Thermogenesis (AT) is the changes in energy expenditure (energy used) that occur in response to changes in energy balance. For example when you eat more food than you need, your body may increase energy expenditure to prevent weight gain eg. move more, eat less the next day, etc.. On the other hand, when you eat less food than you need, your body may decrease energy expenditure to conserve energy and prevent weight loss eg. less movement, eat more the next day.
Other things that affect AT include diet composition (eg high/low protein, high/low carb, calorie dense foods, etc), physical activity (eg. weights vs. cardio), and environmental factors such as temperature and altitude.
Things that influence AT can make weight management challenging, as it can lead to plateaus or rebounds in weight loss efforts. This is why lack of sleep, hormonal issues, aging, etc. makes weightloss harder.
Here is a clearer example of this
Things that affect calories in:
To manage your insulin resistance (info from the book Glucose Goddess by Jessie Inchauspé):
Eg. If it's calculated to be 2000 calories, you subtract 200, so 1800 should be your daily calorie intake. For the activity levels make sure you do not oversell yourself. Here is a general guide:
Lastly, muscle mass (increase in muscle raises your metabolic level, meaning you burn more calories at rest). This is ideal and is also how you'll see someone who is short, seemingly small but weigh more than you imagined. Muscle density weighs more than fat. Think of a 50 pound dumbbell versus 50 pounds of feathers, you would need a whole lot of feathers to match the weight. Same difference, you need a larger volume of fat to equal to the same amount of muscle. Therefore, lifting weights is ideal because you will become more toned, burn more calories at rest, be able to eat more even when you've lost the weight to maintain your phisique, you'll be more insulin sensitive, and you will have stronger and higher bone density (really important for women, we lose up to 5% of muscle mass per decade after the age of 30).
The benefits of this is as you're getting smaller your TDEE is increasing. This means by the time you lose the weight you'll still be eating an adequate amount. The other benefits include insulin sensitivity versus insulin resistence, higher metabolism, and a improved body composition like I mentioned before in the dummbell versus feather example. The downside is the number on the scale won't have a dramatic shift while your clothes will be fitting looser. Again, weight density plays tricks on us and it's easy to get caught up in body dismorphia but I promise it works.
In order to sustain and build muscle while losing fat, you need to be consuming enough protein while remaining in a caloric deficit. So 60-80g of protein per day minimum to lose 1-2lbs per week. Ideally it should be 0.8-1g of per pound of lean body mass. Eg, someone is 300lbs and they want to get down to 150lbs. They would eat 120-150g of protein per day. If this is too much, try to get at least 60-80g like I mentioned before. Remember even though 1-2lbs per week sounds small, the changes are significant because of the muscle gained. You will look and feel smaller.
Weightlifting for a rounder booty (I reshaped my glutes by weightlifting. Hormones can actually affect the shape and my PCOS did a number on me. I developed a V shape over the years. Round, square, heart, A shapes are all based on your bone structure and fat placement. Some of us just have those stubborn fat deposits in certain areas that are genetic, even when we lose the weight, it's a smaller version but the same shape. V shape on the other hand is largely seen in older women post menopause and in younger women with hormonal disorders. This is becuase the hormonal imbalances also causes muscle imbalances. Regulating your hormones helps but it won't grow the muscles for you, so I used Fit With Emely's glute guide based on your glute shape (completely free, I watched all her videos to get this info and it took me two years to go from a V shape to a round shape.
Here is the guideline for each shape:
Glute Maximus - Everyone should be working on glute maximus. It builds the shelf and overall size. Step ups (all variations), hip thrusts (all variations), lunges, rdl, leg press, all squat variations Glute Minimus - (V and Square shapes), this muscle fills in the middle between the top and lower glute. Hip abduction, single leg bridge, Standing hip abduction/cable raises Gute Medius - (Heart, Round, and A-shaped) this muscles builds a longer hip for top portion of the glutes. Eg. Single leg squat, Single leg deadlift, Cable clamshells, Reverse lung, step ups Underbutt - Everyone should be working on underbutt but this is especially useful for V shaped folks. It works the hamstrings and lower portion of glutes. Good mornings, single leg rdl (also works minimus), single leg hip thrust (also works maximus), hip abductors (also works minimus)
How to structure workout:
My full routine is:
For the ab separation from being obese, I did this workout 3 times a week (also helpful post pregnancy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smiGsW-mQX0
For my chest to help with getting perkier boobs (the derma rolling was what made the biggest difference, but this exercise helped as well though it took 6+ months for the changes to be significant. Women tend to take longer to grow chest muscles): https://youtu.be/hg7_R29jGIE?feature=shared
I also did workouts to help with my posture and mobility 3 times a week (any I could find online)
The last thing I will say is be mindful that you may gain weight initially when you start lifting weights. This is due to slight inflammation/water gain from foreign tension, which will last about a month or two before you adapt BUT your body will adapt, I promise. Keep in mind if it's days before your period or if you are on your period. It's not if, but when, our weight fluctuates. As long as you are in a deficit and doing everything right, the number will go down. Do not get discouraged!!!
Here is the edit to this post which includes my supplements, how I managed my inflammation, and how I improved my gut health. I also edited the information I shared prior to include a few more tips and lifestyle changes I made, and included a few more details. I also rearranged things so there is a separation between style/haiskin and health information. The post is getting really long so I may create a separate post for personal development/mindset tips.
In my case the inflammation from the PCOS led to gut inflammation due to the high levels of coritsal (stress hormones) in reaction to the high testosterone and insulin resistence. I also experienced metabolic inflammation (non alcoholic fatty liver disease), skin inflammation (as I mentioned earlier the ezcema on my scalp, alopecia, and hirsutism), adipose tissue inflammation, chronic low grade inflammation (this led to edema or fuid retention -> insulin resistance and my high testosteron/androgen levels also exacerbated this).
To fix this these were the thin I added to my life:
For weight loss issues, gut microbiomes influence hormones in producing and signaling leptin and ghrelin (these hormones regulate hunger and fullness signals). Inflammation and insulin resistence is also associated with gut health problems as mentioned before. Energy extraction from foods, certain gut bacteria are more efficient at extracting energy from food, particularly carbohydrates. When there is an imbalance, more calories can be absorbed from food leading to difficulties gaining or losing weight.
Things I did to improve gut health/intestinal permeability:
Seed cycling divides the female menstrual cycle into two parts:
The Benefits of Seed Cycling: Support hormonal balance, alleviate PMS symptoms, decrease hormonal acne, alter irregularity of menstrual cycles, and fight stomach bloating and fatigue.
submitted by Plane-Ice-1828 to vindictapoc [link] [comments]
I'm in my early 30s, I have 3B hair, tall, two years ago I was obese, prediabetic, I had anxiety problems, now I'm just a tall [seemingly ;) ] effortlessly pretty black girl and I want all my beauties on here to have my beauty secrets.
Topics discussed:
- Haircare
- Style
- Makeup
- Teeth
- Skincare
- Weight loss vs Fat loss
- Healthy Fat loss
- Body Recomposition
- Inflammation
- Gut Health
- How to lower androgen/testosterone levels
- Nervous System Regulation/Stress Management
- Tea Cycling
- Seed Cycling
Hair
I have PCOS so it affects my hair growth and causes hirsutism, basically male patterened facial hair and male patterned baldness.Hair Growth: Here is the true secret sauce to hair growth, stimulating your scalp. I do daily scalp massages with a bamboo brush (even the bristles are made of rounded bamboo) very gentle. This is the one I use: Golab Beauty I do short strokes which prevents any tangles. Morning and Night. I then go in with a scalp serum, I use The Oui scalp serum but it costs a pretty penny. In the first yearish I used (The 'Ordinary' Haircare Growth Set Multi-Peptide Serum For Hair Density) which worked wonders and was cost effective. At nights I seal with any scalp oil that has rosemary oil. Sadly Mielle's formula no longer works for me, but As I Am rosemary oil has been working, I also like the Camille Rose Rosemary Oil Strengthening Hair and Scalp Drops. For Washing my hair I suffer from sebaceous dermatitis which causes scaliness. Paradoxically my scalp is so oily which is what triggers the ezcema and develops the dry patches. Reversing my PCOS symptoms fixed this but what also helped was the Nizoral shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole. It's harsh so I do it once to twice a month at most and I always follow up with a moisturizing shampoo, and of course finish with a wash out conditioner & leave in conditioner.
Hair Retention: This is the info we all know about preventing breakage but I'll include just in case. Hair growth happens in the scalp like said before but to retain that growth it's important to wear protective hairstyles (especially while asleep), a silk/satin bonnet or wrap, silk/satin pillowcase, do not let your hair air dry at night. There is debate about this but I've seen hair specialists and scientists say our hair is especially fragile when wet (especially curly/kinky hair). Therefore, we are much more prone to snags and breakage while our hair is wet. So going to bed make sure your hair is dried. If you're air drying your hair during the day try not to touch it too much - as little manipulation as possible. Personally choose to diffuse/blow dry my hair and this has prevented most of the breakage I was previously experiencing. Lastly, moisturize and oil your ends. I won't pretend like I know which order is best or even if it's important but I've found that using hair moisturizediluted leave in conditioner then hair oil works best for me.
Hirsutism/Facial Hair: Spearmint essential oil. I add 1-2 drops of the oil to my moisturizer each time I put on my moisturizer and it helped A LOT with reducing my facial hair. I also drink a lot of spearmint tea. Spearmint specifically has been proven to lower androgen/testosterone levels which is why it helps. I also took supplements which I'll include at the end because they served multiple purposes. Be sure not to add the oil to the entire bottle because that will ruin your moisturizer's formula. Just add the drops in your palm/finger tips and mix in your face cream each time you moisturize your jawline, chin, underneck. Also, do this after moisturizing the upper part of your face without the oil because it's harsh and the scent can be irritating to your eye area.
Body hair: Personally I sugar wax my arms and legs, the hair has grown back so thin now. I make it myself and follow tutorials from abetweene on youtube.
Hair colouHairstyle: This will depend on your face shape and color season. I'm a dark winter colour season and I have a heart face shape. I used the Dressika app to discover my color season before I could afford to get myself professionally assessed and I got the same results. Just be sure to use natural lighting, like by a window. Once you have your colour season you can choose hair colours that work best for you (although natural almost always works best). For my hairstyle I try to choose styles that compliment my heart shaped face. I used the youtube channel Dear Peachie to help me with figuring this out.
Style
I think most of us know about Kibbe and colour seasons. This was how I upgraded my wardrobe. I'm a soft dramatic so I wear things that work for my tall height and accentuate my waist.This was the game changer with colour seasons. Most of us know about our true seasons, but it can get restrictive. Sister seasons and colour dissonance is also helpful to know.
My colour season is dark winter, so my sister seasons would be dark autumn and true winter. Thid gives me more wiggle room to style myself.
Dissonance are colours that are outside your true season and your sister seasons, you sprinke this in to add interest. Think of an outfit that is extremely matchy and cohesive but has that one accessory or item that stands out and adds interest. It's really fun in art and in fashion.
For my shoes I've started wearing dancing heels which help my flat feet lol and look stylish. Heel insoles help too, as well as the product Shoe Gummi. I still can't last more than 2, 3 hours at most but it's definitely bearable compared to before.
Matching pajamas and loungewear. You just feel so luxurious dressing up at home and they can (should) be comfy :)
Accessories:
- I wear glasses that work with my heart shaped face.
- I have a neutral leaning warm undertone so I wear gold jewelry, if I wear pearls or other gem stones I mix in gold to provide more harmony with my skin.
- Perfume, wear what works with your body chemistry. Some smell delictable on people I know and icky on me, and vice versa. Wear what works for you.
- Nails, press ons. So convenient, so cheap.
- Hair accessories, bows, barretes, clips, scrunchies, a ribbon, you could be wearing jeans and a t shirt but a simple hair accessory upgrades the look automatically.
Makeup
I used the youtube channel Dear Peachie to help me with finding eye looks, brows, blush placement for my face shapeI have a low visual weight face and I am a romantic ingenue, because of this I go for more subtle looks that emphasis two facial features maximum at a time (eyes, lips, cheeks).
Don't get me wrong I love glam bold makeup but soft and subtle makes me glow, I turn heads when my makeup is done like this.
Teeth
- Wax free floss (Cocofloss $10 expensive but I love it 😅, Burst black floss, Moon graphite floss, Twice floss, Dr. Jen’s silk floss)
- Oil pulling (coconut oil with clove & tea tree oil, or Guru Nanda oil pulling product)
- Brush teeth
- Tongue scraper (not everyday, couple of times a week and not too hard)
- Alcohol free mouthwash (TheraBreath)
- More so related to my lip area but I try to use wrinkle preventing straws or when I do use regular straws, I place it on the side of my mouth. The reason this works is because puckering the lips excessively causes smokers lines/wrinkles around the mouth.
Skin
Skincare. This was something that took me a while to work on because of my PCOS, age, weight and etc.Facial Care: The basics includes chemical exfoliation, retinol, moisturizerecover. I cycle my nightly skincare routine with this in mind and always keep the same morning routine. Mornings look like this (Jojoba oil to help while I use my gua sha, Water based cleanser, eye cream, vitamin c/peptide serum, moisturizer with a drop or two of glycerin, spearmint oil mixed with face cream on the jawline & neck area, finish with sunscreen).
My nights I alternate these routines in this order
Night 1 - Chemical Exfoliation (Oil cleanser to help while I use my gua sha, Water based cleanser, eye cream, glycolic/lactic acid, moisturizer with a drop or two of glycerin, spearmint oil mixed with face cream on the jawline & neck area, castor oil on lashes and brows)
Night 2 - Retinol (Oil cleanser to help while I use my gua sha, Water based cleanser, eye cream, retinol, moisturizer, spearmint oil mixed with face cream on the jawline & neck area, castor oil on lashes and brows)
Night 3 - MoisturizeRecovery (Oil cleanser to help while I use my gua sha, Water based cleanser, eye cream, retinol, moisturizer with a drop or two of glycerin, rosehip oil as sealant on entire face, spearmint oil mixed with face cream on the jawline & neck area, castor oil on lashes and brows)
Repeat Night 1 - 3 (sometimes I need more days to recover if my skin is sensitive or acting up, do what works for you personally)
Other things that I've done/used to help: red light therapy (helps with both hair growth, so I use it on my scalp, and with stretch marks so I use it on my face and body), Microcurrent device (helps with collagen production and stretchmarks) - I use the brand NuFace & NuBody, Volufiline (a skin serum I mix with eye cream that helps with hollowness under the eyes, Kigelia Africana Skin Cream (I use the brand Maelys B-Perky which contains this ingredient and helped to tighten my chest area and my loose skin on the area), face yoga and myo fascia face massage, these help with the tautness of my face (basically everything else helps with wrinkles, these exercises and the microcurrent helps and prevents, sagging especially jowls). I follow tutorials I search for from youtube.
Body Care: Similar to facial care body care includes exfoliation, retinol, moisturizerecover
Night 1 - Physical Exfoliation (Dry brush/Body Scrub, Hydrating lotion with a few drops of glycerin, rosehip oil as sealant on entire body)
Night 2 - Retinol (Jojoba oil to help while I use my gua sha, retinol body wash, retinol body lotion)
Night 3 - MoisturizeRecovery (Jojoba oil to help while I use my gua sha, Hydrating lotion with a few drops of glycerin, rosehip oil as sealant on entire body)
Again, repeat Night 1 - 3 use more days for recovery if needed
Stretch marks/loose skin: Whether due to weight gain, pregnancy, etc. we can't ever truly get rid of loose skin or stretch marks but moisturizing the skin and derma rolling can help with the appearance. Especially derma rolling. Do NOT derma roll while pregnant but you can do so after when you’ve recovered and talk to your doctor (if you've had a c section you have to wait before derma rolling). I used this video as motivation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChG8aSvEU6A
For the body I never went beyond 1.5mm it worked for my deepest stretch marks. If this is too aggressive 1.0mm still works just as well. Make sure you use 70% alcohol as this is what experts say is better at disinfecting. It has more water, which helps it to dissolve more slowly, penetrate cells, and kill bacteria. The disinfecting power of rubbing alcohol drops at concentrations higher than 80%-85%. Make sure you disinfect the derma roller before and after use, and make sure you disinfect your area of contact before rolling as well. Do not do heavy workouts workout or sweat inducing activities for at least 3 days after and avoid harsh products.
I started derma rolling while working on losing weight (at the beginning of my journey while still obese) and continued a year after losing 130lbs. Derma rolling works by causing micro tears, the skin heals the area and in the process of doing so develops more collagen - leading to thicker skin, lighter stretch marks and tighter skin. Since I did this before losing the weight it helped my skin adapt a lot. I won't pretend like I have 0 loose skin or stretch marks but it's barely visible. Someone has to be intimately close to notice. Obviously genetics, how slowly you lose the weight, diet, and moisturizing the skin helps but my PCOS contributed to low collagen (thin skin) and so the derma rolling really helped.
Weight loss vs Fat loss
Tons of info here but I promise if you read through it helps to know this stuff.Weightloss comes down to calories in versus calories out. I know that's rudely simpliflied and not that easy, but it truly is the answer to weightloss (which may be fat, water, or muscle). This is why people can eat barely nothing, lose weight but their shape stays the same (basically skinny fat). It's also why fasting or going low carb works so fast (water weight is the first to go).
Fatloss on the other hand is more complicated. This involves our TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure).
TDEE includes: Resting/Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), Metabolic Equivalent of Task or Exercise activity thermogenesis (EAT), Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), Thermic Effect of Food (TEF), and Adaptive Thermogenesis (AT).
BMR (~70% daily energy) the energy taken to exist, so tasks like breathing. Your sex, body composition (muscle to fat ratio), age, and genetics play a role in this EAT (~5% daily energy) the energy taken for exercise weight lifting, swimming, high intensity walks, etc. NEAT (~15% daily energy) the energy taken for non exercise movements like walking, fidgeting, showering, standing, etc TEF (~10% daily energy depending on the macronutrients of your meal) the energy taken to digest, protein has the highest TEF of all the macronutrients, Carbs have a TEF of around 5-10%, while Fats have the lowest TEF, around 0-3%.
Adaptive Thermogenesis (AT) is the changes in energy expenditure (energy used) that occur in response to changes in energy balance. For example when you eat more food than you need, your body may increase energy expenditure to prevent weight gain eg. move more, eat less the next day, etc.. On the other hand, when you eat less food than you need, your body may decrease energy expenditure to conserve energy and prevent weight loss eg. less movement, eat more the next day.
Other things that affect AT include diet composition (eg high/low protein, high/low carb, calorie dense foods, etc), physical activity (eg. weights vs. cardio), and environmental factors such as temperature and altitude.
Things that influence AT can make weight management challenging, as it can lead to plateaus or rebounds in weight loss efforts. This is why lack of sleep, hormonal issues, aging, etc. makes weightloss harder.
Here is a clearer example of this
Things that affect calories in:
- 8-9 Hours of sleep (Maintains metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, hormonal processes). Compromised sleep lead to:
- Increased Gherlin (hunger hormone - feeling hungrier & therefor eating more)
- Decreased Leptin (sensation of satiety - needing to eat more to feel full)
- Insulin resistance: This is when the cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don't respond well to insulin and can't easily take up glucose from your blood. This results in excessive sugar in the blood & as a result the body produces more insulin in order to try to help the cells obtain the energy from glucose. This leads to weight gain as the insulin increases hunger. Also, since the body is insulin resistant, the excess glucose is converted to fat for long-term storage.
- Things that can cause insulin resistance: PCOS, Inactivity/sedentary lifestyle, family history of diabetes, gestational diabetes, hypertension, alcohol abuse, poor sleep habits, high cholesterol levels, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, high bodyweight, acromegaly
- Body Composition (Fat to muscle ratio)
- Gut health
- Compromised sleep affects our energy levels which leads to
- Decreased NEAT (Non exercise activity thermogenesis)
- Hypothyroidism (lowered levels of T3 and T4)
- Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 affects every cell and all the organs in your body by regulating the rate at which your body uses calories/energy which is known as our bmr, meaning this affects your metabolic rate.
- Too few calories lowers daily NEAT
- By eating below your BMI (calories needed to perform basic biological processes), your body makes up for this through energy conservation by lowering your NEAT (non exercise activity thermogenesis). Basically you lack the energy to perform your normal daily activities. This also affects your body composition and cardio health as you become sedentary (stop moving as much).
Healthy Fat loss
So to lose fat in a healthy way you need to:- Get enough sleep (8-9 hours per night)
- Manage your stress levels/nervous system regulation
- Look after your gut health
- Manage inflammation
- Increase your daily steps (8-10k per day)
- Weight lift
- Eat high protein (protein takes the most amount of energy to digest).
- Manage your insulin resistence
- Eat in a caloric deficit (make sure your calories in do not exceed calories out).
To manage your insulin resistance (info from the book Glucose Goddess by Jessie Inchauspé):
- Eat within an hour of waking up
- Protein with breakfast
- Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal (diluted in a glass of water)
- Eat foods in this order, veggies -> protein -> fat -> starches -> carbs -> sugar
- Never eat sweets/dessert/carbs on an empty stomach (dessert after dinner)
- Keep refined carbs and added sugar at a minimum.
- Minimize alcohol intake
- Try to minimize sodas, fruit juice and sweet drinks (this is because there is no fiber to help with the glucose spike or at least try to have these drinks after eating something fiberous)
- Only eat fruit whole, not transformed eg. eat the orange instead of having the orange juice, again fiber makes a world of a difference
- Put clothing on your carbs. Eg. have protein/fats/fiber with your carbs
- A short walk after carb heavy meals
- Fasting - this is controversial and I should add a disclaimer, if you in any way shape or form have or had an eating disorder, especially restrictive eating, I highly recommend against fasting. Intermittent fasting has a lot of studies out there that were done on men. The book Fast Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz includes a nuanced view of fasting that takes into account our hormones and our monthly cycle. She also has a free app 'Fast like a girl', you log your period and it tells you how long to fast. However, bioindividuality is key here, genetics, etc. Please if you are considering fasting make sure you get bloodwork done first. Manage your electrolyte levels, do not neglect iron and protein levels. Personally, I prefer using the other methods since fasting can also inadvertently worsens insulin resistence due to increased stress/cortisol which cause higher hunger cues. Some with insulin resistence found fasting to be helpful. So make sure you do what works for you and always consult your doctor.
- Supplements:
- Vitamin D paired with Vitamin K1 & K2
- Magnesium Biglycinate (I take this before bed)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Turmeric
- Coenzyme 10 (Take with Clomid & Vitamin E)
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
- Inositol
- Zinc (Important to Note: It works inversely with testosterone - raises testosterone if your levels are low and lowers it if your levels are high)
Eg. If it's calculated to be 2000 calories, you subtract 200, so 1800 should be your daily calorie intake. For the activity levels make sure you do not oversell yourself. Here is a general guide:
- Sedentary: Office job sat all day or less than 3000 steps per day
- Lightly Active: Exercise 1-3 times per week or 3-10k steps daily (up to 3-4 miles daily)
- Moderately Active: Exercise 3-5 times per week or 10-15k steps daily (up to 4-7 miles daily)
- Highly Active: Hard exercise 6-7 training days per week or 15-20k steps daily (up to 7-10 miles daily)
- Extremely Active: Intense daily exercise/hard physical labour 7 days a week or 25k+ steps daily (up to 10 miles daily)
Lastly, muscle mass (increase in muscle raises your metabolic level, meaning you burn more calories at rest). This is ideal and is also how you'll see someone who is short, seemingly small but weigh more than you imagined. Muscle density weighs more than fat. Think of a 50 pound dumbbell versus 50 pounds of feathers, you would need a whole lot of feathers to match the weight. Same difference, you need a larger volume of fat to equal to the same amount of muscle. Therefore, lifting weights is ideal because you will become more toned, burn more calories at rest, be able to eat more even when you've lost the weight to maintain your phisique, you'll be more insulin sensitive, and you will have stronger and higher bone density (really important for women, we lose up to 5% of muscle mass per decade after the age of 30).
Body Recompositon: Weightlifting for health (and aesthetics), lose fat & gain muscle
It is possible to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time. I followed Huskular Goddess and and LexiiGettingFit for inspiration and they were really the ones that opened my eyes to the concept of body recomposition (gain musle while losing fat).The benefits of this is as you're getting smaller your TDEE is increasing. This means by the time you lose the weight you'll still be eating an adequate amount. The other benefits include insulin sensitivity versus insulin resistence, higher metabolism, and a improved body composition like I mentioned before in the dummbell versus feather example. The downside is the number on the scale won't have a dramatic shift while your clothes will be fitting looser. Again, weight density plays tricks on us and it's easy to get caught up in body dismorphia but I promise it works.
In order to sustain and build muscle while losing fat, you need to be consuming enough protein while remaining in a caloric deficit. So 60-80g of protein per day minimum to lose 1-2lbs per week. Ideally it should be 0.8-1g of per pound of lean body mass. Eg, someone is 300lbs and they want to get down to 150lbs. They would eat 120-150g of protein per day. If this is too much, try to get at least 60-80g like I mentioned before. Remember even though 1-2lbs per week sounds small, the changes are significant because of the muscle gained. You will look and feel smaller.
Weightlifting for a rounder booty (I reshaped my glutes by weightlifting. Hormones can actually affect the shape and my PCOS did a number on me. I developed a V shape over the years. Round, square, heart, A shapes are all based on your bone structure and fat placement. Some of us just have those stubborn fat deposits in certain areas that are genetic, even when we lose the weight, it's a smaller version but the same shape. V shape on the other hand is largely seen in older women post menopause and in younger women with hormonal disorders. This is becuase the hormonal imbalances also causes muscle imbalances. Regulating your hormones helps but it won't grow the muscles for you, so I used Fit With Emely's glute guide based on your glute shape (completely free, I watched all her videos to get this info and it took me two years to go from a V shape to a round shape.
Here is the guideline for each shape:
Glute Maximus - Everyone should be working on glute maximus. It builds the shelf and overall size. Step ups (all variations), hip thrusts (all variations), lunges, rdl, leg press, all squat variations Glute Minimus - (V and Square shapes), this muscle fills in the middle between the top and lower glute. Hip abduction, single leg bridge, Standing hip abduction/cable raises Gute Medius - (Heart, Round, and A-shaped) this muscles builds a longer hip for top portion of the glutes. Eg. Single leg squat, Single leg deadlift, Cable clamshells, Reverse lung, step ups Underbutt - Everyone should be working on underbutt but this is especially useful for V shaped folks. It works the hamstrings and lower portion of glutes. Good mornings, single leg rdl (also works minimus), single leg hip thrust (also works maximus), hip abductors (also works minimus)
How to structure workout:
- Warm up/Dynamic Stretches (specific to the muscle group you're working eg. lower body warm up or upper body warm up, etc.)
- Compound exercises (2-3 exercises eg. single leg rdl, good mornings, leg press - for each exercise you do 3-4 sets, 8-12 reps, with 3-4 minute rest between sets). That probably sounds like a foreign language to some, so for instance:
- Start excercise 1
- Set 1 (repeat exercise 1 - rdl 8 times)
- 3 minute rest
- Set 2 (repeat exercise 1 - rdl 8 times)
- 3 minute rest
- Set 3 (repeat exercise 1 - rdl 8 times)
- Move on to exercise 2
- Set 1 (repeat exercise 2 - leg press 8 times)
- 3 minute rest
- Set 2 (repeat exercise 2 - leg press 8 times)
- 3 minute rest
- Set 3 (repeat exercise 2 - leg press 8 times)
- Move on to exercise 3
- Set 1 (repeat exercise 3 - good mornings 8 times)
- 3 minute rest
- Set 2 (repeat exercise 3 - good mornings 8 times)
- 3 minute rest
- Set 3 (repeat exercise 3 - good mornings 8 times)
- Secondary Workouts (2-3 exercises eg. step ups, bulgarian split squats, lunges - for each exercise you do 3-4 sets, 8-12 reps, with 3-4 minute rest between sets)
- Isolated/Accessory Movements: these exercises work one part of the muscle more than others, for example an overbias on the underbutt/hamstring like I mentioned before to help with the V shape ( eg. hip abductors, kickbacks, glute bridge, lying leg raises, etc. (1-2 exercises high repetitions, low weight 2-3 sets, 15-20 reps, 1-2 minute rest between sets)
- Static stretch/cool down (specific to the muscle group you're working eg. lower body cool down or upper body cool down, etc.)
My full routine is:
- Monday- lower body
- Tuesday - Pilates/core
- Wednesday - Rest (I still go for walks on these days)
- Thursday - lower body
- Friday - Pilates/core
- Saturday - lower body
- Sunday - Rest (I still go for walks on these days)
For the ab separation from being obese, I did this workout 3 times a week (also helpful post pregnancy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smiGsW-mQX0
For my chest to help with getting perkier boobs (the derma rolling was what made the biggest difference, but this exercise helped as well though it took 6+ months for the changes to be significant. Women tend to take longer to grow chest muscles): https://youtu.be/hg7_R29jGIE?feature=shared
I also did workouts to help with my posture and mobility 3 times a week (any I could find online)
The last thing I will say is be mindful that you may gain weight initially when you start lifting weights. This is due to slight inflammation/water gain from foreign tension, which will last about a month or two before you adapt BUT your body will adapt, I promise. Keep in mind if it's days before your period or if you are on your period. It's not if, but when, our weight fluctuates. As long as you are in a deficit and doing everything right, the number will go down. Do not get discouraged!!!
Here is the edit to this post which includes my supplements, how I managed my inflammation, and how I improved my gut health. I also edited the information I shared prior to include a few more tips and lifestyle changes I made, and included a few more details. I also rearranged things so there is a separation between style/haiskin and health information. The post is getting really long so I may create a separate post for personal development/mindset tips.
Inflammation
In my case my inflammation was caused by my PCOS, insulin resistence and my obesity, but it can be caused by chronic stress, other autoimmune disorders like IBS, Crohn's disease, etc, smoking/alcohol, age related diseases, environmental toxins, diets high in processed foods, sugars, trans fats & high omega-6 fatty acids.In my case the inflammation from the PCOS led to gut inflammation due to the high levels of coritsal (stress hormones) in reaction to the high testosterone and insulin resistence. I also experienced metabolic inflammation (non alcoholic fatty liver disease), skin inflammation (as I mentioned earlier the ezcema on my scalp, alopecia, and hirsutism), adipose tissue inflammation, chronic low grade inflammation (this led to edema or fuid retention -> insulin resistance and my high testosteron/androgen levels also exacerbated this).
To fix this these were the thin I added to my life:
- Dry brushing 2-3 times a week
- Body Gua sha
- Face Gua Sha or Face Yoga or Myofascial Massage
- Jump Rope
- Trampoline/Rebounder
- Vibration Plate (very useful for after a workout or while sitting down)
- Acupressure mat
- Arvigo (Mayan Abdominal massage) & Lymphatic drainage massage
- Leg elevation, I sleep with a pillow under my knees. In the evenings I keep my legs up.
- Massages
- Sweat more (exercise/sauna/steam room)
- Portable Infrared Sauna (reduce cortisol by 25%)
- Microcurrent
- Compression socks
- Castor oil pack 3-4x per week
- Eliminate inflammatory triggers (mine were gluten & dairy)
- Switch to sourdough
- Eliminate seed oils
- Avoid alcohol & smoking
- Supplements
- Vitamin D paired with Vitamin K1 & K2
- Magnesium Biglycinate (I take this before bed)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Turmeric
- Coenzyme 10 (Take with Clomid & Vitamin E)
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
- Teas that helped
- Turmeric
- Red Rasberru Leaf Tea
- Fennel
- Chamomile
Gut Health
Your microbiota needs the right bacteria in the right amount to perform its hormone regulating functions properly. When the type or number of bacteria gets disturbed by events such as stress, or poor diet, or your gut can no longer accomplish its job meaning you'll have inflammation, increased risk of chronic disease, skin conditions, mental health issues, weakened immune system, nutrient absorprion problems, and weight management challenges.For weight loss issues, gut microbiomes influence hormones in producing and signaling leptin and ghrelin (these hormones regulate hunger and fullness signals). Inflammation and insulin resistence is also associated with gut health problems as mentioned before. Energy extraction from foods, certain gut bacteria are more efficient at extracting energy from food, particularly carbohydrates. When there is an imbalance, more calories can be absorbed from food leading to difficulties gaining or losing weight.
Things I did to improve gut health/intestinal permeability:
- Ate foods rich in digestive enzymes (mangoes, pineapple, etc.)
- Pre and probiotics (incorporate bifidobacterium and lactobacillus)
- Favorite brand: Seed Heath Probiotics
- Pickles (without vinegar): Great source of prebiotics
- Apple Cider VinegaKimchi/Kombucha/Sauerkraut
- Beware of certain types of vinegar contain chemicals which kill bacteria, “the good bacteria”, and leave the yeast Candida albicans alone.
- Raw apple cider vinegar contains: Natural probiotics (friendly bacteria), which may help with your immune system and gut health.
- Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (diluted in a glass of water) before each meal
- Balsamic vinegar: Acetic acid is the active compound in balsamic vinegar. This acid contains strains of probiotics that aid digestion. The probiotics found in acetic acid can help promote good gut health and digestion while supporting overall immune function.
- Raw Carrots (has the type of fiber that binds and flushes out toxins in gut, good to have as daily hormone & digestion support)
- Limit Processed foods and Sugar
- No drinking or smoking
- Stress managment (which I'll expand on just below)
- Increase fiber intake
- Regularly exercise
- Supplements
- Ginger
- L-Glutamine
- Olive leaf extract (especially helpful if you have candida overgrowth)
- Turmereric
- Teas
- Ginger
- Lemon Balm
Lower androgens/testosterone
- Teas
- Nettle Tea
- Spearmint tea
- Spearmint oil topically for hirsutism
- Supplements
- Schisandra (adaptogen - stress management & hormone balance)
- Saffron (Also helps reduce testosterone, lower blood pressure and prevents bad cholesterol)
- Inositol
- Holy Basil
- Magnesium Biglycinate (I take this before bed)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Coenzyme 10 (Take with Clomid & Vitamin E)
- Zinc (Important to Note: It works inversely with testosterone - raises testosterone if your levels are low and lowers it if your levels are high)
Nervous System Regulation/ Stress Management
Stress is one of the things that age us the most, and people with PCOS already have higher levels of cortisol so these are the things I do to manage my stress levels:- Regulate circadian rhythm, direct sunlight upon waking up. I use a sunrise alarm clock lamp for this
- Same bedtime everynight (pre midnight)
- Invert screen colors at bedtime (red filter on screens)
- Pillow under knees
- No loud alarms
- Magnesium biglycinate supplement before bed
- Regulate circadian rhythm, view the sunset before bed. I use a sunrise alarm clock lamp for this
- Spend a few minutes breathing through left nostril only
- Epsom salt foot soak
- Journal
- Get back to using my coloring books (I even invested in alcohol based markers it's so fun). Regulates me and gets me in touch with my inner child
- Time with friends, my puppy, and my family
- Supplements
- Holy Basil (adaptogen - stress management & hormonal balance)
- L-Theanine
- Magnesium biglycinate
- Teas
- Red raspberry leaf (adaptogen - stress management, also good for menstrual cramps)
- Reishi Mushroom
- Lemon Balm
- Night time mocktail (have after dinner and not on an empty stomach due to the sugar levels in the tart cherry)
- Teaspoon of tart cherry (high levels of melatonin)
- Magnesium biglycinate powder
- Probiotic soda (good for gut health)
Tea cycling
- On your period
- Nettle leaf: Increase iron levels
- Moringa: Increase iron levels
- Red Raspberry leaf: Helps with period cramps (best to drink throughout the month, especially at the end of the luteal phase
- Chamomile: Helps with wellness wind down routine when you're feeling extra tired
- Follicular phase
- Focus teas: Peppermint, Spearmint
- Adaptogens: Lion's mane, Adaptogen latte, and Chaga mushroom
- Detox: Dandelion Root
- Ovulation phase
- Detox: Dandelion root tea
- Bloating: turmeric tea latte/golden latte
- Estrogen dominance - symptoms (bad hormonal migraines, hot flashes, nausea): Schisandra berry, Lemon balm
- Luteal phase
- PMS symptoms: Raspberry leaf, Schisandra berry, Ginger root (powder or tea)
- Spearmint
- For reducing androgens & lowering hirsutism (facial hair)
- Cinnamon tea (improves insulin sensitivity)
- Chamomile tea (Adaptogen)
- Nettle Tea (reduce androgens)
- Red raspberry leaf (adaptogen/stress relief, also good for menstrual cramps)
- Schisandra (adaptogen/stress relief & hormone balance)
- Saffron (Also helps reduce testosterone, lower blood pressure and prevents bad cholesterol)
- Ginger (ginger offers anti-inflammatory, fertility and hormone-balancing benefits, aides digestion )
Seed Cycling
What is seed cycling? Seed cycling refers to the consumption of specific seeds at different times of the month in order to improve the production and levels of sex hormones, specifically estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.Seed cycling divides the female menstrual cycle into two parts:
- During the first half of the menstrual cycle, or days 1 through 14, seed cycling encourages daily consumption of flax and pumpkin seeds.
- During the second half of the menstrual cycle, or days 15 through 28, seed cycling encourages daily consumption of sunflower and sesame seeds
The Benefits of Seed Cycling: Support hormonal balance, alleviate PMS symptoms, decrease hormonal acne, alter irregularity of menstrual cycles, and fight stomach bloating and fatigue.
2024.05.10 21:37 LieutenantRayne Rizia Reformist Guide 3.0.8 (No major protests) (Great living standards) (No disasters) (Rise in new businesses) (Centralization of government) (Cultural Powerhouse) (Heterogeneous society) (Global tourism destination) (Max size Intermerkopum) (Peaceful reunification with Pales and Zille)
Disclaimer: Be polite and amenable with everyone (especially Titus, Hugo and President Smolak) and follow the steps of the guide in the order shown.
After his wife's death he found solace in Wruheism and his precious daughter but still respects other religions and wants a Rizia inclusive to all, where everybody is free to think whatever they want.
He plans to build up Rizia's infraestructure, tourism and power projection (especially culturally).
Ultimately, his dream is to reform the monarchy and give power to the people of Rizia without a revolution and with the noble's permission.
A Prince is Born: It was your calling.*
Summer Choice: Visit family in Zille.
Father Cermony: Ask about protests and doubt him.*
Pabel Choice: Be close friends.
Career Path: University (+1 Budget)
Pales Conflict: You thought it was a lost cause and demanded that he crack down on traitors. (+1 Authority)
Kidnapping: Fight back.* (you will get a cool scar)
Father Whelen Reponse: Thank him for restoring order.*
Monqiz Decision: Rebuild. (+1 Budget)
Meeting Lena: Kissed her hand, was right.*
Family Man: Family got in the way. (better relations with Vina)
Immigrants: Celebrated diversity.*
Su Omina: Didn't attend the meeting.
Boat Accident: Happily Came Along.*
Faith: Find solace in Faith (it makes religious people happy)
Hugo Return: Believed things could be better*
Royal Focus: Gold Production & Tax (+2 Budget, +1 Budget per Turn, -1 Public Opinion, -1 House Azaro Relation, -1 House Sazon Relation)
Axel Meeting: Go to the meeting, thaw between Rizia and Pales. (better relations with Pales)
Pales Trip: Lie to your father, keep your mouth shut. (better relations with Pales)
Kings Death: Rushed to him.*
Allow Vina to join the council meetings. (she needs to learn, also she would become a malenyevist otherwise)
Small Parade in the Porte Drazon (there is no need for it and we need the budget for other things).
Listen to Hugo but don't drink with him. (It is too hot of a day to do so)
Enact Sovereign Transition and Clemency A(-1) (makes nobles Happy and makes you seem like you care about traditions)
Attend the economic meeting. (make a good first impression with everyone, including Manus)
Host a Concert. B(-1) (it makes the nobles happy and helps to avoid late game protests)
Let people protest, recite a Wruheist proberb, stand your ground, give no funding to the sanctuaries, participate in the Ceremony and accept the burden of God. B(-0) (we can afford the religious discontent if we don't legalize illegal substances)
Construct Zpana Hydroelectric Dam A(-2) B(-5)
Expand the Esenqiris Offshore Gas Field A(-1) B(-3)
Extensive Geological Survey A(-2) B(-2)
Raise Base Income Tax A(-2) (+1 Budget per Turn)
Listen to Lucita rant about military. (You will build her new shiny factories)
Invest in football autoskips due to lack of budget. (We will avoid the consequences of not paying)
A(0) B(0) E(3)
Build Qalus Gold Mine A(-1) B(-3) (It unfortunately will damage the environment, but it will be very beneficial for our budgets)
In the Foreign Affairs Meeting say that you want to seal new economic pacts with other Merkopan nations and don't found the ATA.
Include Elena in the trade talks and accept the alcohol trade deal (after saying is there another way we can rephrase this?), accept the Resort deal after confering with Elena and asking if it has to be as gaudy as the one on the picture. (+2 tourism without angering the nobles too much)
Commission statues for the entire Toras family A(+1) B(-1)
Mourn Liza with Vina, reassure her that she will be the heir to the throne and you will only propose options for her to marry (not drag her to the altar). Pabel will ask to come bring you a towel, he will tell you about your father's assassination, tell him you will investigate it. (you will be getting the true murderer)
Donate to Arufelde. B(-1) (this makes you have to pay less when you do the Morella deal)
Go meet Titus with Hugo but don't mention intimacy or possible murder (do not drink).
Ignore Propaganda. (banning it angers Valgsland and Morella)
Be polite with Smolak, don't interrupt him and make a speech about cooperation and peace (protect Estela).
A(2) B(1) E(4)
Denounce and distance the crown from Su Omina.
Construct the Monquiz Port and Shipyard Expansion. A(-1) B(-3) (Makes Rumburg deal possible)
Construct the Sallabes Consumer Park. A(-2) B(-2) (Industry +2, increases living standards)
Accept the maximum energy trade deal with Rumburg. E(-3) (+2 Budget -2 Energy per turn)
Visit Iza, get an old-fashioned rifle and let Vina and Rico interact, tell your uncle that they are cousins, "miss intentionally" and tell Hugo to go with his son.
Deny the Police Transfer. (Rico is a fascist and doesn't calm down the situation)
In Sallabes listen to Manus, agree to reforming Rizia and allow him to dance with your daughter.
Allow passage for goldocondist pilgrims. (makes Derdia and Goldocondists happy)
In the meeting with Rusty, be polite to him, refuse his offer and stay for lunch.
Tell Lucita you apreciate her house and want her to speak her mind, let her send agents to Pales and don't let her fall. (This guide isn't designed for a relation with her, but it is possible)
We avoid losing budget with the decline of football because we have no budget.
A(2) B(0) E(1)
In the meeting about the Pales dispute say you want to talk to Axel and do not initiate the blockade.
In the meeting with Axel say Rizia is prepared to let Pales keep the claim to the field, tell him you do want something in exchange, tell him not to let the hostility between our families to colour the negotiations, be understanding and say that your predecessors were out of line. Tell him that he will be caught up between superpowers and ask him about the parachute.
Pay the amount and tell him about your daughter. B(-5) (-3 Budget per turn) (+3 Energy in the future)
Send extensive military equipment to the Confederacy of Vendonesam. (-500 Military Equipment and -50 Support Vehicle)
Tell Alvarez to fuck off. (He is trying to turn Rizia and Pales against each other)
Attend the final session of the House of Delegates.
In the meeting of the house of delegates, try not to interrupt and be polite. Overturn the decision and give rights to all workers. B(-2) (-1 Budget per turn) (-2 Industry)
Accept cooperation with Wehlen in investigation. (Necessary to get them into the Intermerkopum)
Vine exports soar B(+2)
Build Tank Factory A(-3) B(-4) (+2 Industry, the first step to expanding the "forge of Rizia" Folce Dator)
During the AN meeting, be silent when Smolak anounces the delay of the Zille handover and aplaud him politely, don't applaud to Lespia and don't confront Hegel (he will be a convenient ally).
Say it's an honor to adress the assembly, focus on unity, say that what Smolak did is understandable and you will count with his transparency, say that it's understandable that Morella looked east and offer assistance, say that a compromise can be reached about religious travellers, regarding Pales say that you are in a new golden age and want to end the cycle of violence. (don't address Hegel)
Public Transportation Inefficiency Crisis Notice (We will stop it before it hits, don't worry)
During the vine launch event do a speech like this; celebrate the fruits of our land, this vine will inspire reverence to even sords, doubts about stability, with your help Rizia will be stronger than ever, proud son of Valenqiris, have faith in you and you will be richly rewarded, rising a glass to a reunited Rizia, you are here to drink wine, invite Lucita Azaro to open the bottle. (it makes them have a bit of a boost in relations) (go upstairs after the party)
(A relationship messes with how this guide works and passing decriminalization of homosexuality instigates protests on Montaklar)
Investing into Sordland is autoskipped (I won't use it because I want this guide to be possible with the default file).
A(4) B(0) E(0)
Build the Support Vehicles Factory. A(-2) (-3) (+1 Industry, final step of our expansion plan)
In the bilateral agreement with Wehlen be polite to Smolak and do the following:
-Import everything from Wehlen.
-Export Wine and Small Arms. (not Gold or Gas)
-Promise Aid against the BFF.
-Do not implement a Ban.
-Grant Wehzeks Equal Right to Work.
Agree to give him Rico. (you won't do it) (He will agree to the agreement)
Fund neither organization. (There is no need for it)
In the MITZ meeting be polite to everyone and vote against nationalization but say that you are willing to negotiate.
Don't fund campaign of the RNC. (we want the RPP to win)
In the Security meeting order the investigation into Su Omina to continue. Ask about the situation in Iza and say that this needs the intervention of the crown (assign the extra police forces to Lucita). A(-1) (Don't frame Rico, this way we avoid imprisoning him and Smolak won't demand him)
Tell Titus to keep looking into Sal. (he is the true murderer)
Football tries to rob you of 1 Budget. (it fails because you have no budget)
Accept cutting Lespia out in exchange for a ship. (you have to complain about the late hour to Hegel)
Sell First Batch of Military Equipment. B(-2) (-500 Military Equipment)
Be polite in meeting Alma and don't eat the cookies, split the shares 50-50 between Rizia and Morella.
For the conditions on the plane: Agree to speak to Derdia on Morella's behalf, Energy agreement and pollution reparations. B(-1) (it's 1 budget because you donated to the cause previously)
Say that you will talk to Vina about being a diplomatic envoy.
Send sordish tourists to Sordland to avoid a trial. (This doesn't damage tourism or relations)
In the visit to the Gas Field say that Vina has to go to a diplomatic mission first of all, refuse to bless their relationship and say that Axel will want her single. After that say that you like the naturalization idea and say that you don't want him dating your daughter. A(-4) B(-1) (This will make them win the elections but without spending a lot of authority)
Scrap and sell the boat A(-1) (You don't have any authority to lose anyways)
A(0) B(0) E(0)
Excavation of Topes Ancient Rezenid City A(-2) B(-2) (+2 Tourism in 2 turns)
Don't fund global media campaign. (There is no need for it)
In the meeting with the council they will tell you that the RPP has won the elections, there is no energy crisis and PaleStream will be finished soon.
Send an Infantry Division to support for Vendonesam. (-1 Infantry Division)
During the False Flag Operation maintain calm and go talk to Axel:
Shake Axel's hand, don't interrupt him, say you are there for peace, say you want a peaceful resolution, assure him of your peaceful intentions, let the soldiers leave immediately, I do not underestimate the gravity of the situation, what would we gain from this?, I am starting to suspect that, tell him you think someone else is behind the incident, Lespia, this is precisely the point, why wouldn't he?, anything for peace. B(-1) (Lucita is a better councilor and Duke than Taddeus, no need to get her imprisoned)
Tell Sal you wish to secularize Rizia.
Fund no charities A(-1) (you are unable to lose authority because you have none)
Talk to Lucita, she will tell you that House Azaro is happy with your reign and prepared to back reforms if you don't go too far.
In the official signing of the Aureus Agreement I talked about cooperation and friendship between Pales and Rizia. E(+6) (+6 Energy per turn)
Be kind to your daughter and mother during the memorial commemoration.
A(0) B(1) E(9)
Build the Havas Coal Mine A(-1) B(-2) (There is no negatives and it makes sense)
Don't invite Sal to the House of Representatives. They will tell you that the common people is unhappy. (we will solve this soon)
Don't fund any organization in Zille. (no need for it)
During the visit to Derdia say you want Titus to participate in the duel of generosity and let him prepare, say nothing to him.
Speak to him about mediation with Morella and to strengthen the ties between our nations. (trade deal) (-2 Energy +2 Budget per turn)
Send Naval Forces to help in Vendonesam. (-1 Ship and -1 Submarine)
Be polite to your uncle and he will tell you that House Toras is happy with your reign. (don't assassinate Mason Sazon)
Don't pardon Angelica Sazon. (She is a nuissance, also she doesn't support the reforms funnily enough)
During the visit to Iza strip Rico of his powers, put in power a democratic council and incorporate the city to Brennas. (It makes sense and will be popular)
Hugo will come to protest but he will ultimately accept your decision. (do not put Rico in charge of the police)
Improve environmental protections. B(-3)
Refuse Beatrice's offer to use the BFF. (There are no benefits, just drawbacks)
Take down the offensive painting before Axel arrives, say you want to go further and offer him to enter a grand alliance in South Merkopa and to reunite Pales and Rizia through marriage. (although only with Vina's consent)
In the family dinner propose Axel's offer to Vina but say that the choice is hers. (when she asks you if this is the best for Rizia say yes, she will be convinced)
Continue the Toras lineage through Vina. (She only possible heir anyways)
A(0) B(1) E(16)
Energy Subsidies for Industries. A(-3) B(-2) E(-2) (-3 Energy per Turn) (This makes the nobles happy and energy is abundant in our country now)
Invest in Renewable Energy. B(-3) (+1 Energy per Turn)
Due to the collaboration with Wehlen, Lespia's actions are known. Do not do anything about it, Wehlen will return Zille.
Host public banquets in honor of the victory in Vendonesam. A(+2) B(-2) (+2 Budget per Turn)
Welcome back our brave sailors.
On the meeting with Lespia, do not agree to anything. (they are a terrorist state)
Invest minimal efforts to the mediation between Derdia and Morella. A(-1)
In the Royal Council meeting, talk about forming a new regional alliance and proceed with it, Elena won't mention any problems with the economy. (Recession won't happen due to the high production and tourism investment)
Agree to create a constitution with Manus.
Allocate 3 Budget to the new alliance. B(-3)
Enact tenant protection laws. A(-2) B(-1)
Trade grows within GRACE. (+1 Budget per Turn) (Unfortunately it will only last 1 turn)
In the meeting with Manus Sazon be diplomatic with the nobility; design the constitution by remaining the head of state, giving powers to the government, centralize the government, a bicameral parliament with a house of lords with no legislative powers and judicial independence. (We need to find an agreement with the nobles to get no protests and this is an acceptable compromise)
In the negotiations with Wehlen be very polite to Smolak and he will return Zille only in exchange for your family's home.
Support Derdia and Wehlen mediation with minimal effort. A(-1) B(-1)
Vote Nay to Agnolia's recognition of Helijland. (Wiktor will give you back Zille)
Titus will come and tell you that Sal killed your father. (arrest him)
Low Global energy prices happens. B(-3) (I don't know if this can be avoided, but we have no budget anyways) (In my opinion, this should be avoidable if you don't export energy)
Enjoy the wedding and beginning of the reunification between Pales and Rizia.
A(1) B(0) E(14)
Launch Anti-Narcotics Campaigns A(-1) B(-1) (This will help mitigate the drug trade situation) (It is enacted now because it is only effective for one turn)
Derdia-Morella meeting: Offer to send a company of the armed forces to enforce the corridor. (-250 Military Manpower)
Derdia-Wehlen meeting: Offer a sea route and when Smolak asks for more say that you will offer extra budget. (-1 Ship) B(-1)
Aprove the new MITZ proposal. (50% of the zone is now ours)
There will be a meeting about the formation of the Intermerkopum, offer a joint energy stockpile. E(-5) (The Intermerkopum is formed and you gain 10 authority)
Enact: Remove provincial levy obligations, Permanent Work Permits to Working Hands and Lower Conscription Age to 18. A(-9) B(-4)
Accept aid from Valgsland, we will be expelled from GRACE anyways. B(+2) (This also makes them friendly with us with no negatives)
Meet with Beatrice and do whatever you want. (I chose to be diplomatic, middle, outer and inner spoon)
When Zille is returned you can choose to give it to Brennas or separate it into it's own province. (I chose to create a separate province)
Reform Conversations: Reassure the nobles, centralize, give the nobles power over constitutional amendments, give the nobles a seat in the Supreme Court and promise to give the prime minister position to Daria de Rava. (only Lucita will oppose it) (you will later appoint Manus regardless of the promise with no consequences)
Agree to the Pales Unification plans. B(-2)
A(1) B(1) E(7)
Expand Border Guards. A(-2) B(-1) (This would lower tourism in two turns, but now it gets rid of a red modifier)
Sign the new constitution and appoint Manus Sazon as Head of Government. (This will have no consequences, except for a more satisfying epilogue and RP)
Say goodbye to your councilors. (They may be assholes, but they are your assholes)
Meet with Axel and agree to integrate Pales into Rizia.
Enjoy your great unification and successfully reformed Rizia.
A(1) B(2) E(6)
We have created a modern Rizia, the state is centralized under a bicameral parliament, there is separation of powers, woman's rights are respected, royal traditions are upheld and Rizia is a proud heterogenous society.
Tourism is booming, new businesses are rising, we have an efficient transport system, we have increased production and we are extracting more resources than ever. There are a few problems but most are unevitable.
We have a strong welfare state, acceptable worker's rights and great living standards.
The drug problems our nation suffers are partially dealt with and the new government should be able to end them with our new resources.
The police is now centralized, House Toras has its dignity and every religious group is neutral towards us.
The Intermerkopum has a bright future, as does our now 6 provinces; Brennas, Cardesse-Montaklar, Pales, Rizia Imperii, Valenqiris and Zille.
submitted by LieutenantRayne to suzerain [link] [comments]
Introduction and Goals:
Remus is a man who believes that Rizia needs to modenize and respect all of it's citizens. He personally studied in University in order to revitalize Rizia and is determined to consolidate Rizia peacefully and promote world peace.After his wife's death he found solace in Wruheism and his precious daughter but still respects other religions and wants a Rizia inclusive to all, where everybody is free to think whatever they want.
He plans to build up Rizia's infraestructure, tourism and power projection (especially culturally).
Ultimately, his dream is to reform the monarchy and give power to the people of Rizia without a revolution and with the noble's permission.
Prologue:
(the \ symbol means it doesn't matter)*A Prince is Born: It was your calling.*
Summer Choice: Visit family in Zille.
Father Cermony: Ask about protests and doubt him.*
Pabel Choice: Be close friends.
Career Path: University (+1 Budget)
Pales Conflict: You thought it was a lost cause and demanded that he crack down on traitors. (+1 Authority)
Kidnapping: Fight back.* (you will get a cool scar)
Father Whelen Reponse: Thank him for restoring order.*
Monqiz Decision: Rebuild. (+1 Budget)
Meeting Lena: Kissed her hand, was right.*
Family Man: Family got in the way. (better relations with Vina)
Immigrants: Celebrated diversity.*
Su Omina: Didn't attend the meeting.
Boat Accident: Happily Came Along.*
Faith: Find solace in Faith (it makes religious people happy)
Hugo Return: Believed things could be better*
Royal Focus: Gold Production & Tax (+2 Budget, +1 Budget per Turn, -1 Public Opinion, -1 House Azaro Relation, -1 House Sazon Relation)
Axel Meeting: Go to the meeting, thaw between Rizia and Pales. (better relations with Pales)
Pales Trip: Lie to your father, keep your mouth shut. (better relations with Pales)
Kings Death: Rushed to him.*
Strategic Focus:
Reform, Diversify (+1 Budget), Third Way (+1 Pales Relation, +1 Derdia Relation, +1 Morella Relation), No military focus (+1 Budget).Turn 1: A(8) B(11) E(3)
Proceed with the coronation without a speech and greet subjects with Vina. (she will be the future queen)Allow Vina to join the council meetings. (she needs to learn, also she would become a malenyevist otherwise)
Small Parade in the Porte Drazon (there is no need for it and we need the budget for other things).
Listen to Hugo but don't drink with him. (It is too hot of a day to do so)
Enact Sovereign Transition and Clemency A(-1) (makes nobles Happy and makes you seem like you care about traditions)
Attend the economic meeting. (make a good first impression with everyone, including Manus)
Host a Concert. B(-1) (it makes the nobles happy and helps to avoid late game protests)
Let people protest, recite a Wruheist proberb, stand your ground, give no funding to the sanctuaries, participate in the Ceremony and accept the burden of God. B(-0) (we can afford the religious discontent if we don't legalize illegal substances)
Construct Zpana Hydroelectric Dam A(-2) B(-5)
Expand the Esenqiris Offshore Gas Field A(-1) B(-3)
Extensive Geological Survey A(-2) B(-2)
Raise Base Income Tax A(-2) (+1 Budget per Turn)
Listen to Lucita rant about military. (You will build her new shiny factories)
Invest in football autoskips due to lack of budget. (We will avoid the consequences of not paying)
A(0) B(0) E(3)
Turn 2: A(3) B(7) E(4)
Enact Housing for the Poor initiative A(-1) B(-1) (Avoids Housing Crisis)Build Qalus Gold Mine A(-1) B(-3) (It unfortunately will damage the environment, but it will be very beneficial for our budgets)
In the Foreign Affairs Meeting say that you want to seal new economic pacts with other Merkopan nations and don't found the ATA.
Include Elena in the trade talks and accept the alcohol trade deal (after saying is there another way we can rephrase this?), accept the Resort deal after confering with Elena and asking if it has to be as gaudy as the one on the picture. (+2 tourism without angering the nobles too much)
Commission statues for the entire Toras family A(+1) B(-1)
Mourn Liza with Vina, reassure her that she will be the heir to the throne and you will only propose options for her to marry (not drag her to the altar). Pabel will ask to come bring you a towel, he will tell you about your father's assassination, tell him you will investigate it. (you will be getting the true murderer)
Donate to Arufelde. B(-1) (this makes you have to pay less when you do the Morella deal)
Go meet Titus with Hugo but don't mention intimacy or possible murder (do not drink).
Ignore Propaganda. (banning it angers Valgsland and Morella)
Be polite with Smolak, don't interrupt him and make a speech about cooperation and peace (protect Estela).
A(2) B(1) E(4)
Turn 3: A(5) B(8) E(4)
Fund the Golden Guard and investigate Su Omina B(-3) and tell him you would like him to investigate your father's death leaving Pabel out of it.Denounce and distance the crown from Su Omina.
Construct the Monquiz Port and Shipyard Expansion. A(-1) B(-3) (Makes Rumburg deal possible)
Construct the Sallabes Consumer Park. A(-2) B(-2) (Industry +2, increases living standards)
Accept the maximum energy trade deal with Rumburg. E(-3) (+2 Budget -2 Energy per turn)
Visit Iza, get an old-fashioned rifle and let Vina and Rico interact, tell your uncle that they are cousins, "miss intentionally" and tell Hugo to go with his son.
Deny the Police Transfer. (Rico is a fascist and doesn't calm down the situation)
In Sallabes listen to Manus, agree to reforming Rizia and allow him to dance with your daughter.
Allow passage for goldocondist pilgrims. (makes Derdia and Goldocondists happy)
In the meeting with Rusty, be polite to him, refuse his offer and stay for lunch.
Tell Lucita you apreciate her house and want her to speak her mind, let her send agents to Pales and don't let her fall. (This guide isn't designed for a relation with her, but it is possible)
We avoid losing budget with the decline of football because we have no budget.
A(2) B(0) E(1)
Turn 4: A(6) B(9) E(0)
Disperse protestors by force A(+1) (you will need the authority)In the meeting about the Pales dispute say you want to talk to Axel and do not initiate the blockade.
In the meeting with Axel say Rizia is prepared to let Pales keep the claim to the field, tell him you do want something in exchange, tell him not to let the hostility between our families to colour the negotiations, be understanding and say that your predecessors were out of line. Tell him that he will be caught up between superpowers and ask him about the parachute.
Pay the amount and tell him about your daughter. B(-5) (-3 Budget per turn) (+3 Energy in the future)
Send extensive military equipment to the Confederacy of Vendonesam. (-500 Military Equipment and -50 Support Vehicle)
Tell Alvarez to fuck off. (He is trying to turn Rizia and Pales against each other)
Attend the final session of the House of Delegates.
In the meeting of the house of delegates, try not to interrupt and be polite. Overturn the decision and give rights to all workers. B(-2) (-1 Budget per turn) (-2 Industry)
Accept cooperation with Wehlen in investigation. (Necessary to get them into the Intermerkopum)
Vine exports soar B(+2)
Build Tank Factory A(-3) B(-4) (+2 Industry, the first step to expanding the "forge of Rizia" Folce Dator)
During the AN meeting, be silent when Smolak anounces the delay of the Zille handover and aplaud him politely, don't applaud to Lespia and don't confront Hegel (he will be a convenient ally).
Say it's an honor to adress the assembly, focus on unity, say that what Smolak did is understandable and you will count with his transparency, say that it's understandable that Morella looked east and offer assistance, say that a compromise can be reached about religious travellers, regarding Pales say that you are in a new golden age and want to end the cycle of violence. (don't address Hegel)
Public Transportation Inefficiency Crisis Notice (We will stop it before it hits, don't worry)
During the vine launch event do a speech like this; celebrate the fruits of our land, this vine will inspire reverence to even sords, doubts about stability, with your help Rizia will be stronger than ever, proud son of Valenqiris, have faith in you and you will be richly rewarded, rising a glass to a reunited Rizia, you are here to drink wine, invite Lucita Azaro to open the bottle. (it makes them have a bit of a boost in relations) (go upstairs after the party)
(A relationship messes with how this guide works and passing decriminalization of homosexuality instigates protests on Montaklar)
Investing into Sordland is autoskipped (I won't use it because I want this guide to be possible with the default file).
A(4) B(0) E(0)
Turn 5: A(8) B(5) E(0)
Build the Military Equipment Factory. A(-1) B(-2) (Second step of our plan, it improves Azaro relations)Build the Support Vehicles Factory. A(-2) (-3) (+1 Industry, final step of our expansion plan)
In the bilateral agreement with Wehlen be polite to Smolak and do the following:
-Import everything from Wehlen.
-Export Wine and Small Arms. (not Gold or Gas)
-Promise Aid against the BFF.
-Do not implement a Ban.
-Grant Wehzeks Equal Right to Work.
Agree to give him Rico. (you won't do it) (He will agree to the agreement)
Fund neither organization. (There is no need for it)
In the MITZ meeting be polite to everyone and vote against nationalization but say that you are willing to negotiate.
Don't fund campaign of the RNC. (we want the RPP to win)
In the Security meeting order the investigation into Su Omina to continue. Ask about the situation in Iza and say that this needs the intervention of the crown (assign the extra police forces to Lucita). A(-1) (Don't frame Rico, this way we avoid imprisoning him and Smolak won't demand him)
Tell Titus to keep looking into Sal. (he is the true murderer)
Football tries to rob you of 1 Budget. (it fails because you have no budget)
Accept cutting Lespia out in exchange for a ship. (you have to complain about the late hour to Hegel)
Sell First Batch of Military Equipment. B(-2) (-500 Military Equipment)
Be polite in meeting Alma and don't eat the cookies, split the shares 50-50 between Rizia and Morella.
For the conditions on the plane: Agree to speak to Derdia on Morella's behalf, Energy agreement and pollution reparations. B(-1) (it's 1 budget because you donated to the cause previously)
Say that you will talk to Vina about being a diplomatic envoy.
Send sordish tourists to Sordland to avoid a trial. (This doesn't damage tourism or relations)
In the visit to the Gas Field say that Vina has to go to a diplomatic mission first of all, refuse to bless their relationship and say that Axel will want her single. After that say that you like the naturalization idea and say that you don't want him dating your daughter. A(-4) B(-1) (This will make them win the elections but without spending a lot of authority)
Scrap and sell the boat A(-1) (You don't have any authority to lose anyways)
A(0) B(0) E(0)
Turn 6: A(4) B(7) E(4)
Enact the investment in Public Transport Infrastructure A(-2) B(-3) E(-1) (to avoid the infrastructure crisis)Excavation of Topes Ancient Rezenid City A(-2) B(-2) (+2 Tourism in 2 turns)
Don't fund global media campaign. (There is no need for it)
In the meeting with the council they will tell you that the RPP has won the elections, there is no energy crisis and PaleStream will be finished soon.
Send an Infantry Division to support for Vendonesam. (-1 Infantry Division)
During the False Flag Operation maintain calm and go talk to Axel:
Shake Axel's hand, don't interrupt him, say you are there for peace, say you want a peaceful resolution, assure him of your peaceful intentions, let the soldiers leave immediately, I do not underestimate the gravity of the situation, what would we gain from this?, I am starting to suspect that, tell him you think someone else is behind the incident, Lespia, this is precisely the point, why wouldn't he?, anything for peace. B(-1) (Lucita is a better councilor and Duke than Taddeus, no need to get her imprisoned)
Tell Sal you wish to secularize Rizia.
Fund no charities A(-1) (you are unable to lose authority because you have none)
Talk to Lucita, she will tell you that House Azaro is happy with your reign and prepared to back reforms if you don't go too far.
In the official signing of the Aureus Agreement I talked about cooperation and friendship between Pales and Rizia. E(+6) (+6 Energy per turn)
Be kind to your daughter and mother during the memorial commemoration.
A(0) B(1) E(9)
Turn 7: A(4) B(9) E(16)
Abolish the Goldocondist Blasphemy Law A(-3) (Needed to negotiate with Derdia successfully)Build the Havas Coal Mine A(-1) B(-2) (There is no negatives and it makes sense)
Don't invite Sal to the House of Representatives. They will tell you that the common people is unhappy. (we will solve this soon)
Don't fund any organization in Zille. (no need for it)
During the visit to Derdia say you want Titus to participate in the duel of generosity and let him prepare, say nothing to him.
Speak to him about mediation with Morella and to strengthen the ties between our nations. (trade deal) (-2 Energy +2 Budget per turn)
Send Naval Forces to help in Vendonesam. (-1 Ship and -1 Submarine)
Be polite to your uncle and he will tell you that House Toras is happy with your reign. (don't assassinate Mason Sazon)
Don't pardon Angelica Sazon. (She is a nuissance, also she doesn't support the reforms funnily enough)
During the visit to Iza strip Rico of his powers, put in power a democratic council and incorporate the city to Brennas. (It makes sense and will be popular)
Hugo will come to protest but he will ultimately accept your decision. (do not put Rico in charge of the police)
Improve environmental protections. B(-3)
Refuse Beatrice's offer to use the BFF. (There are no benefits, just drawbacks)
Take down the offensive painting before Axel arrives, say you want to go further and offer him to enter a grand alliance in South Merkopa and to reunite Pales and Rizia through marriage. (although only with Vina's consent)
In the family dinner propose Axel's offer to Vina but say that the choice is hers. (when she asks you if this is the best for Rizia say yes, she will be convinced)
Continue the Toras lineage through Vina. (She only possible heir anyways)
A(0) B(1) E(16)
Turn 8: A(7) B(15) E(16)
Improve Health and Education Subsidies. A(-2) B(-3) (This will make living standards even better)Energy Subsidies for Industries. A(-3) B(-2) E(-2) (-3 Energy per Turn) (This makes the nobles happy and energy is abundant in our country now)
Invest in Renewable Energy. B(-3) (+1 Energy per Turn)
Due to the collaboration with Wehlen, Lespia's actions are known. Do not do anything about it, Wehlen will return Zille.
Host public banquets in honor of the victory in Vendonesam. A(+2) B(-2) (+2 Budget per Turn)
Welcome back our brave sailors.
On the meeting with Lespia, do not agree to anything. (they are a terrorist state)
Invest minimal efforts to the mediation between Derdia and Morella. A(-1)
In the Royal Council meeting, talk about forming a new regional alliance and proceed with it, Elena won't mention any problems with the economy. (Recession won't happen due to the high production and tourism investment)
Agree to create a constitution with Manus.
Allocate 3 Budget to the new alliance. B(-3)
Enact tenant protection laws. A(-2) B(-1)
Trade grows within GRACE. (+1 Budget per Turn) (Unfortunately it will only last 1 turn)
In the meeting with Manus Sazon be diplomatic with the nobility; design the constitution by remaining the head of state, giving powers to the government, centralize the government, a bicameral parliament with a house of lords with no legislative powers and judicial independence. (We need to find an agreement with the nobles to get no protests and this is an acceptable compromise)
In the negotiations with Wehlen be very polite to Smolak and he will return Zille only in exchange for your family's home.
Support Derdia and Wehlen mediation with minimal effort. A(-1) B(-1)
Vote Nay to Agnolia's recognition of Helijland. (Wiktor will give you back Zille)
Titus will come and tell you that Sal killed your father. (arrest him)
Low Global energy prices happens. B(-3) (I don't know if this can be avoided, but we have no budget anyways) (In my opinion, this should be avoidable if you don't export energy)
Enjoy the wedding and beginning of the reunification between Pales and Rizia.
A(1) B(0) E(14)
Turn 9: A(5) B(9) E(12)
Remove regional police. A(-4) B(-2) (-250 Military Manpower)Launch Anti-Narcotics Campaigns A(-1) B(-1) (This will help mitigate the drug trade situation) (It is enacted now because it is only effective for one turn)
Derdia-Morella meeting: Offer to send a company of the armed forces to enforce the corridor. (-250 Military Manpower)
Derdia-Wehlen meeting: Offer a sea route and when Smolak asks for more say that you will offer extra budget. (-1 Ship) B(-1)
Aprove the new MITZ proposal. (50% of the zone is now ours)
There will be a meeting about the formation of the Intermerkopum, offer a joint energy stockpile. E(-5) (The Intermerkopum is formed and you gain 10 authority)
Enact: Remove provincial levy obligations, Permanent Work Permits to Working Hands and Lower Conscription Age to 18. A(-9) B(-4)
Accept aid from Valgsland, we will be expelled from GRACE anyways. B(+2) (This also makes them friendly with us with no negatives)
Meet with Beatrice and do whatever you want. (I chose to be diplomatic, middle, outer and inner spoon)
When Zille is returned you can choose to give it to Brennas or separate it into it's own province. (I chose to create a separate province)
Reform Conversations: Reassure the nobles, centralize, give the nobles power over constitutional amendments, give the nobles a seat in the Supreme Court and promise to give the prime minister position to Daria de Rava. (only Lucita will oppose it) (you will later appoint Manus regardless of the promise with no consequences)
Agree to the Pales Unification plans. B(-2)
A(1) B(1) E(7)
Turn 10: A(15) B(8) E(6)
Enact: Residence and Work Permit, Remove state religion, Impose gender pay equality, Remove death penalty. A(-12) B(-5) (-1 Budget per turn)Expand Border Guards. A(-2) B(-1) (This would lower tourism in two turns, but now it gets rid of a red modifier)
Sign the new constitution and appoint Manus Sazon as Head of Government. (This will have no consequences, except for a more satisfying epilogue and RP)
Say goodbye to your councilors. (They may be assholes, but they are your assholes)
Meet with Axel and agree to integrate Pales into Rizia.
Enjoy your great unification and successfully reformed Rizia.
A(1) B(2) E(6)
Conclusions:
The military is small but it demonstrated it's power in Vendonesam and is self-sufficient in their equipment due to the new Folce Dator factories.We have created a modern Rizia, the state is centralized under a bicameral parliament, there is separation of powers, woman's rights are respected, royal traditions are upheld and Rizia is a proud heterogenous society.
Tourism is booming, new businesses are rising, we have an efficient transport system, we have increased production and we are extracting more resources than ever. There are a few problems but most are unevitable.
We have a strong welfare state, acceptable worker's rights and great living standards.
The drug problems our nation suffers are partially dealt with and the new government should be able to end them with our new resources.
The police is now centralized, House Toras has its dignity and every religious group is neutral towards us.
The Intermerkopum has a bright future, as does our now 6 provinces; Brennas, Cardesse-Montaklar, Pales, Rizia Imperii, Valenqiris and Zille.