As we are getting a trailer for a much changed version of the Second Age today, I decided I would share what a first season in a series might look like for the story of Tolkien’s Second Age, while staying very close to the timeline and characters. I’ve taken some ideas I’ve seen from other creators who have made similar attempts at this, namely Council of Rings and Tolkien Untangled, but most are my own. As of now I’m not aware of a complete outline that exists for the first season of this sort of adaptation. In any case, this outline is essentially a summary of a complete text with 10 chapters that exists but is still in progress.
I’ve split the season into 10 episodes, as I think that’s ideal, and into pairs of 3-episode arcs I call Sagas, which will cover certain time periods. But each of these sagas will more or less function like a contained story, following certain characters during periods of their lives. And each is about 3 episodes between 50-60 minutes, meaning each is the length of a long film.
I started with a compressed timeline where season 1 would take place between 1200-1600, starting with the year Annatar arrives in Ost-in-Edhil. In this timeline Tar-Aldarion would essentially switch places with Tar-Surion. I think that the actual canon timeline allows for a very interesting look at the differences in passage of time between elves, Númenoreans, and Middle Men. It's more challenging but also more rewarding. The drawbacks of the canon timeline are that Aldarion dies close to mid-season, whereas in the compressed timeline we could follow Aldarion as he ages throughout the season. Therefore the whole season takes place between SA 725 and SA 1600.
That being said, there are still a few alterations and non-canon additions. The big alteration is that Annatar steals the nine when he leaves Eregion around SA 1500, instead of when he destroys Ost-in-Edhil around SA 1695. The other non-canon additions are Middle Men characters, which there are few examples during this time period, that Annatar can begin to seduce with the Rings of Power.
This was just a bunch of fun for me, but I hope this effort will demonstrate that we can have a great story that stays faithful to Tolkien’s timeline and characters.

Sagas of the Second Age: Season 1
Saga 1 (Episodes 1-3): The Mariner (covering events from SA 725-750)
Elrond. In the first prologue scene around SA 440, Elros as an old man arrives in Mithlond to visit his brother Elrond. Elros is fulfilling a promise to Elrond to visit him when he senses death is near. The two brothers spend time together before Elros departs back for Númenor.
Aldarion. Three hundred years later around SA 725 in Númenor, Aldarion and Erendis witness the corination of his father Tar-Meneldur in Armenelos. The next day, Aldarion sets out from Númenor with his grandfather to spend a year at the court of High King Gil-galad, but he is told by Meneldur not to go beyond Mithlond. Eventually, Aldarion decides to travel outside Mithlond, against his father’s wishes. Elrond offers to join him, seeing an opportunity to spend time with his brother’s descendant. Together they discover the dwarf cities of Ered Luin, and then the future site of Vinyalondë at the mouth of the Gwathló. Aldarion discovers the that the Men of Middle-earth are not as evil as he was told by his family in Númenor, and that some even speak the same language of the Edain that he does. Elrond and Aldarion then travel to Amroth’s kingdom in Belfalas. While Amroth is showing Aldarion the black lands of Mordor in the distance, they are ambushed by orcs, and narrowly escape with their lives. Before departing back for Númenor, Aldarion says goodbye to his new friend Elrond and the High King Gil-galad. Back in Númenor, Aldarion meets Erendis again and proposes to her. She asks if he is done with his travels, he says he is, and she accepts.
High King Gil-galad. Gil-galad endeavors to heal the trauma of Middle-earth. While Aldarion is travelling the lands of Middle-earth, he goes to settle a conflict between kingdoms of Gwaithirum and Breeland. A battle ensues between these kingdoms of Men and Gil-galad is unable to stop it. Before Aldarion departs back for Númenor, Gil-galad tells him that he would very much welcome his help in mediating the conflicts of the tribes of Middle-earth, as Aldarion speaks their language. Gil-galad perceives the return of the shadow of Morgoth, and departs to discover the source.
Galadriel. By lake Evendim, Galadriel admits Celebrimbor into her company. Despite the history of their families and some initial distrust between them, they realize they have a shared vision for continuing the great works of Gondolin. Together they discover the dwarf kingdom of Kazad-dûm. Galadriel is able to convince the dwarves of the mutual benefit of their cooperation in crafting. Durin III is eventually convinced, he agrees to allow and to help with the establishment of the future capital of Eregion: Ost-in-Edhil. There the works of the Noldor and dwarves will benefit each other for many centuries.

Saga 2 (Episodes 4-6): The Stirring of Númenor (Covering events from SA 1075-1350)
Elrond. About three hundred years later in SA 1075, Elrond arrives in Númenor to see his friend, now king, Tar-Aldarion. He is also tasked to ask the Númenoreans to prepare for war, as Gil-galad is now certain of the return of the shadow of Morgoth. Tar-Aldarion, now an old man, has reached an age where he must yeild the sceptre, in the tradition of the Kings of Númenor. He decides to leave Númenor’s official response to Elrond as a decision to his sucessor. Aldarion has only had one daughter Ancalimë with Erendis, and it is clear that there has been much friction in the marriage. His sister’s son Soronto is the nearest male heir. This situation causes a conflict in Armenelos between supporters of Soronto and supporters of Ancalimë, also between those who want to heed Gil-galad's call and those who don't. Ancalimë is seen as the elf-friend, while Soronto is staunchly against the armament of Númenor. Aldarion decides to change the law succession in Númenor in favor of Ancalimë. When Ancalimë is crowned, she reverses her initial position to heed Gil-galad, and decides to preserve Númenor as a land of peace.
Galadriel. Ost-in-Edhil is a great city now, and both elves and dwarves are seen thriving. A visitor from Aman arrives who calls himself Annatar. He demonstrates himself to be akin to the Noldor in his love and expertise with crafts, and says he was a student of Aüle. He wins the favor of Celebrimbor and the Gwaith-i-Mírdain, the crafter's guild, and soon becomes the favored partner of Celebrimbor. As the friction between Galadriel and Annatar increases, Annatar moves the Gwaith-i-Mírdain turn on Galadriel. She decides to depart to Lórinand by route of Kazad-dûm with her daughter Celebrían, while Celeborn stays behid in Eregion. Galadriel is graciously welcomed in Kazad-dûm, and her relationship with the dwarves grows greater. At last, she arrives in Lórinand and meets the King Amdír.

Saga 3 (Episodes 7-9): The Rings of Power (covering events from SA 1500-1590)
Celebrimbor. More than a hundred years later, sixteen Rings of Power are forged in Ost-in-Edhil. Celebrimbor and the Gwaith-i-Mírdain agree that seven of the rings should be gifted to the dwarven kings, as a token of thanks for their help in building Ost-in-Edhil. Celebrimbor, however, decides that the rings are too dangerous for Men. Annatar and Celebrimbor have a heated disagreement on this point, and Annatar accuses Celebrimbor of withholding the bliss of Aman from Middle-earth. Annatar absconds with the remaining nine rings. Sensing that he has been deceived, Celebrimbor crafts the Three in secret. He gives two to Gil-galad, and the remaining to Galadriel, and admits that he was wrong to doubt her.
Gil-galad. Minastir, the heir of Númenor, stays in the halls of Gil-galad as Aldarion once did. Minastir meets with the descendants of the Middle Men Adlarion befriended, though many more generations have passed for them than for Minastir. Aldarion’s travels are a tale that some believe to be myth. Gil-galad and Minastir travel the lands of Eriador and mediate the conflicts of Middle Men.
Elrond. Elrond travels to Númenor for the first time in several hundred years on order of High King Gil-galad to implore once more that the Númenóreans to prepare for war. Tar-Teleprian, the second Queen of Númenor, rules in Númenor now. When Elrond arrives and presents the request of Gil-galad, there is a conflict between supporters of Ancalimë’s policy of isolation and those who believe that they should heed Gil-galad, the latter being lead by the Lord of Andunië – Silmariën’s heir. When Elrond presents further evidence that the shadow of Morgoth has returned, Tar-Teleprian ultimately decides that Númenor must prepare for war.
Annatar. Annatar begins seducing the Kings of Men and gifting rings. Annatar arrives in the halls of a Gwaithirum king called Halmir, a descendant of one of the generals of the battle in the first saga. Annatar tells Halmir that the Noldor are withholding the power of prolonged life from mortals, and gifts him a ring. As Halmir is an elf-friend, his ancestors all being loyal to High King Gil-galad, he refuses Annatar’s suggestion. Eventually, Halmir succumbs to his curiosity and doubt and puts the ring on, entering the Realm of Shadows. He perceives immediately that his decay has been slowed, and indeed that the Noldor may have deceived him.

Saga 4 (Episode 10): Orodruin (1600)
Sauron crafts the One Ring in Orodruin, and Barad-dûr, the largest fortress ever built, has been completed. We Annatar standing on at the height of Barad-dûr wearing the One, below his vast legions of orcs.
As soon as the One Ring has been crafted, Galadriel, Celebrimbor, and the others realize they have been deceived and that Annatar was in fact Sauron, and they remove their rings.
The Men who received Rings of Power from Sauron realize too late they are deceived, as they are completely subservient now to the will of Sauron.

｢White Winter Hymnal｣
Namesake: White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes
Type: Natural Non-Humanoid, Long-Distance
Appearance: ｢White Winter Hymnal appears looking like a white billowing octopus with its web stretched out and is relatively soft looking. It has a humanoid head with purple striped eyes with no mouth, nose, or ears. Under the web is a pair of white humanoid legs. It’s 2 meters in height( or about 6.5 ft.)
Ability: [Falling in the Snow] ｢White Winter Hymnal｣ has the ability to go up high and stretch its web out to a 30 to 80 meter radius to the ground, covering the area. Everything in the area that is covered takes on a solid white appearance to where you can’t distinct if something ends or begins. If anything physically touches another object both surfaces turn red. Any liquid in the area is always red and turns the surfaces it touches red. The user or anything on them before the area is whitened does not affect the environment or objects in the area, but if they take off a jacket for example and stop touching it the jacket will affect the environment. Stand users can not walk out of the whitened area. ｢White Winter Hymnal｣ also can change the size of the radius slowly and if the area is less then a 40 meter radius it can move the area slowly too. The affect of the stand lasts till the stand is told to release the area or the user is killed.
[Shield] ｢White Winter Hymnal｣ is incredibly resilient when it’s not widely stretched out. This allows the user to use ｢White Winter Hymnal｣ as a shield by just having it stretch out flatly in front of what it’s protecting, usually the user.
Stats: Power: E Speed: C Range: B Durability: A Precision: C Potential: B
User: Wicker Smith is a tour guide in New Orleans, Louisiana and is a friend and right hand man of ????, the user of ｢I Have No Mouth｣ and ｢I Must Scream｣. Wicker’s mother died from a suicide when he was 10, unable to take care of Wicker and drowning in feelings of disappointment, she decided to drown herself in the bath. Wicker’s newfound resentment manifested his stand (sometimes when he is feeling overwhelmed he will put music on and cover himself in his stand till he feels better). Once he was older and he figured out what his stand could do he always kept a knife, or a gun if he could, with him. He met ???? at a graveyard and promised Wicker he could eventually bring back his mom one day. Wicker has been by his side since.
If you have questions about it please ask me, I would love to answer them!

There's been much discussion, both on the podcast and on this sub, about the extent to which those involved in the Playboy inner and outer circle were subject to NDAs. Most recently, Crystal has been criticized by Marston and HB for supposedly obtaining NDAs near the end of Hef's life and "silencing" his close friend. I think there is some fundamental misunderstandings about NDAs and what their role might be in this story.
Who am I? I am a silly little lawyer, practicing in California, and I love the intersection of law and popular culture. I wrote a journal article in law school about NDAs and the MeToo movement but sure as hell didn't try to get it published, so I've done deep dives into this topic but I am by no means an expert. I do love to learn, however, so if anyone has expertise in this area and wants to correct me or add onto any of this I would greatly appreciate it.
What is an NDA?
A non-disclosure agreement or an "NDA" refers to the broad spectrum of contractual agreements where the terms of the agreement bind at least one party from communicating about a pre-determined topic. Basically, a contract that makes at least someone keep quiet about something.
A contract requires (amongst other things) consideration by both parties. This means both parties have to give and take something for the contract to be valid. A contract, or an NDA, cannot just be a piece of paper where someone promises to do something. There has to be something in it for both sides.
Consideration, most commonly, takes the form of money. I pay you X, so you will do Y. But it can also be in the form of permission to engage in a certain activity. For example, I did an escape room once that had an NDA clause in the waiver so that people wouldn't go blabbing about how to solve the room once they were done. In exchange for getting to do the room, I agreed to the NDA. If I didn't want to agree to those terms, I could just not do the escape room.
The terms of the contract have to be reasonably balanced. You can't pay one cent for someone to agree to give you their firstborn child. Courts generally aren't in the business of scrutinizing the fairness of terms of contracts unless there's something grossly egregious about them, but it still has to make some modicum of sense.
Misunderstanding #1 - Anyone who signs an NDA is a victim being silenced by the other party.
This seems to be the assumption that HB and Marston are operating off of. There's this notion that Crystal forced all of Hef's circle to sign NDAs near the end of his life and now they're being silenced because of it.
First, you can't just have people sign NDAs and expect them to be enforceable. If Crystal did get NDAs from Hef's circle later in life, they had to have been paid consideration for it. Either Crystal offered them a sum of money (which they accepted) or the NDA was a requisite to partake in movie night, buffet dinner, etc. Either way, those who signed NDAs did so with an acceptance of what would be offered in exchange.
Obviously, there's argument that most people don't really understand the contracts they sign and wouldn't agree to them if they understood what they were giving up. But Hef's inner circle? These are people who have been in the entertainment industry for years, if not decades; these are people who have money to hire a lawyer, if not already have a lawyer on speed-dial. I am skeptical that if Dickie Bann was handed an NDA before entering the mansion for movie night he would've just signed it blindly.
Let's also consider the fact that the value of one's ability to speak out is inherently subjective. The criticism of an NDA assumes that the right to speak on a matter is something otherwise desired by the person agreeing to the NDA. It's easy to wonder why a victim would ever agree to an NDA and be prevented from speaking out about their experience. Frankly, before MeToo and the rise of social media, most victims of traumatic experiences were more inclined to speak less about their abuse than to go public. If you're a victim, and you already have no reason to speak to the public about your trauma, getting a significant payout to remain silent is actually a pretty solid deal.
Hef's friends are not victims by any means. But they showed a great amount of loyalty to him and the Playboy brand for decades before his death. I am incredibly skeptical of the notion that Hef's friends, but for some NDA, would have otherwise planned on ratting him out and showing the world that his health was declining.
The value of silence is subjective. Someone signing an NDA does not necessarily mean they are now restricted from publicly communicating something major. It very well might mean they just now have a legal obligation to do the thing that they would have done otherwise.
If, somehow, Crystal had been able to get Hef's friends to sign NDAs, I do not think that it influenced their behavior enough from what would have otherwise been that anyone needs to be that concerned about it. If it did, great, they probably got a great payout from it.
Misunderstanding #2 - NDAs are counter-intuitive to free speech and Hef would have never stood for them
As I'm sure many of you are aware, the First Amendment protection of free speech refers to the government's ability to restrict speech. Someone choosing to sign an NDA is not the same as the government preventing your broadcast from reaching its desired audiences. Someone choosing to not enter a private preschool with an AR-47 has nothing to do with their Second Amendment rights. The free speech that Hef specifically was known for advocating for had to do with censorship at the hands of the government from the broadcast of "obscene" content.
Maybe Bridget meant just the general philosophical idea of "free speech," which you would hope her masters in communication would have taught her to clarify the difference between. Regardles, remember, NDAs require consideration. This is not just ruthless silencing of innocent people who'd love to speak out about how awful Crystal is. These are wealthy, if not also highly educated, people in Hef's inner circle who, if they signed an NDA, surely understand the gravity (or lack thereof) of what they're agreeing to.
Likewise, I don't think Hef was against the idea of an NDA. Holly speculated that Hef wouldn't have required NDAs for those going into the bedroom because it would have given them a second to think about their decision. There's probably truth to this, but courts are also -very- reluctant to enforce any contracts that seem as though they would implicitly be authorizing sex in exchange for money. Also keep in mind the limited opportunities for women at that time to "speak out" if they even wanted to share about what happened in the bedroom. Hef probably would've loved for the public to hear what happened. There wasn't social media or the same understanding of power dynamics as there are these days. Who is someone who went into the bedroom and didn't sign an NDA and had a horrible time going to go to?
Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that Holly said she signed an NDA to work at the studio. This is perfectly reasonable. Anyone who is on a salary or signed a contract with an employer probably has signed off on an NDA clause and are currently bound by it. You couldn't keep something like who the Playmate of the Year was under wraps without some strict confidentiality provisions. The Playboy empire could not exist if there was some kind of blanket rule against NDAs.
Additionally, part of the allure of the mansion parties, per the podcast, were that no outside cameras were permitted inside. You're really gonna rag on someone not wanting a bunch of shitty iPhone shots of a man in his dying days, meanwhile you're singing the praises of exclusive parties that for decades wouldn't let people take and share photos of the event?
I am fully confident that Hef did not have issues with NDAs for business purposes, and certainly did not see that as contradicting his stance on free speech. In the podcast they said the mansion staff signed NDAs as part of their employment contracts There are countless examples of the Playboy company trying to silence people in Secrets of Playboy. Hef made it very clear that his stance was that free speech was important when it could help his bottom line. Anything else was negotiable.
Misunderstanding #3 - If someone signs an NDA it's automatically enforceable/If an NDA is unenforceable that will be obvious from the get go
To play devil's advocate to myself, I will say that whether an NDA is enforceable by a court of law and whether the parties abide by the terms are two separate issues. In many cases, a contract may not hold up in court if someone seeks to litigate over alleged violation of the terms. Most contracts don't get litigated over let alone actually get a final determination of their enforceability by a Court.
I will say that there's possibility that Crystal had people sign NDAs that were shotty but that the signers didn't understand that the NDAs weren't legitimate and so they still complied with the terms of the contract. (for example, often those waivers you sign for various activities wouldn't hold up in court, but people think they do, which precludes a lot of people from even considering bringing a claim) But this goes back to the type of people who would be signing these NDAs who otherwise might have access to sensitive information about Hef or the company. These are not girls coming out to do test shoots or the larger guest list at the mansion parties. These are people who are wealthy, powerful, and educated and would not be duped by the idea that merely signing an NDA with ridiculous terms would mean the contract is enforceable. Or perhaps they just didn't give a fuck enough about blabbing so there was no reason for them to even question the NDA that would stop them from saying something they weren't playing on saying.
Not a misunderstanding but one closing note in defense of these hypothetical NDAs - The power of speech for the average person has increased exponentially in the digital and social media age. HB acknowledge that the mansion parties were unique from anything currently because there weren't the same tools we have now to disseminate information. I think it's sort of an apples and oranges comparison in terms of confidentiality to compare the vibes of the buffet movie nights from the early 2000s to the 2010s, not even taking into account the nature of Hef's health.
I think Bridget talked about how a lot of screen contracts didn't allow for residuals from streaming services because they literally hadn't existed then. By the time smartphones and social media were ubiquotus I don't think Hef really gave that much of a care about protecting his or the brand's image. Hef never had a policy or strategy to address social media because it just wasn't even a problem for him to consider, not because he had some absolutely stance on letting anyone who came to the mansion say whatever they wanted about it to the masses.
Ok, I think that's all I have for now. Happy to talk about this or debate this more, but wanted to clear some things up since I feel like this drama with Crystal and allegations about NDAs is going to come up in the near future.

I am 30 weeks pregnant living with my boyfriend and his grandma, which is his mother figure in his life. They moved into this new house about 2 years ago because it was given to them after a family member passed, the two of them made an agreement that this house would be for him to put a mortgage down, set him up for the future , and that she would have a tiny home or trailer moved out onto the property or just completely move away. This was their plan before I ever came along.
I moved in a year ago after me and him got really serious, we want to really make this house a home and have a future together. I got off my birth control, however I was told it would take a good amount of time to get my cycle back in line and normal, but I got pregnant so fast. Which we are not unhappy about at all.
But it is now the end of the world for Gigi, his grandma. For months it has been nothing but a living hell. She has done everything in the book you can think of when it comes to in-laws from hell. My entire pregnancy she has ignored me, given me zero advice, fights with me over every small thing I do in the house trying to make this a baby safe space. It is only a 2 bedroom house, she has the master bedroom. Our plan has been to switch rooms because we have ZERO baby space in this other room, we didn't want to rush her into moving out because times are rough now of days, so to give her extra time I have been okay with sharing the master bedroom with our baby until that time comes. For months that has been the plan and she always seemed on board. But now. She refuses to finish cleaning her room and tells everyone that we are forcing her out, destroying her home, and getting rid of her stuff, when have done nothing but try to make it fair for her. Every time I clean any room in the house, she will go behind me and make a mess or undo shit I have done reorganizing. If I am alone with her, she whispers smart remarks about everything and anything, like about how she isn't allowed to do anything, for example she will grab a water bottle out of the fridge and ask if it is allowed to drink water in this house or she will just completely ignore my existence. She makes a fight about every small thing I do. If I close a curtain, she will come behind me and slam it open. If I move a dish in the cabinet, she will slam the cabinet doors and throw dishes around. She has woken me up many times slamming doors. Also she will hide the bills from us, lie about paying them, we have had a late fee charge so many times because of her. Even had the lights and water cut off. She will buy 2 of everything for only her and him. She has even stolen my makeup and clothes. She will pull my laundry out and throw it around. She will never clean up after herself, I am ALWAYS cleaning EVERYTHING, if I do not, it will not get done. And worse of worse she made my gender reveal all about her. Thats a long story but she ruined my party. And still till this day she hasn't asked me anything about the baby or shows that she even cares about me or my baby.
There is so much more, I could just go on forever. The rude things she says to me blows my mind. She even brings up his ex girlfriend and compares her to me in bad ways. She comments on the clothes I wear to my boyfriend, while I'm literally dying pregnant trying to fit my clothes lol. Anyways when my boyfriend gets off work, she acts PERFECT. She never speaks to me directly still but she will act like she is the sweetest person around, acts like she could never do wrong and plays it off when he confronts her about the stuff I tell him.
My problem is, before I got pregnant, we all lived in harmony. Everything I do now was okay before. I'm a very shy, non confrontational person, and I dont have any family myself, so I'm not family understanding and for these 7 months, I've just stuck to myself and done my best to not stress out for my baby's sake. My health hasn't been great and I was ordered to be on leave for work at 5 months. We even have had a defect scare on our baby as well. I've just had faith and hope in my boyfriend to set things right with her, but now at 30 weeks, with no progress from her, her room still so dirty, while I have our room all packed up ready to switch, I'm losing hope. I am to the point of not wanting her around me or my baby at all. I stress so much having to do everything last minute, I just didn't want to not lose faith in my man , he takes care of me so well but now I'm lost. He loves this land and house, he wants to raise our family here and doesn't want to move, he loves his grandma and doesn't want to just kick her out with no where to go, but Gigi just shows to not care at all about my health or this baby and it breaks my heart. No matter how many sit down talks we have she manipulates the situation. I'm worried that I will go into labor early because of her honestly. My man hears my cries and tells her about all the health issues and everything but she will not stop. I try my best to ignore her and do what is best for me, but its SO hard now of days. I am now feeling distant from my man because he asks me what he can do, but in reality it seems like we either have to move out or really kick her out. But i dont want to put that onto him at all. But then again I feel I have been so understanding and supportive for these 7-8 months trying my hardest to ignore her, all I asked is that we dont have everything be done last minute and we just switch rooms. And now it feels as if Its all too late and I worry about the future when the baby comes.
Everyday I overthink and regret everything. I cry so much and I feel as if no one cares enough, I know my boyfriend cares so much. But how can he see it be like this? I dont know what I expect him to do... but there has to be more right? He tells me there are other pregnant moms out there dealing with much worse and I understand that SO much, but idk... I am just so tired of being unhappy and uncomfortable. I have a baby on the way, it should be a happy experience but its just not anymore and I hate it.
Any advice? Please share your thoughts or tips. Sorry its a book to read.

It's my second poem in English (I'm French). I would really love your feedback and know what worked and what I need to improve. I'm looking forward for your feedback
At night I wake up crying, My voice is singing:
Hey diddle diddle, The Cat and the fiddle, The Cow jumped over the moon, The little Dog laughed to see such sport, And the Dish ran away with the Spoon
At night I wake up screaming, It’s the child still in me singing:
Hey Red Monster, The Cat and the fiddle, The Cow jumped over the moon, The little Dog laughed to see such sport, And the Dish ran away with the Spoon
At night, I wake up howling, I catch a glimpse of shadow In the mirror, bright red eyes.
Hey Red Monster, The Red Monster and the Little Boy, The Cow jumped over the moon, The little Dog laughed to see such sport, And the Dish ran away with the Spoon
At night I wake up crying, The Red Monster’s smell is horrible; As I flee into my imaginary haven: the Moon with the Spoon
Hey Red Monster, The Red Monster and the boy, The Red Monster jumped over the Little Boy, The Red Monster laughed to see such sport, And the Dish ran away with the Spoon
At night I wake up crying, Feeling the Red Monster’s love grip Twisting the song. I seek forgetness In the haven of the nursery rhyme.
I now know the Nightmare, memories flooding; Taste, smell, all my senses overwhelmed… The Red Monster everywhere, his two bright eyes!
Hey Red Monster, The Red Monster and the boy, The Red Monster jumped over the Little Boy, The Red Monster laughed to see such sport, And the Red Monster ran away with the Little Boy
my blog: https://deviantabstraction.com/2024/05/09/my-safe-place/
Critic 1: https://www.reddit.com/poetry_critics/comments/1crwka8/comment/l414ti0/ Critic 2: https://www.reddit.com/poetry_critics/comments/1crws4q/comment/l415gzp/

This sub can sometimes get filled with stories of people with FIRE tunnel vision depriving themselves of things that make them happy in the present, so I thought it would be nice to share an example of how FIRE can actually help people improve their current lives -
As a previous non-alcoholic but way-over-recommended-amount drinker who had steadily increased my intake over time, I had never realized how much it was impacting my energy level/ mental clarity/ mood. Beginning FIRE led me to look over my spending and realize how much I'd been shelling out for alcohol - I wound myself down from 5-6 nights a week to 1-2 nights a week and now, as an unforeseen benefit, I have much more energy and just generally feel much better. It’s a double win (with the money being the lesser importance)

First thing to mention, i love that the developers try to change and improve some mechanics, and the idea of upgrading the "ultimate" stuff in a different tree even though the call mechanic was cooler.
But, since we use the hexes only with consuming mana, hexes become too hard to use with builds that does not use omega casts. This could be ignored if the "non-omega cast" builds were stronger, but they are not.
For example, today i had a hammer upgrade for the staff that makes the special(but not omega) fire double, and thougt its cool and got it, but my dps went became incredibly down(i had artemis arrows too) so i had to switch to omega cast-hex combos. and even with default versions, they did more damage.
I think there should be more options to fill the hex meter(could be with keepsakes, chaos upgrades, boons idk). By the way, i played like 15 hours and if there are some ways to do this in later game, u can ignore this post lol

In light of the skepticism towards social democratic ideals in the US, largely due to historical biases and a misunderstanding of its principles, I propose a rebranding of social democratic policies to make them more appealing. Social democracy has proven successful in various countries and offers practical solutions that align with core American values.
Let's face it, the Cold War irrevocably tainted any ideology even tangentially related to the word "social", and one could argue that this deeply ingrained aversion to terms such as "socialism" or "social democracy" is a major contributor to Sanders' loss in 2016, even though his policies would objectively benefit the lower 50% of the population.
Rebranding social democratic policies and other social democratic safety nets in a way that makes them more appealing to demographics wary of the terms like "socialism" and "social democracy" involves a strategic communication approach that emphasizes shared values, practical benefits, and relatable messaging. Here are some key points that I think we should implement in order to successfully enact socialist policy that would overwhelmingly benefit the lower 50%:

• Use Inclusive and Familiar Language:

Instead of terms like "socialism" or even "social democracy," use language that resonates with American values, such as "freedom," "security," "opportunity," and "family support." Phrases like "economic security," "family benefits," and "health assurance" can frame these concepts in a more positive and accessible light. This is what the ultraconservative billionaires do with their private foundations and political non profits (Americans for Prosperity, etc.)

• Emphasize Fairness and Equality of Opportunity:

Many people are motivated by the idea of a fair playing field. Highlight how safety nets are about giving everyone a fair shot at success, not just providing handouts. For instance, explain how access to healthcare and education enables all citizens to contribute more effectively to the economy. Emphasize the fact that a lot of these "self-made" actually started out with significant family resources at their disposals (Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, etc.)

• Highlight Economic Benefits and Efficiency:

Discuss the economic rationality behind safety nets, such as reducing emergency healthcare costs through preventative care or boosting economic productivity through better-educated workers. Show how these measures can save money in the long run and stabilize the economy. Investment in education = more efficient workers = more efficient economy; therefore, it is in America's advantage to make higher education more accessible.

• Use Success Stories and Relatable Examples:

People connect with personal stories more than abstract concepts. Share success stories of individuals and communities that have benefited from these programs. Highlight examples from conservative or traditionally right-leaning areas where social programs have led to positive outcomes. The New Deal policies enacted under FDR come to mind as they were remarkably beneficial to the lower class before being systematically dismantled during the Reagan Era.

• Focus on Family and Community Values:

Frame safety nets as a way to protect and uplift families and communities, ensuring that no one is left behind during tough times. This can appeal to communal and familial instincts, which are strong in many conservative areas. Republicans LOVE family values, so finding a way to promote these policies in the name of "family" is a must.

• Stress Independence and Self-Sufficiency:

Rather than presenting safety nets as charity, frame them as tools that help people become self-sufficient. For example, job training programs can be branded as "career advancement networks," emphasizing their role in helping individuals climb the economic ladder on their own terms. This one is huge. Self-sufficiency and independence are a major reason cars are still so prevalent as apposed to public transit in this country. Figuring out a way to emphasize the importance of social policies as pivotal to these ideals is crucial.

• Leverage Bipartisan Support:

Where possible, highlight bipartisan support for certain measures, demonstrating that they are not about partisan politics but about common-sense solutions to shared problems. This can help reduce the fear of a "socialist" agenda. This one is difficult due to how obdurate Republicans can be, but garnering Republican support is essential.

• Avoid Patronizing or Condescending Tones:

When communicating these ideas, it’s crucial to respect the intelligence and concerns of the audience. Avoid talking down or dismissing their fears. Instead, acknowledge their concerns and provide thoughtful, evidence-based responses. Look, I get it - it can be hard to deal with many conservatives without feeling an air of haughtiness. But rather than contempt I propose pity: these poor people lack the requisite critical thinking skills to recognize corporate propaganda, and patronizing them only leads to further division.

• Use Local Influencers and Leaders:

Messages are often more persuasive when delivered by familiar and trusted voices. Engaging local leaders, religious figures, and influencers who can speak to the benefits of these policies in a culturally resonant way can increase acceptance and understanding. Social media is also a must. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Youtube shorts have proven invaluable in disseminating ideologies.

• Demonstrate Government Efficiency:

Many fears around social democracies relate to perceptions of government inefficiency. Demonstrate cases where government intervention has been efficient and effective, and highlight improvements and reforms that aim to enhance government accountability and performance. Again, think FDR's New Deal.
By addressing cultural values and speaking directly to the needs and concerns of skeptical demographics, it's possible to reshape perceptions of social democratic policies in a way that emphasizes their practicality, necessity, and alignment with broadly held American values.
Rebranding our core ideals as "patriotic" and renovating them with a big Red White and Blue veneer should be our sole focus. In order to effect meaningful change, we need to use tried and true tactics borrowed from the conservative billionaire ruling class. Using their strategy of adopting ambiguous and broad-sounding yet seemingly innocuous names is essential (think "American's for Prosperity", "Club for Growth" "Institute of Economic Affairs", etc.).

Hi all. I help run a small family-owned business, currently with around 50 employees. The employee count sometimes goes to 100, since we have seasonal employees that aren't always around.
Right now we're using a very barebones timeclock that simply shows the dates and times that employees punch. It isn't able to differentiate between time in and time out, which makes it a pain in the butt since we have to manually identify them in excel. I'm looking for a more robust time-clock machine/kiosk that can help keep track of employee working hours. This will make it easier for our payroll team to help calculate wages at the end of each pay period.
Required features:

• Needs to be a physical machine or kiosk that employees can go to and do their punches. I know a lot of modern time-tracking services are online and use your phone or something, but many of our employees are older or are not tech-savvy, and so this is the easiest way for them.
  
• Some kind of internet connection that lets me access the machine and its records remotely from anywhere, preferably through a web UI and not a phone.
  
• Fingerprint and RFID card punching. Some of our employees prefer doing fingerprint, so we give them the choice. Right now all of our employees have 125kHz RFID access cards, so ideally we'd want to use them for the timeclock machine too and not have them retain two separate cards.
  
• Be able to automatically calculate the amount of time worked for each employee.
  
• Be able to track employees who punch more than twice a day.
  
• Be able to differentiate between in and out punches. For example, we have some employees who leave in the middle of the day to run personal non-work related errands. When they punch, I want the machine to be able to know which punch is them leaving, and which one is them coming back, and be able to calculate their hours.
  
• Be able to set a time offset for breaks and lunch. For example, lunch is 30 minutes, so ideally the machine knows to automatically subtract 30 minutes from the total recorded time for each employee each day.
  
• Be able to export time records and attendance reports in excel format, preferably CSV.
  

Bonus features that are nice to have but aren't required

• Be able to identify late/tardy punches. Allow us to set a custom grace period, after which a punch is considered tardy.
  
• Be able to identify duplicate punches. Sometimes accidents happen and employees will double-punch. Currently I have to manually identify these and delete them myself. It'd be nice if there was a way to set a grace period of a certain time interval so that an accidental second punch doesn't get recorded.
  
• Would really love one that doesn't require a subscription. If we really have to though, we can accept paying a subscription.
  

Ultimately, I'm just trying to make things easier for our payroll team when they need to calculate payroll. Ideally, I would like to just give them a list of all employees and the amount of time they worked during the pay period, and that's really it.

hi guys. i really, really need some advice about my gender identity so i am here. of course only i can know the true answer but please help me find it.
so, i am 22 years old afab and have never been dysphoric my whole life (except for my chest area), almost my whole life, until the pandemic. i remember choosing the male avatar in games i used to play sometimes, but i didn't hate the idea of choosing the girl option. i enjoyed playing games like stardoll, etc. i was also playing with cars, boyish things (?)... but i did not differentiate.
i was okay with being referred to as feminine pronouns or feminine things, again, until pandemic. in high school i did makeup, wear feminine-ish clothes, never doubted my identity. i kinda knew about lgbtq+ as a concept but never thought myself as one, or felt like i was 'one of them'.
then the pandemic hit and i had to sit at home. i met tiktok and all the kinds and teens and people that are not afraid of expressing themselves. they looked so sure of themselves that i got jealous. because until then, i always lived as default, never had my own beliefs or thoughts mostly, i was believing what my family believed as a religion, i was 'feeling' like how i was born, except i never question myself about that topic until then.
then i started to question myself about the things i never questioned myself about (?), which was literally everything. my religion, my sexuality, my personal beliefs, my gender... it was so overwhelming i got into a big depression. then i came out as non-binary. i realized being perceived as a female and feminine things mad me feel bad and gave me dysphoria. especially my chest. but then last year, i started to notice my inner thoughts about men and how i would like to born as one. i always caught myself thinking ''i wish i was born a cis boy and had his body...'' but i would not want to be a ''typical man'', if that is a thing. for example, i wouldn't want a beard or any overly masculine thing. but i really want to have a boy's physical body and his voice and his hair and... it goes on.
after that i tried masculine style as much as i could; a short mullet hairstyle, more baggy clothes, more clothes from men's section, having my friends calling me a boy or saying that i ''looked handsome''. these expressions made me so so happy. but at the same time, even though i was happy, i couldn't tell myself that i was fully a man, the thought scared me... idk if 'scared' is the right word but i thought i did not deserve getting called a 'man'. then on daily i kept getting misgendered from the people who don't know my gender identity because i don't pass irl and having a high voice doesn't really help. those made me really sad and i felt dysphoric.
so yeah, that's mostly it. i don't think i'm cis... but am i a man? am i something different? which is it? the thought scares me, honestly. i can't imagine myself being 40-50 and being a big man. not to mention my family and the people around me are mostly transphobic as far as i know. there's also the thought that what if i transition and i find myself 'hideous' and not happy? what if i end up regretting in the future? what would my family and the people around me think? they would think i am a disappointment, probably. getting those reactions probably would mess me up badly. so would it really worth it if it saddens me in the end, after all the blood, sweat and tears shed?
thank you so much if you read until the end. what do you think? did you experience something like this? i can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, sadly... i don't actually know if everything will be better for me. tell me if you need more context, i will provide you context happily if needed. have a good day!

Last four events with double money on farm visitors I started stacking diamond rings.
For example, I had around 300-400 pieces on stock this last event. Sadly in non of the four events the visitors asked for the rings (this is different with events in the past).
Is this a common problem for more of you guys? And do you have any tips maybe?!
KR Justin

Let’s do it again, friends: get stoned and listen to my thoughts on season 2, episode 2!

• Anthony and benedict are getting shaved and all i hear is the sweeney todd pipes
• kate in this beautiful jewel-toned bridgerton blue 💙
• Anthony obviously in love with kate while actively trying to court edwina. His cocky little smile kills me
• Lmfao “i cannot think of any cleverer way to say this, but noooo”
• Pen: goddamn it eloise i did exactly what you wanted and you still criticize LW
• The look colin gives pen 💗 theyve done a great job building up the polin romance
• I also hate guns and hunting and would be pissed as fuck if some dude comes in my home and starts hanging that ugly shit
• I’m honestly really happy phili gets a love match with finch
• Lord lumley seems sweet honestly. And he’s right, poetry is better read aloud. Its a type of song really. I hate that poetry is usually taught to kids by reading it silently or reading it aloud in class for the first time without any idea how to intonate or understand what theyre expressing. I had the opportunity to see a shakespeare play performed before i had read or even heard of the story and i was shocked that i was able to understand it and enjoy it. I was like why isnt this how we do it always??
• sorry i have half an english degree and i’m a real pain in the ass about it
• Also btw has anyone read the book much ado about mean girls? Its mean girls but written in shakespearean style. Its a hoot if you’re also a nerd like me
• Ok sorry back to bridgerton. I paused it for so long to type all that my tv went to screensaver mode
• Was mr dorset earnest in trying to meet with kate or was it actually orchestrated by anthony?
• I also prefer a warm spicy chai to a milky black tea
• Benedict to mondrich: sorry anthony’s an ass, I am not tho, please tell me more
• Eloise has another ribbon hat contraption. This one is like a straw beret
• I think its a bit of a weird styling choice for eloise to wear these ribbon head things. They dont offer any practicality: they dont keep her hair up or out of her face, they dont keep her head warm or shield her from the sun. they seem to be purely decorative and i feel like eloise would just rather nothing than something simply pretty
• I liked the look she had in colins return scene when it was just pinned to the side. I feel like that would be her go to
• Edwina trying so hard to hook kate up and get her off her back
• Pen is so clever. Eloise literally tells her, look i figured out where you print your LWs and pen just smirks and el goes oh your right im acting silly
• A & K arguing about the horses and once again the chemistry is so damn oobvious i’m surprised the whole of the stands isnt shouting get a room
• Lol i just noticed lumley brings back 2 cups (presumably for edwina and kate) and anthony takes kates
• The look he gives her when she whistles…boy is S M I T T E N
• Stop hollerin like a newsboy - i say this to my dog when hes outside barking at the neighbor
• Eloise finding a locked door in a place she’s not supposed to be, knocking on the door, and then immediately bothering the first person she sees is just a perfect example of her character lol
• The new lord featherington is like fuuuuck i thought this was m lucky break but i’m screwed
• Love QCs colorful wigs. Were the ornate wigs back then different colors? I can only picture them in white
• This is the first time kate’s not in blue. We’re coming out of our bridgerton blue and into our purples era. Purple represents royalty, opulence, ambition, and power. Edwina is in pink almost exclusively. Pink represents young love, girlhood, innocence
• “You are the one who is always right” benedict is good with the quick comebacks
• “Why should i be the one to admit defeat??” aka her sister hates me but i love her so im not giving in
• Zeh-bruhs
• anthony showing up with that horse is like mentioning you liked curious george and him showing up with a chimpanzee. Never gift a pet/live animal
• I like that mondrich is like fuck that snobby other club, i’m opening my own place with blackjack and hookers
• Anthony doesnt get invited to one party and he’s like WOW rude
• Time for the loser suitor show
• Surprised none of these losers did a stand up act
• Poor pen so sick of yellow. We’re gonna add that bridgerrton blue soon and see you in beautiful greens 💚
• Colin being the corniest: I really got to know someone i didn’t know at all: me
• colin to pen: you’re not a woman, youre my friend. I dont find you worth loving or fucking
• Lady F would have been happy to scheme with jack and get the cowpers money. Shed probaby end up killing cressi somehow
• Lol i love what a critic of the arts benedict is. a true artist
• i read somewhere once that its a staple of the regency romance to diss byron because he was a very popular poet at the time, so its kind of like yeah i'm a corny romantic type but i'm a cool corny romantic type. i dont like whats on the radio, i have good taste
• Anthony to benedict. Write that shit down write that shit down
• Anthony was definitely the “can i copy your homework” kid
• Anthony: you forgot to invite me. That was your mistake right? Im obviously supposed to be here??
• Literally speechless when he sees kate
• Anthony: I might not be able to give you romance, but i can take care of you and give you a happy life. Kate: you hear that shit? He’ll never love her what a pig
• Kate is treating the ton the way i treated my last job. I dont care if they like me, i’m here for the money
• Penelope once again being a shrewd business woman. Give me the discount to keep me away lol
• QC literally has no idea who pen is lol

It's common for non-Ashlands biomes that were connected to the border of the Ashlands biome to have vastly different elevations in the new update, resulting in stuff floating in the sky above the land or sea. (rocks, ancient roots, trees, etc.). This also happens up near the Deep North biome.
The simple solution is to make a fresh new world after the new Ashlands patch. And if you never visited the Ashlands in your old world, you're also likely safe.
But if you ever traveled close to the Ashlands, you'll get this glitch. You can prevent this with the Upgrade World Mod. But it's quite the process.

Part 1: Make a world backup

The game automatically makes backup files, but just to be safe, you want to manually create your own backups.
Your Valheim world consists of 2 files with these extentions:

• *****.db
• *****.fwl

In fact, I suggest you include the backups of your backup, too:

• *****.db.old
• *****.fwl.old

Actually, it's not a bad idea to make a backup copy of the entire save folder, just in case.
Now, it's best to be working with Local Saves rather than with Cloud Saves. By default, the game uses cloud saves. Your save file location might be different depending on which save method you had employed.
This is the Valheim local save file location:

• C:\Users\*****\AppData\LocalLow\IronGate\Valheim\worlds_local

The AppData folder is normally hidden. So here's another way to find the AppData folder:

1. Windows Key + R
2. type in appdata.
3. Navigate Appdata > LocalLow > Irongate > Valheim

Part 2: Staying Pre-Ashlands (Optional)

In order to prevent elevation errors from ever occuring, you might want to perform these fixes before loading up the world with the Ashlands Patch downloaded. To do this, Go to your Steam Library and set your game to the previous patch:

1. Steam Library > right-click Valheim > Properties > Betas
2. change "Beta Participation" from "None" to "default_preal"

(It's likely not be necessary to stay pre-Ashlands, as you can still reset zones after the patch, but better safe than sorry)

Part 3: Console setup

Now you need to enable the developer console

1. Steam Library > right-click Valheim > Properties > General
2. Find the Text field in the Launch Options section under where it says "Advanced users may choose to enter modifications to their launch options"
3. In this text field, type -console

You can now open the Developer Console by pressing F5 while in the game world.

Part 4: Mod Installation

You need to install the BepInEx Pack. Followed by the Upgrade World Mod.
I recommend either installing these mods manually or using the r2modman manager (Source)
(DO NOT use the Overwolf / Thunderstore mod manager - it has video ads that ruin performance)

• r2modman video guide
  
• Upgrade World documentation
  

Part 5: Finally doing something

Now we're finally ready to get started.
Be sure to make a new character for this test and do not use your actual character. Then, Load up your Valheim world.
Open the console with F5 and make sure you have the following developer commands active:

• devcommands
• god
• fly

This just makes things easier for later on.
Now we want to reset the Ashlands. In order for a zone reset to work, there needs to be no players near the Biome at all. A quick way to move away from the Ashlands is this command:

• goto 0 0

The command to reset Ashlands is:

• zones_reset biomes=AshLands force

The "force" part of that command forces any player bases in the biome to be destroyed without a trace. If you do not do this, the zones around the base will not be reset by the mod.

Part 6: Fixing Problem Spots

This is where trial and error begins. If you're obsessively cautious like me, you'll want to travel back and forth between the Ashlands update and the previous patch to preserve your original world.

• (If you don't want to close your game to do all of this, then instead of doing Step 5 simply type the command goto 0 0, and for Step 7 only repeat steps 3-6)

1. Save another backup of your world file.
2. Change your Beta selection back to "None"
3. Load up the game and fly around in god mode, checking to see if everything is fine
4. Write down the coordinates of any problem areas that you find.
5. Restore your backup world file, and change Beta back to "default_preal"
6. Reset the problem spot (see below)
7. Repeat Steps 1-6 until done.

For Step 6, you'll need to use more targeted resets, limited by max distance. There are 2 ways to do this: by raw position (in meters) or by zone. (a zone is a 64x64 chunk of the map)

• zones_reset pos= max=
• zones_reset zone= max=

pos sets a center position and max sets how far out it goes.
zone sets a center position and changes max to set how many zones away the reset can reach.
Example:

• zones_reset pos=-3700,-7200 max=350

This resets a small area on my map that was giving me problems.

• zones_reset zone=-58,-113 max=6

This more or less does the same thing, but goes by zones. Notice that the max needs to be smaller since zones are a 64x64m area.
 
If there are any player bases in the affected zones, the mod will skip them. To force the mod to delete the player base, add force at the end of your reset command, like we did in Part 5

Side Note: The Reset Area shape

It is unclear to me whether this "max" distance is actually a "radius" for a circle. I think it might just create a square around the center point. So, for example:

• zones_reset pos=0,0 max=100

If it was a square, this would make a 200x200m square with these corner locations:

-100, 100	100, 100
-100,-100	100,-100

A circle dictated by a radius wouldn't include those.
I have no idea if it is a square or if it is a circle. All I know is that I've had unpredictable and strange results when using a very large radius.

I'm working on a ranking for sunglass lenses (NOT frames), to be used when I start publishing lens reviews. This is my current list and I wanted to run it by this subreddit for your thoughts. Let me know what you think, if I'm missing anything or there should be different categories.
Tier 1: Elite
The best of the best. These lenses offer exceptional quality and performance, making them worth actively seeking out. They provide unparalleled clarity, color enhancement, and contrast, making them ideal for anyone who wants the very best viewing experience. They may not be the best in every situation, but the experience they provide in environments they thrive in is unmatched. It may be worth sacrificing the style or construction of the frame in order to acquire these lenses.
Examples: Serengeti Drivers, Maui Jim Blue Hawaii

Tier 2: Exceptional
Amazing lenses that excel in specific conditions or slightly lag the tech of tier 1. While they may not be perfect, they will still be a pleasure to wear, and their quality is worth considering a purchase. They may perform even better than Tier 1 in particular situations, such as extreme bright sunlight, low light, or atypical environments. If you need lenses for a specific activity or condition, or you love the frame they come with, these are a superb choice.
Examples: Costa Del Mar Blue Mirror Glass, Vuarnet Grey Polar

Tier 3: Excellent
Great lenses that offer a consistently good experience. While they may not be the absolute best, they provide excellent protection, clarity, and comfort. If you want a reliable and high-quality lens, these are a great option. These can also thrive in very specific circumstances. Glass lenses with no significant added tech, most high-quality nylon or polycarbonate lenses. Consider purchasing if the frame choice is important.
Examples: Persol Green, Oakley Dark Golf

Tier 4: Standard
Fine lenses that meet basic expectations. They provide adequate protection and clarity but lack the exceptional quality and features of higher-tier lenses. If you're looking for a no-frills option, these lenses will suffice. Non glass but with some tech and all basic coatings included. Worth buying at low prices or keeping as beater pairs.
Examples: Revo Graphite, Smith Chromapop Brown

Tier 5: Basic
Essentially the minimum quality you can expect. These lenses provide basic protection but lack the clarity, comfort, and features of higher-tier lenses. While they can be cheap (though often that is not the case), they're disappointing overall and not recommended for anyone who wants a good sunglass experience. Will often not have even basic coatings included. Not worth buying.
Examples: Ray Ban Polycarbonate, Many designer options.

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is the subject of heated debate. How are mast cell activation syndromes defined? Which diseases are included? What is the diagnosis and treatment of mast cell activation syndrome? Prof. Dr. Knut Brockow, Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Allergology at the Biederstein, Technical University of Munich answers these questions in an interview with MeinAllergiePortal.
Mast cell activation syndrome: The most important facts!
-The prototype of mast cell activation syndrome is recurrent anaphylaxis
-Other forms of idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome are being sought; however, there are mainly symptom descriptions where the diagnosis cannot be made
-Clinical suspicion of MCAS is based on recurring allergy-like symptoms on the skin, nose, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and circulation
-The diagnosis of MCAS is made according to recognized international criteria based on three criteria
-MCAS is often suspected even when symptoms are inappropriate and the diagnosis is unclear; the suspicion is then not helpful for patients
-The same medications are used to treat MCAS as are used to treat allergies, in particular antihistamines and cromoglicic acid
Prof. Brockow, what kind of disease is MCAS?
Mast cell activation syndrome is not an established diagnosis, but rather a concept. Historically, this concept arose because an increasing number of patients came to the doctor's office with complaints that gave the impression of having been triggered by mast cells. These patients sometimes showed symptoms similar to those of allergic reactions, anaphylaxis or mastocytosis, but a clear diagnosis for these diseases could not be made. Nevertheless, it was suspected that there could at least be a connection with mast cell diseases. Unfortunately, the term MCAS created more uncertainty than understanding. This is because MCAS is now thrown around as a diagnosis for many patients with many symptoms and an unclear diagnosis. This is not helpful for patients and fuels short-term hope of diagnosis and cure, which cannot be fulfilled later.
Is MCAS an autoimmune disease?
No, in autoimmune diseases mast cells are not primarily involved and not as lead cells, but lymphocytes that attack the body's own structures, in some cases by forming antibodies.
Is there a connection between mast cell activation syndrome and autoimmune diseases?
No, there is no known connection between MCAS and autoimmune diseases. It has also been claimed by specific authors that other diseases, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are related to mast cell activation syndrome. However, there are no good arguments for this. Unfortunately, such claims are easy to make and difficult to refute.
What is the cause of mast cell activation syndrome?
Mast cell activation syndrome is actually more of a symptom description than a diagnosis in its own right. Mast cell activation syndrome is fully applicable to recurrent anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions in several organ systems such as the skin, respiratory tract, digestive tract and circulatory system), for example due to insect bites. All the criteria for mast cell activation syndrome are met here. Severe allergic reactions are the most common cause of MCAS. However, although the term MCAS is correct in this context, it does not provide any additional information, as patients with such events are better described as patients with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis or allergy, and the term MCAS is somewhat confusing.
Is mast cell activation syndrome genetic?
MCAS itself is not genetic, but patients with the genetic disease mastocytosis often suffer from anaphylaxis, particularly to insect venom, and therefore MCAS. In addition, it is currently being investigated whether people with genetically determined hereditary alpha-tryptasemia suffer more frequently from MCAS.
How did the term mast cell activation syndrome come about?
There were many patients without a clear diagnosis, some of whom predominantly showed the symptoms typical of mast cell diseases. Accordingly, the experts dealing with mast cell diseases saw the need to develop a concept that took into account the “undiagnosable” symptoms of the patients. In the course of this, the terms “mast cell activation” and “mast cell activation syndrome” were defined. In addition, an attempt was made to sort all mast cell diseases into a classification with regard to mast cell activation. However, the difficulty in classifying these complaints is that many of the complaints described by patients are subjective, relatively non-specific and can be both organic and psychosomatic.
How have you defined mast cell diseases and which diseases do they include?
Mast cell diseases are defined as recurring chronic symptoms that are compatible with mast cell activation.
Mast cell activation is classified on the basis of three criteria:
Recurrent typical clinical symptoms in at least two organ systems
An increase in mast cell mediators can be detected in the blood, most frequently by determining the serum tryptase level during an acute attack
Good response of symptoms to anti-mast cell mediator-directed therapy, especially H1 antihistamines
What types of mast cell disease are there?
The classification of mast cell diseases associated with mast cell activation syndromes defines three groups:
1. primary mast cell activation syndrome
Primary mast cell activation syndrome is explained by a clonal expansion of mutated overactive mast cells. It manifests as systemic or cutaneous mastocytosis. If these criteria are not completely fulfilled, but clonal mast cells have been detected, it is referred to as monoclonal mast cell activation syndrome.
2 Secondary mast cell activation syndrome
Secondary mast cell activation syndrome is present when clear triggers of mast cell activation are known. There are established terms for secondary mast cell activation syndrome that we are more familiar with, such as “anaphylaxis” to a known trigger. The classification in the second group of mast cell diseases is therefore merely a reclassification. Examples of mast cell activation are physical urticaria or cold urticaria. Allergies such as pollen allergies are also secondary mast cell activations, as hay fever also causes symptoms typical of mast cell diseases. In pollen allergies, mast cell mediators are found in the blood serum and drugs directed against mast cells have a good effect. If the symptoms recur in several organ systems, this is referred to as mast cell activation syndrome.
3. tertiary or idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome
Tertiary or idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome refers to mast cell diseases whose triggers are unknown. This group would include, for example, chronic spontaneous urticaria, which has additional symptoms in other organs. Here we know that mast cells are activated, but not by what. This group of idiopathic mast cell activation syndromes would also include patients with as yet undescribed clinical pictures who do not fulfill the diagnostic criteria of known mast cell diseases, e.g. allergy, anaphylaxis, but in whom the disease is triggered by mast cells. In these patients, however, the connection between the symptoms and the activities of the mast cells must be proven.
Does this mean that tertiary or idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion?
Idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome can be described as a diagnosis of exclusion insofar as the prerequisite for the diagnosis is that there is no other disease causing the symptoms. However, the symptoms described are often very, very unspecific and could also be caused by a variety of other diseases. However, there are the three criteria for mast cell activation syndrome already mentioned. If these are not all fulfilled, this diagnosis cannot be made.
How common is mast cell activation syndrome?
Anaphylaxis and severe recurrent allergies are not uncommon and represent the vast majority of appropriate cases for MCAS. In addition, mastocytosis patients often have multiple anaphylaxis and therefore also MCAS. However, our initial idea of finding a new disease, idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome, has not yet been confirmed. There are many patients with many symptoms for whom a clear organic diagnosis cannot yet be made. However, it is almost never possible to prove that a defect in the mast cells is primarily responsible for the symptoms. Many of these patients describe symptoms that could fit, and in some patients anti-allergic drugs also have a positive effect. But in only very few patients can an increase in mast cell mediators be detected during an acute attack. I now believe that somatic stress disorders could play a significant role in many of the patients examined.
Histamine intolerance is also a diagnosis of exclusion, is there a connection with mast cell activation syndrome?
Histamine intolerance can cause similar symptoms, but is not a mast cell disorder and has nothing to do with MCAS. When mast cells are activated, the messenger substance histamine is released, which in turn can cause symptoms. In histamine intolerance, the mast cell is not activated - it is not involved in any way. Rather, histamine intolerance describes patients with an increased sensitivity to histamine, which is supplied, for example, via the diet. This can lead to similar symptoms, but in contrast to mast cell activation syndrome, histamine intolerance has a clear trigger, histamine. As a result, the symptoms occur after eating histamine-rich foods, but disappear again if the patient follows a low-histamine diet. A test is also available to diagnose histamine intolerance.
So there are also patients with suspected mast cell activation syndrome who cannot be assigned to a classification group, even though they have corresponding symptoms?
There are many patients in whom no mast cell activation syndrome can be detected despite suspicion. They do not fit into one of the three groups. However, this also used to include monoclonal mast cell activation syndrome. These patients showed anaphylaxis and a KIT mutation, but not the full criteria for mastocytosis. In the meantime, a separate disease diagnosis has been created for these patients. The independent accepted disease of these patients therefore lies between mastocytosis and normal findings.
We thought that there might be other forms of idiopathic MCAS with clinical pictures that have not yet been described. However, this is not supported by the findings to date. There are patients who show symptoms but do not meet the necessary criteria for idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome. In these patients, the diagnosis remains unclear. In how many of these patients functional physical complaints play a role still needs to be investigated.
Are there risk factors that favor mast cell activation syndrome?
There are hardly any recognized studies on this. In a study conducted by Cem Akin in the USA, patients were examined who met the three criteria for idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome. They had the right symptoms, there was an increase in mediators and their symptoms improved with treatment. It was shown that many of these patients suffered from urticaria factitia, a scratch-induced urticaria, abdominal pain and flushing.
Recently, a genetic trait was discovered, hereditary alpha-tryptasemia with elevated basal serum tryptase levels. In patients with this trait and insect venom allergy, the severity of the allergic reaction appears to be increased. It is also discussed that the frequency of mast cell activation syndrome is increased in patients with this genetic trait. However, the published studies are not yet unanimous in this respect.
What symptoms can occur with MCAS?
The following symptoms could be signs of mast cell activation syndrome:
MCAS symptoms on the skin:
Appearance of sudden intense redness (flushing)
itching
wheal formation
Deep wheal formation (angioedema or Quincke's edema)
MCAS symptoms on the nose:
Nasal congestion
Nasal itching
MCAS symptoms in the airways:
Swelling of the upper airways
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
MCAS symptoms of the digestive tract:
Vomiting
abdominal pain
diarrhea
Systemic MCAS symptoms:
Syncope - where you suddenly lose consciousness, but only for a short time
Sudden drop in blood pressure
Allergic shock
These symptoms can occur together or individually. In principle, symptoms must occur in two or more organ systems for MCAS. These symptoms, together with the typical skin changes and anaphylaxis, are also typical of mastocytosis.
Are muscle pain and hair loss also symptoms of MCAS?
No, why would anyone think that these symptoms are primarily caused by a malfunction of mast cells? Mast cells are not important cells for muscle pain and hair loss.
How is MCAS diagnosed?
MCAS is a diagnosis of exclusion, i.e. there is no mast cell activation syndrome test. However, this does not mean that all other diseases must be ruled out before a diagnosis of MCAS can be made.
When testing directly for mast cell activation syndrome, three criteria would be examined, all of which must be met, not just two:
First, there must be a matching of symptoms to see if the above symptoms are leading, recurrent and occur in at least two organ systems.
Is there a substantial or complete improvement in the clinical symptoms when taking anti-allergic medication, antihistamines or cromoglicic acid? Then this criterion would apply.
The blood levels of tryptase in the serum can now be examined at two different points in time. This would check whether there is an increase in mast cell mediators or tryptase in the blood serum in a highly symptomatic phase or during a seizure compared to a time when there are no symptoms.
What does the tryptase level in the blood mean in the diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome?
If the mast cell mediator tryptase rises by 20 percent of the basal value, i.e. the initial value, + 2 ng/ml during such an episode, the diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome has been made without the need to rule out other diseases beforehand. However, taking blood samples to determine the tryptase levels is very time-consuming, because a blood sample should be taken in the normal state and then another blood sample should be taken during a seizure or a highly symptomatic episode. This means that the patient must see a doctor in good time for a blood test during the acute phase. If these tests are negative, mast cell activation syndrome cannot be confirmed.
Elevated tryptase levels also play a role in anaphylaxis, is there a connection with mast cell activation syndrome?
Anaphylaxis is an extremely strong mast cell activation, the “prototype” of mast cell activation, so to speak. The tryptase level rises, so that it is considered an indicator of anaphylaxis. Here too, the basal value is measured and compared with the value during an episode. The relevant factor is the resulting increase in the tryptase value. The therapy against mast cells is effective in this case. In this respect, anaphylaxis is the classic form of mast cell activation syndrome.
The tryptase value also plays a role in the diagnosis of mastocytosis, what are the correlations here?
Mastocytosis patients also have an elevated baseline tryptase level. This is therefore an indication of mastocytosis and an indication for a final diagnosis by means of a bone marrow biopsy. However, there is also a mastocytosis-independent correlation between tryptase and anaphylaxis. People who have a higher number of mast cells often develop more severe anaphylaxis than people with fewer mast cells. The tryptase basal value is therefore considered a kind of indicator for the total mast cells in the body. For example, insect venom anaphylactic patients with elevated basal mast cell tryptase levels in the blood are at increased risk of severe anaphylaxis.
What can be done against MCAS and which medications help?
The aim of treatment for mast cell activation syndrome is to slow down the effect of the overactivated mast cells and to calm the mast cells. In particular, the avoidance of allergic triggers is available for this purpose.
Histamine receptor blockers are tried as medication to block the effects of mast cell activation by histamine. Mast cell stabilizers or blockers of mast cell release, cromoglicic acid, can also calm the mast cells. Cromoglicic acid is also used in mastocytosis patients. It is important to know that the use of cromoglicic acid is not advisable if the attack has already run its course. On the other hand, many patients achieve a significant improvement in symptoms if cromoglicic acid is taken continuously as a preventive measure and in a sufficiently high dose. This has also been shown to be the case with antihistamines.
Another option would be leukotriene receptor antagonists and corticosteroids in the short term, but never over a longer period of time.
Unfortunately, many patients with previously unexplained complaints are given a suspected diagnosis of MCAS in the hope that this knowledge will lead to better treatment or perhaps a cure. However, apart from the drugs mentioned, which can also be used on a trial basis in cases of suspected MCAS, there are no other useful drugs available. In this respect, the suspicion of MCAS unfortunately does not offer patients any additional treatment options.
Are there foods that activate or deactivate mast cells?
No such foods are known in humans. Of course, it is possible to bombard mast cells in a test tube with high concentrations of food and measure whether the natural activation of mast cells is increased or reduced. However, such tests are generally not meaningful for humans when consumed.
Can naturopathy help with mast cell activation syndrome?
I don't know how it could help. Naturopathy is the attempt to achieve a positive effect through naturally occurring active substances. Is the avoidance of allergens in our natural environment already naturopathy?
Could certain vitamins, for example vitamin C, be beneficial for MCAS?
This is claimed by a few doctors without any convincing results. Vitamin C is also said to help against seasickness. After all, vitamin C, taken in normal amounts, is not harmful and is beneficial. Sometimes the conviction that a substance is good for you also helps. That's why the experiment doesn't bother me.
Is it possible to prevent mast cell activation syndrome?
Yes, by avoiding MCAS with a known trigger. This is the case with allergies. In the case of allergies and recurrent anaphylaxis as a form of MCAS, omalizumab, an antibody against immunoglobulin E, can also be used in individual patients.
Prof. Brockow, thank you very much for this interview!
https://www.mein-allergie-portal.com/mastozytose-mastzellaktivierungssyndrom-mcas/925-idiopathisches-mastzellenaktivierungssyndrom-ein-neues-krankheitsbild.html

i never thought i'd be the one to say this but yes...dti has become toxic. it's a really fun game but sometimes it just messes with your mental health and confidence. like for example if someone were to make a good outfit and they get a low place, wouldn't that be kind of demotivating to them? and this goes for every player who faces this. and sometimes people get really rude, non-constructive outfit criticism which can make others genuinely feel discouraged or bad instead of actually more willing to improve their own outfits. what are your guys's takes on this?

I’ve noticed a sentiment on college subs in general that WGU is a “scam” and is on the same level as something like the university of phoenix
I say this as someone who didn’t go to wgu. I went to one of the “traditional” public engineering schools. It took 4 years and honestly if I could’ve worked on my own pace I could’ve finished in 2-3.
I honestly think it’s incredible what WGU is doing. I have a few friends/coworkers that went and finished school quickly and cheaply.
Instead of me feeling jealously/resentment I realized WGU gave these people an opportunity for an education they most likely would’ve never gotten (for example, one was a single father and had to work full time to support his child. Do you think going to school part time for 4-5 years was a valid option for him?)
First off, it’s accredited. By the same accreditation body that accredits schools like the university of Washington and BYU. It’s even ABET accredited, which is a HUGE deal for anything stem related, basically the gold standard for science accreditation.
Next, it’s a non profit. It’s not a for profit school like university of phoenix.
Lastly, the way it’s structured is just legendary. Listen, traditional college in some ways feels like a scam. You can’t go on your own pace, it literally feels like it’s designed to make you stay as long as possible so the university (even if it’s a public one) so it will make as much money as possible. Especially the transferring credits part.
WGU goes on 6 month terms. However, you can take as many classes as you want in that 6 month term.
If you have the time to do the work (which mind you according to the accrediting bodies has the same amount of rigor as traditional classes) why can’t you accelerate it?
It seems like traditional college students are jealous/mad that someone can complete a degree in 1-2 years time instead of 4. Why is this a bad thing?
It’s cheap, it’s accredited, it’s do at your own pace so you can do it while working, it seems great.
Now will it have the same weight as something like a LSU degree? No, but it’ll check that degree checkbox.
I hope college goes the way WGU has. It feels like traditional school feels more like a cult and an exclusive club nowadays. Oh you didn’t take 4 years at a traditional school and pay as much money as possible and be in a privileged position to not have to work full time? Your degree is a scam then.

I’ve noticed a sentiment on this sub and other college subs in general that WGU is a “scam” and is on the same level as something like the university of phoenix
I say this as someone who didn’t go to wgu. I went to one of the “traditional” public engineering schools. It took 4 years and honestly if I could’ve worked on my own pace I could’ve finished in 2-3.
I honestly think it’s incredible what WGU is doing. I have a few friends/coworkers that went and finished school quickly and cheaply.
Instead of me feeling jealously/resentment I realized WGU gave these people an opportunity for an education they most likely would’ve never gotten (for example, one was a single father and had to work full time to support his child. Do you think going to school part time for 4-5 years was a valid option for him?)
First off, it’s accredited. By the same accreditation body that accredits schools like the university of Washington and BYU. It’s even ABET accredited, which is a HUGE deal for anything stem related, basically the gold standard for science accreditation.
Next, it’s a non profit. It’s not a for profit school like university of phoenix.
Lastly, the way it’s structured is just legendary. Listen, traditional college in some ways feels like a scam. You can’t go on your own pace, it literally feels like it’s designed to make you stay as long as possible so the university (even if it’s a public one) so it will make as much money as possible. Especially the transferring credits part.
If you didn’t know, WGU goes on 6 month terms. However, you can take as many classes as you want in that 6 month term.
If you have the time to do the work (which mind you according to the accrediting bodies has the same amount of rigor as traditional classes) why can’t you accelerate it?
It seems like traditional college students are jealous/mad that someone can complete a degree in 1-2 years time instead of 4. Why is this a bad thing?
It’s cheap, it’s accredited, it’s do at your own pace so you can do it while working, it seems great.
Now will it have the same weight as something like a LSU degree? No, but it’ll check that degree checkbox.
I hope college goes the way WGU has. It feels like traditional school feels more like a cult and an exclusive club nowadays. Oh you didn’t take 4 years at a traditional school and pay as much money as possible and be in a privileged position to not have to work full time? Your degree is a scam then.

This is not medical advice. I am not suggesting you take these. I am, however, suggesting you perhaps ask your doctor about these supplements and whether it would be okay to take them. You could even present the studies.
Now I can't promise these will be the golden bullet to stop NAFLD or reverse it, but what I can promise is that these supplements are well tolerated, have few side effects when taken as directed, and are generally helpful to very helpful. I don't have NAFLD however I do have genetic liver issues, and have seen positive results from these supplements. I therefore feel like this information is too important not to share. There's also a lot of research backing up weight loss as a result of these supplements, especially NAC - look into it on google scholar, or ask in the comments and i'll provide some.
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) is a supplement and medication derived from the amino acid L-cysteine. It acts as a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and toxins.
It is a well tolerated supplement that shows excellent promise in preventing and treating liver disease, to me it looks to be a miracle supplement as it helps so many conditions.

1. NAC shows an enhanced effect to improve liver function by reducing the levels of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers such as IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β, NF-κB, TGFβ-1, and MDA levels. This is a review/meta analysis that looks into many studies and found that the results are very promising, even predicting a large increase in demand for NAC because it's so promising.
2. Long-term administration of NAC significantly reduced liver steatosis and triglyceride levels in mice fed a high-fat diet. The researchers suggested that NAC's ability to alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress and improve fatty acid oxidation contributed to these beneficial effects​
3. NAC treatment in mice leads to a reduction in Liver Fat Accumulation, reduces oxidative stress, improved liver function and concluded it shows potential as a therepeutic agent
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213434423000154 - it significantly increased albumin (ALB) and decreased bilirubin levels, a positive change for both measures. The meta analysis suggested larger trials are necessary assessing dose.

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various biological functions, including those related to liver health

1. Zinc supplementation for three months improved insulin resistance and oxidative stress status in overweight/obese NAFLD patients
2. The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Steatosis Severity and Liver Function Enzymes in Overweight/Obese Patients with Mild to Moderate Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Following Calorie-Restricted Diet: a Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Why I'm posting both together: Zinc acts as a cofactor for a variety of enzymes, including those involved in the metabolism of amino acids like cysteine. For example, the enzyme zinc metalloproteinase relies on zinc to maintain its structural integrity and catalytic function, which can affect the processing of cysteine and related compounds. Zinc is crucial for the storage and secretion of insulin in the pancreas. Insulin contains cysteine residues that form disulfide bonds, essential for its proper structure and function.
Co-administration of zinc and n-acetylcysteine prevents arsenic-induced tissue oxidative stress in male rats. This study doesn't look into liver disease, but it shows remarkable protection against oxidative stress, which is a cause of liver damage.
The combination showed remarkable protection against blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity as well as providing protection to hepatic biochemical variables indicative of oxidative stress
Good luck everyone!