First things first - I'm not seeking medical advice rather anecdote. I am seeing my psych and provider next week
I'm (34F) am on 60mg Vyvanse and it does help with some degree of anxiety and some ADHD symptoms and most of the side effects have subsided outside of dry mouth being a little more present and occasional headache when wearing off if I ate like trash.
Vyvanse helped significantly with driving anxiety (embarrassing I don't have this nailed down on my 30s) on the lower doses at first (30-40) but my anxiety shot up on them about half way through the month and on my follow ups my dose went up and luckily at 60 my breathlessness/overheating that was an aggravating side effect on lower doses completely disappeared
Life stuff ; I am in the military and am moving this summer, found out a month into trialling meds - it is very stressful even without medication but this move is more stressful due to the housing market and the lack of housing for military is a huge problem as the local economy in the city has 0.01% vacancy and $3000 apartments and options for buying in my price point are extremely limited as it's the entry point dual incomes and I'm mowed down easily so far (lost out on 5 homes in my ten days to find housing) I haven't secured housing and need to be at my new place by 3 July. I also have no idea where my work location is going to be now due to my work rearranging departments. Just got back Friday.
I need to get my drivers license as my options for housing is pushing me to commuter suburbs where you absolutely need a car and some of these dept are in areas you need a car. I need to pass my road test in three days and be confident to drive in a large city independently and on highways
Honestly places you don't are unsafe and very poor quality so I've pushed harder to get it sorted in the much smaller city I'm living in (<20k people) where I am moving to a city with almost a million and much busier traffic wise. I also need do figure out parking living in a commute Area as my workplace doesnt have parking for anyone who's been with the company less than 10 years and I'm starting my 9th in the main location.
I should have done this three years ago while I've been in a much smaller city but my task paralysis/executive dysfunction has caused this to be more urgent now. I'm trying extremely hard to get it sorted and the timeliness is distressing me as I do not have confidence I'll be successful. This is all of my doing
I did all of the things - bought into drivers Ed after getting ghosted asking my friend who offered to help, did the class and booked lessons. Did my second lesson today and I got very upset with the instructor because he yelled saying I wasn't learning and told him I'm trying extremely hard in a less than chipper tone and we continued practicing and he told me I just need to meditate and stop thinking about the timeline and that he meant to say I'm not learning from my mistakes because I'm more cautious at stop signs as people bolting into traffic is common in my city.
I don't have friends in my city willing to help practice which sucks when the first lesson the guy said I need to practice with friends it amplified that reality. I've had occasional help with a friend but that friend has limited availability. The accent of my instructor throws me off which was an issue when I've tried lessons in the past. I can't change any of this.
All of this is considerably stressful and anxiety inducing and I'm not expecting medication to fix all of these realities - I don't feel it is reasonable to expect it to. I just don't know if my medication making it worse or if the consequences/reality are *a lot *. A moderate amount of driving anxiety is muted but when I make the mistake I immediately notice and the instructor does and points it out
TL;DR: recently got medicated after getting diagnosed with adult ADHD in my 30s, driving has always been a source of anxiety and a reduction in confidence and medication helped with the anxiety but not the confidence. I'm moving in early July (minimal flex of 30 days and at the mercy of a closing date by seller) but need to leave in mid June. I need to pass a road test in three days and it's my only kick at the can as there's no appointments the rest of the summer. I'm at the mercy of a closing date on a home (offer pending will know tomorrow night if I even get it. Backup option I'm not confident/ am realistic on not getting I'll know Tuesday night) my road test is Wednesday AM. I have very real test anxiety I was hoping medication will help but I feel the consequences are too significant for even medication to mute it
I am not the most comfortable trialling another medication as decision making/memory/adapting can be inhibited with some ADHD meds and I need to plan a complicated move and buy a house as I am adamantly against renting due to the imbalance of rental protections, don't want to lose my downpayment over 1-4+ years and don't want to move twice. I'm the embodiment of a problem solver with contingency for everything but i still feel I'm setting myself up for failure/getting told to do better by work. I'm doing all of this on my own.

Hellow fellow players,
I've been really playing quite X4 since the 6.x version, and the fact I heard it was becoming super nice. Since then, I've spent 330 hours wandering across the X universe and trying different plots, etc etc. And I'm really loving the game!! I'm playing vanilla, with so far very few mods (like only the crystal one, I love mining peacefully some crystals, and I think only the satellite one to improve satellites "view radius" (but I think it's been changed for advanced satellites in V7 ...))
Anyway, I'm quite "basic" when it comes to economy, and I do so far quite the same scheme => some missions, a bit of mining if needed quite early in the game to gather juste 4 / 5 M to start a first mining station, with mostly M mining ships. I set it up depending of the sector & init scenario (if I play terran for example, different if I play argon etc). Then I grind most I can money to be able to have around 15 to 20 M ships for that first mining station (like half gas halg solid) and then I try to open another one asap in another sector, and repeat so that I find myself with like 4 to 5 mining stations a bit everywhere.
It can make quite decent amount of money (like I can end up buying myself a Raptor & 2 / 3 Rattlesnakes at my ZYA friends) at around 24h 30h in that savegame.
However, I see lots of vids where I see players owning shitloads of stations, fleets, destroyers, carriers etc etc. and I wonder myself some questions here, so I'm finally take my courage in both hands to ask it :

• How do you guys end up owning that huuuuge amount of things, whether it is ships, stations, etc ?
• How long does it take generally speaking for you to do so ?
• I guess I need to start learning and testing about stations "more widely" like full build chain, etc, am I right ? Or is there another way ?

Thanks a lot anyways for your answers and insights, I really love this game, the fact you can shape your universe & go for what you really like (I'm really into mining so far), so I'm trying to improve my understanding for all that is happening :)
Cheers guys !
Jez

I (38m) lost my wife to suicide on September 14, 2023. The last thing she said to me is that she loves me and that she was heading in to work. It was the same conversation we had every morning. She left and I tried to go back to sleep but had to go to the bathroom. When I did, I saw blue lights everywhere outside. I immediately ran out to see what was happening but she was already gone. She had called the police and told them to hurry and get her out of here before I woke up and found her. She didn't want me to see her like that. She didn't leave a note, but the last thing she did is text my brother. She sent "Hey, man. Please take care of your brother for me. He's going through a hard time right now."
I know she loved me. I know she wants me to be okay. She struggled with depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder and probably some other issues. She was abused by her family. The only person she never said a bad word about was her grandmother. Her mom used to torment her. She'd try to cut off all her hair. She often told her that if she got out of bed at night that demons would come carry her off to hell. That caused even more issues because instead of getting up to go to the bathroom after dark, well, you know. Her sister hurt her. Her father cut the brakes in her car (her mom also drove the car, and my wife told me she thinks he was trying to get rid of her mom, rather than her.)
When I was around her family I was always kind and respectful. That's how I was raised and my mom would haunt me to beat my ass if I was disrespectful. The very first time I met her family I knew something was off. My wife kept her eyes down and wouldn't move or speak. It took a while but I eventually realiDd that they're very... Strange people. My wife told me a few times that "mom is the poster child for psychological medication." That is clear to me now. Mental illness runs deep in the family and she inherited some and developed other stuff because of how she was treated. She also lost her first husband in an accident. Her second husband cheated on her. She had a hard life.
I miss her every day. I feel so overwhelmed by grief, guilt, stress and sadness. I have so many questions that will never be answered. For a while I kept asking myself what I could have done. If I could have stopped her somehow, or said or done some in a different way. That maybe she'd still be here if I had woken up earlier that morning.
I attend therapy. I struggle with depression sometimes myself, but I take medication also. I am pretty sure I'll be going to my therapist for the rest of my life at this point. She helps sometimes. I can honestly say that without her and a friend or two I probably would have followed her example and taken my own life too. I got a puppy to help with loneliness. She does, and I have to be here to care for her. I'd say that has been the biggest help. Still, I can't get over it. People say it gets easier. I guess it does. I admit I've had some good days here and there, but she's always on my mind in everything I do. I feel guilty if I laugh, smile, or enjoy anything. I wish she were here to enjoy those things too. We did everything together. Now I have no one.
When this happened, get family were very cruel towards me. Most of them never knew me. We never met. My wife didn't want us to meet because of how she said they are. She didn't invite any of them to our wedding. She didn't even want them to know where we lived. They weren't allowed to be alone with my stepchildren because of their abuse. The only person she wanted to be there was her best friend, who is the only person in her life who has been kind to me. She told me that if my wife hasn't met me, she'd probably have committed suicide sooner. That helps but it hurts too. My wife is both the best and worst thing to ever happen to me. Losing my mom was hard but I took care of her during her hospice care. I knew she would pass soon. With my wife it was so unexpected and I wasn't given an option to be a part of that choice. Losing my best friend is the hardest.
She had two daughters who she loved. I'm no longer allowed to see them. The only reason why is because of how her ex is, or perhaps their grandparents. I reached out to them when this happened and they were rude. I wasn't allowed to speak to my stepchildren. They asked things of me but refused to be civil or kind. My pain and grief didn't matter.
I arranged the funeral but the only people who came were my family and friends, my wife's best friend and her father and his wife. That man was kind to me. So was his wife. He told me he didn't believe anything anyone was saying about me. He said he knows his his ex and the family are. There was a whole smear campaign on social media. I get that they were grieving too, and sometimes people project their failures into others to avoid feeling guilty. It got so bad I reached out to a lawyer to file cease and desist charges. Her mother told me after the funeral that "they" wouldn't let her come and took her car away from her. The woman is in her 60s, so I call bs.
Anyway... I blocked all of them on social media and blocked their phones. Recently I've gotten friend request from people I don't know who go to a church that her ex's parents and her daughters go to. She never mentioned these people and I don't know why they are trying to send friend requests. Honestly I don't want to know. I want to be left alone by all these people, because I want to heal. I need some peace and I rarely have it. I know I can't have it if people keep harassing me. Is that wrong? Is it wrong to want to be left alone? I have since gotten rid of all social media. The way I see it, everyone has a chance to be kind, civil and mature, but they chose to be hateful, rude and selfish instead. I love my wife still. In my mind I'm still married. I still wear my ring. I built a shrine for her. I'd trade my life for hers but I can't. I miss her so much and I don't know what to do.
Sometimes I wonder if I did the wrong thing. I honored my wife's wishes. She wanted to be cremated. She didn't want to be buried with these people. Her mom and sister both became very toxic because my wife didn't leave then anything. She didn't want them to have anything. They demanded her jewelry, and she didn't have much. Her mother demanded her computer and her ashes. I had intended to split the cremains. That felt right. I tried so hard to please everyone until they started to harass me. My MIL sent so far as to tell everyone in her Facebook that I was just refusing to go get my wife's remains. I kept her informed every time there was a new development, and because of the cause of death, I wasn't involved in anything related to the transport of my wife's body because it was investigated. She told people I wouldn't let her see her own daughter, but I called and gave permission to the appropriate people so that she could go view the body if she wished to. She didn't go. The woman is insane, narcissistic and loves to be the center of attention. Anyway...
People I never even heard of hated me, said awful things about me. It hurt, man. So at that point I said I'll do the best I can to honor my wife the best way I know how, and I handled it all by myself. I was hardly able to grieve for the first two weeks because I was busy making arrangements and trying to stop the harassment.
Sorry it's so long. I guess I just wanted to talk about it. I had to get it out. I feel a little better now, but I will always, always love and miss my wife. She is everything. I guess I just need to know it's okay to cut all of these people off and get away from them all.
Thanks for reading.

Hi all, does anyone have a recent timeline for how long does HRT take? British citizen, prior UC claimant and trying to reclaim, checked the dreaded box because I have been out of the country more than 30 days, and now the whole nine yeards, no advance because HRT "overdue". I am still living in my flat where I lived for years, and paying all the bills and all my stuff and family were here all this time, so no real threat of failing the test I think. It is more the delay, will be two weeks tomorrow. I am really scared that it can drag on for weeks, will be completely out of money within days, and then the rent will be in the second week past due. My work coach, his manager, myself and people online in the journal are at the end of our collective wits but no one can do anything. Phone helpline says it has been assigned to a specific decision maker. But no one knows who or can reach out to them or escalate. I basically just want to try and understand how long does it take (at least assuming it will be a more or least automatic determination so long as someone looks into it). I have seen "a couple of weeks" here in the thread but not sure if that still holds true. I had the same issue last time I claimed UC i think, but remember it being resolved rather quickly that time. Not like this. Thanks!!

Hello everyone!
Thought I would share my story in the hopes that it can help anyone here.
In 2020, I progressively became allergic to “everything”. Anything I put on my skin would result in a painful rash, it seemed that anything minus 4 safe foods would cause my nose/throat to swell, and I would need to wear a gas mask to survive poor air quality. My face would also swell and I experienced a prolonged anaphylactic/oid episode to a medication I had been taking for years.
I went to countless doctors, and despite having bizarre symptoms and test results like reacting to the entire skin scratch test panel, having high, out of range N-methylhistamine and IgE levels, no one could figure out what was going on.
After many months of scouring the internet for answers, I learned about Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) and found a community of people who experienced the same onslaught of symptoms as me. I had also been using topical corticosteroids for over 20 years under the direction of my doctors.
By this point, the steroids had also stopped working, and when I attempted to taper, my symptoms got worse. When I stopped cold turkey, I formally entered withdrawal.
I’ve been withdrawing for 3 years now and my symptoms have drastically improved. I’m excited to say I’m almost out of the woods and will be living a normal life again very soon.
Anyways, if you have a history of consecutive topical steroid usage for more than 2 weeks and/or have used any kind of nasal steroid for a prolonged period of time (this is what was causing the nose/throat swelling), your MCAS symptoms may be driven by TSW.
Wishing you all healing, support and care ❤️

One of the most common injuries following an accident is soft tissue damage. While most people are aware of the consequences of broken bones, many are unfamiliar with the impact soft tissue injuries can have on a person’s quality of life. The Las Vegas soft tissue injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys explain just how serious soft tissue injuries can be.

What Is Soft Tissue?

Soft tissue is a broad classification of body parts that can refer to cartilage, muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the human body. When a person suffers soft tissue damage, which is common in cases like car accidents and bicycle accidents, it can have serious effects in the area of the body the damage took place and lead to further complications in other parts of the body.
Here are four reasons why soft tissue damage can be more serious than people think.

Soft Tissue Injuries Can Be Difficult to Diagnose

Bone fractures are usually felt seconds after an accident takes place and can be quickly confirmed by a simple x-ray. In comparison, you may have a ligament injury and not feel it for weeks or months. Furthermore, diagnosing a ligament tear requires a more extensive scan, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If you have a soft tissue injury and it is not immediately diagnosed, then you may have additional health problems in the future. For example, if you damage tissue in your right knee, then you may unconsciously compensate for it with the left side of your body. This can cause damage to your left hip.

Not All Soft Tissue Regenerates

Unlike bones, which heal over time, some soft tissue cannot fully regenerate. For example, one of the most common knee injuries is a meniscus tear. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that provides cushioning, shock absorption, and stability to the knee. While a slight meniscus tear can be inconsequential, more serious damage can affect the rest of a person’s life because meniscus tissue removed in surgery does not regenerate.
Doctors and scientists have been experimenting with stem cells in an effort to help people regenerate meniscus tissue. However, these treatments have not yet proven to be successful. For now, if you damage soft tissue that does not regenerate, then you will have to compensate with other parts of your body.

Soft Tissue Damage Can Lead to Lifelong Chronic Pain and Instability

Another unfortunate aspect of some soft tissue injuries is that they can lead to chronic pain and instability. This can lower a person’s quality of life for decades. As mentioned above, not all soft tissue can fully heal, so an injury victim may have to rely on physical therapy to build strength and medication for pain management for the rest of their lives.
In cases where a person suffers severe soft tissue damage, they may have to use canes or walkers for basic mobility.

Soft Tissue Injuries Can Be Catastrophic

Although it’s rare, soft tissue damage can lead to compartment syndrome. This is a disease that increases pressure in the affected area of the body. This can cause muscles to swell, making it difficult for that area of the body to receive blood, oxygen, and nutrients.
In some cases, compartment syndrome can lead to catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis. In extreme cases, the disease can lead to wrongful death.

Contact a Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney

The Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys hopes that you have a better understanding of how serious soft tissue injuries can be. If you’ve suffered soft tissue damage in an accident caused by another party, then contact for immediate assistance. Our team of experienced legal professionals can connect you with top medical professionals to make sure that your injury is properly diagnosed and start building a case in order to win you the highest compensation allowable by law.
You can reach ER Injury Attorneys 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our team is available by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through LiveChat or secure contact form. ER Injury Attorneys represents accident victims throughout Southern Nevada, including Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and other parts of Southern Nevada. Reach out to ER Injury Attorneys today to get the compensation that you deserve.

The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as legal advice for an individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship nor does viewing this material constitute an attorney-client relationship.

BOOKMARK THE PERMALINK.

Hello Charlotte I have watched you for awhile and I have been struggling if I am in the right or wrong with my story.
its a bit long and I apologize but it requires a lot of background so that you can understand the entire situation. Also please excuse If my grammar is bad. FL am I right?)
So the background, I (32f) has a 12 year old son who has extreme behavior problems since he was 3. His father (35) was always a deadbeat I never really noticed since I was young and "in love" we dated for 4 years by the time I got pregnant and I was scared I told him I didn't want a kid and that I was way too young (19) his only response was "you can do what you want but if you get an abortion I will leave you" being 19 and "in love" I didn't want to loose him so I went through with it. while I was 5 month pregnant I found out he cheated on me and gas lite me saying "it was my fault I cheated" once I had the baby he was never really around I took care of our son alone (with help from my mom, aunt, and my best friend) but my ex only showed up once or twice the first 3 weeks for maybe an hour at a time. I had a C-section and without his help my cut didn't heal correctly due to having to take care of a new born alone. He convinced me to move out of my dads house with the baby to move 4 hour away in another city and I was told we would only have 2 other roommates since we couldn't afford it alone, which I was ok with hoping that living with the baby and I he would step up.. SURPRISE he didn't he and his friends were constantly going out to the movies and hanging out and I was left alone with the baby..by the time I decided I wasn't happy we had 5 people living in this 3 bedroom townhome so when my ex went to take a nap I gathered my things and the baby and drove the 4 hour south back to my dad (I was so scared to tell him because last time I did he took our son and refused to give him back until I agreed to stay). I'm gonna fast forward a bit because this abusive relationship just got worse and worse and I don't really want to go through it again. when Our son was 3 my ex went to jail for selling guns illegally. at the point our son started to get behavioral issues which my father and I got him therapy thinking it was related to his father just disappearing. Nothing helped and he got worse and worse. I got married and had another son with my husband and we moved 2.5 hours north to get away from my ex since he was getting out of jail and I was scared of him and what he might do to my husband or me. My older son got worse to the point where he was beating up my youngest son to the point my little one would flinch when he walked by, my cats wouldn't leave my room until my oldest went to bed, he went through a window at school, throwing desks with intent to hurt others. we at this point got him so much testing, therapy, psychologist (which my father helped pay since it wasn't covered and it was costly) so many different medicines and NOTHING was working he was getting worse...My father passed right before covid and I was struggling getting through so my ex called and said "I know you are struggling let me take our son for the lock down so you can get through and heal" so I agreed since i wanted nothing more then for our son to be a part of his fathers life.. Huge mistake he refused to give him his meds because (i was just drugging him) and dropped all the work on his grandmother, he would leave to work before our son woke up and return after he went to bed.. his grandma would call me about a month or two later crying saying "you need to get him please I'm disappointed in how hes treating his son and I raised him better.." so I met her the next day half way and apologized and that I didn't know he wasn't around (he also claimed him on taxes illegally since our custody agreement says I get to claim him). Then once I get him back things got even worse my oldest was stealing knives and hiding them under his pillow, taking the cats and stuffing them into things and squeezing them, he left the front door open and convinced my youngest to walk outside while I ran to the bathroom and he disappeared for 15 minutes I had to call 911 (my son admitted he did it on purpose a few days later) he took something the wasn't replaceable that was my dad and completely ruined it and I was devastated I called my ex his father crying "please help me I cant handle this with him alone anymore please.." at this point my stress was pretty high I had chest pains and I barely ate and didn't sleep a lot I was in constant iep meetings, therapist offices, Psychologist appointments. my ex took our son and moved to Colorado for about 4 months and called me saying he cant handle him anymore he's a psycho and he needs him gone. Of course I took him back and he flew in Jan 4th those next few months were the worst few months he was baker acted 3 times in 4 months...once directly from school in cuffs since he threatened to kill the officers. He set fire in his room and thankfully I smelled the smoke before it burned down my house, we got another therapist through the baker act and we saw her once a week where she told me "if he doesn't get help he will be the next Jeffery Dahmer or the next school shooter" I cried and said "I have been scared of him for years but I cant get him help, nothing is working" I was told they would be getting him into a long term treatment due to his extreme anger but I couldn't hold out another 6 to 12 months I was so scared for myself and my son and my cats and my husband at this point I slept maybe an hour that entire week, my chest was in constant pain, I barely ate anything and I was so stressed and tired I took some pills in hopes to get sleep to get the stress to go away (I regret it and I wasn't trying to die I just wanted peace even if just an hour) regardless it almost killed me I was in the hospital for a week to where I talked to doctors and phycologists which they told me "get away from your son. If you continue doing this you will die and its time his father step up"
I'm sorry the background was so long but I felt it was important because I raised my son practically alone for 11 years. I paid every expense alone (besides when my dad offered to help) I never received any child support (even though it was court ordered 7 years ago) I would ask my ex for some money to buy our son clothing and I was ignored...he never sent a Christmas or birthday card or gifts or anything in all these years.. thousands of dollars in medical bills alone and idc about the money I just wanted our son to be happy and healthy.. now my ex who is raising our son he now texts me and threatens me "if you don't pay me 350$ a month then ill get you arrested" I keep telling him "1 I don't have 350$ laying around and 2 why should I have to pay you when you haven't paid me in 11 years?" the way I see it is its a two way street not one...why is it okay for my dad and I to pay THOUSANDS and he never pays but now that the shoes on the other foot he expects me to pay him? My ex is also demanding that "If I can't pay then make my husband pay.." So I should pay him? I feel I have paid my part towards our son and now its his turn to pay his part. I still plan to be a part of my sons life I talk to him on the phone whenever his father lets him call me I send him a card for his birthday, Christmas, thanksgiving, and Halloween with photos. I send a text to his father once a week saying "Tell our son I love him and he's welcome to call whenever" now that he moved back to our state (about 2.5 hours away) I plan to try and drive down once a month to see him (its just hard since I still have my youngest and I'm currently pregnant) I love my oldest son. I know he has some severe issues but I love my oldest son I believe he has the ability to be a sweet kind boy he's just struggling and it breaks my heart. I feel as if I failed him since I couldn't get him the correct help but I tried so hard. My family thinks I did the right thing giving my son to his father and also feel I don't owe him any money. So I guess AITA for refusing to pay my ex for my oldest medical bills?

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Ok so I'm new to all this plasma donation stuff. My first ever donation was 4/13/2024. I donated again on 4/15/2024. Then again on 4/24/2024. So a total of three times. I go back in because the app said I was good to go in. I get my app qr code. Go up to the counter she scans it. Another tech comes over and explains "Your samples haven't came back yet so we will let you know when they come back." Mind you, this happened to the lady right in front of me as well she was told the exact same thing. I asked if I was deferred or something and she said no. Then the guy that works there that did my vitals last time popped his head over and said this is my 3rd time, how was I able to donate 3 times without my samples being returned? So the question is what happened? Why was I able to donate 3 times and they still haven't tested my samples? Thanks.

To summarise, this is the argument that while no single factor can explain an NDE alone, they could arise from a combination of different factors, and I've seen it be floated around a few times in the past month. I'll give a few examples, starting with DMT: A physicalist could point out that while there's not enough DMT to cause a trip by itself in the brain, there may be enough, when combined with other things like hypoxia, that the combination creates the experience.
It's been brought up in response to studies showing that people can have an NDE without their brain being deprived of oxygen. In those cases, skeptics might assert that while hypoxia/anoxia isn't always at play, there could again be a combination of stuff like a drug trip, dreams or something else.
Personally, I think this argument is bullshit but I want to make sure that this argument also makes sense. I don't debate people on NDEs or anything, just want to see for my own sanity- If there are overarching similarities between various types of NDEs; Those that occur during anesthesia, during clinical death, without being in danger of dying, during a coma, etc- why would they all be similar? You know what I'm saying? If the argument about multiple components is true then does it really make logical sense that one person suffering from a lack of oxygen and say, DMT, can have a very similar experience to someone that's dreaming while on high doses of medications? It just leaves a lot left to be answered.

(I am posting this here instead of the other subreddit, because I am incapable of writing succinctly, warning, this is definitely over their word limit. I would really appreciate some responses from anyone who makes it to the end.)
Ok, so first of all, I want to say that unlike some of the posts I see on this page, I am really asking. Because he somehow has a fantasy of me as 1950s All American Boy, my dad refuses to let me get formally tested, but I am very likely some sort of autistic or neurodivergent or that sort of thing. And there are only two people I can ask these sort of questions who give me an answer I understand. One is my Aunt, who sometimes like my dad even less than I do, and is understandably biased to her sister. And the other is a church youth leader, but ever since I made the mistake of telling him I’m not religious, when I do see him, every conversation eventually segues into why I should repent and accept Jesus into my heart. There is an answer to this post I very much want to hear from you, but if the other answer is the one given, I swear I will listen. Or try to.
Ok here goes. For reasons I am obviously not going into my dad has moved out of the house, and while nothing is formalized (to my knowledge), I am hopeful they are on the path to divorce. And at first, with him gone, everything was nice and relaxing and peaceful. I somewhat missed having someone to play certain games with, but overall, my quality of life improved.
Until! One day my mom came home with a dog. A beagle to be exact. Apparently, my mom felt unsafe without a man in the house and wanted a new ‘protector.’ Now, this is where I will lose some or all of you. I know bad things happen to women. I know things happen to women that I cannot even imagine. But, we are fortunate to live in an upper middle class suburbs where burglars and robbers and that sort of thing are extremely rare. (Perhaps notably, that is not exactly the sort of community my mom was raised in, however.) Plus, I have read that bad things are much more often committed by a man the woman knows than by a stranger. But okay, she wants the feeling of safety, even if logically, the dog’s not really doing anything, I get that’s how neuronormies think. Fine.
But why this dog!!! This dog is very rambunctious, very loud, very energetic, very rah rah. I like things calm, I like things peaceful, I like things just so. I like things organized, all though I am to an extent that stereotype of the dude (and in movies at least its always dudes), where it looks messy to others, but I know exactly where everything is. But only somewhat. My room and space are somewhat neat organized, especially for a teen boy.
Just for an example, of how I like things just so. Here’s an event that still causes consternation amongst a certain part of my family even several years later. This is a bit of a mouthful, but, one time, right after the pandemic, when the full family gathered for an event, my maternal grandmother’s sister’s husband’s sister’s long term live in boyfriend is a ‘foodie’ and he insisted we all go to an authentic Polish place. No offense to any Polish readers, but the vibes and aroma were so off that not only I could not eat anything, but I could not even sit there. My mom ended up having to wait at the car with me, and then when we got home, I made myself spaghetti while everyone else relaxed and played cards.
Anyway, I’ve kept my door closed 100% of the time since this dog arrived. But one time I left it ajar, and she got in. She proceeded to bark bark bark, and, run around in circles, and then eventually destroy some papers that were mildly important to me. Not life or death, but annoying. But when I complained to my dad about this over the phone once, he said it was my fault for, well, for reasons I don’t really understand. This is even though he once berated my mom for accidentally closing an excel when she needed his computer for Zoom. And then even when she apologized, he was sullen with her for like two weeks. He has one spreadsheet where he has listed maybe every trade and ‘transaction history’ in NBA history, and to an extent other sports. He literally will randomly tell people that the Boston Celtics have an active transaction history almost older than he is. And another one that has lots of information about the history of the US Senate, and some about the House and our state Senate. I guarantee you if the dog could destroy either of those documents, he would have a different view.
But I have not yet told you the worst part. The previous owner of this dog abused her. This is obviously very sad and I genuinely feel for her. But it has made her very aggressive towards young men. Which, I am an awkward weirdo, but I still count as a young male. Every time I get near it, it barks and barks and barks, and runs and runs and runs and growls and gets right up into face. She can be very nice and relaxed and even playful with my mom, but literally never anything but aggressive with me. Now, I have for some reason not gotten a straight answer on the following. There is a chance my mom picked this intentionally, because in theory it makes for a better protector. I personally think that by adding chaos, if somehow we actually do get robbed, the dog would actually make the situation worse. That argument has not been convincing. The other possibility is having this personality made her the cheapest dog in the store, and my dad made my mom pick her for that reason, as that’s the sort of thing he does. I have asked, but neither have given me a straight answer for some reason. Either way, this dog would be much more suitable in perhaps a domestic violence shelter than in a house with a teen boy.
Ok, but this still might be okay. I would spend very little time downstairs, and instead spend my time in my room. That’s where my gaming computer is, so not the worst thing. And if my mom really feels she needs the dog, then so be it. Except, other than bathing the dog, I am supposed to do literally 100% of the caretaking for this dog. We’ve had it for maybe six months, and I don’t believe my mom has taken it on a single walk. I have to wake up early to walk her before school, and then again after school. As it barks and yells at me, and tries to escape from the leash and get away from me. The dog literally hates me, still. I have to feed it. Obviously, I cannot drive, but when we’ve had to go the vet, I not only have to come with, but be actively involved in the discussion. And so on.
And I have had enough. I am done. Maybe some, I’m not saying I won’t do anything, but I am not doing everything anymore. But instead of understanding, my mom has said if I refuse, she will take and maybe even sell my gaming computer as well as certain books and other items. Because I am not at all social and do not really go anywhere, she cannot really ‘ground’ me, so I guess she has to jump to that sort of thing. But I just don’t think its fair when I just don’t want to take care of a dog that hates me anymore. One time when I did actually screw up, they made to go back to going to church for a month, which very effectively made me cease that behavior. But this is worse, and I don’t see how I am doing anything wrong. But AITA?
Actually, I’ve decided I should add three things. First, my mom has a fatigue disorder. Not debilitating, but sometimes limiting. But, to me, that means she should get a less taxing dog.
Secondly, while she technically only works part time for her church, she also does volunteer work for both her church and her mom’s church. I don’t even technically know which tasks she gets paid for and which she doesn’t, but they add up to a full time job for sure. For instance, even all this time after the pandemic, she hosts a weekly, or maybe now every other week, Zoom event where lonely seniors can talk to her and each other. Plus, she is very passionate about her hobby, so its not like she’s exactly flowing with time.
And finally, I have to acknowledge this. I’m a little unclear what will happen now, but when my dad lived here, every single ‘men’s work’ task other than shoveling, we hired someone. Even basic stuff like lawn mowing. And climate change is killing shoveling. Whereas it has to be a very big deal for us to hire someone to do ‘women’s work.’ I mentioned earlier I’m somewhat the ‘organized mess’ stereotype. Well, my dad is the stereotype of the guy who takes his shoes and socks off in the middle of the family room, and somehow doesn’t even realize he’s made a mess. Or he’ll leave a chips and salsa dish in his study for more than a day. That sort of the thing. I try to do some ‘women’s work’ tasks, but I have legitimate issues with grime. When I told my Aunt this once, she looked sternly at me, but I swear it’s difficult for me. Especially things like day old salsa. Plus, okay, I do wash my own clothes, but my mom complains that I don’t separate my light shirts from my dark shirts. I’m quite sure that either never made sense, or is perhaps a thing of the past. Also, I’ve volunteered to vacuum like once a month, but she insists on doing it every week, which is too much, even with the dog. I have heard the term ‘weaponized incompetence,’ but to me its more like I’m fine with competent, but she wants above and beyond. But, I do understand that I should be doing more around the house, especially with my dad gone. But not taking care of this dog. I cannot.
Ok, now, AITA? Please say no.

Andurian was the strangest healer anyone had ever seen. He wore a black and purple robe, had a fancy staff (the only normal healer thing about him) and a powerful magic sword on his hip. Though not uncommon, the amount he had was excessive; he had five magic rings on one hand and three on the other. You could feel the magic flowing off his sword, staff, and particularly those rings, at pretty much all times. The power was like a gentle breeze constantly flowing outward from his gear that you could only feel with your magi-sense. At first it was startling, the kind of thing that would cause an entire tavern to stop making noise the moment he entered, and resume a moment later when they all realized it was just Andurian.
He'd made himself well known around town when he appeared out of no where and saved the lives of a handful of Steel Tier Adventurers after they killed the Tyrannus Lizard. It had bit their healer in half during the battle and somehow he even saved her too.
Vincent the Brave had introduced him to the guild, and he immediately signed up. Everyone starts at Tin tier, but Andurian rose up the ranks quickly. Clearly his ability to mend flesh was second to none, and he never seemed to tired from casting like most healers. When he wasn't out adventuring he worked, FOR FREE, at the medical clinic.
Well... Free in terms of currency, what he was really getting paid in was information. Every adventurer he healed talked with him, told him anything he wanted to know. He was, after all, the only healer that includes pain killing magic with his heals. Most healers will stitch you back together through screaming pain, but Andurian will put your whole damn arm back on and somehow give you an Armgasm as the same time.
Rumors about him spread too, far and wide. Six months after he arrived the first Adamantine adventurers started showing up at our town trying to recruit him. He was still technically only an Iron tier Adventurer when he turned down the Falconeer and her crew. Terrestria and the Earthlings also got shot down, though he did cure two of the Earthlings of a fungal infection they'd had for nigh on a decade that their old healer said was 'Impossible to fix'.
Andurian never permanently joined a party, at least for nine month he hadn't. He'd do one job with a random party here, and another there, nothing that was supposed to get too terribly dangerous, though the missions he chose always seemed to get out of hand somehow. Randomly coming across an undead horde, or a lindwyrm, or a pack of dire wolves. The tales the returning adventurers would tell would be fantastical. Tanks cut clean in two, and restored in mere seconds, back to fully fighting fit. Or an arm that was reattached from a distance, unlike other healers he didn't need to be touching you to heal. He never seemed to attack, he would use his staff to defend himself if a stray goblin or wolf came at him. Parrying and dodging while still healing, until help arrived to slay whatever it was attacking him.
The rumors about this man had become so powerful that if he asked to join your party you almost couldn't say no. Was it probably going to be one hell of a mission gone sideways? Almost assuredly. Would everyone survive? Also, without a doubt, so long as the man in the black and purple robes came with. Parties that had gone out and had haywire adventures with Andurian also seemed to level up pretty quickly afterward. The Tigers went from Bronze to Steel as a party within two months of their time with him, and that was pretty much the typical result.
Also, he'd never been said to join the same party twice. So the Scrip Scrappers were quite surprised when he approached their table at the tavern the day before their first mission out after their 'turn' being bless by him.
"I am coming with you." He told them, a serious look on his face. the entire tavern silenced to listen in. They all knew this was odd... odder than normal with Andurian.
Dean, the leader of the Scrip Scrappers swallowed hard into the sudden silence. "I... Uhm. What?" He wasn't mentally ready to be devoured whole by another Grunchalope Alpha, or whatever the future happened to have in store for him on this adventure out with Andurian.
"I am coming with you." Andurian repeated. "Your party will need me."
He never explained why he was joining parties, he just told them he joining. Dean's face drained of all color.
Samantha, the Scrip Scrappers regular healer smiled and placed her a hand on Dean's shoulder. "We would be honored to have you along again. I was hoping that perhaps this time I might pick your brain about a few things, if there's time."
Andurian smiled. He never smiled. "I believe that can be arranged."
They were on a mission into a goblin lair that had previously been cleared by three groups of mostly steel tier adventurers. They weren't called the Scrip Scrappers because they took on high value jobs. Mostly they did cleanup tasks. Frequently, members 'graduated' up to new parties. Andurian spent the walk to the goblin lair talking with Samantha about the human body. The functions of all the organs, and tips and tricks for non-magical healing, but he noticeable changed the subject several times when it came to healing with magic.
As expected this mission went sideways. Getting to the supposedly cleared lair was no problem, however when they arrived it seemed all the corpses were already gone. Blood trails indicated something had dragged them all back into the lair, or possibly that they'd dragged themselves. Normally, Dean would have called it there, and for the sake of safety told the party to head back to town. A waste of a days rations and a time, better safe than dead. Something amiss like that is a sure sign of trouble... but Andurian spoke up.
"We need to go in there, no time to wait for reserve troops." And with that he strode forth, leaving the party racing to catch up. Healers and spellcaster types usually aren't in the front when exploring sketchy dungeons.
Once they were all comfortably inside, the entrance collapsed. Sealing them inside. Andurian didn't seem bothered, or even startled by this, which did help put the other seven people at ease, sorta. The lack of startle was... well startling in it's own way.
Rather than say anything to allay their growing anxiety, he said, "The only way out is forward." After which he did something that ratcheted up all their anxieties to eleven. He drew his sword. Andurian hadn't drawn his sword in the entire time he'd been around. He'd been said to have blocked a few attacks with it still in it's sheath, but never actually took it out.
She sang, that sword, a sort of ringing that never stopped after he pulled her out. Scarlet Aria was her name, and once unsheathed all seven Scrappers could feel her power washing over them, invigorating them, and enhancing their senses and breathing. She cast an eerie light, which made all the goblin blood sprayed about the room glow an unnatural green. There were smaller bits that glowed white.
He held his sword high, lighting up the entire space, "Fan out and have a look around. We're looking for any purple blood. Green is the goblinoids, white is humans, elves or dwarves. Purple is... my target."
A few minutes of searching and Harlan, the rogue found a tiny spot of glowing purple in a piece of rock on the ground that looked magically manipulated and called Andurian over. Harlan suspected an orc shaman had opened a tunnel here at some point.
For a moment there was a flash of anger on Andurian's face, but he quelled his emotions and said. "Stand back."
He placed his hand that had five rings on it a fist pointed straight down. The Scrappers all felt a pulse of magic unlike anything they'd ever encountered, suddenly they were all falling. Andurian's five rings destroyed themselves in their usage, but punched a large hole all the way down into the underdark, that land beneath the surface from which goblins and orcs come.
As they fell he swung his staff around and caught them all in a slow falling spell, so they alighted softly onto the stone wreckage below. pushing away the cloud of dust that came with them.
Slow falling was supposed to be a wizard's spell, or so they had all thought.
As the cloud of dust cleared and settled, They saw that they were well and truly surrounded by a throng of orcs and goblins. They had crashed down in the middle of some huge ritual or ceremony. Inside the surprisingly well lit cave were hundreds, maybe even a thousand orcs and goblins. And underneath the pile of rocks that they had followed were probably twenty or so dead ones.
Andurian smiled. Fresh ground goblin and orc would work perfectly. He activated the three remaining rings on his sword hand, and a glowing light surrounded all of his companions. "Fight like my life depends on it friends, and don't worry about the wounds."
The scrappers all felt stronger than ever, they all were stronger than ever. Whatever magic Andurian used had juiced them up real good. Dean leapt twelve feet in a single jump to block an arrow headed toward Andurian. And then he kicked an orc that was climbing up toward them hard enough that the orc's head exploded.
Samantha stood next to Andurian, what else was she going to do? Andy had taken an arrow in the neck and just ripped it out and the wound sealed up and he kept fighting. So she watched Andurian to try to learn. She watched him point with his staff at the growing mess of dead meat, and then she watched it begin to form up into a massive flesh golem.
"Y- Y- You're a Carnomancer!?"
"And so much more!" Andurian said as he channeled his power into the staff and his monstrous flesh abomination hopped into action. Unnervingly fast for something so large, it swept orcs and goblins by the dozen down to the floor and stomped across them. Every one slain adding to it's mass and power.
"But... What? How?!"
The Scrip Scrappers acquitted themselves well in battle. The enchantment he put on them was unreal.
Dave, the unarmored barbarian, used to be covered in somewhat debilitating burn scars. Those ancient scars had all vanished about a half second after the enchantment landed on him, and he felt as young as powerful as when he had slain the dragon that burnt him twenty years ago.
Dean's strength grew to match Dave's, and Harlan and Harriet both become so fast and deadly accurate with their ranged attacks that they were killing enemies so quickly that running out of arrows would have been a serious concern, if not for the orcs and goblins shooting plenty back at them. If they needed another one they'd just yoink it from their own thigh, or their friend's back and the wound would painlessly close. In fact getting peppered with arrows was only a minor itchy annoyance at worst while under Andurian's ring enhanced enchantment. It was not, however repairing their armor, which would be truly beat to hell by the end of the fight.
Val and Tilly, the two offensive spellcasters found their mana reserves to be overflowing, like they were wearing beer helmets with mana potions instead of beers, and just absolutely chugging while fighting.
Samantha would have got more out of the enchantment if she wasn't so dumbfounded by conversation with Andurian while the chaos around her unfolded.
"What the hell do you mean More than a Carnomancer! Everyone only gets one Mancy!" She shouted at him, mostly to get over the noise of the screaming goblinoid horde trying to kill them. An arrow stuck her in the neck and he reached pointed his sword at her and it sprang out and flew back at the one who shot it.
"No offense lady, but you people have it all so wrong about magic on this planet." He said, "Look, I can do any mancy I want."
Then he copied Val's Pyromancy only stronger, and lit a dozen green bodies below aflame with a gesture from his staff. Another staff swipe put a wall of ice spikes through a line of twenty enemies that was about to loose arrows their direction.
"What in the nine hells..." Samantha was struggling with this, Church Dogma said that those blessed with magic could only master one mancy, but Andurian had clearly mastered many. "What... what are you?"
Andurian pointed his staff toward his flesh monstrosity and it collapsed from a vaguely humanoid in shape to a massive blob with hundreds protruding of bone tentacles. The boney protrusions reached out and claimed any orc or goblin they could and started hurling them to awaiting mouths at the blob center.
"I'm A Space Wizard. From up there." He gestured upward with his eyes, "One of my ilk has stolen something from me and has been hiding on this planet, and I've finally found him. So you wanna know what I am? I'm fucking mad. He stole my godsdamned Familiar!"
There was a sudden powerful pulse of magic, the kind that the Scrip Scrappers had only ever felt around Andurian, but it came from within a neighboring chamber of the cave. The orcs and goblins had been slaughtered down to the point that they were fleeing en masse, and this, enemy Space Wizard, had also just retreated.
"Run if you want Rathius, you son of a bitch!" Andurian shouted into the cave. then he turned to Samantha to say, "He can't force a teleport with Flox, so he's gotta still be in here somewh-oof!"
Andurian's Familiar cut him off by flying into his chest at high speed and unceremoniously taking him clean off his feet. It was an almost two meter long flying noodly shaped dragon thing. Flox was black and purple, like his owner's robe. He had four limbs on bottom, front legs with thumbs on the hands, and back feet more like a cats. On his back were a pair of wings, though the way he flew he definitely didn't need use them. It seemed the laws of Physics were merely suggestions to Flox the dragonling Familiar.
Andurian sat up and pet the aggressively wiggly dragonling in his lap. "Okay buddy, I know... I missed you too." Flox licked him and nuzzled him like a dog that hadn't seen it's owner in weeks, and as Andurian calmed Flox down the creature started purring like a cat. Once the beast was purring Andurian collected his sword and sheathed it, and grabbed his staff back to help himself back to his feet Around them, the Scrip Scrappers had reassembled. The flesh monstrosity had collapsed into inert meat the instant Flox had made contact with Andurian. The ol' space Wizard just didn't have the rage left in his heart to maintain such a thing when his Familiar was back with him. Also, all the remaining enemies had all fled.
"Did you say you're a Space Wizard?" Val had overheard.
"Yeah, he did." Samantha confirmed, while plucking one of the few remaining arrows from Harriet's back. "He also has multiple mancies. Pyro, Cryo, Carno, and more from what I saw..."
Coming from the cleric, the healer, the representative of the church in the group, that was quite the statement.
Andurian sighed while wrapping his purring pet around his neck like a scarf, "The jig is up. I'm not from 'round here. I'm from up there, all the way up there. And I know far more about the true nature of magic than you land dwellers down here, what with that damn fool church teaching everyone everything wrong. "
He waited a few seconds to see if any of them would say anything, and much to his surprise, all three of the spell casters in the group started talking at once.
"Can I go with you."
"I want to see it."
"No fuckin way, prove it."
Andurian smiled. "Alright, alright. You non-casters are welcome to come too, you all have potential to learn magic, even Dave here, I'm afraid.
Dave laughed. "If you can prove that, then I'm this little critter's uncle."
All the Scrip Scrappers laughed. Then they suddenly stopped laughing as the roof of the cave above them ripped opened up and sunlight poured in.
"That'll be our ride." Andurian said. "You know, I wasn't planning to recruit anyone on this planet.... but you guys are alright, and Flox didn't raise his hackles to a single one of you. So you've all passed the hardest test already."
Gravity slowly reversed over a few second. The Scrip Scrappers started to panic but since Andurian did not, they left it at 'starting to panic' instead of full blown panic. They started floating upward, and Andurian simply pointed with his staff and applied burst of kinetic energy to the largest rocks trying to join them. His ship above began to do the same, pushing all the stone and rock away, leaving only himself and the Scrip Scrappers to be pulled inside his ship.
"Welcome aboard Captain." A woman's voice said from somewhere. "And welcome, new friends."

So I had my date scheduled for the end of February and had passed the nicotine test for insurance months before and at the pre surgery physical a couple weeks before I failed a nicotine test due to chewing gum and doing zyn pouches( kept telling myself I would quit) and they told me I need to pass another test to reschedule and since then I’ve fallen off the wagon. And gained atleast 18 pounds of the weight I lost back. I suffer from depression in the form of really low energy for example I haven’t been to work in about a month.
Keep telling myself to start eating clean again and get off the nicotine all while getting back to work. The plan is to go back to work tomorow which will help get back into a healthy routine. I just wanna get back to where I was before surgery but it feels so far away. I haven’t even contacted the doctors in months. I’m thinking about messaging them on the my chart app but feeling ashamed/embaressed of how I’ve fallen off.
Looking to this community for strength and support once again!

“Grounding” is one of the big topics in contemporary metaphysics. Grounding is typically treated as a non-causal determination/dependence relation between facts (or entities) at different levels of fundamentality. Grounding therefore provides a kind of “vertical” priority that makes it important for metaphysical explanation: what is grounded is said to be dependent on and thereby explicable through its grounds. For example, if priority monism is true, then the whole cosmos is the only fundamental entity, and it grounds/explains all of its proper parts.
Kit Fine has claimed that “ground, if you like, stands to philosophy as cause stands to science.” This suggests something of a division of labor between philosophers and scientists and a clear distinction between metaphysical and scientific explanations. However, I’ve recently been reading about mechanistic explanation in the life sciences (particularly the “New Mechanistic” literature). In this literature, there is a difference between etiological and constitutive mechanisms (and explanations). While etiological explanations explain phenomena through the chains of antecedent causes that brought them about, constitutive explanations are thought to explain by giving an account of the mechanism underlying a phenomenon. Roughly, this means explaining the activity of a system in terms of the activity of the components of a mechanism during the period when the activity occurs. One example in the literature is the explanation of spatial memory. Consider an explanation of the spatial memory of a mouse navigating a maze. Such an explanation would describe the mechanism for spatial memory that is responsible for the navigation behavior. At any given moment of time when the mouse is navigating the maze, there are parts of the mouse that are engaged in activities (e.g., the mouse’s hippocampus generating spatial maps) that are said to be constitutively relevant for the navigation behavior. Some other paradigmatic examples in the literature include the explanation of action potential, or a heart’s pumping blood.
Although these explanations involve descriptions of causal relations between the components of the mechanism, the explanatory “constitution” relation between the mechanism and the explanandum phenomenon seems like something like a “vertical” grounding relation. It’s synchronous rather than diachronic and it involves entities that are not wholly distinct – the mouse is engaged in navigating a maze at a particular time because its parts are engaged in certain goings-on at that time. However, constitutive-mechanistic explanation is very much a matter of empirical investigation rather than armchair speculation over what is ontologically prior to what – scientists conduct certain kinds of multi-level experiments to test for constitutive relevance (there is currently a lot of debate in the literature on how exactly scientists infer constitutive relevance).
I’m not an expert in this area, so I’m still unsure if I’m missing something, but the parallels seem rather strong. So, could grounding (or "vertical" determination/dependence in general) be of importance in the context of scientific explanation?

So I don’t know whether to be scared or not. My little baby boy has been fairly regular in his movements the last two weeks and yesterday is the first time I could see him move on the outside. It was so fun and such a special moment for me. Today he has barely moved. He kicked a little in the morning but now 12 hrs later I have barely felt movement and he tends to be extremely active around nighttime (current time) I’m only 21+4 but he’s been so regular so far I’m scared he might not be okay. I’ve been extremely tired today and had a 3 hr nap earlier, could this have anything to do with it?? I have a heart rate monitor but I know I shouldn’t use it all the time or depend on it as I am not a midwife or doctor and don’t have the medical knowledge, I’m also scared of using it and not finding him and thinking the worst. My next appointment with my midwife is my glucose test in mid May, I can always text her and ask her for another appointment but I want to avoid it if possible

Currently a freshman at a T15 Public School majoring in neuroscience. Not well known for pre-med but decent opportunities and advising. Pretty competitive HS in the Bay Area.
Demographics: Asian Male, Upper Middle class (not seeking aid)
Intended major: Neuroscience/ Cognitive Science with a minor in public policy.
GPA & Test Scores: 4.0 for summer, fall, and winter quarter so far. 1560 SAT (760 English, 800 Math). HS (3.94, 4.43)
Coursework:
college: Chem and physics series. Lin alg and Psych for major. Other GE's, humanities related. (Also concurrently taking Calc 2 online at a CC for medical schools that dont accept AP credit)
A lot of accumulated college units from CC classes and summer programs. I had junior standing after my winter quarter.
high school: APs: (BC, Chem, CS A, Lang, Gov, Stats, Physics 1, Lit) (All 5's and 4's on Exams) Honors: Multivariable Calc, Spanish 4.
LORS: Weakest part of my application. Had my chem teacher write me one after 1 quarter, pretty generic letter I would assume. Also had a HS teacher of 4 years submit one as a personal mentor.
EC's (college):

1. ⁠Neuroscience research lab exploring emotion regulation. Used fMRI and EEG. Applied coding to create experiments.
2. ⁠Sports Medicine internship working with athletes. 75+ clinic hours and game experience.
3. ⁠Co-Founder of a ride-share service with 30k monthly revenue and 2,000 clients.
4. Summer Intern at a medical clinic. Shadowing physician during appointments while also contributing to website blog.
5. ⁠Volunteer at a shelter for adults struggling with mental illness
6. Tutor for homeless youth
7. Volunteer program teaching youth about importance of nutrition.

Essays: Some were much better than others. Reason for transferring was that I want to pursue a public policy minor for specific reasons, and my school doesn't have a strong program in that area, and is in a relatively small city with few opportunities. Hard to articulate my reason for transferring at certain schools because of word count but not terrible.
Awards: Science award from my HS(3/450 students awarded). Volunteer service award from my HS for 500 hours equivalent. National Merit with commendation.
Chance me for: Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Emory, NYU, USC, BU (No safeties because I would be fine with staying at my current school. I just want to be in a better location with better resources, advising, and public policy program for a minor)

i just tested a bunch of marksman who don't get more utility from higher attack speed(for example wanwan gets faster so more attack speed--》more utility) and the damage with crit+lifesteal built is basically the same. these heros are claude, melissa, moskov, miya and anyone else who has a viable crit build. why does everyone go with the gold staff build when you can get lifesteal and the same damage?
*couple of notes: 1- i get it's a tankbuster build but i see this being used against squishy teams in classic and ranked in low mythic. 2- for moskov i do get that he gets utility but crit build allows him to have a constanf attack speed buff from first skill too just less mobility. dashing too much makes you deal less damage anyways

I’m gonna be finishing up my PhD in EE, looking for industrial internship positions. I’m located in the US currently. I had acceptances to both medical physics and EE during application cycle but pursued EE instead. Mainly because of location. My research focuses on biomedical imaging (specifically optical fiber sensors) and signal processing. I do have a BS in physics.
I know you need to have residency hours and take a test before being board certified (last time I checked). I tried searching this sub but have had no luck. Is it possible for me to somehow pivot to a medical physics without doing a PhD or MS again? Or would I essentially have to start over again? Most of my searches were relevant for undergraduate studies but I have barely found anything from transitioning at the graduate level.

Everything in my inventory is up for trade. The most valuable items are listed here, the rest you can find in My Inventory

Feel free to Add Me or even better send a Trade Offer. Open for any suggestions: upgrades, downgrades / knives, gloves, skins / stickers, patterns, floats.

All Buyouts are listed in cash value.

KNIVES

★ Butterfly Knife Lore (Factory New), B/O: $7194.77

★ Butterfly Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2025.74

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★ M9 Bayonet Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $557.87

★ M9 Bayonet Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $529.41

★ M9 Bayonet Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $465.39

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★ Talon Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $1295.27

★ Bayonet Tiger Tooth (Minimal Wear), B/O: $746.28

★ Karambit Bright Water (Field-Tested), B/O: $688.15

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★ Flip Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $547.93

★ Flip Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $476.69

★ Flip Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $278.18

★ Flip Knife Black Laminate (Well-Worn), B/O: $258.83

★ Flip Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $181.64

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★ Stiletto Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $686.04

★ Stiletto Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $665.41

★ Stiletto Knife, B/O: $601.39

★ Stiletto Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $418.25

★ Stiletto Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $227.80

★ Stiletto Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.96

★ Stiletto Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $192.79

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★ Nomad Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $518.11

★ Nomad Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $169.78

★ Nomad Knife Forest DDPAT (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $166.88

★ StatTrak™ Nomad Knife Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $335.79

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★ Skeleton Knife Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $442.05

★ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Minimal Wear), B/O: $426.24

★ Skeleton Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $314.03

★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2361.28

★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $376.53

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★ Ursus Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $557.12

★ Ursus Knife, B/O: $471.42

★ Ursus Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $212.37

★ Ursus Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $187.66

★ Ursus Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $178.18

★ Ursus Knife Ultraviolet (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $155.13

★ Ursus Knife Boreal Forest (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.26

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★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Minimal Wear), B/O: $204.83

★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Field-Tested), B/O: $184.50

★ StatTrak™ Huntsman Knife Lore (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $224.11

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★ Bowie Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $2142.02

★ Bowie Knife, B/O: $230.44

★ Bowie Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $209.20

★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.51

★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03

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★ Falchion Knife Night (Field-Tested), B/O: $132.54

★ Falchion Knife Urban Masked (Well-Worn), B/O: $112.81

★ Falchion Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $108.81

★ Falchion Knife Forest DDPAT (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.82

★ Falchion Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.46

★ StatTrak™ Falchion Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $143.08

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★ Paracord Knife Crimson Web (Minimal Wear), B/O: $486.48

★ Paracord Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $163.12

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★ Survival Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $138.26

★ Survival Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03

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★ Gut Knife Sapphire (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1127.79

★ Gut Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $286.17

★ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $246.55

★ Gut Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $240.77

★ Gut Knife, B/O: $210.49

★ Gut Knife Lore (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.22

★ Gut Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $151.51

★ Gut Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.94

★ Gut Knife Rust Coat (Well-Worn), B/O: $118.99

★ Gut Knife Boreal Forest (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.80

★ StatTrak™ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $237.96

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★ Shadow Daggers Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $264.92

★ Shadow Daggers Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $253.03

★ Shadow Daggers Tiger Tooth (Factory New), B/O: $237.22

★ Shadow Daggers Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $153.40

★ Shadow Daggers Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $144.42

★ Shadow Daggers Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $105.20

★ StatTrak™ Shadow Daggers Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $150.46

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★ Navaja Knife Fade (Factory New), B/O: $365.99

★ Navaja Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $228.93

★ Navaja Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $227.43

★ Navaja Knife Slaughter (Factory New), B/O: $209.06

★ Navaja Knife, B/O: $203.16

★ Navaja Knife Case Hardened (Well-Worn), B/O: $132.57

★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $121.69

★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.95

★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $100.41

★ StatTrak™ Navaja Knife Fade (Factory New), B/O: $369.01

★ StatTrak™ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $109.95

GLOVES

★ Sport Gloves Amphibious (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2394.67

★ Sport Gloves Omega (Well-Worn), B/O: $572.33

★ Sport Gloves Bronze Morph (Minimal Wear), B/O: $338.88

★ Sport Gloves Big Game (Field-Tested), B/O: $323.66

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★ Specialist Gloves Marble Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1652.07

★ Specialist Gloves Tiger Strike (Field-Tested), B/O: $599.14

★ Specialist Gloves Crimson Web (Well-Worn), B/O: $231.57

★ Specialist Gloves Buckshot (Minimal Wear), B/O: $126.21

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★ Moto Gloves POW! (Minimal Wear), B/O: $996.99

★ Moto Gloves POW! (Field-Tested), B/O: $383.31

★ Moto Gloves POW! (Well-Worn), B/O: $276.00

★ Moto Gloves Turtle (Field-Tested), B/O: $180.28

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★ Hand Wraps CAUTION! (Minimal Wear), B/O: $502.29

★ Hand Wraps Giraffe (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.73

★ Hand Wraps CAUTION! (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $178.32

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★ Driver Gloves Queen Jaguar (Minimal Wear), B/O: $181.01

★ Driver Gloves Rezan the Red (Field-Tested), B/O: $101.66

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★ Broken Fang Gloves Jade (Field-Tested), B/O: $127.88

★ Broken Fang Gloves Needle Point (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.55

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★ Bloodhound Gloves Guerrilla (Minimal Wear), B/O: $127.94

★ Hydra Gloves Case Hardened (Field-Tested), B/O: $102.55

WEAPONS

AK-47 X-Ray (Well-Worn), B/O: $478.95

AUG Hot Rod (Factory New), B/O: $425.83

StatTrak™ M4A1-S Hyper Beast (Factory New), B/O: $413.95

M4A4 Daybreak (Factory New), B/O: $309.51

StatTrak™ AK-47 Aquamarine Revenge (Factory New), B/O: $305.43

AK-47 Case Hardened (Well-Worn), B/O: $196.38

StatTrak™ M4A4 Temukau (Minimal Wear), B/O: $174.64

P90 Run and Hide (Field-Tested), B/O: $167.03

AWP Asiimov (Field-Tested), B/O: $153.33

Souvenir SSG 08 Death Strike (Minimal Wear), B/O: $140.00

M4A1-S Printstream (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.70

StatTrak™ M4A1-S Golden Coil (Field-Tested), B/O: $117.48

AWP Asiimov (Well-Worn), B/O: $115.97

StatTrak™ Desert Eagle Printstream (Minimal Wear), B/O: $112.96

StatTrak™ AK-47 Asiimov (Minimal Wear), B/O: $110.85

Souvenir M4A1-S Master Piece (Well-Worn), B/O: $102.42

AK-47 Bloodsport (Minimal Wear), B/O: $100.53

Trade Offer Link - Steam Profile Link - My Inventory

Knives - Bowie Knife, Butterfly Knife, Falchion Knife, Flip Knife, Gut Knife, Huntsman Knife, M9 Bayonet, Bayonet, Karambit, Shadow Daggers, Stiletto Knife, Ursus Knife, Navaja Knife, Talon Knife, Classic Knife, Paracord Knife, Survival Knife, Nomad Knife, Skeleton Knife, Patterns - Gamma Doppler, Doppler (Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, Black Pearl, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald), Crimson Web, Lore, Fade, Ultraviolet, Night, Marble Fade (Fire & Ice, Fake FI), Case Hardened (Blue Gem), Autotronic, Slaughter, Black Laminate, Tiger Tooth, Boreal Forest, Scorched, Blue Steel, Vanilla, Damascus Steel, Forest DDPAT, Urban Masked, Freehand, Stained, Bright Water, Safari Mesh, Rust Coat, Gloves - Bloodhound Gloves (Charred, Snakebite, Guerrilla, Bronzed), Driver Gloves (Snow Leopard, King Snake, Crimson Weave, Imperial Plaid, Black Tie, Lunar Weave, Diamondback, Rezan the Red, Overtake, Queen Jaguar, Convoy, Racing Green), Hand Wraps (Cobalt Skulls, CAUTION!, Overprint, Slaughter, Leather, Giraffe, Badlands, Spruce DDPAT, Arboreal, Constrictor, Desert Shamagh, Duct Tape), Moto Gloves (Spearmint, POW!, Cool Mint, Smoke Out, Finish Line, Polygon, Blood Pressure, Turtle, Boom!, Eclipse, 3rd Commando Company, Transport), Specialist Gloves (Crimson Kimono, Tiger Strike, Emerald Web, Field Agent, Marble Fade, Fade, Foundation, Lt. Commander, Crimson Web, Mogul, Forest DDPAT, Buckshot), Sport Gloves (Pandora's Box, Superconductor, Hedge Maze, Vice, Amphibious, Slingshot, Omega, Arid, Big Game, Nocts, Scarlet Shamagh, Bronze Morph), Hydra Gloves (Case Hardened, Emerald, Rattler, Mangrove), Broken Fang Gloves (Jade, Yellow-banded, Unhinged, Needle Point), Pistols - P2000 (Wicked Sick, Ocean Foam, Fire Element, Amber Fade, Corticera, Chainmail, Imperial Dragon, Obsidian, Scorpion, Handgun, Acid Etched), USP-S (Printstream, Kill Confirmed, Whiteout, Road Rash, Owergrowth, The Traitor, Neo-Noir, Dark Water, Orion, Blueprint, Stainless, Caiman, Serum, Monster Mashup, Royal Blue, Ancient Visions, Cortex, Orange Anolis, Ticket To Hell, Black Lotus, Cyrex, Check Engine, Guardian, Purple DDPAT, Torque, Blood Tiger, Flashback, Business Class, Pathfinder, Para Green), Lead Conduit, Glock-18 (Ramese's Reach, Umbral Rabbit, Fade, Candy Apple, Bullet Queen, Synth Leaf, Neo-Noir, Nuclear Garden, Dragon Tatto, Reactor, Pink DDPAT, Twilight Galaxy, Sand Dune, Groundwater, Blue Fissure, Snack Attack, Water Elemental, Brass, Wasteland Rebel, Vogue, Franklin, Royal Legion, Gamma Doppler, Weasel, Steel Disruption, Ironwork, Grinder, High Beam, Moonrise, Oxide Blaze, Bunsen Burner, Clear Polymer, Bunsen Burner, Night), P250 (Apep's Curse, Re.built, Nuclear Threat, Modern Hunter, Splash, Whiteout, Vino Primo, Mehndi, Asiimov, Visions, Undertow, Cartel, See Ya Later, Gunsmoke, Splash, Digital Architect, Muertos, Red Rock, Bengal Tiger, Crimson Kimono, Wingshot, Metallic DDPAT, Hive, Dark Filigree, Mint Kimono), Five-Seven (Neon Kimono, Berries And Cherries, Fall Hazard, Crimson Blossom, Hyper Beast, Nitro, Fairy Tale, Case Hardened, Copper Galaxy, Angry Mob, Monkey Business, Fowl Play, Anodized Gunmetal, Hot Shot, Retrobution, Boost Protocol), CZ75-Auto (Chalice, Crimson Web, Emerald Quartz, The Fuschia is Now, Nitro, Xiangliu, Yellow Jacket, Victoria, Poison Dart, Syndicate, Eco, Hexane, Pole, Tigris), Tec-9 (Mummy's Rot, Rebel, Terrace, Nuclear Threat, Hades, Rust Leaf, Decimator, Blast From, Orange Murano, Toxic, Fuel Injector, Remote Control, Bamboo Forest, Isaac, Avalanche, Brother, Re-Entry, Blue Titanium, Bamboozle), R8 Revolver (Banana Cannon, Fade, Blaze, Crimson Web, Liama Cannon, Crazy 8, Reboot, Canal Spray, Night, Amber Fade), Desert Eagle (Blaze, Hand Cannon, Fennec Fox, Sunset Storm, Emerald Jörmungandr, Pilot, Hypnotic, Golden Koi, Printstream, Cobalt Disruption, Code Red, Ocean Drive, Midnight Storm, Kumicho Dragon, Crimson Web, Heirloom, Night Heist, Mecha Industries, Night, Conspiracy, Trigger Discipline, Naga, Directive, Light Rail), Dual Berettas (Flora Carnivora, Duelist, Cobra Strike, Black Limba, Emerald, Hemoglobin, Twin Turbo, Marina, Melondrama, Pyre, Retribution, Briar, Dezastre, Royal Consorts, Urban Shock, Dualing Dragons, Panther, Balance), Rifles - Galil (Aqua Terrace, Winter Forest, Chatterbox, Sugar Rush, Pheonix Blacklight, CAUTION!, Orange DDPAT, Cerberus, Dusk Ruins, Eco, Chromatic Aberration, Stone Cold, Tuxedo, Sandstorm, Shattered, Urban Rubble, Rocket Pop, Kami, Crimson Tsunami, Connexion), SCAR-20 (Fragments, Brass, Cyrex, Palm, Splash Jam, Cardiac, Emerald, Crimson Web, Magna Carta, Stone Mosaico, Bloodsport, Enforcer), AWP (Black Nile, Duality, Gungnir, Dragon Lore, Prince, Medusa, Desert Hydra, Fade, Lightning Strike, Oni Taiji, Silk Tiger, Graphite, Chromatic Aberration, Asiimov, Snake Camo, Boom, Containment Breach, Wildfire, Redline, Electric Hive, Hyper Beast, Neo-Noir, Man-o'-war, Pink DDPAT, Corticera, Sun in Leo, Elite Build, Fever Dream, Atheris, Mortis, PAW, Exoskeleton, Worm God, POP AWP, Phobos, Acheron, Pit Viper, Capillary, Safari Mesh), AK-47 (Steel Delta, Head Shot, Wild Lotus, Gold Arabesque, X-Ray, Fire Serpent, Hydroponic, Panthera Onca, Case Hardened, Vulcan, Jet Set, Fuel Injector, Bloodsport, Nightwish, First Class, Neon Rider, Asiimov, Red Laminate, Aquamarine Revenge, The Empress, Wasteland Rebel, Jaguar, Black Laminate, Leet Museo, Neon Revolution, Redline, Frontside Misty, Predator, Legion of Anubis, Point Disarray, Orbit Mk01, Blue Laminate, Green Laminate, Emerald Pinstripe, Cartel, Phantom Disruptor, Jungle Spray, Safety Net, Rat Rod, Baroque Purple, Slate, Elite Build, Uncharted, Safari Mesh), FAMAS (Waters of Nephthys, Sundown, Prime Conspiracy, Afterimage, Commemoration, Dark Water, Spitfire, Pulse, Eye of Athena, Meltdown, Rapid Eye Move, Roll Cage, Styx, Mecha Industrie, Djinn, ZX Spectron, Valence, Neural Net, Night Borre, Hexne), M4A4 (Eye of Horus, Temukau, Howl, Poseidon, Asiimov, Daybreak, Hellfire, Zirka, Red DDPAT, Radiation Hazard, Modern Hunter, The Emperor, The Coalition, Bullet Rain, Cyber Security, X-Ray, Dark Blossom, Buzz Kill, In Living Color, Neo-Noir, Desolate Space, 龍王 (Dragon King), Royal Paladin, The Battlestar, Global Offensive, Tooth Fairy, Desert-Strike, Griffin, Evil Daimyo, Spider Lily, Converter), M4A1-S (Emphorosaur-S, Welcome to the Jungle, Imminent Danger, Knight, Hot Rod, Icarus Fell, Blue Phosphor, Printstream, Master Piece, Dark Water, Golden Coil, Bright Water, Player Two, Atomic Alloy, Guardian, Chantico's Fire, Hyper Beast, Mecha Industries, Cyrex, Control Panel, Moss Quartz, Nightmare, Decimator, Leaded Glass, Basilisk, Blood Tiger, Briefing, Night Terror, Nitro, VariCamo, Flashback), SG 553 (Cyberforce, Hazard Pay, Bulldozer, Integrale, Dragon Tech, Ultraviolet, Colony IV, Hypnotic, Cyrex, Candy Apple, Barricade, Pulse), SSG 08 (Death Strike, Sea Calico, Blood in the Water, Orange Filigree, Dragonfire, Big Iron, Bloodshot, Detour, Turbo Peek, Red Stone), AUG (Akihabara Accept, Flame Jörmungandr, Hot Rod, Midnight Lily, Sand Storm, Carved Jade, Wings, Anodized Navy, Death by Puppy, Torque, Bengal Tiger, Chameleon, Fleet Flock, Random Access, Momentum, Syd Mead, Stymphalian, Arctic Wolf, Aristocrat, Navy Murano), G3SG1 (Chronos, Violet Murano, Flux, Demeter, Orange Kimono, The Executioner, Green Apple, Arctic Polar Camo, Contractor), SMGs - P90 (ScaraB Rush, Neoqueen, Astral Jörmungandr, Run and Hide, Emerald Dragon, Cold Blooded, Death by Kitty, Baroque Red, Vent Rush, Blind Spot, Asiimov, Trigon, Sunset Lily, Death Grip, Leather, Nostalgia, Fallout Warning, Tiger Pit, Schermatic, Virus, Shapewood, Glacier Mesh, Shallow Grave, Chopper, Desert Warfare), MAC-10 (Sakkaku, Hot Snakes, Copper Borre, Red Filigree, Gold Brick, Graven, Case Hardened, Stalker, Amber Fade, Neon Rider, Tatter, Curse, Propaganda, Nuclear Garden, Disco Tech, Toybox, Heat, Indigo), UMP-45 (Wild Child, Fade, Blaze, Day Lily, Minotaur's Labyrinth, Crime Scene, Caramel, Bone Pile, Momentum, Primal Saber), MP7 (Teal Blossom, Fade, Nemesis, Whiteout, Asterion, Bloosport, Abyssal Apparition, Full Stop, Special Delivery, Neon Ply, Asterion, Ocean Foam, Powercore, Scorched, Impire), PP-Bizon (Modern Hunter, Rust Coat, Forest Leaves, Antique, High Roller, Blue Streak, Seabird, Judgement of Anubis, Bamboo Print, Embargo, Chemical Green, Coblat Halftone, Fuel Rod, Photic Zone, Irradiated Alert, Carbon Fiber), MP9 (Featherweight, Wild Lily, Pandora's Box, Stained Glass, Bulldozer, Dark Age, Hot Rod, Hypnotic, Hydra, Rose Iron, Music Box, Setting Sun, Food Chain, Airlock, Mount Fuji, Starlight Protector, Ruby Poison Dart, Deadly Poison), MP5-SD (Liquidation, Oxide Oasis, Phosphor, Nitro, Agent, Autumn Twilly), Shotguns, Machineguns - Sawed-Off (Kiss♥Love, First Class, Orange DDPAT, Rust Coat, The Kraken, Devourer, Mosaico, Wasteland Princess, Bamboo Shadow, Copper, Serenity, Limelight, Apocalypto), XM1014 (Frost Borre, Ancient Lore, Red Leather, Elegant Vines, Banana Leaf, Jungle, Urban Perforated, Grassland, Blaze Orange, Heaven Guard, VariCamo Blue, Entombed, XOXO, Seasons, Tranquility, Bone Machine, Incinegator, Teclu Burner, Black Tie, Zombie Offensive, Watchdog), Nova (Sobek's Bite, Baroque Orange, Hyper Beast, Green Apple, Antique, Modern Hunter, Walnut, Forest Leaves, Graphite, Blaze Orange, Rising Skull, Tempest, Bloomstick, Interlock, Quick Sand, Moon in Libra, Clean Polymer, Red Quartz, Toy Soldier), MAG-7 (Copper Coated, Insomnia, Cinqueda, Counter Terrace, Prism Terrace, Memento, Chainmail, Hazard, Justice, Bulldozer, Silver, Core Breach, Firestarter, Praetorian, Heat, Hard Water, Monster Call, BI83 Spectrum, SWAG-7), M249 (Humidor, Shipping Forecast, Blizzard Marbleized, Downtown, Jungle DDPAT, Nebula Crusader, Impact Drill, Emerald Poison Dart), Negev (Mjölnir, Anodized Navy, Palm, Power Loader, Bratatat, CaliCamo, Phoenix Stencil, Infrastructure, Boroque Sand), Wear - Factory New (FN), Minimal Wear (MW), Field-Tested (FT), Well-Worn (WW), Battle-Scarred (BS), Stickers Holo/Foil/Gold - Katowice 2014, Krakow 2017, Howling Dawn, Katowice 2015, Crown, London 2018, Cologne 2014, Boston 2018, Atlanta 2017, Cluj-Napoca 2015, DreamHack 2014, King on the Field, Harp of War, Winged Difuser, Cologne 2016, Cologne 2015, MLG Columbus 2016, Katowice 2019, Berlin 2019, RMR 2020, Stockholm 2021, Antwerp 2022, Paris 2023, Swag Foil, Flammable foil, Others - Souvenirs, Agents, Pins, Passes, Gifts, Music Kits, Cases, Keys, Capsules, Packages, Patches

Some items on the list may no longer be available or are still locked, visit My Inventory for more details.

Send a Trade Offer for fastest response. I consider all offers.

Add me for discuss if there is a serious offer that needs to be discussed.

Just a bit of a ramble with my thoughts on the importance of comfort in headphones and IEMs.
To preface this: my academic background isn't in audio necessarily, but in psychoacoustics and neuroscientific research pertaining to the auditory system, language processing, and other domains of sensory perception. I am, admittedly, rather new to the research side of things, but I'll be reflecting on what I've learned in the time since I've entered this field.
A topic that frequently comes up between myself and other colleagues/associates/my supervisor is the role of comfort of the listener when performing any sort of research. Listener comfort, in this case, reflects the domains of emotional comfort (whether the participant comfortable in their environment, how well the researchers interact with and respond to participant questions and guide them through the process to reduce anxiety, accommodation of participant needs, etc.), auditory comfort (certain frequencies when exposed to for long periods of time - particular with research on binaural beat hallucinations - can be rather uncomfortable to listen to), and tactile comfort (how comfortable the participant finds the headphone or earphone that we're using, to a lesser extent other environmental variables such as temperature and seating).
There appears to be a general consensus amongst those in the field that I've interacted with that, when comfort is achieved in all these domains, we can generally get more reliable readings on the direct effects that an auditory stimulus has on an individual (both from objective measurements and subjective/reported measurements). This is particularly the case when working with participants with sensory sensitivites (particularly hyperacusis as a trait in autistic individuals and people with high levels of anxiety). That is to say, people become more sensitive to noises or are more likely to perceive noises as harsh when they are uncomfortable. Particularly when multiple modalities of sensory discomfort overlap, as seen in autistic individuals with high sensitivity towards tactile, olfactory, auditory, visual, and internal/emotional stimuli, these effects can generally be taken as stronger.
I've been looking into what literature exists on listener perceptions of sound quality that take these factors into account. Ideally, if the stimulus can be standardized (using the same audio file on the same headphone or earphone while adjusting clamping force on a headphone, using a variety of ear molds or sizes of foam tips, etc.) then this could be tested further. Sadly, I've not been able to find any hard data with this particular methodology. Due to that, my following take is conjecture/anecdotal.
I have a general idea of the tuning I enjoy in earphones, but I find myself consistently finding earphones and headphones more enjoyable to listen to if I enjoy their comfort more. When I equalize the headphone or earphone to a particular curve, if I find the headphone or earphone already comfortable then I will find the sound more pleasant to listen to as opposed to another, less comfortable headphone or IEM equalized to the same curve. This part is a bit hard to control for, as I'm going off measurements others have done, so I can't account for unit variance. Thus, this is rather unscientific, but I do find it personally meaningful.
It's possible that my own personal factors come into play, as an individual diagnosed with autism and an anxiety disorder, I'm likely more sensitive to the perceived changes in the harshness of sound than the neurotypical population.
I remember listener's blog post from last year that touched on this subject: https://headphones.com/blogs/features/the-case-for-comfort-why-sound-quality-isnt-everything
In my personal opinion, I do think oftentimes comfort can have an equal or even greater effect on appraisal of sound quality in an individual up to a certain point (this point being auditory comfort, such as sharp peaks in any particular resonance that an individual would find uncomfortable based on the properties of their head and ears).
As of late, I find audio-related decisions I make to be ruled by comfort and practical considerations over other factors. As an example, in a choice between the Truthear Nova and the TinHifi T3 Plus equalized to Harman IE 2019v2, I found myself preferring the latter significantly despite a sharp peak around 12.5 kilohertz that I wasn't able to EQ out. In short, I perceived to have "better sound quality". I have to conclude, at least for myself, that tactile comfort is a much greater consideration than ideal audio performance and reproduction capabilities in a headphone or earphone.
This observation extends beyond just the tactile sensation of the earphone or headphone, however. I noticed an overall greater appraised perception of sound quality depending on the lumbar support of the chair I was using, how high the fans were turned up in my room and how many (my environment is hot or humid, I have two fans and noticed that I would enjoy the same song on the same set of headphones more when both fans were on at max speed), and of course at the end of the day when I've had an overall pleasant day versus when my day was unpleasant.
I believe there may also be a converse effect (better sound quality may have a positive impact on listener enjoyment and thus make them pay less attention to other factors). However, at least in myself when accounting for my particular neurological needs, I find the effect of tactile comfort on perceived sound quality to be far greater than the effect of sound quality on perceived tactile comfort.
To reiterate, my own appraisals are entirely anecdotal and I can only apply them to myself insofar as how I make decisions about how to enjoy music, but I did think it was an interesting subject to approach. In this hobby (audiophilia), where the chase for "superior sound quality" seems to be unending, it may be possible that the final 10% that many listeners are searching for lies in factors outside of the audio reproduction capabilities of their equipment.
(For fun, I added a little poll to see what others on this subreddit think.)
View Poll