“What do you mean it’s wrong?” said Tamara, becoming frustrated with Samuel.
“I'm trying to tell you that plants do not eat earth. They just absorb nutrients from it,” Samuel replied, equally annoyed as this was the fourth time he had explained it. “Look, just take my word for it, OK,” he added.
“Fine, but you will have to explain it again,” Tamara retorted.
Samuel and Tamara were partners in a scientific study of their forest home. It was genuinely idyllic in every sense of the word; the trees stretched high into the sky, and everyone was covered in succulent leaves, a deep and gorgeous shade of green. Around their trunks were rings of flowers gathered from every continent, and a thick carpet of grass lay on the ground.
The two sat underneath a chestnut tree, writing up their findings for the day. It had focused mainly on tree sizes and growth rates, and they had continued this study for, on and off, almost a year.
Samuel turned to look at his assistant and found that she was just as remarkable as the day they had first met: golden locks, like living sunlight, tied neatly in a bun. Her eyes were an emerald green, and all in all, she was gorgeous. However, it was when you came to her waist that things became truly incredible because rather than a pair of legs, there was a long and wide snake’s tail.
It was huge, at least seven metres long and as wide as her torso. The scales were the same beautiful colour as her hair and reflected the sunlight in such a way that she appeared to glow. She was wearing an ultramarine tunic with a black diamond in the centre. She was like this not because of a plague, a curse or some mutation; Tamara was a Lamia; it was how she was born.
Samuel, on the other hand, looked far less impressive. He was around five foot ten, with dull brown hair and equally dull eyes. His stomach stuck out from the rest of him. No amount of exercise was able to get rid of it.
He was by every description a ‘dull as dishwater’ human. His clothes, however, were slightly more interesting. He wore a navy blue tunic with a thick leather belt wrapped around his waist. On his feet was a pair of excellent leather boots, able to withstand whatever the world threw at them and on his forearms and shins, he wore something Tamara had never seen or even heard of before: a pair of vambraces and greaves, Samuel called it armour.
Three strips of rugged leather layered on top of one another made up each piece, and between each layer was a collection of tiny metal beads. When Tamara asked what they were for, Samuel said they were for protection.
All of this would have been inconceivable to Samuel two years ago, but he had become used to it in time. Samuel was not born into this world; he had arrived. How? He did not know, but he remembered it all vividly; his senses had been overloaded, and at first, he believed he had died.
“What’s wrong?” Tamara asked Samuel, who had been silent for over a minute.
Samuel snapped out of his daydream and said: “nothing, just thinking about that day again.”
Tamara nodded and said nothing else; she knew exactly what was wrong.
Samuel went straight back to writing. When Samuel first showed up, there had been no paper or pens, but what was even stranger than the lack of these apparent necessities was that Samuel had had to invent both of these items.
Tamara and those like her did not possess a written language; they relied entirely on their memories, and until Samuel had shown up, Tamara had not even conceived of the notion, but she had picked it up astonishingly quickly.
“It still sounds like eating to me,” said Tamara, bringing the conversation back to the original topic.
“Well, it isn’t; eating requires a mouth and stomach,” Samuel replied.
“Says who?” Tamara asked defiantly.
“Says me,” Samuel answered.
Samuel jotted down the last of his notes and left the pages to dry in the sun. Samuel then turned to his right and looked at a large book, the size of a chair’s seat, bound in yellow leather and knotted by animal tendons. He picked it up and began to leaf through the pages.
His eyes glanced over paragraphs about oak trees and orchid flowers until he finally reached the section he sought; the page was titled Silver Birch (Betula Pendula).
“Have you finished the drawing on Silver Birch yet?” Samuel asked without looking.
Tamara was currently focused on a drawing of sunflowers, but she understood his request and, without looking up or saying a word, handed him the picture he wanted.
Samuel took the drawing and took several moments admiring it. Like all her work, the picture was astounding; not only did it look like an actual Silver Birch, but it also seemed to be alive, as though it would start blowing in the breeze.
Samuel punched four holes along the sheet's left side, undid the tendon strings and then attached the drawing behind the title page. He added eight more pages to his book, four of text and four illustrations.
Their work was now done; there was no more writing or drawing today, and he placed their work into a knapsack Tamara had brought with her. Samuel turned to his partner and asked: “so what do you want to do now?”
Tamara looked up through the canopy and could make out the silhouettes of several birds and finally said: “I’d quite like to fly.”
Samuel smiled, chuckled and said, “Yes, so would I, but that would require every member of the village working together for decades.”
Tamara looked Samuel in the eye and said: “are you making fun of me?”
Samuel did not reply; he just looked Tamara dead in the eye. She observed every minute twitch on Samuel's face and concluded he was not.
“How could a person fly?” She asked, suddenly intrigued.
“I don’t know, I’m not an engineer,” Samuel answered, “So apart from flying, what else do you want to do?”
Tamara let out a sigh and said: “I guess we will just have to walk.”
These were the moments Samuel lived for, just a quiet afternoon with his best friend enjoying a stroll; he was utterly content.
“You seem chipper,” Tamara said, noticing the growing smile on Samuel’s face.
“That’s because I feel chipper” he replied
They passed through the trees, heading towards their favourite spot, a beach by the side of a lake so large you could not see the other side.
“So, how is everyone?” Samuel said, trying to spark a conversation.
“You mean every single one because that could take a while?” Tamara replied.
“Let’s start with your mother” he clarified.
Tamara’s mother, Pancha, was more or less just a larger version of her daughter, just as brash and headstrong.
“She’s fine; she has finally stopped asking me what happened every time I come to meet you,” she said.
“Really, and it only took her two and a half years,” said Samuel with a smirk.
Yes, that first year here, had been a real trial. Samuel had never felt so scared, isolated and persecuted in his life. When he thought about it, he could still feel the fear and the hopelessness.
A gust of air slammed into Samuel’s face, bringing him back to the present, and what a wonderful time it was. The water was crystal clear, the beach was covered in sparkling white sand, and the distinct aroma of water wafted through the air. Samuel breathed it all in as Tamara spread herself over the beach.
The cooling breeze that Samuel found so enjoyable, Tamara found far less agreeable. Tamara was ectothermic or cold-blooded. She could not maintain her body temperature; she needed to absorb it from her environment, and the wind was slowly draining her.
“Comfortable down there?” Samuel asked.
Tamara turned her head, looked up at him and said: “Actually, yes, not as good as my bed, but still fine.”
Samuel left Tamara to her thermoregulation and strolled down to the water’s edge, “stay where I can see you!” Tamara called.
“Yes, MOM,” Samuel answered sarcastically, though he knew it was more for Tamara’s sake than his; she had a problem with open spaces.
Samuel closed his eyes, stretched his arms above his head, feeling his muscles strain against the tension, and yawned. Small tears formed in his eyes and wiped them away. He had only been up for a few hours but was ready for bed.
“Too much thinking, that was the problem,” Samuel mumbled to himself.
The sunlight sparkled on the water’s surface. It seemed as though millions of diamonds were suddenly brought into existence, danced for a few moments, and then vanished as quickly as they came. It was beautiful, just like everything else here.
He climbed up a rock that jutted from that sand and sat down, his legs dangling over the edge. As he kicked his legs, a ray of sun caught his greaves, and although the leather was rather dull, it still dazzled him.
Samuel heard a sound reminiscent of sandpaper brushing against wood, and he knew at once what it was. He waited four more seconds and said, without moving an inch, “Don’t even think about it!”
“How did you know?” Tamara asked, feeling simultaneously impressed, confused and disappointed.
Samuel looked her in the eye and replied: “who do you think you’re dealing with?”
Tamara had not clambered up the rock like Samuel; she had simply raised herself on her tail so she stood over two metres high.
“Are you feeling better?” he asked.
Tamara smiled and answered, “yes, thanks for asking.”
Tamara moved behind Samuel and then began to coil around the boulder, and if he had not experienced it all before, it would have been unnerving. Tamara was only twelve and a half, yet she was already far stronger than him. Samuel was sure if Tamara really wanted to, she could crush a bison to death. After the graceful dance around the stone, she sat down beside Samuel.
The pair was silent for a few minutes, except for a quick coughing fit by Samuel; they took in the unnatural beauty of their surroundings.
“Hey, I have a question,” said Tamara, coming back to her senses.
“What is it?” Samuel replied.
“You still haven’t told me why we are studying the forest?” She asked.
In an instant, Samuel became deeply confused. To him, it seemed all too obvious why they were doing it.
“There is no practical reason for doing it. We do it so that we know,” Samuel answered.
Tamara became silent. Samuel realised that she was deep in thought and decided to give her all the time she needed until she finally said: “Is this one of those human things?”
Samuel, upon hearing this, gave a small chuckle and answered: “yes, if you like.”
Suddenly, something caught Samuel’s eye. It was a crab, no bigger than a golf ball. Its back was powder blue, and it held its arms upright, its claws pointing down. The tiny creature would walk forward, scoop some sand into its mouth, and then leave a small pellet behind.
“Look at that!” said Samuel, nudging Tamara’s shoulder and pointing at the tiny crustacean. Tamara turned her head and looked directly at where he was pointing; she strained her eyes at what she thought was a pebble; she was about to climb down and collect it when it suddenly moved, and she squealed.
Tamara dragged the bottom end of her tail up from the beach and timidly said, “What’s that?”
Samuel remembered that tone of voice all too well, and it brought with it some unpleasant memories, but he pushed them to the back of his mind and said: “it’s a crab.”
Samuel was certain he had seen this type of crab before but could not put a name to the image. Samuel was sure he had read about them, watched a documentary, or attended a lecture, but he could not remember. Ultimately, he decided to drop it for now and see if the answer would come to him.
Tamara kept staring at it as though she believed it would pounce if she took her eyes off it for one second.
“Is it dangerous?” she asked, her voice hushed to ensure the creature did not notice her.
Samuel sighed and answered: “it’s a crab, Tamara, unless you happen to be a nematode then…”
Samuel paused mid-sentence as his brain finally connected the dots and asked, “Wait, you have never seen a crab before?”
This perplexed Samuel for a moment until he remembered that Tamara did not have a television, a car, and she could not fly a plane, so it was not unexpected that she would not know what a crab was.
Tamara shook her head in response to his question, and Samuel added: “you know what a woodlouse is, right?”
Tamara nodded and said, “I like woodlice.”
“Well, a crab is just a type of woodlouse that lives near water,” Samuel concluded.
However, he could tell from her face that she was unconvinced, so he got off the rock, walked over to the tiny creature, wary of its pincers, and picked it up by its backside.
“What are you doing?” Tamara called in alarm.
Samuel held the animal, its legs flailing wildly in an attempt to escape, and said, “showing you there is nothing to be worried about.”
Taking care not to crush it, Samuel clambered back up the rock and presented the animal to her. Tamara stared at it for some as the crab bobbed its eye up and down and tried in vain to find a part of Samuel it could nip.
“It’s actually kind of… cute,” Tamara said after two minutes of silence.
She relaxed her tail and let it rest on the beach once more. “Can it hold it?” She asked Samuel, fear being replaced by interest.
“Of course, you can. Just make sure you hold it by its back and be careful of the pincers; if they get you, it will hurt.”
Samuel handed the crab over to her and watched as Tamara began to inspect the animal from every angle. The crab had a white underbelly and purple joints.
“You think you could draw it from memory?” Samuel asked.
“Hmm?” Tamara replied. Samuel let out a sigh and repeated. After three more attempts, Tamara finally took notice and said, “Yes.”
Five minutes later, Samuel said, “we should probably put him back now.”
Tamara moaned about it, but Samuel said: “he has his own life, Tamara; you can’t keep him!”
She conceded, grumbling under her breath, and gently placed the animal back on the sand. As the crab dashed away, the two noticed that while they had been fixated on that single crab, thousands more had emerged on the beach.
Upon seeing the swarm of animals make their way across the beach, Tamara let out a squeal and once again pulled her tail up off the beach. The army of crabs marched along the shore. The collective walking produced a sound loud enough to hear from fifty metres away, and at last, Samuel remembered what they were and said, with no small amount of satisfaction in his voice, “they’re soldier crabs.”
“What are they going to do?” Tamara asked, concerned by the sudden appearance of so many creatures.
Samuel kept staring at the gathering, but he heard her question and replied, “They’re just feeding,” and added quickly, “But we are far too big for them.”
“That's odd,” Samuel said under his breath.
“I know there are so many of them,” Tamara said, deeply unnerved by the sheer vastness of the swarm.
“No,” Samuel said, “There should be this many of them; it’s where they are that is strange.”
Tamara momentarily took her eyes off the army and asked, “So where should they be.” There was a slight flicker of fear in her voice at the prospect of being invaded; rats and mice where bad enough. They did not need another pest.
“By the sea, not a freshwater lake,” he answered.
“The Sea?” Tamara almost yelled. Samuel was a little surprised by this enthusiasm and turned to face her.
“Yes,” he said.
“Have you ever been to the sea,” she asked.
“Yes, many times,” Samuel said, uncertain where this was going.
“I bet it’s wonderful,” Tamara added with a smile.
Samuel was silent as his brain connected a few dots and asked: “how can you know about the sea if you don’t know about crabs?”
She smiled; Tamara enjoyed it when she knew something that he did not, “there is a story that my mom told me that before we came to this forest, we were a different people that lived by the sea.” Tamara paused for a breath.
“But then humans came and drove us from the water, and we fled inland. Our people split into two. One half went to the mountains, and the other settled in the forest.”
Tamara finished and waited for his reply. Samuel, however, just kept looking at her. Tamara was concerned that she had upset him; he did not like it when humans were labelled as the enemy, yet his face and posture were not those of one who was sad or angry.
“You people blame us for everything, don’t you?” Samuel said with a chuckle.
“If there is a fire, it’s a human’s fault. If there is an earthquake, it’s a human’s fault. If a little Boreray boy drinks all their apple juice in one gulp, it’s a human’s fault.”
“So, getting back on topic, where did these “Soldier crabs” come from anyway? We have visited this lake for over two years and never seen even a glimpse?” Tamara asked. Samuel looked back to the slowly advancing army, and several ideas flashed through his head.
“Maybe they have been dormant up until now; perhaps they make a large circle around the lake shore, and it’s simply luck that we were here on the day they passed by, or maybe the migrated here from somewhere else.”
They watched the crabs' ceaseless march until Tamara said, “These things are still giving me the creeps. Can we go now?” Samuel could not argue that there was something eerie about all of these animals appearing, seemingly, from nowhere; however, there was still one thing he had to be certain of.
“You think you could draw one from memory?” he asked.
Tamara’s face contorted in a scowl. Samuel, for all his good points, could become far too focused on his research, which often caused him to become ignorant of other people.
Yet she knew sitting here yelling at him would accomplish nothing, so she told him the truth: “Yes, can we go now!” Samuel nodded and then slid off the rock. Tamara copied him, and they both slinked back to the cover of the trees.
Now that she was beneath the canopy, Tamara let out an enormous sigh of relief as the anxiety slowly left, and the close air warmed her body. On the other hand, Samuel began to chafe at the stagnant air while his head began to bead with sweat, but it was nothing he had not experienced before, so he gritted his teeth and bared with it.
With their plans now ruined, Tamara and Samuel wandered aimlessly through the woods, chatting about what they could do to fill the rest of the day. Several ideas arose, including visiting a nearby waterfall and a set of monument stones, but none truly appealed to them.
In the end, Tamara said, “how about we just call it a day?”
Samuel was happy about this. Tamara was his only form of human contact, yet he could not deny the pointlessness of wandering around the woods, so he said, “Ok, but let’s take the long way.”
Samuel heard a sound above him and saw a red squirrel scampering through the trees.
“Is it difficult?” Tamara asked.
Samuel looked at Tamara and replied, “Well, it can give me a crick in my neck sometimes.”
Tamara let out a short laugh and clarified, “No, I mean, is it difficult being so inquisitive? It looks exhausting.”
He was not entirely sure what she meant by that. To Samuel, Tamara was every bit as curious as him, so he stated: “you tell me, you went out looking for me just because you wanted to know.”
“True,” answered Tamara, “and everyone has always said that I am always asking questions, but you’re like a boar that just ate sugar beat.”
“I have no idea what that means,” Samuel said, shaking his head. “But I do know that people always told me, when I was a boy, that humans are, by their nature, infinitely curious, but personally, I think that it’s just how I was born.” there was a pause, and he quickly added, “just like you.”
Tamara’s fingers started to numb as she brushed them against the bark of passing trees. She took a good look at the trees around her. Tamara had lived her entire life sheltered by these trees. This place was her home, her family’s home and her friend’s home, and she loved it, a perfect example of the innate beauty of nature.
Samuel, however, was of a different opinion this forest disturbed him, though this feeling had diminished with time. The trees all grew in perfect symmetry, four and a half strides form each other.
From Tamara’s perspective, there was nothing strange about this, yet Samuel often said that this should not be possible, that the wood should be a mess and that the trees should grow in an unorganised fashion. Yet to Tamara, the idea of messy forests was just as impossible as a structured one was to him.
Noon came and went, and Samuel’s stomach began to rumble. His breakfast was becoming a distant memory; he thought he might be able to bear it for another hour or so, but as they travelled closer to the village, Tamara started to become irritated by Samuel’s constant growling.
“We need to find you something to eat before that sound drives me nuts!” Tamara stated bluntly.
“That’s all well and good, my dear, so long as you can materialise food out of the aether,” answered Samuel, with just a hint of condescension in his voice.
Tamara did not know what the aether was, but it did not matter. “No, but I do know a nearby tree with some great fruit in it,” she replied.
Samuel found this strange for two reasons. Firstly, he found it very difficult to believe there was a source of food in this forest that either he had not found, or Tamara had not told him about yet.
Secondly that, Tamara would know much about something she could not eat. Tamara was strictly carnivorous; she ate nothing but meat.
He wanted answers fast and asked: “So why haven’t you told me about this before?”
“Because I can’t stand the smell, that’s why, and I didn’t want you stinking up the place,” she explained.
“If it smells disgusting, what makes you think I will eat it?” he asked.
“Because the Boreray can’t get enough of it, some of them say that they taste like all the best parts of every fruit and vegetable we grow, which is a shame because they smell like all the worst,” she added.
He asked no more questions. He was too busy thinking; this fruit sounded so familiar, but he could not remember. The need to survive day in day out had pushed most of his standard learning, from school and university to the back of his mind, not forgotten mind you just buried.
I'm back with Tamara and Samuel latest adventure. If you like what you've read so far and want to know where it's going you can find the complete story by following the links below.
e-book(US/UK/CA/AU/DE)
Physical(US/UK/CA/DE)
If you do decide to read ahead please leave a review or rating, every single one helps immensely, and helps me keep doing what I'm doing.
Also the e-book will be at a reduced price until the last chapter it published on reddit.

I’m working with a trainer currently. I’m 4’11 SW: 140, CW: 135, GW: 125. I weight train 3x a week and average 8-10k steps daily. I also added running twice a week and walk twice a week after my lifts.
My trainer has me eating 1200 (105gm protein, 33gm fat, and 120gm carbs). Is this too low? Am I putting my body into shock and holding onto fat?
I’ve platueaed at my current weight. I feel like I haven’t made any progress in the last couple of weeks.
Any recs to diet changes? I’m not too knowledgeable on weights but my TDEE has me eating at 1300-1400 for a deficit.

Couple in late 60s getting divorced
Started a business together in California around 30 years ago after they got married
Wife handled day to day (staffing/employee issues, client relations, purchasing supplies, compliance for state regulations, and even worked shifts when needed)
Husband handled some operations (estimating quarterly taxes, vendor payments, and handyman/maintenance tasks). Was never his full time job as he had other employment or business ventures the whole time
Divorce was initiated by husband during Covid. At the time, business was valued at around $500k, and wife was willing to take out a loan to buy out his half of the business as she is most adept at running it and intends to do so until her retirement.
Husband refused mediation and pushed for court.
Both parties agreed to a forensic accountant to value the business. Results now show (with Covid’s impact to the business) a value of $50k.
Husband now does not want to sell his share and instead wants to have the wife sell her half to him. He does not know how to do the day to day operations nor does he have the credentials to run it on his own.
Can a judge force the sale of the business to the wife? And, if so, at what price? Will they be forced to sell to a third party and lose a lifetime of work building this business up?
These people are relatives. Husband is a PoS with a victim complex (even though he initiated the divorce and refused mediation and agreed to the accountant). Want to know how bad the wife will be screwed over. She poured her blood, sweat, and tears into this business over the last 30 years. Her employees love her. Her clients love her. The business wouldn’t exist without her and it is her life. I’m at a loss at what options are available at this point

Hello. I have low AMH (which may have been a result of a previous laparoscopy for ovarian cyst removal/endo).
I have since been diagnosed with a hydrosalpinx, as a result of a post op infection from the surgery. The infection has also caused adhesions and ultrasound is showing my left ovary is stuck to my bowel and may be inaccessible for egg retrieval.
My initial plan (before I found both about inaccessible ovary) was to do surgery after egg retrieval but now I’m wondering if I should do surgery first to make ovary accessible. However, I’m worried it will further impact my egg reserve.
Has anyone experienced anything similar / what did you do? Thank you!

Hi! I pretty recently got diagnosed with POTs, and my cardiologist wanted me to try Metoprolol. I have already low blood pressure and even his nurses were curious as to why he put me on it, but I was told to just give it a try.
I’ve only took it once and at half of the dose he initially prescribed (took 12.5mg), and I noticed it made me feel almost identical to Ativan or something. Like physically my heart beat was a lot less fast and hard, I couldn’t notice my heart beating aggressively and uncomfortably anymore which was cool, but I felt like it was also affecting me mentally? The next day I felt pretty depressed and just off it was weird. It did for the maybe 4 hours it had effects, make me feel a lot less anxious though.
Is it normal for Metoprolol to affect you mentally? or is this just it lessening my anxiety

38 Female.
Bit of a boring question but hopefully a quick answer for you :) would really appreciate your opinions.
Recent medical history: gallbladder-like attacks under investigation.
I’ve been having gallbladder like attacks for the last 1-2 years.These are increasing in frequency and severity particularly since January. Normal HIDA scan, normal CT, ultrasound only shows multiple polyps up to 9mm. No stones seen to date. Being reviewed for SOD. So basically, loads of attacks and no medical explanation for what’s causing the pain episodes.
I had a really severe attack on Sunday night. I can handle a fair amount of pain, but this was an easy 10/10 on the pain scale. I took myself to the after-hours doctors and asked them to run bloods. They gave me a form and I did the tests the following day (so, around 18 hours later I guess).
The liver enzymes have come back very mildly raised (my usual for many years has been between 10-16, my result this time was 50. The cut off of normal here is 43). My CRP is also extremely mildly elevated at about 8. More than my usual 0-1, but I know that’s still very low for CRP (I’ve had sepsis and seen massive numbers for CRP before).
Is it more likely the liver result is due to the attack I had the night prior? OR - At the time I was also on day 6 of a virus (sore throat and sinus), is it more likely due to that? I should add I get my bloods taken on a frequent basis and my liver is never elevated even when I’ve been sick in the past. I have little kids so I’m often struggling with a cold of some sort when having my bloods regularly done.
Anyway. I’d appreciate opinions. This has been ongoing for soo long, and it’s getting so bad and I just want some answers of what’s going on. I’d feel a lot better, and relieved, if the liver result was a clear indicator of a gallbladder issue so I have something more concrete to discuss with the doctors.
Thank you

Hi! The world is an existential nightmare, but it could be a nightmare we share!
I'm a professional writer and game designer looking for a long-term relationship. 30s- no kids (past or future), no prior marriages, no addictive substances (except sugar). Pretty far left political stances. I'm mostly fit (though my cardio is garbo), slender, and 6'0, and I've been told I'm handsome if you like guys with shaved heads- Ideally would like to be with someone similar and generally around my age +/- 9 years.
While I've been called "the most real person I've met with online dating," I should warn you ahead of time, that's either a good thing or a bad thing depending on your perspective. Can't promise everyone will see me as a lovable scamp, but you'll hopefully at least find me authentic.
I'd love to meet someone curious, clever, and confident. Bonus points for people with gothy/punk/alternative styles, but that's not a dealbreaker or anything (I would like someone to help me pick out tattoos). No smokers, please! That is a dealbreaker.
I've been around enough to know what I'm looking for and not to settle. I strive for (and expect in return) open communication, honesty, a problem-solving attitude towards conflict, and compassion/empathy/understanding/patience. Self-improvement and being up-front are important to me. Communication has recently been a problem with prospective partners over the last couple years, so I want to stress that I'm not the right fit for someone who's conflict-avoidant or who doesn't approach their partner with the benefit of the doubt. For me, there's no point in a relationship if you can't trust each other and feel safe with each other even when you disagree about something.
I try to be a patient, understanding, and kind person who takes responsibility for his mistakes and tries to grow from them. I'm not perfect, and I don't expect perfection. I just want someone who works with me, complementing my rough edges while I complement theirs. We're both human and we ought to give each other the benefit of the doubt if at all possible.
I'm definitely more of a homebody/introvert, but I like walks, swimming, working out, and indoor rock climbing. But you're more likely to find me playing some kind of game. I'm affectionate and mostly silly even if I take a lot of topics seriously. I try to view life with humor, but I've got anxiety/depression, so I'd prefer to be with someone who at least understands mental health issues. I love a faux-combative dynamic with partners - giving each other low-key shit. Life's no fun unless we're being a little mean to each other (Them Statler and Waldorf vibes, right?)
It generally takes me a minute to warm up to someone, but I try to let prospective partners dictate the flow of conversation initially so they feel comfortable. I'm flexible in my approach overall, but I usually hold off on talking about physical intimacy for a second. Though it's faster if we click just right.
I try to measure my words very carefully (to make sure I mean what I say and say what I mean, if you know what I mean), but when I know what to say, I tend to text in paragraphs (AS YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO TELL), so fair warning. But, I'd ideally like to be with someone who can do comfortable silence too. I just like existing with friends or partners, even if we're doing something totally separate.
If you weren't driven insane by my writing style/density, please give me a holler - Let's be snarky weirdos together! (I would really appreciate a picture with your message if you're comfortable with it. I just don't want to waste your time if the attraction's not there!)

Link for all the chapters available here: Engines of Arachnea on Royal Road
Zildiz felt her exomorph go rigid as it lost contact with her central nervous system. Curse that wretched Leaper! She’d forgotten just how durable their physiologies were. Their exomorphs had three times as many backup systems as those of Gallivants, unsurprising given that they had to retain control over their complex musculature. She’d been a fool for thinking that merely cutting it in half would do the trick. The error would wind up costing her life in these next few moments unless she took drastic action.
She was blind—her helm and its sets of eyes had sustained catastrophic damage and left her soft innards exposed. Even worse, she was crippled, the exomorph’s augmented muscle fibers unresponsive to her nervous system's inputs. But perhaps she still had the sheer physical strength to swing her blades. Zildiz tried to flex her wrist and was rewarded by a vigorous twitch of her pinky finger. Just in time; she could hear the Leaper close by, the leaf litter crackling as it approached.
Not yet, she told herself. Just a little closer. Hands pawed at her face and tore off the remnants of her helmet, scraping the hemolymphic gel from her naked face. What the hell was it doing? Zildiz had to restrain herself from crying out and striking at the air in panic.
Not yet! It was a crime to interrupt a fool when he was digging his own grave. Zildiz lay perfectly still as the Leaper fiddled around with her exomorph, feeling helpless and violated as never before. Vowing to give the bastard a slow and painful death for this, she curled her hand into a fist and waited until she felt its fingers caress the surface of her innards. Letting out a scream of incoherent rage Zildiz thrust at her unseen enemy, heard a cry of pain and the Leaper stumbling away, swearing profusely.
“Ow! That hurt, you witch! What the blazes are you?” the Leaper cried out. Zildiz frowned. That hadn’t sounded like the croaking of a Leaper. Speaking a slow and halting fashion, she replied:
“I would ask you the same thing.”
“I am Rene Louvoture, assistant navigator, 9th Battalion, 3rd Pathfinder Regiment.”
Zildiz shook her head at the string of gibberish.
“I am Zildiz, of the Blade-Wings. Why haven’t you killed me?”
“Why would I?" said the voice, sounding both shaky and incredulous, “You’re just like me, aren’t you?”
“How so?”
“Open your eyes and see for yourself.”
Zildiz realized with a start that it was referring to the primitive ocular organs of her innards. The thought hadn’t even occurred to her. The last time she’d been out of her exomorph was when she and Menash had been together, many cycles ago. With great effort her atrophied facial muscles remembered how to lift her eyelids, and she beheld a world of total darkness.
Bioluminescent growths from the surrounding vegetation gradually helped her to see with her naked eyes, and she beheld the prey-form standing over her with a hand clamped to its bleeding shin. Its albino exoskeleton was ripped and stained with blood. In its fist it clutched a short blade that emitted a constant, low hum. Zildiz propped herself up on her elbow and locked eyes with the creature. To her disgust she found that its exomorph had a completely transparent helm allowing her to see its bare face in all its lumpen hideousness. It had a head of curled black hairs, matted and moist like the growths on a Leaper’s belly. The prey-form’s flat, broad nose gave it a singularly pugnacious look, while its skin was as milk-white as that of a flesh-eating maggot’s. Zildiz dragged herself back, her first instinct being to recoil from it.
“Don’t move,” Rene advised her, “You’ve suffered some sort of spinal injury, I think. Can you feel your legs?”
“No,” Zildiz lied, thrusting out her chin at him defiantly, “What do you care?”
“I told you, I’m not about to kill you. We’re the same, can’t you see? Human!”
“We share the primal pattern, but I am a Gallivant. You are not. That is all that matters.”
“Right,” Rene sighed and sat down on the rotting log, “Whatever that means. Ye gods, I need a stiff drink right about now.”
Zildiz eyed him suspiciously, convinced it was some sort of ruse. He was just gauging how crippled she truly was and waiting for her to lower her guard. Very well; two could play at that game. In the meantime, she would try and work some feeling back into her exomorph.
“Are you really a hatchling?” she asked it suddenly.
“You heard that nonsense, did you?” Rene glanced up, “Of course not. I was just leading them on. The ‘fire giant’ isn’t a living creature, it’s a machine—a Divine Engine. What, don’t you have them wherever it is that you come from?” he joked, smiling at her. Zildiz grimaced at the sight, and he stopped.
“A machine,” she said slowly, “Like this one?”
Zildiz gestured at her disabled exomorph. Rene chewed over that piece of information. So that was what she was wearing: a living machine, a sealant suit of chitin and muscle equipped with weaponry and capable of flight. Like the Engine, it was a level of technology he hadn't even known could exist.
“Not exactly,” he finally replied, “I mean, it isn’t quite as revolting as yours. No offense,” he added quickly, snatching a quick glance at her face. She had a hawkish look about her, all thin lines and edges, but somewhere in there was a wild and timeless beauty which defied his attempts to pin down as some definable quality of womanhood.
“So you have been inside of it,” she confirmed with a look of satisfaction.
“I didn’t say that,” Rene stammered, feeling like he was losing the battle for information, “I merely observed it from a distance. I mean, the sheer size of it. Who wouldn’t have? You saw what I—what it—did to the Amit mound.”
Rene bit his lip, mentally kicking himself for his careless slip of the tongue. Zildiz narrowed her eyes at him, partly out of mistrust and partly due to the head-splitting migraine she was feeling. It had been so long since she’d been forced to rely on this basic sense organ, and its rods and cones were out of practice.
“The grey behemoth, this Divine Engine, as you call it. Did the Vitalus send it to cull the colony? Are you a Hollowore?”
“A Hull-of-War?” Rene repeated dimly.
"A Inkarnid? An Aspect of the All-In-One?"
“Look, I haven’t the foggiest notion what you’re talking about. And I’m the one asking questions here, don’t you forget it. Flame and perdition!” he swore, “You really nicked me, you know that?
Rene set his sword to aside and bent over to poke at the shallow stab wound on his shin. Zildiz chose that moment to burst into action. She was on her feet before he knew it, slicing at him with her blade arms. Rene yelped and rolled backwards off the log, narrowly avoiding dismemberment and flipping over nimbly to his feet, cursing himself for letting her gain the upper hand.
“Stop! Please, I don’t wish to hurt you!” he shouted at her as he ran circles around the dead tree, keeping it between himself and her wicked blades. Her movements were awkward and ponderous, as though her legs weren’t used to supporting the weight of her body. Scowling wrathfully, Zildiz kept after him as he jogged just out of her reach, the two of them playing a very earnest game of ring around the rosy. Finally Rene had enough and took up the club again, whacking her on the back of the knees so that she fell forward onto her hands. Her nose flattened itself against a pebble, producing an indescribable pain. She groaned and clutched at her face while Rene sat on her back to keep her pinned down.
“Sorry! Sorry! I really am. But it seems at this point to be abundantly clear,” Rene shouted as she flailed at him ineffectually with her blades, “That I have no other option but to take you in!”
“Just try and feed me to your brood, I dare you!” she screamed as blood trickled from her nostrils, “I’ll carve out their eyes and feed it to them!”
“What? No! That’s not it at all!” Rene cried, mortified, “As a soldier of the Fleet, I am hereby placing you under arrest as a hostile belligerent. Henceforth, you may consider yourself my prisoner of war!”
Link for all the chapters available here: Engines of Arachnea on Royal Road

I have always recommended in making minor changes to our daily lives to improve our overall health. As a diabetic nutritionist, I believe that managing type-2 diabetes without medication focuses on lifestyle modifications that can help control blood sugar levels effectively. Here are the key strategies:

1. Healthy Diet

A balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for managing type-2 diabetes. Key dietary recommendations include:

• Carbohydrate Management: Choose complex carbohydrates that have a low glycemic index, such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. Avoid simple sugars and refined carbs.
• Fiber-Rich Foods: Increase intake of fiber through vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar.
• Healthy Fats: Incorporate sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Avoid trans fats and limit saturated fats.
• Portion Control: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help maintain steady blood sugar levels.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Exercise helps increase insulin sensitivity and manage blood sugar levels. Aim for:

• Aerobic Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
• Strength Training: Include resistance exercises two to three times per week to build muscle mass, which can help improve insulin sensitivity.
• Flexibility and Balance Exercises: Activities like yoga or tai chi can also be beneficial.

3. Weight Management

Losing excess weight, especially abdominal fat, can significantly improve blood sugar control. Strategies include:

• Caloric Deficit: Consume fewer calories than you burn. This can be achieved through diet and exercise.
• Behavioral Changes: Engage in mindful eating practices, reduce stress-related eating, and keep track of food intake and physical activity.

4. Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

Regular monitoring helps you understand how different foods, activities, and stress levels affect your blood sugar. Use a glucometer to check levels at various times of the day and adjust your lifestyle accordingly.

5. Stress Management

Chronic stress can affect blood sugar levels. Effective stress management techniques include:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress.
• Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, as poor sleep can negatively affect insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels.

6. Hydration

Staying well-hydrated can help manage blood sugar levels. Drink water and limit sugary drinks, which can spike blood sugar.

7. Avoiding Smoking and Limiting Alcohol

• Quit Smoking: Smoking can increase insulin resistance and complicate diabetes management.
• Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. If you drink, do so in moderation and with food.

8. Regular Medical Check-ups

While managing diabetes without medication, it’s important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments.
By implementing these lifestyle changes, many individuals with type-2 diabetes can achieve better blood sugar control and potentially reduce their reliance on medications. However, it's important to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized plan and ensure safe and effective management of the condition.

I’ve done several fasts btwn 10-12 days and more than 5 fasts btwn 5-8 days and I weigh daily.
This is my first time doing rolling fasts and I’m 10 days in so far and feel like I’ve found my fasting calling.
My records suggest that extended fasting very slightly beats rolling fasts thru 7 days, we are talking weight loss of 15 lbs vs 13.5 lbs here.
However, after the first 7 days, rolling fasts are equal to or slightly better than extended fasts for weight loss.
The difference seems to be the lack of a plateau with rolling fasts.
I’ve seen daily weights and chart from others that show a weight gain of 2-4 lbs after the fast breaking meal, but at least to this point, that hasn’t been happening for me.
After 2 big refeeds of 3000 calories, one low carb (13.3%) and the 2nd keto (net carbs 5g, 0.2% carbs), I lost 0.6 lbs and gained 0.6 lbs, respectively, so I’m net zero weight gain in terms of refeeds.
Currently 26 hrs into a 96 hr rolling fast, I’ll be getting more data and will be able to go head to head with my most successful 12 day extended fast - right now, it looks like 12 days of rolling fasts will come in a tie or possibly win by 1 lb or lose by 1 lb - now there is a caveat, I did a 39 hr rolling fast as the 2nd fast, btwn the first fast of 96 hrs and the 3rd fast of 72 hrs, so that refeed, though only 1000 calories with 1g net carbs, has probably cost me 1 lb.
Here is the 9 days of data from my rolling fast thus far:
Fasting Weight Progress
Fast started at 3:30am on Sunday 5/5
Day 1 weight is at 12pm, 33 hrs in (+9 hrs from full day)
Daily weights 11:30am-12:30pm
Day 0… 229… last meal at 3:30am
Day 1… 225.8 (3.2)… FAST 33 hours
Day 2… 223.4 (2.4)…FAST
Day 3… 221.0 (2.4)… FAST
Day 4… 219.6 (1.4)… EAT salmon, tuna, hemp at 2:30am-4:30am to BREAK 95:2 HR FAST 1000 cals 0 net carbs
Day 5… 217.2 (2.4)… EAT brisket x 3, tuna, hemp, walnuts, almonds, raisins from 7pm-1am to BREAK 39:6 HR FAST 3000 cals 100g carbs
Day 6… 216.6 (0.6)… FAST
Day 7… 215.2 (1.4)….. FAST
Day 8… 213.4 (1.8)… EAT 67:5 HR FAST salmon x 2, ground beef x 2, chicken x 2, steak, walnuts, almonds, 3000 cals 5g net carbs
Day 9… 214.0 (+0.6)… FAST
Day 10… ???
In terms of sustainability, I had no problem doing 72 hrs during the last fast with no hunger on Days 1 & 2 and only mild-moderate hunger on Day 3, and though I could have went 96 hrs without too much of a battle, I broke at 72 hrs.
Currently at 26 hours into new fast, hunger is none to minimal after eating 3000 cals of a 5g net carb refeed, and plan is to do 96 hours this time as long as hunger on Day 3 is moderate or lower.
There may very well be individual differences between people, with some losing more weight and/or preferring extended fasts and others getting those benefits from 72-96 hr rolling fasts.
Plan is to break current fast with lo carb SALAD-based 3000 cal refeed (kale, spinach, broccoli, brisket x 2, 120 cals beans, 130 cals sweet potatoes, seeds, nuts) that should bring me briefly out of ketosis for a few hours, and compare weight loss of isocaloric 5g net carbs carnivore & nuts based refeed vs 60g net carbs high fiber lo carb kale, spinach, broccoli, brisket, beans, sweet potatoes, seeds, nuts refeed.
Has anyone done this comparison before? If so, did isocaloric 3000 cals carb zero keto outperform high fiber low carb (60g net carbs) or is it the other way around, with nutrients from vegetables, beans and well-rounded meal flipping the switch from ketones to glucose to ketones for a few hours - how energy intensive is it to flip that switch twice within a few hours and can nutrient-loaded meal supercharge fat burning after 12-day fast drains nutrients?
Also, has anybody else not gained weight after refeeding on a rolling 72-96 hr fast?
If you haven’t gained weight after refeed on a 72/96 hr rolling fast, how many cals was your meal and what foods comprised it?
Thanks for reading, please feel free to comment.

My therapist suggested that I find a process group to explore how I relate to others and to practice expressing how I feel to other people. For example, a group like this (fictional group therapy example): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ7ya7sIWTlRpIgx3ycpHWg
I've done "support groups" but in my experience they don't encourage discussion amongst group members so it's sort of like public venting to me. I found that sadly meetings are usually dominated by one or two people.
I've also searched the group therapy association site and there is nothing in my area. I paid a few therapists for individual sessions to see if I would be a fit for their groups. I'm out $$$ with nothing in return. I'm pretty furious with that organization for that. I don't have infinite dollars to keep paying various therapists to interview me to maybe join a group one day.
I've done Pace, but my group didn't really have mechanisms to talk about how what other people shared have impacted us. So for example we if had people say something boundary crossing, there wasn't space to talk about it. Plus the sessions were a bit short and they were doing this meditation thing in the beginning that took up a good chunk of time out of sessions.
Any ideas? I've searched high and low and have no idea of where else to look.

I remember it being around 9 servants before, now it's 5 which is almost half of what we used to have.
I get it that it was most likely op but now it feels too low.
In my opinion it is one of the biggest things this game has to offer. Finding a good follower type, with high quality blood, rolling high expertise, min-maxing their gear, using them for hunts and last but not least protecting the castle.

Hey guys. I am feeling quite upset. I thought I am doing well to keep my Chol level under control but my recent fasting blood test showed a spike in my total Chol and LDL.
HDL is high. Triglycerides within normal range. Chol Ratio I assumed is normal.
Doctor asked me Whether I want to take statin or diet control (I thought I'm already being pretty healthy).
What should I do???
Details below.
Background. 35YO male, professional Slim, 174cm, 70kg BSL normal. BP normal. BMI normal. Family Hx of both parents high cholesterol
Activity 2022-2023 twice weekly jogging and light weight lifting gym. Jan 2024 stopped due to new born, so haven't been exercising yet.
Food 2023 Feb started intermittent fasting 16-8, ,5 days per week during work. 2 days per week during day off will have 3 meals with family.
Work days Lunch - sandwiches, mainly bread with tuna/egg/cheese/chicken/fish. Peanut butter on toast. Fruits. Black tea / green tea no sugar no milk. Dinner - Asian / Malaysian / Singaporean type of meals. Such as stir fry chicken / pork. Rice and vegetables. Occasionally instant noodles. Nothing crazy. Dont take fatty meal / skin etc.
Off days Occasionally Cheat meals, eating out once per week. Occasionally fried food or unhealthy food outside / take away. But nothing crazy.
Supplements 3000mg fish oil daily
I like Asian food. I don't think I can do western diet, like salads etc. I don't over eat, I only eat what I need and that's it.

My husband and I have been married for nearly 8 years and are parents of soon to be 3 young children (I’m due with our last kiddo next month). We are in our early 30s but have known each other since our early teens. We both have established, full time careers, are well educated, etc. We are in many ways what I would say is the suburban modern family. Life is hectic but we also have been very fortunate due to a combination of luck and consistent hard work and good decision making.
My husband’s family is quite the opposite. His dad has worked construction/carpentry since his early teens and been the breadwinner of the family, but has, for the most part, struggled to make ends meet. He is all in all a very charming, kindhearted guy though, and despite our vastly different lifestyles, I genuinely like him.
My MIL…she’s something else. While we have a mostly cordial relationship, she is truly one of the most self-absorbed people I’ve ever met. And not in a malicious manner— she just genuinely is narcissistic and thinks she knows best. Mostly this an annoying nuisance to occasionally deal with. She has said and done some unsavory things in the past that have resulted in short NC periods.
But this mentality ramped up to an 11 on a scale of 1-10 back in late February/early March.
My husband and I were going through an extremely stressful period in our marriage due to a number of issues. I was— and still am— pregnant with our third, we have a 5 and 2 year old, we were both working full time, and my husband’s job kept requiring him to travel out of state for a couple weeks at a time. Running a household as essentially a single mother while working full time was very stressful in itself, but then my grandmother had a stroke while he was out of state. By the time he got back, it was clear she wasn’t going to recover. She died with 48 hours of his return— which had given me just enough time to travel to visit her.
Almost simultaneously, my MIL was diagnosed with CLL. MIL has dealt with recurrent minor illnesses for some time (sinus and ear infections, the flu, etc.), so the cancer diagnosis wasn’t particularly surprising to me. But as most would do, we all spent some time reading up on this particular form of cancer, the general prognosis and treatment, etc.
My own parents happen to have both had cancer. My dad is a stage 2 prostate cancer survivor, having undergone treatment about 15 years ago. My mom unfortunately was not so lucky with her diagnosis— anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid— and from diagnosis to death was less than ten months. It’s been about a decade now. Needless to say, I feel I am fairly well versed in the oncology world for an average person and able to provide some insight on the experience.
CLL, as I understand, and from what I’ve now heard from her original oncologist, is generally not a very aggressive cancer. I have heard some people refer to it as more like autoimmune disorder. It often requires little treatment and more “watchful waiting” of symptoms. My MIL was told by the oncologist that this is exactly what their plan was, that her cancer was not aggressive or requiring treatment, and that she could essentially live a normal life with occasional blood draws for monitoring purposes.
From the moment she was diagnosed though, it has been all about her. Her cancer diagnosis overshadowed my grandma’s actual death. My husband had to be gone for a day and a half to attend her first appointment, even if I was balancing life as a single working mom who was grieving at the moment. Before her first consultation, everyone was sure she was dying, even though it didn’t take an expert to look over her bloodwork and realize that she was likely in a very low stage of this non-aggressive cancer.
When she attended her consultation, her, FIL, SIL, and my husband had to go to support and were relieved to hear the good news. MIL was mortally offended that the oncologist poo-pooed her ridiculous made up, self-enforced diet that had already caused her to lose 10lbs. She’s not a big boned lady, so that was not weight she needed or should be losing. MIL is convinced that homeopathic and naturopathic remedies are the way to go, that “big pharma” is out to get us and make a buck off of our treatment, etc. She quite literally took ivermectin for covid previously, folks. So the fact that an oncologist would tell her that her diet was downright silly pissed her off and she quickly tried to find others more aligned with her viewpoints.
Life resumed more normally for a couple of weeks, but her random “cures” added to her diet and lifestyle have gotten increasingly bizarre and frankly inconvenient for her entire family.
This past weekend, we visited them, and MIL was insistent that she was dying and the next oncologist would recommend chemo for treatment. I fail to see why one oncologist would be so nonchalant about treatment and another would propose aggressive treatment, but I digress. She brought up Dr. Oz, a holistic massage therapist that uses oils and massage to cure cancer, and worst of all, a new item she’s added to her diet— roasted apricot pits. Now if you’re like me, you might be wondering what would possess someone to eat an apricot pit— after all, don’t they have cyanide in them? Precisely. My MIL is intentionally ingesting apricot pits because “cyanide kills cancer.”
As my husband eloquently put it, “No, cyanide kills *everything.”
Today my husband received a phone call asking if he’d be willing to petsit for them this weekend. We have a follow up ultrasound for a small abnormality detected in our baby on Friday, but MIL wants him to drive to their home two hours away and spend the night so he can watch their cat and SIL’s dog. Meanwhile MIL, FIL, and SIL will drive eight hours (and eight hours back) to visit this massage therapist/oil salesman to “cure her cancer.” Mind you, they are using SIL’s car because they have no other vehicle that works well enough to drive that far, they are constantly tight on money, and again, her oncologist has stated she does not need treatment.
I am at a loss. My husband, FIL, and SIL are all frustrated and have come around to the idea that maybe she is being a little over the top finally, but no one is putting their foot down to stop her. SIL is going to drive them instead of just saying no and not letting them take her car. FIL repeatedly drives to the store to pick up whatever weird ass product she wants to try next. And my husband despite having way too much to deal with at home, keeps dropping everything to tend to her.
It is mind boggling obnoxious and honestly in some ways offensive given my family history with cancer. My mom’s diagnosis was death sentence from the get go and she faced it with bravery and tenacity and selflessness. My MIL has a minor health scare and everyone is expected to drop everything to help her.
I am glad my husband is finally seeing reason and logic— but what now? I have told him I strongly believe he needs to speak up and encourage her to follow legitimate medical advice— both for her own good but also to bring himself peace of mind in the long run— but it’s like this woman WANTS to die.
I could go on for hours, but really I’m just wondering how the heck to toe this delicate line of supporting my spouse while prioritizing my family.

Football, the beautiful game, captivates millions of fans around the globe with its exhilarating matches, iconic players, and intense rivalries. At the heart of this global phenomenon lies the intricate web of football fixtures and results, a dynamic landscape that shapes the narrative of every season. Visit here: Score24
Whether you’re a die-hard supporter, a casual observer, or a fantasy football enthusiast, understanding the significance of fixtures and results is essential to fully immerse yourself in the drama of the sport.
The Importance of Fixtures: Football fixtures, the schedule of matches to be played throughout a season, are meticulously crafted to ensure a balance of competition and excitement. They dictate when and where teams will face off against each other, determining crucial factors such as home advantage, travel demands, and the sequence of challenging opponents. Fixture lists are eagerly anticipated by fans and clubs alike, sparking debates, predictions, and strategic planning months in advance.
Fixtures also serve as a window into the broader context of football, reflecting the complexities of league structures, cup competitions, and international tournaments. Leagues vary in format and duration, ranging from the year-long marathons of Europe’s top divisions to the intense sprint of knockout competitions like the FA Cup or the UEFA Champions League. Each fixture carries its own significance, shaping the trajectory of a team’s season and impacting their aspirations for glory.
Understanding Results: The outcome of each fixture is encapsulated in its result, a reflection of the performance and determination displayed on the pitch. Results encompass more than just the final scoreline; they encompass goals scored, points earned, and the myriad of narratives that unfold within the ninety minutes of play. A win can ignite jubilation, propel a team up the table, and affirm their title credentials, while a loss can provoke introspection, spark controversy, and trigger calls for change. Check out: Score 24
Beyond individual matches, results form the backbone of league standings, cup progressions, and the pursuit of silverware. Points accumulated over the course of a season determine league positions, with the ultimate goal of securing titles, promotion, or avoiding relegation. Cup competitions offer teams the chance to etch their names in history, with each victory bringing them closer to the coveted prize and the glory that accompanies it.
Impact on Fans: For fans, football fixtures and results are more than just statistics; they are the building blocks of passion, camaraderie, and shared experiences. From the anticipation of matchday to the post-match analysis, every twist and turn in the schedule evokes a spectrum of emotions, from elation to heartbreak. Whether cheering from the terraces, watching from afar, or engaging with fellow supporters online, fans are united by their unwavering devotion to their teams and the shared journey they undertake each season.
The digital age has revolutionized the way fans engage with football fixtures and results, with a plethora of platforms offering real-time updates, interactive features, and personalized content. From official club websites to dedicated apps and social media channels, supporters can access a wealth of information at their fingertips, allowing them to stay connected to the game like never before.
Conclusion: In the ever-evolving landscape of football, fixtures and results remain the bedrock upon which the drama unfolds. From the grassroots to the grandest stages of the sport, they shape the narratives, ignite the passions, and define the legacy of every team and player. As fans, we cherish the highs and endure the lows, knowing that each fixture brings us one step closer to the moments of magic that make football the most captivating spectacle on earth.
For more information regarding Live score 24 visit our website: https://score24.mobi/

Hi I had a endsocopy/colonscopy yesterday and everything was normal according to my doctor but he has sent biopsies off. Looking at the notes he wrote though I have non erosive/erosive gastritis in the proximal area of my antrum. Apparently it’s a very small area. He mentioned that he’ll likely prescribe me mirtazapine and not any ppis during my follow up appointment for the biopsies. I’ve also been having right side pain and back pain so he ordered an abdominal ultrasound to look at my gallbladder. He thinks all my issues are related to stress though and I’m also kind of agreeing. For the past seven months I’ve been on a very bland diet and still not getting better. My symptoms are loss of appetite, on/off vomiting, weight loss, constipation/loose stools. I’ve had a normal ct scan, x/ray and blood work is normal other than high triglycerides which makes no sense as I’m not eating fat/sugar. Anyways does anyone have experience with mirtazapine? Did it help you? I’ve read about the weight gain and appetite which would be good thing for me as I am very skinny right now.

Pregnancy is a special time filled with joy and excitement, but it also comes with a responsibility to nourish yourself and your growing baby. Eating a variety of fruits is a great way to get essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. But with so many options in India, which ones are best for pregnant women? Let's dive into the world of Indian fruits and explore their benefits for moms-to-be.

1. Mangoes: The King of Fruits

Mangoes, the beloved king of fruits, are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system and helps your body absorb iron. Mangoes also contain vitamin A, important for your baby's development, including their vision and bones. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation as they are also high in natural sugars.

1. Pomegranates: Jewels of Nutrition

Pomegranates are like little jewels, bursting with vitamins and antioxidants. They are a good source of folate, a B vitamin that is crucial for your baby's brain and spinal cord development. Pomegranates also contain iron, potassium, and vitamin K, all important for a healthy pregnancy. Plus, their juicy seeds can help relieve constipation, a common problem during pregnancy.

1. Bananas: Gentle on the Tummy

Bananas are a gentle and easily digestible fruit, perfect for soothing morning sickness and nausea. They are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and prevent muscle cramps. Bananas also contain vitamin B6, which is important for your baby's brain development and nervous system.

1. Guavas: Vitamin C Powerhouse

Guavas are a true vitamin C powerhouse, providing more of this essential nutrient than oranges! Vitamin C is important for boosting your immune system and helping your body absorb iron. Guavas are also a good source of fiber, which aids digestion and can help prevent constipation.

1. Oranges: Citrusy Goodness

Oranges are another great source of vitamin C and also contain folate, potassium, and vitamin B6. They are a refreshing and hydrating fruit, perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day. Plus, their sweet and tangy flavor can help combat pregnancy cravings.

1. Apples: An Apple a Day...

The old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" holds true for pregnant women too! Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. They also contain a type of fiber called pectin, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and may even lower cholesterol.

1. Grapes: Bursting with Flavor

Grapes are a delicious and refreshing fruit that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. They are a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. Grapes also contain resveratrol, a compound that has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health.
Important Considerations:

• Wash all fruits thoroughly before eating to remove any dirt or pesticides.
• Eat a variety of fruits to get a wide range of nutrients.
• Listen to your body and enjoy fruits in moderation, as some may cause digestive discomfort.

Remember, a healthy diet is crucial during pregnancy. By incorporating these nutritious Indian fruits into your daily routine, you can ensure that you and your baby are getting the essential vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy pregnancy.