Care plan for coronary artery disease

nocad

2021.03.19 01:02 nocad

Discussion for those with Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (NOCAD) Prinzmetals/Vasospastic Angina, Microvascular Angina, Endothelial Dysfunction, etc
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2018.05.03 04:33 NotAFishYouCanCatch People with multiple sclerosis, partying like it's 1996

This subreddit has been set up specifically so patients treating their multiple sclerosis with first generation drugs (known as CRABs - Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex and Betaseron) can discuss their disease and treatment without being told to move to stronger, harder drugs. That being said, everyone is welcome.
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2016.01.26 10:43 tattis2 Lipitor (Atorvastatin): Support and Discuss

Lipitor (Atorvastatin) - is a medication that blocks an enzyme required for the production of cholesterol by the body and thus lowers blood cholesterol levels. The medication has been approved by Food and Drug Administration and can effectively reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes. Medical information for Lipitor including uses, side effects and safety, interactions, warnings and user ratings.
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2024.05.16 15:03 PickleJarred8 May 20-22: Strawberry Mansion clinic offering quick blood test for heart disease research — pays $45

May 20-22, a pop-up clinic at Strawberry Square Shopping Center (29th & W Dauphin) is offering free blood tests as part of a national study about heart disease. This study is run by Care Access. They test your Lp(a)* levels, an indicator for heart disease risk, and call you later with your test results.
You get a $45 Visa prepaid card at the end of your appointment. The appointment takes 15 minutes.
You can use this link to schedule your appointment time: http://friends.careaccess.com/6DlJ3Q . This is the 2nd Philly pop-up clinic because there has been so much community participation.
* Lp(a) tests are not part of routine cholesterol screenings and are not covered by most insurance, so this is a great chance to get a free screening and get rewarded too.
submitted by PickleJarred8 to philly [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 15:02 Thunder_Child000 BONNIE & CLYDE'S Day Off....POMO "Confessions" To PIMI Parents....(Because NOW It's Safe To Do This...)

~ This is an unapologetic long-form read for those who might enjoy such things. If that's not you, keep "scrollin".....go find a "meme" or something...LOL ~
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I've recently been greatly enjoying the "sharing" of my former....PIMO exit strategies, back when these were in full swing a few decades ago now.
The people I've been most enjoying "sharing" these with, is my now, somewhat "aged" PIMI parents.
And it's as my heading says....simply because it's now become totally safe for me to do this.
One of these "strategies" I was particularly proud of, was turning up early at a huge District Convention....and then deliberately seeking out as many members from our own Kingdom Hall in order to BE SEEN by them. So you know, a little bit of small talk and then we'd give some vague intimation that we were seated in some rather crazy, high up area within the huge "stadia" which was invariably used as a venue for such events.
( WE....in this instance = My young wife and my equally young self...)
Once we'd really exposed our presence to as many people as possible, we then knew that eventually, these KH members would bump into our respective parents and siblings and that THEIR "small talk" would likely cover how they'd seen us both earlier on that day.
"Oh yeah.....I was just talking to "Bonnie & Clyde" (made up names)....a little earlier. They mentioned they were seated high up in the stands somewhere..."
You know...THAT type of typical assembly "small talk" which usually takes place.
So, with this all in place.....my wife and I would then go separately to the car park area and meet up together.
This would be done right at the time the morning "prayer" was being given to ensure as many closed eyes as possible.
We'd then blaze out of that car park.....and head for the beach.
We had clothes changes already prepared and packed, and a hamper full of food and other goodies in the boot ...(or "trunk" )
Fast-forward 30 years and I'm now "confessing" this to my PIMI parents in a kind of:
"It's time you finally heard the truth..." .....type manner.
For those who may be interested, I'll do my level best to faithfully document the conversation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PIMI PARENT: "So you played us?"
ME: "Oh yes....absolutely"
PIMI PARENT: "It wouldn't have mattered, Jehovah sees everything."
ME: "We didn't care what Jehovah saw, he wasn't our problem back then. YOU were our problem. And by YOU....I mean our JW family. You see, we strongly suspected, and to this day....still believe....that our JW family members had one very predictable thing in common, and that is that they all walked by SIGHT. We knew (for example) that so long as you thought our "bodies" were obediently seated at those conventions, you didn't really care too much what our "hearts or minds" were focused upon and yearning for.....and the many years that have since passed have proven us to be DEAD RIGHT about this.
PIMI PARENT: "What do you mean by THAT?"
ME: "Well.....how long is it now since we (Bonnie & Clyde) ...have ever stepped foot in a Kingdom Hall? It's been a very loooong time right?
PIMI PARENT: "Yes....that's been your own choice.."
ME: "Well...we were as clear about this back then, as we are now. But back then, it wasn't US who had a problem with that life-choice.....it was YOU."
PIMI PARENT: "Yes...but Jehovah..."
ME: "Can I respectfully, just stop you there. Do you honestly think or believe that we, in any way....share YOUR beliefs or concerns as these pertain to "Jehovah?" We don't now, and we never did back then. We TOTALLY get that you wanted us to be aligned with yourselves in this way, but we also reserved the right to exercise our own agency and choice in this matter."
PIMI PARENT: "So why bother with all that deception and facade that you're now telling me about?"
ME: "I'm so glad you've asked this. It was because YOU could neither be trusted, nor be expected to maturely handle OUR truth....should we have disclosed it to you back then.
You'd have withdrawn your support, your good-will, your familial fellowship and....thinking you were doing the right thing.....you'd have made our lives hell and tried to give us emotional traumas that neither of us rightly deserved.
And if I had ever granted you "just cause" in your own mind, and allowed you to follow through on all of that extremely predictable behaviour, then me and you would not be sitting here today discussing these things.
You'd have gone on the attack with me....(or with us) ....and my response to this would NOT have been pretty. YOU would have mistakenly thought that you could threaten me with "shunning" behaviour in order to leverage your own position, but I would have then shown you what shunning REALLY IS....because that would have been the last time I would ever have spoken to you or had dealings with you. I would have totally upped the ante on that religious "shunning" and without one shred of conscience, I'd have deemed you to be nought but an utterly moronic cult member who was of no practical use to me anymore.
I'd have moved as far away as it was possible to get, and you'd NEVER see me or your potential grandchildren ever again.
PIMI PARENT: "Well....you've always known your own mind.."
ME: "Well yes.....but I've always known the Jehovah's Witness mind also, because you raised me against that backdrop....and sadly, the Jehovah's Witness mind is EXTREMELY predictable.
PIMI PARENT: "What do you mean?"
ME: "Well, the JW mind was once so predictable, that it enabled me and my young wife to enjoy a nice sunny day on the beach, whilst all our JW family members thought we were seated in some boring...hours and days long convention. But I wasn't stupid. I knew the only flaw in this plan would be if Jehovah really existed and this really WAS the true religion.....and that the 1980s /90's really were this system's last days. We'd have been utter fools to have bolted for the beach if all of that stuff was really true....wouldn't we?
PIMI PARENT: "Well....you obviously didn't believe it to be true then did you?"
ME: "No....we did not.....it was YOU who believed all that....not us. So why did WE have to sit in that convention? To keep "Jehovah" happy? No.....we didn't really care too much about his happiness....but we DID CARE about our family's happiness, and we also cared about the possible damage and disruption our own self-assertion might have caused had we been too premature and not as calculating as to WHEN we would finally declare this.
PIMI PARENT: "I just can't imagine why you'd put yourselves through all that......deception?"
ME: "Oh....I know you can't. Because if you COULD imagine why, then that would mean that you could both relate to.....and understand.....what it feels like to experience rather burdensome religious expectation.....which only exists to keep YOUR PARENTS happy, and your familial relationships semi-normal.
It's an assumed dedication which means nothing to you....personally.....but is a notion which your very own parents simply can't compute or accept.
But you accept it NOW don't you?
PIMI PARENT: "Well, it all happened a long time ago...we were never perfect. We just wanted the best for you."
ME: "I know....and on the day we bunked off to the beach....we wanted the best for us too, believe it or not. We just had some very different ideas about what "the best for us" might really entail on such a beautiful, scorching hot day. Life is made up of such days, and you don't get them back. You're older now yourself and you surely know this.
PIMI PARENT: "So....I suppose there's a lot more we really don't know about that you were getting up to back then?"
ME: " Oh yesss indeed.....and NOW you're starting to get it if I may say so respectfully.
PIMI PARENT: "Get WHAT?"
ME: " Get the fact that whatever we've never disclosed to you, was always done with honourable and healthy motives. You see, we believe that your religion has the power to totally ruin and compromise familial relationships.
PIMI PARENT: "No....but...Jeho..."
ME: "Shhh...Just hear me out. We've NEVER LET that happen. Left to you, it could easily have happened at any time. But once we learned and accepted that your religion makes you unapproachable and utterly untrustworthy confidantes.....due to your pressing need to try and "judge" other people's deeds and actions.....well, we decided that you'd only ever be getting a sanitised and carefully edited version of our deeds and actions.
PIMI PARENT: "But you're both a well respected and responsible "worldly" couple who contributes a lot to the world's most needy people. What could you possibly disclose that would make us think ill of you....especially now that you could even be grandparents yourselves?"
ME: " Well....we still do some TERRIBLE things behind your back. We celebrate birthdays, and we celebrate Christmas....(for example) We have strong political opinions and we enjoy visiting Churches and Cathedrals for the aesthetic value. But the absolute WORST thing we harbour from you is that we think your religion is a man-made cult, and that you have basically wasted your lives in service to something deeply unworthy of the people you really are.....beneath that facade you wear...
PIMI PARENT: "This discussion is OVER !! "
ME: " Mmmm....I thought that might be just a tad TOO MUCH honest disclosure. There are some things that even the passage of time can't easily soften....so deeply anchored and entrenched are they.."
PIMI PARENT: Has indignantly left the Chat...

submitted by Thunder_Child000 to exjw [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 15:02 Bluenyde_ PLEASE help me be less anxious, temporarily

I'll try to keep this as anonymous as possible.
The first time I tried to kill myself, it was chiefly due to depression. I failed.
The second time I tried to kill myself, it was due to anxiety. I failed.
Nobody knows I've tried to kill myself twice.
I've realised that, when it comes to anxiety, I tend to be a bit like an ostrich; I stick my head in the sand (maybe that's unfair to ostriches. Maybe that's just a stereotype).
I've learned that the only way I can force myself to not cancel events last minute, at a semi-consistent basis, is to attempt to ignore it until the day comes. Then just go. The less I think about it, the more likely I am to be able to meet appointments, meet with (a select few) family members, even just making phone calls.
I don't think this is healthy at all. It's just the way I've been able to barely cope in recent years.
I've noticed that whenever I'm put in situations where I'm forced to be around people for an extended period of time, such as a few days or a few weeks, the anxiety becomes more manageable. That's what you're supposed to do, anyway, right? I believe my second (also my final) therapist told me something like that, some years back. It doesn't get better. Actually, it gets progressively worse but I can handle it slightly more easily.
However, I don't do this often. I usually go the ostrich route.
I have some close family members' birthdays coming up soon. I can't tell one of them how anxious I am about it because they will get extremely worried about me & I don't want to ruin their excitement. It's a milestone number. That's likely just an excuse, though, since I also refuse to tell the other person. I've never been someone who talks much, honestly.
I am contemplating suicide, again. I know I'm too afraid to do it this time, not to mention I don't plan to make a plan like I did for the previous two attempts. I'm afraid to fail again to boot. So I know I won't be doing it.
I must attend these birthdays. I must. Yet, sticking my head in the sand doesn't seem to be working. I feel suffocated, as if there's something weighing down my chest, constantly. I'm tired of drinking alcohol. It only somewhat alleviates the crushing anxiety for less than four (4) hours. My sleeping pattern is in an even worse state than it already was. It's hard to eat.
I'm so anxious that I haven't even been able to go out to receive my next prescription for my anxiety medication. It should be available by now.
Please. What can I do to quickly calm down? Besides talking to the people who I know care about me. I'll tell them after the days are done. I just need some sort of technique to tide me over until then. Once it's all over, it'll be obvious how I feel anyway, since I tend to crash immediately afterwards.
submitted by Bluenyde_ to Anxiety [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 15:00 jvc72 Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc[NYSE:PBH] Financials FY/2024

![Logo](https://getagraph.com/logos/PBH.png)

FINANCIALS

Period: FY/2024
Filling Date: 2024-05-15
REVENUE:
Revenue: $1.13B
Gross Profit: $601.90M (53.48%)
Result: $373.10M (ebitda)
EPS: $4.21
Outstanding Shares: 49.76M
BALANCE:
Cash: 46.47M
Debt: 1.14B
FINANCIAL EVALUATION/SCORE:
Financial Score - Altman: 2.50
Financial Score - Piotroski: 7.00
Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc's price movement correlates with the following stocks:
Ticker Correlation --- --- BPMP 0.94 VR 0.93 ETJ 0.929 FRTY 0.922 HWM 0.92 MUFG 0.919 NVO 0.919 HII 0.918 PHD 0.917 HT-PE 0.917
Summary Of Last Earnings call:
In the Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call for Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc, issues related to supply chain constraints affecting revenue growth were emphasized. The company experienced disruptions in the Eye Care category due to maintenance and quality upgrades by suppliers. These disruptions led to a lower-than-expected sales performance in Q4. The company expects supply challenges to continue into the first half of fiscal 2025 before recovering in the second half. Strategic initiatives, such as partnering with multiple suppliers and internal production, are being implemented to address supply chain continuity. Despite the challenges, the company remains committed to its long-term brand-building strategy and capital deployment opportunities. Additionally, the company plans to focus on M&A, share repurchases, and deleveraging to enhance shareholder value. Although a $300 million share repurchase program was approved, no share repurchases are expected in fiscal 2025, with a focus on debt reduction. The company anticipates revenue growth of approximately 1% in fiscal 2025, with a slight FX headwind. The company's overall cash flow generation and leverage reduction position it well for future capital allocation decisions.
Company Description:
Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells over-the-counter (OTC) health and personal care products in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, North American OTC Healthcare and International OTC Healthcare. It offers BC/Goody's analgesic powders, Boudreaux's Butt Paste baby ointments, Chloraseptic sore throat liquids and lozenges, Clear Eyes for eye redness relief, Compound W wart removals, DenTek for PEG oral care, Debrox ear wax removals, and Dramamine for motion sickness relief. The company also provides Fleet adult enemas/suppositories, Gaviscon upset stomach remedies, Luden's cough drops, Monistat vaginal anti-fungal, Nix lice/parasite treatments, Summer's Eve feminine hygiene, TheraTears dry eye relief, Fess nasal saline spray and washes, and Hydralyte for oral rehydration products. It sells its products through mass merchandisers; and drug, food, dollar, convenience, and club stores, as well as e-commerce channels. The company was formerly known as Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. in August 2018. Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Tarrytown, New York.
Full fundamentals fundamentals for PBH here.
submitted by jvc72 to getagraph [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:59 GarnetGrapes John M. Barry, author of "The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History" in NYTimes

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/16/opinion/coronavirus-disease-2019-health-care-pandemic.html
No paywall link: https://archive.is/8zV1D
"While much would still have to happen for this virus to ignite another human pandemic, these events provide another reason — as if one were needed — for governments and public health authorities to prepare for the next pandemic. As they do, they must be cautious about the lessons they might think Covid-19 left behind. We need to be prepared to fight the next war, not the last one.
Two assumptions based on our Covid experience would be especially dangerous and could cause tremendous damage, even if policymakers realized their mistake and adjusted quickly."
submitted by GarnetGrapes to H5N1_AvianFlu [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:59 bongothebean A letter to nobody.

I can't email the people that I want to know these things that are in my head.. Nor do I want to. They don't deserve it and frankly, I don't care that much. But I can write it here and pretend this is addressed to you two horrible people.
I have to admit, finding out Eric was cheating on me for 2 years (that I know of, I've always suspected more and he was ALWAYS a horrible husband/partner - what was I thinking??) was a huge shock to my universe. Him finally admitting some sort of wrongdoing was something I was not used to. What was I used to? Constantly telling me I was paranoid, making me feel like I didn't deserve his attention, making me feel like shit, being a terrible parent BECAUSE YOU NEVER PARENTED, abandonment, silent treatment, financial abuses, selfishness, laziness, your shitty family.. the list goes on, really. But on the other side of this my life is better. I feel like I can breathe without you. I can enjoy things and see my friends without a constant guilt trip coming from you. I can spend MY money on things that I WANT to spend money on (or actually save it! fucking shocker there! no more credit card debt accruing because of YOU).
I really hate the impact he's had on my daughter, though. When he was still "with" us, his negative impact came in his indifference. Now, it's his indifference coupled with the distraction of stupid Clarisse. MY daughter deserved so much more. She deserves the fucking world. She's brilliant and funny and beautiful and so so so so loved, and I can't believe you didn't just cheat on me and leave me.. but you did it to BOTH OF US.
So many ways I want to insult Clarisse, so many ways I wish she knew the horrible impact she's had on a family, how she's changed a small girl's view on the world forever. Eric is a lost fucking cause. He is his father AMPLIFIED. I've given up on him understanding. But her.. I want to tell her I think her jawline looks like she's holding tobacco between her lip and her gum, that her hair is stringy and that I think she must be severely damaged to believe that what she's contributed to is OKAY. I want to ask her if she KNOWS that in our divorce agreement (that Eric agreed to and signed off on!) that she's NEVER allowed to have contact with our daughter. I want to ask her if she knows that Eric told me he'd never have kids with her. That he claims he will come in *EVERY* weekend to see his daughter, which means that *EVERY WEEKEND* for as long as they're together, he will not be with her, Clarisse. I want to ask how she plans to spend all of her holidays if he claims to be committed to seeing his daughter.. do you really want to NOT be with your *love* for the rest of your life on holidays? I want to ask if she knows how much student debt he has ($130k+) or how much credit card debt he has or how little he's actually contributing in child support. I want to ask if she knows that his dumbass didn't start planning for retirement until I asked him to consider it when he was finally around 36 years old because I worried that my contributions wouldn't be enough for us (fortunately, something I don't have to be concerned with now). I want to ask her if his weird patches of back hair and receding hairline turn her on.. or his LONG toenails or the fact that he eats his boogers AND earwax? There are so many horrible traits, horrible things about him, secrets he hides, habits that he doesn't, that I could probably fill a book.. but I'm glad you'll just get to experience them all uniquely on your own.. because he cannot and will not change. He refuses to work on himself. Refuses to deal with his deep rooted childhood trauma and his textbook narcissism. Eric will always be number one to Eric. Not you. Not his mother. Not his daughter. It will always be Eric.
My God.. I just wonder what your dynamic is like. At this point it feels more out of morbid curiosity. I hold anger because of what you've done to my daughter, but I'm glad he's out of my life. And truthfully, I hope that your family hates him. :)
submitted by bongothebean to u/bongothebean [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:59 PbRg28 How to live simply

Hi everyone! I see the benefits of living simply and I technically have always had similar or even the same values aligned with simple living. The problem has been living out of alignment with these values in some way. I grew up pretty poor and somewhere along the way I believed I was not adequate enough for not having material things I wanted. I actually hear a lot of this now as an adult, from other adults. And while it's true, I feel the freedom to get myself what I want now as an adult, it doesn't necessarily mean it will still benefit me. Meaning, it's possible I still can't afford it but make higher efforts to obtain it because of desire. I really have to focus on my financial goals (clear out debt, start a retirement fund, simple financial steps mostly everyone does). I know living simply isn't just in regard to less material things, but how we view life overall and taking care of our health.
I have been hobby collecting for some time now, and it's pretty satisfying and comforting to have adorable little plushies or figures of something special. But, I feel I cannot keep this hobby up because it is expensive (to me). I could get less over time, but I want to prioritize a financial safety net for my potential future children, since I would like to be a parent some day. I know investing in myself and my partner and my hypothetical future children and pets will be so incredibly rewarding. But part of me feels sad having to let the collecting go. It does bother me that this particular hobby requires me to spend money. I plan to be a SAHP for some years, so I know this isn't sustainable in the long run. I would love to keep a lot of them and gift them to my kids each year to save money on gifts maybe? Lol. It's a silly thought since I don't even know if I will get to have kids.
Some part of me just wants to enjoy the collection, just to enjoy it. The issue is I have collected quite a lot in the last couple of years and it's possible I have too much stuff (I have been saving money with my partner by staying with his parents for a brief time before we find a place we like calmly and without rush), and it's possible that when we move to our new place there won't be room for everything in my room (that's the only place I would plan to display that stuff). Yet part of me feels sad having to let them go too. It's weird.
So, I come to you humbly asking how can my lifestyle be simple and also adhere to my desires but also align with my values, which are far more important than desire in the long run?
For a while I always wanted to have a comforting room where I could be expressive and have soft and dainty things around me. But I don't want to prioritize material things. Thanks in advance :)
submitted by PbRg28 to simpleliving [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:58 someonefromspace- Exbf slept with man help, cheated during exclusive sex

Here we go.
Please give me grace. I've read 100's of these over the past several weeks.
Recently (several weeks ago)- a man I love and care about, dated for 3 years, who then we agreed to remain close and still sleep with e/o after a break up- while we were in an exclusive intimate relationship, slept with a man and then slept with me the day after it happened.
We had consistent, amazing bedroom time, multiple times a week. I was with him on a Sunday, Friday, Sunday and as I was asking about weekend plans, he told me he slept with someone on that Saturday but still proceeded to have sex with me Sunday.
After about a week, he finally told me it wasn't a woman, it was a man. However in this caveat he told me not to tell anyone after almost 3 yrs of him treating me not well. So hurt me and then asked me to keep it a secret? I tried my hardest and even tried to engage but I just couldn't. I love him and want to support him but was never given the chance to protect my sexual health or become a new supporter for him in his new potential sexuality.
The mental gymnastics is real and eventually I had to ask a friend about it I knew I could trust who lives very far away and has no connections. I'm not even sure I can talk to my therapist.
I told him I reached out to someone and apologized for reaching out to one friend and the only thing he said was thanks for not keeping it a secret???? I just needed a friend! I understand, I didn't keep confidence but this is such a wild situation, how TF do you navigate this? He's never asked how I am doing or said he understood my feelings... He's very selfish and doesn't really ask like he cares... Or am I just being emotionally manipulated like I have been because our entire relationship was a cover and now that I know about his potential ss preferences, everything makes sense. He even told me he still wanted to have sex but can't commit or be exclusive. Thought I was fine, but I can't and the trauma is real..... I tried to reach out and apologize to get closure and tell him I need space but I'm fairly certain I'm blocked.
Please tell me, no, you're not wrong and you're a victim. How does this even happen? there's so much more.... sigh
submitted by someonefromspace- to Advice [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:57 smallcapsteve News publishers sound alarm on Google’s new AI-infused search, warn of ‘catastrophic’ impacts

he A.I. doomsday clock appears ready to strike midnight for publishers.
Google on Tuesday announced that it will infuse its ubiquitous search engine with its powerful artificial intelligence model, Gemini, drawing on the rapidly advancing technology to directly answer user queries at the top of results pages. “Google will do the Googling for you,” the company explained. In other words, users will soon no longer have to click on the links displayed in search results to find the information they are seeking.
On its surface that might sound convenient, but for news publishers — many of whom are already struggling with steep traffic declines — the revamped search experience will likely cause an even further decrease in audience, potentially starving them of readers and revenue. Why spend time clicking on a link when Google has already scoured the internet and harvested the relevant information with its A.I.?
“Google will take care of the legwork,” executives said. But a lot of that legwork, of course, comes in the form of human-written articles and expertise published across the internet on blogs and media outlets, all built on a foundation of advertising support.
Google’s message was heard loud and clear. Within hours of the Mountain View announcement, the news industry began sounding the alarm.
“This will be catastrophic to our traffic, as marketed by Google to further satisfy user queries, leaving even less incentive to click through so that we can monetize our content,” Danielle Coffey, the chief executive of the News/Media Alliance, bluntly told CNN.
Coffey, whose organization represents more than 2,000 news publishers and has taken an aggressive posture toward A.I. developers’ use of journalism, added: “The little traffic we get today will be further diminished, and with a dominant search engine that’s cementing its market power, we once again have to adhere to their terms. This time with a product that directly competes with our content, using our content to fuel it. This is a perverse twist on ‘innovation.’”
The announcement from Google, which newsrooms had expected and expressed worry over in both public and private forums in recent months, is poised to further batter an industry that has been dealt a series of brutal blows — much of it at the hands of Big Tech — over the last several years. It also comes as OpenAI reportedly readies to launch its own A.I.-powered search engine.
Since ChatGPT crashed onto the scene more than a year ago, showcasing the potential power of A.I. for the public and setting off an arms race with Google, Meta and others, publishers have worried greatly about the impact the technology will ultimately have on their businesses. But they have had little time to plan their responses to the transformative technology, given the breakneck pace in which it has developed.
Some newsrooms have chosen to cautiously lock arms with the technology giants, striking deals with OpenAI to license their deep archives of content. Others have taken a much different path, with The New York Times most notably filing a scorched Earth lawsuit against the ChatGPT creator.
While publishers once worked hand-in hand with Big Tech companies (remember those days?), their relationships have soured tremendously in recent years. Mark Zuckerberg most publicly turned his back on the news industry, deprioritizing news articles on his platforms and shutting off other initiatives his company once championed. Google has maintained a better relationship with publishers but also faced sharp criticism. Most recently, it drew scorn after temporarily blocking some California news outlets from search results in response to a bill that would force it to pay publishers.
On Tuesday, likely predicting the panic that its announcement would stir, Google argued that the A.I. changes would actually benefit news companies. Google told CNN it is showing more links with its AI Overviews feature and that by improving the search product, it will allow the company to send more traffic to web publishers.
“We see that the links included in AI Overviews get more clicks than if the page had appeared as a traditional web listing for that query,” Google said in its announcement. “As we expand this experience, we’ll continue to focus on sending valuable traffic to publishers and creators.”
But given Silicon Valley’s track record with publishers, it’s unlikely that the statement will give them much relief. And already there is skepticism over Google’s claims.
“Our initial analysis suggests it will significantly reduce search traffic to content creators’ websites, directly impacting their ad revenue and, by extension, their livelihoods,” Marc McCollum, chief innovation officer at Raptive, which provides services to thousands of only creators and businesses, said in a statement. “This change could put the future of the open internet in danger.”
https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/15/media/google-gemini-ai-search-news-outlet-impact/index.html
submitted by smallcapsteve to breakerfeed [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:51 mattrfs Survivor 46 Episode 12 Contender Rankings

Survivor 46 Episode 12 Contender Rankings
As Q falls at the final hurdle, so do our chances of having a WTF winner. Regardless of what happens, Charlie, Maria and Kenzie all clearly sweep Ben and Liz at final tribal, but which of them has the best shot to win?
Here are my contender rankings heading into the finale ...
Who is the winner of Survivor 46? ...
  1. Kenzie. (-) This episode continued to bolster her social game with yet another lengthy segment where she helps Ben deal with his night terrors. She also finally got her home footage package, with huge focus placed on the fact that she moved her wedding to play the game. The editors also gave her and Liz dual credit for finally getting rid of Q, fulfilling my trophy prophecy from last week, and despite this being a bad thing for Liz, which I'll cover later, for Kenzie it makes perfect sense and completes her narrative since the pre-merge about her battle with Q (initially over Tiffany, and later over the way he was playing the game). I would be perhaps the most shocked ever about a loss if Kenzie were to lose, the amount of care put into her edit is insane, and you can see the legwork they put into her story since the first episode. Mermaid Dragon, 'She'll be in the final three' (Jess), and 'she'll slide through to the end' (Q during Hide and Seek) being just three of many many examples of foreshadowing in this season.
Who is not winning? ...
  • Charlie. (-) This episode continued to show the strong social and strategic game Charlie is playing. I'm torn whether he will lose to Kenzie Aubry-style or whether he will lose fire-making, but I'm sure he's not winning now. I think he may lose fire making because they reused a shot of him being zoomed in on past the fire in the Previously On segment this week, and because of how adamant Maria was that 'Charlie will win if he gets to the end'. I also think the edit is telling us that Charlie is playing the best strategic game, especially in the last two episodes, and I don't think they would hype him up so much if Kenzie were to beat him on social game alone. They've also given no real reason as to why the game he is playing would fall flat in front of a jury, other than the perception that he has just been Maria's number 2 which he can easily end with his proven articulate speaking. He was undermined a few times this episode, his confessionals about him not thinking Maria would ever take a shot at him being shown in sequence with Maria's 'Charlie has to go' confessionals being the main example, and he also got a shorter letters from home segment than Kenzie and Liz.
  • Maria. (+2) Maria moves up two spots this week due to the set up of the endgame meaning logically Liz and Ben cannot win. A really strong episode for her all around, and I really think she has played one of the best games of the New Era. But her plan fell through, and now she is guaranteed 5th place.
  • Liz. (-1) Not only can she not win logically, but her whole narrative in the edit has been that despite being ready to burst with emotions, she has had to keep her cool and go with her head over her heart, taking part in huge blindsides and putting her strategic foot forward. This episode she was positioned to do it again, blindsiding Charlie and saving Q once more, but instead she went along with Charlie's plan, finally taking out Q. In her confessional she even states her reasoning for doing so as wanting to finally get rid of him as she dislikes him as a person, thus ending her own narrative winning condition and her chance at an additional million dollars.
  • Ben. (-1) The editors never really bothered to give Ben a story. All his content has told us is that he's a nice human being and he's not really playing the game, and 75% of that content has been used to prop up Charlie and Kenzie rather than being about himself. The least likely to win by far.
If I had to guess the finale boot order - 5th: Maria, 4th: Charlie, 3rd: Ben, 3rd (also zero votes): Liz, 1st: Kenzie.
https://preview.redd.it/l6u0ldb78s0d1.png?width=1277&format=png&auto=webp&s=5b85d5d98a383e53edbf85cd928a526ca73b5d02
submitted by mattrfs to Edgic [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:48 Loud-Needleworker-26 I (35m) have been seeking relationship advice from another woman who I now feel understands me more than my wife (41f) ever will, and I told my wife this. Did I just doom my marriage?

I (35M) told my wife(41f) that I have been seeking relationship advice from a female friend who I now feel understands me more than my wife may ever will. Did I just doom our relationship?
My partner (41F) and I (35M) have been together for about 8 years total and got married two years ago. She is a lovely person but has very little life experience. Over the last 6 months or so we have been fighting more and more. I feel like she doesn’t respect my boundaries and expects me to make all the major life decisions for us.
She even recorded one of our arguments without telling me! She said it’s because of the things I would say during our fights and my tone, but that still doesn’t give her the right to record me. She said she deleted it and didn’t share it with anyone but I don’t know if I can believe her. I have no trust in her now.
And it’s been making me depressed. On top of that, she doesn’t have many friends of her own and doesn’t help me try to maintain new friendships I try to create for us. All she seems to care about is her job, cooking (which she isn’t that great at anyway), etc. she doesn’t think about our future or seems to plan for it.
Plus, the “friends “ I thought I had just keep bailing on me and telling me they are too busy to hangout, but then I’ll see them posting things they are doing on social media. So it makes me wonder what is wrong with me? Why don’t these people want to do those things with me? Why can’t my wife listen to what I say I need to make me feel safe in the relationship?
I try to talk to my wife and tell her how depressed I feel but she has no solution or real advice to give. I started reaching out to other people for advice, including this one girl I knew from back in the day
This girl can relate to my trauma in ways my wife can’t because my wife never really had to deal with any trauma growing up. This other girl has her own baggage and has dealt with her own trauma, so I feel like she understands me in ways my wife just can’t. This girl knows my wife from back in the day too and has been wanting to hang out with both of us. But I can’t hang out with her or have her around my wife and I bc I am afraid of what it might lead to…what I Know it will likely lead too…
I told all of this to my wife during a recent argument bc I wanted to be honest. My wife doesn’t seem to understand what her complacency and lack of respect for my boundaries is doing to our relationship. She got a little jealous and upset when it told her this rather really understand that if she was the type of person I needed, I wouldn’t feel this way.
Should I have even said anything? I wouldn’t need to talk to someone else if my wife put more effort into really trying to listen to what I need or to admit she is not capable of being the type of partner I need and ending it
TL;DR I told my wife that I have been venting our problems to another woman who used to be a mutual friend of ours, and that this other woman fulfills me emotionally and intellectually in ways my wife can’t and causing me to question our relationship. My wife won’t leave me. I want to love her but my wife just doesn’t understand my trauma like this other person does… what do I do? Should my wife just leave
submitted by Loud-Needleworker-26 to relationship_advice [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:44 nursery-onthe-green Kids Preschool in Mehdipatnam Admission Open for AY 2024 - 25

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submitted by nursery-onthe-green to u/nursery-onthe-green [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:43 AltCocoAndCo Error Cocode [Coclones Origin Lorepost + TLDR]

Error Cocode [Coclones Origin Lorepost + TLDR]
/uw TLDR: A bunch of Cocos from alternate timelines and dimensions fall through a rift and land in this current world. They all have slightly different personalities and hobbies, and go their own separate ways. All of their stories are told on this account, while the original Coco's story remains on the main account. /rw
“And… hah… why are we hiking up a mountain for this?”
“Because his ability will affect basically anything near him. Out here, his powers won’t bring about too much chaos… Thank you for bringing those fruits here, Coco. It means a lot.”
The two women, dressed in black and white, stood out like a sore thumb amidst the greens and browns of the forest leading up the mountain. Coco trailed behind Alentu as they ventured higher, her exhaustion quite apparent compared to the latter’s calm and collected steps. Though their physical capabilities seemed miles apart and their gaits completely unalike, there was an invisible harmony to their movement. This ironic harmony extended to their clothing, their outfit and hair colors the exact inverse of each other. In Coco's hand was a basket of various fruits, freshly picked to be delivered to a certain someone.
Today was an unfortunate day for the Ventures. One where each would 'pay the price' for their position in the family. All except Alentu, who took it upon herself to look after her family at their weakest and most vulnerable. She had, by chance, also ran into Coco that day, who she had forged an unexpected bond with, one almost unimaginable to anyone who knew her well. They agreed to meet at the outskirts of the forest to bring some goods to Error, who had isolated himself in a cave atop one of the mountains within the grove.
It was late afternoon, and they were now halfway to the peak where the cave resided. They had walked uphill for well over an hour, and the incline only grew steeper. To try and ignore the numbness of her feet, Coco tried to strike up a conversation.
Coco: "So Alentu, do you... T-think they'll... accept us together?"
Alentu: "Accept?" She giggled. "I was the head of the Venture family long before many of the rules were in place, so you have nothing to worry about. You won't go forgetting about me anytime soon, even if you don't officially marry into the family. And after today, you'll see why I don't want you becoming a Venture, for your own sake."
Coco: "Ah, yeah... I-I was more meaning, like... Would your family... Like me?"
Alentu: "Hmm... It'd be hard to tell without you talking with them one on one. But if we're talking about Error, you've got nothing to worry about, Coco. He certainly isn't as scary as he looks, even today!"
Coco: "R-right. Well that's good... To be honest, I have been a bit nervous about it all... Not just meeting your family, but telling them we're p-"
Alentu: ahem "M-maybe not that part yet... One thing at a time... Let's just focus on first impressions and making sure he's doing alright, okay?"
Coco: "Oh, sure- HUH?"
Coco's exclamation made them both stop in their tracks. Alentu turned her head quickly, but Coco's finger pointed her gaze ahead of them to a nearby waterfall, or what would be one, if it hadn't been flowing up into the sky. That wasn't all. Loose rocks and trees floated around the mountain's peak, birds flew through the air backwards, and the stone faces of the mountain were jagged and blurry. It was as if they had walked into an unstable simulation of reality. Coco stood in shock as she tried to comprehend what she was looking at, but a tap on her shoulder brought her attention back. Alentu signaled to keep walking and stay cautious, taking her hand and leading her through the lawless, almost artificial world they had entered.
As they neared the peak, the anomalous sights grew more and more common, and the terrain more and more hazardous. They carefully climbed the last incline, and atop the mountain awaited a beautiful mess of nature. A sea of flowers and grass covered the ground, the variety of which was exotic and almost timeless. The local flora was still intact, but among it grew untamed vines, metallic displays that mimicked plants, and all kinds of life that had never once grown in that area. There were also several shrines in the area, each having the same features, colors and style, but of completely different makes and materials.
Coco: "What the... I-is this what Error is capable of? Holy shit..."
Alentu: "Yes... It's just as bad with everyone else... Having such little control over such strong powers... It's why today's so important for me. I have to protect everyone..."
Coco: "Alentu... I-I'm so lost in what... What this is. Everything feels so... broken..."
Alentu: "...We should head into the cave. Watch your step, and whatever you do, do NOT go near any smoke. Understand?"
Coco: "I do..."
Alentu wrapped her arm around Coco and helped her across the dense foliage. They soon reached the cave, and in it layed a blurry mess of static and black smoke. Heeding the warning, Coco kept her distance, averting her gaze from the eyesore within, while Alentu called out into the darkness.
Alentu: "Error? Are you okay?"
Error: Am I...
Alentu: "Error! What's wrong?"
Error: Am I so hideous you have to look away!?
Alentu: "...Seriously?"
Error: "Sorry, sorry! He laughed. Just wanted to lighten the mood. You've had a busy day, haven't you Alentu? Oh... And who's this you've brought with you? Do ya live around these parts? Sorry about the mess, everything will be back to normal by midnight! Well, probably..."
Coco: "O-oh, I don't... I-I came here with Alentu to bring you some food. S-she's my... My..."
Alentu: "Coco's my wife."
Error: "Oh, I see! Wait... WHAT? You? Wife? After all this time?? Oh, I see! Getting me back for my joke-"
Alentu: "I'm not joking. It won't be official, but... We both found it in our hearts to share our love with another."
Coco blushed from the sudden introduction, having never heard her say those words in public, and while Alentu had a confident demeanor and tone, even she looked a bit anxious. The cave was silent apart from the crackling of the rifts forming in reality, as no one really knew what to say next. After a long pause, Error finally came to process what she had said.
Error: "I hope Conat's watching... I think he'd be happy knowing his wife found love again... As am I."
Alentu: "Thank you... I hope he is watching, too..."
Error: "Now, I would say celebrations are in order, but... Well, I'm sure you know why I can't hand ya a cold one. I am, however, very hungry, so let's have a little picnic, shall we? That'll give us the chance to get to know each other and such...
Coco: O-oh, s-sure! I'd be happy to!
Alentu: "But I really should... Ah, I've already checked up on the others at least once today... Alright, but I need to be back by evening, for everyone else's sake. Today's not a day I can slack off, you know."
Error: "You got it, ma'am! Nice and quick. Now, let's see if I can peel an orange or two without sending it to another dimension!" He chuckled lightheartedly.
Coco and Alentu took a seat at the entrance of the cave, sitting in a patch of stone untouched by the smoke. They unpacked their basket of fruit, dividing up the softer fruits between the two, while rolling the ones with peels to Error for him to reach himself. Most of the food he touched was whisked away through time and space, or replaced with another version too unripe or rotten to eat. He did, however, experience the opposite as well, having fresh fruit pop into his hands out of nothingness. It was at least enough to not go hungry for the remainder of his voluntary exile.
During their picnic, they chatted about how Coco and Alentu met, skipping over the more intimate details, and sharing stories from their life to break the ice. Everyone got along well, and though Error couldn't even be seen, it was clear he greatly valued the company. Sooner than anyone would've liked, the banter and fruits were no more, and the time to leave was upon them. The sun had fallen low enough to be visible from the cave, and the breeze began to pick up. Coco began to pack the leftover peels and stems back into the basket as Alentu stood up, walking into the sunlight as she stretched.
Alentu: "Ah~ Alright, it's best I head back now... I hope you don't get too cold when night comes, Error. It feels like it's gonna be a windy night..."
Error: "Oh, don't worry about me. Thank you for the food. Especially you, Coco, you don't know how happy I am to meet you!"
Coco: "Oh, you're fine! I share what I grow at home with everyone! It was nice to meet you, too!"
Error: "Pleasure is all mine... Damn, I can feel the breeze even in here... The breeze... THE BREEZE! GET OUT!"
Alentu's eyes widened, turning around and running towards the cave, reaching out for Coco.
Alentu: "COCO! RUN! The wind is gonna push the smoke into us!"
Coco looked in horror at the floor under her, their unaffected safe spot having shrunk to just the space she occupied. Black smoke began to blow around the cave, trapping her in a hazy web. She looked to Alentu, her eyes desperate and in disbelief as her heart sank. What would happen if she got touched? Would she disappear forever? Would she be thrown into another time and space with no way home? Would she be transformed beyond recognition? She screamed in terror and made a run for Alentu, ducking low and reaching out for her. Their hands stretched out for each other, but just as they almost touched, a veil of smoke covered her vision. The smoke had consumed her.
When she opened her eyes, she was standing on a bridge in an endless void. There was no land in sight whichever way she turned her head, and the sky was a starry night completely alien to her. Her fear made her too scared to open her mouth, let alone yell for help. She looked down, and saw her reflection rippling in the darkness... No, multiple reflections. The void became a sea of her form. Terrified, she stumbled back, but tripped over the rope suspending the bridge, causing her to fall in.
As she fell, she felt her body get caught up in a mass of limbs and hair. These body parts were connected to her reflections, and as one began to scream, the rest followed. They fell together for what felt like forever, but as Coco looked up, she saw the other countless reflections looking back at her, slowly fading from view. She closed her eyes, accepting what was likely her demise. Eventually, she hit the bottom, but instead of the cold impact of death, she fell into a warm embrace, and instead of falling straight down, she fell forwards.
Alentu: "Coco! Coco, are you o- AH!"
Coco's eyes jolted open, and before her was Alentu, holding her like she never wanted to let her go again. Their hug was tight, but behind her black hair, she saw the familiar sight of the corrupted mountaintop.
Coco: "A-Alentu... A-am I still here with you?"
Alentu: " Y-yes! T-thank god you're safe, if you had disappeared for good- I-" Alentu's eyes were teary, and her voice unusually shaky. "You only vanished for a second, but that was one of the scariest moments in my life... B-but now..."
Coco: "Alentu, I-I was so scared, I-I don't know what happened..."
Error: "That's a relief... It seems only your jacket was lost... but... Miss Coco... Please turn around."
As instructed, while still hugging Alentu, she turned her head to look behind her, and realized the nightmare she experienced really did happen. The reflections she saw were real. The bodies she got tangled up with were even more real, and they were all right behind her.
https://preview.redd.it/g7j91mvnas0d1.png?width=1024&format=png&auto=webp&s=2448c5e661a34adb003dfa39743f611ed0cfb6a9
One by one, her mirror images began to climb up from their dog pile. They were all as confused as she was, though they didn't seem to recognize where they were. Getting a good look at them, she could see that they were almost exactly alike, at least in terms of appearance. Once they all realized they were looking at replicas of each other, their panic ensued.
"W-what the fuck is this? God damnit, did I drink too much?"
"Ah- Mom? Where are you? Where did you go? W-why am I here?"
"Mimics? Damnit, what have I gotten myself into?"
While their appearances were quite similar, they all seemed to have slightly different personalities and reactions. Some were confrontational and agitated, some were lost and scared, and some were speechless, still trying to understand what happened. The original one stayed in Alentu's arms, holding her close as she watched the unbelievable scene unfold.
Error: "I see... It appears that when Coco contacted the smoke, she became a bridge to other versions of herself in different times and dimensions."
Alentu: "W-what... S-so, t-this Coco is fine, b-but all of these others have..."
Error: "Have been snatched away and thrown here, it seems. All from different times and dimensions..."
Alentu: "And these other Cocos... They can't go back, can they?"
Error: "Not by me. Safely, anyways..."
The crowd of altworlders began to yell and shout at the voice in the cave.
"What the hell? You brought us here, but you can't bring us back?"
"Shit! I have to get back home, now! I don't care if I need to give my soul to a chronomancer..."
"T-this is the future? O-Or the past? Or even a d-different dimension?? No, that can't be!"
Error: "Hey, wait a second! If a bunch of clones start running off on their own-"
"I'm not a god damn clone!"
One by one, they ran away, each resolved to accomplish something different. The sudden crowd poured down the unstable mountain, until only one remained, staring back at Coco and Alentu in disbelief.
Alentu: "And you?"
AltCoco: "Alentu... T-thank god you're here, too?"
Alentu: "Hm? Ah, so we've met in your world... Since you're here, I think we need to figure out how we're gonna fix this mess. Please, come with me..."
They moved to sit by one of the many shrines near the mountain path. Alentu then led a discussion between the three, asking the other Coco what she remembered about her own world's history. Her description appeared to describe a similar reality to their own, but at an earlier point in time. As such, the events that lead her life were different, and she was only able to recognize Alentu. The two forms of Coco began to discuss more specifics about their own lives.
AltCoco: "Huh, s-so you're getting married to someone else, and have a family of your own already... B-but, you're also with Alentu?"
Coco: "Yes... But I'm honestly amazed to hear how differently my life could have been if I was born only a few decades earlier..."
Alentu: "Where you only met me..."
AltCoco: "Yes- A-and Alentu, y-you're almost exactly the same as the one I know... I-it's like I'm talking to the same person. Everything we did together matches up too... B-but now she's..."
Alentu: "I'm sorry, Coco... There's not much we can do. I still love you, but..."
AltCoco: "Wait! Please! Let me stay with you, Alentu! E-even though we're from different worlds, you're still the same woman I love! Please..."
Alentu: "But this world's Coco is..."
All three fell silent as an uncomfortable truth settled in: There were two Cocos, but only one Alentu. That wasn't even mentioning the fact that even more were out there in the world, with absolutely no way to control their actions, however reckless they may be. Despair began to creep onto the altworlder's face, tears falling from her eyes as she began to accept her cruel fate. Coco's own face was clouded deep in somber thought, but after gathering her resolve, she spoke up.
Coco: "I... I have a proposal, but... You might not like it, Alentu. And it doesn't really solve our other problem..."
Alentu: "We're already in a shitty situation. Please, just tell me."
Coco: "My family at home needs me. I'm about to have little Iza, and... Since this Coco was ripped away from her own family... Well, I don't think she should be deprived of that joy... You should also be able to spend time with your kids..."
AltCoco: "Y-you want me to raise this Alentu's kids instead of you?"
Coco: "And... Stay with her... Be a good wife to her, so we all can get a happy ending..."
Alentu: "But Coco- A-are you saying you want her to take your place beside me? But that would mean you, yourself, wouldn't be with me... This hurts you more than any of us!"
Coco: "I suppose so... I do really care for you, but... I'm the only one that can be there for Mikhail and the kids I planned to raise with him. If we want to spend as much time as possible with family, you, Alentu, are the only family this Coco has. I don't want either of the people I care about to feel like I'm not there for them, so..."
AltCoco: "I... I understand... If you're really okay with it, both of you, then... I'd be so happy... I'm honestly scared to think about what I left behind, but, if I can be with Alentu, no matter what time or place..."
Alentu: "I'm okay with that... This feels... strange, but... I think it's for the best for each of our families. I love you, Coco, but I know your family needs you. I wanted to make it work despite that... I didn't want to lose you, but-"
Coco: "Don't think like that, Alentu! Let's not look at this as a mistake, but a blessing... One that lets everyone find their own happiness. You didn't lose me! Instead, you'll now be able to spend all the time you like with your love! I want to protect your smile no matter what, and leaving it in the hands of someone I know will bring you happiness... I can't possibly be sad about that."
AltCoco: "I agree... It means neither of our families will worry... This world's Coco can be with her family, and I can become yours, just as it was before with both of us. I want to make this work, for everyone's sake!"
Alentu: "Hah... Coco, that's why I love you. You always know how to cheer me up, and make me feel loved. When I'm with you, my worries always seem to melt away... I accept your proposal. You're both my lover, so I could never look at either of you any differently. To a bright future with our families..."
Alentu pulled the two in for a big hug, and gave a kiss to this world's Coco. The two shared their goodbyes and well wishes to each other before Coco sat down in front of her counterpart, a happy look on her face that inspired the other to brighten up. Alentu stood up and ruffled both of their hair, leaving the two by themselves as she waited nearby. The Cocos then turned to each other, smiling as they shook hands.
Coco: "To a bright future with our families"
AltCoco: "To a bright future with our families"
https://preview.redd.it/klgk6wclas0d1.png?width=1024&format=png&auto=webp&s=100636d165f5d3dc02cc4cdd902b16a285b56fe0
submitted by AltCocoAndCo to wizardposting [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:43 Infinite_Milk9904 I hate season 8

Season 6 was not good (I hate everything about the bolens, Kathryn losing it over Mike and Ana).
Season 7 was not good, nothing much really happened and you could basically pretend it doesn't exist except for the Alejandro stuff.
But!!! Season 8 takes the cake! It's so bad.
  1. Who decided the girls should be separated for most of the season when it's the finale?
  2. I thought the Alejandro stuff was gonna be so great. I couldn't be more wrong.
  3. Andre!!!
  4. Julie and Porter !!! Wtf
  5. Andrew wanting to marry a woman!!!
  6. Gabrielle being even more selfish than her usual self.
  7. Lynette having the same epiphany every two episodes.
  8. Lynette only personally trait has become "controlling". Seriously? The way she writes a business plan for the barber on their first date? Like she hasn't had any social interactions with another human being in her life.
  9. Lynette going back with Tom!!! Wtf
  10. Mike having a secret sister. So unnecessary
  11. Andrew not taking take care of his mother when he lives on the same street.
  12. Too much Susan insanity!!!
  13. Orson!!!!!!
  14. Bree can't stay single more than a month.
I guess Marc Cherry had already mentally checked out.
submitted by Infinite_Milk9904 to DesperateHousewives [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:42 BlackFortXNetwork 📈 Ride the Wave with $BXN: Diversified Assets & Smart Investing Tips!

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submitted by BlackFortXNetwork to Blackfort [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:41 Arbrand The Trickster's Veil

As far back as I can remember, I had always been passionate about the great outdoors. My love for the wilderness began when I joined the scouts, exploring the diverse landscapes of Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. I was never a huge fan of the dry, barren landscapes, but camping provided a much-needed escape from the monotony of Orange County suburbia.
The first time I visited the Pacific Northwest, I was enchanted. The scenery was breathtaking—majestic mountains, lush fields, and meandering rivers. It was clear that anyone who praised the desert's beauty had never laid eyes on the Cascades. Seeing grass and wildflowers growing without irrigation was practically a revelation.
When I was old enough, I moved to Washington state, immersing myself in nature every weekend. My adventures took me hiking through dense forests, camping by serene lakes, and occasionally taking mushrooms under peaceful waterfalls.
I joined several online forums dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts. One community that particularly fascinated me was the Northwest Tomb Raiders. This group of history buffs and thrill-seekers was dedicated to uncovering artifacts, whether Native American relics or treasures hidden in modern ruins. Many members were collectors, fencing their finds to museums and archaeologists, which made it a rather profitable side gig, should you be lucky enough.
In the fall of 2009, an intriguing post appeared on the forum. A user named Lokk claimed to have discovered a cache of artifacts with Scandinavian origins. He couldn't carry everything back due to the treacherous terrain and his age, so he shared the coordinates, hoping someone else could retrieve the items. I scrolled down to see a few posts of people planning to loot it in the Spring, when the paths have reopened. One user, Patagooner, planned on going as early as possible.
Excited by the prospect, I gathered my two friends, Carl and Noah, for the expedition. They weren't as enthusiastic about camping as I was, but after I told them how much a single arrowhead goes for on the black market, they were on board. It was the start of winter now, which had its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, the rangers would have a harder time spotting us. On the downside, the harsh conditions posed a serious challenge for two inexperienced hikers.
I must’ve blown about four grand at REI on gear for them, justifying it with the knowledge of how much more I would make with two extra packs. That is of course assuming there really were as many artifacts as Lokk had said, and Patagooner hadn’t beaten me there.
The journey began like any other. We met in the pre-dawn darkness and went over our supplies, ensuring we had everything we needed. By mid-morning, we were on our way, my pickup truck winding up the mountain paths. The roads of Olympic National Park were the epitome of the raw, untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
They snake through ancient forests, where towering Douglas firs and Western hemlocks create a verdant canopy overhead. Mist clings to the trees, giving the landscape an ethereal quality. Occasionally, the forest would open up to reveal breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and deep, shadowy valleys.
As we climbed higher, the landscape grew increasingly desolate. The dense forest thinned out, replaced by rugged terrain and jagged rock formations. The air grew colder, and the first flurries of snow began to fall, dusting the ground in a thin, white layer. The road became narrower and more treacherous, winding precariously along the edge of steep cliffs.
Finally, a road closure blockade signaled the end of our journey in the truck. We unloaded three dirt bikes—one mine, two rentals—and continued up the trail. The bikes roared to life, carrying us several more miles into the wilderness. The trail twisted and turned, cutting through dense underbrush and over fallen logs. The snow began to fall more heavily, blanketing the forest floor and muffling the sound of our engines. The world around us grew quieter, more isolated.
Eventually, the snow became too deep to traverse by bike. We dismounted and prepared to continue on foot. The silence of the forest was profound, broken only by the occasional rustle of branches in the wind. I checked my modern GPS, its screen displaying the coordinates and a relief map of our destination.
The cold air bit into our cheeks as we trudged through the snow-laden forest. The silence was almost oppressive, broken only by the crunch of our footsteps and the occasional call of distant wildlife. The GPS indicated we were close to our destination, but the dense underbrush and uneven terrain made progress slow.
Suddenly, Carl's excited whisper cut through the stillness. "Hey, look at that!"
He pointed to a small, furry creature ambling through the trees. It took a moment to realize what it was—a bear cub, innocently exploring its surroundings.
My heart sank. "Carl, get back," I hissed, my voice low but urgent. "Where there's a cub, there's a..."
Before I could finish, a massive shape exploded from the trees. The mother bear, easily three times the size of the cub, charged at Carl with a ferocity. She was a blur of dark fur and powerful muscles, her roar echoing through the forest.
"Run!" I yelled, but it was too late. The bear was upon Carl, swiping at him with her massive paws. He screamed as he fell to the ground, the bear towering over him. Desperation and adrenaline surged through me. I grabbed the nearest heavy branch and swung it at the bear, hoping to distract her.
Noah joined in, shouting and waving his arms. We had to be careful; one wrong move and she would turn on us. The bear snarled, turning her attention away from Carl for just a moment. It was enough for him to scramble backwards, clutching his bleeding arm.
"We have to get him out of here," I shouted to Noah, who nodded, fear etched on his face. The bear, still enraged, seemed torn between attacking us and protecting her cub.
Using the brief respite, we hauled Carl to his feet. His face was white, and he was clearly in shock. Blood soaked his sleeve, dripping onto the snow. "There's a ranger station about two miles from here," I said, my voice shaking. "We need to get him there. Now."
We half-carried, half-dragged Carl through the forest, every shadow and sound heightening our paranoia.
Finally, after what felt like forever, the small, wooden structure of the ranger station came into view. We had been avoiding the rangers to keep our expedition secret, but now it was our only hope.
Pounding on the door, I prayed for a quick response. The door creaked open, and a weathered face appeared. "What happened?" the ranger demanded, taking in the sight of Carl's bloodied form.
"Bear attack," I gasped. "We need help."
The ranger's expression shifted from suspicion to urgency. "Get him inside. We've got a first aid kit and a radio."
As we eased Carl onto a makeshift bed, the ranger inspected his wounds. "You're lucky," he said after a moment. "The cuts are deep, but they missed any major arteries. He'll need stitches, but we can handle that here. No need for an airlift."
The ranger's face darkened as he turned to me. "What the hell are you boys doing out here?”
I hesitated, "We... we were just exploring."
The ranger's eyes narrowed, his anger palpable. "Exploring? In a restricted area? In the middle of winter? Are you out of your minds?"
He worked quickly and efficiently, cleaning and stitching Carl's wounds. Carl winced but stayed silent, his eyes closed in pain.
"Do you have any idea how dangerous it is out here?" the ranger continued, his voice rising. "The storm, the wildlife... This area is off-limits for a reason! You should have known better." he said, pushing a finger into my chest.
"We'll stay here for the night," he continued, "The storm's getting worse, and it's too dangerous to move him now. We'll reassess in the morning. And count yourself lucky I don't arrest your asses."
Night fell quickly, the storm outside growing more ferocious with each passing minute. The howling wind battered the small ranger station, and the walls creaked under the pressure. We huddled in the main room, the tension thick in the air.
The ranger looked at us sternly. "I need to check the perimeter and make sure everything is secure. There are things out there you don’t want to encounter, especially in this storm."
"Things? What do you mean?" Noah asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The ranger's expression hardened. "Just stay put. No matter what you see or hear, do not leave this cabin. Understood?"
We nodded, the seriousness in his tone leaving no room for argument. "We'll stay put," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
The ranger grabbed his coat and shotgun. "I'll be back in an hour. Do not leave this cabin." With that, he opened the door and stepped into the raging storm, disappearing into the darkness.
As soon as the door closed, I turned to Noah. "We need to go. Now."
Noah's eyes widened. "Are you crazy? He said to stay put."
"If we wait until morning, we'll be escorted out of here and lose our chance. This might be our only opportunity to find those artifacts."
Noah hesitated with uncertainty "But... what about Carl?"
"He'll be fine here. The ranger can take care of him. We have to do this now."
Reluctantly, Noah nodded. "Alright. Let's take what we can and go."
We quickly looted extra gear from the cabin. I checked the GPS one last time before we slipped out into the storm, the cold wind battering us.
The snow fell heavily, obscuring our vision as we slogged through the forest. The ranger was nowhere in sight as we made our way towards the our destination, each step filled with trepidatious excitement.
The storm began to die down as we approached the coordinates. We stepped into a clearing where the undisturbed snow lay like a pristine white blanket. In the center stood an ancient, weathered stone altar, encircled by intricate wooden carvings, delicate metalwork, and beautifully crafted statues. The sight was breathtaking, a treasure trove, a veritable museum of paganism.
Noah and I exchanged glances, our eyes wide with amazement. "Do you see this?" I whispered, barely able to contain my excitement.
"We're going to be rich," Noah replied, his voice trembling with awe. "These must be worth a fortune!"
We approached cautiously, as if the vision before us might disappear. The craftsmanship was stunning. I reached out to touch a carved wooden idol, marveling at the detail. "This is incredible," I said, my voice barely audible.
We began to load our packs with as many artifacts as we could carry, each one more exquisite than the last. It was beyond our wildest dreams. We were so engrossed in our task that we didn't notice the small figure watching us from the ridge.
It wasn't until I turned to leave that I saw her. A young girl, maybe eight years old, stood there, her blue eyes wide with curiosity. She was dressed in simple, rustic clothing, her blonde straight hair blowing gently in the wind. For a moment, we just stared at each other.
"Noah," I whispered urgently, nudging him. "Look."
He turned, his eyes following my gaze. "What the...?" he muttered, his voice trailing off.
The girl took a tentative step forward, her eyes fixed on the items in our hands. There was no fear in her gaze, only a quiet intensity that made my skin crawl.
"Who are you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
She tilted her head slightly. "My name is Sigyn."
"What are you doing out here, Sigyn?" Noah asked, his voice shaky.
"I live here,"
"You live here?" I echoed, incredulous. "Is there anyone else around?"
"Yes," she whispered.
"Where?" Noah demanded, looking around nervously.
"Everywhere," she said with a giggle.
The way she said it, so matter-of-factly, bothered me deeply. Noah and I exchanged a look, both of us trying to figure out what to do next.
"We can't take her back to the ranger," Noah started, "We'll lose everything."
I nodded, my mind racing. "Sigyn," I said slowly, "we need to know who else is here. Can you help us?"
She looked at me with her piercing blue eyes, then said, "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Noah asked.
"For what's going to happen to you," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness.
"You need to tell us what's going on," Noah said, grabbing her arm roughly. "Why are you out here alone?"
She looked up at him, unperturbed. "I am not alone," she said softly.
Before we could press her further, a loud, guttural mooing sound echoed through the clearing. We turned towards the direction the girl had come from, and there, emerging from the shadows, was the silhouette of an elk. As it approached, my stomach dropped. Its body was a grotesque amalgamation of life and decay. Its skull was fully exposed, the eye sockets dark and empty. Large patches of its ribs were visible, the flesh around them rotted away.
The elk's movements were slow and deliberate, its head swaying as if in a trance. It walked directly towards us, its hollow eyes fixed on Sigyn. The closer it got, the more the stench of death filled the air—a nauseating mix of decay and earth. I fought the urge to retch.
Sigyn stood up, her expression calm. The monster sniffed her gently, its nostrils flaring. Without a word, she climbed onto its back, mounting it like a horse. It was a surreal and horrifying scene ripped straight from a nightmare.
As she settled onto the elk, she looked back at us, "A thief in the night shall reap what he sows," she said, her voice carrying an otherworldly echo. "Beware the price of stolen dreams."
With that, the beast turned and began to walk away, Sigyn riding it into the shadows of the forest. We stood there, frozen in place. The realization that we were in far over our heads began to sink in. This started to feel like a trap.
We need to get out of here," My voice trembling. "Now."
We turned to leave, our packs heavy with the pilfered goods. But as we took our first steps, the forest around us seemed to come alive. Shadows moved among the trees, and whispers floated on the wind. I quickened my pace, glancing nervously over my shoulder.
"Did you hear that?" Noah asked sharply,
"Just keep moving," I commanded.
A figure emerged from the shadows, blocking our path. It was a man, tall and gaunt, his eyes burning with an intense light. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked, his voice cold and menacing.
"We're leaving," I stammered. "We didn't mean any harm."
The man smirked, and with a swift motion, he raised his hand. More figures appeared, closing in on us from all sides. We were surrounded.
"Run!" I shouted, shoving Noah forward.
We sprinted through the forest, branches whipping at our faces and legs. The figures pursued us, their footsteps silent and relentless.
Noah stumbled and fell, his pack spilling open. Statues scattered across the ground, glinting in the moonlight. "Help!" he cried, scrambling to gather the items.
"Leave them!" I shouted, pulling him to his feet. "We have to keep moving!"
But it was too late, their hands seizing us. I struggled, kicking and thrashing, but their grips were too strong. They forced us to the ground, binding our hands with rough, coarse ropes.
"Please," I begged, "Don't hurt us."
The man who had first appeared stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "A thief in the night," he mocked.
They dragged us through the forest, the trees closing in around us like a cage. We were at their mercy.
In the distance, I could see the elk standing at the edge of the clearing, Sigyn still astride its back. Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of pity. But then they turned away, disappearing into the shadows once more.
We were dragged into the heart of the forest, our struggles futile against the unyielding grip of our captors. As we broke through the treeline, a massive bonfire came into view, its flames licking the night sky. Shadows danced around the clearing, cast by the flickering light. A woman stood at the forefront, her presence commanding.
Her eyes were milk white, devoid of pupils, and her long, flowing white hair cascaded down her back. She was completely naked, her skin pale and marked with intricate symbols. Atop her head, she wore an elk skull, its antlers extending like eerie, skeletal fingers. She beat a drum emblazoned with more of the same cryptic symbols, each thud resonating deep within my chest.
Around the fire, about two dozen people stood, all drinking from crude, horned cups. Their faces were solemn, eyes fixed on the woman as she led them in a haunting chant. The atmosphere was thick with a mix of reverence and intoxication.
We were forced to our knees before the woman, who paused her drumming to look down at us. Her gaze was haunting, as if she could see into the very depths of our souls.
"Who are you?" Noah demanded, his voice trembling.
The woman ignored him, raising her arms to the sky. The chanting grew louder, the rhythm of the drum faster and more frenzied. The air around us seemed to vibrate with energy, the flames of the bonfire growing higher and more intense.
I glanced at Noah, fear mirrored in his eyes. The woman began to speak, her voice low and melodic, but filled with power, in a language I couldn't understand. Suddenly, she stopped, lowering her arms. The chanting ceased, and an silence fell over the clearing. She looked directly at me, her white eyes unblinking.
En tjuv i natten skördar vad han sår, akta dig för drömmar som du stjäl och får.
Hans skratt bevakar lundens gömda stig, där skuggor sveper över skogens liv.
För varje stulet andetag och svek, måste en tjuv möta sitt smärtsamma ödelek.
Tricksterns vilja, vår ande här, så i hans nåd, våra liv bär.
I was terrified and confused. She started again, softer, in a way I could understand.
A thief in the night shall reap what he sows, beware the price of stolen dreams.
His laughter guards our hidden groves, where shadows cloak the forest's seams.
For every stolen breath and lie, a thief must meet his painful end.
The tricksters will, our spirits tie, so in his grace, our lives suspend.
The crowd surged forward, grabbing Noah first. He screamed, his terror echoing through the trees as they pulled him towards a makeshift altar beside the bonfire. The woman chanted louder, her voice rising in a hypnotic rhythm as they began their gruesome work.
They stripped him of his shirt and bound his arms to a wooden frame. I tried to move, to help him, but the grip on my shoulders tightened, pinning me to the ground.
The woman approached Noah, holding a knife with a blade that gleamed in the firelight. She started to slice into his back, her movements deliberate and unhurried. Noah's screams pierced the night as she methodically carved the shape of wings into his flesh.
Blood poured from the wounds, soaking the ground beneath him. The crowd's chant grew louder, almost drowning out his cries. I watched in horror as the woman reached into the incisions, breaking the ribs and pulling them outward, creating a parody of wings.
Noah's agony was unbearable to witness. His screams turned to whimpers, his body convulsing in pain. The woman didn't stop until the work was complete, his lungs exposed and hanging grotesquely from his back.
They lifted Noah's broken body and placed him over the fire. The smell of burning flesh filled the air, making me gag. His life ebbed away as the flames consumed him, the once vibrant light in his eyes fading to nothing.
The woman turned to me, her expression devoid of mercy. "You will meet the same fate," she said, "He demands it."
The smell of burning flesh and the sight of his broken body over the fire was seared into my mind. Despair settled over me as I closed my eyes.
A deafening blast shattered the night. My eyes flew open to see the shaman stumbling backward, a gaping wound in her chest. She collapsed to the ground, her white eyes staring lifelessly into the void.
The villagers turned in shock as another shot rang out, this time hitting one of the men holding me. I twisted free from their grasp and saw the park ranger standing at the edge of the clearing, a pump-action shotgun in his hands. He fired again, the sound echoing through the forest, before one of them tackled him to the ground.
"Run!" he shouted, his voice raw and desperate. "Get the hell out of here!"
I didn't need to be told twice. I sprinted into the darkness, the chaos of the clearing fading behind me. Branches whipped at my face, and the snow underfoot made every step a struggle. I could hear the sounds of fighting and gunshots, but I forced myself to keep moving.
The cold air burned in my lungs, but adrenaline pushed me forward. I didn't stop until I reached the station, my legs threatening to give out from under me. I burst through the door and slammed it behind me.
Inside, Carl lay where we had left him, his face pale and twisted in pain. I stumbled to the radio, my hands trembling as I fumbled with the controls.
"Mayday, mayday!" I yelled into the microphone. "This is an emergency! We need help! Please, someone, come quickly!"
Static filled the room, punctuated by my ragged breaths. I repeated the call, my voice growing more frantic with each passing second. Finally, a voice crackled through the speaker. "This is Ranger Station Bravo. What's your location? Over."
I could barely form the words. "Olympic National Park! The ranger station near mount Christie! We're under attack! Please, send help!"
"Copy that. Help is on the way. Stay put and stay safe. Over."
I collapsed to the floor, my body trembling with exhaustion and fear. Carl moaned softly, his eyes fluttering open. "What… What happened? Where's Noah?”
Tears streamed down my face and I found myself choked up. “He’s gone, man. Help is coming.”
The minutes stretched into an eternity as we waited. The wind howled around the station, and every creak and groan of the structure set my nerves on edge. I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched, that the forest itself was closing in on us.
The radio crackled again, this time with a different voice. "Helicopter en route, ETA fifteen minutes. Prepare for extraction."
I glanced at Carl, his eyes filled with confusion. "Hang on. We're getting out of here."
As the minutes ticked by, I couldn't help but think about the ranger. He had saved my life, but he hadn't made it back. My mind conjured up images of what might have happened to him, the cultists overwhelming him in the darkness. A sense of guilt gnawed at me, knowing he had sacrificed himself for us.
The sound of rotors cut through the night, growing louder as the helicopter approached. I ran to the window and saw its searchlight piercing the treetops, scanning for the station.
I helped Carl to his feet, supporting his weight as we made our way to the hatch. The helicopter hovered above, lowering a rescue basket. The wind from the rotors whipped the snow into a frenzy, but I didn't care. Salvation was finally here.
We secured Carl in the basket first, and I watched as he was hoisted up, disappearing into the safety of the helicopter. My turn was next. I realized that I was now alone and exposed. Fear coursing through me as I scanned around the edge of the forest, expecting to be grabbed and taken seconds before my rescue. But the moment never came. As I gripped the rope, I took one last look at the forest below. The flames of the bonfire still flickered in the distance.
I was lifted into the air, the ground falling away beneath me. The helicopter's crew pulled me inside, and I collapsed onto the floor still holding onto my pack, my body finally giving in to exhaustion. The doors closed, and the helicopter banked away, leaving the horrors of the park behind.
Weeks had passed since the harrowing events, but the memories clung to me like the bitter cold. I had returned to civilization, seeking solace in the familiar chaos of the city. I found a wealthy collector through a network of contacts. The artifacts fetched a price tenfold the cost of gear. The money was substantial, but as I held the cash, it felt like a hollow victory.
Noah's absence weighed heavily on me. His disappearance was chalked up as a missing persons case, and despite my best efforts to explain what had happened, no one believed me. The authorities conducted a search of the area, but they found no trace of the cult, the artifacts, or the clearing. It was as if the forest had swallowed up all the evidence.
I returned to the site where we had parked the truck. The dirt bikes were gone, stolen by opportunistic thieves, but the truck remained. I drove back in silence, the road winding through the dense forest. For a moment, I thought I saw the girl watching me from atop a ridge until I realized it was just paranoia. I stepped on the gas a little harder.
Back home, I checked the Tomb Raiders forum again. The post that had led us into the forest was gone, deleted without a trace. I messaged the mods, but apparently, they don’t keep records to maintain confidentiality. I wrote about our experience, detailing every terrifying moment, but the responses were skeptical at best. Most dismissed it as a work of fiction or a desperate cry for attention.
Time passed, and I tried to return to a semblance of normalcy. Yet, the wilderness called to me stronger than ever. It was my sanctuary, the only place where I could find peace amidst the turmoil. I spent more and more time outdoors than ever before, but now it always felt like I was just running from something.
Determined to prove what had happened, I returned to the forest with a camera and recording equipment. This time, I documented every step, capturing footage of the trees, the snow, and the eerie silence that hung in the air. I retraced our path, hoping to find the clearing again. But each night, as I reviewed the footage, something strange would happen. The files would be corrupted or entire segments missing.
I pressed on. I found the site where Noah had fallen, the ground still bearing faint traces of what had happened. I set up the camera and began to speak, recounting the events in detail. As I spoke, a cold wind swept through the clearing, and the camera's screen flickered. I finished my account and turned to check the recording, only to find the file corrupted once again, the footage replaced by static and a faint, mocking laughter.
I returned home, defeated and exhausted. My attempts to share what I had experienced were met with disbelief and ridicule. The files I managed to save were corrupted beyond recognition. It was as if the forest itself was conspiring against me.
Almost exactly one year later, as I browsed the forums, a new post caught my eye. It was cryptic, eerily similar to the one that had led us into the nightmare. It spoke of another trove of artifacts, hidden deep within the wilderness, waiting to be claimed.
The post was signed with a new name: Skygge. Different handle, same style. Another trap. They had taken so much from me, left scars that would never heal. I opened my drawer, my fingers brushing over the cold metal of my weapons. This was the moment I had been waiting for. This time, I'll be ready.
The forest’s secrets won't remain hidden forever.
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2024.05.16 14:40 UnDead_Ted Learning the Secret of Contentment

Learning the Secret of Contentment
Philippians 4:12 NOG
  • I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little.
Daily Dose Verse

What I Believe....

This verse is part of a larger passage where the Apostle Paul is expressing his gratitude for the support he received from the Philippian church. He acknowledges that he has experienced times of abundance and times of scarcity, yet he has learned to be content in every circumstance.
The meaning and interpretation of this verse can be summarized as follows:
  1. Contentment in all situations: Paul emphasizes that he has learned to be content regardless of his circumstances. Whether he has plenty or is in need, he has found a sense of peace and satisfaction. This speaks to the idea of finding inner peace and joy that transcends external circumstances.
  2. Spiritual Growth: The verse suggests that contentment is something that can be learned and cultivated over time. Paul didn't naturally possess this contentment; rather, it was something he acquired through his experiences and faith. This indicates a journey of spiritual growth and maturity.
  3. Dependence on God: Paul's ability to be content in all situations is rooted in his faith in God. He acknowledges that his strength comes from God, enabling him to endure and find contentment amidst life's challenges. This reflects a reliance on God's provision and sovereignty.
Overall, Philippians 4:12 encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of contentment, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God rather than from external circumstances. It's a reminder to find joy and peace in every situation through faith and trust in God.

Verse Thoughts

Reflection Thought
Gratitude and Humility Paul's words reflect a spirit of gratitude and humility. Despite his accomplishments and experiences, he attributes his contentment to his relationship with God rather than his own achievements. This serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, humility, and acknowledging the sources of support and strength in our lives.
The Power of Perspective This verse underscores the importance of perspective in shaping our experiences. Paul's ability to find contentment in both abundance and scarcity suggests that our mindset plays a significant role in how we perceive and respond to circumstances. It challenges us to reframe our perspectives, focusing not on what we lack but on what we have.
Resilience and Adaptability Paul's acknowledgment of experiencing both plenty and need highlights the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. It speaks to our capacity to endure hardship and adapt to changing circumstances. This resilience is not solely based on external factors but also on internal attitudes and beliefs.
Learning and Growth The verse emphasizes that contentment is something that can be learned and cultivated. It suggests that through life's experiences, challenges, and reflections, we can develop the capacity to find peace and satisfaction regardless of our circumstances. This speaks to the potential for personal growth and transformation through adversity.
Spiritual Contentment At its core, Philippians 4:12 speaks to a deeper spiritual contentment that transcends material wealth or comfort. It suggests that true fulfillment comes from a sense of inner peace, rooted in faith, gratitude, and connection with something greater than ourselves. This spiritual contentment offers a stable foundation amidst life's uncertainties
Philippians 4:12 invites reflection on the nature of contentment, resilience, and spiritual growth, offering timeless wisdom that resonates across cultures and belief systems. It encourages us to cultivate a mindset of gratitude, resilience, and faith, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with grace and inner peace.

Devotional

Exploration:
  1. Understanding Contentment: Discuss what contentment means and why it's valuable in our lives. Explore how our culture often equates contentment with external success or possessions, but true contentment comes from within.
  2. The Secret of Contentment: Reflect on Paul's assertion that he has learned the secret of being content. What might this secret be? Encourage participants to share their insights and experiences.
  3. Cultivating Contentment: Share practical tips and strategies for cultivating contentment in various life circumstances. This could include practicing gratitude, focusing on what truly matters, and trusting in God's provision.
  4. Learning from Adversity: Discuss how adversity can be a teacher, helping us develop resilience and deepen our faith. Share personal stories or examples of times when adversity led to greater contentment or spiritual growth.
Reflection Questions:
1) When have you experienced contentment in the midst of adversity?
  • There was a period in my life when I faced a significant challenge related to my career path. I had invested a lot of time and effort into pursuing a particular direction, only to encounter unexpected obstacles and setbacks. The uncertainty of not knowing what the future held was daunting, and I felt overwhelmed by doubt and anxiety. However, amidst the turbulence of that time, there were moments when I experienced a profound sense of peace and contentment. These moments often came when I turned to my faith and sought solace in prayer and reflection. I found comfort in the assurance that God had a plan for my life, even if it didn't align with my own expectations. Moreover, the support of loved ones played a crucial role in sustaining me during this challenging period. Their encouragement, empathy, and prayers served as a source of strength and reassurance. Sharing my burdens with trusted friends and family members helped me realize that I was not alone in my struggles and that there was hope for the future. Looking back, these experiences of contentment amidst adversity have shaped my perspective and resilience in profound ways. They've taught me the importance of surrendering control and trusting in God's timing and providence. They've also shown me the value of community and connection in times of need, reminding me that we are stronger together than we are alone. Ultimately, these experiences have deepened my faith and instilled in me a sense of gratitude for the blessings in my life, even amidst trials and tribulations. They've taught me that true contentment is not found in the absence of challenges but in the presence of faith, hope, and love. As I continue on my journey, I carry with me the lessons learned from those moments of contentment amidst adversity, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for every trial and that His peace surpasses all understanding.
2) What are some obstacles that prevent you from feeling content in your life?
  • Reflecting on the factors that often undermine my sense of contentment, I recognize several recurring themes. One significant factor is societal pressure to achieve certain goals or meet specific expectations. Whether it's related to career success, financial stability, or personal relationships, there's often an implicit or explicit pressure to measure up to external standards of success and fulfillment. This pressure can create a constant sense of striving and inadequacy, leading to feelings of discontentment. Comparison with others is another obstacle that frequently undermines my sense of contentment. In today's hyper-connected world, it's all too easy to compare my life, accomplishments, and circumstances to those of others, particularly through social media. This comparison often leads to feelings of envy, inadequacy, and a distorted perception of reality, further eroding my sense of contentment. Additionally, unresolved personal issues and past traumas can have a significant impact on my ability to experience contentment. Lingering feelings of shame, guilt, or unresolved conflicts can create inner turmoil and prevent me from fully embracing the present moment with gratitude and peace. To overcome these obstacles and cultivate a greater sense of contentment, I recognize the need to address underlying patterns of thinking and behavior. This includes:
  1. Cultivating Gratitude: Practicing gratitude daily can help shift my focus from what I lack to what I already have. Taking time to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in my life, no matter how small, can foster a deeper sense of contentment and fulfillment.
  2. Setting Realistic Expectations: Rather than striving for perfection or comparing myself to unrealistic standards, I can set realistic and achievable goals that align with my values and priorities. Accepting that progress is incremental and embracing the journey, rather than fixating on the destination, can lead to a more sustainable sense of contentment.
  3. Mindfulness and Presence: Cultivating mindfulness and being fully present in the moment can help counteract the tendency to dwell on past regrets or worry about the future. By practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or simply paying attention to my surroundings, I can cultivate a greater sense of peace and contentment in the present moment.
  4. Seeking Support: Recognizing that I don't have to navigate life's challenges alone, I can seek support from trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals. Opening up about my struggles and vulnerabilities can foster connection and provide valuable perspective and encouragement.
  • By taking proactive steps to address these obstacles and cultivate a greater sense of contentment, I can move closer to experiencing the inner peace and fulfillment that comes from embracing life with gratitude, authenticity, and acceptance.
3) How can you apply Paul's secret of contentment to your own life?
  • Adopting the mindset of contentment in all circumstances, as described by Paul in Philippians 4:12, requires intentional effort and a shift in perspective. Here's how I can apply this mindset in my own life:
1) Acknowledging Internal Contentment: I will start by recognizing that true contentment comes from within and is not dependent on external circumstances. Instead of seeking fulfillment in achievements, possessions, or social status, I will cultivate an inner sense of peace and satisfaction rooted in gratitude, mindfulness, and faith.
2) Cultivating Gratitude: I will make a conscious effort to cultivate gratitude for the blessings in my life, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Each day, I will take time to reflect on the things I am thankful for, whether it's the beauty of nature, the love of family and friends, or the simple pleasures of everyday life.
3) Practicing Mindfulness: I will practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment and embracing each experience with openness and acceptance. Instead of dwelling on past regrets or worrying about the future, I will strive to be fully present in the here and now, savoring life's moments with awareness and appreciation.
4) Leaning on Faith: I will lean on my faith and trust in God's provision, knowing that He is always with me, regardless of the challenges I face. In times of uncertainty or adversity, I will turn to prayer, seeking strength, guidance, and comfort from a higher power who cares for me deeply.
Prayer:
Dear God,
We come before you with hearts full of gratitude for your provision and faithfulness in our lives. You are our provider, our sustainer, and our ever-present help in times of need. We thank you for the abundance of blessings you have bestowed upon us, both big and small, seen and unseen.
In moments of challenge and adversity, Lord, we acknowledge that it is often difficult to find contentment. We confess that we sometimes allow our circumstances to dictate our sense of peace and joy, forgetting that true contentment comes from you alone.
Today, we seek your guidance and wisdom as we strive to cultivate contentment in all circumstances. Teach us, like the Apostle Paul, to find the secret of contentment, not in external possessions or achievements, but in the depth of our relationship with you.
Help us to trust in your provision, knowing that you are always with us, guiding us through every trial and triumph. Grant us the strength to surrender our worries and anxieties to you, finding peace in the midst of life's storms.
May our hearts overflow with gratitude for your unfailing love and grace. Lead us on the path of contentment, Lord, that we may experience the fullness of joy that comes from walking in your presence.
We lift up our prayers and reflections to you, knowing that you hear us and that you are faithful to answer according to your perfect will. May our lives be a testimony to your goodness and mercy.
In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
I encourage you to take a moment to share your own prayers or reflections, trusting that God hears the cries of our hearts and responds with love and compassion.
Closing:
Today, we've explored the profound truth that contentment is not dependent on our external circumstances but is a state of being that comes from within. Like the Apostle Paul, we've been challenged to discover the secret of contentment, learning to trust in God's provision and finding joy in every circumstance.
As we go forth from this time of reflection, I encourage each of us to carry these insights into our daily lives. Let's commit to cultivating contentment by practicing gratitude, embracing the present moment, and trusting in God's faithfulness. In the face of challenges and uncertainties, may we remember that true contentment is found in our relationship with God, who is our source of strength and peace.
Let's encourage one another to seek contentment in every circumstance, knowing that as we align our hearts with God's will, we will experience the fullness of joy that comes from walking in His presence.
May the lessons we've learned today guide us on our journey toward greater contentment and fulfillment in Christ.
Amen.
Optional Activities:
  • Journaling prompts related to contentment and gratitude.
  • Group discussion questions to foster deeper reflection and sharing.
  • Meditation or mindfulness exercises focused on finding peace and contentment in the present moment.
Remember to adapt the devotional to the needs and preferences of your audience, and invite participants to engage actively in the discussion and reflection process.
submitted by UnDead_Ted to TheDailyDose [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:39 WinterMisanthropy201 Type me please (opinions)

Sorry for any mistakes. My english isn't good enough.
Background: Men with 23 years, no college formation yet.

Section 1

  1. How do you work? Why do people go to work? Are there any parameters that determine whether you can do work or not? What are they?
    I work very slow. I don’t have problems working faster for a while, but if is too much starts to annoy me. We works humankind needs recurses to act and solve our existencial and material problems. But i can’t exclude other forces among work like capital, the human “progress”. The parameters for my work is something abstract, technological, creative and philosophical. I often like write about ideas, deal with machines and computers, reading about political philosophy. I have problems to get a job on those areas because i dont have iniciative to chase it.
  2. How do you determine the quality of work? How do you determine the quality of a purchase? Do you pay any attention to it?
    I determine the quality of work if it brings expected results and seems organized. The same for a purchase. I don’t pay any attention for it, i just want may these things fulfill their role, whatever the cost.
  3. There is a professional next to you. How do you know they are a professional? How do you evaluate their skill?
I would know he is a professional because he/she have a whole theorical and pratical (how to do) informations about something. Well informed, decisive, calm and chill, deeply in their knowledge.
  1. If you struggle to do something, how do you fix that? Do you know if your performance is better or worse than others?
I fix that with research and studying about this problem. I also look for discussions and informations about some topic and after i could act or not about it. I guess is worse, in my mind is. But people often says compliments me about my work and proactive attitude.
  1. How do you measure the success of a job? What standard do you use? Do you pay attention to it? When should you deviate from this standard?
I say is terrible. I dont like my job (i work with security in a airport). I really want to get out here because its not the area that i’m good for. I don’t have a standard here. I don’t pay any attetion for it.

Section 2

  1. What is a whole? Can you identify its parts? Are the parts equivalent to the whole?
A whole is the sum of the partes. The parts its the delimited entities and can’t be the whole itself. Yes, they are equivalent to the whole.
  1. What does "logical" mean? What is your understanding? Do you think that it correlates with the common view? How do you know you are being logical?
Logical means the correct way to think. In my understanding is no contradiction. No, people often confuse logical with opinions and feelings, they make appeals for common sense and call it logical. I dont’t mind being logical all time, i know logical its a tool for some subjects not whole life subjects. I rather being rational with evidences and good arguments of all types to speak.
  1. What is hierarchy? Give examples of hierarchies. Do you need to follow it? Why or why not? Explain how hierarchy is used in a system you are familiar with.
Hierarchy is an “effective” way to organize most people in society, and its a good way to exploit at the same time. I dont need it, i work better for my own because i have a good vision of situations. Hierarchy its just a way to organize people with no imagination, inteligence or self control to works better and become “usefull” for society. Its a tool for efficience and control.
  1. What is classification? How does classification work? Why is it needed and where is it applied? Give examples.
Classification is a way to agroup similar things or parts of the whole for better understanding. As a said before is for best understanding. In theorical subjects, but it can be used in any area or activitie to became easier. In socionics for an example: Too much categories (making me sleepy sometimes) but get easier to understand.
  1. Are your ideas consistent? How do you know they are consistent? How do you spot inconsistency in others' ideas?
Yes i’m. Because i have evidences and observations to show and prove my point. Normally using logic, or evidences that can’t fit in their positions.

Section 3

  1. Can you press people? What methods do you use? How does it happen?
No, i can’t. I just use arguments, ask polite to someone does something or giving advices. I just can’t feel comfortable doing this.
  1. How do you get what you want? What do you do if you have to work to get what you want?
I prepare myself to get something, i plan in my head and think about the worse possibilities before. If i want a work i prepare myself, for an example i studied english a lot to get a better job in airport (i continue looking for an one new job).
  1. How do you deal with opposition? What methods do you use to defend your interests?
I just became independent of them. I organize my life in a way i can’t be bothered by them. When i need to do, or defend my interests i just use argumentations and my polite nature to get it.
  1. When do you think it's ok to occupy someone's space? Do you recognize it?
NO. GOD NO. I hate the idea of became annoy or occupy other’s space, because i hate it and i avoid people like this. Yes, i often knows when someone is occupying my space and avoid it as a hell.
  1. Do others think you are a strong-willed person? Do you think you have a strong will?
No. Unfortunately i don’t. I don’t have a strong will. Because of that i feel myself stopped in life :’)

Section 4

  1. How do you satisfy your physical senses? What examples can you give? What physical experiences are you drawn to?
I satisfy my pshysical sens with food, coffee and tea (too much) and video game. I drawn to video game and confortable experiences in my home. I dont get out there often.
  1. How do you find harmony with your environment? How do you build a harmonious environment? What happens if this harmony is disturbed?
I don’t find it. My room is usually a mess. My harmony It’s disturbing when someone takes that relaxation away from me.
  1. What does comfort mean to you? How do you create it? Comfort is where I can recharge my energy. That's basically my sofa and my bed.
  2. How do you express yourself in your hobbies? How do you engage yourself with those things?
I express myself as very imaginative in my hobbies, like video-game and reading. When writing i usually make a lot of good and rational arguments from different sources.
  1. Tell us how you'd design any room, house or an office. Do you do it yourself, or trust someone else to do it? Why?
I have never done something like this. But if i pay someone to do, i will ask for something classical like mafia office. I trust someones else because i do not have a good asthetic taste.

Section 5

  1. Is it acceptable to express emotions in public? Give examples of inappropriate expression of emotions.
I don’t express my emotions and public and i usually see people who does that as inaprippriate. Examples of inappropriate expressions of emotions is: Crying or any reason, anger, happiness, and etc.
  1. How do you express your emotions? Can you tell how your expressions affect others in a positive or negative way?
I’m very open with people i like or knows enough. I can be silly and laugh a bit. I don’t have any ideia about how i affect other people.
  1. Are you able to change your demeanor in order to interact with your environment in a more or less suitable way? How do you determine what is suitable?
No i can’t. I’m very sloopy trying to be friendly so i usually don’t try. I don’t know. I think i don’t care about and this is it.
  1. In what situations do you feel others' feelings? Can you give examples of when you wanted to improve the mood of others?
Just when someone being openly agressible with me. I usually dont mind to improve anyones mood, but when i do i try to cheer up a little people who i like with advices, or when i flirt with somone i like. Or when i know someones who faces problems with social skills like i had.
  1. How do others' emotions affect you? How does your internal emotional state correlate or contrast with what you express?
Affect me when they’re judging me by their standards, or when annoying me to do something quick.

Section 6

  1. How can you tell how much emotional space there is between yourself and others? How can you affect this space?
With most people i put a big distance. With people i like i’m very warm with hugs, kisses and stupidy jokes (not too much). I can deal greatly with this space.
  1. How do you determine how much you like or dislike someone else? How does this affect your relationships?
Based on my conversations topics, and how openly and honest the person acts towards me. I don’t know it affect my relationship.
  1. How do you move from a distant relationship to a close one? What are the distinguishing characteristics of a close relationship?
With conversations when we have na oportunity. They are often openly and social people, who carry on with serious and silly conversations with black humor included and also helps me when i need (rare)
  1. How do you know that you are a moral person? Where do you draw your morality from? Do you believe others should share your beliefs on what's moral? Why?
I don’t know, i just have my beliefs and values but i dont think a lot about it. I dont know where it from. Yes, but only when the conversations shows na oportunity and never mix moral and rational subjects.
  1. Someone you care about is acting distant to you. How do you know when this attitude is a reflection of your relationship?
I usually knows what i did for be treated like this. But if i dont, i think they doesnt have reasons for this so i just get myself away from. If they take iniciative to speak, i’ll be open to understand i say sorry.

Section 7

  1. How can you tell someone has the potential to be a successful person? What qualities make a successful person and why?
Someone who have strong will, good theorical undestanding and pratical knowledge too. Because those skills i said, allows anyone to act in any area.
  1. Where would you start when looking for a new hobby? How do you find new opportunities and how do you choose which would be best?
When i get depressive for doing not all day. So i start to look for something new. I make cost benefit analysis, and think about the long term benefits.
  1. How do you interpret the following statement: "Ideas don't need to be feasible in order to be worthwhile." Do you agree or disagree, and why?
No. They need to be. If isn’it dont have any effect in real world so: whats the point?
  1. Describe your thought process when relating the following ideas: swimming, chicken, sciences. Do you think that others would draw the same or different connections?
When i swim i just want to get some fun. Chicken is a good domesticated animal for humankind feed their stomachs. Science is the best way to achieve innovations and overcome all disaster that nature put on our paths.
  1. How would you summarize the qualities that are essential to who you are? What kind of potential in you has yet to be actualized and why?
Good ones: Inteligent, good memory and associative thinking, very adaptable, very calm and chill, a good problem solver, no intrusive. Bad ones: Revanchist, very critic, relationship issues, arrogance, problem with rules and deadliness, burocratic issues. I hate daily life.

Section 8

  1. How do people change? Can you describe how various events change people? Can others see those changes?
No they not change. The essence of people’s character never really change. People just change when they make a good self critic and its very hard sees someone who does that.
  1. How do you feel and experience time? Can time be wasted? How? Yes. You can estimate how much time a task takes. You can plan how you wanna use your time. You can set deadlines for whatever you are doing. Time can be wasted on things you don't value because you can't gain back time.
Time is very important to me. I can see things very distant in my imagination but act abour this is hard. So i waste times often with relaxing times or doing activities out my plans. I dont set deadlines, i just know what i want to do and for how long to give the next step. I guess the absence of deadlines destroys my progress.
  1. Is there anything that cannot be described with words? What is it? If so, how can we understand what it is if language does not work?
No it isnt exist. All things can be described by words instead being difficult to do.
  1. How do you anticipate events unfolding? How can you observe such unfoldments in your environment?
I usually antecipate the worse possibilitie and act towards that to avoid it. I think if this worse never happen, i’ll be surprise for something godd and will be prepared for anything bad.
  1. In what situations is timing important? How do you know the time is right to act? How do you feel about waiting for the right moment?
Every situation. We need to know how long you can waste time and when stop. Waiting for a rigth momment is important for not waste energy with bullshit. The right momment is always builded before.
I’ll be glad if all of you help me with yojr opinions. How much details, better .
submitted by WinterMisanthropy201 to Socionics [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:39 Radiant-Hope-469 Leonardo da Vinci (Ruler)'s Servant Profile from F/GO material XIV

Leonardo da Vinci

Class: Ruler
True Name: Leonardo da Vinci
Gender: Young-Girl Type
Source: History, Fate/Grand Order
Region: 2017 Antarctica
Alignment: Lawful Summer
Height: 144cm
Weight: 36.5kg
Strength: D
Endurance: C
Agility: B
Mana: A
Luck: A+
Noble Phantasm: B
Scenario Writer: Yuuichirou Higashide Character Design: Simosi CV: Sakamoto Maaya
Main Appearance: Fate/Grand Order
Class Skills
Riding: EX The talent for riding. She controls the dinosaur-shaped mecha she invented this time.
Item Construction: A The inventor aspect of hers is more pronounced this time compared to her artistic side. The dinosaur-shaped mecha exemplifies this the most.
Magic Resistance: B The Magic Resistance skill acquired as a Ruler. Her durability has slightly improved.
Personal Skills
Dreaming Machine: A A series of support-type dinosaur mecha Da Vinci gave up sleep to develop. Each one has its own unique (though admittedly simple) AI that gives them a degree of autonomy, and they all move just as you'd expect dinosaurs to move.
Triceratops: Fiamma (Italian for "flame") Futabasaurus: Mare (Italian for "ocean") Archaeopteryx: Vento (Italian for "wind")
Treasure Checker: B A treasure-tracking skill Da Vinci gained for her very first treasure hunt. While it's normally meant to detect gold, silver, and other similar ores, in battle, it also serves as a form of active sonar.
Shining at Twilight: EX Every adventure has to end sometime. Once the Singularity disappears, it will be as though the treasure hunt never happened. But, no matter how strong the twilight may have been, there was always something bright shining. Although this skill may resemble Dream Upon the Star, it has very different effects.
Noble Phantasm
Unforgettable Summer Vacation, Dream Of White
Rank: A NP Type: Anti-Personnel Range: 1 - 10 Maximum Targets: 1
Dinosaur Summer Goodbye. Da Vinci transforms her mecha dinosaurs into bullets and fires them with her trusty magical pistol. Each mecha dinosaur "round" has different effects. Although older Mystics are usually stronger, Da Vinci's mecha dinosaurs fall into the cutting-edge category, so unfortunately, their Mystic power is somewhat lacking. Fortunately, Da Vinci's ingenuity is more than enough to compensate for this particular shortcoming.
Character
First person pronoun: watashi Second person pronoun: kimi/aitsu/○○(calling them by name with no honorifics) Third person pronoun: kare (for males)/kanojo (for females)/○○(calling them by name with no honorifics)
○ Personality
Although her class has changed from Rider to Ruler, her personality seems to be unchanged. That said, she does seem more curious than usual, and she has to hold herself back from running around excitedly wherever she goes, though that may just be because she's in a Singularity. And who can blame her, since she finally has the chance to experience something she's so far only been able to observe from the sidelines.
Da Vinci had almost started to ask Master to tell her all about the latest adventure, as she always does, but then, she remembered that she would get to experience it herself this time, and flashed an embarrassed, but happy smile.
○ Motives and attitude towards Master
"I wonder what exciting adventure you'll take me on next?" she asks with excited eyes.
Her excitement is about 30% higher than usual, resembling a girl her age, and her responsible side is slightly subdued as she eagerly awaits the thrilling and earth-shattering events she'll experience.
○ Example lines
"Oh, that's interesting! Now, what kind of adventure will you take me on next?" "What should I do, Master? This stegosaurus has imprinted on me." "Goredolf, you're so tyrannical!!!"
○ Character Portrayal in Fate/GO
This summer has a sense of adventure in the air...
That's how the young-girl type da Vinci adjusted her Spiritron Dress with her gaze.
She investigated the various events that have occurred so far, and intends to enjoy them to the fullest.
Although not interested at first, pirate treasure accidentally fell into her hands.
As a result, an unforgettable summer mayhem unfolds.
At the center of this mayhem are Leonardo da Vinci and Christopher Columbus.
Though these two lived during the same period, there is no historical evidence of them ever having met.
The child a young Da Vinci spoke to about her dreams probably went by a different name, and the same is most likely true for the child to whom a young Columbus confided his dreams.
Regardless, the two children set off on different paths, each determined to make their respective dream come true.
It was a promise made just as the sun was setting. Two children talking about their dreams, though whether it actually happened is anyone's guess.
Of course, it has nothing to do with her.
○ Summer Position
Looking at the records of minute Singularities is one of the few ways Da Vinci is able to entertain herself.
"What in the world happened here?" "How did such a crazy Singularity even exist?" She would think about how the Servants who were trapped there must have felt, or laugh at seeing her predecessor's complaining in the accompanying records, even though she knew she shouldn't.
Though Da Vinci had always admired Singularities, she never thought she would get to experience one herself. That she finally has a chance to do so feels like nothing short of a precious gemstone, and she plans to make the most of it in every way she can.
○Connection to other Characters
Steggy She happened to be imprinted when it hatched from its egg. Though she says "Oh no," she doesn't seem bothered at all. Sensing the impending parting, she takes care of the Stegosaurus.
Columbus (as a boy) When they were children, they apparently talked about their dreams. Unfortunately, neither of them have a clear memory of it. He wonders if he (she) has forgotten about it as an adult. Columbus, however, doesn't remember anything in particular as an adult.
Goredolf "Let's enjoy the summer with each other", she thinks. Meanwhile, Goredolf thought, "Well, it can't be helped", and worked hard at cooking.
Protagonist, Mash "Come on, let's enjoy the summer together!" she says enthusiastically. Since the two of them are very easygoing, they go along with it.
Sherlock Holmes I wondered why he wasn't enjoying the summer, but I soon realized it was because his coat was too hot! It can't be helped...
There's no way it can't be helped.
Comment from Illustrator "Adventure to Treasure Island?" That was the plan, so I dressed her up in an adventurer-style outfit with a bikini underneath. I had prepared a character illustration of her wearing a white swimsuit for her Spiritron Dress, but due to various circumstances it was shelved. Since I had the chance, I had it published in this magazine. While the design of da Vinci herself was simple, the amount of work involved in designing the dinosaur-mecha and Steggy was quite a lot. (Simosi)
Notes: • Her True Name is what it says, which is surprising since it's not Gran Cavallo like every other time they write it. Even her in-game profile puts in Gran Cavallo. • Her personal skills, NP, personality, part of her character profile and summer position are all taken from her in-game profile since I found them identical there. • The white swimsuit Simosi was talking about is the one da Vinci wears in her FA.
submitted by Radiant-Hope-469 to grandorder [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:38 SecretPerspective438 Should I get sugar gliders???

I recently went through a breakup. We had 3 dogs. I let my ex keep all of them because I wanted them to have each other. I’m living alone for the first time and have been feeling sad and unfulfilled not having my dogs with me anymore so I’ve been thinking of getting a new pet to take care of.
I went to a tattoo consultation and my artist had her sugar gliders in a pouch with her at the shop. I got to pet them and fell in love with them. I knew what sugar gliders were but had never seen them in person. So for the last couple weeks I’ve been doing a lot of research trying to decide if they’re a pet that would be fulfilling for me and that I could give them all the care and attention they need. I’ve already found a reliable breeder near me. Even put a bunch of sugar glider related items in my cart on Amazon and such. Made space for a cage in my apartment. I plan to feed them the TPG diet if I get them. And I found some multivitamin and calcium supplements online because I’ve heard they need that. I found an exotic vet nearby. I’m also a big time night person and I work from home. I usually go to bed around 1-5 am lol so when I found out sugar gliders were nocturnal I thought it was cute because we seem to have that in common 😂
I just can’t seem to fully commit to it for some reason. Like the idea seems really exciting but I’m a bit nervous as I’ve never really had an exotic pet other than a snake and lizards and stuff in the past. I think hearing that sugar gliders are high maintenance kind of scares me. Like I don’t wanna feel like a slave to my sugar gliders if they really are that much work 😂 I’m willing to put in work with pets. I just don’t know how it will actually be if I get them. I will say my dogs come over once a week for a sleepover lately. As me and my ex are “co-parenting” the dogs. I do my best to be a responsible pet owner and would keep them far from my dogs if needed. I also hate traveling and I’m a homebody. So from my research I think I could be a good sugar glider owner. But it’s completely new territory for me. Any thoughts or advice? Sorry for the long ass post. Thanks
submitted by SecretPerspective438 to sugargliders [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:37 GitProtect Devs To Devs: How To Avoid Common Developers’ Mistakes On GitHub

Devs To Devs: How To Avoid Common Developers’ Mistakes On GitHub
https://preview.redd.it/spl7qg204s0d1.jpg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=378417f074d1027a590ac6b18518f2d361c95b79
The digital age is an age of opportunity. But along with opportunities come risks and problems. Developing modern software is a complex task that requires attention to detail and a wide knowledge of many aspects of programming. But even experienced programmers can make mistakes that can lead to a host of problems, such as bugs, performance issues, or security vulnerabilities. Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes developers make when working with GitHub. Whether you’re a novice programmer taking your first steps or a seasoned expert looking to improve your skills, this article should help you avoid common pitfalls when working with the popular version control system. With this knowledge, we should create better solutions that are reliable, efficient, and secure.
In recent years, GitHub has become an essential tool for developers to collaborate and manage source code. However, using this tool can also lead to some common developer mistakes that can have a significant impact on the development process. One of the most frequent problems is simply the improper use of version control. And this can lead to loss of code and, most importantly, to the waste of our most precious resource: time.
An example of a mistake is not regularly making changes to the repository, which leads to confusion and a lack of insight into the development process. In addition, failure to update repositories can cause merge conflicts. This is not a terrible thing, but on the other hand, poor management of code merge policies can lead to wasted time when resolving conflicts. We also need to be alert to the fact that improper handling of sensitive information in repositories can lead to security vulnerabilities. Being aware of such common GitHub errors is the first step in avoiding them, and with the right knowledge, developers can ensure that their code is organized, secure, and manageable.

Popular developers’ mistakes

None of us is infallible. However, the most common reason for developers’ mistakes is a lack of knowledge. Increasing awareness and proper education allow us to minimize risks and create better solutions. So let’s check out some common slip-ups that happen even to experienced programmers.
  • branch deletion
The risk may be associated with deleting branches, especially if they contain important code changes. Removal of a branch permanently erases all associated code, commits, and history, which in most cases cannot be restored. It’s important to carefully review the code changes and consider the potential risks before deleting any branches on GitHub. In addition, it’s a good practice to regularly back up code changes and ensure that important changes are properly merged into the main codebase.
  • removal of the old repository
Deleting the repository – on purpose or by mistake – could result in the permanent loss of this information if the repository was not properly backed up or archived. I don’t need to say that this can be quite dangerous to a project or organization. Additionally, if the repository contained any sensitive information, such as passwords or access keys, deleting it without properly securing or disposing of that information can put us or our organizations at risk of security breaches and data leaks. It is super important to carefully consider the potential consequences before deleting any old GitHub repositories.
  • losing a local copy
On the one hand, this point seems like a minor problem. After all, we have an external repository; we can create another local copy at any time and continue working. Apparently, yes, but even in this situation, we will lose some time (depending on the size and complexity of the project) to start the environment again. However, this is only a minor inconvenience.
A much greater risk, on the other hand, is when, for example, we create some PoC from scratch, checking certain things before we share or show our work to others. It may then happen that our local copy is the only existing version.
It doesn’t matter if this happens due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or any other reason. The result can be the loss of important code changes, documentation, or any other project-related data. Subsequently, this can result in lost time and effort to restore lost work, missed deadlines, and potential damage to the organization’s reputation. If the repository has not been backed up to another device or cloud storage service, it may not be possible to recover lost data. And it will only be our fault.
  • hardware loss
This topic has already been partially covered above. Hardware failures can result in the loss of our local data. But after all, even if we are doing everything right on our local side, a failure can affect the external server that hosts our repository. A total failure of GitHub is unlikely to threaten us, but what about the situation when we host our repository on our own? Usually, we have a separate department or people in charge of administration for this, and it is not the responsibility of a programmer. However, in a small startup, who knows? We may be responsible for many things, and our own hosting can always fail, so we need to have a backup prepared for such situations.
  • problems with credentials or authentication
When working with GitHub, it is very important to ensure that access to repositories is properly managed and controlled. If credentials are compromised or authentication protocols are not properly implemented, unauthorized individuals can access sensitive information or modify code without proper permissions. This may have very serious consequences for companies, organizations, or individuals. To mitigate this risk, it is important to follow access control best practices, implement two-factor authentication, and regularly monitor access logs to detect any suspicious activity.
  • committed secrets
This is my “favorite” part. Unfortunately, it is still a very common problem. It usually concerns access to databases in various environments, but not only that. This may come as a surprise to many, but such a phenomenon is not only widespread but has actually been increasing in recent years! This is confirmed by reports such as ‘The State of Secrets Sprawl 2023′ by GitGuardian. For example, according to Cybernews, around 18K out of 30K investigated Android apps are leaking secrets! Not enough? One in ten GitHub users who made a push in 2022 accidentally exposed a secret.
This is doubly important in today’s IT world, full of cloud services like GCP or AWS. Such platforms charge based on the number of servers/requests etc. If we carelessly or ignorantly expose our cloud platform credentials we may end up consuming unplanned resources, and end up with a hefty bill for services we didn’t plan to perform. This is one of the most painful developer mistakes.
GitHub addresses this and provides a solution called “secret scanning.” It doesn’t solve the problem completely, but it makes it easier for us to control and track the accidental placement of secrets in our repositories. More about that tool you can find in GitHub Docs.
  • access control and protected areas
One of the key advantages of using GitHub is the ability to control access to repositories. Thanks to that, we can easily manage and restrict access to the code. At the repository level, we can set permissions to define who has read or written access to the code. This can be configured on a per-user or per-team basis, providing fine-grained control over who can do what in the codebase. In addition, we can also control access to specific branches within a repository, or limit who can merge changes or make modifications to certain areas of the code.
GitHub supports organization-level permissions, enabling centralized control over access to multiple repositories. This allows organizations to easily and effectively manage access at a higher level and ensure consistent permissions across all our repositories.
We can also control the access through the use of deploy keys, which allow for secure authentication and access to specific repositories or servers. This provides an additional layer of security, ensuring that only authorized individuals or systems can access sensitive code or data.
  • use of private GitHub accounts
The main problem with private accounts is that their use can lead to a lack of transparency and visibility of the code base. As a result, this makes it difficult for managers or other team members to track progress or provide feedback. Additionally, with respect to the aforementioned mistake, using private accounts can make it difficult to enforce access controls and security protocols, potentially leading to data breaches or other security issues. Using private accounts and/or not configuring them properly also leads to a lack of accountability, as it is more difficult to track who made changes.
  • leaving things out of repositories
This one is very common and also difficult to track. People sometimes treat the GitHub repository as a place only for storing their code. But what about graphics? What about the configuration? Source code is just one component of a project. Maybe the biggest, but not the only one. A complex configuration or setup required to build a project should be accompanied by documentation on the installation process and stored with the code. Otherwise, the code is useless if it cannot be built on another machine. Another point on our GitHub mistakes list.

Consequences of developers’ mistakes

The above list is just a sampling of some common developers’ mistakes when working with GitHub. Some of them seem so trivial that we are certain that we (or our employees) don’t make them, yet you can never be sure of anything. What is important is that our mistakes can have serious consequences, like accidentally losing some important piece of code or exposing sensitive information in a repository.
These errors can cause us a lot of damage. Let me point out “only” delays in project timelines, loss of productivity, or even compromise of the security of the project or exposure to ransomware attacks. Nowadays, it is very important for us and our customers to have some security certifications, so such situations are unacceptable. We don’t want our company or project to be found as an anti-pattern in reports such as GitGuardian. Therefore, every developer needs to take the necessary precautions, and do as much as possible to minimize the impact of mistakes on GitHub.

How to minimize risk

So what can we do in this situation? Of course, the first and most important step is to educate ourselves and become aware of the risks associated with the above errors and their consequences. A good knowledge of Git VCS technology is the foundation for avoiding popular Git errors. But it is not enough. Knowledge of the GitHub platform, and how to configure our projects and repositories, is another key issue. The aforementioned secret-scanning tool by GitHub or third-party tools like gitLeaks, for example, can be very helpful in avoiding such errors in our code.
Considering all the dangers and their potential consequences, it is crucial to have proper DevOps backup solutions in place, like GitProtect.io backup and Disaster Recovery software GitHubhttps://gitprotect.io/github.html. Being able to recover our data in case of any failure, regardless of the cause, is something essential in today’s IT world. Additionally, proper education on the use of GitHub and the risks associated with it can help us avoid common mistakes. By taking these steps, we and our teams can work more confidently and effectively with GitHub while minimizing the potential for mistakes and data loss.
submitted by GitProtect to GitProtect [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:33 xdarkshinex What would have made Deus Ex even better?

Spoiler warning for new players!
I've loved the first Deus Ex since it came out and I think it's the best game ever. While replaying it recently after a few years, I contemplated things that, at least in my opinion, could have made the game even better. I can't think of many things right now, but some things popped into my mind while playing. It's a shame that the developers were in a rush and had financial limits not allowing them to polish the game as it deserved.
Here are my ideas for things I'd love to have seen implemented in the original game:
  1. The possibility to stay with UNATCO, at least for longer. Yes, I am aware this is mentioned a lot and was even planned for the game. Just saying. Would have been interesting to end up fighting Paul.
  2. A Bob Page ending. This would connect to the first point, but not necessarily only that. It would still work if you work against MJ12 in the game - you could simply choose to wait for the right kind of offer from Page at the end of the game.
  3. A buy and sell system. The buy options in the game are very poor and limited. For the non-lethal gameplay style there's usually nothing for you to buy after the first missions. You just end up full on ammo and guns lying around that you never use. Not to mention you collect a lot of money for nothing.
  4. This connects to the non-lethal style - the game doesn't recognize or care whether you kill or keep enemies alive at later stages. It only seems to matter in the first missions. I can imagine that some of your later enemies deserve to die, but the game is about choices.
  5. I'd love to see Miguel reappear or be mentioned later in the game if you saved him.
  6. I wish JC hadn't been told about being under UNATCO HQ if you keep talking to Paul (possibly others too? I don't remember) at the MJ12 base. The surprise impact would have been greater for a new player.
Have you got more of such ideas/remarks? Things you'd love to have seen in the final game? Or things you'd like changed/done differently?
submitted by xdarkshinex to Deusex [link] [comments]


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