Hi everyone,
I'm excited to share that I'll be joining Yale Medical School in Fall 2024 after graduating from MIT this spring with a double major in neuroscience and computer science.
During my MCAT preparation, I developed a tool called MedKey that significantly helped me achieve a score of 524. MedKey is a flashcard deck powered by AI, designed to improve understanding rather than rote memorization. Unlike traditional flashcards, which often lead to correct answers based on familiarity with sentence structures rather than deep understanding, MedKey uses MCAT-style examples to test your comprehension.
Example generated from medkey:
During a team meeting, everyone seems to be in agreement about a new project proposal. Even though you have reservations about certain aspects, you decide not to voice them because you don't want to rock the boat and disrupt the harmony within the group. After the meeting, you realize that you missed an opportunity to provide valuable input that could have improved the project's outcome. This is an example of ___________.
With MedKey, you'll never receive the same scenario twice. Each practice session offers a unique scenario, ensuring you understand various aspects of the concept.
I'm currently seeking a small group of 30-40 people to test the beta version of MedKey and provide feedback to see if people will be interested in using this for their MCAT prep. If you're interested in participating, please let me know in the comments and DM me your email address to be added to the email list. First come first serve basis since our servers can not handle many users.

Cut practice is pervasive in India and is ubiquitous at almost every touchpoint in the patient journey. It starts with the patient's very first point of contact in healthcare - the general practitioner and goes all the way up to the sub-specialist.
The general practitioner gets paid for referring patients to corporate hospitals. The 'professional fee' is usually a percentage of the money spent by the patient at the hospital. If the specialist at the corporate hospital refers patients to colleagues for consultations, they get paid a 'professional fee', again. If anyone decides the patient should undergo a biopsy exam or an imaging procedure, the lab that does the tests pays the referrer, whoever that might be. If the doctor prescribes a therapy, the therapy provider pays the doctor. If the doctor refers to a subspecialist for highly complex care or procedures such as transplants, they get paid a handsome sum for their trouble.
All these jack-up prices for patients, who are none the wiser. The people who engage in these practices get a steady stream of patients and also make enough money to promote themselves as the 'best' doctors in the world. This makes it harder for the upright who are crowded out by their lesser counterparts.
Patients need to realize what's afoot if they are to avoid predatory practices as these and not get ripped off. Here are some things patients can do to avoid being scammed

1. Do not divulge that you were referred by someone, anywhere. Of course, people can still figure out if the referring doctor had gotten in touch about the incoming referral. If a GP advises you visit someplace, visit any other place with equally trained specialists. This way, the hospital isn't obligated to pay 'professional fees' to the referring GP and you can perhaps negotiate for yourself a nice discount on the bill instead.
2. With labs, the situation is a bit trickier. Almost every lab pays kickbacks for business. If you are advised a scan at a lab, go to some other lab and do not give them any documentation. Just say you need a scan because a doctor in your family advised one (good if you have one). Now, radiologists might want to go through your history, exam, and diagnostics just to know what to expect and what to look for, and that should be fine (as long as they are not actively in the game and handling the kickbacks themselves). Ask for a discount. Labs should be okay because they pay through their nose to referring doctors anyway.
3. When in doubt, check with someone who doesn't have an incentive to rip you off. This is usually a relative, a doctor in the family, or a good friend. And once you get a diagnosis or advice, always validate. Check with people you trust to know better and you trust to not harm you. Look up information online. Bring up conflicting information in subsequent visits to a doctor.

Finally, know that it's not always possible to avoid being scammed. Unfortunately, the Indian healthcare system is replete with this practice. As long as you're not harmed with unnecessary procedures and treatments, you're still better off than most patients.
Let's encourage doctors who reject this practice that there might still be hope for non-predatory healthcare in future.

Cut practice is pervasive in India and is ubiquitous at almost every touchpoint in the patient journey. It starts with the patient's very first point of contact in healthcare - the general practitioner and goes all the way up to the sub-specialist.
The general practitioner gets paid for referring patients to corporate hospitals. The 'professional fee' is usually a percentage of the money spent by the patient at the hospital. If the specialist at the corporate hospital refers patients to colleagues for consultations, they get paid a 'professional fee', again. If anyone decides the patient should undergo a biopsy exam or an imaging procedure, the lab that does the tests pays the referrer, whoever that might be. If the doctor prescribes a therapy, the therapy provider pays the doctor. If the doctor refers to a subspecialist for highly complex care or procedures such as transplants, they get paid a handsome sum for their trouble.
All these jack-up prices for patients, who are none the wiser. The people who engage in these practices get a steady stream of patients and also make enough money to promote themselves as the 'best' doctors in the world. This makes it harder for the upright who are crowded out by their lesser counterparts.
Patients need to realize what's afoot if they are to avoid predatory practices as these and not get ripped off. Here are some things patients can do to avoid being scammed

1. Do not divulge that you were referred by someone, anywhere. Of course, people can still figure out if the referring doctor had gotten in touch about the incoming referral. If a GP advises you visit someplace, visit any other place with equally trained specialists. This way, the hospital isn't obligated to pay 'professional fees' to the referring GP and you can perhaps negotiate for yourself a nice discount on the bill instead.
2. With labs, the situation is a bit trickier. Almost every lab pays kickbacks for business. If you are advised a scan at a lab, go to some other lab and do not give them any documentation. Just say you need a scan because a doctor in your family advised one (good if you have one). Now, radiologists might want to go through your history, exam, and diagnostics just to know what to expect and what to look for, and that should be fine (as long as they are not actively in the game and handling the kickbacks themselves). Ask for a discount. Labs should be okay because they pay through their nose to referring doctors anyway.
3. When in doubt, check with someone who doesn't have an incentive to rip you off. This is usually a relative, a doctor in the family, or a good friend. And once you get a diagnosis or advice, always validate. Check with people you trust to know better and you trust to not harm you. Look up information online. Bring up conflicting information in subsequent visits to a doctor.

Finally, know that it's not always possible to avoid being scammed. Unfortunately, the Indian healthcare system is replete with this practice. As long as you're not harmed with unnecessary procedures and treatments, you're still better off than most patients.
Let's encourage doctors who reject this practice that there might still be hope for non-predatory healthcare in future.

Cut practice is pervasive in India and is ubiquitous at almost every touchpoint in the patient journey. It starts with the patient's very first point of contact in healthcare - the general practitioner and goes all the way up to the sub-specialist.
The general practitioner gets paid for referring patients to corporate hospitals. The 'professional fee' is usually a percentage of the money spent by the patient at the hospital. If the specialist at the corporate hospital refers patients to colleagues for consultations, they get paid a 'professional fee', again. If anyone decides the patient should undergo a biopsy exam or an imaging procedure, the lab that does the tests pays the referrer, whoever that might be. If the doctor prescribes a therapy, the therapy provider pays the doctor. If the doctor refers to a subspecialist for highly complex care or procedures such as transplants, they get paid a handsome sum for their trouble.
All these jack-up prices for patients, who are none the wiser. The people who engage in these practices get a steady stream of patients and also make enough money to promote themselves as the 'best' doctors in the world. This makes it harder for the upright who are crowded out by their lesser counterparts.
Patients need to realize what's afoot if they are to avoid predatory practices as these and not get ripped off. Here are some things patients can do to avoid being scammed
1) Do not divulge that you were referred by someone, anywhere. Of course, people can still figure out if the referring doctor had gotten in touch about the incoming referral. If a GP advises you visit someplace, visit any other place with equally trained specialists. This way, the hospital isn't obligated to pay 'professional fees' to the referring GP and you can perhaps negotiate for yourself a nice discount on the bill instead.
2) With labs, the situation is a bit trickier. Almost every lab pays kickbacks for business. If you are advised a scan at a lab, go to some other lab and do not give them any documentation. Just say you need a scan because a doctor in your family advised one (good if you have one). Now, radiologists might want to go through your history, exam, and diagnostics just to know what to expect and what to look for, and that should be fine (as long as they are not actively in the game and handling the kickbacks themselves). Ask for a discount. Labs should be okay because they pay through their nose to referring doctors anyway.
3) When in doubt, check with someone who doesn't have an incentive to rip you off. This is usually a relative, a doctor in the family, or a good friend. And once you get a diagnosis or advice, always validate. Check with people you trust to know better and you trust to not harm you. Look up information online. Bring up conflicting information in subsequent visits to a doctor.
Finally, know that it's not always possible to avoid being scammed. Unfortunately, the Indian healthcare system is replete with this practice. As long as you're not harmed with unnecessary procedures and treatments, you're still better off than most patients.
Let's encourage doctors who reject this practice that there might still be hope for non-predatory healthcare in future.

I would really like to pick up a hobby that pushes me to spend more time outdoors by myself and with other people , hence looking into FPV
I recently started a new job and would like to save up for a freestyle fpv done to have fun with in my spare time and push me outside more
My budget is 300-500 dollars but I do always try aim for best value for money even if it means bumping up my budget
Would appreciate your guidance to start (I 3D CAD and 3D print for a living if that helps me in any way)
I don't know much about electronics but I'm open to learning
I asked chatGPT to give me advice and this is what it gave me:
Getting into FPV (First-Person View) drone flying can be an exciting venture. It offers a mix of technology, skill, and adrenaline, whether for recreation, professional videography, racing, or exploring new perspectives. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand the different categories and components involved in FPV drone flying, along with their best use cases.

Categories of FPV Drones

1. Racing Drones
   
   • Description: Built for speed and agility, designed to maneuver through complex race courses.
   • Use Case: Drone racing competitions, high-speed flight practice.
   • Features: Lightweight frame, powerful motors, responsive controls.
2. Freestyle Drones
   
   • Description: Designed for acrobatic maneuvers and tricks.
   • Use Case: Performing stunts, freestyle flying, aerial acrobatics.
   • Features: Robust build, flexible flight control, durability to withstand crashes.
3. Cinematic Drones
   
   • Description: Focused on capturing high-quality video and photography.
   • Use Case: Professional videography, cinematic shots, content creation.
   • Features: Stabilized cameras, smooth flight, longer battery life.
4. Long-Range Drones
   
   • Description: Built for extended flight times and distances.
   • Use Case: Long-range exploration, mapping, search and rescue.
   • Features: High-capacity batteries, efficient motors, GPS systems.

FPV Components

1. Drones (Frames and Builds)
   
   • Frame Types:
     • 5-inch Frames: Standard for racing and freestyle.
     • 7-inch Frames: Used for long-range flights.
     • Cinewhoop Frames: Smaller, ducted frames for indoor flying and cinematic shots.
2. Flight Controllers
   
   • Purpose: The brain of the drone, managing flight stability and control.
   • Popular Models: Betaflight, KISS, INAV.
   • Features: Gyroscopes, accelerometers, firmware customization.
3. Motors and Propellers
   
   • Motors:
     • Brushless Motors: Preferred for their power and efficiency.
     • Kv Rating: Higher Kv for speed (racing), lower Kv for torque (cinematic/long-range).
   • Propellers:
     • 2-Blade: More efficient, less thrust.
     • 3-Blade: Balanced thrust and efficiency.
     • 4-Blade: Maximum thrust, less efficiency.
4. Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs)
   
   • Purpose: Regulate power to the motors.
   • Types: BLHeli, DShot.
   • Features: Current rating, firmware options.

FPV Headsets (Goggles)

1. Analog FPV Goggles
   
   • Description: Traditional and widely used.
   • Popular Models: Fat Shark, Eachine.
   • Features: Lower latency, more budget-friendly, but lower resolution.
2. Digital FPV Goggles
   
   • Description: Newer technology with higher resolution.
   • Popular Models: DJI FPV Goggles, Fat Shark Byte Frost.
   • Features: High-definition video feed, better range, but higher cost.
3. Box Goggles
   
   • Description: Larger, more affordable option.
   • Popular Models: Eachine EV800D.
   • Features: Comfortable fit, larger screen, but bulkier.

Controllers (Transmitters)

1. Standard Transmitters
   
   • Popular Models: FrSky Taranis, Spektrum DX6.
   • Features: Reliable signal, customizable switches, telemetry feedback.
2. Compact Transmitters
   
   • Popular Models: Jumper T-Lite, TBS Tango 2.
   • Features: Portability, ease of use, modern ergonomics.

Best Combos for Different Use Cases

1. Racing Setup
   
   • Drone: 5-inch racing frame with high-Kv brushless motors.
   • Flight Controller: Betaflight.
   • ESCs: 4-in-1 ESC with DShot.
   • Goggles: Analog FPV goggles for low latency.
   • Controller: FrSky Taranis.
2. Freestyle Setup
   
   • Drone: 5-inch freestyle frame with mid-Kv motors.
   • Flight Controller: KISS.
   • ESCs: Individual ESCs with BLHeli.
   • Goggles: Analog or digital depending on preference.
   • Controller: TBS Tango 2.
3. Cinematic Setup
   
   • Drone: Cinewhoop frame with ducted props.
   • Flight Controller: INAV.
   • ESCs: Reliable 4-in-1 ESC.
   • Goggles: Digital FPV goggles for high-definition video.
   • Controller: Spektrum DX6.
4. Long-Range Setup
   
   • Drone: 7-inch frame with low-Kv motors.
   • Flight Controller: INAV with GPS.
   • ESCs: High-efficiency ESCs.
   • Goggles: Digital FPV goggles for better range.
   • Controller: Long-range transmitter like the Jumper T-Lite.

Putting It All Together

To get the best combo for your specific needs: 1. Identify Your Primary Use Case: Determine if you’re more interested in racing, freestyle, cinematography, or long-range flying. 2. Choose Compatible Components: Ensure that your drone frame, motors, ESCs, flight controller, goggles, and transmitter are all compatible and suited for your chosen use case. 3. Build and Test: Assemble your drone, calibrate the components, and perform test flights to fine-tune the settings. 4. Join the Community: Engage with FPV communities online and locally for advice, troubleshooting, and to participate in events.

Additional Tips

• Learn the Basics of Drone Assembly: Understanding how to solder, connect components, and program your flight controller is crucial.
• Practice in a Safe Environment: Start in open spaces or with simulators to build your skills without risking damage.
• Stay Updated with Firmware and Regulations: Ensure your components are running the latest firmware, and be aware of local drone flying regulations.

FPV drone flying is a dynamic and rewarding hobby that combines technology, creativity, and skill. By understanding the different categories and components, you can tailor your setup to your specific needs and enjoy the full potential of this exciting activity.

On some level, you probably know that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are far more common than your middle school sex ed teacher led you to believe. But get ready for a stat attack: Every day, more than 1 million STDs are reported worldwide, according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO). Wowza!
What's more, experts say that they're likely even more prevalent than these numbers suggest, because the numbers reported above are only confirmed cases — meaning that someone got tested and was positive. Cases that aren't reported only add to the tally.
"While it's best practice to get tested every year or after every new partner — whichever comes first — most folks with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) don't have symptoms and most folks don't get tested unless they have symptoms," explains Sherry A. Ross, M.D., an ob-gyn and author of She-ology. Hey, there's no way for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or WHO to know if you have an STI you don't even know about!
There's also the chance that you think something is up, but you decide to wait it out and see if it'll "take care of itself." But can STDs go away without medical attention? Here's the thing: While STIs are definitely not a death sentence for you or your sexcapades, if left untreated, they can cause some serious health conditions.
Below, experts answer all your questions about whether STIs can go away on their own, the risks of leaving an STI untreated, how to get rid of an STD if you have one, and why regular STI testing is so important.

I went through the official rules of the Glory Championship and understand the weight-ins system is similar to the UFC (weight-ins the day before the event, no hydration tests)
Do you know what are the weight cut practices in Glory vs in the UFC ? Like how many kg do you guys think the glory Light Heavyweight fighters gain between weight ins and fight day ?

Hi! I was planning on doing a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering at RMIT, and I had a lot of doubts regarding the program.
Firstly, how is the work-life balance? I wanted to enroll in extracurriculars as well as work in a part time job, and I was afraid that that wouldn’t be possible if I was studying the whole time, not getting time for them.
Secondly, I’ve heard that most of the coursework is practical, hands on and groupwork compared to other universities like USYD and UNSW. It would be wonderful if someone could share with me their experience with this.
Thirdly, how are the tests/exams? Are they very difficult?
It would be of great help to me if someone could answer these questions for me. Thank you!

Hello, everybody! I am Akshat, and I am thrilled to share my GMAT journey with you. It has been a challenging yet rewarding experience, and I hope my story can inspire and guide other GMAT aspirants. Starting from a score of 410 (9th Percentile, 425 - GFE Equivalent) and transitioning to a 655 (90th Percentile) amidst the shift to the GMAT Focus Edition, my journey is a testament to perseverance, strategic learning, and effective mentorship.
The Beginning: Overcoming a Rocky Start
When I first took the GMAT Classic Edition diagnostic mock, I scored 410. It was a tough start, but I saw it as a baseline from which I could only improve. With a score breakdown that included a low verbal ability (V17) and a quant score (Q27), I knew I had a long road ahead.
Finding the Right Resources: Transition to the Test Prep Company
Initially, I relied on free resources like YouTube and the Official Guide (OG). However, these did not provide the structured learning I needed. This is when I discovered a Test Prep Company I got enrolled into. The comprehensive courses, strategic methodologies, and diligent mentorship provided by the Test Prep Company played a crucial role in my improvement.
Tackling the Verbal Section: From 16th Percentile to 96th Percentile
Challenges and Initial Struggles
Starting with the verbal section, I faced significant challenges, especially with Critical Reasoning (CR). My initial accuracy in CR was only 10% on Hard questions. Despite multiple attempts, the concepts didn’t click.
The Turning Point: Structured Approach for CR
The Test Prep Company introduced me to a structured approach for CR, which transformed my approach. This strategy helped me understand the question's underlying logic and formulate potential answers before looking at the options. This approach not only improved my accuracy but also reduced the time I spent on each question.
Reading Comprehension: Overcoming RC Anxiety
Reading Comprehension (RC) initially seemed manageable, but as the passages grew harder, I struggled. Consistent practice, reading articles from The New Yorker, and following the Test Prep Company’s RC course helped me improve significantly. My accuracy improved from 30% to 70% on hard questions.
Conquering the Quant Section: Building Strong Foundations
Strengthening Basics
The Quant section required a strong grasp of basic concepts. The Test Prep Company’s approach of starting from fundamentals and gradually moving to harder questions was instrumental. The diagnostic tests and personalized study plans ensured I focused on areas needing improvement.
Validating my Learning with the Quiz Portal
The Test Prep Company’s Quiz Portal provided high-quality practice questions that closely resembled the Official GMAT questions. The medium and hard quizzes to validate mastery were particularly effective in solidifying my understanding and improving my timing.
The New Challenge: Data Insights in the GMAT Focus Edition
Adapting to DI
As one of the early adopters of the GMAT Focus Edition, I faced uncertainty regarding the Data Insights (DI) section. The Test Prep Company’s DI course offered a comprehensive preparation plan that covered various question types, from Multiple Source Reasoning (MSR) to graphical analysis. The Test Prep Company was ready with their top-class DI course when nobody in the industry had even thought about building the DI content for GMAT aspirants like me.
Reflections and Tips for Future Aspirants
Perseverance and Consistency
My journey underscored the importance of perseverance and consistent practice. Despite working full-time, I dedicated specific hours to GMAT preparation daily. Consistency was key in building and retaining the skills needed to improve my score.
Leveraging Mentorship and Resources
The Test Prep Company’s mentorship, particularly the personalized feedback and strategic advice was invaluable. My mentor’s push to find and fix my weaknesses was crucial in achieving my target score.
Mindset and Motivation
Adopting the right mindset was critical. Viewing each challenge as an opportunity to learn and improve helped me stay motivated. My goal was to avoid retaking the GMAT by giving my best effort in the initial attempt.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my GMAT journey, I am grateful for the support and resources that helped me succeed. To all GMAT aspirants, believe in yourself, stay consistent, and utilize the right strategies and resources. Your hard work will pay off, and you'll achieve the score you aim for. Best of luck!

Okay folks this is my story of being medicated as young as 13 and the huge benefits it gave me to fight Hashimoto’s (little fucker that reeks chaos and havoc for no bloody reason other than it feels like it).
KEEP IN MIND THST THIS IS MY PERSONAL Experience AND HOW IT AFFECTED MY THOUGHTS ON MEDICATING MY OWN DAUGHTER COME December. (Sorry for caps but it helps drive home a point many miss).
Diagnosed at 13 via biopsy due to the fact that being hyper and hypo with its fluctuating causing many tests to lie, be contradictory or inconclusive. It also confirmed I had Hashimoto’s, thank you family history for this, and not Graves. But because of this while being hyper and hypo with its annoying attitude my thyroid was so severely damaged that it was estimated to only last to my mid twenties. Endocrinologist was so not having that and rejected surgery due to age and being in puberty.
Opted to start with medication, Synthyroid, and go from there. Fortunately for me medication was the best treatment option and surgery was thrown out as a treatment option. My biggest problem with my diagnosis was most doctors believed I was misdiagnosed Hashimoto’s instead of Graves until they read the 3 page cliff note version of the 20 pages of notes taken by first endocrinologist. Turns out being both hyper and hypo was so uncommon at the time that none of my endocrinologist, including new recent one, could even fantom it being possible. Hell my old endocrinologist 21 years ago attended the same conference as my college one, listened to her present my case, then hunted her down for more information due to his curiosity.
I ended up the last week of college receiving a call from his office to set up a consultation that lead to him taking me on even though his portion of his practice wasn’t accepting new patients.
Long journey story short….i believe and whole hearty feel that if I wasn’t medicated that early I would have a totally different and more rough of a journey dealing with this fucker Hashimoto’s. I even told my daughter’s pediatric endocrinologist how I believe medicating before she turns 18 would be more beneficial than anything based on my experiences. Thankfully my old endocrinologist, with my permission, sent a copy of the notes that have been passed from endocrinologist to endocrinologist as I move throughout my life to help them understand where things began, the struggles, notes on how I literally process changes, and just an overview of my whole diagnosis.
Two days after my 46th birthday I was told that despite all the efforts to sustain its life….my thyroid finally gave up and died.
So to end this, and go for biting you want to downvote me because this post is for those who need it not the ones who just like to be mean because they don’t understand.

Okay folks this is my story of being medicated as young as 13 and the huge benefits it gave me to fight Hashimoto’s (little fucker that reeks chaos and havoc for no bloody reason other than it feels like it).
KEEP IN MIND THST THIS IS MY PERSONAL Experience AND HOW IT AFFECTED MY THOUGHTS ON MEDICATING MY OWN DAUGHTER COME December. (Sorry for caps but it helps drive home a point many miss).
Diagnosed at 13 via biopsy due to the fact that being hyper and hypo with its fluctuating causing many tests to lie, be contradictory or inconclusive. It also confirmed I had Hashimoto’s, thank you family history for this, and not Graves. But because of this while being hyper and hypo with its annoying attitude my thyroid was so severely damaged that it was estimated to only last to my mid twenties. Endocrinologist was so not having that and rejected surgery due to age and being in puberty.
Opted to start with medication, Synthyroid, and go from there. Fortunately for me medication was the best treatment option and surgery was thrown out as a treatment option. My biggest problem with my diagnosis was most doctors believed I was misdiagnosed Hashimoto’s instead of Graves until they read the 3 page cliff note version of the 20 pages of notes taken by first endocrinologist. Turns out being both hyper and hypo was so uncommon at the time that none of my endocrinologist, including new recent one, could even fantom it being possible. Hell my old endocrinologist 21 years ago attended the same conference as my college one, listened to her present my case, then hunted her down for more information due to his curiosity.
I ended up the last week of college receiving a call from his office to set up a consultation that lead to him taking me on even though his portion of his practice wasn’t accepting new patients.
Long journey story short….i believe and whole hearty feel that if I wasn’t medicated that early I would have a totally different and more rough of a journey dealing with this fucker Hashimoto’s. I even told my daughter’s pediatric endocrinologist how I believe medicating before she turns 18 would be more beneficial than anything based on my experiences. Thankfully my old endocrinologist, with my permission, sent a copy of the notes that have been passed from endocrinologist to endocrinologist as I move throughout my life to help them understand where things began, the struggles, notes on how I literally process changes, and just an overview of my whole diagnosis.
Two days after my 46th birthday I was told that despite all the efforts to sustain its life….my thyroid finally gave up and died.
So to end this, and go for biting you want to downvote me because this post is for those who need it not the ones who just like to be mean because they don’t understand.

1. Time commitment. People who have succeeded on the SHRM certification exam report investing between 120 to 160 hours in their preparation. (That's a solid month: four weeks at 40 hours a week.) You might spend as little as 60 hours or as much as 180 hours—adjust as needed. But remember that hours alone aren't a guarantee of success; the time needs to be well-spent. Keep this in mind as you build your study plan. Look for moments you can steal—use your lunch break to work online in the SHRM Learning System, go out to your car and read a little, and never be without your flashcards (more on that below). It all adds up.
   
2. Practice questions. The more practice questions you answer, the better prepared you'll be. Some of my students have found non-SHRM resources like study apps Quizlet and Kahoot to be helpful in this area.
   
3. Explanations of answers. The online SHRM Learning System has many practice questions for both the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP practice module exams and finals. After you answer the questions, you'll see explanations for why the correct answers are correct and why the others are wrong. This will help you refine your thinking.
   
4. No shortcuts. A word of warning: While practice exams are helpful, they're not a replacement for studying and learning. Some students become overconfident when they repeatedly take practice exams and see their scores improving—but they aren't learning the content, they're just memorizing those exams! Don't mislead yourself. You've got to do the reading, attend the classes, take notes and study them. On this exam (as in life!), there are no shortcuts to success.
   
5. Flashcards. Become best friends with your flashcards. Whether you choose to print them out and cut them up or download them to an e-reader, always have them with you. That way, you can make good use of small bits of unexpected available time—waiting for a meeting to begin, standing in line at the store, etc. Flashcards help you remember concepts and definitions. If you understand a concept and know a definition, you've got a shot at answering an exam question correctly. (Flashcards are not enough on their own. But if you don't know a concept or definition when you're taking the exam, your chances of answering a question correctly are low.)
   
6. Learning through stories. Throughout history, humanity has always learned through stories, whether sharing ancient lore around a fire or tales from a pulpit. People retain lessons when they can connect to them. Knowing the story behind SHRM exam content can be helpful as well. For example, there are stories behind key employment laws and court cases. What happened to Willie Griggs that made Griggs v. Duke Power a landmark decision? Why is what happened to the namesake of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act relevant today? While the SHRM certification exams won't test you on such stories per se, you might encounter related questions. If knowing the stories helps you retain the knowledge, search online and read all about them.
   
7. Discussions and study groups.SHRM Connect is an online community for SHRM members to discuss all kinds of HR topics. Search for the "SHRM Certification Prep Group." For those of you who like to work in a study group, you might be able to find or start one in your area using this platform. Plus, it's a good networking opportunity—a double payoff.
   
8. Now that you've read some tips on test preparation, here are a few tips for test taking: Trial run. A tutorial available on Prometric's website allows you to try out the test-taking platform before you take the actual test. Do a generic mini-test to use the highlight, strikethrough and flag functions and more. Becoming familiar with the system before the day of the exam will improve your confidence greatly.
   
9. Long questions. It's easy to get distracted by all the information in situational judgment test items or long narrative questions on the exam. Stop to identify what the question truly is. Be sure to pick out the exact question you're being asked to answer.
   
10. Multipart questions. If you encounter a block of text on the exam followed by multiple questions relating to it, different parts of that text will be useful for answering different questions. Use the highlight function to mark what stands out to you—what is relevant to each question—one by one. Erase the highlight when you've answered the question, then highlight the new material that relates to the next question and so on.
    
    1. HR means action!In the modern era of HR, we are expected to get things done and make things happen, to be proactive partners and leaders in our organizations—not sit and wait to be told what to do. The exam reflects this. Look for answers in which you are expected to act.
    2. Use the strikethrough function and other tools that help you focus. Strike through "distractors," which are answers you believe to be incorrect. Eliminating incorrect options improves your focus on the remaining options, which may increase your chances of selecting the correct answer. Learn how to use strikethrough with the tutorial available on Prometric's website (requires Adobe Flash Player version 10.2.0 or later) and practice using the test-taking system before your exam date.
    3. Use the flag function. Not sure what the answer is? Mark the question with a flag so you can return to it later. As you warm up through the exam, you may pick up hints from other questions and answers, or some piece of critical knowledge may get knocked loose from your memory, and you'll be able to come back to the flagged item. (How to use flags is something else you'll learn on the Prometric tutorial.)
    4. Use the calculator. You don't have to do math in your head. There's a built-in calculator, so use it. (Practice using the calculator, too, on the Prometric tutorial.)
    5. Use scratch paper. Scratch paper is provided by the testing center, so use it. Capture things while they are still in your short-term memory. Writing things down helps you see what you're doing, so scratch paper can also be useful for completing math calculations even if you use the calculator.
    6. Know HR math processes. While we're discussing calculations, keep in mind that the four multiple-choice answers offered for a math question will often reflect how the numbers in the question itself are used. For example, if the question involves the numbers 4 and 3, the answers to choose from might be: 7 (4 plus 3); 1 (4 minus 3); 12 (4 multipliedby3); or 1.3 (4 dividedby 3). Learn the processes required for HR math.
    7. Look for differentiator words in the questions. When you see differentiators—"least," "best," "quickest," "most important" and so on—use them to guide your analysis. These words require you to distinguish between a pretty good answer and the best answer.
    8. Approach absolutes in the answers with caution. When you see absolutes—"all," "always," "only," "never" and the like—beware! Absolutes in HR are unlikely and are just as unlikely to be correct answers on the exam. After all, how many things have you encountered in your career that are always or never true?
    9. Answer every question. Not answering is a bad idea: Don't leave questions unanswered. There's no penalty if you answer incorrectly—points are not taken away—so take a guess. It can't hurt, and you might guess correctly. (Of course, if you think you can guess your way through the whole exam, guess again! Refer to the very first test tip in Part 1, which discusses how many hours of preparation time you should plan for.)
    10. Watch your time. Keep your eye on the timer at the top of your screen. Don't dwell on one question for too long; in doing so, you might run out of time, sacrificing your chances of answering other questions correctly later.

#shrm #shrmcp

The short answer is yes–you can go to the emergency room to be tested for an STD. Whether you would like to get tested as a precautionary measure or are experiencing a physical manifestation you think might be related to an STD, you can begin in the emergency room. However, depending on the severity of your symptoms, online STD testing is more often the quicker, more cost-effective and more private option.
Some people choose to go to the emergency room for an STD test because they would prefer not to visit a private practice or their primary care physician. The reasons for this could be related to privacy or the inability to schedule a timely appointment.
The bottom line is that if you are experiencing symptoms and want an answer as soon as possible, you do have options.

On some level, you probably know that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are far more common than your middle school sex ed teacher led you to believe. But get ready for a stat attack: Every day, more than 1 million STDs are reported worldwide, according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO). Wowza!
What's more, experts say that they're likely even more prevalent than these numbers suggest, because the numbers reported above are only confirmed cases — meaning that someone got tested and was positive. Cases that aren't reported only add to the tally.
"While it's best practice to get tested every year or after every new partner — whichever comes first — most folks with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) don't have symptoms and most folks don't get tested unless they have symptoms," explains Sherry A. Ross, M.D., an ob-gyn and author of She-ology. Hey, there's no way for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or WHO to know if you have an STI you don't even know about!
There's also the chance that you think something is up, but you decide to wait it out and see if it'll "take care of itself." But can STDs go away without medical attention? Here's the thing: While STIs are definitely not a death sentence for you or your sexcapades, if left untreated, they can cause some serious health conditions.
Below, experts answer all your questions about whether STIs can go away on their own, the risks of leaving an STI untreated, how to get rid of an STD if you have one, and why regular STI testing is so important.

Hey fellow Jaycemains, i was testing out a built in the practice tool and I don't know what I'm missing with the ability Haste display. My items are:
Eclipse: 15 AH
CDR Boots: 15 AH
Muramana: 15 AH
My AH Runes:
Legend Haste: 15 AH
Jack of All trades (4): 4 AH
CDR Rune: 8 AH
So I should have 72 AH, but my character info displays 57, so why am i missing 15 AH?
(I'm probably overlooking something and I just want someone to explain to me what it is)

As a Tara main I find her difficult to play currently I know it's probably not the meta for her and all that but she feels overwhelming by a big margin it's difficult to engage in 1v1s due to her low health also it's difficult to do anything in fast paced interactions since her ult travel time is not the best.
What I think should be done to improve her:
Damage Output: - Current State: Tara's basic attack deals moderate damage if all three cards hit, but the spread makes it less reliable, especially at longer ranges. - Potential Buff: Increasing the damage of each card slightly could make her more viable in combat. Alternatively, reducing the spread of her cards could help in hitting more consistently.

1. Health:
   
   • Current State: Tara has relatively low health, making her vulnerable, especially when compared to brawlers like Melodie (Maisie), who have higher health pools.
   • Potential Buff: A slight increase in her health could help her survive longer in battles, making her less fragile and more competitive in close-range engagements.
2. Super Ability (Ultimate):
   
   • Current State: Tara's Super is powerful but has a travel time that can make it difficult to use effectively in fast-paced situations.
   • Potential Buff: Reducing the travel time of her Super would make it more responsive and easier to land on opponents. Additionally, increasing the pull radius slightly could also make it more forgiving to use.
3. Balance Considerations:
   
   • Buffing Tara’s damage, health, and Super travel time needs to be carefully balanced to avoid making her overpowered. Changes should be incremental and tested thoroughly in a controlled environment, such as a test server, before being rolled out to the main game.
4. Playstyle Adjustments:
   
   • While waiting for potential buffs, you can focus on maximizing Tara's strengths. Utilize her gadget, which can heal her and her teammates, to improve survivability. Positioning and timing are crucial for making the most of her attacks and Super.

Practical Steps to Improve Tara’s Performance

• Damage Buff: Increase each card’s damage by a small percentage (e.g., 5-10%).
• Health Buff: Increase her health by a moderate amount (e.g., 200-300 points).
• Super Improvement: Reduce the travel time of her Super by a noticeable but balanced margin (e.g., 20-30%).

Ultimately, Tara feels underwhelming in her current state, potential future buffs could significantly enhance her effectiveness and make her a more viable option
(Used chatgpt to present it nicely lol)
Do you guys agree?

Hi This question might sound lame or stupid but I was thinking of it and want some research based answers. Theoretically and Practically realistic ones would be appreciated.We need two homologous pairs of XX or XY chromosomes yo make any living breathing human.And we do have technologies to make babies out in test tube and in labs but if we come to think of this,while developing in labs why can't two female x chromosomes make a baby or other way round why can't a x chromosome and y chromosome from two different males make a baby? yes there won't be a egg and sperm sort of fertility but we do have two sets of chromosomes with all the genetic data we need. Why can't we develop a zygote out of it?

My name is Rory Fars, and my little sister, Lily Fars, is the last family I had left.
A heavy sense of dread settled over me like a suffocating blanket as I sat in the worn leather seat of Lily's old jeep. The car, a relic of our happier days, seemed to groan under our shared sorrow. Beside me, Lily, my best friend, and confidante, absentmindedly twirled a strand of her long, dark hair, which swayed gently in rhythm with the haunting melodies from the oldies station on the radio. This car had seen us through countless joyful journeys when our family was whole. Almost three years had passed since that fateful Christmas trip in Texas when our parents were tragically killed in a horrific multi-car pileup. The memory of their loss was a constant ache, a wound that never fully healed.
My dad was from Amarillo, Texas, so my parents often took trips down there, visiting the places that held so many memories for him. During one of these trips, just before Christmas, a sudden blizzard struck while they were on the freeway. The snow fell in blinding sheets, making the world outside a disorienting white blur. As they tried to slowly pull to the side, their vision obscured by the relentless storm, they never saw the car barreling toward them at least forty miles an hour. The impact was devastating, an abrupt and brutal end to their journey and, in many ways, to our lives as we had known them.
My parents were always sticklers for safety, insisting on seatbelts every time we got in the car. So, of course, they had theirs on during that fateful trip. The initial impact wasn't what killed them, the coroner explained to me. Not even the first hit from behind, which was going at least fifty miles an hour, was fatal. I had to practically shake the information out of him—they were so resistant to tell me anything at first. By the time the third car hit, with an unknown speed, their survival was already in jeopardy. The coroner said that by the fifth car, they were likely dead. But it didn't end there. Another twenty-three vehicles slammed into the back of the pile, each collision further crushing their bodies, reducing them to a horrific, unrecognizable state. Each jarring impact pushed my parents deeper into a gruesome amalgamation of twisted metal and shattered lives.
I don't know why I felt compelled to demand those details at the time, but I deeply regret it now. I wish I had never asked. Almost every night, unless I drink myself into oblivion, I am haunted by nightmares of what they endured. I dream of driving up to save them, only to be caught in the same deadly barrage of cars, ending in a twisted metal tomb for all of us.
Lily is never in those dreams. Even in my most horrific imaginings, I can't envision her being hurt. Lily is my little sister, younger by eight years and three months. Whenever I mention our age difference, I see the judgment in people's eyes, but what can I say? Our parents never stopped loving each other. They had Lily late in life; she became our shared joy, our living reminder of the love that had bound our family together.
Lily wasn't my twin in the literal sense, but ever since she was born, it felt like we shared the inexplicable connection that twins often describe. As she grew up, our bond only deepened—we acted, sounded, and even looked remarkably alike. She became my rock, especially after our parents' tragic deaths. We leaned on each other, cried into each other's shoulders, and somehow found the strength to move forward. We eventually moved in together, finding solace in a two-bedroom apartment that became our sanctuary.
Lily seemed to handle our parents' deaths better than I did, or maybe she was just better at distracting herself with technology. Even before their passing, Lily was addicted to any kind of digital screen she could manipulate. Her ability to navigate the digital world was unmatched; she was the most intelligent person I had ever met. Her intelligence was a beacon of light in the darkness that had enveloped us, a testament to her resilience and brilliance.
After my parents' death, I embarked on a quest to find my spirituality by delving into paranormal investigations. I hoped these pursuits would bring me closer to my parents in the afterlife, spiritual realm, or whatever you want to call it. Instead, it created a chasm between me and any sense of spiritual existence. Each investigation seemed to push me further from the answers I sought, leaving me feeling more isolated and disconnected than ever.
I had hoped that by exploring these paranormal claims, I would discover a way to reach out to my parents and feel their presence again. Yet, as the years have passed, this endeavor has only deepened my loneliness and sense of loss. Despite knowing how detrimental it is to my mental health, I can't bring myself to stop. The hope that the subsequent investigation will be the one that proves the existence of an afterlife and that I'll find a way to contact my parents keeps me going. It's a desperate, unrelenting pursuit for a connection that remains heartbreakingly out of reach.
I should have accepted their death and moved on like any sane person would. Instead, I let my grief fester and dragged my sister and a stranger, Mark, through my obsessive quest for answers. My relentless pursuit of the paranormal didn't just alienate me; it consumed us all, leading to their untimely deaths. My name is Rory Fars, and I am here to confess my side of the story about the missing case of Lily Fars and Mark Lawrence.
This is the truth about how my desperate search for a connection with the afterlife led to a nightmare from which none of us could escape.
To start off, no, Lily was not a student of Mark's who fell in love with him and then got jealous of me hitting on him, leading her to kill him and herself. I know that sounds ridiculous, but given some wild theories circulating online, I need to address this one specifically since it seems to be the most popular.
First and foremost, Mark Lawrence was not, nor has he ever been, a professor at a university. Lily and I met Mark at the Local Museum in Redlin, a town nestled deep in the Appalachian Mountains. He was the curator of an exhibit showcasing the history of Raven's Nest, a forgotten mining town that neither Lily nor I had ever heard of. This is where our story begins, in a place steeped in history and mystery, far removed from the convoluted theories that now cloud the truth.
We were constantly searching for new ideas for our podcast about paranormal claims. Each of our twenty-five episodes so far had concluded with a rational explanation, so when Mark told us about the curse of Harper, I was immediately intrigued.
Mark was an older man, likely in his mid-sixties, with a full head of silver hair and a beard that stubbornly clung to its youthful color, only lightly dusted with grey. He had a presence that commanded attention, and his stories about the curse were delivered with an intensity that drew me in.
On the other hand, Lily was always more interested in the technical aspects of the paranormal. She had her own theories and was determined to debunk every claim we investigated. She wasn't easily swayed by Mark's tales about the curse of Harper, but she was willing to listen and give him a chance to prove himself. Her skeptical mind constantly checked my enthusiasm, and together, we hoped to uncover the truth behind yet another paranormal mystery.
"Hello ladies, care to hear about the mysterious town of Raven's Nest?" Mark asked with theatrical enthusiasm.
Lily and I exchanged a knowing glance, trying to stifle our amusement. Despite our attempts to remain composed, a smirk played at the corners of our lips.
"We're all ears," I replied, my tone laced with a hint of sarcasm.
He sighed, almost as if he was disappointed that we said yes. Taking a deep breath, he seemed to steel himself for the task ahead. "Well, you see," he began, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "in the early twentieth century, a man named Harper Franstein exploited many men and children in the coal mines. By the mid-1920s, he had established his own settlement in a secluded valley, which he dubbed 'The Raven's Nest.' It was never officially recognized as a town, but that's the only name we have to go off of."
I could see the beads of sweat forming on Mark's brow as he struggled to recall every detail. Despite his initial enthusiasm, he now appeared flustered, his confidence waning. Eventually, he resorted to consulting his damp and crumpled notes, a sign of his growing unease.
"Um, anyway, yeah, um," he stuttered, audibly gulping as his nerves got the better of him. Lily couldn't contain her laughter, emitting a snicker that earned us a glare from Mark.
"Hey, just relax," I interjected, trying to diffuse the tension. "We're not here to judge or intimidate you." With a gentle touch on his forearm and a chuckle, I attempted to reassure him, hoping to ease his obvious discomfort.
He paused, sharing a chuckle with me, while Lily struggled to suppress her laughter and eventually excused herself, leaving just Mark and me. Evidently, he felt more at ease with fewer listeners, so he pressed on with his narrative.
"Anyway," he resumed, "Harper held complete control over the town and the mine, and he made sure everyone was acutely aware of that fact. When the disappearances began, he tried to sweep them under the rug, attributing them to anything but his own negligence in mining practices."
"What do you mean by 'negligence in mining practices'?" I interjected, eager to delve deeper into his intriguing tale.
He looked up, clearly pleased by my question. "Yes, exactly," he affirmed. "Harper adhered to a mining technique outlined by Dwight Brunst in the mid to late nineteenth century. This method mandated only one entry and exit point into the mine."
"Wait, so they were forbidden from creating additional exits?" I pressed for clarification.
"Not explicitly," he explained. "The practice advocated for just one entry and exit as it was believed to minimize the risk of cave-ins, at least in theory. However, there were instances where miners, feeling uneasy about this restriction, took matters into their own hands and carved out what they called 'Emergency Exits' for themselves. After about half of the town started going missing, Harper couldn't take criticism about how he responded, but most people say he was losing money quickly and didn't want to live in a world where he was poor. He walked into the mine, never to be seen again, much like the cave's past victims. Visitors report seeing and hearing Harper, trying to get them to leave."
As I stood there, listening to Mark's enthralling narrative, I found myself captivated by the mysterious allure of Raven's Nest. Unable to contain my curiosity, I decided to pose a question.
"So, what does the town look like now?" I inquired, eager to learn more about the present state of this enigmatic place.
Mark's demeanor shifted slightly as he rifled through his notes, a subtle indication that he didn't have a straightforward answer to my query.
"You've never been there?" I asked, my tone softening with genuine curiosity.
He flinched as though my question had struck a nerve. "Shhhhhh... shut up," he demanded, his voice tinged with unease.
Suppressing a chuckle, I leaned in closer and whispered, "Okay, hear me out. My sister Lily and I are investigating paranormal phenomena. Your story about Raven's Nest sounds like the perfect addition to our podcast. What do you say we compensate you for your guidance? Let's say, three hundred bucks?"
He straightened up, contemplating my proposition for a few moments. Without uttering a word, he extended his hand, and I met it halfway with my own, sealing our agreement with a firm handshake.
Our journey to Raven's Nest was no easy feat. Situated a good twenty miles from town and nestled deep within a dense valley. After all of the tight turns, narrow dirt roads, and steep inclines, it took us a grueling two and a half hours to go twenty-something miles, but we finally reached the outskirts of the infamous settlement. As we stood at the edge of the "Nest," anticipation mingled with trepidation, setting the stage for the eerie exploration that lay ahead.
I glanced at my phone; the time read 11:56 pm, signaling the late hour. Sensing the exhaustion weighing heavily, I suggested we catch a few hours of rest in Lily's jeep. Mark, though visibly unsettled, remained silent from the back seat, his arms folded tightly across his chest as he slumped against the window like a sulking child.
Drifting asleep in the passenger seat, I soon found myself ensnared in a nightmare. In my dream, Mark was being dragged away into the darkness, his desperate attempts to claw his way back to safety only resulting in broken fingertips. Despite his struggles, he was powerless against the unseen force pulling him inexorably into the abyss. Suddenly, I was alone, engulfed in utter darkness, my heart pounding with fear as I ran blindly from an unseen terror that seemed to pursue me relentlessly, its malevolent presence palpable but unseen.
I jolted awake, gasping for breath, my heart racing as the remnants of dread lingered in the pit of my stomach. It was morning, and I was struggling to adjust my vision. Lily's frantic but comforting voice broke through the haze of my terror, grounding me in reality. With her comforting embrace, I gradually calmed my racing thoughts, drawing deep, steadying breaths.
As we sat there, enveloped in each other's embrace, Mark approached the driver's side window with an unexpected question, "Alright, what's for breakfast?" His nonchalant tone and casual demeanor were a stark contrast to the harrowing nightmare that had just consumed my thoughts, momentarily dispelling the lingering specter of fear that had haunted my dreams.
Lily and I both look up at him and back at each other as we burst out into laughter.
Amidst our shared laughter, Lily and I exchanged amused glances before turning our attention back to Mark.
"Ha...ha, yeah. No, but seriously, what's for breakfast? Eggs, bacon, toast, at least?" Mark pressed, hoping for a more substantial response.
His earnest inquiry fueled our laughter further, our giggles echoing through the quiet night air. Eventually, we regained our composure and stepped out of the jeep, stretching our limbs after the cramped confines of the vehicle.
Mark awkwardly moves to the side, still waiting for an honest answer. Lily tossed him a granola bar, eliciting a bemused chuckle from him. With a shared understanding, we set off on foot, embarking on the hike into the town.
The path ahead was clear: a single dirt road that wound its way from the abandoned coal mine into the heart of the small settlement. The road, now overgrown and muddy from years of disuse, bore the marks of neglect and isolation. Wary of the treacherous conditions, Lily opted to forgo the risk of getting stuck, steering clear of the decrepit road that likely hadn't seen a traveler in at least half a century.
We parked Lily's jeep at the entrance to both the mine and the town of Raven's Nest, opting to proceed on foot from there. Standing at the mountain's peak, gazing down at the desolate town below, I couldn't help but ponder the history beneath the dilapidated structures. I imagined how this valley must have once been a pristine landscape cherished by the indigenous people who roamed its lush terrain.
"Jesus, this place is more like a shit nest," Mark muttered in disgust, his disdain evident in his tone.
Lily shot me a knowing glance, silently communicating her skepticism toward Mark's assessment of the town.
Deciding to put Mark's knowledge to the test, I casually inquired, "So, what year was this area founded?"
Mark's reaction was almost defensive as if my question had caught him off guard. He hesitated momentarily before fumbling for his note cards in his pocket, a telltale sign that he wasn't as knowledgeable as he let on.
Before he could respond, I interjected with another question, "Mark, how long have you worked at the museum?"
As Mark froze, his gaze locking onto mine like a deer caught in headlights, I watched him closely, waiting for any sign of hesitation or discomfort. My narrowed eyes bore into his, silently urging him to be honest.
Finally, breaking the tense silence, Mark confessed, "Look, this is only my first week. I... I haven't had the greatest time lately, and I really need the extra money. I'm sorry I lied, but I'll help however I can."
I met his gaze unwaveringly, sensing the sincerity in his words. Clearly, he was a man in need of redemption, grappling with his own personal struggles.
"Alright, alright, don't cry too much," I teased lightly, trying to ease the tension. Gesturing towards Lily, who was busy preparing her wireless motion cameras in her backpack, I continued, "Lily and I already figured that was the case. Honestly, we're surprised you agreed to come along."
Mark remained frozen, but the tension seemed to melt away from his expression, replaced by a tentative smile. It was a moment of shared understanding, a silent acknowledgment that he was still welcomed into our expedition despite his initial deception.
"Alright, I have the cams and portable batteries to make sure the cameras and anything we have with power can last," Lily said, her voice brimming with determination.
We began our descent into the town, our hiking boots struggling against the thick, clinging mud produced by the constant light rain and years of disuse. Each step was a battle, the mud threatening to swallow our boots with every move.
After an eternity of trudging through the muck, we finally reached the town's only paved road—the main road. It had taken us only about fifteen minutes to hike down, but navigating the muddy slope had sapped our energy. We paused for a break, taking a few minutes to clean off our boots and catch our breath.
As we rested, I noticed Lily rummaging through her bag with a focused intensity. Curious, I asked, "What are you looking for?"
"I brought five motion-detecting cameras that I want to set up strategically throughout the town," she replied, pulling out one of the cameras. She walked over to the nearest building, a structure that served as a post office, police station, and fire station. She positioned the camera outside the building so it was pointed at the only road leading in and out of the town.
"We need to cover all potential points of interest," she explained, securing the camera in place. "This one will monitor any activity on the main road. We should place the other cameras around key locations like the mine entrance, the town square, and some more intact buildings."
I nodded, appreciating her thoroughness. "Good idea. We need to make sure we capture anything unusual."
Mark, having finally caught his breath, joined us. "Alright, let's get these cameras set up and see what we can find," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Look," Lily said, turning her tablet screen toward us. She waved her hand in front of the camera she had just placed. The tablet displayed five squares on the interface, each meant to show a feed from one of the cameras. Since Lily had only set up one camera so far, only the bottom right square showed any footage pointed at the road leading out of town. She stopped waving her hand, and the feed went to a blue screen.
"What happened? Did we lose connection?" Mark asked frantically, his eyes wide with concern.
Lily cackled, struggling to contain her amusement. Composing herself, she waved her hand in front of the camera again, and the bottom right square showed her hand waving once more. "It's motion-activated. It's the best way to save on battery life," she explained.
Mark seemed to relax, though he was still catching his breath after the brief panic.
I glanced at my watch, noting the time. "It's 8:30. We're behind schedule. If you want to place the rest of your cameras, we better move now," I said, walking down the street.
Lily immediately got up and followed me, with Mark struggling to keep pace behind us. We reached the market building, and Lily positioned her second camera on the side of the road, pointing up at the market.
It's not much longer before we make it to the Town Hall. I suggest Lily place a camera nearby. She nods and heads into a building across from the Town Hall labeled, "Slaughterhouse: LOCAL ANIMALS ONLY."
As Lily explores the building to find an adequate spot for the camera, I wait for Mark to catch up. While I wait, I can't help but imagine this town in its prime, picturing the streets filled with families who loved each other.
My thoughts are abruptly cut off by a sound echoing in the distance—a roar unlike any I've ever heard. It was a mix of a human screaming in pain, the roar of a lion, and, near the end, the howl of a wolf. The chilling sound sent shivers down my spine.
I jump to my feet and immediately call out, "Lily, you okay?"
There's no response from Lily, but I'm interrupted by Mark finally catching up, panting heavily.
"Holy... shit... did you... hear that?" Mark said frantically between breaths.
"Yeah, we have to find Lily," I say, bolting into the slaughterhouse. I glance back to see Mark bracing himself on the steps of the Town Hall, struggling to keep up.
As I enter the building, the stench of rotting flesh hits me like a wave, causing me to gag. The smell is too fresh to be decades old.
"Lily? Lily, where are you?" I yell, using my shirt to shield my nose from the overwhelming odor.
"Rory, I'm in here!" I hear Lily yell from a room two doors down. I pass the first door, peeking in to ensure I hadn't misheard, but I wish I hadn't looked.
Inside the first room, I catch a glimpse of what appears to be a pile of animal carcasses, their decayed bodies arranged in a grotesque display. The sight is horrifying, the flesh still disturbingly fresh. The bile rises in my throat, but I force myself to focus on finding Lily.
I rush to the room where her voice came from, pushing the door open. Lily is there, setting up the camera, seemingly oblivious to the horror in the adjacent room. Relief floods through me as I see she's safe.
"Lily, did you hear that roar?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Yeah, I heard it," she replies, her eyes wide with concern. "I was just finishing up here. Let's get back to Mark and figure out what that was." She had placed the camera in a window, pointing directly at the Town Hall.
We hurry back outside, where Mark still catches his breath as we meet between the buildings. "We need to stay together from now on," I say firmly, looking at both of them. "Whatever that noise was, it's not something we want to face alone."
"Let's check out the Town Hall!" Mark says excitedly as he slowly clambers through a broken window.
"Did he not just hear what I said?" I mutter under my breath, shaking my head in disbelief.
Lily gives me a shrug, her eyes reflecting a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Guess we're heading into the Town Hall then," she says, adjusting her backpack and walking towards the broken window.
I sigh and follow suit, hoisting myself up and carefully maneuvering through the jagged glass. Inside, the air is musty, filled with the scent of old paper and decaying wood. Dust motes float lazily in the beams of sunlight streaming through the cracked windows.
The main hall is vast and eerily silent, with rows of empty chairs facing a stage draped in tattered curtains. The walls are lined with faded portraits and yellowed maps of the town, remnants of a time when this place was alive and bustling.
Mark is already at the front, examining a large, decrepit desk. "Look at this," he says, his voice echoing in the empty space. "It's like stepping back in time."
I walk over, glancing at the old papers scattered across the desk. Most are mundane—meeting minutes, maintenance logs—but one catches my eye. It's a letter dated June 1925, addressed to Harper Franstein.
"Harper, the disappearances are becoming more frequent. The townsfolk are getting restless, and I fear they may take matters into their own hands if we don't act soon. We need to find out what's causing this before it's too late."
I read the letter aloud, and the room fell silent. "Sounds like things were getting pretty tense," Lily remarks, her voice subdued.
As I'm distracted by the time capsule in front of us, Mark sneaks off.
I'm not sure how long it was before she noticed, but I saw Lily looking around before saying, "Where the hell did Mark go?" breaking me out of my trance.
I look around, turning my head in all directions, and shrug at Lily. I hear shuffling in the second room down the hall, so I slowly walk toward it.
"Mark?" I call out.
Just then, a loud crash reverberates through the building, making it sound like the whole place was about to come down.
We run in and see Mark struggling to keep himself from falling into a giant hole that must've broken under his weight. Trying not to laugh, I glance at Lily. We help him up as he dramatically falls onto his back, wheezing as he catches his breath.
Lily and I can't contain our laughter anymore as we bust out laughing hard. Startled by our sudden outburst, Mark jumps in fear. He looks around, confused for a few seconds, before realizing that we are laughing at him.
"Jesus, thanks, I guess," he says, clearly thankful but annoyed by our reaction.
After we contained ourselves, we headed back outside, exiting through the window Mark entered through. He struggles to climb out, but after Lily gives him a hand, he is safely out of the Town Hall.
"Alright, Ror, where should we put the next camera?" Lily asks me.
I stop to think momentarily, trying to picture the town's layout. "I think the only place left is the neighborhood," I respond confidently. I always talk like that with Lily. Over the years, I've realized she is the only person I can have that much confidence around. With anyone else, I'm worried about saying something stupid or wrong or how they'll view me, but with my sister, everything is easy.
As I look at the replica map of the town in its heyday from the museum, I determine that the neighborhood is to the East. "Okay, looks like we head East past the Library. Let's go." I say, walking away.
It only takes about eight minutes to get to the long strip of road that housed the town's workers. According to the map, there were fifteen houses along this strip of road.
The houses stand eerily silent, their wooden frames weathered and decayed by time. We walk down the road, our footsteps crunching on the gravel and echoing in the stillness. The air feels heavier here like the past is watching us, waiting to reveal its secrets.
"Let's put the last cameras on that house at the end of the road," I suggest, pointing to a house that looks slightly less dilapidated than the others, "another one at the last house on the other side, and the last we can save for a spot you choose."
Lily nods and heads toward the first house, pulling another camera from her backpack. She sets it up on the porch, positioning it to capture the entire street, and does the same in the opposite house. As I stand with Mark breathing hard, still unable to catch his breath since we first got here, I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched. I glance around nervously but see nothing out of the ordinary.
"All set," Lily says, breaking my reverie, "Still no ideas for the last cam?" Lily asks me.
"Like I said, wherever you think it would be best. I feel like we have enough good spots and angles, so go wild with that one," I told her.
She smirked and kept walking next to me. Mark was still struggling behind, but after the town hall mishap, he was trying his best to keep up. I looked at my watch, and it read '12:30 pm'.
"Holy shit, it's already 12:30," I said in amazement, but no one else seemed fazed. It felt like we'd only been here thirty minutes, not almost four hours.
We walked back down the street. Lily and I had been discussing on the walk that she should put the last camera at the town's only stoplight in front of the Library.
As we made our way to it, I could have sworn I was seeing something moving fast past my vision in the corner of my eye. Every time I turned to look, it was gone. I chalked it up to being my imagination until Lily and Mark both experienced the same thing.
"What the fuck was that?" Mark asked as he ducked, bracing for something terrible to happen. Lily and I looked back at him and then at each other as we shrugged. It was after that that I started seeing things, too.
I confided in Lily about the unsettling visions and sounds, and she admitted she had experienced the same phenomena but had kept quiet, fearing Mark would dismiss her as paranoid.
"Well, it's probably just a cat or something," I said, attempting to downplay the situation, but neither seemed convinced.
We continued our trek, and I noticed that the more we walked, the more frequently I caught fleeting glimpses of movement in my peripheral vision. It was beginning to grate on my nerves.
Finally, we reached the light in front of the Library. As Lily mounted the camera, I felt a sense of satisfaction. We were making good progress, and it seemed like a suitable moment to start exploring the town more freely. We decided to split up and cover different sections of the town.
"Wait, we have to go alone? Why can't we stay together like you said?" Mark asked frantically, but Lily and I ignored him as we headed in separate directions. He continued to protest, but we paid him no mind. Eventually, I was either far enough away to not hear him anymore, or he had given up. Either way, I was happy to enjoy the eerie silence of the town.
As I wandered, the stillness of Raven's Nest enveloped me. With its decrepit buildings and overgrown streets, the town exuded an unsettling charm. It was as if I had stepped into a forgotten world, a place frozen in time with secrets waiting to be unearthed. The ambiance reminded me of an amusement park's haunted town section—artificially eerie yet irresistibly intriguing. Despite the creepiness, the mysterious vibe of the town kept me engaged and eager to explore its hidden corners.
I glanced at my watch again, only to find the time glaring back at me: 3:19 pm. It couldn't be right. There was no way it had been that long since I last checked. Panic seized me, and I called out for Lily, my voice tinged with urgency. She appeared beside me in a matter of minutes, her expression mirroring my concern.
"What's up, Ror? You okay?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.
"How long would you say it's been since you put the last camera down?" I inquired, my heart pounding in my chest.
Lily's brow furrowed as she struggled to come up with an answer. "Uh, I don't know, thirty minutes?" she hazarded a guess.
I held up my watch, displaying the time: 3:20 pm. Lily fell silent, her eyes widening in disbelief. She was never great with time, but missing almost three hours of our memory was unprecedented.
"There's no way. Your watch must be—" Lily began, her voice trailing off as she checked her own watch, only to freeze in shock when she found it displayed the same time as mine.
"Lil, something is going on," I stated, my voice tight and apprehensive. I glanced up at the sky, my stomach churning as I noticed the clouds darkening and rolling in from all sides of the valley.
The sky closed rapidly, ominous clouds obscuring the sun as thunder rumbled ominously against the mountains.
"Mark? Mark, where are—" I began to call out, but before I could finish, Mark emerged from behind a wall, appearing as if he'd been too frightened to venture far on his own.
"We have to get inside!" Mark exclaimed urgently, his voice tinged with fear.