Story prediction worksheet

Children of Dusk: An alternate future scenario.

2021.04.13 00:52 butterenergy Children of Dusk: An alternate future scenario.

A subreddit for a speculative future timeline called "Children of Dusk". Is currently being made into book form, as well as various compasses and infographics.

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2014.11.05 20:50 Text Prophecies : Stories Written by Predictive Keyboards

Welcome to /textprophecies! This sub is based on stories written by users via the iOS and Android predictive keyboards.

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2018.03.17 05:05 CloudsBuster Cloud x Aerith Clerith

We are the largest open forum of Cloud and Aerith on the internet. If you're a fan of Cloud and Aerith's beautiful love story from Final Fantasy VII, then you've found the right place.

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2024.05.19 08:59 KoalaSpecialForces Escape from a mental institution

So, I was hospitalised due to a psychosis a couple of years ago. The disease manifested as all kinds of weird beliefs and the habit of making connections between matters where there in reality were none. Moreover, I got a massive messiah complex. In the worst state of the psychotic ramblings I was sure I could predict the future and that I had been touched by God Himself, who granted me powers. Also, I thought I could read people’s minds and that there was a hidden meaning behind every word. My friends, who could see from my manic behaviour that I was not all okay, took me to a hospital and I was admitted to a psychiatric ward the same day. I thought I had entered some kind of an escape room, or something like that. What’s more, I thought there was some kind of a cabal running things behind the scenes and that they had targeted me because of my god-given powers.
I am somewhat intelligent, able to appear quite charismatic, and I am an excellent salesman. So, I used my verbal skills to make everyone believe I was getting better, when in fact I was just learning to hide my symptoms. I spent a total of two months in the ward. During that time I escaped twice (pretty much the first thing I did when I was given a permission to go outside for a walk after a couple of weeks in the ward) and took a cab home, only to be returned to the hospital by the police. Finally I got good enough to be able to lie my way out of the hospital and was sent home.
I spent the next two years in a semi-psychotic phase due to the fact that I stopped taking my medicine at some point after getting back home. Hence I got really depressed when I was unable to get my shit together. Eventually I reached a point where I considered suicide, but thankfully called for medical assistance in stead. This lead me to spend three weeks in the same mental ward I had stayed at before. Moreover, being medicated lead me to start feeling better and also starting to lose some of my psychotic beliefs. At this point I had not mentioned my two year long psychotic state to anyone, since I did not realise that I was in any way mental. I was released again, making this a second time I was able to leave a psychiatric hospital with permission - while being absolutely batshit crazy. Thankfully, though, I got prescriptions for medication that helped me shake off the psychosis in another week or so, and now I am writing this - roughly 12 hours after coming to my senses. In two years one can build quite extensive imaginary surroundings, so I feel I got a lot of work to do in dismantling the bogus memories and rebuilding a truthful world around me. Thankfully I have good meds and loads of time. Does anyone else have stories to share from a mental institution?

submitted by KoalaSpecialForces to self [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 08:43 Slow_Accident_6523 Elementary School Teacher Needs Advice on Leveraging AI in the Classroom and Building Effective Bots!

Hi everyone,
I'm an elementary school teacher from Germany experimenting ChatGPT in my classroom in different ways to make learning more fun and effective. So far I am just winging it and seeing what sticks. My principal is super supportive in letting me trying stuff out to see what works. I am under no illusion that students won't be using AI for school at some point so I see it as my responsibility to teach them how to use it to learn instead of cheat. Maybe not in elementary school but they definitely will later. Here’s what I’ve done so far:
-Helped students get feedback and improve their stories.
-Used voice to text to help with reading aloud and enunciation.
-Took photos of homework worksheets to create core concept sheets for better understanding.
-Made advanced questions and contextual assignments to match students’ interests.
-Created questions to deepen understanding of the material.

Made guides for parents to help with homework.
had students make posters on the benefits and dangers of AI and fed that into CHatGPT to assist in transforming that content into a podcast that my students then recoreded with GarageBand

It already feels like just these little things I am doing can have a HUGE impact on better understanding but I am sure I still am missing so many potential use cases.
But I need some help and advice:
-Improving GPT Responses: Sometimes the answers I get are too detailed or not focused enough. How can I make GPT responses better and more to the point?
-Homework Assistance Bot: I want to build a bot that students can use in the morning to review their homework. They can scan their homework, find mistakes, and understand what they did right and wrong. It could also ask deeper questions for my advanced students. I think this will make homework more effective, especially for those who struggle and don’t get enough feedback. I have seen GPTs where you just have to type in a number to continue and it guides you through a predetermined set of questions. Something like that would be sweet for my young students.
Next school year, we’ll get access to a ChatGPT API, and hopefully, all students will get tablets. It seems like our state is setting us up to experiment. Data protection laws might become an issue, but as long as all student work uploaded is anonymous, we should be good—though nobody knows exactly how it will work yet.
I'm also working on showing my still skeptical colleagues the benefits of AI. My principal is supportive and sees the potential, even if they don’t fully get it yet. They’re encouraging me to help my colleagues see the value too. A lot of them are super skeptical. They think it is just the next toy that will fry our students brain not seeing the incredible potential IF used right. Please, please help me! I feel like a Trailblazer exploring a whole new world of education. There literally is nothing to work off of. I understand the accuracy of ChatGPT can be iffy so I always have to be considereate of that but with the proper context and right prompt it is basically 90% good for literally every student no matter their background. I will take that 90% for every student over me not being able to give every single student the attention they deserve. I don't want perfect to become the enemy of good. Plus I suspect when the next school year starts in September when I really want to shift to more adaptive learning we already have a slightly better iteration that will solve a lot of issues.. Exciting times but also really challenging.

submitted by Slow_Accident_6523 to ChatGPT [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 08:37 harvesterkid George and Fallon

Why are a lot of people here predicting they will get together? Have I missed or forgotten something in the story?

submitted by harvesterkid to Ambridge [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 08:04 RiceOk6210 Confused

I just saw my ex tonight for the first time in months & now i don’t know how to feel. For context i am the one that broke up with her & i am the one that told her we shouldn’t talk or be friends anymore months after the breakup. Let me give you guys the back story. She was my first relationship ever & she my was my first time. She was my first everything & i feel like that’s why it’s so hard for me to move on. When we started dating she told me about her past relationship which was over a year before we started talking & she said it was very toxic. She told me about how she was cheated on & how she stayed & all these different things about how bad it was. Hearing these things just made me want to show her what real love was even though she was my first love. As u can predict , our relationship was pretty toxic. She would always try to end things with me & block me & I would always beg for her back & we would always end up making up. A couple of months into the relationship I just started feeling drained honestly but i just loved her so much that I wanted to work through it. Her birthday came around & I threw a party for her at my house and made it super special. The next morning I decided to go through her phone because she would always follow guys back & had random guys on her spam. I found out that everytime we stopped talking or “broke up” for the night, she would text some guys & all these different things. I don’t know if she physically cheated or if texting guys is even considered cheating at all but I was hurt. I confronted her about it & she got mad at me & I ended up begging for her back. We stayed together for a couple of months after that incident but i felt so different. I couldn’t let any of that go so then one day i just decided to break up with her. It was hard for me but I had to for my mental well being. A few weeks after she texted me saying she was pregnant. So we continued talking & We ended up getting an abortion. It was so hard for the both of us & i continued to try to be there for her because I cared for her still obviously. We would still hangout & go out on dates & stuff like that for a few months. One day i found out she was having sex with one of my homies during that whole time & I was honestly so hurt. My whole friend group knew about it & nobody told me anything. The whole time i was being there for her because she was hurt about the abortion, she was having sex with my friend & risking getting pregnant again. I was still friends with that whole group & i was confused as to why they chose her over me. I introduced her to them & i had been friends with them since middle school. It was a tough point in my life because i felt like i lost everything & i was honestly suicidal. I cut things off with her completely & with that whole group. I saw her again a few months after that & she wanted to be friends still but i told her it was just best for the both of us to stop talking. A month after that encounter she shows up to my workplace with a new guy. She’s now been dating him for a couple of months & i don’t understand how she could just move on so fast from everything that happened. I’m still hurt to this day & the thought of being with someone else right now doesn’t sit right with me. Tonight was the first time seeing her in like 5 months & i decided ed to write this post because I honestly have no one to talk to. If u read this whole thing, thank i so much. Typing this made me feel a whole lot better.

submitted by RiceOk6210 to BreakUps [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 07:29 Entire-Restaurant843 Just finished Son of the Slob….and I hate it

I haven’t delved too much into Aron Beauregard’s books but I have read The Playground, The Slob, and I just finished reading The Son of The Slob.
Honestly? I absolutely hated this book. I really enjoyed the original- granted there are valid criticisms but at the end of the day, I was invested in Vera and was rooting for her. It felt like an altogether cohesive and interesting storyline with pretty good character development and background.
The Son of The Slob, on the other hand, was a clusterfuck. There was so much potential for a compelling sequel and I was excited to read it and see where the story would go, but it completely fell flat. The writing was awful, I didn’t feel invested in any of the characters anymore, and I honestly felt like the only reason I kept reading was out of morbid curiosity and hoping that the book would get better.
For starters, there were so many sub plots that were unnecessary and added nothing to the story (Tina, the meth kingpin, the nun/overall abuse at the school, the entirety of the last 3 chapters). Why mention characters and subplots just for them to go nowhere and only last for a chapter? Nevermind the constant changing between POVs, even within the same paragraph. Don’t even get me STARTED on the ending. After how much I enjoyed the original, I’m actually pissed off at this sequel. There was too much unnecessary gore, I no longer felt interested in anyone, the whole book was predictable, and Vera and Daniel’s deaths didn’t strike any emotional cord in me despite them being such fleshed out characters in the original.
In short, I’m pissed. Thoughts?

submitted by Entire-Restaurant843 to ExtremeHorrorLit [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 07:04 ThreeMonthsTooLate [Marvel Comics] Nightcrawler is the Winding Way - Revised

So, I posted this theory a while back but it seems that most people didn’t read through it due to it being too long. So here I am back again with my best to briefly summarize the theory with the major points of evidence from the comics that I have found. It’s still going to be a lot but, hopefully, this will help get the broad idea across. Then if you have any specific points you can hopefully find them answered in the sections beneath it.
For context, you only need to read the Basic Premise section to get the basic gist of the theory, all the remaining sections are where I outline the evidence to support it.
~Basics of the Theory~

Nightcrawler is the Winding Way is basically the idea that X-Men’s Nightcrawler got his soul ripped in half when he was a child by his adopted mother – Margali Szardos – who used the magical half of Kurt’s soul to form the source of her power, the Winding Way.
Nightcrawler would have inherited this magical power from Azazel, who he is still technically biologically related to, as well as potentially the combination of genes from Mystique, Destiny, and Baron Wagner.
Amanda Sefton – after seeing Margali use Illyana’s Soul-Sword to obtain power in the Winding Way, took over Limbo to study it before fusing it with Kurt’s soul in the hopes of being able to use the Soul-Sword to undo her mother’s work and restore Kurt to being whole again.
Ultimately, Destiny gave the baby Kurt to Margali knowing full well she would do this to him to hide his true power from Enigma (the Nathaniel Essex that became a Dominion), who she had Kurt concieved in order to defeat.
Additionally, she told Margali of a prophecy about a Soul-Sword falling into Margali’s hands knowing that Margali would attempt to steal Belasco’s Soul-Sword, that Belasco would turn his attention to Nightcrawler to steal that magical power for herself which would result in Illyana being kidnapped by Belasco after he gave up trying to steal the power from Kurt and thus create said Soul-Sword as well as – eventually – the Hope-sword.

~Part 1 – Margali Szardos is the Worst Adoptive Mother of All Time~
Margali Szardos is a powerful witch in Marvel comics who has shown being particularly hungry for magical power – doing everything from manipulating her daughter, Amanda Sefton, into getting her Illyana’s Soul-Sword so that she could use it in a killing spree to obtain magical power from her victims (Excalibur #85), to attempting to steal the power of a demon living under London nearly destroying it in the process (Excalibur #100), to forcibly mind-swapping with her daughter to save herself leaving Amanda to be tortured by Belasco (revealed X-Men: Unlimited #19), opening a magical rift to the World Beyond to obtain its power which forced her daughter to sacrifice herself to close it (4^th Nightcrawler series #1-4), to finally selling Nightcrawler out to ORCHIS to obtain the Hope-sword that was lodged in Kurt’s chest (Legion of X #7-10).
All of these villainous actions raise an important question – why did Margali adopt Nightcrawler? After all, it’s not like Margali went around adopting children – only Nightcrawler. In fact, outside of Kurt, the only other child that Margali has ever displayed an interest in obtaining was a young Scarlet Witch (Mystic Arcanum: Scarlet Witch) which is concerning given just how magically powerful Scarlet Witch is.
This all points to the idea that Margali only took Kurt in because she got something out of it – very likely magical power. This wouldn’t be nearly so concerning if Margali Szardos wasn’t also the Sorceress Supreme of one of the most mysterious and unexplained magical systems in all of Marvel.
~Part 2 – The Winding Way is WIERD~
So, I’m just going to come out and say it - the Winding Way makes no sense in the current understanding of magic in Marvel Comics. Even characters like Dr. Strange – one of Marvel’s masters of magic – has basically no idea how the Winding Way actually operates. There is a data page in Legion of X #9 that outlines the basics of what the Winding Way is and how it operates.
According to the data page, the Winding Way is an exocentric magic system – that is to say a form of magic that is powered by an external source to the user – which its various wielders experience cycles of power and powerlessness. As far as characters like Strange are aware, it remains unclear if there is a physical “Way” or if that is simply metaphor.
The strange thing about the Winding Way is that there is no other magical system in Marvel where this cycle of users having powers and being powerless is even a thing. Whenever an exocentrically powered sorcerer loses their powers, it is always a form of punishment. This is true with Dr. Strange when he lost 99% of his powers back during the War of the Seven Spheres story. This is true with Juggernaut who loses his powers whenever he and Cyttorak – the entity that powers the crimson gem that Juggernaut uses for his powers. It’s even true for someone like Thor and his hammer. No where else in Marvel is there a system of magic where cycles of power is a thing.
All of this raises the question of whether the fluctuating cycles of power the Winding Way are actually a natural part of the Winding Way or whether they due to something else – like, say the power source of the Winding Way trying to continuously punish the various practitioners but being unable to due to their attention being split up.
Ultimately, the only truth that we can glean about the Winding Way is that nobody but the practitioners of the Winding Way ultimately know how it works and even then, characters like Margali and Amanda have proven time and again that their word cannot be trusted.
~Part 3 – the Szardos Family, Cthon, & Wundagore Mountain~
Interestingly, a different Sorcerer Supreme Sgt. Sebastian Szardos – the Sorcerer Supreme of World War II – has his own insights about the Winding Way, though they are rather vague. Firstly, in the 8^th series of Avengers #50, Sebastian claims that the Winding Way has ties with Mt. Wundagore – which was famously the tomb of Cthon before Scarlet Witch absorbed him. This seems to suggest that the Winding Way originates either via Cthon or his creation – the Darkhold.
What is more interesting is that the Winding Way doesn’t seem to be practiced during the time of the Second World War as Sgt. Szardos states that only his great grandmother on his mothers side even knew about the Winding Way – Sebastian himself clearly wasn’t a practicing member. This is peculiar as Margali Szardos demonstrates an unusual amount of familiarity with the position of Sorcerer Supreme in Uncanny X-Men Annual #4 when she stole the Eye of Agamotto off of Dr. Strange with a mere gesture. Given that Sebastian and Margali share the last name and Sebastian was a known former Sorcerer Supreme while Margali – as far as I can tell – has never been, this would seem to suggest that there is some sort of familial connection between Margali and Sebastian. This in turn seems to suggest that the Winding Way experienced some sort of revival with Margali.
My theory is that the Winding Way started out as a sort of ritual that originated with the Darkhold and was initially practiced by the Szardos family over the centuries to siphon power off of Cthon to keep him in check and imprisoned - hence why there are other Szardos clan members such as Theodosia as shown in that run of Avengers. This would mean that if my theory of Nightcrawler being the Winding Way is true, then it would mean that he is only the current source of the Winding Way.
~Part 4 – Nightcrawler is still related to Azazel (and Azazel is a demon)~
Now a major aspect in this is that Nightcrawler is where exactly would Nightcrawler’s magical powers come from? After all, he’s the son of Mystique and Destiny – two mutants with no sort of magical capabilities, right? Well, that’s… complicated.
Firstly, it’s important to note that the X-Men Origins: Blue retcon is… frankly, not very well thought out. There are a bunch of things that it just gets plain wrong and contradict a bunch of previously established X-Men lore – everything from the fact that Destiny would have been too old to give birth to Nightcrawler, to Rogue’s age being way too young (she was adopted by D&M when she was 13 not 5), to the fact that Mystique canonically cannot mimic mutant x-genes - meaning Nightcrawler shouldn’t have teleportation with this retcon, and much, much more. On top of all that, the fact that the only evidence supporting the idea that it ever even happened is from Mystique and Destiny – two of Marvel’s most notorious liars – and you got yourself an extremely messy and rather dubious retcon.
Putting all that aside, going based on what the retcon has established there are a few ways in which Kurt might have inherited some sort of magical power.
Primarily, Kurt is still technically related to Azazel – yes, Mystique “mimicked” Azazel’s DNA in Kurt’s conception but given that in genetics it is the sequence of DNA that matters and not the source of that sequence, Mystique’s “Mimicked” DNA is still ostensibly Azazel’s DNA. Azazel is an established master of dark magic – specifically soul magic – and used to rule over a legit Hell Dimension during the time of Kurt’s birth – making him a legit hell lord similar to Mephisto or Dormammu. Given that Hell Lords are also considered the Sorcerer Supremes (as in the strongest) of their respective dimension, this would suggest that Azazel once held some major power, regardless of if he’s a demon or not. And as it has been established, magic is inheritable as shown with Clea (the daughter of Umar), Daimon Hellstrom (son of Marduk Kurios), and at least half the cast of Strange Academy, it would stand to reason that Nightcrawler could also inherit magical power from him.
Now, I know what you are saying – “But, Azazel isn’t a demon! Chuck Austen said so!” And while, yes, Chuck Austen has clearly gone on record to say that Azazel is only a demonic looking mutant instead of an actual demon, it’s been kind of invalidated by the thing that every other writer for Azazel – including the likes of Chris Claremont – have referred to Azazel as a demon at least once either on-panel or in interviews. And frankly, there’s nothing in the lore that says that Azazel cannot be both a demon and a mutant – after all, Magik is both a demon and a mutant at the same time. And let’s be real here, Chuck Austen doesn’t deserve nice things when it comes to the X-Men.
However, Azazel is not the only DNA that Mystique apparently mimicked – Baron Christian Wagner was also added onto that list for some reason. This is odd as why would Destiny and Mystique feel the need to include Baron Wagner at all in the genetic makeup of Nightcrawler unless there was something special about the Baron. However, the only uniquely genetic thing we learn about him is that he’s seemingly infertile – which may suggest that there is some sort of genetic anomaly going on with him, such as maybe a repressed X-gene.
~Part 5 – Amanda Sefton/Jimaine Szardos history in Marvel Comics~
Another aspect of this theory is that – if it is true – it suddenly explains a lot of what Kurt’s ex, Amanda Sefton has been doing in comics since she was first introduced in 1976. You see, Amanda Sefton followed Kurt back from Germany and began dating him under a different name – which Kurt was not aware of. She only reveals the truth after the events of Uncanny X-Men Annual #4. This unfortunately supports Kurt’s accusation in Uncanny X-Men #206 that Amanda used a spell to make Kurt fall in love with her to begin with – an accusation which Amanda has never confirmed nor denied.
Amanda’s peculiar behavior continued into Excalibur where she was manipulated by Margali into obtaining Illyana’s Soul-Sword from Kitty Pryde – who had previously given the Soul-Sword to Dr. Doom and then Darkoth, with it returning to her both times. Upon obtaining the Soul-Sword, Margali then used it to go on a killing spree against the other members of the Winding Way to obtain their power for herself. Following this, Margali’s failed attempt to steal the power of a demon beneath London, and Kurt and Margali rescuing Amanda from Belasco after Margali body-swapped with her daughter to save her own skin – Amanda ended up taking over Limbo, supposedly in the name of protecting earth.
However, then we have the smoking gun of Amanda’s meddling – during the 3^rd Nightcrawler solo series, it is revealed that Amanda fused the Soul-Sword with Nightcrawler without telling him. Her reason for doing so? “To protect the Soul-Sword from falling into the wrong hands.” This lie is so glaringly bad that not even Nightcrawler buys it and he calls Amanda out for not being honest with him.
~Part 6 – Amanda’s Bad Lie and What it Means~
And frankly why would anyone believe Amanda’s claim? Amanda is a sorceress – which means that she is infinitely more qualified than Nightcrawler to keep the Soul-Sword safe than he is. Even if she couldn’t do so, why didn’t she take the Soul-Sword to someone like Dr. Strange?
On top of that, Amanda took the Soul-Sword away from Kitty Pryde claiming that Kitty wasn’t qualified to keep the Soul-Sword safe due to her not being a trained sorceress. Well, guess who’s also not trained in sorcery and thus – by Amanda’s own logic - would not be able to keep the Soul-Sword safe? Nightcrawler.
Except, Kitty technically was able to keep the Soul-Sword out of the wrong hands – back during Excalibur #37 she phased the Soul-Sword into a rock which even Rachel Summers channeling the power of the Phoenix Force was not able to remove it from – it wasn’t removed until Doom came knocking and got Kitty to willingly remove it for him. So why couldn’t Amanda do something similar? Why fuse it with Kurt and endanger him?
And to top it all off, Amanda still needed the Soul-Sword. She was ruling over Limbo – a dangerous hell dimension full of power-hungry demons. Her magical powers are of the Winding Way – meaning that they wax and wane. So quite literally, Amanda needs the Soul-Sword – a weapon which every demon in Limbo fears – to keep herself in power; something which was proven in New X-Men #37 when Belasco walked back into Limbo and ousted her.
~Part 7 – Amanda took over Limbo to learn about the Soul-Sword~
So, what was Amanda really up to? Well, to understand Amanda’s actions in the 3^rd Nightcrawler series, we first need to go back to Amanda’s actions in previous series. What’s interesting is that Amanda’s interest in the Soul-Sword was first manifest through Margali – who reveals in Excalibur: Minus One that there is a prophecy that the Soul-Sword would pass first into Margali’s hands and then into Amanda’s hands but would result in both of their dooms.
However, Amanda doesn’t really demonstrate any sort of interest in the Soul-Sword until after Margali used it to obtain power in the Winding Way during Excalibur. While she didn’t get the opportunity to act after the events of Margali’s failed London project due to her mother mind-swapping with her, Amanda’s actions in taking over Limbo after X-Men: Unlimited #19 was more likely due to Amanda wanting to obtain and learn more about the Soul-Sword than about her trying to protect earth.
You see, as Limbo was in no position to even threaten earth until Belasco had obtained the Soul-Sword following Margali ending up there – meaning that if Amanda had simply obtained the Soul-Sword and left Limbo, Limbo would not have been able to endanger Earth. Instead, Amanda stayed. Why? Because if there was anywhere in the universe where you wanted to learn about a Soul-Sword and how it works, Limbo is the dimension to do so.
~Part 8 – Nightcrawler and Magik are… Soulmates?~
So, why did Amanda fuse the Soul-Sword with Nightcrawler? Well, ultimately because a major function of the Soul-Sword is that it can be used as a countercharm which can undo other spells – potentially meaning that Amanda could use it to undo the Winding Way and restore the two halves of Kurt’s soul back together again.
However, another aspect of the Soul-Sword is that it is dangerous to magical creatures and Kurt’s magical soul would already be weakened after years of being separated. Amanda must have figured that if she bonded the non-magical half of Kurt’s soul to the Soul-Sword would allow for her to bypass the more dangerous aspects of the Soul-Sword and allow her to restore Kurt.
And as a result of Amanda’s meddling, when a demonically possessed Pixie ripped the Soul-Sword out of Nightcrawler during X-Infernus, it left behind a void in Kurt’s Soul as established in Legion of X #10, which allowed for the Hopesword to later form. This also seemingly gave Illyana’s Soul-Sword a new ability to damage Techno-Organic beings which it did not possess before. This also means that Nightcrawler and Magik are… soul-mates(?) for the lack of a better term, as they are both bound together through the Soul-Sword after Amanda undid Illyana’s bond with Kitty, though this fact has never been established or confirmed in the comics.
~Part 9 – Destiny caused Magik to be kidnapped by Belasco~
Now, I noted in an earlier section that Margali’s fascination with the Soul-Sword was as a result of a prophecy – one that has at least partially come true. The prophecy as laid out during a flashback in Exalibur: Minus One was that the Soul-Sword would pass from into Margali’s hands and then Amanda’s but would result in both of their dooms. Illyana’s Soul-Sword was indeed obtained by Margali back in Excalibur #85 before she lost it to Belasco after falling to Limbo and the Soul-Sword was obtained again by Amanda after taking Limbo over in X-Men: Unlimited #19.
Now, this whole situation is peculiar as Margali herself is not a precog – outside of this one time, we never even hear her do anything similar ever again. However, we know that Destiny is a precog and we also know that she was the one who gave Kurt to Margali, as per the X-Men Origins: Blue retcon, meaning that this prophecy more than likely originates with Destiny. And really, this shouldn’t be a surprise – Mystique hinted at having some sort of a connection with Margali as far back as UXM #142 when she first met Nightcrawler, it was just never clarified what that connection was.
However, this prophecy would have been given to Margali before the Soul-Sword was ever made and before Illyana was even born, which means that either Destiny could predict Illyana being kidnapped by Belasco and creating the Soul-Sword as a result… or she caused Belasco to kidnap Illyana and create the Soul-Sword as a result.
Now, you may question how that’s even possible? After all, how could Destiny cause someone like Belasco to do something when the two haven’t even canonically met?
Well, for this, I would like to point out the unexplained animosity going on between Margali Szardos and Belasco. This is a rivalry that has been mentioned quite a few times – such as back in Excalibur: Minus One, X-Men: Unlimited #19, and the 3^rd Nightcrawler series. For some unexplained reason, Margali Szardos and Belasco have a lot of enmity for one another.
So, what’s the cause of this rivalry? Well, during the Dark Web event, Mary Jane Watson and Black Cat were captured by Belasco and sent to retrieve his Soul-Sword – which, as it is explained in the story is something that Belasco could not potentially use up until the events of Dark Web.
So here’s an idea – what if Destiny didn’t specify which Soul-Sword would end up in Margali’s hands, causing Margali to immediately assume that she was talking about Belasco’s (as that would have been the only one in existence at that point) and try to steal it from him.
This then drew Belasco’s attention and caused him to realize that Nightcrawler was somehow the source of Margali’s powers. This would be why Belasco even had his eyes on the X-Men to begin with and why there was a soulless Nightcrawler back in the original Magik series – Kurt was Belasco’s original target. However, the soulless Nightcrawler and Belasco’s obvious shift in attention to Illyana clearly points to the idea that whatever experiments Belasco tried to use to obtain that magical power from Kurt, it only ended in disaster – causing him to turn to Illyana as a replacement.
~Part 10 – the Big Picture… stopping Enigma~
So, if Destiny was ultimately the cause behind all of this – from orchestrating Kurt’s birth, to handing him off to Margali, to telling Margali the prophecy about the Soul-Sword, what is it all ultimately for?
Well, what it is almost certainly not for is the given answer of defeating Azazel. Simply put, Azazel has never been so major of a threat that creating a super special prophecy child was needed. Heck, he was killed in Dark X-Men by the demonic version of Nightcrawler, so how difficult would it have been for Mystique and Destiny to do it? No, Azazel’s defeat was a bonus that Irene used to justify Kurt’s birth to Raven, not the focus.
Ultimately, there’s only one answer as to who Kurt was conceived to stop – Enigma. The original Nathaniel Essex who transcended space and time and who Irene knew to be an existential threat to all Mutantkind.
This answer even explains some of Irene’s other past actions, such as why she was involved with the Black Womb project – yes, she was keeping an eye on Sinister, but she was also learning as much about the mutant x-gene in preparation for Kurt’s birth.
It also explains why she handed Kurt over to Margali at all – the Winding Way is described in the datapages of Legion of X as being something akin to a No-Place – something that Enigma and other Dominions famously have trouble seeing into. Thus, by hiding Kurt’s magical half in the No-place until the time was right and creating the means by which to release him from that prison, Destiny ensures Enigma’s defeat.
Or does she? Because as far as the current X-Men comics have been going, there is nowhere near the development needed to have my theory take place. At this point, only the Hopesword is established which begs the question of whether the Winding Way is meant to be the thing to stop Enigma or if the Hopesword is. As of this point in X-Men Forever (2024) #4, the Hopesword is what was needed to stop Enigma… for some reason. So far, all that the sword has accomplished is being handed off from Kurt to Exodus to Hope… who was then killed by the Phoenix and sent the Hopesword back to Kurt. We’ll have to wait and see if anything else comes of it.
Personally though, I kind of like the idea that everything Destiny did in orchestrating the creation of the Hopesword and/or the Winding Way was kind of a pointless thing in the end. It’s kind of poignant for Destiny’s character – being the same woman who thought that killing Senator Kelly would prevent the Days of Future’s Past Timeline when she was in fact going to cause that very timeline to happen – to have all her manipulations and schemes to create this weapon against the existential threat that Enigma presented… only to have that threat be dealt with in some other way, leaving Irene to deal with the consequences of her own actions and question whether it was worth putting Kurt through all of that. Maybe that’s just me though.
Conclusion
So yeah, that’s most of the evidence supporting this theory. There are a few other things – such as Margali potentially being the reason why Kurt was killed during Second Coming and potentially causing his mental break down during the Extraordinary X-Men story, but those are more auxiliary to these major points.
But yeah, let me know what you guys think down below. Do you think this theory is onto something or is it way off base?

submitted by ThreeMonthsTooLate to FanTheories [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 06:56 NeuronsToNirvana Figures; Conclusions; Future directions Hypothesis and Theory: Chronic pain as an emergent property of a complex system and the potential roles of psychedelic therapies Frontiers in Pain Research: Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Pain [Apr 2024]

Figures; Conclusions; Future directions Hypothesis and Theory: Chronic pain as an emergent property of a complex system and the potential roles of psychedelic therapies Frontiers in Pain Research: Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Pain [Apr 2024]

Despite research advances and urgent calls by national and global health organizations, clinical outcomes for millions of people suffering with chronic pain remain poor. We suggest bringing the lens of complexity science to this problem, conceptualizing chronic pain as an emergent property of a complex biopsychosocial system. We frame pain-related physiology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, learning, and epigenetics as components and mini-systems that interact together and with changing socioenvironmental conditions, as an overarching complex system that gives rise to the emergent phenomenon of chronic pain. We postulate that the behavior of complex systems may help to explain persistence of chronic pain despite current treatments. From this perspective, chronic pain may benefit from therapies that can be both disruptive and adaptive at higher orders within the complex system. We explore psychedelic-assisted therapies and how these may overlap with and complement mindfulness-based approaches to this end. Both mindfulness and psychedelic therapies have been shown to have transdiagnostic value, due in part to disruptive effects on rigid cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns as well their ability to promote neuroplasticity. Psychedelic therapies may hold unique promise for the management of chronic pain.

Figure 1

https://preview.redd.it/zgpjyihsdb1d1.jpg?width=945&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6ec6f8e4cab44213aa6330998ba8febd85f5315a

Proposed schematic representing interacting components and mini-systems. Central arrows represent multidirectional interactions among internal components. As incoming data are processed, their influence and interpretation are affected by many system components, including others not depicted in this simple graphic. The brain's predictive processes are depicted as the dashed line encircling the other components, because these predictive processes not only affect interpretation of internal signals but also perception of and attention to incoming data from the environment.

Figure 2

https://preview.redd.it/e9g8b5stdb1d1.jpg?width=1056&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83febb37a610bb6b01c5cec42be127b1dd72d7b3

Proposed mechanisms for acute and long-term effects of psychedelic and mindfulness therapies on chronic pain syndromes. Adapted from Heuschkel and Kuypers: Frontiers in Psychiatry 2020 Mar 31, 11:224; DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00224.

5 Conclusions

While conventional reductionist approaches may continue to be of value in understanding specific mechanisms that operate within any complex system, chronic pain may deserve a more complex—yet not necessarily complicated—approach to understanding and treatment. Psychedelics have multiple mechanisms of action that are only partly understood, and most likely many other actions are yet to be discovered. Many such mechanisms identified to date come from their interaction with the 5-HT2A receptor, whose endogenous ligand, serotonin, is a molecule that is involved in many processes that are central not only to human life but also to most life forms, including microorganisms, plants, and fungi (261). There is a growing body of research related to the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of classic psychedelics and non-classic compounds such as ketamine and MDMA. These mechanisms may vary depending on the compound and the context within which the compound is administered. The subjective psychedelic experience itself, with its relationship to modulating internal and external factors (often discussed as “set and setting”) also seems to fit the definition of an emergent property of a complex system (216).
Perhaps a direction of inquiry on psychedelics’ benefits in chronic pain might emerge from studying the effects of mindfulness meditation in similar populations. Fadel Zeidan, who heads the Brain Mechanisms of Pain, Health, and Mindfulness Laboratory at the University of California in San Diego, has proposed that the relationship between mindfulness meditation and the pain experience is complex, likely engaging “multiple brain networks and neurochemical mechanisms… [including] executive shifts in attention and nonjudgmental reappraisal of noxious sensations” (322). This description mirrors those by Robin Carhart-Harris and others regarding the therapeutic effects of psychedelics (81, 216, 326, 340). We propose both modalities, with their complex (and potentially complementary) mechanisms of action, may be particularly beneficial for individuals affected by chronic pain. When partnered with pain neuroscience education, movement- or somatic-based therapies, self-compassion, sleep hygiene, and/or nutritional counseling, patients may begin to make important lifestyle changes, improve their pain experience, and expand the scope of their daily lives in ways they had long deemed impossible. Indeed, the potential for PAT to enhance the adoption of health-promoting behaviors could have the potential to improve a wide array of chronic conditions (341).
The growing list of proposed actions of classic psychedelics that may have therapeutic implications for individuals experiencing chronic pain may be grouped into acute, subacute, and longer-term effects. Acute and subacute effects include both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects (peripheral and central), some of which may not require a psychedelic experience. However, the acute psychedelic experience appears to reduce the influence of overweighted priors, relaxing limiting beliefs, and softening or eliminating pathologic canalization that may drive the chronicity of these syndromes—at least temporarily (81, 164, 216). The acute/subacute phase of the psychedelic experience may affect memory reconsolidation [as seen with MDMA therapies (342, 343)], with implications not only for traumatic events related to injury but also to one's “pain story.” Finally, a window of increased neuroplasticity appears to open after treatment with psychedelics. This neuroplasticity has been proposed to be responsible for many of the known longer lasting effects, such as trait openness and decreased depression and anxiety, both relevant in pain, and which likely influence learning and perhaps epigenetic changes. Throughout this process and continuing after a formal intervention, mindfulness-based interventions and other therapies may complement, enhance, and extend the benefits achieved with psychedelic-assisted therapies.

6 Future directions

Psychedelic-assisted therapy research is at an early stage. A great deal remains to be learned about potential therapeutic benefits as well as risks associated with these compounds. Mechanisms such as those related to inflammation, which appear to be independent of the subjective psychedelic effects, suggest activity beyond the 5HT2A receptor and point to a need for research to further characterize how psychedelic compounds interact with different receptors and affect various components of the pain neuraxis. This and other mechanistic aspects may best be studied with animal models.
High-quality clinical data are desperately needed to help shape emerging therapies, reduce risks, and optimize clinical and functional outcomes. In particular, given the apparent importance of contextual factors (so-called “set and setting”) to outcomes, the field is in need of well-designed research to clarify the influence of various contextual elements and how those elements may be personalized to patient needs and desired outcomes. Furthermore, to truly maximize benefit, interventions likely need to capitalize on the context-dependent neuroplasticity that is stimulated by psychedelic therapies. To improve efficacy and durability of effects, psychedelic experiences almost certainly need to be followed by reinforcement via integration of experiences, emotions, and insights revealed during the psychedelic session. There is much research to be done to determine what kinds of therapies, when paired within a carefully designed protocol with psychedelic medicines may be optimal.
An important goal is the coordination of a personalized treatment plan into an organized whole—an approach that already is recommended in chronic pain but seldom achieved. The value of PAT is that not only is it inherently biopsychosocial but, when implemented well, it can be therapeutic at all three domains: biologic, psychologic, and interpersonal. As more clinical and preclinical studies are undertaken, we ought to keep in mind the complexity of chronic pain conditions and frame study design and outcome measurements to understand how they may fit into a broader biopsychosocial approach.
In closing, we argue that we must remain steadfast rather than become overwhelmed when confronted with the complexity of pain syndromes. We must appreciate and even embrace this complex biopsychosocial system. In so doing, novel approaches, such as PAT, that emphasize meeting complexity with complexity may be developed and refined. This could lead to meaningful improvements for millions of people who suffer with chronic pain. More broadly, this could also support a shift in medicine that transcends the confines of a predominantly materialist-reductionist approach—one that may extend to the many other complex chronic illnesses that comprise the burden of suffering and cost in modern-day healthcare.

Original Source

Hypothesis and Theory: Chronic pain as an emergent property of a complex system and the potential roles of psychedelic therapies Frontiers in Pain Research: Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Pain [Apr 2024]

submitted by NeuronsToNirvana to NeuronsToNirvana [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 06:53 Misfit-for-Hire Misfit's Sober Songs #194 - Year of the Cat

Sober Song #194
Year of the Cat - Al Stewart

My mental music video for “Year of the Cat” is a little hazy and blurry, like a fantasy dream or a movie from the 80s on VHS. That’s probably because it has the vibes of both those things. It’s very manic pixie dream girl in its description of the woman who “came in the Year of the Cat”. She’s enchanting, beautiful, spontaneous (“She doesn't give you time for questions / As she locks up your arm in hers / And you follow 'till your sense of which direction / Completely disappears”). She’s described in a lot of nature-based terms, making her sound otherworldly (“And her eyes shine / Like the moon in the sea, she comes in incense / And patchouli”). The other character in the song ultimately pushes aside pedestrian things like catching the bus in favor of hanging out longer with this amazing mystery person (“Well, morning comes and you're still with her / And the bus and the tourists are gone / And you've thrown away your choice and lost your ticket”). I think this type of story is common for a reason: we’d all kind of like to have an exciting stranger sweep us out of our boring lives into something more intense or romantic. It’s a desire to have one beautiful, all-encompassing solution to all of life’s problems. That desire, or rather having it thwarted, can be a drinking trigger if I get too invested. Especially if I am trying to find a person to fill all the gaps in my life. Life is messy and people are fallible, so how could the desire NOT be eventually thwarted? The Year of the Cat is from the Vietnamese zodiac cycle (replaces the rabbit from the Chinese zodiac). Zodiacs and astrology are yet more efforts to feel secure in a chaotic world, a wish to believe that the stars and the years influence human affairs in predictable ways. This song reminds me that neither the stars nor any other person have the power to fix all my problems.

On a morning from a Bogart movie
In a country where they turn back time
You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre
Contemplating a crime

She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running
Like a watercolor in the rain
Don't bother asking for explanations!
She'll just tell you that she came
In the Year of the Cat

She doesn't give you time for questions
As she locks up your arm in hers
And you follow 'till your sense of which direction
Completely disappears

By the blue tiled walls near the market stalls
There's a hidden door she leads you to
These days, she says: "I feel my life!"
Just like a river running through
The Year of the Cat

Well, she looks at you so coolly
And her eyes shine
Like the moon in the sea, she comes in incense
And patchouli
So, you take her
To find what's waiting inside
The Year of the Cat

Well, morning comes and you're still with her
And the bus and the tourists are gone
And you've thrown away your choice and lost your ticket
So, you have to stay on

But, the drum-beat strains of the night remain
In the rhythm of the new-born day
You know sometime you're bound to leave her
But, for now you're going to stay
In the Year of the Cat

I wish I could stay in the Year of the Cat, but unfortunately, I have to figure out how to get along in the real world. I’m a little resentful about it sometimes, but that’s just because I’m such a fucking Scorpio. IWNDWYT <3

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2024.05.19 06:37 hamPvocaloid Miku Expo Europe 2024 predictions/ wishlist

There's a small chance that I'll get to go to Miku Expo in Brussals so I thought it'd be fun to make a hypothetical setlist for it (though if we're being realistic the setlist will most likely stay the same lol)
Miku Expo 2024 Europe setlist prediction:
Miku
Hibikase
Unhappy Refrain
Deep sea city underground
Ego rock or Telecaster B Boy
Death should not have taken thee
Mikaboshi
My love is hellfire
Midnight Surf or Wintery winds
Magical Cure Love Shot
(three alternating miku expo contest/ theme songs)
Luka Luka Night Fever
Ai Dee
Gimme Gimme or drop pop candy
(Band Intro)
knife
World is Mine
Weekender Girl
Tell your world
Intergalactic Bound
(Encore)
imaginary love story
Highlight

submitted by hamPvocaloid to Vocaloid [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 06:25 Dry-Illustrator5292 Venerable Minh Tue and the Practice from a Buddhist Perspective

A few years ago, I had the chance to learn about Venerable Minh Tue through the YouTube channel Nhan Ga Vlogs. The videos show the monk in a cave at Mount San (Nha Trang), near my home. In these videos, the Venerable does not preach or talk about himself. He only answers questions and shares his journey of practice honestly. What I am most interested in are his insights on practice and discipline. I realized that Venerable Minh Tue has read extensively and understands the Nikaya scriptures deeply, practicing according to the Buddha's teachings. This led me to conclude that he is a true monk.
Today, Venerable Minh Tue is known by many (I prefer not to use the word "famous" for a monastic) and has widespread influence, reaching beyond national borders. The story of Venerable Minh Tue has become hotter than ever, flooding social media with videos and images of him. This has sparked a variety of opinions, ranging from admiration and respect to criticism and contempt. Many paths of human experience!
Fortunately, those who think negatively about him are still a minority.
Venerable Minh Tue practices the ascetic path of Dhutanga. Some people look at his conduct and attire and criticize him as crazy, self-mortifying, lacking wisdom, and not following the Middle Way that the Buddha encouraged. However, these critics do not realize that Venerable Minh Tue is practicing according to the correct Dharma, following the teachings of the original scriptures. He has abandoned family life, living a pure and simple life, renouncing all attachments, and practicing minimalism and contentment. People confuse the ascetic practices of Dhutanga with the severe austerities the Buddha practiced during his six years of seeking enlightenment. Those severe practices involved extreme self-mortification, causing great physical pain (originating from Brahmanism). Thus, Dhutanga in a sense is a precursor to the Middle Way and still closely aligns with it.
Many argue that monastic life should prioritize wisdom over physical asceticism. However, they confuse worldly wisdom with Buddhist wisdom. Worldly wisdom is human cognitive ability, derived from genetics and education, whereas Buddhist wisdom is only revealed when a practitioner strictly adheres to precepts. Observance of precepts leads to concentration, and concentration leads to wisdom. Therefore, the Buddha said, "Where there is virtue, there is wisdom and vice versa."
The core of practicing Dhutanga is to end all defilements and impurities. This practice helps the practitioner guard the senses, not being influenced by circumstances, gradually eliminating greed, hatred, and delusion. That is why monastics eat only one meal a day (reducing greed for food), sleep sitting (reducing the desire for sleep, as lying down can lead to deep, excessive sleep), and wear three robes (actually one set, the minimum requirement, reducing attachment to clothing).
Some criticize why a Dhutanga practitioner does not live alone in the forest but wanders across the country. The answer is that finding forests in Vietnam today like in the Buddha's time is impossible. Venerable Minh Tue has also spent time in seclusion on Mount San. So why does he choose to walk across the country? He answers that it is to "train and maintain health." In a deeper understanding, he is practicing the true Dharma of the Tathagata. Walking helps him to be mindful of body, feelings, mind, and phenomena; living in hardship, experiencing suffering, and understanding the cause of suffering leads to the end of suffering, rather than hoping to escape suffering to find happiness.
On his journey, if he is tempted by material possessions, money, or beauty, it means that desire has arisen; if he feels troubled by the crowd, it means anger has arisen. Therefore, solitary retreat alone may not necessarily help control the mind when faced with worldly temptations.
Many people also question the social utility of his wanderings. If everyone did as he does, who would produce food? These questions are shortsighted and self-serving.
What have we done for society? Everyone contributes to society in varying degrees, and human values are not solely measured by material contributions but also by spiritual ones. Typically, what we do is visible and beneficial to ourselves and our families. In contrast, what Venerable Minh Tue has done for society is far more significant and evident:

He has helped many people see the image of original Buddhism and the monastic life of the Buddha.
He serves as a mirror reflecting the true nature of some "fraudulent monks," "transaction monks," and "advisory monks."
He has awakened many who were lost in false doctrines, bringing them back to the light of the true Dharma.
He has maintained faith in Buddhism for many and earned the admiration of followers of other religions.
He has inspired many to reflect on themselves, reducing greed, hatred, and delusion in their lives. Some have even given up everything to follow his path.
In a way, he has brought people closer and fostered social harmony.

If society could follow his example, it would be wonderful. Then, I believe, society would not only have food and clothing but also a more peaceful and happy life. However, few people can do what he does!
Some people question why he refers to himself as "con" (child) instead of "thầy" (teacher).
First, he has chosen the path of renunciation, no longer bound by monastic duties at a temple, and does not consider himself anyone's teacher to avoid influencing others and bureaucratic issues.
Second, the self-reference "thầy" among monks and laypeople today is merely a convention in communication. There is no binding requirement. In essence, it is a cultural practice in Vietnamese language, while in English, it is just "I-You," or in Chinese, "Wǒ 我 - Nǐ 你." Some high-ranking monks still refer to themselves as "tôi" (I) or their Dharma names when teaching. Venerable Minh Tue's use of "con" with everyone demonstrates his practice of humility, renouncing the ego, which is the spirit of selflessness.
Currently, wherever he goes, hundreds to thousands of people follow, including many YouTubers, TikTokers, and Facebookers. This has raised concerns about security and disruptions to his practice.
I believe we should not rush to blame or criticize those creating social media content. Let's see the positive side, for without them, how could the beautiful image of a true monk spread? In this era, spreading the Dharma and sharing good things are more effective with the support of media and social networks. How else would Vietnamese Buddhists know about the teachings of monks like Phap Hoa or Tinh Khong and other high-ranking monks?
Moreover, their gathering is also a test for Venerable Minh Tue to practice mind control. If he starts feeling important, central, or like a star due to attention and veneration, he immediately falls into ego clinging and arrogance. If he gets annoyed by the crowd, it means anger has arisen. These situations are ultimate tests on the path of precepts and mindfulness. Observing him, no matter how hard the walk, his face remains serene with a smile. Perhaps he has attained tranquility.
Some people express sympathy for him, tearfully seeing him bareheaded, barefoot, under the sun and rain. This emotional response is understandable but from a worldly perspective. Choosing the path of asceticism makes him feel internal joy, and these hardships help him approach enlightenment.
Some worry about him facing dangers from dark forces. Don't worry; choosing this path requires great courage. Didn't he say, "If I'm allowed to live, I'll continue to practice"? This shows fearlessness as he has thoroughly understood impermanence and selflessness. What we should care about is whether he has truly attained this mindset. If he has, Nirvana is not far away. Therefore, we should rejoice.
I predict that at some stage, after experiencing suffering and training body and mind, Venerable Minh Tue might retreat into seclusion to achieve enlightenment. Once precepts are fully observed, meditation is necessary to attain concentration.
Certainly, his influence has reduced the income of some fraudulent monks, who might even have to sell cars and land. Therefore, it is not surprising that efforts to defame and harm Venerable Minh Tue are intensifying. Initially, they fabricated stories of false monasticism with staged filming. They ridiculed his robe, calling it "plot selling land," or criticized his rice cooker as an unofficial alms bowl. But they fail to understand that he has reached a state of non-attachment, indifferent to shame or ridicule. Having chosen a renunciant life, living without family, sleeping in cemeteries, overcoming family ties is the greatest obstacle.
The meanest tactic they use is labeling him as an agent of foreign anti-government organizations, portraying him as a beggar monk to undermine Vietnamese Buddhism and the nation.
I must say, Vietnamese Buddhism is undermined by fraudulent monks, tolerated and supported. They exploit karma and reincarnation theories, distorting and frightening the ignorant with horrific afterlife scenarios. They continue exploiting donations as a way to resolve karmic debts, seeking blessings, and accumulating merit, the more money, the better, even encouraging devotees to donate entire houses to temples and live simply elsewhere. In short, just donate.
Therefore, the purification of fraudulent monks will be the revival of Vietnamese Buddhism.
Praising Venerable Minh Tue's practice does not mean devaluing other practices of true monks in the country. Each has different capacities and vows, so not everyone can be the same. Every individual is here to fulfill a unique mission.
If the standard of a monk is virtue, clearly, the one who practices surpasses the one who understands. Practicing Dhutanga is a great merit, rarely achieved. Therefore, praising and respecting virtue is right but not deifying or idolizing Venerable Minh Tuệ at this moment, as this would lead to wrong views and contradict the spirit of Buddhism.
To understand the significance of practicing Dhutanga, let me quote the Buddha's praise of Venerable Kasyapa's practice:
“Well done! Well done, Kasyapa! You have brought great benefit and saved innumerable beings, extending this to all the realms of gods and men. Why? Kasyapa, if this ascetic practice remains in the world, then my teachings will also remain long in the world. If my teachings remain in the world, then the path to the heavenly realm will increase, and the three evil paths will diminish. Likewise, the noble paths of Sotapanna, Sakadagami, Anagami, and the Three Vehicles will also remain in the world. Monks, you should practice as Kasyapa does.
Thus, monks, you should learn this.” (4)
Notes: (1) In the Samannaphala Sutta, Kinh Chung Đức (2) Also known as Prajna Wisdom (3) In the Kinh Chung Đức (4) In the Ekottara Agama, Volume I
Nha Trang, May 10, 2024 Nguyen Thanh Huy Email: [thanhhuy1979@gmail.com]()
Editor's Note: (*) Currently a lecturer in the Department of Linguistics at the University.

submitted by Dry-Illustrator5292 to MonkMinhTue [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 05:58 safwan105 The two youngest teams in the playoffs had a 17 and 18 point lead.

Personally, nothing to be ashamed about. I think this is where Orlando and OKC both showed their inexperience on that front. I'm still super impressed by OKC playing way older than their age still for a lot of the playoffs. But it's really funny to me since they both gave up super similar leads, 17 and 18.
Edit: Should add elimination game lead too
Sources: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunde2024/05/18/thunder-mavericks-score-updates-game-6-nba-playoffs-today-predictions/73748913007/
https://www.nba.com/game/orl-vs-cle-0042300137

submitted by safwan105 to nba [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 05:43 BWarned_Seattle The thrice cursed zombies have been laid to rest for another season.

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunde2024/05/18/thunder-mavericks-score-updates-game-6-nba-playoffs-today-predictions/73748913007/
I curse thee OKC. 3 times I curse thee to no rings until what was stolen has been repaid threefold.

submitted by BWarned_Seattle to NBATalk [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 04:15 xnick_uy Top 10 features that would greatly improve Hearthstone if they were added (according to me)

There are a lot of things I would really like to see IN the game that I feel are missing. You shouldn't need to use external tools to get most of these features. Here they are, in no particular order:
1.- 😺🤥 REPLAYS of our games that you can review at your own pace or share with other people.
2.- 😎 A LOBBY where players can join to different channels and organize games between them, for example.
3.- 🚍 More COMMUNICATION options against an opponent, like a greater variety of emotes, rematch option, "reveal my hand", etc.
4.- 💥💚 Encourage DECK BUILDING and variety. There should be a strong incentive to get around and play with a new custom deck (I'm against Autocomplete when creating decks and the pre-made decks, but that's another story). "The Collection" could seriously use a re-vamp, but let's leave that for another time.
5.- 🥇🥈🥉 Have the player's ACHIEVEMENTS provide exclusive cosmetic features to use as a symbol of prestige (like exclusive card backs for completing some old solo adventures).
6.- 💤🤴 Improved GAME HISTORY during games. The list of actions is ridiculously limited, possibly confusing, and doesn't do its job. And add one to Battlegrounds too, while we're at it.
7.- 📖📚 RULES explained in the game. There are many, many interactions with different mechanics, board states, and cards that cannot be predicted with the information provided in the tooltips or game tutorials alone.
8.- 🏜⏳ A SANDBOX space where players can configure the board, their own and opponent's hands, mana, decks, etc. This helps test rare interactions between cards of different classes, for example.
9.- 🃏🎴 Built-in DECK TRACKER. Nuff said.
10.- 🧜‍♂️🧛‍♀️ANNOUNCEMENTS for new expansions and events should appear within the game, IMHO, and 🐔👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 FEEDBACK to the game developers should be part of the game, instead of having to rely on social media. Opinion polls on cards, classes, expansions, etc. should be conducted primarily among Hearthstone players.
Before commenting, recall that the above are just opinions (obviously), and are presented in no particular order. I would love to hear what you have to say about these, guys.

submitted by xnick_uy to hearthstone [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 04:05 800twa I blundered my DP1 Year. What do I do?

Hello. I think over the past year I've made atleast 2 mistakes.
The first was taking IB in the first place, the second was taking Math AA HL thinking I was built for it. Long story short I was not built for it, and It's the only class i'm currently failing. My grades in my other classes are also subpar, Ds and Cs with a B+ in French B HL. I have 1 month before my finals, and I'm really worried about my math grade. However, you can probably tell that I'm procrastinating studying for those tests just because I'm writing for advice here.
I'm also a little worried about Uni, as I'm thinking my predicted grades and grade transcript would make my admissions officer immediately fold my application in half and slam dunk it in the bin.
So, what do I do in my position? Other than 'Study and somehow get a good enough grade in the final to pass math.' Essentially, all my chances of passing the year are riding on my math finals but I'm not confident in getting any score above a 4, so please give me some advice.

submitted by 800twa to IBO [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 01:20 2ndCatch What playoff teams do you see taking a step back next year?

As a counterpart to a post I saw earlier today about play-in/fringe teams that are expected to take a leap forwards next season, which teams are expected to fall in the standings next year, either due to significant personnel changes, over reliance on aging talent, or more competition in their conference/division.
I’ll split my own thoughts between the two divisions and give my predictions for placements for some teams, but they’re obviously just projections so don’t get mad if your team ends up being on the list.
—————————

Eastern Conference

Chicago Bulls
The Bulls don’t look like they’re doing anything major this offseason, other than trying to move Zach Lavine, and with his contract being what it is, I don’t expect him to be the type of asset that teams will be paying much of a premium for.
The Bulls would do well to commit to the tank in preparation for a pretty good looking 2025 draft class, but I’d only expect them to be slightly worse given that the front office (inexplicably) doesn’t seem keen to totally blow up their roster.
Prediction: 11th in the East.
Atlanta Hawks
I actually can see the Hawks committing to a bigger rebuild seeing as they’ve jumped to grab the #1 pick in this year’s draft.
Jalen Johnson is an interesting young player and it seems like it might be time to sell on players like Clint Capela (who has had a lacklustre couple of seasons) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (who is on the older side, but should have very good value for competitors due to his fantastic production this season).
They will also almost definitely move on from one of their star duo, and if it’s Trae Young that’s moved, they’ll likely be going into the 2024/25 season with a hoard of future picks and a significantly different roster.
Prediction: 12th in the East.
Miami Heat
Miami is an odd case because they have dealt with a fair amount of injury trouble this season, and you can never really count out a team coached by Spo.
That said, Jimmy Butler isn’t getting any younger (if he is resigned by the Heat in the first place), and Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier are entering their 30s too. I don’t expect Miami to be much worse than they were this year, but if their key players miss time like they did this season, they might slip into the lower play-in bracket as the younger teams in the East improve.
Prediction: 9th/10th place in the East.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs is less of a case of them being much worse, but I simply trust the teams around them (Pacers, Magic, 76ers, Knicks) to progress more than them next year.
Another uncertainty is the roster, which is about to be significantly retooled following the recent 2nd round exit. If Mitchell resigns, then it’s likely Garland will be moved. Allen may also be traded soon as the Cavs move on from their twin towers experiment.
Even if the Cavs do shift their young talent for win now pieces, the new team will need time to gel, and with the rest of the east getting better, I think the Cavs could be fighting to avoid the play-in next season.
Prediction: 5th-7th place in the East.
Bonus Prediction if Mitchell does not re-sign: 8th-10th place in the East, as they lean more into player development for Garland/Mobley.
—————————

Western Conference

Los Angeles Clippers
This season seemed like an ‘end of the road’ kind of season for the Clippers, who looked like world beaters before the familiar story of injuries and postseason struggles cut short their season.
The Clippers core is largely made up of aging, injury prone stars, one of whom, Paul George, is not under contract yet, and the other, Kawhi Leonard, hasn’t been able to string together a healthy season + postseason in almost 5 years.
I’m sure Ballmer will want to remain somewhat competitive to fill up the swanky new Intuit Dome, but with Memphis re-entering the Arena next season, and the Rockets young core taking a step forward, a team lead by Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and maybe Paul George, all of whom are entering the twilight of their careers, could be wrestling with the play-in.
Prediction: 6th-8th in the West.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors had a hell of a run, but now more than ever it seems like it’s time to look the future.
Another team reliant on an aging star core, the Warriors 3 cornerstone players have all shown signs of slowing down (relative to their own standards). Klay Thompson looks significantly slower on defense and has been a much more streaky shooter this season than in any other season of his career. Draymond Green still has a fantastic basketball mind, but age and on court antics remain an issue.
Even Steph Curry had a poor shooting stretch towards the end of the season, and while he will likely still make an All-NBA team this year, this year maybe be one of the last for the all-time great.
Brandon Podziemski, Trayce-Jackson David, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga (who has shown fringe all-star level potential in very short spurts) are interesting young players, but I don’t expect them to be able or ready to lead the Warriors out of the gauntlet that the West is turning into.
Prediction: 11th/12th in the West
Phoenix Suns
Another team, another case of aging stars.
The Suns showed a late resurgence towards the end of this regular season, but fell short in their first round matchup with the Timberwolves.
Team ownership has echoed a wish to retool and run it back rather than make any big moves this offseason, but the Suns do face some glaring roster construction issues.
The Suns lack a dedicated point guard and lack size, doubly so with Jusuf Nurkic’s future with the team looking uncertain. New Coach Bud has echoed a wish to try and obtain a point guard this offseason, but it may be tough to acquire a quality option with the Suns current cap issues.
Regardless, the Suns three stars will have to learn to play off one another better, and with Beal and KD both being on the older side and having had past injury issues, Phoenix will have to fight hard to beat back younger teams vying for good play-in seeding.
Prediction: 8/9th in the West.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are the most unpredictable team in this list for me, mostly because GM Rob Pelinka constantly reminding us of the Lakers three tradeable first round picks this summer, and that he won’t be afraid to use them should a star become available (cough cough… Donovan Mitchell, cough… Trae Young).
With all that said, my current predictions are that Mitchell will resign, and that another team will be able to put together a better offer for Trae than Austin Reaves + salary filler + the aforementioned 3 picks.
In that case, there are three questions hanging over the Lakers performance next season:

How many games will Anthony Davis play?

AD missed very few games this season and played fantastically, but his health will always be something that will be closely monitored.

How long will LeBron still be LeBron?

How much can we expect from old man James, now entering his 22nd NBA season.

Which (if any) of the role players will step up?

Austin Reaves and DiAngelo Russell (postseason woes aside) played relatively well through the regular season. With DLo likely to test free agency this offseason, someone else may need to step up.
Prediction: 9th-11th in the West.
—————————
Interested in seeing others picks and justifications, as well as thoughts on the predictions above.

submitted by 2ndCatch to nba [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 00:44 Al_Ibramiya How Do Primary Jewish Sources Work?

Hello
I'm researching various Abrahamic religions, and I want to understand the methodologies behind Jewish sources and the conclusions derived from them.
Although I'm not Muslim (I'm Catholic), I'll use an example from Islam to illustrate what I'm looking for, as it seems externally similar to Judaism and I have some knowledge on the subject.
In Islam, there is the Quran, which Muslims believe is the revelation from God to the Prophet (p) through the angel Gabriel. Apart from this document, there are compilations of books called Hadiths, which are stories from the Prophet (p). These books contain a variety of content since they are not of a single nature; they are usually divided into sections but often consist of paragraphs that can say several things.
In a Hadith, you might find a story of the Prophet (p) or previous stories, exegesis of the Quran, predictions, commandments of the Prophet (p), etc. The sections do not affect the numbering; some books go from 1 to +7000 Hadiths. As I mentioned, you can find a wide range of topics without a very strict order, and usually, Hadiths don't depend on the surrounding narrations. For example, Hadith 5 doesn't depend on 6, and 6 doesn't depend on 7, etc. Typically, all the context is contained within each narration. In some cases, they combine Hadiths that are just variations of the same narrative with some details by adding a letter to them; for example, if Hadith 7a mentions drums, Hadith 7b might mention flutes, but the rest is exactly the same.
These Hadiths are verified for authenticity by a chain of transmitters. For example, a friend of the Prophet (p) tells a story to another person, who tells it to another, and so on until a Hadith compiler writes it down in his book. To verify the authenticity of a Hadith, the biographies of the transmitters and the continuity of the transmissions are carefully checked.
Beyond the Hadiths, there are other early Islamic books, such as biographies of the prophet (p) and/or his companions with a different structure from the Hadiths, exegesis of the Quran (tafsir), and so on. Modern authors also write books about these topics, like contemporary tafsirs, compilations of different hadiths, laws compilation, etc.
There are consensus systems among scholars, universities, and influential figures like Al-Albani. Regarding divisions, I don't know much. As far as I understand, the divisions were not made for purely theological reasons but also for pelitikal ones, with Shi'ites having their own chains of transmission, and so on, similar to the Ibadis; and their hadiths doesn't apply to one division to another. Hadith libraries can become immense but usually only a few books (such as Muslim and Bukhari for Sunnis and Kafi for Shiites) are counted, the rest are used little to nothing
Also there are Quranists who doesn't believe in all of this and only have their Quran with their own intepretation.

submitted by Al_Ibramiya to Judaism [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 00:44 softtechhubus Unlocking Passive Income Streams: Strategies for Financial Freedom

Unlocking Passive Income Streams: Strategies for Financial Freedom in 2024

https://preview.redd.it/lmko4rpsj91d1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5199074a017b6d10c63705a11e1c2f6f9be4a12d
In today's fast-paced world, where job security is no longer a certainty and traditional employment models are evolving, the quest for financial freedom has become more crucial than ever. One of the most effective ways to achieve this goal is by establishing multiple streams of passive income – sources of revenue that require minimal effort to maintain once set up. This article delves into various strategies for earning passive income online, providing actionable steps for each method.

Section 1: Understanding Passive Income

What is Passive Income?

Passive income refers to earnings generated from sources that do not require active involvement or labor once the initial effort has been put in. Unlike active income, which is earned through traditional employment or self-employment, passive income continues to flow in even when you're not actively working. This concept has gained immense popularity in recent years as more individuals seek ways to break free from the constraints of the 9-to-5 grind and achieve financial independence.

Benefits of Passive Income

The allure of passive income lies in its ability to provide a consistent revenue stream with minimal ongoing effort. Here are some of the key benefits of building passive income sources:

Financial Freedom: Passive income can supplement or even replace traditional employment income, allowing you to achieve financial independence and pursue your passions without worrying about money.
Diversification: By diversifying your income streams, you reduce your reliance on a single source of income, mitigating risks and providing a safety net in case one stream dries up.
Scalability: Many passive income strategies can be scaled up, allowing you to increase your earnings without proportionally increasing your workload.
Lifestyle Flexibility: With passive income, you can enjoy greater flexibility in your lifestyle, as you are not tied to a specific location or schedule.

Passive Income vs. Active Income

While both passive and active income contribute to your overall financial well-being, they differ in several ways:

Effort Required: Active income requires ongoing effort and labor, while passive income requires initial effort to set up but minimal ongoing work.
Time Commitment: Active income is directly tied to the time you invest in working, whereas passive income can generate revenue even when you're not actively working.
Scalability: Active income is limited by the number of hours you can work, while passive income can be scaled up more easily by leveraging systems and automation.
Risk Diversification: Passive income streams provide diversification, reducing the risk of relying solely on active income from a single source.

By combining active and passive income sources, you can create a well-rounded financial portfolio that provides stability, flexibility, and the potential for long-term wealth building.

Section 2: Popular Passive Income Strategies

There are numerous ways to generate passive income, ranging from traditional investment vehicles to modern online opportunities. Let's explore some of the most popular strategies:

Subsection 2.1: Real Estate Investments

Real estate has long been a favored passive income source for many investors. By owning rental properties, you can generate a steady stream of rental income with minimal effort once the property is acquired and tenants are in place.

Description

Real estate investments can take various forms, including:

Rental Properties: Purchasing residential or commercial properties and renting them out to tenants.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Investing in companies that own and operate income-producing real estate.
Crowdfunding Real Estate Platforms: Pooling funds with other investors to purchase income-generating properties.

Steps to Get Started

Getting started with real estate investments involves the following steps:

Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough market research to identify profitable investment opportunities and evaluate potential risks.
Financing: Secure financing through traditional mortgages, private lenders, or alternative financing options.
Property Management: Hire a professional property management company or handle tenant screening, maintenance, and rent collection yourself.
Ongoing Monitoring: Regularly review your investment performance and adjust your strategy as needed.

While real estate investments can be lucrative, they also require significant upfront capital and carry inherent risks, such as vacancies, property maintenance, and market fluctuations.

Subsection 2.2: Stock Market Investments

Investing in the stock market is another popular way to generate passive income. By carefully selecting dividend-paying stocks or investing in index funds, you can earn regular income from your investments.

Description

Stock market investments for passive income can take the following forms:

Dividend Stocks: Owning shares in companies that distribute a portion of their profits to shareholders in the form of dividends.
Index Funds: Investing in low-cost, diversified funds that track the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500.
Mutual Funds: Professionally managed investment funds that hold a diverse portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other securities.

Steps to Get Started

To start investing in the stock market for passive income, follow these steps:

Open a Brokerage Account: Choose a reputable online brokerage platform that suits your investment needs and budget.
Research and Select Investments: Conduct thorough research on potential investments, considering factors such as dividend yield, historical performance, and risk profile.
Develop an Investment Strategy: Determine your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, and create a diversified portfolio accordingly.
Regularly Monitor and Rebalance: Periodically review your investments and rebalance your portfolio as needed to maintain your desired asset allocation.

While stock market investments offer the potential for passive income and long-term growth, they also carry market risks, and returns are not guaranteed.

Subsection 2.3: Online Businesses

The rise of the internet has opened up a world of opportunities for generating passive income through online businesses. From e-commerce to affiliate marketing, these ventures can be lucrative and scalable once established.

Description

Popular online business models for passive income include:

E-commerce: Building and operating an online store that sells physical or digital products.
Dropshipping: A retail fulfillment model where products are shipped directly from the supplier to the customer, eliminating the need for inventory management.
Affiliate Marketing: Earning commissions by promoting other companies' products or services through your website, social media, or other online platforms.

Steps to Get Started

Starting an online business for passive income involves the following steps:

Choose a Business Model: Evaluate different online business models and select one that aligns with your interests, skills, and goals.
Conduct Market Research: Identify a profitable niche, analyze the competition, and assess the demand for your products or services.
Build an Online Presence: Create a professional website, set up e-commerce platforms, and establish a strong online brand.
Implement Marketing Strategies: Utilize effective marketing techniques, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and email marketing, to drive traffic and sales.
Automate Processes: Leverage tools and software to automate repetitive tasks, streamlining operations and freeing up time for scaling and growth.

While online businesses offer flexibility and scalability, they require upfront effort, consistent marketing, and adaptability to changing market trends and consumer preferences.

Section 3: Digital Products and Courses

In the digital age, creating and selling digital products and online courses have become lucrative passive income streams. By leveraging your expertise and knowledge, you can create valuable resources that generate ongoing revenue with minimal ongoing effort.

Subsection 3.1: Creating and Selling E-books

E-books have emerged as a popular and accessible way to share knowledge, expertise, or creative works while earning passive income. With the rise of self-publishing platforms and the growing popularity of e-readers, the e-book market has become a viable avenue for authors and subject matter experts.

Description

E-books can cover a wide range of topics, including:

Non-Fiction: Self-help, business, personal development, and educational content.
Fiction: Novels, short stories, and creative writing across various genres.
Reference Materials: Guides, manuals, and instructional resources.

Steps to Get Started

To start earning passive income through e-book sales, follow these steps:

Choose Your Topic: Identify a niche or subject area where you have expertise or a unique perspective to offer.
Write and Edit: Craft a high-quality e-book by writing compelling content, ensuring proper formatting, and editing for clarity and accuracy.
Design and Format: Create an attractive cover design and properly format your e-book for different platforms and devices.
Self-Publish: Upload your e-book to popular self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Barnes & Noble Press, or Apple Books. These platforms handle the distribution and sale of your e-book.
Market and Promote: Implement effective marketing strategies, such as social media promotion, email marketing, and leveraging influencers or book bloggers to reach your target audience.

While e-book sales may start slow, with consistent effort and effective promotion, you can build a passive income stream that continues to generate revenue over time.

Subsection 3.2: Developing Online Courses

In today's knowledge-driven economy, sharing your expertise through online courses has become a lucrative passive income opportunity. With the rise of e-learning platforms and the increasing demand for remote education, creating and selling online courses can be a rewarding venture.

Description

Online courses can cover a wide range of topics, including:

Professional Skills: Business, marketing, programming, design, and other career-related subjects.
Personal Development: Health, fitness, productivity, and self-improvement topics.
Creative Pursuits: Photography, art, music, writing, and other creative disciplines.

Steps to Get Started

To develop and sell online courses as a passive income stream, follow these steps:

Identify Your Niche: Determine the subject area where you possess valuable knowledge or expertise that others are willing to pay for.
Plan and Structure Your Course: Outline the course content, breaking it down into modules or lessons, and determine the format (videos, text, assignments, etc.).
Create Course Materials: Develop high-quality course content, including video lectures, presentations, worksheets, and other supporting materials.
Choose a Platform: Select an online course platform like Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare to host and sell your course.
Market and Promote: Utilize effective marketing strategies, such as social media promotion, email marketing, and leveraging influencers or industry experts to reach your target audience.

While creating an online course requires upfront effort, once it's launched, you can earn passive income as students enroll and purchase your course. Additionally, you can continually update and improve your course over time to maintain its relevance and value.

Section 4: Automated Systems for Passive Income

In the digital age, leveraging automated systems and software tools has become a powerful way to generate passive income. By harnessing the power of technology, you can streamline processes, automate tasks, and create income-generating systems that operate with minimal ongoing effort.

Subsection 4.1: Utilizing Software and Tools

There are various software and tools available that can automate income-generating tasks, freeing up your time and enabling you to earn passive income more efficiently.

Description

Some examples of automated systems and tools for passive income include:

Affiliate Marketing Platforms: Software that automates the process of promoting and tracking affiliate links, enabling you to earn commissions from product or service sales.
Email Autoresponders: Tools that allow you to create and send automated email sequences, nurturing leads and promoting offers without manual intervention.
Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Conversational AI-powered systems that can handle customer inquiries, provide product recommendations, and even facilitate sales.
Content Syndication Tools: Platforms that automatically distribute your content across multiple channels, increasing reach and generating passive income through advertising or affiliate marketing.

Steps to Get Started

To leverage automated systems and tools for passive income, follow these steps:

Identify Suitable Tools: Research and evaluate various software and tools that align with your passive income goals and strategies.
Learn and Implement: Dedicate time to learning how to effectively use the chosen tools, following tutorials, guides, and best practices.
Integrate and Automate: Set up the tools and systems to automate specific tasks or processes, creating streamlined workflows for passive income generation.
Monitor and Optimize: Regularly monitor the performance of your automated systems, gathering data and insights to optimize and improve their effectiveness over time.

While automated systems and tools require an initial investment of time and resources to set up, they can significantly amplify your passive income potential by automating repetitive tasks and enabling your income streams to operate with minimal ongoing effort.

Section 5: Case Studies and Success Stories

To illustrate the potential of passive income strategies and inspire you on your journey, let's explore some real-life case studies and success stories:

Example 1: Real Estate Investor Achieves Financial Freedom

Sarah, a former corporate employee, had always dreamed of achieving financial freedom and escaping the 9-to-5 grind. After careful planning and research, she ventured into real estate investing by purchasing her first rental property. Over the years, Sarah reinvested her profits and expanded her portfolio, eventually owning multiple rental properties across different markets.
Today, Sarah earns a substantial passive income from her real estate investments, allowing her to quit her corporate job and pursue her passions. She spends her time traveling, volunteering, and enjoying her newfound freedom while her properties generate steady rental income.

Example 2: Online Entrepreneur Builds Multiple Income Streams

John, a tech-savvy entrepreneur, recognized the power of the internet and the potential for passive income. He started by creating and selling digital products, such as e-books and online courses, leveraging his expertise in web development and design.
As his digital product sales grew, John reinvested his profits into building an e-commerce store, dropshipping products in high demand. He also ventured into affiliate marketing, promoting products and services through his website and social media channels.
Today, John enjoys a lifestyle of financial freedom, earning passive income from his diverse online ventures. He can work from anywhere in the world, while his automated systems and established income streams continue to generate revenue.
These success stories demonstrate that with dedication, strategic planning, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, it is possible to achieve financial freedom through passive income streams.

Conclusion

In the ever-changing landscape of the modern economy, diversifying your income sources and cultivating passive income streams has become increasingly crucial for achieving financial independence and freedom. From real estate investments and stock market opportunities to online businesses, digital products, and automated systems, the strategies outlined in this article provide a comprehensive guide to unlocking the potential of passive income.
It's important to remember that building sustainable passive income streams requires initial effort, dedication, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt. However, by taking the first step and consistently implementing the strategies that align with your goals and resources, you can gradually build a reliable foundation for passive income generation.
Embrace the power of passive income, and embark on a journey towards financial freedom. The path may not be easy, but the rewards of achieving a lifestyle free from the constraints of traditional employment are well worth the effort.

Recommendation

Lead-in

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Product Recommendation: AMZ Automator

One such system is the AMZ Automator, a revolutionary platform that uses an AI system to generate commissions by uploading done-for-you books to Amazon Kindle. With AMZ Automator, you can tap into the lucrative world of passive income with minimal effort and no upfront costs.

Brief Description

AMZ Automator eliminates the need for tech setup, manual work, or substantial investments. Its AI-powered system creates and uploads high-quality, ready-to-sell books to Amazon Kindle, enabling you to earn commissions with just a few clicks. The platform takes care of the entire process, from book creation to promotion and sales, allowing you to earn passive income while you sleep.

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Unlocking Passive Income Streams: Strategies for Financial Freedom in 2024
In today's fast-paced world, where job security is no longer a certainty and traditional employment models are evolving, the quest for financial freedom has become more crucial than ever. One of the most effective ways to achieve this goal is by establishing multiple streams of passive income – sources of revenue that require minimal effort to maintain once set up. This article delves into various strategies for earning passive income online, providing actionable steps for each method.

Section 1: Understanding Passive Income

What is Passive Income?

Benefits of Passive Income

The allure of passive income lies in its ability to provide a consistent revenue stream with minimal ongoing effort. Here are some of the key benefits of building passive income sources:

Financial Freedom: Passive income can supplement or even replace traditional employment income, allowing you to achieve financial independence and pursue your passions without worrying about money.
Diversification: By diversifying your income streams, you reduce your reliance on a single source of income, mitigating risks and providing a safety net in case one stream dries up.
Scalability: Many passive income strategies can be scaled up, allowing you to increase your earnings without proportionally increasing your workload.
Lifestyle Flexibility: With passive income, you can enjoy greater flexibility in your lifestyle, as you are not tied to a specific location or schedule.

Passive Income vs. Active Income

While both passive and active income contribute to your overall financial well-being, they differ in several ways:

Effort Required: Active income requires ongoing effort and labor, while passive income requires initial effort to set up but minimal ongoing work.
Time Commitment: Active income is directly tied to the time you invest in working, whereas passive income can generate revenue even when you're not actively working.
Scalability: Active income is limited by the number of hours you can work, while passive income can be scaled up more easily by leveraging systems and automation.
Risk Diversification: Passive income streams provide diversification, reducing the risk of relying solely on active income from a single source.

By combining active and passive income sources, you can create a well-rounded financial portfolio that provides stability, flexibility, and the potential for long-term wealth building.

Section 2: Popular Passive Income Strategies

There are numerous ways to generate passive income, ranging from traditional investment vehicles to modern online opportunities. Let's explore some of the most popular strategies:

Subsection 2.1: Real Estate Investments

Description

Real estate investments can take various forms, including:

Rental Properties: Purchasing residential or commercial properties and renting them out to tenants.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Investing in companies that own and operate income-producing real estate.
Crowdfunding Real Estate Platforms: Pooling funds with other investors to purchase income-generating properties.

Steps to Get Started

Getting started with real estate investments involves the following steps:

Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough market research to identify profitable investment opportunities and evaluate potential risks.
Financing: Secure financing through traditional mortgages, private lenders, or alternative financing options.
Property Management: Hire a professional property management company or handle tenant screening, maintenance, and rent collection yourself.
Ongoing Monitoring: Regularly review your investment performance and adjust your strategy as needed.

While real estate investments can be lucrative, they also require significant upfront capital and carry inherent risks, such as vacancies, property maintenance, and market fluctuations.

Subsection 2.2: Stock Market Investments

Description

Stock market investments for passive income can take the following forms:

Dividend Stocks: Owning shares in companies that distribute a portion of their profits to shareholders in the form of dividends.
Index Funds: Investing in low-cost, diversified funds that track the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500.
Mutual Funds: Professionally managed investment funds that hold a diverse portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other securities.

Steps to Get Started

To start investing in the stock market for passive income, follow these steps:

Open a Brokerage Account: Choose a reputable online brokerage platform that suits your investment needs and budget.
Research and Select Investments: Conduct thorough research on potential investments, considering factors such as dividend yield, historical performance, and risk profile.
Develop an Investment Strategy: Determine your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, and create a diversified portfolio accordingly.
Regularly Monitor and Rebalance: Periodically review your investments and rebalance your portfolio as needed to maintain your desired asset allocation.

While stock market investments offer the potential for passive income and long-term growth, they also carry market risks, and returns are not guaranteed.

Subsection 2.3: Online Businesses

Description

Popular online business models for passive income include:

E-commerce: Building and operating an online store that sells physical or digital products.
Dropshipping: A retail fulfillment model where products are shipped directly from the supplier to the customer, eliminating the need for inventory management.
Affiliate Marketing: Earning commissions by promoting other companies' products or services through your website, social media, or other online platforms.

Steps to Get Started

Starting an online business for passive income involves the following steps:

Choose a Business Model: Evaluate different online business models and select one that aligns with your interests, skills, and goals.
Conduct Market Research: Identify a profitable niche, analyze the competition, and assess the demand for your products or services.
Build an Online Presence: Create a professional website, set up e-commerce platforms, and establish a strong online brand.
Implement Marketing Strategies: Utilize effective marketing techniques, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and email marketing, to drive traffic and sales.
Automate Processes: Leverage tools and software to automate repetitive tasks, streamlining operations and freeing up time for scaling and growth.

While online businesses offer flexibility and scalability, they require upfront effort, consistent marketing, and adaptability to changing market trends and consumer preferences.

Section 3: Digital Products and Courses

Subsection 3.1: Creating and Selling E-books

Description

E-books can cover a wide range of topics, including:

Non-Fiction: Self-help, business, personal development, and educational content.
Fiction: Novels, short stories, and creative writing across various genres.
Reference Materials: Guides, manuals, and instructional resources.

Steps to Get Started

To start earning passive income through e-book sales, follow these steps:

Choose Your Topic: Identify a niche or subject area where you have expertise or a unique perspective to offer.
Write and Edit: Craft a high-quality e-book by writing compelling content, ensuring proper formatting, and editing for clarity and accuracy.
Design and Format: Create an attractive cover design and properly format your e-book for different platforms and devices.
Self-Publish: Upload your e-book to popular self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Barnes & Noble Press, or Apple Books. These platforms handle the distribution and sale of your e-book.
Market and Promote: Implement effective marketing strategies, such as social media promotion, email marketing, and leveraging influencers or book bloggers to reach your target audience.

While e-book sales may start slow, with consistent effort and effective promotion, you can build a passive income stream that continues to generate revenue over time.

Subsection 3.2: Developing Online Courses

Description

Online courses can cover a wide range of topics, including:

Professional Skills: Business, marketing, programming, design, and other career-related subjects.
Personal Development: Health, fitness, productivity, and self-improvement topics.
Creative Pursuits: Photography, art, music, writing, and other creative disciplines.

Steps to Get Started

To develop and sell online courses as a passive income stream, follow these steps:

Identify Your Niche: Determine the subject area where you possess valuable knowledge or expertise that others are willing to pay for.
Plan and Structure Your Course: Outline the course content, breaking it down into modules or lessons, and determine the format (videos, text, assignments, etc.).
Create Course Materials: Develop high-quality course content, including video lectures, presentations, worksheets, and other supporting materials.
Choose a Platform: Select an online course platform like Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare to host and sell your course.
Market and Promote: Utilize effective marketing strategies, such as social media promotion, email marketing, and leveraging influencers or industry experts to reach your target audience.

Section 4: Automated Systems for Passive Income

Subsection 4.1: Utilizing Software and Tools

There are various software and tools available that can automate income-generating tasks, freeing up your time and enabling you to earn passive income more efficiently.

Description

Some examples of automated systems and tools for passive income include:

Affiliate Marketing Platforms: Software that automates the process of promoting and tracking affiliate links, enabling you to earn commissions from product or service sales.
Email Autoresponders: Tools that allow you to create and send automated email sequences, nurturing leads and promoting offers without manual intervention.
Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Conversational AI-powered systems that can handle customer inquiries, provide product recommendations, and even facilitate sales.
Content Syndication Tools: Platforms that automatically distribute your content across multiple channels, increasing reach and generating passive income through advertising or affiliate marketing.

Steps to Get Started

To leverage automated systems and tools for passive income, follow these steps:

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submitted by softtechhubus to u/softtechhubus [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 00:34 MemoryOne1291 Shinjuku arc is well written, Gege is ccooking

https://preview.redd.it/cbdvot0jw81d1.png?width=1170&format=png&auto=webp&s=d7f0ca6a95359a4ea446132b1111ea1df54b9659
It seems like a lot of people are hating on Gege for his writing this arc , but the takes i see on why it’s bad are usually just terrible reading comprehension or extremely impatient. Imo this arc and shibuya are the Yorknew and Chimera and arc of jjk and y’all need to let Gege cook. Even culling games was well written but im not gonna get into that (we don’t talk about the military arc) .
Most of y’all hating on the “writing” this arc are just extremely impatient and don’t realize how quick the events taking place since chapter 223 are in jjk time. If we consider s4 starting off with Gojo vs sukuna, chapter 222-260 won’t be more than a couple of episodes. People saying this fight is “taking too long” fr gotta grow up , Gege giving chapters weekly is already goated. Other manga’s like berserk have months between chapters, but yall are just impatient and have to let Gege cook. I dont know if this is yalls first manga or something, but mangas take time to make.
All chapters since the generational jumping where yuji got his first black flash on sukuna have just been peak. Another point which gives Gege hate is sukuna being too strong and whatever. Narratively it’s just been shown since the first couple chapters that Sukuna was an absolute monster in his era. it’s been narratively shown again and again that Gojo and Sukuna are on another tier of their own when it comes to strength and theyve both been relative to one another. the jump betweeen grade 1 and special grade (people like Yuta and yuki) is minuscule compared to the jump from people like Yuta and yuki to Gojo and Sukuna , who are in their own tier. So no, yall impatient mfs can’t expect Sukuna who has been shown from the start to be the final villain to die this easily , and no the strongest character in the series being strong isn’t an "asspull", people assume this and assume that Sukuna is just a "fraud". And the “cycle being repetitive” literally just comes down to people being impatient. I don’t think yall realize how quick the events from higuramas fight - Miguel coming in was (which was the end of the cycle).
Another thing is that people literally just don’t give Gege time. I don’t think yall realize Gege has a vision for the story , yall just critique anything that hasn’t been fully developed on and calls it bad writing. Two examples is when apparently Gege “forgot” about the enchain binding vow so people call Gege a bad writer , but when the whole meguna thing happened, you never saw people complain about it again. Another one is yuji being too weak or not being the mc in his story. But when it was time for yujis awakening and it was revealed yuji was related to Sukuna , people forgot about that and go on to the next thing to hate Gege for. Seriously where did all those people calling Gege an ass writer for yuji not being the mc go since 256? Dont even get me started on the "gojo did nothing" where people were convinced gojos death was meaningless and called gege a shit writer until yuta confirmed they all wouldve been dead without gojo nerfing tf out of sukuna. Or the fact that gojo didnt dodge the world cutting slash was also "bad writing" until a binding vow was revealed, then yall hating on both just forgot ab it. So no, every plot line in the story can’t be concluded in one chapter, yall have to give Gege time to cook. Again, the culling games was getting shit on but it was an amazing setup arc for what’s happening rn and what’ll happen next arc. The whole sukuna verses fight have been one of the best written fights ive seen especially in terms of powerscaling.
another point is "pointless character deaths". I dont know if yall prefer your stories to be predictable where you know none of the good guys are gonna die but personally thats not good to me. and every character has at least contributed something to the fight.lets see all the deaths
gojo - well ofc hes possibly back with 260, but nonetheless gojos death was never pointless. if you genuinely think gege is a bad writer for killing gojo in the first place you never understood his character . but hes back nonetheless so whatevr, and i never got the problem with gojos death in the first place. gojo is also the reason why any of them arent dead yet from fighting sukuna
kashimo - this is purely from the point where kashimo fans had kashimo stocks at 500% when literally the first time we see kashimo we understand all he wants is to fight sukuna. i dont know if yall seriously thought that kashimo was gonna be on gojos or sukunas level but despite still being very strong, he was never gonna win and was destined to die against sukuna. his fight with sukuna also helped us learn more about sukuna, and who else better to talk with sukuna than kashimo? kashimo also helped force heian era form sukuna out which the gang mightve not been able to do and i never hear anyone talk ab this. kashimo did enough for the fight
higurama - he started off fighting against a traumatized yuji who was still fucked from the events of shibuya, and dies fighting alongside yuji against sukuna , trying to get justice. he was introduced to show the corrpution of the law system in japan. did yall seriously expect higurama out of all people to be the one to kill sukuna? and taking away sukunas tool was extremely important, the gang wouldve been cooked if sukuna still had it. it wouldve been game over.
choso - while nobody has really said its meaningless people are just upset that it happened and ive genuinely heard people say its unnecessary/did nothing for his character. i think yall are forgetting what choso did in shibuya, and he obviously felt bad for what he did now. and he lived up to yukis words and lived as a human alongside yuji for a while and died as a human sacrificing himself for yuji
in short most of the hating for geges writing is

impatient mfs who dont realize chapters cant come out on a daily basis, we're already lucky to have gege be a weekly author and not release something like 6 chapters a year. in real time this fight is quicker than the events of shibuya, easily.
agenda listeners, fraudkuna this so sukuna being strong must be asspull! some people cant accept sukuna and gojo have always been relative and leagues above anyone else

submitted by MemoryOne1291 to Jujutsufolk [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 00:24 bbyflame I went to jail a month ago - am I going to lose my job with walmart?

NORTH CAROLINA*
So long story short an abusive family member attacked me and I defended myself. I ended up being arrested and charged with simple assault, which is a class 2 misdemeanor. I was only in for 48 hours, suicide watch.
Firstly I followed up with sedgwick for mental health etc after i was released with my gp, but I was unaware you had to report stuff like this to walmart unless you got STUCK in jail.
My coach was made aware of it the other week and I am currently suspended for 7-10 days for them to investigate it. Coach thinks its probably just to make sure I didn't murder or rob anybody...but I'm not convinced.
I really loved this job and have only been there nearly 2 months. I am a cap1 associate. I've been manically checking and rechecking my emails for anything from ethics....
Does anyone have any experience with this? Is there any hope for me or do you guys predict I get the axe? I thought it was innocent until proven guilty, but I guess not with employment? I'm fucking terrified.
SOS

submitted by bbyflame to walmart [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 00:21 Oglemo PSA: Make sure your doc does a thorough assessment of skeletal maturity

I just wanted to share some resources about skeletal maturation that are relevant for all with scoliosis that are still growing or believe they have only recently finished growing.
Please make sure your doctor looks at all the indicators of skeletal maturity, or ask them what they think about your overall skeletal maturity, not just Risser stage, including:

Sanders stage (finger and wrist x-ray)
Proximal femur maturity index (upper leg bone, usually visible on typical scoliosis x-ray from the front, see this link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10939470/#:~:text=The%20Proximal%20Femur%20Maturity%20Index%20(PFMI)%20can%20be%20used%20to,subsequent%20curve%20progression%20remains%20unknown.)%20can%20be%20used%20to,subsequent%20curve%20progression%20remains%20unknown.)),
Proximal humerus maturity index (upper arm bone, usually visible on typical scoliosis x-ray from the front, see this link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6135469/

The last two are relatively recently developed indices, but seem highly explanatory of the timeline of my curve progression story: I never got a Sanders stage for some reason, my doctors always used Risser stage alone. Most of my progression occured in Risser 4, and about 2 yrs ago I experienced 15 degrees of progression rapidly at Risser 5, with fully fused pelvic bones (having been fully fused for 2-3 years at that!).
At each of my appointments from age 13 to 20, I was told I was done growing, therefore "did not need a brace", and they were wrong every single time. Looking back on my x-rays and using the PFMI and PHMI, I could have predicted the moderately-fast progression I experienced at age 20, and looking back on my x-rays from 13, I could have predicted the fast progression of my scoliosis from age 13-15. The PFMI and PHMI were more relevant for my body than the Risser stage!
This is may not be that common, but I wanted to share this information so nobody gets taken off guard like I did. There are other indicators of maturity, important indicators of maturity, besides the hip/risser stage! Hopefully most doctors do not rely exclusively on one index of skeletal maturation, but regardless, I think it's a good idea for everyone who might still have growth left, to check your PFMI or PHMI, and if it's out of proportion to your Risser stage, then bring that up to your doctor and see what they think about it or if they think that changes their recommendation of bracing/not-bracing.

submitted by Oglemo to scoliosis [link] [comments]

2024.05.18 23:39 ahawk_one D2 Timeline of Events and Vex...

So with The Final Shape looming, it's got me thinking about storylines and stuff, and something occurred to me that I can't seem to resolve on my own. Hope ya'll can help me out.

A Loose Timeline

Traveler shows up in Sol
Humans travel to Mars to meet the Traveler
Traveler comes to Earth and bestows a Golden Age upon humanity
Near the close of the Golden Age, two prominent characters emerge, Clovis Bray and Maya Sundaresh
1. Maya heads a research team for Ishtar Collective, primarily based on Venus, studying allegedly ancient Vex ruins and structures that seem to defy laws of time and space. Namely the Citadel, although they are also aware of the existence of the Vault of Glass
2. Clovis is the namesake and head of the Clovis Bray corporation which is dedicated to pushing the limits of human potential at any cost. Often studies dangerous and unknown phenomena and artifacts found on the Moon and Europa, with little regard for the safety of his workers or test subjects. Clovis and his family created the Warmind Rasputin and the Exo’s.
On Venus, Maya and her team discover the scope of Vex simulation power through the simulations a small Vex is running about her and her team. With the help of Rasputin, they are able to “rescue” their simulated copies, and then disperse those into the Vex net to explore and study it.
1. These copies are released into the Citadel, which is on Venus near the Vault of Glass
On Europa, Clovis discovers an ancient dark artifact that emits a power he calls “Clarity” which he uses to ultimately perfect the Exos by combining Clarity with Vex Mind Fluid and putting this inside the bodies of Exos.
1. Vex mind fluid is harvested from a Vex world called Volantis, on the other side of the portal in the Glassway strike
Prior to this, Clovis’s corporation comes into possession of an item called the K1 Artifact. Found on the moon. It induces nightmares and insanity in people near it. It seems to be of the Darkness, possibly of the Witness or Nezerac, but it predates the arrival of either in Sol.
1. But Clovis does recognize it and Clarity as being part of the same thing, the same network, etc.
Witness comes to Sol with the Veil to attempt to enact its Final Shape
1. For some reason, the Veil is not with the Witness, but is with Nezerac aboard Nezerac’s Pyramid
Not sure of the exact order, but during this invasion the following things happen:
1. Savathun defeats Nezerac, and takes the Veil from his ship to hide it away on Neptune
  1. (Why Neptune?)
2. Mara Sov and the crew of her ship are caught in the crossfire and transported to a place that would become the Distributary
3. Nezerac’s ship ends up on Luna
  1. (or was it always there?)
4. The Witness seemingly abandoned its plans for some reason, and fled the system
5. The Traveler released Ghosts out into the world who would raise Lightbearers
6. At some point at or shortly after this failed invasion, the Witness attempts to recreate the Veil in the Black Garden.
  1. The Vex are involved but something doesn’t add up here.

Now For the Stuff That Doesn't Add Up

What is Clarity and what was the K1 artifact?
Both were in Sol seemingly LONG before the Collapse, which means long before the Traveler showed up, which means long before the Witness or any of it’s disciples would have visited Sol.
1. The moon was formed when an asteroid collided with Earth. Is it possible that in Destiny’s universe, this collision contained things like K1?
2. Why would Clarity be on Europa of all places, and why does Clarity breath when the other statues that resemble Clarity are still?
The Black Heart doesn’t make sense in this timeline even before the arrival of the Witness to the cannon.
Setting aside the Witness for a moment (just pretend it doesn’t exist for now)
1. Going by D1 lore, it is the source of the Primeval Minds
2. Primeval Minds were meant to bring forth the powers of the Vault of Glass
3. The Vault of Glass may exist outside of time and space (is this true?), but even still, on Venus there are Ishtar records of it, as well as geo maps I believe that show it going down far underneath the surface of Venus.
4. This means that it was there during the Golden Age, but we don’t know for how long
5. If the Black Heart is what prevents the Traveler from healing, yet seemingly had no effect prior to that then that means one of two things:
6. Either the heart was constructed after the Traveler went dormant
7. Or the heart was inert or unable to affect the Traveler until after it went dormant
8. Either way, the Traveler going dormant at a specific point in time was required for the relationship between the Primeval Minds and the Vault to become possible.
9. If this was the plan all along, the Vex would have needed to be able to predict the actions and the intent of both the Traveler and the Black Fleet, which were both known to be paracausal forces
10. If this wasn’t the plan, and was instead opportunistic action taken by the Vex, why did they add the Vault to Venus prior to any of this happening?
11. This also does not provide insight into what the Black Garden is or why a Black Heart would grow there, or why Vex would be there.
If we bring the Witness back in, then some of this makes sense.
1. The Witness seeking a copy of the Veil uses the Black Garden and apparently the Sol Divisive to construct it.
2. This occurs after the Witness loses the Veil during the Collapse.
3. But it does not answer where the Sol Divisive came from or what the Black Garden is.
4. It also does not explain why the Witness would try to use the Vex to create the Heart, because a being this old and well traveled will have known the Vex limitations when it comes to paracausal simulation and construction.

What is so important about Sol for the Vex?

They can build a planet sized computer literally anywhere, out of anything. So why build their sensitive prediction engines near the Traveler and the Vanguard? For my purposes, we're going to skip the obvious gameplay related needs and focus on story reasons. Why is this happening in the story?

There are only three places where we see Vex that the Traveler has not also touched
Europa - They came through Clovis's portal and largely went dormant after the war there.
Neptune - They are apparently there for the Veil and later for Soteria
The Moon - They come through the Garden Portal when we complete the Shadowkeep campaign
1. There are some Vex structures around the portal, but otherwise their influence on the Moon seems limited to small physical patrols of Sol Divisive Vex
Additionally there are four I know of that are not available or contaminated by Vex in game, but that we have accounts of
1. Oryx's Throne World - Much like Europa, the Vex were only there because Crota opened a door too their space and let them in
2. Volantis - The place Clovis's portal opens to
  1. Possibly the same place Crota accessed?
3. The Leviathan -
  1. A mind that supposedly ran the Nessus planet computer was sucked into the Leviathan (so much for it's predictive powers...
  2. The Menagerie had Vex as well, but I don't remember if they came from Nessus with the Eater of Worlds boss, or if they were captured by Calus prioafter that.
4. The Dreaming City - Season of the Wish they are in the city, in the tunnels created by Riven
What's interesting is that, of the places the Traveler HAS NOT touched, and where they are still present, Neptune is the only one where they are doing much of anything that isn't wholly reactive to other beings disturbing their stuff.
All other locations where we encounter the Vex, the Traveler also touched first
1. Mercury
2. Venus
3. Earth
4. Mars
5. Io
6. Nessus
So the Vex seem to have a pattern of showing strong interest in converting worlds the Traveler has also altered. They also seem very interested in the Veil.
1. Oryx’s Throne World is also a place that keenly interested them, when Crota let them in. And it is also a paracausal location filled with beings that utilize paracausal power.
2. Despite Clarity being present on Europa, and having a known interaction with Vex Mind Fluid, the Vex there are still mostly asleep.
3. Same in terms of the Moon where there are known Darkness artifacts as well as a whole Pyramid, an entrance to Crota’s Throne World, and a number of Hive running around. But they are not active there in force anymore
And even though they seem to end up in other types of places, they don’t seem to do much there unless provoked.
The Vex have known the location of the Veil for some time, yet the Witness doesn’t. This means that either the Sol Divisive doesn’t know either, or they withheld that information somehow for some reason.
We don’t know what the Black Garden is yet.
1. D1 frames it around the Black Heart, but as we can see that doesn’t even make sense by D1’s timeline
2. D2 expands the framing through GoS and season of Undying. The Garden is it’s own thing, and the heart was added and removed later.
3. Regardless, the Vex pattern of strong interest in converting things the Traveler has also altered, suggests to me that the Garden was probably also altered by the Traveler at some point
So it seems like the Vex are either obsessed with the Traveler, or they are obsessed with things the Traveler has converted for some reason. And that seems to be why we find they're big dangerous computation engines and stuff like that here in Sol, and why they don't just build them literally anywhere else.
1. And while yes they do seem to build stuff elsewhere, those things just don't seem to do much. And we can tell because they haven't just built an infinite forest off in the Andromeda Galaxy somewhere where NOTHING could ever disrupt it and they could compute endlessly. Even the Valut of Glass, the seat of their most arcane and powerful frames, is close to the current location of the Traveler.

But why? Why do they follow it? Why do they care what it does? Why do they build their stuff near it? I still don't know...

submitted by ahawk_one to DestinyLore [link] [comments]

2024.05.18 23:25 The-Great-Smithnie Rate My Crackpot DLC Story Predictions

Posting these now in case some or all of them end up being correct!
-The Outer Gods are actually more akin to demons. To be chosen as a vessel for an Outer God (Marika, Mohg, Malenia, etc.) is actually more akin to Demonic Possession than it is to be chosen as a God’s vessel. The “Outer Gods” are not all-powerful and require living vessels in the world to spread their rule. This is why Miquella wants a world free of the Outer Gods, because in actuality these beings are parasitic, apathetic, and oftentimes detrimental to the wellbeing of the peoples of the Lands Between.
-The Greater Will and all Outer Gods did not arrive in the Lands Between by coincidence, chance, or accident, they were summoned. The Divine Towers form a perfect circle around the Lands Between because they were designed to Summon Outer Gods and attach them to a vessel (an Emperean?) who could channel their other worldly power. This is the central reason why Marika hid the Shadow Realm, because there is something at the center of the Shadow Realm that allows the Divine Towers to be activated and summon extra dimensional demons and bind them to a host. The Greater Will doesn’t want any other Outer Gods in the Lands Between as competition, and so therefore it commanded Marika to conceal the land that bore the “catalyst” for the Divine Towers. It is this “catalyst” that Miquella is looking for, because he believes that this may be the key to truly expunging the Outer Gods from the world.
-Marika is not evil, she is actually a tragic figure. The old man we see in the DLC is her father, and it was he who was the mastermind behind using his own daughter as a vessel for an Outer God, which would later give rise to the Golden Order as we know it. Every perceived evil action of Marika’s was not hers, but were actions she was forced to undertake by her “Demon”, the Greater Will and by her Father. This old man is essentially the Allfather Lloyd of Elden Ring, the quiet mastermind who is probably ultimately responsible for the rise of the Golden Order into the ruling power in the Lands Between.
-Marika rejecting Messmer to succeed hebecome the new Elden Lord or whatever was not an act of spite or disapproval, but of love. Marika does not want any of her children to succeed her, not because she was jealously guarding her power, but because she doesn’t want her children to suffer the same terrible fate as she, IE essentially being the slave of an all-powerful extra dimensional demonic being. Messmer (and the rest of her children) of course misinterpret this as Marika guarding her own rule but in reality she always wanted to protect them from living the life she lives. Marika loves her children, bet. Even Morgott and Mohg. Godwyn may have been her favorite but we will find some sort of clue that Marika does have a motherly love for all of her children.
Rate my theories on a scale from batsh*t insane to completely enlightened.

submitted by The-Great-Smithnie to Eldenring [link] [comments]

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