DAY: MAY 20 2024
5-20-2024

Why nightmares and ‘daymares’ could be early warning signs of autoimmune disease

An increase in nightmares and hallucinations—or ‘daymares’—could herald the onset of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, say an international team led by researchers at the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. The researchers argue that there must be greater recognition that these types of mental health and neurological symptoms can act as an early warning sign that an individual is approaching a “flare,” where their disease worsens for a period.
5-20-2024 Yoga and meditation-induced altered states of consciousness are common in the general population, study says
Yoga, mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and other practices are gaining in popularity due to their potential to improve health and well-being. The effects of these practices are mostly positive and occasionally transformational, yet they are known to sometimes be associated with challenging altered states of consciousness. New research by a team including investigators from Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that altered states of consciousness associated with meditation practice are far more common than expected. Although many people reported positive outcomes, that were sometimes even considered transformational, from these experiences, for a substantial
5-20-2024 Examining the benefits of out-of-network care for pediatric moyamoya
Total in-episode expenses and resource use before the index surgery (preop) and including/after the surgery (postop). The comparisons are separated for analysis into (A) single institution cohorts (1 and 2) and (B) multi?institution cohorts (3 and 4). Moyamoya disease is a rare condition that affects the blood vessels in the brain, especially in children. Narrowing and blockage of vessels significantly increases the risk of stroke and requires surgical revascularization for treatment. Although research shows that outcomes of revascularization are better
5-20-2024 Study explores links between social media use, mental health and sleep quality
The more time you spend on social media, the greater the likelihood of having unpleasant social-media related dreams that cause distress, sleep disruption and impact our peace of mind. Flinders University’s Reza Shabahang says that the vast and rapid adoption of social media has the potential to influence various aspects of life, including the realm of dreaming. “As social media becomes increasingly intertwined with our lives, its impact extends beyond waking hours, and may influence our dreams,”
5-20-2024 How are asthma and heart health linked?
Although the heart and lungs are neighbors in your chest, people may think of them as separate entities with unrelated problems. But a growing body of evidence suggests that asthma—one of the most common lung disorders—is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Asthma is a serious chronic disease in which airways are inflamed, often in response to specific triggers. It affects about 25 million people in the U.S., including nearly 5 million children, causing millions of annual visits to doctors’ offices and emergency rooms. “We call these major changes
5-20-2024 STUDY EXPLORES PATIENT TRUST IN PHYSICIANS
Trust in one’s physician drives positive health practices. In a scoping review, SUNY Poly Professor of Sociology Dr. Linda R. Weber discovered new developments in the measurement of trust, identified those measures of trust that have known reliability and validity, and compared those instruments’ conceptualizations, dimensions, and indicators. The paper is published in the journal PLOS ONE. Weber explains that 10 dimensions emerged from the study: fidelity, technical competence, communicative competence, interpersonal competence (i.e., caring), honesty, confidentiality, global, behavioral, fairness, and system trust/accountability. In addition, these findings provide the foundation
5-20-2024 TIMESAVING TIPS FOR COOKING HEALTHY MEALS
Living a busy, fast-paced life can make it hard to find the motivation to cook a healthy meal at home. However, learning some shortcuts in the kitchen can keep your healthy eating goals on track and help you avoid grazing on unhealthy snacks, grabbing the first thing you see in the fridge or going out for fast food. Why cook at home? Research shows that maintaining a healthy weight is challenging when you eat out too frequently. Restaurant portions often are super-sized
5-20-2024 UNDERSTANDING PERIMENOPAUSE VS. MENOPAUSE
Menopause marks a significant transition for women, yet understanding its precursor, perimenopause, and its symptoms can be complex. Dr. Stephanie Faubion, director of Mayo Clinic’s Center for Women’s Health and medical director of The Menopause Society, says experiencing perimenopause and menopause can be confusing for some. She says it is not only patients who may find it confusing, but medical providers as well, due to lack of training in menopause management. “Menopause is defined by no menstrual cycle for a year,” says Dr. Faubion.
5-20-2024 LOW-DOSE IRON SUPPLEMENTATION HAS NO BENEFIT FOR BREASTFED INFANTS, SHOWS STUDY
The American Pediatric Association recommends iron supplements to all healthy infants who breastfeed longer than four months, while its European counterpart, Society of Gastroenterology, Hepataology and Nutrition, does not recommend it. These deviating guidelines stimulated researchers to design a new study. Breastfeeding is strongly recommended, and the proportion of children are breastfed during the first half of life is high. The researchers wanted to determine whether breastfeeding babies could benefit from extra iron.
5-20-2024 ALLERGY MEDICATIONS COME WITH HAZARDS: BE AWARE
People with seasonal allergies often turn to over-the-counter and prescription medicines to relieve symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion and itchy eyes, nose or throat. But they often aren’t aware that these meds—including antihistamines—have as much risk for potential side effects, drug interactions and overdose as other drugs. “All medicines have side effects associated with them even when they are taken appropriately and according to dosing directions on the label,”
5-20-2024 I CAN’T AFFORD OLIVE OIL—WHAT ELSE CAN I USE?
If you buy your olive oil in bulk, you’ve likely been in for a shock in recent weeks. Major supermarkets have been selling olive oil for up to A$65 for a four-liter tin, and up to $26 for a 750 milliliter bottle. We’ve been hearing about the health benefits of olive oil for years. And many of us are adding it to salads, or baking and frying with it. But during a cost-of-living crisis, these high prices can put olive oil out of reach. Let’s take a look at why
5-20-2024 Researchers uncover biological trigger of early puberty
Heather Brenhouse, associate professor of psychology, says disrupting the caretaker relationship can really traumatize a child or a developing rodent. Credit: Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University New research conducted by the Brenhouse Lab reveals how early life adversity triggers early puberty and late-life anxiety, paving the way for potential interventions. The onset of puberty has been creeping downward for decades. In the United States, the average age of girls reaching puberty ranges from 8.8 to 10.3 years old. The early start of puberty, which is associated with many health risks, can be
5-20-2024 Bioluminescence and 3D-printed implants shed light on brain–spinal interactions
Brain-spinal cord duet’s neurodynamic symphony is now accessible to scientists via novel multi-organ implants. Credit: Dmitrijs Celinskis A sensory process such as pain is no ordinary phenomenon—it’s a symphony of neural and vascular interactions orchestrated by the brain and spinal cord. Attempting to dissect this symphony by focusing on a single region is like trying to understand a complex melody by listening to just one instrument. It’s incomplete, potentially misleading, and may result in erroneous conclusions. Enter the Carney Institute’s team of visionaries. Their mission? To develop tools that allow
5-20-2024 New thesis explores cancer treatment that can prevent relapse
. What is the main focus of your thesis? Relapse following initial treatment efficacy remains a major clinical challenge for many cancers. The focus of my thesis has been to explore the therapeutic impact of immune cells in patients with blood cancer (leukemia), by first investigating which cells
5-20-2024 New study reveals health and social benefits of car-free living
Participating in a three-week car-free challenge has enhanced the health and well-being of Oxford residents, according to research conducted by The University of Bath’s Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), in partnership with climate charity Possible and Low Carbon Oxford North (LCON), conducted this research project. After ditching their cars for three weeks, 10 out of the 12 drivers across Oxford who participated said they plan to continue with reduced car use beyond the project. The findings of this research project show that: Day-to-day transport emissions were slashed
5-20-2024 Research shows linked biological pathways driving skin inflammation
A certain biological pathway—a set of linked reactions in the body—drives the inflammation seen in the skin disease psoriasis, a new study finds. The work could lead to improved therapies for all inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic and allergic dermatitis and a type of boil called hidradenitis suppurativa, say the study authors. The findings are published in the journal Immunity. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to irritation and infection, but when out of control, it can lead to the reddish, flaky, itchy lesions that
5-20-2024 Prescription co-payments linked to more hospital admissions in New Zealand, study finds
A new study from researchers cautions that bringing back the $5 co-payment for prescription medicines could see a jump in hospital admissions. The study analyzed health data for 71,502 people and found those who didn’t pick up a prescription because they couldn’t afford the $5 fee had a 34% higher rate of being admitted to hospital.
5-20-2024 How a simulation is informing COVID-19 vaccine policy after our ‘return to normal’
As the saying goes “There is no such thing as normal” and this has been especially true after the pandemic. Before the emergence of the omicron COVID-19 variant, countries like the U.K. had high vaccination coverage along with widespread exposure to COVID-19 in the population. This combination of vaccine and infection-derived immunity is termed hybrid immunity and is different to vaccine immunity or infection immunity alone. In contrast, other countries, including Australia, New Zealand and those in the Western Pacific, had a very different pandemic experience.
5-20-2024 Researchers find intriguing connections between Alzheimer’s disease and other common conditions
A study has found that while some medical conditions appear to increase our likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease, others appear to decrease the odds. The study, led by Dr. Yijun (Nicholas) Pan and Dr. Liang Jin, analyzed data from 2,443 older Australians living in Melbourne or Perth who are part of the Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle (AIBL) study, an internationally recognized cohort for dementia research. “We found anxiety and other neurological disorders are associated with increased likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Pan said.
5-20-2024 Prepping autistic or sound-sensitive kids for cicada noise
As Chicagoans await the emergence of the cicadas, parents of children on the autism spectrum and/or who have sensitivities to sound can take a few steps to prepare for what is expected to be a loud summer. “Some children on the spectrum can struggle with loud or unexpected noises, such as toilets that automatically flush, fireworks around the Fourth of July or the emergence of a large number of cicadas,”
5-20-2024 Study highlights importance of screening for rare inherited iron metabolism defects
Over 40% of cases curated based on stringent clinical and laboratory criteria from the Indian subcontinent have an inherited iron metabolism defect on comprehensive genomic evaluation, report investigators in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics. Although iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent form of anemia globally,
5-20-2024 Study finds tyrosine kinase Csk promotes germinal center B cell survival and affinity maturation
The authors found that Csk (a tyrosine kinase that attenuates B cell receptor signaling) is required for germinal center maintenance and efficient antibody maturation. The immune system strikes a fine balance by identifying and neutralizing disease-causing agents while carefully avoiding destruction of healthy tissues and cells. Now, researchers from Japan have shed new light on one of the processes that helps train immune cells to act only against genuine threats.
5-20-2024 Significant gaps between science of obesity and the care patients receive, say experts
As research continues to produce evidence about the underlying causes of obesity and optimal strategies to treat and manage obesity have evolved, there are disparities in application of the latest scientific advances in the clinical care that people with obesity receive. Widespread adoption of current findings, consistency of care and expertise in obesity care varies by health care professional and institution.
5-20-2024 Improving online depression treatment
Symptom course of depression for individuals who dropped out of treatment and those who completed treatment. In the dropout group, there is an initial decrease in symptoms while the patients were still in treatment, which tapers off as they drop out. For completers, there is close to a linear change over time. This suggests there is a relation between the more that an individual continues to participate in ICBT and their depressive symptom improvement.
5-20-2024 Women face worse chronic kidney disease management in primary care
Women receive worse primary care-based chronic kidney disease (CKD) management than men, according to a research letter adult patients with CKD receiving primary care at 15 practices using electronic health record data to examine sex disparities in guideline-based CKD management
5-20-2024 Bisoprolol does not reduce exacerbations in at-risk COPD patients
For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bisoprolol does not reduce the number of self-reported exacerbations treated with oral corticosteroids, antibiotics, or both, according to a study
5-20-2024 Anticancer potential of CLK kinase inhibitors 1C8 and GPS167 via EMT and antiviral immune response
The diheteroarylamide-based compound 1C8 and the aminothiazole carboxamide-related compound GPS167 inhibit the CLK kinases, and affect the proliferation of a broad range of cancer cell lines. A chemogenomic screen previously performed with GPS167 revealed that the depletion of components associated with mitotic spindle assembly altered
5-20-2024 Study sheds light on bacteria associated with pre-term birth
Researchers from North Carolina State University have found that multiple species of Gardnerella, bacteria sometimes associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and pre-term birth, can coexist in the same vaginal microbiome. The findings, published in mSystems, add to the emerging picture of Gardnerella’s effects on human health. Gardnerella is a group of anaerobic bacteria that are commonly found in the vaginal microbiome. Higher levels of the bacteria are a signature of BV and associated with higher risk of pre-term birth, but it is also found in women who have no sign
5-20-2024 New AI model uses federated learning for multi-organ segmentation based on medical image data
Researchers have successfully developed the technology that can accurately segment different body organs by effectively learning medical image data used for different purposes in different hospitals, which is expected to greatly contribute to the development of large-scale medical AI models in the future.
5-20-2024 Second Phase 3 clinical trial again shows dupilumab lessens disease in COPD patients with type 2 inflammation
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with type 2 inflammation may soon gain access to a new drug—dupilumab—that showed rapid and sustained improvements in patients in a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial, researchers report in the New England Journal of Medicine. This monoclonal antibody is the first biologic shown to improve clinical outcomes in COPD. The data supporting the use of dupilumab in COPD will be reviewed by the United States Food and Drug Administration in June. The disease improvements—as measured by a significantly lower annualized rate of acute exacerbations
5-20-2024 New AI model uses federated learning for multi-organ segmentation based on medical image data
Researchers have successfully developed the technology that can accurately segment different body organs by effectively learning medical image data used for different purposes in different hospitals, which is expected to greatly contribute to the development of large-scale medical AI models in the future.
5-20-2024 Second Phase 3 clinical trial again shows dupilumab lessens disease in COPD patients with type 2 inflammation
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with type 2 inflammation may soon gain access to a new drug—dupilumab—that showed rapid and sustained improvements in patients in a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial, researchers report in the New England Journal of Medicine. This monoclonal antibody is the first biologic shown to improve clinical outcomes in COPD. The data supporting the use of dupilumab in COPD will be reviewed by the United States Food and Drug Administration in June. The disease improvements—as measured by a significantly lower annualized rate of acute exacerbations

• 5-20-2024GALLBLADDER CANCER RISES AMONG BLACK AMERICANS AS CASES DECLINE IN OTHER GROUPS
• 5-20-2024US PEDIATRICIANS REVERSE DECADES-OLD ADVICE AGAINST HIV-POSITIVE MOTHERS BREASTFEEDING
• 5-20-2024UK REPORT FINDS COVER-UP OF DECADES-LONG INFECTED BLOOD SCANDAL
• 5-20-2024ASTRAZENECA TO BUILD $1.5 BLN CANCER DRUG FACILITY IN SINGAPORE
• 5-20-2024CHEMO FOR GLIOBLASTOMA ENHANCED BY TAPPING INTO CELL’S DAILY RHYTHMS
• 5-20-2024RESEARCH SHOWS THAT FERROPTOSIS, A FORM OF CELL DEATH, OCCURS IN SEVERE COVID-19 PATIENT LUNGS
• 5-20-2024BODY’S ‘MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE’ DELIVERS TARGETED CANCER TREATMENT
• 5-20-2024EARLY BLOOD GLUCOSE CONTROL FOR THOSE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES CRUCIAL FOR REDUCING COMPLICATIONS, PROLONGING LIFE
• 5-20-2024GRID CELL RESPONSES TO THE ILLUSION OF SELF-LOCATION
• 5-20-2024RESEARCHERS DISCOVER TOP-DOWN SIGNALS IN BRAIN CIRCUITS REGULATING DEPRESSION
• 5-20-2024BENIGN NAIL CONDITION LINKED TO RARE SYNDROME THAT GREATLY INCREASES CANCER RISK
• 5-20-2024RESEARCHERS REVEAL PROMISING TREATMENT TARGET FOR RESISTANT BRAIN CANCER
• 5-20-2024NEW MECHANISMS UNDERLYING TUMOR VARIETY IN BRAIN CANCERS DISCOVERED
• 5-20-2024STUDY EXPLORES PATIENT TRUST IN PHYSICIANS
• 5-20-2024MOTIVATED BY LACK OF DIVERSITY IN NEUROLOGICAL STUDIES, SCIENTISTS LOOK TO ENSURE EQUITY IN BRAIN RESEARCH
• 5-20-2024FLUORIDE EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY LINKED TO INCREASED RISK OF CHILDHOOD NEUROBEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS, STUDY FINDS
• 5-20-2024STUDY SUGGESTS BOTH STEP AND TIME-BASED EXERCISE TARGETS ARE EQUALLY BENEFICIAL
• 5-20-2024MEDICAID ‘UNWINDING’ DECRIED AS BIASED AGAINST DISABLED PEOPLE
• 5-20-2024TIMESAVING TIPS FOR COOKING HEALTHY MEALS
• 5-20-2024UNDERSTANDING PERIMENOPAUSE VS. MENOPAUSE
• 5-20-2024LOW-DOSE IRON SUPPLEMENTATION HAS NO BENEFIT FOR BREASTFED INFANTS, SHOWS STUDY
• 5-20-2024IS IT BIRD FLU JUST AN ANIMAL THING, OR CAN PEOPLE CATCH IT?
• 5-20-2024SCIENTISTS USE NEW APPROACH TO DISABLE BRAIN CANCER CELLS’ ABILITY TO SURVIVE
• 5-20-2024RESEARCHER FINDS MOTHERS LIVE LONGER AS CHILD MORTALITY DECLINES
• 5-20-2024U-SHAPED LINK DETECTED BETWEEN ADOLESCENT BMI AND MENTAL HEALTH
• 5-20-2024AI CHATBOTS SHOW HIGHER EMPATHY, READABILITY IN RESPONDING TO CANCER QUESTIONS, STUDY FINDS
• 5-20-2024ALLERGY MEDICATIONS COME WITH HAZARDS: BE AWARE
• 5-20-2024GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PIG HEARTS TRANSPLANTED IN TWO BRAIN-DEAD PATIENTS REVEAL MORE ABOUT IMMUNE RESPONSE
• 5-20-2024I CAN’T AFFORD OLIVE OIL—WHAT ELSE CAN I USE?
• 5-20-2024HOW NEWBORN CHICKS ARE HELPING TO SETTLE A CENTURIES-OLD DEBATE ABOUT COGNITION AND OUR SENSES
• 5-20-2024STOMACH PARALYSIS RISK MAY RISE IN PEOPLE TAKING OZEMPIC AND SIMILAR DRUGS
• 5-20-2024WHY AUTISTIC PEOPLE MUST BE AT THE HEART OF AUTISM RESEARCH
• 5-20-2024OUR BODIES DON’T JUST MAKE GALL AND KIDNEY STONES—FROM SALIVA TO TONSILS, THESE ARE OTHER ONES TO LOOK OUT FOR
• 5-20-20241 IN 4 PARENTS SAY THEIR TEEN CONSUMES CAFFEINE DAILY OR NEARLY EVERY DAY
• 5-20-2024EX-CIGARETTE SMOKERS WHO VAPE MAY BE AT HIGHER RISK FOR LUNG CANCER
• 5-20-2024DOING DAILY CHORES AROUND THE HOUSE IS BEST ACTIVITY FOR INDIVIDUALS RECOVERING FROM COVID-19, SAY SCIENTISTS
• 5-20-2024NEW AI ALGORITHM MAY IMPROVE AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE PREDICTION AND THERAPIES
• 5-20-2024ALCOHOL USE DISORDER CAN BE TREATED WITH AN ARRAY OF MEDICATIONS—BUT FEW PEOPLE HAVE HEARD OF THEM
• 5-20-2024VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY TIED TO WORSE OUTCOMES WITH EARLY KIDNEY DISEASE
• 5-20-2024NEGATIVE LINK SEEN FOR OXIDATIVE BALANCE SCORE WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
• 5-20-2024ANDEXANET YIELDS BETTER CONTROL OF HEMATOMA EXPANSION THAN USUAL CARE, FINDS STUDY
• 5-20-2024STUDY FINDS FAT CELLS INFLUENCE HEART HEALTH IN CHAGAS DISEASE
• 5-20-2024PEDIATRICIAN EXPLAINS WHY INFANTS NEED BABY FORMULA INSTEAD OF COW’S MILK
• 5-20-2024HOW TELEHEALTH HAS IMPROVED THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH SUBSTANCE DISORDERS
• 5-20-2024RESEARCHERS DEVELOP FIRST HUMAN MINI-BRAIN WITH FULLY FUNCTIONAL BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER
• 5-20-2024FROM INFECTION TO CHRONIC ILLNESS: LEARNING FROM LONG COVID
• 5-20-2024PLATELET BIOMARKERS SHED LIGHT ON POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS FOR SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME
• 5-20-2024DO PATIENTS WITH DEVICE-DETECTED ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND PRIOR STROKE BENEFIT FROM ANTICOAGULATION?
• 5-20-2024CONTRACEPTION OPTIONS SHOULD BE GIVEN WITH ORAL RETINOIDS TO AVOID SERIOUS HARM TO UNBORN BABIES, SAYS STUDY
• 5-20-2024STUDY REVEALS INEQUITIES IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR JUSTICE-INVOLVED YOUTH AS THEY AGE
• 5-20-2024STUDY SHOWS EXERCISE SPURS NEURON GROWTH AND REWIRES THE BRAIN, HELPING MICE FORGET TRAUMATIC AND ADDICTIVE MEMORIES
• 5-20-2024RESEARCHERS DISCOVER BRAIN NETWORK THAT RECOGNIZES EMOTIONS
• 5-20-2024PHILLY HEALTH OFFICIALS DETECT A VETERINARY SEDATIVE MORE POWERFUL THAN XYLAZINE IN DRUG SAMPLES
• 5-20-2024PARC MODEL OF CARE ASSOCIATED WITH FEWER DEATHS AMONG VETERANS POST-ICU
• 5-20-2024CAR-T THERAPY IN PEDIATRIC LEUKEMIA
• 5-20-2024SPIROMETRY CLINICAL TRIAL ELIGIBILITY MAY DIFFER WITH RACE-NEUTRAL EQUATIONS
• 5-20-2024CAN PINK NOISE ENHANCE SLEEP AND MEMORY? EARLY RESEARCH DRIVES A COLOR NOISE BUZZ
• 5-20-2024NEW CRISPR SCREENING METHOD COULD REVEAL WHAT DRIVES BRAIN DISEASES
• 5-20-2024IS A GLOBAL PANDEMIC PREVENTION PACT WITHIN REACH?
• 5-20-2024NEW DEVICE HELPS PARAPLEGICS REGAIN PARTIAL USE OF HANDS
• 5-20-2024RELATIONSHIP STUDY SAYS PARENTAL ACCEPTANCE IN CHILDHOOD PREDICTS ABILITY TO FORGIVE AS ADULTS
• 5-20-2024SIMULATION-BASED TRAINING PROGRAM IMPROVES EVALUATION OF UNDESCENDED TESTICLES
• 5-20-2024UPTAKE OF FLU, WHOOPING COUGH, AND COVID-19 VACCINES REMAINS LOW AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN
• 5-20-2024NEW TOOL FLAGS HIDDEN SEXUAL STRUGGLES IN FEMALE PARTNERS OF PATIENTS WITH PROSTATE CANCER

A lot of guys make the critical mental error of believing that a rejection from one woman means all women feel the same way. Her (one woman’s) lack of attraction doesn’t apply to the entire female population. Success in dating is largely (although not entirely) a numbers game. There are a multitude of women who will find you attractive, even if one particular woman doesn’t. Giving up and throwing a fit after one rejection will prevent you from opportunity.
How can you maintain the self-perception of an attractive man with an abundance of opportunity when you collapse due to a single rejection?
Rejecting a man can be absolutely terrifying for a woman; unfortunately, her physical safety is often something she has to consider. Deceptive Nice Guys will often act like Prince Charming when things are going well, but when they get rejected, they lose their shit—the veil gets lifted.
Don’t be this guy. The ability to handle rejection with grace is a crucial component of your integrity as a man, and an integral part of your overall attractiveness.
Here are some general guidelines for handling rejection as an attractive man:

1. Process the emotions. Rejection can be painful, and there’s nothing wrong with feeling let down. When facing rejection, it’s important to not only allow yourself to feel the emotions, but be present and analytical in those feelings without dwelling. Also recognize that some rejections warrant more emotional energy than others.
   If your girlfriend of two years leaves you for another guy, the feelings that come with that situation are more complex than getting ghosted on a dating app. Don’t let minor rejections from strangers discourage you.
   
2. De-stigmatize. This step is essential. Do not put yourself in the frame of mind that rejection is something that happens just to you. When you’re rejected, it can feel like someone else’s opinion are the final judgment of you as a person. This type of thinking is ludicrous. Rejection is a frequent part of life that EVERYONE experiences, no matter what is projected on social media.
   
3. Detach. If you listen to some accounts of the most successful people in history, a common theme is that they were rejected over and over again, yet still persevered. Successful people seek out pleasure rather than focus on avoiding the discomfort (i.e. rejection). Here’s a secret—men who have the most success with women are often the ones who get rejected the most . Men who are wholly detached from rejection are the most powerful; rejection almost becomes a point of self-amusement. Guys who have an ambivalent attitude toward rejection are even able to joke about it with their friends instead of treating as a mark against their self-worth. If you struggle with the ability to move on from even minor rejection, here are some great quotes to keep you motivated:
   

“You have to learn to take rejection not as an indication of personal failing, but as wrong address.” - Ray Bradbury
“Most men with weak grasps of their own truth fantasize about the ability to never be rejected, ever. Not only is this a manifestation of their neediness, it’s unrealistic…” - Mark Manson
Full article on topic: https://modating.substack.com/p/the-attractive-mans-guide-to-rejection

A lot of guys make the critical mental error of believing that a rejection from one woman means all women feel the same way. Her (one woman’s) lack of attraction doesn’t apply to the entire female population. Success in dating is largely (although not entirely) a numbers game. There are a multitude of women who will find you attractive, even if one particular woman doesn’t. Giving up and throwing a fit after one rejection will prevent you from opportunity.
How can you maintain the self-perception of an attractive man with an abundance of opportunity when you collapse due to a single rejection?
Rejecting a man can be absolutely terrifying for a woman; unfortunately, her physical safety is often something she has to consider. Deceptive Nice Guys will often act like Prince Charming when things are going well, but when they get rejected, they lose their shit—the veil gets lifted.
Don’t be this guy. The ability to handle rejection with grace is a crucial component of your integrity as a man, and an integral part of your overall attractiveness.
Here are some general guidelines for handling rejection as an attractive man:

1. Process the emotions. Rejection can be painful, and there’s nothing wrong with feeling let down. When facing rejection, it’s important to not only allow yourself to feel the emotions, but be present and analytical in those feelings without dwelling. Also recognize that some rejections warrant more emotional energy than others.
   If your girlfriend of two years leaves you for another guy, the feelings that come with that situation are more complex than getting ghosted on a dating app. Don’t let minor rejections from strangers discourage you.
   
2. De-stigmatize. This step is essential. Do not put yourself in the frame of mind that rejection is something that happens just to you. When you’re rejected, it can feel like someone else’s opinion are the final judgment of you as a person. This type of thinking is ludicrous. Rejection is a frequent part of life that EVERYONE experiences, no matter what is projected on social media.
   
3. Detach. If you listen to some accounts of the most successful people in history, a common theme is that they were rejected over and over again, yet still persevered. Successful people seek out pleasure rather than focus on avoiding the discomfort (i.e. rejection). Here’s a secret—men who have the most success with women are often the ones who get rejected the most . Men who are wholly detached from rejection are the most powerful; rejection almost becomes a point of self-amusement. Guys who have an ambivalent attitude toward rejection are even able to joke about it with their friends instead of treating as a mark against their self-worth. If you struggle with the ability to move on from even minor rejection, here are some great quotes to keep you motivated:
   

“You have to learn to take rejection not as an indication of personal failing, but as wrong address.” - Ray Bradbury
“Most men with weak grasps of their own truth fantasize about the ability to never be rejected, ever. Not only is this a manifestation of their neediness, it’s unrealistic…” - Mark Manson
Full article on topic: https://modating.substack.com/p/the-attractive-mans-guide-to-rejection

A lot of guys make the critical mental error of believing that a rejection from one woman means all women feel the same way. Her (one woman’s) lack of attraction doesn’t apply to the entire female population. Success in dating is largely (although not entirely) a numbers game. There are a multitude of women who will find you attractive, even if one particular woman doesn’t. Giving up and throwing a fit after one rejection will prevent you from opportunity.
How can you maintain the self-perception of an attractive man with an abundance of opportunity when you collapse due to a single rejection?
Rejecting a man can be absolutely terrifying for a woman; unfortunately, her physical safety is often something she has to consider. Deceptive Nice Guys will often act like Prince Charming when things are going well, but when they get rejected, they lose their shit—the veil gets lifted.
Don’t be this guy. The ability to handle rejection with grace is a crucial component of your integrity as a man, and an integral part of your overall attractiveness.
Here are some general guidelines for handling rejection as an attractive man:

1. Process the emotions. Rejection can be painful, and there’s nothing wrong with feeling let down. When facing rejection, it’s important to not only allow yourself to feel the emotions, but be present and analytical in those feelings without dwelling. Also recognize that some rejections warrant more emotional energy than others.
   If your girlfriend of two years leaves you for another guy, the feelings that come with that situation are more complex than getting ghosted on a dating app. Don’t let minor rejections from strangers discourage you.
   
2. De-stigmatize. This step is essential. Do not put yourself in the frame of mind that rejection is something that happens just to you. When you’re rejected, it can feel like someone else’s opinion are the final judgment of you as a person. This type of thinking is ludicrous. Rejection is a frequent part of life that EVERYONE experiences, no matter what is projected on social media.
   
3. Detach. If you listen to some accounts of the most successful people in history, a common theme is that they were rejected over and over again, yet still persevered. Successful people seek out pleasure rather than focus on avoiding the discomfort (i.e. rejection). Here’s a secret—men who have the most success with women are often the ones who get rejected the most . Men who are wholly detached from rejection are the most powerful; rejection almost becomes a point of self-amusement. Guys who have an ambivalent attitude toward rejection are even able to joke about it with their friends instead of treating as a mark against their self-worth. If you struggle with the ability to move on from even minor rejection, here are some great quotes to keep you motivated:
   

“You have to learn to take rejection not as an indication of personal failing, but as wrong address.” - Ray Bradbury
“Most men with weak grasps of their own truth fantasize about the ability to never be rejected, ever. Not only is this a manifestation of their neediness, it’s unrealistic…” - Mark Manson
Full article on topic: https://modating.substack.com/p/the-attractive-mans-guide-to-rejection

A lot of guys make the critical mental error of believing that a rejection from one woman means all women feel the same way. Her (one woman’s) lack of attraction doesn’t apply to the entire female population. Success in dating is largely (although not entirely) a numbers game. There are a multitude of women who will find you attractive, even if one particular woman doesn’t. Giving up and throwing a fit after one rejection will prevent you from opportunity.
How can you maintain the self-perception of an attractive man with an abundance of opportunity when you collapse due to a single rejection?
Rejecting a man can be absolutely terrifying for a woman; unfortunately, her physical safety is often something she has to consider. Deceptive Nice Guys will often act like Prince Charming when things are going well, but when they get rejected, they lose their shit—the veil gets lifted.
Don’t be this guy. The ability to handle rejection with grace is a crucial component of your integrity as a man, and an integral part of your overall attractiveness.
Here are some general guidelines for handling rejection as an attractive man:

1. Process the emotions. Rejection can be painful, and there’s nothing wrong with feeling let down. When facing rejection, it’s important to not only allow yourself to feel the emotions, but be present and analytical in those feelings without dwelling. Also recognize that some rejections warrant more emotional energy than others.
   If your girlfriend of two years leaves you for another guy, the feelings that come with that situation are more complex than getting ghosted on a dating app. Don’t let minor rejections from strangers discourage you.
   
2. De-stigmatize. This step is essential. Do not put yourself in the frame of mind that rejection is something that happens just to you. When you’re rejected, it can feel like someone else’s opinion are the final judgment of you as a person. This type of thinking is ludicrous. Rejection is a frequent part of life that EVERYONE experiences, no matter what is projected on social media.
   
3. Detach. If you listen to some accounts of the most successful people in history, a common theme is that they were rejected over and over again, yet still persevered. Successful people seek out pleasure rather than focus on avoiding the discomfort (i.e. rejection). Here’s a secret—men who have the most success with women are often the ones who get rejected the most . Men who are wholly detached from rejection are the most powerful; rejection almost becomes a point of self-amusement. Guys who have an ambivalent attitude toward rejection are even able to joke about it with their friends instead of treating as a mark against their self-worth. If you struggle with the ability to move on from even minor rejection, here are some great quotes to keep you motivated:
   

“You have to learn to take rejection not as an indication of personal failing, but as wrong address.” - Ray Bradbury
“Most men with weak grasps of their own truth fantasize about the ability to never be rejected, ever. Not only is this a manifestation of their neediness, it’s unrealistic…” - Mark Manson
Full article on topic: https://modating.substack.com/p/the-attractive-mans-guide-to-rejection

I just wanted to vent because wtf. It is so hard finding someone who will help and not get tired of you. She's pretty much at the point where she's ready to let me go 'you are beyond my skillset' as they say. I am not on stimulants, and we've been discussing me persuing those but she does not prescribe them. Which means starting out with a new doctor and getting tested and im finding it all very overwhelming and she isnt being helpful. I know its not really her description. But she gave me the you have to just do it, be self motivated, or sit around forever. And now i just want to cry because it stings different when professionals say it i guess.
For the record i am very self motivated, but im a shitty finisher. And even worse at trying to deal with official/gov/doctor things ect.
anyways, you're not beyond help. and fck anyone and everyone who says that.

Aesthetic Wallpapers: Adding a Touch of Art to Your Digital Life

In today's digital age, we spend a significant amount of time on our computers, smartphones, and tablets. To enhance the user experience, many people choose to set aesthetic wallpapers on their devices. Aesthetic wallpapers not only improve visual enjoyment but also reflect the user's personality and taste.

What Are Aesthetic Wallpapers?

Aesthetic wallpapers refer to background images that are visually pleasing and beautifully designed. These wallpapers can encompass various styles and themes, from minimalism to vintage, from natural landscapes to abstract art. The key to aesthetic wallpapers is their ability to bring a sense of harmony and beauty, often achieved through color combinations, pattern designs, and overall composition.

Types of Aesthetic Wallpapers

1. **Minimalist Style**: This style emphasizes simplicity and clarity, usually employing a single or limited color palette with simple yet elegant patterns. Minimalist wallpapers help users stay focused and reduce visual clutter.
   
2. **Vintage Style**: Vintage wallpapers often feature nostalgic tones and elements such as old photographs, retro advertisements, and classic artworks. These wallpapers can evoke a sense of nostalgia for the good old days.
   
3. **Natural Landscapes**: Natural landscape wallpapers showcase the majestic beauty of nature, including mountains, oceans, forests, and starry skies. These wallpapers are not only beautiful but also provide a sense of tranquility and relaxation.
   
4. **Abstract Art**: Abstract art wallpapers captivate viewers with their unique shapes and color combinations. This style of wallpaper has no specific theme but can stimulate the viewer's imagination and creativity.
   
5. **Anime and Gaming**: For fans of anime and video games, aesthetic wallpapers featuring their favorite characters and scenes can be a great way to personalize their devices. These wallpapers often have vibrant colors and dynamic compositions that reflect the energy and excitement of the genre.
   

Why Choose Aesthetic Wallpapers?

1. **Personal Expression**: Aesthetic wallpapers allow users to express their individuality and personal style. Whether you prefer a serene natural landscape or a bold abstract design, your wallpaper can say a lot about who you are.
   
2. **Mood Enhancement**: The right wallpaper can significantly impact your mood. Calming images can help reduce stress, while vibrant and energetic designs can boost your spirits and motivation.
   
3. **Productivity Boost**: A well-chosen wallpaper can also enhance productivity. Minimalist designs, for example, can create a clutter-free digital environment that helps you stay focused and organized.
   
4. **Visual Appeal**: Simply put, aesthetic wallpapers make your devices look better. They transform an ordinary screen into a piece of art, making everyday interactions with your devices more enjoyable.
   

Where to Find Aesthetic Wallpapers

There are numerous websites and platforms where you can find high-quality aesthetic wallpapers. Some popular sources include:

• **Unsplash**: Offers a wide range of free, high-resolution images contributed by photographers around the world.
  
• **Pexels**: Another great source for free stock photos and wallpapers.
  
• **Pinterest**: A treasure trove of aesthetic wallpaper ideas and inspiration.
  
• **Wallpaper Engine**: A Steam application that allows users to create and share animated and interactive wallpapers.
  

[Free Aesthetic Wallpaper](https://aestheticwallpaperai.com)
In conclusion, aesthetic wallpapers are more than just background images; they are a form of self-expression and a tool for enhancing your digital experience. By choosing the right wallpaper, you can add a touch of art to your everyday life, making your digital interactions more enjoyable and meaningful.

GOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING SUPERSTONKERS! HAHA. It's me again. Yeah, i slipped past the defenses again to drop this off so you can all refresh yourselves on the state of FUD and disinformation in this protracted fight against the legal larcenists doing their best to try and get you to sell. Please spread this amongst the holders, the more people know the less power they have over us holders. We don't sell until we get a call from marge, and that's always been the play.
TLDR: This is a set of tactics used by the Alphabet Boys(CIA, FBI, DEA) to control and manipulate us into drama to collapse our communities and movements. And should be read in full by anyone willing and wanting to learn how these things work.
I've come to notice recently, people keep asking me to repost this for the sake of keeping the new people abreast on what needs to be done to protect the holders of GME. Beneath here will be a detailed account on what you need to be aware of in your online interactions, to avoid being taken for a fool!
_______________________________________________________________________

1. COINTELPRO Techniques for dilution, misdirection and control of a internet forum
2. Twenty-Five Rules of Disinformation
3. Eight Traits of the Disinformationalist
4. How to Spot a Spy (Cointelpro Agent)
5. Seventeen Techniques for Truth Suppression

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COINTELPRO Techniques for dilution, misdirection and control of a internet forum..
There are several techniques for the control and manipulation of a internet forum no matter what, or who is on it. We will go over each technique and demonstrate that only a minimal number of operatives can be used to eventually and effectively gain a control of a 'uncontrolled forum.'
Technique #1 - 'FORUM SLIDING'
If a very sensitive posting of a critical nature has been posted on a forum - it can be quickly removed from public view by 'forum sliding.' In this technique a number of unrelated posts are quietly prepositioned on the forum and allowed to 'age.' Each of these misdirectional forum postings can then be called upon at will to trigger a 'forum slide.' The second requirement is that several fake accounts exist, which can be called upon, to ensure that this technique is not exposed to the public. To trigger a 'forum slide' and 'flush' the critical post out of public view it is simply a matter of logging into each account both real and fake and then 'replying' to prepositioned postings with a simple 1 or 2 line comment. This brings the unrelated postings to the top of the forum list, and the critical posting 'slides' down the front page, and quickly out of public view. Although it is difficult or impossible to censor the posting it is now lost in a sea of unrelated and unuseful postings. By this means it becomes effective to keep the readers of the forum reading unrelated and non-issue items.
Technique #2 - 'CONSENSUS CRACKING'
A second highly effective technique (which you can see in operation all the time at www.abovetopsecret.com
) is 'consensus cracking.' To develop a consensus crack, the following technique is used. Under the guise of a fake account a posting is made which looks legitimate and is towards the truth is made - but the critical point is that it has a VERY WEAK PREMISE without substantive proof to back the posting. Once this is done then under alternative fake accounts a very strong position in your favor is slowly introduced over the life of the posting. It is IMPERATIVE that both sides are initially presented, so the uninformed reader cannot determine which side is the truth. As postings and replies are made the stronger 'evidence' or disinformation in your favor is slowly 'seeded in.' Thus the uninformed reader will most like develop the same position as you, and if their position is against you their opposition to your posting will be most likely dropped. However in some cases where the forum members are highly educated and can counter your disinformation with real facts and linked postings, you can then 'abort' the consensus cracking by initiating a 'forum slide.'
Technique #3 - 'TOPIC DILUTION'
Topic dilution is not only effective in forum sliding it is also very useful in keeping the forum readers on unrelated and non-productive issues. This is a critical and useful technique to cause a 'RESOURCE BURN.' By implementing continual and non-related postings that distract and disrupt (trolling ) the forum readers they are more effectively stopped from anything of any real productivity. If the intensity of gradual dilution is intense enough, the readers will effectively stop researching and simply slip into a 'gossip mode.' In this state they can be more easily misdirected away from facts towards uninformed conjecture and opinion. The less informed they are the more effective and easy it becomes to control the entire group in the direction that you would desire the group to go in. It must be stressed that a proper assessment of the psychological capabilities and levels of education is first determined of the group to determine at what level to 'drive in the wedge.' By being too far off topic too quickly it may trigger censorship by a forum moderator.
Technique #4 - 'INFORMATION COLLECTION'
Information collection is also a very effective method to determine the psychological level of the forum members, and to gather intelligence that can be used against them. In this technique in a light and positive environment a 'show you mine so me yours' posting is initiated. From the number of replies and the answers that are provided much statistical information can be gathered. An example is to post your 'favorite weapon' and then encourage other members of the forum to showcase what they have. In this matter it can be determined by reverse proration what percentage of the forum community owns a firearm, and or a illegal weapon. This same method can be used by posing as one of the form members and posting your favorite 'technique of operation.' From the replies various methods that the group utilizes can be studied and effective methods developed to stop them from their activities.
Technique #5 - 'ANGER TROLLING'
Statistically, there is always a percentage of the forum posters who are more inclined to violence. In order to determine who these individuals are, it is a requirement to present a image to the forum to deliberately incite a strong psychological reaction. From this the most violent in the group can be effectively singled out for reverse IP location and possibly local enforcement tracking. To accomplish this only requires posting a link to a video depicting a local police officer massively abusing his power against a very innocent individual. Statistically of the million or so police officers in America there is always one or two being caught abusing there powers and the taping of the activity can be then used for intelligence gathering purposes - without the requirement to 'stage' a fake abuse video. This method is extremely effective, and the more so the more abusive the video can be made to look. Sometimes it is useful to 'lead' the forum by replying to your own posting with your own statement of violent intent, and that you 'do not care what the authorities think!!' inflammation. By doing this and showing no fear it may be more effective in getting the more silent and self-disciplined violent intent members of the forum to slip and post their real intentions. This can be used later in a court of law during prosecution.
Technique #6 - 'GAINING FULL CONTROL'
It is important to also be harvesting and continually maneuvering for a forum moderator position. Once this position is obtained, the forum can then be effectively and quietly controlled by deleting unfavourable postings - and one can eventually steer the forum into complete failure and lack of interest by the general public. This is the 'ultimate victory' as the forum is no longer participated with by the general public and no longer useful in maintaining their freedoms. Depending on the level of control you can obtain, you can deliberately steer a forum into defeat by censoring postings, deleting memberships, flooding, and or accidentally taking the forum offline. By this method the forum can be quickly killed. However it is not always in the interest to kill a forum as it can be converted into a 'honey pot' gathering center to collect and misdirect newcomers and from this point be completely used for your control for your agenda purposes.
CONCLUSION
Remember these techniques are only effective if the forum participants DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THEM. Once they are aware of these techniques the operation can completely fail, and the forum can become uncontrolled. At this point other avenues must be considered such as initiating a false legal precidence to simply have the forum shut down and taken offline. This is not desirable as it then leaves the enforcement agencies unable to track the percentage of those in the population who always resist attempts for control against them. Many other techniques can be utilized and developed by the individual and as you develop further techniques of infiltration and control it is imperative to share then with HQ.
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Twenty-Five Rules of Disinformation
Note: The first rule and last five (or six, depending on situation) rules are generally not directly within the ability of the traditional disinfo artist to apply. These rules are generally used more directly by those at the leadership, key players, or planning level of the criminal conspiracy or conspiracy to cover up.
1. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. Regardless of what you know, don't discuss it -- especially if you are a public figure, news anchor, etc. If it's not reported, it didn't happen, and you never have to deal with the issues.
2. Become incredulous and indignant. Avoid discussing key issues and instead focus on side issues which can be used show the topic as being critical of some otherwise sacrosanct group or theme. This is also known as the 'How dare you!' gambit.
3. Create rumor mongers. Avoid discussing issues by describing all charges, regardless of venue or evidence, as mere rumors and wild accusations. Other derogatory terms mutually exclusive of truth may work as well. This method which works especially well with a silent press, because the only way the public can learn of the facts are through such 'arguable rumors'. If you can associate the material with the Internet, use this fact to certify it a 'wild rumor' from a 'bunch of kids on the Internet' which can have no basis in fact.
4. Use a straw man. Find or create a seeming element of your opponent's argument which you can easily knock down to make yourself look good and the opponent to look bad. Either make up an issue you may safely imply exists based on your interpretation of the opponent/opponent arguments/situation, or select the weakest aspect of the weakest charges. Amplify their significance and destroy them in a way which appears to debunk all the charges, real and fabricated alike, while actually avoiding discussion of the real issues.
5. Sidetrack opponents with name calling and ridicule. This is also known as the primary 'attack the messenger' ploy, though other methods qualify as variants of that approach. Associate opponents with unpopular titles such as 'kooks', 'right-wing', 'liberal', 'left-wing', 'terrorists', 'conspiracy buffs', 'radicals', 'militia', 'racists', 'religious fanatics', 'sexual deviates', and so forth. This makes others shrink from support out of fear of gaining the same label, and you avoid dealing with issues.
6. Hit and Run. In any public forum, make a brief attack of your opponent or the opponent position and then scamper off before an answer can be fielded, or simply ignore any answer. This works extremely well in Internet and letters-to-the-editor environments where a steady stream of new identities can be called upon without having to explain criticism, reasoning -- simply make an accusation or other attack, never discussing issues, and never answering any subsequent response, for that would dignify the opponent's viewpoint.
7. Question motives. Twist or amplify any fact which could be taken to imply that the opponent operates out of a hidden personal agenda or other bias. This avoids discussing issues and forces the accuser on the defensive.
8. Invoke authority. Claim for yourself or associate yourself with authority and present your argument with enough 'jargon' and 'minutia' to illustrate you are 'one who knows', and simply say it isn't so without discussing issues or demonstrating concretely why or citing sources.
9. Play Dumb. No matter what evidence or logical argument is offered, avoid discussing issues except with denials they have any credibility, make any sense, provide any proof, contain or make a point, have logic, or support a conclusion. Mix well for maximum effect.
10. Associate opponent charges with old news. A derivative of the straw man -- usually, in any large-scale matter of high visibility, someone will make charges early on which can be or were already easily dealt with - a kind of investment for the future should the matter not be so easily contained.) Where it can be foreseen, have your own side raise a straw man issue and have it dealt with early on as part of the initial contingency plans. Subsequent charges, regardless of validity or new ground uncovered, can usually then be associated with the original charge and dismissed as simply being a rehash without need to address current issues -- so much the better where the opponent is or was involved with the original source.
11. Establish and rely upon fall-back positions. Using a minor matter or element of the facts, take the 'high road' and 'confess' with candor that some innocent mistake, in hindsight, was made -- but that opponents have seized on the opportunity to blow it all out of proportion and imply greater criminalities which, 'just isn't so.' Others can reinforce this on your behalf, later, and even publicly 'call for an end to the nonsense' because you have already 'done the right thing.' Done properly, this can garner sympathy and respect for 'coming clean' and 'owning up' to your mistakes without addressing more serious issues.
12. Enigmas have no solution. Drawing upon the overall umbrella of events surrounding the crime and the multitude of players and events, paint the entire affair as too complex to solve. This causes those otherwise following the matter to begin to lose interest more quickly without having to address the actual issues.
13. Alice in Wonderland Logic. Avoid discussion of the issues by reasoning backwards or with an apparent deductive logic which forbears any actual material fact.
14. Demand complete solutions. Avoid the issues by requiring opponents to solve the crime at hand completely, a ploy which works best with issues qualifying for rule 10.
15. Fit the facts to alternate conclusions. This requires creative thinking unless the crime was planned with contingency conclusions in place.
16. Vanish evidence and witnesses. If it does not exist, it is not fact, and you won't have to address the issue.
17. Change the subject. Usually in connection with one of the other ploys listed here, find a way to side-track the discussion with abrasive or controversial comments in hopes of turning attention to a new, more manageable topic. This works especially well with companions who can 'argue' with you over the new topic and polarize the discussion arena in order to avoid discussing more key issues.
18. Emotionalize, Antagonize, and Goad Opponents. If you can't do anything else, chide and taunt your opponents and draw them into emotional responses which will tend to make them look foolish and overly motivated, and generally render their material somewhat less coherent. Not only will you avoid discussing the issues in the first instance, but even if their emotional response addresses the issue, you can further avoid the issues by then focusing on how 'sensitive they are to criticism.'
19. Ignore proof presented, demand impossible proofs. This is perhaps a variant of the 'play dumb' rule. Regardless of what material may be presented by an opponent in public forums, claim the material irrelevant and demand proof that is impossible for the opponent to come by (it may exist, but not be at his disposal, or it may be something which is known to be safely destroyed or withheld, such as a murder weapon.) In order to completely avoid discussing issues, it may be required that you to categorically deny and be critical of media or books as valid sources, deny that witnesses are acceptable, or even deny that statements made by government or other authorities have any meaning or relevance.
20. False evidence. Whenever possible, introduce new facts or clues designed and manufactured to conflict with opponent presentations -- as useful tools to neutralize sensitive issues or impede resolution. This works best when the crime was designed with contingencies for the purpose, and the facts cannot be easily separated from the fabrications.
21. Call a Grand Jury, Special Prosecutor, or other empowered investigative body. Subvert the (process) to your benefit and effectively neutralize all sensitive issues without open discussion. Once convened, the evidence and testimony are required to be secret when properly handled. For instance, if you own the prosecuting attorney, it can insure a Grand Jury hears no useful evidence and that the evidence is sealed and unavailable to subsequent investigators. Once a favorable verdict is achieved, the matter can be considered officially closed. Usually, this technique is applied to find the guilty innocent, but it can also be used to obtain charges when seeking to frame a victim.
22. Manufacture a new truth. Create your own expert(s), group(s), author(s), leader(s) or influence existing ones willing to forge new ground via scientific, investigative, or social research or testimony which concludes favorably. In this way, if you must actually address issues, you can do so authoritatively.
23. Create bigger distractions. If the above does not seem to be working to distract from sensitive issues, or to prevent unwanted media coverage of unstoppable events such as trials, create bigger news stories (or treat them as such) to distract the multitudes.
24. Silence critics. If the above methods do not prevail, consider removing opponents from circulation by some definitive solution so that the need to address issues is removed entirely. This can be by their death, arrest and detention, blackmail or destruction of their character by release of blackmail information, or merely by destroying them financially, emotionally, or severely damaging their health.
25. Vanish. If you are a key holder of secrets or otherwise overly illuminated and you think the heat is getting too hot, to avoid the issues, vacate the kitchen.
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Eight Traits of the Disinformationalist
1) Avoidance. They never actually discuss issues head-on or provide constructive input, generally avoiding citation of references or credentials. Rather, they merely imply this, that, and the other. Virtually everything about their presentation implies their authority and expert knowledge in the matter without any further justification for credibility.
2) Selectivity. They tend to pick and choose opponents carefully, either applying the hit-and-run approach against mere commentators supportive of opponents, or focusing heavier attacks on key opponents who are known to directly address issues. Should a commentator become argumentative with any success, the focus will shift to include the commentator as well.
3) Coincidental. They tend to surface suddenly and somewhat coincidentally with a new controversial topic with no clear prior record of participation in general discussions in the particular public arena involved. They likewise tend to vanish once the topic is no longer of general concern. They were likely directed or elected to be there for a reason, and vanish with the reason.
4) Teamwork. They tend to operate in self-congratulatory and complementary packs or teams. Of course, this can happen naturally in any public forum, but there will likely be an ongoing pattern of frequent exchanges of this sort where professionals are involved. Sometimes one of the players will infiltrate the opponent camp to become a source for straw man or other tactics designed to dilute opponent presentation strength.
5) Anti-conspiratorial. They almost always have disdain for 'conspiracy theorists' and, usually, for those who in any way believe JFK was not killed by LHO. Ask yourself why, if they hold such disdain for conspiracy theorists, do they focus on defending a single topic discussed in a NG focusing on conspiracies? One might think they would either be trying to make fools of everyone on every topic, or simply ignore the group they hold in such disdain. Or, one might more rightly conclude they have an ulterior motive for their actions in going out of their way to focus as they do.
6) Artificial Emotions. An odd kind of 'artificial' emotionalism and an unusually thick skin -- an ability to persevere and persist even in the face of overwhelming criticism and unacceptance. This likely stems from intelligence community training that, no matter how condemning the evidence, deny everything, and never become emotionally involved or reactive. The net result for a disinfo artist is that emotions can seem artificial.
Most people, if responding in anger, for instance, will express their animosity throughout their rebuttal. But disinfo types usually have trouble maintaining the 'image' and are hot and cold with respect to pretended emotions and their usually more calm or unemotional communications style. It's just a job, and they often seem unable to 'act their role in character' as well in a communications medium as they might be able in a real face-to-face conversation/confrontation. You might have outright rage and indignation one moment, ho-hum the next, and more anger later -- an emotional yo-yo.
With respect to being thick-skinned, no amount of criticism will deter them from doing their job, and they will generally continue their old disinfo patterns without any adjustments to criticisms of how obvious it is that they play that game -- where a more rational individual who truly cares what others think might seek to improve their communications style, substance, and so forth, or simply give up.
7) Inconsistent. There is also a tendency to make mistakes which betray their true self/motives. This may stem from not really knowing their topic, or it may be somewhat 'freudian', so to speak, in that perhaps they really root for the side of truth deep within.
I have noted that often, they will simply cite contradictory information which neutralizes itself and the author. For instance, one such player claimed to be a Navy pilot, but blamed his poor communicating skills (spelling, grammar, incoherent style) on having only a grade-school education. I'm not aware of too many Navy pilots who don't have a college degree. Another claimed no knowledge of a particular topic/situation but later claimed first-hand knowledge of it.
8) Time Constant. Recently discovered, with respect to News Groups, is the response time factor. There are three ways this can be seen to work, especially when the government or other empowered player is involved in a cover up operation:
a) ANY NG posting by a targeted proponent for truth can result in an IMMEDIATE response. The government and other empowered players can afford to pay people to sit there and watch for an opportunity to do some damage. SINCE DISINFO IN A NG ONLY WORKS IF THE READER SEES IT - FAST RESPONSE IS CALLED FOR, or the visitor may be swayed towards truth.
b) When dealing in more direct ways with a disinformationalist, such as email, DELAY IS CALLED FOR - there will usually be a minimum of a 48-72 hour delay. This allows a sit-down team discussion on response strategy for best effect, and even enough time to 'get permission' or instruction from a formal chain of command.
c) In the NG example 1) above, it will often ALSO be seen that bigger guns are drawn and fired after the same 48-72 hours delay - the team approach in play. This is especially true when the targeted truth seeker or their comments are considered more important with respect to potential to reveal truth. Thus, a serious truth sayer will be attacked twice for the same sin.
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How to Spot a Spy (Cointelpro Agent)
One way to neutralize a potential activist is to get them to be in a group that does all the wrong things. Why?
1) The message doesn't get out.
2) A lot of time is wasted
3) The activist is frustrated and discouraged
4) Nothing good is accomplished.
FBI and Police Informers and Infiltrators will infest any group and they have phoney activist organizations established.
Their purpose is to prevent any real movement for justice or eco-peace from developing in this country.
Agents come in small, medium or large. They can be of any ethnic background. They can be male or female.
The actual size of the group or movement being infiltrated is irrelevant. It is the potential the movement has for becoming large which brings on the spies and saboteurs.
This booklet lists tactics agents use to slow things down, foul things up, destroy the movement and keep tabs on activists.
It is the agent's job to keep the activist from quitting such a group, thus keeping him/her under control.
In some situations, to get control, the agent will tell the activist:

• "You're dividing the movement."

[Here, I have added the psychological reasons as to WHY this maneuver works to control people]
This invites guilty feelings. Many people can be controlled by guilt. The agents begin relationships with activists behind a well-developed mask of "dedication to the cause." Because of their often declared dedication, (and actions designed to prove this), when they criticize the activist, he or she - being truly dedicated to the movement - becomes convinced that somehow, any issues are THEIR fault. This is because a truly dedicated person tends to believe that everyone has a conscience and that nobody would dissimulate and lie like that "on purpose." It's amazing how far agents can go in manipulating an activist because the activist will constantly make excuses for the agent who regularly declares their dedication to the cause. Even if they do, occasionally, suspect the agent, they will pull the wool over their own eyes by rationalizing: "they did that unconsciously... they didn't really mean it... I can help them by being forgiving and accepting " and so on and so forth.
The agent will tell the activist:

• "You're a leader!"

This is designed to enhance the activist's self-esteem. His or her narcissistic admiration of his/her own activist/altruistic intentions increase as he or she identifies with and consciously admires the altruistic declarations of the agent which are deliberately set up to mirror those of the activist.
This is "malignant pseudo identification." It is the process by which the agent consciously imitates or simulates a certain behavior to foster the activist's identification with him/her, thus increasing the activist's vulnerability to exploitation. The agent will simulate the more subtle self-concepts of the activist.
Activists and those who have altruistic self-concepts are most vulnerable to malignant pseudo identification especially during work with the agent when the interaction includes matter relating to their competency, autonomy, or knowledge.
The goal of the agent is to increase the activist's general empathy for the agent through pseudo-identification with the activist's self-concepts.
The most common example of this is the agent who will compliment the activist for his competency or knowledge or value to the movement. On a more subtle level, the agent will simulate affects and mannerisms of the activist which promotes identification via mirroring and feelings of "twinship". It is not unheard of for activists, enamored by the perceived helpfulness and competence of a good agent, to find themselves considering ethical violations and perhaps, even illegal behavior, in the service of their agent/handler.
The activist's "felt quality of perfection" [self-concept] is enhanced, and a strong empathic bond is developed with the agent through his/her imitation and simulation of the victim's own narcissistic investments. [self-concepts] That is, if the activist knows, deep inside, their own dedication to the cause, they will project that onto the agent who is "mirroring" them.
The activist will be deluded into thinking that the agent shares this feeling of identification and bonding. In an activist/social movement setting, the adversarial roles that activists naturally play vis a vis the establishment/government, fosters ongoing processes of intrapsychic splitting so that "twinship alliances" between activist and agent may render whole sectors or reality testing unavailable to the activist. They literally "lose touch with reality."
Activists who deny their own narcissistic investments [do not have a good idea of their own self-concepts and that they ARE concepts] and consciously perceive themselves (accurately, as it were) to be "helpers" endowed with a special amount of altruism are exceedingly vulnerable to the affective (emotional) simulation of the accomplished agent.
Empathy is fostered in the activist through the expression of quite visible affects. The presentation of tearfulness, sadness, longing, fear, remorse, and guilt, may induce in the helper-oriented activist a strong sense of compassion, while unconsciously enhancing the activist's narcissistic investment in self as the embodiment of goodness.
The agent's expresssion of such simulated affects may be quite compelling to the observer and difficult to distinguish from deep emotion.
It can usually be identified by two events, however:
First, the activist who has analyzed his/her own narcissistic roots and is aware of his/her own potential for being "emotionally hooked," will be able to remain cool and unaffected by such emotional outpourings by the agent.
As a result of this unaffected, cool, attitude, the Second event will occur: The agent will recompensate much too quickly following such an affective expression leaving the activist with the impression that "the play has ended, the curtain has fallen," and the imposture, for the moment, has finished. The agent will then move quickly to another activist/victim.
The fact is, the movement doesn't need leaders, it needs MOVERS. "Follow the leader" is a waste of time.
A good agent will want to meet as often as possible. He or she will talk a lot and say little. One can expect an onslaught of long, unresolved discussions.
Some agents take on a pushy, arrogant, or defensive manner:
1) To disrupt the agenda
2) To side-track the discussion
3) To interrupt repeatedly
4) To feign ignorance
5) To make an unfounded accusation against a person.
Calling someone a racist, for example. This tactic is used to discredit a person in the eyes of all other group members.
Saboteurs
Some saboteurs pretend to be activists. She or he will ....
1) Write encyclopedic flyers (in the present day, websites)
2) Print flyers in English only.
3) Have demonstrations in places where no one cares.
4) Solicit funding from rich people instead of grass roots support
5) Display banners with too many words that are confusing.
6) Confuse issues.
7) Make the wrong demands.
8) Compromise the goal.
9) Have endless discussions that waste everyone's time. The agent may accompany the endless discussions with drinking, pot smoking or other amusement to slow down the activist's work.
Provocateurs
1) Want to establish "leaders" to set them up for a fall in order to stop the movement.
2) Suggest doing foolish, illegal things to get the activists in trouble.
3) Encourage militancy.
4) Want to taunt the authorities.
5) Attempt to make the activist compromise their values.
6) Attempt to instigate violence. Activism ought to always be non-violent.
7) Attempt to provoke revolt among people who are ill-prepared to deal with the reaction of the authorities to such violence.
Informants
1) Want everyone to sign up and sing in and sign everything.
2) Ask a lot of questions (gathering data).
3) Want to know what events the activist is planning to attend.
4) Attempt to make the activist defend him or herself to identify his or her beliefs, goals, and level of commitment.
Recruiting
Legitimate activists do not subject people to hours of persuasive dialog. Their actions, beliefs, and goals speak for themselves.
Groups that DO recruit are missionaries, military, and fake political parties or movements set up by agents.
Surveillance
ALWAYS assume that you are under surveillance.
At this point, if you are NOT under surveillance, you are not a very good activist!
Scare Tactics
They use them.
Such tactics include slander, defamation, threats, getting close to disaffected or minimally committed fellow activists to persuade them (via psychological tactics described above) to turn against the movement and give false testimony against their former compatriots. They will plant illegal substances on the activist and set up an arrest; they will plant false information and set up "exposure," they will send incriminating letters [emails] in the name of the activist; and more; they will do whatever society will allow.
This booklet in no way covers all the ways agents use to sabotage the lives of sincere an dedicated activists.
If an agent is "exposed," he or she will be transferred or replaced.
COINTELPRO is still in operation today under a different code name. It is no longer placed on paper where it can be discovered through the freedom of information act.
The FBI counterintelligence program's stated purpose: To expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit, and otherwise neutralize individuals who the FBI categorize as opposed to the National Interests. "National Security" means the FBI's security from the people ever finding out the vicious things it does in violation of people's civil liberties.
_______________________________________________________________________
Seventeen Techniques for Truth Suppression
Strong, credible allegations of high-level criminal activity can bring down a government. When the government lacks an effective, fact-based defense, other techniques must be employed. The success of these techniques depends heavily upon a cooperative, compliant press and a mere token opposition party.
1. Dummy up. If it's not reported, if it's not news, it didn't happen.
2. Wax indignant. This is also known as the "How dare you?" gambit.
3. Characterize the charges as "rumors" or, better yet, "wild rumors." If, in spite of the news blackout, the public is still able to learn about the suspicious facts, it can only be through "rumors." (If they tend to believe the "rumors" it must be because they are simply "paranoid" or "hysterical.")
4. Knock down straw men. Deal only with the weakest aspects of the weakest charges. Even better, create your own straw men. Make up wild rumors (or plant false stories) and give them lead play when you appear to debunk all the charges, real and fanciful alike.
5. Call the skeptics names like "conspiracy theorist," "nutcase," "ranter," "kook," "crackpot," and, of course, "rumor monger." Be sure, too, to use heavily loaded verbs and adjectives when characterizing their charges and defending the "more reasonable" government and its defenders. You must then carefully avoid fair and open debate with any of the people you have thus maligned. For insurance, set up your own "skeptics" to shoot down.
6. Impugn motives. Attempt to marginalize the critics by suggesting strongly that they are not really interested in the truth but are simply pursuing a partisan political agenda or are out to make money (compared to over-compensated adherents to the government line who, presumably, are not).
7. Invoke authority. Here the controlled press and the sham opposition can be very useful.
8. Dismiss the charges as "old news."
9. Come half-clean. This is also known as "confession and avoidance" or "taking the limited hangout route." This way, you create the impression of candor and honesty while you admit only to relatively harmless, less-than-criminal "mistakes." This stratagem often requires the embrace of a fall-back position quite different from the one originally taken. With effective damage control, the fall-back position need only be peddled by stooge skeptics to carefully limited markets.
10. Characterize the crimes as impossibly complex and the truth as ultimately unknowable.
11. Reason backward, using the deductive method with a vengeance. With thoroughly rigorous deduction, troublesome evidence is irrelevant. E.g. We have a completely free press. If evidence exists that the Vince Foster "suicide" note was forged, they would have reported it. They haven't reported it so there is no such evidence. Another variation on this theme involves the likelihood of a conspiracy leaker and a press who would report the leak.
12. Require the skeptics to solve the crime completely. E.g. If Foster was murdered, who did it and why?
13. Change the subject. This technique includes creating and/or publicizing distractions.
14. Lightly report incriminating facts, and then make nothing of them. This is sometimes referred to as "bump and run" reporting.
15. Baldly and brazenly lie. A favorite way of doing this is to attribute the "facts" furnished the public to a plausible-sounding, but anonymous, source.
16. Expanding further on numbers 4 and 5, have your own stooges "expose" scandals and champion popular causes. Their job is to pre-empt real opponents and to play 99-yard football. A variation is to pay rich people for the job who will pretend to spend their own money.
17. Flood the Internet with agents. This is the answer to the question, "What could possibly motivate a person to spend hour upon hour on Internet news groups defending the government and/or the press and harassing genuine critics?" Don t the authorities have defenders enough in all the newspapers, magazines, radio, and television? One would think refusing to print critical letters and screening out serious callers or dumping them from radio talk shows would be control enough, but, obviously, it is not.

It is difficult to find real life RR relationship. Especially not an option if you are already taken. There are various vents and one of them - reading or writing fiction. There were topics about RR in scifi written by prominent authors. But how about you? Do you write or maybe have ideas for fantasy setting or world-building? Please share.
Couple examples from me:
Setting 1. Right man in the wrong time
In XXI century experiments on recording human personalities started, a lot of people were "read" and saved on hard-drives, but there were no technology to create artificial bodies for them. So the personalities of test subjects, volunteers and commerical clients remained stored. In parallel genetic treatment research lead to tech that could exteng lifespan, but unfortunatelly it had side-effects of higher risk of cancer for men. As a result this tech only worked well for women. Because of that a lot of parents started to chose female gender for their kids, as their daughters could live much longer than sons. This shifted gender balance and led to female-dominated society. Which sort rewritten history portraing the past of male-dominance in shades of black and all the men of the past as abusive, power-hungry despots. It was backed by statistical facts such as drop in crime rate with reduction of male population.
Eventually the anti-male campaign receded and some interest and curiocity towards men returned, but there were few men left and they were often too spoiled and not very attractive. So there was a high demand for men in various spheres of, well, entertainment. Besides of lack of supply there was a conflict between romantized image of primal men and fear that their brute force may be too disruptive in a disarned pacifist decadent society. A commercial solution was found - a company manufactured artificial male bodies that were looking hot and attractive, big in all the right places, yet lacked the brute force, were very light and designed to be harmless to women. Even a teenage girl could easily overpower them. They used the stored consciousness of men from XXI century and put these men into new artificial bodies. Bodies were not cheap, so the resurrected men owed a big loan to the company and had to work basically for free to pay off the debt...
Story is about a girl who rented such a guy as a birthday present for herself. She had to return him soon, but they figured out that his knowledge can help her a lot with her studies. Despite some technological advance, few people of her epoch can really understand principles behind the science - they can use it, maybe replicate, but not understand or advance.
So besides a romatic affair they can work together to help her and studies and suddenly a "genius", once she makes a career and earn some money - she can pay off his debt. And until then - rent him from time to time for both pleasure and studies.
-- I liked the story but it is long abandoned --
Setting 2. Purple letter
Every invention can be used for evil. So called Selena transformation was quickly adopted by shady brothels - it allowed to transform women in ideal sex-slaves or walking sex-toys. Very attractive perfect bodies, not aging, able to move and speak, but weak and helpless, easily stored after "work shift" and unable to run away. This was of course against law, but went under radar for a while, a ot of women were converted against their will. Then one of them escaped with the help of a client who smuggled her from a brothel and was eventually killed by thugs. Nevertheless, she managed to get help went to TV. She told her story and that caused a huge impact. Police raided brothels and found thousands of victims... A lot of people went to jail, but public outrage shifted from those who run these illegal dens to those who paid for their services and were silent... This caused a political shift and a lot of blame by association.
Some male politicians, celebritites decided to voluntary undergo Selena transformation. This way they demonstrated solidarity with female victims and scored a lot of points. This was good for career and removed the burden of "male guilt" from them. This made them physically weak and thus not dangerous to women anymore. Also reduced their individual carbon footprint. Last but not least - change made them look more sexy.
Some militant feminists and these male allies gained more political power and pushed mandatory transformation for jailed criminals. Reducing their danger and also reducing costs of prisons. Transformation of men went to industrial scale: it reduced crime and also was "green". Eventually it become mandatory and special comission decided who and when must come to the tf-hospital and be transformed. They sent men so called "Purple letters" - instruction to come up and pass transformation. Job perspectives were sour for remaining "organic" as insurance discounts motivated business to fire organic men and only hire transformed, because they were safer for women.
Also transformed that didn't volunteer require a "guardianship" of a woman. Such as wife, girlfriend or female boss. If there is no such woman - guys are sent to adoption centers that are nicknamed "boyshops".
Plot of the story is about two friends that were transformed and soon adopted by two ladies. Not for "fun", or at least not just for fun. Ladies run a business and required some new employes, they figured that the can just purchase two guys instead of hiring them...
-- This story contains 4 chapters so far but is also on hold, not much readers' interest --
Just wanted to share the settings and hopefully read some RR-fantasy setting ideas you guys have

So my little sister is gen z . She’s 20 now. But she was basically home schooled because she was sick from 8-15 years old. She basically watched a lot of YouTube and had full access to the internet not monitored in anyway. I say this part because I think it played a big part in her influence. I left the home for the military at age 20 when she was 8. While I lived with her she I was her big influence. She was girly and never acted in a way that showed she was uncomfortable In girls clothes. I’m a female bisexual but feminine. Queerness runs in my family we are all Neuro divergent in some way wether it’s ADHD or high functioning autism. I think people like this are bound to be more “free”
But I’m wondering if y’all would really consider her trans. When I came back from the military she got a boyfriend that was transgender. she’s had a crush on a girl before . Ever since she got him as a BF she all of the sudden was talking about being trans at age 16. She never dresses like a boy just a teen that didn’t have a style. And I told her many people take time to know them selves. Not to mention we grew up with abusive parents than never let us develop our sense of self. She would act inappropriate, and where to thigh high socks in mini skirts when her sister’s boyfriend was at home. I remember asking her why she felt she was trans and she said because she doesn’t look like a girl so she might as well be a boy. She had Crohn’s disease so she’s under developed for a girl. But I told her the way you act and dress can help you be more feminine. Just because you have a flat chest doesn’t make sense just be a boy? I feel like the reasons she gives doesn’t make sense. That and she still only dates men. I suspect that my father abused her, and she feels that being a woman isn’t safe, because women are prayed upon. it’s common when women are sexually abused then they gain a lot of weight because they feel like who wants to touch an extremely fat person so then they feel safe in the extra weight makes your body feel safer. she’s changed her name and now we can’t even call her by her biological name. I’m just trying to be there for her as her big sister. Only time will tell.
As a transgender person what people are you attracted to? Do you think I’m valid for thinking she doesn’t know herself because our history of abuse?

Im 20m. Been going through a lot of depression last 6 years along its bad habits. Gaming/screen addiction, porn addiction, excessive eating, procrastination/avoidance.
This is all due to stress of being unable to find my 1st job which has its own problems i will not dive into here. Im supposed to be applying but i find anything else to do instead, especially if it’s rewarding my brain with dopamine. I have a severe lack of discipline/motivation and no self confidence. A lot of bad problems blending into one.
Im working on getting into the gym to get a consistent schedule and work my goals from there. Having a schedule is an important foundation for me so i have hopes, my only problem is i cant personally afford it since I’m unemployed so id have to ask my dad who is always heavily reluctant to pay for things on anyone else’s behalf. I just have to hope that he’s feeling generous.
Im just not sure how to proceed either way things go. If i cant go the gym then I’ll have to find another way. If i can, i am worried that despite all the benefits it will do for my mindset, lifestyle and mood, ultimately i’ll just keep finding ways to avoid my responsibilities like finding a job and nothing will change.

Audio on!
https://reddit.com/link/1cxd69video/2o3a7h58bt1d1/player
Yesterday, on X, I read the comment of somebody lamenting a drastic decline of ComfyUI workflows shared by the AI community.
I don't know if that's the case, but it pushed me to put together this short video.
The AP Workflow is still actively developed and shared for free with the entire Stable Diffusion and ComfyUI community. The upcoming version 10 will be no exception.
Now, I'll go back to waiting for SD3.

So, I discovered UTY 5 days ago, and the ending broke me. afterwards. It caused me to be absoloutely devasted for once because of the game. So it caused me to when to write a self insert story, or at least a story involving the UTY characters heavily. but then after writing and such, i got the idea to just write my own orignal story. which was two days ago.
but after thinking "what if i turnt this into the game?" then drawing a mains characters face in ms paint and making a npc and doing a few obviously not thinking people have already started working on another soul colour game. I looked seeing "damn, looks like that's a no go."
and now after a week, my strong emotions are gone so that I only "know" how I felt a week ago and if I tried I could say to myself about UTY characters that they're just pixels even though just a week ago I was saying they're more. Is this even supposed to happen? should i already be jaded at an ending that made me cry so hard, and now i feel like i already have no more emotional attachment too?
that this game will now eventually go into the void of games i've watched? I feel like that's wrong, and that every time i watch it, i should have to cry. but this is me trying to put words into something i can't. I don't know how im feeling about this.
I don't think I'll finish writing it now, and I'm only 3 pages in. I really screwed myself over with self-sabotage. I hope I get the motivation back, even if it just ends up being a story. But i don't think that will happen. so i should just try to move on from undertale yellow.

I revisited this album and now I have multiple questions relating to these two songs that I would like clarity on if anyone has answers, I'll list quotes from the songs, followed up with my questions related to the lines:
​

Whitney's hurt, the purest soul I know, I found her in the kitchen
Askin' God, "Where did I lose myself? And can it be forgiven?"
Broke me down, she looked me in my eyes, "Is there an addiction?"
I said "No," but this time I lied, I knew that I can't fix it
Pure soul, even in her pain, know she cared for me
Gave me a number, said she recommended some therapy
I asked my momma why she didn't believe me when I told her "No"
I never knew she was violated in Chicago, I'm sympathetic
Told me that she feared it happened to me, for my protection
Though it never happened, she wouldn't agree Now I'm affected, twenty years later trauma has resurfaced
Amplified as I write this song, I shiver 'cause I'm nervous
I was five, questioning myself, 'lone for many years
Nothing's wrong, just results on how them questions made me feel
I made it home, seven years of tour, chasin' manhood
But Whitney's gone, by time you hear this song, she did all she could -'Mother I Sober'

(All relevant lines for most context)
1). This is the most confusing one to me. To my understanding this is the moment Whitney finds out about Kendrick's infidelity/lust addiction. It reads as though this convo occurred when he was 25 years old ("twenty years later, after I was five") so this would be at or around 2012-2013, which fits in with him saying Whitney asked him about this soon after the GKMC tour. Which he mentioned earlier on 'Worldwide Steppers'
"good kid, m.A.A.d city tour, I flourished on them stages, Whitney asked did I have a problem I said, 'I might be racist'"
So this kind of makes it sound like this was a conversation they had over a decade ago? The "I made it home, seven years of tour, Whitney's gone" line makes this more confusing because I would assume the GKMC or Yeezus tour or even the Drake one were the first ones he was a part of back in 2012/2013, unless he is just talking about 7 years prior to the original interpretation where he would just be doing random shows back when he was K.Dot. Unless he's saying this is when the conversation happened, they remained together until sometime recently they split, but this would be unsubstantiated. So personally I think it is clear when Whitney found out about his infidelity sometime 10+ years ago, however it's very unclear when or if Whitney is even really gone and if they don't live together, see each other, or parent their kids together. The meta perspective of her appearing on the album multiple times and being a part of the artwork, and posting a ton of her own self growth stuff on IG as well an Kendrick never really saying anything contrary besides this one line leads me to believe they're still very much together?
​

So I set free my cousin, chaotic for my mother's pain
I hope Hykeem made you proud 'cause you ain't die in vain -'Mother I Sober'

2). Obviously this is referring to Kendrick's cousin who is the parent of Baby Keem (who I always thought was Kendrick's first cousin, and not his first cousin once removed), but who is this cousin? Is this the cousin that was accused of touching Kendrick? I assume this isn't the same cousin from Auntie Diaries due to the similar age? Also do we know how or when they died? I feel like I'm missing something obvious. For some reason a Genius annotation says this is a female "his female cousin who’s the mother of Baby Keem" I'm not sure where this is concluded from.
​

"Mother cried, put they hands on her, it was family ties" -'Mother I Sober'

3). This is saying that someone in the family hit his mother, not that someone in the family was the one that molested his mother?
​

"Mother's brother said he got revenge for my mother’s face, Black and blue, the image of my queen that I can't erase" -'Mother I Sober'

4). Kendrick's Uncle beats up another family member to avenge what happened in the previous line above?
​

"I asked my momma why she didn't believe me when I told her "No"
I never knew she was violated in Chicago, I'm sympathetic" -'Mother I Sober'

5). I assume we have no further context to what happened here, whether or not this incident happened by someone in the family or not, just that it happened previously when she lived in Chicago before moving to Compton?
​

My Auntie is a man now -Auntie Diaries
Where is your uncle at? 'Cause I wanna talk to the man of the house -Family Matters

6). Final question regarding 'Auntie Diaries'. There was a little bit of discourse over Drake's line in 'Family Matters' regarding Kendrick's Aunt/Uncle. From my understanding, yes Kendrick's Auntie is a transman, but just because that's the case doesn't necessarily mean that he wants to be referred to as an Uncle. Is it reasonable to believe that because of the title of the song, the repetition of "My Auntie is a man now", and no other indication in the song, that Kendrick's Auntie retained the Aunt title regardless of transitioning to a man? (Technically making Drake's line incorrect/hurtful?) (Note: also in an interview around 2013 Kendrick referred to him as his Auntie then for what that's worth)

OzarkYodeleRoger Haak, Executive Director of Denver Philharmonic Orchestra here again. I've had a blast passing out tickets to folks through this subreddit, and we've really helped a lot of folks get the arts in their lives!
If you don't know the scoop by now, I like to swing by and give out free tickets to our concerts. I hate empty seats, and there are too many folks out there who 1) have a hard time affording tickets to concerts 2) don't think classical music is for them. We've got about 200 seats left in this concert, so let's spread the love of the arts and get tickets to those in need!
This Thursday is Song and Dance, which will feature Cherry Creek Dance Company. It's also a big thank you concert for our Music Director, Lawrence Golan. There will be fun activities in the lobby, a pre-concert chat, and some fun surprises for the concert itself. We're really trying to end the season with a bang!
Want to come through? Easy. I turned on the "Pay What You Can" ticket type for everyone to use. Need a comp ticket for you and your family? Just put in $0! Would you feel better paying $1 or $5 per ticket? Go right ahead! Ticket price should never be a barrier to entry for the arts, and even though we have ton of discounts and our most expensive ticket is $30, it can still be hard for folks to swing it. I truly hope this helps surprise some folks and lifts some spirits.
Thanks again, Denver! You all have made our 23-24 season impactful for so many people and communities in ways I can't begin to describe right now (I'll probably make a self-post over the summer about it because y'all deserve to pat yourselves on the back).
Here's the skinny:
Song and Dance - Thursday, May 23 - 7:30PM Concert; 6:15PM Doors.
Antonia Brico Stage at Central Presbyterian Church - 1660 Sherman St. Denver, CO 80203
Pay What You Can Ticket - Enter $0 for a comp ticket or whatever price you feel comfortable paying.
No dress code! Kids 12 and under are always free.
Big thanks to the SCFD and our sponsors - and a special shout to the mods who manage this vehicle of community building.

Hey all, I was on a pretty decent sugar free streak a few weeks ago but I was eating a lot of artificial sugars like in pudding mix or in my coffee. One thing that keeps me from being able to get back on the streak is not having great motivation for it.
I find myself making it to the end of the day eating super clean, but then I break my intermittent fast (eating at around 10 pm) and gorging on fucking oreos or whatever we have around the house.
What do you guys tell yourself to keep yourself strong? Any advice is appreciated, thanks.

So my little sister is gen z . She’s 20 now. But she was basically home schooled because she was sick from 8-15 years old. She basically watched a lot of YouTube and had full access to the internet not monitored in anyway. I say this part because I think it played a big part in her influence. I left the home for the military at age 20 when she was 8. While I lived with her she I was her big influence. She was girly and never acted in a way that showed she was uncomfortable In girls clothes. I’m a female bisexual but feminine. Queerness runs in my family we are all Neuro divergent in some way wether it’s ADHD or high functioning autism. I think people like this are bound to be more “free”
But I’m wondering if y’all would really consider her trans. When I came back from the military she got a boyfriend that was transgender. she’s had a crush on a girl before . Ever since she got him as a BF she all of the sudden was talking about being trans at age 16. She never dresses like a boy just a teen that didn’t have a style. And I told her many people take time to know them selves. Not to mention we grew up with abusive parents than never let us develop our sense of self. She would act inappropriate, and where to thigh high socks in mini skirts when her sister’s boyfriend was at home. I remember asking her why she felt she was trans and she said because she doesn’t look like a girl so she might as well be a boy. She had Crohn’s disease so she’s under developed for a girl. But I told her the way you act and dress can help you be more feminine. Just because you have a flat chest doesn’t make sense just be a boy? I feel like the reasons she gives doesn’t make sense. That and she still only dates men. I suspect that my father abused her, and she feels that being a woman isn’t safe, because women are prayed upon. it’s common when women are sexually abused then they gain a lot of weight because they feel like who wants to touch an extremely fat person so then they feel safe in the extra weight makes your body feel safer. she’s changed her name and now we can’t even call her by her biological name. I’m just trying to be there for her as her big sister. Only time will tell.
As a transgender person what people are you attracted to? Do you think I’m valid for thinking she doesn’t know herself because our history of abuse?

The Dutch parliament adopts by a wafer-thin majority a motion that says that chanting “From the River to the Sea Palestine will be Free” is a criminal act of incitement to violence.
The motion, which is not binding, passes thanks to a single vote in a 74-73 split in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch Parliament, which has 150 seats. The motion’s author is Maikel Boon, a lawmaker for the Party for Freedom of Geert Wilders, which was the largest in the 2023 elections and recently announced that it has put together a ruling coalition under its leadership.
Wilders, an anti-Islam, far-right politician, in a vocal supporter of Israel and a self-described promoter of what he calls Judeo-Christian values. The slogan “comes right off the Hamas charter and is therefore a call for violence against all Jews worldwide,” the motion states. The slogan, which references the Jordan River and the Mediterranean, has emerged in recent months a common feature of anti-Israel protests.
Although the motion is not binding on the prosecution service or judges, it is nonetheless the strongest official document on the subject to date in the Netherlands.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/dutch-parliament-passes-motion-calling-from-the-river-to-the-sea-criminal-incitement/

Hello everyone,
I have been trying to find a solution for my depression for more than 10 years now. I have tried all kinds of medications, rTMS, and ECT. What I haven't tried yet are Ketamine/Esketamine and Psilocybin, which are not available here for this purpose and, of course, cannot be imported for personal use.
I am currently taking TCP at 70 mg plus Lithium, experiencing hypotension as a side effect, mostly when I am not eating enough. Unfortunately, I have not seen any benefits (MAYBE weight loss). It seems to me that every time I increase the dose by 10 mg, something gets better, but until now, it has always worn off. It is so subtle that I started thinking it is just me conditioning myself because I am desperately hoping that this time it is going to work...
I tried to ask my doctor to go over the 60 mg limit and possibly up to 100 mg, but the only dose I could get was 70 mg. I can't blame him as he just started his career, and I am the only patient he has who is using MAOIs. Moreover, when I was taking Phenelzine 90 mg (plus Lamotrigine), I experienced a psychosis with hallucinations (both auditory and visual) for three consecutive days, to the point where I had to be hospitalized. That is one of the reasons he may be so cautious, even though he believes it is not going to happen again. To be on the safe side, he gave me quetiapine to always carry with me in case I notice something is getting off. (I also have my doubts, as I have been using Phenelzine for around a year and never had any issue. One day, all of a sudden everything started... I still have some doubts on the people I was going out at that time, but I won't digress...)
Last time, when we discussed about the possible "dopamine releaser" at dosage over 100mg, he argued that could be a potential for me to have a psychosis again...
Of all the medication I tried only 3 gave me the impression of working:

1. Phenelzine:
   
   • Anxiety: completely (or almost) annihilated. And that was good, I never felt SO FREE.
   • Mood: Absolutely no change, no interest, no motivation as if I was taking no medication at all. I could have stayed the whole day in bed telling to myself "get up, do something, you cannot continue like this". And I did...
   • Sexual desire: Yes, the only time in my life I have ever had probably...
2. Duloxetine
   
   • Energy: better than other medications. I could have a routine, cleaning/tiding my room, personal hygiene...
   • Mood: same as the others: 0. I probably was more suicidal with Duloxetine and irritable...
   • Sexual desire: what's that?
3. Tranylcypromine
   
   • Anxiety: no issue
   • Energy: I don't know, but I sleep a lot (which has a really bad impact on my depression)
   • Mood: MAYBE (starting with 70mg) I am more sociable with the few friends I still have, and I smile more when I have social situations with them
   • Sexual desire: What's that?

Probably the worst medication I have tried was Selegiline (<10mg) tablets. It made me more lethargic and upset with all the people around me. Tried for a 3 months and didn't want to go further....
Overall, I think Phenelzine was the best I could get and we decided to back to it. However, I have too many doubts... What if trying TCP over 100mg would work for me? 10-15yrs looking for the right med is a lot, I wish I could try now rather than 1 or 2 other years. Also, before I was using Lamotrigine in conjunction with Phenelzine, now I would use Lithium. What if this will completely dampen the effects of Phenelzine? It is scary...
If anyone has an idea, possibly unbiased and based on scientific basis, what would you do in this case? What would be the best route to take?
Thank you.
P.S. Please, as much as possible, avoid ideas based on personal experiences. Thank you for your understanding.

Hey guys! So my wife and so decided to start streaming on TikTok in addition to already being on twitch and kick. However, the lap top that I stream from had a few years of bloat from unused programs and files, mixed with some malware, im sure, from everything I have downloaded on it. I tried streaming on TikTok studio and it was incredibly laggy. But, when I multistreamed on twitch and kick (through restream on obs) previously, there were no issues with choppiness.
So here’s the Cliffnotes:
1) Decided to factory reset laptop to get rid of all the extra programs / files / potential malware. All important stuff was moved over to google drive beforehand.
2) redownloaded obs and TikTok studio and set everything back up. Followed some YouTube tutorials for proper obs and TikTok stream settings.
3) tried streaming on TikTok and it works great. Had wife check my live to double check audio and for lag. All good there. Tried to stream to twitch and kick and now neither are working. When I go to look at my live stream it’s the blue disconnected screen on twitch, and says offline on kick. In obs, I am connected through restream.
4)Logged back into restream and disconnected my twitch and kick accounts. Reconnected the accounts and Put my stream keys back in. Tried streaming again, same thing.
5) disconnected restream and logged into twitch account on obs to stream directly and see if restream is the issue. Same thing, blue screen on twitch.
What could the issue be? Maybe something with windows security firewall blocking obs or what? I don’t recall ever having to mess with that. And I’ve never had this issue before, but I’m guessing the reset caused some settings to default that block the broadcasts.
Side note:
my wife and I applied, and got accepted into TikTok agencies. So we are waiting to get out stream keys.
My goal is to connect all 3 platforms in obs using the RTMP plugin that allows you to multi stream, and remove restream from the equation. This will also allow me to not have to runTikTok studio and the same time and free up bandwidth. I am using the autium plugin right now too.
My laptop isn’t anything too crazy. A Lenovo legion 5 from Costco a few years old. It is considered a gaming laptop. Don’t have the specs on me right now.

Hey folks! I am a fresh graduate from a tier 2 college in India. I completed my Bachelor's in Technology majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. I got recruited as a business technology associate in a consultancy firm that specializes in healthcare. My dream has been working in High Finance (IB/PE/VC) on the Wall Street. As obvious from my background, anything I know about finance is self-taught. I've seen a lot of influencers and study coaches recommend against certifications like CFA and SIE but from what I understand, that is for someone who know their technicals. Like I said, I am a fresh graduate and I do not have enough experience for a Masters (though I am 100% open to pursuing it). I have no qualms against investing in my education given I get a reasonable ROI.
I want to know if you guys have ever come across people with similar backgrounds as mine who have made it into High Finance and how they did it. Please feel free to drop a comment or DM!
Cheers for the help in advance!

So I just got snipped about 11 hours ago. I live in a small European country, where snips are not very common. Waited almost a year and a half for my appointment (6 months mandatory wait for potential regrets, then crazy wait times and some admin issues). At least it's for free. I took the rest of the week off work, although I don't really get any official sick days (benefits of being self employed, with the disadvantage of no work=no money).
I will try to give a dry account of the experience, mostly for anyone considering it or those that are worried and stressed about it on D-day as I was.
Emotionally I was frazzled all morning before the procedure, but by now I am slowly easing into it.
The procedure itself was scalpel with small incision, and cutting of about 1cm of the duct, and self dissolving stitches. The doctor was nice, helpful, explained the procedure and attended to all my worries.
It went quite fast and smooth. Maybe 15-20 minutes, it felt longer but I was out fast. The local injection on the left side caused some sharp pain, but it went away quickly. Didn't feel almost anything else. The right side injection was almost painless, but the procedure was unpleasant for a bit. Not really pain, more of a feeling of being kicked in the nutts, without the sharp pain that comes with it. All in all I would say the pain was at most 6/10, and usually less than 3. Discomfort peaked at like 9/10 at times, but it was quite tolerable with some breathing exercises and the doctor being amusing.
When I left there was some pressure and discomfort. I went home to rest and have been in bed aside from toilet breaks. Lying down with legs slightly raised, and almost constant cooling. There is pretty much no pain so far, and still some discomfort, around 1/10 at most. Standing and walking around can get it to like 3/10, but usually I barely feel anything. Some leg movements can cause a momentary jab of minor pain, but really nothing serious. Didn't take any painkillers at all so far, and I don't feel a need to as I am quite comfortable (but I was always in favor of feeling the pain and understanding it).
Special mention to my absolutely angel of a wife, who drove me to the procedure, waited with me and helped me relax, took me back home and is doting on me left and right, despite having a hectic schedule with our very hyperactive elementary-school-age kid.
One thing I will be happy to know, if anyone has experience with that specific type of procedure: I have a band-aid on the stitches. When would be a good time to take it off?
Thank you, and I hope my account of the procedure will help other people come to it more relaxed and at peace. I will update if anything special happens. Otherwise probably in a week or two to report how easy it was, and in 2 months to report success.