All fail products
Raspberry Pi - More than just magic mirrors and kodi!
2011.10.10 22:32 thirty6 Raspberry Pi - More than just magic mirrors and kodi!
2011.12.09 16:44 nikiverse Curly Hair
For all natural curlies, coilies, and wavies! All hair is good hair. Find help with your hair, recommendations on products, technique advice... anything to help embrace your texture!
2018.06.07 18:14 aloneh95 a place to discuss all things Skincare
For discussion about all things skincare: products, techniques, trends, and more.
2024.05.21 11:52 Stage-Piercing727 Best Cold Steel Trainers
 | submitted by Stage-Piercing727 to u/Stage-Piercing727 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/k2tg8lqq4r1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7b37709dd93c126f0a944f6ef03b1e232b7d3ab5 Welcome to our roundup of the best Cold Steel Trainers! In this article, we'll be taking a closer look at some of the top sellers in the market. From their design and functionality to their customer reviews, we've got you covered with all the information you need to make an informed decision. So, let's dive in and explore the world of Cold Steel Trainers together! The Top 7 Best Cold Steel Trainers
Reviews🔗Cold Steel Spear Head Trainer with Santoprene Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/74l2z45r4r1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a9b5aaa9a6acb485aa1175b548eb0519753baa85 When I first got the Cold Steel 92R95 spear head trainer, I was skeptical about how realistic and sturdy it would feel. But after taking it out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised by its construction. The spear head is made of Santoprene, a non-toxic material that's flexible yet strong enough to provide a realistic experience. While the 10 2/3 inch head length may seem intimidating at first, it's actually quite manageable. The 7mm edge thickness and 6.13 inches of blade length provide a balanced feel, allowing for smooth and precise movements. It even comes with a small base mount for easier attachment to a broom handle. However, the product does have some minor cons. Firstly, it's quite heavy, making it a bit challenging if you're not accustomed to holding it for long periods. Secondly, the flexibility of the spear head can sometimes make it feel a bit wobbly when in use, which may cause some safety concerns. Nonetheless, the Cold Steel spear head trainer is a great tool for training purposes. Its combination of safety, flexibility, and realistic feel makes it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their skills without risking injury. Just be cautious and make sure you're comfortable with the weight and flexibility before diving in. 🔗Cold Steel Rondel Rubber Training Dagger for Practicing Knife Skillshttps://preview.redd.it/dj3es6lr4r1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=96dd8101380d0c6e8cd2b96fc937953b8fd8c49b Training with a real dagger can be a dicey proposition, but Cold Steel's Rondel Rubber Training Dagger offers a safer alternative in a sleek, easy-to-handle design. The rubbery construction is perfect for honing your sword skills without the risk of injury, making it an excellent choice for all-level HEMA practitioners. The Rondel Rubber Training Dagger's blade feels solid in your hand while its knurled grip offers a surehold even with sweaty palms. The overall construction is well-balanced, and its rounded tips prevent accidental injuries. Additionally, the rubber blade is surprisingly flexible yet stiff enough to parry a blow, making it an excellent training companion for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. The 1-inch thick blade provides ample weight to mimic the feel of a steel dagger without being too heavy to swing around. Its 11.25-inch blade length and 17.13-inch overall length make it versatile enough for various techniques, from simple strikes to complex parries. The Santoprene handle offers a durable, comfortable grip, and it's easy to hold even when wearing gloves. While this dagger won't be a perfect substitute for a real one, its realistic heft and blade shape make it a practical and efficient training tool. Its affordability ensures that you can have one readily available for both yourself and your sparring partners, making it an excellent addition to your HEMA training kit. 🔗Cold Steel O Bokken: High-Impact Polypropylene Alternative to Traditional Bokkenhttps://preview.redd.it/26tqqlxr4r1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1e008e3fe13a8a4193ce7a2aaa2dc49a8bac98e1 I've recently started practicing martial arts, and one of the essential training tools I was recommended was the Cold Steel O Bokken. This synthetic sword has been a game-changer in my training regimen. The first thing that caught my attention was the molded-in high impact polypropylene grip. It provides superior grip and comfort, making it very easy to maneuver during sparring sessions. The sword's polypropylene handle is also very durable and resistant to damage, perfect for the intense nature of martial arts practice. One of the highlights of the Cold Steel O Bokken is its lightweight design. It's perfectly replicated the size and feel of a steel sword, while minimizing the risk of causing serious injury. The blade length of 30 inches and its 1-inch thick blade makes it an ideal choice for both beginners and more experienced practitioners. However, there are a couple of downsides I've noticed while using the Cold Steel O Bokken. Firstly, the blade's sharpness could pose a potential threat during practice, especially when you are using it with other people. Secondly, the hilt guard that comes with the sword is made from flimsy rubber, which tends to crack with age and usage. While it's not vital for the sword's functionality, it does affect its overall appearance. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Cold Steel O Bokken has been a reliable and essential training tool in my martial arts journey. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their practice sessions while minimizing the risk of accidents. 🔗White Leather Hi-Top Sneakers by A-COLD-WALLhttps://preview.redd.it/3qjjn5ds4r1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4b93fa41dcc45c480a574f8cf8bdcfee18ca531d Over the past month, I've been rocking the A-COLD-WALL Luol High-Top Leather Sneakers in white. As a sneaker enthusiast, I appreciate the classic, timeless look of white canvas and rubber soles and was excited to see how these would fare in my wardrobe. The first thing I noticed is that these sneakers are true to size, providing a comfortable, snug fit. I also appreciate the sizing being mentioned as Italian, which made me feel like I'm rocking a European vibe. The round toe shape adds a touch of elegance while maintaining a comfortable fit. The Luol Hi Top Sneaker has a rich, raw edge construction that makes these kicks stand out. The padded reinforced ankle is a great feature, providing both support and comfort on long walks. I also loved the large blind debossed logo at the heel - it's subtle yet eye-catching. The ACW bracket logo debossed and printed at the toe box adds a touch of personal style. However, these sneakers aren't perfect; the laces may need some getting used to if you prefer a tighter fit, and the soles could be a bit more cushioned for added comfort during long wear. Overall, the A-COLD-WALL Luol High-Top Leather Sneakers in white are a great addition to any wardrobe. The classic style, comfortable fit, and unique features make this sneaker stand out from the crowd. 🔗Versatile Magnetic Indoor Trainer with Craftsmanship and Ease of Usehttps://preview.redd.it/9n2amvps4r1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2fbdcbaccf0eae52ba2c7e04084a488803790b37 As a cycle enthusiast, I've tried my fair share of trainers, but the CycleOps SUPERMAGNETO Pro Trainer takes the cake. The power curve for every rider type and ride type in one trainer is a game-changer. I can easily switch between easy, road, interval, and mountain resistance curves to customize my workouts according to my goals. But what really stands out is the Flexible Power Curve Technology. It allows me to adjust resistance curves for a truly personalized training experience. I also love the easy adjustments for both ride and rider types. Plus, the Pro Series frame adds a touch of elegance to the trainer. However, there's a downside to every product. The setup process can be a bit tricky, especially if you're new to trainers. Also, the noise level might be a concern for some, as it's not the quietest trainer on the market. But overall, the CycleOps SUPERMAGNETO Pro Trainer delivers a smooth, effective, and versatile training experience. It's a sturdy, easy-to-set-up, and quiet piece of craftsmanship that makes indoor cycling an enjoyable part of the daily routine. 🔗Cold Steel Brooklyn Crusher Baseball Bat - Durable, Versatile Trainerhttps://preview.redd.it/2dfii66t4r1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d897eb1b41698800e24cb1ea1396b4d4f2e91de0 In my daily life, I've found the Cold Steel Brooklyn Crusher to be a game-changer. This nearly indestructible bat, made of durable polypropylene, stands true to its claim of never breaking, rotting, cracking, splintering, or fading. Its 29-inch length and two-pound, one-ounce weight make it versatile and perfect for various activities, such as competition, batting practice, and even at-home self defense. The synthetic polypropylene material also adds an extra layer of strength and durability. While using the Cold Steel Brooklyn Crusher, I've noticed both the positive and negative aspects of it. The most noteworthy aspect is its unbreakable nature, which instills confidence in the bat's performance. However, its weight might be a drawback for some users, making it a bit too heavy for casual use or for individuals who prefer a lighter bat. Nonetheless, it remains an excellent choice for those seeking a strong and reliable baseball bat for a variety of purposes. 🔗Unbreakable Gladius Trainer Sword by Cold Steelhttps://preview.redd.it/1u7bd2ht4r1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28bac2788b692e805bb140335df1e6073a86cabf Having had the pleasure of using the Cold Steel 92BKGM Gladius Trainer Sword, I can honestly say it's a fantastic training tool. The synthetic device, made of heavy-duty polypropylene, is incredibly durable and safe to use. Unlike the wooden swords of old, it won't rot, crack, chip, or splinter, providing you with a reliable training companion. Right off the bat, the sword's design and construction were impressive. With a blade length of 20-30 inches, a 9-inch handle, and an overall length of 31 inches, it closely duplicates the size, weight, and feel of a genuine sword. This feature allows you to train as you would with a real one, without the added risk of injury. The weight and balance of the sword are spot on, making it easy to handle. This is also due to its single-mold construction, which adds to its overall sturdiness. In fact, I was surprised at how solid and unbending it was. One of the key advantages of the Cold Steel Gladius Trainer is its cut resistance. It's designed to be remarkably stiff and resistant to blows, allowing you to train effectively without having to worry about it failing or breaking. Despite its robustness, the sword is surprisingly comfortable to hold. The 9-inch polypropylene handle is a good length, providing a firm and secure grip. The sword's overall balance and weight distribution make it a joy to handle. However, no product is without its minor drawbacks. While it's a terrific training tool for novices, it's not a perfect substitute for a "live blade. " The sword's rigidity might be a bit too much, making it less forgiving than a wooden sword. But that's a trade-off for the added safety it provides. The Cold Steel Gladius Trainer Sword is an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their swordsmanship skills. With its durability, close-to-perfect replication of a real sword, and cut-resistant design, it's an indispensable tool for anyone on the journey to becoming a skilled swordsman. Buyer's GuideCold Steel Trainers are designed to help individuals build and maintain their self-defense skills. These trainers come in different forms, such as throwing stars, knives, and swords. Before purchasing a Cold Steel Trainer, it is crucial to consider several factors to ensure you get the most out of your investment.Material Qualityhttps://preview.redd.it/4fy5v0zt4r1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0f9b24f72784a0c8909e7c4c3db85526d28cc077 Cold Steel Trainers are generally made from high-quality materials, such as steel, brass, or tungsten. Look for trainers with a sturdy build and a durable finish. Quality materials will stand up to regular training and practice, ensuring your trainer lasts longer. Safety FeaturesSafety should always be the top priority when training with a Cold Steel Trainer. Check the trainer's design and construction for potential safety hazards, such as sharp edges or loose parts. Ensure the trainer has safety features, like a dull edge or a soft rubber tip, to prevent accidents during practice.RealismFor effective training, the Cold Steel Trainer should closely resemble the real weapon it represents. Look for trainers that have similar dimensions, weight, and balance to the actual weapon. This realism ensures that when you transition to using the real weapon, you will be more comfortable and better prepared.https://preview.redd.it/8vd4b2bu4r1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=36eaf2f75ff7c9f342da065da5f5e1ad044c7c9e Ease of UseYour Cold Steel Trainer should be easy to use and handle, regardless of your skill level. Trainers with appropriate weight and size can help in developing correct techniques and building hand-eye coordination. Make sure the trainer you choose is suitable for your level of training and that you are comfortable using it.Price and ValueCold Steel Trainers come in different price ranges, depending on their material, construction, and brand. While it is tempting to go for the cheapest option, it is essential to invest in a quality trainer that offers good value for your money. A high-quality Cold Steel Trainer will last longer and provide better training results.Choosing the Right Trainer for Your Needshttps://preview.redd.it/vjly5aou4r1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2a15df9c4dc4c32ec96612ba3eec05aec84d8efb Consider your specific self-defense training needs when selecting a Cold Steel Trainer. Think about the weapon you want to practice with and the level of difficulty you are comfortable with. By understanding your requirements, you can make a more informed decision when purchasing a Cold Steel Trainer. Maintenance and StorageTo keep your Cold Steel Trainer in good condition and extend its lifespan, proper maintenance and storage are crucial. Always clean your trainer after each use, and store it in a cool, dry place. If the trainer has any moving parts, lubricate them regularly to prevent rust buildup and ensure smooth operation.When it comes to Cold Steel Trainers, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. By considering factors such as material quality, safety features, realism, ease of use, price, and maintenance, you can find the perfect Cold Steel Trainer that suits your self-defense training needs and preferences. Remember, investing in a high-quality trainer will lead to better results and greater satisfaction in your training efforts. FAQhttps://preview.redd.it/2430e02v4r1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c36fde45c23c7f38e7dffc406769b5afbf558d7f What are Cold Steel Trainers?Cold Steel Trainers are a line of training swords developed by Cold Steel, a well-known manufacturer of edged weapons. They are designed to provide a real-life training experience for those interested in swordsmanship, martial arts, or just practicing swordplay.Why should I choose Cold Steel Trainers over other brands?Cold Steel Trainers are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and durability. They are made from materials that closely resemble those used in traditional swords, which makes them ideal for practicing swordplay techniques and developing proper form. Additionally, Cold Steel is a reputable brand with a long history of producing high-quality edged weapons, so customers can trust their products.What types of swords are available in the Cold Steel Trainers line?
Are Cold Steel Trainers suitable for beginners?Yes, Cold Steel Trainers are suitable for beginners. They are designed to provide a safe and effective training experience without compromising on the quality of the weapon. The safety features, such as blunt edges and rounded points, make them ideal for learning sword techniques and improving your skills.How do I maintain my Cold Steel Trainer?To maintain your Cold Steel Trainer, you should clean it after each use to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. You can use a soft cloth or a mild cleaning solution to clean the weapon. Additionally, store your trainer in a dry place to prevent rust and other damage. It's also important to check the sword regularly for any signs of wear or damage and replace any parts that need repair.What is the warranty on Cold Steel Trainers?Cold Steel typically offers a lifetime warranty on their swords and training weapons. If you encounter any issues with your Cold Steel Trainer, you can contact the manufacturer directly to discuss a potential repair or replacement.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.21 11:48 SnooHabits754 How We Built Tweetlio and Are Aiming for $10,000 MRR - Do you think we can do it ?
Wanted to share our journey of building Tweetlio, our all-in-one solution for Twitter growth. It’s been a wild ride, full of ups, downs, and everything in between. We’re gunning for $10,000 MRR at launch, and we’re even throwing in a sweet 50% discount for our early adopters here on Reddit. Here’s the story.
The first version? Total mess. Bugs everywhere. But we kept at it, fixing one issue after another. We reached out to anyone who would listen, trying to get feedback and users. It was exhausting, but slowly, it started to come together.
There were still setbacks. Our server crashed during a demo with a big potential client. Talk about embarrassing. But every failure taught us something, and we came back stronger.
We also thinking of giving on Product hunt the same offer and other place but still not sure. The Growth plan is of 99$
Thanks for reading, Reddit! If you’re looking to up your Twitter game, come check out Tweetlio. We’ve got your back.
submitted by SnooHabits754 to indiehackers [link] [comments]
How It All Started
So there we were, drowning in Twitter chaos. Crafting tweets, scheduling them, engaging with our audience—it was a full-time job. And let’s be real, we were failing at it. One night, my co-founder and I were ranting about how tough it was to keep up. That's when the idea for Tweetlio hit us. A tool that does all the heavy lifting for Twitter? Yes, please!Building the MVP
We jumped in headfirst, coding like maniacs and surviving on coffee and ramen. Building Tweetlio wasn’t a walk in the park. We wanted it to write and craft tweets, schedule them, and even engage with followers. Oh, and let’s not forget the 10,000+ viral tweet database we included to help users get more traction.The first version? Total mess. Bugs everywhere. But we kept at it, fixing one issue after another. We reached out to anyone who would listen, trying to get feedback and users. It was exhausting, but slowly, it started to come together.
Testing the Product Beta
Convincing people to try Tweetlio was tough. We got ghosted more times than I can count. But then we started getting some wins. Users were loving the auto-engagement features and the viral tweet database. Seeing tweets blow up and getting thank you messages felt amazing.There were still setbacks. Our server crashed during a demo with a big potential client. Talk about embarrassing. But every failure taught us something, and we came back stronger.
Building Our Community
The real magic happened when we focused on our community. We started holding virtual hangouts, sharing tips, and celebrating each other’s wins. Some of our beta users have been using Tweetlio to grow their followers by crafting new tweets from our viral tweet database and scheduling them for optimal times. Seeing their follower counts increase and their engagement levels rise has been incredibly rewarding.The Big Goal: $10,000 MRR
Now, we’re aiming high. We’re gunning for $10,000 in monthly recurring revenue at launch. It’s ambitious, but we believe in Tweetlio. To sweeten the deal, we’re offering a 50% discount to our early adopters here on Reddit. You guys believed in us first, and we want to give back.We also thinking of giving on Product hunt the same offer and other place but still not sure. The Growth plan is of 99$
My Experience:
- Embrace the Grind: Building something great takes time and effort. There will be long nights and setbacks, but keep pushing.
- Listen to Feedback: Your users are your best resource. Listen to them, learn from them, and make improvements.
- Build a Community: Engage with your users and create a space where they can connect and share.
- Stay Resilient: Failures are part of the process. Learn from them and keep moving forward.
- Believe in Your Vision: If you’re passionate about your idea, others will be too. Keep that fire burning.
Thanks for reading, Reddit! If you’re looking to up your Twitter game, come check out Tweetlio. We’ve got your back.
2024.05.21 11:44 SnooHabits754 How We Built Tweetlio with GPT4o and Are Aiming for $10,000 MRR - Do you think we can do it ?
Wanted to share our journey of building Tweetlio, our all-in-one solution for Twitter growth. It’s been a wild ride, full of ups, downs, and everything in between. We’re gunning for $10,000 MRR at launch, and we’re even throwing in a sweet 50% discount for our early adopters here on Reddit. Here’s the story.
The first version? Total mess. Bugs everywhere. But we kept at it, fixing one issue after another. We reached out to anyone who would listen, trying to get feedback and users. It was exhausting, but slowly, it started to come together.
There were still setbacks. Our server crashed during a demo with a big potential client. Talk about embarrassing. But every failure taught us something, and we came back stronger.
We also thinking of giving on Product hunt the same offer and other place but still not sure. The Growth plan is of 99$
Thanks for reading, Reddit! If you’re looking to up your Twitter game, come check out Tweetlio. We’ve got your back.
submitted by SnooHabits754 to ChatGPT [link] [comments]
How It All Started
So there we were, drowning in Twitter chaos. Crafting tweets, scheduling them, engaging with our audience—it was a full-time job. And let’s be real, we were failing at it. One night, my co-founder and I were ranting about how tough it was to keep up. That's when the idea for Tweetlio hit us. A tool that does all the heavy lifting for Twitter? Yes, please!Building the MVP
We jumped in headfirst, coding like maniacs and surviving on coffee and ramen. Building Tweetlio wasn’t a walk in the park. We wanted it to write and craft tweets, schedule them, and even engage with followers. Oh, and let’s not forget the 10,000+ viral tweet database we included to help users get more traction.The first version? Total mess. Bugs everywhere. But we kept at it, fixing one issue after another. We reached out to anyone who would listen, trying to get feedback and users. It was exhausting, but slowly, it started to come together.
Testing the Product Beta
Convincing people to try Tweetlio was tough. We got ghosted more times than I can count. But then we started getting some wins. Users were loving the auto-engagement features and the viral tweet database. Seeing tweets blow up and getting thank you messages felt amazing.There were still setbacks. Our server crashed during a demo with a big potential client. Talk about embarrassing. But every failure taught us something, and we came back stronger.
Building Our Community
The real magic happened when we focused on our community. We started holding virtual hangouts, sharing tips, and celebrating each other’s wins. Some of our beta users have been using Tweetlio to grow their followers by crafting new tweets from our viral tweet database and scheduling them for optimal times. Seeing their follower counts increase and their engagement levels rise has been incredibly rewarding.The Big Goal: $10,000 MRR
Now, we’re aiming high. We’re gunning for $10,000 in monthly recurring revenue at launch. It’s ambitious, but we believe in Tweetlio. To sweeten the deal, we’re offering a 50% discount to our early adopters here on Reddit. You guys believed in us first, and we want to give back.We also thinking of giving on Product hunt the same offer and other place but still not sure. The Growth plan is of 99$
My Experience:
- Embrace the Grind: Building something great takes time and effort. There will be long nights and setbacks, but keep pushing.
- Listen to Feedback: Your users are your best resource. Listen to them, learn from them, and make improvements.
- Build a Community: Engage with your users and create a space where they can connect and share.
- Stay Resilient: Failures are part of the process. Learn from them and keep moving forward.
- Believe in Your Vision: If you’re passionate about your idea, others will be too. Keep that fire burning.
Thanks for reading, Reddit! If you’re looking to up your Twitter game, come check out Tweetlio. We’ve got your back.
2024.05.21 11:43 SnooHabits754 How We Built Tweetlio and Are Aiming for $10,000 MRR - Do you think we can do it ?
Wanted to share our journey of building Tweetlio, our all-in-one solution for Twitter growth. It’s been a wild ride, full of ups, downs, and everything in between. We’re gunning for $10,000 MRR at launch, and we’re even throwing in a sweet 50% discount for our early adopters here on Reddit. Here’s the story.
The first version? Total mess. Bugs everywhere. But we kept at it, fixing one issue after another. We reached out to anyone who would listen, trying to get feedback and users. It was exhausting, but slowly, it started to come together.
There were still setbacks. Our server crashed during a demo with a big potential client. Talk about embarrassing. But every failure taught us something, and we came back stronger.
We also thinking of giving on Product hunt the same offer and other place but still not sure. The Growth plan is of 99$
Thanks for reading, Reddit! If you’re looking to up your Twitter game, come check out Tweetlio. We’ve got your back.
submitted by SnooHabits754 to SideProject [link] [comments]
How It All Started
So there we were, drowning in Twitter chaos. Crafting tweets, scheduling them, engaging with our audience—it was a full-time job. And let’s be real, we were failing at it. One night, my co-founder and I were ranting about how tough it was to keep up. That's when the idea for Tweetlio hit us. A tool that does all the heavy lifting for Twitter? Yes, please!Building the MVP
We jumped in headfirst, coding like maniacs and surviving on coffee and ramen. Building Tweetlio wasn’t a walk in the park. We wanted it to write and craft tweets, schedule them, and even engage with followers. Oh, and let’s not forget the 10,000+ viral tweet database we included to help users get more traction.The first version? Total mess. Bugs everywhere. But we kept at it, fixing one issue after another. We reached out to anyone who would listen, trying to get feedback and users. It was exhausting, but slowly, it started to come together.
Testing the Product Beta
Convincing people to try Tweetlio was tough. We got ghosted more times than I can count. But then we started getting some wins. Users were loving the auto-engagement features and the viral tweet database. Seeing tweets blow up and getting thank you messages felt amazing.There were still setbacks. Our server crashed during a demo with a big potential client. Talk about embarrassing. But every failure taught us something, and we came back stronger.
Building Our Community
The real magic happened when we focused on our community. We started holding virtual hangouts, sharing tips, and celebrating each other’s wins. Some of our beta users have been using Tweetlio to grow their followers by crafting new tweets from our viral tweet database and scheduling them for optimal times. Seeing their follower counts increase and their engagement levels rise has been incredibly rewarding.The Big Goal: $10,000 MRR
Now, we’re aiming high. We’re gunning for $10,000 in monthly recurring revenue at launch. It’s ambitious, but we believe in Tweetlio. To sweeten the deal, we’re offering a 50% discount to our early adopters here on Reddit. You guys believed in us first, and we want to give back.We also thinking of giving on Product hunt the same offer and other place but still not sure. The Growth plan is of 99$
My Experience:
- Embrace the Grind: Building something great takes time and effort. There will be long nights and setbacks, but keep pushing.
- Listen to Feedback: Your users are your best resource. Listen to them, learn from them, and make improvements.
- Build a Community: Engage with your users and create a space where they can connect and share.
- Stay Resilient: Failures are part of the process. Learn from them and keep moving forward.
- Believe in Your Vision: If you’re passionate about your idea, others will be too. Keep that fire burning.
Thanks for reading, Reddit! If you’re looking to up your Twitter game, come check out Tweetlio. We’ve got your back.
2024.05.21 11:41 TRX_Traveller The #2 Secrets to Building Muscle Fast with TRX Suspension Training
Here's what's holding you back...
Firstly, all those 'influencers,' Apps, & YouTube vids are teaching you to use a suspension trainer with 'Movement-Centric Technique.'
Which is USELESS for building lean muscle.
Secondly, the diet "advice" you're listening to is clickbait and cookie cutter.
It's failed you in the past, and it will continue to fail you if you keep listening.
There are only 2-Steps you need to do for fantastic results:
You're using it with "Movement-Centric Technique."
Which is a waste of time.
Why?
Your body weight load is shared across multiple muscles.
So no single muscle takes enough load to cause a muscle and strength building stimulus.
You need to use "Muscle-Centric suspension trainer Technique"...
Isolate the muscle you want to target and don't allow other muscles to help out.
By using slow, controlled technique, and your mind-muscle connection to squeeze the muscle powerfully.
Then all your body weight load goes onto that muscle.
And you get a BIG muscle building stimulus.
Which means you build lean muscle all over your body.
More muscle, more fat burned at rest.
"It's NOT about what you eat. It's about how effectively your body USES what you eat."
Which comes down to your insulin sensitivity.
Think of your body as an engine...
If the engine (your body) isn't working correctly, it doesn't matter what petrol (the food) you put in. It still won't work well.
If you struggle to build muscle, have belly fat, and low daily energy…
You don't have good insulin sensitivity:
From ages 25 - 84 (our oldest member) in the Fitness Freedom Athletes community...
Have built lean muscle, shed fat, and transformed their body using just a suspension trainer - from home!
And me?
I've been using just a suspension trainer to transform my body for over 8+ years now...
And became known online as the 'TRX Traveller,' you can read that CRAZY story here.
Seeing this work over and over for people is why I’ve dedicated myself to helping people like you.
And the reason I created Fitness Freedom Athletes.
You’re gonna love the results when you apply 'Muscle-Centric Technique' in your workouts.
And optimise your nutrition for better insulin sensitivity.
Muscle-Centric Master, Coach Adam Body Transformation Coach Build Lean Muscle & Transform Your Body Anywhere!
P.S. if you’re fired up and ready to get started today, here are #3 things you can do right now to get into momentum...
#1 - Do this 'Beginner Suspension Trainer Workout' with me on YouTube to build muscle & strength
#2 - Want to enhance a specific area of your body? Checkout my free ‘Muscle-Centric Suspension Trainer Exercise Technique YouTube Playlist'
#3 - Get the Suspension Trainer Total Body Transformation Program (Beginner Level)!!!
If you’re like me, ambitious and ready to start building muscle and burning fat with your suspension trainer today...
Learn how to use the ‘Muscle-Centric Suspension Trainer Technique' to build lean muscle & transform your body in just 8-Weeks with the Suspension Trainer Total Body Transformation Program...
Check it out here
Not a beginner level? Take the 'Which program Quiz' for the Intermediate and Advanced level Suspension Trainer Programs
submitted by TRX_Traveller to u/TRX_Traveller [link] [comments]
Firstly, all those 'influencers,' Apps, & YouTube vids are teaching you to use a suspension trainer with 'Movement-Centric Technique.'
Which is USELESS for building lean muscle.
Secondly, the diet "advice" you're listening to is clickbait and cookie cutter.
It's failed you in the past, and it will continue to fail you if you keep listening.
There are only 2-Steps you need to do for fantastic results:
1 Use your suspension trainer with 'Muscle-Centric Technique' ✅
2 Optimise your nutrition to improve your insulin sensitivity ✅
Then you'll build muscle and lose fat faster than you ever thought possible.#1 Muscle-Centric Technique
If you’re pulling-pushing-hanging with your suspension trainer but never seeing any changes in your body.You're using it with "Movement-Centric Technique."
Which is a waste of time.
Why?
Your body weight load is shared across multiple muscles.
So no single muscle takes enough load to cause a muscle and strength building stimulus.
You need to use "Muscle-Centric suspension trainer Technique"...
Isolate the muscle you want to target and don't allow other muscles to help out.
By using slow, controlled technique, and your mind-muscle connection to squeeze the muscle powerfully.
Then all your body weight load goes onto that muscle.
And you get a BIG muscle building stimulus.
Which means you build lean muscle all over your body.
More muscle, more fat burned at rest.
#2. Improving your insulin sensitivity
FACT..."It's NOT about what you eat. It's about how effectively your body USES what you eat."
Which comes down to your insulin sensitivity.
Think of your body as an engine...
If the engine (your body) isn't working correctly, it doesn't matter what petrol (the food) you put in. It still won't work well.
If you struggle to build muscle, have belly fat, and low daily energy…
You don't have good insulin sensitivity:
- Poor insulin sensitivity (poor engine) = your body dumps food into fat cells ❌
- Good insulin sensitivity (performance engine) = your body places food into muscle and functional cells ✅
- Build lean muscle faster.
- Wake up your dormant fat burning hormones.
- Double your productive energy.
From ages 25 - 84 (our oldest member) in the Fitness Freedom Athletes community...
Have built lean muscle, shed fat, and transformed their body using just a suspension trainer - from home!
And me?
I've been using just a suspension trainer to transform my body for over 8+ years now...
And became known online as the 'TRX Traveller,' you can read that CRAZY story here.
Seeing this work over and over for people is why I’ve dedicated myself to helping people like you.
And the reason I created Fitness Freedom Athletes.
You’re gonna love the results when you apply 'Muscle-Centric Technique' in your workouts.
And optimise your nutrition for better insulin sensitivity.
Muscle-Centric Master, Coach Adam Body Transformation Coach Build Lean Muscle & Transform Your Body Anywhere!
P.S. if you’re fired up and ready to get started today, here are #3 things you can do right now to get into momentum...
#1 - Do this 'Beginner Suspension Trainer Workout' with me on YouTube to build muscle & strength
#2 - Want to enhance a specific area of your body? Checkout my free ‘Muscle-Centric Suspension Trainer Exercise Technique YouTube Playlist'
#3 - Get the Suspension Trainer Total Body Transformation Program (Beginner Level)!!!
If you’re like me, ambitious and ready to start building muscle and burning fat with your suspension trainer today...
Learn how to use the ‘Muscle-Centric Suspension Trainer Technique' to build lean muscle & transform your body in just 8-Weeks with the Suspension Trainer Total Body Transformation Program...
Check it out here
Not a beginner level? Take the 'Which program Quiz' for the Intermediate and Advanced level Suspension Trainer Programs
2024.05.21 11:08 BoxLast7678 Haciba:What is,How Does Haciba Work,price
Dealing with cystitis is no fun. Those endless bathroom trips, that burning sensation, the discomfort... It’s a nightmare! But hey, what if I told you there’s a way to kick cystitis to the curb? Yep, I’m talking about Haciba, the new kid on the block in the world of cystitis relief. Let’s dive into how Haciba can make a difference in your life.
visit offeicial website here
submitted by BoxLast7678 to nutrahealth345 [link] [comments]
What is Haciba?
So, what’s the deal with Haciba? It’s a product designed specifically to tackle cystitis. This little miracle worker combines natural ingredients that work together to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and boost your urinary health. Sounds pretty great, right?Why Haciba Stands Out
You might be wondering, “What makes Haciba so special?” Well, here’s the scoop:- Natural Ingredients: No harsh chemicals here. Haciba is packed with natural goodness, making it gentle on your system but tough on cystitis.
- Fast Relief: No one wants to wait forever for relief. Haciba works quickly to ease your symptoms so you can get back to living your life.
- Easy to Use: Just a simple routine to follow, and you’re on your way to feeling better.
How Does Haciba Work?
The magic of Haciba lies in its ingredients. It’s got a mix of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that target the root cause of cystitis. Here’s how it helps:- Reduces Inflammation: Cystitis often comes with inflammation. Haciba helps to calm this down, reducing that awful burning sensation.
- Fights Bacteria: One of the main culprits behind cystitis is bacteria. Haciba has ingredients that help to fight off these pesky invaders.
- Boosts Immunity: A stronger immune system means fewer infections. Haciba helps to boost your body’s natural defenses.
Using Haciba
Getting started with Haciba is a breeze. Just follow the instructions on the packaging, and you’re good to go. Regular use is key to keeping those cystitis symptoms at bay.Real Talk: Does Haciba Really Work?
You’ve probably tried a bunch of remedies already. So, is Haciba the real deal? From what users are saying, absolutely! Many folks have found relief where other products failed. It’s all about finding what works for you, and Haciba might just be your new best friend in the fight against cystitis.Final Thoughts
Cystitis doesn’t have to control your life. With Haciba, you’ve got a powerful tool to help manage and relieve your symptoms. It’s natural, effective, and easy to use. Give it a try and see how it can make a difference for you. Say goodbye to those painful bathroom trips and hello to a more comfortable life!visit offeicial website here
2024.05.21 11:07 sana-motionvillee 5 Mistakes To Avoid While Choosing A Video Production Company
Video content has become an essential tool for businesses to connect with their audience, tell their story, and promote their products or services. However, creating high-quality video content requires expertise and resources that many businesses may not have in-house. That’s where video production companies come in.
By partnering with a reputable video production company, businesses can access professional-grade video content that effectively communicates their message and engages their audience. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five common mistakes to avoid when choosing a video production company to ensure that you find the right partner for your needs.
Remember to prioritize quality, communication, and collaboration when selecting a video production company, and don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification throughout the process. With the right partner by your side, you can create compelling video content that sets your business apart and drives success.
submitted by sana-motionvillee to u/sana-motionvillee [link] [comments]
By partnering with a reputable video production company, businesses can access professional-grade video content that effectively communicates their message and engages their audience. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five common mistakes to avoid when choosing a video production company to ensure that you find the right partner for your needs.
Not Researching the Company’s Portfolio:
One of the most common mistakes businesses make when choosing a video production company is failing to research the company’s portfolio thoroughly. A company’s portfolio showcases its past work and gives insight into the quality and style of its video productions. By reviewing the company’s portfolio, you can assess whether their aesthetic aligns with your brand’s vision and determine if they have experience creating the type of content you need.Overlooking Reviews and Testimonials:
Another mistake to avoid is overlooking reviews and testimonials from past clients. Reviews provide valuable insights into the company’s reputation, reliability, and customer satisfaction. By reading reviews and testimonials, you can gauge the experiences of previous clients and determine if the company is trustworthy and capable of delivering on its promises.Ignoring Communication and Collaboration:
Communication is key when working with a video production company. It’s essential to establish clear lines of communication and ensure that the company understands your goals, vision, and expectations for the project. Ignoring communication and collaboration can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and ultimately, a subpar end result. Before committing to a video production company, make sure they prioritize communication and are receptive to your input throughout the production process.Failing to Set a Realistic Budget:
Setting a realistic budget is crucial when choosing a video production company. While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest option, choosing a company solely based on price can lead to compromised quality and unsatisfactory results. Instead, consider the value and expertise that the company brings to the table and choose a company that offers a balance between quality and affordability. By setting a realistic budget upfront, you can avoid overspending and ensure that you get the best possible return on your investment.Not Asking About Additional Services and Support:
Finally, failing to ask about additional services and support is a common mistake when choosing a video production company. Beyond video production, many companies offer a range of additional services, such as scriptwriting, editing, animation, and distribution. By asking about these additional services upfront, you can determine if the company can provide comprehensive support throughout the entire production process and beyond. Additionally, inquire about the company’s post-production support, such as revisions and updates, to ensure that you receive ongoing assistance as needed.Best Video Production Companies:
- Motionvillee: Motionvillee offers professional video production services tailored to meet the needs of businesses across various industries. Their services include scriptwriting, storyboard development, filming, editing, and distribution. Motionvillee specializes in producing high-quality videos for small businesses, startups, and SaaS companies. Prices start at $999 per minute of finished video content.
- Vidico: Vidico is a leading video production company known for creating engaging and impactful video content for businesses of all sizes. They offer a range of services, including scriptwriting, animation, filming, and post-production editing. Vidico serves industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and e-commerce. Prices vary depending on the scope of the project, with packages starting at $2000.
- Sandwich Video: Sandwich Video is a boutique video production company renowned for its creative approach and attention to detail. They specialize in producing high-quality, narrative-driven videos for brands looking to make a lasting impression. Sandwich Video caters to industries such as consumer goods, entertainment, and lifestyle. Prices for their services range from $5000 to $20,000 per project, depending on complexity and duration.
- Demo Duck: Demo Duck is a full-service video production company that creates engaging and memorable video content for businesses across industries. They offer a range of services, including animation, live-action filming, motion graphics, and editing. Demo Duck serves clients in industries such as technology, education, and non-profit organizations. Prices for their services start at $10K per minute of finished video content.
- Explainify: Explainify specializes in producing animated explainer videos that simplify complex ideas and engage audiences. They offer a range of services, including scriptwriting, animation, voiceover, and sound design. Explainify serves industries such as software as a service (SaaS), healthcare, and finance. Prices for their services start at $2500 per minute of finished video content.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right video production company is essential for creating high-quality video content that effectively communicates your message and engages your audience. By avoiding these five common mistakes and conducting thorough research, communication, and budgeting, you can find a reputable video production company that meets your needs and helps you achieve your goals.Remember to prioritize quality, communication, and collaboration when selecting a video production company, and don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification throughout the process. With the right partner by your side, you can create compelling video content that sets your business apart and drives success.
2024.05.21 11:05 throwawaytroubles13 Training advice
So I’ve worked at the same place for 7 years. I bartend full time with some management shifts and I am in charge of all the training as well. We have at least 50% of our serving staff that is completely useless at their jobs, and almost everyone we train has needed extra training shifts. I get mixed reviews from trainers about the same trainees. One trainer will say they are doing great the next will say the same trainee is doing awful and needs extra training. There’s one where I’ve literally had to swap my shifts to serving, so I could train her myself because she completely failed her certification.
I feel at a loss for what to do. I feel like even the people I have stepped down from bartending to train, are still not doing what I taught them, because they are looking at everyone else who just stands around doing literally nothing and follow suit. They don’t prebus, they don’t run food, they don’t do any running work, they take ages to do sidework that shouldn’t take long, they all ring in their orders incorrectly, they don’t have menu knowledge. They literally all just stand in the side stations or expo line talking while their tables need things, and then either get themselves weeded or wonder why they aren’t getting good tips or why their guests are so angry for “no reason”.
My veterans are getting burnt out and frustrated for picking up the slack. There’s not enough of them to balance out the shifts so there’s many shifts where there is literally one strong server on and the rest are basically useless. Management helps out a ton they basically become our food runners and we even pull hosts to help run food and bus tables to get us by, but I almost feel like it wouldn’t be necessary for the hosts to do that if the servers could just do their jobs.
I guess I’m just wondering if anyone has any experience in turning something like this around on a larger scale. Or just any advice at all. I just want to scream at everyone “if you are always standing around on shifts and not constantly busy that’s because you are a bad server” but obviously that’s not helpful or productive. We are a casual busy restaurant where we need to turn tables quickly and we do high volume. We already cut down servers sections smaller hoping to help, assuming they have too many tables, but then they just stand around and complain more that they’re not busy.
Edit to add: There are a few veterans who, when catching people standing around, just kind of yell at them to go do something but it almost seems to have the opposite effect. There’s two girls that used to run all their drinks from the bar right away. But if their drinks weren’t ready they would just stand there and wait. One of our bartenders yelled at them to “go run food or something” instead of standing there staring at her make drinks, and now I noticed they don’t even run their own drinks and I almost never see them at the bar anymore like they’re scared to go up there. We also had an expo tell a guy to “go bus your tables or something don’t just stand here” when he was standing on the line, and the rest of that night I didn’t see that server come back to the line to get food.
I’ve coached them on watching their tone when talking to the team members because it’s having the opposite effect. I did suggest giving them specific tasks to do, for example when I’m bartending I tell people “run those drinks and I’ll have yours ready when you get back”. But I want to make sure I’m giving good advice because I don’t want them to stop coaching I just want the coaching to be effective.
submitted by throwawaytroubles13 to TalesFromYourServer [link] [comments]
I feel at a loss for what to do. I feel like even the people I have stepped down from bartending to train, are still not doing what I taught them, because they are looking at everyone else who just stands around doing literally nothing and follow suit. They don’t prebus, they don’t run food, they don’t do any running work, they take ages to do sidework that shouldn’t take long, they all ring in their orders incorrectly, they don’t have menu knowledge. They literally all just stand in the side stations or expo line talking while their tables need things, and then either get themselves weeded or wonder why they aren’t getting good tips or why their guests are so angry for “no reason”.
My veterans are getting burnt out and frustrated for picking up the slack. There’s not enough of them to balance out the shifts so there’s many shifts where there is literally one strong server on and the rest are basically useless. Management helps out a ton they basically become our food runners and we even pull hosts to help run food and bus tables to get us by, but I almost feel like it wouldn’t be necessary for the hosts to do that if the servers could just do their jobs.
I guess I’m just wondering if anyone has any experience in turning something like this around on a larger scale. Or just any advice at all. I just want to scream at everyone “if you are always standing around on shifts and not constantly busy that’s because you are a bad server” but obviously that’s not helpful or productive. We are a casual busy restaurant where we need to turn tables quickly and we do high volume. We already cut down servers sections smaller hoping to help, assuming they have too many tables, but then they just stand around and complain more that they’re not busy.
Edit to add: There are a few veterans who, when catching people standing around, just kind of yell at them to go do something but it almost seems to have the opposite effect. There’s two girls that used to run all their drinks from the bar right away. But if their drinks weren’t ready they would just stand there and wait. One of our bartenders yelled at them to “go run food or something” instead of standing there staring at her make drinks, and now I noticed they don’t even run their own drinks and I almost never see them at the bar anymore like they’re scared to go up there. We also had an expo tell a guy to “go bus your tables or something don’t just stand here” when he was standing on the line, and the rest of that night I didn’t see that server come back to the line to get food.
I’ve coached them on watching their tone when talking to the team members because it’s having the opposite effect. I did suggest giving them specific tasks to do, for example when I’m bartending I tell people “run those drinks and I’ll have yours ready when you get back”. But I want to make sure I’m giving good advice because I don’t want them to stop coaching I just want the coaching to be effective.
2024.05.21 10:56 Catezero Have any of u lovely women ever had an executive function coach? Did it help?
I dont know how to phrase this so I'm just gonna do my best. Some backstory is probably needed. I've been working for a retail store for 3 years now as the GM, I also worked there for 2 years in college which is why I landed the job when I left corporate office life. Relevant parties are my previous bosses Alison and Dirk* (names will be changed), who hired me at the suggestion of my predecessor (who worked there 25 years and also had the ol adhd), sold the business but not the building in late '21 so are effectively the LL's, Aaron, the current owner and my boss, who bought the store in mid 2023 after a secondary owner flipped it, and my bf David who works at the store pt for extra cash with the blessing of all owners past and present bc we keep our relationship outside of work and he's a damn hard worker.
So, Alison and dirk were like...not really around? And they didn't know how the backend software worked so they just kinda left me to my own devices so I fell into some pretty awful habits, mainly that I'm super territorial and if something isn't done I just do it myself or that since I wasn't given direction or goals my days just kinda became "idk clean the shelves and take the trash out" which had led to my staff liking me but not necessarily respecting me. And I spent so much time with sales reps bc I had to work alone all day, so much so that my best friends are all industry cohorts, bc I had NO oversight outside of A&D coming in, chastising me about new products I'd ordered, and fucking off. I could go weeks wo seeing them. Let me be clear, the store had money coming in, it looked great, the books mostly balanced (a&d notwithstanding) and I have always taken immense pride in my little pocket of locally sourced product. Every product was handchosen by me, I sell the shit out of it on the floor, I'd post us on socials, I'd regularly run spreadsheets to make sure our margins were competitive and made sense, I wasnt fucking around all day but I had no sense of direction, I was treading water with no shore in sight. My staff will be the first to tell u I don't ask them to do anything I'm not willing to do so I would scrub the toilet or empty the mousetraps or organize the stock area.
So all that to say, Aaron bought a failing business that I didn't even know was failing (and not due to anything I'd done, it was failing from the top) bc they never told me anything, I submitted my reports every month and checked the sales but I was never given metrics or told what metrics needed to be met just "keep the place operational". I'd ask for access to Moneris to make sure we were charged correctly and got shot down. Id ask what our overhead was so i could figure out how much we could afford for payroll and id be told "thats confidential", just keep it barebones. And understandably Aaron wants to turn that around, but he needs me to get on board and I want to so badly I know he can see that so hes working so hard to shift my mindset and help me grow into the leader he thinks im capable of and I know he gets so frustrated with me bc he has adhd too and he knows I'm like SO GOOD AT MY JOB if I'm given clear goals and deadlines but ive had a routine ya know? And then we've been sold twice in 2 years and all the chaos that comes with structural changes and different expectations. He's throwing every tool in the book at me right now bc he can see I'm struggling.
And that's where david becomes relevant bc he actually went to him over the weekend and asked him what HE thought would help me bc he obviously knows me better than anyone and my dumb ass bf done gone and said "we need to come up w a plan for best operating practice and maybe shed benefit from leadership coaching" so now that's been put in my plate on top of everything else which is like FINE but I'm not baking him any bread or sharing my pulled pork w him anytime soon. When i told David that aaron mentioned their convo he said "ummm that was not the outcome i was expecting" and he knows i fully expect him to help sort out the mess he just threw on my desk. So now my boss has asked me to find an executive function coach and he will pay for 4 consultations so I can implement some systems for time management.
Yall we thrive on routine I know this and he's working w me to meet me where I am so I wanna make the best of it so all that rambling to say - have any of u ever done this? Did u benefit from it? What types of questions should I ask in the consultation before I decide on one? Have u tried it? Did it work? Please bless me w ur wisdom ladies adorned w the crown of adhd I'm actually overthinking this and really stressed but I need to have an Appt set up by Friday (bc he knows how much I love deadlines lmao I told on myself) please help thank u. Also if anyone knows of any checklist software for retail that they use that is inexpensive or free that I can implement for my staff to do daily checklists, like maybe there's one ur company uses for u that's helpful plz let me know ok love u all
Tldr my boss wants to get me a coach to help structure my day and need advice
submitted by Catezero to adhdwomen [link] [comments]
So, Alison and dirk were like...not really around? And they didn't know how the backend software worked so they just kinda left me to my own devices so I fell into some pretty awful habits, mainly that I'm super territorial and if something isn't done I just do it myself or that since I wasn't given direction or goals my days just kinda became "idk clean the shelves and take the trash out" which had led to my staff liking me but not necessarily respecting me. And I spent so much time with sales reps bc I had to work alone all day, so much so that my best friends are all industry cohorts, bc I had NO oversight outside of A&D coming in, chastising me about new products I'd ordered, and fucking off. I could go weeks wo seeing them. Let me be clear, the store had money coming in, it looked great, the books mostly balanced (a&d notwithstanding) and I have always taken immense pride in my little pocket of locally sourced product. Every product was handchosen by me, I sell the shit out of it on the floor, I'd post us on socials, I'd regularly run spreadsheets to make sure our margins were competitive and made sense, I wasnt fucking around all day but I had no sense of direction, I was treading water with no shore in sight. My staff will be the first to tell u I don't ask them to do anything I'm not willing to do so I would scrub the toilet or empty the mousetraps or organize the stock area.
So all that to say, Aaron bought a failing business that I didn't even know was failing (and not due to anything I'd done, it was failing from the top) bc they never told me anything, I submitted my reports every month and checked the sales but I was never given metrics or told what metrics needed to be met just "keep the place operational". I'd ask for access to Moneris to make sure we were charged correctly and got shot down. Id ask what our overhead was so i could figure out how much we could afford for payroll and id be told "thats confidential", just keep it barebones. And understandably Aaron wants to turn that around, but he needs me to get on board and I want to so badly I know he can see that so hes working so hard to shift my mindset and help me grow into the leader he thinks im capable of and I know he gets so frustrated with me bc he has adhd too and he knows I'm like SO GOOD AT MY JOB if I'm given clear goals and deadlines but ive had a routine ya know? And then we've been sold twice in 2 years and all the chaos that comes with structural changes and different expectations. He's throwing every tool in the book at me right now bc he can see I'm struggling.
And that's where david becomes relevant bc he actually went to him over the weekend and asked him what HE thought would help me bc he obviously knows me better than anyone and my dumb ass bf done gone and said "we need to come up w a plan for best operating practice and maybe shed benefit from leadership coaching" so now that's been put in my plate on top of everything else which is like FINE but I'm not baking him any bread or sharing my pulled pork w him anytime soon. When i told David that aaron mentioned their convo he said "ummm that was not the outcome i was expecting" and he knows i fully expect him to help sort out the mess he just threw on my desk. So now my boss has asked me to find an executive function coach and he will pay for 4 consultations so I can implement some systems for time management.
Yall we thrive on routine I know this and he's working w me to meet me where I am so I wanna make the best of it so all that rambling to say - have any of u ever done this? Did u benefit from it? What types of questions should I ask in the consultation before I decide on one? Have u tried it? Did it work? Please bless me w ur wisdom ladies adorned w the crown of adhd I'm actually overthinking this and really stressed but I need to have an Appt set up by Friday (bc he knows how much I love deadlines lmao I told on myself) please help thank u. Also if anyone knows of any checklist software for retail that they use that is inexpensive or free that I can implement for my staff to do daily checklists, like maybe there's one ur company uses for u that's helpful plz let me know ok love u all
Tldr my boss wants to get me a coach to help structure my day and need advice
2024.05.21 10:48 TheLifeGodGaveMe Is Emotional and Psychological Trauma Intergenerational?
Written by: NaTarsha Harris
What is trauma? In simple terms, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster”. While this is an acceptable answer, I want an in-depth explanation that describes trauma in detail. So, again, what is trauma? The question may be simple but the answer is complex. Missouri’s Early Care & Education Connections explains that, [“… trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or threatening and that can have lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and physical, social, emotional well-being”]. Trauma is the result caused by a devastating experience. Many times, this result (trauma) prevents the victim from being able to live a healthy and productive life. Sometimes, unfortunately, the torment of the trauma lasts a lifetime. On the other hand, thankfully, the victim is able to overcome the trauma.
— A Broader Understanding Of Trauma —
Trauma consists of three principle categories:
— The Trauma Most Familiar To Me —
I personally identify with complex trauma although the three examples provided in each category above are a few of the traumatic events I’ve directly experienced. The reason why, for me, it’s not acute trauma or chronic trauma is because it wasn’t just the car accident and it wasn’t just the verbal abuse at home. It was also the overall neglect, rejection, bullying, verbal abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and psychological abuse, among other things. It was me being left alone, throughout the majority of my childhood, with no one to defend or protect me — not at home, school, public places, courtrooms, counselor’s offices or anywhere else. I’ve spent the majority of my adulthood encountering most of the same traumatic experiences I suffered as a child. On my quest to understand why my childhood was the way it was, I remember hearing mention of ‘generational curses’. My understanding of ‘generational curses’ is that it’s a spiritual battle that’s passed from one generation to the next. So, on a more pragmatic note, my question is:
— Is Emotional And Psychological Trauma Intergenerational? —
What does ‘intergenerational’ mean? According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, ‘intergenerational’ means, “including or involving people of different generations or age groups”. Now, my question (reworded) becomes, ‘Does an event of emotional and psychological trauma include more than one generation?’ As I dig deeper to find the answer(s), my question evolves from a general question to a personal one. Consequently, I’m now asking, “Did I experience (some of) my childhood trauma because of the childhood trauma that my mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother experienced?
My Conclusion:
In doing my research and truly pondering whether or not I’ve been personally affected by intergenerational trauma, I’ve come to the conclusion that I have certainly been affected. According to an article published by PsychCentral, “Intergenerational trauma is essentially what happens when adverse events or experiences are passed down from one generation to the next, often in unspoken and deeply complex ways” (Ryder & White, 2022, par 5). The American Psychological Association (APA) explains intergenerational trauma as being, “…expressed when the descendant of someone who experienced a traumatic event presents challenging emotional and behavioral reactions that are similar to their ancestor or relative”. In analyzing these two interpretations of intergenerational trauma, I’m able to assess my emotional, mental and social reactions to trauma and easily relate it to that of my ancestors. My ancestors that I know personally, as well as those whom I’ve heard other family members speak of, are all described as being: mean, quick-tempered and verbally, emotionally, mentally, and physically abusive to their children. These traumatic events caused their children to be mean, quick-tempered, and abusive as well. It also caused their children to result to using unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, rage outbursts, domestic violence, substance abuse and promiscuity. Each generation of men and women, that I know of, from my great-great-grandmother to my generation, have all experienced the same traumas and have all responded in exactly the same ways. Along with the anger, rage, domestic violence, substance abuse and promiscuity is also severe depression and anxiety, suicidal ideations and attempts, criminal records, failed relationships and friendships, divorces, extensive (and seemingly irreparable) animosity between parent and child, among many other things. The intergenerational trauma has caused us to hurt each other and hurt ourselves.
— Something Has To Change —
Right now, I don’t have children and I’m so thankful to God. What I’ve went through in both my childhood and adulthood is something that I NEVER want my child(ren) to witness or personally experience! Although intergenerational trauma is a real thing that has infected, effected and affected many generations before me, it doesn’t mean that this trauma will remain a malignant, cancerous tumor that spreads to my children. It stops with me. I’m on a journey of healing mentally, emotionally and spiritually so that I can provide my future children with the love, assurance, peace, safety, support and comfort that I desperately needed as a child. This doesn’t mean that they will grow up to be the best people in the whole wide world; it simply means that they will know that they’re not in this huge world all alone and that mama loves them no matter what. In order for me to get to this place inside myself where I can provide my children with all these things, I have to face the generations before me. It’s not about confronting them or blaming them; it’s about understanding them and forgiving them. It’s about releasing them from the judgement and wrath. It’s about seeing the broken child inside of them and loving that child, even if I have to do it from a distance.
How do I do this? I contemplate their life story and identify all the ways in which their pain is my pain. Because I’ve personally experienced what they’ve experienced, I know their pain all too well. And, as I release them, I release myself. I give them permission to heal so that I too can be healed. It is now that I can sympathize with the generations before me. The sadness is so real. Their lives were so hard and, in many ways, unbearable. How can I continue to crucify them? I cannot.
References:
American Psychological Association. (n.d.) Trauma. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma
Missouri’s Early Care & Education Connections. (n.d.) What Is Trauma? Retrieved from: https://earlyconnections.mo.gov/professionals/trauma-informed-care
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. (n.d.) Intergenerational. Retrieved from: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/intergenerational
Ryder, G. & White, T. (2022). PsychCentral.com. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-intergenerational-trauma-impacts-families
submitted by TheLifeGodGaveMe to TheLifeGodGaveMe [link] [comments]
What is trauma? In simple terms, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster”. While this is an acceptable answer, I want an in-depth explanation that describes trauma in detail. So, again, what is trauma? The question may be simple but the answer is complex. Missouri’s Early Care & Education Connections explains that, [“… trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or threatening and that can have lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and physical, social, emotional well-being”]. Trauma is the result caused by a devastating experience. Many times, this result (trauma) prevents the victim from being able to live a healthy and productive life. Sometimes, unfortunately, the torment of the trauma lasts a lifetime. On the other hand, thankfully, the victim is able to overcome the trauma.
— A Broader Understanding Of Trauma —
Trauma consists of three principle categories:
- Acute trauma such as experiencing a car accident
- Chronic trauma such as being raised by verbally abusive parents, and
- Complex trauma such as a child who is abused at home, bullied in school, and disregarded by other people who are supposed to help keep them safe (i.e. teachers, counselors, other family members, friends and social workers) (Missouri’s Early Care & Education Connections).
— The Trauma Most Familiar To Me —
I personally identify with complex trauma although the three examples provided in each category above are a few of the traumatic events I’ve directly experienced. The reason why, for me, it’s not acute trauma or chronic trauma is because it wasn’t just the car accident and it wasn’t just the verbal abuse at home. It was also the overall neglect, rejection, bullying, verbal abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and psychological abuse, among other things. It was me being left alone, throughout the majority of my childhood, with no one to defend or protect me — not at home, school, public places, courtrooms, counselor’s offices or anywhere else. I’ve spent the majority of my adulthood encountering most of the same traumatic experiences I suffered as a child. On my quest to understand why my childhood was the way it was, I remember hearing mention of ‘generational curses’. My understanding of ‘generational curses’ is that it’s a spiritual battle that’s passed from one generation to the next. So, on a more pragmatic note, my question is:
— Is Emotional And Psychological Trauma Intergenerational? —
What does ‘intergenerational’ mean? According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, ‘intergenerational’ means, “including or involving people of different generations or age groups”. Now, my question (reworded) becomes, ‘Does an event of emotional and psychological trauma include more than one generation?’ As I dig deeper to find the answer(s), my question evolves from a general question to a personal one. Consequently, I’m now asking, “Did I experience (some of) my childhood trauma because of the childhood trauma that my mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother experienced?
My Conclusion:
In doing my research and truly pondering whether or not I’ve been personally affected by intergenerational trauma, I’ve come to the conclusion that I have certainly been affected. According to an article published by PsychCentral, “Intergenerational trauma is essentially what happens when adverse events or experiences are passed down from one generation to the next, often in unspoken and deeply complex ways” (Ryder & White, 2022, par 5). The American Psychological Association (APA) explains intergenerational trauma as being, “…expressed when the descendant of someone who experienced a traumatic event presents challenging emotional and behavioral reactions that are similar to their ancestor or relative”. In analyzing these two interpretations of intergenerational trauma, I’m able to assess my emotional, mental and social reactions to trauma and easily relate it to that of my ancestors. My ancestors that I know personally, as well as those whom I’ve heard other family members speak of, are all described as being: mean, quick-tempered and verbally, emotionally, mentally, and physically abusive to their children. These traumatic events caused their children to be mean, quick-tempered, and abusive as well. It also caused their children to result to using unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, rage outbursts, domestic violence, substance abuse and promiscuity. Each generation of men and women, that I know of, from my great-great-grandmother to my generation, have all experienced the same traumas and have all responded in exactly the same ways. Along with the anger, rage, domestic violence, substance abuse and promiscuity is also severe depression and anxiety, suicidal ideations and attempts, criminal records, failed relationships and friendships, divorces, extensive (and seemingly irreparable) animosity between parent and child, among many other things. The intergenerational trauma has caused us to hurt each other and hurt ourselves.
— Something Has To Change —
Right now, I don’t have children and I’m so thankful to God. What I’ve went through in both my childhood and adulthood is something that I NEVER want my child(ren) to witness or personally experience! Although intergenerational trauma is a real thing that has infected, effected and affected many generations before me, it doesn’t mean that this trauma will remain a malignant, cancerous tumor that spreads to my children. It stops with me. I’m on a journey of healing mentally, emotionally and spiritually so that I can provide my future children with the love, assurance, peace, safety, support and comfort that I desperately needed as a child. This doesn’t mean that they will grow up to be the best people in the whole wide world; it simply means that they will know that they’re not in this huge world all alone and that mama loves them no matter what. In order for me to get to this place inside myself where I can provide my children with all these things, I have to face the generations before me. It’s not about confronting them or blaming them; it’s about understanding them and forgiving them. It’s about releasing them from the judgement and wrath. It’s about seeing the broken child inside of them and loving that child, even if I have to do it from a distance.
How do I do this? I contemplate their life story and identify all the ways in which their pain is my pain. Because I’ve personally experienced what they’ve experienced, I know their pain all too well. And, as I release them, I release myself. I give them permission to heal so that I too can be healed. It is now that I can sympathize with the generations before me. The sadness is so real. Their lives were so hard and, in many ways, unbearable. How can I continue to crucify them? I cannot.
References:
American Psychological Association. (n.d.) Trauma. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma
Missouri’s Early Care & Education Connections. (n.d.) What Is Trauma? Retrieved from: https://earlyconnections.mo.gov/professionals/trauma-informed-care
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. (n.d.) Intergenerational. Retrieved from: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/intergenerational
Ryder, G. & White, T. (2022). PsychCentral.com. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-intergenerational-trauma-impacts-families
2024.05.21 10:46 Empress-moon Why doesn't she put all the money she gets into a one to one PT/diet coach?
Honestly, I cant understand her at all. She complains about her skin and hair, scalp etc and spends a fortune on products but fails to accept its her bloody diet that's the problem! I've recently been trying to cut out processed foods and drink just water and I'm noticing a huge difference in my skin and hair. Why not invest all the money she wastes on products on a PT or diet coach, someone that can support and advice her. It irritates the hell out of me that all the BDL members keep recommending these products and giving her false hope. It's the damn diet love and drink water Becki fgs!!
submitted by Empress-moon to BeckiJones [link] [comments]
2024.05.21 10:36 Arctodus Impressions of Leviathan Wilds, Slay the Spire, Cascadero/dito, Spectral, and Harmonies
The world conspired in the best of ways to bless me with a whole bunch of new games at once and I happened to be able to get in a lot of plays quickly with them.
Always get an idea of who's talking before you take anything away from these reviews/impressions. Maybe we're really different people. I've been in the hobby for 10+ years. I've played a lot of games. I love interactive and mechanically unique games. I worship Reiner Knizia. Some of my favorite games are Tigris and Euphrates, Spirit Island, Race for the Galaxy, Agricola, Battle Line, and Oath. My favorite games of last year were Stationfall, Ra (reprint), and Zoo Vadis.
Okay, let's go!
Cascadito/Cascadero - Is this a Pokemon Red/Blue scenario? No! There's room for both halves of this pair of Knizias in a collection. I think Cascadero is the better game, but Cascadito slides onto our table more easily. I'm a bit of a believer in the Moneyball theory of games (does the game "get on base" (to the table)?) so, that matters!
Cascadero - 4 plays at 2 players - First, the production is perfect. Svelte box that's easy to pack, wooden pieces, great graphic design with built in rules reminders by Ian O'Toole, and a striking cover make this a joy to play. If you enjoy the general waves hands of Irish Gauge, you're going to love how this looks.
Cascadero requires a little patience, but I think I'm starting to see a heart of gold down in there. As a Knizia tile-layer, right away, this game is, unfortunately, going to get compared to some of the greatest games ever made. Games like Through the Desert, Samurai, Babylonia, etc. I say unfortunately, because I don't think you'll love this game on the first play. That's because I think the default/starter side of the board is less interesting. If you're familiar with games, do yourself a favor and flip to the farmer side as soon as possible. Even then, Cascadero is subtle. When played best, it's a quiet maneuvering of cubes up to just the right spots on tracks with pieces on the board in all the right places that build a little lattice of opportunity. Not just one combo ready to score, but a set of circumstances that hedge on an opponent's move. Paths are everywhere, and you're using them in just the right ways to get across a double score gap or to slip into a fold in the track that gives an extra bonus. I feel like the review circuit doesn't usually play games enough times to appreciate this one, and maybe it's subtle to a fault. It isn't great when you hear "it gets good on game 4", but I'm four games in and usually that's the point where I'm bored of most games. With this one I'm excited to play more.
Cascadero is great!
Cascadito - 5 plays at 2 players - Do you like My City? Do you like My City: Roll and Build? I do. I probably wouldn't list them in my favorite games, but they are such great weeknight-with-the-partner games that I appreciate them all the same. Cascadito isn't billed as a campaign game, but rather as four maps. Maybe a 4 game campaign doesn't sound long enough, but I'm busy. 4 games sounds like something I can do. If you've played Cascadero, map 1 is the less interesting version of that game. Stick with it though! Like My City, you get the joy of seeing Knizia riff on an idea. We enjoyed each subsequent map more and more and we could see ourselves replaying #3 and especially #4. In fact, on map 4 we kept looking at each other's sheets during the game - on a roll and write! I like that.
Cascadito is good!
Spectral - 6 plays at 2 players - I'm pretty picky about deduction games, especially as board games. As someone who has put hundreds of hours into Picross and sudoku I need there to be a good reason why I'm using my precious time with my friends on something that is usually so solitary. So far, I've really only liked The Search for Planet X. While it isn't known as a particularly interactive game, my friends and I have played it so competitively that we look for any scrap of information that might give us the edge, and the publishing system cranks up the incentive to take some leaps of faith in a tight race.
When I heard about Spectral I was excited - an interactive, bidding based logic puzzle - cool! Six games later, I haven't really figured out how to interact with my opponent. While The Search for Planet X has clear moments of intention to watch for (publishing papers), it's really hard to tell when your opponent is acting with intention or just exploring in Spectral. You also don't have those little clues like what your opponent is scanning for or researching like in Planet X to build some kind of theory around. The game is a breeze to play, yet barely leaves room to grapple. So maybe the interaction isn't super strong, but how's the logic puzzle?
Boring. Imagine playing sudoku, but the logic restrictions were only for rows and not also columns, or within squares. You can do some deduction with the curse cards, but the treasure cards (12 of the 16) are all essentially equally informative and don't allow for much in the way of chains of deduction. You can do a little bit with probabilities of where treasures are likely to overlap, but it rarely feels worth it to pursue when finding curses provides a much more reliable benefit.
I want to be wrong about this game. Please, someone argue this one with me.
Spectral is okay. If you play it once or twice, I think you'll have a good time, but I don't see it having legs.
Slay the Spire - I've had this game for less than a month and I think I've put in maybe 50 hours at the table with it at this point. I've played with people who have 1000s of hours in Slay the Spire - they have loved it. I've played with people who have never played Slay the Spire - I see them playing Slay the Spire on Steam the next day and asking when they can next come over. People who usually duck out of a game night at 10pm are still at the table at 1am.
I was really worried it would be bad. I wondered, why not just play the digital game? But here I am, holding the box and knowing without a doubt, this object sparks joy. Have you ever experienced a solitary piece of media, obsessed over it, and then gotten a chance to experience it together with other fans? Maybe something like watching Game of Thrones with friends after reading the books. It feels great to share in something you've loved. That's how Slay the Spire has felt. But it's not just that, as evidenced by the friends that have never played the digital game and still loved it. It's just a damn good deck builder, and the whole system of knowing exactly what the enemies are going to do before they do it goes over so well here. It's so apparent that this translation was a labor of love and so much has gone into preserving the spirit of the game. I love it.
Slay the Spire is excellent!
Leviathan Wilds - played the first 3 Leviathans solo and at 2 - I backed this as a Shadow of the Colossus fan, and hoped for the best. I'm honestly blown away by how much this game has exceeded my expectations. First, there's something about this game that feels so complete and efficient. There's no Kickstarter bloat. It's in a very understated, retail sized box. The game just gets so much out of each component. It feels like the people who made it have made a lot of games before (and they have!).
I have trouble finding mid-weight 1-hour co-ops that I like. I love co-ops like The Crew at the short and sweet end and Spirit Island at the epic and heavy end, but the games that hit around the Pandemic range have never appealed to me. There often seems to be too much upkeep and setup, and not enough to keep me interested in sharing a puzzle with other people.
Leviathan Wilds is sooooo easy to set up. Setting up a Leviathan involves opening a spiral bound map book and laying out five cards. Processing the enemy turn involves flipping a card and later doing what it says. I don't play solo games, pretty much ever, but I'm playing this solo because it's so damn easy to run.
The moment to moment gameplay has been a blast. The systems are very open and freeform and the cards are multi-use, so there's often this feeling of scrapping together just the thing you need from odd parts - burning this card, eating this mushroom, falling here, etc. The movement system really leans into the mechanics of Shadow of the Colossus and allows for a creativity and freedom while reinforcing the theme. Every game we've played has been tight and we've failed a few times. I like that. My only complaint was that the enemies will sometimes do "swift" moves that resolve before your turn so you don't have much of a chance to react. I didn't realize until a game or two later that you can still use skills on cards to react instantly which might be an easy rule to miss. I've felt much better about "swift" since learning that. I'll definitely be backing the announced small expansion for the upcoming reprint. What a pleasant surprise.
Leviathan Wilds is excellent!
Harmonies - 6 plays at 2 players - This game has been called a Reef killer, an Azul killer, and a Cascadia killer. I own all those games! So, what's the body count at my table? Well, first off this game is lovely. The art is beautiful, the spatial puzzle is quite satisfying, and the playtime is breezy (especially at 2). It is most comparable to Reef in that you are arranging and stacking pieces in configurations for points, but there's a second layer of tile arrangement, similar to Cascadia's habitats, that's always present, no matter what cards come up. The Azul comparison is probably due to the drafting of tiles from a central market. So, what's the outcome?:
Dro Polter - Too many plays to count and at all player counts - I think this is Oink's cutest production yet. The chunky wooden ghost, the tiny bells, the little set of treasures you'll hold in your hand. If you like frantic dexterity games, this is great. You can explain the rules in about 2 sentences and it's very non-gamer friendly. The cleverest bit is how you have to hold onto points in the form of tiny bells and if you drop them you lose them. It's an excellent system of handicapping the leader that often turns to laughs. It's mostly a novelty, but if you can introduce it to a few different groups of people, it feels worth it. Great with kids too.
Dro Polter is great!
submitted by Arctodus to boardgames [link] [comments]
Always get an idea of who's talking before you take anything away from these reviews/impressions. Maybe we're really different people. I've been in the hobby for 10+ years. I've played a lot of games. I love interactive and mechanically unique games. I worship Reiner Knizia. Some of my favorite games are Tigris and Euphrates, Spirit Island, Race for the Galaxy, Agricola, Battle Line, and Oath. My favorite games of last year were Stationfall, Ra (reprint), and Zoo Vadis.
Okay, let's go!
Cascadito/Cascadero - Is this a Pokemon Red/Blue scenario? No! There's room for both halves of this pair of Knizias in a collection. I think Cascadero is the better game, but Cascadito slides onto our table more easily. I'm a bit of a believer in the Moneyball theory of games (does the game "get on base" (to the table)?) so, that matters!
Cascadero - 4 plays at 2 players - First, the production is perfect. Svelte box that's easy to pack, wooden pieces, great graphic design with built in rules reminders by Ian O'Toole, and a striking cover make this a joy to play. If you enjoy the general waves hands of Irish Gauge, you're going to love how this looks.
Cascadero requires a little patience, but I think I'm starting to see a heart of gold down in there. As a Knizia tile-layer, right away, this game is, unfortunately, going to get compared to some of the greatest games ever made. Games like Through the Desert, Samurai, Babylonia, etc. I say unfortunately, because I don't think you'll love this game on the first play. That's because I think the default/starter side of the board is less interesting. If you're familiar with games, do yourself a favor and flip to the farmer side as soon as possible. Even then, Cascadero is subtle. When played best, it's a quiet maneuvering of cubes up to just the right spots on tracks with pieces on the board in all the right places that build a little lattice of opportunity. Not just one combo ready to score, but a set of circumstances that hedge on an opponent's move. Paths are everywhere, and you're using them in just the right ways to get across a double score gap or to slip into a fold in the track that gives an extra bonus. I feel like the review circuit doesn't usually play games enough times to appreciate this one, and maybe it's subtle to a fault. It isn't great when you hear "it gets good on game 4", but I'm four games in and usually that's the point where I'm bored of most games. With this one I'm excited to play more.
Cascadero is great!
Cascadito is good!
When I heard about Spectral I was excited - an interactive, bidding based logic puzzle - cool! Six games later, I haven't really figured out how to interact with my opponent. While The Search for Planet X has clear moments of intention to watch for (publishing papers), it's really hard to tell when your opponent is acting with intention or just exploring in Spectral. You also don't have those little clues like what your opponent is scanning for or researching like in Planet X to build some kind of theory around. The game is a breeze to play, yet barely leaves room to grapple. So maybe the interaction isn't super strong, but how's the logic puzzle?
Boring. Imagine playing sudoku, but the logic restrictions were only for rows and not also columns, or within squares. You can do some deduction with the curse cards, but the treasure cards (12 of the 16) are all essentially equally informative and don't allow for much in the way of chains of deduction. You can do a little bit with probabilities of where treasures are likely to overlap, but it rarely feels worth it to pursue when finding curses provides a much more reliable benefit.
I want to be wrong about this game. Please, someone argue this one with me.
Spectral is okay. If you play it once or twice, I think you'll have a good time, but I don't see it having legs.
I was really worried it would be bad. I wondered, why not just play the digital game? But here I am, holding the box and knowing without a doubt, this object sparks joy. Have you ever experienced a solitary piece of media, obsessed over it, and then gotten a chance to experience it together with other fans? Maybe something like watching Game of Thrones with friends after reading the books. It feels great to share in something you've loved. That's how Slay the Spire has felt. But it's not just that, as evidenced by the friends that have never played the digital game and still loved it. It's just a damn good deck builder, and the whole system of knowing exactly what the enemies are going to do before they do it goes over so well here. It's so apparent that this translation was a labor of love and so much has gone into preserving the spirit of the game. I love it.
Slay the Spire is excellent!
I have trouble finding mid-weight 1-hour co-ops that I like. I love co-ops like The Crew at the short and sweet end and Spirit Island at the epic and heavy end, but the games that hit around the Pandemic range have never appealed to me. There often seems to be too much upkeep and setup, and not enough to keep me interested in sharing a puzzle with other people.
Leviathan Wilds is sooooo easy to set up. Setting up a Leviathan involves opening a spiral bound map book and laying out five cards. Processing the enemy turn involves flipping a card and later doing what it says. I don't play solo games, pretty much ever, but I'm playing this solo because it's so damn easy to run.
The moment to moment gameplay has been a blast. The systems are very open and freeform and the cards are multi-use, so there's often this feeling of scrapping together just the thing you need from odd parts - burning this card, eating this mushroom, falling here, etc. The movement system really leans into the mechanics of Shadow of the Colossus and allows for a creativity and freedom while reinforcing the theme. Every game we've played has been tight and we've failed a few times. I like that. My only complaint was that the enemies will sometimes do "swift" moves that resolve before your turn so you don't have much of a chance to react. I didn't realize until a game or two later that you can still use skills on cards to react instantly which might be an easy rule to miss. I've felt much better about "swift" since learning that. I'll definitely be backing the announced small expansion for the upcoming reprint. What a pleasant surprise.
Leviathan Wilds is excellent!
- Reef - Dead. Harmonies gives me a similar spatial puzzle in less time, in a smaller box, with better art, and it feels more thematic (I want to make homes for all my animals!).
- Cascadia - Dead. (although I was tired of it already). I find the game to game strategies in Harmonies to be more diverse and I don't feel like I have an algorithm to follow like in Cascadia (Is there a tile that increases two habitats? Can I fit a fox between my other groups of animals?).
- Azul - Alive. It's a stretch to compare the two games, but the drafting portion is far more interesting in Azul with the combining pools of tiles. Azul sits with Carcassonne in this perfect zone of being a gateway game that starts out gentle and puzzley and more you play it the more cutthroat it becomes. This isn't Harmonies, but...
Dro Polter is great!
2024.05.21 10:12 IcePopsicleDragon Senua's Saga: Hellblade I Review Thread
Game Information
Game Title: Senua's Saga: Hellblade IIPlatforms:
- Xbox Series X/S (May 21, 2024)
- PC (May 21, 2024)
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – Official Trailer The Game Awards 2023
- Senua's Saga: Hellblade II - The Senua Trailer Xbox Games Showcase 2023
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 84 average - 86% recommended - 55 reviews
MetaCritic - 81 average - 34 reviews
Critic Reviews
AltChar - Asmir Kovacevic - 95 / 100Few games in recent times have been able to do what Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 has done: make me feel so engaged and immersed that I wish the feeling would never stop. It is a game that will keep you in constant awe throughout the playtime with its fantastic and mysterious story, incredible graphic and sound presentation and realistic and brutal combat that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II won’t be for everyone. But if you are looking for a brutal continuation of a fantastic story that feels like you’re actually playing a movie, you’ll have a great time here.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 starts incredibly strong in the first half, but after certain revelations, the story speeds up to a point where the conclusion feels rushed and half-baked.
It has been a very long time since I played a game as assured, polished, and emotionally affecting as Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2.
If you expect an immersive but not so interactive “game”, Senua’s Saga Hellblade II delivers a short yet intense experience. Ninja Theory has once again skillfully created an impressive atmosphere, as they did in Senua’s Sacrifice. Unfortunately, the issues remain as well: Puzzles and combat are too easy and there is no variety in either. So please keep in mind, that this is more a Hellblade 1.5 than a true sequel.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is well worth the wait and is a serious game of the year contender. Senua's follow-up journey is the best exploration of mental health that we've seen in games to date, using incredibly striking visual imagery, metaphors and immersive soundscapes to have you feel right there next to her. In what has to be the most photo-realistic game of all time, you're guaranteed to be constantly taken by the hero's adventure as you take in the beautiful and often haunting Viking Iceland. Through mud and dirt, blood and bones, Senua and Ninja Theory in turn bare all to you, the player. A masterpiece, benchmark and magnum opus, Hellblade II is crucial storytelling you won't soon forget.
With Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Ninja Theory shows that video games can be more than simple entertainment: they can be profound artistic and emotional explorations, capable of touching and transforming those who play them. This is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Iceland's darkness, where every step of Senua is a step towards self-discovery.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is a visual stunner for Xbox even if its gameplay isn't too creative.
Ninja Theory has finally delivered the long-awaited and provocative sequel to Hellblade, with one of the most impressive interactive cinematic experiences of the generation, which makes you question what is real and leaves you dreaming of the graphic potential of future games still on current consoles.
With Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, Ninja Theory builds the game it dreamed of, creating a title on a larger scale than any other.
Hellblade 2 continues Senua's story with grace, confidence, surprising brutality and thundering conviction.
The game sucks you skin and hair into its fantasy world and creates such an intense bond with the characters and their stories that you want to know at every second how the adventure ends.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II’s conclusion ends on another strong note, and despite my initial reservations about continuing Senua’s story, I walked away happy to see her conquer new monsters, both literal and metaphorical.
Hellblade 2 is perhaps the most visually remarkable Xbox title to date, but is ultimately undermined by its emphasis on fidelity over story and gameplay.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is a stunning and immersive storytelling experience that really puts the player into the mind of its titular character. It's even more narratively-focused than the first game (not to its detriment), with a bigger emphasis on how Senua sees and interacts with the world around her. The whole experience from start to finish has been beyond memorable.
Ninja Theory manages to place Senua in the Olympus of videogames with the most visually and sonorously powerful game we have seen so far. A spectacular, stunning and awe-inspiring journey.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is another Viking-worthy feast for the senses that meets the high bar set by its predecessor, even if it never really manages to clear it.
The game's high level of immersion makes you want to play it from start to finish in one sitting. With outstanding audiovisual presentation and effects, it gives the feeling that you're playing a movie, not watching it. However, the gameplay elements, such as combat and puzzles, still lack significant meaning, which leads to rather disappoint feelings.
While the story & gameplay's broad strokes might be familiar, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2's execution, perspective, and overall production values are just stellar and highlights Ninja Theory's strengths in delivering what it does best: story-heavy cinematic gaming. The characters are fleshed out and well-written, with proper focus on your main character and her turmoils that carry over from the first game, the fighting feels weighty and challenging without being completely frustrating, and the HUD-less approach to presentation is welcome.
A spellbinding meditation on anguish and compassion, Hellblade II delivers one of the most gripping interactive and sensory experiences of 2024
The chaotic story of Senua continues. We set out to take revenge on the Viking raiders who have inflicted devastating losses on the people of Orkney.
A joyless slog of barely interactive entertainment and a muddled portrayal of mental illness… that just so happens to have the best graphics ever on a video game console.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is a true masterpiece: a deep and highly immersive narrative experience that manages to make us feel all the protagonist's torment within an impressively realistic world. Ninja Theory reveals itself to be one of the most valuable studios in the Xbox stable here, reaching levels of absolute excellence in graphics, audio, narration, and acting. A must-play.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II keeps the basics intact, and while a strong lead character, great animations, and simple but enjoyable combat continue to deliver, the poor pacing and performance issues prevent this sequel from breaking free of its past.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is the best-looking game we've ever played - a true visual powerhouse backed by an emotionally charged story and gripping dark fantasy setting, if you can look past some of its shortcomings.
Hellblade 2 is a triumph in masterful storytelling and impeccable audio design for Ninja Theory. It is an emotionally powerful experience that depicts a sensitive subject that is hardly talked about in the medium.
To achieve this, the game stripped out several features and systems like combat and exploration in favor of a deeper narrative affair. This is not for everyone, but it is something I would encourage everyone to try at least try out.
Next gen graphics and presentation is now among us, next gen game design on the other hand, will be running late.
Despite its greater scale and visual splendour, this sequel fails to escape the shadow of its predecessor with a muddled tale that Senua herself feels out of place in.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is an impeccable story of coming to terms with trauma and making difficult decisions, punctuated by moments of outstanding beauty and strength.
Hellblade 2 is a stellar example of a sequel done right, building on the elements that made the original a landmark in gaming. It stays true to its roots, prioritizing depth and atmosphere over broad appeal. Fans of the first game will find much to love here, as it remains a unique and compelling experience. However, if the original didn't resonate with you, Hellblade 2 follows a similar path and might not change your mind.
Where the first game felt like a journey of self-discovery, both for Senua and for the player, Hellblade 2 feels more invested in creating the myth of Senua: Senua as legendary giant slayer, as mystical seer touched by the underworld.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is yet another arresting, artful chapter in an adventure now two games long. Though it might approach iteration with a very safe hand, only going so far as to correct the original's shortcomings, Ninja Theory's clear strengths in story craft, audiovisual design, as well as their care for the dark subject matter manage to shine through brighter than ever before.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II emerges as a visual and storytelling masterpiece, and is unquestionably the best-looking game I've witnessed on Xbox Series X since its launch.
A more uncompromising version of the first game, Hellblade 2 offers a well told story and immaculate presentation. But it's also even simpler, to the point where it treats interaction like an inconvenience.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is, at its core, a short game, but an excellent one. But it's not for everyone. It's a bloody and often disgusting experience based on strong emotions and immersion in a character that just won't let you go. It's more of an artistic experience than a traditional game.
An exceptionally well realized portrayal of Senua's struggle both real and praying on her fears, with brutal and satisfying combat and puzzles that require you to appreciate the world. It successfully continues what the first game started and improves upon almost every aspect.
Senua's Saga is a journey unlike any other. It's fantastical, evocative, and demonstrative of Ninja Theory being masters of their craft.
Hellblade 2 still does incredibly well. The new story is weighty, the audio is exceptional, the scenery is ridiculously dense and rich, and the combat feels intense and impactful in new and interesting ways.
The newest chapter in Senua’s story is powerfully told but feels like it’s missing a few pages.
Senua's Saga is as strong as its predecessor, if not more, and delivers both in its storytelling and on the technical side. The gameplay, however, has still a lot of room for improvements and boils down to almost-QTE combat and boring puzzles. An experience more than an actual and so-called video game, but an experience worth living nonetheless.
Senua’s Saga Hellblade 2 is a video game only on its surface. Scratch that away and you’ll see that it’s a deep, thought-provoking, interactive experience proving games are an art form that demands skill and talent. Ninja Theory should be very proud.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II features intense audio, beautiful graphics, and wonderful camera work, creating a powerful presentation that’s worth experiencing. However, the narrative doesn’t quite stick the landing.
The Outerhaven Productions - Jordan Andow - 5 / 5Video Review - Quote not available
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II sets a new bar for performances and presentation. Combined with smart improvements to gameplay, it is arguably the most cinematic, immersive, story-driven experience we’ve ever seen.
Just like its forbear, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is an oppressive, powerful and haunting example of the power of video games, and one that sets its own parameters for what a digital experience can be. It is a game that must be experienced, not least because, there’s nothing else quite like it.
What Ninja Theory has achieved transcends reality, creating a work that is practically perfect for what it aimed to be: an audiovisual adventure with a strong narrative component. Beyond state-of-the-art graphics and sound that will undoubtedly set a standard in the coming years, what truly astonishes is the maturity with which the team has taken an excellent game like the first Hellblade and molded it into something so qualitatively impressive that it becomes difficult to even describe. This elevates the medium to a new communicative level, capable of evoking emotions and surprising players from start to finish. Experiences like Hellblade 2, which leave a lasting impression on the soul, are few and far between in a generation, and we can only rejoice in seeing how the beautiful artistic vision of the Ninja Theory team has become a reality.
Hellblade 2 feels like a living, breathing shapeshifter, manipulating its surroundings around the player with precision and consistency, making it one of the most visually stunning video games of this generation. This is an amazing title that carefully balances its artistic and gaming ambitions, a masterpiece that I encourage any gamer to experience.
Ninja Theory has created an outstanding sequel with Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. An unforgettable narrative adventure that is brought to life through impeccable sound design, fantastic visuals, and a story that will stick with you long after the final credits roll. Hellblade 2 is one of the best games Xbox has to offer.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is a technical achievement for the gaming industry, the visuals are impressive and realistic in a way we haven't seen before and the audio design is very impressive. The game itself though, we think it could've offered more as puzzles are repetitive and combat is quite limited. However, the storytelling is strong in this chapter of Senua's journey, though it feels heavy and depressing.
Though uncomfortably bleak and distressing, Helldivers 2 is something truly special.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is an achievement in visual fidelity but fails to define itself amid clumsy retreads and unengaging new ideas.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is a beautiful but ultimately hollow game. The fantastic presentation props up a story that is less personal and engaging than in the first game, and the gameplay feels like an afterthought. It was great to see Senua again and to see her outside of the grief-misery she was enveloped in during the first game, but beyond that, there's not much to Hellblade II. It's a short and less memorable experience that shows off Ninja Theory's visual craft to its fullest - but it achieves little else.
While Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 might not set any new standards with its simplistic gameplay mechanics, from an audio-visual experience standpoint, it's frankly quite a stunning experience. Hellblade 2 is as close to playing the leading role in a big budget movie as you’re likely to get, and Ninja Theory’s continued coverage on the complexities of severe mental health issues deserves to be commended once more. Bravo, Ninja Theory. Bravo.
Despite the backing of a company as large and as well-funded as Microsoft, Ninja Theory have, in my opinion, nurtured their independent spirit and kept it well and truly alive in every facet of Senua's Saga: Hellblade II. It's brutal. It's breath-taking. It's brilliant. If this is “Independent AAA”?
Sign me up for more.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is undoubtedly one of the best games of this year. Not only does it shine in terms of audio-visual setting, but also in terms of story. The only element that could be considered caveat is at the same time its greatest asset, namely cinematography. Sometimes one gets the impression that the developers, in an effort to achieve the best possible effect, had to make a lot of compromises, which significantly limited the gameplay possibilities. Nevertheless, for a great narrative and immersion, this is something to turn a blind eye to.
2024.05.21 10:01 Turbostrider27 Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Review Thread
Game Information
Game Title: Senua's Saga: Hellblade IIPlatforms:
- Xbox Series X/S (May 21, 2024)
- PC (May 21, 2024)
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – Official Trailer The Game Awards 2023
- Senua's Saga: Hellblade II - The Senua Trailer Xbox Games Showcase 2023
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 84 average - 86% recommended - 55 reviews
Critic Reviews
AltChar - Asmir Kovacevic - 95 / 100Few games in recent times have been able to do what Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 has done: make me feel so engaged and immersed that I wish the feeling would never stop. It is a game that will keep you in constant awe throughout the playtime with its fantastic and mysterious story, incredible graphic and sound presentation and realistic and brutal combat that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II won’t be for everyone. But if you are looking for a brutal continuation of a fantastic story that feels like you’re actually playing a movie, you’ll have a great time here.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 starts incredibly strong in the first half, but after certain revelations, the story speeds up to a point where the conclusion feels rushed and half-baked.
It has been a very long time since I played a game as assured, polished, and emotionally affecting as Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2.
If you expect an immersive but not so interactive “game”, Senua’s Saga Hellblade II delivers a short yet intense experience. Ninja Theory has once again skillfully created an impressive atmosphere, as they did in Senua’s Sacrifice. Unfortunately, the issues remain as well: Puzzles and combat are too easy and there is no variety in either. So please keep in mind, that this is more a Hellblade 1.5 than a true sequel.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is well worth the wait and is a serious game of the year contender. Senua's follow-up journey is the best exploration of mental health that we've seen in games to date, using incredibly striking visual imagery, metaphors and immersive soundscapes to have you feel right there next to her. In what has to be the most photo-realistic game of all time, you're guaranteed to be constantly taken by the hero's adventure as you take in the beautiful and often haunting Viking Iceland. Through mud and dirt, blood and bones, Senua and Ninja Theory in turn bare all to you, the player. A masterpiece, benchmark and magnum opus, Hellblade II is crucial storytelling you won't soon forget.
With Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Ninja Theory shows that video games can be more than simple entertainment: they can be profound artistic and emotional explorations, capable of touching and transforming those who play them. This is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Iceland's darkness, where every step of Senua is a step towards self-discovery.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is a visual stunner for Xbox even if its gameplay isn't too creative.
Ninja Theory has finally delivered the long-awaited and provocative sequel to Hellblade, with one of the most impressive interactive cinematic experiences of the generation, which makes you question what is real and leaves you dreaming of the graphic potential of future games still on current consoles.
With Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, Ninja Theory builds the game it dreamed of, creating a title on a larger scale than any other.
Hellblade 2 continues Senua's story with grace, confidence, surprising brutality and thundering conviction.
The game sucks you skin and hair into its fantasy world and creates such an intense bond with the characters and their stories that you want to know at every second how the adventure ends.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II’s conclusion ends on another strong note, and despite my initial reservations about continuing Senua’s story, I walked away happy to see her conquer new monsters, both literal and metaphorical.
Hellblade 2 is perhaps the most visually remarkable Xbox title to date, but is ultimately undermined by its emphasis on fidelity over story and gameplay.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is a stunning and immersive storytelling experience that really puts the player into the mind of its titular character. It's even more narratively-focused than the first game (not to its detriment), with a bigger emphasis on how Senua sees and interacts with the world around her. The whole experience from start to finish has been beyond memorable.
Ninja Theory manages to place Senua in the Olympus of videogames with the most visually and sonorously powerful game we have seen so far. A spectacular, stunning and awe-inspiring journey.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is another Viking-worthy feast for the senses that meets the high bar set by its predecessor, even if it never really manages to clear it.
The game's high level of immersion makes you want to play it from start to finish in one sitting. With outstanding audiovisual presentation and effects, it gives the feeling that you're playing a movie, not watching it. However, the gameplay elements, such as combat and puzzles, still lack significant meaning, which leads to rather disappoint feelings.
While the story & gameplay's broad strokes might be familiar, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2's execution, perspective, and overall production values are just stellar and highlights Ninja Theory's strengths in delivering what it does best: story-heavy cinematic gaming. The characters are fleshed out and well-written, with proper focus on your main character and her turmoils that carry over from the first game, the fighting feels weighty and challenging without being completely frustrating, and the HUD-less approach to presentation is welcome.
A spellbinding meditation on anguish and compassion, Hellblade II delivers one of the most gripping interactive and sensory experiences of 2024
The chaotic story of Senua continues. We set out to take revenge on the Viking raiders who have inflicted devastating losses on the people of Orkney.
A joyless slog of barely interactive entertainment and a muddled portrayal of mental illness… that just so happens to have the best graphics ever on a video game console.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is a true masterpiece: a deep and highly immersive narrative experience that manages to make us feel all the protagonist's torment within an impressively realistic world. Ninja Theory reveals itself to be one of the most valuable studios in the Xbox stable here, reaching levels of absolute excellence in graphics, audio, narration, and acting. A must-play.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II keeps the basics intact, and while a strong lead character, great animations, and simple but enjoyable combat continue to deliver, the poor pacing and performance issues prevent this sequel from breaking free of its past.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is the best-looking game we've ever played - a true visual powerhouse backed by an emotionally charged story and gripping dark fantasy setting, if you can look past some of its shortcomings.
Hellblade 2 is a triumph in masterful storytelling and impeccable audio design for Ninja Theory. It is an emotionally powerful experience that depicts a sensitive subject that is hardly talked about in the medium.
To achieve this, the game stripped out several features and systems like combat and exploration in favor of a deeper narrative affair. This is not for everyone, but it is something I would encourage everyone to try at least try out.
Next gen graphics and presentation is now among us, next gen game design on the other hand, will be running late.
Despite its greater scale and visual splendour, this sequel fails to escape the shadow of its predecessor with a muddled tale that Senua herself feels out of place in.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is an impeccable story of coming to terms with trauma and making difficult decisions, punctuated by moments of outstanding beauty and strength.
Hellblade 2 is a stellar example of a sequel done right, building on the elements that made the original a landmark in gaming. It stays true to its roots, prioritizing depth and atmosphere over broad appeal. Fans of the first game will find much to love here, as it remains a unique and compelling experience. However, if the original didn't resonate with you, Hellblade 2 follows a similar path and might not change your mind.
Where the first game felt like a journey of self-discovery, both for Senua and for the player, Hellblade 2 feels more invested in creating the myth of Senua: Senua as legendary giant slayer, as mystical seer touched by the underworld.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is yet another arresting, artful chapter in an adventure now two games long. Though it might approach iteration with a very safe hand, only going so far as to correct the original's shortcomings, Ninja Theory's clear strengths in story craft, audiovisual design, as well as their care for the dark subject matter manage to shine through brighter than ever before.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II emerges as a visual and storytelling masterpiece, and is unquestionably the best-looking game I've witnessed on Xbox Series X since its launch.
A more uncompromising version of the first game, Hellblade 2 offers a well told story and immaculate presentation. But it's also even simpler, to the point where it treats interaction like an inconvenience.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is, at its core, a short game, but an excellent one. But it's not for everyone. It's a bloody and often disgusting experience based on strong emotions and immersion in a character that just won't let you go. It's more of an artistic experience than a traditional game.
An exceptionally well realized portrayal of Senua's struggle both real and praying on her fears, with brutal and satisfying combat and puzzles that require you to appreciate the world. It successfully continues what the first game started and improves upon almost every aspect.
Senua's Saga is a journey unlike any other. It's fantastical, evocative, and demonstrative of Ninja Theory being masters of their craft.
Hellblade 2 still does incredibly well. The new story is weighty, the audio is exceptional, the scenery is ridiculously dense and rich, and the combat feels intense and impactful in new and interesting ways.
The newest chapter in Senua’s story is powerfully told but feels like it’s missing a few pages.
Senua's Saga is as strong as its predecessor, if not more, and delivers both in its storytelling and on the technical side. The gameplay, however, has still a lot of room for improvements and boils down to almost-QTE combat and boring puzzles. An experience more than an actual and so-called video game, but an experience worth living nonetheless.
Senua’s Saga Hellblade 2 is a video game only on its surface. Scratch that away and you’ll see that it’s a deep, thought-provoking, interactive experience proving games are an art form that demands skill and talent. Ninja Theory should be very proud.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II features intense audio, beautiful graphics, and wonderful camera work, creating a powerful presentation that’s worth experiencing. However, the narrative doesn’t quite stick the landing.
The Outerhaven Productions - Jordan Andow - 5 / 5Video Review - Quote not available
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II sets a new bar for performances and presentation. Combined with smart improvements to gameplay, it is arguably the most cinematic, immersive, story-driven experience we’ve ever seen.
Just like its forbear, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is an oppressive, powerful and haunting example of the power of video games, and one that sets its own parameters for what a digital experience can be. It is a game that must be experienced, not least because, there’s nothing else quite like it.
What Ninja Theory has achieved transcends reality, creating a work that is practically perfect for what it aimed to be: an audiovisual adventure with a strong narrative component. Beyond state-of-the-art graphics and sound that will undoubtedly set a standard in the coming years, what truly astonishes is the maturity with which the team has taken an excellent game like the first Hellblade and molded it into something so qualitatively impressive that it becomes difficult to even describe. This elevates the medium to a new communicative level, capable of evoking emotions and surprising players from start to finish. Experiences like Hellblade 2, which leave a lasting impression on the soul, are few and far between in a generation, and we can only rejoice in seeing how the beautiful artistic vision of the Ninja Theory team has become a reality.
Hellblade 2 feels like a living, breathing shapeshifter, manipulating its surroundings around the player with precision and consistency, making it one of the most visually stunning video games of this generation. This is an amazing title that carefully balances its artistic and gaming ambitions, a masterpiece that I encourage any gamer to experience.
Ninja Theory has created an outstanding sequel with Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. An unforgettable narrative adventure that is brought to life through impeccable sound design, fantastic visuals, and a story that will stick with you long after the final credits roll. Hellblade 2 is one of the best games Xbox has to offer.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is a technical achievement for the gaming industry, the visuals are impressive and realistic in a way we haven't seen before and the audio design is very impressive. The game itself though, we think it could've offered more as puzzles are repetitive and combat is quite limited. However, the storytelling is strong in this chapter of Senua's journey, though it feels heavy and depressing.
Though uncomfortably bleak and distressing, Helldivers 2 is something truly special.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is an achievement in visual fidelity but fails to define itself amid clumsy retreads and unengaging new ideas.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is a beautiful but ultimately hollow game. The fantastic presentation props up a story that is less personal and engaging than in the first game, and the gameplay feels like an afterthought. It was great to see Senua again and to see her outside of the grief-misery she was enveloped in during the first game, but beyond that, there's not much to Hellblade II. It's a short and less memorable experience that shows off Ninja Theory's visual craft to its fullest - but it achieves little else.
While Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 might not set any new standards with its simplistic gameplay mechanics, from an audio-visual experience standpoint, it's frankly quite a stunning experience. Hellblade 2 is as close to playing the leading role in a big budget movie as you’re likely to get, and Ninja Theory’s continued coverage on the complexities of severe mental health issues deserves to be commended once more. Bravo, Ninja Theory. Bravo.
Despite the backing of a company as large and as well-funded as Microsoft, Ninja Theory have, in my opinion, nurtured their independent spirit and kept it well and truly alive in every facet of Senua's Saga: Hellblade II. It's brutal. It's breath-taking. It's brilliant. If this is “Independent AAA”?
Sign me up for more.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is undoubtedly one of the best games of this year. Not only does it shine in terms of audio-visual setting, but also in terms of story. The only element that could be considered caveat is at the same time its greatest asset, namely cinematography. Sometimes one gets the impression that the developers, in an effort to achieve the best possible effect, had to make a lot of compromises, which significantly limited the gameplay possibilities. Nevertheless, for a great narrative and immersion, this is something to turn a blind eye to.
2024.05.21 09:38 hypsistum Wordpress sent mail shows DKIM/DMARC fail
Hello everyone. Please pardon my incompetence. I have successfully setup a WordPress site with all emails sent from google workspace. All my SPF/DMARC/DKIM are pass on the mails sent from google workspace (using info@mydomain.com). However the mail sent from by WordPress site (automatic) itself, Woo Commerce product purchase confirmation to be exact, shows DKIM and DMARC as fail. And it says sent via my same email address but as follows:
from: My Domain info@mydomain.com via s1295.sgp1.mysecurecloudhost.com
What can I do to solve this. Any help would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
submitted by hypsistum to Wordpress [link] [comments]
from: My Domain info@mydomain.com via s1295.sgp1.mysecurecloudhost.com
What can I do to solve this. Any help would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
2024.05.21 09:36 Significant-Tower146 Best Cold Steel Rajah 2
 | submitted by Significant-Tower146 to u/Significant-Tower146 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/9ns3ffthgq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6f4682d1c2b726fea027a0a56d3295436e627227 If you're on the lookout for a dependable and high-quality product that suits your needs, the Cold Steel Rajah 2 might just be the perfect fit. In this article, we'll delve into the outstanding features and characteristics of this remarkable product, providing you with an engaging and informative overview to help you make an informed decision. The Top 10 Best Cold Steel Rajah 2
Reviews🔗Double Agent II by Cold Steel: The Ultimate Special Forces Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/uhxnyasigq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4afaaf51db6dbceb79cc539ffa13b3e9689acdcd The Cold Steel Double Agent II, designed by Zach Whitson, is a versatile and portable knife that is perfect for urban carry. With a blade length of 3 inches and overall length of 7.78 inches, it's thin, flat, and lightweight at just over 3 ounces including the sheath. The star feature of this knife is the double ring handle, which allows you to use it with either a forward or reverse grip, and prevents your hand from sliding forward on the blade. The Japanese Aus 8A stainless steel makes it durable and easy to maintain. The Secure-Ex Neck Sheath provides a secure and easy-to-use carry option. However, the sheath might need some adjustments to ensure a perfect fit for some users. Overall, the Cold Steel Double Agent II is a great choice for self-defense and urban carry, offering a high level of functionality and portability for its price. 🔗SK-5 High Carbon Cold Steel - Chaos Double Edge Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/0czifp5jgq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=49fd2c83b935a254dc3a01b20b75705a403faa67 One day, I found myself in a situation where I needed a reliable and sturdy knife. After a quick research, I stumbled upon the Cold Steel Chaos, a double-edge fixed blade inspired by the classic trench knives from both World Wars. This knife was designed for modern-day warriors, offering both security and comfort while holding it. Upon holding the knife, the unique D-ring guard made of reinforced 6061 aluminum caught my attention. It allowed me to grip the knife securely, while also protecting my hand from incoming attacks and damage. The 1055 carbon steel pommel was tapered for punyo or butt-strikes, making it perfect to defend myself in a life-threatening scenario. The 7.5-inch SK-5 high carbon blade was available in either double-edge or tanto blade shapes. I opted for the double-edge, as I believed it would provide a more efficient cutting and striking experience. The black Tuff-Ex coating on the blade enhanced corrosion resistance and improved cutting power by reducing friction. The handle, made of 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, felt solid and secure in my hand. It accommodated a wide range of hand sizes, including mine with average-sized hands. The knife came with a tough Secure-Ex sheath, equipped with a belt loop for dependable and versatile carry. My experience with the Cold Steel Chaos double-edge blade was nothing short of impressive. It offered a perfect balance between form and function in a sleek design. Although it was a bit heavy compared to other knives, its weight contributed to its strength and effectiveness. The knife was sharp, sturdy, and ready for action at all times, making it an excellent addition to my daily life and adventures. 🔗Stylish and durable AK-47 Field Knife by Cold Steelhttps://preview.redd.it/zhrxferjgq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=16bfe2143576f7949697818f24268169768b9439 The Cold Steel AK-47 Field Knife has quickly become a favorite amongst those seeking a reliable and sturdy multi-purpose fixed blade. Crafted with CPM3-V steel, this knife boasts a robust design that's perfect for tackling the rigors of everyday life. The stonewashed finish adds an element of toughness, ensuring that this field knife is ready for even the harshest conditions. Equipped with a full tang and integral steel pommel, the AK-47 Field Knife offers both functionality and durability. It also comes with a Secure-Ex sheath, providing the convenience of easy transportation. While this knife may not be ideal for all situations, those who value rugged reliability will appreciate its toughness and versatility. 🔗Stylish and Durable Ranch Boss II Folding Knife with Faux Bone Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/twa5jy0kgq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=710a0cc51fa318e6c5353ca3b74ad9761d744815 If you fancy rugged adventures and need a reliable companion in the great outdoors, Cold Steel's Ranch Boss II Folder 4 in Blade with Stag Handle could be the perfect addition to your gear. This folding knife features a durable SK-5 Carbon Steel blade and a striking faux sawed bone handle, offering both style and substance. One of the standout features of this knife is its thick, tapered blade that adds to its toughness, making it a great choice for hunting and hiking expeditions. The blade is razor sharp right out of the box, ensuring you'll be ready for any task at hand. The lock-up is secure, while the sheath is well made and includes a nice snap-on cover with thick leather. However, one small downside could be the sheath, which some users have found a little loose, making it less secure when attached to their belts. But this shouldn't diminish the overall value of the knife, which has won praise for its solid construction, great design, and fantastic edge retention. The Ranch Boss II Folder 4 in Blade with Stag Handle is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality, versatile folding knife that looks as good as it performs. With its rugged appeal and impeccable craftsmanship, this Cold Steel knife is sure to become a reliable companion on your next great adventure. 🔗Compact and lightweight Cold Steel Peace Maker II knifehttps://preview.redd.it/clj40jekgq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e1ee2e63519930a5ff06cb7ff794bb652aa63764 I've been using the Cold Steel Peace Maker II for a few weeks now, and I must say, it's a game-changer. The knife is incredibly lightweight, making it perfect for daily carry. I've been using it for a variety of tasks, from opening boxes to trimming small branches, and it's handled every job with ease. One of the standout features is the Scandi ground blade, which is incredibly easy to resharpen. The unique compound ground clip point provides a stiff distal tapered point capable of piercing thick targets without compromising precious cutting power. The ergonomic handle design is another plus, with a thin, rectangular shape and subtle contouring. The palm swell and double quillon guard offer both comfort and protection. The knife also comes with a secure-ex sheath, which is cut and stab-resistant and impervious to the elements. The sheath attachment is sturdy and won't come loose, even during strenuous activities. However, the blade does require frequent sharpening due to its soft steel composition. But considering the product's affordability, it's a small price to pay for the versatility and convenience it offers. The Peace Maker II is a reliable, multifunctional knife that's perfect for those who need a reliable and versatile cutting tool. 🔗VG-1 San Mai 3 Stainless Steel Cold Steel Oss Hunting Knife with Kray-Ex Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/pzzyirqkgq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=75addd9cecde8074f0c5cf16dbe0276e92857a61 As a reviewer who has tried the Cold Steel Master Hunter, I can confidently say that it has become my go-to knife for various outdoor activities. One of the features that stood out to me was the comfortable, deeply checkered Kraton grip, which allows for long-term use without any discomfort. The broad, thin blade with a distinct taper provides exceptional cutting ability, edge retention, and ease of resharpening. However, one of the cons I encountered was the knife's tendency to be easily lost due to its minimalistic design. I also noticed that the blade occasionally required additional sharpening, despite its excellent edge retention. Nevertheless, the overall performance and durability of the Master Hunter make it a reliable and versatile tool for all your hunting needs. 🔗Lightweight Miniature Cold Steel Super Edge Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/94ov6g5lgq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=40e39415987aac8a87e932cd675db172e0f2fdd7 The Super Edge is the ultimate keychain companion for any adventurous spirit. With its sleek design and razor-sharp blade, this little powerhouse can take on any task thrown at it. Whether you're taming a wild zipper or cutting through a tough piece of rope, the Super Edge never disappoints. Its lightweight construction and secure sheath make it a discreet and convenient carry option, ensuring you're prepared for any situation. While its diminutive size may fool some, never underestimate the capabilities of this impressive workhorse. The Super Edge has proven itself as a reliable tool in the hands of users, earning its stellar reputation as one of the best keychain knives on the market. 🔗Premium Tanto Pocket Knife with Stainless Steel Guardhttps://preview.redd.it/9rf69lflgq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c015d54cc19a7f60dfb0944411bc520d6590c8db The Cold Steel Kyoto II Tanto Fixed Blade Knife is a handy and reliable tool for everyday use. The blade's robust design is impressive, and its slim, comfortable sheath ensures easy access to this versatile knife. Upon receiving the product, I was pleasantly surprised by its high-quality packaging, which added to my anticipation of trying it out. When I took it out, I appreciated its sturdy construction and thought it felt well-balanced in my hand. One of the highlights of this knife is its impressive cutting power. It's a great option for various tasks due to its strong, sharp blade. The Kray-Ex handle offers a comfortable grip, and the Kydex sheath is easy to attach to a belt or wear horizontally. However, I noticed that the sheath does not come with a belt clip, which might be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, while the knife is made of MoV steel, I found that its edge needs frequent sharpening compared to other knives I've used. Overall, the Cold Steel Kyoto II Tanto Fixed Blade Knife is a solid choice for those seeking a traditional-looking, yet practical and reliable tool. Its unique design, sharp blade, and secure handle make it a great addition to any knife collection. 🔗Sleek and Lightweight Tanto Pocket Knife: A Versatile Neck Knife by Cold Steelhttps://preview.redd.it/qg7q2jwlgq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=883464dad2e7b631c3f7c2e4e40b72403e0501ab The Cold Steel Tanto Spike is a perfect blend of style and functionality, designed specifically to meet the needs of the modern adventurer. When you first take it out of the box, its slim profile and sleek design leave a lasting impression. Handling the knife feels smooth, like a well-oiled machine. The zero ground blade is incredibly sharp and capable of tackling any task, whether it's slicing through fruits or skinning wild game. One of the standout features of the Tanto Spike is its textured G-10 Griv-Ex handle, which offers a firm grip even in the most slippery conditions. The blade is perfectly balanced, making it a joy to handle and easy to deploy when needed. Its versatile design allows it to be carried in a variety of ways, whether you prefer wearing it around your neck or strapping it to your waistband. However, the Tanto Spike is not without its drawbacks. Its size may be a bit too much for some, making it an awkward choice for those who prefer a more compact option. The sheath also deserves some attention, as it may require some adjustments to ensure a snug fit when attached to your belt. Despite these minor shortcomings, the Cold Steel Tanto Spike remains a top-tier choice for those in search of a reliable and stylish pocket knife. Its razor-sharp blade, versatile design, and secure grip make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carriers alike. 🔗Versatile Click N Cut Survival Kithttps://preview.redd.it/1cpl9lamgq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=616f5e883a98ba897fbad7e9e77a3c948b257fb4 The Cold Steel Click N Cut field kit is a versatile companion for outdoor enthusiasts who value quality without the extra weight. With its robust 4116 stainless steel construction, the kit boasts a sleek black and orange Zytel handle for a comfortable grip. This ingenious device houses five interchangeable fixed blades, making it a formidable tool in the wilderness. It may be made in Taiwan, but its performance is anything but average. Users have praised its sharpness, lightweight design, and the perfect combination of five interchangeable blades, making it a perfect set for hunters and fishermen alike. Buyer's GuideWelcome to our buyer's guide for the Cold Steel Rajah 2. This product is known for its quality and durability, making it a popular choice for those seeking an effective and reliable option in the market. In this guide, we will discuss some important features, considerations, and general advice to help you make an informed decision when purchasing this product.Quality and Materialhttps://preview.redd.it/au8msvnmgq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d641c0d257fa6ee3c675c79b93cc1d6dc50703ae One of the key factors to consider when purchasing the Cold Steel Rajah 2 is the quality and material used in its construction. The blade is made from high-carbon steel, providing both strength and durability. The handle is constructed from hardwood, ensuring a comfortable and secure grip. Additionally, the product's weather resistance makes it suitable for outdoor use. Size and WeightSize and weight are important factors to consider when purchasing a product. In the case of the Cold Steel Rajah 2, it is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and transport. The overall size of the product is average, which may be suitable for most users. Make sure to check the specific dimensions and weight of the product before making a purchase.Maintenance and CareProper maintenance and care are essential for ensuring the longevity of any product. When it comes to the Cold Steel Rajah 2, it is recommended to oil the blade periodically to prevent rust and corrosion. The handle should also be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Additionally, store the product in a dry location to protect against moisture damage. https://preview.redd.it/z7wrsbzmgq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7b06b6cc08bb5153cf227b6bb5de04f4c33c3fab Customer Reviews and RatingsAnother valuable resource when evaluating a product is customer reviews and ratings. These provide a wealth of information about the product's performance, durability, and overall satisfaction from previous customers. Look for reviews and ratings from multiple sources, and take note of any common themes or concerns that may be relevant to your purchasing decision.Return Policy and WarrantyIt is also essential to consider the return policy and warranty offered by the manufacturer or retailer. This information should be clearly stated on the product's listing or through customer support channels. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand your rights, and what recourse you have in case of defects or issues with the product.Value for Moneyhttps://preview.redd.it/fekuodengq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c48222e4b98e7ddf1b1c7d3de45b7428fb06f501 Finally, it is necessary to consider the overall value for money when purchasing the Cold Steel Rajah 2. This involves evaluating the price point and weighing it against the features, quality, and performance of the product. Consider the durability, reliability, and ease of use when deciding whether the product represents a good investment for your needs. FAQWhat is the Cold Steel Rajah 2?Cold Steel Rajah 2 is a high-quality, versatile, and durable knife designed for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who need a reliable cutting tool for various tasks. https://preview.redd.it/712byenngq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7527f8fff997bd64e1a400988f0115844116d144 What is the main difference between the Cold Steel Rajah 2 and the first model?The main difference between the Cold Steel Rajah 2 and the first model is the addition of a Tactical Black finish, which provides enhanced durability and a discreet look. The first model had a standard satin finish.What materials are used to construct the Cold Steel Rajah 2?
What is the blade length and overall length of the Cold Steel Rajah 2?The blade length is 4 inches (10 cm), and the overall length of the knife is 9.125 inches (23 cm).What is the weight of the Cold Steel Rajah 2?The weight of the Cold Steel Rajah 2 is approximately 5.2 ounces (146 grams), making it lightweight and easy to carry.Can the Cold Steel Rajah 2 be used for various tasks such as cutting ropes, branches, and slicing meat?Yes, the Cold Steel Rajah 2 is designed to be versatile and can be used for various tasks, including cutting ropes, branches, and slicing meat. Its durable blade and comfortable handle make it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals.What is the price of the Cold Steel Rajah 2?The price of the Cold Steel Rajah 2 varies depending on the retailer, but it typically ranges from $40 to $60.What warranties or guarantees does Cold Steel offer on the Rajah 2?Cold Steel offers a lifetime warranty on their knives, ensuring that the Rajah 2 will be replaced or repaired at no cost to the customer if it ever fails due to manufacturing defects or normal wear and tear.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.21 09:18 ConsequenceSure3063 Best Cold Steel Eland
 | submitted by ConsequenceSure3063 to u/ConsequenceSure3063 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/a62y47j7dq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ffc23672494dcbbf5e0d6e4f2043d790688f2705 Get ready to dive into the world of Cold Steel's Eland, as we unveil the best features of this exceptional product. Join us as we explore the perfect blend of craftsmanship, durability, and style, designed for those who appreciate the best of the best in the market. Stay tuned for our in-depth analysis of Cold Steel's Eland and discover why it's an unbeatable choice for all your needs. The Top 17 Best Cold Steel Eland
Reviews🔗Double Agent II by Cold Steel: The Ultimate Special Forces Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/gptfvc18dq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fbf487b6f81e04dd893a5de62fcfc08a5d25fb11 The Cold Steel Double Agent II, designed by Zach Whitson, is a versatile and portable knife that is perfect for urban carry. With a blade length of 3 inches and overall length of 7.78 inches, it's thin, flat, and lightweight at just over 3 ounces including the sheath. The star feature of this knife is the double ring handle, which allows you to use it with either a forward or reverse grip, and prevents your hand from sliding forward on the blade. The Japanese Aus 8A stainless steel makes it durable and easy to maintain. The Secure-Ex Neck Sheath provides a secure and easy-to-use carry option. However, the sheath might need some adjustments to ensure a perfect fit for some users. Overall, the Cold Steel Double Agent II is a great choice for self-defense and urban carry, offering a high level of functionality and portability for its price. 🔗SK-5 High Carbon Cold Steel - Chaos Double Edge Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/rn7uf0h8dq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=81a758bcd517b189066a27d5689cba5fbfcc38f3 One day, I found myself in a situation where I needed a reliable and sturdy knife. After a quick research, I stumbled upon the Cold Steel Chaos, a double-edge fixed blade inspired by the classic trench knives from both World Wars. This knife was designed for modern-day warriors, offering both security and comfort while holding it. Upon holding the knife, the unique D-ring guard made of reinforced 6061 aluminum caught my attention. It allowed me to grip the knife securely, while also protecting my hand from incoming attacks and damage. The 1055 carbon steel pommel was tapered for punyo or butt-strikes, making it perfect to defend myself in a life-threatening scenario. The 7.5-inch SK-5 high carbon blade was available in either double-edge or tanto blade shapes. I opted for the double-edge, as I believed it would provide a more efficient cutting and striking experience. The black Tuff-Ex coating on the blade enhanced corrosion resistance and improved cutting power by reducing friction. The handle, made of 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, felt solid and secure in my hand. It accommodated a wide range of hand sizes, including mine with average-sized hands. The knife came with a tough Secure-Ex sheath, equipped with a belt loop for dependable and versatile carry. My experience with the Cold Steel Chaos double-edge blade was nothing short of impressive. It offered a perfect balance between form and function in a sleek design. Although it was a bit heavy compared to other knives, its weight contributed to its strength and effectiveness. The knife was sharp, sturdy, and ready for action at all times, making it an excellent addition to my daily life and adventures. 🔗Classic Cold Steel Tanto Point Boot Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/07rsmiu8dq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6fef281ce08ec39dbe70f08c98702273638422b As someone who often finds themselves in need of a reliable blade for everyday use, I've had the pleasure of testing out the Cold Steel Kobun. This lightweight Tanto styled boot knife is definitely a handy addition to have on hand. I was instantly impressed by its sharp, reinforced point that contrasts with the thin blades commonly found in other boots knives. One feature that stood out to me was the Kobun's deeply checkered Kraton handle. It offers an excellent grip, making the knife more secure in the hand. The cross section of the handle is also surprisingly thin, while still providing enough thickness to resist turning or shifting. Another notable aspect of the Kobun is that it comes complete with a Secure-Ex sheath. This sturdy sheath makes it easy to attach the knife securely to your belt, ensuring that it remains easily accessible whenever you need it. However, there was one downside that I discovered while using the Kobun. The default clip that was included with the knife was quite weak and didn't hold up well to everyday wear. I had to replace it with a Blade-Tech brand Tek-Lok belt attachment in order to ensure a more secure and reliable attachment to my belt. Overall, the Cold Steel Kobun has been a reliable and versatile companion during my everyday activities. I would highly recommend it to anyone in need of a durable and efficient boot knife for both personal and practical use. 🔗Cold Steel Click-N-Cut Slock Master Folding Hunter Lockback Knife with Security Sheath and Extra Blades.https://preview.redd.it/jnl8v0f9dq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a15a657f6c6450b40100d49c6f54b4e9a5d9989 I've been using the Cold Steel Click-N-Cut Hunter Lockback Knife for a few months now, and I have to say, it's been a lifesaver. The knife's design is sleek and durable, with a sturdy Griv-Ex handle that provides a comfortable grip. The locking mechanism on the blade makes it incredibly secure and safe to use, even for the most demanding tasks. I particularly love the ability to click and switch between blades with the push of a button. It's a game-changer when it comes to versatility, ensuring I'm always equipped for any job at hand. The sheath is also a great addition, providing a secure way to carry the knife and extra blades when needed. That being said, there is one aspect I'd like to see improved: the handle's construction. While it provides a good grip, the finish is quite rough and not as premium as I would have hoped for. However, this minor critique does not deter me from fully recommending the Cold Steel Click-N-Cut Hunter Lockback Knife for both beginners and seasoned professionals alike. 🔗Compact Fixed Blade Knife with Black Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/86qa8xr9dq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=733a6a3032a4fdb48fb300d85309727e2f9e886d I recently got my hands on a Cold Steel SRK Compact fixed blade knife, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer for those seeking a reliable and stylish companion while on outdoor adventures. The knife features a compact handle & blade made of Kray-Ex & SK5, measuring in at just 12.5 cm (5 inches). Weighing only 145 grams, it's remarkably lightweight and effortless to carry around. One thing that struck me is the sturdy Secure-Ex sheath it comes with – it's a fantastic addition! However, I did notice a few minor drawbacks. Firstly, the blade edges seemed a bit too uneven for my liking. Secondly, I'm not a big fan of the flex hanger option, but that's just personal preference. Overall, I believe that the Cold Steel SRK Compact is a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It's light, easy to carry, and offers great performance. Just make sure to sharpen it properly and maintain it well to enjoy its full potential. 🔗Stylish and durable AK-47 Field Knife by Cold Steelhttps://preview.redd.it/20ehn67adq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=659d6dde0e611eac48716798f59c199a4b907679 The Cold Steel AK-47 Field Knife has quickly become a favorite amongst those seeking a reliable and sturdy multi-purpose fixed blade. Crafted with CPM3-V steel, this knife boasts a robust design that's perfect for tackling the rigors of everyday life. The stonewashed finish adds an element of toughness, ensuring that this field knife is ready for even the harshest conditions. Equipped with a full tang and integral steel pommel, the AK-47 Field Knife offers both functionality and durability. It also comes with a Secure-Ex sheath, providing the convenience of easy transportation. While this knife may not be ideal for all situations, those who value rugged reliability will appreciate its toughness and versatility. 🔗San MAI Recon Tanto Sas Knife - High-Quality VG-10 Stainless Steel Blade with Kray-Ex Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/eeiz7eiadq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=52bca7c9f29c536da4ddc73640b7bb353be9e97b I've been using the Cold Steel San MAI Recon Tanto as my daily pocket knife for the past few months, and I must say, it's a fantastic blade. The handle is made of Black Kray-Ex, providing a solid grip with no rolling or twisting in the hand, even under heavy use. The knife measures 11.75 inches overall, with a blade length of 17.9 cm, making it perfect for various tasks. One of the most impressive features of this Tanto is its blade, made of VG-10 San Mai Stainless Steel. The deep lustrous satin finish on the hollow ground blade bevels and the contrasting line grain finish on the blade flats emphasize the knife's unique appearance. The blade is razor sharp, and I haven't needed much maintenance, even after some heavy use. Although it's not a "do-it-all" knife, the Cold Steel San MAI Recon Tanto is a great medium-sized Tanto. It's been through some rough use, and I'm glad to say it held up well. The knife comes with a thick, high-quality Secure-Ex sheath that has given me years of hard service, keeping my Tanto at my side. Overall, I highly recommend the Cold Steel San MAI Recon Tanto for its cutting capability, durability, and affordable price. 🔗Affordable and Portable Secure-Ex Neck Sheath Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/m4z65axadq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a0d387d95d0edeb0ae85e9ad0bdb7f989f0a81e6 The Cold Steel 49NDE Hide Out is a versatile neck knife that I've been using daily for a while now and it has never failed to impress. One of the features that stood out to me is its lightweight design, weighing only 1.9oz. It's perfect for those who want a discreet yet effective self-defense tool. The blade is made of Japanese Aus 8A Stainless Steel, giving it an impressive edge sharpness and durability. The double-edged blade is Scandi ground, ensuring a strong and sharp tip, which is especially useful when you need it most. The Hide Out's handle is made of Kray-Ex, a weather-proof material that provides a great grip and security, even when your hands are wet. It's thin and flat, designed to give me a superior purchase on such a small, lightweight knife. The Secure-Ex sheath and bead chain lanyard make it easy to wear and carry around all day, while the knife itself remains concealed. However, there are a few drawbacks I've noticed. The AUS 8 steel can rust if not properly maintained, especially if you're using it as a neck knife. The blade scratches easily, making it less visually appealing over time. The bead chain necklace is quite stiff and can sometimes catch on clothes or other objects, making it slightly uncomfortable. Despite these minor issues, I've found the Cold Steel 49NDE Hide Out to be a reliable and effective neck knife that's perfect for those who need a reliable self-defense tool. 🔗Slim and Effective Steel Surveillance Knife for Self-Defensehttps://preview.redd.it/bfhidxcbdq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=39f0edb318f01dcc0494c436ae6acd3aa5ddb99e Recently, I've been trying out the Cold Steel Secret Edge 11SDT Knife, and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer. This sleek little thing, perfect for self-defense, fits conveniently under any clothing, making it the ideal secret weapon (if you can keep it that way! ). It's so lightweight, you'll barely notice the half-pound heft, and the 4-inch blade is sharp as a tack – if you're not paying close attention, the edges might leave you astounded, your friends and family, that is. Now, we all know that sharpness can sometimes come at a cost - durability. However, this knife's AUS 8A stainless steel blade seems to handle it all, remaining steady even after some of my more intense activities. The flat ground design does wonders against whatever material it clashes with. The Secret Edge also includes a Secure-Ex sheath, a reliable retention system that's quick to access and deploy without compromising safety—perfect for those urgent moments. And it's equipped with a thin, flat faux G-10 handle, ergonomic enough to stay put in your hand while preventing any slippage or rolling. The three-hole design and aggressively textured surface ensure a grip like no other. However, there are a few minor things that I've picked up on:
🔗Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto: Sleek and Impervious Serrated Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/r1emheubdq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=061444a3e17ee732965bc1bddb2bac5e60d89332 I remember the day I brought home my Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto. The sleek black design and the promise of a lightweight yet durable knife piqued my curiosity. It was a perfect addition to my collection of self-defense tools, for those moments when you need to protect yourself and your loved ones. The handle, made of Kraton, felt great in my hand, with its solid grip that remained unaffected by temperature and moisture. It was a great contrast to the Grivory blade finish, which made the knife look even more menacing. I loved how the tanto point blade shape gave a perfect balance between sharpness and durability. However, it wasn't all roses. The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto felt a bit underwhelming when it came to cutting tasks. Its plastic blade just didn't have the same edge retention as a traditional steel blade, making it not ideal for more demanding tasks like cutting through thick materials. Still, for the price and as a lightweight and corrosion-resistant self-defense tool, the Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto has proven to be quite the handy piece. It's a unique addition to any collection, and it's been a great conversation starter among my friends and family. 🔗VG-1 San Mai 3 Stainless Steel Cold Steel Oss Hunting Knife with Kray-Ex Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/y9w6ca8cdq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cfa76bb259f61b670215751ef5ca5459d4b7f398 As a reviewer who has tried the Cold Steel Master Hunter, I can confidently say that it has become my go-to knife for various outdoor activities. One of the features that stood out to me was the comfortable, deeply checkered Kraton grip, which allows for long-term use without any discomfort. The broad, thin blade with a distinct taper provides exceptional cutting ability, edge retention, and ease of resharpening. However, one of the cons I encountered was the knife's tendency to be easily lost due to its minimalistic design. I also noticed that the blade occasionally required additional sharpening, despite its excellent edge retention. Nevertheless, the overall performance and durability of the Master Hunter make it a reliable and versatile tool for all your hunting needs. 🔗Lightweight Miniature Cold Steel Super Edge Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/yr037vncdq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83e351a2ee31b6246d06ba6d1530085d2aa3bd22 The Super Edge is the ultimate keychain companion for any adventurous spirit. With its sleek design and razor-sharp blade, this little powerhouse can take on any task thrown at it. Whether you're taming a wild zipper or cutting through a tough piece of rope, the Super Edge never disappoints. Its lightweight construction and secure sheath make it a discreet and convenient carry option, ensuring you're prepared for any situation. While its diminutive size may fool some, never underestimate the capabilities of this impressive workhorse. The Super Edge has proven itself as a reliable tool in the hands of users, earning its stellar reputation as one of the best keychain knives on the market. 🔗Heavy-Duty, Comfortable Cold Steel Kitchen Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/a5auf21ddq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a6c1e2db88c98575b2e78fb80f183e3d1328ba66 The Cold Steel Kitchen Classics Chef Knife has been a lifesaver in my daily kitchen tasks. The 8-inch blade is incredibly sharp and holds its edge well, making it perfect for everything from slicing through tomatoes to chopping up a variety of fruits and veggies. The handle is also quite comfortable to grip, providing a secure and solid hold. One of the highlights of this knife is its German 4116 stainless cryo-quenched material, which ensures the blade remains sharp and durable. I especially enjoyed the terrific stiff Zy-Ex core and the softer, deeply checkered Kray-Ex exterior handle for a non-slip grip. This knife has been my go-to in the kitchen, and I appreciate its reasonable price tag. However, there was one downside: the grip started to peel and break after about two years of use. Nonetheless, this knife truly stands out for its superb sharpness, comfort, and durability. Buyer's GuideThe Cold Steel Eland is a highly regarded type of machete that has gained popularity over the years due to its durability, versatility, and overall performance in a variety of applications. Before purchasing one, it is essential to understand the features, considerations, and general advice about this product category. https://preview.redd.it/wdk9ah6fdq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a94096619d9c431658cc8856b52053165fac5330 Key Features
Key Considerations
https://preview.redd.it/277f48nfdq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fbb91d5e77cdc25c078c5a9309563ce0fe6cb33a General Advice
FAQhttps://preview.redd.it/q4zt260gdq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5fea0146d395ed89d87ad5f2017667ed0b35dcd2 What is the Cold Steel Eland?The Cold Steel Eland is a high-quality knife made by Cold Steel, a renowned knife manufacturer. It is designed for people who need a reliable and durable blade for various tasks, such as hunting, camping, or everyday use.Who is the target audience for the Cold Steel Eland?The target audience for the Cold Steel Eland is individuals who value durability, versatility, and style in their knives. This knife is perfect for outdoors enthusiasts, hunters, adventurers, or anyone who needs a reliable blade for various tasks. https://preview.redd.it/w83buscgdq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b1af2234f1b7b5f892fa950dbee5e1842b326c0b What materials are used to make the Cold Steel Eland?The Cold Steel Eland is made from high-quality materials, including 1095 High Carbon Steel for its blade, brass for the handle, and genuine leather for the sheath. These materials provide the knife with excellent strength, durability, and a classic look.What are the features of the Cold Steel Eland?
What size and weight is the Cold Steel Eland?The Cold Steel Eland has an overall length of 11.75 inches, with a blade length of 6.75 inches. It weighs approximately 22 ounces, making it a sturdy and dependable knife for various tasks.What is the price range for the Cold Steel Eland?The Cold Steel Eland is priced within a reasonable range for its quality and features. It is an investment for those who want a durable and versatile knife that can handle various tasks.Is the Cold Steel Eland easy to maintain?Yes, the Cold Steel Eland is easy to maintain. It requires regular cleaning and sharpening to keep it in top condition. The instructions provided by the manufacturer also detail how to properly care for the knife.How is the Cold Steel Eland different from other knives in its category?The Cold Steel Eland stands out from other knives in its category due to its classic design, heavy-duty construction, and easy-to-maintain features. Its use of premium materials, such as 1095 High Carbon Steel and genuine leather, also adds to its appeal.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.21 09:15 Significant-Tower146 Best Cold Steel Edc
 | submitted by Significant-Tower146 to u/Significant-Tower146 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/xxqfleojcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1fa466a46a5c93adb7b01b8131a896b9532d6502 Get ready to explore the world of everyday carry (EDC) tools with a twist. In our latest roundup, we delve into the rugged and versatile realm of Cold Steel EDC products. From sleek knives to sturdy multitools, this article will take you on a journey of discovering the perfect EDC items that can handle any situation life throws your way. The Top 19 Best Cold Steel Edc
Reviews🔗Cold Steel Recon Tanto SK-5 Biker Knife with Secure-Ex Sheathhttps://preview.redd.it/75k4u7akcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2ed34f1ed23fbb0dafbcecb5a1249d164b8762b I recently tried the Cold Steel Recon Tanto SK-5, and I must say, I was truly impressed by this knife. The blade material, SK-5 carbon stainless steel, provided a smooth cut and the razor-sharp edge was exceptional. The handle, made of Kraton, was both comfortable and grippy in my hand. One of the standout features of this knife was its balance. It felt well-proportioned and easy to maneuver, making it a great choice for various tasks, from camping to self-defense. The blade thickness of 5mm added an extra layer of confidence when performing deeper cuts. While the blade material is rust-resistant, the black Tuff-Ex finish on the blade did scratch off quite easily. However, this did not affect the knife's performance or durability. The weight of the knife, at 250 grams, made it a suitable everyday carry, providing a mix of portability and power. Overall, the Cold Steel Recon Tanto SK-5 is a high-quality knife with a durable design and a smooth, sharp edge. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile fixed blade for their everyday needs or even the most challenging outdoor situations. 🔗Dependable Tanto SAS Knife with Polypropylene Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/wnlupklkcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=838373f061a4d3b5d49183b7d6e8cfbe89e4f3d8 The Cold Steel GI Tanto 80PGTK is a versatile, well-rounded tactical knife that has become a staple for many outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists. Its broad blade and integrated guard design provide a solid grip, while the Polypropylene handle scales offer a comfortable and durable hold. I've had the pleasure of using this knife in various situations, from camping trips to survival drills, and it has never let me down. The 1055 carbon steel ensures a strong, rugged construction that holds up well against rust and harsh conditions. The spring-tempered steel provides an excellent balance between strength and flexibility, allowing the blade to withstand the most demanding tasks without compromising its performance. One of the standout features of the GI Tanto is its versatility - it can be easily converted into a spear in a pinch, simply by removing the handle scales and attaching the blade to a suitable wooden shaft. This adaptability makes it an invaluable addition to any survival kit or bug-out bag. However, no product is without its drawbacks, and the GI Tanto is no exception. While its sturdy construction ensures a long lifespan, handling it for extended periods can be tiring due to its substantial weight. Additionally, the knife's size makes it less practical for everyday carry or more discreet situations. Price-wise, the GI Tanto is a steal, offering a fantastic value for its quality and features. It's affordable enough to stock up on multiple copies for personal use or as gifts for friends and family. In summary, the Cold Steel GI Tanto 80PGTK is a robust, versatile, and dependable tactical knife that has earned its reputation among outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists alike. Its few drawbacks are outweighed by its numerous benefits, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a durable and versatile blade for their adventures. 🔗SK-5 High Carbon Cold Steel - Chaos Double Edge Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/s74p1c2lcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=85275810cffef2fdc05c9a4f8779616462bb9bff One day, I found myself in a situation where I needed a reliable and sturdy knife. After a quick research, I stumbled upon the Cold Steel Chaos, a double-edge fixed blade inspired by the classic trench knives from both World Wars. This knife was designed for modern-day warriors, offering both security and comfort while holding it. Upon holding the knife, the unique D-ring guard made of reinforced 6061 aluminum caught my attention. It allowed me to grip the knife securely, while also protecting my hand from incoming attacks and damage. The 1055 carbon steel pommel was tapered for punyo or butt-strikes, making it perfect to defend myself in a life-threatening scenario. The 7.5-inch SK-5 high carbon blade was available in either double-edge or tanto blade shapes. I opted for the double-edge, as I believed it would provide a more efficient cutting and striking experience. The black Tuff-Ex coating on the blade enhanced corrosion resistance and improved cutting power by reducing friction. The handle, made of 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, felt solid and secure in my hand. It accommodated a wide range of hand sizes, including mine with average-sized hands. The knife came with a tough Secure-Ex sheath, equipped with a belt loop for dependable and versatile carry. My experience with the Cold Steel Chaos double-edge blade was nothing short of impressive. It offered a perfect balance between form and function in a sleek design. Although it was a bit heavy compared to other knives, its weight contributed to its strength and effectiveness. The knife was sharp, sturdy, and ready for action at all times, making it an excellent addition to my daily life and adventures. 🔗Classic Cold Steel Tanto Point Boot Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/g84mkqflcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a9933f93c2b0807203b6754337f560fffa01911 As someone who often finds themselves in need of a reliable blade for everyday use, I've had the pleasure of testing out the Cold Steel Kobun. This lightweight Tanto styled boot knife is definitely a handy addition to have on hand. I was instantly impressed by its sharp, reinforced point that contrasts with the thin blades commonly found in other boots knives. One feature that stood out to me was the Kobun's deeply checkered Kraton handle. It offers an excellent grip, making the knife more secure in the hand. The cross section of the handle is also surprisingly thin, while still providing enough thickness to resist turning or shifting. Another notable aspect of the Kobun is that it comes complete with a Secure-Ex sheath. This sturdy sheath makes it easy to attach the knife securely to your belt, ensuring that it remains easily accessible whenever you need it. However, there was one downside that I discovered while using the Kobun. The default clip that was included with the knife was quite weak and didn't hold up well to everyday wear. I had to replace it with a Blade-Tech brand Tek-Lok belt attachment in order to ensure a more secure and reliable attachment to my belt. Overall, the Cold Steel Kobun has been a reliable and versatile companion during my everyday activities. I would highly recommend it to anyone in need of a durable and efficient boot knife for both personal and practical use. 🔗Compact Fixed Blade Knife with Black Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/ukxq3uulcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b3fd3b91d840adcad5349d0d53bd4e6ab024cb2 I recently got my hands on a Cold Steel SRK Compact fixed blade knife, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer for those seeking a reliable and stylish companion while on outdoor adventures. The knife features a compact handle & blade made of Kray-Ex & SK5, measuring in at just 12.5 cm (5 inches). Weighing only 145 grams, it's remarkably lightweight and effortless to carry around. One thing that struck me is the sturdy Secure-Ex sheath it comes with – it's a fantastic addition! However, I did notice a few minor drawbacks. Firstly, the blade edges seemed a bit too uneven for my liking. Secondly, I'm not a big fan of the flex hanger option, but that's just personal preference. Overall, I believe that the Cold Steel SRK Compact is a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It's light, easy to carry, and offers great performance. Just make sure to sharpen it properly and maintain it well to enjoy its full potential. 🔗San MAI Recon Tanto Sas Knife - High-Quality VG-10 Stainless Steel Blade with Kray-Ex Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/dr16pdkmcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=515747b5fcdef2ae89001e69c8946b2e68c16c4c I've been using the Cold Steel San MAI Recon Tanto as my daily pocket knife for the past few months, and I must say, it's a fantastic blade. The handle is made of Black Kray-Ex, providing a solid grip with no rolling or twisting in the hand, even under heavy use. The knife measures 11.75 inches overall, with a blade length of 17.9 cm, making it perfect for various tasks. One of the most impressive features of this Tanto is its blade, made of VG-10 San Mai Stainless Steel. The deep lustrous satin finish on the hollow ground blade bevels and the contrasting line grain finish on the blade flats emphasize the knife's unique appearance. The blade is razor sharp, and I haven't needed much maintenance, even after some heavy use. Although it's not a "do-it-all" knife, the Cold Steel San MAI Recon Tanto is a great medium-sized Tanto. It's been through some rough use, and I'm glad to say it held up well. The knife comes with a thick, high-quality Secure-Ex sheath that has given me years of hard service, keeping my Tanto at my side. Overall, I highly recommend the Cold Steel San MAI Recon Tanto for its cutting capability, durability, and affordable price. 🔗Affordable and Portable Secure-Ex Neck Sheath Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/bqyfw6xmcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5b9529dd06344dea5708b3402f3dd7addf4ddf2c The Cold Steel 49NDE Hide Out is a versatile neck knife that I've been using daily for a while now and it has never failed to impress. One of the features that stood out to me is its lightweight design, weighing only 1.9oz. It's perfect for those who want a discreet yet effective self-defense tool. The blade is made of Japanese Aus 8A Stainless Steel, giving it an impressive edge sharpness and durability. The double-edged blade is Scandi ground, ensuring a strong and sharp tip, which is especially useful when you need it most. The Hide Out's handle is made of Kray-Ex, a weather-proof material that provides a great grip and security, even when your hands are wet. It's thin and flat, designed to give me a superior purchase on such a small, lightweight knife. The Secure-Ex sheath and bead chain lanyard make it easy to wear and carry around all day, while the knife itself remains concealed. However, there are a few drawbacks I've noticed. The AUS 8 steel can rust if not properly maintained, especially if you're using it as a neck knife. The blade scratches easily, making it less visually appealing over time. The bead chain necklace is quite stiff and can sometimes catch on clothes or other objects, making it slightly uncomfortable. Despite these minor issues, I've found the Cold Steel 49NDE Hide Out to be a reliable and effective neck knife that's perfect for those who need a reliable self-defense tool. 🔗Gentleman's Stockman Folding Knife for Everyday Usehttps://preview.redd.it/mbhv9rbncq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=72b8cf23e52c60e24fd15c1695ec415943d75f0e This Cold Steel Gentleman's Stockman Folding Knife is more than just a handy tool, it's a statement piece that exudes a sense of style and sophistication. The mirror finish 8Cr13MoV stainless steel clip, sheepsfoot, and spey blades are perfect for every day use, while the yellow smooth bone handle adds a touch of luxury to its practicality. One of the highlights of this knife is the nickel silver bolster, which not only makes it sturdy but also adds to its aesthetic appeal. The clam-packed packaging ensures its safe arrival, and the knife being made in Taiwan only adds to its allure. Despite its seemingly perfect qualities, the knife does have a drawback - it's made in China. However, it doesn't affect the overall functionality and durability of the product. Overall, this Cold Steel Gentleman's Stockman Folding Knife is a must-have for anyone who appreciates both style and functionality. 🔗Compact and lightweight Cold Steel Peace Maker II knifehttps://preview.redd.it/xj8lwlnncq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e249c1fe67193bb1863bf208c4d54581e5a78575 I've been using the Cold Steel Peace Maker II for a few weeks now, and I must say, it's a game-changer. The knife is incredibly lightweight, making it perfect for daily carry. I've been using it for a variety of tasks, from opening boxes to trimming small branches, and it's handled every job with ease. One of the standout features is the Scandi ground blade, which is incredibly easy to resharpen. The unique compound ground clip point provides a stiff distal tapered point capable of piercing thick targets without compromising precious cutting power. The ergonomic handle design is another plus, with a thin, rectangular shape and subtle contouring. The palm swell and double quillon guard offer both comfort and protection. The knife also comes with a secure-ex sheath, which is cut and stab-resistant and impervious to the elements. The sheath attachment is sturdy and won't come loose, even during strenuous activities. However, the blade does require frequent sharpening due to its soft steel composition. But considering the product's affordability, it's a small price to pay for the versatility and convenience it offers. The Peace Maker II is a reliable, multifunctional knife that's perfect for those who need a reliable and versatile cutting tool. 🔗Slim and Effective Steel Surveillance Knife for Self-Defensehttps://preview.redd.it/jhdmk63ocq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6692d00709fcf58d89c3f785028e42e75e41e603 Recently, I've been trying out the Cold Steel Secret Edge 11SDT Knife, and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer. This sleek little thing, perfect for self-defense, fits conveniently under any clothing, making it the ideal secret weapon (if you can keep it that way! ). It's so lightweight, you'll barely notice the half-pound heft, and the 4-inch blade is sharp as a tack – if you're not paying close attention, the edges might leave you astounded, your friends and family, that is. Now, we all know that sharpness can sometimes come at a cost - durability. However, this knife's AUS 8A stainless steel blade seems to handle it all, remaining steady even after some of my more intense activities. The flat ground design does wonders against whatever material it clashes with. The Secret Edge also includes a Secure-Ex sheath, a reliable retention system that's quick to access and deploy without compromising safety—perfect for those urgent moments. And it's equipped with a thin, flat faux G-10 handle, ergonomic enough to stay put in your hand while preventing any slippage or rolling. The three-hole design and aggressively textured surface ensure a grip like no other. However, there are a few minor things that I've picked up on:
🔗Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto: Sleek and Impervious Serrated Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/q0z7aekocq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1a0adc626a69f21029917712018a6bb3e6306a0e I remember the day I brought home my Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto. The sleek black design and the promise of a lightweight yet durable knife piqued my curiosity. It was a perfect addition to my collection of self-defense tools, for those moments when you need to protect yourself and your loved ones. The handle, made of Kraton, felt great in my hand, with its solid grip that remained unaffected by temperature and moisture. It was a great contrast to the Grivory blade finish, which made the knife look even more menacing. I loved how the tanto point blade shape gave a perfect balance between sharpness and durability. However, it wasn't all roses. The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto felt a bit underwhelming when it came to cutting tasks. Its plastic blade just didn't have the same edge retention as a traditional steel blade, making it not ideal for more demanding tasks like cutting through thick materials. Still, for the price and as a lightweight and corrosion-resistant self-defense tool, the Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto has proven to be quite the handy piece. It's a unique addition to any collection, and it's been a great conversation starter among my friends and family. 🔗VG-1 San Mai 3 Stainless Steel Cold Steel Oss Hunting Knife with Kray-Ex Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/75niiq0pcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a66b55e3c9d7d46a4e4b326975ee66dcf3343eb9 As a reviewer who has tried the Cold Steel Master Hunter, I can confidently say that it has become my go-to knife for various outdoor activities. One of the features that stood out to me was the comfortable, deeply checkered Kraton grip, which allows for long-term use without any discomfort. The broad, thin blade with a distinct taper provides exceptional cutting ability, edge retention, and ease of resharpening. However, one of the cons I encountered was the knife's tendency to be easily lost due to its minimalistic design. I also noticed that the blade occasionally required additional sharpening, despite its excellent edge retention. Nevertheless, the overall performance and durability of the Master Hunter make it a reliable and versatile tool for all your hunting needs. 🔗Highly Durable Cold Steel Bushman Knife for Survival Needshttps://preview.redd.it/6r4mzlbpcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=432649a0b234b30ba33b4a1d5f0f2deec1891a54 Recently, I had the pleasure of using the Cold Steel Bushman Knife and let me tell you, my experience was quite an adventure. This knife, with its 7-inch blade made of SK-5 high carbon steel, proved to be a reliable companion on my outdoor excursions. One of the standout features was its hollow handle, which was surprisingly versatile. I was able to store a few essentials inside, and with the right handle extensions, I could reach impressive lengths for certain tasks. The knife's unique construction allowed for a seamless blend of blade and handle, which gave it a solid, reliable feel. However, there was one drawback to my experience: the sheath. While the Secure-Ex sheath featured a Ferrocerium Fire Steel, which was convenient for starting fires, it had a few issues. The locking mechanism was less than secure, making it prone to accidental release. It also lacked a left-handed option, which could be a dealbreaker for some users. Despite these minor setbacks, the Cold Steel Bushman Knife proved to be a sturdy and practical tool for various outdoor activities. With its strong blade and adaptable handle, it was a reliable ally on my adventures. While the sheath could use some improvements, the knife itself more than made up for it. 🔗Lightweight Miniature Cold Steel Super Edge Knifehttps://preview.redd.it/uvuuqtqpcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=62c4f1a3c6babe203a6b41feaff00908532cc403 The Super Edge is the ultimate keychain companion for any adventurous spirit. With its sleek design and razor-sharp blade, this little powerhouse can take on any task thrown at it. Whether you're taming a wild zipper or cutting through a tough piece of rope, the Super Edge never disappoints. Its lightweight construction and secure sheath make it a discreet and convenient carry option, ensuring you're prepared for any situation. While its diminutive size may fool some, never underestimate the capabilities of this impressive workhorse. The Super Edge has proven itself as a reliable tool in the hands of users, earning its stellar reputation as one of the best keychain knives on the market. Buyer's GuideChoosing the right Cold Steel EDC (Everyday Carry) knife can be a daunting task due to the variety of options available. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of important features, considerations, and general advice about the Cold Steel EDC product category. https://preview.redd.it/3mgd6njrcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6cb0a5026b0d7586d21549e990b7ea070131537b Important Features
Considerations
https://preview.redd.it/3zvda1vrcq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5c62c2fbd05ffa54f9b6308f8506c9f09f222296 General AdviceWhen purchasing a Cold Steel EDC knife, always prioritize quality and durability over price. Remember, your safety and the safety of others is paramount, so invest in a reliable knife with a good locking mechanism. Additionally, practice proper knife safety techniques and ensure that you are comfortable using your chosen EDC knife for its intended purpose.A well-chosen Cold Steel EDC knife can be a valuable tool for everyday life. By considering the important features, taking into account your specific needs, and following general safety tips, you can select the perfect EDC knife for your needs and preferences. FAQhttps://preview.redd.it/2u29rp8scq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=991b551a7cd9208859aae376896fbba181592d58 What is the Cold Steel EDC series?The Cold Steel EDC series is a collection of everyday carry (EDC) tools designed for practical use and portability. These tools are engineered to be functional, durable, and affordable.What kind of items are included in the Cold Steel EDC series?The Cold Steel EDC series includes a variety of tools, including knives, multitools, flashlights, and other essentials. Each item is designed to be compact, lightweight, and versatile, making them perfect for everyday use. https://preview.redd.it/nr1rqhmscq1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ddeced3cab94b5d771419aa96707c223402bc93e Are Cold Steel EDC tools durable?Yes, Cold Steel EDC tools are designed to be durable and long-lasting. They are made from high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, which ensures their longevity and resistance to wear and tear.How do I clean and maintain my Cold Steel EDC tools?Cleaning and maintaining your Cold Steel EDC tools is important to ensure their longevity and performance. Use a soft cloth to wipe away dirt and debris, and avoid exposing the tools to harsh chemicals or environments. For knives, sharpen as needed and apply a protective coating to prevent rust.Where can I purchase Cold Steel EDC tools?Cold Steel EDC tools are available from various retailers, both online and in physical stores. You can find them on the official Cold Steel website, as well as from other major retailers and outdoor gear shops.Why should I choose Cold Steel EDC tools over other brands?Cold Steel EDC tools offer a combination of quality, functionality, and affordability. They are designed to be practical, durable, and versatile, making them ideal for everyday use. Additionally, Cold Steel is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction and providing exceptional value.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.21 08:58 Heroman3003 Wayward Odyssey [Part 3]
This fic flows out of me way too easily, so I'm riding the waves while I can. Glad to see people enjoying it too! We continue where we left off, trying to figure out where to go, both with universe at large and with poor, lost child...
As usual, thanks to SpacePaladin15 for his own great work and letting fanfiction flow, and everyone who supported and enjoyed the fic thus far. So, let's see where this goes from now.
First - Prev - [Next]
Memory Transcription Subject: Dr. Erin Kuemper, SETI Researcher
Date [standardized human time]: July 15, 2136
Before entering the conference room, I adjusted my dress suit. Even for official meetings, I usually just prefer simpler official outfits, but this time is different. Being invited to observe the first official diplomatic meeting between humanity and aliens, I wanted to be perfect for it, even if it was meeting the baby-eating monster aliens over a video call.
Stepping inside, I see the other people that would be present for it. Normally, as a SETI researcher, I would object to the presence of any military heads at such a meeting, on purely conceptual level, much less two. But with what we have learned I can’t help but almost feel like even entire room filled with generals wouldn’t be enough for this.
“Ah, Dr. Kuemper. Come in, take a seat. We plan to start hailing them in ten minutes.” Secretary-General motions towards one of free seats, so I take the one that’s further away from both generals. As I do though, General Jones starts talking to me.
“So, Dr. Kuemper, how’s our rescue doing? Were there any further incidents?”, she asked.
“No, not yet. She still hasn’t woken up since that last sedation. While we don’t understand nearly enough about her biology yet, drawing some parallels with biology of Earth life we can infer that while her life is no longer threatened, she will likely take a while to fully recover from blood loss and malnutrition. Much bigger problem will be communicating our intentions to her, as well as regaining her trust after... everything.”
“Is it really smart to assign Noah Williams as one of her main caretakers then?” She asked, raising her eyebrow.
“From analyzing the footage of the incident, she reacted the same way to all the humans in the room. I doubt it was Williams’ specific appearance that was the source of such intense fright. And that assignment is not just for the sake of the alien, but Williams himself. Him and Rosario are both, frankly, on suicide watch right now. They need a chance to try and do something to relieve their guilt.”
To that General Jones just hummed, before turning to the screen. I could also hear General Zhao, the Chinese general, snorting in amusement. I am not sure what he found funny about this, but I’d rather not know at all.
It wasn’t a rational call, I knew it, but if there’s anyone who can project most empathy possible towards our alien rescue, it’d be Noah. I have asked Sara if she wished to participate as well, but she struggles to even look at the child without throwing up, so for her, distancing might be for the best.
“We’re beginning to hail the Arxur Dominion now.” Secretary-General announced, standing in front of the screen, facing it. “Not sure how long it will take.”
“I bet time zones get a ton more complicated on interstellar level...” General Zhao grumbled.
Afterwards, there were long twenty minutes of silence, interrupted by an occasional cough or shuffle before finally screen shifted, and displayed the aliens. It appears they also were in a private conference room, like us. In the middle, standing tallest and looking at us was none other than Chief Hunter Isif from photos the Odyssey crew took. Behind him were two more arxur. One was similar to Isif in build and stature, though not quite as tall, and the other was notably shorter and scrawnier, with lighter scale coloration. Part of me almost assumed that was a female, before I remembered that in the data dump there were no signs of easily notable sexual dimorphism among the arxur. An adolescent then, perhaps?
“Humans. I am glad you responded to our invitation. I believe an introduction is in order. I am Chief Hunter Isif of Arxur Dominion.” The alien spoke, translators working already, translating the noises unlike anything human makes into discernable speech.
“Greetings, Chief Hunter Isif. I am Secretary-General Elias Meier. I represent the United Nations, or UN for short, a governing body meant to represent combined interests of all individual nations of Earth. Before we proceed, I need to ask. Will I not be speaking to your leader, Prophet-Descendant, today?”
That was on the agenda for the meeting, if I remembered correctly. Trying to interact with arxur other than Isif. To gauge just how far this goes. Though it doesn’t seem like it’s happening, considering Isif is the one who picked up and how now he was emitting a low hiss that almost felt like it was carrying amusement.
“No. No offense meant to you, humans, but we Chief Hunters are expected to conduct all business in our sectors on our own. You technically fall within my territory. Plus, why would I give up an advantage I have over other Chief Hunters so easily? We may not ever have war against one another, but the competition is fierce, and you might just be the edge I need to curry more favor.”
I noticed General Zhao scoffing at shameless honesty in arxur’s intentions for this ‘alliance’ they proposed in the databanks. Yeah, just use us to gain more advantage over his rivals. I can’t believe Secretary-General elected to deal with them after all.
“I see. I expected that. Still, even if we were granted an audience, our answer would have remained unchanged. Sorry to disappoint, Chief Hunter, but humanity simply cannot afford a full alliance with the Dominion.” Secretary-General spoke in neutral tone, but I could sense the strain in his voice.
The arxur on the screen had his facial features harden.
“I see. You’re still unconvinced of the prey’s threat to your unprepared world. You believe you may parlay with them.”
“Quite the contrary, we’re more than convinced and have no reason to believe you’re lying. However, while an alliance with you would grant us protection... It would also drag us into the war we wish no part of. We’re... grateful to you for showing hospitality to the crew of Odyssey, and for warning us of the threat, but we will not be diving into war we have no interest fighting.”
“You will not be able to hide forever.” Isif kept insisting, seemingly almost growing agitated. “We knew of you because they did, long before us. They may believe you dead, but all it’d take is one stray vessel for you to be doomed.”
Part of me wanted to be relieved that, despite the tense tone, the negotiations so far were going exactly as planned. Another part of me wept that we were intentionally alienating and putting distance between ourselves and the aliens. And a third part of me was disgusted at the fact that we were talking to them at all.
“Trust us, Chief Hunter, we do not plan to merely sit and wait to be discovered and exterminated. We will be preparing. We simply don’t wish to enter the fight without a good reason.” Elias continued, pushing on to the next topic. “That said, just because we don’t wish for alliance, doesn’t mean we can’t mutually benefit from one another still.”
I could see that the shorter arxur behind Isif was about to speak up, but flinched when the larger one glared at them. Isif himself narrowed his eyes at Elias.
“And what benefit do you see that isn’t us joining hands in battle for survival, Elias Meier?”
I couldn’t see his face, but I could feel Secretary-General smiling at Chief Hunter.
“Trade. Your people are, by your own admission, starving. We could provide a solution. What we lack, however, is information. In this universe, we’re blind, and just sending out probes risks discovery. If you’d be willing to supply us with intel on Federation, we’d be more than glad to relieve your hunger. Maybe not the whole Dominion... But definitely all of your sector’s arxur.”
Arxur behind Isif both slightly opened their mouths, eyes widening in almost human-like expression. Even Isif seemed to be taken slightly aback, though he composed himself much quicker, glaring at his subordinates to make them collect themselves. On our end, I could see General Zhao smirking, and General Jones tapping at her chin in contemplation, while I twiddled my thumbs nervously, waiting for rug to be pulled from under us.
“You promise a lot. Producing food in such quantities with just one planet, even if it were filled with cattle, is impossible. Simply unsustainable.” Isif replied.
“We have our ways, Isif. We solved hunger once, we can do so again. Not immediately, it will take time to ramp up production, of course... But once that happens, all you need to do is name your price in how much meat you need and we will provide. And all we want in return is information to better defend ourselves.”
There was a long pause of contemplation. When looking closely, I could see something that was either agitation... or excitement among Isif’s posse, but Chief Hunter himself remained unimpressed. Eventually he did speak up.
“Don’t think I will fall for such a trick, Elias Meier. You humans are still young, still naive to the cruelty of the universe. We were once like you, and were nearly wiped out for it. I will not have it happen to the only other True Sapient in the galaxy. I will trade information. But I can already sense what the first request will be, and you will not be getting translations for Federation languages.”
That made every human in the room except Elias tense up. I almost flinched at the accusation, Jones hid her mouth behind her hand and Zhao’s smirk turned into a frown. Only Secretary-General remained unshaken. Isif, in meantime, continued speaking.
“If you prove yourself capable of helping us, and manage to provide as much sustenance as you claim you can... I will consider it. But until then, I will not be accelerating your desire to commit extinction by Federation’s hands.”
“Then, if you need to benefit from us first before putting us at risk, we can only thank you again for your concern, Chief Hunter.” Secretary-General replied. I was surprised at how collected he remained despite the arxur completely seeing through our intentions with this ‘trade deal’. “Trust us, we have no interest in getting annihilated in antimatter fire, but we are willing to work to earn your trust. We will be sending lists of information we desire. I hope that partnership can strengthen the bonds between us further.”
“Indeed. We will review and return to you the amounts of food we will require for it. Show us what you are capable of, humans. Now let’s get this over with. Conversing like that is... tiring.”
Right. Arxur are naturally solitary, according to the databank they gave us. A species of biologically predisposed introverts...
“Farewell, Chief Hunter Isif.” Meier replied curtly, before the screen dimmed and camera light disappeared. Contact was over.
I let out a deep sigh of relief, realizing I’ve been holding it in for a while now. There... was a lot to consider about what just happened. I was told footage would be saved, so we can better analyze the arxur nonverbal cues later.
Elias turned to us and put his hands on the table.
“So, that didn’t go as bad as it could have. Any thoughts?”
General Zhao was first to speak up.
“We’ll need information on Federation tactics and weaponry. We’ll have to prepare a strong l space military regardless of whether they can be talked down, but it’s much easier to convince someone not to kill you when doing so risks their own life.”
“I’m more interested in whether there is any technology that could allow us to send spy drones into Federation space without leaving obvious trail back to us.” General Jones countered. “We might not even need arxur translators if we can decode the language via our own surveillance.”
Elias turned his eyes on me expectantly. I considered everything that happened, things Isif said and ways his presumably-lieutenants reacted to conversation, things we learned from their data bank... And it dawned on me.
“They... see us the same way we have seen them before learning of their horrid acts. First contact with someone who treats you like a person, and first people in the galaxy whom you can see as friends. We sought the stars seeking to not be alone in the universe, and while their ways are repulsive to us... It’s not true the other way. This cooperation to them is much more sentimental than it is to us. They want to be able to trust us and rely on us.”
Elias smiled and nodded at my assessment.
“Thank you for your input, everyone. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Dr. Kuemper, I hope you’re ready for tomorrow’s announcement and your promotion?”
Right. Tomorrow we’re revealing that First Contact has occurred to the public. It took a lot of effort to make it presentable without triggering mass panic, and some details will be omitted. That and I’m receiving a new position in the UN related to handling alien affairs. What a joy...
“As ready as I can be.”
“Then let’s get to it. It won’t be easy, people, but our entire civilization is at stake. We need to get this right, and in a way that won’t have our descendants condemning us.”
Right. Cooperation with arxur, this trade... I didn’t like the idea of it, but I understood. We needed their help. Perhaps through this cooperation, rather than them influencing us, reverse can be made true, unlikely as it may seem. Worst part was failing to secure any translators at all. While I’m sure generals are salivating at idea of cyber-espionage against the Federation, I just wanted to be able to communicate with the rescued child, and make sure we could properly help her recover. Still... We will do our best, even without them.
Memory Transcription Subject: Stynek, Venlil Test Subject
Date [standardized human time]: July 15, 2136
Second time I woke up; the memories came to me much faster. How I was captured during the raid. How I spent months in cattle pens. How I was used as a meal for mystery predators. How they took me with them. And how I was now in their laboratory, or whatever closest thing predators have in their feral science.
Of course, my first instinct was to try and escape, but I couldn’t. I found myself actively strapped to the bed. I was panicked at first, trying to break through the restraints, but to no effect. So I let my head fall back onto surprisingly soft pillow and lay there... Awaiting my fate. But fate wasn’t coming, and I found myself getting a bit bored. So I raised my head and examined the room.
It seemed different from the room I was in before. Most of the machinery was gone, and the only big machine beside my bed wasn’t actually hooked up to me anymore. There was a large, predator-sized closet in the corner, and two big tables with seats. Of course, there was also bed itself. If not for the fact that I was slated to be butchered on this bed soon, it’d be the most comfortable place I got to lay down on since my capture. As is... It felt like cruel irony. I felt my eyes watering again. Did predators want to taunt me? Give me this sense of near-comfort as one last cruelty?
Subconsciously I tried calling out for mom, but felt my throat burn and ended up coughing instead. I think all the screaming recently wasn’t good for it, and with how dry my mouth was it didn’t help. Looking around I spotted it. A glass of water on a small stand beside the bed! Except it was completely out of reach. I tried shifting my tail under me, to try and extend towards it, but I’d need to have the bed flipped to have the chance at reaching. They probably left it like that intentionally... Letting me feel thirst, see the answer, but not be allowed to take it, all to make me suffer more.
I attempted to shift and wiggle against the restraints some more, when it hit me. It finally hit me that my leg was gone, gone for good. Even if I could somehow miraculously break those restraints... And get out of predator captivity... And make it back home to Venlil Prime... It wouldn’t be the same. I’d never live a normal life. My vision blurred with tears again. Why couldn’t they just end it... Why did... they have to make me suffer more.
Then the door opened and my heartbeat quickened. I realized just what I asked for, and looks like the universe itself wanted to give me that. Through the door stepped a figure... No longer clad in big rubbery suit. They probably realized such deception won’t work on me. But which of predators it was made my blood freeze.
It was the same one again... The dark-colored one that was there in meeting with arxur, and when I first woke up... Why was it always this one showing up over and over? Did all those predators look like that? He was wearing different outfit, maybe it was a different predator? No, it’s too similar, it must just be... assigned to me. My personal warden. Just like the pens had specific wardens assigned to them that were in charge of picking out meals.
This is it then. They must have done everything they wanted to do with me while I was unconscious and now that I was awake to feel it, were ready to finish me off. I closed my eyes, squeezing them tightly shut as the predator approached. I lost count of how many times I was anticipating death recently, but this was it... This must be it, finally, right? Universe can’t be cruel enough to do more to me, can it?
And as I waited for my demise, with held breath I lay. And lay. And waited. Until I realized that by now predator would long be within reach of my throat. I slowly opened my eyes, and blinked a few times to get the tears out. Sight of predator right beside me made me flinch, as it sat down by the bed, looking over me with its hungry, binocular eyes. I could see its mouth, lips quivering in hunger. And yet it did not lunge... Why?! Why can’t they just finish me off already? I felt so exhausted and fatigued by it all...
Predator seemed to lock its horrid eyes with my own eye. The gaze was intense, and I felt frozen. I couldn’t move, not even a muscle, as it just stared at me and I stared back. I felt a tear roll down my face, contributing more to the clump of matted fur, grown stained with so many tears. And that’s when the predator reached its hand for my head. I closed my eyes, recoiling away to the best of my ability. I... I didn’t want it... Please... Why can’t I just wake up back home, why can’t it all just be a nightmare...
I was prepared for its claw to grasp my face, to twist my neck, to scratch at me... But the only thing I felt was a small caress right under my eye, where the tear ran, wiping it off and rubbing at clumped fur, getting bits of dirt out in process. And then it was over. There was no attack. It was just more prolonging of the inevitable. It was so... tiring. I opened my eyes again, to look back at the predator. Really look back in those cruel eyes, to try and understand why the universe would have such evilness exist at all. The binocular gaze was horrible, but no amount of my instinct telling me to flee could help when I had neither the limbs nor freedom to move. So I just looked back. Into those small eyes when they suddenly blinked. And what could only be a tear rolled down the predator’s face. This made me mentally recoil.
How? Did a predator just shed a tear? But that’s... impossible. Only creatures with empathy can cry. That’s the textbook prerequisite for crying! You need to feel things to cry! Predators don’t have that! Arxur don’t have that. We learn that since before school. One of first things parents teach their kids is always the dangers of predators. But this is... Maybe it’s something in the room? Some noxious agent irritating its eyes? Then why can’t I feel it? Is it simply copying me? But why would it do that? Can you even copy something you can’t understand, like feelings? I didn’t understand. Maybe their biology was way more alien? Their skin was naked and had no fur or scales or feathers, maybe their tears are different too? I tried to find any explanation at all, any possible answer to questions swirling in my mind, but nothing made sense. It’s like this one little tear shattered everything I knew about predators. Maybe... They were different somehow? No! That can’t be it. If they were, they wouldn’t... They wouldn’t have been ones to take part in eating me! They wouldn’t deal with arxur! It’s a trick... it must be... But tears are a sign of empathy...
“W-Why...”, I asked in my confusion. My voice came out as ragged and hoarse and I was reminded of how dry my insides felt. I glanced over to the glass at the bedside, still out of reach and now with a predator near it... I stood no chance at reaching it.
Then suddenly, the predator looked over at it as well, and picked it up. I was almost about to cry at the idea that it would drink it in front of me, taunting my thirst further. But it didn’t even bring the glass close to its horrid mouth, instead moving it towards my face. Naturally, I tried pulling back from predator reach, but still restrained, I couldn’t move much. And once the glass was in front of me, predator just tilted it and... left it hovering there.
Was it... offering me a drink? Does that mean the water is poisoned? Why else would it give me some? I didn’t open my mouth, but the predator kept hovering the glass in front of me... Clear liquid inside swishing a bit with unevenness of the movements. Tantalizing... My throat felt drier just looking at it. In the end, base instinct prevailed over reason-based self-preservation. Even if it is poisoned... I was as good as dead in this den of predators, this won’t matter, and at least I’ll die not feeling as dry as a piece of old tree bark. So I let my mouth open and I raised my head as much as I could within the restraints, putting the glass’s rim into my mouth.
That first sip was probably the most heavenly water I’ve ever tasted. It was just normal water, of course, but with how dry I felt, I couldn’t get enough as I started quickly gulping it down. The predator actually helped, tilting the glass, keeping up with how quickly I emptied it. Every gulp was a relief... It was no stale water of arxur pens. It was actually fresh water! But as quickly as it started, the happiness ended, glass fully tilted and empty. I smack my mouth, gathering little bits of moisture gathered on it with my tongue, while the predator moves the glass back onto the counter.
Well, if that had poison in it, I didn’t taste any. And if it was somehow tasteless... It was worth it. I still couldn’t wrap my mind around the predator and its actions, so instead I did my best to just ignore it as I savored the feeling of hydration. If I somehow live through this, unlikely though it may be, I will never scorn water again. Though I will probably still prefer some good juice over it...
The predator started moving again, removing the blanket-like sheet that was covering most of my body and reaching to where my restraints connected to the bed itself. It locked its eyes with me again, and this time it at least didn’t cry, but it did start to growl something. It was quiet and subdued, and of course I couldn’t understand any of it, but it didn’t lunge or reach for me directly and didn’t seem any different from earlier. Was it trying to say something?
Then I heard a small click. The light pressure I felt on my arms and chest from the restraints relaxed. Then the predator just tossed the restraint over me, revealing that they released me. I tested it by raising my arms slightly. Why...? Did they plan on taking me somewhere? I could try running but the feeling of lightness, of hollow emptiness where my leg used to be reminded me of how fruitless the endeavor would be, so I just kept laying in bed. The predator’s mouth curved in some wicked expression before they growled out some more of their crude words and got up.
They moved towards the exit, turning around to give me one last creepy staredown before stepping out of the room. And, unsurprisingly, I heard a soft click from the door itself. Right. I was just free to explore my new pen. But even with the freedom granted, I couldn’t bring myself to get out of bed. The shock of learning that a predator just shed a tear and fed me water was still too much. What is even happening?
It’s all so confusing. I grabbed the blanket and pulled it over my head, hiding in the dark. I tried to desperately convince myself to not get my hopes up, to remember what those predators did to me... But somewhere I felt like maybe things here will at least be better than they were in arxur pens. At least there’s that to comfort me. That’s right, they probably just... don’t want me to die yet because they haven’t finished experimenting on me... And the tears were just... I don’t know. It makes no sense! It’s stupid!
I let out a breath and snuggled tighter into the blanket. As long as it was dark and quiet like this, I could at least pretend that I was back home... That everything makes sense... That I am just fine... That I'll be okay...
First - Prev - [Next]
submitted by Heroman3003 to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]
As usual, thanks to SpacePaladin15 for his own great work and letting fanfiction flow, and everyone who supported and enjoyed the fic thus far. So, let's see where this goes from now.
First - Prev - [Next]
Date [standardized human time]: July 15, 2136
Before entering the conference room, I adjusted my dress suit. Even for official meetings, I usually just prefer simpler official outfits, but this time is different. Being invited to observe the first official diplomatic meeting between humanity and aliens, I wanted to be perfect for it, even if it was meeting the baby-eating monster aliens over a video call.
Stepping inside, I see the other people that would be present for it. Normally, as a SETI researcher, I would object to the presence of any military heads at such a meeting, on purely conceptual level, much less two. But with what we have learned I can’t help but almost feel like even entire room filled with generals wouldn’t be enough for this.
“Ah, Dr. Kuemper. Come in, take a seat. We plan to start hailing them in ten minutes.” Secretary-General motions towards one of free seats, so I take the one that’s further away from both generals. As I do though, General Jones starts talking to me.
“So, Dr. Kuemper, how’s our rescue doing? Were there any further incidents?”, she asked.
“No, not yet. She still hasn’t woken up since that last sedation. While we don’t understand nearly enough about her biology yet, drawing some parallels with biology of Earth life we can infer that while her life is no longer threatened, she will likely take a while to fully recover from blood loss and malnutrition. Much bigger problem will be communicating our intentions to her, as well as regaining her trust after... everything.”
“Is it really smart to assign Noah Williams as one of her main caretakers then?” She asked, raising her eyebrow.
“From analyzing the footage of the incident, she reacted the same way to all the humans in the room. I doubt it was Williams’ specific appearance that was the source of such intense fright. And that assignment is not just for the sake of the alien, but Williams himself. Him and Rosario are both, frankly, on suicide watch right now. They need a chance to try and do something to relieve their guilt.”
To that General Jones just hummed, before turning to the screen. I could also hear General Zhao, the Chinese general, snorting in amusement. I am not sure what he found funny about this, but I’d rather not know at all.
It wasn’t a rational call, I knew it, but if there’s anyone who can project most empathy possible towards our alien rescue, it’d be Noah. I have asked Sara if she wished to participate as well, but she struggles to even look at the child without throwing up, so for her, distancing might be for the best.
“We’re beginning to hail the Arxur Dominion now.” Secretary-General announced, standing in front of the screen, facing it. “Not sure how long it will take.”
“I bet time zones get a ton more complicated on interstellar level...” General Zhao grumbled.
Afterwards, there were long twenty minutes of silence, interrupted by an occasional cough or shuffle before finally screen shifted, and displayed the aliens. It appears they also were in a private conference room, like us. In the middle, standing tallest and looking at us was none other than Chief Hunter Isif from photos the Odyssey crew took. Behind him were two more arxur. One was similar to Isif in build and stature, though not quite as tall, and the other was notably shorter and scrawnier, with lighter scale coloration. Part of me almost assumed that was a female, before I remembered that in the data dump there were no signs of easily notable sexual dimorphism among the arxur. An adolescent then, perhaps?
“Humans. I am glad you responded to our invitation. I believe an introduction is in order. I am Chief Hunter Isif of Arxur Dominion.” The alien spoke, translators working already, translating the noises unlike anything human makes into discernable speech.
“Greetings, Chief Hunter Isif. I am Secretary-General Elias Meier. I represent the United Nations, or UN for short, a governing body meant to represent combined interests of all individual nations of Earth. Before we proceed, I need to ask. Will I not be speaking to your leader, Prophet-Descendant, today?”
That was on the agenda for the meeting, if I remembered correctly. Trying to interact with arxur other than Isif. To gauge just how far this goes. Though it doesn’t seem like it’s happening, considering Isif is the one who picked up and how now he was emitting a low hiss that almost felt like it was carrying amusement.
“No. No offense meant to you, humans, but we Chief Hunters are expected to conduct all business in our sectors on our own. You technically fall within my territory. Plus, why would I give up an advantage I have over other Chief Hunters so easily? We may not ever have war against one another, but the competition is fierce, and you might just be the edge I need to curry more favor.”
I noticed General Zhao scoffing at shameless honesty in arxur’s intentions for this ‘alliance’ they proposed in the databanks. Yeah, just use us to gain more advantage over his rivals. I can’t believe Secretary-General elected to deal with them after all.
“I see. I expected that. Still, even if we were granted an audience, our answer would have remained unchanged. Sorry to disappoint, Chief Hunter, but humanity simply cannot afford a full alliance with the Dominion.” Secretary-General spoke in neutral tone, but I could sense the strain in his voice.
The arxur on the screen had his facial features harden.
“I see. You’re still unconvinced of the prey’s threat to your unprepared world. You believe you may parlay with them.”
“Quite the contrary, we’re more than convinced and have no reason to believe you’re lying. However, while an alliance with you would grant us protection... It would also drag us into the war we wish no part of. We’re... grateful to you for showing hospitality to the crew of Odyssey, and for warning us of the threat, but we will not be diving into war we have no interest fighting.”
“You will not be able to hide forever.” Isif kept insisting, seemingly almost growing agitated. “We knew of you because they did, long before us. They may believe you dead, but all it’d take is one stray vessel for you to be doomed.”
Part of me wanted to be relieved that, despite the tense tone, the negotiations so far were going exactly as planned. Another part of me wept that we were intentionally alienating and putting distance between ourselves and the aliens. And a third part of me was disgusted at the fact that we were talking to them at all.
“Trust us, Chief Hunter, we do not plan to merely sit and wait to be discovered and exterminated. We will be preparing. We simply don’t wish to enter the fight without a good reason.” Elias continued, pushing on to the next topic. “That said, just because we don’t wish for alliance, doesn’t mean we can’t mutually benefit from one another still.”
I could see that the shorter arxur behind Isif was about to speak up, but flinched when the larger one glared at them. Isif himself narrowed his eyes at Elias.
“And what benefit do you see that isn’t us joining hands in battle for survival, Elias Meier?”
I couldn’t see his face, but I could feel Secretary-General smiling at Chief Hunter.
“Trade. Your people are, by your own admission, starving. We could provide a solution. What we lack, however, is information. In this universe, we’re blind, and just sending out probes risks discovery. If you’d be willing to supply us with intel on Federation, we’d be more than glad to relieve your hunger. Maybe not the whole Dominion... But definitely all of your sector’s arxur.”
Arxur behind Isif both slightly opened their mouths, eyes widening in almost human-like expression. Even Isif seemed to be taken slightly aback, though he composed himself much quicker, glaring at his subordinates to make them collect themselves. On our end, I could see General Zhao smirking, and General Jones tapping at her chin in contemplation, while I twiddled my thumbs nervously, waiting for rug to be pulled from under us.
“You promise a lot. Producing food in such quantities with just one planet, even if it were filled with cattle, is impossible. Simply unsustainable.” Isif replied.
“We have our ways, Isif. We solved hunger once, we can do so again. Not immediately, it will take time to ramp up production, of course... But once that happens, all you need to do is name your price in how much meat you need and we will provide. And all we want in return is information to better defend ourselves.”
There was a long pause of contemplation. When looking closely, I could see something that was either agitation... or excitement among Isif’s posse, but Chief Hunter himself remained unimpressed. Eventually he did speak up.
“Don’t think I will fall for such a trick, Elias Meier. You humans are still young, still naive to the cruelty of the universe. We were once like you, and were nearly wiped out for it. I will not have it happen to the only other True Sapient in the galaxy. I will trade information. But I can already sense what the first request will be, and you will not be getting translations for Federation languages.”
That made every human in the room except Elias tense up. I almost flinched at the accusation, Jones hid her mouth behind her hand and Zhao’s smirk turned into a frown. Only Secretary-General remained unshaken. Isif, in meantime, continued speaking.
“If you prove yourself capable of helping us, and manage to provide as much sustenance as you claim you can... I will consider it. But until then, I will not be accelerating your desire to commit extinction by Federation’s hands.”
“Then, if you need to benefit from us first before putting us at risk, we can only thank you again for your concern, Chief Hunter.” Secretary-General replied. I was surprised at how collected he remained despite the arxur completely seeing through our intentions with this ‘trade deal’. “Trust us, we have no interest in getting annihilated in antimatter fire, but we are willing to work to earn your trust. We will be sending lists of information we desire. I hope that partnership can strengthen the bonds between us further.”
“Indeed. We will review and return to you the amounts of food we will require for it. Show us what you are capable of, humans. Now let’s get this over with. Conversing like that is... tiring.”
Right. Arxur are naturally solitary, according to the databank they gave us. A species of biologically predisposed introverts...
“Farewell, Chief Hunter Isif.” Meier replied curtly, before the screen dimmed and camera light disappeared. Contact was over.
I let out a deep sigh of relief, realizing I’ve been holding it in for a while now. There... was a lot to consider about what just happened. I was told footage would be saved, so we can better analyze the arxur nonverbal cues later.
Elias turned to us and put his hands on the table.
“So, that didn’t go as bad as it could have. Any thoughts?”
General Zhao was first to speak up.
“We’ll need information on Federation tactics and weaponry. We’ll have to prepare a strong l space military regardless of whether they can be talked down, but it’s much easier to convince someone not to kill you when doing so risks their own life.”
“I’m more interested in whether there is any technology that could allow us to send spy drones into Federation space without leaving obvious trail back to us.” General Jones countered. “We might not even need arxur translators if we can decode the language via our own surveillance.”
Elias turned his eyes on me expectantly. I considered everything that happened, things Isif said and ways his presumably-lieutenants reacted to conversation, things we learned from their data bank... And it dawned on me.
“They... see us the same way we have seen them before learning of their horrid acts. First contact with someone who treats you like a person, and first people in the galaxy whom you can see as friends. We sought the stars seeking to not be alone in the universe, and while their ways are repulsive to us... It’s not true the other way. This cooperation to them is much more sentimental than it is to us. They want to be able to trust us and rely on us.”
Elias smiled and nodded at my assessment.
“Thank you for your input, everyone. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Dr. Kuemper, I hope you’re ready for tomorrow’s announcement and your promotion?”
Right. Tomorrow we’re revealing that First Contact has occurred to the public. It took a lot of effort to make it presentable without triggering mass panic, and some details will be omitted. That and I’m receiving a new position in the UN related to handling alien affairs. What a joy...
“As ready as I can be.”
“Then let’s get to it. It won’t be easy, people, but our entire civilization is at stake. We need to get this right, and in a way that won’t have our descendants condemning us.”
Right. Cooperation with arxur, this trade... I didn’t like the idea of it, but I understood. We needed their help. Perhaps through this cooperation, rather than them influencing us, reverse can be made true, unlikely as it may seem. Worst part was failing to secure any translators at all. While I’m sure generals are salivating at idea of cyber-espionage against the Federation, I just wanted to be able to communicate with the rescued child, and make sure we could properly help her recover. Still... We will do our best, even without them.
Date [standardized human time]: July 15, 2136
Second time I woke up; the memories came to me much faster. How I was captured during the raid. How I spent months in cattle pens. How I was used as a meal for mystery predators. How they took me with them. And how I was now in their laboratory, or whatever closest thing predators have in their feral science.
Of course, my first instinct was to try and escape, but I couldn’t. I found myself actively strapped to the bed. I was panicked at first, trying to break through the restraints, but to no effect. So I let my head fall back onto surprisingly soft pillow and lay there... Awaiting my fate. But fate wasn’t coming, and I found myself getting a bit bored. So I raised my head and examined the room.
It seemed different from the room I was in before. Most of the machinery was gone, and the only big machine beside my bed wasn’t actually hooked up to me anymore. There was a large, predator-sized closet in the corner, and two big tables with seats. Of course, there was also bed itself. If not for the fact that I was slated to be butchered on this bed soon, it’d be the most comfortable place I got to lay down on since my capture. As is... It felt like cruel irony. I felt my eyes watering again. Did predators want to taunt me? Give me this sense of near-comfort as one last cruelty?
Subconsciously I tried calling out for mom, but felt my throat burn and ended up coughing instead. I think all the screaming recently wasn’t good for it, and with how dry my mouth was it didn’t help. Looking around I spotted it. A glass of water on a small stand beside the bed! Except it was completely out of reach. I tried shifting my tail under me, to try and extend towards it, but I’d need to have the bed flipped to have the chance at reaching. They probably left it like that intentionally... Letting me feel thirst, see the answer, but not be allowed to take it, all to make me suffer more.
I attempted to shift and wiggle against the restraints some more, when it hit me. It finally hit me that my leg was gone, gone for good. Even if I could somehow miraculously break those restraints... And get out of predator captivity... And make it back home to Venlil Prime... It wouldn’t be the same. I’d never live a normal life. My vision blurred with tears again. Why couldn’t they just end it... Why did... they have to make me suffer more.
Then the door opened and my heartbeat quickened. I realized just what I asked for, and looks like the universe itself wanted to give me that. Through the door stepped a figure... No longer clad in big rubbery suit. They probably realized such deception won’t work on me. But which of predators it was made my blood freeze.
It was the same one again... The dark-colored one that was there in meeting with arxur, and when I first woke up... Why was it always this one showing up over and over? Did all those predators look like that? He was wearing different outfit, maybe it was a different predator? No, it’s too similar, it must just be... assigned to me. My personal warden. Just like the pens had specific wardens assigned to them that were in charge of picking out meals.
This is it then. They must have done everything they wanted to do with me while I was unconscious and now that I was awake to feel it, were ready to finish me off. I closed my eyes, squeezing them tightly shut as the predator approached. I lost count of how many times I was anticipating death recently, but this was it... This must be it, finally, right? Universe can’t be cruel enough to do more to me, can it?
And as I waited for my demise, with held breath I lay. And lay. And waited. Until I realized that by now predator would long be within reach of my throat. I slowly opened my eyes, and blinked a few times to get the tears out. Sight of predator right beside me made me flinch, as it sat down by the bed, looking over me with its hungry, binocular eyes. I could see its mouth, lips quivering in hunger. And yet it did not lunge... Why?! Why can’t they just finish me off already? I felt so exhausted and fatigued by it all...
Predator seemed to lock its horrid eyes with my own eye. The gaze was intense, and I felt frozen. I couldn’t move, not even a muscle, as it just stared at me and I stared back. I felt a tear roll down my face, contributing more to the clump of matted fur, grown stained with so many tears. And that’s when the predator reached its hand for my head. I closed my eyes, recoiling away to the best of my ability. I... I didn’t want it... Please... Why can’t I just wake up back home, why can’t it all just be a nightmare...
I was prepared for its claw to grasp my face, to twist my neck, to scratch at me... But the only thing I felt was a small caress right under my eye, where the tear ran, wiping it off and rubbing at clumped fur, getting bits of dirt out in process. And then it was over. There was no attack. It was just more prolonging of the inevitable. It was so... tiring. I opened my eyes again, to look back at the predator. Really look back in those cruel eyes, to try and understand why the universe would have such evilness exist at all. The binocular gaze was horrible, but no amount of my instinct telling me to flee could help when I had neither the limbs nor freedom to move. So I just looked back. Into those small eyes when they suddenly blinked. And what could only be a tear rolled down the predator’s face. This made me mentally recoil.
How? Did a predator just shed a tear? But that’s... impossible. Only creatures with empathy can cry. That’s the textbook prerequisite for crying! You need to feel things to cry! Predators don’t have that! Arxur don’t have that. We learn that since before school. One of first things parents teach their kids is always the dangers of predators. But this is... Maybe it’s something in the room? Some noxious agent irritating its eyes? Then why can’t I feel it? Is it simply copying me? But why would it do that? Can you even copy something you can’t understand, like feelings? I didn’t understand. Maybe their biology was way more alien? Their skin was naked and had no fur or scales or feathers, maybe their tears are different too? I tried to find any explanation at all, any possible answer to questions swirling in my mind, but nothing made sense. It’s like this one little tear shattered everything I knew about predators. Maybe... They were different somehow? No! That can’t be it. If they were, they wouldn’t... They wouldn’t have been ones to take part in eating me! They wouldn’t deal with arxur! It’s a trick... it must be... But tears are a sign of empathy...
“W-Why...”, I asked in my confusion. My voice came out as ragged and hoarse and I was reminded of how dry my insides felt. I glanced over to the glass at the bedside, still out of reach and now with a predator near it... I stood no chance at reaching it.
Then suddenly, the predator looked over at it as well, and picked it up. I was almost about to cry at the idea that it would drink it in front of me, taunting my thirst further. But it didn’t even bring the glass close to its horrid mouth, instead moving it towards my face. Naturally, I tried pulling back from predator reach, but still restrained, I couldn’t move much. And once the glass was in front of me, predator just tilted it and... left it hovering there.
Was it... offering me a drink? Does that mean the water is poisoned? Why else would it give me some? I didn’t open my mouth, but the predator kept hovering the glass in front of me... Clear liquid inside swishing a bit with unevenness of the movements. Tantalizing... My throat felt drier just looking at it. In the end, base instinct prevailed over reason-based self-preservation. Even if it is poisoned... I was as good as dead in this den of predators, this won’t matter, and at least I’ll die not feeling as dry as a piece of old tree bark. So I let my mouth open and I raised my head as much as I could within the restraints, putting the glass’s rim into my mouth.
That first sip was probably the most heavenly water I’ve ever tasted. It was just normal water, of course, but with how dry I felt, I couldn’t get enough as I started quickly gulping it down. The predator actually helped, tilting the glass, keeping up with how quickly I emptied it. Every gulp was a relief... It was no stale water of arxur pens. It was actually fresh water! But as quickly as it started, the happiness ended, glass fully tilted and empty. I smack my mouth, gathering little bits of moisture gathered on it with my tongue, while the predator moves the glass back onto the counter.
Well, if that had poison in it, I didn’t taste any. And if it was somehow tasteless... It was worth it. I still couldn’t wrap my mind around the predator and its actions, so instead I did my best to just ignore it as I savored the feeling of hydration. If I somehow live through this, unlikely though it may be, I will never scorn water again. Though I will probably still prefer some good juice over it...
The predator started moving again, removing the blanket-like sheet that was covering most of my body and reaching to where my restraints connected to the bed itself. It locked its eyes with me again, and this time it at least didn’t cry, but it did start to growl something. It was quiet and subdued, and of course I couldn’t understand any of it, but it didn’t lunge or reach for me directly and didn’t seem any different from earlier. Was it trying to say something?
Then I heard a small click. The light pressure I felt on my arms and chest from the restraints relaxed. Then the predator just tossed the restraint over me, revealing that they released me. I tested it by raising my arms slightly. Why...? Did they plan on taking me somewhere? I could try running but the feeling of lightness, of hollow emptiness where my leg used to be reminded me of how fruitless the endeavor would be, so I just kept laying in bed. The predator’s mouth curved in some wicked expression before they growled out some more of their crude words and got up.
They moved towards the exit, turning around to give me one last creepy staredown before stepping out of the room. And, unsurprisingly, I heard a soft click from the door itself. Right. I was just free to explore my new pen. But even with the freedom granted, I couldn’t bring myself to get out of bed. The shock of learning that a predator just shed a tear and fed me water was still too much. What is even happening?
It’s all so confusing. I grabbed the blanket and pulled it over my head, hiding in the dark. I tried to desperately convince myself to not get my hopes up, to remember what those predators did to me... But somewhere I felt like maybe things here will at least be better than they were in arxur pens. At least there’s that to comfort me. That’s right, they probably just... don’t want me to die yet because they haven’t finished experimenting on me... And the tears were just... I don’t know. It makes no sense! It’s stupid!
I let out a breath and snuggled tighter into the blanket. As long as it was dark and quiet like this, I could at least pretend that I was back home... That everything makes sense... That I am just fine... That I'll be okay...
2024.05.21 08:43 Idkmanwhatsmyname I’m very slow. Does this happen to others?
Im 21F. Ive taken architecture. I failed this semester (got the lowest in the class I believe) and they asked us to rework on the portfolio. If I can pull myself up this time and rework I won’t get a sem-back(which means repeat a semester). Except I wasn’t able to finish everything I had on time. Submission was on 18th. According to my plan and what should have happened, all of my work was supposed to be done by 17th. 17th was for touch ups. If all the hours of work I put together was productive that’s how it should’ve turned out. But I started lagging.
Is this part of depression? I can never seem to finish any task. I’m trying to complete a task, all motivated as I start, thinking this time it’ll be different, half way through i start lagging, I get really slow (times going fast and I’m slowing down) and I feel desperate and hopeless. then I sleep for a bit, try and get back into the spirits. by then I’m already late but I still start out motivated. then grow hopeless again. Its a loop I’m constantly stuck in. I’m fighting so hard to get out of it but everything I do, I find myself back in the same situation.
submitted by Idkmanwhatsmyname to mentalhealth [link] [comments]
Is this part of depression? I can never seem to finish any task. I’m trying to complete a task, all motivated as I start, thinking this time it’ll be different, half way through i start lagging, I get really slow (times going fast and I’m slowing down) and I feel desperate and hopeless. then I sleep for a bit, try and get back into the spirits. by then I’m already late but I still start out motivated. then grow hopeless again. Its a loop I’m constantly stuck in. I’m fighting so hard to get out of it but everything I do, I find myself back in the same situation.
2024.05.21 08:35 elvie18 PMDD + perimenopause...will my wife hate me forever? What do I do to make her happy? Doctors aren't much help.
My wife's been in perimenopause for at least a year and a half, or so it would seem from her symptoms. She has PMDD and this has made it significantly worse.
She hates me. Not, like...mood swings. Genuine contempt and loathing. And I'm hearing the reasons she's giving me, but it seems like everything I do is suddenly tinged with her belief that I'm out to get her, want her to fail, think she's stupid, etc. My yearslong gender identity introspection and gender presentation disgust her; she's no longer attracted to me, even though funnily enough I ended up right back where I started identifying in the first place. I'm constantly doing things I "must have known" would upset her and am therefore upsetting her on purpose.
Look, I'm so far from perfect it's not even visible from where I'm standing. I have many flaws. However, among them are not "actively conspiring for my wife to have a horrible life."
I've been in menopause temporarily myself (Lupron was fun...said no one ever) and I remember the sheer misery of hating everyone and everything and feeling like I had no control over myself. I know this isn't her fault.
She has bpd and borderline on top of this, and has had to cut way back on her mood stabilizer recently to what anyone would consider a subclinical dose. That's not helping. She's neurodiverse, and has psoriatic arthritis that seems to be in constant flare for the last six months or so. Her anxiety and depression are through the roof.
But I cry constantly. My SI has skyrocketed. I'm losing the person I chose to spend the rest of my life with, the person I WANT to spend the rest of my life with, the person who says she wants that too at least one week out of the month.
I'm desperate to try anything that might work - or at least suggest them to her so she can try them, I guess. So I'm trying to get information from actual people as, in a shocking twist, her doctors are absolutely useless. Go figure.
submitted by elvie18 to Menopause [link] [comments]
She hates me. Not, like...mood swings. Genuine contempt and loathing. And I'm hearing the reasons she's giving me, but it seems like everything I do is suddenly tinged with her belief that I'm out to get her, want her to fail, think she's stupid, etc. My yearslong gender identity introspection and gender presentation disgust her; she's no longer attracted to me, even though funnily enough I ended up right back where I started identifying in the first place. I'm constantly doing things I "must have known" would upset her and am therefore upsetting her on purpose.
Look, I'm so far from perfect it's not even visible from where I'm standing. I have many flaws. However, among them are not "actively conspiring for my wife to have a horrible life."
I've been in menopause temporarily myself (Lupron was fun...said no one ever) and I remember the sheer misery of hating everyone and everything and feeling like I had no control over myself. I know this isn't her fault.
She has bpd and borderline on top of this, and has had to cut way back on her mood stabilizer recently to what anyone would consider a subclinical dose. That's not helping. She's neurodiverse, and has psoriatic arthritis that seems to be in constant flare for the last six months or so. Her anxiety and depression are through the roof.
But I cry constantly. My SI has skyrocketed. I'm losing the person I chose to spend the rest of my life with, the person I WANT to spend the rest of my life with, the person who says she wants that too at least one week out of the month.
I'm desperate to try anything that might work - or at least suggest them to her so she can try them, I guess. So I'm trying to get information from actual people as, in a shocking twist, her doctors are absolutely useless. Go figure.
- HRT is something she's presently unwilling to do because it increases cancer risk. She's Jewish and therefore at a slightly elevated breast cancer risk (though she's BRCA negative, I think her odds are 15% compared to the usual 12% according to the genetic testing? Maybe a higher number, in the teens though, I'm fairly sure.) If you've decided to do HRT despite increased cancer risk, or decided against it for that reason, I would love it if you would share your thoughts on the subject.
- She's tried HBC many times in life. The results have always been awful. If you've had success with a particular brand though, let me know. It's worth asking if she's tried that one before. So far it's been suggested to me to try LoLoestrin and Slynd. If you've had experience with those I'm very interested to hear about it.
- She has bad reactions to many herbal/natural products, but I can't remember what offhand. I just remember fish oil sent her into a depression spiral. She also has kidney damage from lithium. So I'm still interested in hearing about these, I'm just not sure which would be useful or safe. Obviously not taking anything without professional input from a doctor.
- She's iron deficient but also has severe ibs-c. If you know an iron supplement that won't make that worse, I'd love to hear about it. SlowFE worked great for her at one point but I think they stopped making it? Flintstones vitamins were a no-go, which is a shame as they worked for me. I did suggest blackstrap molasses capsules and acv capsules, which is what I took when I was hemorrhaging bimonthly with a giant fibroid, but to be honest I have no idea if it helped at all.
- Her doctor will not test hormone levels because she believes those tests are pointless. I would love to know your experiences with doctors regarding hormonal testing and whether or not it was helpful. I've been trying to convince her to get a second opinion with my own GYN but it's hard when she's so drained from symptoms she can barely get out of bed.
- Her psychiatrist isn't interested in getting her on a different mood stabilizer. She tried others when she was first diagnosed bipolar and the only one that worked was lithium. However, she's on a subtherapeutic dose and I really don't feel that's doing much. Did any brain-altering medications help you? (Note: western medicine only, weed and shrooms are not an option.)
- She's phobic about acupuncture so that's a no-go but have any other alternative therapies helped you?
2024.05.21 08:27 RollPleasant3232 775 GMAT FE debrief
TL;DR Don't follow anyone blindly. Figure out what works for you. Believe in yourself. All the best!!
I took the GMAT Focus(my second attempt) on 18th May, 2024 and scored a 775. Have been studying on and off for last ~4 months. Prep materials: Quant - OG guides, gmatclub & TTP(took 1 month subscription) verbal - OG guides, CR bible & GMAT Ninja videos DI - OG guides only, TTP helped in DS part.
Started prep through OG materials & gmatclub. Was getting decent scores in OG mocks.(685 - 715 range). Came across a debrief post on gmatclub and rushed through the OG mocks without taking time to understand my mistakes. FAILED SPECTACULARLY. Scored a 605 which way less than my expectations. This was a big setback.
Took sometime to figure out my weaknesses - - I was taking more time in cross checking even easier questions. Hence, was not able to spend enough time on difficult ones. - I was shocked with my CR performance in first attempt. Struggled a lot in eliminating between the last 2 answer choices. - Took a lot of time in a few DI question types. Definitely need more practice.
Course of Action: Completed CR bible(till chapter 9) with notes in 10-12 days - this helped cover all the basics of CR which was my weakest section in my first attempt despite scoring well in most of the mocks. - followed the streaks method by TTP. helped a lot in building confidence in CR. Took TTP subscription (~4-5 weeks including trial period) - TTP is massive and the intense practise increased my speed & efficiency. - Didn't finish the TTP course though.
Started with OG questions with renewed confidence. - Focused on the basics & getting the easy & medium questions correct. - This gave me ample time to not rush through difficult ones.
Opted for same test centre & this time I was a lot more calm & mindful. Section order Q/V/DI. Didn't take any break between sections. Just focused on staying in the moment & getting the question in front of me correct. Was definitely expecting a 715+ score since I was scoring in this range in mock test towards the end of my prep even with multiple distractions and pausing the test multiple times. Pleasantly surprised to get a 775. Scored 90 (100th percentile) in Quant, 90 (100th percentile) in Verbal and 85 (99th percentile) in DI.
I'm now working on my applications. Currently working out the list of schools to apply. Would appreciate any help in this regard.
Profile:- Indian Male Engineer, GMAT 775 (90Q/90V/85DI), ~5 YOE in Software & Data Engineering. Working at an upcoming startup in India. T10 undergrad in India (non IITs). 6.4 CGPA Can get good recommendations from current manager & VP of my organisation. Have projects which had a direct impact of ~8-9% on org's PNL. Have received multiple rewards at work. Have done some projects & courses on Product Management outside of work. Got one promotion and expecting one in next year. Want to stay in tech post MBA. looking at PM/Data PM kind of roles - Have first hand experience of huge impact data-driven decision making can have on business and want to play a part in the same going forward. Have a very small YT channel related to solving tech interview questions.
This community has been of great help to me. Thanks a lot everyone! Wishing all of you the best.
submitted by RollPleasant3232 to GMAT [link] [comments]
I took the GMAT Focus(my second attempt) on 18th May, 2024 and scored a 775. Have been studying on and off for last ~4 months. Prep materials: Quant - OG guides, gmatclub & TTP(took 1 month subscription) verbal - OG guides, CR bible & GMAT Ninja videos DI - OG guides only, TTP helped in DS part.
Started prep through OG materials & gmatclub. Was getting decent scores in OG mocks.(685 - 715 range). Came across a debrief post on gmatclub and rushed through the OG mocks without taking time to understand my mistakes. FAILED SPECTACULARLY. Scored a 605 which way less than my expectations. This was a big setback.
Took sometime to figure out my weaknesses - - I was taking more time in cross checking even easier questions. Hence, was not able to spend enough time on difficult ones. - I was shocked with my CR performance in first attempt. Struggled a lot in eliminating between the last 2 answer choices. - Took a lot of time in a few DI question types. Definitely need more practice.
Course of Action: Completed CR bible(till chapter 9) with notes in 10-12 days - this helped cover all the basics of CR which was my weakest section in my first attempt despite scoring well in most of the mocks. - followed the streaks method by TTP. helped a lot in building confidence in CR. Took TTP subscription (~4-5 weeks including trial period) - TTP is massive and the intense practise increased my speed & efficiency. - Didn't finish the TTP course though.
Started with OG questions with renewed confidence. - Focused on the basics & getting the easy & medium questions correct. - This gave me ample time to not rush through difficult ones.
Opted for same test centre & this time I was a lot more calm & mindful. Section order Q/V/DI. Didn't take any break between sections. Just focused on staying in the moment & getting the question in front of me correct. Was definitely expecting a 715+ score since I was scoring in this range in mock test towards the end of my prep even with multiple distractions and pausing the test multiple times. Pleasantly surprised to get a 775. Scored 90 (100th percentile) in Quant, 90 (100th percentile) in Verbal and 85 (99th percentile) in DI.
I'm now working on my applications. Currently working out the list of schools to apply. Would appreciate any help in this regard.
Profile:- Indian Male Engineer, GMAT 775 (90Q/90V/85DI), ~5 YOE in Software & Data Engineering. Working at an upcoming startup in India. T10 undergrad in India (non IITs). 6.4 CGPA Can get good recommendations from current manager & VP of my organisation. Have projects which had a direct impact of ~8-9% on org's PNL. Have received multiple rewards at work. Have done some projects & courses on Product Management outside of work. Got one promotion and expecting one in next year. Want to stay in tech post MBA. looking at PM/Data PM kind of roles - Have first hand experience of huge impact data-driven decision making can have on business and want to play a part in the same going forward. Have a very small YT channel related to solving tech interview questions.
This community has been of great help to me. Thanks a lot everyone! Wishing all of you the best.