Diminish sense of taste to enhance weight loss

WW: Weight Loss That Works, Wellness That Works

2010.02.08 10:39 WW: Weight Loss That Works, Wellness That Works

A community for news, support, and helpful links regarding the Weight Watchers program.
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2013.03.04 10:38 Synecdochically Be held accountable

/Accountable is a place for you to post your goals and be kept accountable for them.
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2012.02.24 09:14 Connecting Food, Eating, Body and Mind

Pro-recovery space for bulimia, binge eating, restricting, anorexia and other disordered eating patterns. You are welcome here.
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2024.05.07 14:36 helenanewyork Eleanor Neale Weight Loss Transformation Video, Before After After (2024)

Eleanor Neale Weight Loss Transformation Video, Before After After (2024)
Eleanor Neale, a popular true crime YouTuber, has been open about her weight loss journey, which has been a topic of interest among her fans. Including her own videos and interviews, Eleanor underwent significant weight loss, which she documented on her side channel.
Eleanor Neale Weight Loss Transformation Video Given Below at the end of this article.
This transformation was accompanied by skin removal and breast lift surgery, which she also shared with her audience.
https://preview.redd.it/tsx782nnzzyc1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=e051830a7af9466407aea0a95866dec9dfef63e3
Eleanor's weight loss journey was not a gradual process involving changes to her diet and exercise routine. Instead, it appears that she underwent weight loss surgery, followed by a diet and exercise regimen. Her initial weight was around 85 kg, and she has since achieved a significant reduction in her weight.
Eleanor has been open about her weight loss journey, sharing her experiences and tips with her audience. She has also addressed criticism regarding her approach to discussing true crime cases, acknowledging that her methods may not be to everyone's taste.
Despite this, Eleanor remains a popular figure in the true crime community, known for her unique perspective and engaging storytelling style.
It's worth noting that Eleanor has also been open about her struggles with mental health, including her experiences with stress and anxiety. She has used her platform to raise awareness about mental health issues and has spoken about the importance of self-care and self-compassion.

Eleanor's Weight Loss Journey Before After Video with detail

https://reddit.com/link/1cmavmx/video/31gx2g2u00zc1/player
Overall, Eleanor Neale's weight loss journey is a testament to her determination and resilience. While her approach to discussing true crime cases may not be universally accepted, her willingness to share her personal experiences and struggles has helped her build a loyal following and establish herself as a prominent figure in the true crime community.
submitted by helenanewyork to u/helenanewyork [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 14:29 healthhygine HOW TO LOSE YOUR WEIGHT AT HOME

Understanding Weight Loss:
Weight loss refers to reducing body mass, primarily by decreasing body fat. It is a common goal for people looking to enhance their appearance, improve their health, or increase their overall well-being.
Losing weight can improve your health by reducing the risk of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Healthy Eating Habits:
Balanced Diet:
A balanced diet is essential for successful weight loss. This involves consuming various foods from all food groups in appropriate portions. A balanced diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Individuals can feel satisfied by focusing on nutrient-dense foods while reducing their calorie intake.
Incorporating Fruits and Vegetables:
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them an essential part of any weight loss plan. They're low in calories but high in volume, helping individuals feel full and satisfied without consuming excess calories. Additionally, the fiber in fruits and vegetables aids digestion and promotes satiety, making it easier to control portions and avoid overeating.
. Effective Exercise Routines:
Home Workouts: Regular exercise is crucial for weight loss. Fancy equipment is not necessary. Bodyweight exercises, yoga, and Pilates can be done at home. Find enjoyable and sustainable activities. Cardio activities like running, cycling, swimming, and dancing are effective for burning calories and promoting weight loss. Incorporate cardio into your routine several times a week for faster weight loss and better cardiovascular health.
Lifestyle Changes for Weight Loss:
Adequate Sleep:
Getting enough sleep is often overlooked but crucial for weight loss success. Poor sleep can disrupt hunger hormones, leading to increased appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support your weight loss efforts and overall health.
Managing stress levels:
Stress can hurt your weight loss journey in various ways. For instance, it may trigger emotional eating, leading to overeating and unhealthy food choices. Moreover, stress can disrupt hormone levels, making it more challenging to lose weight. However, there are several healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These techniques can help you stay focused and achieve your weight loss goals.
Natural Remedies for Weight Loss:
Herbal Teas:
Certain herbal teas have been found to aid in weight loss, including green tea, oolong tea, and peppermint tea. These teas contain compounds that can help boost metabolism, increase fat burning, and reduce appetite. Drinking a cup of herbal tea before or between meals can help you achieve your weight loss goals, while also providing additional health benefits.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for weight loss. It can promote fullness, reduce appetite, and improve digestion which can contribute to effective weight loss. Mixing it with water or using it as a salad dressing may help you shed pounds.
Tracking Progress:
Keeping a Food Journal:
Keeping a food journal can be a highly effective tool for individuals looking to achieve weight loss goals. This tool helps to track daily food and beverage intake, identify patterns and triggers for overeating, and make necessary adjustments. By documenting everything that you eat and drink, you can gain insight into your eating habits and make informed choices for healthier and more mindful eating.
Conclusion:
To sum up, shedding those extra pounds need not be confusing or costly. You can attain your weight loss objectives by making minor modifications to your lifestyle, embracing healthy eating habits, and integrating natural remedies, all from the privacy of your own home. It's important to be patient with yourself and celebrate your accomplishments as you progress. Here's to a healthier and happier version of you!
submitted by healthhygine to WeightLossAdvice [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 14:26 Weare4llmadhere Referral conundrum help

So I have ordered my first month from voy, they have a referral code where you and your friend get 50% off. Now I am nearing my second months shipping date and it still shows full price. I emailed voy and this is what they said:
“Thanks for getting in touch - we hope you are well!
Our Weight Loss treatment plans are not included by our Refer a Friend discount scheme I'm afraid. However, if you would still like to refer a friend via your account, you can do so from here:
This will allow you to receive a discount on all other products available on our website. “
MAKE IT MAKE SENSE. What is the point of referring someone then?????
submitted by Weare4llmadhere to mounjarouk [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 14:25 foyrkopp Testing a Battlemage Concept, or: How to Wizard in small parties.

Hello Redditeers,
Build Sales Pitch:
A high-AC Wizard that can pull their weight in sustained damage straight from lvl 2, without requiring specific feats, weird ability distributions, limited per-rest-resources or their concentration.
Ideal for small partys, where a Web maybe appreciated, but one team member merely hitting (or missing) with a single Firebolt every turn is a notable loss of party killing power.
Credit:
I saw the idea first on Colby's Cantrip Blaster, I merely adapted it for my tastes, tested it and want to spread awareness, because I've not seen the build on reddit yet.
Core Concept:
Evocation Wizard with a one-level dip of Death Cleric.
Reaper works with Wizard (necromancy) cantrips and turns Toll the Dead into a surprisingly potent and resource-free source of damage right at lvl 2. At lvl 7, Potent Cantrip adds reliability (and a tad more DPR), making it feel like an above-average 1st lvl damage spell that you can cast for free every turn.
(Obviosuly, enemies don't always line up perfectly, but it actually happens fairly reliably - especially in more difficult encounters with lots of enemies. Necrotic damage resistance/immunity comes up occasionally, but we're still a virtually mono-classed Wizard, we always have options.)
Besides that, Evocation is a decent Wizard subclass and Cleric is an excellent Wizard dip for the usual reasons (armor + shield proficiency, Cleric cantrips + 1st lvl spells).
Sample Build:
Custom Lineage (Resilient CON), 8/14/14/17/13/9.
Take one level of Death Cleric at first or second lvl, depending on starting lvl/gear table rules and skill/save proficiency preferences. Everything else goes into Evocation Wizard.
For ASIs, I'd argue Warcaster, then Telekinetic (useful to enable Reaper), then INT +2. In larger parties, where you can more reliably stay in the backline and avoid most hits, it's possible to skip Warcaster.
Flavour-wise, I've skipped the whole "Edgy Cleric of Death" thing and pretended that my PC is just a battlemage with a military background who became an Acolyte-Initiate of Helm somewhere along the way (without ever pursuing a higher clerical career). Reaper is just a cantrip-trick learned from the Wizard side of things.
Testing:
Testing was done on a combination of Lost Mines of Phandelver + Dragon of Icespire Peak, using Tom Scutt's DM Yourself solo ruleset on the hardest difficulty.
While I can heartily recommend the book, here's what my implementation of this boils down to, difficulty-wise:
Reaper was indeed indespensable right from lvl 2. While it's not that common for both targets to fail their save, usually at least one of them does, ensuring continuous attrition in those spots where enemies where the thickest.
Lvl 5 was a notable bump with double cantrip damage, but so were lvl 6 (being able to Fireball your own team safely is amazing in tight-spaced encounters) and lvl 7 (Toll the Dead doing half damage even on a succesfull save).
Unrelated Wizard lessons I've learned
Even if your DM is more than willing to hold an action to attack your owl familiar, casting Dragon's Breath on them can still be extremely effective (at least in tier 1) if
RAW, enemies automatically move with half speed in difficult terrain, so using caltrops there to enforce 1/4 speed doesn't work. (Insert sad Unseen Servant meme.)
Longstrider + Expeditious Retreat + Firebolt is surprisingly effective in open-field encounters. It is not so effective if the enemy has longbows.
In small partys, Summon X spells are disproportionally more useful. They also always work - no worrying about successful saves, enemy resistances/immunities or LRs.
Trying to sneak up on enemy groups is often worthwhile, even if your whole party has no proficiency and disadvantage on the check. Remember that, for group checks, half the participants succeeding (beating the best enemy passive perception) is enough - and even if that only works out in one of five encounters, that's still one in five encounters where you get to work with a full turn head start.
Conclusion
That's pretty much it. I just happened to be so positively surprised by the build's performance that I wanted to spread awareness of the combo.
submitted by foyrkopp to 3d6 [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 14:13 theakshayapatra Mid-Day Meals –A Promise for a Healthy and Happy Childhood

A healthy child is always a happy child. Nowadays, people are more aware that health not only means physical but also cognitive. The food one eats has a significant impact on both physical and mental health. So, investment in child nutrition is important to nurture a healthy future. Let’s discuss in detail about the effect of nutrition on child growth and development.
Importance of nutrition in childhood
There is a saying, “You can't build a great building on a weak foundation.” For human beings, childhood is the foundation that determines their destiny. It plays a key role in their physical and mental development. So, good food, both for body and mind, is crucial during this stage. Nutrition has a strong connection with one’s physical and mental well-being. Therefore, if children do not receive adequate nutrient-rich meals, it prevents them from enjoying a happy and healthy childhood, which ultimately affects their future.
Role of nutrition in child’s physical health
Nutrition makes children physically fit and influences them positively. Lack of adequate nutrition leads to health issues such as stunting, wasting, anaemia, poor bone health and a weakened immune system. When children receive healthy food it ensures their long-term well-being. So, giving adequate nutrition is essential for them to grow and thrive in the future.
The two types of nutrients are:
  1. Macronutrients: These are the nutrients that the body needs in large amount to function properly. The three types of macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins and fat.
  2. Micronutrients: These are the nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that the body requires in small amount. They play a significant role in multiple body functions including metabolism.
Role of nutrition in child’s mental Health
Nutrition has a direct relation with the happiness of children. If they don’t get enough nutrition, it can also cause serious damage to their mental health. Various studies have shown that nutritional deficiencies can cause severe social-emotional issues in children. For instance, they might struggle to concentrate in school, feel disconnected from their peers and face exclusion or ridicule because of their appearance or behaviour. In this state, anxiety and depression can easily take hold, clouding young minds with a sense of hopelessness and inadequacy. Thus, their potential, once bright with promise, becomes overshadowed by the weight of their circumstances.
PM POSHAN Abhiyaan – A significant step to enhance child Nutrition
Children, especially in developing countries, are more vulnerable to the issues of malnutrition. Understanding this, numerous governments have implemented various programmes to address this problem. PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Programme) is one such initiative by the Government of India to tackle this issue. Under this programme, the government ensures that children studying in government and government-aided schools receive nutritious meals every day.
The majority of children studying in government schools are from financially limited backgrounds. Due to their difficult circumstances they often discontinue their studies and choose to do informal jobs that are low-paying and insecure. Or else, they choose to sit at home doing the household chores and looking after their siblings. Mid-day meals act as an incentive for children to come to school. By providing mid-day meals every day, the government bridges the inequality gap in children receiving nutrition. It gives them the energy to concentrate on classes and yield good academic results. Thus, the promise of healthy meals every day alleviates the issues of absenteeism and poor academic performance.
Collaboration with NGOs shows an effective implementation of MDM
The successful implementation of the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme involves collaborative efforts between the government and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to ensure every child receives adequate nutrition. Among these organisations, The Akshaya Patra Foundation stands out as a prominent NGO in India, dedicated to providing mid-day meals to schools across the nation. The organisation’s journey that started in the year 2000 with 1,500 children from 5 schools in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has now reached feeding 2.2 million children in 16 states and 2 UTs. One notable aspect of their approach is the use of fortified grains in meal preparation. By incorporating these nutrient-rich ingredients, the organisation ensures that the meals meet the necessary nutritional standards, thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of the children. The kitchens are strategically positioned in 72 locations, thus aiming to serve children in every nook and corner of the country who face challenges in receiving nutritious meals.
Ensure nourishment with NGOs in India like Akshaya Patra
Ensuring every child’s access to proper nutrition is not just about filling their stomachs; it is also about nurturing their spirits and giving them a chance to pursue their dreams. Akshaya Patra’s vision is to ensure that ‘no child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger’ and thus create a world where every child feels seen, valued and loved regardless of their circumstances.
Support Akshaya Patra! Your contribution helps children to learn well and thus break the cycle of poverty.
submitted by theakshayapatra to u/theakshayapatra [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 13:41 Lifeisperfect1 How does yoga helps in one’s spiritual journey? Life is Perfect

In addition to the long list of physical benefits, yoga has emerged as a powerful vehicle for spiritual growth and enlightenment. Yoga infuses mindfulness to stimulate your spiritual outlook.
The objective of the yoga asanas is to impart the wisdom that connects you to the supreme consciousness.
The spiritual aspects of yoga enable you to achieve peace and clarity of mind within your soul and in the external world. When you dedicate your consistent efforts and commit to the ancient yogic principles, you will notice signs of spiritual fulfillment and attain a state of ultimate bliss.
Yoga holds profound significance for spiritual journeys due to its holistic approach to well-being:
  1. Integration of Mind and Body: Through yoga, individuals harmonize their physical, mental, and spiritual facets. By engaging in postures, controlled breathing, and meditation, practitioners cultivate a heightened awareness of their inner selves.
  2. Stress Alleviation: Yoga serves as a sanctuary for stress reduction and relaxation. Regular practice fosters tranquility, diminishing anxiety and fostering inner peace. This serene state fosters a fertile ground for spiritual exploration.
  3. Enhanced Awareness: Yoga fosters mindfulness, encouraging individuals to embrace the present moment with acceptance. By attuning to breath and movement, practitioners learn to observe thoughts and sensations without attachment, facilitating self-discovery and spiritual growth.
  4. Adherence to Ethical Values: The philosophical underpinnings of yoga, encapsulated in texts like the Yoga Sutras, advocate ethical living. Principles such as non-violence and truthfulness resonate with spiritual traditions, guiding practitioners toward virtuous conduct and personal evolution.
  5. Union with the Divine: Yoga, meaning "union," seeks to connect individuals with higher consciousness. While physical practices promote unity of body, mind, and breath, the ultimate goal is transcendent union with the divine. Through dedicated practice and introspection, practitioners may encounter profound spiritual insights and a deeper sense of interconnectedness.
In essence, yoga offers a transformative journey towards spiritual awakening by fostering self-awareness, stress relief, mindfulness, ethical alignment, and communion with the divine. As individuals delve deeper into their yoga practice, they may uncover profound shifts in perception and a profound connection to their inner essence.
Visit for more : Life is Perfect Rishikesh
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2024.05.07 13:23 Chemical-Fennel3577 Europe Anti-Obesity Drugs Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth 2024-2032

Obesity has become a global epidemic, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is associated with various health problems including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers, thus highlighting the critical need for effective treatment strategies. The Europe anti-obesity drugs market, valued at USD 2.5 billion in 2023, reflects the urgent demand for pharmacological interventions to manage and reduce obesity. These drugs are designed to either reduce appetite, increase metabolism, or decrease fat absorption.

Importance of Addressing Obesity

Obesity's impact on health systems and economies is profound. By effectively managing and reducing obesity rates, healthcare systems can significantly lower the incidence of associated chronic diseases, reduce the economic burden of health care, and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. Public health campaigns and policies aimed at educating and preventing obesity are vital but need to be complemented by effective medical treatments.

Focus on the European Market Segment

Europe's significant share in the global market is attributed to high awareness, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and proactive healthcare policies. European countries have implemented various initiatives such as sugar taxes and regulations on food advertising to combat obesity, which synergistically promote the growth of the anti-obesity drugs market.

Market Analysis

Current Valuation and Future Projections

With a market size of USD 2.5 billion in 2023 and a projected CAGR of 10.70% from 2024 to 2032, the European market is poised for significant growth. This projection anticipates a market size of USD 6.3 billion by 2032, driven by ongoing developments in drug therapies and an increasing patient base requiring obesity treatment.

Factors Driving Market Growth

Key drivers include the rising prevalence of obesity in European populations and increasing public health initiatives. Additionally, improvements in healthcare coverage and reimbursement scenarios for weight management solutions are crucial. The expanding middle-class population with access to healthcare services also contributes to the growth of this market.

Regulatory and Patent Landscape

Overview of Regulatory Standards

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) plays a crucial role in regulating drugs across Europe, setting high standards for safety, efficacy, and quality. These stringent requirements ensure that only effective and safe drugs reach the market, fostering trust and reliability in treatment options available to patients.

Analysis of Recent Patents

The innovation in the anti-obesity drugs market is highlighted by the volume and variety of recent patent filings. These patents cover a range of approaches, including new molecular entities, novel formulations of existing drugs, and combination therapies that offer enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects.

Impact of Regulatory Scenarios

The stringent regulatory environment in Europe can be a double-edged sword. While it ensures high standards of drug safety and efficacy, it also poses challenges and delays in drug approval processes, impacting market dynamics and competitive strategies.

Key Market Players

Introduction to Major Companies

Each major player in the market has a strategic role, with companies like Pfizer and Novo Nordisk leading in innovation and pipeline development. Companies like Bayer AG and F. Hoffmann-La Roche combine robust drug development with strategic acquisitions and partnerships to expand their market presence.

Analysis of Market Strategies

The strategies of these key players often include strong R&D investments, aggressive marketing tactics, and alliances with other pharmaceutical companies to leverage complementary strengths. Additionally, these companies are increasingly focusing on patient-centric approaches, such as developing personalized medicine solutions and improving patient access to medications through various programs.

Competitive Landscape

Comparative Analysis of Key Players

This section will provide a detailed comparison of the market strategies, product portfolios, and geographical presence of the leading companies. It will highlight how each company's unique approach helps it to secure a competitive advantage in the market.

Market Share and Positioning

Understanding the market share and strategic positioning of these companies reveals insights into their performance, influence on market trends, and their adaptive strategies in response to competitive pressures and regulatory changes.

Innovations and Technological Advancements

Innovation is pivotal in this sector. Recent advancements include the development of drugs that target multiple metabolic pathways, use of biotechnology to improve drug delivery, and integration of digital health tools to enhance treatment outcomes.

Market Trends and Challenges

Emerging Trends

Trends shaping the market include the rise of personalized medicine, which involves tailoring medical treatment to individual characteristics, behaviors, and genetic makeups. Another significant trend is the integration of digital health solutions, such as mobile apps and wearable devices, which support weight management.

Challenges

Key challenges include high research and development costs, stringent regulatory requirements, and the complexity of achieving long-term efficacy and safety in anti-obesity drugs. Market saturation and intense competition also pose substantial challenges to new and existing market players.

Potential Barriers

Barriers to drug development include the high cost of clinical trials, potential for adverse side effects, and the challenge of demonstrating significant weight loss efficacy over existing therapies.

Future Outlook

Predictions for Market Evolution

The future of the anti-obesity drug market is expected to be dynamic, with continued advancements in pharmacology and a growing emphasis on holistic treatment approaches that combine medication with lifestyle interventions.

Potential Impact of Ongoing Research and Development

Continued research and development are expected to yield innovative products that could drastically change treatment paradigms and potentially lead to a reduction in obesity prevalence.

Emerging Markets and Expansion Opportunities

The expansion into emerging markets, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia, presents significant growth opportunities due to rising healthcare spending and increasing awareness of obesity-related health issues.
Media Contact:
Company Name: Claight Corporation Contact Person: Joe Goldberg, Business Consultant Email: [sales@expertmarketresearch.com](mailto:sales@expertmarketresearch.com) Toll-Free Number: US +1-415-325-5166 UK +44-702-402-5790 Address: 30 North Gould Street, Sheridan, WY 82801, USA
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2024.05.07 13:05 Plastic_Finish1968 The Long Walk Home: chapter 8 (To Her, Little Ceasar's Crazy Bred is Just Bred.)

Ted did not leave my head. He said he "didn't want to risk getting lost," also he could see this way, using my eyes. He was used to being in a body with multiple minds, only, he was the dominant one before. He might still be come to think of it, the Irritating worm.
My walk home was more of a stumble and scrape now. My sides hurt and I'm sure I lost some weight. I needed a walking stick—or a wheelchair, hell, get me a gurney.
Ted kept me talking. I think it was just to make sure I didn't double over and die.
He asked, "So, that thing took you for a ride huh? Made you dream of things? What happened before I came and rescued you?"
That Ted, always reminding me that I almost died without him. I would have to use this opportunity to punish him.
"Oh, it was the best. I was dreaming of my ex-girlfriend. Let me describe her—"
"Actually, I take that back. I know where this is going," Ted interrupted. "I believe you. Go back to groaning or—whatever."
"Let's see, I can only describe her as the extra-most-bestest hot-and-ready pornstar-Barbie I've always wanted," I said dreamily.
"La-la-la I'm not listening," he sang.
"But, and it's a big but, to keep in the pizza theme; to her, Little Caesars' Crazy Bread is just plain ol' bread. She was crazy, which was great sometimes. I would tap that like Morse code."
"Please, I beg of you. I take back all of the bullying I've ever inflicted upon you. Just stop."
"But I'm just getting to the good part. You aren't bashful, are you?" I took a note. Ted, from planet Tedidian-Beta, had a cultural modesty like Earth. I could use that.
"No, I am not bashful. I merely wish not to hear of your conquests," he shot back.
"Well good, then I'll continue. You know that awkward interlude between when you go, and you can go again?"
"I wish to be acquainted with this God fellow you mentioned before. Kill me now so I can meet him."
"Not in a fever dream. Yeah baby. It's all day and all night in there," I tapped my head.
Bullying Ted aside, I really wasn't having that much fun. If you remember, I'm still being held together by glue, but as it turns out, nothing in this place is insignificant. Every small detail would be important to my survival, or lack thereof.
In this case, it would be in the form of those little creatures with way too much skin. When I last saw them, they were in the carved-out tunnel licking clean the protein bar wrapper. Now, I noticed a cautious following of these things. They hid from me when I shined a light towards them, but not completely, always peering around a rock or corner. They were getting braver, perhaps smelling my blood in the air.
Now that I can see them a little better, I think of a quote from one Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet.
"Give me an ounce of gold, and I'll plate the whole world."
"Give me just one of these skin aliens, and I'll upholster the whole crypt, throw pillows included," a quote from one Sean Miller, American astronaut, just now.
I aimed Ted's gun, and they all scattered. "Smart enough to know what this thing is," I thought. "Not smart enough not to follow unfortunately."
They kept coming when I turned back, keeping a respectful distance. Whenever I stopped for a break, they stopped. Whenever I sped up, they sped up. Whenever I needed to eat, they too stopped and ate, finding burrowing creatures the way I had when I was opened like a fish. They even stopped to "relieve themselves" when I found nature's call too strong to ignore.
I really shouldn't ignore them. The moment I ignore them, they will assuredly pounce like bloodthirsty rats. Though, it has been a few days. I know, "days" with quotes, but if I don't use some unit of time I am familiar with, I might go insane—or insaner. My circadian rhythm clung to any cycle it could find, like an overly attached girlfriend. It found no rhythm in; when I could eat, lighting level cycles, nor in exertion. As a result, sleep came irregularly, but I still feel the need to call the moments in between sleep "days."
It was days of following and not approaching. Days of me stumbling about when I should be horizontal in a hospital bed. Days of little to no food, and only juicy hydrating glow fungus to keep my lips wet.
They followed like a pack of ugly flat wolves, waiting for the first sign of weakness. I can't think like that. I can't imagine myself being torn apart, prey to another lesser carnivore. Not now, not after having defeated so many greater carnivores. Thoughts like that are bad—bad for me, bad for America.
I miss home. More now that I am semi-coherent. I miss sashaying my way through training of all things. I remember everything leading up to the launch like it was today. It was after the death of the greatest space craze in human history. After 14 more shallow graves were dug on Mars, where no flesh could decompose properly, leaving a final lonely body without a hole of his own to lay in.
That was very sad news to everyone of all nations. We were, for the first time in human history, united in common grief. There were efforts, but no amount of money in the world could save them. They signed up for that, as I had this. No one ever wanted to speak of space again after this, then "it" was found. A thing that punched far and above its weight class in gravitational pull. It just appeared amongst the asteroid field between Mars and Jupiter, affecting neither, and affected by neither. No one knew what it was, or how it got there. It just was.
It was barely big enough to be considered a dwarf planet, but for some reason or another, the lab coats at NASA refused to classify it as such. Pluto had suffered a similar fate, downgraded from planetary status to dwarf planet. How good it must feel to be able to revoke "dwarf planetary membership" from this thing, like what was done to her. Or maybe Pluto would have preferred to have a friend. Schadenfreude vs. loneliness, that was Pluto's dilemma.
Of course, Pluto was just a rock, uninterested in such opinions. This thing, however, was more than that. Sure, it was "rock" but why so heavy? Why just appear out of nowhere? And why do we see movement in the holes peppering its surface?
I am, like the Martian astronauts before me, like the alien explorers long dead, like Ted who was also dead, doomed to a graveless death, no marker left behind but my body.
Then why am I still walking? Why not find a nice little planet with low gravity for my back pain, and maybe some nice aliens that eat what I eat? I could learn their language, and find a nice little blue lady to settle down with. But for some reason, I don't. Even if I have to walk, I will on bloody stumps, make it home. There's that human stubbornness I mentioned earlier, or perhaps delirium.
"My word, you are mawkish," Ted said. "And yes, I know what you were thinking. You were monologuing to yourself, in your own head. Do you like the sound of your own voice? You know, you can think in any voice you want. I've heard you do it."
"Entertaining parasites never was my forte, but I'll work on it."
"Well, while you were listening to the sound of your own inner voice—boring by the way, find a new hobby—I found a pattern in the walls."
"Huh?"
"We are approaching another portal," he spelled out. "Look."
He took control of my right arm and pointed with it. Hidden within images of unknown creatures, chicken scratch I can only assume is language, and other nonsensical markings, was an image of a six-armed alien reaching out to touch the hand of a hunchbacked creature.
I stared at it for a moment, then asked. "How close are we?"
"Very," he said.
I then remembered the planet that nearly crushed me.
"How big is the planet? Can I breathe there?" I asked.
"I don't know, but you are an explorer. Go explore."
"And you're my translator. Translate."
Secretly, I think Ted was more interested in exploring than I was at the moment. I was just internally monologuing about home, but I have to admit, seeing alien worlds is what I signed up for.
I walked on, still followed by my hungry wolf pack, and came to the portal Ted predicted. It was solid like concrete. The residents of this world must have been tired of visitors, or chasing wandering children, and sealed shut this tomb. I placed a hand on the rocky surface.
"Shame. I was really hoping to see the other side," Ted said.
"Can you blame them? This portal appeared in their own backyard. They could have nations like mine. Which nation did it land on? Did that country survive when all others wanted to take this thing? Or even if they were united, this place is full of so much death and danger."
"True," was Ted's reply. "Still though. It's a shame to have to turn back."
We would turn back, but found ourselves cornered by the little rats. They formed a carpet of folds and freckles. When I pointed Ted's gun at them, all but one scattered. That one approached carefully, coming to just about mid-shin height, and laid at my feet, some worm with gills. That one left, and another came. Then another, and another, and another. By the time they were finished, there was a pile of quietly shrieking worms. Knowing my luck, those worms were probably also intelligent, but I won't turn down a free meal.
Had I just gotten here, I would have politely declined, thanked them, and offered them some of my food in return. Now that I have tasted what it takes to survive in a place like this, I knelt down in front of the pile, and ate like a starving animal. I stopped only when my wounds reminded me how inelastic my sutures were.
In stories, people feared alien diseases. Think, the aliens from "War of the Worlds." Honestly, I think that author just wrote himself into a corner. In reality, our diseases never would have evolved to infect alien hosts. The food sources they were after would not have existed in the alien landscape of a Martian's respiratory system unless they originated from Earth. It's the same reason my body struggles to digest any alien creature I come across. I'm here to tell you, If I find a dead human, I'm eating it, no second thoughts. My gut would thank me. You judge, but you haven't been brought to the point I have. The worms did help though. They took the edge off. Thank you, little wrinkly mice.
Apparently, I was to be their big scary bipedal glass-domed monster, emphasis on "their." We found ourselves in a crypt full of monsters and ghouls, and I was the friendliest of them all. Not to mention, this monster just whopped another bigger scarier one's ass, Though, at great cost and bodily harm.
Placing my hand back to the wall, the concrete felt warm. I forgot how cold I was. It turns out, it's cold out here with no sun. One of the few sources of warmth were these portals that happened to exist on a planet's surface.
The largest of the naked rats crawled on a five-limbed chassis towards me, stared up, then to the wall. I'm going to call him Jim-Bob from here on out. His uneven number of limbs each tapped the ground rhythmically, with no real discernible pattern other than the rhythm and semi-constant speed.
"I think he's talking," Ted spoke.
"Can you tell what he's saying?"
"Their speech travels through the ground and I can't feel what they feel because your feet aren't sensitive enough, so no. I can't translate, but I can tell you they are attempting to drill through the concrete."
Sure enough, I looked over, and that's exactly what they were doing. Powerful teeth and grasping claws were hard at work. These creatures had a profound understanding of leverage, and used it well. It wouldn't be long before they made it through, no matter how thick the concrete was.
"That's a bad idea," I suggested.
"Why?" Ted asked.
"They plugged this hole for a reason. What if they were constantly being invaded by aliens and monsters? What if they shoot me on sight? It's best we leave them alone."
Ted was profoundly disappointed, but admitted, "and they could have guards stationed just outside. Then how do you suggest we stop them?"
"Walk away?" I suggested.
I did. The hard workers stopped, looked to me, then scurried to the front of me, leading the way.
It worked. It seemed the rats were desperate to appease me. They were like used car salesmen offering me snacks and water to convince me to buy their most expensive model. Kinda slimy if you think of it, or cute if you squint.
As all things inevitably end up down here, we ran into yet another monster... "yippee," I say in my most nauseated voice.
A lazy xenobiologist would call this thing reptilian, just because it came with scales and feathers, and a forked tongue. Nothing you find off Earth could ever be reptilian, of course, because reptiles never left Earth. Or, as far as I'm aware. The verdict is still out on the dinosaurs.
I take that back. Maybe this is a dinosaur, after 65 million more years of evolution. In that case, I take back what I said about lazy xenobiologists. My inner child hopes against reason to see a dinosaur so much that I'll even tack that title onto something that couldn't possibly be one.
I drew Ted's gun and aimed it. It backed away. Okay then, Maybe we have an understanding.
Its head tilted towards the gun. There was a strong sense of recognition and fear in those eyes.
"Ted? Tell me you didn't shoot one of these when you were alive."
"I assuredly did not," he responded.
"Then why is it looking at your gun like this?"
submitted by Plastic_Finish1968 to humansarespaceorcs [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 13:04 Plastic_Finish1968 The Long Walk Home: chapter 8 (To Her, Little Ceasar's Crazy Bred is Just Bred.)

Ted did not leave my head. He said he "didn't want to risk getting lost," also he could see this way, using my eyes. He was used to being in a body with multiple minds, only, he was the dominant one before. He might still be come to think of it, the Irritating worm.
My walk home was more of a stumble and scrape now. My sides hurt and I'm sure I lost some weight. I needed a walking stick—or a wheelchair, hell, get me a gurney.
Ted kept me talking. I think it was just to make sure I didn't double over and die.
He asked, "So, that thing took you for a ride huh? Made you dream of things? What happened before I came and rescued you?"
That Ted, always reminding me that I almost died without him. I would have to use this opportunity to punish him.
"Oh, it was the best. I was dreaming of my ex-girlfriend. Let me describe her—"
"Actually, I take that back. I know where this is going," Ted interrupted. "I believe you. Go back to groaning or—whatever."
"Let's see, I can only describe her as the extra-most-bestest hot-and-ready pornstar-Barbie I've always wanted," I said dreamily.
"La-la-la I'm not listening," he sang.
"But, and it's a big but, to keep in the pizza theme; to her, Little Caesars' Crazy Bread is just plain ol' bread. She was crazy, which was great sometimes. I would tap that like Morse code."
"Please, I beg of you. I take back all of the bullying I've ever inflicted upon you. Just stop."
"But I'm just getting to the good part. You aren't bashful, are you?" I took a note. Ted, from planet Tedidian-Beta, had a cultural modesty like Earth. I could use that.
"No, I am not bashful. I merely wish not to hear of your conquests," he shot back.
"Well good, then I'll continue. You know that awkward interlude between when you go, and you can go again?"
"I wish to be acquainted with this God fellow you mentioned before. Kill me now so I can meet him."
"Not in a fever dream. Yeah baby. It's all day and all night in there," I tapped my head.
Bullying Ted aside, I really wasn't having that much fun. If you remember, I'm still being held together by glue, but as it turns out, nothing in this place is insignificant. Every small detail would be important to my survival, or lack thereof.
In this case, it would be in the form of those little creatures with way too much skin. When I last saw them, they were in the carved-out tunnel licking clean the protein bar wrapper. Now, I noticed a cautious following of these things. They hid from me when I shined a light towards them, but not completely, always peering around a rock or corner. They were getting braver, perhaps smelling my blood in the air.
Now that I can see them a little better, I think of a quote from one Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet.
"Give me an ounce of gold, and I'll plate the whole world."
"Give me just one of these skin aliens, and I'll upholster the whole crypt, throw pillows included," a quote from one Sean Miller, American astronaut, just now.
I aimed Ted's gun, and they all scattered. "Smart enough to know what this thing is," I thought. "Not smart enough not to follow unfortunately."
They kept coming when I turned back, keeping a respectful distance. Whenever I stopped for a break, they stopped. Whenever I sped up, they sped up. Whenever I needed to eat, they too stopped and ate, finding burrowing creatures the way I had when I was opened like a fish. They even stopped to "relieve themselves" when I found nature's call too strong to ignore.
I really shouldn't ignore them. The moment I ignore them, they will assuredly pounce like bloodthirsty rats. Though, it has been a few days. I know, "days" with quotes, but if I don't use some unit of time I am familiar with, I might go insane—or insaner. My circadian rhythm clung to any cycle it could find, like an overly attached girlfriend. It found no rhythm in; when I could eat, lighting level cycles, nor in exertion. As a result, sleep came irregularly, but I still feel the need to call the moments in between sleep "days."
It was days of following and not approaching. Days of me stumbling about when I should be horizontal in a hospital bed. Days of little to no food, and only juicy hydrating glow fungus to keep my lips wet.
They followed like a pack of ugly flat wolves, waiting for the first sign of weakness. I can't think like that. I can't imagine myself being torn apart, prey to another lesser carnivore. Not now, not after having defeated so many greater carnivores. Thoughts like that are bad—bad for me, bad for America.
I miss home. More now that I am semi-coherent. I miss sashaying my way through training of all things. I remember everything leading up to the launch like it was today. It was after the death of the greatest space craze in human history. After 14 more shallow graves were dug on Mars, where no flesh could decompose properly, leaving a final lonely body without a hole of his own to lay in.
That was very sad news to everyone of all nations. We were, for the first time in human history, united in common grief. There were efforts, but no amount of money in the world could save them. They signed up for that, as I had this. No one ever wanted to speak of space again after this, then "it" was found. A thing that punched far and above its weight class in gravitational pull. It just appeared amongst the asteroid field between Mars and Jupiter, affecting neither, and affected by neither. No one knew what it was, or how it got there. It just was.
It was barely big enough to be considered a dwarf planet, but for some reason or another, the lab coats at NASA refused to classify it as such. Pluto had suffered a similar fate, downgraded from planetary status to dwarf planet. How good it must feel to be able to revoke "dwarf planetary membership" from this thing, like what was done to her. Or maybe Pluto would have preferred to have a friend. Schadenfreude vs. loneliness, that was Pluto's dilemma.
Of course, Pluto was just a rock, uninterested in such opinions. This thing, however, was more than that. Sure, it was "rock" but why so heavy? Why just appear out of nowhere? And why do we see movement in the holes peppering its surface?
I am, like the Martian astronauts before me, like the alien explorers long dead, like Ted who was also dead, doomed to a graveless death, no marker left behind but my body.
Then why am I still walking? Why not find a nice little planet with low gravity for my back pain, and maybe some nice aliens that eat what I eat? I could learn their language, and find a nice little blue lady to settle down with. But for some reason, I don't. Even if I have to walk, I will on bloody stumps, make it home. There's that human stubbornness I mentioned earlier, or perhaps delirium.
"My word, you are mawkish," Ted said. "And yes, I know what you were thinking. You were monologuing to yourself, in your own head. Do you like the sound of your own voice? You know, you can think in any voice you want. I've heard you do it."
"Entertaining parasites never was my forte, but I'll work on it."
"Well, while you were listening to the sound of your own inner voice—boring by the way, find a new hobby—I found a pattern in the walls."
"Huh?"
"We are approaching another portal," he spelled out. "Look."
He took control of my right arm and pointed with it. Hidden within images of unknown creatures, chicken scratch I can only assume is language, and other nonsensical markings, was an image of a six-armed alien reaching out to touch the hand of a hunchbacked creature.
I stared at it for a moment, then asked. "How close are we?"
"Very," he said.
I then remembered the planet that nearly crushed me.
"How big is the planet? Can I breathe there?" I asked.
"I don't know, but you are an explorer. Go explore."
"And you're my translator. Translate."
Secretly, I think Ted was more interested in exploring than I was at the moment. I was just internally monologuing about home, but I have to admit, seeing alien worlds is what I signed up for.
I walked on, still followed by my hungry wolf pack, and came to the portal Ted predicted. It was solid like concrete. The residents of this world must have been tired of visitors, or chasing wandering children, and sealed shut this tomb. I placed a hand on the rocky surface.
"Shame. I was really hoping to see the other side," Ted said.
"Can you blame them? This portal appeared in their own backyard. They could have nations like mine. Which nation did it land on? Did that country survive when all others wanted to take this thing? Or even if they were united, this place is full of so much death and danger."
"True," was Ted's reply. "Still though. It's a shame to have to turn back."
We would turn back, but found ourselves cornered by the little rats. They formed a carpet of folds and freckles. When I pointed Ted's gun at them, all but one scattered. That one approached carefully, coming to just about mid-shin height, and laid at my feet, some worm with gills. That one left, and another came. Then another, and another, and another. By the time they were finished, there was a pile of quietly shrieking worms. Knowing my luck, those worms were probably also intelligent, but I won't turn down a free meal.
Had I just gotten here, I would have politely declined, thanked them, and offered them some of my food in return. Now that I have tasted what it takes to survive in a place like this, I knelt down in front of the pile, and ate like a starving animal. I stopped only when my wounds reminded me how inelastic my sutures were.
In stories, people feared alien diseases. Think, the aliens from "War of the Worlds." Honestly, I think that author just wrote himself into a corner. In reality, our diseases never would have evolved to infect alien hosts. The food sources they were after would not have existed in the alien landscape of a Martian's respiratory system unless they originated from Earth. It's the same reason my body struggles to digest any alien creature I come across. I'm here to tell you, If I find a dead human, I'm eating it, no second thoughts. My gut would thank me. You judge, but you haven't been brought to the point I have. The worms did help though. They took the edge off. Thank you, little wrinkly mice.
Apparently, I was to be their big scary bipedal glass-domed monster, emphasis on "their." We found ourselves in a crypt full of monsters and ghouls, and I was the friendliest of them all. Not to mention, this monster just whopped another bigger scarier one's ass, Though, at great cost and bodily harm.
Placing my hand back to the wall, the concrete felt warm. I forgot how cold I was. It turns out, it's cold out here with no sun. One of the few sources of warmth were these portals that happened to exist on a planet's surface.
The largest of the naked rats crawled on a five-limbed chassis towards me, stared up, then to the wall. I'm going to call him Jim-Bob from here on out. His uneven number of limbs each tapped the ground rhythmically, with no real discernible pattern other than the rhythm and semi-constant speed.
"I think he's talking," Ted spoke.
"Can you tell what he's saying?"
"Their speech travels through the ground and I can't feel what they feel because your feet aren't sensitive enough, so no. I can't translate, but I can tell you they are attempting to drill through the concrete."
Sure enough, I looked over, and that's exactly what they were doing. Powerful teeth and grasping claws were hard at work. These creatures had a profound understanding of leverage, and used it well. It wouldn't be long before they made it through, no matter how thick the concrete was.
"That's a bad idea," I suggested.
"Why?" Ted asked.
"They plugged this hole for a reason. What if they were constantly being invaded by aliens and monsters? What if they shoot me on sight? It's best we leave them alone."
Ted was profoundly disappointed, but admitted, "and they could have guards stationed just outside. Then how do you suggest we stop them?"
"Walk away?" I suggested.
I did. The hard workers stopped, looked to me, then scurried to the front of me, leading the way.
It worked. It seemed the rats were desperate to appease me. They were like used car salesmen offering me snacks and water to convince me to buy their most expensive model. Kinda slimy if you think of it, or cute if you squint.
As all things inevitably end up down here, we ran into yet another monster... "yippee," I say in my most nauseated voice.
A lazy xenobiologist would call this thing reptilian, just because it came with scales and feathers, and a forked tongue. Nothing you find off Earth could ever be reptilian, of course, because reptiles never left Earth. Or, as far as I'm aware. The verdict is still out on the dinosaurs.
I take that back. Maybe this is a dinosaur, after 65 million more years of evolution. In that case, I take back what I said about lazy xenobiologists. My inner child hopes against reason to see a dinosaur so much that I'll even tack that title onto something that couldn't possibly be one.
I drew Ted's gun and aimed it. It backed away. Okay then, Maybe we have an understanding.
Its head tilted towards the gun. There was a strong sense of recognition and fear in those eyes.
"Ted? Tell me you didn't shoot one of these when you were alive."
"I assuredly did not," he responded.
"Then why is it looking at your gun like this?"
submitted by Plastic_Finish1968 to HFY [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 12:57 Inner_Cup8955 Any reviews or experiences with the Java Burn?

I wanted to share my experience with Java Burn, a product that I've been using for a while now. I was initially skeptical about trying another supplement, but I decided to give it a shot after hearing some good things from a friend.
I've been mixing Java Burn with my morning coffee for the past few months, and I must say, it's been a game changer. Not only has it seamlessly integrated into my morning routine, but I've also noticed a significant boost in my energy levels throughout the day. It's like my coffee on steroids!
One of the things I appreciate the most about Java Burn is that it's tasteless. I love my coffee, and I didn't want anything to mess with its flavor. Java Burn mixes in perfectly without altering the taste of my favorite brew.
Another positive change I've observed is in my metabolism. It feels like it's been enhanced, and maintaining my current weight has become more effortless. I haven't experienced any jittery feelings, which I was initially worried about.
The Not-So-Good:
However, it's not all perfect. I've seen some reviews online where people didn’t notice any benefits, and I think it’s important to mention that results can vary significantly. In the first few weeks, I was skeptical because I didn't see immediate results. It took about a month before I started noticing the changes, so it might require some patience.
Also, for those who are caffeine sensitive, adding Java Burn to your coffee might increase your caffeine intake more than usual, so that’s something to be aware of. I recommend starting with a smaller amount to see how your body reacts.
Overall:
My experience with Java Burn has been largely positive. While I know that some users haven't seen the results they were hoping for, I believe it's worth trying out for yourself. Just keep your expectations realistic and give it some time to work. If you're looking for a non-invasive boost to your morning routine, Java Burn might be what you need.
What are your thoughts? Btw i bought this weight management formula from Direct official vendor site here...Check this out! they have insane discount offer.
Happy brewing!
submitted by Inner_Cup8955 to Thedailyenter [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 12:39 North_Scientist6113 XenelSoft Technologies Guide Best ORM Agency In USA

XenelSoft Technologies Guide Best ORM Agency In USA
Introduction
In the modern era of technology, your online reputation holds immense significance. A solitary unfavourable review or deceptive article can cause severe harm to your business, resulting in customer loss and tarnishing your brand's image. This is precisely why Online Reputation Management (ORM) agencies play a crucial role.
https://preview.redd.it/9z510x2igzyc1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=020f991cade21773aa0bd914ceb7912a58eb12ca
What is an ORM Agency?
An Best ORM agency is a dedicated company that assists enterprises in effectively managing their online presence and establishing a favourable reputation. They employ a range of strategies to achieve this, including:
  • Monitoring online reviews and mentions: ORM agencies keep a close eye on what people are saying about your business online, across platforms like review sites, social media, and news outlets.
  • Responding to negative reviews: When negative feedback arises, ORM agencies know how to respond professionally and address customer concerns in a way that can turn a negative experience into a positive one.
  • Building positive brand sentiment: ORM agencies create and implement strategies to generate positive online content about your business. This could involve encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews, issuing press releases, or managing social media campaigns.
  • Search Engine Reputation Management (SERM): ORM agencies use strategies to influence search engine results, pushing down negative content and promoting positive content about your business.
Why Do You Need an ORM Agency?
Managing your online reputation independently is indeed feasible; however, it can prove to be a laborious and intricate undertaking. Here's why partnering with an ORM agency can be beneficial:
  • Expertise and experience: ORM agencies have the knowledge and experience to develop effective strategies tailored to your specific needs.
  • Access to advanced tools: Many ORM agencies use specialized software to monitor online mentions, track sentiment, and analyze data.
  • Crisis management: If your business experiences a public relations crisis, an ORM agency can help you navigate the situation and minimize the damage.
  • Time-saving: Hiring an ORM agency frees up your time and resources to focus on running your core business.
Read More Information about best ORM agency in usa
Finding the Best ORM Agency for You
With so many ORM agencies out there, choosing the right one for your business can feel overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider:
  • Experience and expertise: Look for an agency with a proven track record in ORM and experience in your specific industry.
  • Services offered: Make sure the agency offers the specific services you need, such as review management, social media monitoring, or SERM.
  • Transparency and communication: Choose an agency that is transparent about its strategies and keeps you informed of its progress.
  • Pricing: Get quotes from several agencies and compare pricing structures before making a decision.
  • Client testimonials: Read case studies and testimonials from past clients to get a sense of the agency's approach and success rate.
Benefits of Working with a Reputable ORM Agency
By partnering with a reputable ORM agency, you can enjoy a range of benefits that will ultimately lead to a stronger online presence and improved business performance. These benefits include:
  • Increased brand trust: A positive online reputation builds trust with potential and existing customers, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.
  • Improved search engine ranking: Positive online content can improve your search engine ranking, making it easier for potential customers to find your business.
  • Reduced negative impact: With an ORM strategy in place, you can minimize the damage caused by negative online content.
  • Enhanced brand awareness: Effective ORM can help you generate positive online buzz and increase brand awareness.
Conclusion
In the current digital environment, having a solid online reputation is crucial for the success of any business. Collaborating with a reputable ORM agency such as XenelSoft Technologies can assist you in reaching this objective through the creation and execution of effective strategies that safeguard your brand and establish credibility with your target market. XenelSoft Technologies provides a wide range of ORM services tailored to meet your individual requirements and support you in attaining a favourable online reputation.
submitted by North_Scientist6113 to u/North_Scientist6113 [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 12:12 healthmedicinet Health Daily News May 6 2024

DAY: May 6 2024

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


2024.05.07 12:03 jalal82 Zonisamide Reviews for 2024: Does It Work?

Found is a weight loss program that I just signed up for. To help me lose weight, they are going to start me on Zonisamide, a drug that is usually used to treat seizures. The doctor told me about some side effects, like being tired or having a funny taste in my mouth. If you know of anyone who has used Zonisamide to lose weight, please let me know. I haven't started taking it yet. I've looked on Google and YouTube but haven't found much. Does anyone here know anything about Zonisamide that they'd be willing to share?
submitted by jalal82 to weightlossdiets [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 11:43 Fit_Equal_5313 Discover the Power of Yoga for Healthy Weight Gain

Are you tired of the same old weight gain advice that just doesn’t seem to work? If you're looking to add some healthy pounds in a way that also enhances your overall well-being, yoga might just be the game-changer you need. Unlike traditional methods that focus only on diet and intense workouts, yoga offers a holistic approach to gaining weight by strengthening the body, improving digestion, and reducing stress.

Why Choose Yoga for Weight Gain?

Many people associate yoga with weight loss, but it’s also an excellent tool for gaining weight in a healthy manner. Yoga poses, or asanas, can help you build muscle mass and improve your digestive system's efficiency in absorbing nutrients, crucial for healthy weight gain. Moreover, the calming effect of yoga helps in reducing stress, which can be a significant barrier to achieving your weight gain goals.

Effective Yoga Poses for Weight Gain

Here are some specific yoga poses that are particularly effective for those looking to gain weight:
  1. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): This pose strengthens your legs, arms, and back, increasing stamina and promoting muscle building.
  2. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana): It not only improves your balance but also strengthens your thighs and core, essential for a healthy physique.
  3. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Enhances the flexibility of the spine and strengthens the shoulders and chest, aiding in improved digestion and respiratory functions.
These poses are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of yoga for weight gain.

Integrate Yoga into Your Daily Routine

Incorporating yoga into your daily life can be easier than you think. Start with simple poses and gradually add more as your body becomes accustomed to the stretches and movements. Consistency is key—setting aside a regular time each day for your yoga practice can help establish a routine that leads to lasting results.

Why Yoga Could Be Your Best Choice

Yoga offers more than just physical benefits; it also provides mental health improvements, such as enhanced focus and reduced anxiety. This combination of physical and mental exercise makes yoga uniquely effective in helping you achieve not only your weight gain goals but also a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Learn More About Yoga for Weight Gain

Are you intrigued by how yoga can help you gain weight healthily and sustainably? Visit our comprehensive guide at Yuvaap.com for detailed insights into yoga poses that aid in weight gain, tips on integrating yoga into your routine, and real-life success stories from those who have transformed their bodies and minds through yoga.
Don't let common weight gain challenges hold you back. Explore the holistic benefits of yoga and start your journey towards a healthier, stronger you today. Click here to dive deeper into the world of yoga for weight gain and discover how you can start seeing real results. Learn more about yoga for weight gain on Yuvaap.com.
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2024.05.07 11:32 SportsGAGA Score Big with Hockey: How the Sports Improves Fitness, Health, and Community

Score Big with Hockey: How the Sports Improves Fitness, Health, and Community

https://preview.redd.it/ycs3v7fj4zyc1.jpg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a4695efd5ec97f25d47465e8e418425effbfdee
Hockey, enjoyed by millions worldwide, blends physical activity, teamwork, and competition in a unique way. Beyond the thrill of the game, hockey packs numerous fitness and health benefits. Let's delve into how hockey positively impacts overall well-being.
Boosts Cardiovascular Health
Hockey's high intensity keeps players' heart rates up, improving cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and enhancing blood flow. Regular participation in hockey correlates with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
Strengthens and Endures
The sport's demanding nature cultivates strength, endurance, and agility. Its fast pace fosters muscle development, hand-eye coordination, balance, and reaction time.
Aids Weight Loss and Body Composition
Hockey's mix of aerobic and anaerobic exercise aids in shedding pounds and promoting lean muscle mass. Consistent play can boost metabolism and regulate appetite, aiding weight management.
Elevates Mental Well-Being
Beyond physical benefits, hockey nurtures mental health. Its social aspect fosters camaraderie and communication, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The satisfaction from play boosts self-esteem and mood.
Fosters Community
Hockey is a social glue, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Team play offers friendship and support, particularly beneficial for newcomers or those seeking social connections.
In Conclusion
Hockey is a holistic health enhancer, from cardiovascular fitness to mental well-being. Whether a seasoned player or novice, integrating hockey into your routine promises a fulfilling path to better health. If you are interested in these type of articles so,
visit here👉Sportsgaga
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2024.05.07 11:28 Kapten_YeetMstr But I have my own soul magic: Chpt 1

<< First < Back
My ears perked up at the shifting of branches outside of my view. A low growl echoed through the dense foliage that surrounded me. Who was there? What was there?
I had been wandering this forest for what felt like days, but in reality, was only a handful of hours. I was searching for anything, anywhere that could help me on my new journey. Minutes earlier, a hunger and thirst had gnawed at my insides, reminding me I no longer had the soul power to simply ignore hunger and thirst. I had chuckled to myself, recalling the moments my soul shattered and a singular piece ejected into this dimension, continuing my existence, but at a cost of most of my soul.
I instinctually willed power into my hand, shaping it into a sword, before sighing when was warned of using too much before I had finished the hilt.
SP: 14
Soul stage: Shattered
Soul power gain multi: 0.01X
I couldn’t risk losing the final shreds of soul power I had left. With a grimace, I stopped making the sword, willing the power back into my soul, and taking quick glances at my surroundings. Even without my supernatural abilities, I was still a talented fighter.
Is what I would have said if the creature charging at me wasn’t a wolf or boar shaped thing twice my height.
Diving for cover and out of the path of the creature, I booked it. Screw hunting, there was no way in hell I was taking down this freak of nature. Sprinting through the trees, I failed to account for the fact that the gigantic wolf-boar was, in fact, faster than me.
Battle instincts hadn’t disappeared with the rest of my soul, however, as I flattened myself again when the wolf was upon me. I was about to scramble to my feet again when I heard something yell behind me.
The language was unrecognisable, but I stayed down when I saw a flash of light from where the voice originated. A searing hot ball of flame flew over my head, nailing the wolf in the face, stunning it briefly. I looked up to see a man, hands coated in a bright purple light, chanting something. He pushed them forwards, bombarding the creature with a flurry of purple bolts.
The animal screams in agony before crumpling, and the man lands, breathing heavily. He turns to me, grinning and spoke in a language I could not interpret. Right. Isekai worlds, different languages. Duh.
Upon noticing my blank face, he stared expectantly.
I instinctively reached towards a universal translator skill I once had, before realising in that space was just… emptiness. I let out a sigh. Power loss was a steep price to pay for survival.
“Um… do you speak English?” I stuttered out.
The man returned my blank stare.
“Well, I guess that’s a no.” I picked myself off the ground and dusted myself off, checking for any cuts and major damage. A couple of bruises, throbbed, a painful reminder of my loss of healing abilities. When I turned my attention back to the man, he had begun a string of gestures.
First, he pointed to me, then made a mouth opening and mimed putting something in. I supposed it had been an offer of food. Odd, but I nodded in response. I suppose I shouldn’t question the culture of the world, and this man was offering me a free meal, which I wasn’t in the mood to turn down.
He turned, gesturing me to follow, which I did. He lead me back to a small cabin, deeper into the woods and lead me inside. It was quaint, like what someone would expect an abode in the middle of the forest to look like. A brick fireplace, a small bed, a bookshelf, it emanated the sense of rustic comfort.
He picked a book from the bookshelves, flipping it open to an empty page and leaving it on the table with what looked like a writing utensil. Then, he made more gestures. He pointed to me and wrote onto the book. A crude representation of a person, an arrow, and a chair.
Was he asking me to attack a chair with an arrow…?
Wait he wasn’t done. He added an extra symbol that showed the person sitting onto the chair. I mentally facepalmed. So much for universal imagery. I took a seat and pondered the exchange. Even though it seemed like images and their representations were universal, it became very apparent that even the simplest gestures could be interpreted incorrectly.
He put the book and the utensil down and went to the small kitchen area, which held a steaming pot. An aroma of a freshly made stew lingered in the air. Stereotypical, but beggars can’t be choosers.
While waiting for the man to finish making the food, I turned my attention to the fragmented state of my soul.
SP: 15
Soul stage: Shattered
Soul power gain multi: 0.01X
In the 10 minutes we had spent walking, my soul had accumulated a whole extra point of soul power. I groaned at the painfully slow speed and mulled over my options. Previously, I had upgraded my generation speed with my soul power. Spending soul power to make more soul power, I had likened it to an idle game. Alternatively, entering higher soul stages would provide a boost in soul power and reduce skill costs.
I tried upgrading my soul generation capacity first. I focused my meagre power inwards to expanding my soul, coaxing it to grow. It was… way easier than normal, which made sense I suppose, due to the small state of my soul. Soul power condensed and coagulated around my soul, making it bigger, stronger, giving it more capacity and power. Sure enough, when I checked my status…
Soul power gain multi: 0.02X
Doubled. Not bad, but still pitifully weak. I tried the next strategy. Soul stages were entered and exited based on user willpower, which I fortunately had a lot of training with. Even if my soul was lost, my mind wasn’t. I called upon the will that would have easily allowed me to enter soul stage 1 and…
Warning, soul cannot handle excess soul power.
A sharp pain pulled me out of entering the soul stage. I had apparently reached the willpower requirement, but my shattered soul couldn’t handle the influx of energy. I sighed, stuck as a shattered soul until I could find some way to repair it.
Fortunately, my downed spirit was cheered by the presence of the fresh soup placed in front of me. I gave the man a smile, which he returned before digging in. Despite the mouth watering aroma, a sliver of doubt remained. What if the food was unsanitary, or potentially poisonous? But the battle for hunger eventually won over, and I scooped spoonfuls of the ambrosia into my mouth.
After our meal, the man pulled the book to him, in which he drew a house and a question mark next to it. I took a gamble and guessed he was inquiring about my home. For all intents and purposes, I was homeless, which I illustrated by drawing a stick figure walking away from a home with a cross through it.
The man had a look of understanding, before getting up and rummaging through his cupboards, eventually withdrawing a roll of some sort of soft fabrics. He handed them to me, started drawing again. Drawing a sun half obscured by a line, most likely a horizon, followed by a house with an arrow pointing towards it. He emphasised his point by pointing towards me and pointing down towards his feet. He wanted me to… stay?
I hesitated. I had far overstayed my welcome, but then where else would I stay? This kind stranger offered a roof over my head when I had none, so I wouldn’t turn down his generosity. I nodded and looked for a place to lay down the linen… mattress… thing.
***
Stretching and yawning, I winced as the remnants of back pain and exhaustion faded. Blinking away the haze of sleep, I gathered myself. Memories of yesterday flooded in, and I sighed. Still stuck in this Isekai world, great. Checking my interface, I noticed I had accumulated a bit of SP to work with.
SP: 158
Soul stage: Shattered
Soul power gain: 0.02X
First things first, I would try repair my soul as much as possible. Focusing inwards once more and directing energy towards my soul, I felt it expand much more readily than yesterday. Newly formed solid structures held much of the power together as it coagulated into one. I exhaled and checked my status again.
SP: 58
Soul stage: Foundation
Soul power gain: 0.2X
Empty talent slots: 1
I smiled, noticing my soul stage had transcended from “shattered”. It still wasn’t in the realm of what I was used to, so it was probably still abysmally weak, but a 10 times increase in soul power was very welcome. Though one unfamiliar feature caught my attention. Talent slots? What the hell were those?
The user expresses a strong desire to understand. Filling talent slot
The question vanished as soon it was arose, but a new addition took its place.
SP: 58
Soul stage: Foundation
Soul power gain: 0.2X
Talents:
Worldly information matrix
A subconscious echo popped into my mind as I read.
Talents were permanent emplacements within one’s soul that greatly boosts one specific aspect about the person. Whether it be mana regeneration, or a group of or even just one spell, it will strengthen that aspect significantly. Talent slots are unlocked upon the growth of one’s soul.
How the hell did I know that?
Before I could ponder any longer, shuffling was heard next to me, and the man sat up and stretched.
“Mmm, what’s the time…?” He muttered. His voice was deep, gruff, yet friendly and had an edge of kindness to it.
I looked around for some sort of time implement, and upon finding one, responded, “I don’t know how to read your clocks.” However, the words left my mouth in a language I never knew I could speak. We locked eyes in disbelief, and both made an exclamation of surprise.
“What the… I thought you couldn’t speak our tongue!”
“I didn’t know I could understand your language!” I fumbled over the unfamiliar words in my mouth. But whatever changed, it allowed me to speak this new dialect.
Gathering ourselves after the recent discovery, he sat me at the table as he poured me some form of hot beverage.
“So you can understand me now. Excellent! Now, who are you truly?”
“I am…” I hesitated. I searched my past, urging it to provide me my true identity. I sighed, knowing that my true name was lost to time. Instead I provided the name bestowed upon me by those I protected, by the world I had left behind. “I am Custos. The guardian of Earth.”
“I see. A pleasure to meet you Custos, I am Orion.” He chuckles, “I am no guardian unfortunately, just a humble hermit alone in these woods. It’s not common I get visitors. I have never heard of this ‘Earth’. Would you please enlighten me”
I hesitated once more. These people did not seem to know about interstellar travel, let alone interdimensional. “It’s a land from far, far away.”
He nodded, and sipped from his cup, urging me to do the same. “That explains why you didn’t know our tongue. Speaking of, how did you manage to learn our tongue so quickly? No translation spells around here, I assure you.”
“Apparently I used a talent slot to unlock a-“
The sound of a cup clattering onto the table cut me off. “You used a talent slot for it?! Why?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Are they that valuable?”
The man gave me an exasperated look. “Valuable? They’re priceless! Enhance magic, grant infinite strength, and you chose being bilingual.”
“Ah I see. Is this permanent?”
The man shook his head. “Every human has 5 talent slots. Permanent, unchangeable, and once a talent has been assigned there is no way of removing it.”
I pondered his statement. It seemed to conflict with the information my own talent provided me, but I shook it off, disregarding it for another time.
“Unfortunate,” I said, taking a sip from my own cup. It tasted like a mocha, but less strong. “You mentioned you know spells? Are you some sort of wizard?”
He chuckled, “Not really, the mages are really up there in terms of skill. I’m just someone who wanted a bit of peace and quiet and learned a bit of magic along the way. This book has been my magical bible.” He stood and fetched another book from his bookshelf, opening it in front of me.
The words shuffled and morphed into a language I could understand, courtesy of my talent, as I read through it. It contained a comprehensive list of spells, alongside Orion’s notes and diagrams, scrawled over the pages.
“Interesting.” I murmured, a spark of curiosity igniting within me. “Well, best I take my leave. I’ve far overstayed my welcome.”
“Friend, no need to worry about that. You may stay as long as you like. Especially if you haven’t a place of your own.”
This man kindness bordered on naivety, but at least I didn’t have to worry about dying for now.
submitted by Kapten_YeetMstr to HFY [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 11:24 hotelivate HICSA 2024: Unveiling Solutions - Owner Insights & Hotelivate Perspectives

At the recently concluded HICSA 2024 in Bengaluru, the spotlight was on the owners. In an interactive session “Solving for Owner Challenges” a group of over 120 owners shared their insights on the present state of the hospitality industry in India and their desired areas of improvement.
Below are some of the key points overheard at the Owners Only Workshop and Hotelivate’s Take on each of the key points. The points below are random in order and should be read as such.
In an interactive session “Solving for Owner Challenges” a group of over 120 owners shared their insights on the present state of the hospitality industry in India and their desired areas of improvement including Brand Standards, F&B Profitability, Incentive Fees, Opacity in Operators’ Fees, Performance Tests, Brand Technical Services, Need for a Hotel Owners Association and the Talent Crunch.
Brand Standards
The Owners’ Opinion: Brand standards are a contentious issue between owners and operators, marked by a lack of flexibility. Owners find the rigidity troubling, considering the significant capital expenditure involved to meet the brand standards. Many international brand standards don’t align practically with the Indian market context, failing to reflect the local milieu. There’s a need for adaptability in brand standards to suit specific markets. On a contrasting note, despite this rigidity, brand standards are often conveniently bent or altered when it benefits the operator. This inconsistency highlights a misalignment of interests between the two parties. Practical discussions and greater adaptability in brand standards are necessary to resolve this issue.
Hotelivate’s Take: Most brands do need to give this critical issue a serious thought. Either brand standards are sacrosanct, or they are adaptable and flexible. The brands cannot have the best of both worlds, as and when it suits their interests. The present environment does leave a bad taste in the mouths of owners when they witness this opportunistic attitude of many-a-brand. In our opinion, the so-called PIP is badly handled, and some level of practicality needs to be brought in.
Over the past few years and going forward, there will be a lot of conversion opportunities and if brands need to grow, they will need to show greater flexibility. To give credit, IHCL as an Indian brand and Radisson as an international brand have shown this flexibility by creating newer sub-brands and have adopted this approach successfully to be able to convert hotels fast and give that benefit to the owner.

F&B Profitability

The Owners’ Opinion: There’s a noticeable lack of focus on the profitability of F&B operations within hotels. If F&B outlets were viewed as standalone profit centres, with a portion of overhead costs allocated accordingly, many existing outlets would fail to demonstrate profits. Despite brands advocating for multiple outlets within properties, there is limited attention given to ensuring their profitability and crafting unique dining experiences. Instead, these outlets often function as cost centres, diminishing the overall profitability of hotels.
Several solutions are available for brands to address this issue including:
Additionally, it is imperative for restaurant managers and general managers to treat outlets independent P&Ls from the hotel itself. These outlets should be branded and marketed distinctly, with their own identities in the market, to drive profitability.
Hotelivate’s Take: The suggestions being proposed are not untested, as several successful markets across the globe already adopt these strategies. It is about time all of these strategies were deployed by owners, with the help of their brand partners. In fact, to solve the long-term problem of F&B in hotels, it is recommended that right at the inception stage when hotels are being designed by the architect and the technical services team of hotels, there needs to be careful thought given to see if multiple restaurants are even required. Right now, the base fee and incentive fee are being paid on total revenue and GOP of a hotel, respectively. So basically, the rooms revenues are subsidising the operating losses of these units, as many hotels F&B outlets are failing to drive profitability in these restaurants, Maybe the food for thought here is that should it be separated?
📷
Snippets from HICSA 2024

Incentive Fees

The Owners’ Opinion: Incentive fees in India’s Hotel Management Agreements no longer align with their intended purpose. The fee structure’s low thresholds allow operators to earn fees even in cases of poor profitability. Consequently, in many instances, operator fees surpass the owner’s return, which is counterintuitive as the owner assumes most of the business risk and thus deserves a proportional return. To address this issue, a proposed solution involves calculating an acceptable minimum threshold as follows:
Owners’ IRR+ Cost of Debt = Minimum Threshold for Incentive Fee
Beyond this threshold, a cascading structure of incentive fees should be implemented, perhaps even allowing for large payouts in instances of high profitability. This ensures that owners receive a return sufficient to cover their needs and have a sufficient DSCR before operators receive any performance-based incentives, thereby also safeguarding owners’ interests.
Hotelivate’s Take: While the operators may argue that the owners’ costs below the GOP line are not their concern, it is important for them to realise that while they needn’t be accountable for such owner liabilities, however, they do need to pay heed to them. A win-win solution is a must for healthy owner-operator relationships. To that end, adopting the structure proposed above (or something similar) would be a prudent and progressive step forward. While this suggestion was brought forward by one of the participants in the audience, it did strongly resonate with the larger owner community. In recent time, Hotelivate has come across a few brands willing to drop incentive fees to zero or very close to zero below a certain GOP margin. So, in the above scenario if the potential IRR is 16% and the cost of debt is 10% — then the hotel owner should be looking at zero incentive fees being paid below 26% GOP. To be fair to brands, this should come into effect post assumed stabilisation.

Opacity in Operators’ Fees

The Owners’ Opinion: Brand fees for services like systems, IT, and photography encounter challenges of opacity. Owners are mandated to use operators’ recommended vendors for these services, often at exorbitant prices. Owners advocate for capping these fees at certain levels to safeguard their interests. To combat these challenges, these fees should offer transparency, and rely on clear calculations.
Hotelivate’s Take: One of the most frequently heard concerns is indeed the opacity of ‘central services fees’, ‘bundled charges’, ‘hidden costs’, etc. Almost no operator in India offers full clarity and comfort in this regard. Operators would be well advised to give this portion of fees and costs a serious relook, and our suggestion is not as much about reducing these expenses, as it is for providing transparent and upfront clarity on them to the owners.

Performance Test

The Owners’ Opinion: Internationally, the performance test serves as a tool for owners to set stringent benchmarks for operators to meet. However, in South Asia, the Middle East and most of Southeast Asia, there is an evident power imbalance in favour of the operators leading to the performance test metrics to be more lenient and leaving the owner with minimal input. There is a pressing need for a stronger performance test clause in Hotel Management Agreements. Moreover, globally, advanced performance test metrics are either rare or entirely absent in HMAs in these markets. Thus, incorporating metrics like a Co-Variance test alongside the conventional GOPPAR and RevPAR tests is essential for a comprehensive evaluation of the operator’s performance.
Hotelivate’s Take: We have long argued that the performance-test lacks teeth in the context of hotel management contracts across brands in the region. A fair, robust, and truly utilisable test is warranted. Moreover, operators who are willing to not just offer a quality performance test, but also show openness to concepts such as ‘right of termination upon sale’ or ‘right of termination at cost, at will’ are likely to win more contracts in the years to come. Such concepts are common in the western world and should find their way into contracts in developing markets as well.
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Snippets from HICSA 2024

Brand Technical Services

The Owners’ Opinion: In theory, operators’ technical services are meant to assist owners in maintaining brand standards by providing expert supervision. However, in practice, these services are often limited to a cursory review during the construction and pre-opening phases. There’s a need to overhaul technical services to encourage greater collaboration between operators and owners. This would involve experts from the operator’s side working closely with the hotel owner’s team. Operators possess valuable knowledge and experience gained from working across various hotels, which is especially beneficial for first-time owners.
Hotelivate’s Take: Technical services are certainly in need of a relook. Their contribution to the owner’s construction process does remain rather limited, especially given the large amount of fees that the brands seek for this service. There exists a view that the technical services fees are being used to pay the cost of the development teams as opposed to necessarily provide the right guidance. Perhaps the need of the hour is to give the tech services offering a detailed overhaul. Proving guidance to the architect, interior design consultant, all the other technical consultants, etc. should be an active part of deliverables. Moreover, the tech services team should be helping the hotel developer with a granular assessment of project cost rather than having them rely on their PMC or Architect. A proactive, more involved and hands-on approach is needed.

Hotel Owners Association

The Owners’ Opinion: The consistency in clauses across operator contracts is striking, with various operators making unreasonable demands of owners. This leaves owners with little choice but to accept these terms, as alternatives are scarce. It highlights the necessity for greater collaboration among owners to align their interests and demands when dealing with operators.
Establishing a hotel owners association would enable owners to present a unified front against unreasonable demands from operators. Moreover, it would foster innovation and provide solutions to common challenges faced by owners. Such collaboration would empower first-time and non-institutional owners, enhancing their leverage in negotiations with operators and promoting a more equal balance of power.
Hotelivate’s Take: While the idea of creating an owner’s association is interesting and the thought behind it is fair, Hotelivate believes that creating such a body may not be entirely practical. For instance, how do organisations such as IHCL, EIH, Leela Hotels (owned by Brookfield), etc get addressed? They are both, owners and operators of brands. Excluding them from this association may not be fair and including them in it may dilute some of the intended purposes of the body. Overall, while there is merit to creating a body that voices the opinion of hotel owners, a formal association that exerts influence may be a far reach.
Globally this situation is not a big issue as hotel brands typically do not own hotel assets. Back in the day, Marriott and Marriott Host split up. While it was not because of similar issues, it did provide for two separate companies looking after their own interests. In Hotelivate’s opinion, in the long run there will be conflicts between owned assets by brands and the hotels they manage. There will need to be greater transparency on how issues are handled. Perhaps a system of strong independent asset managers who do not report to COOs as that itself is a conflict. We, however, do not agree necessarily that a formal owners association needs to be formed or if it would resolve anything.

The Talent Crunch

The Owners’ Opinion: The hospitality industry grapples with a well-known talent shortage, with hiring and retention posing significant hurdles. Despite this, a substantial portion of expenditure continues to be allocated to operator fees across different areas. Owners believe that addressing this talent crunch and positioning themselves for growth requires a strategic shift. They propose reallocating investments from operator fees towards efforts aimed at finding and retaining the right talent, thus effectively solving this challenge.
Hotelivate’s Take: While the owners have posed an interesting suggestion, we are of the view that ‘borrowing from Peter to pay Paul’ may not be the path forward. A concerted and serious effort needs to be made to enable fair and equitable compensation for the employees of our industry. However, we do not feel that asking the operators to take lower fees and transposing those savings to employee salaries may be the solution for this. The fact is that we are simply not paying enough at starting salary levels and treat youngsters coming out hotel schools as cheap labour as opposed to opportunities to train them. We particularly feel that international brands are more at fault in this area. For them, training is often happening through videos and other tech devices whereby we live in a service world that requires a lot more in-person training.
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Snippets from HICSA 2024
For more information, please email us on [contact@hotelivate.com](mailto:contact@hotelivate.com)
submitted by hotelivate to u/hotelivate [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 10:59 AshlovesFood The nurse confused me even more

TLDR:
I wants to remove Mirena due to weight gain and hormones, but I'm worried by a nurse who downplayed hormone impact and exaggerated condom risks.
I'm seeking advice on if Mirena can affect hormones and weight loss, and if condoms are truly as ineffective as the nurse suggested.
Hi everyone, I had the mirena put in as a laparoscopy procedure 4 years ago as I was having painful sex and was told I have cysts which the merina would solve. The aftercare was shocking. It was during covid and it just felt like I was wheeled out the door without much care. 6 months after I was still suffering from symptoms was told to let it settle. I'd actually booked an appointment to get it removed but chickened out and it eventually settled.
However, 4 years on. I feel like my sex drive has completely diminished and my lifestyle changes have been incredibly healthy, yet I've not been able to shift any weight and have gained a lot of face weight in the region of about 10 kilos which going back through pictures happened immediately after the mirena. And it can't have been COVID as it was on the tale end in October when we could go out and exercise.
Having spoken with my husband we decided that coming of hormones might be a good shout and we will stick to condoms as we don't particularly want kids anytime soon and all other options that are non-hormonal will just not work for me.
So I went today to the local sexual health clinic. I'd booked an appointment to get it removed. The nurse was very dismissive about it helping with my weight loss and she said it's impossible that it could cause weight gain furthermore she told me that by having protected sex 7 days before the removal I could get pregnant because condoms are not effective and out of the 3 million sperm that my husband has. But the website said no unprotected sex. Her reasoning was that One of sperm from precum could impregnate me and am I really sure that I want to go ahead with this? She even mentioned how condoms aren't effective and it all just takes one sperm to make me pregnant and this really scared me. And so I said let's just rearrange the appointment for a week's time, but I'm now seeking advice because I am unsure and feel a bit overwhelmed.
She also mentioned how if my reason for mirena was to alleviate pain and manage cyst this will all come back.
I left feeling like a lost child and was ready to breakdown.
My questions are: 1. Can the mirena impact hormones and make weight loss difficult like I described ? 2. Condoms are effective but their nurse made it sound like I had the same chance of getting pregnant as if i was having unprotected orgies ?
Tldr:
submitted by AshlovesFood to Mirena [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 10:54 Best_Breath7780 Java Burn Review 2024: What Is It?

Losing weight can be quite difficult due to the demands of sticking to a strict diet and exercise routine, which can be tiring. Numerous individuals find it challenging to resist cravings and may become disinterested. However, there exist easier and efficient methods to boost metabolism and achieve swifter, healthier weight loss.
Java Burn, a coffee supplement, emerges as the most straightforward yet highly efficient solution for weight loss accessible in the market. Utilizing Java Burn eliminates the necessity of adhering strictly to physical exercise or subjecting oneself to extreme hunger. However, incorporating a healthy lifestyle always stands as a significant advantage for overall wellness.
This supplement seamlessly integrates into your regular morning coffee routine, enhancing productivity throughout the day without altering the coffee's flavor. Despite its ability to boost metabolic activity, it maintains the original taste of your coffee. Yet, questions arise: Is Java Burn a trustworthy weight loss product? Are there genuine customer reviews available? How does Java Burn contribute to weight reduction? Let's delve deeper to dispel your uncertainties with a comprehensive review of Java Burn's effectiveness in weight loss!
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It's important to note that only customers who purchase Java Burn from the company's official website qualify for the 60-day money-back guarantee.
It's highly recommended that you exclusively mix Java Burn powder into your morning coffee. While Java Burn works well with other liquids, its effectiveness is heightened when combined with coffee. Moreover, starting your day with coffee infused with Java Burn can kickstart the fat-burning process for the day. This may contribute to weight loss throughout the day and potentially reduce cravings for unhealthy foods.
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Is Java Burn Coffee Associated with Any Side Effects?
Java Burn Powder is produced in a meticulously controlled, sterile, and GMP-certified facility. Given that the supplement's ingredients have obtained GRAS certification for both safety and efficacy, adverse effects are improbable. Each batch of Java Burn natural weight loss supplements undergoes testing in independent laboratories to guarantee compliance with the most rigorous standards for potency, quality, and purity. Numerous nutritionists and weight loss specialists also advocate for Java Burn weight loss beverage.
submitted by Best_Breath7780 to OzzyOsbourne [link] [comments]


2024.05.07 10:53 Best_Breath7780 Java Burn Reviews Reddit : My Experience Does Java Burn Really Work? Java Burn Reviews - Java Burn Reddit

Losing weight can be quite difficult due to the demands of sticking to a strict diet and exercise routine, which can be tiring. Numerous individuals find it challenging to resist cravings and may become disinterested. However, there exist easier and efficient methods to boost metabolism and achieve swifter, healthier weight loss.
Java Burn, a coffee supplement, emerges as the most straightforward yet highly efficient solution for weight loss accessible in the market. Utilizing Java Burn eliminates the necessity of adhering strictly to physical exercise or subjecting oneself to extreme hunger. However, incorporating a healthy lifestyle always stands as a significant advantage for overall wellness.
This supplement seamlessly integrates into your regular morning coffee routine, enhancing productivity throughout the day without altering the coffee's flavor. Despite its ability to boost metabolic activity, it maintains the original taste of your coffee. Yet, questions arise: Is Java Burn a trustworthy weight loss product? Are there genuine customer reviews available? How does Java Burn contribute to weight reduction? Let's delve deeper to dispel your uncertainties with a comprehensive review of Java Burn's effectiveness in weight loss!
What Makes Java Burn Special Than Other Weight Loss Supplements?
Thus, if you're grappling with stubborn body fat and seek a comprehensive solution for healthy weight management, consider giving Java Burn weight loss coffee a chance!
Key Highlights of Java Burn Coffee

What is Java Burn Coffee?
Java Burn weight loss coffee stands out as a completely natural, secure, and unique supplement available in the market. Comprising potent ingredients backed by clinical evidence, it effectively speeds up diverse metabolic processes, facilitating remarkable weight loss progress.
Free from stimulants, chemical preservatives, GMOs, and gluten, Java Burn is entirely plant-derived. Additionally, it poses no adverse effects on the human body, being entirely organic and safe. Manufactured in a secure facility under meticulous supervision, this dietary supplement ensures quality and safety.
For rapid weight loss, Java Burn aids by elevating your metabolic rate and prompting your body to burn fat efficiently. It helps sustain your energy levels, preventing any discomfort during weight loss endeavors. Given its ability to facilitate quicker weight shedding compared to other products, Java Burn presents an excellent method for reducing excess weight.
How Does Java Burn Coffee Works?
The foundation of Java Burn coffee's role in weight loss lies in its potent blend of ingredients, which purportedly function efficiently to enhance metabolism and stimulate fat burning.
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2024.05.07 10:52 RingDouble863 How historical patterns reflect the attitudes, morals and beliefs of the society/culture.

How historical patterns reflect the attitudes, morals and beliefs of the society/culture.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun."
TLDR: Ancient society was basically a Subreddit / echo chamber where the majority of participants share similar views. Posts and comments that align with the prevailing opinions are upvoted, while dissenting views are downvoted or even moderated out, reinforcing a collective agreement that may resist external or contradictory perspectives.
This behaviour breeds complex trauma/mental health problems which is becoming clear by the day. Scroll down for more insight into society and solutions.
Societal structures like family and community have shaped attitudes, beliefs, and mental health across centuries. From the time of the romans till today, religious and political institutions have manipulated belief systems to maintain control.
https://preview.redd.it/gzcoi3dlsyyc1.jpg?width=327&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54f728d65474f90066d40ad567bfbc1a34277c91
Let us start here,
Hypatia of Alexandria (c. 360–415 AD) - A renowned teache philosopher in Egypt, murdered by a Christian mob due to her influential role in a city fraught with religious and political tensions.
https://preview.redd.it/yhdpaorrsyyc1.png?width=327&format=png&auto=webp&s=8589d0cb2707cd4ac6d945181977cf4258e5870b
Her prominence as a non-Christian thinker made her a target for religious zealots who viewed her philosophical teachings as heretical or as obstacles to the Christianization of Alexandria. Her knowledge/influence was derived from The Druids/pagans who were the religious elite among the Celtic peoples in ancient Britain, Ireland, and Gaul (modern France).
Druids reportedly played a central role in enforcing societal norms and laws, which were often intertwined with religious observance. They were said to have the power to excommunicate members from religious activities, which in tightly knit tribal societies could equate to a form of social death. Excommunication might have extended to barring individuals from communal gatherings, which would have significant social and psychological repercussions in a society where group identity was strong.
https://preview.redd.it/9ljhy9evsyyc1.jpg?width=187&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54f3f11f89ea0f3d79704299428c29f2472ee83b
In much the same way, the Romans also persecuted people like St. Sebastian (died c. 288 AD) Saint Boniface (675-754 AD) - Known as the "Apostle of the Germans," he faced opposition while attempting to reform the Frankish church and convert the Germanic tribes to Christianity. Boniface’s efforts to destroy pagan sites led to resistance from the local population, and he was eventually martyred by a pagan group in Frisia (modern-day Netherlands).
https://preview.redd.it/59vhrim1tyyc1.jpg?width=220&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2406842f0349971af77250e3ba961a5ab777189a
Arnold of Brescia (c. 1090–1155) - A monk who turned into a religious reformer and critic of the church’s temporal powers, Arnold led a movement against the corrupt practices of the clergy. He was eventually captured and executed by the Roman authorities under pressure from the Church.
William Tyndale (c. 1494–1536) - Executed for heresy after translating the Bible into English, which was seen as a threat to the Church’s authority and doctrinal control. Giordano Bruno (1548–1600)
https://preview.redd.it/cjch9dz3tyyc1.jpg?width=300&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ac22b0713047075b71a74fd5d4cba0f6708053bb
In 1633, Galileo Galilei was tried by the Roman Inquisition, and found "vehemently suspect of heresy." He was forced to recant his views and spent the rest of his life under house arrest.
Im sure that by now, you are begining to see a pattern and how human behaviour is influenced by the environment.
What did these State and Religious institutions want to control? What did they find so important as to justify the deaths of millions? The answer, is perception management and the human mind.
In our modern day, we may have advanced technologically beyond anything the roman's or celt's could dream about. However, our knowledge of human nature or the self has not grown correspondingly. Consequently our political and social climate today, bears striking resemblence to the romans of 2000+ years ago.
https://preview.redd.it/zap9tfoltyyc1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d2d1feb416be8a98cf970705e4d859f64970083d
As a result of this "meta", the mental health problems faced by the population is becoming clearer by the day. By understanding our history, we are better equipped to formulate a good response when faced by similar triggers.
  1. Reduced Exposure to Diverse Perspectives:
  • Ancient Athens, Greece (5th century BCE): In Ancient Athens, the development of democracy encouraged citizens to gather in public spaces like the Agora to discuss politics and philosophy. However, certain groups, like the aristocracy or the followers of particular philosophers, often congregated in exclusive circles where dissenting opinions were not welcomed. For instance, followers of Socrates might have isolated themselves from other philosophical schools, limiting their exposure to diverse perspectives and potentially hindering their ability to adapt to new ideas.
  • Narcissism: Within the family, if individuals are raised in an echo chamber where their perspectives are continuously reinforced without exposure to differing viewpoints, they may develop a sense of entitlement and superiority. This lack of exposure can reinforce narcissistic tendencies, as they may come to believe that their opinions and experiences are the only valid ones.
  • Complex Trauma: Limited exposure to diverse perspectives within the family can hinder emotional development and problem-solving skills. Children raised in such environments may struggle to adapt to differing viewpoints, leading to difficulties in forming healthy relationships outside the family unit. This lack of adaptability can contribute to complex trauma, as individuals may find it challenging to navigate social situations and cope with stressors.
  • Solution: Scripture encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding from various sources. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel from diverse perspectives to make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls. Additionally, Proverbs 27:17 highlights the value of iron sharpening iron, suggesting that engaging with differing viewpoints can lead to personal growth and refinement.
  1. Isolation and Alienation:
  • Salem Witch Trials (1692, Massachusetts): During the Salem Witch Trials, those accused of witchcraft often faced ostracism and social rejection, particularly if they did not conform to the prevailing religious and societal norms. Accusations and subsequent isolation from the community could lead to profound feelings of alienation, depression, and anxiety, especially for individuals who maintained innocence but were still shunned by their peers.
  • Narcissism: If individuals within the family dissent from the majority viewpoint and are subsequently isolated or alienated, they may develop narcissistic coping mechanisms to protect their self-esteem. This could manifest as an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a need for admiration as a way to compensate for feelings of rejection.
  • Complex Trauma: Being isolated or alienated within the family unit can lead to profound feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Children who experience consistent hostility or rejection from family members may internalize these experiences, leading to complex trauma. These individuals may struggle with trust issues and have difficulty forming meaningful relationships in the future.
  • Solution: Scripture offers comfort and assurance to those who feel isolated or rejected. Psalm 27:10 declares, "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." This verse reminds individuals that even if they experience rejection from their family or community, they are still deeply loved and accepted by God. Furthermore, Romans 12:15 encourages believers to "rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep," emphasizing the importance of empathy and solidarity in overcoming feelings of alienation.
  1. Confirmation Bias and Polarization:
  • The Reformation in Europe (16th century): The Reformation period in Europe saw the emergence of distinct religious factions, each subscribing to different interpretations of Christianity. Followers of Martin Luther or John Calvin, for example, might have surrounded themselves with like-minded individuals, reinforcing their beliefs while dismissing opposing viewpoints. This polarization deepened societal divisions, fueled conflicts like the Thirty Years' War, and likely contributed to heightened stress and anxiety among adherents.
  • Narcissism: Within the family, confirmation bias and polarization can reinforce narcissistic tendencies by validating and amplifying the individual's sense of superiority. If family members only engage with information that supports their preconceived notions, it can fuel a distorted self-image and a dismissive attitude towards others' perspectives.
  • Complex Trauma: Echo chambers that exacerbate confirmation bias can create a volatile and emotionally charged environment within the family. Constant conflict and polarization can lead to heightened stress and anxiety, contributing to complex trauma. Children raised in such environments may internalize the belief that relationships are inherently conflict-ridden and struggle to form secure attachments in adulthood.
  • Solution: Scripture calls believers to humility, openness, and discernment in their interactions with others. Philippians 2:3 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." This verse reminds individuals to consider the perspectives and needs of others, avoiding the trap of confirmation bias and self-centeredness. Additionally, James 1:19 exhorts believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry," emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding in fostering constructive dialogue and reconciliation.
  1. Identity and Self-Esteem Issues:
  • Feudal Japan (12th-19th centuries): In feudal Japan, adherence to societal norms and hierarchical structures was paramount to maintain social harmony. Individuals who deviated from expected roles or expressed divergent opinions risked social ostracism and loss of status. Samurai, for instance, were expected to adhere strictly to the Bushido code, suppressing personal beliefs and emotions for the sake of honor and conformity. This pressure to conform could lead to identity struggles and diminished self-esteem for those unable to reconcile their true selves with societal expectations.
  • Narcissism: In families where validation is tied to conformity and adherence to a certain image or belief system, individuals may develop narcissistic traits as a way to gain approval and maintain self-esteem. They may prioritize external validation over authenticity, leading to a superficial sense of self and difficulty in forming genuine connections.
  • Complex Trauma: Suppressing one's true beliefs and identity within the family to fit in can have long-lasting effects on self-esteem and identity formation. Children who are unable to express their authentic selves may develop a fragmented sense of identity and struggle with feelings of worthlessness. This internal conflict can contribute to complex trauma, as individuals grapple with the dichotomy between their true selves and the persona they present to the world.
  • Solution: Scripture offers assurance of identity and worth in God's eyes. Psalm 139:14 proclaims, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." This verse affirms the inherent value and uniqueness of each individual as creations of God. Additionally, Ephesians 2:10 reminds believers that they are "God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do," highlighting the purpose and significance of every person's life. Through these verses and others, scripture provides a foundation for building identity and self-esteem grounded in God's love and purpose for each individual.
Whats the solution?
History has shown us that In societies where a sense of nihilism prevails, marked by a rejection or lack of belief in traditional values and ideologies, several psychological phenomena and behaviors can emerge, such as narcissism and complex trauma.
Ancient scripture and wisdom passed down to us by ancients who understood all this and built their society around the framework of virtue and truth. Their way of life is a potent weapon against "hard times" and has stood the test of time.
On the other hand, our consumerist society and instant gratification seeking public are not in a position to help a TI. In fact, i have found that they will, with your best intentions in heart ofcourse, make the situation worse.
As a TI, you are better off looking inward, understanding yourself and others and learn from the mistakes of the past.
Understanding This paradigm/attitude/belief system can really make a difference to your everyday life and interactions as a TI.
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2024.05.07 10:16 MoonlitCommissar From “Special” to “Military”. Lessons from Two Years of the Operation in Ukraine

From “Special” to “Military”. Lessons from Two Years of the Operation in Ukraine
https://preview.redd.it/fob0an3qpyyc1.png?width=260&format=png&auto=webp&s=eae9d65f69004e49765ee0156b86b77504a1a25c

Failed “Operation Danube”

We can retrospectively conclude that Russia initially planned an operation that was primarily “special” and only secondarily “military,” as it intended to achieve its goals without large-scale hostilities or organized armed resistance. Future historians will have to explain why Moscow considered this feasible, even though the Ukrainian army had been waging a continuous “minor” war in Donbass since 2014.
The initial SMO plan is actually quite familiar, as it copied Operation Danube, the 1968 Soviet intervention in Czechoslovakia. Analogously, the SMO envisaged the capture of Kiev’s airport, the deployment of paratroopers there to seal off the Ukrainian capital, and rapid advances of numerous armored and mechanized units to surround major cities, which would then be quickly pacified by light units, special forces, and intelligence services.
But Operation Danube and the February 2022 campaign differ not only in the strong resistance that the Ukrainian political leadership and armed forces put up. Operation Danube was carried out by a powerful group of Warsaw Pact forces that vastly outnumbered the Czechoslovak army, while the SMO was conducted in a country much larger than Czechoslovakia, using a limited contingent of about 185,000 troops (although this included most of the Russian Ground and Airborne Forces), or about 140 battalion tactical groups (BTG). Even including the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Militias (about 110,000 more personnel), this force was still outnumbered by the Ukrainians, already partially mobilized. The mobilization of first-category reservists, which began in Ukraine the day before the start of the SMO, summoned—within just several days—150,000 servicemen with combat experience in Donbass and filled the ranks of the key first-line brigades, thus tipping the balance and putting Russia at a complete disadvantage.
In such conditions, the outcome of the first stage of the SMO was determined solely by the balance of forces. The Russian troops, spread over eight different axes of attack, were quickly stopped and forced to fight a numerically superior enemy.
In the north, moving from Belarus through the Pripyat swamps and from Russia through the Sumy and Chernigov Regions of Ukraine, the main assault groups reached Kiev, but could neither surround (let alone occupy) it, nor protect their overstretched lines of communication. The landing at Gostomel Airport, facing fierce resistance and heavy shelling, turned from a bridgehead into a bloodbath. In the Kharkov region, the Russian troops were stopped both at the city’s approaches and on the nearby border. Attempts, by hastily mobilized and insufficiently equipped DPR and LPR forces, to eject Ukrainian troops from the lines where they had been entrenched since 2014, proved futile. The inability to suppress Ukrainian air defenses dramatically limited the effectiveness of Russian aviation , depriving Russia of one of its key advantages.
Success was achieved only in the south, apparently due to Russia’s sleeper-agents and supporters among the local population. Meeting minimal resistance, Russian troops from Crimea seized the Kherson and southern Zaporozhye regions within several days, reached Mariupol in the east, and pressed the advance towards Nikolayev and, bypassing it in the north, towards Odessa. However, the Russian troops failed to take control of these two main cities on the Black Sea. Landing ships manned with marines, brought together from Russia’s three European fleets, were stopped by mines and “unexpected” Ukrainian-made Neptune antiship missiles. On land, Ukrainian troops quickly recovered and stopped the Russians (which had owed their success mainly to surprise) at Nikolaev and Voznesensk, and by mid-March pushed them back to the borders of the Kherson and Nikolayev Regions.
Russia found itself in a state of large-scale war on a long front line, facing a quantitatively superior and well-armed enemy that was assisted by all the Western powers, which imposed unprecedented economic sanctions on Russia and began providing massive and ever-greater arms supplies to Ukraine.
From the very beginning, the biggest challenge was Kiev, where Russian troops from two military districts ended up in a wooded and swampy area without clear prospects for their effective employment, but under constant threat to their lines of communication, which ran along forest roads through the Sumy and Chernigov Regions that were functionally controlled by Kiev. There were not enough troops to capture Kiev, or even encircle and besiege it. Overall, it was only the extreme slowness and lack of initiative of Ukraine’s commanders and military in general that prevented the situation from turning into a severe crisis for the Russian side. If they had confronted a more energetic adversary, the Russian troops near Kiev would have faced a repeat of the 1920 Battle of Warsaw.
Recognizing the situation, the Russian command ordered a pullout of the troops from around Kiev in mid-March 2022, and by April 5, they were out of the Kiev, Sumy, Chernigov, and northern Kharkov Regions. This was essentially the end of the campaign to achieve decisive victory, since its main goal was obviously the capture of Kiev. Naturally, at the peace talks in Istanbul, the Russian delegation presented the withdrawal of the troops from around Kiev and from the north of Ukraine as an “act of goodwill.” Apparently, it was this “act,” rather than Boris Johnson’s intrigues, that led to the failure of the Istanbul talks. An army’s retreat from the enemy’s capital has never facilitated a compromise peace.
Kiev considered the withdrawal a triumph of its policy of resistance and a turning point, thinking that it could drive the Russian troops completely out of the country.
This was accompanied by massive Western political and military support that reached its peak in the spring of 2022. On May 9, 2022, the U.S. Congress even passed a Lend-Lease act for Ukraine, which theoretically gave Kiev access to unlimited U.S. military aid. The West came to believe that a combination of military and economic measures could inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia, which, under favorable conditions, could lead to regime change in Moscow.
After an unsuccessful attempt at a compromise to end the war and a number of painful blows (e.g., on April 13-14, the Black Sea Fleet flagship, the missile cruiser Moskva, was sunk), Russia could do nothing but continue the military campaign, rethinking its goals and capabilities. As far as can be judged, the new plan provided for using the troops pulled out from the north of Ukraine to liberate the entire territory of the DPR and LPR and, possibly, partially encircle the enemy in left-bank Ukraine. Presumably, Moscow thought it could attain these goals by May or June. The Russian offensive in the Izyum area, started in mid-March, was stepped up in April. The initial plan was seemingly to reach the rear of the Ukrainian Severodonetsk grouping, via Slavyansk, and then press on with a more ambitious and large-scale offensive towards Zaporozhye, to be met by Russian forces in the south. Subsequently, offensive operations began in several more parts of Kharkov Region and the LPR.
However, the Russian forces faced a severe shortage of manpower and materiel. After the withdrawal of part of the battalion tactical groups for replenishment in Russia, in mid-April 2022, its armed forces had no more than a hundred depleted BTGs on the entire length of the front line, while BTGs were redeployed from the north piecemeal, which could not provide sufficient strength. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched its third wave of mobilization in March 2022 to call up the graduates of reserve-officer training departments at universities and men who had not previously served In the army, thus bringing the overall strength of its armed forces to 400,000 troops by mid-April, not counting those already in training, and to 600,000 by the end of May. Ukrainian forces thus came to substantially outnumber the combined Russian, DPR, LPR, and PMC forces, now carrying out an offensive against an even more numerically superior enemy.
The battle of Mariupol, from 2 March to 16 May 2022, was an important factor in the first stage of hostilities. The siege of the city became a harbinger of the future positional nature of the war and tied up the 30,000-strong group of “allied forces,” largely preventing Russia from building on its success in the south or advancing near Donetsk. The Russian offensive near Izyum was also slow and difficult due to the lack of numerical superiority. Instead of being encircled, the enemy was merely forced to retreat at the tactical level. In early May 2022, the Russian forces ran into serious difficulties and sustained losses as they tried to cross the Seversky Donets near Belogorovka, at which point it became clear that “traditional” methods of massing forces did not work in this war. By July 2022, after the seizure of Lisichansk, the Russian offensive had run out of steam. Almost the entire territory of the LPR and the eastern part of the Kharkov Region were held by the Russian troops, but Ukraine still controlled most of the DPR. The Russian troops could not even reach Slavyansk and Kramatorsk. The campaign had worn out the Russian force, which was basically the same contingent that entered Ukraine in February 2022, while Ukraine had commenced “permanent mobilization,” reinforcing its numerical superiority.

The Path to Positional Warfare

By the end of spring and the beginning of summer 2022, the supply of Western weapons and equipment to Ukraine had become a determining factor in the ongoing hostilities. From the very beginning, the West’s immense intelligence capabilities were put to the service of the Ukrainian armed forces, giving them the upper hand in intelligence and targeting, particularly thanks to space reconnaissance conducted by a constellation of Western spy satellites and numerous commercial Western companies providing satellite imagery. This permits monitoring of the combat zone and Russian territory continuously, and almost in real time.
The “universal” Starlink satellite Internet service, launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, quickly became a key combat control and data transmission system for the Ukrainian armed forces, propelling them into the 21st century. With the ability to operate anywhere, distribute streaming content to a huge number of individual consumers, maintain Internet communication in motion, and control vehicles at any distance, Starlink has given the Ukrainian army opportunities that even the U.S. military expected to receive no earlier than the mid-2030s. Starlink makes it possible to connect any unit to the network anywhere, exchange streaming videos online, create combat chat rooms and other systems for the exchange of data between thousands of subscribers in real time, ensure communication security due to the use of narrowband channels linked to the satellites, and employ wireless network protocols for tactical communication at each access point.
In fact, every combat unit and every weapon connected to Starlink turns into a network-centric one capable of real-time target designation, guidance, and adjustment, similar to high-precision weapons. Modern 155mm long-range artillery systems, and HIMARS and MLRS rocket launchers firing high-precision GMLRS rockets with a range of up to 90 km (which began to be empoyed in late June 2022), combined with the aforementioned reconnaissance and targeting systems and with network-centric communications, management, and data transmission capabilities, allowed Ukraine in the second half of 2022 to gain fire superiority and deliver high-precision long-range strikes, significantly worsening the Russian position.
The use of HIMARS systems and GMLRS rockets in the summer of 2022 targeted not so much military headquarters and ammunition dumps as troops and reserves. The Russian command had to pull its reserves back, even beyond the pre-2022 line of control. Russia’s manpower shortage and Ukraine’s numerical superiority ensured the success of Ukraine’s offensive in the Kharkov Region in September 2022. Unable to quickly and effectively commit withdrawn reserves into battle, Russian troops left the eastern part of the Kharkov Region and built a line of defense on the western border of the LPR, which stopped the Ukrainian foray and formed the main front line in the north that exists to this day.
Ukraine’s first real military success made Russia aware of the fact that its forces did not match the enemy’s capabilities. As a result, on 21 September 2022, the Russian leadership, for the first time in the post-Soviet period, announced a partial mobilization, calling up more than 300,000 men and authorizing the expansion of Wagner PMC, which became a de facto parallel army with 50,000 fighters by January 2023, partially due to the mass recruitment of prisoners.
All these measures began to have an effect only by the end of 2022. Until then, Russian troops were stretched out along a “thin red line.” In the fall of 2022, at the peak of its manpower and materiel advantage, Ukraine had a unique chance to inflict a number of significant defeats on Russia, with potentially massive political consequences.
Ukraine could have either continued its offensive in the LPR, or attempted to make a breakthrough from Zaporozhye to the Sea of Azov in the south, cutting off Russian forces in the Kherson Region and reaching the northern part of Crimea. It is unclear why Kiev discarded such an attractive opportunity. Was it the procrastination of the passive and cautious Ukrainian commander-in-chief, Valery Zaluzhny, or, as some newer reports suggest, the result of pressure from the Americans, who were skeptical about the Ukrainian army’s ability to carry out such large-scale operations?
Instead of a decisive offensive, the Ukrainian army opted to pursue the more limited, but politically more rewarding, task of driving Russian forces from Kherson, the only Ukrainian regional capital that Russia had taken at the beginning of the SMO. Russian troops on the western bank of the lower Dnieper were supplied via several bridges, which were hit with high-precision GMLRS rockets. However, attacks on Russian positions north of Kherson in September-November 2022 turned out to be ineffective, entailing significant Ukrainian casualties and becoming the first large-scale demonstration of the positional impasse that would fully manifest itself the following year.
Nevertheless, the missile strikes on the trans-Dniper bridges had their intended effect. Fearing a crisis of supply, General of the Army Sergei Surovikin, appointed in October as commander of the Combined Russian Force in Ukraine, on 9 November ordered his troops to leave Kherson city and the right bank of the Dnieper. The pullout was highly organized, stealthy, and completed within two days, almost without casualties.
For Ukraine, the retaking of Kherson, without having to engage in urban warfare, was a major military and political success that sharply raised its standing in the West. Western powers decided that if Ukraine were offered large-scale military aid, it would itself be able to expel the Russian troops, at least to the pre-war borders. At the end of 2022, the West ramped up military supplies to Ukraine, for the first time shipping tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. A training program was set up in the West for 12 Ukrainian brigades. Having received major replenishments of manpower and materiel, the Ukrainian command began a large-scale buildup of the military’s capabilities and manpower, including the creation of new units. By the spring of 2023, the Ukrainian Defense Forces (the armed forces and other security agencies) had more than one million personnel and over a hundred brigades.
After partial mobilization and after increasing the flow of contract soldiers, the Russian command also reinforced units at the front and began forming new ones, announcing plans to bring the armed forces to a size of 1.5 million. Apparently, relying on the winter 2022-2023 mobilization, Moscow oscillated between an “optimistic-offensive” and a “cautious-defensive” strategy in Ukraine.
The “optimistic-offensive” strategy was tested during the offensive in the Soledar-Bakhmut axis (since November 2022), with Wagner PMC as the main assault force. On 10 January 2023, Russian troops took Soledar, followed by Bakhmut on 20 May after fierce fighting. The Russian offensive, which stretched over almost six months, entailed heavy fighting, minor territorial gains, and the almost complete destruction of any cities taken. This demonstrated the new nature of the war, which was becoming increasingly positional. In late winter and early spring 2023, Russian troops tried a number of local offensives in Donbass near Donetsk, in Maryinka and Ugledar, but these resulted in stubborn positional fighting with insignificant results or (as in Ugledar) outright failure.
All this led the Russian command to the final and most rational choice in favor of positional defense. In early spring 2023, Russian troops started building a network of field positions and fortifications, dubbed the “Surovikin line,” while at the same time augmenting reserves. Large salaries would help to reinforce the front with 420,000 contract soldiers within a year.

Ukraine Loses Its Last Chance

By the beginning of 2023, Ukraine had, in principle, a high chance of a successful offensive, as Russian forces on the ground were short of not only personnel (mobilization was just beginning to take effect) but also weapons. In the summer and fall of 2022, Russia began utilizing outdated tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems—including those made in the 1950-1960s, which had miraculously survived the turmoil of the post-Soviet times and been kept at storage bases—but this did not help much. According to the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency files sensationally leaked through the Discord social network in the middle of last year, as of 28 February 2023, Russia had 419 tanks, 2,928 armored vehicles, and 1,209 artillery systems on the line of engagement. The Ukrainian army had 809 tanks, 3,498 armored vehicles, and 2,331 artillery systems. The Russian troops also experienced a serious shortage of ammunition.
So the first three months of 2023 were the time when the Ukrainian army enjoyed the best possible advantages on the ground, while the Russian army suffered the greatest decline in combat potential. However, the Ukrainian leadership constantly postponed the start of the offensive, expecting to get as many Western weapons as possible and waiting for new brigades to complete their training in the West. Meanwhile, the other side did not sit idly, and the balance began to shift. But the magic of Western technology and “Western methods” was so strong that it imbued Ukrainians with a sense of self-confidence and disdain for the enemy. March, April, and May passed, and only in June did Ukrainian forces finally start moving.
Although many expected the Ukrainian army (or, rather, its Western planners) to use some non-standard and creative solutions, on 4 June, the Ukrainian command launched an offensive in the most obvious direction that promised the greatest operational-strategic success—from Zaporozhye to the Sea of Azov in the south—where the Russian positions were the strongest. The decision to divide the Ukrainian thrust between two directions—Orekhovo, generally towards Melitopol, and Vremievka, generally towards Temryuk and Berdyansk—is understanable. But at the same time, the Ukrainian army began to advance in a third direction, trying to retake Bakhmut in the north. The onslaught in the north involved some of the most seasoned troops, while the operation in the south was carried out by newly formed brigades trained in the West. Why the forces were dispersed between the main southern front and Bakhmut remained unclear both to observers and, judging by American media reports, Pentagon supervisors.
The Ukrainian command had concocted a brew of slow preparation (thus forgoing the possibility of operational or strategic surprise), dispersed forces, and disdain for the enemy.
In theory, tactical success on the front line could have compensated for all of this, but that did not work out, either. Positional warfare fully manifested itself, as the attacking columns and formations of Ukrainian armored vehicles hit mines, piled up, and turned into easy targets for ATGMs, artillery, and drones.
Although the Ukrainians had the upper hand due to Western reconnaissance, targeting assistance, and high-precision weapons, they failed to achieve effective fire superiority and suppress Russian artillery where they were advancing. As a result, the Ukrainian offensive in the south degraded into the slow and bloody nibbling of Russian positions. So in the second half of June, Ukrainian troops no longer relied on the much touted Western armor and switched to infantry assault operations in small units.
In the Orekhovo direction, the village of Rabotino (meant to be taken on the first day of the offensive) was captured only by the end of August. In September, the Ukrainian troops gained another couple kilometers southeast of Rabotino, but this is when their offensive finally ran out of steam.
To the east, in the Vremievka direction, the Ukrainians, in June, were able to eliminate the Vremievsky salient, which protruded several kilometers into their positions, but in the following three months they could move farther south by no more than 2-3 km. By the end of summer, after fierce fighting, the Ukrainian troops pushed the front line several kilometers farther south of Bakhmut, but there was no question of encircling, let alone taking, the city. Contrary to popular belief, the notorious “Surovikin line” played almost no role in repelling the Ukrainian attacks in the south, as these simply did not reach it, except in one stretch southeast of Rabotino.
Internal political turmoil in Russia, long-awaited by Kiev, did not help it either. The Wagner PMC rebellion on 23-24 June, senselessly launched by leaders who apparently did not entirely understand what they wanted to achieve, quickly fizzled out. As usual in such cases, this consolidated and strengthened the position of the Russian authorities.
The summer offensive’s failure signified a fundamental military-political crisis for Ukraine, and underscored the absence of real means and resources for military victory over Russia.
It is precisely the understanding of this reality that has caused Western hesitation regarding the volume of future military aid. If the 2022 campaign had given Kiev a huge surplus of confidence from the West, then the 2023 campaign largely eliminated that confidence. Even with new large-scale Western military supplies, the correlation of forces that was so uniquely favorable to Ukraine in 2022-2023 will never occur again.
The final operations of Ukraine’s 2023 offensive—seemingly undertaken in pursuit of at least some sort of success to show the West—involved a number of small groups landing on the left bank of the lower Dnieper in September and October to set up several small bridgeheads. But these bridgeheads (the biggest of which was in Krynki) were dead ends from an operational point of view as they reproduced the trench warfare that had already paralyzed the rest of the front.

At a Dead End

Another aspect of the failed Ukrainian offensive in the summer of 2023 was its inability to grind down and exhaust Russian forces. The Russian military retained its main forces and reserves, which permitted a shift to active operations on the front.
In early July 2023, Russian troops started an offensive in the Kupyansk direction in the north, trying to recapture part of the territories lost in September 2022. They did not achieve much, but as the Ukrainian offensive died down, Russian forces launched a series of attacks along almost the entire front line in the fall of 2023, quickly depriving the Ukrainian army of the initiative and forcing it onto the defensive.
The most important Russian offensive operation since the beginning of October 2023 aimed at Avdeyevka, a north-western suburb of Donetsk, which had been firmly held by the Ukrainian troops since 2014. But even the offensive’s success, and the ongoing Russian attacks in various areas, confirm the lack of capabilities to decisively overcome positional warfare. Nevertheless, Russian troops keep pushing against the Ukrainian positions along almost the entire line of contact, creating tactical crises for the Ukrainian army in a number of directions. Apparently, the “multiple cuts” strategy is designed to wear out the Ukrainian troops and create the prerequisites for destabilizing the Ukrainian front and achieving more significant successes. However, this strategy is quite costly for Russia in terms of casualties and resources and could overstrain its army, which would once again allow Ukraine to somewhat regain the initiative, which is probably now what Kiev’s calculations are based on.
Deeply entrenched and lacking strength, both sides are doomed to a positional war in 2024 and perhaps beyond. As the past year showed, they are unable to convert tactical successes into operational ones. Currently, the Russian armed forces hold the initiative along almost the entire front line, and the Ukrainian army has gone on the strategic defensive. Thus far, the Ukrainian armed forces defensive tactics have been quite effective, preventing Russian troops from achieving anything more than disconnected tactical successes. Ukrainian troops also retain significant reserves of materiel, including the bulk of the Western heavy weapons received in 2023, and are awaiting Western F-16 fighters. At the same time, uncertainty about further volumes of military aid (primarily from the United States) does not allow Kiev to make clear campaign plans for 2024, forcing it into a wait-and-see position. The main problem for the Ukrainian armed forces is not so much the lack of weapons and ammunition, as it is the reluctance of the Ukrainian leadership to start a full-scale mobilization to call up males under the age of 25 (currently persons over 30 years of age are subject to mobilization) for political reasons.
The potential of the Russian armed forces in 2024 will also largely be determined by the readiness of the country’s leadership to announce a new mobilization since the flow of contract soldiers is running out.
By the beginning of 2024, both sides apparently had a comparable number of troops on the ground. Russian President Vladimir Putin said more than 600,000 troops were in the SMO zone, but Ukrainian and Western estimates claim that about 400,000-450,000 are stationed directly on the line of engagement. Ukrainian official sources estimated the numerical strength of the so-called Ukrainian defense forces by the end of 2023 at about 1.1 million, including up to 800,000 army personnel. Apparently, the number of Ukrainian fighters on the front line was comparable to those cited for Russia.
In general, as far as can be judged, the ground forces on both sides are at a similar or comparable level in terms of organization, armament, training, command staff, culture, morale, etc., reinforcing Vladimir Putin’s characterization of Russians and Ukrainians as “one people.”

Immediate Prospects

Both warring parties, and the West, are not ready for a peaceful settlement. The current military-political situation is similar to the positional period in the 1951-1953 Korean War, an outcome that the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies predicted in notes and comments on a possible Russian-Ukrainian conflict back in 2021 and early 2022. The positional deadlock can be overcome either through a dramatic military buildup to achieve overwhelming numerical superiority over the enemy, or through a military-technical advantage that can be gained primarily by significantly increasing the number of high-precision weapons and enhancing their effectiveness. Neither seems attainable for both sides in the near future. This makes a protracted war inevitable, with relatively stable fronts as in the Korean or Iran-Iraq war. It will be a war of attrition lasting for years, not with the aim of forcing the enemy to compromise, but in the hope that domestic political change will force the other side to change its goals.
The end of the Korean War in 1953, even on status-quo conditions, became possible only after Joseph Stalin’s death. Therefore, for Ukraine and the West, a condition for change is Vladimir Putin’s departure from power in one form or another (which is extremely unlikely in the foreseeable future), while the Russian leadership probably pins hopes on a possible change of power in the United States after elections in November 2024. So Moscow most likely intends to continue fighting at least until 2025, and possibly after that, in hope of achieving overwhelming military superiority over Ukraine.
The failure of the Ukrainian offensive in 2023 left Ukraine and the West without a coherent war strategy. The unspoken objective of that offensive was to provoke an internal political crisis or even regime change in Russia. Essentially, in the spring of 2022, Ukraine and the West gambled everything on a jackpot that they did not win, and now they do not know what to do next. For Ukraine and the West, it is essentially a choice between two options: to continue the “war against Putin” for a long time with unclear prospects and the constant threat of escalation, or to conclude a status-quo truce similar to that in Korea. Both options, in fact, imply postponing a real peace settlement until the post-Putin era in hopes of “more realistic leadership in Moscow”. In the meantime, Vladimir Zelensky, most of the Ukrainian elites, and the West reject the Korean scenario. This means that the parties intend to “give war another chance” in 2024, and continue positional warfare’s stress-test of their strength, resources, and political will.
Faced with an impasse on the front lines and seeking to exert political pressure on the enemy, the sides will pay more attention to politically sensitive and propagandistically meaningful attacks on each other’s rears, increasingly sliding into a “war of the cities” as was the case during the Iran-Iraq conflict. This trend is clearly noticeable on the Ukrainian side, with its constant demands for Western long-range weapons. Therefore civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure can be expected to increase.
Russia has significant resources, but merely by escalating the production and repair of obsolete tanks, artillery systems, and shells, Russia will not achieve military success. Rather, it will only drag out the conflict while devouring colossal amounts of national wealth for many years to come, with the eventual negative socioeconomic and domestic political consequences. A breakthrough can be achieved only if Russia supplies its armed forces with modern (primarily high-precision and/or unmanned) weaponry and with reconnaissance, targeting, and electronic warfare systems. This is a non-trivial task from both the technological and military-industrial point of view. Russia is unlikely to succeed using inexpensive and palliative political, military, and industrial solutions. The system will have to complete the radical “stress test” that began on 24 February 2022.
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Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies
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