#Shell 4.3

[inchwormpodcast]

Jenny and Ted discuss Shell4.3.

Episode Notes:

Taylor's backstory: what if Carrie, but more?

It was worse and more deliberate than we expected!

BTW Danny, be kind to yourself, this is an absolutely acceptable reason to lose your temper

How her trigger event shaped the way she is in Arc 1

What does Taylor hope for when it comes to the Protectorate?

They’re real friends! Genuine, certified friends!!

Alec's secret insecurity

We're on Alec's side, though. Those bullies deserve to suffer

Taylor’s impressive suppression

She doesn’t trust herself to take revenge, but she doesn’t trust these villains either

Taylor needed to share her truth, officially becoming the Heart of the group

Trigger Event Lore Corner

Spoilers for The Time Traveler’s Wife about what might happen if you trigger very young

Taylor’s power as eldritch horror

Next up this arc: more bullies and Emma’s cape name!

[kyliafanfiction]

Shell 4.3 Live Reactions

(This is me, writing reactions as I read, because why the fuck not. They're not complete, mature thoughts taken after I sit back and evaluate what I've read. Consider them as such)

Lisa leaned forward, putting her elbows on the table, “So if you needed another reason to think Glory Girl is a privileged bitch, look no further.”

“They don’t need nearly as intense an event to make their powers show up.  Glory Girl got her powers by getting fouled while playing basketball in gym class.  She mentioned it in a few interviews she gave.”

Or maybe you could wonder just what's going on in someone's home life that would make a basketball foul such a terrible event for them?

I kind of have somewhat mixed feelings about the fact that (apparently) Ward retcons the 'second gen triggers easier' thing, because that actually feels like a cool worldbuilding choice.

Then again, given what I gather Ward (apparently) reveals about Victoria's trigger, I still kind of feel like it somewhat pales compared to say, Taylor's trigger. So it still may be true, just not as easy as some would have thought.

Amy is second gen and hers wasn't exactly easy, after all.

Obviously, not coming into this blind, so it's hard to say how I'd feel about this if I read it blind. Like, on the one hand, we haven't been given a countervailing POV, but Lisa has clearly established herself as wanting to upplay the 'darker side' of the heroes, and stuff, to Taylor, so this could just be posturing.

I'd like to think, if I came at this blind, I wouldn't take Lisa at face value (because why would anyone, at this point?) and instead consider 'what makes someone's life so shitty that a basketball foul is such a bad day for them?'

Like, topic change but - AITA and related subreddits get a lot of cases where the poster is obviously, so obviously not TA and people wonder why they're asking, and sometimes it feels like they're posting for validation, and maybe they are but like... if someone's life is that bad that they need the validation from strangers on a subreddit?

I feel like let's give them some? So it's sort of like that, here? Like, if Vicky triggers from a basketball foul (and really, Lisa, why take Victoria at face value about this, especially since you now officially know New Wave isn't as shiny as they pretend), then seriously, let's wonder why that of all things counts as such an unpleasant experience for her?

“It’s okay,�� Brian reassured me, “It’s one of those things you only really hear about from other capes, and you only know us.  Maybe you’d hear more about trigger events if you took a university class in parahuman studies, but I doubt you’d get the full picture there.  Kind of have to go through it yourself.”

I feel like this would come up on PHO? The Wiki? Maybe Taylor just didn't spend enough time there, but...

This really does feel like a poorly presented exposition excuse. But then, sometimes you need those, especially in a story like Worm.

I found myself at a bit of a loss for words.  I couldn’t really explain why I didn’t want them interfering, “I don’t really know.  I think… I guess I feel that if you guys jumped in and beat them up or humiliated them or made them tearfully apologize, I wouldn’t feel like I’d dealt with things myself.  There wouldn’t be any closure.”

Then maybe actually deal with them already?! You're not even doing that. Taylor, please, don't believe their BS about being helpless before them!

“It went on for almost a year and a half before things quieted down.  Last year, around November, they… I dunno.  It was like they got bored.  The pranks got tamer, then stopped altogether.  The taunts stopped, and so did most of the hate mail.  They ignored me, left me alone.

See, this would be where it would have ended if Emma was sane. She genuinely would have gotten bored.

But instead, Emma's got more screws loose than an American Bridge. I mean, she doesn't give Amy a run for her money on how many issues she has, granted, but then, almost no one does, but still. Emma's issues have issues.

“Ew,” Alec interjected, putting down his food, “I was eating here.”

I mean, to be fair, this isn't really a dinner conversation, Taylor.

 It had been Sophia, I was almost positive: She was the most physically aggressive of the three.  But these guys didn’t need to know her name.

I doubt if she'd said the name it would have hit of Lisa's power enough to let her know that Sophia = Shadow Stalker, but it would make for an interesting AU/Fic Idea/Type Thing? :thinking_face:

I couldn’t leave the story unfinished, after getting this far, as much as I really wanted to.

You found a place where you feel as though you belong, are wanted, and like all people... well, you want to be understood. Can't really criticize that.

Maybe I should have, I dunno.”

Yes Taylor. You *should* have.

“The point I’m trying to make, if you’ll stop changing the subject, is that these girls would probably take their misery out on me, even if they didn’t know I was doing it.  I don’t trust myself to keep from retaliating, upping the ante.  You saw what happened with me and Rachel, the first time we met.  Things would escalate, I’d take things too far eventually.  Secret identity blown, or getting someone seriously hurt, like Lung was, only without the regeneration.”

I do get Taylor's point, I do, but I also feel like she's making excuses.

“There’s too much chance for things to go out of control if I take things into my own hands or have you guys do it for me.  

On the other hand, Taylor is kind of a control freak now, in a way, sortakinda, sooo....

“That would still be risking getting her assaulted,” I sighed, “Pretty girl walking down the side of the road at night?”

Taylor, you're doing a bad job of pretending to be a villain :P :rofl:

“Then why the fuck are you a supervillain?”

Good question. Don't give him the correct answer. :p

“Escape.”  The word left my mouth almost immediately, before I’d had a chance to even think about what it meant.  I couldn’t have taken the time to think before speaking, or they might have known something was up.  Lisa almost certainly would have. A few tense moments passed, and I chanced a look at Lisa and Brian.  Lisa was watching the dialogue, a small smile on her face, her chin resting on her palm.  Brian was kind of inscrutable, arms folded in front of him, no real expression on his face. I explained, “I can deal with real life, if I can leave it behind for this.  Kicking ass, making a name for myself, hanging out with friends.  Having fun.”

And this, beneath all the rationalizations, is the truth. The truest thing she's said in a while, I think, honestly. To herself, or anyone else.

“You’re volunteering, then?” Lisa asked Brian, ignoring my protests. Brian nodded, “Yeah, I guess I am.”

And the ship spills secrets to each other! From what I gather Brian/Taylor doesn't really have a satisfactory conclusion as a romantic subplot (does anything in Worm have a satisfactory conclusion? Okay I mean yes, the last three Arcs did, but still) but it's easy for the reader to be fooled into thinking it will be a more central detail of the story, from some of these bits.

[bethanythebogwitch]

Wet Beast Wednesday: giant Pacific octopus

Its actually wild to me that's I've been doing this series for almost 2 years and somehow haven't covered a single octopus yet. I've done squid, cuttlefish, nautiluses, and the vampire squid, but somehow the most famous corner of the cephalopod family reunion has eluded me. Time to change that. And why not go big and cover the biggest (maybe) octopus of them all?

(Image: a giant Pacific octopus crawling on the seafloor. It is a large, red, soft-bodied invertebrate with wrinkly skin. A bulbous head contains the eyes and opening to the mantle. Attacked are eight long arms lined with suckers. End ID)

Enteroctopus dofleini is the giant pacific octopus, though genetic studies have indicated that there may be multiple distinct subspecies based on location. They are considered the largest octopus species in the world, though that may not actually be the case. Adults usually reach an arm span of 4.3 meters (14 ft) and weigh up to 15 kg (33 lbs), with some large specimens getting up to 50 kg (110 lbs). That held the record for a long time, but in 2002, a dead specimen of Haliphron atlanticus, the seven-armed octopus was pulled up and while it was incomplete, its size while alive was estimated to be 3.5 m (11 ft) from top to arm tip and 75 kg (165 lbs). Seven-armed octopi are much more elusive than giant Pacific octopi, so we don't have nearly as many specimens to go off of, but if that sample is anything to go by, they are even bigger than the GPO.

(image: divers next to a giant Pacific octopus shown from below with its arms spread, showing off the suckers and the radius of the tentacles, which is larger than the diver. End ID)

The giant Pacific octopus's anatomy is typical of an octopus, just scaled up. It has two body segments: the head and the arms. The head is bulbous and contains the organ systems, including the brain, digestive system, renal system, and all three hearts, and is covered by the mantle. The arms (not tentacles as commonly thought) are eight limbs lined with powerful suckers, each of which can be moved independently. The only hard part of an octopus's body is the beak, used to chop up food. Because the rest of the body is so malleable, an octopus can squeeze its body through any hole large enough to fit the beak. The beak is also venomous, though only a few octopi possess venom potent enough to harm a human and the GPO is not one of them. Octopi (I can rant about what the proper plural is later, but as far as I'm concerned, octopi is perfectly acceptable) along with their squid and cuttlefish relatives, have special pigment-filled cells called chromatophores lining their skin. Using muscular action, the octopus can individually widen or shrink each chromatophore to radically change its color. This is used mostly as camouflage, but can also be used as a threat display in some species (such as the blue-ringed octopus) or for communication. The GPO is usually a ruddy red color when resting. Skin texture can also be altered with muscles, but in the GPO it is usually uneven, with long lateral folds that give it a wrinkly appearance. Octopi have a siphon concealed in the mantle that is used to pass water over the gills and for propulsion.

(Image: a GPO crawling through an aquarium tank. Purple sea urchins and anemones are in the background. End ID)

The giant Pacific octopus live in (surprise, surprise) the Pacific ocean. Specifically in the northern regions from the Yellow Sea in southern China, up through the eastern coast of Russia, across to Alaska, and down as far south as southern California. They are found in reefs and rocky bottoms with plenty of places to hide. The GPO occupies a middle portion of the food web. They are predators who feed on hard-shelled invertebrates, fish, and smaller cephalopods. They hunt prey as large as the spiny dogfish shark, which can grow up to 1.2 m (4 ft) and have been reported to attack and drown seagulls. In turn, they are fed on by sharks and marine mammals. Octopi are especially skilled at eating hard-shelled invertebrates like bivalves, as their powerful arms and suckers allow them to pry open the shells to get at the meat within. Octopi need to bite their food into small chunks as their brains are donut-shaped and circle the esophagus. Swallowing something too big can give them brain damage. The GPO prefers to dwell in dens, but will also hide amongst kelp or camouflaged among rocks. Dens can be spotted by looking for the discarded shells of meals piled up outside them They spend most of the day motionlessly resting (something anyone who has ever been disappointed at the octopus exhibit in the aquarium can tell you) and are most active between midnight and early morning. When active, they hunt and search for new hiding spaces. Large GPOs can travel lond distances in search of habitats and mates. Populations in Asia are known to migrate to shallow water in winter and deeper water in summer. They can remember where they've been by using visual stimuli. When threatened, they can release a cloud of toxic ink to blind attackers while they flee.

(Gif: a GPO crawling along the seafloor, showing off how the arms work together to move it. End ID)

Giant Pacific octopi live for up to five years, which makes them ancient by octopus standards. Most species only live for one year. Like all cephalopods except for nautiluses and possibly the vampire squid, giant Pacific octopi are semelparous, meaning they reproduce only once in their lives. This happens in fall and males will seek out females to mate with. Males have a modified arm called a heterocotylus that they reach into a hole in the female's mantle to deposit a packet of sperm that can be over a meter long. The female can then hold onto the packet to fertilize her eggs up to several months later. Genetic testing indicates that both males and females will mate with multiple partners. The female must find a suitable den and will lay up to 400,000 eggs in clusters attached to a hard surface. For the next 6 months, she will stay with her eggs to protect them, blowing oxygenated water over them and cleaning them of algae and other contaminants. She does not eat during this period, subsisting on her internal fat stores. By the time the eggs hatch, she will either have starved to death or will do so shortly. Males also do not survive past mating season. They also stop eating and become more prone to acting in the open, leaving them more vulnerable to predators. The newborn octopi are called pseudolarvae and are roughly the size of a grain of rice. Once hatched, they enter the water column and live amongst the zooplankton. Only a very few of the peudolarvae will survive to adulthood. The majority will succumb to disease or predation. Sexual maturity is regulated by a gland called the optic gland, which is analogous to the pituitary gland in vertebrates. Experiments have shown that females whose optic glands have been removed stop brooding their eggs and resume hunting. They also resume gaining weight and have longer lifespans.

(Image: a female GPO in her den. clusters of small, white eggs hang from the ceiling. End ID)

(Image: GPO eggs about ready to hatch. They are transparent, oblong capsule with the juveniles visible within. They have similar anatomy to the adults, but with visible ink sacs. End IS)

Octopi are the most intelligent of all invertebrates. They are capable of solving puzzles based on trial and error. Indeed, those living in aquariums are often given puzzles to solve as a form of enrichment. Aquarium workers have reported that giant Pacific octopi can recognize individual people and can hold grudges. Captive octopi are notorious for doing things like disabling mechanisms in their tanks, pranking certain people, and even escaping their tanks to visit other ones, then returning to theirs before anyone comes by to catch them. They are capable of tool use and can use shells and human-made objects to build defensive structures around their dens and some small species use shells or other objects as armor. Brain surface area often correlates to intelligence in areas and octopi have the highest ratio of all invertebrates. They are a rare example of an invertebrate whose brains are wrinkled the way those of tetrapods are. Only about a third of all the neurons within the nervous system are located in the brain. There are also major nerve clusters in each arm. It has been said that the arms have brains of their own, though this is not entirely accurate. The arms are capable of independent action, though learning happens in the brain. The arm brains also work to process the massive amount of sensory data they gather. Even a severed arm can act independently until it starves. There are videos out there of uncooked or undercooked octopus arms moving around on plates or grabbing onto diner's faces.

(Image: a GPO in an aquarium being given food in a jack-o-lantern as a form of enrichment. End ID)

The giant Pacific octopus is classified as least concern by the IUCN, meaning they are not at risk of extinction. They are considered abundant through their range, though they are at higher risk in some locations. GPOs are also harvested for seafood, being popular throughout their range and beyond. The GPO, along with the big blue and common octopi, are the most commonly eaten species in the Pacific. Pollution, climate change, and ocean acidification are also known to be threats to octopi. A threat that doesn't exist anymore is the "sport" of octopus wrestling. This involves divers grabbing octopi and trying to pull them to the surface, with GPOs targeted due to their size. The octopus was an entirely unwilling participant in this, they are very shy animals that prefer to flee rather than fight. Fortunately, this form of recreational animal abuse doesn't really exist anymore.

(Gif: a GPO in an aquarium crawling along the glass. This shows how each sucker can move independently and work together to move the animal. End ID)

[givekelsiercocaine]

God everything about Lisa is so tragic. Her trigger event, being forced into villainy by Coil, her desperate attempts to find out as much as she can to prevent the end of the world, and her whole relationship with Taylor.

She sees Taylor for the first time and immediately knows she's passively suicidal. She can't let that go, if course she can't, she can't let another Rex happen. So she reaches out, she invites Taylor to join the Undersiders, knowing the whole time Taylor's lying from the start. She gives her a friends/family/a support group, desperately hoping to give Taylor a reason to live. She takes her shopping, hoping to boost Taylor's confidence in herself. She pushes Taylor to go out with Brian, because she knows Brian has the same feelings, and she thinks it'll both help Taylor feel more tied to the group and help make her happier.

And it kinda works. Taylor gains confidence, she's stronger, she's happier.

"I'm sorry," Lisa put her hand on my shoulder. I felt grateful that she wasn’t pulling away or laughing. It was the first time I’d ever really talked about it, and I wasn’t sure I could’ve dealt if she had.

Shell 4.3

It kind of surprised me, but I realized what I was saying was true, so I didn’t even need to worry about tipping Lisa off. A second later, I realized I might have been a little presumptuous.

"I mean, assuming that we are frien—"

"If you finish that sentence,” Lisa warned me, "I'm going to slap you across the head." I felt the heat of a flush in my cheeks and ears. "Yes, Taylor, we’re friends," Brian said.

Shell 4.3

"I don’t know how to say this gracefully," I said. I paused, noting the presence of a hero nearby who’d raised a camera towards me. Whatever, I’d say it anyways. "But you guys mean a lot to me. I’m sorry I didn’t say it before, but I couldn’t without letting on that something was going on. You’re my family, in a way. As lame as it might be, I love you guys."

Drone 23.5

"I know," Grace said, after a pause. "I get that. I get that there’s other reasons. Like the fact that you love those guys and you never loved us. Cool. Makes sense."

"I liked you guys."

"But you didn’t love us.”

"No," I said.

Venom 29.1

By Arc 19, Lisa's sure she succeeded. She averted another Rex, she saved Taylor. Even with how self destructive Taylor is, pushing herself so hard towards a goal, first saving Dinah then saving everyone, throwing herself in dangerous situations one after another, she's in a better state than she was before. But is Lisa?

Taylor and Lisa have somewhat of a distant emotional connection. As much as Lisa has helped Taylor, Taylor can't really do the same to Lisa. Because even when she isn't wearing a mask in a literal sense. she's always wearing one metaphorically, one that she almost never lets slip. So as much as Taylor loves Lisa, she doesn't really know Lisa. She can't. Lisa's given Taylor a support system, but she herself doesn't have one.

"Except you’ve been talking to the heroes, and you’ve had that to help center yourself, figure out where you stand," Tattletale said. "I haven't."

"That’s it? You need to talk to someone?"

"No. That’s not what I’m saying," she said. She sighed. "Yes. Kind of. It’s only part of it. Who the hell am I going to talk to that grasps things on a level I do? Do you really expect me to find a therapist and sit down and not pick him apart faster than he can decipher me?"

"You could talk to me ," I said. "Not when you’re part of the problem, part of what I’d need to work past."

"That’s not fair," I told her.

"No, it isn’t," she admitted."

Scourge 19.7

And that disconnect shows in Taylor's pov. Even in Taylor's head, Lisa is so often thought of as Tattletale, not Lisa. Even as she's eviscerating Taylor on personal level in 30.1, she's still Tattletale, not Lisa. Rachel is almost always Rachel more than Bitch, and I'm pretty sure Aisha is Aisha'd as much as she's Imp'd.

Later in the same chapter, she explains herself, her first time in the whole book being genuine and letting herself be vulnerable.

Me? When you shot Coil, I realized I was done. I’d helped you out of the same trap of despair Rex had been in. Don’t know if the road I helped you down was a good one or a bad, but I’d finished."

"But why be reckless? Why take the risks?"

"Because I did what I had to do, I helped you, and I still feel like the stupid, self-obsessed little child that let her big brother die. It wasn’t conscious, but maybe I felt like I needed to up the stakes. Pull something dramatic. Show that, with these crazy smart capes like Alexandria and Faultline around, I could still be the smartest person in the room."

Scourge 19.7

She's finished her project, she's saved Taylor, whether for good or ill. She's freed herself of Coil. And it didn't fix her; She still bears all that guilt over Rex. Maybe, given time, Taylor could have helped Lisa, returned the favour. But they never had the time, because so soon after this, Taylor is outed, and things escalate, and Taylor is gone. I can't imagine what that did to Lisa, but it I'd guess that it means that her one true friend, probably the only person who even comes close to understanding her, is gone. Of course, she keeps in touch. But the letter she sends, its so impersonal, naught more than a status report. Whereas Brian and Rachel's are emotional and personal, confessions of their feelings. (I love Taylor and Rachel's relationship so much, but that's not the point here.) And when they meet all meet back up before Behemoth, the only thing she says to Taylor is asking her to survive. I think that even though she said she felt like she'd succeeded fixing Taylor, she was still doubting. Taylor is Taylor, I don't think she ever really could have been saved just by who she is. And Lisa could probably tell.

With a touch more seriousness, Tattletale said, "No dying, okay, Skitter?"

"Weaver," I corrected.

"Skitter," she said. "Here, today, you’re Skitter. Consider it a good luck charm. And no dying . I’ll say it as many times as it takes, until it gets through to you."

...

“Just remember,” Tattletale called out, “You’re officially Skitter today. Don’t be a hero. No point to all this shit if you do something brave and get yourself killed.”

Drone 23.5

And it all leads to Khepri. Taylor ruining herself, letting someone alter her brain to such an extent in a desperation to beat Scion. And it kills Lisa

"You couldn’t have made it easy?” Tattletale asked, looking down at it. “Because standing by while you do this… that’s fucking hard . It’s honestly easier if I’m on their side and I’m helping them stop you. If I can blame the fuck-up job Panacea did to your head."

"While I’m saying all this, kiddo, you gotta know I love you. I adore you, warts and all. You saved me, as much as I like to think I saved you. All this stuff I’m bitching about, it’s the same stuff that got us through some pretty hairy shit, and I love you for it as much as I groan about it. You’re brilliant and you’re reckless and you care too much about people in general when I really wish you’d leave things well enough alone and be selfish. But this?"

"Shit ," Tattletale said. "You gotta forgive me, just this once. Because seeing this and knowing what you pulled hurts enough that I gotta say this. This makes me feel really sorry for your dad, because I’m starting to get a sense of what you put him through.

Speck 30.1

Like, god. The tragedy of loving Taylor Hebert, a stubborn, persistent, unyielding person, one who doesn't value herself but will give everything to fight for her friends. For all that Lisa could try and do to save her, for all the happiness she could try and give her, it didn't work. Taylor becomes Khepri, and she loses her forever. I'm don't even know if Lisa knows what happened to Taylor, that she's on another earth, safe with the opportunity for genuine happiness without all the crises, able to be a regular person. Or does she assume Taylor died, maybe at the hands of a cape traumatised and angry and being mind controlled, maybe because of her own shard destroying her?

Does she ever regret trying to fix Taylor? Does she ever think back on it and wonder if Taylor would be better off if she hadn't guided her into villainy?

[genshin-impact-updates]

"Roses and Muskets" Version 4.3 Update Details

Post Details Page

Dear Travelers,

Below are the details of the Version 4.3 update "Roses and Muskets" and the update compensation.

〓Compensation Details〓

Maintenance Compensation: Primogems ×300 (60 Primogems per hour the servers are down)

Issue Fix Compensation: Primogems ×300 (please refer to the relevant compensation mail for more details)

〓Scope of Compensation〓

Maintenance Compensation: Travelers who have reached Adventure Rank 5 or above by 2023/12/20 06:00 (UTC+8).

Compensation must be claimed before the end of Version 4.3.

Issue Fix Compensation: Travelers who reach Adventure Rank 5 or above by 2023/12/20 06:00 (UTC+8).

Please log in and claim your compensation before 2023/12/23 06:00 (UTC+8).

Our developers will distribute compensation to Travelers via in-game mail within 5 hours after the update maintenance is finished. The mail will expire after 30 days, so don't forget to claim the attached compensation in time.

〓Update Schedule〓

Update maintenance begins 2023/12/20 06:00 (UTC+8) and is estimated to take 5 hours.

〓How to Update Game Client〓

PC: Close the game, open the Genshin Impact Launcher, and click Update.

iOS: Open the App Store and tap Update.

Android: Open the game and follow the directions on-screen.

PS5™ and PS4™: Highlight Genshin Impact from the Home Screen, press the OPTIONS button and select "Check for Update."

Please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service if you encounter any issues installing the new version. We will do our very best to resolve the issue.

〓Update Details〓

I. New Characters

5-Star Character "Helm of the Radiant Rose" Navia (Geo)

◇ Vision: Geo

◇ Weapon: Claymore

◇ The current President of Spina di Rosula, who is lovely, dutiful, and a great boss.

◆ Elemental Skill: Ceremonial Crystalshot

◆ When a character in a party with Navia obtains an Elemental Shard created from the Crystallize reaction, Navia will gain Crystal Shrapnel. When she fires, Navia will fire multiple Rosula Shardshots that can penetrate opponents, dealing Geo DMG. The more Rosula Shardshots that strike opponents, the greater the DMG dealt to them. Unleashing Navia's Elemental Skill will consume accumulated Crystal Shrapnel stacks, and the number of Rosula Shardshots and DMG dealt by "Ceremonial Crystalshot" will be increased based on the number of Crystal Shrapnel stacks. Hold the Elemental Skill to enter Aiming Mode and continually collect Elemental Shards nearby.

◆ Elemental Burst: As the Sunlit Sky's Singing Salute

◆ Call for a magnificent Rosula Dorata Salute. Unleashes a massive cannon bombardment on opponents in front of her, dealing AoE Geo DMG and providing Cannon Fire Support for a duration afterward, periodically dealing Geo DMG. When cannon attacks hit opponents, Navia will gain 1 stack of Crystal Shrapnel.

4-Star Character "Executor of Justice" Chevreuse (Pyro)

◇ Vision: Pyro

◇ Weapon: Polearm

◇ The captain of the Special Security and Surveillance Patrol, who wears justice as an ever-present seal upon her heart. Her musket shall only ever point at the guilty.

◆ Elemental Skill: Short-Range Rapid Interdiction Fire

◆ Fires at her opponent(s), dealing AoE Pyro DMG. If a nearby character in the party triggers an Overloaded reaction, Chevreuse gains 1 Overcharged Ball, increasing the AoE and DMG of her Elemental Skill. After Chevreuse fires a shot, she will continuously restore HP to the active character on the field.

◆ Elemental Burst: Ring of Bursting Grenades

◆ Fires an explosive grenade at opponents, dealing AoE Pyro DMG. After the projectile hits, it will split into many secondary explosive shells. These shells will burst after a short interval, dealing Pyro DMG.

II. New Equipment

1. New Weapons (Examples based on Refinement Rank 1)

Verdict (5-Star Claymore)

Increases ATK by 20%. When characters in your party obtain Elemental Shards from Crystallize reactions, the equipping character will gain 1 Seal, increasing Elemental Skill DMG by 18%. The Seal lasts for 15s, and the equipper may have up to 2 Seals at once. All of the equipper's Seals will disappear 0.2s after their Elemental Skill deals DMG.

◆ During the event wish "Epitome Invocation," the event-exclusive 5-star weapon Verdict (Claymore) will receive a huge drop-rate boost!

Ultimate Overlord's Mega Magic Sword (4-Star Claymore)

ATK increased by 12%. That's not all! The support from all Melusines you've helped in Merusea Village fills you with strength! Based on the number of them you've helped, your ATK is increased by up to an additional 12%.

◆ Ultimate Overlord's Mega Magic Sword (Claymore) and its refinement materials can be redeemed in the event "Roses and Muskets."

2. New Artifacts

Song of Days Past (4-Star and 5-Star)

◇ 2-Piece Set: Healing Bonus +15%.

◇ 4-Piece Set: When the equipping character heals a party member, the Yearning effect will be created for 6s, which records the total amount of healing provided (including overflow healing). When the duration expires, the Yearning effect will be transformed into the "Waves of Days Past" effect: When your active party member hits an opponent with a Normal Attack, Charged Attack, Plunging Attack, Elemental Skill, or Elemental Burst, the DMG dealt will be increased by 8% of the total healing amount recorded by the Yearning effect. The "Waves of Days Past" effect is removed after it has taken effect 5 times or after 10s. A single instance of the Yearning effect can record up to 15,000 healing, and only a single instance can exist at once, but it can record the healing from multiple equipping characters. Equipping characters on standby can still trigger this effect.

Nighttime Whispers in the Echoing Woods (4-Star and 5-Star)

◇ 2-Piece Set: ATK +18%.

◇ 4-Piece Set: After using an Elemental Skill, gain a 20% Geo DMG Bonus for 10s. While under a shield granted by the Crystallize reaction, the above effect will be increased by 150%, and this additional increase disappears 1s after that shield is lost.

III. New Domain

Domain of Blessing: Waterfall Wen

◇ An ancient ruined city that was once used by a now-bygone secret order as an ad-hoc site of assembly. Now, all that remains to rule the roost are beasts bereft of language or intellect.

◇ Unlock Criteria (satisfy any one of the criteria below to unlock):

• Reach Adventure Rank 22 or above

• Complete Archon Quest Prologue: Act III "Song of the Dragon and Freedom"

◆ Challenge the Domain to obtain artifacts in the "Song of Days Past" and "Nighttime Whispers in the Echoing Woods" sets.

IV. New Main Story

1. New Story Quest

Navia's Story Quest - Rosa Multiflora Chapter: Act I "Braving the Tides Together"

Permanently available after the Version 4.3 update

◆ Quest Unlock Criteria:

• Reach Adventure Rank 40 or above

• Complete Archon Quest Chapter IV: Act V "Masquerade of the Guilty"

2. New World Quest

◆ New World Quest: "Leroy" Quest Chain

V. Other Update Details

New Recipes:

○ Hotel Debord, Fontaine: Rainbow Macarons

○ Louis (NPC): Feast-O's

○ Obtained From Event: Fontinalia Mousse

New Character Specialty Dishes:

○ Navia's specialty: "Pick What You Like!"

○ Chevreuse's specialty: "Sin: The Kind that Doesn't Need to be Dealt With"

New Achievements added to the "Wonders of the World" category.

Adds Set 28 of "Paimon's Paintings" chat emojis.

Adds some prompts for loading screens.

New Namecards:

"Navia: Rosula": Reward for reaching Friendship Lv. 10 with Navia

"Chevreuse: Type II": Reward for reaching Friendship Lv. 10 with Chevreuse

"Travel Notes: Time Inscribed": Reward obtained via the BP system

New Item: "Swirling Scene in a Bottle": Purchased from Tubby the teapot spirit via the Realm Depot after completing the Archon Quest "Lies Cast Shadows Under Gathered Lights."

New Serenitea Pot Realm Layout: "Swirling Isles": Unlocked after using the item "Swirling Scene in a Bottle."

New "Recommended Sets" function on characters' Artifacts screens, where recommended Artifact set information based on recently active players will now be shown as a reference to help Travelers when choosing Artifacts.

New "Artifact Locking" function, where you can add, set, and activate different Artifact settings by going into your Inventory > Artifacts > Artifact Auto-Lock menu. After you have activated "Artifact Auto-Lock," you will automatically lock 5-star Artifacts that meet said settings upon gaining them.

"Genius Invokation TCG" Gameplay Update:

New Character Cards: Lyney, Lynette, Layla, Yelan, Alhaitham, Gorou, and their corresponding Talent cards. Corresponding invitation duels and guest challenges have been added to the Player List.

New Character Cards: Dvalin, Azhdaha, La Signora, Eremite Scorching Loremaster, Thunder Manifestation, and their corresponding Talent cards. Their Tavern Challenges have also been added.

Numerous Action Cards have been added which can be purchased from Prince at The Cat's Tail.

New Card Box "Fontaine" can be purchased from Prince at The Cat's Tail after reaching Player Level 8.

Adds 12 new Open World Players. Reach Player Level 3 to unlock 4 new Open World Players located at Windwail Highland, and reach Player Level 10 to unlock the other 8 Open World Players located at Romaritime Harbor and the Court of Fontaine.

The Forge Realm's Temper is once again available. The theme of this edition is "The Forge Realm's Temper: Game of Wits":

(1) During The Forge Realm's Temper: Game of Wits, some stages will have special victory and defeat conditions. Adeptly adapt your tactics to complete the challenge and avoid the conditions for defeat!

(2) Within The Forge Realm's Temper: Game of Wits event stages, there will also be special rules that can easily exert influence on the tempo of the match. Fully utilizing these special rules will contribute greatly to your success.

Spiral Abyss

The "Marechaussee Hunter" and "Golden Troupe" Artifact set rewards in "Domain Reliquary: Tier I" and "Domain Reliquary: Tier II" for Spiral Abyss Floors 9–12 will be replaced with the "Song of Days Past" and the "Nighttime Whispers in the Echoing Woods" sets.

Floor 11 Ley Line Disorder changed to:

• All party members receive a 75% Geo DMG Bonus.

Updated the monster lineup on Floors 11 – 12 of the Spiral Abyss.

Starting from the first time that the Lunar Phase refreshes after updating to Version 4.3, the two Lunar Phases will be as follows:

Phase I:

Sturdy Moon

After a character obtains an Elemental Shard created by the Crystallize reaction, they will gain the Redoubtable state. Active characters in this state deal 15% increased DMG. This state lasts for 8s and can stack up to 3 times, with the duration of each stack counted independently.

Phase II:

Bursting Moon

After a character obtains an Elemental Shard created by the Crystallize reaction, it will be counted. When the count reaches 3, a shockwave will be released at the character's location, dealing True DMG to nearby opponents, and resetting the count. 1 such shockwave can be triggered every 6s.

〓Adjustments & Optimizations〓

● Enhancement Systems

Pop-ups will no longer appear when carrying out enhancements from the Character Leveling, Weapon Enhancement, and Artifact Enhancement screens. Enhancement information will be integrated into the original screen instead.

When previewing rewards for defeating Enemies of Note and bosses, Character Level-Up Materials will appear nearer to the front.

Each time you enhance a weapon, you can now consume up to 40 materials instead of just 20. You will also be able to select multiple Refinement Materials at the same time when refining weapons.

Adjusts the Weapon Refinement Mora consumption rules: When using a Weapon with a Refinement Level that isn't 1 for refining other Weapons, the amount of Mora consumed will be converted based on the Refinement Level (e.g. before the update, refining 4-star Weapons with an original Refinement Level of 1 would always cost 1,000 Mora, regardless of the Refinement Level of the Weapons being used as Refinement Materials. After the update, the amount of Mora required will be converted based on the Refinement Materials).

On the Character > Level Up screen, the speed of special effects when leveling up characters has been increased, and you can now use Auto Add to add sufficient Character EXP Materials to get the character up to the highest level they can currently reach with a single click.

● Artifacts

On the "Artifact Enhancement" screen, you can now add up to 15 Artifacts each time you enhance an Artifact.

The "Enhance to Next Tier" function has been added to the "Artifact Enhancement" screen: After this function is enabled, when there are still open slots to add Enhancement Materials but the current action will already cause the Artifact to reach Level 4/8/12/16, no more additional Enhancement Materials will be automatically added beyond those necessary to reach the next tier.

From the Paimon Menu > Settings > Other, you can choose whether or not 5-Star Artifacts can be auto-added as Artifact Enhancement Materials.

The filter function on the Inventory > Artifacts screen has been adjusted: Interactivity logic has been updated to support more filter conditions, as well as filtering multiple sets at the same time.

You can now select up to 3 affixes when sorting Artifacts (previously, you could only select a maximum of 2).

On the Crafting Bench's "Mystic Offering" screen, you can now add multiple Artifacts at the same time with a single click.

Travelers can also read Version 4.3's "Artifact Auto-Lock and Filter Function Update Preview" that was previously published to learn more about the updated Artifact Auto-Filter and Locking functions.

Adds Multi-Select Mode to the Serenitea Pot's editing screen, allowing you to drag-select multiple furnishings to move, store, and create custom sets in bulk.

Optimizes the logic of the Serenitea Pot's editing screen: When in Single-Select Mode, clicking the blank area will confirm placement, whereas clicking another furnishing will switch to selecting the corresponding furnishing.

Adds serial numbers to the Serenitea Pot's Replica screen.

In the Serenitea Pot, when your Realm Currency is full, the NPC Tubby's dialogue option for going to redeem it ("Trust Rank") will light up.

Optimizes the Serenitea Pot's Furnishing Schematics screen.

a. When you've started creating furnishings or switch back to the Furnishing Schematics screen from another furnishing creation screen, the list of Furnishing Schematics will no longer refresh and cause you to lose your selected position.

b. A source link to the "Convert Wood" screen has been added for wood materials on the Furnishing Schematics screen.

c. On the Furnishing Schematics screen, Teapot Spirit Trust Rank markers will no longer be displayed for furnishings that you haven't made before but are currently in the process of making (if you cancel creation before they're finished, the marker will show again).

● Genius Invokation TCG

Even if you haven't unlocked the Dynamic Skins for the Character Cards "Cyno," "Tartaglia," "Xiao," and "Wanderer," the card portrait will still change with the skill effect after using certain skills.

● Other Systems

Adjusts the scroll bar's response area on certain screens.

On the map screen, you can now check bosses' current remaining respawn times by clicking their avatars.

Chat records from before the current day will now show the year, date, and time (previously, only the date and time were shown).

On the Crafting/Cooking/Forging/Create Furnishing screens, if there are no selected character records on the Traveler's device, the first character that can provide a bonus when creating the selected item will be chosen by default.

Adds the "Claim All" button to the "Dispatch Character on Expedition" screen, allowing you to claim Expedition Rewards with a single click. You'll also be able to use the "Dispatch Again" button on the "Expedition Results" screen to repeat expeditions with a single click.

Adds the "Claim All" button to the "Process" and "Forge" screens, allowing you to claim processed ingredients and forged items that have been completed with a single click.

Optimizes the interaction experience of the Adventure Handbook's Enemies tab.

a. You can now select "Cancel Navigation" on this screen to stop navigating towards a certain enemy on the map and the corresponding avatar (except boss enemies) will no longer appear on the map.

b. Adjusts the way enemies' avatars display so that more can be displayed.

● Audio

Optimizes the voice-over performance when the Character Card "Tartaglia" uses his Elemental Burst under different stances in Genius Invokation TCG.

Optimizes the audio performance when the combat phase changes in the Trounce Domain "Shadow of Another World."

● Other

Adds a new HP icon style for "Local Legend" enemies.

Adds related tutorials for "Local Legend" enemies.

Adjusts the lineup of opponents in the Ascension Domains for Adventure Ranks 45 and 50.

Reduces the Max HP of opponents in the Ascension Domain for Adventure Rank 45 and increases the time remaining for Time Trial Challenges in said Domain.

"The Chasm Delvers" quest series will no longer be prerequisites for the Archon Quest "In the Depths, an Unexpected Reunion." When you reach the objective "Enter The Chasm: Underground Mines" in the Archon Quest "In the Depths, an Unexpected Reunion," a Teleport Waypoint will be automatically unlocked in The Chasm: Underground Mines so you can continue with the Archon Quest.

When a Gadget cannot be used, its button icon will no longer be hidden. This means that when characters are moving underwater, you will no longer be prevented from quickswapping Gadgets due to the icon having disappeared because the current Gadget can't be used.

Characters' summons will no longer attack "Hydro Portals" in the open world.

Adjusts the barrier along the edges of the Spiral Abyss Domains: Upon approaching the barrier, the camera will not zoom in onto the character.

When entering Domains of Blessing, Domains of Mastery, Domains of Forgery, as well as when re-challenging these Domains, characters will now enter closer to the challenge location.

When re-challenging Domains, Trounce Domains, and the Spiral Abyss, if party members' skills are in CD, the CD will be reset.

〓Genius Invokation TCG Balance Adjustment〓

Adjusts the Elemental Dice cost for the Event Card "Wind and Freedom": The Elemental Dice cost required will be adjusted from 1 to 0.

Adjusts the Elemental Dice cost for the Event Card "Joyous Celebration": The Elemental Dice cost required will be adjusted from 1 to 0.

Adjusts summon effects for the Character Card "Rhodeia of Loch": Only 2 Hydro Mimics can exist simultaneously on the field now. Hydro Mimics: Frogs: The number of Usages that can decrease DMG taken by the active character is adjusted from 2 to 1.

Adjusts the HP of the Character Card "Fatui Pyro Agent": Adjusted from 10 to 9 HP.

Adjusts the effects of the Equipment Card "Ocean-Hued Clam": "When played: Heal the attached character for 3 HP." has been adjusted to "2 HP."

New effect for Support Card "Timaeus": "When played: if your deck originally includes at least 6 Artifact cards, you will randomly also draw 1 Artifact Card from your deck."

New effect for Support Card "Wagner": "When played: if your deck originally includes at least 3 Weapon cards, you will randomly also draw 1 Weapon Card from your deck."

New effect for Event Card "Stone and Contracts": "When the Action Phase of the next Round begins: Draw 1 card."

New tag added to the Character Card "Dehya": The Eremites

〓Bug Fixes〓

● Enemies

Fixes an issue whereby, when the enemies "Pyro Slime" and "Large Pyro Slime" were defeated and knocked away at the same time, their explosion special effects would play abnormally soon.

Fixes an issue whereby, when the enemy "Hydro Hilichurl Rogue" was Frozen, there was a small chance that it would only stay Frozen for abnormally short periods.

Fixes an issue whereby the Knife Throwing ability of Treasure Hoarder Scouts would not unleash properly in certain situations.

Fixes an issue whereby there was a chance that Frost Operatives' models would appear abnormally at longer distances.

Fixes an issue whereby, when multiple Wind Operatives unleashed the Windstrike Encore skill at the same time, the location of the skill AoE warning effect would be abnormal.

Fixes an issue whereby, when the Hydro Tulpa unleashed the Dissolving Surge attack, there was a small chance that the direction of the action would be abnormal.

Fixes an issue whereby there was a chance that DMG numbers wouldn't display when certain characters inflicted DMG on the All-Devouring Narwhal (but the actual DMG inflicted was correct).

Fixes an issue whereby when challenging the Boss "Magatsu Mitake Narukami no Mikoto," the active character will lose HP when another game interface is opened while they are within the shield deployed on the field.

● Characters

Fixes an issue with Charlotte whereby there was no related special effect when she was knocked away.

Fixes an issue whereby, when Shenhe was caught in an enemy's bubble, the character model's ribbon animation effect would be missing.

Fixes an issue whereby Salon Members invited by Furina's Elemental Skill would appear abnormally dim under certain circumstances.

Fixes an issue whereby after Furina's Lv. 6 Constellation is activated, the Plunge Hydro DMG dealt by her Plunging Attack can be erroneously overridden by infusion.

● System

Fixes an issue whereby there was a spot on Wriothesley's portrait where the image layers were in the wrong order in the "Character Archive," "Story Quests," and other interfaces.

Fixes an issue whereby certain pieces of text were missing for the Archon Quest "Equilibrium" in the "Travel Log."

Fixes an issue whereby, if characters entered combat and then went into or left a body of water, the disappearing animation for the Gadget "Itty Bitty Octobaby" would abnormally play an extra time.

Fixes an issue whereby, when characters sat down at benches in Fontaine, the game camera would abnormally see through the character models under certain circumstances.

Fixes an issue whereby, if the game disconnected from the server when characters went underwater, the game camera would appear abnormal when it reconnected.

Fixes an issue whereby, if certain characters were switched to other characters while underwater and then the player left the body of water, underwater environment effects would abnormally remain.

● Genius Invokation TCG

Fixes an issue in Genius Invokation TCG whereby the text color of certain Character Card skill descriptions was displaying incorrectly.

Fixes an issue whereby, when certain Character Cards used Dynamic Skins, details on the character's face were not displaying clearly.

Fixes an issue whereby a Seamless Shield generated by the Character Card "Baizhu" would cause Character Cards that had already fallen to be abnormally affected by Dendro under certain circumstances.

Fixes an issue whereby certain special effects on the Dynamic Skins of the Event Cards "Fresh Wind of Freedom," "In Every House a Stove," and "Joyous Celebration" were displaying abnormally.

Fixes an issue whereby, after the Character Card "Yoimiya" equipped the Talent Card "Naganohara Meteor Swarm," her third Normal Attack after entering the Niwabi Enshou state would not receive +1 DMG as it should.

● Audio

Fixes an issue whereby the skill sound effects of Furina's Elemental Burst would abnormally cut off under certain circumstances.

Fixes an issue whereby the audio for certain scene elements was missing.

Fixes an issue whereby the music was incorrect in certain places in the "Weeping Willow of the Lake" sub-area of Fontaine.

● Other

Fixes a text error in "Character Story 5" in Neuvillette's Profile > Story interface.

Fixes an issue whereby, while completing the Daily Commission "This Novel Is Amazing!," the commission flow would be abnormal resulting in players being unable to complete the corresponding achievement under certain circumstances.

Fixes an issue whereby, after Electro Shards created by Crystallize reactions were absorbed, the special effect would appear abnormally.

Fixes an issue with Co-Op Mode whereby, when a Traveler used the abilities of Xenochromatic Fontemer Aberrants with certain characters, the other Traveler would be unable to see the skill animation.

Fixes an issue whereby, when characters that had equipped Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds changed outfits, some weapon special effects would abnormally disappear.

Fixes an issue whereby, after Neuvillette and Cyno had triggered the Bloodstained Chivalry 4-Piece Set Bonus, Stamina would still be consumed abnormally when performing Charged Attacks.

Fixes a text error on the Court of Fontaine: Fleuve Cendre Message Board in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, German, Spanish, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese.

Fixes some text errors in certain languages and optimizes text. (Note: Related in-game functions have not changed. Travelers can view the changes in different languages by going to the Paimon Menu > Settings > Language and changing the Game Language.)

◆ Optimizes certain inconsistencies between voice-overs and their corresponding lines in Neuvillette's Story Quest.

*This is a work of fiction and is not related to any actual people, events, groups, or organizations.

"PlayStation", "PS5", "PS4", "DualSense", "DUALSHOCK" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

[allwormdiet]

Shell 4.3

In which we finally discuss the locker

Little surprised that Alec is taking the lead on this one, but pleasantly so

And yeah, here we finally get an explanation for powers and triggers and all that, or at least the foundations of it

...Also there's no way that Glory Girl triggered just because of a basketball game, that has to be a crock of shit. What's up with New Wave claiming to be the most open hero team and then coming off the shadiest? How am I trusting these people less than I trust the government capes?

I like that they make a point of reassuring her after her blunder. She couldn't have known, and they know that, and they don't hold it against her. I love these kids.

Brian seems more comfortable smacking Alec around than he does Rachel. I don't think that's a thing of not wanting to hit women, last arc he decked Vista like she owed him money. Maybe it's that Rachel intentionally provokes that reaction and Alec is just kind of a little shit? Idk

Again, I remain utterly fixated on how this is Taylor's one line, the thing she refuses to compromise on ever. I'll buy that she doesn't want outside interference from the Undersiders or other capes when it comes to the bully situation, but it's harder to do that when she never makes a move herself.

This is so. Evil. Like, the false friendship, the rotting tampons, the imprisonment. The fact that nobody who sees this play out even bothers to help her. The fact that she's trapped for hours. If that didn't give someone a trigger event, I'm not sure anything would.

Alec is actually so real for this. Like for all that he was disgusted with the story (which, fair) his disgust isn't with Taylor, it's with the fuckers who did that to her. And Brian agrees with him! Lisa is making a point of not disagreeing, even.

Oh hey, Taylor actually acknowledges her thing with anger and violent retribution. Glad she's cognizant of that, it'd be a whole situation if she wasn't tbh

Actually thank god for Alec keeping up this line of thinking, this might be the most passionate we've seen him get about anything. The runner up is like, him being annoyed he can't keep Kid Win's skateboard, and that's peanuts compared to this. Maybe he's wrong about the revenge thing but I don't know that he is, and he's definitely not wrong about the indignity that Taylor is allowing herself to suffer

I don't think this is half the lie that Taylor thinks it is. For all that she has noble intentions, and I don't doubt she'll do her best with those... I don't think Taylor's drive to be a superhero was entirely selfless. This isn't all truth and justice going on here, this is feeling strong and being appreciated by others and not being looked at like a bottom-feeder.

Wonder when she'll figure that out for herself

Get cared about idiot! Get absolutely blanketed with affection and approval from the people who would absolutely rip your bullies apart if you asked them to!

You know. I think Brian's trigger event is one of the ones I know the least about? I know the broad strokes of almost every other Undersider, but I don't think I know anything about his.

Current Thoughts

Even knowing what's coming, reading through Taylor's ordeal with the locker is so fucking heartbreaking. She could've died in there and the consolation prize she got was not worth the cost of admission, that's for damn sure. Emma Barnes is a fucking maniac for this one.

The stuff about powers and trigger events is a pretty neat concept, and I like how it kind of contextualizes most capes as being fucked up. Like, I'm thirteen years late to the party on this one, but what a fascinating fucking idea to build your superhero setting on.

Alec really shone through for me in this chapter. Maybe I relate as someone who finds it easier to get angry on others' behalf than to be angry for myself, or maybe it's just nice to see him get fired up about something. I like this kid.

...Got work and a family thing today, but I'll see if I can't slip some more updates in. I'll probably read some at least and double back with my thoughts if nothing else

[cryptratfromrunescape]

cretures by dumbness (this is a joke all creatures are amaszig)

sea sponge: 0!!! NO BRAIN!!! IT DONT EVEN MOVE!!! IDIOT CREATURE!!!

starfish: 0.005 barely even creature it so silly and dumb

leech: 0.01 evil parasitic creaturrr

sea slug: 0.018 pretty shell, but no brain

fruit fly: 0.15 it lives so short no time to get smart

ant: 0.25 they do not think, but are very good at being ant.

honey bee: 0.96 ALMOST THERE!! BUT still stupid insect creatur!!

cockroach: 1 they skitter they survive they tough

common house gecko: 3.9 skjsgjk stick its little tongue out

guppy: 4.3 dumbest fish evar, so smol no room for brain

sand lizard: 4.3 tiny lizard, tiny brain

crested gecko: 5.4 no thoughts, head empy

brown water snake: slister slither

leopard gecko: 8.08 thick tail stores knowledge

greek tortoiouse: 8.5 thick shell wise turtle not that wise

tokay gecko: 8.8 it screams, for it knows nothing

russian tortoise: 9.008 it knows secrets. it forgot.

corn snake: 10.6 slister slister

rainbow boa: 11.08 it not smart, but it can still kill you

common snapping turtle: 13.6 bite bite

painted turtle 14.3 who put paint on this turtle

frog: 16. ribbit.

boa constrictor: 19.7 every spot on its body is another smart point

yellow anaconda: 20.03 slither squeez

major skink: 24.1 skinky

naked mole rat: 26.8 first mammal on the list, it look stupid

green iguana: 29.09, haha even a lizard is smarter then the naked mole rat.

gold tegu: 31.3 valuable

smoky shrew: 36, it burrows. it need not be smart.

short tailed shrew: 52, smarter, but why?

pig-nosed turtle: 53.02 what a smart turtle!!

house mouse: 71, squeak!

asian water monitor: 78.2 big lizard, bigger brain.

king quail: 80.4 our first, (and dumbest) bird

nile crocidile: 80.5 why croc need to be so smart?

heart nosed bat: 81 Our first bat!!

diamond dove: 81.8 makes pretty noises

golden hamster: 90, it might be able to learn something!

common quail: 117.7, much smarter then its king

hairy tailed mole: 124, the smart is in the tail

star nosed mole: 131, strange creature!!

zebra finch: 131, not as smart as a real zebra...

goldcrest: 164, im running out of things to say about these animals

grey partrige: 170.2 is he in a pear tree?

brown rat: 200, i have heard they are smart, i guess it is not true.

eastern mole: 204, it is a mole (what do you want me to say)

great tit: 226 haha tit

guinea pig: 240

common wood pidgeon: 261

hammer headed bat: 275 not too smart, i guess someone hit it's head with a hammer

wood duck: 305.8

pidgeon: 310 smarter then a rat

budgeregar: 322 dumbest pet bird

mallard: 367

common blackbird: 379

marbled duck: 386.9 we sure are getting a lot of ducks

ferret: 404 error

cockatiel: 453, smart for a bird, but dumb overall

grey squirrel: 453.6

banded mongoose: 454

prairie dog: 473.9

common starling: 483

wild turkey: 492.8

european rabbit: 494.2

octopus: 500 smartest sea creture!!!

indian peafowl: 570.9

little owl: 585.9 not a lot of room in there for brain

common kestrel: 624.5

common marmoset: 636

eastern rosella: 542

barn owl: 690

cat: 760, sorry everyone who thought their cat was super smart

magpie: 897 smarter then a cat

western jackdaw: 968

long eared owl: 991.3 almost at a thousand

mute swan: 1001

common buzzard: 1001

black vulture: 1009

greater rhea: 1030

earasian jay: 1085

racooon dog: 1160

emu: 1335 for such a smart creature, it sure acts dumb

rook: 1509

grey parrot: 1566, some people think this is the smartest bird. it is not.

tawny owl: 1580

capybara: 1600

common ostrich: 1620

jackal: 1730

snowy owl: 1807 i didnt know owls were so smart

fox: 2011 i guess foxes arent as clever as we thought

racoon: 2148

kea: 2149

raven: 2171 still not the smartest bird

pig: 2220

chihuahua: 2510

chow chow: 2610

yorkshire terrier: 2640

springbok: 2720

blue and yellow macaw: 3136 SEE i TOLD you there was a smarter bird!

common squirrel monkey: 3246

german shepard: 3530 what a smart pupper!

striped hyena: 3885 but this is an even smarter pupper

lion: 4667 leagues beyond a house cat

brown bear: 9586

giraffe: 10,750

yellow baboon: 10,950

chimpanzee: 28,000 and its our closest living ancestor!

orangutan: 32,600

gorilla: 33,400

human: 86,000

african elephant: 257,000

[remember-my-name-mitski-kinnie]

My Opinions on ships (Part 3): 🌙Moonshell🐚

If you don’t know, this is a Dandy’s world ship that includes two characters: Astro and Shelly.

• Who are they ?

Astro alreafy has been introduced on part 2. Shelly is a fossil (ammonite), confirmed as female, who mikes dinosaurs and loves talkkng about them.

• Why are they shipped ?

Unlike the 2 ships i have told about, there’s no real specific reasons, besides its an (healthier) alternative of Shellvision (In general), and also considered as a "rarepair", but isn’t that unpopular.

• What’s your personal opinion

It is one of personal fav ship, even tho there’s no specific reasons at all, but it was the first ship i discovered after ginding fruitcake and found comfort in it.

• Bonus Fact

Moonshell is also a shell that can reach 5.6 cm (2.2 inches) in length and 4.3 cm (1.7 inches) in height, and have a spiral form.

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 3.31

Holidays

American Lighthouse Day

American Map Day

Anesthesia Tech Day

Black Tot Day (Canada)

Bunsen Burner Day

Buy Some New Socks Day

César Chávez Day

Chemical Industry Workers’ Day (Turkmenistan)

Chucks and Pearls Day

Culture and Traditions Day (Micronesia)

Dance Marathon Day

Day Everyone Says “31” a Lot Day

Day of Chemical Industry Workers (Turkmenistan)

Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis (Azerbaijan)

Day of the Cuban Book (Cuba)

Easter Rising Anniversary Day (Ireland)

Eiffel Tower Day

Foucault’s Pendulum Day

Freedom Day (a.k.a. Jum il-Helsien; Malta)

Geologists Day (Russia)

Harmonnia Asteroid Day

Hot Guitar Day

Hug a Medievalist Day

International Cleavage Day

International Loki Day

International Transgender Day of Visibility

Just Because Day

King Nangklao Memorial Day (Thailand)

Marine Weapons Day

Micronesian Culture and Traditions Day (Micronesia)

National Aboriginal Language Day (Canada)

National Backup Day

National Border Control Day

National Crayola Crayon Day

National Farm Workers Day

National Indigenous Languages Day (Canada)

National Jefa Day

National Liberation Day

National Prom Day

National ‘She's Funny That Way’ Day

National Sleep Apnea Day

National Wear Your Ears Day

Nyepi Day (Day of Silence; Bali, Indonesia)

Pal-O-Ween (from “Kevin Can F**k Himself”) [Every 31st]

Rabbit Rabbit Day [Last Day of Every Month]

Semana Santa, Day 2 (until 4.1; Nicaragua)

She’s Funny That Way Day

Starbucks Day

Terri's Day

Thomas Mundy Peterson Day (New Jersey)

Trans Am Day

Trans Day of Vengeance (Canada)

Vigil to Mourn China’s Annexation of Tibet Day

World Backup Day

World Colorectal Center Prevention Day

World Lipodystrophy Day

World Theranostics Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Day of the Taco (Mexico)

I Drink Therefore I Am Day

National Après Day

National Baked Ham with Pineapple Day

National Clams on the Half Shell Day

National Cream Cheese Frosting Day

National Macaron Day

National Oysters on the Half Shell Day

National Tater Day

Oranges and Lemons Day [also 3rd Thursday]

Nature Celebrations

National Sunflower Day (Argentina)

Nigella Damascena Day (Dream Love; Korean Birth Flowers)

Periwinkle Day (French Republic)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

Montreal, Quebec incorporated (Canada; 1831)

Newfoundland and Labrador Province Day (Canada; 1949)

Transfer Day (U.S. Virgin Islands)

Varina (Declared; 2013) [unrecognized]

Varmol (Declared; 2020) [unrecognized]

5th & Last Monday in March

Meatless Monday [Last Monday of Each Month]

Meditation Monday [Every Monday]

Monday Musings [Every Monday]

Moody Monday [Last Monday of Each Month]

Motivation Monday [Every Monday]

Seward’s Day (Alaska) [Last Monday]

Weekly Holidays beginning March 31 (Last Week of March)

American Crossword Puzzle Week (thru 4.2)

City Restaurant Week (Wilmington, Delaware) [thru 4.5]

Festivals On or Beginning March 31, 2025

Bologna Children’s Book Fair (Bologna, Italy) [thru 4.3]

Electric Mountain Festival (Golden, Austria) [thru 4.4]

Food + Beverage Environmental Conference (Phoenix, Arizona) [thru 4.3]

Feast Days

Abdas of Susa (Christian; Saint)

Acacias (a.k.a. Achates), Bishop of Antioch (Christian; Saint)

Acathius of Melitene (Eastern Orthodox Church)

Aequinoctium Vernum, Day 5 (Pagan)

Anesius and companions (Christian; Saint)

Avicenna (Positivist; Saint)

Balbina (Christian; Saint)

Benjamin (Christian; Saint)

The Day Everyone Says “31” a Lot (Shamanism)

Earl (Muppetism)

Festival of Luna (Ancient Rome)

Festival of Luna, Goddess of the Moon (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Guy of Pomposa (a.k.a. Witen), Abbot at Ferrera (Christian; Saint)

John Dillinger Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

John Donne (Anglican Communion, Lutheran)

Sacred Drama Day (Ancient Babylonia)

Survived Another Month Day (Pastafarian)

Islamic Moveable Calendar Holidays

Eid al-Fitr (Islam; 1 Shawwal) (a.k.a. …

Aïd al Fitr (Morocco)

Aid-El-Fithr (Burundi, Ivory Coast, Tunisia)

Aïd el-Fitr (Gabon, Mauritania)

Aïd el Fitre (Djibouti)

Aïd el Segheir (Burkina Faso, Mauritania)

Djouldé Soumaé (Cameroon)

Eid

Eid Al-Fater (Eritrea)

Eid Al Fetir (Ethiopia)

Eid al Fitr (Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, Yemen)

Eid al-Fitr (Kosovo)

Eid-e-Fitr (Iran)

Eid’l Fitr (Philippines)

Eid-ul-Fiter (Bangladesh)

Eid-Ul-Fitr (Sierra Leone)

Eid ul-Fitr (Maldives)

Eidul Fitr (Pakistan)

Festival of Breaking the Fast

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri (Brunei)

Hari Raya Idul Fitri 1442 Hijriyah (Indonesia)

Hari Raya Puasa (Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Malaysia, Singapore)

Idd el-Fitre (Uganda)

Iddi El Fitry (Tanzania)

Ide el Fitr (Comoros, Mayotte)

Id el Fitri (Nigeria)

idi Ramazon (Tajikistan)

Idulfitri (East timor)

Id-ul-Fitr (Parts of India)

Ied-Ul-Fitre (Suriname)

Iyd ul Fitr (Uzbekistan)

Korité (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo)

Kuthba-e-Ramzan (India)

Lesser Bajram (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina)

Lesser Eid

Ozara Baramy (Turkmenistan)

Orozo Ait (Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan)

Ramadan Bairam (Suda)

Ramazan (India)

Ramazan Bajram (Macedonia)

Ramazan Bayram (Azerbaijan, Cyprus)

Ramazan Bayramy (Turkey)

Ramazan Hayit (Uzbekistan)

Sugar Feast

Sweet Eid

Uraza-bairam (Kosovo)

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Chinese: Month 3 (Geng-Chen), Day 3 (Ji-Hai)

Day Pillar: Earth Pig

12-Day Officers/12 Gods: Success Day (成 Cheng) [Auspicious]

Holidays: None Known

Secular Saints Days

Herb Alpert (Music)

Johann Sebastian Bach (Music)

Robert Bunsen (Science)

Bonvi (Art)

Richard Chamberlain (Entertainment)

William Daniels (Entertainment)

Rene Descartes (Science)

Edward FitzGerald (Literature)

John Fowles (Literature)

Nikolai Gogol (Literature)

Franz Haydn (Music)

Gordie Howe (Sports)

William Morris Hunt (Art)

John Jakes (Literature)

Shirley Jones (Entertainment)

Audrey Kawasaki (Art)

John La Farge (Art)

Andrew Marvell (Literature)

Ewan McGregor (Entertainment)

Henry Morgan (Entertainment)

Jules Pascin (Art)

Octavio Paz (Literature)

Rhea Perlman (Entertainment)

Judith Rossner (Literature)

Christopher Walken (Entertainment)

Angus Young (Music)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Premieres

Attack of the Drones (WB Cartoon 2004)

Back to the Balkans (Mutt & Jeff Cartoon; 1918)

The Best Man, by Gore Vidal (Play; 1960)

Boomer Bill Goes to Sea (Powers Cartoon; 1917)

The Boss Baby (Animated Film; 2017)

Brick (Film; 2006)

Cock-A-Doodle Duel (WB Cartoon 2004)

Dare-Devil Droopy (Tex Avery Droopy MGM Cartoon; 1951)

Donald Duck and the Gorilla (Disney Cartoon; 1944)

Do You Know This Man? (Hearst-Vitagraph News Pictorial Cartoon; 1916)

Dr. No, by Ian Fleming (Novel; 1958) [James Bond #6]

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Film; 2023)

The Egg Yegg (Columbia Favorites Cartoon; 1954)

Eiffel Tower (Paris Landmark; 1889)

Frankie and Johnny (Film; 1966)

Ghost in the Shell (Film; 2017)

The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams (Play; 1945)

Godzilla vs. Kong (Film; 2021)

Goldilocks (TV Special with DePatie-Freleng Animation; 1970)

The Happy Tots (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1939)

Hare and Loathing in Las Vegas (WB Cartoon 2004)

Heathers (Film; 1989)

Heaven Scent (WB MM Cartoon; 1956)

High Fidelity (Film; 2000)

Human Touch, by Bruce Springsteen (Album; 1992)

Hysterical High Spots in American History (Cartune Walter Lantz Cartoon; 1941)

Ice Age: The Meltdown (Animated Film; 2006)

Johnny B. Goode, by Little Richard (Song; 1958)

Ko-Ko’s Earth Control (Fleischer Inkwell Imps Cartoon; 1928)

The Labyrinth of Solitude, by Octavio Paz (Essay; 1950)

Little Twelvetoes (Multiplication Rock; Schoolhouse Rock; 1973)

Lucky Town, by Bruce Springsteen (Album; 1992)

Lulu Gets the Birdie (Little Lulu Cartoon; 1944)

M (Film; 1933)

The Matrix (Film; 1999)

Max Headroom (TV Series; 1987)

Miss Scarlet and The Duke (TV Series; 2020)

Motion Picture Production Code (Self-Censorship Code; 1930)

Mount Rushmore National Memorial (Authorized by Act of Congress; 1925)

Museum Scream (WB Cartoon 2004)

My Generation G-G-Gap (WB Cartoon 2004)

A New Method of Fighting Submarines (Pathe News; 1915)

Oklahoma! (Broadway Musical; 1943)

Peace Insurance (Hearst-Pathe News Cartoon; 1917)

Phrenology, by The Roots (Album; 2003)

The Pickwick Papers, Charles Dickens (Novel; 1836)

Please Don’t Eat the Daisies (Film; 1960)

Presence, by Led Zeppelin (Album; 1976)

Puzzled Pals (Tom & Jerry Van Beuren Cartoon; 1933)

Quackodile Tears (WB MM Cartoon; 1962)

Railroad Wretch (Scrappy Cartoon; 1932)

The Road to El Dorado (Animated Film; 2000)

Schoolhouse Rock! Earth (Cartoon Series; 2009)

Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut (Novel; 1969)

Snow-White (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1933)

So Does an Automobile (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1939)

Soldier Boy, by The Shirelles (Song; 1962)

Starbucks (Coffee Shop; 1971)

Tank Girl (Film; 1995)

Teacher’s Pest (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1950)

A Theory of Justice, by John Rawls (Novel; 1971)

10 Things I Hate About You (Film; 1999)

13 Reasons Why (TV Series; 2017)

Tramping Tramps (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1930)

Two Gophers from Texas (Blue Ribbon Hit Parade Cartoon; 1956)

The Underdog (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1929)

Today’s Name Days

Benjamin, Cornelia (Austria)

Benjamin, Gvido, Natalija (Croatia)

Kvido (Czech Republic)

Balbina (Denmark)

Härmi, Hermi, Irma, Irmgard, Irmi (Estonia)

Irma, Irmeli (Finland)

Benjamin (France)

Ben, Conny, Cornelia, Nelly (Germany)

Ypatis (Greece)

Árpád (Hungary)

Beniamino (Italy)

Atvars, Detlavs, Gvido, Staldzis (Latvia)

Benjaminas, Gina, Ginas, Kornelija (Lithuania)

Vebjørn, Vegard (Norway)

Amos, Balbina, Beniamin, Dobromira, Gwidon, Kirył, Korneli, Kornelia (Poland)

Denia, Ipatie (Romania)

Maria (Russia)

Benjamín (Slovakia)

Amós, Benjamín (Spain)

Ester (Sweden)

Ames, Amos, Bambi, Thurston (USA)

Today’s National Name Days

National Ewan Day

National Franz Day

National Nikolai Day

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 90 of 2025; 275 days remaining in the year

ISO Week: Day 1 of Week 14 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Fearn (Alder) [Day 14 of 28]

Chinese: Month 3 (Geng-Chen), Day 3 (Ji-Hai)

Chinese Year of the: Snake 4723 (until February 17, 2026) [Ding-Chou]

Coptic: 22 Baramhat 1741

Druid Tree Calendar: Hazel (Mar 21-31) [Day 11 of 11]

Hebrew: 2 Nisan 5785

Islamic: 1 Shawwal 1446

Julian: 18 March 2025

Moon: 7%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 6 Archimedes (4th Month) [Avicenna]

Runic Half Month: Ehwaz (Horse) [Day 2 of 15] (thru 4.9)

Season: Spring (Day 11 of 92)

SUn Calendar: 1 Cyan; Oneday [1 of 30]

Week: Last Week of March

Zodiac:

Tropical (Typical) Zodiac: Aries (Day 11 of 30)

Sidereal Zodiac: Pisces (Day 17 of 30)

Schmidt Zodiac: Pisces (Day 11 of 26)

IAU Boundaries (Current) Zodiac: Pisces (Day 20 of 38)

IAU Boundaries (1977) Zodiac: Pisces (Day 20 of 38)

Calendar Changes

Cyan (J Calendar) [Month 4 of 12]

Shawwāl [شَوَّال] (Islamic Calendar) [Month 10 of 12] (Raised)

[arminreindl]

Torvoneustes jurensis

I did mention that new croc taxa were numerous this week. After covering both Triassic forms, here's the newest crocodyliform from the Jurassic. Torvoneustes jurensis, a large (4 meter) metriorhynchid.

Artwork by SDSO, figure from Girard et al. 2023

Now the genus Torvoneustes itself isn't a new one. The genus itself has been knocking around since 2010 whereas one species has been known since 1910. Fossils of this genus have previously been found in the UK, Czech Republic and even Mexico. This species tho is brand new tho, found in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland in 2008. The fossils date to the Kimmeridgian, the second to last stage of the Jurassic.

Like its relatives, Torvoneustes jurensis was an animal well adapted for life in the open ocean. The eyes faced sideways, the limbs were converted into flippers (with especially short arms), the tail had a fin more like that of a shark than the paddle of a crocodile. And it was smooth, lacking the osteoderm armor we so often associate with pseudosuchians. It reached a length of up to 4 meters, which puts it among the larger metriorhynchids alongside Suchodus (4.1), Dakosaurus andiniensis (4.3) and Torvoneustes carpenteri (4-4.7).

Artwork below by Dmitry Bogdanov

Being recovered as one of the most derived members of its genus, Torvoneustes jurensis is interesting as it allows to further observe the evolutionary trends undergone by this lineage. For example, the skull bones appear to have become increasingly smoother, possibly to be more hydrodynamic or because basking becomes less important. The oldest species also lacks the pseudoziphodont teeth seen in all others, but its possible that this was just lost in one form and retained by all others. There's also some straight up contradictions presented by T. jurensis relative to other species. For example, previously it was thought that species in the genus became increasingly durophagous, taking on harder shelled prey and thus developing less curved, more robust teeth. This does however not seem to be the case for this new species, which could have been more of a generalist. It also retains more teeth than other derived species of Torvoneustes, another trend seemingly debunked by this new find (tho toothcount was so far limited by available material, so this may change still if we find better fossils of the other species).

Overall its another really interesting find and while not a new genus, its still nice to see further exploration of the species diversity among crocodyliforms

[lakesbian]

i dont want my bugs crawling all over someones sweaty crotch....i dont believe in eye for an eye........ Scream. shell 4.3 has so many beautiful taylor lines to offer. sure girl

[wousma]

"Heron" hardware MIDI sequencer (work in progress) - 2023 Built with: - Raspberry Pi 4B - 4.3" DSI Touch Display - Midiface 4x4 USB MIDI interface - Custom PCB and various switches/encoders/GPIO expanders/LEDs/... - Shell, Python and Node.js The UI is built with Electron and React. The previous version of the UI used node-raylib - which has less overhead and is more performant, but developing in a browser window is much faster. The quad-core RPi seems to be able to handle it without too much latency. The Electron app communicates with the Python processes for IO access and shared state is stored in memory using Redis.

[nanochemazone]

What Are Core–Shell Nanoparticles? Uses, Benefits & Why They’re Transforming Modern Materials

1. Welcome to the Core–Shell Revolution

Imagine materials so small they're invisible to the naked eye—yet powerful enough to revolutionize everything from clean energy to medical diagnostics. These are core–shell nanoparticles, and they’re quietly powering the next wave of innovation across industries.

At Nanochemazone, we work with a wide range of advanced nanomaterials like PTFE Suspension Resin Powder, Graphene Oxide Powder, and Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) Nanoparticles—all of which play a role in composite and hybrid structures like core–shells. In this post, we’ll unpack what core–shell nanoparticles are, how they’re made, where they’re used, and why they’re becoming essential to everything from electronics to biotech.

2. What Are Core–Shell Nanoparticles?

At their core (literally), these nanoparticles are a two-part system: a central core made of one material (metal, ceramic, or polymer), surrounded by a protective or functional shell made of another.

This core–shell structure provides several advantages compared to traditional single-material nanoparticles, including enhanced stability, improved functionality, and the ability to fine-tune surface properties for targeted applications. The shell can enhance properties such as stability, functionality, or reactivity—without changing the identity of the core.

At Nanochemazone, we offer several high-purity, lab-ready core–shell combinations including:

Gold–Palladium (Au/Pd) – for catalysis and biomedical uses

Aluminium/Silica (Al/SiO₂) – for thermal insulation and composite materials

Lanthanum Fluoride doped with Europium (LaF₃/Eu) – for medical imaging and fluorescence applications

3. How Are They Made?

Though they may sound complex, core–shell nanoparticles are synthesized through well-established processes such as:

Sol–gel techniques

Microemulsion synthesis

Chemical precipitation

Each method allows control over particle size, composition, and core-to-shell ratio. For example, with products like Graphene Nanoplatelets Powder or PTFE Suspension Resin Powder, we can fine-tune the shell thickness or disperse them in resins or solvents for enhanced compatibility.

4. Real-World Uses & Applications

4.1 Catalysis & Chemical Industry

Core–shell nanoparticles like Gold–Palladium (Au/Pd) and Gold–Platinum are prized for their high catalytic activity. They’re widely used in:

Catalytic converters

Green hydrogen production

Organic synthesis

Powders such as Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles and Barium Sulfate Nanoparticles are also used in tandem with core–shell structures to enhance catalytic surface area and reusability.

4.2 Electronics & Conductive Inks

In modern electronics, core–shells enable better conductivity, durability, and miniaturization. CdSe/ZnS core–shells are widely utilized in quantum dots and sensor technologies.

Materials like Graphene Powder (Industrial Grade), Reduced Graphene Oxide Powder, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and Polyamide 66 (PA66) are frequently embedded in circuits, inks, or casings to boost strength and conductivity.

4.3 Medicine, Biotech & Imaging

Thanks to their biocompatibility and controlled surface properties, core–shells such as Au/Pd and LaF₃/Eu are increasingly used in:

Bioimaging and diagnostics

Drug delivery systems

Photodynamic therapy

Other materials like Cellulose Nanofiber Powder and Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles are used to develop bioresorbable carriers or as drug-loading matrices.

4.4 Coatings, Composites & Advanced Materials

For engineers, PTFE Suspension Resin Powder and Carbon Fiber Powder are go-to choices for high-performance coatings and composites.

Core–shells incorporated into polymers like PVC, PET, POM, and PS—along with fillers like CaCO₃ or BaSO₄—create materials with superior strength, thermal resistance, and surface finish.

5. Top Benefits of Core–Shell Structures

✅ Tunable Properties – Adjust thermal, optical, and catalytic behavior without changing the core material ✅ Improved Stability – Shells protect against oxidation, moisture, and chemical degradation ✅ Cost Efficiency – Use expensive materials (e.g., palladium) only on the shell, reducing overall material cost ✅ Hybrid Functionality – Combine magnetic + fluorescent or conductive + barrier features in one particle

6. Emerging Trends & Future Potentials

The future of core–shell nanotechnology lies in multifunctional hybrid structures:

Nanowires, MXenes, and graphdiyne are rapidly emerging as promising materials in electronics and energy storage.

Researchers are exploring ZnO–TiO₂ and ZnO–MgO core–shells for dye-sensitized solar cells.

Sustainability is driving demand for green nanomaterials, including biodegradable or plant-based nanoparticle systems.

7. Nanochemazone’s Edge: Why Partner With Us

At Nanochemazone, we offer:

ISO and GMP-certified nanomaterials for industrial and research-grade use

A wide selection of powders and dispersions: PTFE, Graphene Oxide, CaCO₃, BaSO₄, CaO, Cellulose Nanofiber

Global shipping, 24/7 support, and custom synthesis services

Every product is customizable by purity, particle size, solvent type, and more—so you always get exactly what you need.

8. Practical Tips: Choosing the Right Core–Shell

🧪 Match by function:

Catalysis → Au/Pd

Imaging → LaF₃/Eu

Electronics → CdSe/ZnS

📏 Choose the right size: Most core–shell particles are 50–100 nm, but we can scale up/down to your requirements.

🧴 Decide on the form: Choose between dry powder or liquid dispersion depending on your process.

9. FAQ Section

Q: What’s the difference between PTFE Suspension Resin Powder and Graphene Oxide Powder? A: PTFE offers non-stick, thermal resistance ideal for coatings. Graphene Oxide brings conductivity and flexibility, great for electronics or inks.

Q: How do I store core–shell nanoparticles safely? A: Store in airtight containers at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Store dispersions in the refrigerator and shake well before use.

Q: Are core–shells scalable for mass production? A: Absolutely. Our synthesis processes are scalable from grams to kilos while maintaining particle integrity.

Q: Can they be used with polymers like PET, PA66, or PEEK? A: Yes—core–shells are often blended into thermoplastics for high-strength, functional composites.

10. Conclusion

Core–shell nanoparticles aren’t just lab curiosities—they’re real-world game changers. Whether you're creating next-gen electronics, developing smart drug delivery systems, or formulating high-performance coatings, these engineered nanomaterials are unlocking new frontiers.

👉 Explore Nanochemazone’s full catalog today, or contact us for a custom quote tailored to your formulation needs. We’re here to help you innovate—one nanoparticle at a time.

[atplblog]

Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] Product Description Kenneth Cole 3-Piece 8 Wheel Hardcase Spinner Luggage Set for Seamless Travel (20"/24"/28") | Durable and Lightweight | Trolley Bag | Suitcase 1. Durable Construction: These Trolley Bags Feature A Sturdy, Hard-Shell Design With A Ribbed Exterior, Ensuring Long-Lasting Durability For Frequent Travellers. 2. Convenient Mobility: Equipped With Smooth-Rolling Wheels And Telescopic Handles, These Luggage Pieces Allow For Effortless Manoeuvrability Through Airports And Crowded Areas. 3. Spacious Interiors: With Ample Packing Space, These Bags Can Accommodate All Your Travel Essentials, Making Them Ideal For Both Short Trips And Extended Vacations. 4. Secure Locking System: Each Bag Comes With A Built-In Combination Lock, Providing Added Security And Peace Of Mind For Your Belongings. Kenneth Cole 3-Piece Hardcase Spinner Luggage Set for Easy Travel 1. Stylish Aesthetics: The sleek Navy Blue colour and minimalist design lend these trolley bags a modern and sophisticated look, making them a fashionable travel companion. 2. These 3-Piece Luggage Set Having Sizes of (20"/24"/28") 3. Zipper Panel for double sided Packing 4. Elastic Clothing Compression Straps Travel with ease Lightweight Trolley Bags For Every Journey Embark On Your Travel Adventures With This Sleek And Durable Trolley Bag Set. Crafted With A Stylish Ribbed Design, These Lightweight Luggage Pieces Are The Epitome Of Practicality And Sophistication. The Sturdy Construction Ensures Your Belongings Remain Secure, While The Smooth-Rolling Wheels And Telescopic Handles Make Navigating Through Airports And City Streets A Breeze. Available In Three Convenient Sizes, This Set Caters To All Your Packing Needs, Whether It'S A Weekend Getaway Or An Extended Vacation. Embrace The Joy Of Effortless Mobility And Arrive At Your Destination In Style With This Premium Trolley Bag Collection. Trolley Bags Made For Every Adventure Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 30 x 52 x 75 cm; 4.3 kg Date First Available ‏ : ‎ 8 October 2024 Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Brandzstorm India Marketing Pvt Ltd ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DJP3RZTX Item model number ‏ : ‎ KCTR3328 Country of Origin ‏

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[givekelsiercocaine]

“Then why the fuck are you a supervillain?” “Escape.”  The word left my mouth almost immediately, before I’d had a chance to even think about what it meant.  I couldn’t have taken the time to think before speaking, or they might have known something was up.  Lisa almost certainly would have. A few tense moments passed, and I chanced a look at Lisa and Brian.  Lisa was watching the dialogue, a small smile on her face, her chin resting on her palm.  Brian was kind of inscrutable, arms folded in front of him, no real expression on his face. I explained, “I can deal with real life, if I can leave it behind for this.  Kicking ass, making a name for myself, hanging out with friends.  Having fun.” It kind of surprised me, but I realized what I was saying was true, so I didn’t even need to worry about tipping Lisa off.  A second later, I realized I might have been a little presumptuous.  “I mean, assuming that we are frien-” “If you finish that sentence,” Lisa warned me, “I’m going to slap you across the head.” I felt the heat of a flush in my cheeks and ears. “Yes, Taylor, we’re friends,” Brian said, “And we appreciate, or at least, I appreciate that you trusted us enough to share your story.”

Shell 4.3

God tear my heart out.

[accapitalmarket]

UK Economic Decline Accelerates, Stocks Down, GBP Higher

UK stocks ended mixed on Thursday after data showed the UK economy fell at a faster-than-expected pace in April, just a day after Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her government spending review.

UK gross domestic product (GDP) economy fell 0.3% in April from March, more than expectations for a decline of 0.1%, having expanded by 0.2% in March.

Monthly services output fell 0.4% in April following 0.4% growth the month before, the largest contributor to the fall in monthly GDP.

Trade data was also released on Thursday which showed exports of UK goods to the US slumped by £2.0 billion in April, the largest monthly decrease on record.

Global tariff uncertainties also returned to haunt markets. US President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that he could raise auto tariffs soon, stoking fresh angst over trade just a day after claiming that the US-China trade deal was "done."

And there were geopolitical tensions to contend with, as well. On Wednesday President Trump said US personnel were being moved from the potentially "dangerous" Middle East as nuclear talks with Iran faltered and fears grew of a regional conflict. Trump reiterated that he would not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon, amid mounting speculation that Israel could strike Tehran's facilities.

GBPUSD H1

On foreign exchanges, the pound was weaker against the euro, dropping 0.4% to 1.1746 as the UK data raised rate cut possibilities.

But sterling ticked up against a weaker US dollar, adding 0.4% to 1.3603 after more cooling US inflation data ramped up pressure on the Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates.

The May producer price index rose 0.1% after a revised 0.2% decline in April, lower than forecasts for a 0.2% increase after a previously reported 0.5% drop in April.

In the 12 months through May, PPI advanced 2.6% after rising 2.5% in April.

Data on Wednesday showed US consumer prices also increased marginally in May, but also came in below forecasts.

Meanwhile, the latest initial jobless claims were unchanged at higher levels last week as labour market conditions continued to steadily ease.

At the stock market close in London, the blue-chip FTSE 100 index was up 0.2% at 8,884, while the broader FTSE 250 index shed 0.2% to 21,386.

Strength in precious metal miners propped up the FTSE 100 as spot gold gained 1.9% to $3,386 an ounce amid safe haven buying. Endeavour Mining topped the blue-chip leader board, gaining 4.3%, and Fresnillo added 1.9%.

Meanwhile, oil majors rose as Brent crude July futures gained 0.7% to $70.28 a barrel amid fears of supply disruptions amid rising tensions between the US and Iran. BP added 1.9% and Shell took on 1.3%.

UK100Roll H4

Among other blue-chip gainers, Tesco rose1.6% as the supermarket giant left its annual outlook unchanged after it kicked off the financial year with first-quarter sales growth. Sales in the 13 weeks to May 24 rose 5.3% year-on-year, or 5.5% at constant currency, with like-for-like sales 4.6% higher annually.

Elsewhere, Halma gained 3.3% after the safety equipment manufacturer reported annual profit growth amid "varied market conditions and a challenging economic and geopolitical backdrop".

And Crest Nicholson added 4.0% as the housebuilder held its annual guidance after a rise in adjusted half-year earnings amid an easing in mortgage costs as interest rates fall.

But geopolitical worries weighed on the airline sector, together with news of a passenger plane crash in India. British Airways parent IAG shed 3.8%, easyJet lost 3.8%, and Wizz Air fell 3.1%.

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