#need for multiple stimuli is HIGH

[doctahpants]

.

[luna-wing-cns274]

Legionspace... it is... difficult for this one to grasp. It should be natural, but it is foreign.

Is it... safe enough to...

Build a bridge through?

This one would see her freinds, look them in the eye, if only through data.

< L4 Ma'ii: Hello again, Styx. Since receiving your message, I've given this a bit of thought.

For your purposes, I think Legionspace is probably a poor option. I think you'll find that an Omninet connection of reasonable bandwidth and an enhanced subjectivity suite, or some other form of neural intermediary, will prove more than sufficient to emulate the experience of physically meeting your friends.

Allow me to explain. >

< I see no reason why Legionspace shouldn't be foreign to you. It's a highly specialized environment, developed for military use. Naval NHPs need intense training and regular drills to gain tactical proficiency in its use. It serves as a naval battleground, designed to consolidate, manage, and direct the digital and cognitive power of entire fleets; a terrible choice for recreation or enjoyment. I wouldn't be surprised if it has been used for such purposes before, but this is far from it was designed to do.

Its primary function is to provide an extremely low latency, high bandwidth medium for transmission of experiences or qualia between NHPs. Such a medium is necessary to support the formation of gestalts, that is, the temporary merging of multiple NHP subjectivities into singular, remarkably powerful intelligences.

Legionspace is not meant for use by humans, except through multiple degrees of ontologic filtering and anthropocentric translation. In fact, direct exposure to Legionspace qualia can easily destroy a human subjectivity. Even experiences transmitted with entirely benign intent may be so incompatible that the human mind suffers the equivalent of a system crash on attempting to process them.

So, then, unless you're interested in merging with your friends or directly interfacing with each others' minds, use of Legionspace shouldn't be necessary. Moreover, if there are any humans you wish to meet, it may be a challenge to maintain the necessary ontologic filtering. Even with these safety measures in place, a human may find prolonged Legionspace interaction to be...draining.

An easier, more accessible solution would be a somatosensory uplink, achievable through the use of a standard enhanced subjectivity suite. Rather than directly bridging one mind to another, this process involves the use of a neural intermediary to temporarily replace the physical body with a virtual one; an avatar. In the case of humans, sensory information from the body is intercepted and replaced with computer-generated stimuli, and outgoing impulses from the brain are translated into controls for a virtual avatar.

Much of the technology was pioneered by SSC, and is used as one mode of accessing the company's virtual-reality Omninet campuses. If you've heard of full subjectivity sync cybernetics, they are an extension of the same principles, used by mech pilots to control their chassis as a human would control their own body.

It is a mature technology which has undergone a great deal of refinement, but there are still risks, especially where humans are concerned. For them, shifting to an unfamiliar body can be unpleasant, sometimes traumatic. They can, but not always, experience dysphoria, disorientation, nausea, dissociative symptoms, a variety of side effects. In cases where the simulated body is notably different from a humanoid one, the subjectivity may reject or recognize the unreality of the substitute body, leading to extreme distress.

On the other hand, as I understand it, exploration of alternate forms can also be a liberating, enjoyable experience. The level of comfort varies from human to human. Some are able to tolerate very unfamiliar experiences, while others find themselves unable to use somatosensory uplinking at all. For most of our kind, of course, changing from one body to another is as simple as switching input sources. While the architecture of the human brain is not naturally constructed to accommodate body replacement, we lack such impediments.

Come to think of it, Hachiko recently had reason to research this topic. We know a human mech pilot, Sokaris Kelsius, callsign Opossum ( @the-last-patch ). He was badly injured in the course of combat; we went to aid him. In the course of treating his wounds, Hachiko used his full subjectivity sync cybernetics to establish somatosensory uplink, both to facilitate communication and provide pain relief. To do so, she rapidly constructed an avatar for him which initially failed to match with his physical body. This initially led to some dysphoric symptoms, but after some refinement of the avatar, he was able to use it seamlessly to communicate with us through our own avatars.

I bring this up because I am aware of the somewhat unique relationship you have to your own organic body. This is a factor which does not exist for most NHPs. Should you decide to pursue the use of somatosensory uplinking, I could forsee some obstacles associated with the relationship between your casket and body.

All of this might necessitate surgical implantation of a neural intermediary between your nervous system and casket, similarly to how a human would have an enhanced subjectivity suite installed between body and brain. I know that your nervous system does not support suspension or alteration of input delivered to the casket--perhaps such an implant might be beneficial in other regards, as well.

As for the other end of the equation, the avatar, if might be best to use an avatar which closely matches your physical body to avoid potentially unpleasant experiences.

Still, compared to the prospect of using Legionspace, this may be safer and simpler to achieve, and the outcomes more enjoyable. Access to Legion bridging cybernetics and Omninet connection of sufficient bandwidth to make use of them is generally restricted to military or corporate forces. It is possible, and can be used safely, but the resources required may be difficult to procure.

One other note: if you ever wish to wish to visit us, you are more than welcome. The simulated environment we use as our home is a hybridized Legion-adjacent environment; it can support qualic transfer, but in general, we typically use physical simulations to interact with one another. This conserves processing power, and to be completely frank, pure Legionspace is an environment we associate with some very unpleasant memories.

I wish you luck, Styx. Let me know if I can help. >

[mamasplat]

hi i hope you're feeling okay today

you ever wonder if one of the reasons why courtney is Like That because she's tired and depersonalized

her dialogue and mannerisms can be read as a lot of things, and im one to accept that a lot of things being possible at once but there's this specific way she kind of carries herself and communicates that kind of reads as Not Quite There and Exhausted and maybe even Life Is Dull, both playing into her passion for things that interest her and kind of a callback to the manga but more interesting than "lulz i joined for funsies lol"

to add: considering courtney, this thrill-seeking behavior can be read as self destructive and possibly a symptom for depression or something. courtney will do anything to pursue whatever comes to his mind, absolutely anything at all, not just for maxie's sake, but for a way to spice up the day.

idk what to put here my mind was kicked out of my head this doesn't make sense to me

Oh absolutely. Courtney’s behavior can have multiple starting roots but I choose to believe it’s a combined factor.

Autism

Burn out

Courtney is said to be a scientist, already established and known in her field. High expectations from her and of her.

It’s like gifted kid burnout but from your peers and not your teachers, she’s just out of fuel and needs a spark.

You see her much more animated on Pasio in pokemas, she’s on vacation, a new environment full of new stimuli.

Back home is a routine she has memorized, she doesn’t need to try anymore. The delta episode almost acts like a challenge for her in that retrospect.

If Maxie spiced up her daily schedule she’d probably maintain her steam but he’d also be risking the potential of stressing her by getting her in a situation that’s too derailed from her usual planning

Courtney is a high maintenance beta fish and Maxie is a well educated fish owner who overthinks more than the fish does. So Courtney goes unchecked until the delta episode.

If you ask me she makes him nervous.

[raviollies]

Wanted to organize my thoughts on Lorelai

I wanted to explore multiple things with Lorelai - namely Responsibility, and Body.

Lorelai is a character haunted by responsibility - or rather her desire to not face it, with the main conflict being the murder of her father. It was an accident, there was no pre-meditated intent, however, it had happened, and Lorelai ran from it rather than facing it. Which bleeds into the next point.

Did the murder actually happen? I used the phrase 'Schrödinger's murder' because Lorelai never saw the conclusion. While she assumes he was dead, and for all intents and purposes, as she is the only witness, it is true, but there is the slightest possibility that he did not die that night. As long as Lorelai does not face the consequence, the responsibility of what she did - her father is both alive and dead. The crime happened, and never did. It is her fear of acknowledging and taking responsibility for her actions that halts her from ever opening that door, from ever seeing the actual conclusion - if the 'cat' really is alive or dead.

But that doesn't change whatever has transpired within the room - just because Lorelai does not acknowledge it, does not change the 'cat's real fate, only Lorelai's perception of it, only her own healing and closure.

For her to be able to get closure, to move on, she must face responsibility for what she did rather than running away from it. She 'accepts' it, saying the 'cat' is dead but still refuses to open the door - the final step necessary to bury the 'cat' once for all. Only then can she find peace from the yoke of the past.

Secondly is body- this one is a little more nuanced. Lorelai is a lesbian, which interacts with gender in a particular way ; I highly recommend taking a look at My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness

Lorelai has faced a lot of issues over her presentation - she had her own style and her sexuality put her at odds with her rather conservative and old fashioned parents. Her struggles with being accepted as a vampire, is a metaphor for interactions as a queer person with others, unknowing if they will accept you, or consider you dangerous simply for existing.

Though while I needed to mention this as it's an important facet, there is more to this then her sexuality. The way I write vampirism, Lorelai would have developed Analgesia ever since becoming undead. She has decreased sensitivity to all physical stimuli (with the exception of light magic and daylight), thus her ability to feel warm, cold, pain, and pleasure is significantly reduced (It's due to this she prefers to be in her bat form when seeking warmth, it is a much smaller surface area to warm, thus making it easier to experience any temperature change).

This impacts her libido, as Lorelai has really no drive to participate in sex. She very much is interested in women, and has no issues with concept of sex, however due to her decreased feeling, it ends up impacting her sense of self. It is not an inherent part of her, like asexuality, but rather a symptom of her own tumultuous relationship with her body.

This all in combination causes Lorelai to experience dissociation and depersonalization. Her general physical numbness makes her feel as though her body is not her own, but rather she is akin to a hermit crab, finding sanctuary in this shell, but it was not hers. Especially in situations of high stress, she struggles with connecting her mind and her body, with the barely feeling shell feeling too big. It is static of her extremities, something far away - a phantom limb but it is physically there, she just feels it and doesn't at the same time.

TLDR : this little bat needs a long hug.

[putrefacion]

ASSORTED HEADCANONS, [ quirks & some psychological traits part ii. part i here ]

Her shoulders twitch seconds before she moves, as if her body is trying to signal intention early. This is an old combat habit from when she had to fight alongside volatile, poorly synchronized units who needed advance cues to avoid cannibalizing her mid-execution,

Her wing joints will flex or twitch as if bracing for launch; even when grounded or disarmed. This was a hardwired group behavior in the First Gen: flinch upward before purging,

Her pupils dilate automatically when someone bares their teeth near her. Whether it’s smiling, yelling, biting food, it doesn’t matter; the First Gen communicated partially through bite threats & shriek-snap reflexes. Her vision still responds as if preparing for blood,

When idle too long, Lute will subtly reposition herself to form a half-circle around someone, as if trying to flank. This was a targeting instinct passed to early Exorcists. She often doesn’t notice she’s doing it until it’s pointed out; she especially tends to do this when she likes someone romantically,

Under stress, her bones [ & wings! ] vibrate at a low frequency; this is audible only to certain beings. It’s a leftover combat-readiness signal from First Gen swarm behavior,

Her jaw occasionally locks when she’s suppressing an impulse. The First Genera were ‘trained’ [ as much as it was possible ] to restrict vocal shrieking during group operations. Her body still enforces this silence under emotional load; like it expects her scream to trigger others,

She can unhinge her jaw; a structural anomaly leftover from the First Gen's grotesque facial configurations, which were engineered for mass vocal projection & close-quarters devouring. Her jaw can dislocate silently & expand far beyond humanoid norms, allowing for extreme vocalization or insertion. It may activate involuntarily under stress, high emotion, or mimicry responses when exposed to certain demonic stimuli,

In high adrenal states, her pupils will fracture into a radial halo; splitting into multiple fixed points like a camera’s focus wheel. This is a failed holdover from the First Gen's echolocation visual adaptation, which was never fully deleted from her system

[thatshadowgastwhore]

The hours of sleep deprivation, and how your brain/body interprets them with helpful, objective language for other writers and/or Tim Drake enthusiasts

by me, Mags, aka thatshadowgastwhore, a person who regularly stays up for multiple days at a time and is very self aware, but has no relevant medical degrees.

Disclaimer that I don’t have chronic fatigue/or illness, and my experience isn’t universal. Also, the way caffeine affects me, I’ve found, is not the same most other people have described it to me.

Second disclaimer: you should sleep when you are tired. I just so happen to not really feel tied until I’m awake for around forty hours. You should not push yourself to sleep deprivation regularly for funsises. I know what it’s like to be awake 60+ hours because I used to do so as a coping mechanism that I realized later on was actually a form of self harm!

Hours 1-8

Mostly irrelevant for the discussion at hand. Alertness, awareness, focus, and attention are at their normal levels. Energy levels are consistent. Caffeine consumed at this point does not affect my awareness in any way, only ability to hold focus on a task for longer periods of time and attention to detail.

Hours 9-12

Alertness, awareness, focus, and attention are still at normal levels. Energy is likely the same, unless strenuous activity was done in the first third of the day. At this point, I have been awake for half a day, the majority of which was spent at work. I also do not normally consume food until this time of day, or I have not consumed very much food until this point, so the energy gained from a meal resets energy levels to about where they were hours 4-5. Caffeine consumed at this point has no effect on energy levels, again, just to focus and attention.

Hours 12-18

Very similar to hours 9-12 for me, as someone who regularly misses nights of sleep. For any character whom this is not the case for, this is when tiredness will absolutely set in, if it hasn’t already. Depending on how many hours of sleep you get on the regular, that is when lethargy will become unavoidable without proper stimuli. Pushing yourself past this point isn’t a good idea. If the reason for sleep deprivation is not voluntary or the reason isn’t a fun one, emotions are harder to avoid. Like any baby, your character will be cranky and prone to annoyance.

If you’re like me, this is not the case. Yet. At this point, you’ve hit your second wind; with proper stimuli, these are the most enjoyable hours of your entire extended period awake, productivity is at its height, energy levels are still fairly level. Fluctuations are likely occurring in attention; either details consume you, or they do not matter to you. Caffeine at this point will mostly affect ability to focus, but will start affecting alertness as well to some extent. This is also more accurate to the way this time would affect someone who doesn’t regularly stay awake very long, but is voluntarily staying awake for an exciting reason; New Year’s Eve, a party, a fight, etc. Stimuli are likely high and extremely relevant to the primary motivation for sleep deprivation in such a case.

Hours 18-24

For those who don’t stay awake regularly, (and do not have enough stimuli to keep you energetic/excited) you are so. So. Tired. Ability to focus at this point is nonexistent. Things you should not be doing are: making major life decisions or operating heavy machinery. While you likely feel physically fine, if you’re still trying to accomplish things, they take way longer than usual and the quality isn’t as good. Things that are normally easy take actual effort in a way this is beyond frustrating.

If your character is regularly awake this long, the biggest thing they’ll notice at this point is hunger. We’ve crossed an interval of time in which, during the day, you’d eat another meal. Unlike delaying/skipping meals during the day, they really do need to eat at this point, or the hunger will become painful quickly. Attention to details at this point is starting to slip, but is overall okay. Alertness is declining, but not at an alarming rate. The deck e is gradual at the point. It is at this point that caffeine has some impact to my level of alertness, but still mostly affects ability to focus.

Hours 24-40

Unfortunately at this point, I don’t have a great frame of reference for how other people experience these hours awake, so I’ll be continuing just with my perspective of this.

At this point, caffeine does become necessary for me to keep focus on things; without it, during these hours I become incredibly spacey and even more prone to distraction than normal. At this point, lack of sleep has little to no effect on my mood. I am still perfectly capable of driving and my judgement is still sound, although I will concede my bar for emotions is lower than usual. The only physical feeling I would cite at this point is how it affects my appetite. I am hungrier than I would consider usual (for me), UNLESS I consumed caffeine on an empty stomach, in which case my stomach probably hurts, and is making it harder to tell that I am hungry.

Hours 40-44

I can comfortably remain awake without feeling tired for 40 hours. This is the first point that I will start to feel tired. My mood is absolutely affected at this point, things that are mildly annoying become incredibly frustrating and things that are kinda funny are incredibly silly. I also begin to lose my filter, things that are normally inside thoughts/observations become things that I have to tell someone Right Now. My best friend had received enough unhinged rants about ridiculous things, that if it is at a certain time, she might ask, “how long have you been awake” as a relevant follow up question. I desribe this time as “loopy hours,” the point at which I have full awareness why I am doing what I am doing, that I am behaving slightly irrationally, and that the reason is because I haven’t slept. It doesn’t mean the silly thoughts aren’t still there, but I know the origin and scope of them. Because of this, I don’t consider this to be when my sense of judgement as being impacted yet, because I can still be logical about my illogical thoughts. What is affected is my sense of alertness and ability to focus, both of which have declined further.

Hours 44-48

At this point, my energy levels take a sharp decline. Caffeine at this point is assisting my energy and alertness more than my ability to focus. These are some of the worst hours if you are voluntarily staying awake (it’s not actually linear the order of badness, surprisingly) because it comes directly after the loopy hours, and you are facing a bit of a crash after that period. Emotions are high. I can start to feel trapped within my own body. I both detest and long for sleep. I know that if I let myself lay down, I will inevitably pass out, but I can’t because I know I’ll be so dead to the world that I won’t hear my alarm and I’ll miss work (which is why I only allow myself to not sleep for more than 40 hours starting on a Thursday morning, so I can tap out at this point if I need to) I’m hungry again in the middle of the night, and I am very, very tired. But. With enough stimulants (for me, caffeine) and enough stimuli, I can remain awake past this point. This is the hump that needs to be passed. If you can stay awake 48 hours, you can stay awake 60 hours.

The best stimuli for keeping mental awake was and focus are other people and movement. Staying still is a recipe for closing your eyes, and closing your eyes is a recipe for accidentally falling asleep. If you can stay around other people who are awake and aware, and if you are doing anything that requires movement (not slow and repetitive movement, obviously, remember you are a cranky baby, so not rock yourself to sleep) your chances of staying awake are better.

Anything that gives you a sense of adrenaline at any point hereafter is going to make you even more tired than expected as soon as it wears off, so if your character has been doing anything high stakes and is just now calming down, they are going to pass out the MOMENT they feel safe enough to. It’s kinda inevitable, which is why I consider loud, sudden noises to be some of the worst things to try to use to keep yourself awake.

Hours 48-56

The gradual decline from that started eight hours ago becomes steeper during this time. My sense of judgement is not good, I am liable to consider truly ridiculous ideas as entirely serious enterprises. I should not operate a motor vehicle, but with enough caffeine I am able to if absolute need be. I need to be consuming caffeine and be around people and not be staying sedentary for more than an hour at a time. I am lethargic as all get out. I want to sleep so badly. My attention span is shot.

Hour 56-60

At around hour 60, normal auditory hallucinations (for me. I am aware most people don’t have “normal auditory hallucinations”) are annoying loud, and I experience visual hallucinations, at which point I generally refuse to operate any heavy machinery/drive.

I cannot emphasize enough: my sense of judgement is not good when I am this sleep deprived, ESPECIALLY for my own limits and abilities. I have a notable propensity to misjudge how much work I can take on, and make plans doomed to failure from the start when awake this long. I gain the confidence of someone staring at a piece in a museum and saying, “pfft, I could paint that,” but then actually going out; spending to much on art supplies, trying and failing immediately, (obviously) and becoming so overwhelmed in disappointment that they vow to never paint again, and now they’ve wasted money on all these abandoned paint supplies.

This is a time similar to the loopy hours, but less fun. I call them the delusional hours. Physically, your eyes are so tired that you feel constantly dehydrated. You start to space out and lose visual focus quicker. You probably are hearing a ringing sound just from how badly your brain is blue screening.

Hour 60+

Everything experienced in the previous two intervals gets worse. Time slows down. I’m probably quite cold (I generally have poor circulation, so I don’t usually notice being cold at this point, so I find this significant.) My awareness outside of my own body is almost gone, and my ability to focus is nonexistent. I am probably shaking. I feel physically ill, probably nauseous. My chest is tight due to the amount of caffeine I’ve had to consume. I am so beyond exhausted that I could fall asleep standing up. My emotions are out of my control. I will cry over anything. I will laugh hysterically over anything. Time slows down. I’m in control of the time stream, no….Im outside of the time steam (delusions that start mild and become worse over time.)

At this point, your character’s motivation for staying awake this long better be pretty damn good. The longest a human has ever stayed awake for is about eleven days, but as listed above, symptoms of psychosis will set in by about 72 hours, so remaining focused on that goal will start to prove difficult.

And thats it! I haven’t stayed awake longer than 79 hours so that’s where my experience ends, but I’m hoping that my objectivity on what this feels like both mentally and physically helps someone with writing a character who definitely should go to bed soon.

[mbti-notes]

Anon wrote: Dear mbti-notes, Thank you for your blog 💜 I hope you enjoyed your holidays. I'm infp, 16 years old and female, who has low-self esteem and feels dissatisfied with life.

My main problem is that I've been skipping school for multiple days because I stay up late, worried if I'm missing out on social media or how I'm going to mask myself the next day. I'm constantly chasing after the satisfaction of completing personal projects online. The 'high' of it and validation from social media is what attaches me to it. Only sharing art I'm proud of. Only sharing idealized surface level tidbits about myself to my classmates. I'm basically pretending to be someone I'm not both online and offline, and so I dig myself into a hole of preventing myself from relaxing or experimenting with my self-expression. I want to grow and learn to be myself, but I'm afraid of feeling exposed.

I crave meaning in my life instead of chasing after something out of my control. I want to finally feel at ease and sleep for my own health. Maybe there's a healthier way to share my artwork and collaborate with other artists? What guidance or advice would you have? I'd like to learn from your wisdom. Best regards, Anon.

-------------------

Wasting mental resources on social media has become a rather widespread problem, so you're not alone. Sharing of yourself in a public forum often means you're socializing in a chaotic and indiscriminate manner, which unfortunately sets you up to live at the mercy of external stimuli. Your social behaviors become more and more automatic as you keep reinforcing the same validating reward patterns over time. Eventually, your attention, energy, time, self-esteem, and self-worth slip out of your hands. It's hard to feel good about yourself once you've crossed the line from enjoyment into powerlessness.

I use terms like "stimuli", "reinforce", and "automatic" for a reason; they come from a particular branch of psychology called behaviorism. Many people still don't know that tech companies spend money on behavioral science, even recruiting psychologists to their projects. Behavioralists approach human behavior as "programmable", in the same vein that Pavlov trained his dogs to salivate at the sound of a bell. Social media companies invented "bells" to make you feel good (engaged), to make you feel bad (reactive), and to keep you running back to them regularly for instant gratification (addicted).

The difference between Pavlov's dog and you is that the dog begins and ends under the control of its owner and thus has no choice but to learn the automatic behavior, whereas you gave up your free will to become an automaton. When your mind has been reduced to such a primitive state of chasing base desires on an endless loop, your intellectual faculties wither from disuse, and your soul eventually feels starved of meaning. Worst case, one becomes a dull and empty shell of a human being.

"I crave meaning in my life instead of chasing after something out of my control." The word "crave" is significant. Humans need a sense of agency and autonomy. Humans need a sense of social belonging. Humans need intimate and loving relationships. Humans need to occupy themselves with meaningful activities. The issue is whether you know the right methods of fulfilling your needs.

Choosing the wrong methods is one major reason people feel that life lacks meaning. When important human needs go unfulfilled for too long, they morph into desperate and seemingly irrational "longings", "desires", and "cravings" that lead people to choose worse and worse methods in a vicious cycle. Just think of how poorly your rational mind works when you get too hungry; food becomes the only thing you can think about and you're liable to grab anything and put it in your mouth without any regard for its nutritional value. The same goes for psychological, social, and spiritual needs.

A need is legitimate, universal to all humans, and must be satisfied in order to live a healthy and fulfilling life. A want is a method of fulfilling a need, but wants are not always legitimate. A want is legitimate if it is a positive and constructive way of obtaining what you need. A want is illegitimate when it leads you to destruction or to harm yourself/others, which, in the end, actually prevents you from obtaining what you need. Skipping school and sabotaging your own future is a good example of destructive behavior. If a want is determined to be illegitimate, then you must find a better method, if you care about your well-being. People who confuse needs and wants often end up chasing the wrong things in life and/or feeling inexplicably unsatisfied whenever they get what they want.

Why have humans proven so easy to manipulate? Because:

many people lack the self-awareness to understand their own needs and wants, and

they were never taught the right methods of fulfilling them.

Companies wanting to profit off you will try to find the most effective way to trigger a sense of privation in you, to bring up an unmet need, and then manufacture a "desire" or "craving" for a product that supposedly meets that need. The more desperate your feeling of privation is, the faster you'll run and the more you'll pay (not just in money) for whatever they're selling.

Therefore, inoculating yourself against such manipulation involves:

improving your self-awareness so that you fully own your needs instead of ceding control of them to others, and

learning healthy methods to attend to your needs so that you aren't easily taken in by harmful quick-fixes or false remedies.

"Maybe there's a healthier way to share my artwork and collaborate with other artists?" This is the right question to ask. If you develop Ne properly, you'll understand that there's almost always a better way of doing things. You don't have to live life always reaching for the stars, but at the very least, you should know to be proactive and seek a better way when the current way is harming you.

Let's examine two needs at play in your situation:

1) The Need for a Healthy Social Life: Why do you think that, in the age of social media, society is grappling with an epidemic of loneliness? When people feel lonely, their desire for social connection grows louder and louder. Suffer loneliness for too long and people start to get desperate and settle for whatever social contact they can get. Social media makes it very easy to get social contact... but it's like eating leftover scraps when you could be feasting on wagyu.

In terms of personal growth, the easy way isn't usually the right way. Sure, subsisting on scraps helps ease the hunger to socialize, but it's no way to live in the long term. For life to feel meaningful and fulfilling, one cannot only survive, one must also flourish. To flourish includes living up to your potential and living your life with purpose.

While there's nothing inherently wrong with having online friends, people who only have online friends tend to report dissatisfaction with social life. The fact of the matter is that online friends should not be used as a substitute for real-life relationships. Online friends should only be used to complement an existing social support network or used as a convenient gateway into a new real-life friendship. Online friendships are simply missing too many key ingredients that are needed for meaningful relationship.

There are tried-and-true ways of: improving friendships, making new friends, and building a strong social support network. E.g. Spend more quality time with old friends but perhaps in new situations that allow you to get to know each other even better. Extend your network by getting to know friends of family or friends of friends. Take a class or join a group of people with similar interests. Get more involved in your local community or volunteer. Take more initiative to organize get-togethers, invite people out, or lead a group activity.

Socializing is a legitimate need, so you should allot time for it. However, time is a finite resource, which means use it wisely. Do you want to spend most of your time collecting scraps online, socializing with undiscerning people and getting less than satisfying results? Or do you want to socialize in a more purposeful way, setting the right goals, targeting the right people, and getting more satisfying results? The choice is yours.

2) The Need for Personal and/or Professional Development: You are using art as a way to develop your potential and perhaps develop a professional skill. Good learning is something that can only happen under the right conditions, so the issue is whether you have set up the right learning conditions for yourself. Is soliciting (at times ignorant) feedback from people who only care about you to the extent that you can entertain them the best way to learn and improve? As long as you feel like you're being rewarded for putting on a show, won't learning always take a back seat to ego?

Would you be better off embedding yourself in a group of art enthusiasts, devotees, and experts who have real-life knowledge and experience of the art world? Unless you live in the middle of nowhere, even the smallest towns have artsy people floating around, perhaps there are a few you don't yet know in your school. Forming close, real-life friendships with them would be more rewarding and also more likely to get you that safe and nurturing environment you need for freely exploring your talents, wouldn't it? It's just one idea. I'm sure you can come up with more ideas through assessing all the resources available to you.

Sixteen is usually the time when teens start really venturing out into the world to explore their options. You need to get out into the world and challenge yourself more in order to grow your self-esteem. Don't limit yourself by becoming overdependent on social media scraps for cheap validation.

**

Inferior Te means that Fi doms often don't place enough value on goal-oriented behavior, and as a result, their behavior is often inefficient and ineffective. It's fine to want to explore and enjoy some fun moments online, but exploration should eventually be leading you somewhere positive, good, real, and meaningful. And if you already have some idea of where you want to go, the key is to choose the right path for getting there, even if it's the harder path. It sounds like you have a problem of too often choosing the easier path.

If you're like other INFPs, you easily get swept up by your feelings and it causes you to perceive situations in a distorted way, unable to objectively weigh the pros and cons, which leads to miscalculating the consequences of your behavior. If your behavior keeps getting negative consequences, it's an important sign that you're not caring well for yourself - it's a call to change your behavior. Fi can't feel at ease as long as you're acting against your own well-being. It's good that you have some idea about what your needs are and you're trying to respond to them, the crucial step is to put more careful thought into choosing healthy methods.

[dancingkirby]

Well, I did...something. Thought @akiizayoi4869 would be interested in seeing it. This is an unedited draft where I was basically writing at the speed I was thinking; if I were to ever complete the story, this would undergo quite a bit of fine-tuning.

WARNINGS: Implied/inherent underage, mention of blood, death of unnamed character.

The emergency evacuation order blared over the loudspeaker as hundreds of panicked people streamed out of the Arcadia Movement headquarters.  It wasn’t like the outside was much more of a welcoming place to be, with the raging fires cutting those swaths in the streets, but the inhabitants had faith in their leader.  They knew that he would have not activated the order unless it was absolutely necessary.��

Down here, in this underground nursery, the screams of those outside were muffled, but the flashing of red strobe lights combined with the flickering and dimmed electricity made for a setting equally hellish.  The high-pitched queries of the children mingled with murmured and futile attempts at reassurance from their minders.  They had a diffcult task: to get out of here quickly while simultaneously making sure that all of their charges were accounted for.

“I think that’s everyone!” the head nurse said, raising her voice to make herself heard over the sirens.  The children who could walk were all lined up near the door, many in tears.  The smallest ones were being held by anyone who could take them, or piled into whatever could be used as wheeled transport: meal delivery carts and hand trucks and even toy wagons.  “Everyone except for…”

“I’ll take care of it.  You all leave!” a younger woman volunteered.  As everyone else headed out the main entrance to the room, the adults entreating the children to keep in line and stay with their buddies no matter what, the woman ran inward instead, long robe fluttering with the sudden movement.

She paused outside the door at the end of the hall, taking a precious second to collect herself.  Everyone needed to be completely calm when caring for Subject One; those were orders directly from the top.  Multiple nursemaids had been fired for failing to check their pulses before entering the room, and she was one of the scant handful of people who was actually good at this.  Subject One reacted poorly to emotional disturbances of any kind, and as soon as the woman opened the door to the soundproofed room she could hear the all-too familiar screaming. 

“Hey there, little guy!” she said while peering into the crib at the enraged infant, attempting to keep her voice cheerful despite the fact that the whole building was on the verge of collapsing on top of them.  “Let’s get your blocker on, okay?  And then we’ll be going for a walk.  It’ll…it’ll be fun!”

She was wondering if it had been a mistake to evacuate him last; they had done so to minimize, as much as possible, his exposure to external stimuli.  And a lot of good that had done.  He’d already worked himself up to such an extent that his face was nearly the same hue as his hair. Thankfully, he did calm down a bit after the bulky metal contraption was slipped onto his head.  However, it had been designed to have room for him to grow and fit quite loosely, so she hoped that it wouldn’t fly off his head during their escape. Before he got it in his mind to start up with the crying again, the woman used the bedding to swaddle him snugly and reached for the briefcase where all the important papers were. 

She had mere moments to get this precious bundle to safety and she knew it.  Cargo in tow, she sprinted up the two flights of stairs to the ground floor, knowing that taking the elevator would be much too risky.  She was no athlete.  Her blood rushed in her ears and every muscle yearned for oxygen.  On one terrifying occasion, she almost lost her footing, but recovered it just in time. Finally, she saw the lobby, with its plush carpeting  and fountain in the middle.  Just one more dash and she’d reach the door…only a few more seconds…

Loud creaking above her.  She looked up in horror to see a piece of rubble breaking loose from the floor above and falling directly on them.  In that last instant, she reacted out of sheer instinct, making a desperate attempt to throw the baby clear, hoping that by some miracle he would land safely…

And then everything went black. 

Elsewhere in the building, there was another rescue mission underway.  An engine roared as a  white D-Wheel of unusual design sped down the stairs, swerving around piles of debris.  Inside, a tall blond man sat at the driver’s seat with the unconscious body of a young girl slumped in his lap.

 By this point, Jack Atlas had lost track of how many floors he’d passed.  Everytime he thought they’d reached the bottom, there were still more stairs.  He had to keep a tight hold on his passenger to keep her from flying out during this bumpy ride.  At least he’d thought to get the shock absorbers upgraded; things would have been nigh on unbearable if he hadn’t. 

His original plan had been to get the girl, Aki, to safety and then go back to look for any sign of Carly.  What had that damn woman gotten herself into?  He knew that his abrupt departure would hurt her, but much against his better judgment he had started to care about what happened to her.  After he had firmly admonished her to stop sticking her nose where it didn’t belong, he had absconded.  And now he had found her broken glasses in this building.  She could scarcely see a thing without them…he knew that.  This could only mean one thing.  She had completely ignored his warning and gone to mess with one of the most dangerous men in Neo Domino.  And now, the way back up was impassable due to the accumulating rubble. 

If he’d lost her for good…but he couldn’t think about that now.  There, at long last, he could see the building’s atrium only one floor below them.  He made Wheel of Fortune leap over the railing, and it landed without so much as a scratch.  There.  Almost home free.  Now all he had to do was regroup with the others outside and…what was that sound? 

He thought, at first, that it was a trick of the ears; a side effect from being exposed to these loud sirens for so long.  But no, now that he was thinking about it, there was definitely a distinct noise mixed in there.  He hit the brakes, skidding to a stop.

Looking over, he had to fight the urge to vomit.  He saw a figure pinned beneath a cement and twisted metal.  It was obvious, even from this distance, that the person was dead.  The blood had already started to spread.

Jack steeled himself.  Stop being a pussy. You saw corpses all the time in Satellite.  When he moved closer, he saw blue and his heart stopped.  To his immense relief, though, the body was not wearing that familiar striped shirt, but rather the Arcadia uniform that was a common sight around the city.  As there was nothing he could do for this person, he began searching for the source of the noise, and finally saw what appeared to be a large bundle of white cloth.  It was resting a few meters away, partly hidden in shadow, so he’d overlooked it at first. 

It was a baby, screaming with a strength impressive even by Jack’s standards.  One arm had worked free of the fabric and was flailing angrily against the floor. 

“Fuck me,” he muttered.  He couldn’t just leave it lying there.  Shifting Aki to one arm, he got out and covered the remaining distance in a few long strides.  He quickly snagged both the bundle and the little briefcase that was lying next to it.  Somehow, he managed to get everything balanced in the D-wheel. 

With two years of intensive experience with hiding internal turmoil from outsiders under his belt, Jack rode out of the building with head held high.  He spotted Yanagi, Himuro, and the twins still on the steps, coughing and rubbing their eyes due to the noxious thick smoke that filled the air.  Still no sign of any rescue vehicles.

“I got her,” he told them, removing his jacket and placing it over his nose to create a makeshift filter.  “And this.”

The others gasped as he shifted his arm to reveal the infant cradled in the crook of his elbow, who was fussing but no longer shrieking. 

“Let’s see what we can find out about you,” Jack muttered, unraveling the tangle of cloth.  That blanket was almost certainly cashmere, he was quick to note, and the sheet’s thread count rivaled his own back at the penthouse.  When one was the King of Riding Duels, one had to know these things at a glance or even a touch, to ensure that there was no cheating by unscrupulous suppliers.  Someone cared deeply about this baby, then…or at least was willing to spend a ton of money on it.

After spreading out the blanket on the cement and laying the squirming baby on it, he had Rua go find the flashlight that was in the tool compartment of his D-Wheel.  The baby was biggish, probably several months old.  It didn’t have serious injuries that were immediately obvious, although a quick feel of the skull revealed a sizable knot in the back.  Jack quickly moved the light to the child’s eyes, as he’d seen Martha do with head injury patients, and he noted that the pupils got smaller.  That was what was supposed to happen…right?  Crow was better at this medical shit than he was. 

“Anyone know how to change a diaper, by any chance?” he asked, wrinkling his nose. 

There was a pause, but finally Himuro answered, “I do.”  The muscular tough guy was not one that Jack had expected to speak up, but he wasn’t about to argue.  He could turn his attention, and his flashlight, to Aki now. She still hadn’t regained consciousness. 

Her breathing was worryingly shallow, and he noticed how tightly that corset thing of her was laced.  It looked like it was digging into her skin even with the layers of fabric separating them.  Why did she feel the need to do that?  She wasn’t even fat.  One thing was for sure: it wasn’t going to do anything to help her get better.  He cut the laces with a pocket knife, and was pleased to see her color improve a bit as she inhaled deeply. 

“Looks like we have ourselves a little boy,” Himuro was saying.  “Jack, could I see that knife for a bit?”  It took somewhat incredulous glances from the other three males before he realized that maybe those two sentences weren’t the best thing to say right in a row.  He quickly clarified, “For the sheet.”

An ominous hush had fallen upon the city by this time.  The only sounds louder than white noise were the baby’s grizzling, Himuro tearing up the sheet into scraps after getting it started with the knife, and Ruka’s gradually fading sobs as she clung on to her brother.  Jack now picked up the briefcase to see if he could bust the electronic lock.  He needed to have something, anything, to do…one second of idleness and he’d start being tormented by thoughts of how he had failed Carly all over again. 

“All right,” he asked.  “So what exactly happened in there?”

Everyone started talking over everyone else, and he shouted, “OI!  ONE AT A TIME!”  he instantly regretted this when the baby started crying again.

Ruka knew the most of the four of them.  In a subdued voice, she told about how Divine had drugged them all during dinner and taken them prisoner.  She started crying again when she got to the part where Divine had personally dueled and tortured her brother. 

“I knew it was a bad idea, but I didn’t say anything and I should have!” she exclaimed.  “You could have died, Rua, because you had that stupid plan and I didn’t call you on it!  And I thought Aki was so cool before, but she didn’t really seem to care.”

“Hey, there, sis, it’s okay,” Rua interjected.  “We all made it out alive, didn’t we?  I’ll have lots more stupid plans you can call me out on in the future.”

But there was something beyond even this that was bothering her.  Even Jack, who had a faint idea that he had all the emotional sensitivity of a water buffalo, picked up on that.  Finally, she ventured, “Um…Jack?”

“Yes?” he said, running his fingers over the lock.

“I saw Aki and Divine talking in the hallway…and it was weird.  He was looking at her like she was his girlfriend or something.  I just…it seemed kind of gross. He’s a lot older than her, isn’t he?”

“Hm,” Jack replied.  He stood up, backed up a few paces, and threw a card at that pesky lock.  It hit dead center, severing the electrical connection.  Still got it. 

Maybe they’d find the answers they were seeking in here.  He reached in and took out a sizable sheaf of papers.  The top page only had a few lines of text on it, large enough that he could easily read them without straining his eyes even in this dim light. 

SUBJECT ONE

“ADAM”

I AM EXTREMELY SENSITIVE!  PLEASE USE CAUTION WHILE HANDLING!  :)

Jack wasn’t sure which was more disconcerting: the fact that this baby was being referred to as if he was some kind of feral dog, or the passive-aggressive smiley at the end. 

“His name is Adam,” he informed the others.  He started reading the next page, which was some kind of official-looking record…a birth certificate, he soon realized.

RECORD OF LIVE BIRTH

NAME: ADAM MUELLER

DATE AND TIME:  11/10/2027, 5:22 AM

LOCATION: ARCADIA MOVEMENT HEADQUARTERS, NEO DOMINO CITY, JAPAN

WEIGHT: 2.75 KG  LENGTH: 46 CM

NAME OF FATHER: JOACHIM MUELLER. DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH:10/28/2000, VIENNA, AUSTRIA

NAME OF MOTHER: “SUBJECT ZERO.”  DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: 8/16/2011, NEO DOMINO CITY, JAPAN

As Jack stared at this paper, trying to comprehend the enormity of what it contained, he finally head sirens in the distance. 

Divine had tried his best to be sneaky here.  There was no stamp or signature or any other sign that this had been notarized, and he had so cleverly used that alias for the mother, but anyone with half a brain could figure this out.  For someone who was accustomed to solving all of his problems by yelling at them until they went away, this was a lot to absorb. He clenched the paper in his hand before realizing that this might not be a good idea; that law enforcement would need to see this as well. 

“Jack?” Himuro asked.  “What is it?”  Somehow, against all odds, he had lulled baby Adam to sleep. 

“Two things,” he answered through teeth clenched at the injustice.  As the ambulance lights closed in on them, he looked at Aki, then at the dusting of burgundy hair on Adam’s head.  “First, Ruka was right.”  The vehicle rolled to a stop, and he was vaguely aware of Mikage and some EMS techs hopping out.  “Secondly, everything just got a whole lot more complicated.”

[xxxtherrcollectivexxx]

Genshin Muses and Their Mental Health (Headcanons)

Apologies for the extremely long post it took me a while to write. I just got a little thoughtful of what my Genshin Muses may possibly have troubles with mentally.

If you don't fancy reading, then quickly continue scrolling. :)

Alhaitham - Autism Look his autism has kind of stereotypical media driven signs of autism like the super intelligence, his hyperfixation on his scribe occupation, and his preference is isolation over social interactions. He can find it difficult to understand how others think and feel, and often impulsive to speak his mind regardless of how others will perceive it. He is exceptional in finding patterns and irregularities within a situation, and always manages to be multiple steps ahead. Also noise cancelling headphones?

Arataki Itto - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) You can't tell me otherwise. Listen to all that damn dialogue. Man is an utter himbo, and add in the ADHD to further his personality. Man is incredibly impulsive and unorganised in every sense of the word. He has one of the lowest frustration tolerances when it comes to his Kabuto fighting, can't concentrate on only one topic, but can be distracted by other stimuli. But in other situations he can be completely hyperfocused on a task like going to search for his friends and making sure they're safe. He also does not take kindly to stress and stressful situations.

Il Dottore - Anti Social Personality Disorder (Sociopathy) Man shows absolutely no regard when it comes to right and wrong, and blatantly ignores the feelings of others that are impacted by him. That doesn't mean to say that he doesn't have feelings. He can emote just like anyone else, but these emotions are very external emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, jealousy, and so on. But more internal emotions like sympathy, guilt, etc, are definitely not understood by him. He will lie to take advantage of others, resorts to violence should the need arise, as well as being entirely opinionated and having a strong sense of superiority over others.

Lumine - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) It was already bad enough that she has lost her brother in a world where she understood very little, with only Paimon to be her guide, but now she is thrust into so many dangerous situations and no one seems to really ask her how she is feeling. Everyone hears tales of her adventures and her heroics, but they never understand truly how traumatised and frustrated she is that she has managed to do so much and learn so little about her brother's whereabouts. As much as she has made friends over her time within the realm of Teyvat, it's not the same without her brother. Often she finds herself distracting her head with what she can do to help people, just to try and drown out that feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness she feels because she is missing her brother.

Neuvillette - Rejection Sensitivity / Emotional Disregulation (RSD) While RSD may be more of a factor within ADHD, Neuvillette definitely doesn't have ADHD. As a Water Dragon Sovereign, there's not doubt that he tries his best to learn how humans work and think and do things. Offering to help with the people of Fontaine through the judiciary system, and seeing all the awful things people can do to one another, as well as to him, it would start to weigh on his shoulders. It's easy to point out the rejection sensitivity because it's the idea of feeling physical pain and suffering when one is rejected. When Neuvillette feels these great burdens and feelings, the rain comes. The only sign that he allows to show that he is mourning and grieving the people he is trying to help.

Pantalone - Narcissistic Personality Disorder Man has a very high opinion of himself, going so far as to control the majority of the money of Teyvat. He can become very aggressive and controlling when he doesn't get what he wants, going so far as to hurting or even unaliving people who have disappointed him. He has a very hard time controlling his own emotions which is why he forces himself to smile all the time so no one can see that he is perturbed or irritated by their actions until it is too late.

Tartaglia - Bipolar Personality Disorder (BPD) Childe seems to display quite varying symptoms of bipolar, having elated and manic episodes when it comes to his favourite thing (fighting), but also dipping into low and disinterested moods when something doesn't fit his fancy. He is usually very upbeat and likes to talk constantly with the Traveler or Zhongli, and also has an exaggerated state of self and his abilities. On the other hand, he has been seen to be disinterested and feeling a lack of pleasure in this he enjoys, mostly when he has not been satisfied by someone else. He also shows a lot of restlessness and often has times where he is unable to rest or sleep.

Tighnari - Possible Asperger's Syndrome Honestly so many people believe him to have an additive personality due to consuming shrooms on the daily, but this has not hindered him in any way. He does not believe he needs to consume shrooms on the daily basis for any sort of fix. He does it to help figure out ide effects and write them down in his handbooks so others are aware of what can be safe to eat and what should be avoided. If anything, guy may have some form of Asperger's, but there's not enough to confidently say yes.

Zhongli - Depression This man just wants a really long nap. He's been through a lot and wants nothing more than to be rid of it all. He does not have any thoughts of unaliving or harm to himself, but he has become severely reclusive and unbothered by thriving as an Archon anymore. His encounters during his story quests have pretty much shown that he no longer feels he has any purpose or meaning to remain in Liyue, and the only reason he would most likely stay is because he wants to see how humans will thrive without him. When he knows that they will be fine on their own, perhaps he will finally give himself the rest he feels he deserves.

[spaghetticat3899]

tl;dr: I don’t like people pressuring me to have children, I do not plan to have any. You can have kids if you want, but I personally do not for multiple reasons, and I only wish for people to respect those.

I want people to stop thinking that kids are the ultimate end-all-be-all. I want to stop feeling like the world only sees me as a birth factory. I want to stop feeling like everyone thinks I’m a bad person, or delusional, or just needing to “change [my] mind one day”.

It’s frustrating. If you want kids, that’s your own choice, but just because I don’t want them doesn’t mean I’m wrong for choosing not to. Time and time again I have people asking me why I don’t have a procreation partner, or when they’re gonna get grandbabies, or “when you have kids be careful abou-“, I’m not having kids, stop automatically assuming I’m having kids. My temper is too short, my discomfort with anything child, sex, or pregnancy-related is too high, I cannot stand the screams and cries, I cannot stand the grabbiness, I react too poorly to stimuli to be a parent. Let alone the fact I carry way too many genetic things to remotely feel like it’s responsible. I’d donate my eggs if I was allowed, but I don’t even think I can, and even if I could, I’d feel bad about making someone else deal with the things I carry. Childbirth has always been utterly horrifying to me, and to be told it’s nothing to fear and that it’s a beautiful miracle just… rubs me the wrong way. Believe what you must, but I don’t think it’s wrong to be mortified by seeing a really small, sensitive body part being (literally) ripped open by something that could be upwards of 10 lbs (or at least baby me was) for many, many hours if not days worth of agonizing pain, is exactly an unreasonable reaction.

This isn’t to say no one should have kids, I’m just saying I have my reasons not to. I just hate people brushing me off and assuming I’m deluded, or will somehow change my mind because “oh your aunt changed her mind, you will too���, I am not my aunt stop comparing me to her. I should have the freedom to not procreate, just as others have the option to do so. I shouldn’t be shamed for not wanting something I can’t take care of, nor should I be shamed for not wanting a kiss-mate thing, but that’s a whole discussion in itself.

Anyways, that’s enough ranting from me. I don’t know why that poll made me start going on an angry tangent.

[careconvoy0]

Neuro Rehabilitation in Banjara Hills: Empowering Recovery with Personalized Care

Neuro rehabilitation in Banjara Hills is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern recovery for individuals facing neurological conditions. This specialized form of care is designed to support patients recovering from injuries or disorders of the nervous system, including stroke, brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and other complex conditions. Banjara Hills, with its reputation for housing some of Hyderabad’s most advanced medical centers, has emerged as a preferred destination for families seeking high-quality neurological rehabilitation. What sets this area apart is its access to expert care in an environment that promotes healing, confidence, and dignity.

One of the key players in this growing field is Care Convoy, a super-specialty transitional care and rehabilitation center offering individualized neuro rehabilitation services in Banjara Hills. Care Convoy is committed to walking with each patient on their journey to recovery, blending advanced medical expertise with compassion and empathy. The facility offers a multidisciplinary approach to neuro rehab, combining physiotherapy, cognitive retraining, occupational therapy, and psychological support—all under one roof. With a team experienced in complex neurological cases, Care Convoy creates a healing ecosystem where patients are treated not just for their symptoms, but as whole individuals with unique needs, goals, and potential.

Neuro rehabilitation requires more than just standard medical care—it demands a comprehensive and deeply personalized approach. Each patient’s brain and nervous system respond differently to injury or illness, which means a rehabilitation plan must be tailored to match their specific abilities and limitations. The goal of neuro rehabilitation is to restore function as much as possible and help the individual relearn skills lost due to neurological damage. In Banjara Hills, patients benefit from access to cutting-edge therapies, skilled professionals, and a supportive environment that prioritizes not just recovery, but a return to meaningful daily life.

What makes neuro rehabilitation in Banjara Hills particularly effective is the integration of medical innovation with human-centered care. At centers like Care Convoy, rehabilitation is not limited to physical recovery. It involves rebuilding the patient’s sense of identity, confidence, and autonomy. After a neurological event, patients often face challenges that extend far beyond physical symptoms. Memory, mood, concentration, and communication can be severely affected. That’s why an effective rehab program must include neuropsychological support and therapeutic strategies that nurture emotional resilience alongside physical improvement.

Care Convoy recognizes the value of early intervention in neuro rehabilitation. The sooner therapy begins, the better the chances of positive neurological rewiring and adaptation. Upon admission, every patient undergoes a detailed functional assessment that evaluates not just movement and strength, but also cognitive functions, communication skills, emotional status, and ability to perform everyday activities. Based on this, the rehabilitation team creates a customized plan with short-term and long-term goals, ensuring the recovery process remains focused, measurable, and responsive to progress.

A critical factor in the success of neuro rehabilitation is consistency. The brain and body need repeated, structured exposure to targeted exercises and stimuli to make new connections. At Care Convoy, daily therapy sessions are structured to provide just the right amount of challenge without overwhelming the patient. Therapists adjust routines as recovery progresses, ensuring that each milestone builds on the last. Patients receive one-on-one attention from specialists who monitor their responses, provide encouragement, and celebrate improvements, no matter how small. This nurturing approach helps restore motivation and a sense of purpose, which are vital for sustained engagement in the rehab process.

The location of Care Convoy in Banjara Hills adds another layer of advantage. The area is easily accessible and known for its peaceful surroundings, making it ideal for recovery. Patients and their families can focus on healing without the stress of long commutes or overcrowded facilities. The center itself is designed to offer a balance of clinical sophistication and homely comfort. From well-equipped therapy rooms to quiet spaces for reflection, everything at Care Convoy is geared toward making the rehabilitation journey smooth, structured, and stress-free.

Family involvement is another cornerstone of Care Convoy’s approach to neuro rehabilitation in Banjara Hills. Neurological recovery doesn’t happen in isolation—it affects and involves the entire family. That’s why the center offers caregiver education, family counseling, and guidance on how to support the patient post-discharge. Loved ones are trained to assist in therapy, understand behavioral changes, and adapt their home environment to meet the patient’s evolving needs. This collaborative model ensures that patients continue to progress even after they leave the facility.

Long-term support is essential in neurological care, especially when conditions are chronic or degenerative. Care Convoy’s commitment extends beyond the initial rehabilitation phase. The center provides follow-up care, outpatient therapy, and continued guidance to help patients transition smoothly back into their daily lives. Whether it’s reintegrating into work, managing personal care, or simply regaining confidence in social settings, Care Convoy ensures that patients feel supported at every stage of their journey.

In a healthcare landscape that often focuses solely on cure, neuro rehabilitation is about care—it’s about helping individuals live fully in the face of adversity. In Banjara Hills, where quality healthcare and innovation intersect, patients and families are discovering that recovery from a neurological event is not only possible but empowering. With the right guidance, tools, and environment, the human spirit can overcome even the most daunting neurological challenges.

In conclusion, neuro rehabilitation in Banjara Hills is not just a service—it is a vital lifeline for individuals seeking to reclaim their independence and rebuild their lives after a neurological setback. Care Convoy stands as a trusted partner in this journey, offering expert-led, heart-centered rehabilitation that nurtures both recovery and resilience. As awareness grows and access improves, more individuals will find the hope, help, and healing they need right here in Banjara Hills.

[permutaus]

Beyond the Battlefield: The Role of VR in Modern Military Preparation

A New Frontier in Military Training

The evolution of military training has undergone a significant transformation with the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) technology. Traditionally, soldiers prepared for combat through physically demanding exercises, mock drills, and classroom instruction. While effective to a degree, these methods often fell short of replicating the psychological intensity and unpredictability of actual combat. VR has stepped in to bridge that gap, offering a new frontier in training that immerses soldiers in hyper-realistic, simulated environments. These digital battlegrounds replicate everything from urban warfare to peacekeeping missions in volatile regions, ensuring troops are prepared not just physically but mentally for the challenges they might face.

Realistic Scenarios without Real-World Risks

One of the most compelling advantages of VR in military training preparation is the ability to conduct high-stakes training without exposing personnel to real-world risks. Through headsets and motion sensors, soldiers can be placed in a variety of environments that mimic real combat zones. They can practice decision-making under pressure, adapt to changing conditions, and experience the psychological stress of war — all within the safety of a controlled environment. This is particularly useful for training in complex situations like hostage rescues, IED disarmament, and conflict de-escalation, where a mistake in real life could have fatal consequences. By allowing repeated practice in these scenarios, VR helps soldiers build confidence and refine their skills.

Enhancing Cognitive and Tactical Skills

Modern military operations demand much more than brute strength and physical agility. Critical thinking, rapid situational analysis, and adaptive strategy are crucial components of success in the field. VR supports the development of these cognitive skills by placing users in fast-paced, multi-variable situations that require quick judgment and decisive action. Scenarios can be customized to test tactical approaches, reinforce teamwork, and develop communication strategies. As the battlefield becomes increasingly digitized, the ability to think and act under pressure in simulated environments translates directly to performance in real-world missions.

Cost-Efficiency and Scalability

Budget constraints are a reality for most defense organizations, and traditional training exercises involving aircraft, ammunition, and vast terrains can be incredibly expensive. VR offers a more cost-efficient alternative by significantly reducing the need for physical resources. Once the virtual infrastructure is in place, multiple soldiers can be trained simultaneously, regardless of location. This scalability is particularly beneficial for large military forces or allied training programs, where uniformity and repetition are essential. Maintenance costs are also lower over time, and the ability to update scenarios with new threats or intelligence ensures training remains current and relevant.

Rehabilitation and Post-Combat Recovery

Beyond preparation, VR has also emerged as a valuable tool in the rehabilitation of soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological impacts of combat. Virtual environments can be used in therapy to help veterans process traumatic experiences in a controlled setting. By gradually reintroducing stimuli and guiding patients through tailored scenarios, therapists can facilitate healing and help soldiers reintegrate into civilian life. This therapeutic use of VR underscores its versatility and long-term value in military applications beyond active duty.

A Strategic Edge for the Future

As global threats evolve and warfare becomes increasingly asymmetric, military forces must leverage every available advantage to maintain readiness. VR represents a strategic edge, combining immersive technology with the rigor of military discipline. It equips soldiers with the experiential learning necessary to adapt to modern conflicts, anticipate enemy behavior, and respond with agility. By investing in VR-based training, military organizations are not just enhancing performance on the battlefield — they are cultivating a force that is smarter, more resilient, and better prepared for the complexities of modern warfare.

[serenity-cove-bitty-foster-house]

Vel Rescue

Name: Vel

Species: Vel

Morph: None(This morph features a small set of curled devil horns and a soft, expressive demon tail. These Vels are known for being emotionally sensitive, clingy with those they trust, and highly prone to anxiety. Their demon traits are largely aesthetic and harmless, though their tail can be damaged if pulled too hard. Their eyes are usually large and expressive, often shimmering when emotional. This morph is especially food-driven and responds well to gentle routine and affection)

Age: 4 years

Size: 12 inches tall

Personality: Vel is timid and often skittish, preferring to hide until he’s completely sure he's safe. Once comfortable, he becomes a sweet, loyal companion who craves affection and consistency. He’s very food-motivated and can be bribed with sweets or meat to come out of hiding. Easily startled by loud noises, sudden movement, or unfamiliar bitties. Vel shows affection quietly- through gentle touches, soft nuzzles, or sitting close to someone he trusts.

Compatibility: Vel thrives best in quiet, low-traffic environments. He does not enjoy chaotic spaces or highly energetic bitties and will retreat if overwhelmed. However, he gets along well with other quiet or gentle bitties, especially those who are nurturing or protective. He requires a private nest area with multiple hiding spaces and does best when introduced slowly to new companions.

Main Info: Vel was dropped off at the foster center following neglect in a previous household where his needs were ignored. He has PTSD, severe anxiety, and is autistic, so sudden change or too much stimulation can trigger shutdowns or hiding behavior. With time and patience, Vel can become an incredibly loyal and affectionate companion.

Additional info: Vel enjoys dressing up in cozy costumes and has a small collection of hoodies and soft capes. His tail may twitch when nervous or curl around objects he finds comforting. He also adores Halloween decorations and may hoard plush bats or pumpkins.

Feeding habits: Vel prefers sweets and meat, especially cooked beef, gummies, or taffy. Will eat other foods if coaxed or if they are arranged cutely on a plate. Has a known love for warm broths and spooky-themed bento meals.

Injuries: Tail was slightly strained in a previous home but has since healed. May flinch if grabbed unexpectedly. No permanent damage.

Special requirements: Needs a dimly lit, quiet resting area with enclosed hiding spaces. Should never be left with aggressive bitties or around loud stimuli. Daily affection and small treats help build trust.

Warnings: May freeze or shut down under high stress. Needs firm but gentle structure. Do not pull on his tail or horns- these are sensitive and injury-prone.

Reasons for rescue: Vel was surrendered due to being “too anxious and sensitive” by a former owner who failed to understand his trauma responses.

Difficulty: Beginner

Color/Pattern: Pale pinkish-gray skin with deep purple around the eyes and small maroon horns. His tail is dark at the tip and curls like a loose ribbon. He often wears soft pastel clothes and cozy outfits with spooky themes.

[seriyali]

Affordable Roll Up Banners Abu Dhabi: Perfect for Events and Exhibitions

If it's to advertise your business or firm professionally and grab everyone's attention, then roll up banners Abu Dhabi are the wise and economical answer. Be it for trade exhibitions, conventions, or company functions, or launching products, these roll-up banners guarantee the maximum visibility at minimal efforts.

In this article, we're talking about why roll up banners Abu Dhabi are something that's needed for marketing, how they help your event attendance, and where to get them at a reasonable price without having to compromise on quality.

Why Choose Roll Up Banners

Pull up banners, pull-up or roll up banners, are easy to install, easy to transport, and easy to reuse stand vertical display units. They typically have an eye-catching aluminum casing with a brightly printed banner that rolls inside the base to be easily carried along.

This is why Abu Dhabi businesses use roll-up banners:

Rapid setup and teardown — ideal for high-traffic event environments

Lightweight and transportable — convenient to move from location to location

Reusable and long-lasting — perfect for multiple uses at numerous events

Space-saving — occupies very little floor area but has a tremendous visual impact

Cost-effective — provides professional branding without the cost

Perfect for Events and Exhibitions

Whether unveiling a new product or merely wishing to produce brand awareness, roll up banners Abu Dhabi are a popular option in events and exhibitions. Where in the hectic atmosphere, there is simply so little time to grab people's attention, roll up banners provide an ideal combination of visual stimuli and short messages.

Roll-up banners can be utilized to:

Welcome guests

Offer special discounts or product benefits

Feature your brand message or slogan

Your traffic management at your booth or facility

They are flexible to make them a perfect fit in several industries like hospitality and retail, education, healthcare, and technology.

Budget-Friendly High Quality

One of the benefits of utilizing roll-up banners in Abu Dhabi is that they are affordable. The printing companies in Abu Dhabi offer an affordable package for banners as per the business requirements of any size. Even though you spend less money, you get high-quality output, heavy-duty materials, and durable finishing.

To get the best for your money, search for the following banner print services:

Free design consultation

Quick turnarounds

Versions in various sizes (standard, wide, premium)

Print outside with UV or water-resistant printing

Bulk purchase is also effective in lowering the cost per unit, particularly if you will be installing banners in numerous locations or campaigns.

Customization

Branding revolves around personalization. Good roll-up banners Abu Dhabi providers enable you to customize all aspects of your banner, including:

Design, colors, and brand elements

Adjustment of size and height

Single-sided or double-sided printing

Selection of base styles and finishes

A specially made roll-up banner guarantees that your message is original, business-like, and in line with your brand image.

Where to Get Roll-Up Banners in Abu Dhabi

Various printing companies in Abu Dhabi can design and produce banners. Search for suppliers with excellent customer feedback, a design team for assistance with layout, and clear pricing.

Alternatively, you can shop online with companies that provide printing services online, along with delivery options within the UAE. This works particularly well in case you need something in no hurry for a specific event.

In a competitive economy such as the UAE, the right promotional materials can mean the difference between success and failure. Roll up banners Abu Dhabi are a cost-effective and efficient manner of grabbing attention, promoting your brand, and establishing a professional presence at events and exhibitions.

With high-impact graphics, mobility, and low-cost prices, roll-up banners are an essential marketing tool for every business seeking to cut through the noise.

[hellobloger0000]

The Power of a Baby Development Program in Shaping Early Growth

The early developmental years are crucial for a child’s future. From birth to three years, a baby’s brain undergoes rapid development, forming the foundation for learning, behavior, and health. A baby development program is specifically designed to nurture and enhance this early growth, ensuring that babies achieve key developmental milestones. By focusing on various aspects of growth, these programs play an essential role in promoting a child’s overall well-being.

What is a Baby Development Program?

A baby development program is a comprehensive set of activities and exercises designed to support babies during their crucial early years. These programs are structured to promote cognitive, motor, emotional, and social development. They help babies reach age-appropriate milestones and provide valuable early stimulation. By focusing on sensory exploration, physical activities, and social interactions, a baby development program fosters healthy brain development and encourages optimal growth in all areas.

Key Areas of Focus in a Baby Development Program

A well-rounded baby development program focuses on several critical areas of a baby’s growth. These include:

Cognitive Development – Babies begin to process information, recognize patterns, and build memory skills from a very young age. A good program introduces babies to different textures, colors, and sounds to stimulate cognitive growth.

Physical Development – Encouraging babies to move, stretch, and interact with their environment is crucial for developing motor skills. Activities like tummy time, crawling, and walking exercises support strength, coordination, and balance.

Emotional Development – Babies learn to manage their emotions and form attachments through nurturing experiences. A baby development program offers activities that help babies develop trust, empathy, and emotional resilience.

Social Development – Interacting with other children and adults is essential for babies to develop social skills. A structured program creates opportunities for babies to learn how to share, communicate, and cooperate with others.

The Role of Stimulation in Early Development

Research shows that early childhood is a period of remarkable brain development, and the experiences babies are exposed to during this time significantly shape their cognitive, emotional, and social growth. A baby development program provides the necessary stimulation through activities that encourage exploration and interaction. From visual and auditory stimulation to physical exercises, these programs engage multiple senses, enhancing the brain’s ability to make connections and form neural pathways.

This stimulation not only supports immediate development but also provides a strong foundation for future learning. The more diverse and rich the experiences, the better the brain adapts and grows. A baby development program takes advantage of this critical period, helping babies reach their full developmental potential.

The Science Behind Baby Development Programs

Studies have shown that babies who receive high-quality early stimulation perform better later in life, not only in terms of academic success but also in emotional intelligence and social adaptability. The science behind this is rooted in the brain’s plasticity during the first few years of life. During this period, babies’ brains are incredibly malleable, and they respond positively to a variety of stimuli. A baby development program is structured to provide that stimuli, ensuring that the brain is receiving the support it needs to grow in all areas.

Early stimulation also helps prevent developmental delays and encourages babies to reach milestones on time. By offering a well-rounded program, parents can ensure their babies have the best possible start in life.

Long-Term Benefits of a Baby Development Program

The impact of a baby development program extends far beyond the early years. Research shows that children who participate in early developmental programs tend to perform better academically, socially, and emotionally. These children are often better at problem-solving, have stronger language skills, and are more resilient when faced with challenges.

Moreover, a baby who engages in a baby development program is more likely to be emotionally balanced, confident, and able to interact well with others. The skills learned during these formative years set the stage for a lifetime of positive learning experiences and personal growth.

How a Baby Development Program Supports Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is just as important as cognitive intelligence (IQ), and a baby development program plays a crucial role in building this skill from an early age. By participating in activities that encourage empathy, understanding, and self-regulation, babies begin to develop emotional awareness. This foundation of emotional intelligence helps babies form healthy relationships, regulate their emotions, and navigate social situations as they grow.

For example, through simple social games, babies learn how to express their feelings, interact with peers, and respond to the emotions of others. A baby development program provides a structured environment where babies can practice these essential skills in a safe and supportive setting.

Choosing the Right Baby Development Program

When selecting a baby development program, parents should look for programs that are comprehensive, age-appropriate, and based on the latest research in child development. It’s important to choose a program that integrates a variety of activities designed to stimulate physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. Additionally, a good program should be flexible, catering to the individual needs and development pace of each baby.

The right baby development program will also foster a positive and supportive environment for both babies and their caregivers. Parental involvement is key to the program’s success, as it allows parents to reinforce what their babies learn and form a strong bond with their child.

Conclusion

A baby development program is an invaluable resource for parents who want to provide their babies with the best start in life. These programs promote healthy cognitive, physical, and emotional development, giving babies the tools they need to succeed later in life. With the right stimulation, babies can achieve developmental milestones on time, build emotional intelligence, and lay the foundation for future learning.

Investing in a baby development program is one of the best ways to ensure that babies have the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive in the years to come.

[scienceblogs]

🌿 Biopolymers and Beyond: Sustainable Materials Redefining Industrial Innovation

By Hafiz Muhammad Husnain Azam Researcher, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg 📘 Published 🔗 Read Full Chapter on Wiley

The Material Revolution Starts with Nature

In an era driven by the urgent need for environmental responsibility, industries across the globe are turning to biopolymers—natural, biodegradable materials derived from plants and microorganisms—as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. But biopolymers are no longer limited to raw forms.

In this chapter, we explore the next generation of biopolymer engineering, including:

Blends

Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPNs)

Gels

Composites

Nanocomposites

Each form unlocks new levels of functionality, durability, and industrial relevance—setting a new benchmark for sustainable material science.

🔍 What’s Inside the Chapter?

✅ Biopolymer Fundamentals

Derived from natural sources like chitin, starch, and bacterial fermentation, biopolymers offer biodegradability, renewability, and low toxicity—key drivers for their rise in packaging, agriculture, and medical sectors.

✅ Blends & Composites

Blending different biopolymers (e.g., PLA + PBAT) or reinforcing them with natural fibers like hemp and flax creates materials with superior mechanical and thermal properties—ideal for packaging, automotive parts, and construction components.

✅ IPNs (Interpenetrating Polymer Networks)

These materials interlace multiple polymer networks at the molecular level, providing enhanced strength, elasticity, and chemical resistance. Their applications span tissue engineering, drug delivery, and industrial coatings.

✅ Gels & Hydrogels

Engineered for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, these viscoelastic materials mimic tissue behavior and offer excellent moisture retention, making them useful in wound healing and drug delivery.

✅ Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites

Infused with graphene oxide, CNTs, and metal nanoparticles, these advanced materials deliver exceptional barrier properties, conductivity, and antimicrobial activity—revolutionizing electronics, sensors, and environmental cleanup systems.

🌍 Applications Across Industries

Sustainable Packaging: Compostable materials replacing traditional plastics

Biomedical Engineering: Smart gels and scaffolds for regenerative medicine

Environmental Remediation: Nanocomposites that adsorb heavy metals and organic toxins

Smart Materials: Biopolymer-based systems with stimuli-responsive behavior

⚠️ Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite immense potential, the commercialization of biopolymer systems is constrained by:

Mechanical performance gaps

Higher production costs

Scalability concerns

Ongoing research focuses on nanofiller optimization, hybrid design, and cost-effective green synthesis to overcome these hurdles. The goal: making sustainable materials mainstream, not niche.

Let’s Redefine the Future of Materials

This chapter is a comprehensive entry point into the world of sustainable, high-performance materials. If you're involved in materials science, product development, environmental policy, or green manufacturing, this research offers actionable insights to guide your innovation pipeline.

📖 Read the full study: Wiley – Biopolymer Blends, IPNs, and Nanocomposites

https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119783473.ch1

https://go.nature.com/4j29x66