#Run Internet in-flight Mode

[dailymothanon]

My very awesome solution as to how g1 Soundwave can get around without a mobile alt mode 🔥🔥 I think about that scene where Starscream picked him up after Soundwave got knocked into the air by Prowl while he was trying to run away; so another efficient way is clearly: bag… he fits, he’ll sit. Just like what Ravage and the earthly cats on the internet taught him by sitting in boxes. Only downside is he’s gotta get used to g-force, which I imagine flight mode cybertronians easily/early grow tolerance to

Bonus Bayverse piece 😛 Bayverse Soundwave real short w his vehicle mode. Probably easy to manhandle, so exhibit A: big worm (driller)

[fannedandflawless]

Professors as Social Media Platforms

1. Severus Snape — Tumblr (dark mode, obviously)

Unsearchable username. Reblogs potion disasters and gothic poetry at 2AM. No tags. No comments. Just layered emotional trauma and an occasional hex.

“He’s been online this whole time. He just never speaks.”

2. Minerva McGonagall — LinkedIn (with terrifying precision)

A CV so flawless it terrifies Ministry recruiters. Endorses Transfiguration and Professional Decency.

“Tenure: Eternal. Patience: Exhausted.”

3. Albus Dumbledore — Reddit

Knows everything. Posts nothing. Occasionally leaves cryptic comments that start philosophical wars.

“User prophecyWatcher_1865 strikes again.”

4. Sybill Trelawney — Pinterest (but cursed)

Boards full of teacup patterns, celestial charts, and unsettling predictions. Half aesthetic, half apocalyptic.

“Today’s vibe: Death… or a new beginning.”

5. Filius Flitwick — Duolingo

Tiny. Cheerful. Slightly too enthusiastic about correct pronunciation. Your streak is his pride and joy.

“Ten points to Ravenclaw for properly rolled Rs!”

6. Pomona Sprout — YouTube (gardening side of the internet)

Uploads low-res but heartwarming videos about herbology. Comments are wholesome chaos.

“This video taught me to love magical compost. Thank you, Professor!”

7. Remus Lupin — WordPress (password protected blog)

Wrote three brilliant posts in 2006. Hasn’t updated since. Still logs in weekly just to reread the comments.

“It was always about the subtext.”

8. Gilderoy Lockhart — Instagram (blue-tick energy)

Heavily filtered. All selfies, no substance. Somehow still gets brand deals from Flourish & Blotts.

“New wand, same charming smile! 💫✨”

9. Dolores Umbridge — Nextdoor

Uses all caps. Reports students for breathing too loud. Wants to ban Centaur-owned businesses.

“Just a neighbourly reminder: no loitering on school grounds after 6PM.”

10. Horace Slughorn — X (formerly Twitter, still self-important)

Knows exactly who to follow and when to retweet. Every post sounds like a dinner party anecdote. Only uses “exclusive” group chats.

“Ah yes, I taught her! Bright girl. Very tweetable.”

11. Rubeus Hagrid — Facebook (but only uses it for photos of magical creatures)

Every post starts with “Bless ‘em.” Half blurry selfies, half emotional rants about dragons. Comments on your post just to say “proud of yeh.”

“Tha’s Fang in his wee jumper. Don’t he look smart?”

12. Poppy Pomfrey — NHS Online (but with magic and no patience)

Diagnoses in 0.5 seconds. Treats in 0.2. You leave the ward cured… and slightly afraid.

“Mr Weasley, this is not a hotel.”

13. Professor Binns — Wikipedia (but the 2004 version)

Outdated. Uneditable. And somehow still being cited. Monotone delivery. Nobody knows when he last logged out.

“Still loading… eternally.” Then… “He died mid-sentence and the syllabus didn’t even notice.”

14. Rolanda Hooch — Strava (but make it brooms)

She tracks your flight patterns and your attitude.Will not hesitate to bench you mid-air.

“You crash it, you clean it.”

15. Quirinus Quirrell — YouTube (Conspiracy Channel Edition)

Starts with potion reviews. Ends in full possession. Comments turned off. For safety.

“This went from ‘fun facts’ to ‘run fast’ real quick.”

16. Alastor Moody — Telegram (but for ex-Aurors only)

Locked. Paranoid. Sends seven messages when you say “hi.” Profile picture is just his magical eye.

“CONSTANT VIGILANCE. Even in group chats.”

⸻ 🐾 Bonus

Argus Filch — Maintenance Admin page Mrs Norris — CCTV in feline form

🧹 Filch — Admin Dashboard (password: pain) Only logs in to block students. 🚨 Mrs Norris — Notification System (with claws) Silent. All-seeing. And somehow already behind you. “Student presence detected. Begin glaring.”

[techhiz]

Hi👋 love your storys as first, and I have an small request, how would earthspark characters, even the decepticons, react to thare s/o, partner, gn reader having an dragon Alt mode that is bigger and more bulkier than Grimlock but smaller than tham in general and...

🥰DROP🥰

❤️‍🔥DEAD❤️‍🔥

🫶GORGEOUS🫶

I hope you understood my request and have an good day/night💜💗🌌

Thank you so much for your kind words! I love your request and am super excited to write it! Here’s how the EarthSpark characters (Autobots, Terrans, and Decepticons alike) would react to their S/O having a gorgeous dragon alt mode:

Autobots

Bumblebee

The moment you transform, Bumblebee freezes mid-step, his optics widening as he takes in the sheer size and majesty of your alt mode.

"Whoa... I mean, I knew you were cool, but this? This is next-level awesome!"

He immediately wants to race you—dragon wings versus his speed. Spoiler: he loses but doesn’t mind because he’s too busy staring at how graceful you look in the air.

Absolutely gushes to the Maltos about you later. "Did you see how incredible they looked? My partner’s got a DRAGON alt mode. I’m officially dating the coolest bot in existence!"

Optimus Prime

Ever the composed leader, Optimus silently admires your transformation. The sheer scale and intricate details of your dragon form earn a soft, approving nod.

"Your form is... remarkable. It inspires both strength and awe. I see why Bumblebee speaks so highly of you."

He’d absolutely call on you during high-stakes battles, confident that your form alone could turn the tide.

Elita-1

Elita whistles low as she circles you, taking in every scale and wing joint.

"Well, aren’t you the shining star of the battlefield? Grimlock better watch out."

Loves sparring with you—testing your strength and dexterity. Always challenges you to see if you can carry her mid-flight.

Terrans

Twitch

Twitch is absolutely starstruck. The first time you transform, she stumbles backward, her optics wide with excitement.

"You’re... a dragon! A real dragon! Can you breathe fire? Can you fly super fast? How big are your wings?!"

Constantly bombards you with questions about your alt mode and begs for rides through the sky.

Thrash

Thrash is immediately hyped. He runs circles around your massive form, shouting praises.

"This is insane! You’re a DRAGON. This is the coolest thing ever!"

Would totally try to jump onto your back for a ride, and when you agree, he makes it a point to yell, “Yeehaw!” like he’s in a Western.

Nightshade

Nightshade’s fascination is purely intellectual at first. They analyze every aspect of your form, intrigued by the mechanics of how your wings fold and the way your tail moves.

"The engineering behind this transformation is exquisite. Did you design it yourself, or is it natural?"

Loves sitting on your back while you fly, though.

Would fly with you in her alt mode.

Jawbreaker

Jawbreaker is in absolute awe. He sees your dragon form as the epitome of strength and grace.

"You look... amazing. Like something out of an old Cybertronian legend."

Wants to spar with you occasionally, though he’s always careful not to overdo it. Loves just hanging out, staring at the stars while you rest your wings.

Hashtag

Hashtag immediately takes a thousand pictures.

"You’re going viral, babe! The internet is going to eat this up!"

Loves riding on your back and getting all the best angles for her "Dragon Date Chronicles." Absolutely brags about you to everyone.

Decepticons

Megatron

Megatron is momentarily taken aback when you reveal your alt mode, but he quickly masks it with a smirk.

"Impressive. Your form commands respect. Use it wisely, and you’ll become a force to be reckoned with."

Secretly thinks you’re the most awe-inspiring bot in the room and sometimes catches himself staring when he thinks you’re not looking.

Soundwave

Soundwave doesn’t speak, but the way he tilts his helm and the faint flicker of his visor shows his intrigue.

Immediately calculates your capabilities in battle and silently approves of your power.

You catch him replaying footage of your transformation later, but he’ll never admit to it.

Starscream

At first, he’s annoyed. "Oh, great, another show-off. As if I needed more competition for attention."

But then he sees how utterly magnificent your form is and gets a bit flustered. "Well... I suppose you are rather impressive."

Secretly jealous but also fascinated. He might ask (in his own roundabout way) if you’d ever team up with him.

Knockout(If he would be in the show)

Knockout is floored. "Darling, you’re an absolute vision! The wings, the scales—perfection!"

He’s obsessed with your aesthetics and is already planning ways to accessorize your dragon form. "Maybe some polished chrome here, a pop of color there..."

Definitely insists on taking you out for a joyride just so everyone can see you two together.

[rjalker]

Public domain werebeast transformation method:

Cameron's serum:

Created by Lorenzo Cameron in 1942, this only known ingredient in this serum is the blood from a coyote (which Doctor Cameron mistakenly identified as a wolf). This blood is added to a mixture of unknown composition, and injected into the blood of the victim.

Very shortly after injection, the transformation begins with the victim becoming groggy, then falling unconscious (thinking they are falling asleep). While unconscious, they change into the werecoyote, and is over within a minute. It is slowest the first time. Later, it will be almost instantaneous.

The victim's hair changes color to match that of the fur of the animal the blood was taken from, they gain long pointed teeth that will eventually jut out from the mouth like tusks, their face becomes covered in hair, their nails grow into claws, and they gain superhuman strength. Their running speed may increase slightly, but not to superhuman levels.

While under the direct effects of Cameron's serum, the victim will be in a constant state of stress, putting them in fight or flight mode. They will run if they can, and will kill anyone who gets too close and threatens them too much.

An antidote must be injected for the transformation to wear off without more permanent effects on the victim. If the victim is unable to be given the antidote, the transformation will eventually fade on its own, but the victim will still experience the mental and behavioral issues that came with it, and will continue to transform.

Those under the effect of the serum seem to be compelled to roam at night, despite their fear, and always return back to where they first transformed, even if they were brought a great distance away.

After the antidote is administered, the victim remembers their actions while transformed as nightmares. They will also experience similar nightmares of roaming and attempting to kill people after the transformation *even if they haven't actually done anything*. Like the initial transformation, the antidote works within moments of being injected, reversing the transformation.

Doctor Cameron's plan for creating this serum was to use his servant, Petro, as an unknowing murder weapon by transforming him and setting him loose on the scientists who had laughed Cameron out of academia.

His excuse for creating it was that he wanted to give the formula to the United States government to create unstoppable supersoldiers with.

From the 1942 movie The Mad Monster, which is public domain. It's on youtube, tubi, the Internet Archive, and will soon be readable as my novelization once I finish editing it.

[trivialbob]

The last few days I've been weary of social media and the Internet in general. It's not any sort of New Year's resolution, but I've used my phone less. I can't say that's had a negative impact on my life.

On my laptop I cut down to mostly reading the newspaper, but no more looking at the comments people leave on stories. What a waste of pixels. I still like viewing Manhattan townhouse floor plans on Zillow. Those townhomes are really interesting to me. Twenty feet wide, six levels, and only some have elevators. It's incredible that there are so many listed for eight figures.

We had light snow overnight. Outside is much less brown now. Unfortunately the clouds are sticking around like that last party guest who doesn't realize it's time to go home (been there, done that).

This morning at the dog park Sulley got mad at me. I wouldn't let him keep a dead, frozen mouse he found in some tall weeds. He forgave me at home, as I started to give Oliver and Ella a treat and he realized I wasn't going to chase him down to give him one.

Later I decided I needed provisions. Dreary days were made for Target and Costco runs. The Vikings weren't keeping my attention anyway. I donned my Target-red jacket and aimed my truck for the big red bulls eye. Good grief, everyone else in town had the same idea.

As I entered the store I saw a young mom pushing a cart with two small girls hanging on to it, both leaning precariously. "Someone is about to join the Target Crying Child Club," I thought. Moments later the girl leaning off the front of the cart lost her grip.

She attempted a front one-and-a-half somersault with a mid-flight twist and totally nailed the landing--on her face. The girl stood up, birdies circling her head, and looked at me silently. I read her expression as, "Whoa, did you see that?!"

Then mom, who hasn't learned a certain important child-rearing lesson yet, says with alarm, "Oh my gosh! Are you OK?"

That was the cue for the girl to enter wailing mode. If the mom had simply said, "Nice move, Olga Korbut" I'm sure the kid would have remained quiet, though she might have wondered, "Olga who?"

Not waiting around for the medal ceremony I made my way to the men's clothing section. Sometimes Target has some sweet deals on sweatshirts. I didn't see any I liked today so off to paper products and food.

An end-cap display of Goldfish crackers beckoned me with a sale price, then mocked me by once again lacking the pizza flavored variety.

Sulley didn't get to keep his frozen, dead mouse. I didn't get to bring home any pizza Goldfish crackers.

[garbag3medi4]

you’re probably already exactly who you want to be

your mind is just playing tricks on you

a short essay by kekeli

I read somewhere once that most of what stops us from getting what we want in life is not being able to receive it, not necessarily how much action you can take to get there. and idk, it makes a lot of sense to me. what happens when you decide you want to change something about your life? maybe you want to start working out. you want a new house, a new car, a new job. most of the time at least, it doesn’t just fall out of the sky. we’re taught we have to work for it. we have to do more, push ourselves harder. but if you’re anything like me, work always, somehow, someway turns into procrastination. but why do we procrastinate anyway? why do we so often know exactly what we want to do, but distract ourselves from doing the thing that gets us there?

procrastination is actually a fear response. sometimes fear puts us in fight or flight. but when we can’t avoid the problem or face it head on, sometimes we freeze and get stuck in the same spot for hours. or days. or months. or years. all because we’re scared to face the agony of failure if we try and lose. or the discomfort of change if we succeed and have to keep going. it’s kind of like schrödinger’s cat. maybe the cat’s dead when you open the box. maybe it’s alive. but if you never open the box, you never have to find out, do you?

fear is a blocker. it poisons your mind with the worst case scenario so you’re always thinking in black and white. you either pass or you fail. you make it or you don’t. it’s amazing or it’s the worst thing that ever happened. there’s no room for a happy medium. for some things to go right and others to give you a little room to improve. maybe all this time on the internet has made us think more like machines. when our computers give us an ultimatum, it’s because that’s how they’re programmed. however when we give ourselves an ultimatum, it’s a sign we’re in survival mode. a sign that we’re trying to protect ourselves. the thing is, sometimes we protect the thing that holds us back because change seems too terrifying. sometimes we won’t let ourselves become who we want to be because it feels safer to stay the same.

we’re creatures of habit. whether those habits are good or bad, if we did something we liked yesterday, there’s a high chance we might do it again today. or maybe something similar. over time, the more used to a certain lifestyle we get, the more our minds and our bodies adapt to make us do it again. our minds are the weakest parts of us. your mind will convince you that if you run a mile you’re going to die. and while some things are possible, they’re not always actually likely to happen. your mind will always be the thing that drags you back because it thinks inaction = protection. but if it’s something you really want, you have to do it scared. do it when you’re uncomfortable. do it over and over until it feels normal because that’s the only way you change the way you think about it. sometimes it’s not about if you can do what it takes to reach your goals. do you believe you’re that kind of person? do you want to be?

change how you think about yourself and you’ve already solved half the problem.

[uncloseted]

what does regulation your nervous system even mean? how important is it to mental health and healing, does it relate to being stuck in a “freeze” mindset? how do we even regulate it?

This is maybe a hot take, but I think that "nervous system dysregulation" is a term that scammy life coaches on the internet came up with to sell people courses they don't need and that aren't really evidence based. I know that seems kind of harsh, but let me explain.

To understand why I think that, we first have to understand how our nervous system actually works (sorry, but I promise it's important!). The autonomic nervous system acts unconsciously and is responsible for things like regulating heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal. Our autonomic nervous system is split into two main parts (for the purposes of this discussion): the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system's main function is to activate the arousal responses that occur during the fight-or-flight response, which increases blood flow, especially to the muscle, heart, and brain tissues. The parasympathetic nervous system is in charge of "rest and digest" activities, such as salivation, lacrimation (tears), urination, digestion, and defecation. These systems work together to keep us alive, but there are a few different ways that those systems can go haywire.

Dysautonomia, or disorders that disrupt the automatic nervous system, is one way that our nervous system can stop working properly. Dysautonomia is when your body isn't automatically regulating things that should be automatic, like blood pressure, body temperature, breathing, digestion, heart rate, and sweating. People can develop dysautonomia as a result of a number of different medical conditions, including MS, Lyme Disease, POTS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Vitamin B12 deficiency, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (my people!), among others.

Emotional dysregulation , a symptom of mental health conditions where a person has trouble regulating their emotions, is also a Real Thing. People who have a difficult time regulating their emotions may have trouble altering their moods, become easily frustrated, be impulsive, have mood swings, or struggle with anger and irritability. PTSD, personality disorders, OCD, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, autism, and ADHD can all cause difficulty regulating emotions. This isn't necessarily a nervous system problem per se, but it's what we might think of as run of the mill "dysregulation" that people experience.

Hypervigilance, a symtpom of mental health conditions where a person is constantly assessing potential threats around them, is also A Thing. This, I think, is closest to what people mean when they're talking about a "dysregulated nervous system". There's still debate about what causes PTSD from a neuroendocrinology standpoint, but the thought is that PTSD develops when a person has an over-reactive adrenaline response to a traumatic event. Their brain essentially stores things that are related to the traumatic event as "reasons to go into fight or flight mode", and as a result, their sympathetic nervous system puts the body into flight or fight mode more frequently than it should. The parasympathetic nervous system eventually kicks in and restores the person to homeostasis, but it may take longer for people with PTSD than without. This is all very simplified, but you didn't come here for a lecture on neuroscience, so I'm not going to bore you with more details.

So. This is pretty much where the scientific literature on nervous system regulation and dysregulation ends. You'll notice that "freeze" as an alternative to "fight or flight" doesn't come up. While "freeze" is a response to threats, it's mainly observed in prey animals, and it seems unclear if or how that behavior is present in humans, although some scientists speculate that a freeze response is present (at least from what I could find). So where does this idea that the average person has a "nervous system" that is "dysregulated" and "stuck in freeze mode" come from?

My best guess is that these ideas are based on something called "polyvagal theory" that was proposed by neuroscientist Stephen Porges in 1994. This theory suggests that the parasympathetic nervous system actually has two parts: a "ventral vagal system" which supports social engagement and self-soothing behaviors, and a "dorsal vagal system" which supports immobilization behaviours- not just "rest and digest" as we typically think, but also "defensive immobilization" (what we might call "freeze"). Other neuroscientists took this idea a step further, and made the claim that for people who have experienced trauma, their vagal system is dysregulated.

That all sounds reasonable, right? But the issue with it is that it just... doesn't appear to be the case. In a 2023 review of this theory, it was stated that, "there is broad consensus among experts […] that each basic physiological assumption of the polyvagal theory is untenable. Much of the existing evidence, upon which these consensuses are grounded, strongly indicates that the underlying polyvagal hypotheses have been falsified." It is, of course, possible that further research will validate this theory, but as it stands now, it appears to just not be the way that our brains work.

However, polyvagal theory is something that sounds like it would be true. It has a lot of science-sounding explanations behind it and a lot of high-profile proponents. There are even some therapists that have incorporated it into their work. And there are lots and lots of people online who want to teach you "how to regulate your nervous system" for the low low price of $675 USD.

Taking off my snarky hat for a second here, I do genuinely think that the people who are proponents of polyvagal theory think that it works. As I said, it sounds scientific and it intuitively feels like it makes sense. I think it's also reflecting something that a lot of people feel right now, which is a general unease with the world and a feeling like they don't know how to let themselves rest. I think a lot of the things that polyvagal therapists or coaches teach are probably valid strategies, and the polyvagal bit is kind of a "purple hat therapy". Things like "getting 7-9 hours of sleep", "deep breathing", "exercising", "taking tech-free time", "meditation", and "walking on grass" will probably make you feel better, whether they're "regulating your vagus nerve" or not. So in that sense, I don't think that it really matters why people are doing these things as long as they're doing them.

I will also say that regulating your nervous system when you're in the middle of a fight-or-flight response is a real thing with its own techniques. Especially for people who struggle with anxiety disorders or PTSD, having those regulation tools is incredibly important, and even for the average person, these tools can help us calm down when we're angry, frustrated, or upset. Emotional regulation tools can include things like deep breathing, using distraction techniques (like the 5-4-3-2-1 method), or using an intense sensation (like holding an ice cube or eating a sour candy) to jolt your brain away from the thing you're anxious about.

But if you're experiencing symptoms of "nervous system dysregulation", it's important to see a medical doctor and then a qualified mental health professional. What worries me about things like "nervous system dysregulation" is that people will write off serious concerns as something that can be solved by tapping on their vagus nerve and taking cold showers as opposed to something that needs attention from a medical professional. For example, if you're experienced something traumatic that has made you hypervigilant, that's something that you need to process with a mental health professional. If you're experiencing cognitive symptoms like difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness, that's something to bring up with a doctor in case there are other issues causing those symptoms, like a vitamin deficiency. If you're experiencing symptoms like lightheadedness upon standing, high blood pressure, or a fast or irregular heartbeat, that's something to bring up with a doctor in case there are other issues causing those symptoms, such as a connective tissue disorder. I could have easily written my symptoms off as "nervous system dysregulation" and never have known that I had a genetic connective tissue disorder until it was too late.

So, I guess the TL;DR here is that 1. the definition of nervous system regulation depends on who you ask and the context in which you ask it, but it generally means using techniques to calm down when a person is in a heightened emotional state, 2. it's important to mental health and healing in that these techniques can help you manage your emotions, especially if you deal with anxiety or PTSD, 3. nervous system regulation is related to a "freeze" mindset if you are a proponent of polyvagal theory, where they believe that regulating your nervous system will get you out of the "freeze mindset", and 4. you can regulate your nervous system by generally taking care of your body, practicing relaxation, and learning how to interrupt the "fight or flight" mode when you're in the middle of it.

There are other things to say on this topic, but this post is getting kind of long and I'm afraid it's getting kind of dense, so I'll stop here. I also want to make a quick disclaimer that I tried to make this as easy to understand as possible, but in doing so I may have messed up the science a bit. Please let me know if you see any errors. This is adjacent to what I studied at school, but it's been a while since I was last in a neuroscience class.

[la-nom-nom]

Previously

About time I tackle it.

I was an early 2000s kid so Dreamcast-Dark eras is my nostalgia for Sonic. However, to tell you the truth, I don’t really miss those times. There were good things but also things that did damage. Adventure? Eggman gets dethroned as Sonic’s main menace until Colors(from the more criticized Meta era). Adventure 2? Kickstarted the ultimate investment of Shadow the Hedgehog which overstayed its welcome into someone else’s anniversary game. Heroes? Limited interactions between characters, trio gimmick, and speed/flight/power system. I haven’t played 06 but it was the final straw for some. Things I’ve seen of 06 rubs me the wrong way but I’ll still play it.

I’m not a fan of Flynn, Stanley or other western influence, but the thing with the franchise is that writers come and go. The direction will be something for awhile then it shifts.

The update 3 for Frontiers definitely isn’t perfect heck I wouldn’t say I had fun the first time around. The trials were hard af even on easy mode, unable to figure out the cyber levels(didn’t finish a single task) and a good chunk of the challenges were very unrewarding by not uncovering much of the map. I didn’t care for Sage but I didn’t hate her either. This isn’t a complaint but more of a comment, the ending was the same (Sonic and friends reunited/saved, Sage returning to Eggman) the way it was shown made it “look” different.

Don’t have much to say about the dialogue, I was paying more attention to the gameplay. I didn’t even run into the (in)famous line by Amy of stating she’s no longer a damsel in distress. I could see how this was upsetting considering her character but given it’s not a recommendation to trigger it in order to progress in the game, it feels like an overreaction.

The main thing I feel was good was being able to play Tails, Knuckles, and Amy again. The controls such as Knuckles gliding were a bit hard, I did wish the hammer was more used in Amy’s moveset but the magical cards were fine, I actually liked how whimsical she looked. Using different music scores for each character was a nice touch and so were the details like how they parry (Amy using her hammer, Tails using a spring, Knuckles using his fists). Another thing that I felt was good from update 3 is that the finale felt like a climatic finale, unlike the original which was a recycled mini game.

I don’t think Frontiers is any more guilty than other installments of the series. Almost every time I see on the internet of people saying “At least *insert other game* did this right/better unlike Frontiers” I just think: you know that other game you uphold also has some issues too right? I see Frontiers doing what those other games did: trying things out. It’s what Sonic Team has always did and will continue to do so.

Despite my mixed feelings about the update as a whole, that doesn’t change the feelings I had while playing the base game which was the majority of Frontiers. Does it have its issues and missed potential? Yes, but so did the games before it. Sonic Frontiers gave me an experience that I will remember fondly.

[thatlldodonkey]

Hello,

I am a trainee teacher. That means I teach and study. I also have autism diagnosed 2 years ago. In the UK, so apologies in advance if not everything is relevant to all individuals.

Here's my best tips to study:

✅Listening can be easier than reading:

-notebookLM turns words into a podcast interview.

-librivox has classic literature in audio for free.

✅make it fun:

-canva makes (colourful) whiteboards/ mindmaps/ spidercharts/ images/ gifs for free (there is an ai image maker on it, avoid it if you don't like that kind of thing).

-adding images/ colours help with retention.

-pens/ pencils/ cute notebooks/ sticky notes! Do a mini shopping trip and buy it all (within your budget of course!), it will make you excited to be able to use it.

-handwrite - because we don't do it often anymore, it will feel fun and novel and you're more likely to want to do it because of the change

-take a break, don't try and go more than 30 mins at a time! I have my phone with me all the time, as soon as my focus wavers, I don't fight it. I grab my phone and open an app I like (mine is the library reading app BorrowBox and give myself 5 mins on it). Don't feel like you have to only take 5 though, this works for me because I only study 10 mins at a time. Do what works for you.

-jump around - gosh I feel old thinking of that song. But yes, get up, jump, run, move, step outside, breath, shake it up. I'm physically disabled and walking is difficult for me, so I just shove my seat back from the desk, swing my arms around, shimmy my shoulders, roll my neck and ankles, spirit fingers! Sometimes I'm ready to go straight back to work after, if not, I grab my book and read for my five mins.

-put music on - if you don't like silence, put some music on. I put the 'classical music is just heavy metal before guitars' on YouTube in the background. It's fun but has no lyrics to distract my (easily distracted) brain.

-YouTube - similarly you can literally find anything on youtube. Try putting your study subject in and see what comes up. However, if you're the type to fall down a rabbit hole, avoid this one, it doesn't work for everyone!

-Use a timer! You only did 5 mins? That's 5 more minutes than you would have managed if you didn't have your timer. It all adds up.

-little and often - my mum's favourite saying but it works. Don't make studying into a thing, don't block out an entire day to do hours or it. You have 10 mins at the bust stop? You have 5 mins on the loo? You have 2 mins whilst your wait for the shower to warm? Yes, even then. Pull up your notes on your phone, put on a podcast, put that reading book on audio. It will all add up.

-flight mode - sometimes you need to avoid all distractions. I find putting my phone (if I'm not using it's internet to study) on flight mode helps. Make sure you warn those closest to you that you'll be AWOL for a while though so they don't panic if you're the sort to reply before they've even messaged.

-go somewhere else - sometimes your usual area might be too busy (not only with people, but with stuff) so go somewhere else. Library is always a good idea, but anywhere new is good. Nan's house? Cafe? The park in good weather? McDonald's? Bus with WiFi?

-kahoot/ quizziz/ curipod - I use these (apps and online) with my learners, but also on myself. They have quizzes and games made by other teachers for all levels of learners. They're fun, colourful and don't feel like studying. A free account on each is good enough to get most features.

✅reading/ writing made easy

-readwrite is an add-on your browser it helps with reading aloud - webpages and written work - (you can change speed and voices), suggestions, simplify, rewordify, highlights (in different colours).

-Ctrl alt space reads your ms word to you. Again the voice and the speed can be altered for comfort.

-Comic sans is your friend. Originally designed for dyslexic readers, it is more comfortable and easier on your eyes. It helps me find more spelling and syntax errors on ms word than if I use another font (just remember to change it to a "more professional" font before you send your work in).

✅utilise AI - you can give chatgpt or Gemini your document and ask them to condense it for easier reading. You can even ask them to just pull out the important terminology and list it for you. It will help you cut through the crap, which is something I personally have a problem with being autistic

✅Google scholar - need journals and other peer reviewed work? This is where to go. Put what you're looking for in and it will find titles of papers based on the most important words in your query. Further filters can be added to narrow it down. (Then you can get readwrite to read it out for you because I don't know about you, but I find journals boring)

✅elicit - this isn't always great because lots of things are behind paywalls, however, if you are looking for a brief overview of a journal or something similar, it will give you an abstract (summary) of the article.

✅citethemright - is good for referencing and bibliographies. The only problem is, if your college/ uni isn't signed up with it, you can't use it without paying.

✅mybib - however is a free version and it works well enough

✅study buddy - if you're not like me and enjoy the company of other people, this is a great way to hold yourself accountable. "I can't let my buddy down today, they're looking forward to coming over for a study session!" Just make sure you tell them how your routine works, so they're not surprised when you up and jump around after ten mins!

✅Bonus tip!✅ Speed up your audio: you can pick up more than you think on 1.5x or even 2x and you get through more.

‼️feel free to add more, people ‼️

Yes, yes, I know Tumblr DISPISES AI but remember, you are not using it to create, you are using it to condense, analyse, to give your autistic brain the fighting chance others already have.

Me: how do I study as a neurodivergent person?

Google: how to help your autistic child study

Me: how to study as an autistic adult/teen

Google: teachers guide to how to deal with autistic children

Me: how do I study as an autistic teen/adult

Google: study tips for autistic people(-written by this allistic man that will talk about autistic people like they're zoo animals)

Me: how to study as a neurodivergent adult, tips from neurodivergent person to neurodivergent students, on how to study independently as an autistic person, no reliant support needed

Google: high functioning autism and school

Me: fuck just. How do I focus during this test that I'm in rn as an AuDHD person

Google: ok, so, to focus on this thing that you currently are doing and need to get done TODAY; weeks before the test you'll need to eat healthy and exercise, meditate, study, set timers, take breaks, drink water, sleep, find the secrets to a happy life, adopt five children, sacrifice a goat, take short showers, brush your teeth

Executive dysfunction:

My fucking deadline:

[mylittlesecretmadridistagarden]

Chapter One: Sometimes I wonder..

If you ask me right now what I am doing, I honestly have no idea. I thought I was way past the impulsivity of my early 20s, the whole "follow your heart" and the whole "feel the rain on your skin" energy. I thought I had outgrown that person, that version of me, and I am all focused now, all mature, calm, and collected. But also, a little dead inside. "Do you want anything to drink, ma'am?" The flight attendant, dragging the beverage cart between the aisles, pulled me out of the maze of my thoughts. I hesitated for a second, then asked for a cup of soda, which she enthusiastically handed me and moved to the next person. I took a sip and looked out of the window. Nothing but darkness. We must be flying over the Mediterranean now, somewhere between Italy and Southern France, a little to the north of Tunisia. Home must be so close. Yet, home has stopped being home for so long. For one, I haven't been there for 2 years now. For two, home is Riyadh now. Ahh, Riyadh.. who would have ever thought? I took another sip of my soda as my memories drifted to the day I got the call from Cristiano. Looking back, I admit. I was broken - maybe I still am, a little, not a little but rather in a different way - I was going through a lot, and dropping everything and moving to the Gulf where the temperature is 40c on a good April day sounded preposterous. But Preposterous is a land where I thrive. Impulsivity remember? Over 10 years ago, I used to run on impulsivity. At the slightest discomfort or mishap, you'd find me on the first plane running to Napoli or London, or even Australia one time! The memory feels blurry now in my mind; ten whole years have passed, but I do know that it did happen. Somewhere on the internet, there are headlines about that night. *sigh* Anyways, what was I saying? The move to Riyadh, yeah. I mean, I blame Cristiano. He did the unthinkable. He went to play there first. And when he offered me a much-needed job, I couldn't say no. And if it was a much-needed excuse to run away from my old life, cut ties with everyone, escape my problems instead of staying and fixing them, no one has to know.

Nevertheless, my life in Riyadh has been amazing, and I am extremely grateful for it. Life there is very soothing, very appeasing for my anxiety. If there is a succinct way to describe it, I'd say that a girl finally gets to turn off the "fight or flight " mode that we all usually have activated as soon as we step out of the house. It is really safe. However, it is challenging on other levels. And it does get lonely. I wish my sister could come visit. Even though Cristiano suggested and invited her a couple of times. But my sister chose a different path in life, a quieter life, a more "normal" life, if you may call it. And honestly? Good for her. The girl who was once the most dramatic in Madrid and the Spanish national team, the girl who was once called by the Spanish media 'a yellow card', the girl who made heads turn from Paris to the US, once graduated, she decided she didn't want anything to do with Sergio, nor with the wag lifestyle. She got a decent job in France first, then eventually moved to Ireland, started a family of her own, and is peacefully living a life away from the Madrid Mayhem. I think she was brave enough to set herself free. I, on the other hand, remained a slave to my own feelings. Dude, I was sych a sucker for love I even lived in Turkiye for a while. A faint smile was drawn on my face at the distant memory. That was before COVID. But COVID destroyed everything. Or it didn't. Everything happens for a reason, and we are exactly where we are supposed to be. When you take a look at the bigger picture, it will all make sense. But does this make sense? Me, right now, being on this flight, does it make sense? Will it make sense to him when he sees me tomorrow? What am I going to say? Why am I even on this flight? Why am I even going back to the city that I left 7 years ago, heartbroken and crestfallen? Did I not swear that day that I would never step a foot in Madrid again, ever again, for the rest of my life?

*summer of 2018*

"Duaa, this is really such a great opportunity, my dear. I appreciate you thinking of me and considering me for this position, but a whole year away from Madrid, I am not sure I can do that." I told my friend on the phone, who was trying to convince me to accept a volunteering job in Turkiye. "I know, I know, it does sound like fun, but I have a job that I am committed to here, and I have a life, it is not easy to pause that, and just exit the scene for a whole year.. hhhhhhhhh.. You know I am not a risk-taker, I am far away from being that! hhhhhhhhhh .. I like my comfort zone just fine, thank you!" * knock knock * "Sweetie, there is someone at the door, let me get back to you, yeah, okay, talk to you later, alright, bye.." I said as I opened the door to a strange-looking Cristiano. "Hey, is everything alright?" I asked as I pulled him into a hug, but his shoulders were stiff, and he .. there was something wrong - clearly - but why would it be? It was a beautiful summer day in Madrid, we were a few weeks away from starting the new season, we had just won our 13th Champions League Cup, Cristiano was still idolized by billions around the world, and things were looking auspicious! So it makes no sense that Cristiano is looking so .. umm .. disappointed? Defeated? He remained silent as he walked into the living room. His eyes still not meeting mine, he said quietly "something happened".

His words pierced my heart. "Is Junior and the kids okay?" I asked, he nodded in confirmation. "Your mom?" He shook his head at my question, took a deep sigh then said "it's not them, it's not family-related, it's... it's..." and because he couldn't find the right words, I saw his eyes look for mine, hesitantly, until they met, and I saw it, I saw the deadly stare in his eyes, I saw my world collapse, I saw the apocalypse. "No!" I whispered.. "No, no, no, this is not happening, Cristiano, tell me this is not happening.. please tell me this is not true.." I found myself shaking, he made a few steps toward me, but couldn't close the gap between us, couldn't take me in his arms like he would usually do whenever I was distressed. He was equally shaken, equally distraught! "But why?" I winced. He took another deep breath, then finally unleashed the truth, the truth that broke my already broken heart into billions of tiny pieces, beyond repair.. "Perez just didn't seem to care." He said with the stillness of a person who was too shocked to feel anything. "He wouldn't reply, he wouldn't confirm that he wanted to renew my contract, and then my managers, they got an offer from Juve - "That's in Italy!" I cut him off.

"I am aware." He stated, in his stoic tone. "So, you're leaving?" "It looks like it.." He confessed. I would guess that that was the first time he'd said it out loud. I don't remember much after that, but I remember my mental breakdown. I remember the endless crying and the burning in my chest. Nessa was doing her internship in Paris then, and even though she insisted on taking a few days off and coming home to stay with me, there was no home left. I was done. That was the final straw, and I knew with every inch of me that the chapter of Madrid had come to an end for me. So I quit my job over an email, and practically ran to the airport, because I knew I had to leave before Cristiano did. 'I wouldn't have been able to take a breath after him in that city.' I thought to myself, wiping a sad little tear that escaped my eye. * I will be waiting for you at Atatürk Airport! I can't wait to see you! I still can't believe you said yes!! Have a safe flight*

The text that my friend Duaa sent me broke my train of thought. I read it from the notification bar because I was in no mood to answer. Hell, I was in no mood to even hold my phone, and oops, there it goes kissing the floor..

“Perdón, ¿estás bien?” - So I bumped into someone, and he is now apologizing to me in Spanish and asking if I was okay. He bent down to grab my phone, and is getting back up to hand it to me, but I wish the ground would magically part, and swallow me right now because this cannot be happening. And for a split second, I thought to myself, maybe he wouldn't recognize me, maybe the dark sunglasses, the hoodie, the pale face, maybe he wouldn't even care to look at me, maybe he will just hand me the phone, and I will pretend that I don't know him, and he will just carry on walking undisturbed.. for a split second, I thought I could be that lucky.. lol

When his eyes fell on me, I could see clearly that he froze. I tentatively reached my hand to the phone and tried to grab it from his hand. "No hay problema, gracias", I half-whispered. "Oh hell no," He objected as he tightened his grip on my phone. "Oh, you think you'd get away like this? You think you get the luxury of escaping unnoticed? I am not giving you that chance!" Is that hostility I sense in his words? I swear I couldn't even care at this point. I mean, what the hell? It couldn't get any worse than this, right? My world has already collapsed, the apocalypse has already happened, I am a dead girl walking, and nothing can hurt me more at this point. "Listen, Alvaro," I said, releasing a deep breath I didn't know I was holding. "I am seriously super exhausted, if you want to fight or yell or whatever, go ahead, but know that there are no more fights left in me, no energy, no life.. so imma let you have your moment, but you should know, that it is pointless".. by the time I finished my sentence, his grip on the phone loosened, I managed to pick it, and I turned my back to him, and started to walk away. "Is this about Cristiano?" He threw at me, and denial was clear in his voice. I had forgotten that the news was already out; the whole world knew about Cristiano's move to Juventus. And before I could reply - not that I had anything to say- he carried on, "Oh, so you're moving to Torino now? Of course you are! Because when your boyfriend asks you to move to the UK with him, you actually break up with him, but you'd follow Cristiano to outer space if he wanted to, and he doesn't even have to ask!" He fired at me. "I told you," I replied frigidly, "I don't wanna fight.. this is not the right place nor the right time for this conversation." "Of course, of course, run away, that's what you always do, that's what you're best at! Throw everything behind your back and run away, like you threw our relationship without even batting an eye." Now the denial in his voice turned into anger, but I was starting to have a headache, and I was really deeply utterly exhausted in all senses of the word. I took a few steps back toward him, until I was less than an inch away from his face. I took off my sunglasses, and I could see him taken aback by how red and swollen my eyes looked. He took a sharp breath. "Look into my eyes," my tone was icy, and the words felt dead coming out of my mouth. "Do I look like someone who is eagerly going to start a new chapter in Torino to you? Do I look like the girl who is going to follow Cristiano to outer space without him asking right now? I told you I am exhausted. And you and I? We are done. We were long done, 2 years ago. You left 2 years ago. We broke up 2 years ago. And then, you were back in the city a year later, and you never bothered to reach out to me, and somehow, you managed to avoid me for a whole year. -

"I was mad at you for -

" I don't care, I am not asking for an explanation, what I am saying is, you don't get to judge me, you don't get to tell me what to do or where to go, you don't get to have an opinion, you don't get to say anything that concerns me or my life. You lost that right. But for your information, and for your ego, I am not following Cristiano. You know why? Because I am done. I am done with Cristiano, I am done with Real Madrid, I am done with this city, I am done with Spain altogether! I. am. done." At this point, my voice started to rise a little, and his face started to turn a bit red. "Nothing in this life has disappointed me, broken me, exhausted me, hurt me, sickened me, more than Real Madrid. They were never wrong when they said 'find what you love and let it kill you' and it did. I am not a person right now, I am just a ghost. The girl you once loved had long been gone. I hope she found peace wherever she is. But this ghost that I am right now? This ghost is moving away, out of your lives, and out of this city, forever." His silence gave me the strength to continue my monologue, "This city killed everything in me, the joy, the love, the passion, the hope.. it drained me, it tortured me in ways I couldn't even think of. And I am finally, collecting the remaining ounce of strength that I miraculously still have, and I am moving away, forever. And I swear, I am never stepping foot on this land, ever again." * All passengers on flight TR2310 flying to Istanbul, please head to Gate 10 *

The call to the gate cut off my soliloquy. I straightened myself and put my sunglasses back on. "Goodbye, Arbeloa. I hope to never see you again."

That was our last encounter face-to-face. That was 7 years ago. Sometimes I wonder if he had grabbed my hand and asked me to stay, would I have stayed? Sometimes I wonder if he had realized in that moment that I was flying to Turkiye, and if he did, what conclusions did he come to? Sometimes I wonder if I had accepted to move with him to England back in 2016, what my life would have looked like today. Sometimes I wonder, if Real Madrid never sacked Cristiano like he meant nothing, if he was still playing there now, would I have ever left the city?

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve begun our descent in Madrid-Barajas and will be landing shortly. Please return to your seats and ensure your seatbelt is securely fastened. Make sure all carry-on items are stowed either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartments. Please put your seatbacks and tray tables in their full upright and locked position. We’ll be coming through the cabin one last time to collect any remaining service items. We thank you for flying with us and hope you’ve had a pleasant flight.”

[vpnscouting]

Best VPNs for iPhone in 2025 – Fast, Safe & iOS-Friendly

Best VPNs for iPhone in 2025 – Fast, Safe & iOS-Friendly

If you're using an iPhone in 2025 without a VPN, you're missing one of the most important layers of privacy protection. While iOS is secure by design, it doesn’t stop your ISP, apps, or ad networks from tracking your activity — and it definitely doesn't unblock Netflix or protect you on public Wi-Fi.

I’ve tested the top VPNs for iPhone this year to find which ones are fast, work across apps, and run smoothly without draining your battery. Here's how to pick the right one.

Why Every iPhone User Should Use a VPN

Even with Apple’s privacy policies, your real IP address, location, and DNS traffic can still be exposed — especially on public networks or when using apps like Safari, YouTube, or Instagram. A VPN on iPhone helps you:

Protect your browsing activity from snoopers and Wi-Fi hackers

Unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+

Use ChatGPT or TikTok if restricted on school/work networks

Change your virtual location for travel, flights, or in-app pricing

Stop ad networks from tracking you based on IP and Wi-Fi

If you're on campus, in coffee shops, at the airport, or even on your home Wi-Fi, a VPN keeps your online activity safe from interception.

What Makes a VPN iPhone-Friendly?

The best iOS VPN apps in 2025 are:

Lightweight with minimal battery usage

Use WireGuard or IKEv2 protocols

Include an automatic kill switch or On-Demand rules

Integrate with iOS 17+ features (e.g., Private Relay or Focus Mode)

Offer split tunneling (so you can exclude apps like Spotify)

I tested several apps and most had issues — either crashing, leaking DNS requests, or dropping connections while switching between LTE and Wi-Fi. The ones that passed every test are listed here:

👉 Top iPhone VPNs for 2025 – Full Comparison

My Daily VPN Routine on iPhone

I use my VPN constantly — especially when I’m on the move. It auto-connects whenever I join public Wi-Fi or open certain apps (like Safari or banking). I even use it with Siri Shortcuts to toggle VPN profiles.

Streaming-wise, I use it to access Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and F1 TV from Canada. Everything runs smooth in HD. The app also has a “Low Data Mode” to save bandwidth while streaming on mobile.

Does a VPN Slow Down iPhone?

Not with the right provider.

The best VPNs for iOS use next-gen protocols like WireGuard, which offer full speeds (up to 700+ Mbps in testing) with near-zero latency. I didn’t notice any slowdowns in FaceTime, YouTube, or Instagram while connected.

And battery impact? About 1–2% per hour — less than Spotify running in the background.

Don’t Use a Free iPhone VPN

Free VPN apps on the App Store are often:

Logging your data

Full of trackers

Slow or blocked on most streaming platforms

Capped at 500MB/day (basically useless)

If privacy matters to you, or if you want to stream content and use apps without restrictions, go with a VPN that’s actually made for iOS and doesn’t cut corners.

Final Thoughts

If you want full control of your internet experience on iPhone — from security to streaming to smart location switching — a VPN is the tool you need.

👉 Here’s the one I use and recommend for iPhone

Simple. Fast. Private. Built for Apple devices.

[abhirajtraveller]

How Live Train Running Status Helps You Plan Your Journey

Train journeys are an integral part of travel, providing an affordable and comfortable mode of transportation. However, train delays, schedule changes, and last-minute platform alterations can disrupt travel plans. This is where the Live Train Running Status feature becomes essential. It provides real-time updates on train movement, helping passengers plan their journeys more efficiently.

What is Live Train Running Status?

Live Train Running Status is a real-time tracking system that updates passengers on a train’s current location, estimated arrival and departure times, and possible delays. It uses GPS and railway data to provide accurate updates, ensuring travelers are informed at all times.

Benefits of Checking Live Train Running Status

1. Eliminates Uncertainty

One of the biggest concerns while traveling by train is uncertainty regarding its arrival and departure. By checking the Live Train Running Status, passengers can stay updated and make informed travel decisions.

2. Helps Manage Time Better

Passengers can plan their departure from home based on the actual train schedule, minimizing waiting time at stations. This is especially useful for those traveling with family, senior citizens, or children.

3. Reduces the Stress of Train Delays

Unexpected delays due to weather conditions, technical issues, or congestion on railway tracks can be frustrating. Live updates provide instant alerts about delays, allowing passengers to adjust their schedules accordingly.

4. Assists in Planning Connecting Transport

For passengers who have connecting transport like buses, taxis, or flights, knowing the exact arrival time of a train is crucial. Real-time updates help in scheduling transport efficiently.

5. Enhances Travel Safety

Sharing real-time train updates with family members ensures their peace of mind. It also helps in ensuring safe pickups at stations, especially at night or in unfamiliar locations.

How to Check Live Train Running Status?

Checking Live Train Running Status is simple and convenient. Follow these steps:

Use a Railway App or Website:

Open a reliable railway app or website.

Enter your train number or name.

Click on ‘Live Status’ to get real-time updates.

Check via SMS:

Some railway services provide updates via SMS. Send a message with your train number to the designated railway service number to receive train status.

Ask at the Railway Station:

Enquire at station help desks or check digital boards displaying live train status.

When Should You Check Live Train Running Status?

Before Leaving for the Station: To confirm your train’s departure time and avoid unnecessary waiting.

During Your Journey: To keep track of upcoming stations and estimated arrival times.

For Connecting Trains: If you have a transfer, checking live status ensures you won’t miss your next train.

Common Issues That Affect Train Running Status

Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, fog, or extreme weather can delay trains.

Technical Failures: Signal failures or engine problems can impact train schedules.

Rail Traffic Congestion: High traffic on certain railway routes may cause delays.

Unexpected Incidents: Accidents or operational issues may lead to rescheduling.

Conclusion

The Live Train Running Status feature has transformed railway travel, making journeys more predictable and stress-free. By staying informed about train schedules, passengers can save time, avoid long waits, and plan better. Whether you are a daily commuter or an occasional traveler, using this feature ensures a seamless travel experience.

FAQs

1. How accurate is Live Train Running Status?Ans:- Live train running status is highly accurate as it is updated in real-time using GPS and railway tracking systems. However, occasional discrepancies may occur due to network issues.

2. Can I check train running status offline?Ans:- While real-time tracking requires an internet connection, you can receive updates via SMS if subscribed to railway alert services.

3. Does Live Train Running Status show platform details?Ans:- Yes, it often provides platform numbers at major stations, helping passengers navigate their journey more easily.

4. Is Live Train Running Status available for all trains?Ans:- Most express and major passenger trains have live tracking, but a few local or short-distance trains may not be covered.

5. How frequently is the train running status updated?Ans:- Live updates are typically refreshed every few minutes, ensuring passengers receive the most recent information on their train’s location and schedule.

By making use of Live Train Running Status, passengers can enhance their travel experience, minimize stress, and ensure a well-planned journey.

[ozzy-anaya22]

My apologies if I keep loving you wrong… I’m still learning to navigate through life… it kills me to love you wrong.. i never truly got the chance to fix things within me… never given advice on how or what to do.. even when I feel I’m starting to try my hardest it’s still never seen.. never enough… not even a little appreciated.. just ignored for the rest of the night… I wish patience was still key and I wish I could learn to love myself just as much as I push my body to love another just as much as my mind does..

Why does my body show something other than what I actually feel? We’re all mad here.. I might just be loosing it under all that pressure.. what more can I do.. there’s this saying “ step away from what you love to see if it loves you” what if all that really did was push them away and cause distance and issues vs communication of the issue.. the internet has bad advice or it’s taken the wrong way.. why must you run when you can stay and create a safe space instead of running into fight or flight mode all the time..

I hated going to bed angry or bothered and it’s not my thing.. lately it’s become apart of my routine.. wtf am I still doing so wrong? Maybe I’m just not that girl who’s meant to love or be loved for very long.. even when I do give love or attention it’s blinded by what I possibly did do wrong..

Rant over hold strong and show her some love! her life has probably been really shitty and still may be fighting or even loosing her life long battles.. just be easy.. god knows nobody else was.. love her right she may not know what it feels like, be her peace amongst her life of storms… be her home amongst thousands of boxes and suitcases.. be her light in a life long tussle through the thorns of darkness she’s always running from demons.. BE HER LIGHT…

[mediocrestoryteller]

First Post

If you spent any time on the internet in late 2023, you may be familiar with the uncanny valley. On social media, it was mostly just people with makeup on that made them look un-human. Not like someone who made themself look like a robot, but someone who looked too human. It was unsettling because, as humans, we expect other humans to look a certain way. Eyes this far apart, a nose this size, lips this big. These expected traits vary from person to person of course, but slight variations from what we think people are supposed to look puts us on edge. The same applies to humanoid robots, of course, but what makes them uncanny is different. The way they talk, walk, and look all contribute to their uncanniness.

Why is this? In short, we don’t know. Simple as that, some things just put us off. The longer answer is also pretty simple, evolution. In 1970, a Japanese roboticist published a paper outlining the basis for the uncanny valley, people would have less excitement towards robots as they became more human, making people uncomfortable. But it doesn’t explain why this would be the case. That came in late 2023, when the makeup trend began. People theorized why it made them so uncomfortable. The masses came to a consensus, obviously this feeling helped humanities development in some way, but they didn’t agree on how. There are two schools of thought; one is that “the uncanny valley effect” developed to help identify the sick and dead. The physical changes that occur during illness and death make someone appear less human somehow. The other is far more disturbing than a simple tactic to identify sick and dead humans.

We like to think of ourselves as the top of the food chain. There are very few animals that can take down a fully grown human. In the Stone Age, people would run their prey to exhaustion. Our ability to sweat meant that humans were better able to regulate body temperature and a fit human can run much longer than their prey before exhaustion. Add complex weapons and strategizing to our unique evolutionary traits and you have an apex predator. A being capable of running down mammoths that advanced rapidly and domesticated animals before the written word. What could possibly hunt them? And with the amount of infighting humans do, why would anything need to? To avoid predation, animals have physical traits to ward off predators. Some mimic plants, others mimic other poisonous creatures, and some develop false eyes to trick a predator into thinking it’s been seen. If humans had any predators, why didn’t we develop venom or some form of camouflage. What if our protection went deeper? What if it was hardwired into our brains?

Think about it. Rodents instinctively know that birds and cats hunt them. Snakes also know birds hunt them. This isn’t something they learn from their parents. They don’t learn from seeing others of their species eaten. They just know. They know they need to run or fight, to hide from or kill the predator hunting them. It’s called the fight or flight response. Every living being has it. Adrenaline courses through the body and the brain makes a decision. Fight or flight. Stand your ground, or run. Some are inclined to run, others to fight. It’s a primal survival instinct, but obviously it serves a purpose. Humanity made it to the twenty-first century with this instinct intact, if not flawed. Some people are always in fight or flight mode, anxiety it’s called, and some have a diminished sense of danger, daredevils and thrill seekers. 

Think harder now. Why would humans need the uncanny valley if we already have a nearly perfect defense mechanism? I said “nearly” just now. Did you notice? “Nearly perfect”. See, fight or flight doesn’t alert us to threats, it’s just the response. We rely on body language to identify threats. A snarling wolf, a gorilla with bared teeth, a snake baring its fangs. We know these are signs of an aggressive animal. We know to avoid them. A shady person in your neighborhood triggers your fight or flight response the same way an outwardly aggressive person would. That’s how important body language is.

Now imagine. You encounter a woman on your way to work. She seems fairly normal, but something is off. Maybe it’s the way she walks, far too stiff for any normal person. Maybe she’s on the phone and her tone doesn’t match what she’s saying. She’s announcing the death of a family member or friend too excitedly. Or maybe it’s her face. Her eyes or nose aren’t right, she’s smiling too broadly, broader than any person should be able too. Whatever it is, it’s wrong. Something about this woman isn’t right. Then, without realizing, you’re running. You don’t know why, but you need to get someplace safe now. This isn’t right and you need to get away from that woman. Right now. You run all the way to work and lock yourself in the bathroom. Maybe the woman didn’t follow you. You take a moment to collect yourself, clock in, and go about your day, looking out the windows and glancing over your shoulder.

It didn’t follow you. It knew you saw through its disguise and decided you weren’t worth the effort. It continued with its day, waiting for someone less observant than you. Someone who wouldn’t run or fight.

That’s what the uncanny valley is for. That’s the predator that hunts the apex predator. They blend in with humans so well, we had to develop a sort of sixth sense to protect ourselves. A predator that lives among its prey, waiting for the moment to strike. It makes you wonder. How close did humanity come to extinction before we developed our sixth sense?

[pariseaglecabs]

Ultimate FAQ Guide: CDG Airport to Disneyland Transfer

What Are the Best CDG to Disneyland Transfer Options?

There are alternatives: from CDG to Disneyland, one can take private transfers, shuttles, RER, or TGV trains, or even rent a car. The best option is probably the private transfers, as they are comfortable and result in a direct ride, especially for families or carrying luggage. Trains are faster and cheaper but would require station hopping and walking upon arrival.

How Long Does the Journey From CDG to Disneyland Transfer Take?

Private transfers or taxis take around 45 minutes depending on traffic, while the TGV the fastest one available around 10 minutes. RER trains are cheaper but slower and the average travel time is around 1 hour, depending on whether you need to change trains.

What Are the CDG to Disneyland Transfer Costs?

Private transfers charge about €60-€100 one way. Shared shuttles are cheaper averaging about €20-€30 per person. The price of TGV tickets is about €15-€20. RER train is the cheapest of all and thus would go for about €17 for adults. Difference arises when considering convenience comfort or longer travel times.

Is a Private Transfer From CDG to Disneyland Worth It for Families?

Private transfer is convenient because they first serve families directly; they can also supply child seats provided one requests. As such, they leave out the hassle of stations as one would have to change trains. Such factors, therefore, make private transfers a convenient and safe mode of transport for the family, thus ensuring a smooth commencement to the Disneyland adventure.

Can I Book CDG to Disneyland Transfers in Advance?

Of course, booking a transfer in advance is good practice, more importantly during high seasons. Most operators of private transfers, shuttle services, and train tickets let you book online. Advance booking is convenient while providing assurance of reliable transportation waiting for you on arrival and the best rates secured.

Are There Child-Friendly Options Available In CDG to Disneyland Transfer?

Many private transfers offer child seats on request, and shuttle buses frequently offer spacious, family-friendly coaches. Internet and video facilities are also available on board to make the journey enjoyable. Children travel free on trains if they are less than four years old; children below the age of 12 get a concession for the fares.

How Do I Find My CDG to Disneyland Transfer at CDG?

If you have pre-booked a private transfer, the driver should be waiting for you in the arrivals area with a name sign. Shared shuttles have set meeting points and train stations throughout CDG are all very well-signed, so you should not have a problem finding your transportation once you land.

Is Taking a Taxi from CDG to Disneyland a Good Option?

Taxis are convenient and take you directly to Disneyland. However, in terms of cost, they are more expensive than pre-arranged private transfers, especially if the traffic causes delays. With a limited amount of time to reach your destination and a lack of prior preparations for transportation, a taxi is an accessible option but likely to burn more than your budget.

Are There Direct Trains from CDG to Disneyland?

Yes, direct service from CDG Airport to Marne la Vallée Chessy, which is the station that Disneyland departs from takes around 10 minutes. The trains however run on schedule. You could also take the RER, where you have several stops, it's about an hour.

What If My Flight Arrives Late at CDG Airport?

Private transfer companies and taxis operate 24 hours a day, so they are available for last-minute arrivals. Most private services track flight arrivals for delays. TGV and RER trains run on reduced schedules, so double-check the last train times if arriving late.

Originally Posted: https://www.pariseaglecab.com/blog/ultimate-faq-guide-cdg-airport-to-disneyland-transfer/

[onlinecompanynews]

Punkt MC02: As private, and pricey, as a Swiss bank account - Journal Today Internet https://www.merchant-business.com/punkt-mc02-as-private-and-pricey-as-a-swiss-bank-account/?feed_id=155994&_unique_id=66b1064e5f180 ... BLOGGER - #GLOBAL Punkt adds a fondleslab to its lineup of minimalist tech kit, with a very unusual build of Android – and a hefty pricetag.Punkt’s MC02: a black slab with black buttons, a black boot screen and black wallpaper – click to enlargeThe MC02 is an Android smartphone from Punkt, a boutique Swiss gadget maker which makes attractively minimalist kit. The Register has covered one of its devices before: the minimal, keypad-equipped MP02 phone in 2018.The first thing to get out of the way is that the new MC02 phone is a premium-priced device: it goes for £599 on Amazon UK, and $699 on Amazon US. This is emphatically not a phone for the price-sensitive… but more generally, Punkt is not a brand for those worried about cost. For comparison, its AC02 alarm clock is approximately £150 (or $250). We will not examine that device’s performance or its specifications, partly because that’s not the point of Punkt hardware, and partly because it’s a clock.The hardwareWe will try to be similarly brief about the MC02’s specs, because the hardware is not the point of this product. It is a chunky matt-black textured slab, with a 6.67 inch 2400×1080 screen and 3.5mm headphone and USB sockets. It has 6GB of RAM, 128GB of flash, and a 5500mAh battery. It can fast-charge at 33W by cable, or 18W wirelessly. The big battery makes it feel reassuringly hefty in the hand: it’s just over 1cm (or 0.4 of an inch) thick and weighs 230g (eight ounces). Battery life is excellent: in light use, we got about a week from a charge. It has a 64MP rear camera and a 24MP front one, and the power button conceals a fingerprint sensor. It can communicate over 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC. The card carrier has space for either two nanoSIM cards, or one SIM and a TF card for storage, but it’s worth noting that it doesn’t support eSIMs.One of the few unusual features about the hardware also tells you something about its intended use. Along with the usual power button and volume control on the right edge, it has a second physical button on the left edge, but this is not a programmable button, like on some smartphones: it only has one function, which is turned off by default. When you press it, the phone instantly goes into flight mode. That’s all the button does. Notably, it won’t turn flight mode off again; for that you must pull down the quick-settings drawer.This is a phone for people who don’t want to be distracted by their phone all the time. Rather than pairing it with a smartwatch, bringing those distractions (both literally and metaphorically) even closer to hand , we suspect owners would be more likely to complement the MC02 with a mechanical watch with no electronics whatsoever… quite possibly also Swiss.The softwareYou can now legally run the raw unbridled power of CP/M 2.2 anywhere you like – click to enlargeThe differentiating feature of the MC02 is its OS, which Punkt calls Apostrophy, or “Aphy” for short. It’s a custom version of Android built on AOSP 13 – specifically, upon the privacy-centric GrapheneOS (formerly called the Android Hardening project). Aphy inherits a few visible features from GrapheneOS, such as the Vanadium web browser, a locked-down ad-blocking version of Chromium.Aphy is very much in active development, and this is one reason why we’re reviewing the MC02 now, although we’ve had the device for six months: last month, Punkt released a new version, Aphy MC02.20240621.U0, and some more functionality suddenly started working, making it rather more usable.Aphy is unlike any other Android-based OS we’ve seen, even comparing it to other de-Googled Android phones such as the Murena One with /e/ OS. The home screen is minimalist and monochrome: over the blank black wallpaper, there’s a large sans-serif digital clock in the center, and at the bottom, a few rows of grayscale icons.

That’s all – and you can’t change it. Unlike every other smartphone we’ve ever seen, the main screen can’t be customized.“Helvetios eunt Domus.” Get used to the Domus, this home screen, because you can’t alter itThe monochrome color scheme reflects that these applications are in a secure enclave. Their storage can’t be seen by any normal Android apps, and is backed up to Punkt’s cloud servers in Switzerland. The company has a list of security features and video demonstrations so you can see how it looks. Some of the tools you might expect are here, such as Calendar, Contacts, and Email apps, plus a Tasks app and a file manager. Some of the others are less typical: the Digital Nomad VPN service, the Aphy Store, and a tool for managing your Aphy account.This latter is significant, because some of the value-added Aphy services are subscription-based. A new MC02 comes with one year’s subscription, but after, it costs CHF 14.99 (£13.40/$17.15) per month, or CHF 11.99 (£10.72/$13.72) per month if you pay for a year in advance. For this, you get securely hosted email, calendar, contacts, and tasks, a VPN connection which can make you seem to be in Germany, the USA or Japan, plus 5GB of cloud storage. The Email app on the home screen only talks to aphy.io email addresses: if you want anything else, you need to add another client or use webmail.The Punkt email client is as clean as the rest, with a unified inbox for multiple accountsStrangely, there’s also a permanent icon for installing a sandboxed version of Google Play Services, which you’ll almost certainly need if you want to install other Android apps on the device. Perhaps in some future update, this could be hidden once used.There are also some slightly surprising omissions from the home screen. In the center, there’s an Apostrophy home button. (This looks like it’s composed of a sans-serif apostrophe and a bullet point, superimposed slightly off-center. It looks odd, but is used throughout the branding.) Swiping upwards on this button opens a fairly standard app drawer, in which there are a selection of other apps with greyscale icons: the Vanadium web browser, Settings, Camera, and Messaging. They’re also secured versions, but their data lives on your device rather than in the Aphy cloud.The Aphy Store is the app store for the Apostrophy OS, but as stock, there are very few apps in it. When we got the phone, we installed the sandboxed Google Play services, but thereafter found that we couldn’t update them. We couldn’t install the K9 Mail email client, either. However, the July update to Apostrophy OS fixed both of these issues. As we found with the Murena phone last year, though, the experience isn’t smooth: with multiple app stores installed, checking for updates means going round all of them in turn, and sometimes updates from different sources can conflict.We found that we couldn’t install F-Droid, a widely used FOSS app store for Android – we suspect because it conflicts with the Aphy Store. However, after some experimentation, we discovered we could add the F-Droid repository to the Aphy Store, which made lots more apps suddenly available. We also had no problem installing the independent Aurora Store which gave us access to many of our typical tools. It seemed appropriate to avoid any of the usual metadata-snaffling social network clients, but we found alternative clients such as Friendly for Twitter and Facebook Lite (which these days incorporates Messenger Lite). Messaging clients such as Whatsapp, Signal, Telegram and Slack all worked just like normal.Since you can’t customize the home screen, all additional apps appear on additional screens to the right, and you swipe between them in the usual way. One leftwards swipe of the thumb and the minimalist grayscale Aphy world is swept away, replaced by more typical, colorful, Android – just with a few monochome app icons thrown in.The combinationWith some extra work by the user, Apostrophy can do most of the things that ordinary

Android can, but of course, this leaves the problem that if you install all the usual suspects, then this won’t be a private, secure phone any more. However, avoiding some apps significantly reduces the usefulness of the device – for the Reg FOSS desk, Google Translate is often a lifeline. For the review, we mainly stuck with alternative services, such as the Syphon client for Matrix chat, and alternative browsers such as Vivaldi and Firefox.Some glitches remain in this version of Apostrophy OS, too. For instance, it’s not possible to add widgets to the extra screens. Some apps add their own: for example, Firefox optionally adds a search widget. However, this appears on its own virtual screen, separate from all app icons, and you can’t remove it again except by uninstalling the application.This vulture’s household, among multiple other gadgets, has two budget Xiaomi phones, which are a stark contrast with one another. The older is a Xiaomi A1, which is a classic: it came with the stripped-out, super-clean Android One, with zero non-Google additions, and over the next few years received multiple Android updates, from 7.1 to 9.0. The newer is a Poco F5 is a horrible contrast: what Xiaomi calls HyperOS is just Android, but stuffed with bloatware: alongside almost every stock app is a pointless Xiaomi replacement, some of which regularly nag the user to set them as the defaults – and none of which can be removed.Compared to this all-too-common mess, Apostrophy is a breath of fresh Alpine air. We think it might appeal to the sort of person who carries a smartphone only reluctantly, who disdains both Google’s and Apple’s services, and who not only doesn’t want social media, games, or videos, but who sees all such things as pointless distractions and is willing to pay to banish them. For a price comparable to subscriptions to a VPN plus a secure email service such as Proton Mail, you get a charmingly minimalist device. Total isolation from digital noise is one click away: hit the dedicated button, and nobody can contact you. But, if you need to be on email and available via multiple proprietary messaging systems – as most of us sadly do – then it can do that.It’s expensive, but perhaps customers who are somewhat secretive and paranoid will pay for that. (Or, more saliently, their companies will.) It is not remotely competitive with a budget Android phone and all the colorful shiny freeware you get in return for selling your personal data. It’s a polar opposite to a bling-encrusted, Web3-infested Vertu “luxury” phone. It puts us more in mind of something restrainedly stylish (and reassuringly expensive) like a Bang & Olufsen stereo.  The App Gap and supply chains: Purism CEO on what’s ahead for the Librem 5 USAREAD MOREYou will have to put some extra work in to connect it up, and put up with an OS that still has some rough edges and feels unfinished in places. Being so unplugged from the Google infrastructure did leave us feeling that the device was limited, but that can be a bonus – ask an OpenBSD user. We really liked the monochrome UI, and thought it was a shame that it wasn’t carried through the whole OS by default. (You can set this manually if you want, which some claim makes phones less distracting.)This vulture finds himself somewhat torn on the MC02. This is a smartphone for people who’d rather not have a smartphone at all, but must – and who are happy to pay extra for much more privacy than most offer.There are some comparable devices out there. Its closest rival is probably the Puri.sm Librem 5, but the MC02 is better-specified, and has a more mainstream OS, meaning more apps and friendlier for non-techies. The Fairphone 5 is the same price and more repairable, but lacks a headphone socket or the battery life. The Furi Labs FLX1 is cheaper and has a more FOSS-friendly OS.Being a price-sensitive buyer with little use for secrecy, encryption and so on, I am not in the target audience. On the other hand, I definitely see the appeal:

I don’t game, don’t watch videos or listen to podcasts, and don’t use streaming media, but I was an early adopter of smartphones and am probably rather more wedded to them than is entirely healthy. A big, solid, low-but-decent-spec phone with little in the way of shiny, much reduced digital distraction, but an extra-large battery and a headphone socket definitely does make sense. ®“A de-Googled Android phone with extra security – and a subscription Punkt adds a fondleslab to its lineup of minimalist tech kit, with a very unusual build of Android –…”Source Link: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2024/08/05/mc02_swiss_private_phone/ http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/g365ef99558eac9a29b47a324406641aaed39e5b5e71fd673e9ef2870918a37c3ddfb22d2f330749592ad33f9cb585956_64.jpeg #GLOBAL - BLOGGER Punkt adds a fondleslab to its lineup of minimalist tech kit, with a very unusual build of Android – and a hefty pricetag. Punkt’s MC02: a black slab with black buttons, a black boot screen and black wallpaper – click to enlarge The MC02 is an Android smartphone from Punkt, a boutique Swiss gadget maker … Read More