#System Restore Management

[fitlifefuel]

How to Free Up Space on Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide

As your Windows 10 system accumulates more files and applications, it can start to slow down and become less efficient. Freeing up space not only improves your system’s performance but also extends its lifespan. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to free up space on Windows 10, going beyond the basics to ensure you have a well-optimized system.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Understanding Disk Space Usage

Utilizing Built-in Windows Tools

Disk Cleanup

Storage Sense

Uninstalling Unnecessary Applications

Managing Temporary and Cached Files

Cleaning Up System Files

Windows Update Cleanup

System Restore and Shadow Copies

Using Third-Party Disk Cleaners

Handling Large Files and Folders

Moving Data to External Storage

Using Cloud Storage Solutions

Conclusion

1. Introduction

As modern software and files grow larger, managing disk space effectively becomes crucial. This guide offers practical steps and tips to reclaim disk space on your Windows 10 computer, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently.

2. Understanding Disk Space Usage

Before freeing up space, it’s essential to understand how your disk space is being used. Navigate to Settings > System > Storage to view a detailed breakdown. This will help identify which areas need attention.

3. Utilizing Built-in Windows Tools

Disk Cleanup

Windows 10 features a built-in Disk Cleanup tool designed to delete unnecessary files. To access it:

Type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar and select the app.

Choose the drive you want to clean.

Select the file types to delete (e.g., temporary files, system cache).

Storage Sense

Storage Sense automates disk cleanup. To enable it:

Go to Settings > System > Storage.

Toggle on Storage Sense and configure settings to regularly delete temporary files.

4. Uninstalling Unnecessary Applications

Unused applications take up significant space. To uninstall them:

Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

Review the list and uninstall non-essential programs.

5. Managing Temporary and Cached Files

Temporary files can quickly accumulate and consume disk space. Use Disk Cleanup or third-party tools to regularly clear these files. Browsers also store cached data, which can be cleared from the browser settings.

6. Cleaning Up System Files

Windows Update Cleanup

Old update files can take up substantial space. Disk Cleanup includes an option to remove these:

Open Disk Cleanup and select Clean up system files.

Choose Windows Update Cleanup.

System Restore and Shadow Copies

System Restore points and shadow copies can consume significant disk space. Manage these by:

Typing “System Protection” in the search bar.

Selecting the drive and clicking Configure.

Adjusting the Max Usage slider to limit space usage.

7. Using Third-Party Disk Cleaners

Third-party tools like CCleaner provide more comprehensive cleaning options. They can remove junk files, clean registries, and manage startup programs to free up space.

8. Handling Large Files and Folders

Identifying and managing large files is crucial. Use tools like WinDirStat to find large files and folders. Consider moving non-essential large files to external storage.

9. Moving Data to External Storage

Free up space by moving data such as videos, photos, and documents to external hard drives or USB sticks. Ensure you regularly back up important data to avoid loss.

10. Using Cloud Storage Solutions

Cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox offer substantial space. Move infrequently accessed files to the cloud to save local disk space.

11. Conclusion

Regular maintenance and mindful storage practices can keep your Windows 10 system running efficiently. Use the tips and tools outlined in this guide to manage and optimize your disk space effectively.

External Authoritative Sources

Microsoft Support: Free up drive space in Windows

CCleaner Official Website

How-To Geek: The Ultimate Guide to Freeing Up Space on Your Windows PC

By following these detailed steps, you can efficiently manage and optimize your disk space on Windows 10, ensuring your system remains fast and reliable.

[butchfriend]

that poem that goes like "and that you two keep silent and the silence gets delicious. and that one of you two talk and the listening gets delicious." well i had a taste of that today!

[compassionmattersmost]

Optimizing Sleep for ME/CFS: Strategies for Restorative Rest and Well-being

Improving Sleep Quality for Individuals with ME/CFS Living with ME/CFS presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to achieving restorative sleep. Good sleep hygiene is essential for managing symptoms and enhancing overall well-being. Here, we explore various strategies to improve sleep quality for those with ME/CFS, including maintaining proper sleep hygiene, maximizing deep sleep,…

[delicatelysublimeforester]

The Urgency of National Wildlife Week: A Call to Action for Biodiversity Preservation

[weltreat]

Revolutionizing Water Management: The Best Wastewater Recycling Company in Pune

Water is one of our most precious resources, and with growing environmental concerns, efficient water management has become a necessity. Pune, a city known for its innovation and sustainability, is home to some of the best wastewater recycling companies. 

Whether you’re looking for the best wastewater recycling company in Pune, exploring water treatment services, considering a water recycling system, or curious about the process of water treatment plants, this guide will help you understand how these services can make a difference. 

Let’s dive into the world of water recycling and treatment.

Why Choose a Wastewater Recycling Company in Pune?

Pune is a rapidly growing city, and with urbanization comes the challenge of managing water resources effectively. The best wastewater recycling companies in Pune are leading the way in sustainable water management by offering advanced solutions for recycling and treating wastewater. 

These companies not only help conserve water but also reduce the environmental impact of wastewater disposal.

Best Wastewater Recycling Company in Pune

When it comes to wastewater recycling, choosing the best wastewater recycling company in Pune is crucial. These companies use cutting-edge technology and innovative methods to treat and recycle wastewater, making it safe for reuse.

I had the opportunity to visit one of the top wastewater recycling companies in Pune, and I was impressed by their commitment to sustainability. From industrial wastewater to domestic sewage, they offered tailored solutions to meet diverse needs.

Highlights of the Best Wastewater Recycling Company in Pune

Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art systems for efficient wastewater treatment.

Custom Solutions: Tailored services for industries, communities, and households.

Sustainability: A focus on reducing water wastage and promoting reuse.

Water Treatment Services

Water treatment services are essential for ensuring that water is safe for consumption, industrial use, or irrigation. These services include filtration, disinfection, and purification processes that remove contaminants from water.

During my research, I learned that the best wastewater recycling companies in Pune offer comprehensive water treatment services. Whether it’s treating groundwater, surface water, or wastewater, these companies ensure that the water meets quality standards.

Highlights of Water Treatment Services

Filtration: Removes impurities and particles from water.

Disinfection: Eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses.

Purification: Makes water safe for drinking or industrial use.

Water Recycling System

A water recycling system is designed to treat and reuse wastewater, reducing the demand for fresh water. These systems are particularly beneficial for industries, agriculture, and urban areas facing water scarcity.

I spoke to a business owner in Pune who had installed a water recycling system from one of the top companies. He shared how the system not only reduced his water bills but also helped his business comply with environmental regulations.

Highlights of Water Recycling Systems

Efficiency: Treats and reuses wastewater effectively.

Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for freshwater, saving money in the long run.

Eco-Friendly: Minimizes water wastage and environmental impact.

Treatment Plant of Water

A treatment plant of water is a facility where wastewater is treated to remove contaminants and make it safe for reuse or disposal. These plants play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and protecting the environment.

I visited a water treatment plant in Pune and was amazed by the complex yet efficient processes involved. From screening and sedimentation to biological treatment and disinfection, every step was meticulously planned to ensure the best results.

Highlights of Water Treatment Plants

Comprehensive Process: Includes physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods.

Scalability: Can be designed for small communities or large industries.

Environmental Protection: Prevents pollution of natural water bodies.

Process of Water Treatment Plant

Understanding the process of water treatment plants can help you appreciate the effort that goes into making water safe for reuse. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:

Screening: Removes large debris and particles from the wastewater.

Sedimentation: Allows suspended solids to settle at the bottom.

Biological Treatment: Uses microorganisms to break down organic matter.

Filtration: Removes remaining impurities through sand or membrane filters.

Disinfection: Kills harmful bacteria and viruses using chlorine or UV light.

Recycling: Treated water is reused for irrigation, industrial processes, or other non-potable purposes.

Tips for Choosing the Right Wastewater Recycling Company

Technology: Look for companies that use advanced and proven technologies.

Experience: Choose a company with a track record of successful projects.

Customization: Ensure they offer solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Sustainability: Opt for companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices.

Support: Check if they provide maintenance and after-sales services.

Most Popular FAQs About Wastewater Recycling

Here are some common questions I had before my research, along with the answers I found helpful:

What is wastewater recycling?Wastewater recycling involves treating used water to remove contaminants so it can be reused for various purposes.

Why is wastewater recycling important?It helps conserve water, reduce pollution, and meet the growing demand for clean water.

What services do water treatment companies offer?They offer services like filtration, disinfection, purification, and wastewater recycling.

How does a water recycling system work?A water recycling system treats wastewater through processes like filtration and disinfection, making it safe for reuse.

What is the process of a water treatment plant?The process of water treatment plants includes screening, sedimentation, biological treatment, filtration, and disinfection.

Can treated wastewater be used for drinking?While treated wastewater is safe for non-potable uses, it usually requires additional treatment for drinking purposes.

How do I choose the best wastewater recycling company in Pune?Look for companies with advanced technology, experienced teams, and a focus on sustainability.

Final Thoughts

The best wastewater recycling company in Pune can help you make a significant impact on water conservation and environmental sustainability. Whether you’re exploring water treatment services, installing a water recycling system, or learning about the process of water treatment plants, these solutions are essential for a sustainable future.

So take the first step towards responsible water management. Choose the right company, invest in efficient systems, and contribute to a greener tomorrow. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to ask. Together, we can make a difference!

[seozelenka]

Alarm Management Software

[heyuemassageeastgeelong]

Relax, Rejuvenate, and Restore at Heyue Massage in East Geelong

Are you feeling stressed, tired, or burdened by muscle aches? It’s time to experience the healing touch of Heyue Massage in East Geelong. We specialize in delivering the ultimate relaxation and relief through our professional massage therapy services tailored to your individual needs.

Why Choose Heyue Massage? At Heyue Massage, we are committed to enhancing your well-being by offering a wide range of therapeutic treatments designed to relax your body, rejuvenate your mind, and restore your energy. Here's what makes us stand out:

1.Expert Therapists Our skilled massage therapists are trained to provide a variety of techniques, ensuring every session is a personalized experience.

Comprehensive Services Whether you need a deep tissue massage to relieve muscle tension, a remedial massage for pain management, or a relaxation massage to unwind, we’ve got you covered.

Convenient Location Located in the heart of East Geelong, Heyue Massage is your go-to destination for quick and effective wellness solutions.

Our Signature Treatments

Relaxation Massage: Drift away in a state of bliss as our therapists ease away your stress.

Deep Tissue Massage: Perfect for tackling persistent aches and sore muscles.

Remedial Massage: A therapeutic approach to address specific health concerns and promote recovery.

Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy Massage isn’t just a luxury; it’s an essential part of self-care. Regular sessions can:

Relieve stress and anxiety

Improve blood circulation

Boost your immune system

Enhance flexibility and mobility

Promote better sleep

Book Your Experience Today Heyue Massage in East Geelong is dedicated to providing a sanctuary where you can relax, rejuvenate, and restore balance to your life. Whether you're treating yourself or looking to address a specific issue, we’re here to help.

Address - Shop 8/136 Ormond Rd, East Geelong VIC 3219 Contact us - 488 998 090

Heyue Massage,#Massage Therapy,#Relaxation Massage, #Remedial Massage,#Deep Tissue Massage,#Soothing Massages,#East Geelong Massage,#Muscle Relief Massage,#Professional Massage Services,#Massage Near Me,#Body Wellness,#Stress Relief,#Pain Management,#Rejuvenation Massage,#Full Body Massage, #Traditional Massage Techniques

[aj-moment]

So rn the US government is starting to defund the National Parks Service, and while this is a bad thing largely because it's mainly being done to open up the possibility of oil drilling in a lot of those areas, I think it also needs to be said that no the National Parks Service was not just there to "protect natural wonders" or whatever. It was there because a lot of those places are incredibly important land to a lot of Indigenous Peoples and if you give it special status that means you can't live on it you can make the natives leave easier because they get arrested if they don't. Like I am very much not in favor of this change as it is being done but I don't think we should respond to it with wholehearted praise of the National Parks System either. Please know the history of the land you live on and visit.

edit: this post was made with some noteworthy gaps in knowledge. This has already spread so to some extent the damage has been done but I do want to add on an addition someone made that I think does give some very helpful context to this. If you've already reblogged this I recommend doing so again with this addition. Credit on the comment goes to @kingsonne-zedecks

"I think that only two thirds of the conversation is being represented in this post and just wanted to ensure that people had the full picture.

Because the National Parks were absolutely used as a method for limiting, oppressing, and controlling indigenous lands ever since the US government violated multiple treaties to create Yellowstone. "Protecting" these lands meant protecting them from their historical stewards and inhabitants as well as from logging and mining companies.

Multiple parks were even created with provisions "allowing" indigenous people to continue using them for hunting, fishing, gathering, and spiritual purposes. Except that they were rapidly pushed out in the following years, while the tourists were told of the indigenous in the past tense only.

That's all absolutely true and is an important part of the history of the National Park Service that should not be forgotten or ignored.

But.

Its also not 1872 anymore. In 2015 Mt McKinley was offocially recognized and restored to the name Denali. Something that, though small in comparison to the harm that has been done, was indicative of a growing sentiment for restoring Ingigenous history. In 2021 Chuck Sams and Deb Haaland were put into office as the first Indigenous leader of the National Park Service and Secretary of the Department of the Interior respectively. By the end of 2024 we had over 250 co-stewarship agreements in place with various Indigenous Nations for management and use of these lands. Educational resources in visitors centers across the country were reworked to more accurately represent the indigenous history of the parks. Things were unequivocally moving in a positive direction.

While the History of the National Park Service as a tool of colonialization is important to recognize. The Trump Administration is not defunding that same tool. That tool does not exist today exactly as it once did.

The attack on the National Park Service of today is itself an attack on Indigenous people and an attack on progress. As blatant as the executive order to rename Denali back to McKinley."

[reasonsforhope]

Although dam removals have been happening since 1912, the vast majority have occurred since the mid-2010s, and they have picked up steam since the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided funding for such projects. To date, 806 Northeastern dams have come down, with hundreds more in the pipeline. Across the country, 2023 was a watershed year, with a total of 80 dam removals. Says Andrew Fisk, Northeast regional director of the nonprofit American Rivers, “The increasing intensity and frequency of storm events, and the dramatically reduced sizes of our migratory fish populations, are accelerating our efforts.”

Dam removals in the Northeast don’t generate the same media attention as massive takedowns on West Coast rivers, like the Klamath or the Elwha. That’s because most of these structures are comparatively miniscule, built in the 19th century to form ponds and to power grist, textile, paper, saw, and other types of mills as the region developed into an industrial powerhouse.

But as mills became defunct, their dams remained. They may be small to humans, but to the fish that can’t get past them “they’re just as big as a Klamath River dam,” says Maddie Feaster, habitat restoration project manager for the environmental organization Riverkeeper, based in Ossining, New York. From Maryland and Pennsylvania up to Maine, there are 31,213 inventoried dams, more than 4,000 of which sit within the 13,400-square-mile Hudson River watershed alone. For generations they’ve degraded habitat and altered downstream hydrology and sediment flows, creating warm, stagnant, low-oxygen pools that trigger algal blooms and favor invasive species. The dams inhibit fish passage, too, which is why the biologists at the mouth of the Saw Kill transported their glass eels past the first of three Saw Kill dams after counting them...

Jeremy Dietrich, an aquatic ecologist at the New York State Water Resources Institute, monitors dam sites both pre- and post-removal. Environments upstream of an intact dam, he explains, “are dominated by midges, aquatic worms, small crustaceans, organisms you typically might find in a pond.” In 2017 and 2018 assessments of recent Hudson River dam removals, some of which also included riverbank restorations to further enhance habitat for native species, he found improved water quality and more populous communities of beetles, mayflies, and caddisflies, which are “more sensitive to environmental perturbation, and thus used as bioindicators,” he says. “You have this big polarity of ecological conditions, because the barrier has severed the natural connectivity of the system. [After removal], we generally see streams recover to a point where we didn’t even know there was a dam there.”

Pictured: Quassaick Creek flows freely after the removal of the Strooks Felt Dam, Newburgh, New York.

American Rivers estimates that 85 percent of U.S. dams are unnecessary at best and pose risks to public safety at worst, should they collapse and flood downstream communities. The nonprofit has been involved with roughly 1,000 removals across the country, 38 of them since 2018. This effort was boosted by $800 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. But states will likely need to contribute more of their own funding should the Trump administration claw back unspent money, and organizations involved in dam removal are now scrambling to assess the potential impact to their work.

Enthusiasm for such projects is on the upswing among some dam owners — whether states, municipalities, or private landholders. Pennsylvania alone has taken out more than 390 dams since 1912 — 107 of them between 2015 and 2023 — none higher than 16 feet high. “Individual property owners [say] I own a dam, and my insurance company is telling me I have a liability,” says Fisk. Dams in disrepair may release toxic sediments that potentially threaten both human health and wildlife, and low-head dams, over which water flows continuously, churn up recirculating currents that trap and drown 50 people a year in the U.S.

Numerous studies show that dam removals improve aquatic fish passage, water quality, watershed resilience, and habitat for organisms up the food chain, from insects to otters and eagles. But removals aren’t straightforward. Federal grants, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the Fish and Wildlife Service, favor projects that benefit federally listed species and many river miles. But even the smallest, simplest projects range in cost from $100,000 to $3 million. To qualify for a grant, be it federal or state, an application “has to score well,” says Scott Cuppett, who leads the watershed team at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program, which collaborates with nonprofits like Riverkeeper to connect dam owners to technical assistance and money...

All this can be overwhelming for dam owners, which is why stakeholders hope additional research will help loosen up some of the requirements. In 2020, Yellen released a study in which he simulated the removal of the 1,702 dams in the lower Hudson watershed, attempting to determine how much sediment might be released if they came down. He found that “the vast majority of dams don’t really trap much sediment,” he says. That’s good news, since it means sediment released into the Hudson will neither permanently worsen water quality nor build up in places that would smother or otherwise harm underwater vegetation. And it shows that “you would not need to invest a huge amount of time or effort into a [costly] sediment management plan,” Yellen says. It’s “a day’s worth of excavator work to remove some concrete and rock, instead of months of trucking away sand and fill.” ...

On a sunny winter afternoon, Feaster, of Riverkeeper, stands in thick mud beside Quassaick Creek in Newburgh, New York. The Strooks Felt Dam, the first of seven municipally owned dams on the lower reaches of this 18-mile tributary, was demolished with state money in 2020. The second dam, called Holden, is slated to come down in late 2025. Feaster is showing a visitor the third, the Walsh Road Dam, whose removal has yet to be funded. “This was built into a floodplain,” she says, “and when it rains the dam overflows to flood a housing complex just around a bend in the creek.” ...

On the Quassaick, improvements are evident since the Strooks dam came out. American eel and juvenile blue crabs have already moved in. In fact, fish returns can sometimes be observed within minutes of opening a passageway. Says Schmidt, “We’ve had dammed rivers where you’ve been removing the project and when the last piece comes out a fish immediately storms past it.”

There is palpable impatience among environmentalists and dam owners to get even more removals going in the Northeast. To that end, collaborators are working to streamline the process. The Fish and Wildlife Service, for example, has formed an interagency fish passage task force with other federal agencies, including NOAA and FEMA, that have their own interests in dam removals. American Rivers is working with regional partners to develop priority lists of dams whose removals would provide the greatest environmental and safety benefits and open up the most river miles to the most important species. “We’re not going to remove all dams,” [Note: mostly for reasons dealing with invasive species management, etc.] says Schmidt. “But we can be really thoughtful and impactful with the ones that we do choose to remove.”

-via Yale Environment 360, February 4, 2025

[codeonedigest]

Amazon Relation Database Service RDS Explained for Cloud Developers

Full Video Link - https://youtube.com/shorts/zBv6Tcw6zrU Hi, a new #video #tutorial on #amazonrds #aws #rds #relationaldatabaseservice is published on #codeonedigest #youtube channel. @java @awscloud @AWSCloudIndia @YouTube #youtube @codeonedig

Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS) is a collection of managed services that makes it simple to set up, operate, and scale relational databases in the cloud. You can choose from seven popular engines i.e., Amazon Aurora with MySQL & PostgreSQL compatibility, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server. It provides cost-efficient, resizable capacity for an industry-standard…

[technicalfika]

Top 20 Technical Support Interview Questions and Answers for Freshers in IT

When applying for a technical support role in the IT industry, preparation is key to success. To help freshers ace their technical support interviews, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 20 common interview questions along with sample answers. These questions cover a wide range of technical topics and soft skills necessary for excelling in a technical support role. What does technical support…

[zooeytang]

These are our main products: rainwater harvesting system modular tanks.

[herpsandbirds]

Got any Devil's Hole Pupfish and/or their less specialized relatives? I love the frustration they're causing land developers lol

Oh I have some Pupfish stuff for you...

GREAT NEWS!  - Recovery efforts are paying off for the critically endangered Devils Hole pupfish. 

This past April, scientists counted 175 pupfish!  The last time numbers were this high during a spring count was 22 years ago. The fish are in “remarkable condition and very active,” according to Nevada Department of Wildlife  supervisory fish biologist Brandon Senger.  Devils Hole, located within Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Southern Nevada, is a water-filled, geothermal cave system containing carbonate-rich and oxygen-poor water. Water conditions here remain at a constant 93°F in deeper reaches of the cave, and it’s the only natural habitat for Devils Hole pupfish.  “It’s just such a different species and it is remarkable that it has managed to survive,“ said our fish biologist Michael Schwemm. "It lacks pelvic fins due to the extreme conditions such as low food resources and high temperature, adapting to habitat conditions which have evolved over time.”

The story: http://ow.ly/nhz050JaB07

Pahrump Poolfish (Empetrichthys latos), Desert National Wildlife Refuge, NV, USA

Word of the day: refugium (ree·few·jee·um), or an area in which a population of organisms can survive through a period of unfavorable conditions. Here on the refuge, the critically endangered Pahrump Poolfish lives exclusively in a refugium. This small, guppy-like fish is extinct in the wild, after its original habitat was depleted due to groundwater pumping in the 1970s. You can find the refugium along the trails behind the Corn Creek Visitor Center.

Photographs: J. Contois / USFWS

Saving a Rare Desert Fish on the Brink of Extinction 

Pahrump Poolfish (Empetrichthys latos) are being kept at the Nevada state fish hatchery as restoration efforts are under way to restore their home habitat.

There is a rare species of desert fish fighting for its survival in a fresh water pond in the desert landscape of southern Nevada – the Pahrump poolfish. According to biologists monitoring the tiny fish, one of the last remaining populations of the endangered Pahrump poolfish, Empetrichthys latos, is at an alarmingly low number, below 1,000, compared to the 10,000 recorded in 2015. Throughout the month of October 2016, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist James Harter and Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) biologist Kevin Guadalupe are rescuing the Pahrump poolfish from Lake Harriett at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, and moving them to the NDOW’s fish hatchery at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The poolfish are being taken to the hatchery to protect the species from extinction…

Read more: https://www.fws.gov/cno/newsroom/featured/2016/Pahrump_poolfish/

Photo Credit: Enrique Villar/USFWS

The Phenotypic Plasticity of Death Valley’s Pupfish

Desert fish are revealing how the environment alters development to modify body shape and behavior

by Sean C. Lema

Despite variety, most of the surface of Death Valley is dead … a land of jagged salt pillars, crackling and tortured crusts of mud, sunburnt gravel bars the color of rust, rocks and boulders of metallic blue naked even of lichen. As one of the world’s harshest desert regions, Death Valley is a land of eroding badlands, scorching alluvial fans, and barren flats of mud and salt. Yet hidden in remote corners of Death Valley live the desert pupfishes—several related species that survive in an archipelago of permanent water habitats scattered in a sea of desert. Death Valley’s pupfishes inhabit isolated springs, streams and marshes that are remnants of the region’s milder climate less than 20,000 years ago. Since that cooler and wetter time, pupfishes in this region have evolved from a common ancestor into nine closely related species and subspecies, with each taxon living in full geographic isolation from the others. Death Valley’s pupfishes are thus a little like the well-known Darwin’s finches of the Galapagos Islands, in that they offer an opportunity to watch the process of evolution in action…

(read more: American Scientist)

photographs: Sean C. Lema and NPS

[compassionmattersmost]

In the Quiet of Healing: My Journey with the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Healing Through Rest: How the Parasympathetic Nervous System Can Support Recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome In the aftermath of the recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton, I’ve felt post-exertional malaise weigh heavily on my body. The fatigue has been more than just physical—it’s emotional and mental, a deep, enveloping weariness that reminds me how fragile recovery can be. As I continue to…

[delicatelysublimeforester]

The Sixth Silent Mass Extinction: A Call to Action

[mournthebird]

Gentle Hand.

summary: Soldat has a panic attack.

warnings: Post!HYDRA Winter Soldier | Post!HTP and abuse | PTSD symptoms & behavior | Panic attacks | Brief medical treatments | Flashbacks of HTP | Past dehumanization | Brief mention of SA

a/n: This was supposed to be posted before the other one I just posted, but I got impatient lol. So it might sound a little out of order, once I have all these parts out I'll put them in order. He's getting through it, you're being patient. Unedited. ;; wc: 3.4k

There were a lot of complicated things with Soldat.

Significant complications with his health, for starters, which caught you off guard given his status as a super soldier. You had initially assumed that his enhanced physiology would grant him a far greater resilience compared to an ordinary human, as had been proven with the likes of Steve Rogers. However, the treatment from HYDRA had somehow managed to infiltrate his system so profoundly and extensively that it had wreaked havoc on his entire physiological makeup, leaving him in a severely compromised state.

The issue of malnourishment was addressed through a carefully planned regimen of intravenous treatments, much to Soldat’s dislike. This approach was complemented by a gradual reintroduction to solid foods, a process that required meticulous attention and patience. The goal was to slowly accustom his system to regular nutrient intake without overwhelming his weakened digestive tract. Not to mention the fact that Soldat often refused food or that his body simply could not handle it, even in small amounts.

Honestly, re-feeding him was a whole other problem you had to tackle.

A similar strategy was employed to combat his severe dehydration and restore proper fluid balance. You also noticed that he experienced significant difficulty in swallowing, a symptom that hinted at potential damage to his esophageal tract or neurological complications affecting his ability to consume liquids normally.

Then, there were the myriad of wounds that covered his body. Stubborn injuries that had been persisting for a duration that far exceeded your initial expectations and caused you considerable worry. You found a small measure of solace in the fact that the majority of these injuries, while numerous, consisted primarily of superficial cuts and bruising.

Treating these wounds was far from easy. His behavior during treatment sessions mirrored a cornered wild animal, skittish and unpredictable, making each attempt at care a delicate and often extremely stressful. You didn’t want to stress him any further than he probably was in a stranger’s home, with a stranger, but you needed to at the very least keep the wounds from bleeding everywhere.

He lashed out at you with his metal arm, swinging wildly without any real force behind it. You could instantly discern that his actions were driven by sheer terror rather than malice. His eyes were wide with panic, darting frantically around the room, and it was evident that he wasn't actively trying to cause you harm. As you approached with the antiseptic and gauze, he bared his teeth in a defensive snarl and let out a feral hiss, his metal arm swinging once more in a desperate attempt to keep you at bay.

He had backed himself into the corner of your bathroom, the face he couldn’t go anywhere was frightening him just as much as you were. "Easy there, Soldat," you murmured, your voice steady and reassuring. "You're not scaring me. These wounds need to be cleaned and treated." Your words were calm and gentle, but they seemed to do little to soothe his frayed nerves.

In another display of agitation, he swung his arm downward, connecting with your tile floor. The impact was forceful enough to shatter the tiles into several jagged pieces, the sound of breaking ceramic echoing through the room. He fixed you with a glare that was clearly meant to be intimidating, but you could see right through it. His expression was a forced mask of hatred, a poor attempt at appearing dangerous. He was trying so hard to maintain this façade of aggression, but his fear was as obviously visible beneath the surface.

"Listen, Soldat," you said, your voice taking on a firmer yet still compassionate tone. "If you really wanted to harm me, we both know you would have done so by now. Your behavior isn't fooling either of us." You gestured to his injuries, your expression softening. "Now, please, let me tend to these wounds. If we don't bandage them soon, you're going to end up bleeding all over the place. That can't be comfortable for you. And I would really appreciate it if you didn't stain my carpet..."

His face held a stubborn, forced scowl, but also an undeniable air of resignation. He relaxed at your approach, albeit marginally, allowing you to come closer. Sharp, audible breaths exited his nostrils in rapid succession, betraying his lingering apprehension. You knew he was tense so you offered reassurance, "You're alright, I promise this won't hurt. We just need to take care of these."

Your words seemed to have enough of a calming effect as you carefully began tending to him, finally able to assess and treat his injuries. As the moments passed and he realized your true intentions were solely to help, not harm, his demeanor shifted. He became increasingly receptive to your ministrations as each cleaning session came, and he allowed you to clean his wounds and change his gauze without resistance.

But there was one thing you couldn't help but notice, and it was perhaps the biggest hurdle of them all. An almost violent aversion to certain actions and decisions.

To the outside eye, they appeared completely random, and they did to you too. At first.

Soldat refrained from doing anything, no matter how mundane, without first seeking your explicit permission. Something as simple as taking a seat or reaching for a glass of water seemed to require your approval.

At first this behavior confused you, but as you observed him more closely, you started to understand a little but more. HYDRA, while you knew very little of his experiences, did a number on his psyche. He was grappling with intense internal struggles, and in an attempt to cope with his sudden freedom, he was projecting his deep-seated need for structure and guidance onto you. By relinquishing control over even the most basic decisions, he seemed to find a semblance of comfort and stability.

This realization left you with mixed emotions.

On one hand, you felt a twinge of discomfort at being thrust into this unexpected role of authority. The weight of his dependence on your decisions was not something you had anticipated or necessarily desired.

Yet, on the other hand, you couldn't deny the visible relief and calm that washed over him when operating within these self-imposed boundaries. Witnessing how this dynamic seemed to provide him with a sense of security and ease, you found yourself reluctantly gave into.

Despite your internal reservations, you knew that this arrangement was serving as a crucial coping mechanism for him during what was clearly a difficult time, even if it had begun from something awful. So, setting aside your own discomfort, you made the conscious decision to lean into this role, at least for now.

Your primary concern was his well-being, and if this is what he needed to feel safe and begin healing, then you were willing to adapt and provide that structure for him.

His comfort level around you was noticeably increasing with each passing day. Gradually, he began to emerge from the bedroom where he had initially isolated himself, seeking out your company in subtle ways.

Your presence seemed to have a calming effect on him, acting as a source of reassurance in his new environment. He made a conscious effort to be in the same room as you, his actions betraying a growing desire for proximity.

He maintained a considerable distance for a while, positioning himself at the far end of whatever space you occupied. He often watched you, or sometimes he’d allow himself to nap, he never spoke. You chose to ignore him most of the time, not wanting to give him too much attention and spook him away.

Time progressed and you noticed a slow but steady shift in his behavior. Like a cautious animal gradually acclimating to a new habitat, he inched closer to you day by day. He continued his gradual migration until he finally felt secure enough to position himself right beside you.

One particularly lazy afternoon, he slowly made his way towards you, his steps heavy with hesitation. Upon reaching the living area, he carefully lowered himself onto the floor adjacent to the couch, his eyes fixed downward on the carpet. Eventually, his gaze lifted, settling on the television screen. He watched the program you had selected, you couldn't help but notice a glimmer of curiosity dancing behind his eyes, his engagement slowly growing with his surroundings.

You had tried many different offers and encouragement, but he refused to make use of any furniture in the house. The comfortable couch remained untouched by him, and the inviting bed you prepared for him went unused night after night. He had ripped the blankets off and curled up on the floor instead.

His reluctance to using the couch and the bed made you start to think. Had he been conditioned to believe that he wasn't allowed to use something as basic as furniture?

You remained silent, not uttering a single word as you observed him sitting there, seemingly without any discomfort. After a moment of hesitation, you decided to break the silence. "You know, you're more than welcome to sit up here with me," you suggested, your voice soft and kind. His head lifted ever so slightly in response to your words, his eyes glancing at you from under the bits of hair that fell over his face.

The soldier's gaze met yours, his eyes filled with a mixture of doubt and confusion. His frown deepened, etching lines across his forehead as if your words were spoken in a foreign tongue he couldn't quite decipher. You gently patted the empty cushion to your left, emphasizing your point. "Really, you can sit up here if you'd like," you reiterated, your tone warm and encouraging, hoping to dispel any lingering uncertainty he might have.

Several minutes pass and he doesn't budge.

You decide to just let him sit there if he wants to, observing his actions without comment. You didn't want to make him do something he didn't want to do anyway. So you turned your attention back to the show playing on the screen, watching she shitty adult cartoon full of jokes and clichés. But you had to admit, it was pretty funny. You felt something beside you, the subtle shift in the couch's cushions as his silver prosthetic makes contact. The furniture dips ever so slightly as the soldier cautiously lowers himself onto it.

His movements are painfully slow and deliberate, as if he's treading on eggshells, anticipating that you might suddenly change your mind or lash out at him at any moment. When he finally settles, his posture is noticeably stiff and unnatural, not to mention his obvious aversion to sitting flat on his ass like a normal person. His wounds and injuries were brutal, and you knew he didn't like to sit often. But right now it seemed like he was forcing himself to do so.

The discomfort radiates from him, filling the air with tension. He sits ramrod straight, muscles visibly taut beneath his clothing, and his eyes are wider than you've ever seen them, pupils dilated and darting around the room. It's as if he's desperately searching for potential threats or escape routes, his entire being on high alert. The sight reminds you of a cornered animal, teetering on the edge of fight-or-flight, barely containing the urge to bolt from the room at the slightest provocation.

"Soldat, it's alright. You're safe here. You can sit here, I said you could," you said in a gentle, reassuring tone, attempting to alleviate his visible anxiety. Your voice was recited soft and steady, hoping to create a calming atmosphere. Soldat still tensed up as you adjusted your position. His reaction was immediate and he recoiled as though anticipating a blow, his body language screaming of deep-seated fear.

His breathing became erratic, each inhale and exhale a struggle. His hands trembled and gripped the cushion with such force that the knuckles on his flesh hand turned white. It was clear he was desperately trying to maintain his composure in what he perceived as a threatening situation. The sight of his internal struggle tugged at your heart, you couldn’t believe something as simple as sitting on the couch could cause him to be this distressed.

‘Assets sit on the floor!’ A heavily armored combat boot collided with its nose, it heard a crack, felt the warmth of thick red ooze running down its face and throat, tasting the metallic flavored substance. The rusty tar. ‘Try to get up here again, and I will chain you up to that fucking stump outside. See if you can withstand below zero all night.’

Its handler really hated when it sat on the furniture. Used a bed. Used a chair. Its handler liked to threaten and hurt it.

He liked it to sit at his feet, like a good asset should. Be silent, be obedient, be subservient and pleasing for handler. Make sure he is satisfied and serviced well. Maybe then it will get to sleep? Maybe it would get a blanket tonight. Maybe it wouldn’t have to serve the team tonight.

Or not.

Concern etched across your features as you observed his distress. "I promise you, everything is okay," you reiterated, your voice laced with sincerity and compassion. However, as you shifted slightly to face him better, it became apparent that this small movement was what he had been unconsciously anticipating. The second you made that tiny little shift in the cushion, he leapt to his feet, his sudden movement causing him to stumble. His knee collided painfully with the coffee table, but he seemed oblivious to the impact.

Backing away from you, his eyes darted wildly around your apartment, resembling those of a cornered animal searching desperately for an escape route. There was panic in his gaze, his chest heaving with each rapid, shallow breath.

Unable to maintain his stance, he sank to his knees, his legs unable to support him any longer. His hands flew to his head, fingers entangling themselves in his long hair, gripping tightly as though trying to anchor himself to reality. His breathing had become so labored and quick that it appeared he was on the verge of hyperventilation, fighting for each breath as though he were drowning on dry land.

He cowered away from you as you approached him with worry, his body surrendering to you.

'Stupid fucking asset! Did they fry out all of your common sense, huh? I said NO sitting on the furniture!' Handler's voice thundered through the room, each word laced with venom and contempt. Its wet nose collided violently with his boot for the second time, the impact reverberating through its skull. A sharp, searing pain pushed into its face, and it wondered if a fragment of its broken nose had been forced inward.

Its handler seized a fistful of the asset's hair in a vicious grip and yanking, forcefully dragging it across the floor. The wooden planks, rough and splintered, scraped against its skin as it was hauled towards the dilapidated door of the safehouse. This ramshackle structure was their temporary refuge for the night, a necessary evil in the unforgiving Siberian wilderness. The biting cold of the subzero temperatures was a constant source of irritation for the American team, who were ill-equipped to handle such extreme conditions.

As its handler stepped outside, the asset felt the icy bite of a frozen chain wrapping around its neck. The metal was chilled to an impossible degree and seared its skin on contact. The unexpected pain elicited a cry of surprise and agony from the asset but it was cut short as the chain constricted, squeezing tightly and cutting off its air supply.

Panic set in as it gasped and clawed desperately at the unyielding metal, its lungs burning for oxygen. Just when unconsciousness threatened to overtake it, the pressure relented, allowing it to gulp in precious air once more. The asset's mind raced, recognizing the depth of its handler's fury in this brutal display.

Its handler secured the other end of the chain to an old tree stump barely visible through the snowbank. The makeshift anchor stood amidst piles of chopped wood, all buried under a thick blanket of freshly fallen snow. The wind howled mercilessly, its icy fingers clawing at both the asset and its handler. 'I'll come back in the morning,' he spat, the words barely audible over the roaring gale.

As its handler retreated indoors, the asset felt the blood on its face begin to crystallize, the crimson stream halting its flow as the subzero temperatures took hold. The relentless wind continued its assault, driving icy particles into every exposed inch of skin. With no other option available, the asset curled into itself, seeking what little warmth it could generate as it resigned itself to enduring the long, brutal hours of frozen misery until dawn.

At least it didn't have to service anyone tonight.

He remained motionless, neither pleading nor protesting.

Its handler hated when it begged most of the time. Sometimes he did like it, but it didn’t want to risk angering you by opening its mouth. No. It should only do that when its handler commands it. Otherwise, it was a whore.

In his mind, he braced for the inevitable feeling of your hand roughly grasping his hair, forcefully dragging him away to face some cruel punishment. How could he have the audacity? Sitting beside you on the couch, as if he dared to consider himself your equal.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly. After several long, dreary seconds that felt like an eternity, he summoned the courage to steal a glance at you. His eyes were partially obscured by strands of unkempt hair, peered out cautiously. His breathing remained ragged and uneven, though he made a conscious effort to quiet it.

Its handler preferred silence, after all.

This thought, ingrained deeply within him, only served to heighten his anxiety.

"Soldat, breathe... it's okay, you're safe here." Your voice broke through the silence, gentle and reassuring, though tinged with a noticeable tremor as you witnessed his breakdown. "It's okay. I'm here. No one else but me. You are safe." You repeated these words, emphasizing them as you carefully lowered yourself to the ground beside him.

The soldier’s hyperventilation persisted despite your gentle efforts to speak to him. You remained undeterred and continued to speak, hoping that somehow your words would penetrate the fog of fear surrounding him.

Or the thick snowbank slowly freezing its skin.

"Whatever you're seeing right now isn't real, it's in the past," you explained, your voice soft but steady. "You're here, in my apartment. It's just us. No one is going to hurt you." You inched closer, gradually closing the distance between you and his huddled, trembling form on the carpet. Your movements were slow as you consciously made the effort to be careful and not to startle him further.

He heard you, the absence of pain confused him, but it also provided some soothing to his pure panic. You were telling the truth.

You weren't going to hurt him.

Soldat's gaze met yours once more, his eyes filled with a profound sadness as he gradually descended from the heights of his attack. His breathing, still irregular and labored, came in erratic bursts, each sudden intake of air punctuated by a noticeable hitch. To your shock, he began to inch towards you, his movements hesitant yet deliberate.

Under his breath, he emitted soft whimpers, struggling valiantly to maintain his silence as he had been engrained to do. His entire form quivered violently, reminiscent of someone caught in the grip of an intense chill, and without warning, he allowed his weight to collapse against you, seeking solace in your presence.

A muffled sound escaped him, barely audible as it was absorbed by the fabric of your shirt. Your arms encircled his trembling frame, careful in case he didn’t want you to do so, but you felt no resistance. As he muffled, your ears pricked and you carefully leaned your head down a bit. Your cheek gently brushed his forehead, your mouth close to his ear. "What is it...you can tell me." You whispered, waiting for him to speak again.

Given the other times he had spoken, you braced yourself for Russian, but those concerns dissipated like morning mist when he finally found his voice and spoke. His words were simple, he murmured out again, the admission barely above a whisper and surprised you when they hit your ears.

"I'm cold."

Dividers by @/strangergraphics

Cover images from Pinterest. I do not claim them as my own.

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