#heat mitigation strategies

[cselandscapearchitect]

Natural Turf vs. Artificial Grass: Battling the Urban Heat Island Effect in the Low Desert

The low desert region faces the challenges of the urban heat island effect, where urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and the built environment. As we strive to mitigate this heat island effect, one key consideration is the choice between natural turf and artificial grass. Both options have their own advantages and…

[aesethewitch]

When Witching Goes Wrong: Basics

Not all spells that go wrong are “backfires.” A backfire occurs when a spell’s result is antithetical to the result you wanted to cause — it causes a negative outcome, often coming back onto you as the caster, but sometimes creating the opposite effect as was desired on the target. For example, casting a money attraction spell and losing a wallet full of cash as a result would be considered a backfire. A spell that fizzles, does nothing, or produces an unexpected (but not negative) side-effect wouldn’t be a backfire (in my opinion, that is).

Most spells that go wrong aren’t backfires. In general, you’re likelier to have a spell that acts unexpectedly or that simply fizzles than one that blows up in your face somehow. You shouldn’t be anxious about a backfire. But, as someone with lots of experience in the realm of worrying about worst-case scenarios, I understand the impulse.

The solution is to understand what can go wrong, how to prevent it, and what to do in the event of an actual worst-case scenario. My goal with this post (and with this WWGW series) is to help you feel less anxious about spells going wrong and more prepared to deal with whatever comes your way.

So, let’s start from the beginning.

Outcome Projection

Risk assessment, mitigation, and management. Fellow corporate drones (former or current) will know exactly what I’m talking about here. The idea is to predict possible ways that things can go wrong and either prevent them entirely or put strategies in place to deal with them ahead of time. It’s damage control before the damage occurs.

Now, the key here is to not go overboard. Fellow chronic worriers will know the horrible allure of going down every possible path of anxiety, only to find ourselves paralyzed entirely by the fear that something will go wrong. Remember that most spells do not backfire. In most cases, the worst thing (and most common negative outcome, in my experience) that can happen is that nothing happens. The next most common is unexpected side effects, but those are usually easily dealt with.

The goal is to ensure the success of the spell. For example, when you’re looking for a new place to live, you don’t want to just look for the number of bedrooms and the finishes in the kitchen. You want to account for the appliances, the heating/cooling systems, the quality of the flooring, signs of water damage, signs of mold… all sorts of things.

A similar concept applies to accounting for backfires/failures in spellwork. You want to close loopholes and think about the outcomes you specifically don’t want — and then incorporate ways to prevent those things from happening.

The Ways Spells Can Go Wrong

The spell fully backfires. By “fully backfires,” I mean that it completely fails and creates the exact opposite outcome to what you were going for. Using a love spell as an example, this could include the target leaving your life, forming negative opinions of you, or becomes interested in someone else (particularly if you were trying to pull attention from that someone else onto yourself).

The spell is bounced back to you. This is more unusual than you think! I often see the warning about spells being redirected back at the caster in arguments against hexing and cursing others. I’ve had exactly one spell reversed back at me, and it was because the target was 1. A witch, and 2. Expecting it.

The spell’s primary result is unexpected. Not necessarily bad, just not what you meant to do. For example, casting a spell to get a promotion at work and discovering that your close friend is getting a promotion instead.

The spell has unexpected side effects. Like casting a spell for good luck on yourself and having everyone around you experience good luck, too. Or casting a spell that successfully improves your workplace’s vibe, only to find out that the mean coworker nobody likes finally got fired, and that’s why everyone is more relaxed and cheerful. Or, more negatively, you do get that promotion you cast for, but now you’re saddled with more work than you can handle, because your bosses think you’re highly capable of it all!

The spell does absolutely nothing. Perhaps one of the more common ways a spell can go wrong, this is exactly what it says on the tin. You put the energy in, you did all the steps, but the spell just… doesn’t go anywhere. In other words, it fizzles and simply doesn’t work at all.

As with most topics in witchcraft, there’s an infinite amount of nuance to apply here. There are more ways spells can go wrong, and not all of these things would necessarily be considered “going wrong.”

It may be worth deducing why the spell went wrong. Was it the materials? The petition or incantation? A lack of energy, or maybe an overabundance? Spirit influence? Protections surrounding the target? Knowing what exactly went wrong can help you prevent the same issues in the future, but it can also help you to better fix the spell in the moment.

Preventatives

The particulars are going to depend heavily on your personal practice, the type of spell you’re doing, and how detailed you want to get. These suggestions are based on things I personally take into account when I’m trying to close loopholes and prevent unwanted outcomes.

Be specific in your wording. Especially if your spell has any kind of spoken or written component, be as specific as you can. “Draw money to me” is a general sentiment that could absolutely work, but what money is it bringing in? A bonus at work? A dollar on the street? A gift from grandma? Inheritance? It could be anything at that point. “Draw good, repeat customers to my small business to help me reach my profit goal of $10,000 before the end of the year” is specific, focused, and measurable. There isn’t much room for surprise side effects.

Choose ingredients carefully. Work with ingredients whose purposes you know. In my spell recipes, I list every ingredient’s correspondence, because in my practice, those things matter. Ensure that the “active ingredients” in your spell align with your goal properly. Rogue elements create rogue effects!

Include failsafe measures. As in, create ways you can cancel the spell at any point. This can have the side effect of making your spells easier to undo, particularly if your target is also a witch who understands how you construct your spells. If doing this, it’s best to create a method that is obscured and unique to you.

Add ingredients or instructions specifically to avoid particular side effects or outcomes. Find a component or two that can protect your working from unwanted effects, backfires, and interference. Include instructions for the spell for things it shouldn’t do. For example, trying to create issues for one particular person at work shouldn’t harm their innocent teammates.

Undo It

The first step to consider is undoing the spell. Not all paradigms allow for this, so it may not be possible for you. For me, it depends on the particular spell and how much change it’s created. The bigger the impact, the less likely a simple undo will work.

Still, it’s worth a try. Undoing a spell might take a few forms, depending on how you originally cast it:

Take the spell apart. Disassemble the spell into its components and cleanse them of the spell’s energy.

Destroy the vessel and components. Burning, tearing, burying, flushing, throwing away, and so forth. Be careful to not bury things that could harm the earth, animals, or people — including glass, salt, and plastics. Compost and recycle when you can.

Dismiss spirits working within the spell. End the contract around the spell’s working and request that the spirits stop powering it. You could also request their assistance in undoing the spell. You may have to make offerings either way, depending on the terms of your agreement.

Perform the spell in reverse. This includes speaking incantations backwards, performing all actions backwards, taking components apart, re-cleansing, and putting things away where you originally got them from.

Draw the spell’s energy/effects out of the target’s body and/or the affected area. Using energy work, absorb the spell’s energy into a vessel. Capture it and either allow it to dissipate or bottle it up to keep it in check. I don’t recommend absorbing the energy into yourself, as that may draw the spell’s unwanted effects to you (or make them worse).

I typically employ a combination of strategies to undo a spell, if it’s possible in the first place. If it’s a simple spell, performing it in reverse is the easiest method. I’ll then cleanse, destroy, and dispose of the materials.

But when it isn’t possible to simply undo the spell…

Cast Another Spell

…The answer might be to cast another one. In my mind, there are several ways to do this.

The first is to cast a spell to negate the original’s effects completely. I would approach this method the same way as any other spell. Focus on the effects you’re looking to negate, and cast accordingly. A banishing spell would work well for this to shoo away the spell’s energy, but a cleansing spell to clear the target would also work. Or, you can get more specific. For example, if a spell has generated a string of unlucky events, you could cast a spell for good luck in order to nullify the bad luck of the first spell. The goal would be to cancel out the original spell’s effects in some way.

The second way is to cast a spell to adjust the original’s outcome. There are a lot of ways to do this. You could directly modify the original spell by adding or removing ingredients that might’ve caused the negative outcome, redo written or spoken incantations/petitions, or cast a “companion spell” to redirect the original’s energy to a more favorable end. For example, in a money spell that’s giving everyone else good fortune, you could place a magnet with your personal information on it atop the spell vessel to draw money to you rather than the people around you. The idea here is not to end the original spell, but to realign it to your particular needs.

Another way is to cast a spell specifically to control side effects. Sometimes, a spell can’t be undone, and you can’t easily modify the main outcomes (particularly true if the negative events caused by the spell happen quickly or outside your control). Or maybe the bulk of the spell worked properly, but there’s one or two minor negative side effects you don’t want to continue. The method for this would be similar to adjusting the original spell’s outcome, but on a smaller scale and in a less direct fashion. For example, your job spell got you that promotion, hooray! But now you’re stressed out by training someone to take your place, and you’re learning your new position. You can cast a spell to reduce stress or prevent people from piling additional work on you while you adjust, controlling the side effects of the promotion.

A way I use for high-stakes spells is to cast wards or other protections before casting the main spell to prevent backfire or unwanted effects ahead of time. I often do this for spells surrounding situations that are delicate or that need extra care. In my case, it’s a general, long-term ward against bad luck on a wider scale, and it catches negative spell side effects as part of its job. You can set up temporary wards if you prefer, or make them for very specific purposes. Whatever works for you.

Cast the same spell again. This isn’t my usual go-to, unless I’m trying a new spell method or ingredient I’m unfamiliar with. I’ll usually recommend trying the same spell again when the first casting does absolutely nothing, since multiple castings can make a spell stronger and more effective. However, if a spell backfires or otherwise causes undesirable effects, I wouldn’t really recommend it, as the negative effects can compound, too, if it misfires again.

Ask for Help

If the problems caused by your spell are too big for you to handle on your own, it’s okay to reach out for help! Whether you’re looking for suggestions and advice or hands-on assistance, knowing when and how to ask for help is a critical skill.

Ask the witchcraft community (or your witchy friends) questions. Join a Discord, forum, Tumblr community, or other witchy space. Make a post to explain your situation and request suggestions, advice, and ideas to deal with the situation at large. Not all suggestions will be entirely helpful, but you’ll at least get some new perspectives to shed light on your situation. If people you know directly (in real life or online) practice witchcraft, see what they think.

Chat with spirits. Especially if you already work with spirits or if spirits helped you to cast/power the original spell, this can be a solid way to come up with a solution that will work. Use your preferred method of communication to discuss the situation. If possible, see if they’ll help you either undo or mitigate the spell’s unwanted results.

Ask non-witchy friends for advice. Their advice will probably be mundane, but sometimes, those are the best solutions. Outside perspectives are useful to recontextualize problems and come up with solutions you wouldn’t have otherwise considered.

Find books, videos, tutorials, blog posts, and other resources on the subject. When all else fails, or when you’re a little shy about asking for help directly, there are still resources out there to help you solve your dilemmas. Just remember to vet your sources before naively following instructions given to you.

Deal with Consequences Mundanely

Sometimes, there’s just nothing for it. Whether you don’t have time and energy or you’ve already tried more magic and had it fail, there are times when you have to turn to the mundane. Depending on the severity of the situation you’re in, solutions will vary in their successfulness. And honestly, that’s just how it is sometimes. Sometimes, things don’t wrap up nicely and easily and neatly.

With that said, here are a handful of mundane responses and solutions I’ve turned to after spells went wrong (and couldn’t be otherwise fixed):

Come clean and apologize. Particularly applicable when you’re doing a spell on or for another person, sometimes, there’s just nothing else to do but admit you fucked up. If the person impacted by the spell’s effects, directly or indirectly, isn’t a magical practitioner themselves, you could simply apologize for meddling in the situation. On the other hand, if you’ve harmed or offended a spirit with your spellwork, you might make an offering to apologize for the trouble you’ve caused.

Come up with mundane strategies for damage control. Depending on how severe the spell’s negative effects are, the level of effort for this is going to obviously vary. It could be anything from redoing your household budget to breaking out the toolbox for repairs to building an actual fence to making dinner. Your solution is going to depend on your problem. Think strategically.

Seek out new, improved coping mechanisms. Whether you’re looking to resolve feelings that are caused by the spell’s backfire or ones that made you cast in the first place, sometimes, a bit of self-care is the best solution. Consider why you cast the spell in the first place — lack of control, poor self-worth, low confidence? Or was it just because you felt it could help you with a little boost to the work you were already doing? It’s worth thinking about. What mundane safety nets do you have in place?

Let it go. Perhaps the most difficult option: Just letting the bad result be. Moving on from it. Taking the lumps and the lesson, and walking away. Giving up is a skill. It’s not a moral failing to let things go. If fighting will only make things worse, or if you’re tired of trying to fix it, it’s okay to just… let it be a failure.

Conclusions

Again, this is far from comprehensive. The suggestions here are basic ideas to help inspire you to form your own opinions and solutions. It’s smart to consider these things in advance! As my mother always says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

I have plans to expand the idea of “When Witching Goes Wrong” into a wider series of posts, each focusing on a very specific problem, spell type, or solution (like a post just about ways to undo a spell, for example). Those are likely to include true stories about things I’ve personally fucked up… which are always the best witchy stories, in my opinion. Lol.

If you're interested in more WWGW entries, check out the masterpost.

Anyhow! If you got something out of this post or my other work, consider tossing a couple dollars in my tip jar. Support goes toward bills and keeping our household fed and healthy, so it’s very much appreciated. Supporters got to see this post a full week early!

If there’s a particular subject you want to see covered, feel free to send me an ask or leave a comment on this post (or any of the posts in the series!). As long as it’s something I actually have experience with, I’m happy to cover just about anything.

[howlsofbloodhounds]

So I was doing some looking around and researching into possible real life equivalents for Color’s physical condition, such as his fragility to the point of possible death if he overexerts his abilities.

Color’s condition—which is characterized by physical fragility, fatigue, and the potential for severe physical deterioration—has similarities to several real-life conditions that affect energy levels, muscle strength, and overall physical integrity such as:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)

Symptoms: Extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, muscle and joint pain, cognitive difficulties, and post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion).

Like Color, individuals with CFS/ME have limited energy reserves and can experience significant physical and cognitive fatigue from overexertion. They need to carefully manage their activity levels to avoid severe consequences.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease)

Symptoms: Fragile bones that break easily, muscle weakness, and fatigue.

The physical fragility and risk of cracking or breaking with exertion in Color's body can be likened to the bone fragility in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta. Managing physical stress and avoiding overexertion is crucial.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Symptoms: Hypermobile joints, skin that bruises easily, chronic pain, and fatigue.

The combination of fragility, easy bruising or tearing (cracking in Color’s case), and chronic fatigue can parallel the experiences of those with EDS, where physical stress can lead to significant issues.

Like individuals with CFS/ME, Color would need to pace his activities, taking frequent breaks and avoiding overexertion to prevent severe fatigue and physical damage. He might need to prioritize his activities, focusing on essential tasks and avoiding unnecessary exertion.

Similar to those with brittle bone disease, Color would need to avoid situations that could physically stress his body and lead to cracking or dusting.

He might use supportive devices or strategies to minimize physical strain, such as ergonomic tools for photography or mobility aids for traveling.

Techniques to manage chronic pain and discomfort, which could include medication, physical therapy, or other interventions. Ensuring adequate nutrition to support his body’s needs and potentially mitigate some of the fatigue and physical issues.

Developing coping mechanisms to handle the emotional stress of his physical condition, possibly through therapy or support groups. Relying on friends like Killer, Epic, Delta, and Beta for emotional support and understanding during difficult times.

Some supportive devices or strategies Color might make use of at his leisure, particularly with matters such as traveling and hiking, he could use things like orthopedic supports, mobility aids, things for pain management, adaptive equipment, assistive technology and more.

He could use braces and splints to support unstable joints and prevent injuries, and/or compression garments to help with joint stability and reduce pain.

Mobility aids such as walking poles or trekking poles to provide stability and reduce impact on joints during hiking. (His walking poles are definitely covered in stickers and drawings from all his friends.)

He could use portable heat and cold packs to help manage pain and inflammation as well as portable massager to relieve muscle tension and pain.

Adaptive equipment such as ergonomic backpacks designed to reduce strain and distribute weight evenly. Adjustable hiking sticks for customization based on height and terrain.

Voice-Activated apps and devices for navigation and reducing the need for physical interaction with devices. Smartphone apps for tracking symptoms, medication, and managing energy levels.

Stress- relief tools like stress balls, fidget toys, or calming apps to help manage PTSD symptoms or overstimulation.

Personal comfort items or sensory aids that provide emotional support during travel or hiking, such as all the evidence and trinkets of his loved ones back home or spiritual/religious items or symbols. Techniques and tools for managing fatigue, like scheduled rest breaks and planning shorter, manageable hikes.

Travel planning apps to help with organizing trips, finding accessible accommodations, and managing health needs.

(And of course this isn’t supposed to be me diagnosing color with anything, or saying what he does or doesn’t have. Mostly just to take some things this character experiences and link it to some real life equivalents, that could potentially help better understand him and what he deals with.)

[usernyoom]

F1 tyres for rookies! Everything you need to know (and probably more)

Responding to @powerful-owl's call for primers with all of the knowledge I have gathered about TYRES in F1! This is hopefully super in-depth so you know what's going on all through the weekend!!

What are tyre compounds?

Pirelli's range of tyres has 5 different compounds, ranging from C1 - C5. Each weekend, Pirelli chooses 3 compounds from this range suited to the conditions of the track that weekend. These three compounds make up the 3 types used during the weekend - soft, medium, and hards.

Each tyre used in a weekend has different qualities:

Softs - softest compound. It has the most grip, but because of this heats up faster. This leads to degradation so the tyres wear more quickly and then need to be replaced earlier. Good for speed and often used in starts when a team wants a quick position gain. Qualifying is the soft tyre's natural habitat

Mediums - considered to be the allrounder. Less grip than the softs but longer lasting. Often used during the middle of the race as an intervening compound during a two-stop strategy, or as the tyre used in a long initial stint when a driver is on a one-stop strategy.

Hards - hardest compound. The least grip, but the longest lasting. Least likely to grain. Takes a lot of work to get the tyre up to the heat needed for suitable grip, so cool tracks like Spa, Zandvoort and Las Vegas can make these tyres disadvantageous. Also often used as a second tyre during a two-stop strategy

Pirelli also provide tyres with extreme grip to be used during rain. These tyres are designed to grip even when wet, but are also engineered to throw water up from the track to help dry it out quickly. There are two types:

Intermediates - more grip. Designed for use during light to intermediate rain

Wets - full wet tyres designed for use during downpours. Commonly sighted in Spa

Wait - if intermediate and wet tyres have more grip, why don't we use them during dry conditions?

The intermediate and wet tyres are designed to have enough grip that the cars can maintain speed even when the track has water on it. This amount of grip means that without water on the track to cool the tyre and mitigate the extra grip, the tyres overheat much more than they can handle. This can lead to severe graining, or the tyre beginning to fall apart (not good!)

What are slicks? Are they a secret third wet tyre?

Teams and commentators often refer to 'slicks' during wet conditions. These are just slick tyres - the usual compounds during a weekend but a bit wet. Teams often prefer to use these to intermediates or wets when it begins to rain, as switching to intermediates too early can be dangerous for a driver's position - if they overjudge the intensity or length of the rain, the driver will have to pit again for the usual compound, and their competitors may not have to. Some drivers have incredible instincts when it comes to these decisions - Fernando Alonso has made amazing judgement calls this season!

Why do Pirelli select 3 compounds from the range for each race? Can't we use the same 3 each time?

Lots of factors affect the way tyres heat up and degrade! Here's a list:

The general grip of the track - some tracks have loads of grip, so the tyres heat up quickly because of friction. This means they require less work, but can also degrade much more quickly - often, the harder compounds from the range are used for these tracks

Track temperature - the ambient temperature (air temperature) at a track can affect the track temperature. In warmer countries, we often see track temperatures at 40 - 50 degrees centigrade. This means the tyres warm up quickly, so they have loads of grip here too! However, in other places, the track temperature is super low, so it takes a lot of work to get tyres up to temperature

Configuration of the track - tracks have different combinations of straights, high speed corners and low speed corners, as well as different amounts of left and right turns. These factors can all put pressure on different parts of the tyre, so they'll degrade differently at different tracks

Support races - lower formulas like F2 often follow the F1 calendar. They have their feature races and practice sessions before the F1 drivers. They can help to rubber in the track, and clean up areas outside the racing line - dirt often accumulates on areas on the track that are not commonly used. This can affect grip and cause drivers to spin out when they stray into them!

How often the track is used - some tracks like COTA have several different types of motorsport use them, such as Moto GP. This means the track is much cleaner than other tracks used exclusively by the formulas etc.

To make things safe for the drivers, we need a wider range of compounds to account for all these conditions. Pirelli do analysis before the race weekend to pick which 3 compounds to use, accounting for these factors

What does it mean to 'get tyres up to temperature'?

Each tyre compound has different temperatures that they perform optimally at. To get the tyres up to this temperature, the heat provided by the friction of tyre against track is needed. At the right heat, the tyre performs at its best! This explains:

Why drivers weave during the formation lap/safety cars - weaving increases friction between the tyre and the track to heat them up faster. This gets them to/keeps them at a good temperature when the race gets going!

Why we have tyre blankets - you can often see mechanics on the grid warming tyres with heated blankets! The FIA regulations allow the heating up tyres up to 70 degrees centigrade for up to two hours before the tyres are used. This can be done for tyres used during pitstops in the race too! The FIA will likely disallow the use of tyre blankets in the 2024 season

What's a flat spot?

When drivers have a lock-up (the brakes cause too much friction and stop the tyres turning completely) the same spot on the tyre rubs against the track for an extended period of time. This is what produces the smoke you see. This causes a literal flat spot on the circumference of the tyre, which often causes bumps and is sometimes uncomfortable for the driver. Flat spots make lock-ups with that set of tyres more likely, which can make the flat spot worse over time. Teams often try to pit and change tyres with flat-spots to avoid this

Why do commentators say things like: "he has three sets left for the race"?

Each driver has a number of tyres of different compounds allocated to them for the weekend. These amount to 13 sets overall:

Softs: 8 sets

Mediums: 3 sets

Hards: 2 sets

Additionally; Intermediates: 4 sets

Wets: 3 sets

After each free practice sessions, teams are required to return two sets of tyres per driver back to Pirelli. This means all 20 drivers have only 7 sets available to them during qualifying. Additionally, the top 10 qualifiers (P10 - P1) have to hand back an additional set to Pirelli after qualifying. This means the back 10 drivers (P20 - P11) could have an extra advantage over the front runners. This means strategy for tyres during the rest of the weekend is important - teams don't only have the race to consider!

Sometimes this means drivers will use 'used' tyres during qualifying or the race. This just refers to tyres that have been used during previous sessions and haven't been returned to Pirelli. On some tracks, a tyre that has had a heat cycle run through before its second use is better than a fresh tyre! However, most of the time, it means the tyre has less grip than a new set of the same compound

If teams have all of this information, why do we need so much testing in free practice?

Although lots of analysis can be done before the weekend, conditions can be unpredictable and therefore its important to get all of the testing done in low-pressure sessions like free practice so the teams know what to expect during the race.

Different cars also affect how the tyres degrade! This season, the Ferraris and Haas are particularly notorious for gobbling up their tyres. This just means that the way their car is designed/set-up just applies more friction to the tyres than other cars, which affects degradation.

Ferrari have also found their tyres to particularly unpredictable this season. Charles Leclerc has said several times that he can't predict what each tyre is going to do in each corner. This is obviously problematic, so free practice sessions are important in helping drivers to become familiar with the way different tyres act with their car for this season at different tracks

I hope that helped! Send me asks if you have anymore questions :)

[cerastes]

Thoughts about IS3

I love IS2, and I love IS3. I completed Surging Waves 15 on week 1, and am now trudging to do a 100% completion of IS3, as I did with IS2. I played IS2 a lot, and I will be playing IS3 a lot. With this in mind, I’ve had a lot of thoughts regarding IS3, by itself and as a successor to IS2. I will be sharing these thoughts.

The balancing on IS3 is done very well, because the Surging Waves is a good system. Some may know it as “Intensity�� or “Heat”, but Surging Waves is a concept often used in modern Roguelikes to add different modifiers to the base systems and balance of a Roguelike to further increase replay value. The fundamental design of IS3 is easier than IS2, but with Waves, it becomes harder than IS2. This is a good thing: IS3 is more welcoming than IS2 to newcomers both to the game as a whole and to endgame content. You can tackle Waves 0 as a mid-range player, as long as you have basic understanding of building a team, without much difficulty. The clear rates of IS3, visible in the game itself, are pretty high already, and I see a lot of people say they feel IS3 is easier than IS2. I agree with the sentiment, the base balancing of IS3 is much less demanding than IS2, but as you ascend the waves, it becomes significantly harder than IS2 between the slowly ascending stat heft as well as the extra conditions.

Team building flexibility is far more permissible in IS3 than IS2. IS2 had this problem where a Berry pick (Honeyberry or Mulberry) as a Medic was pretty much always the correct choice due to the sheer amount of Nervous Impairment that the game dishes out, with almost every IS2 exclusive enemy and two out of the four bosses inflicting it in heavy quantities. Not only that, but the very nature of Nervous Impairment as a type of Elemental damage is particularly dangerous: Heavy burst damage plus several seconds of Stun compromise your defense and offense significantly! In IS3, on the other hand, there’s more varied types of Elemental Damage, with the main type being Corrosion: Indeed, plenty of enemies inflict Corrosion, but Corrosion as a type of Elemental damage allows for FAR more flexibility in team building: A Berry is suddenly not always the right choice, they remain VERY good choices, but not the Best choices necessarily when gauging where to put your Hope. Likewise, Crowd Control-capable Operators, irregular range Operators, and other such characters are all good choices in IS3 due to deliberate enemy design and tile placement that makes them great to have, as opposed to the fundamentally simplistic, rudimentary style of map design seen in IS2 that, by nature, benefited Marksman (AA) Snipers heavily.

Bosses have a unified design philosophy of “Alternate Bulk”. Instead of making stat sticks in order to deal with burst damage compositions and strategies, they instead give them a range of base stats not far removed from the IS2 final bosses, instead opting to give them different ways to mitigate damage that can be circumvented by the player one way or another in order to gain an advantage: Highmore has high HP but low DEF, however, she also significantly cripples the ASPD of nearby units (-60 phase 1, -80 phase 2) and has multi-target with Corrosion damage in order to prevent just easily being able to absorb her hits with one superbuffed tank (3 targets phase 1, 5 targets phase 2). The Last Knight has a whooping 4000 Defense that can be reduced to a paltry 800 with a special item, much like how you could remove the Big Sad Lock’s regen with an item and he Freezes units that damage him twice in the space of 2 seconds (4 seconds under 25% HP), however, he moves very slowly, has to work through a bunch of Rubble, moves ONLY in a straight line, and is susceptible to every status effect in the game except Silence. Skadi seems straightforward at first, but she necessitates you to place your units in specific tiles to slow down her SP charge, and if it fills, she transforms into Ishar’mla, and He must be defeated to turn Him back, all the while gaining access to a fast triple target 4-tile range True Damage autoattack. This all means that bosses come with their own counters and mechanics to deal with, but not invalidate, burst damage: Burst damage compositions are still very strong! In fact, if you get lucky with items, you can really just burst right through their mechanics all unga bunga style, but even if you don’t win the item lottery, a good burst composition will still pay great dividends, it’s just, the game wants you to sub-build something else alongside your burst composition! It can be bulk, it can be crowd control, it can be global control, it can be sustained damage, anything! This not only incentivizes varied builds, it rewards playing the game in your own desired way instead of always rewarding burst, all without actually weakening or invalidating burst. Coming from a mobile game, this is fantastic game design not usually seen in that sector of the industry, with mobile games usually taking a heavy-handed “completely negate a style of play” approach to ‘balancing’ whether long-term or for gimmicks.

It’s all actually fresh new maps. I’m astounded, because I thought IS3 was going to be Mostly IS2 But With A Couple New Maps And A Creepy And Wet Coat Of Paint, the way IS2 was IS1 But With A Couple New Maps And A Creepy And French Coat Of Paint. Nope, they legit just made a whole slew of new maps. I wouldn’t have minded IS2 2 but I am very very happy that IS3 is its own thing!

The Squads are still kind of lopsided. Not all Squads are made equal, and I don’t think they were meant to be, but I also don’t think they were meant to be this unequal. In IS2, Resource Squad, Leader Squad, and Class-specific Squads blew the other Squads out of the water pretty badly. In IS3, the three new Squads are pretty damn good, and I think it has to do with the fact that you can upgrade them with the all-new talent tree whereas... You Can’t Do That with the other Squads. This is a very weird decision, because the three new Squads are very very strong if played with their strengths in mind, further incentivized by the new systems like Surging Waves, Dice, Light, Caches, and Wish Fulfillment. For instance, one of the few decisions I dislike about Surging Waves is the fact that Waves 4 increases Hope cost of everything 3 Stars and above by 1... This is huge! That single increase in price makes 3 Stars that aren’t Reserves cost 1 Hope! It’s a pretty massive game-changer in terms of building and early run economy! I would’ve made that something like Waves 7 or 8 personally, but it’s very early at Waves 4. However, People-Oriented Squad complete gets rid of it, while still offering its discounted Promotion costs. I’ll be honest, I don’t play Waves 4 and above if it isn’t People-Oriented as of the making of this post, because being able to Not deal with that is simply too strong. And if I wasn’t doing that, I’d definitely grab either of the two new Squads to try and make up for it in other areas, and if not those, the Class-specific Squads, again, for Hope efficiency. I wish they would make the other Squads a bit more appealing or upgradable. They aren’t unplayable by any means, but I think there’s a clear disparity in potency. *I understand part of this is also because my strategy is based on Hope-efficiency, but putting that aside, I do believe there’s a disparity in potency, even with my possible bias.

These are my main thoughts regarding IS3. I’ve been enjoying the game mode a lot and I can’t wait to experiment more with it.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

A potential new route to super-efficient carbon dioxide reduction: Catalyst offers 800-fold boost

One of the most promising strategies being investigated to mitigate emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2)—a byproduct of electricity and heat production, transportation, and other industries—is the process of electrochemical reduction. In this approach, electrical energy is used to convert recaptured CO2 into useable products and fuels, such as methanol and ethanol. But a challenge has been finding a catalyst that is efficient and fast enough to be practically used. Motivated by this goal, a group of researchers led by scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified an approach that can improve the speed of catalysis by a factor of 800. The work, a collaboration between Brookhaven, Yale University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is published in the August 27, 2024 online edition of the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Read more.

[charles-leclerc-official]

what are your thoughts on our (charles’) odds for singapore?

I think good. I'd say better for Ferrari overall because this is a much better track for Carlos as well so he will be a lot more versatile in terms of strategy. Charles knows how to put it on pole here, so we are for sure going to be competitive.

Now it's going to be another close one with Mclaren.

The factor here can be the heat, which the night race mitigates but doesn't eliminate. So it will be interesting to see what tyre performance looks like.

Should be near or at the front, and as we have seen literally anything can happen. I expect this will also be a tense race and I'll be shocked if there isn't one DNF, which would bring flags into the mix and change the race drastically as well.

Assuming everything goes well I am saying top 3 finish, any of those positions are on the table.

[aobkorea]

DRY SKIN TIPS THAT REALLY WORKS.

Skin can become dry and dehydrated when it loses water too quickly—not unlike our bodies on a scorching summer day or after a grueling cardio workout. When our skin loses that water, it’s called transepidermal weather loss (TEWL). For those of us with dry skin, that means our skin cells have a hard time keeping water in. Add to that environmental aggressors like sun, wind, pollution, polar/cold climates and the skin barrier can also be compromised - making skin drier and more fragile and susceptible to cracking and irritation. A few common characteristics of dry skin include dullness, flakey-ness, tightness, itchiness, redness, and just (sigh) general discomfort. In short, dry skin is no fun. But it is common—and almost everyone will grapple with it at some point.

Some people are genetically predisposed to dryer skin and deal with it even as teenagers, when skin typically overproduces oil. Others battle parched complexions seasonally (particularly in the dry depths of winter) or situationally (e.g. long, hot showers, certain medications and even overly aggressive skincare can all cause excessive moisture loss). And of course, all skin becomes drier as we age, so even if you’ve never considered your skin on the dry side, it will be…eventually.

The good news is dry skin doesn’t have to stay dry. There are lots of simple, easy-to-adopt strategies that will soothe and soften almost instantly. Here are 7 dry skin tips to set you on the path to smoother, more supple skin.

1. Turn On A Humidifier

Dry skin can be caused—or exacerbated—by central heating, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. If you live in a climate that dips below 50 degrees during the winter, you’re likely well aware of this. Turning on a humidifier overnight—or placing a small one near your work space during the day—will consistently mist and hydrate the air, helping to mitigate the moisture-zapping properties of all that exposure to indoor heat.

2. Ease Up On The Steamy Showers

Yes, it does feel so good—especially on a frigid day. But too much time in a long, hot shower or bath can remove natural oils from your skin, as well as disrupt your skin’s protective barrier function (which can cause you to lose moisture even outside the shower). So, as a general rule, try to suds and rinse in less than ten minutes and keep the water temperature closer to warm than hot.

3. Choose A Gentle Cleanser

Using a harsh antibacterial soap, which is designed to remove sweat and oil, will also strip moisture from your skin, leaving it itchy and dry. This result is often worsened in the winter months when skin is most vulnerable. So, try to stick to body and face cleansers that are creamy and moisturizing, like Korean skincare , which effectively removes makeup and impurities, but does it without stripping moisture from the skin or disrupting the skin’s barrier function.

4. Slather On Moisture Asap

Layering on moisturizing serums and creams, immediately after cleansing will help seal water into the skin, as well as support the skin’s barrier function. Same goes for your body: Aim to always apply a hydrating cream right after showering or bathing—and massage in a nourishing hand lotion, Such as Korean skincare every time you wash up. Note: To maximize the hydrating potency of the aforementioned formulas, always blot, rather than rub, with a towel after showering or cleansing. Blotting gets rids of any dripping water but still leaves a light film of moisture for your serums and creams to seal inside the skin.

5. Slough With Care

Slathering on moisturizer is crucial in treating dry skin, but if the buildup of dead skin cells on your face has become nearly impenetrable, those formulas can’t permeate and nourish your skin. So, it’s also imperative that you use a gentle scrub or an exfoliating toner, such as K-Beauty to routinely remove dead surface skin cells. Do this step a few times a week after cleansing, but before moisturizing.

6. Take Cover

In bitter-cold climates, the skin can lose moisture at an accelerated rate—as much as 25 percent more than it does in a moderate climate. So, If your home state’s winter weather can become quite harsh, try to prioritize covering as much skin as possible whenever you head outdoors. Scarves, hats, knee socks and gloves should be considered as essential as shoes.

7. Drink Up

Keeping your skin hydrated starts with quenching your body’s thirst for water. So, try to down the expert-recommended 64 ounces of liquid each day (non-caffeinated beverages like tea or seltzer also count). And feel free to toss back more, if you're still thirsty. Also, try to limit both caffeinated and alcoholic drinks to no more than two per day, as both are diuretics and can accelerate water loss, undoing all the good-skin deeds, above.

Though we commonly discuss dry skin during the colder, drier winter months, it’s actually a year-round problem. The key to curbing your skin’s moisture loss is both making small lifestyle changes, and sticking to a soothing, hydrating skincare regimen.

#womenshealth #lipstick #eyemakeup #vitaminc #hair #shorthair #dermatology #sephora #lashes #makeupinspo #makeuplooks #lipgloss #kbeauty #antiaging #hairstyle #healthyskin #skinhealth #eyeshadow #glowingskin #skintreatment #skin products #koreanskincare #bodycare #curly hair #fashion #beauty #redhair #beautyproducts #beautytips #haircare #beautyproducts #skinfood

[posttexasstressdisorder]

The arc of justice finally bends against Big Oil

Sabrina Haake

April 14, 2024 6:15AM ET

An oil refinery blow off stack is seen, Sept. 16, 2008, in Texas City, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

This article was paid for by Raw Story subscribers. Not a subscriber? Try us and go ad-free for $1. Prefer to give a one-time tip? Click here.

In an historic ruling that could change the trajectory of a rapidly heating planet, a court of law with binding jurisdiction over most of Europe has ruled that governments can be held liable for inadequate responses to climate change.

The European Court of Human Rights determined that rising temperatures in Switzerland caused direct and tangible health consequences among Swiss citizens, and that governments failing to take adequate steps to mitigate and reduce greenhouse gas emissions could owe damages to people hurt by their inaction.

So what, in practical terms, does this mean for a planet that is literally burning in an increasing number of locations?

Europe could take climate cases in a new direction

The ECHR ruling is unprecedented in several respects, beginning with its reliance on principles of human rights.

The Court ruled that governments failing to do enough to address climate change were violating the European Convention on Human Rights, which holds as its first tenet that, “Everyone’s right to life shall be protected by law.” By failing to meet its own climate goals, the court held, the Swiss government impaired citizens’ fundamental rights to life.

The plaintiffs themselves were also unique. In climate cases pending around the world, including in the United States, the vast majority of plaintiffs are young people worried about how they will survive on a sweltering planet with rapidly disappearing habitats and resources.

ALSO READ: 15 worthless things Trump will give you for your money

The ECHR case, in contrast, was brought by elderly plaintiffs, most of whom were women in their 70s who proved that their age and gender make them particularly vulnerable to health risks linked to climate change. Heatwaves, in particular, can be deadly for the elderly as excessive heat triggers a strained cardiovascular response. Cognizant of their own time limitations, these women sued to benefit the next generation. One plaintiff told the BBC, “We know statistically that in 10 years we will be gone. So whatever we do now, we are not doing for ourselves, but for the sake of our children and our children's children.”

Because there is no avenue for appeal, the ECHR ruling will directly influence energy policy throughout the industrialized economies of Europe. Although it falls to Switzerland to comply with the ruling, its precedent is legally binding on all 46 member states, including Germany, the U.K., France and Italy — all fuel-burning heavy hitters.

Climate challenges in the U.S.

The European Court ruled that Switzerland’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions had been “woefully inadequate.” Although the ruling isn’t binding on U.S. courts, the domestic fossil fuel industry will be directly affected by it, since the U.S. has recently become the biggest supplier of crude oil to the European Union.

ALSO READ: Revealed: What government officials privately shared about Trump not disclosing finances

Climate litigants in the U.S. follow a different strategy. State and local governments are now suing fossil fuel companies and the American Petroleum Institute for damages caused by climate change — astronomical damages that inevitably fall to states, cities and towns that can’t afford to pay for them.

These climate cases name private fossil fuel companies as defendants, seeking to hold responsible various for-profit companies, including BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil and Shell, for increasing carbon dioxide and methane emissions caused by their products.

Big Oil’s campaign of deception

Legal claims and allegations pending in the U.S. focus largely on Big Oil’s deceptive practices. Like the tobacco disinformation cases from the 1990s, these cases allege fraud, nuisance, conspiracy and negligence arising from the industry’s long-standing public disinformation campaigns.

Congress has conducted numerous investigations into Big Oil’s pattern of deception. Despite conclusive evidence that oil executives have long known the causal connection between fossil fuels and climate change, industry executives have consistently lied about it to protect their profits.

Nearly 10 years ago, Democratic members of Congress addressed a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists concluding that “there was a coordinated campaign of deception” on climate science by ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, BP, Shell, Peabody Energy and other members of the fossil fuel industry.

Tanker drivers working for Shell in Grangemouth, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Big Oil’s targeted acts of deception over a decades-long campaign included “forged letters to Congress,” secret funding of allegedly independent but industry-controlled scientists, creating “fake grassroots organizations” to influence policy, and multiple, ongoing, and in-depth “efforts to deliberately manufacture uncertainty about climate science.”

Evidence of the industry’s deceptive practices could be pivotal in cases brought by state and local governments paying a staggering tab for intensifying storms, flooding, crop-destroying droughts, extreme heat events and, for states and towns on major bodies of water, coastal erosion.

In the meantime, the fossil fuel industry continues to profit outrageously from extracting, distributing and marketing dangerous products known to increase Earth’s already feverish temperature: March was the 10th month in a row to set a new monthly global heat record, both on land and in the oceans, as global reliance on coal — the dirtiest fossil fuel of all — continues to climb.

Landmark climate cases in Montana, Hawaii

The ECHR decision was the first to rule that governments are obligated under human rights laws to address climate change, but it won’t be the last. Cases pending in Montana and Hawaii also allege damages from unmet climate obligations by their respective state governments.

Last August, 16 young plaintiffs scored an unprecedented victory in Montana. They argued that the state violated a state constitutional provision that guarantees Montana citizens a healthy environment, and Judge Kathy Seeley agreed. She ruled that permitting coal, oil and gas production worsened the climate crisis, in violation of the “healthy environment” guarantees found in the Montana constitution.

In result, state regulators issuing permits for fossil fuel developments must now consider the effects of greenhouse gas emissions as part of their overall analysis of whether to grant or deny the permit. After the state appealed the maverick ruling, Montana’s Supreme Court, in a 5-2 decision, denied the governor’s request to block the ruling pending appeal.

In Hawaii, another pending climate case involves 14 youths. Plaintiffs in Hawaii allege that the state’s transportation department, by funding highway projects that increase fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, violated a constitutional duty to protect the environment.

A protestor holds a 'Polluters Pay Up' sign outside the Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery Wilmington Plant on Nov. 28, 2022, in Wilmington, Calif. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

After the state challenged plaintiffs’ standing, claiming they could not show particularized harm because climate damages are already “baked in,” the judge ruled that climate damages to plaintiffs “are not hypothetical,” and allowed the case to proceed.

When the state asked Hawaii’s legislators for more than $2 million to hire outside counsel to fight the case, one state legislator told Hawaii Public Radio that instead of “spending the millions of dollars we’re spending on some hotshot law firm,” Hawaii should apply that money toward emissions reductions instead.

The case was scheduled for trial this summer, but in February, the fossil fuel defendants petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court, claiming that federal law precludes damages claims against them.

Take heart, then take action

Climate activists should be uplifted and encouraged by the ECHR decision, particularly as its effects begin to ripple through the fossil fuel industry, industrialized economies and reluctant courts.

It won’t change the prognosis or the immediate future — today’s youth throughout the world will still live through the worst effects of climate destruction, even though they had nothing to do with the policies that caused it.

It’s the same lament heard from emerging economies in Asia and Africa. Struggling countries and coastal populations who had nothing to do with industrialization over the past 150 years are now paying the steepest price through their own rapidly disappearing habitats.

Thousands of school students join protesters in a Climate strike rally on September 20, 2019, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

But one major, outcome-determinative difference between these two rightfully aggrieved populations remains: the right to vote.

As enraging as it is for young Americans to hear oil-financed politicians deny climate change (“Drill baby, drill!”), we could fund the transition to clean energy — including an upgraded, nationwide grid of sufficient capacity — if every young adult simply voted.

Sabrina Haake is a columnist and 25 year litigator specializing in 1st and 14th Amendment defense. Follow her on Substack.

[autistic-clownfish]

Hypermobile and hEDS people! I am looking for your advice - I have joint hypermobility and this winter (Australian) I’ve been having regular joint pain for the first time. It’s always been random prior to this, but this time it’s the weather. Other than heating the house more, what strategies do you have for mitigating against painful joints and for soothing the pain? My hip was giving me a lot of issues the past few days and now one of my toes is very unhappy. My wrists have been bad for a while too. I recently had my 22nd birthday so I’m not really at an age you’d usually be having regular joint pain.

What do you do to soothe and prevent painful joints, especially when it’s cold?

[sunshinesmebdy]

April 14th, 2024: A Day of Mixed Emotions and Action in Business and Finance

The Moon’s journey through Cancer on April 14th, 2024, brings a complex blend of emotional influences. As an astrologer and business consultant, let’s explore how these transits can impact business and finance, offering strategies to navigate this day’s energetic currents.

Moon in Cancer: Seeking Security and Comfort

As discussed earlier, the Moon in Cancer prioritizes security, comfort, and emotional well-being. This energy can manifest in both positive and challenging ways in business:

Positive: Increased focus on team building, empathy for clients, and long-term financial planning.

Challenging: Risk aversion, emotional decision-making, and potential for conflict due to heightened sensitivities.

A Day of Balancing Acts:

Several key aspects color April 14th:

Moon Trine Saturn (Positive): This supportive angle brings discipline, responsibility, and a sense of perseverance. It can help channel emotional energy into productive action.

Business Implications: A good day to tackle challenging tasks that require focus and determination. Teamwork and a structured approach will be beneficial.

Financial Implications: This is a positive influence for long-term financial planning and making responsible investment decisions.

Moon Square Mercury & Venus in Aries (Challenging): These squares create tension between Cancer’s emotional nature and Aries’ impulsive fire. This can lead to communication breakdowns, emotional outbursts, and difficulty compromising.

Business Implications: Be mindful of your communication style. Avoid making rash decisions or expressing frustrations in the heat of the moment. Encourage open and respectful dialogue within your team.

Financial Implications: Avoid impulsive investments based on emotional reactions to market fluctuations. Stick to your research and well-defined financial goals.

Moon Trine Mars in Pisces (Positive): This harmonious aspect offers a surge of compassion, intuition, and creative problem-solving.

Business Implications: This is a good day for brainstorming sessions or tackling complex challenges that require innovative solutions.

Financial Implications: Use your intuition for research and uncover hidden opportunities in the market. Consider socially responsible investments that align with your values.

Moon Square North Node & Chiron in Aries (Challenging): This square can trigger feelings of insecurity and a fear of failure. It may also highlight areas where emotional wounds need healing within your business or personal finances.

Business Implications: Acknowledge and address any underlying emotional issues within your team that might be hindering progress. Open communication and a supportive environment are crucial.

Financial Implications: Review your financial fears and anxieties. Are they based on past experiences or current realities? Develop a plan to address any insecurities surrounding your financial situation.

Remember, astrology is a guide, not a script. By understanding these astrological influences, you can be more prepared to navigate the emotional complexities of April 14th. Embrace the positive aspects — discipline, empathy, and creative problem-solving — while mitigating the challenges — communication breakdowns and emotional reactivity. With awareness and proactive strategies, you can turn this day into a productive and emotionally intelligent one for business and finance.

[globalwarmingupdates]

How to explore Global warming

Global warming refers to the long-term rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a "greenhouse effect," which causes the planet to warm over time.

Causes of Global Warming:

Burning of Fossil Fuels: The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy and transportation releases large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Deforestation: Trees absorb CO2, and cutting them down reduces this capacity, while burning or decaying trees releases stored carbon.

Industrial Activities: Factories and other industrial processes emit various greenhouse gases.

Agriculture: Farming, particularly livestock production, produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Waste Management: Decomposition of organic waste in landfills also releases methane.

Effects of Global Warming:

Rising Temperatures: Global average temperatures have increased by approximately 1.1°C (2°F) since the late 19th century, with significant consequences for ecosystems and weather patterns.

Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels: Ice caps and glaciers are melting, contributing to rising sea levels, which threaten coastal communities.

Extreme Weather Events: Global warming increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall.

Impact on Ecosystems: Warmer temperatures affect biodiversity, with species migrating or going extinct, altering ecosystems.

Health Impacts: Heatwaves, air pollution, and changing disease patterns (e.g., the spread of tropical diseases) are increasing due to warmer conditions.

Mitigation and Adaptation:

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Shifting to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, as well as improving energy efficiency, can help reduce emissions.

Carbon Sequestration: Reforestation and afforestation, as well as emerging technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), can remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

Climate Adaptation: Communities are developing strategies to cope with the impacts of global warming, such as building sea walls to protect against rising sea levels or altering agricultural practices to cope with changing climate conditions.

International Cooperation: Agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to limit global warming to well below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C, to avoid catastrophic climate change.to wellbeing threats.

[drsiram]

🌟 Essential Tips and Techniques to Alleviate Joint Pain 🌿

Joint pain can significantly impact daily life, making even simple tasks challenging and uncomfortable. Whether caused by arthritis, injury, or other factors, managing joint pain is crucial for maintaining quality of life and mobility.

This article explores various strategies, from lifestyle adjustments to therapeutic techniques, aimed at alleviating joint pain effectively.

Understanding Joint Pain

Joint pain can arise from various conditions, including:

Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease due to wear and tear.

Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder affecting joints.

Injury: Sprains, strains, or fractures impacting joint function.

Other conditions: Such as gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.

Each condition may require specific management approaches, but many general strategies can help mitigate joint pain and improve joint health overall.

Lifestyle Modifications

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Excess weight puts additional stress on joints, particularly weight-bearing ones like knees and hips.

Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

2. Regular Exercise:

Low-impact exercises like swimming, biking, or walking can strengthen muscles around joints and improve flexibility.

Avoid high-impact activities that may exacerbate joint pain.

3. Joint-Friendly Activities:

Yoga and tai chi improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Physical therapy can provide tailored exercises to strengthen specific joints.

4. Proper Posture and Body Mechanics 💪🏻:

Maintain good posture to reduce stress on joints, especially the spine and neck.

Lift heavy objects properly using your legs and avoiding twisting motions.

5. Ergonomic Adjustments:

Use ergonomic chairs and desks to support joints during work.

Adjust your environment to minimize repetitive movements that strain joints.

Dietary Considerations

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Found in fish like salmon and mackerel, these can help reduce inflammation.

Consider supplements if dietary intake is insufficient.

2. Antioxidants:

Vitamins C and E, found in fruits and vegetables, may protect joints from oxidative stress.

Berries, spinach, and nuts are rich sources.

3. Spices and Herbs 🌿:

Turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties.

Incorporate these into cooking or take as supplements.

4. Hydration:

Drink plenty of water to maintain joint lubrication and overall hydration.

Limit sugary drinks and alcohol, which can exacerbate inflammation.

Pain Management Strategies

1. Over-the-Counter Medications:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation.

Acetaminophen is an alternative for pain relief.

2. Topical Treatments:

Creams and gels containing capsaicin or menthol can provide localized pain relief.

Consider patches for convenience and prolonged relief.

3. Hot and Cold Therapy:

Heat packs or warm baths can relax muscles and improve circulation.

Cold packs or ice packs reduce inflammation and numb pain.

4. Acupuncture and Massage:

Acupuncture may help alleviate pain by stimulating specific points.

Massage therapy can reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility.

Medical Interventions

1. Prescription Medications:

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for autoimmune conditions.

Corticosteroid injections for severe inflammation.

2. Joint Support Devices:

Braces, splints, or orthotics can provide stability and reduce joint strain.

Custom orthotics may correct alignment issues contributing to pain.

3. Surgical Options:

Joint replacement surgery by Dr. Siram helps alleviate joint pain by replacing damaged or deteriorated joints with prosthetic implants, restoring mobility and reducing discomfort significantly.

Arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove damaged tissue in the joint.

Psychological and Emotional Support

1. Coping Strategies:

Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and pain perception.

Join support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

Helps develop coping skills and change negative thought patterns related to pain.

May complement medical treatments for better pain management.

Conclusion

Managing joint pain requires a multifaceted approach that combines lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, pain management strategies, and sometimes medical interventions. 

By incorporating these tips and techniques into daily life, individuals can alleviate pain, improve joint function, and enhance overall quality of life. 

Consult with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized plan that addresses specific needs and conditions, ensuring long-term joint health and well-being. 🩺💼

[bracketsoffear]

Hot Time in the Old Town (Edward P. Kohn) "One of the worst natural disasters in American history, the 1896 New York heat wave killed almost 1,500 people in ten oppressively hot days. The heat coincided with a pitched presidential contest between William McKinley and the upstart Democrat William Jennings Bryan, who arrived in New York City at the height of the catastrophe. As historian Edward P. Kohn shows, Bryan's hopes for the presidency began to flag amidst the abhorrent heat just as a bright young police commissioner named Theodore Roosevelt was scrambling to mitigate the dangerously high temperatures by hosing down streets and handing out ice to the poor. A vivid narrative that captures the birth of the progressive era, Hot Time in the Old Town revives the forgotten disaster that almost destroyed a great American city."

In addition to the heat wave itself, elements of the Desolation contained in this account include the terrible, inhumane conditions of the New York City tenements and the abrupt decline of Bryant's presidential chances and political future.

Dark Horizons (Jenny T. Colgan) Synopsis: "Now, you may or may not have noticed, but we appear to be on fire…"

On a windswept Northern shore, at the very tip of what will one day become Scotland, the islanders believe the worst they have to fear is a Viking attack. Then the burning comes. They cannot run from it. Water will not stop it. It consumes everything in its path — yet the burned still speak.

The Doctor is just looking for a game on the famous Lewis chess set. Instead he encounters a people under attack from a power they cannot possibly understand. They have no weapons, no strategy and no protection against a fire sent to engulf them all.

Add in some marauding Vikings with very bad timing, a kidnapped princess with a secret of her own and a TARDIS that seems to have developed an inexplicable fear of water, and they all have a battle on their hands. The islanders must take on a ruthless alien force in a world without technology; without communications; without tea that isn't made out of bark. Still at least they have the Doctor on their side… Don't they?"

Why it's Desolation: Living fire that kills people to turn them into fire zombies! Illusions of their dead loved ones to lure them into the fire's embrace! PAIN!

[bigcatcues]

Soft as Felt: Softening Pool Table Bumpers for Enhanced Billiards Play

The game of billiards, with its roots tracing back to the 15th century, is not just about the skillful strike of the cue ball but also the perfect geometry of rebounds. For seasoned players, the consistency of a pool table's bumpers can mean the difference between a pot and a miss. This guide is for the enthusiasts and intermediates looking to fine-tune their tables for optimal play.

Why Shore Up Your Cushions?

Billiards, a game of precision, is heavily reliant on the angles and banks of the ball's path across the table. The bumpers, also known as cushions, are pivotal in providing the right level of bounce and response. Over time, these bumpers can harden, leading to erratic ball behavior and throwing even the best-laid shots off-kilter.

The reasons to soften your pool table's bumpers are grounded in the physics of the game. A softer cushion not only provides a superior and more predictable rebound but also ensures a lighter, quieter play. Imagine the satisfying ‘thud’ as the ball finds its way back towards your intended pocket, every single time. It's a small tweak that can yield significant improvements in your gameplay experience.

How to Soften Pool Table Bumpers

Step 1: Assess the State

Begin by assessing the state of your table's bumpers. Probe them gently with your fingers and note the response. If you feel a consistent, but slightly hard, resistance, you're in luck—softening them will be straightforward. If they feel like granite, it’s a sign of imminent renovation.

Step 2: The Cover Change

One of the easiest ways to soften your table's bumpers is to change the covers. Over time, the original rubber cushion might become compressed or worn out. Replacing covers with a new set of high-quality, soft rubber can bring back that ‘straight out of the box’ cushioniness to your table.

Step 3: Steam Straight

If new covers aren’t an option, steaming the existing bumpers can be an effective method. Heat from steam can help ‘rejuvenate’ older rubber by making it more pliable. Use a handheld steamer on the cushion for a few seconds, then test the redundancy of the operation, monitoring closely to ensure the rubber doesn’t overheat.

Step 4: Spritz Solutions

There are commercially available sprays designed to soften rubber, and these can be an easy and effective alternative to steaming. Spritz the cushions with the softening solution and allow them to absorb the liquid. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and repeat the process as necessary. Avoid using too much spray and make sure no residue is left on the table surface that could affect play.

Step 5: Physique the Felt

The cloth that lines the bumpers also plays a part in the overall cushioning effect. Refelting the bumpers with a thicker, softer fabric can mitigate some of the hardness of the rubber beneath. This is a more involved process and might be best left to professionals, but the result can be markedly effective.

The Art of the Soft Rebound

Softening pool table bumpers is an art as much as it is a science. It requires a gentle touch and an understanding of the materials involved. However, with a bit of patience and the right approach, you can enjoy a reinvigorated and consistent play experience that lets you focus on the finesse of your shots, not the fickleness of the table.

Do keep in mind that not all methods will yield the same results on every table. The type and age of the table, as well as the current condition of the bumpers, can greatly influence the effectiveness of each technique. However, with regular maintenance and the odd softening touch-ups, you can ensure that your billiards table is at par with your championship aspirations.

Billiards is a game that rewards precision, strategy, and a deep understanding of the physical laws at play. By softening your pool table bumpers, you’re adjusting the very fabric of the game to suit your style—and that’s a competitive edge you can’t afford to miss out on.

In conclusion, while softening your pool table's bumpers can be simple and cost-effective, it’s important to approach the process with care. Test and tweak until you find the method that works for your table. Remember, a well-tuned table not only enriches your game but also the joy of playing. It’s time to bring out the soft touch in billiards and enjoy a game that's as smooth as silk.

@bigcatcues

[leads-view]

Analytics and Reporting in Email Automation: Tracking Success and Making Improvements

Email automation has become an essential tool for businesses and marketers looking to engage and nurture their audience effectively. At the core of successful email campaigns lie data-driven insights from analytics and reporting, which inform strategy and guide improvements. In this blog, we will explore the importance of analytics and reporting in the realm of email automation, and how you can use this data to optimize your campaigns for greater success.

The Importance of Analytics and Reporting in Email Automation

Analytics and reporting are vital elements of email automation for several reasons: Evaluate performance: Analytics data helps you assess the performance of your campaigns, identifying what works and what doesn't. Make data-driven decisions: With insights gained from metrics and reports, you can optimize your campaigns based on what your audience responds to best. Identify growth opportunities: Analytics data reveals trends and patterns that can guide improvements and unveil new opportunities for audience engagement and growth.

Key Email Automation Metrics to Monitor

To optimize your email automation campaigns, track these key metrics:

1. Open Rate

The open rate refers to the percentage of recipients that opened your email. While many factors influence this metric, higher open rates generally indicate that your subject line, sender name, and preheader text are resonating with your audience.

2. Click-Through Rate (CTR)

CTR measures the percentage of recipients who clicked on a link within your email. A high CTR reflects the effectiveness of your email content and design, suggesting that you are providing value and inciting action from your audience.

3. Conversion Rate

The conversion rate calculates the percentage of users who completed a defined goal (e.g., purchases, signups, downloads) after clicking through from your email. This metric directly evaluates the return on investment (ROI) of your email automation campaign.

4. Bounce Rate

The bounce rate indicates the percentage of sent emails that failed to reach recipients' inboxes due to hard or soft bounces. Monitoring this metric helps maintain email list hygiene and mitigate potential deliverability issues.

5. Unsubscribe Rate

The unsubscribe rate showcases the percentage of recipients who opted out of your email list after receiving a particular email. If this rate rises, it may be time to revisit your content, email frequency, or targeting strategy.

Using Analytics and Reporting to Optimize Email Automation

With a firm grasp on relevant metrics, follow these steps to optimize your email automation campaigns:

1. A/B Test Campaign Components

Regularly test different campaign elements, including subject lines, body content, calls-to-action (CTAs), and design elements. Analyze the results to identify top-performing variations, and implement these findings in your future email campaigns.

2. Segment Your Audience

Using demographic, behavioral, and engagement data, segment your audience into specific groups for targeted campaigns. This personalization can improve open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates, as recipients receive content that is more relevant to their interests and needs.

3. Monitor & Tweak Email Frequency and Timing

Pay close attention to key metrics to identify the best days and times for sending emails to your target audience. Additionally, monitor unsubscribe rates to optimize your email frequency, striking the right balance between maintaining engagement and avoiding email fatigue.

4. Enhance Email Content and Design

Evaluate your email's content, layout, and design performance by analyzing detailed metrics like clicks for each link, heat maps, and mobile vs. desktop performance. Use this data to enhance your email content and design for better engagement, readability, and responsiveness.

5. Analyze Campaign ROI

Continually analyze the ROI of your email automation campaigns by measuring revenue generated against expenses incurred. Identify your most profitable campaigns, and apply those insights to your email programming.

Conclusion

Analytics and reporting are crucial components of email automation success that can't be overlooked. By monitoring key metrics, segmenting your audience, A/B testing, enhancing content, and optimizing frequency and timing, you'll be better equipped to create email campaigns that resonates with your audience and drives conversions. Ultimately, a data-driven approach to email automation will help ensure the continual growth and improvement of your email marketing strategy.