Welcome back, it's Wednesday and I'll just come out and say it - that Seiko is ugly... Change my mind.

What's new

1/
Seiko Adds Four Completely New Chronographs To The Prospex Collection And Four Limited Editions To The Presage Craftsmanship Series
In 1999 Seiko launched a limited edition they called the Sportura Kinetic Chronograph. It was a funky watch that used four subdials to display the time and chronograph functions. Just looking at it and you feel the angst of the end of the millennium and the cheesy futurism (not to be confused with neo futurism in architecture led by Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid and Santiago Calatrava) that permeated industrial design of the time - from Oakley glasses to Jnco jeans. There’s no easy way to say this, but it’s an ugly watch. I can appreciate the experiment. But come on.
However, Seiko believes that the four dial layout of the Kinetic was pleasing to the eye. That’s why they decided to recreate it in four new solar chronographs that they are adding to the Prospex collection, marking the company’s association with the World Athletics Championships to be held in Budapest, Hungary, in August. Officially called the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph, all four watches sport a new movement with the Seiko Caliber 8A50, a 1/100-second chronograph with a +/- 15-seconds per month precision rating.
The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph watch is 42mm-wide, 12.9mm-thick, and its lug-to-lug distance is 48.3mm. All four watches have the same case and bracelet design but in different executions and ever-so-slightly different prices and naming schemes. I could go on into detail about the dials and colors, but it’s all just a bit confusing. You can hop on over here if you would like to know more.
Two of the models will be limited edition of 4,000 each and two will be regular production models. The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph watch prices range from 890 Euros to 970 Euros, and all four versions will be available from July 2023. Regular readers of the newsletter will know I keep things very chipper here and don’t pass judgement. But these new Seiko’s are just baffling to me. They look like those Diesel watches you buy at the mall. Am I wrong?
Thankfully, Seiko has another announcement for today. While they have shown these watches previously, they are now starting to sell these stunning Presage Craftsmanship Series watches. Marking the 110th anniversary of its first wristwatch, the Laurel, Seiko is putting out two pairs of these limited edition pieces, with each featuring a dial made by a dedicated artisan or craft workshop through a traditional Japanese decorative technique — enamel, urushi lacquer, Arita porcelain, and shippō enamel. All four models boast a new case shape, a fresh dial aesthetic, and an in-house automatic movement. And they are now hitting the market.
And despite Seiko’s price increases for recent releases, these new editions seem to align with their predecessors. The white enamel SPB393 retails for €1,650, the brown urushi SPB395 for €2,000, the ivory Arita porcelain SPB397 for €2,000, and the blue shippō enamel SPB399 for €2,250.
2/
Breguet Gives Us Two Redesigned Variations Of The Classic Chronograph With The Type XX And Type 20
Just the other day I linked to a great article on Type 20, the references issued by the French military in the 1950s. There were many brands who stepped up to produce these Type 20 watches, but the reference has stuck around to be synonymous with one brand in particular - Breguet. They have been making the Type 20 for years now, with occasional updates, but now Breguet is unveiling the new Type XX and Type 20 – a civilian and military-inspired take on the classic design - which is the biggest change to the line.
Despite at first glance looking like it’s two of the same watches with different dials, the Type 20 and Type XX are actually different watches. Both watches come in the same steel case that measures 42mm wide and 14.1mm thick with bidirectional steel bezels and matching lume pips. But this is pretty much where the similarities stop. The Type 20 has a military inspired dial with mint green lume and syringe hands, while the Type XX is a civilian version with a creamy yellow lume and alpha hands.
The Type 20 and Type XX both have a new self-winding movement, the Calibre 728 for the civilian version and Calibre 7281 for the military version. Each movement has a column wheel, vertical clutch, 5Hz frequency, and flyback functionality with 60 hours of power reserve, plus an inverted in-line lever escapement with a flat silicon balance spring for increased durability, longevity, and magnetic resistance.
Why two different calibers? The difference lies in dial layout and how useful it would be in military or civilian applications. On the military version, you only have two registers, with a 30-minute totalizer at three o'clock, now larger than the 60-second totalizer at nine o'clock. Meanwhile, the civilian version has a 15-minute totalizer at three o'clock, a 12-hour totalizer at six o'clock, and running seconds at nine o'clock.
This is not a cheap watch. It will run you $18,000. But it might just be one of the best vintage revivals we have seen in a year full of vintage revivals.
3/
French Watchmaker Yema Teams Up With Alpine French Racing Team To Mark The Most French Race With Five New Watches
One of the most legendary races in the world starts on Saturday and ends on Sunday. Yes, it’s the 24 hours of Le Mans. The race is, of course, one of the most recognisable french things, alongside the croissant and hating tourists. You know what else is very french? Alpine, the legendary car manufacturer that gained it’s fame with the quirky A110 and is currently doing really well (under Renault ownership) with its successor, also called the A110. Alpine will be present at the 24h of Le Mans With their Endurance Team. If only there was a watchmaker that could join in, making it a French hat trick. There is. It’s Yema. Yema has made five new watches to mark Alpine’s stint at Le Mans - the Yema Rallygraf A470 Limited Edition and four Rallygraf Alpine Endurance Team Automatic models of which one is mechanical while the other three are powered by the Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement.
The Yema Rallygraf A470 Limited Edition takes all the right cues from 70s racing chronographs. The stainless steel case is 39mm wide and 12mm thick without the double-domed sapphire crystal. The solid caseback shows the Alpine Endurance Team logo and the limitation of the watch. The dial is finished in a gradient-blue colour, Alpine’s signature color, with a vintage dashboard-inspired bicompax layout and Alpine’s logo on the chronograph seconds hand. Inside the watch is the Valjoux 7753 and the watch comes on an appropriate black leather rally strap with a steel pin buckle. This watch will be limited to 470 pieces and can be pre-ordered for a price of USD 2,190 with delivery expected in September 2023.
This runs at a frequency of 28,800vph and delivers 48 hours of power reserve. The watch comes on a black leather rally strap with a steel pin buckle. Limited to 470 pieces, tying in with the car, it can be pre-ordered for a price of EUR 2,190 with delivery expected in September 2023.
Then there’s the meca-quartz variants. They take the same case as the Rallygraf and give it three variations - white dial with a blue outside minute track, a cream dial with a black outside minute track or a black dial with a cream outside minute track. All of these are also available for preorder now for EUR 399 and will be delivered in September 2023.
Yema also announced a second mechanical watch made in collaboration with Alpine, the Rallygraf Alpine Endurance Team Automatic. This will officially be unveiled this coming Saturday at the Circuit de la Sarthe, during the racing weekend of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although we don’t know all the details at this moment, we can see it’s made of stainless steel, comes on a multi-link bracelet or black leather strap and has a black dial. The bidirectional rotating bezel can be used to calculate speeds, in combination with the inner ‘Temps Ecoule’ flange in white and blue. It is powered by the in-house Calibre YEMA2000 and will cost USD 990.
4/
The Dan Henry 1970 44mm is back with new colours and the same, affordable price
You might know Dan Hendy as the microbrand that has been pumping out vintage inspired watches since 2016. What you might not know is that they made their name with the Dan Henry 1970 44mm Automatic Diver, the first of their watches to feature an automatic movement. While it might not seem like a big deal, it was for Dan Hanry and the shoppers in the sub $500 range. While Dan Henry serviced it’s customers by providing good value for money with quartz movements, the 1970 44mm Automatic Diver was the first time they offered a mechanical movement at such an affordable price. It sold out instantly and now, four years later, they are back with a limited edition of 1970 pieces.
It’s a very big watch. Very big. The heavy stainless steel super compressor style case measures 44mm in diameter and is 14.8mm thick with a 50.5mm lug-to-lug length. Despite these large dimensions, and with all other manufacturers fighting to go smaller, people still love this watch. They love it enough for it to go for over retail on the secondary market, which is not common for a watch in this pricepoint. Both of the crowns, one for rotating the inner-bezel and one for adjusting the time, screw into the case, giving it 200m water resistance.
The dials get a contrasting pop of color on the outskirts. There’s the black and orange, as well as the black and off-white with a black case and blue with white color combinations. Each version comes with its own colour-matching FKM rubber tropic strap. To keep the price low, the watches are powered by the Seiko NH35. Not the best movement in the world, but it gets the job done for an exceptionally low price.
The new Dan Henry 1970 44mm Automatic Diver is limited to 1,970 pieces, available from Dan Henry and costs $310.
5/
Bamford Teams Up With Land Rover For The LR002 Limited Edition
Somehere near the end of last year, Land Rover designed their first watch. They called it the LR001 and they turned to Bamford to put the watch into production. It was a great looking field watch made of titanium and all in shades of grey, with a decent price and limited to 100 pieces so they all sold out very fast. Now, Bamford London and Land Rover are bringing it back with an updated, equally limited, version in all black called the LR002.
The LR002 is pretty much the same watch as the LR001, except for the color. While not a fan of black watches, this isn’t a bad thing, as it gives you a chance to buy the sold out Land Rover watch. What is bad is the price, but more on that later. The case measures 40mm wide and 13.25mm thick, and is made out of DLC coated titanium. It has a shape that resembles a field watch but much more modern and has fixed bars. From photos, due to the thick case and fixed bars, this watch looks to wear much larger than it actually is.
The dial seems to be much more interesting than the case. It has a sandwich construction with the top part having a matte black surface and the underside being filled with white lume. And by alternating circular and oblong cutouts, there’s a dynamic look to the dial. Inside the watch is the same movement as in the LR001, the Selita SW200-1B, and it’s delivered on a leather NATO-style bracelet.
The LR002 will have a run of just 100 pieces that are exclusively sold through Hodinkee. At the time of writing there are still pieces available for sale at a price of $1,700. And that’s the biggest issue. The LR001 sold for about $1,300 and the only difference between the two watches is the DLC coating. Is it worth the price difference?
6/
The Casio A120 Is The Best Pairing For Stranger Things, But Do We Need It?
The immense popularity of Stranger Thing undoubtedly lies in it’s 80s nostalgia that reminded us all of our childhoods. While playing to our good memories, it also roped in new generations by picking the best the decade had to offer and presenting it as something cool. That’s why you have a bunch of kids out there listening to Kate Bush and Metallica, while wearing Casio watches and buying VHS tapes. So it only makes perfect sense that Casio would team up with Stranger Things for a limited edition watch, and what better reference to do it with then the A120. This is the Casio x Stranger Things A120WEST-1A.
The watch is a classic Casio A120, with a 33.5mm x 40.7mm rectangle case and since it’s plastic it weighs only 25 grams. It’s not filled with a bunch of functions, but it does have a chronograph, alarm and calendar and you get three years of battery life. There’s a number of Stranger Things references on the watch - there’s a silhouette of the series’ demogorgon monster beneath the digital display and the LED backlight flickers and rapidly blinks just like the surfacing of a demogorgon in the show. Once lit, you can see the watermark of an upside down Stranger Things logo.
Casio has not announced when the watch will be available or how much it will cost, but you can keep an eye out on it here. Is this a nice homage to a good TV show, or just another example of over-consumerism and corporate media properties slapping their name everywhere, without actually making a meaningfully authentic version of the watch?
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On hand - a selection of reviews

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A review of Monta’s current flagship dress watch, the Noble
2/
Hands on with the 39mm and 42mm versions of the Hanhart 414 ES Flyback
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A week with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore limited edition in pink gold and titanium
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Watch Worthy - A look at an offbeat, less known watch you might actually like

Dryden is a go-everywhere-do-anything watch with plenty of options
Great dials are always appreciated, but no matter how good the dial is, it doesn’t matter if the watch isn’t wearable. The excellent design choices found on the dial of the Heartlander follow through to the case. Crafted from stainless steel the 38mm-wide case has a lovely 46mm lug-to-lug distance and is only 11.2mm-thick from solid steel caseback to domed sapphire crystal. These dimensions are in the Goldilocks region for an everyday watch for me and my ~6.5-inch wrist. The cases are predominantly brushed except for a thin highly polished bevel that flanks each side of the lugs.
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People loved the Seiko Alpinist giveaway! That's why I'm doing a new one. This time, we're giving away four Hamilton Khaki Field Automatics in a color of your choice. Head on over to the newsletter if you would like to enter.
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“And here I am, dying in my bed, like cattle die. May the eyes of cowards never sleep” -Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, encapsulate the extraordinary life of one of the most revered and influential military commanders in the history of Islam.
Khalid's indomitable spirit, unmatched strategic brilliance, and unwavering dedication to the cause of Islam propelled him to become a legend and leave an indelible mark on the Islamic world.
Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, born into the noble Banu Makhzum clan in Mecca in 592 AD, initially stood as a staunch opponent of Islam and Muhammad's prophethood. However, fate would soon intervene, and his journey would take an unexpected turn. Following the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, Khalid witnessed the strength and conviction of the Muslim community and, recognizing the truth of Islam, embraced the faith. His conversion marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in Islamic history.
Under the guidance of Prophet Muhammad, Khalid's military talents were nurtured and recognized. He swiftly rose through the ranks, earning the title of Sayf Allah, the Sword of God, a testament to his exceptional martial prowess and unyielding devotion to the cause. Throughout his career, Khalid demonstrated remarkable leadership and tactical brilliance, playing a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the burgeoning Islamic state.
One of Khalid's earliest triumphs came at the Battle of Uhud in 624 AD. Leading a contingent of only 700 soldiers against a formidable Qurayshi Meccan army ten times their size, Khalid showcased his strategic genius. Exploiting the Muslim archers' temporary departure from their posts, he seized the opportunity and secured a decisive victory. This triumph not only demonstrated Khalid's unparalleled military acumen but also instilled a renewed sense of confidence in the Muslim community.
Khalid's military prowess continued to shine in subsequent campaigns. He played a vital role in the Ridda wars, quelling rebellious tribes that posed a threat to the nascent Islamic state. Through his remarkable leadership, he defeated self-proclaimed prophets and tribes that had renounced their allegiance. Khalid's conquests extended across the Arabian Peninsula, ensuring the unity and stability of the Islamic state.
But it was in the great battles against the mighty empires of Rome and Persia that Khalid Ibn Al-Walid truly etched his name in history. In Mesopotamia, his strategic brilliance and audacity led to a series of astounding victories against the Byzantine and Persian forces. Employing unconventional tactics, such as hit-and-run attacks and psychological warfare, Khalid confounded his enemies and secured triumphs at Kuwait, Mazar, Walaja, Ullais, and Firaz. These victories not only established the dominance of the Islamic state in the region but also showcased Khalid's innovative military approach.
In the conquest of Syria, Khalid's leadership was instrumental. Despite Byzantine resistance, his forces triumphed at Ajnadayn and Fahl, paving the way for the legendary Siege of Damascus. Khalid's strategic brilliance shone once again as he orchestrated a masterful plan to breach the city's defenses. Exploiting the Byzantines' celebration of a nobleman's son's birth, he launched a surprise attack, leading to the city's surrender. This victory marked a significant turning point, as the Muslim empire expanded further into Syria.
Khalid Ibn Al-Walid's greatest triumph against the Byzantine empire came at the Battle of Yarmouk in 636 AD. Facing an overwhelmingly larger Byzantine army, Khalid's military genius prevailed. Through meticulous planning and tactical maneuvers, he successfully repelled relentless attacks from the Byzantines. The Battle of Yarmouk not only secured a decisive victory for the Muslims but also paved the way for subsequent conquests, shaping the course of history.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Khalid's career was not without controversy. His insubordination and failure to coordinate with the central leadership led to his eventual dismissal by Caliph Umar. While his military brilliance was undeniable, Umar's concerns about Khalid's growing influence among the Muslim armies led to this decision. Nevertheless, Khalid's legacy as the "Sword of God" and his unrivaled military exploits endure as a testament to his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to Islam.
Khalid Ibn Al-Walid's military achievements, spanning over 50 major victories, have left an indelible imprint on the annals of Islamic history. His innovative strategies, audacious tactics, and unmatched courage continue to inspire military strategists and historians worldwide. The remarkable life of Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, the legendary military commander of early Islam, serves as a shining example of unwavering determination, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment to the cause. His unparalleled contributions to the expansion of the Islamic state and his enduring legacy as a symbol of valor and leadership will forever inspire generations to come.

So, umm, hi. I'm here (again). Great intro, eh?
- First, the post flair. Platonic and intimate aren't necessarily mutually exclusive (for me) since I can have an intimate relationship with a platonic friend, and I can also be intimate with someone without being sexual. Both can mean sex-free/less, but there's a part of me, although covered, who still wants to keep it open for that (the physical touch) in the future. I'm seeking, at the very least, someone with whom I can be my true self in a safe and accepting environment, and that requires a level of intimacy beyond the definition that either of these flairs encapsulates. But that's me... a stickler for word definitions, giving them room for nuance and interpretation, whilst also understanding that the words we choose can be quite impactful.
- That segues seamlessly into my second point, the "A" in looking for "anyone" is for NB, M, or FTM. I am looking for someone with the potential for something beyond an emotionally and intellectually connecting relationship, though it's not my first or even second priority. I just want there to be a possibility.
- My third point, if you identify as F and find yourself connecting to my words in a way that you feel compelled to reach out and communicate? Please do. I'm all for following someone's rules and guidelines, and I also know that I need to leave room for that nuance I mentioned. It's not easy for me, and I still know it's necessary I at least try.
On that note, I'm here, trying. Here's a bulleted run-down of the woman behind the words:

• This is my 18,036th username.
• I sometimes exaggerate (the quantity of) things.
• I love parenthetical expression (it just works); most punctuation can help me get my point across without ever opening my mouth.
• Laughing and cannabis are truly my best medicines, and I have a prescription for one; the other just needs more cowbell.
• If you can't talk comedy, we won't connect in the way I am seeking. It is in my veins. When I say "talk comedy", I mean I weave humor throughout my serious messages, I bring up comedians ALL THE TIME, I love watching and discussing stand-up specials, I listen to comedy podcasts (mostly Smartless and Conan), and I believe that in another life, I was a comedian because I just relate so much to so many comedians.
• On the note of relating, I'm Autistic. The spectrum isn't linear, it's everything and everywhere. I do have strengths. I just also have a lot of weaknesses. Additionally, I also suffer with ADHD. However, because of the other alphabet diagnoses I have (C-PTSD, MDD, GAD, and BordPD), ADHD medication didn't help me when we tried a couple of years ago, it made everything worse. So, see above, laughing and cannabis are the only things that give me relief. Keep in mind, though, I live with suffering daily. There's no "fixing" or "curing" me. If you aren't comfortable with a highly emotional, intense, angry, passionate, believe it or not, kind, f'ed up woman, then, well, that's okay... I wouldn't be either. :D Just maybe don't reach out as we'll both end up super disappointed.
• Oh, did I mention I'm also agoraphobic? I mean, come on, how are you not pushing "send message" already? The figurative line will be around the door once I press post, I'm sure of it. (But seriously, I have mild/moderate agoraphobia that was activated by the pandemic, then the protests after George Floyd, then the Jan. 6th insurrection, then the anti-progress movement, and of course, as a Jewish person, seeing Nazis disguised as Conservatives just pretty much running things because they have the most money for some f'ing reason. Ugh. I don't trust anyone anymore. I don't have friends. I haven't spoken to a family member in more than two years. I haven't had a hug in two years. I haven't gone out for entertainment in 3.5 years. I am essentially still living like some did in April/May of 2020... so, yah, it's bad.)
• But I'll refer back to my initial opener and repeat, "umm, hi. I'm here (again). ".
• Okay, I'm back.
• I love football (NFL) and have become a decent baseball fan in the last 7 years. Football has been a part of my life since I was 13 years old. It's a toxic place (nfl makes me want to punch air), but I can't stop because it's a part of my core, my special interest. If you know anything about Autism, the one thing that pretty much remains consistent is that a special interest can be a life saver! Also, though, many of us become hyper-focused (especially us ADHD people) and only be able to talk about that one thing. It's annoying to me, and it's also me. :D If you can relate to that, maybe we have a chance to connect. I'm a values-based person, so it sometimes pains me to know that one of my core interests goes against a lot of my core values (safety, duh). It's one of those both/and things for me... Like how I know I love someone and also hate them. What do you think about that theory? That love and hate are separate between a thin line... (philosophical talk around psychology and human behavior is a big interest of mine.)
• Where was I?
• Oh yah, I play fantasy football and baseball. I love it. I focus on it almost year-round.
• Cats. Period. (I am a silly lady who talks to them in a very specific cat voice, but also, that voice is used to talk to birds, squirrels, bunnies, spiders, bees, and the little gophers that live under the houses around here.)
• (Side note: I'm an omnivore, and also an animal advocate. If you can't handle someone both/and, well, that's okay, I can't handle a lot, either, so I get it. It's one of those things where removing a food group from my diet would be more harmful to me, though I fully subscribe to moderation and not eating animal products for every meal; the corporate world has tried to make us lowly citizens think we have any real "carbon footprint", but someone I met through here reminded me that's just capitalists trying to blame us so they can charge us more for "eco-friendly" shit that's probably not even eco-friendly. Ugh. Where was I?)
• Oh yah...
• Back to the agoraphobia for a second... I'm a fear-based person. Not because I want to be, I just am. I'd love to find more peace, and right now, that's not the case. However, I used to socialize. I did. I have pictures to prove it. I sometimes like to reminisce in what I used to do, but I don't do anything I used to. My identity crisis is real, and I get frustrated about it, often. I retreat. I avoid. I get defensive. And, then I reflect and try be as self-aware as possible while not projecting onto you, the proverbial you. Constant communication is necessary. If I say, "I'm having a bad day," and your reaction is to wait until I'm feeling better? Then, I'm not for you (or you're not for me?). I need someone who will figuratively sit with me through those bad days, even when I say, "I don't want to talk". I need someone who can be there, even if you're only there on the other side of the screen and you say something like, "I know you are hurting today. I know you don't want to talk. I know this is hard. I am here for you. You don't have to feel better, and I'll still be here. If you want to yell, cry, or do nothing or everything in between, I'm here." I say that in such detail because I know what I need, but oftentimes, I can't ask for it in the moment when I need it, if that makes sense? My ex-husband ended up feeling like my needs were unreasonable (I was with him before my diagnoses, so to him, I was just going to therapy and "not getting better"), and I was doing what I was taught, to ask for what I need, and he, along with many others (I read people's lists of red flags) thought that I shouldn't need so much.
• Well, I do.
• (Side note: I'm not pining for my ex; we've been apart for four years, but it was the last relationship I had, and I believe in learning from experiences and those lessons need to be communicated. If you can't handle someone talking about a previous relationship here and there, that won't work. A lot of my memories directly pre-pandemic are with him, so it will come up from time to time. I assume you've had relationships, and I'll want to hear about them, too! I just don't do ex-bashing. Not cool. I loved the guy, and he doesn't deserve all the blame for our relationship ending, and I know your ex doesn't, either.)
• I own an old home that's worth less than a lot of people's cars, I assume, and I'm not handy; you being handy would be the best thing so I could ask you about all of the things. :) I also own a cheap EV that doesn't go very far, but is there when I need it. I'm a pretty poor person who lives in poverty, but makes it work because I'm a fucking survivor.

You know, I think that's a great place to end this random list of words. I've posted here over the last few years, responded to posts, and sometimes I include a picture, but I'm not going to this time. It makes me upset not to share in advance, but I also think that I tend to get responses from people who didn't read my post and just looked at my picture. I want to be attracted to you aesthetically and vice versa, I just don't want you to see the aesthetics first and forget about the words. My outsides don't match my insides. My outsides are what contributed, I'm positive, to my Autism going undiagnosed. I'm partially disabled, but you can't see my disability unless I show it, and believe me, this entire post? That's me showing it a little...
On that note, I'll bid you adieu. Please think before reaching out. I mean it, if you are someone who is just looking to chat with someone out of boredom and are nowhere near the CDT time zone, please spare us both. Potential future meeting is something I know I want. I haven't done it yet, but man, that's the goal.
Okay, seriously, I'm going now. For real...
But wait, don't go yet, I prefer PM's than chat. The Reddit app sucks, and chat isn't on 3rd party apps, plus, I like the long form communication of a PM than a live chat as that seems more casual? I don't know. That's me. Perhaps one day we could move off here, but for now, PMs are my preference.
Okay, bye.

link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-emotional-intensity/201805/feeling-intensely-the-wounds-being-too-much
KEY POINTS
People who feel intensely might be labeled as highly sensitive, gifted, or having a mental illness such as chronic depression or ADHD.
With little awareness, many emotionally intense adults confess to having felt lonely and misunderstood for years.
Signs of being an emotionally intense person include having a grave concern for others and the wider world from an early age.
Some people feel more than others.
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They are often told—spoken and unspoken—that they are "too much," "too intense," "too sensitive," "too emotional," and that their behaviors are either "too dramatic" or "too timid."
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People who feel more deeply and intensely than others are more aware of subtleties; their brain processes information and reflects on it more deeply. People with emotional intensity are sometimes described as sensitive, caring, and attentive. At their best, they can be exceptionally perceptive, intuitive, and keenly observant of the subtleties of the environment. Yet they are also overwhelmed by the constant waves of social nuances and others' emotional and psychic energies.
​
They tend to notice and remember a lot and can be overstimulated when things are too chaotic or novel for a long time. This ability to feel deeply and intensely often starts from a young age when emotion regulation skills are lacking and can lead to psychological wounding associated with shame and loneliness.
​
Growing awareness of this trait has generated much inquiry, yet psychologists have so far been unable to agree on a single defining attribute. If you identify with the description, there are a few possibilities:
​
This may mean that you are one of the 15-20 percent of the population wired differently as a Highly Sensitive Person.
This may mean that you fall on the right side of the bell curve as a gifted person.
This may mean you do have or are mislabeled as having a mental illness such as Emotion Regulation Disorder, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, or Dysthymia (chronic depression).
The world is gradually coming to embrace the concept of neurodiversity — the idea that particular groups of the population are "different" from the norm, with specific kinds of sensitivity, intensity, and giftedness. However, with little awareness, many emotionally intense adults confessed to having felt lonely and misunderstood for years, being plagued with self-doubts, and living with a lingering sense of existential loneliness.
​
UNSPLASH
Source: UNSPLASH
Emotional intensity comprises of the following five components:
​

1. Emotional Depth, Velocity, and Complexity

​
You experience emotions to an unusual level of depth, complexity, and intensity. This makes you feel incredibly alive, sometimes painfully so.
​
You have a constant stream of both positive and negative feelings, sometimes together, sometimes from one to another in a short period.
You soar high into bliss and plunge low into gloom in rapid succession.
You know the meaning of despair, but you also know beauty and rapture. When art or music moves you, you are flooded with waves of joy, or get transcended into a state of ecstasy.
You are passionate, even if you do not show it on the outside.
You tend to form strong emotional connections with people, places, and things, and sometimes that makes separation difficult.
You experience life with much tenderness and nostalgia.
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A human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive.
To him
a touch is a blow,
a sound is a noise,
a misfortune is a tragedy,
a joy is an ecstasy,
a friend is a lover,
a lover is a god,
and failure is death.
​
—Pearl Buck
​

1. Deep Empathy and Sensitivity

​
From an early age, you have a grave concern for others and the wider world. When others are abused or mistreated, you feel as if it is happening to you.
You may resonate with traits of being an "empath," due to your innate ability to feel and be affected by other people's energies. In social situations, you can intuitively identify with others' emotions, and you may feel that you "absorb" their physical and mental ailment, to the point where you get overwhelmed.
Because of your responsiveness and insights into others' pain, you tend to form soulful and meaningful connections. You are loyal, idealistic, and romantic.
However, being naturally open and sensitive also means you are vulnerable to relational injuries from a young age. Your natural tendency to be open and loving may get stunted due to early rejections and trauma.
Having a heightened sensory system means that you are extremely sensitive to your surroundings. You have an increased appreciation of sensual pleasures such as music, language, and art, as well as intense reactions to sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. This may also cause you to feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable with too much sensory input. You may be sensitive to loud noises, strong smells, or tactile sensations such as clothing tags and rough surfaces.

1. Highly Acute Perceptivity

​
Being perceptively gifted means you can sense and perceive things that others miss. With acute awareness, you can see beyond superficiality, grasp patterns, and make linkages.
Insights, intuition, and the ability to read several layers of reality allow you to assess people and situations rapidly. You can sense incongruence and their intentions, thoughts, and feelings that are underneath the facades.
You have a sense of knowing when something is about to happen, or about other people's inner worlds.
However, your abilities do not necessarily make life easy. You are bothered by hypocrisies and unfairness and struggle with inauthentic people and situations. You cannot help but be the one who points out the "elephant in the room," but your perceptiveness may seem intimidating to those who felt "seen through."
In a family situation, you may be scapegoated to be the one who carries the painful truth that is unsaid in the facade of normalcy. You may carry the role of being the "problematic one", the scapegoat, or the black sheep.
You have an innate urge to push the boundaries of conformity, to question or to challenge traditions, particularly those that seem meaningless or unfair. Paired with a strong sense of justice, you are often frustrated with corruption and inequality in the world.
Although this may indicate a challenging life path for you, you also have the potential to thrive as a visionary leader.
You may constantly feel older than others around you, like an "old soul" that has somehow lost your roots.
UNSPLASH
Source: UNSPLASH

1. A Rich Inner World with Sensual, Imaginary, and Intellectual Excitability.

​
You have a rich inner world that is imbued with words, images, metaphors, visualizations, vivid fantasies, and dreams.
As a child, you might have resorted to your imagined world as a haven in times of emotional turmoils.
Intellectually, you are inquisitive and reflective. You have a strong need to seek to understand, to expand your horizons, to gain knowledge, and to analyze your mental content.
With an ability to process information with speed and depth, you absorb and surge through information very quickly. You are likely to be an avid reader and a keen observer. You may appear critical and impatient with others who cannot keep up with you.
You also can integrate intellectual concepts with your deep feelings for original conceptions. You may have a constant stream of ideas, sometimes so many that you feel you cannot keep up with it.
You tend to experience zealous enthusiasm about certain topics and endeavors. When you get excited about an idea, your mind runs faster than your words can keep up, or you find yourself talking rapidly, perhaps even interrupting others.
When you become absorbed in your love for a piece of art, literature, theatre, or music, the outside world ceases to exist.
You are highly capable of contemplative thinking and self-reflection. The flip side is that you may be occupied with obsessive thoughts and scrupulous self-examination. You may also suffer from perfectionism and self-criticism.
You are extremely open-minded. You are sensitive to the spiritual world or were drawn to the spiritual path from a young age. This may or may not manifest as some form of psychic ability.
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UNSPLASH
Source: UNSPLASH

1. Creative Potential and Existential Angst

​
You have always been concerned with the big questions of life. From a young age, you may experience existential depression and have felt grief over the meaninglessness of life, death, and loneliness.
You might have felt frustrated that those around you were not prepared to discuss and consider these weighty concerns.
Your existential angst may manifest as an unnamed sense of urgency, a constant impulse to move forward. You get a constant "niggling" feeling that there is something important that you should be doing, even when your vision is not clear yet. You live with a feeling that somehow time is running out, and you are not doing what you should be doing.
For some unnamed reason, you feel a weight of responsibility on your shoulder, even for things you are not responsible for.
Your angst propels you to learn, to expand, and to advance in your life path, but it can also paralyze you. You may be prone to creative blockages such as "artist's block," "writer's block," procrastination, the fear of exposure, or the Imposter Syndrome (the feeling that you are a fraud).
Nevertheless, you have always known deep down that you are dissatisfied with a life that is meaningless and task-driven.
You may be a polymath, or a "multipotentialitite" — someone with multiple interests and creative pursuits, and not just one calling.
When you have a strong vision or innovative idea, you can feel the split between belongingness and authentic expression — you want to express with your full, authentic self but you are worried that it means being rejected, or leaving people behind.
A Caveat
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The above conceptualization of the emotional intensity trait inevitably involves some simplification of human complexity. Any typology is necessary a simplification compared with the real, unique human being in front of us. We as a human species are both different and much the same, in a paradoxical unity. We must not forget that what always holds more weight than the theory is the here-and-now-ness of the living human beings, who are constantly changing and evolving.
​
The Gifts and the Perils
​
Dr. Mary-Elaine Jacobson, the author of The Gifted Adult, has identified some of the top criticisms a gifted individual often faces:
​
“Why don't you slow down?”
“You worry about everything!”
“You are so sensitive and dramatic.”
"You are too driven.”
“Who do you think you are?”
Emotional Intensity is not a pathology. For someone who is emotionally intense, however, the pain that comes with a pervasive sense of being "too much" is not to be taken lightly – a person can be made to feel ‘wrong" for the most part of his or her life, and internalizing this sense of shame can lead to depression, low self-esteem, inability to self-regulate, and inner emptiness.
​
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UNSPLASH
Source: UNSPLASH
The good news is, with the right information and support, liberation from the pain of "being too much" is possible. Once you have discovered the origin of your differences, you may begin a journey of retrieving long-lost gifts.
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Suddenly, your whole life history makes sense. You realize that a lot of the shame and depression they bear come from ill-informed and uninvited commentary about your unique qualities, and people's fear of what is unfamiliar. In fact, your high level of awareness of subtleties is not only unusual but also extremely precious.
​
As you step into embracing your unique qualities, you learn to trust your unique ways of relating to the world and can connect to what you have to offer. Themes such as authentic existence, the meaning of life, and purpose of being come to the foreground of awareness, and here you are, embarking on a true journey towards your full potential:
​
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen."
​
"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"
​
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."
​
"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
​
“Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but really loves you, then you become Real often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.”
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—Margery Williams Bianco, The Velveteen Rabbit

According to the latest report by Reports and Data, it is projected that the global fall protection market will reach a value of USD 4.86 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% during the forecast period. The market growth is primarily driven by various factors such as the increasing popularity of recreational activities like rock climbing, ice climbing, zip-lining, bungee jumping, and mountaineering. Additionally, the rising number of on-site training programs, strict safety regulations for workers, and the growing need to reduce workplace injuries are expected to further boost the market. Furthermore, the ongoing development of the construction and mining industries worldwide is also anticipated to contribute to the market's revenue growth.
Fall protection equipment can be categorized into two main types: on-body and off-body products. On-body equipment includes body belts, safety nets, connecting devices, and suspension belts, which are worn or attached to the worker's body to prevent falls. This equipment is widely used in various industries such as construction, telecom, mining, transportation, and energy & utility.
In terms of regional analysis, North America is expected to exhibit a significantly fast revenue growth rate during the forecast period. Developed countries like the United States and Canada have implemented strict regulations mandating the use of fall protection equipment in different industries. Increasing concerns for worker safety are also expected to drive market growth in this region. Europe accounted for the second-largest revenue share in the global market in 2020. The rapid development of sectors like utilities, transportation, and telecom, along with the increasing number of construction projects, is projected to drive market growth in this region.
Get a sample copy of the Fall Protection Market report: https://www.reportsanddata.com/download-free-sample/1229
Here are some key highlights from the report:
​

• In July 2020, McNetiq introduced a new range of magnetic anchors for fall protection, designed for use in various areas such as cranes, windmills, ship decks, shipbuilding, and construction platforms.
• The construction segment is expected to witness a faster revenue CAGR throughout the forecast period, driven by the ongoing development of the construction sector in emerging countries, increased awareness of worker safety, and high demand for fall protection equipment.
• The access system segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the global market in 2020, attributed to the rising use of access systems in confined spaces.
• Asia Pacific accounted for a 25.2% revenue share in the global market in 2020 and is projected to experience a faster revenue CAGR over the forecast period, supported by technological advancements, population growth, and rapid industrialization.
• Key players in the global market include 3M Company, Honeywell International Inc., MSA Safety Inc., Werner Co., GF Protection Inc., SKYLOTEC GmbH, W.W. Grainger, Inc., Total Access, Kee Safety, Inc., and FallTech.

The global fall protection market has been segmented by Reports and Data based on type, end-use, and region. The types of fall protection equipment include soft goods, hard goods, rope grab, manual fall arrester, fall arrester, anchors, retractable blocks, karabiners, installed system, rescue kit, access system, aerial lifts, manually propelled elevating work platforms, vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating lifts, boom-supported elevating work platforms, self-propelled elevating work platforms, scissor lifts, and others. The end-use industries encompass construction, general industry, oil & gas, energy & utilities, telecom, transportation, mining, and others. The market has been further segmented by region, including North America (U.S., Canada,
Fall Protection Market: Drive factors
Several driving factors contribute to the growth of the fall protection market:

1. Increasing preference for recreational activities: The rising popularity of recreational activities such as rock climbing, ice climbing, zip-lining, bungee jumping, and mountaineering drives the demand for fall protection equipment to ensure participant safety.
   
2. Stringent safety regulations: The presence of strict regulations governing workers' safety in various industries compels employers to invest in fall protection equipment, driving market growth.
   
3. Surging need to reduce workplace injuries: With a growing emphasis on employee safety, there is a rising demand for fall protection equipment to prevent workplace injuries and reduce accidents, fostering market growth.
   
4. Rise in on-site training programs: The increasing number of on-site training programs focused on safety awareness and fall prevention measures encourages the adoption of fall protection equipment, boosting market growth.
   
5. Ongoing development in construction and mining industries: The continuous growth and expansion of construction and mining industries worldwide necessitate the use of fall protection equipment, creating a significant demand in the market.
   

Overall, the combination of safety regulations, increasing awareness of worker safety, and the need to prevent workplace injuries are key drivers behind the growth of the fall protection market.
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I recently moved in with my boyfriend of 2 years.
Great right? Moving in together is a big step and it means that we trust each other and feel comfortable enough to share a space together. Things are supposed to be all happy, neat and tidy, but they're not. I've been harbouring some bitterness from past experiences I've had with him, and because we never got to work on them together because he refused to, I've been battling this alone.
I have an autoimmune disease which flares up by the right triggers. I was healthy when we started dating but as soon as some weird things started happening, I got sick again, and gained all the weight I had lost. I know that the last time it happened my ex was cheating on me with a teen girl while I was hard at work and I was playing cat and mouse with him, trying to expose his shitty acts.
My current boyfriend hasn't cheated on me. Yet. But he has exhibited questionable behaviour - looking at hot girls in short summer dresses and eye-fucking them, saving content from an Only Fans model's profile and going back to it, while refusing to have sex with me and telling me that I don't own his dick just because we're dating and that he can look at whoever he wants because he's not asexual and calling it tough love. Also every time we had a fight he switched his phone off and would ignore me for a whole day so "I could learn my lesson". He also did that on his birthday once, because he wanted to be alone and told me he didn't want me there with him. Turnes out he got drunk by himself and cried. He wouldn't say why even though I've offered my support countless times.
I guess the last straw was drawn when a friend of his texted me and told me he has been making advances for almost 2 years (basically since we started dating). Apparently he cares more about her kinks and sexual preferences than mine, because she was kind enough to present me with screenshots. He also watched all of her favourite movies while I had to beg him to watch mine with me. No idea what exactly he wants to achieve there since she doesn't even live in the same country as us? But he has offered her to visit her in her city? While being with me?! Why is he risking everything we have for some cheap thrills, and how did he imagine that would happen? Was he thinking of an elaborate lie to tell me so he could go there and sleep with her? I tried to talk to him about it but he just acted like the victim again and said she had no right to do that and blocked her. He never asked me how it made me feel, he never wanted to talk about it and told me we should move on and that she's obviously obsessed with herself and thinks she's hot stuff. After that happened he started initiating sex more, but every time we do it, it's in the dark and he gets violent - he slaps me really hard in the face or says weird stuff like "suck my dick you slut". He has never done those things before. He used to slap me but it was never hard and it never hurt.
I tried to move on. I did my best, but it's made me worse in the process. He wants me to be happy with him and to stop thinking he's a fuckboy, or he'd show me the door. My health keeps declining. And I don't see him care about it at all. Everything should be about him and his happiness and convenience. I wake up every day and see him smile, walk around like nothing has happened and I'm starting to feel resentful and angry. He claims he hasn't been happier but I'm just feeling weird.
Obviously this relationship is over. We're not as compatible as I thought we are. I feel abused though maybe it's my fault? I can't tell anymore. He always manages to make me feel guilty for feeling wronged by him and he keeps claiming he hasn't done anything bad and all of it is my problem and I should go to therapy.
I don't know what to do - I've invested so much in this, both emotionally and financially. Our apartment was a gift from his parents and his father poured his heart and soul into renovating it so that we could live there. I don't know what I'm going to tell his parents, or my mother when I finally break down and decide to leave. I don't know if I should just stay and self-destruct because I can't bear any more guilt. I know that he will come out of it innocent and will blame me for everything. I'm honestly scared. But if anything, I really loved him and thought he was the one. We had 1 wonderful year together, and I don't know what happened after that, and why...

Do you want to be able to purchase a factory/store with high level, ready for production?
This would be a new mechanic allowing companies to trade their buildings. This has been requested a lot and promised some time ago.
https://www.simcompanies.com/pages/future-development/
The "auction" mechanic is understandabe and self exmplaining. However, we need to do a non-intuitive changes to amke sure it cannot be used for cheating.
I can forsee 2 cases:
- A player has a duplicate account prospecting on all slots, or leveling up building, they could use the building acution to transfer the buidling to the main at cheap cost
- A player has a duplicate account and wants to transfer money to the main, they bid extremely high on a building auctioned by main account
We need to come up with mechanics that mitigate these concerns.

Hey, I hope this doesn't count as self promoting but I'm from New Zealand and the price of living is crazy high right now so have been trying to make as much money as I can. I have been buying 2 "iced out chains" and 1 watch ($30-$40 total) from a very popular Chinese website and reselling them on FB market place as a bundle for $80. I've only made 1 sale but have quite a few people wanting to buy. My city is highly populated by a couple notorious gangs and just has a lot of "hood rats" so most of the people wanting to buy are all either related to or apart of dangerous groups. I'm worried that buyers will find out how cheap I'm buying these items for vs how much I'm selling them for and get annoyed or feel as if they've been ripped off. All of the people that want to buy them are in my town so it would be pick up, meaning they know my address. Do you think I should continue buying and selling these?

The Tale of the Courageous Seed
In a vast garden nestled between towering trees, there lived a small seed who longed to grow and blossom into something beautiful. But the seed was afraid, for it knew that taking risks and facing rejection were necessary steps on the path to growth.
One day, a wise old oak tree noticed the seed's trepidation and called out, "Dear seed, do not fear the unknown. Embrace your vulnerabilities and discover the strength within you."
Perplexed, the seed asked, "But how can vulnerability be a source of strength? Will it not expose my weaknesses and limit my potential?"
The oak tree chuckled softly and replied, "Ah, little seed, vulnerability is not a weakness, but a doorway to courage and self-assurance. When you face your vulnerabilities, you unlock hidden reserves of resilience and bravery."
The seed pondered these words and ventured forth, embracing its vulnerabilities. It soon realized that it was not alone in its fears, for all the plants in the garden had their own insecurities. This shared understanding kindled empathy and compassion among them, forging deeper connections.
As the seed navigated through the challenges of vulnerability, it felt its inner strength growing. It took great courage to acknowledge its fears and step into the discomfort. Each time it confronted a vulnerability, it proved to itself that it was capable of withstanding adversity.
With every conquered fear, the seed's confidence bloomed. It learned to trust in its own abilities, knowing that it had faced challenges before and emerged stronger. This newfound confidence propelled the seed beyond its comfort zone, enabling it to take risks and embrace new opportunities.
In embracing vulnerability, the seed also discovered authenticity. It let go of the need to hide its imperfections and embraced its true self. This authenticity allowed the seed to connect genuinely with others, fostering deep relationships and a sense of belonging.
The seed came to understand that vulnerability was not synonymous with weakness. On the contrary, it required great inner strength to confront uncomfortable truths. In embracing vulnerability, the seed empowered itself and created space for personal growth and resilience.
Ultimately, the seed realized that its vulnerabilities did not define it but were catalysts for transformation. It understood that by embracing its vulnerabilities, it tapped into its inner strength, forged authentic connections, and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
And so, dear friends, let us remember the tale of the courageous seed. May we find the strength to embrace our vulnerabilities, for within them lies the key to unlocking our true potential and blossoming into the magnificent beings we are meant to be.
It's Just a Game
Ever After

My fiancé (m24) and I (f22) are normal having constan fights about dumb thing but I just recently gave birth and got diagnosed with postpartum depression. He says I don't consider his feelings when I do in the beginning it was , I wasn't to much affectionate and now that I am I don't consider his feelings. I'm sorry but he makes me feel like crap most of the time, he calls me names when we're fight ; stupid, dumb ass , incompetent, self centered, and etc. I don't know what to do I deal with the day to day trying to make myself happy , taking care of my baby (girl) and taking care of him (m24) at this point I'm at the point we're I'm just recently started to like myself and feel good about myself but now I feel like shit cause he says I don't consider his feeling when I have to make sacrifices when it come to dealing and buying food. There's always one thing I wish I can buy gummies I have to get the cheap knock off one when he always gets the branded on that are more expensive. We don't receive that much to be buying that he waist his money in stuff like video games, pc parts, or somethings just buying fast food when there's food at home we don't even have anything saved up for the baby not even for diapers.(yes I understand I don't work but I'm trying to go work and he said you don't have to but during arguments he always brings up the "But you don't work so why are you worried ")
So am I a jerk or I'm just stupid like he says?
View Poll

I feel different. I feel more normal like the urge has depleted.
It probably helped that I cut up my cards and self excluded from online casinos.
Going back to using cash is making me rethink purchases. like I was at the grocery store and I bought cheap healthy food, I wanted a 2 ltr of soda but I couldn't justify spending nearly $4 for it.
It is crazy that our brains will trick us into spending thousands for a dopamine fix on a game of chance.
So please if you need to talk reach out
Every day you say no is one step closer to getting your life back

This is for the gentleman who are struggling and could use inspiration. For starters, I’m likely one of the original members of the NoFap community. I found this forum at the young age of 14, when NoFap wasn’t mainstream and the plethora of online communities was little to none regarding this matter. Believe me when I tell you, I’ve been unsuccessful more times than I can count, and I too did not think it was possible to reach as far as I’ve come. I’m here to tell you that YOU CAN DO THIS. Most of us fail not because we are weak, incapable, or a failure. In fact, I firmly believe that if you’re in this forum, your future self who has overcome this crutch actually exists. What it takes to go from who you are now, to who you’re going to become is a matter of strategy, patience, and conviction. Based on my experiences, the root of my constant relapses was a result of going too big too fast, and not believing that my future self could even exist. The beginning of success must start with making a promise to yourself that you are willing to let go of the comforts of who you are today. Let’s be real, every addiction makes us feel good for a temporary time. We do what we do because we want to escape the pain of our predicament. For me, I didn’t realize until I seeked therapy that my addiction was a byproduct of deeper emotional needs that weren’t being met. Pornography for many, myself included, was an escape from the pain of loneliness and low self esteem. You must be absolutely clear of yourself and learn the deepest root cause for why you turn to your addiction to feel better, and then access how those needs can be met in a healthier and more productive way. At base level, all of us desire to be loved, and to love ourselves. Once you realize that you are an individual in the process of self actualization, that feeling of lack which propels you into relapse, will slowly fade as the hurt you carry heals. I strongly urge all of you on this journey of healing to evaluate what in life makes you happy, and what makes you feel better about yourself. You must orient your solutions towards long term happiness over short term pleasure. I’ve accomplished many things in my life in the pursuit of happiness, all to learn that what makes me happy is the feeling of belonging, and the feeling of being valuable. By working on your mental and physical health, be it working out, reading books, spending time with friends and family, building healthy and supportive relationships, naturally your desire to escape your life will be replaced by the desire to immerse yourself into life. Do not be afraid to FEEL the energy pulsating in your veins. Learn to channel your frustrations into healthy endeavours that help both yourself and your social environment. The road to success is paved through the courage to let go of your limiting beliefs, and the burning rage against the struggles that face you. Focus less on sexual gratification and more on embracing the beauty of vitality that energizes you. You can 100% replace that void through a healthy relationship to yourself and a significant other. Many of you may be shocked to know that guys such as myself, who for years slept with many women, still felt a void that kept me attached to pornography addiction. Looking back, I now know that not even being a womanizer is the path towards true fulfilment. If you’re not careful, you may face consequences that always catch up to you, including the root of your loneliness and pain. The hardest part of this journey is embracing the discomfort of being vulnerable to just how badly hurt you are and that it’s okay to seek help. You are not weak, you are human. On the other side of suffering and pain is liberation. The only thing you have to lose is not knowing the version of you who exists and is waiting to meet you. The life you desire awaits, the world has soace for you, all of you. Allow yourself to FEEL ALIVE! Allow yourself to feel the pain, then look it dead in the eyes and say thank you for showing me what I have to do to heal it. Love yourself, dive into the unknown warrior, the beauty of life is exponentially greater than the fleeting nature of temporary discomfort. Be well and NEVER DOUBT WHAT YOUR FUTURE SELF HAS IN STORE FOR YOU.

The lens is scratched and the image is corrupted
I'm making assumptions on faulty memory
I'm trusting a sepia screen cap of me
An old logo burned into the plasma TV
My self is distorted by time and space and poor choices
My truth? My lie? What a thousand fun-house mirrors
But that's all I have, so I work with it
I am naked under my ego
So exposed in the darkness I deny
Imagine me along with me
Wrapped in white samite and dirty brown burlap
Limned in light but dusted in potato powder, like cheap shredded cheese
It doesn't matter
I am the only witness
The only participant
The only inclusion
When the end comes, I may giggle, or rail, or sigh and simply turn away
Until then I will fiddle with it
Shake it and shake it and shake it though the kaleidoscope is stuck
Frozen like a once lovely mandala that has become too familiar
Break it open
Grind the colorful bits into microplastics
Remember when they were glass
Remember when they were semi-precious stones
When the weight of my toy was indicative of value, starting with BRASS
I miss quality and sentiment
I know now though
How all the meaning that you get out of it
You put into it
So I set my eye to the peephole
But the lens is scratched and the image is corrupted.

I should run a vote on this. If you are dealing wiith muscle pain., take 2 otc magnesium pills witn some food..There are also walgreen's 4% lidocaine patches. I use the stronger 5% Actavis, which is RX only..
The 4% are available at a number of stores; walgreen's hold up much better.
The Actavis brand can be ordered with a prescription from your doctor. I pay I think $48/box of 30, which isn't cheap, but usually the lowest price I have found. I use CostPlus Drugs, which is a Mark Cuban owned business.
You can also self-apply 5% lidocaine cream to sore spots. If you have tats, I don't need to "sell you", as you already know it works! I buy only Welmate (r) in the 5 1/2 ounce tub. Stuff is so potent I used it on a finger to remove an ingrown nail!
If you have not checked out Mark Cuban's pharmacy killer company, CostPlus Drugs. I have moved all my meds [non-narcotic] to CostPlus and will save several THOUSANDS of out of pocket drugs that my insurance charges full rack for every year when that god damn deductible turns over.
Another excellent product is icy cold menthol Biofreeze spray. This has a really strong smell, but I understand it works immediately.
The last product I wholeheartedly recommend Blue Stop Brand Emu Oil. Don't be put off by the name. Strong menthol cooling and allegedly deep penetration due to its use of DMSO, which helps carry the gel deeper. This was recommended to us by an old Russian gramdma.

The device's old SSD is abnormally readable but non writable, how is that? And how to fix such issue?

• Bought it cheap, used with broken Windows 10?
• Liveboot Linux works great but the SSD it self doesn't allow writing any data through any way, even at a low-level it doesn't allow and just returns an error.

Tried everything and I might reinstall Windows 8.1, and try to unlock it, then I'll do Win7, then I'll just buy that special 1.8" micro sata 7+9 adapter (last resort).
Thanks, and any suggestions are appreciated.
Edit: I'm a ThinkPad user finally, I can say it proudly to anyone that I use Artix on ThinkPad, but I just wait to be able to do a libre boot too, it'll be the biggest based transformation, nevertheless I got to not waste money, I feel finally a member of the family.

Seeing my older sibling playing through champions for the first time has sort of "reinvigorated" my interest in these games (well, it never really went away but yk what I mean). It also got me to read about the prospect of a competitive scene and why that doesn't work at all. This, along with the often underpowered enemies in the main game (final boss of the first game is rank 8, zongazonga is an F tier vivosaur, generally low levels for how easy it is to rank up, etc), and it got me thinking about balancing changes I would make if I were to rom hack champions or the first game (although I'll be talking about champions today)
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Note that I'm not here to be a hater, I love ffc dearly and it's one of my favorite games of all time. These changes are mostly off the top of my head and I would love to hear what the rest of yall think. Let's address my issues first.
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First issue: the enemies are insanely underleveled. I get that this is a kid's game but even when I was young I wondered why the enemies were so low leveled. Now that I'm not a kid, last time I played these games I had max rank vivosaurs like just over halfway through the game. Not to mention the genius team comps that some of these fools have, like Ruperts innovative mapo, mapo again, and king mapo. I wish I were as smart as him. Generally I would give them more flexible team comps and increase their ranks, as is they're far too low. It's better in champions because the gap between ranks isn't as big, but it'd still be nice to fight someone at my own punching weight.
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Secondly, vivosaur balance is goofy. While you might say that the vivosaurs are distinguished enough as is, I'd have to disagree. Because each vivosaur belongs to an unspoken "class" (sauropods, large theropods, medium theropods, horned dinosaurs, pterosaurs, etc), each class (well, I guess clade would be the better term) plays pretty similarly to each other. This leads not just to homogenization between vivosaurs, but also makes you scratch your head wondering why you would even use something.
For example, let's look at the three ammonites in champions; parapu, desmo and gaudry. Parapu just bizarrely has higher stats across the board (well ok, it loses slightly in attack to gaudry) and its support effects aren't so much worse than desmo to make a real decision between them. Parapu is just objectively better than the other two and they're completely obsolete (it's moves are much better as well).
Sauropods have it the worst. There is Nigo and the rest of them. While it's asleep the first two turns, it's so fucking fat it's not gonna die anytime soon and once it wakes up the game is over. 50% crit rate for some fucking reason, great damage for relatively low FP cost on its stomp, one of the highest LP stats in the game, the list goes on. No other sauropod has anything to do compared to Nigo, aside from rotation ig, but rotation isn't as useful in champions compared to how stupid it was in the first game. It has link too because "he needs it" ig.
I could go on and on about the balance of vivosaurs, and it might seem like the idea to make Zanth and Nigo not auto win every fight would be to simply nerf them, but it's not so simple. Because of the kind of incremental nature of the game's balance, nerfing these two would just have them be replaced by two other guys, and nerfing them would just get them replaced, so on and so forth. Obviously, every game is going to have busted shit and the guys who just kind of suck, but the main different (and issue) in fossil fighters is that the shitty guys have no niche, they have no funny "let him cook" tech to try and fight back. A lot of vivosaurs are perfectly fine but they're just worse versions of another guy at the end of the day.
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For example, let's look at pokemon. There's over a thousand of these fucking guys at this point, and we all know who the good ones are. The difference is that, let's say, a pokemon who is outclassed by lando t, is going to be just as good and identical to him in a meta without lando t. Another example, swampert is pretty strictly better in gen 3 compared to quagsire, but quagsire doesn't just play as swampert lite in lower tiers due to its unique tools (hell, it's better in ubers than swampert because of water absorb if I'm not mistaken). My point is that even bad pokemon often have something to set them apart that their superior can't do. It's not perfect ofc, but it's something
Let's go back to ffc. Galgaron and Zanth are both mid range attacks, and they're both super evolvers. Zanth and purple Zanth. What does Galgaron offer over Zanth? Nothing! In a vacuum it has confusion and +99% defense, but in practice it's strictly worse. Zanth hits harder for much less and its support effects are better overall. What good is 99% defense when the infection is coming. Not to mention confusion ruins any and all offense but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
Does mammoth do anything better than any other frontliner? No. Does it even have a niche to do anything interesting? Also no (auto LP recovery is no interesting, nice 38LP per turn jackass). Even on a lower level, Spinax is directly outclassed by Aeros, who is directly outclassed by some other fool I'm sure. Hell, does any frontline matter when Krypto can just fucking kill you instantly?
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Thirdly and one of the most damning, status effects are way way WAY too strong. This might sound stupid because status effects are strong in like. Every rpg ever. Spreading status in pokemon is one of the best strategies out there. What's the problem that they're strong here? The problem is that some status effects just straight up invalidate entire playstyles or are just generally overtuned.
I'm sorry to compare to pokemon so much but it's like the only other multiplayer monster collector I have a lot of familiarity with. The statuses in pokemon are insanely strong, yes. Paralysis cripples sweepers, burn shuts down physical attackers, sleep is generally stupid vs everyone, poison puts you on a timer, freeze needs a rework and confusion is a non issue. The difference is that status in pokemon has a lot more counterplay and dimension to the status effects. Paralysis sucks, but on a more passive tank it's not too big of a deal. Burn sucks but it can be blocked by a fire type or a special attacker who doesn't mind taking a burn. Toxic's timer reset upon switching, not to mention poison and steel types are outright immune to it. Sleep... well uh sleep is wicked broken so maybe not my best example. I guess spore and sleep powder can be blocked by grass types but I think it's telling that sleep as a status is outright banned in gen 5 (could be a patented "gen 5 ou moment" though) and pretty bullshit everywhere else. Not to mention that cleansing status does exist, even if its distribution is limited.
In fossil fighters champions status either doesn't exist because "good one I will now use the move rallying cry" or the status is confusion, which is so insanely busted I don't know how they thought it was ok. There's no way to play around status other than to hope it doesn't proc or using rallying cry. They're too polarizing between "ungodly broken but removed way too easily" or "confusion", because confusion is guaranteed results by activating before the opponent can make a move. This kinda just ruins a lot of vivosaurs and team comps. Good thing the AI doesn't know this or didn't want to ruin our lives. There is also infection. I do not think I need to explain why infection is broken.
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You get the idea. Really, none of this really matters or comes into play during single player, the game doesn't ask you to metagame or use any vivosaurs other than the silliest ones you like the most. Maybe it's best if it stays that way. But the game does encourage multiplayer a lot, and part of the fun for me back in the day (grizzled 19 year old fossil fighters veteran) I loved theorycrafting shit and battling my siblings. I would love if we could hop online and sweat but the sweating was actually fun (maybe my ultimate gaming hot take is that sweating is awesome if you're both into it). One of the hard parts about theorizing about this is that it's hard to rework things and not end up making a completely different game.
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So, after all the bitching, what is my solution?
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First order: Make the ai stronger with higher levels and better teams. Self explanatory, I do not want to see Rupert pull up on me with 3 mapo. Dumb fuck. Also can we talk about how Zongazonga is like genuinly an F tier vivosaur. 350FP for his weakest move what were they cooking.
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Second Order of business: Create a system to add more depth to team building and vivosaur customization
As stated previously, vivosaurs have a tough time differentiating themselves from one another outside of minor changes to stats/support effects/moves. I know I listed like everything but my point is that they're almost all the same when you get down to it and one is just better than the rest. I would like to propose ways to make vivosaurs more customizable to help them differentiate them better.

1. More skills to choose from. Maybe it could be something like you have a movepool like other rpgs but you can only hold like 4 skills or something. Obviously wouldn't solve everything but it would make things a little bit more varied.
2. More abilities is always a good thing imo. As it stands, there aren't that many of them and most of them are kind of ass anyways. Link, FP plus are really good, and then there's the ok ones like parting blow (thin ice), fp steal, auto counter in champions (meme in the first game) and maybe solo power but most dudes who have that are kinda frail anyways. The rest don't really get thought about much. Perhaps more abilities are in order, and more useful ones at that. Can't be totally outclassed if you have some stupid ass ability the other guy doesn't have (well, you can be but that's besides the point)
3. Maybe some sort of stat investment system like EVs could work. Not one to one with evs, and champions kinda has this with the miraculous fossil rocks, but those are pretty shallow examples.
4. Maybe some extra stats could help. 4 stats is tricky to balance amongst the, what, 200 or so vivosaurs. Maybe there could be dedicated "element" attacks that scale off some sort of magic stat. That might be fun. It would also make it so that something like compso doesn't just erase any and all attack stats (seriously what were they thinking with that fucking demon).

Those are some pretty basic examples. I can't really think of anything else atm lol.
Finally, rework status conditions
Very quickly because I've been writing this for awhile
Across the board, make status either more expensive or have a lower chance to proc. There aren't dedicated no damage status moves like toxic, will-o-wisp, t-wave, etc. I think it may be fair to either lower their chance of proc, make them more expensive, or remove the damage entirely on some of them (although the damage on the best status moves is really just a courtesy rofl).
Silver poison- Works like poison in every other game, % based damage tick at the start of every turn to stop rallying cry from negating it entirely
Gold poison/Venom- Same as before, I like the ticking time bomb aspect of it, it's unique. Idk how to balance it around RC though. If it wasn't curable it'd be way too OP but as it stands it's kind of a non-factor when you have RC.
Rallying Cry- This shit removes a whole aspect of the game for 30FP. Nuh uh. I'm bumping it's cost up to like 70FP or something. I can't playtest this to see how it would shake out but I think 30FP is too cheap for how strong it is. With a higher FP cost you would need to take into consideration if removing the status is worth it rn for something like poison or fear instead of it being an auto click. I worry that this nerf will make status way too OP but my main point is that 30FP is too good.
Sleep- Maybe make it so asleep vivosaurs can still be rotated or something. Alternatively, you can do something like how Temtem handles it, where sleep has a dedicated turn count and the vivosaur wakes up instantly upon being hit. That could be cool.
Excite- Idk it seems fine as is. Maybe a bit undertuned in champions but oh well.
Enrage- I think this one can stay it's just kinda funny tbh. Yeah it's bullshit and luck based but on the real it kinda sucks because enrage skills are usually expensive and accuracy down does the same shit for free. Funny gimmick.
Scare- This one's cool it can stay.
Confuse- Not sure what to do with this one. My first thought is that it only does anything if the vivosaur is selected and it can only last one turn. That way it's a gamble and not just a "fuck you die".
Infection- Remove fuck this status "lol 60% chance to die :)))))))))))))" never let bro cook again
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Actually elemental resistance should probably make a comeback as well. Because fun fact, it's just not in champions for some reason.
Did you guys know that O-Raptor Fiend's japanese name is Hellsatan
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Anyways again I love ffc and most of this doesn't really come in to play when I'm owning those rank 7 fools with my rank 16 dimetro/epic link spam teams. It's just a fun thing for me to think about and I would like to hear if you guys have ever thought to revamp the gameplay in any way.

I just saw today's physics exam and i thought to my self "I better be prepared". That's why I'm looking to buy some books in preparation for next year's baccalauréat, and I'm really hoping it wouldn't be a waste of money. So does any one know if they're any good and which you'd recommend? I've been eyeing the speed bac ones, but no one has made any reviews on them and they're not cheap, 20/20 or chronobac would be the safest option but i just want to be sure. PS:It's my first time buying these kind of books since I've never get the need to. Thanks

So, it has become real to me today. I know there is no right way to begin a transition.. There are just so many steps! I went online and ordered a nice tunic, tummy shaper, a couple of bras and some silicone forms... My hair right now is short... every time I would previously say I'm going to grow it out I usually give up and go get my normal man cut.. so I found a cheap wig online so I can look at myself in the mirror the way I want to see myself... I'm just so self-conscious and have come to the realization that I simply hate the way I appear. I've been treating my body like garbage because I simply didn't see the point of maintaining a body I didn't really feel represented who I really am... Maybe if I see someone I love in the mirror that will change things...
Thanks for being here.