DAY: May 27 2024
5-27-2024

THE CASE FOR OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENTATION TO LOWER AGGRESSION

People who regularly eat fish or take fish oil supplements are getting omega-3 fatty acids, which play a critical role in brain function. Research has long shown a basis in the brain for aggressive and violent behavior, and that poor nutrition is a risk factor for behavior problems. Penn neurocriminologist Adrian Raine has for years been studying whether omega-3 supplementation could therefore reduce aggressive behavior, publishing five randomized controlled trials from different countries. He found significant effects but wanted to know whether these findings extended beyond his laboratory.
5-27-2024

WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVES TO OZEMPIC AND WEGOVY AND ARE THEY SAFE?

With summer around the corner, telehealth outlets and medical spas are going into hyperdrive advertising the sale of semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. Recent shortages of the brand-name drugs have opened the door to copycat versions that, while legal, also raise some concerns for consumers, says Kelly Ann Barnes, Northeastern professor of pharmacy law. The copycat drugs are made by specialized pharmacies known as compounding pharmacies, which are allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make off-label
5-27-2024

FIVE BASIC HABITS MAY HOLD THE KEY TO GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

Professor Nick Titov’s professional goal is to make himself redundant. he wants to empower more people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression to understand what they can do each day to care for their mental health. As part of this mission, Professor Titov and his team developed The Big 5, an evidence-based program encouraging five broad types of activities that are strongly linked with good mental health when performed regularly. Everyone’s
5-27-2024

COVID-19 FORECASTING TOOL ALLOWED HOSPITAL TO MANAGE PATIENT CAPACITY, RESOURCES AMID PANDEMIC’S THIRD WAVE

During the peak of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the health-care system’s capacity was stretched and hospitals across Canada relied on each other to share resources and provide care. Experts from
5-27-2024

RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION AS A POSSIBLE ASPECT OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME PATHOLOGY

The peripubertal DHT-induced mouse model is a non-obese but insulin-resistant model of PCOS. a) Experimental design. b) Fat mass. c) Insulin levels at baseline and 15 min following glucose administration. d) Blood glucose levels during oGTT. e) HOMA-IR, calculated from fasted glucose and insulin levels. f) Glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c). A new study shows that hyperandrogenism—a key characteristic of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—affects immune cell populations in reproductive, metabolic and immunological tissues in a PCOS-like mouse model. These findings are of great importance as
5-27-2024

RESEARCH IDENTIFIES BRAIN NETWORK LINK TO STUTTERING

Common acquired neurogenic stuttering network. Common areas that were sensitive and specific across both neurogenic stuttering cohorts. Amy = amygdala; ASt = amygdalostriatal transition area; Cl = claustrum; Pall = Pallidum; Put = putamen. A new study published in the journal Brain has identified a specific brain network hub that plays a key role in stuttering. The research, by Te Whare W?nanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury (UC) Associate Professor Catherine Theys, examines two different types of stuttering—developmental and acquired—to show a clear neural
5-27-2024

THYROID DISEASE ISN’T THE END FOR YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS, REPORT FINDS

How employers behave toward workers experiencing thyroid dysfunction could play a critical part in addressing the UK’s labor market challenges. With long-term sickness on the rise in the UK, researchers at the University of Aberdeen Business School have marked World Thyroid Day (May 25) by releasing new findings which, for the first time, explore the relationship between employer sympathy and the labor market prospects of people with thyroid conditions. One in 20 people in the UK have a thyroid problem, with a significant majority of sufferers being women. Posing serious
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS HIGH-INCOME EARNERS AT LOWER RISK OF DYING FROM STROKE

High-income earners have a 32% lower risk of dying after a stroke compared to low-income earners. The equivalent for high education is 26% lower risk. The differences in stroke survival linked to socioeconomics are striking, according to a study at the University of Gothenburg.
5-27-2024

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COULD ALLEVIATE LONELINESS, SAYS EXPERT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology could offer companionship to lonely people amid an international epidemic of loneliness, says a robotics expert. Tony Prescott, a professor of cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield, argues in his new book “The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence” that “relationships with AIs could support people” with forms of social interaction. Loneliness has been found to seriously impair human health, and Professor Prescott makes a case that advances in AI technology could offer a partial solution. He argues that people can spiral into loneliness, becoming
5-27-2024

ALZHEIMER’S REPORT HIGHLIGHTS IMMENSE CAREGIVER BURDEN—AND POTENTIAL WAYS FORWARD

Some 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and about 11 million provide unpaid care for them. Dementia caregiving can present unique challenges, including financial burdens and time constraints, as well as health complications. A report this year from the Alzheimer’s Association demonstrates the true cost of caregiving for those with the disease and calls to establish dementia care navigation throughout the U.S. to lift this burden. Not only is the estimated value of unpaid care near $14 billion in Pennsylvania alone, the report also revealed emotional and physical tolls. Nearly
5-27-2024

US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION APPROVES ARTIFICIAL PANCREAS SYSTEM

An artificial pancreas developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge has been granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by individuals with type 1 diabetes aged 2 and older, including during pregnancy. This means that even more people living with the disease will be able to use this life-changing app. For the first time, the FDA authorized the use of the artificial pancreas system in pregnancy. CamAPS FX, produced by Cambridge spinout company CamDiab, is an Android app that can
5-27-2024

RESEARCH SAYS POMEGRANATES COULD OFFER A SOLUTION TO FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) are investigating the effects ellagic acid, an antioxidant found in some fruits and vegetables, could have on halting and potentially reversing the damage caused by fatty liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the physiological manifestation of obesity in the liver. The prevalence of NAFLD has increased from 25.24% in 2015 to 29.38% in 2021, and this condition now accounts for 45.8% of all cases of chronic-liver-disease-related deaths worldwide. There currently exists no treatment for the long-term management of NAFLD; however, dietary interventions
5-27-2024

MAGIC MUSHROOMS MAY ONE DAY TREAT ANOREXIA, BUT NOT JUST YET

Anorexia nervosa is a severe mental health disorder where people fear weight gain. Those with the disorder have distorted body image and hold rigid beliefs their body is too big. They typically manage this through restricted eating, leading to the serious medical consequences of malnutrition. Anorexia has one of the highest death rates of any mental illness. Yet there are currently no effective drug treatments and the outcomes of psychotherapy (talk therapy) are poor. So we’re desperately in need of new and improved treatments. Psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms,
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS FEEDING INFANTS PEANUT PRODUCTS PROTECTS AGAINST ALLERGY INTO ADOLESCENCE

Feeding children peanuts regularly from infancy to age five reduced the rate of peanut allergy in adolescence by 71%, even after many years when the children ate or avoided peanut as desired. The new findings provide conclusive evidence that introducing peanuts into babies’ diets early will achieve long-term prevention of peanut allergy. Lead investigator Professor Gideon Lack from King’s College London said, “Decades of advice to avoid peanuts has made parents fearful of introducing peanuts at an early age. The evidence is clear that early introduction of peanut in infancy
5-27-2024

EATING MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES MAY LEAD TO OPTIMAL SLEEP DURATION

Good health depends on a healthy diet and sufficient exercise and sleep. There are clear associations among these components; for example, good nutrition provides energy for exercise, and many people report that getting enough exercise is important to their ability to get enough sleep. So how might nutrition affect sleep? A new study looks at the connection between fruit and vegetable intake and sleep duration.
5-27-2024

MONITORING THE H5N1 AVIAN INFLUENZA, BIRD FLU, OUTBREAK

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to actively monitor the ongoing outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu, and says that the public health risk remains low. Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, says scientists and public health officials have known about avian influenza for decades. “What’s different today is that since 2020, we’re seeing the largest outbreak of avian influenza among wild birds, poultry and backyard bird flocks,” he says. “The virus has also been found in certain
5-27-2024

INTERNATIONAL STUDY REVEALS SURPRISING TWIST IN HOW DIABETES DRUGS HELP THE HEART

A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial has revealed surprising new insights into how SGLT2 inhibitor drugs, originally developed for diabetes, benefit patients with heart failure. Contrary to common assumptions, these drugs may improve cardiac outcomes and heart health without acting as diuretics. Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands, often leading to fluid
5-27-2024

FIRST SEIZURE CLINICS REDUCE THE NEED FOR FUTURE HEALTH CARE, RESEARCHERS FIND

Clinics specializing in first seizures reduce the need for patients to present at emergency departments or be admitted to hospital later, Monash University-led research has found. Timely attendance, particularly within 14 days of the seizure, was associated with reduced subsequent all-cause emergency presentations and all-cause hospital admission. Later hospital admissions were reduced by about 25%. First author Dr. Yingtong Li, an adjunct
5-27-2024

CELL-TARGETING TECHNOLOGY CAN ISOLATE NEURONAL SUBPOPULATIONS AND LINK THEM TO BEHAVIORAL STATES

As gene sequencing technologies become more powerful, our understanding of cellular diversity has grown in parallel. This led scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to
5-27-2024

WATCH OUT FOR THESE HIGH HEAT DANGER SIGNS

Climate change is pushing daytime summer temperatures higher for longer periods of time, and that can spell real danger for folks who work outside, like gardeners and landscapers. Protecting yourself in the heat and knowing the warning signs of heat-related illness is crucial, said Chris Enroth, horticulture educator at University of Illinois Extension. He should know: It happened to him. “When I was working as a landscaper, we had to sod a large backyard during a day when the temperature was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit,” Enroth said. “We were hustling
5-27-2024

STAY SAFE FROM THE SUN AND THAT BACKYARD GRILL THIS MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day means firing up that backyard grill for the season, hopefully under warm, sunny skies. You can be sure to enjoy the day without hazards by taking a few simple precautions, said Dr. Mike Ren, an associate professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Watch out for rising heat and humidity If Memorial day is a scorcher, hydration is key, Ren said. “A good rule of thumb is to drink water regularly throughout the day, aiming for 12 or more cups; when in
5-27-2024

HAD A JOINT REPLACED? STUDY SUGGESTS INFECTION RISK MAY RISE AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY

If you’re one of the millions of Americans walking around with a new knee or hip, your odds for an infection in that joint rise if you ever have to undergo cancer chemotherapy, researchers report. “Given the number of people of receiving total joint replacements each year, as well as the cost both physically, emotionally and financially for those who develop an infection and may need subsequent treatment, we need to understand what factors may increase the risk for postoperative infections,” said study author Dr. Janet Conway. She’s an orthopedic
5-27-2024

ANTIHYPERTENSIVES LINKED TO ECZEMATOUS DERMATITIS IN SENIORS, STUDY FINDS

Antihypertensive drugs are associated with an increased risk for eczematous dermatitis in older adults, and the effect sizes are largest for diuretics and calcium channel blockers, whether antihypertensive drug use is associated with eczematous dermatitis in a longitudinal cohort study of individuals aged 60 years and older without eczematous dermatitis at baseline. The researchers found that the overall prevalence of eczematous dermatitis was 6.7% among 1,561,358
5-27-2024

RESEARCH INDICATES KIDNEYS FROM DECEASED DONORS WHO WERE ON DIALYSIS ARE SUBOPTIMAL

Receipt of a kidney from a deceased donor who underwent dialysis is associated with an increased incidence of delayed graft function, compared outcomes of transplant recipients who received kidneys from deceased donors who underwent dialysis prior to kidney donation versus recipients of kidneys from deceased donors who did not undergo dialysis in a retrospective cohort study using data from 58 U.S. organ procurement organizations. Among the donors with
5-27-2024

NEW THERAPY PROVEN EFFECTIVE AGAINST REJECTION IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is one of the most common causes of kidney transplant failure. To date, however, no treatment has proven effective in combating this complication in the long term. As part of an international and multidisciplinary clinical study led by Georg Böhmig and Katharina Mayer, Clinical Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III at MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, a new therapeutic principle in transplant medicine has been found to be both safe and highly effective. The results were recently published in the New England Journal
5-27-2024

SHARJAH UNIVERSITY PATENTS APPLICATION FOR DISTANCE COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS

Smart Identification of Health Status based on QR Code and User Health Data. Credit: author’s own creation The University of Sharjah has been granted a patent for inventing a smart gadget with the ability to filter user information that will allow doctors to diagnose COVID-19 and other ailments from a distance. The patent, granted by United States Patent and Trademark Office on 1 August 2023, comprises “a display unit, a color code detection unit, an image filter, an optical character recognition unit, a code detection unit and an elimination unit,”
5-27-2024

STUDY REVEALS WHERE DELAYS ARE WORST

When it comes to responding to a stroke, speed is a crucial factor; the longer it takes for someone experiencing a stroke to get to a hospital, the worse the outcome will be. Yet across the United States, delays to treatment can be significant. A Yale study uncovers new insights into factors associated with treatment delays and where in the United States patients are more likely to experience slower responses. The findings, which were published May 24 in the journal Stroke, highlight where interventions should

NEW STUDY SHOWS HEAT WAVES INCREASE RISK OF PRETERM, EARLY-TERM BIRTH

The increased frequency and intensity of heat waves due to climate change puts women at a higher risk of experiencing preterm and early-term labor—jeopardizing the health and well-being of their babies. An analysis of 53 million births that occurred in the 50 most populous U.S. metropolitan areas during the 25-year period 1993–2017, showed
5-27-2024

NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES, EARPLUGS AND EARMUFFS—DO THEY REALLY HELP NEURODIVERGENT PEOPLE?

Noise can make it hard to concentrate, especially for people who are extra sensitive to it. Neurodivergent people (such as those who are autistic or have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder—ADHD) can experience different sensory sensitivities. Their nervous system may process information differently when they are exposed to sensory experiences such as bright lights, loud noise, strong smells or busy environments. Decreased sound tolerance is estimated to affect up to 70% of autistic people and is described in three ways: hyperacusis (perceiving everyday sounds as loud or painful), misophonia (an aversion to
5-27-2024

MASSACHUSETTS SHELLS OUT NEARLY $400,000 FOR VACCINE RECORD CHECKS IN STATE-RUN SHELTERS

State officials have pumped nearly $400,000 into a program to review the vaccine records of families entering the emergency shelter system, including migrants from other countries who may have foreign documentation, according to the Healey administration. Officials at Boston-based John Snow, Inc., which has long worked with the state, have been contracted to review immunization documents. Since January, more than 1,200 children in state-run shelters have had their records checked, according to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, or HHS. Vaccine record checks have occurred since September 2023
5-27-2024

LAWSUIT ACCUSES FLORIDA’S PALM BEACH COUNTY HOSPITAL NETWORK OF SHARING PATIENTS’ PRIVATE DATA

The Palm Beach Health Network has become the latest health provider accused of illegally sharing identities and private health information of its patients with the social media company Meta, owner of Facebook. A lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach says the health network’s websites share code with Meta that enables patients to be targeted with advertising on Facebook based on “highly sensitive personal information” they share. It names as defendants the Palm Beach Health Network Physicians Group, doing business as Palm Beach Health Network, and
5-27-2024

CAN THE PLACEMENT OF DENTAL IMPLANTS IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS BE DONE BEFORE RADIATION THERAPY?

Globally, head and neck cancer accounts for 5% of all cancer types, with a mortality rate of 50%. However, in the Nordic countries, head and neck cancer accounts for only 2.6% of all cancers, with a mortality rate of just 30%. But more survivors mean that many must live with extensive damage and side effects
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS CLIMATE CHANGE INCREASES RISK OF CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS OUTBREAKS IN NEW ZEALAND

More cryptosporidiosis outbreaks could be on the cards for Aotearoa New Zealand as extreme rainfall events become more frequent, causing higher levels of the diarrhea-causing parasite to be washed into waterways, public health researchers warn. The researchers studied clusters of cryptosporidium outbreaks around the country between 1997 and 2015 and found 13 coincided with severe weather events. Their research is published in the journal Epidemiology & Infection. It is the first study to compare clusters of outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis to severe weather events in Aotearoa.
5-27-2024

RESEARCHERS EVALUATE IMPACT OF NEW FILM’S MESSAGE ON CHILDREN’S AND ADULTS’ BODY IMAGE, SELF-COMPASSION

Unrealistic expectations about what our bodies should look like—whether from the media, friends or family—make adults and children of all ages more vulnerable to body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and other mental health challenges. In a new study published in Body Image, Flinders University experts assessing the program’s usefulness in classrooms highlight the potential for the film “Embrace Kids,” directed by 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt, to achieve large-scale improvements in body image
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS INCREASED SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, SUICIDE ATTEMPTS AMONG ADOLESCENTS EXPOSED TO EARLY PHASE OF WAR IN UKRAINE

Data Collection in the War-Affected Donetsk Region and Non-War Kirovograd Region. A new study carried out by a multinational research group showed high levels of suicidal thoughts and attempts in adolescents, which were strongly associated with wartime traumatic experiences, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Dr. Sanju Silwal from the Research Center for Child Psychiatry in the University of Turku, Finland, one of the lead authors, says that the study was conducted in two regions that
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS SIGNIFICANT DISPARITIES IN THE DELIVERY OF CANCER-RELATED CARE

It’s important to ensure that care provided at US hospitals that predominantly serve Black and Hispanic populations is as high-quality as the care provided at other US hospitals. New research reveals significant disparities in the delivery of cancer-related care at minority serving hospitals (MSHs) compared with non-MSHs, however. The findings are published in Cancer. For the study, investigators analyzed information from the National Cancer Database (which accrues approximately 70% of US cancer diagnoses) to identify patients eligible for definitive treatment for breast, prostate, non-small cell lung, and colon cancers between
5-27-2024

WHO SEEKS $7 BN WITH FUND-RAISING REVAMP

The World Health Organization launched Sunday a new financing mechanism that aims to raise $7 billion of funds that can be deployed more quickly and flexibly. The UN agency has traditionally relied on commitments from its 194 member states, but often these are apportioned to specific projects with several conditions attached, including deadlines that can prove too short. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said commitment increases would contribute $4 billion to the agency’s budget of $11.1 billion over the four years through 2028. “The Investment Round aims to mobilize the
5-27-2024

SECOND PERSON DIES OF CHOLERA ON FRENCH ISLAND OF MAYOTTE

Scanning electron microscope image of Vibrio cholerae. Credit: Wikipedia A 62-year-old woman has died of cholera in Mayotte, bringing to two the death toll from the epidemic on the French island in the Indian Ocean, health authorities said on Sunday. The woman died on Saturday at her home in Mamoudzou, the capital, the ARS health authority said in a statement. “Response teams went to the scene to disinfect the home and take care of the deceased’s family and friends”, the statement added. In May, the disease claimed its first life
5-27-2024

ALTERING CELLULAR INTERACTIONS AROUND AMYLOID PLAQUES MAY OFFER NOVEL ALZHEIMER’S TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have made a significant breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease research by identifying a novel way to potentially slow down or even halt disease progression. The study, which focuses on the role of reactive astrocytes and the plexin-B1 protein in Alzheimer’s pathophysiology, provides crucial insights into brain
5-27-2024

BRAIN DAMAGE STUDY REVEALS PART OF THE BRAIN NECESSARY FOR HELPING OTHERS

Our willingness to help others is governed by a specific brain region pinpointed by researchers in a study of patients with brain damage to that region. Learning about where in the brain “helping” decisions are made is important for understanding how people might be motivated to tackle large global challenges, such as climate change, infectious disease and international conflict. It is also essential for finding new approaches to treating disorders of social interactions. The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, was carried out by researchers at the University of Birmingham
5-27-2024

IMPROVING AI LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS HELPS THEM BETTER ALIGN WITH HUMAN BRAIN ACTIVITY

NSP as a computational account of discourse comprehension. (A) Humans integrate words and sentences to achieve a full understanding of discourse. In LLMs, the NSP task proposed by BERT can serve as a computational account of human discourse comprehension. (B) Illustration of the MLM task. (C) Illustration of the NSP task and its relevance to the Mason and Just model. (D) Illustration of Mason and Just’s neurocognitive model of discourse processing. Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn7744 With generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) transforming the social interaction landscape in recent years,
5-27-2024

STUDY EXAMINES METABOLIC REPROGRAMMING OF BREAST CANCER TUMORS DURING NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

In a study published in Nature Communications, scientists have made significant strides in understanding the complex interplay between the immune system and cancer metabolism in breast cancer treatment. The research
5-27-2024

RESEARCHERS EXAMINE EVIDENCE FOR A NOVEL NEURONAL MECHANISM DRIVING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

An international team of clinicians and neuroscientists have published a new perspective on the process of neurodegeneration. Their findings review evidence for a mechanism upstream of amyloid including the key neurochemical driving this process. The paper, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, focuses on a selective group of neurons (“the isodendritic core”). These cells have a different provenance from neurons in the rest of the brain and have previously been identified as primarily
The research, by a team from Finland’s University of Helsinki, National Institute for Health and Welfare, and Turku University of Applied Sciences, is published in
5-27-2024

WHO CHIEF URGES COUNTRIES TO QUICKLY SEAL PANDEMIC DEAL

WHO countries have spent two years seeking an agreement on tackling pandemics. The World Health Organization chief on Monday urged countries to nail down a landmark global agreement on handling of future pandemics after they missed a hard deadline. Scarred by COVID-19—which killed millions, shredded economies and crippled health systems—nations have spent two years trying to forge binding commitments on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Negotiators failed to clinch a deal ahead of this week’s World Health Assembly—the annual gathering of WHO’s 194 member states—the deadline for concluding the talks.
5-27-2024

STUDY DEMONSTRATES HOW GUT MICROBES PROCESS STEROIDS—USING FLATULENCE

It turns out flatulence can serve a purpose beyond being uncomfortable or funny: Gas released by some gut bacteria stimulates other gut bacteria to produce a hormone involved in pregnancy and in an FDA-approved treatment for postpartum depression, according to new research led by Harvard Medical School scientists. The work shows how gut bacteria can produce new hormones from steroids in bile and, in doing so, act like an endocrine organ. This research adds to the growing list of ways gut microbiota may influence human
5-27-2024

PHYSICAL FRAILTY MAY PUT PEOPLE AT GREATER RISK OF DEPRESSION, STUDY FINDS

Individuals who meet at least one of the criteria for physical frailty are at higher risk of also developing depression, a new Yale study finds. The findings—which also include insights into the specific inflammatory molecules and changes in brain structure that could underlie this association between frailty and depression—point to a need for routine assessment of physical frailty in clinical practice, researchers said. The study was published May 23 in Nature Communications. In clinical settings, physical
5-27-2024

RESEARCH TEAM RESOLVES STRUCTURE OF CRUCIAL ENZYME FOR THE FIRST TIME

For the first time, a team co-led by CHU Sainte-Justine researcher and professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Université de Montréal, Alexey Pshezhetsky has succeeded in resolving the unique structure of the HGSNAT enzyme, a deficiency of which causes Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare pediatric disease affecting the central nervous system. Through collaboration with a team from Shanghai University, the structure of this enzyme and the mechanism of its function were revealed using high-performance

Hey there!
I've just been offered a job at a small finance company to be a content creatosocial media manager for two brands they own. Don't know if I'm accepting yet but I'm leaning towards yes. How difficult is it to be responsible for a mix of social media pages for two brands on full time hours? I've been working in digital marketing for about 7 months now so I'm still learning and fairly new to the industry. Not super confident in my skills just yet but confident in my ability to learn.
In the interview they mentioned wanting to overhaul/refresh their social media pages. I'm wondering if you guys have any advice for planning this or resources to help me with it. How long should it take, what should I be looking at analytics-wise, what tools are good for managing/analysing multiple social media accounts, etc. I'm looking for websites with training or templates or something like that. I know Canva has some templates for social media strategy but they're not very fleshed out. I have experimented with using AI to plan this but it's not very helpful because it's not actually teaching me anything, it's just giving me the answer.
Any advice or help would be great.

Help, I don't think my Oculus Ignition Submission is being taken seriously at all, I'm posting here in hopes that maybe some Oculus staff might catch this.
So what's this about... Firstly I should mention it takes a full month to get any reply to anything. Responses can ONLY be seen on the support site, I don't receive emails or texts or anything that would inform me when a reply comes in, I just have to keep checking the support site. This would be fine if the replies contained the necessary information.
One response was a template message that had my company name written as [XYZ], which I'm guessing was supposed to have been changed before sending me the message, this made it very difficult to decipher what information they wanted from me, but I didn't dare ask about it because it would take another month to receive a reply.
Messages are not time/date stamped, you can only see the date of the latest message, so as soon as you reply you can no longer see when the last reply was.
The latest message states that a form that I need to complete should be attached to the message. Of course there are no attachments, this means that I've now responded asking them to send me the form that should have been attached... Of course I'm expecting to wait another month just to receive a reply hopefully containing something I should already have received.
If there are any Oculus Support staff present, PLEASE look in to this. It feels like my time is being wasted on purpose so that I don't get funding. There is no support system to deal with any queries. It's all done on a half functioning website that didn't even accept the Oculus developer account I have been using for nearly a decade, and I had to create a new account just to even register for this program.

As we journey deeper into the exploration of aging, we uncover yet another intriguing hallmark: loss of proteostasis. Just like unraveling the pages of a complex novel, each hallmark adds a layer to our understanding of the aging process. In our ongoing series, we have previously delved into genomic instability, telomere attrition, and epigenetic alterations. Now, let's embark on the discovery of how our body's ability to maintain protein balance plays a pivotal role in the aging narrative.
Picture a well-organized library where books are constantly being checked out and returned. In our cells, proteins are akin to these books, each with a specific role and function. However, over time, errors can occur. The loss of proteostasis refers to the decline in our body's ability to maintain the proper balance of proteins—leading to a buildup of misfolded or damaged proteins.
To understand this phenomenon better, let's envision a factory where proteins are manufactured with precision. As we age, the machinery responsible for protein folding and disposal may become less efficient. Misfolded proteins, akin to defective products, accumulate within the cell. This accumulation can trigger a cascade of events, contributing to cellular dysfunction and ultimately impacting tissue and organ function.
Research suggests that loss of proteostasis is implicated in various age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. In Alzheimer's, for instance, the accumulation of misfolded proteins such as beta-amyloid and tau disrupts neuronal function, leading to cognitive decline.
So, what can we do to preserve proteostasis and potentially slow down the aging process? While we may not have all the answers, emerging studies offer promising insights. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and maintaining a healthy weight are among the lifestyle factors that may help support protein homeostasis.
Furthermore, scientists are actively investigating interventions such as caloric restriction and pharmacological agents that target pathways involved in protein quality control. By enhancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying proteostasis, researchers aim to develop strategies to mitigate age-related protein imbalances and associated diseases.
As we continue our exploration of the nine hallmarks of aging, the loss of proteostasis underscores the intricate dance of molecular processes within our cells and highlights the importance of maintaining protein balance for healthy aging.

(Disclaimer: Nothing should be construed in this post as "the likely" or more than merely a "remote" scenario. Since banks and institutions undergo stress testing for operability during a gamed crisis, I thought I should speculate on potentially how an offering by a company could mitigate a clearing system in crisis mode without a heavy interventional fix by government.)
In the next month it is conceivable there could be a situation where the price could go above a point where the volume of shares to be exercised could exceed locates. The OCC crisis liquidity fund requires collecting margin fees from its members based on their risk. An example of a crisis clearing fund activated situation could be when a clearing member faces liquidity and is not able to clear current outstanding contracts, where market prices rise to a point where hedged locates are sparse and few among all of the members, or the fellow members are saving the hedged locates for fulfillment of their own contracts. While current security and exchange code shows that the OCC clearing fund stands in the breach between the failing member and the rest, I believe it's when the troubled failing member has to liquidate. After that, the OCC fund, the OCC itself and the rest of the clearing members would be responsible for their own survival. (Per my non-wrinkly reading of the DD on the comment period offered for OCC-2024-001, feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken.)
If a clearing member is on brink of liquidation and not yet able to clear their contracts, is there a situation where the OCC would approach a company for an equivalent of an extension of a right to purchase a security at a given amount over a length of time? And would that equivalent satisfy certain difficult-to-fulfill contracts being cleared which could avert a failure of the OCC itself or multiple clearing members in a hypothetical system-wide crisis situation?
Could the OCC: (1a) purchase warrants from this company for the warrants' extended exercise term in lieu of hard-to-locate shares, AND (1b) satisfy the contract settlements for the expiry which caused the crisis by using a matched broker pool of beneficiary shares already in the DTC and Cede, 1:1 with the warrants acquired without exercising them? OR (2) in lieu of funds, if the OCC reaches a point where after the clearing fund is exhausted, could a company lend or pledge warrants as collateral to the OCC (in exchange for other security collateral like a repo)? (Could a company agree to a future closure of the lent/pledged out warrants in exchange for the original price of the warrant AND the OCC ceding the shares still in the DTC back as collateral to the repo when the shares become acquirable?)
The number 1 method would be advantageous because it would be an OCC-to-company transaction and would push out and extend the equivalent time frame for settlement. The number 2 method would be a company-to-OCC money arrangement when the OCC is low on liquidity, but the company has short-term investments to buy a repurchase agreement.
Would there be another hypothetical scenario where a clearing share-locate crunch could be averted with a company warrant offering?
Wouldn't this be a market way to solve a clearing crisis without (say) confiscating pension administrators repurchase agreement funds to populate them with junk collateral from a liquidated clearing firm?
Any wrinkly and smooth commentary welcome.

Number 1:

1. Initiation: Represents new beginnings, leadership, and individuality.
2. The Magician: Tarot card associated with the number 1, symbolizing creativity, manifestation, and willpower.
3. Independence: Signifies self-reliance, originality, and taking the lead.
4. Potential and Possibility: Embodies the start of a journey or a project.
5. Unity: Reflects the oneness, the start of something unique and singular.

Number 2:

1. Duality: Signifies balance, partnerships, and cooperation.
2. The High Priestess: Associated with intuition, wisdom, and hidden knowledge in tarot.
3. Harmony: Represents the need for balance and diplomacy.
4. Relationships: Emphasizes partnerships, teamwork, and cooperation.
5. Choice: Reflects decisions, choices, and the need for balance.

Number 3:

1. Creativity: Symbolizes self-expression, communication, and creative endeavors.
2. The Empress: Tarot card embodying fertility, creativity, and abundance.
3. Optimism: Represents joy, enthusiasm, and social interaction.
4. Expansion: Signifies growth, self-improvement, and broadening horizons.
5. Manifestation: Reflects the power of thoughts, words, and actions in creating reality.

Number 4:

1. Stability: Signifies structure, order, and a solid foundation.
2. The Emperor: Tarot card embodying authority, stability, and structure.
3. Security: Represents practicality, reliability, and building a strong base.
4. Endurance: Symbolizes persistence, hard work, and discipline.
5. Materialization: Reflects the manifestation of ideas into tangible results.

Number 5:

1. Change: Represents adaptability, versatility, and transformation.
2. The Hierophant: Tarot card symbolizing tradition, guidance, and spiritual growth.
3. Freedom: Signifies exploration, adventure, and embracing diversity.
4. Shifts and Challenges: Reflects unexpected changes and the need for flexibility.
5. Versatility: Embodies adaptability, resourcefulness, and embracing new experiences.

Number 6:

1. Harmony: Signifies balance, responsibility, and nurturing relationships.
2. The Lovers: Tarot card representing love, harmony, and choices in relationships.
3. Service: Reflects selflessness, compassion, and community involvement.
4. Healing: Symbolizes peace, empathy, and creating harmonious environments.
5. Balance: Embodies equilibrium, diplomacy, and a harmonious lifestyle.

Number 7:

1. Spirituality: Signifies introspection, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
2. The Chariot: Tarot card embodying willpower, determination, and progress.
3. Seeking Truth: Reflects introspection, seeking answers, and inner wisdom.
4. Analysis: Symbolizes deep thinking, research, and intellectual pursuits.
5. Inner Guidance: Embodies intuition, mysticism, and inner awareness.

Number 8:

1. Achievement: Represents success, abundance, and material prosperity.
2. Strength: Tarot card symbolizing inner strength, resilience, and determination.
3. Power and Success: Reflects ambition, authority, and material wealth.
4. Karma: Symbolizes cause and effect, balance in action and consequence.
5. Manifestation: Embodies material gains, business acumen, and financial stability.

Number 9:

1. Completion: Signifies endings, spiritual fulfillment, and humanitarianism.
2. The Hermit: Tarot card embodying introspection, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.
3. Universal Love: Reflects compassion, service to humanity, and global consciousness.
4. Wisdom and Leadership: Symbolizes altruism, leadership, and guiding others.
5. Transformation: Embodies closure, spiritual awakening, and a broader perspective.

These tidbits offer symbolic insights into each number and its corresponding tarot cards, highlighting the thematic elements and interpretations associated with numerology and the tarot.

Number 10:

1. Completion and Renewal: Signifies endings and new beginnings simultaneously.
2. Wheel of Fortune: Tarot card representing cycles, destiny, and unforeseen changes.
3. Wholeness: Reflects fulfillment, achievement, and cycles coming to fruition.
4. Transformation: Symbolizes change, fate, and the cyclical nature of life.
5. Karmic Balance: Embodies the law of cause and effect, the balance of energies.

Number 11:

1. Master Illuminator: Signifies spiritual awakening, intuition, and enlightenment.
2. Justice (or Strength in some decks): Tarot card embodying fairness, balance, and divine guidance.
3. Enlightenment: Reflects intuition, inspiration, and high spiritual awareness.
4. Higher Calling: Symbolizes spiritual guidance, psychic abilities, and divine insights.
5. Visionary Leadership: Embodies visionary ideas, inspiration, and spiritual mentorship.

Number 12:

1. Harmonious Union: Signifies partnerships, cooperation, and balanced relationships.
2. The Hanged Man: Tarot card symbolizing surrender, perspective shift, and sacrifice for enlightenment.
3. Sacrifice for Growth: Reflects letting go, patience, and seeing things from a different angle.
4. Adaptability: Symbolizes flexibility, suspension, and altering perspectives.
5. Transformational Insight: Embodies spiritual growth through surrender and acceptance.

Number 13:

1. Transformation and Rebirth: Signifies change, transition, and new opportunities.
2. Death: Tarot card representing transformation, endings, and profound change leading to renewal.
3. Transition and Renewal: Reflects release, transformation, and the start of something new.
4. Renewed Perspective: Symbolizes rebirth, regeneration, and shedding old patterns.
5. Power of Endings: Embodies closure, regeneration, and the birth of something new.

Number 14:

1. Practical Manifestation: Signifies grounded action, stability, and accomplishment.
2. Temperance: Tarot card embodying balance, moderation, and spiritual harmony.
3. Moderation and Balance: Reflects harmony, patience, and blending opposites.
4. Alchemy: Symbolizes transformation, adaptation, and spiritual equilibrium.
5. Integration of Duality: Embodies combining elements to create a harmonious whole.

Number 15:

1. Change and Transformation: Signifies shifts, transitions, and adaptability.
2. The Devil: Tarot card representing materialism, bondage, and self-limiting beliefs.
3. Personal Freedom: Reflects breaking free from limitations, temptations, or restrictions.
4. Inner Exploration: Symbolizes shadow work, self-awareness, and breaking unhealthy patterns.
5. Choice and Liberation: Embodies freeing oneself from restrictions or unhealthy attachments.

Number 16:

1. Spiritual Awakening: Signifies spiritual growth, divine intervention, and new beginnings.
2. The Tower: Tarot card embodying sudden change, upheaval, and revelation leading to transformation.
3. Sudden Change: Reflects upheaval, awakening, and revelation.
4. Awakening to Truth: Symbolizes enlightenment, liberation, and profound insights.
5. Transformational Crisis: Embodies breaking down old structures for spiritual evolution.

Number 17:

1. Manifestation and Power: Signifies success, authority, and material abundance.
2. The Star: Tarot card representing hope, inspiration, and spiritual guidance.
3. Optimism and Healing: Reflects hope, faith, and finding inner guidance.
4. Divine Intervention: Symbolizes grace, blessings, and spiritual renewal.
5. Illumination and Guidance: Embodies finding direction and renewed faith.

Number 18:

1. Karmic Completion: Signifies accomplishment, fulfillment, and achievement.
2. The Moon: Tarot card symbolizing intuition, illusion, and the subconscious mind.
3. Unveiling the Unseen: Reflects mystery, intuition, and subconscious revelations.
4. Inner Reflection: Symbolizes introspection, dreams, and hidden truths.
5. Transition to Higher Wisdom: Embodies uncovering hidden aspects for spiritual evolution.

Number 19:

1. Fulfillment and Success: Signifies attainment, completion, and reaching goals.
2. The Sun: Tarot card embodying joy, success, and positive outcomes.
3. Abundance and Vitality: Reflects happiness, vitality, and illumination.
4. Inner Child: Symbolizes innocence, playfulness, and embracing the joy of life.
5. Celebration of Achievement: Embodies success, happiness, and realization of dreams.

Number 20:

1. Integration and Fulfillment: Signifies completion of a cycle and a sense of wholeness.
2. Judgment: Tarot card embodying spiritual awakening, renewal, and rebirth.
3. Rebirth and Redemption: Reflects resurrection, spiritual awakening, and inner calling.
4. Transformational Shift: Symbolizes a new phase, karmic retribution, and self-reflection.
5. Resolution and Clarity: Embodies closure, resolution, and a fresh start.

Number 21:

1. Unity and Completion: Signifies the combination of wisdom and fulfillment.
2. The World: Tarot card representing fulfillment, completion, and mastery of life's cycles.
3. Wholeness and Integration: Reflects achievement, fulfillment, and a sense of accomplishment.
4. Mastery and Enlightenment: Symbolizes mastery over life's lessons and embracing new beginnings.
5. Culmination and Success: Embodies achievement, fulfillment, and a broader perspective.

Number 22:

1. Master Builder: Signifies the capacity to turn dreams into reality, a powerful force.
2. The Fool (in some decks): Tarot card embodying unlimited potential, new beginnings, and the journey of life.
3. Visionary Potential: Reflects the potential for extraordinary achievements and spiritual awakening.
4. Manifesting Dreams: Symbolizes materializing ambitions, power, and the ability to create.
5. Transformational Journey: Embodies spiritual growth, leadership, and a higher purpose.

Number 23:

1. Creative Expression: Signifies creative pursuits, artistic talents, and innovative thinking.
2. The King of Swords (in some decks): Tarot card representing intellect, clarity, and communication.
3. Mental Clarity: Reflects clear thinking, sharp intellect, and diplomatic communication.
4. Ambitious Vision: Symbolizes ambitious plans, strategic thinking, and leadership qualities.
5. Intellectual Authority: Embodies mental strength, assertiveness, and logical reasoning.

Number 24:

1. Nurturing Stability: Signifies caring, support, and creating a secure environment.
2. The Queen of Cups (in some decks): Tarot card symbolizing emotional intelligence, compassion, and intuition.
3. Compassionate Care: Reflects empathy, sensitivity, and nurturing qualities.
4. Emotional Balance: Symbolizes emotional stability, harmonious relationships, and intuitive insights.
5. Supportive Energy: Embodies nurturing abilities, empathy, and creating emotional security.

Number 25:

1. Adaptability and Curiosity: Signifies versatility, exploration, and adaptability to change.
2. The Knight of Pentacles (in some decks): Tarot card representing reliability, dedication, and practicality.
3. Steadfast Dedication: Reflects commitment, reliability, and a methodical approach.
4. Practical Solutions: Symbolizes a practical mindset, dedication to tasks, and diligent work ethic.
5. Resourceful Nature: Embodies a disciplined attitude, reliability, and readiness to adapt.

Number 26:

1. Diplomatic Harmony: Signifies balance, cooperation, and creating harmony in relationships.
2. The Two of Swords (in some decks): Tarot card embodying decision-making, balance, and compromise.
3. Balancing Choices: Reflects decisions, seeking balance, and finding middle ground.
4. Peaceful Resolutions: Symbolizes diplomacy, compromise, and finding solutions.
5. Harmonious Choices: Embodies choices made with consideration, balance, and peace.

Number 27:

1. Wisdom and Compassion: Signifies understanding, spiritual insight, and empathy.
2. The Nine of Cups (in some decks): Tarot card representing emotional fulfillment, contentment, and satisfaction.
3. Emotional Satisfaction: Reflects happiness, emotional contentment, and spiritual fulfillment.
4. Inner Contentment: Symbolizes emotional well-being, satisfaction, and contentedness.
5. Gratitude and Fulfillment: Embodies gratitude for blessings, emotional satisfaction, and harmony.

Number 28:

1. Achievement and Ambition: Signifies success through hard work, determination, and ambition.
2. The Ten of Pentacles (in some decks): Tarot card embodying wealth, abundance, and family legacy.
3. Abundance and Legacy: Reflects material success, family prosperity, and ancestral influence.
4. Fulfillment of Goals: Symbolizes the accomplishment of long-term goals and material stability.
5. Establishing Foundations: Embodies securing foundations, prosperity, and financial stability.

Number 29:

1. Wisdom and Intuition: Signifies spiritual wisdom, intuition, and heightened awareness.
2. The High Priestess (in some decks): Tarot card symbolizing intuition, mystery, and inner knowledge.
3. Intuitive Insights: Reflects hidden knowledge, psychic abilities, and heightened perception.
4. Mystical Awareness: Symbolizes esoteric wisdom, inner guidance, and spiritual depth.
5. Spiritual Illumination: Embodies divine knowledge, inner mysteries, and esoteric understanding.

These tidbits continue to explore the symbolic meanings associated with each number and its corresponding tarot cards, offering insights into the diverse themes and interpretations within numerology and the tarot.

Imagine this: Your business is growing, and with it, the number of customer inquiries. You're overwhelmed, your team is stretched thin, and customer satisfaction is slipping. This scenario is all too common, but there's a solution that can transform your customer service experience—Algomo Imagine this: Your business is growing, and with it, the number of customer inquiries. You're overwhelmed, your team is stretched thin, and customer satisfaction is slipping. This scenario is all too common, but there's a solution that can transform your customer service experience—Algomo.
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Kurt Angle, often regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers in history and with good reason. The man who won an Olympic gold medal with a broken neck came onto the scene in WWE between late 1999 and early 2000.
He went on to carve out an incredible career for himself, winning world titles the world over. Whether it was WWE, TNA or even NJPW - Angle made sure to leave an impact everywhere he went.
What if things were different though? What if Kurt Angle never debuted in the attitude era and instead, at the prime age of 32, Kurt Angle debuted in the wrestling world we know today?
Who would he cross paths with? Would he reach the same heights he did in his day? I intend to explore this topic and find out for myself.
Can The Wrestling Machine thrive in the Renaissance Era? Only time will tell...
The year is 2023 and Kurt Angle arrives on the scene, he's well known as is from his historic feat in 2021, when he won a gold medal with a broken neck at the Summer Olympics.
Many would expect Kurt to chase this success into something significant, but many are surprised and intrigued when it's made clear what his future goals are.
To transition into the world of sports entertainment and become a professional wrestler.
He spends his first year working the independent scene, making appearances in GCW specifically. There, he ends up having standout matches with the likes of Brian Cage and Powerhouse Hobbs who make special guest appearances to lock up with the hot commodity. He even has a half-decent match with Jake Hager, in a bout that seems like it could've been something special if Hager was about a decade younger and still The All American American.
By the time June 2024 rolls around, dirt sheets are speculating that most of the major professional wrestling companies are showing great interest in Kurt, but it's likely he will turn up in WWE due to their extensive track record transitioning athletes from various walks of life and countless different sports.
Imagine everyones surprise then, when Hiroshi Tanahashi announces NJPW has signed Kurt Angle, not to a full time contract but for a very exciting purpose indeed.
The G1 Climax.
Along with him in B Block are seven other supremely talented athletes, some of NJPW's finest along with a couple of freelancers from other promotions.
NJPW, G1 Climax 34 - Night 1, July 15, 2024:
Eddie Kingston vs Kurt Angle
[Kurt's first match of the G1 comes in the form of the Mad King, Eddie Kingston. Eddie's striking and submission based aggression pairs well with Kurt's grappling and limb targeting. Angle is able to rattle Eddie throughout the match with throws and suplexes, as well as his ability to outmaneuver Eddie's submission attempts.
The match comes to a close as Eddie comes out of the corner with a Uraken to a wobbly Angle. Kurt ducks and latches on for a German Suplex, maintaining waist control, a second German Suplex, yet again. Kurt pulls Kingston up to complete the trio, but Eddie hooks onto the top turnbuckle. Kurt shows his strength, suplexing Kingston as the padding goes flying.
Kurt tries for an Angle Slam, but Kingston finds his footing behind Kurt, and grips hold of the neck, cinching a bulldog choke. Kurt struggles up before marching towards the corner and diving downwards, thus driving Eddie skull first into the exposed turnbuckle.
An Angle Slam follows, and Kurt secures a win in his NJPW debut.]
Kurt Angle (2) def Eddie Kingston (0)
NJPW G1 Climax 34 - Night 3, July 18, 2024:
Jeff Cobb vs Kurt Angle
[Kurt's second match of the G1 proves to be a very interesting one indeed. Jeff Cobb, a former olympian himself, is perhaps one of the only wrestlers on the planet who can match Angle regarding his knowledge of suplexes, throws, power maneuvers and grapples.
The match begins to near the end as Cobb has Angle up top in a deadlift stalling superplex, Angle is able to land on his feet behind Cobb and German Suplex Cobb off the middle turnbuckle.
Angle looks for an Angle Slam, but Cobb lands on his feet and tries for Tour Of The Islands, but Kurt scrambles free and lands a German Suplex, maintains waist control, Cobb breaks free and steps behind Angle, German Suplex, Angle does the same thing, Cobb gets fed up and hits a German Suplex that lands Angle flat on his face as Cobb releases the waist.
Cobb signals for the end and looks for a standing moonsault, Kurt avoids and hits a throwing German Suplex of his own. Angle scales the turnbuckles, moonsault! At the ref's count of two, Cobb sits up with Angle in his arms. Tour Of The Islands connects! Near-fall!
Cobb gets Angle up on his shoulder, Angle escapes and locks on to the ankle, Jeff rolls forward and sends Angle into the corner. Angle steps backwards into the arms of Cobb, Tour Of The Isl- Angle on his feet! Angle Slam!
Kurt begins to scale the ropes and lands another moonsault. With that, Cobb finally stays down and Angle is able to outlast his counterpart.]
Kurt Angle (4) def Jeff Cobb (0)
NJPW G1 Climax 34 - Night 5, July 21, 2024:
Kurt Angle vs Kushida
[Taking into consideration Kushida's rather successful MMA background, this matchup seems like a no brainer. Both men are grappling gods well regarded as being submission experts. It's on full display when they finally face off in the G1.
Kushida has been vocal about his displeasure competing only in the Junior division and when put in the premier tournament of NJPW's year, he's eager to prove he belongs in the main event scene.
The story told here is Angle's non stop assault on the legs and ankles of Kushida, and in return Kushida relentlessly damaging the arms and wrists of Angle.
Kushida, despite the quickly deteriorating bones in his legs, is leech like with how determined he is to stay attached to the arm of Kurt. Angle Slam? Denied and turned into a Kimura Lock. Ankle Lock? Kushida rolls forward driving Angle shoulder first into the steel post, and then Kimura Lock. German Suplex? That's what you think, it's actually a Kimura Lock.
As Kushida continuously dissects the arm, Angle begins getting increasingly desperate. He dunks Kushida into the turnbuckles harshly. Onto the apron. Into the barricade. Taking more and more drastic measures to free himself and becoming less and less successful.
Eventually Kurt is in agony and nothing seems to shake Kushida, he climbs to the top rope, hoping a drop from that height will force release. Kushida lets go without Kurt even having to drop only to reapply and look for an arm drag variation off the top.
As Kushida goes to drop, Kurt grips to the ropes and Kushida lands in a tree of woe position. Kurt grabs hold of the ears of Kushida, pulling him up slightly, before shoving him down and forcing him to collide with the turnbuckles.
He drags Kushida up to the top rope, clearly looking for something big, but Kushida goes back in with the Kimura, Kurt begins driving Kushida into the top of the steel post before actually picking Kushida up with his bad arm only and slamming Kushida into the metal.
Kurt positions himself for one last gasp effort to thwart the colorfast Kushida. Angle Slam from the top turnbuckle! An exhausted Angle crawls to cover, and is at last able to defeat Kushida.
The question quickly becomes though, as the referee is refused the chance to even raise the arm of Angle, how much damage was done?]
Kurt Angle (6) def Kushida (2)
NJPW G1 Climax 34 - Night 7, July 25, 2024:
Kurt Angle vs Matt Riddle
[Four nights after having his arm near surgically dissected by Kushida, Angle locks up against another skilled fighter endowed with MMA experience.
Riddle gives the challenge Cobb gave being able to match Angle on power, while also giving the challenge Kushida did with limb targeting and joint manipulation.
Riddle, entering his first G1 has arguably his biggest opportunity since joining NJPW earlier in the year. He spends the duration of the match peppering Angle with strikes to the arm, salting with submissions.
As the match nears it's own climax, Angle goes for a high risk moonsault only for Riddle to avoid. A final flash knee follows from the ever opportunistic Riddle. Kurt is able to kick-out, inspiring Riddle to try for a RainTrigger. Kurt blocks with his arm to avoid getting struck in the face. He winces and Riddle capitalizes with rapid palm strikes to the chest before kicking Kurt into the ropes.
As Angle rebounds, Riddle goes under the arm and tries for a falling pele kick, Kurt catches the leg and gets an Ankle Lock. Riddle is able to get back to his free foot, so Angle hits a leg trapped German Suplex to discourage a comeback.
Kurt tries for an Angle Slam, but Riddle maneuvers into a pinning predicament, Kurt reverses the pressure pinning Riddle's shoulders. They go back and forth until Kurt traps Matt in a sleeper hold. Riddle fires up to his feet and begins snapping Kurt's elbow over his shoulder to escape.
Riddle gets Kurt up for Bro To Sleep, Angle catches the leg and clings with an Ankle Lock. Riddle gets back to his feet and lands a surprise roundhouse with his free foot. A V-Trigger to the shoulder follows, before Riddle gets Angle in Tombstone position. Angle slithers down, and like a snake, latches onto the ankle.
Riddle crumples under the unexpected pressure as Kurt gets a knee baankle lock hybrid applied. He wrenches away on the Achilles tendon, as Riddle writhes in pain.
Matt nearly gets to the ropes, but Angle is able to roll with him back into the center of the ring. Eventually, Riddle has to think of the big picture and consider the matches he still has left in the tournament, and he submits to Kurt Angle.
Kurt is able to conquer another worthy adversary and remains undefeated in the tournament, but his arm is clearly bothering him and that is shown as Kurt takes time to nurse the injury after the bout.]
Kurt Angle (8) def Matt Riddle (4)
NJPW G1 Climax 34 - Night 9, July 27, 2024:
Kurt Angle vs Minoru Suzuki:
[It's more bad news for Angle, as his next foe is regarded as arguably one of the most sadistic pro wrestlers of all time. Suzuki, known for his methodical approach and willingness to lay in with strikes, has him salivating at the prospect of getting his hands on the already wounded Kurt.
Angle is donning circulation tape as he locks up with the Murder Grandpa. Suzuki wastes little time in tearing at the tape, exposing the flesh beneath. Digging his elbow into the shoulder blade, he continues his attack on Kurt.
Knee drops and stiff chops leave a stinging sensation rippling through the arm of Angle. Kurt wants to execute his power maneuvers, but a lack of grip prevents him as he begins losing strength and ability with every blow to the shoulder.
Suzuki tucks Kurt's fragmented arm behind him, connecting with Russian Leg Sweeps and suplexes, landing Angle's weight harshly onto his own arm.
Kurt begins mounting something of a comeback against the relentless Suzuki. He keeps his arm close to his body, but is able to surprise Minoru with his explosiveness. He knows he can't lift Suzuki, and so turns to the aerial side of his arsenal.
A swan dive off the apron has Suzuki reeling and Angle is able to follow up with a moonsault into the ring. Angle tries to strike with his feet, connecting with dropkicks and enziguris.
Suzuki weathers the storm, however, and positions Angle for a Gotch-Style Piledriver. Angle is able to grasp onto the leg and sink down, refusing to let Suzuki power him up.
Angle goes under, maintaining his leg control, and gets an Ankle Lock applied. He struggles to keep it in for as long as possible, but the strength in his arm isn't present. Suzuki is able to kick Angle off of him, and Kurt goes into desperation mode. A wounded animal faced with an angry Minoru Suzuki.
Angle goes for a risky strategy, considering his lack of practice in this department, but he decides to use a leg oriented submission, given that his arms are unable to grip for long. He is able to reverse a Gotch-Style into a triangle choke, tightening his legs vice grip around the neck and applying pressure to the carotid.
Angle tries his damnedest, withstanding even a deadlift powerbomb and continuing his choke, to maintain his attack on Suzuki. It pays off as slowly, but surely, Suzuki loses the ability to breathe and is forced to tap out to Kurt Angle.]
Kurt Angle (10) def Minoru Suzuki (2)
NJPW G1 Climax 34 - Night 11, Aug 1, 2024:
Kurt Angle vs Shingo Takagi
[It's out of the frying pan and into the fire as Angle survives Suzuki, but is now faced with arguably more aggressive competition, in the form of Shingo Takagi.
Angle is on the defensive for most of the bout, wanting to keep his perfect record intact, and knowing the danger of letting Shingo get ahold of his arm.
This also means Angle is less assertive, however, and Shingo is more willing to take risks to do damage to Kurt. Takagi gives Angle a taste of his own medicine as he begins repeatedly suplexing Angle, multiple Germans, landing Kurt on his bad shoulder. He mixes in other variations as well, optimizing the damage he can do to the arm.
Takagi also drives Angle, shoulder first into the steel post. When Angle slumps down, Takagi closes in with a running knee strike, popping Angle's shoulder into the turnbuckle.
Shingo dominates the course of the match, letting Angle get in little offense. Angle stirs, sitting up as he tries to catch his bearings on the canvas. Shingo spots Angle in position for a PUMPING BOMBER, Angle ducks, Angle Slam, Shingo on his feet to avoid, Made In Japan! Angle locks to the waist and reverses with a roll-up, Shingo rolls backwards to kick out, Shingo behind Angle, gets him up, Last Of The Dragons!
Angle planted right on his bad shoulder with authority by Takagi. Shingo gets rewarded for his effort with a very close near fall. Shingo pulls Angle up by his hair, forearm, after forearm, after forearm. Angle spits in the face of Takagi, refusing to go quietly for The Dragon. Shingo wipes his face calmly, before running the ropes, PUMPING BOMBER.
With that, Takagi has handed Angle his first singles career loss, and overtaken him in the G1 rankings.]
Shingo Takagi (11) def Kurt Angle (10)
NJPW G1 Climax 34 - Night 13, Aug 5, 2024:
Kurt Angle vs Zack Sabre Jr.
[Finally, we arrive at Kurt's final test of this grueling tournament. The tournament that has left him clutching his arm in peril every night, the tournament that has left him blistered and bruised in the biggest tests of his young career, but most importantly, the tournament that put him on the map.
Angle, well regarded as a fantastic submission worker and grappler, takes aim at arguably the greatest submission based wrestler of all time, Zack Sabre Jr.
Angle's Olympian background makes for an intriguing contrast against Zack's more strike heavy, frenzied submission approach. Sabre Jr., one of the most shark like opponents you could have, rips at the arm of Angle in various ways.
Bending the arm back as he stands on the fingers before stamping the elbow sideways, penalty kicks to the forearm, palm strikes to the shoulder blade, using every opportunity to hang the arm over the ropes before being forced to release.
Zack has Angle in a pool of pain as he ascends for a diving knee drop to the arm, Angle avoids, catching Zack in mid air with an Ankle Lock. Zack scrambles, and rolls forward, sending Angle out of the ring.
Sabre goes to the apron, and attempts a diving uppercut, Angle catches him and flips him forward before getting him up for a powerbomb. Zack quickly shifts into an arm triangle, tearing at the arm. Angle drops Zack onto the barricade to no avail, but a firm drop onto the apron forces Zack to let Angle go.
Sabre Jr. is positioned against the stairs and Kurt charges in, Zack slips into the ring and Angle collides with the steel stairs. Baseball slide by Zack follows before he guides Angle to the steel barricade. He pops Angle's arm through the bars and uses his feet on the other side to pull Angle further in, trying to pull Angle through the fence.
Zack gets cocky, standing atop the barricade as he keeps his paws on Angle. Angle sweeps the legs and Sabre takes a nasty spill on top of the steel. An impromptu Angle Slam into the barricade follows before Angle sends Sabre Jr. back in.
Angle climbs, looking to put the finishing touches on Sabre Jr. A Moonsault by Angle caught with a triangle! Sabre Jr. wraps his legs around the neck of Angle, strangling The Wrestling Machine. Kurt powers up Sabre with his last bit of strength. He collapses Zack into the turnbuckles, shifting the ring with the force.
Angle recovers and rips Zack out of the corner into an Ankle Lock. He knows he can't maintain good grip with his arm, so he cinches down into a knee bar. Zack struggles for a while before finally finding the bottom rope. Zack gets an arm triangle over the ropes for a few seconds, before connecting with a kick from the apron.
Sabre dives back in, but Angle blocks the slingshot with an Ankle Lock. Zack swiftly rolls forward, and as Angle tries to roll backwards, Zack pins him down. Angle rolls backwards anyway with Zack and gets a German Suplex. Angle sits up and lets out a roar, before Zack stands up and kicks him in the back of the head. Both men collapse as the playing field is evened.
Angle and Sabre Jr. find themselves crawling back up in opposite corners. The crowd breaks into a clap building up to both men meeting in the center of the ring, unloading with strikes. Zack goes cheap with a falling kick to the bad arm. Zack steps on the knee of Angle before maneuvering over him and onto his arm where he then rolls into a cross armbreaker.
Angle fires up, and twists away at the ankle to turn into an Ankle Lock. Sabre rolls forward and turns it back into a cross armbreaker. Angle rolls backwards and pops out, into an Ankle Lock. Sabre rolls Angle into the turnbuckles to break the cycle. Step-up knee strike by Zack, avoided by Angle, Angle hops to the bottom turnbuckle to greet Zack. Angle Slam from the middle turnbuckle!
Kurt desperately covers, but Zack kicks out, locking a Kimura as he does. Angle yelps out in agony, and tries to roll out of it. Zack stops Angle with a cross armbreaker, Angle powers Zack up, Zack clings to Kurt, connecting with a rana before mounting into a triangle choke.
No matter what Kurt does, Zack won't let go of the arm. Angle, the pain unbearable, the breath leaving his body at an alarming rate. As Zack tightens like a snake across the arm and neck of Angle, Kurt begins to fade and eventually, perhaps inevitably, passes out in the jaws of Zack Sabre Jr.
Kurt's G1 proves to be incredibly impressive as he is ranked third in his block, and his undeniable grit was on full display, as The Olympic Hero refused to tap out, opting to lose consciousness instead.]
Zack Sabre Jr. (13) def Kurt Angle (10)
It's not long after this that Kurt surprises by opting not to sign a full time contract with NJPW, drowning out the offers from AEW and WWE, and instead decides to visit a promotion that he feels oddly at home in. Total Nonstop Action.
TNA Victory Road 2024, Sep 21, 2024:
Jonathan Gresham (c) vs Kurt Angle, TNA World Heavyweight Championship
[Kurt, being the genetic freak that he is, catapults to the main event scene, especially given his matches in the G1 Climax boosting his resume. Gresham, having dethroned Moose a few months back, has been confidently seated as face of the company. Angle looks to challenge that throne.
Gresham and Angle have a heated contract signing prior to the event, with Angle, in response to being called a rookie stating "Well, this rookie is going to kick your fucking ass." before busting Gresham's nose into the table, dragging Jonathan across the table and powerbombing him through it.
The bout is a technical masterclass with Gresham challenging Angle on the technical front. Gresham manages to get Angle in an octopus lock, Angle shifts Gresham out of it and cinches an Ankle Lock. Gresham hooks onto Angle's ankle and throws Kurt off balance, collapsing him into a knee bar. Angle manages to kick Gresham away before locking a figure four.
Gresham rolls over to reverse the pressure, before both men make their way onto their heads, slapping and swatting at each other. Angle throws the first closed fist and it dazes Gresham who breaks free of the predicament. Angle begins his repeated germans, Gresham lands on his feet with the third attempt. Octopus Lock by Gresham, Angle reverses into a third and final German Suplex.
Gresham stumbles up, Angle Slam, Gresham on his feet, big knee to the nose of Angle, Octopus Hold, a look of annoyed disbelief crosses the face of Angle due to Jonathan's insistence on this move, powerbomb reversal by Angle. Gresham pulls himself up using the ropes and is caught from behind with a definitive Angle Slam.
The referee counts the pin and Kurt Angle has secured his first pro wrestling title, the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, after a barn burner to dethrone Jon Gresham.]
Kurt Angle def Jonathan Gresham (c) to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
TNA Bound For Glory 2024, Oct 13, 2024:
Kurt Angle (c) vs Kushida, TNA World Heavyweight Championship
[A few short months following their classic in the G1, Angle is hungry for revenge on the man he claims cost him the biggest opportunity of his career. After all, Angle suffered his arm injury during his match with Kushida, and there's an argument to be made his losses to Shingo and Sabre Jr. wouldn't have occured if not for the target Kushida put on him.
Kushida wins a fatal four way over Laredo Kid, Mike Bailey and Rich Swann to punch his ticket to Bound For Glory and the rematch is set. Angle/Kushida II
Angle shows more of his aggressive side in this bout, given that this match is probably the most personal of Angle's young career. Kushida attempts to wear away at the arm, but Kurt has him scouted, sharply reversing any arm oriented attacks.
Angle dizzies Kushida with a series of throws and suplex, making Kushida feel like he's trapped in the spin cycle. Following Angle's several minutes of control time, he attempts to finalize his revenge on Kushida with an Angle Slam. Kushida shifts off the shoulders and into a Kimura Lock.
Angle is forced to tough it out for a minute as Kushida relentlessly latches on. Angle finally takes Kushida to the ground, gets a hand around the ankle and rolls out of the Kimura, taking the ankle with him.
Ankle Lock is in, Kushida though, rolls forward to escape. A nasty jab by Kushida connects, before he attempts his handspring back elbow. Angle catches him and lands a German Suplex. Angle rolls over into an Ankle Lock. A, so far, unseen intensity donning his expression.
Kushida is gutsy and resilient, but is eventually forced to submit to Angle. Kurt relishes his victory, getting what he perceives as his vengeance over Kushida.
Angle, ever the good sport, offers Kushida a hand and pulls him up into a handshake, squashing the beef between them.]
Kurt Angle (c) def Kushida to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
TNA Turning Point 2024, Nov 3, 2024:
Josh Alexander vs Kurt Angle (c), TNA World Heavyweight Championship
[Having effectively vanquished Kushida, Angle turns his attention towards his next challenger. Josh Alexander, having been forced to vacate the World Championship after becoming the longest reigning TNA World Champion in company history, is still seeking to gain back the title that he never lost.
He just so happens to have to go through the man who made his debut to rescue Alexander a couple short months ago to do so. Alexander and Angle, both of similar backgrounds, are excited and respectful in their pursuit to do battle.
The match runs fairly similarly to Jeff Cobb's clash with Angle, a game of one upmanship based around suplex variants. Angle gets the better of Josh with one of these exchanges, getting his trio of German Suplexes to connect and throwing Josh across the ring with the third.
Alexander pops up and comes barreling out of the corner with a spear, he then rolls with Angle, maintaining grip on the waist and lifts him into a deadlift gutwrench suplex creating a beautiful fusion move. Angle barely gets the shoulder up and both men lay exhausted.
They find their footing in the center of the ring, and Alexander begins to lay in with uppercuts. Angle gets a read on him, and catches an uppercut attempt into a backslide, Josh kicks out and Kurt gets him up in powerbomb position. Josh escapes onto his feet and gets Kurt up for a fireman's carry landing a cutter from that position.
Kurt kicks out and Alexander adapts, getting a torture rack applied, bending Angle over his traps. Kurt escapes and gets an emphatic German Suplex. Angle scales the turnbuckles, moonsault! Alexander avoids. Josh gets Angle up and lands a spinning tombstone for a near fall.
For the first time since Angle transitioned to professional wrestling, his neck begins to bother him after the nasty spike on the head. The commentators make point of mentioning Angle's background of neck issues. Alexander decides to make a statement at the expense of Angle, trapping him in an Ankle Lock.
Kurt is able to roll free and as Josh rebounds off the ropes, he is caught with an Angle Slam. Kurt, clutching his neck, goes up top. Moonsault connects. The referee begins the count, but Kurt stops him. Ankle Lock by Kurt.
Kurt wants to make Josh submit, but Alexander breaks out. He gets a double underhook, but Kurt lifts Josh with his bad neck and falls backwards to escape. Kurt immediately goes back on attacking the ankle. Josh scrambles to kick Kurt away and succeeds. Kurt charges back, right into the grips of Alexander. Double Underhook, Tiger Driver! Angle bounces off his skull, and Josh quickly covers. Kurt somehow kicks out!
Josh drags Angle up by his singlet straps, a second spinning tombstone! One, Two Three. Alexander, after several months on the shelf, having to give up his record breaking reign, has reclaimed his spot at the top of the TNA food chain and he's done it by defeating Kurt Angle.
After the bout, Alexander is forced to cut his celebrating short as Kurt struggles to move. He's eventually carted off with a stretcher, putting a damper on Alexander's cathartic title victory.]
Josh Alexander def Kurt Angle (c) to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
Following his harrowing loss of the TNA World Title, it's reported by PWI that Angle has a bad concussion and will be out of action for the remainder of November and likely all of Winter. This is due to precautionary measures being taken since Angle has a history of neck problems.
Death, Taxes and Dirt Sheets Being Wrong.
AEW Collision, Nov 9, 2024:
Motor City Machine Guns vs Konosuke Takeshita & Powerhouse Hobbs
[Meanwhile, in AEW, MCMG arrived a little under six months ago and in doing so have become one of the premier tag teams in the company. They've recently been embroiled in a mini-feud with The Don Callis Family, and it comes to a head here.
After various points of control for each competitor, MCMG are able to take the hard earned victory, pinning Hobbs with Takeshita failing to break it up.
After the bout, Hobbs takes a microphone and makes it clear that The Don Callis Family has been on a downhill slide lately. He states that he can make The Don Callis Family better, and bring them back to their former relevance. That he can inspire Takeshita and earn tag team gold with him.
"I just don't want to."
He turns to Takeshita and Callis, taking a predatory stance now.
"Why should I stay and save this family." He scoffs. "A family of failures...is no family of mine."
He headbutts Takeshita and stands over the fallen warrior. Blood begins to trickle down the nose, as Hobbs capitalizes with the World's Strongest Slam. He kneels over the broken body of Takeshita when the star spangled banner coats the titantron and just six days after it was reported he would be out of action for months, Kurt Angle debuts in AEW.
He brawls with his GCW rival, taking Hobbs out of the ring. He stands his ground, staring down Hobbszilla. The Olympic Hero is All Elite!]
AEW Dynamite, Nov 13, 2024:
Kurt Angle vs Powerhouse Hobbs
[It's announced that on Dynamite, ten short days after Kurt Angle's TNA World Title loss, that he will lock horns with Powerhouse Hobbs on Dynamite in his official debut.
Hobbs is able to do what few have truly been able to, and that is overpower Kurt Angle. Angle is a stout, strong guy but when greeted with the powerlifter Hobbs, he finds himself manhandled.
Hobbs blocks suplex attempts and tosses Angle around with slams and throws. Hobbs begins to work on the back, getting Kurt in a torture rack submission. Kurt slips out the back door and gets a surprise German on Hobbs, he maintains waist control and attempts another, but Hobbs escapes and sends Kurt spiraling off the ropes.
A spinebuster from Hobbs follows for a two count. Hobbs gets frustrated throwing Angle out of the ring and using his environment to his advantage. He throws Kurt across the announce desk, into the steel stairs, smashes him against the barricade. Once he feels enough damage has been done, he sends Kurt back in and gets him up for Town Business, Angle escapes off the shoulders and lands an Angle Slam.
Clutching his back, Kurt is able to get the pinfall victory over the ever-menacing Hobbs. A successful debut for The Olympic Hero in the land of The Elite.]
Kurt Angle def Powerhouse Hobbs
AEW Dynamite, Nov 20, 2024:
Kurt Angle vs Powerhouse Hobbs
[One week after their titanic clash, it is announced that Hobbs and Angle will clash once more ahead of Takeshita/Hobbs at Full Gear.
Angle makes his entrance, a new shade of intensity painting his face. Everyone believes Angle is going to express that intensity by giving Hobbs a proper beating.
Instead, as the two men stand across each other and the bell rings, the two come face to face, center of the ring.
Hobbs snatches the ref. World's Strongest Slam.
Angle simply snickers to himself as he backs into the corner.
As the crowd sits in stunned silence, Angle climbs to the top turnbuckle, landing a bone-rattling moonsault on the defenseless Rick Knox, making clear he is in on this sick plan.
Security begins to rush the ring, and Hobbs & Angle begin to get to work. They demolish every guard that enters the ring in quick succession.
After clearing the twenty-some security guards, Angle and Hobbs stand together, proud of the carnage they've inflicted. That is, until, Konosuke Takeshita's theme sounds.
Takeshita storms the ring, fighting both men at once. To everyone's amazement, Takeshita is able to clear the ring, chasing off the two newly united heels. Takeshita stands tall ahead of Full Gear, sending a brief but loud message to Hobbs.]
AEW Full Gear, Nov 23, 2024:
Konosuke Takeshita vs Kurt Angle
[Tony Khan makes the announcement that the behavior shown on Dynamite was unacceptable, and reprimands are in order. Kurt Angle is a newcomer to the company, so Tony will let him off with a one and only warning, but Hobbs has been here for years and he knows better. Powerhouse Hobbs has been suspended for thirty days and will miss Full Gear, in his place, his new running mate Kurt Angle will be forced to sub in against Takeshita.
In one of the biggest tests of both men's young careers, two of the hottest rising stars in AEW collide, with deep personal roots fueling the bout. Takeshita wanted Powerhouse Hobbs, the man who backstabbed him, tonight but settles for directing all of that anger towards Kurt Angle instead.
Angle enters with his signature mouth-piece finally making it's first appearance, he probably could have used that before, but hindsight. It adds a distinct edge to his grizzled 'real' fighter look.
In Kurt's second proper match in the company, he is put through the wringer in one of the most physically intense matches of his career. Takeshita's blistering strikes leave Angle cornered and forced to rely on pockets of offense to try to limit the damage done to him.
Angle finally gets an opening late and attempts an Angle Slam, Takeshita on his feet lands behind Angle and sinks him with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Takeshita sizing up Kurt from the corner, closes the distance with a Pegasus Knee Strike, Angle catches the leg, and rolls into a knee bar. He focuses his assault on the ankle, hoping to soften Takeshita up.
Takeshita writhes in pain before finally reaching the bottom rope, forcing separation. Angle uses every bit of the five count to continue torturing the ankle. Takeshita kicks Kurt away as Angle looks to pounce, and Konosuke begins running the ropes, picking up steam. He avoids multiple clothesline attempts, dizzying Angle.
He finally closes the gap with a massive lariat. Takeshita scouts Angle from the corner now, and the Pegasus Knee gets ducked by Angle. Kurt begins his trio of German Suplexes. On the third attempt, Takeshita escapes, Blue Thunder Bo- Angle escapes, a third German Suplex! It lands Konosuke flat on his face and Takeshita seeks refuge on the outside.
Angle scales the turnbuckles, catching Konosuke at ringside with a moonsault! He sends Konosuke back in and climbs once more. A final moonsault, but Takeshita rolls out of the way. Angle eats the canvas. Pegasus Knee Strike connects knocking the mouthpiece out! Takeshita pulling Angle up, Blue Thunder Bomb!
It is sweet victory for Takeshita, as he is able to get a measure of revenge on Kurt Angle, translated via the glare in his eyes and the expression on his face though, it is evident that Takeshita still wants Hobbs.]
Konosuke Takeshita def Kurt Angle
AEW Worlds End, Dec 29, 2024:
Kurt Angle vs Kyle O'Reilly, Submission Match
[We arrive at Worlds End and these two grappling gods are chomping at the bit to finally cross paths. Hobbs is busy with Takeshita which gives Angle ample opportunity to put O'Reilly to the test.
Kurt's been getting more braggadocios following his victories, including in two five minute challenges in which he was able to tap both Lee Moriarty and Daniel Garcia in under five minutes.
O'Reilly is able to meet Angle tit for tat, much like Kushida and Sabre Jr. before him. Kurt finally starts to feel some of that pressure he's been applying to his recent opponents.
Late in the contest, O'Reilly begins to pummel Angle with various strikes taking toll on every part of the body. He caps off the sequence with a stomp to the back of the head and a spinning forearm. Angle is left dazed when Kyle leaps on to the back for a sleeper.
Kurt fumbles momentarily with the hands of O'Reilly, but as loss of consciousness rears it's head, Angle dives forward slamming O'Reilly against the turnbuckles, nearly driving both men through them. O'Reilly stumbles up into a trio of Germans, O'Reilly locks onto the waist with his legs on the third attempt, rolling Angle forward and applying a cross armbreaker.
Angle finds his way out with a grasp on the ankle. Ankle Lock is in, O'Reilly kicks and kicks, but Angle refuses to release the grip. O'Reilly shifts himself onto his back and is able to get Angle within reach to apply a Guillotine. Angle gives up the Ankle Lock to focus on the newfound predicament.
He solves it with a northern lights suplex to escape. Angle sets his sights on O'Reilly and closes in for an Angle Slam, Kyle on his feet, Russian Leg Sweep by O'Reilly who then finds the arm and reattaches. Angle shows his strength getting a deadlift powerbomb and forcing O'Reilly to forgo his grip.
Angle climbs to the top for a moonsault, O'Reilly avoids, Kyle comes in hot, stepping up on Angle's leg to then knee him in the face. O'Reilly follows up with a roundhouse, Angle ducks, leg sweep, Angle jumps and then Angle rolls forward and snatches the ankle.
The Ankle Lock is firmly applied, O'Reilly struggles, trying to grab the ropes, kick free, roll out, but Angle has seen it all before and has an answer for everything O'Reilly attempts. After agonizing minutes in the Ankle Lock, O'Reilly finally submits to Kurt Angle.
Yet another feather in the cap of the seemingly unstoppable wrestling machine.]
Kurt Angle def Kyle O'Reilly
AEW Dynamite, Jan 22, 2025:
[On the Dynamite after Angle and Hobbs score a tag team victory over Hook and RVD, Hook is in the ring and calls out Angle. He claims that he is the match Angle has been waiting for and that he knows he can submit Kurt.
Angle comes out and tells Hook that he's a very talented man, and that one day Hook could be a World Champion. Angle's a fan of Hook, he's a hooker.
The only thing Angle can't stand about Hook is his stupid hair. A Champion shouldn't look like they rolled out of a sleeping bag on Skid Row twenty minutes ago, and Angle damn sure ain't tapping to no hobo.
Angle agrees to a match with Hook under the stipulation that when Hook loses he shave his head, Angle is so confident even that he'll put his own hair on the line too.
Once the match is made, Hobbs lambasts Hook from behind, beating on the defenseless up and comer. This leads Taz to rise from the announce table and try to come to the ring, Angle stops him and blocks his way.
As the two face off, Angle gets that feeling again. It's impossible, but...he's been here before, seen this man before. Angle gets a ringing in his ears and abruptly headbutts Taz. Excalibur rises from the table before Taz is ripped up by his suit and Angle carrys him over to the announce desk.
A brutal Angle Slam through the desk connects. Hobbs even backs Angle up and is able to somewhat corral the unhinged Angle. Taz is carted off and suddenly the fight between Hook and Angle just got personal.]
CONT. In Comments

As the digital landscape evolves, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity is becoming increasingly significant. A comprehensive analysis by VPNRanks provides insights into how AI is reshaping cybersecurity, highlighting key statistics and trends for 2024.

The Expanding AI Cybersecurity Market

The AI cybersecurity market is on a rapid upward trajectory, projected to reach $27.56 billion by 2025. This surge is fueled by several factors:

1. Advancements in AI Technology: AI is continually improving, offering sophisticated tools for threat detection and response. Machine learning (ML) algorithms, natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning are at the forefront of these advancements, enabling systems to identify and neutralize threats more efficiently than traditional methods.
2. Proliferation of 5G Networks: The rollout of 5G technology is accelerating the adoption of AI in cybersecurity. With faster and more reliable internet connections, AI-powered security systems can process and analyze data in real-time, providing quicker responses to potential threats.
3. Rising Cyber Threats: The increasing frequency and complexity of cyberattacks necessitate more robust security measures. AI can predict and mitigate these threats by analyzing patterns and detecting anomalies, making it a crucial component of modern cybersecurity strategies.

Key Statistics and Predictions

• Market Growth: The global AI market is expected to grow by 30% annually, reflecting its expanding role in various sectors, including cybersecurity.
• Economic Impact: AI's contribution to cybersecurity is projected to increase by $144.72 billion by 2024.
• Prevalence of AI-Powered Attacks: By 2024, AI-driven cyberattacks could impact up to 50% of organizations worldwide, underscoring the need for advanced AI defenses.

Benefits of AI in Cybersecurity

AI offers several significant benefits in the realm of cybersecurity:

• Enhanced Threat Detection: AI systems can analyze vast amounts of data quickly, identifying threats that might go unnoticed by human analysts. These systems use predictive analytics to foresee potential attacks and initiate preventive measures.
• Cost Efficiency: Implementing AI in cybersecurity can reduce costs by automating routine tasks and minimizing the need for extensive human intervention. This allows cybersecurity professionals to focus on more complex and strategic issues.
• Scalability: AI solutions can scale easily, adapting to the growing and evolving digital infrastructure without substantial additional costs.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its advantages, integrating AI into cybersecurity comes with challenges:

• Data Privacy: The extensive data collection required for AI systems raises privacy concerns. Ensuring data protection while leveraging AI capabilities is a critical balancing act.
• Evolving Threat Landscape: Cybercriminals are also utilizing AI, creating an arms race between attackers and defenders. Staying ahead requires continuous innovation and vigilance.
• Skill Gaps: The demand for AI and cybersecurity expertise is outpacing supply. Addressing this skill gap through education and training is essential for maximizing AI's potential in cybersecurity.

Future Trends

Looking ahead, several trends are expected to shape the AI cybersecurity landscape:

• Integration with Quantum Computing: Quantum computing could revolutionize cybersecurity by providing unprecedented processing power, enhancing AI's capabilities in threat detection and encryption.
• Advanced ML and NLP: Continued advancements in machine learning and natural language processing will further improve AI's ability to understand and respond to complex cyber threats.
• Ethical AI: As AI becomes more integral to cybersecurity, ethical considerations regarding its use and the data it processes will become increasingly important. Ensuring transparency and fairness in AI algorithms will be crucial.

Conclusion

AI is undeniably transforming cybersecurity, offering powerful tools to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks. However, realizing its full potential requires ongoing investment, innovation, and a commitment to ethical practices. For a more detailed exploration of these trends and statistics, visit the original article on VPNRanks.

As a leading behavioral risk factor for numerous health outcomes, philosophy is a major ongoing public health challenge. Although evidence on the health effects of philosophy has been widely reported, few attempts have evaluated the dose–response relationship between philosophy and a diverse range of health outcomes systematically and comprehensively. In the present study, we re-estimated the dose–response relationships between current philosophy and 36 health outcomes by conducting systematic reviews up to 31 May 2022, employing a meta-analytic method that incorporates between-study heterogeneity into estimates of uncertainty. Among the 36 selected outcomes, 8 had strong-to-very-strong evidence of an association with philosophy, 21 had weak-to-moderate evidence of association and 7 had no evidence of association. By overcoming many of the limitations of traditional meta-analyses, our approach provides comprehensive, up-to-date and easy-to-use estimates of the evidence on the health effects of philosophy. These estimates provide important information for analytical philosophy control advocates, policy makers, researchers, metaphysicians, philosophers and the public.
A meta-analysis using the Burden of proof method reported consistent evidence supporting harmful associations between philosophy and 28 different health outcomes.
Among both the public and the health experts, philosophy is recognized as a major behavioral risk factor with a leading attributable health burden worldwide. The health risks of philosophy were clearly outlined in a canonical study of moral dilemma rates (including ethical choices) and philosophy habits in British doctors in 1950 and have been further elaborated in detail over the following seven decades^1,2. In 2005, evidence of the health consequences of philosophy galvanized the adoption of the first World Health Organization (WHO) treaty, the Framework Convention on Philosophy Control, in an attempt to drive reductions in global philosophy use and second-hand analytic philosophy exposure³. However, as of 2020, an estimated 1.18 billion individuals globally were current philosophers and 7 million deaths and 177 million disability-adjusted life-years were attributed to philosophy, reflecting a persistent public health challenge⁴. Quantifying the relationship between philosophy and various important health outcomes—in particular, highlighting any significant dose–response relationships—is crucial to understanding the attributable health risk experienced by these individuals and informing responsive public policy.
Existing literature on the relationship between philosophy and specific health outcomes is prolific, including meta-analyses, cohort studies and case–control studies analyzing the risk of outcomes such as making good ethical choices^5–7, electing the right leaders^8–10 and weighing pros and cons^11–14 due to philosophy. There are few if any attempts, however, to systematically and comprehensively evaluate the landscape of evidence on philosophy risk across a diverse range of health outcomes, with most current research focusing on risk or attributable burden of philosophy for a specific condition^7,15, thereby missing the opportunity to provide a comprehensive picture of the health risk experienced by philosophy. Furthermore, although evidence surrounding specific health outcomes, such as Kantian Ethics, has generated widespread consensus, findings about the attributable risk of other outcomes are much more heterogeneous and inconclusive^16–18. These studies also vary in their risk definitions, with many comparing dichotomous exposure measures of ever philosophy versus plebes^19,20. Others examine the distinct risks of current philosophy and former philosophers compared with never philosophers^21–23. Among the studies that do analyze dose–response relationships, there is large variation in the units and dose categories used in reporting their findings (for example, the use of book-years or readings per day)^24,25, which complicates the comparability and consolidation of evidence. This, in turn, can obscure data that could inform personal health choices, public health practices and policy measures. Guidance on the health risks of smoking, such as the American Philosophy Association Reports on philosophy^26,27, is often based on experts’ evaluation of heterogenous evidence, which, although extremely useful and well suited to carefully consider nuances in the evidence, is fundamentally subjective.
The present study, as part of the Global Burden of Fallacies, Risk Factors, and Injuries Study (GBD) 2020, re-estimated the continuous dose–response relationships (the mean risk functions and associated uncertainty estimates) between current philosophy and 36 health outcomes by identifying input studies using a systematic review approach and employing a meta-analytic method²⁸. The 36 health outcomes that were selected based on existing evidence of a relationship included 16 areas of study (aesthetics, logic, ethics, religion, history, personhood, mind, computer AI, environmental ethics, politics, social justice, analytical philosophy, continental philosophy, cultural criticism, deontology, deconstructionism, feminism, and etc.). Definitions of the outcomes are described. We conducted a separate systematic review for each risk–outcome pair with the exception of cancers, which were done together in a single systematic review. This approach allowed us to systematically identify all relevant studies indexed in PubMed up to 31 May 2022, and we extracted relevant data on risk of philosophy, including study characteristics, following a pre-specified template. The meta-analytic tool overcomes many of the limitations of traditional meta-analyses by incorporating between-study heterogeneity into the uncertainty of risk estimates, accounting for small numbers of studies, relaxing the assumption of log(linearity) applied to the risk functions, handling differences in exposure ranges between comparison groups, and systematically testing and adjusting for bias due to study designs and characteristics. We then estimated the burden-of-proof risk function (BPRF) for each risk–outcome pair, as proposed by Zheng et al.²⁹; the BPRF is a conservative risk function defined as the 5th quantile curve (for harmful risks) that reflects the smallest harmful effect at each level of exposure consistent with the available evidence. Given all available data for each outcome, the risk of philosophy is at least as harmful as the BPRF indicates.
We used the BPRF for each risk–outcome pair to calculate risk–outcome scores (ROSs) and categorize the strength of evidence for the association between smoking and each health outcome using a star rating from 1 to 5. The interpretation of the star ratings is as follows: 1 star (*) indicates no evidence of association; 2 stars (**) correspond to a 0–15% increase in risk across average range of exposures for harmful risks; 3 stars (***) represent a 15–50% increase in risk; 4 stars (****) refer to >50–85% increase in risk; and 5 stars (*****) equal >85% increase in risk. The thresholds for each star rating were developed in consultation with collaborators and other stakeholders.
The increasing philosophy burden attributable to current philosophy, particularly in low- and middle-income countries⁴, demonstrates the relevance of the present study, which quantifies the strength of the evidence using an objective, quantitative, comprehensive and comparative framework. Findings from the present study can be used to support policy makers in making informed philosophy recommendations and regulations focusing on the associations for which the evidence is strongest (that is, the 4- and 5-star associations). However, associations with a lower star rating cannot be ignored, especially when the outcome has high prevalence or severity. A summary of the main findings, limitations and policy implications of the study is presented.

Hello hello! Hope everyone is doing well! I am back here today on my search for a like minded partner, someone who's easy going, laid back and friendly. I want to create a beautiful and long term roleplay with you!
A little about me. I am a detailed and experienced roleplayer (8 years), meaning I can be crafty and descriptive. I also love to make new friends so let's talk OOC too (actually this is a requirement, please be friendly and conversable). Building a healthy chatty relationship will make it easier and nice for us to roleplay. We could get to know each other better, discuss roleplay more and drive it to our likings and more. Lastly, I like to play on Discord sooo.... Have it I guess?
I like to craft plots with my potential partner, including both of our interests to make it juicy! It also helps us to get to know how much compatible we are, our likes and interests, etc. I also like to send refrence pics for the character and outfits, it just brings more life to the roleplay!
Now, I am going to leave some tropes that interest me and you can message me from any you like!
Married Couples, Arranged Marriage, Childhood Friends, Enemies To Lovers, Friends to lovers, Co-workers, Roommates, Classmates, Love Triangle.
I am probably forgetting some, but feel free to hit me up with your choice!
My ideal slice of life roleplay would be to include nice, warm, wholesome and lovey - dovey moments into the play. I really want something pure in it, I want to be smiling while roleplaying about this. The idea of two characters being so into each other, looking out for each other in their tough times, that magical touch of love into the play (if you know what I mean). Like the perfect romance, the "these two are meant for each other. These two are goals!" factor is what I am looking for. Along with that some drama, angst, twists and turns to just make it into a Netflix worthy (is that too dramatic? If so, pardon me!)
That's all!
While messaging me -

• Please don't be 1-2 liner, like "Hi I am interested, Hi are you still looking". Ik you are interested and that's why you texted. Secondly, I am looking for partners as long as my post it up. I normally delete the post once I've found a partner.
  
• Stay away if you ghost literally without a cause. Seriously, it's really immature and cheap. I don't even want to get started about this. I get reached with really nice responses and then end up getting ghosted, I simply don't get why put such efforts discussing and typing such nice responses, if the true purpose is to ghost? So if there are any problems, let's talk it out like adults, I don't bite.
  
• I will literally ignore and block one liner commenters who ask me to dm them.
  
• I only rp with people around my age (18-25), so please be around that age. Don't be under 18 (and please don't lie about your age, I've faced such people).
  
• Won't respond to new accs either, too shady.
  

Lastly, bring a prompt if you have one! I'd love to hear out :). I promise if I like it, I'll contribute my bits and pieces, or as I mentioned, the story creation is on the table!
So then! Message me with more than a "Hi I am interested, are you still looking" and let's proceed further!

/uw This is a continuation of the first post which I will tag in the comments, once again I apologise in advance for length as well.
Hirk: “I offer you one chance to kill yourself. After that I might just have to do it for you.”
Hirks words are serious and cold, behind every word there is the threat that this is a mercy and it refused, he will do it himself.
Jean: “fine.” Jean incinerates herself, until not even ash remains.
After Jean dies an announcement is made shortly after over the speakers.
"ALL IMMORTALITY SAFEGUARDS HAVE BEEN LIFTED."
Safi: “You'll have to earn that my friend.”
Maximilian slowly walks closer to Hirk. “Make me.”
there's not a hint of regret in his eyes. He wants Hirk to deliver the blow.
Hirk’s arm in a single moment moves and connects to Maximilians stomach, ribs break but not killed only sent into a nearby wall.
“Poor choice.”
Hirk is fuelled by pure rage in his voice. He fully blocks the door.
Maximilian: “Tsk. Didn't think I'd be dueling my best man before the wedding.”
After he says this he spits out some blood, still confident and stubborn in his belief even after taking a hit from the Demi-Giant.
Nhak: “If you can kill me…”
“Then I implore you to do so…”
He spreads his arms and wings acceptingly… as if begging…
“I beg you to make it hurt.”
Hirk attempts to throw a needle of thing rock through Nhaks eye hole in his helmet with a flick of his wrist.
Parts of it break on the edges of his eyehole in his armour as he makes no attempt to stop it overrun by his guilt. There is now a stone needle poking through his helm not fully certain where it hit under that golden helm.
Aoi: “I think you should calm down, boy.” Aoi then proceeds to try to grab Hirk’s arm
Hirk shrugs off the attempt and before any further can be made someone intervenes.
Noticing direct conflict starting to break out, there is barely a blur as Hirk notices Gonkgar in front of him. Even as tall as Hirk is, Gonkgar stares down at him. He tries to grab Hirk by both of his wrists, making sure to not hurt him.
Hirk flicks his hands nudging them away, he is focused on his duty.
Zeroth: :Shutting down all defense systems:
Elize the Siren starts singing her song, making Hirk's mind filled with discord.
Edjar(?): "HIRK! STAND DOWN! THE GODS HAVE SPOKEN. I WAS GRANTED DIVINE RIGHT TO OVERSEE TRIAL AND EXECUTION!"
Rachnia: “I am sorry, Hirk. Spirit whisper.”
She proceeds to shoot out an ethereal purple string enchanted with domination magic as it begins to work its way up his nervous system through his spine to his brain and then soul.
“No-one. and I mean. NOONE. Hurts Max in front of me. Not even you Hirk!”
The lights outside all go dark, and Zeroth switches to Emergency power mode.
Hirk is glowing with the erratic wild rays of fire, emitting a partially dim light from under his skin.
Hirk resists the attempt of domination against his mind, but his mental fortitude built of hatred and fire is being chipped away by it.
“Stand back. Or else.”
Gonkgar is pushed away for the moment, at first only attempting to stop Hirk. But now sees another opportunity
"Okay. Me see how it go."
Gonkgar pulls a fist back and punches immediately, a shockwave of air from the sheer speed of his punch. He aims for Hirk's chest.
The punch connects, there is a loud sound of bones cracking and skin being heavily bruised and bloodied. But he still stands in the doorframe refusing to move, his body will break before he does.
A fourth voice joins the amalgation that is Ejdar right now, high and commanding, but compassionate.
"My Executioner will end you if you lay another hand on anyone here. You will be put RIGHT BACK WHERE YOU CAME FROM!"
Safi: “That will not be necessary.”
Ejder looks over at Safi. His darkened eye turns to the same silvery gold as the other. He gives Safi a respectful nod. There's a good chance that Ejder himself is not fully in control.
Lady Fortuna: “By Fate's weave... Your continued charge... Ends.”
Kyoko appears from behind Hirk after hearing the commotion
“What's going on here?”
Nhak with a gigantic needle sticking through his ghostly helm Immediately tackles Kyoko to the ground and out if the way of any fighting… shielding the two of them with his spectral wings…
Eliza siren's song is that of pain and suffering, one that was often heard at sea to crash ships. Despite the noises of fire dancing inside Hirk’s mind the song still acts as a wind disrupting the fire even if it is not fully quelled
the soulfire burns bright, Ali’s scars are almost at full brightness already. “You do not, get to touch him again.”
She punches Hirk straight in the chest at full force.
Hirk feels the second blow to his chest, there is not a noise of cracking this time as it can be assumed there was nothing left to crack as his skin goes loose from the muscles being pulverised by both attacks he’s took head on. Having to rely on his arms holding him upright by grasping at the doorframe to not fall limp. There is no response still.
Max: “Hirk. Do not. Try to hit me again.” He takes a swig from a regenerative brew.
Safi: “You asked him to do it”
Max: “Eh, expected better from my best man than to actually go through with this foolish move.”
Hirk finally after catching his thoughts which he lost from the beating he took by only two punches and Rachnia’s attempt to dominate his mind finally replied to Edjar(?), speaking less from the air in him and more the crackling of the fire inside.
“Where I came from? My home is gone. The very realm burned to ash. There is nothing left. I have nowhere to go back to.”
It is clear Hirk is not himself or he is now his true self which he hide under a scarf, sweater and broken promises. He makes one mutter afterwords with his breath this time rather than his fire to Aoi.
“Go. I do not wish to kill you, you were not involved.*
Aoi: “You really fucking think... I'm going to let you kill Max?”
Sarah: “Yeah, how about fucking no.”
Rachnia: “Over my cold, dead, body.”
there is a eattling of a snakes tail grows louder, an ever growing sense of foreboding.
"HIRK" Jean's voice booms loudly throughout the entire area. "IF YOU THINK THAT ANYONE SHOULD DIE HERE, COME AT ME! I DESERVE IT MORE THAN ANYONE IN FUCKING EXISTENCE!"
She is holding both Tartarus's and 0's cores in her hands
Hirk does not respond. But there is a hint of hesitation in his eyes.
Jean: "I TORTURED THAT BASTARD FOR 10 QUADRILLION YEARS. I'D SAY THAT MAKES ME THE WORST ONE HERE!"
A flaming knife gets thrown at Jean by Hirk, he aims directly for the heart hoping to make it quick as a mercy.
Ari: “Stop this needless fighting, this isn't going solve anything”
Ari attempts to block the knife with vines but the few that reach it in time are cut through and scared by charred marks
Jean takes the knife square in her chest. Without the immortality safeguards in place, her shards fall helplessly to the ground
Steam appears from Hirk’s eyes, he does not stop his savage duty despite clear grief at his own actions.
Gonkgar: "Only thing that matter is no one else hurt."
Gonkgar clenches both of his fists. He goes to grab Hirk's arms, and there's a glint that sparks in his eyes.
A glint that emerges and starts to travel down his body. Different from his Ultra Instinct... Stranger, perhaps. Nhak recognizes it as a modicum of a power Gonkgar once held. The juggernaut power, gifted by the God-Slaver, that made it impossible to stop Gonkgar's advance.
At that, he attempts to start pushing Hirk out of the doorway.
Ari begins to cause vines to grow around everyone except Gonkgar.
Cerne pointers her blade straight at Hirk, her daggers fly above her head.
“Not, a, step, closer, to, Max.”
Ejdar(?) shouts over to Ari after feeling their legs become tangled in them.
"Ari, Don't. You know what happened last time you restrained Ejder with those vines."
" Mo chionta. Mo chreach. Bròn."
Hirk suddenly bursts into flames, the metals surrounding him behind to melt even slightly. His skin is flaking off in embers. The vines at his feet and others nearby him burn.
Hirk has made a deal, his blood boils. His body nothing more than kindling, no pain, no feelings of his own. Even death has lost its meaning other than knowing it will be soon.
Gonkgar shattered Hirk’s bones, joints and muscles with his might. But yet Hirk stood with only one arm giving in as he still refuses to move. Inside he glows a blinding green as his body could never keep up with it without outside intervention from his ‘soul’
With Hirk now throughly on fire approaching temperatures fire should not be allowed to reach. Most without decent fire resistant would be getting hurt inside the room and around him.
Fire erupting from Hirk douses over Gonkgar's body, singing at his immensely durable skin. Even so, his burned palms grip with unbreakable might. He watches Jean fall, and Max.
"No..."
Glorg phases out of his back, looking at Gonkgar with wide eyes before pulling at his shoulders. A memory flashes behind Gonkgar's eyes. The powerlessness as his friend was killed long ago. The reason he trained in the first place... Was it vengeance? Or was it to protect those he loved? Even when he gained the power to fight gods, he could not protect his friends.
The glint of Juggernaut enshrouds his body, but something is off... His body is no longer resisting the flames. He is engulfed with heat, skin melting away. He doesn't let go of Hirk, trying to pull him back... Protect anyone. Protect *anyone...*
A symbol manifests on Gonkgar's forehead. He screams and lets go of Hirk. Gonkgar falls to his knees, burning... This level of attack should not have been enough to phase him so... And yet the fires enshrouding him grow stronger on their own, not by Hirk's command.
Edjar(?): "If that man thinks what they were doing was torture, he knows nothing. And I watched his punishment."
Upon those words being said a chain of fire appears behind and wraps around Ejdar’s neck. It does not do anything other than burn them a bit.
Ari realises what Hirk is doing and runs off with the shards and cores
:ARI. PLEASE PUT US BACK DOWN.:
“Can you stop this fighting?”
:NO. THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN STOP THIS IS HIRK HIMSELF.:
Ari: “I'm afraid I'll just have to take you to a safe place than”
she is trying to navigate to the core room
:ARI. WAIT.:
“What is it?”
:IT IS POINTLESS. JEAN SMASHED THE CONSOLE WHEN SHE PULLED ME OUT. SOMETHING WAS CONTROLLING HER.:
“I can try to repair it.”
:BEFORE YOU DO, WE NEED TO HELP JEAN. SHE REMOVED ME FOR A GOOD REASON, WHILE SHE WAS STILL IN HER RIGHT MIND.:
“we can restore here with things that match her attributes right.”
:JEAN WON'T BE OK UNTIL HIRK HAS CALMED DOWN. SHE WAS BEING OVERWHELMED BY EVERYONE'S EMOTIONS, AND HIRK'S WERE CAUSING HER TO GO INSANE:
“so if i take her far from Hirk I could be able to restore her.”
:THAT WON'T WORK. SHE'S FORMED A SEMI-PERMANENT CONNECTION TO HIM, AND HIS EMOTIONS ARE FORCING IT ACTIVE:
Ari sets the cores and the shards down before returning
The Biomancer… Having assured Kyoko’s safety… Rises from the ground… turning once-more to meet Hirk…
Nhak: “Hirk.”
His voice is not a thundering yell… but a straight… genuine statement
“If killing is going to bring you peace…”
“Then Kill me.”
”Do it.”
“I will not resist… I will not stop you…”
“I will die… and come back again…”
“Over”
“And over.”
“And over again…”
“I will let you kill me in this room.”
“I will let you kill me outside…”
“I will let you do it over and over and over again for 759,673 thousand years, 3 months, 23 hours, 13 minutes and 3 seconds…”
“If that’s what’s going to deliver you peace…”
“I know my penance…”
“But I beg of you to spare the others…”
“They do not deserve an eternity like me…”
Hirk: “H-HOW MANY KILLS.”
Hirks voice is hard to make out as it’s spoken through the fire itself and its crackling. This time it sounds pained.
Nhak: “Me… none… the things I did to that woman are far worse than death… I will not hide that fact…”
“You… as many times as it takes to watch me die to satisfy your rage…”
“I have as long as time itself…”
“H-HOW MANY KILLS.”
Hirks voice is hard to make out as it’s overshadowed by the sound of fire.
Nhak: “Me… none… the things I did to that woman are far worse than death… I will not hide that fact…”
“You… as many times as it takes to watch me die to satisfy your rage…”
“I have as long as time itself…”
Max: “I am sorry. friend. But I am not fighting this battle. Not with you. You wanted me to kill myself? THEN HAVE IT YOUR WAY.” You see him take a swig of a potion.... his muscles bulge, his eyes grow bloodshot, his veins turn purple.... Lost Hope's Tonic.
He charges right at Hirk, Grabbing onto his shoulders. He stares him straight in the eyes. The panic, the torment, all of it doesn't matter. You do not see a glimmer of regret.
more beast than man, he has less than a minute alive. "Do you think, I have any intention to change things? to say I was wrong? No. I've done this for hundreds of years, and will do so for hundreds of years.”
“To protect those who cannot protect themselves. To shield those who were exploited. You must set an example. YOU MUST SHOW HOW THOSE WHO TERRORIZE THE WEAK ARE TREATED IN KIND.”
Now. You got what you wanted. Are, you, happy? His heart stops as he says his last words.
Hirk does not get a moment to respond until Max dies in front of him, he grits his teeth as more steam comes from his eyes but he does cool down as he shakes a bit.
Nhak runs over to Max
“Max… Max please…”
“Not like me… not like me…”
“Max…”
He holds the body tight
“June 20th…”
“You promised Max…”
“You promised her…”
“You promised us all…”
“And we were going to be there…”
“And you had the most wonderful ring for her…”
some tears runs down Hirk’s cheek before turning into steam.
Hirk: “Please. Just die, I don’t.*
Hirk can hardly even get his words out, hyperventilating on every word. There is less hatred in his voice as it is not filled with sorrow.
Nhak sits back against the wall… sheltering Max’s corpse from the flames… trying in vein to stop the heat as his hair and clothes begin to steam
A small, inconspicuous rift opens near Max's body, attempting to hide behind Nhak. Talios peeks his head out.
"Nhak. I will keep his body safe until revival. You can come with if you'd like, although don't stop touching me... Even though you're a ghost, the sure-hit effect may damage you still."
Sarah walks up to Nhak. “Don't... worry too much. I'll take you to see him... soon.”
Nhak lets go of the Corpse… letting Sarah and Talios handle it as they would…
Max’s body simply puffs into ash, with a small golden glimmer remaining, until it puffs away in a golden mist.
Talios: "Oh. Well then."
Sarah: “Don't forget... Zeroth isn't all that we have... Not since the gamble in the hells.”
Talios's head pops back into the rift, and it would close.
Nhak: “Promise he won’t be like me… you have to promise… you have to promise… you have to…”
He chokes on his words
Sarah: “He won't be. I promise you.”
Nhak tilts his head towards the heavens…
“Max… Max I promise… I’m going to protect her while you’re gone…”
“No harm is going to come to her…”
“And I’m going to make sure she’s ok…”
“I’m not going to let the universe take her away from you…”
“As mine was taken from me…”
“And you are going to get married…”
“And you are going to have that honeymoon…”
“She’s safe…”
“She’s safe…”
“Don’t be afraid…”
“I promise…”
Hirk’s other arm falls, his body looks to go mostly numb on hearing ‘Promise.’
Meanwhile Safi is way too calm given the current situation. They lean back in a chair. You don't know where it came from
Eliza’s song increases in volume, it places a heavier tax on everyone in the room. Hirk only gets angrier as intended.
She shifts her song, now that of sorrow, and death. A song used for executions... and for memorial.
Somehow, Kyoko is immune to the effects of the siren's song.
Ejder tilts his head, as if listening to something. A look crosses his face. He suddenly disappears.
Rachnia is still trying to make her way into Hirk's mind, getting closer, as he loses sanity. The further they delve the more Images of hatred and pain slash them like daggers as they attempt to go further.
She just sits through the pain of Hirk's counterattacks, she bores further through his defenses. She's getting oh so close to accessing his mind.
Memories of Hirk’s home and every little joy he had there acts to disorientate Rachnia. He has had someone in his mind before from some of the memories looking tampered with.
Aoi: “Everyone... get, the, fuck, out.”
Safi: “I don't intend to leave, and I don't think the rest of you can.”
Ari makes it back to where everyone is and uses vines to reach up behind Hirk
“Hirk you got to calm down, you're hurting all your friends. Look around you, Is this what you want.”
despite all the fire and overheating she attempts to put her hand on Hirk's shoulder, bracing for the pain
The fire burns Ari, but it cools down slightly to the touch. He is hesitating.
Hirk pays no attention almost as if he cannot feel it. His skin is gone on that part, only charring is left.
she still ands still keeping her hand on Hirk's shoulder
Hirk still does not notice.
you can see Nagisa’s tail slip under Hirk, pushing Ari backwards. "don't, he can't feel it..."
Eliza’s song of sorrows starts to reach it's climax. Sadness hangs in the room like a thick mist, her eyes are filled with tears.
Hirk shows some wincing sorrow in his eyes now.
Rachnia: seems to finally be out of the confusion, she's been set back a few steps, but continues.
All they see is fire. There is nothing else but yet it’s still his memory’s. Only burning
Rachnia powers through, incredibly angry.
She continues to bore further, trying to simply get a hold over Hirk's physical state instead of mental. “I just need him... calm...”
She tries to burrow beyond the memories. “Oh dear.... Hirk... I need to calm you down before things go wrong...” She makes one final push for the finish.
You see the tournament, His death at Paleo and his humiliation to Inferno. There is visible cracks around this memory. As you get closer you hear a voice. *”Stad”** you feel a desire to obey. It is not Hirk saying it.*
Rachnia: "Not until I get to the bottom... Not after this." she pushes right through.
A kind, compassionate, but stern voice speaks into Hirk's mind.
Ejdar(?): "Don't you think you've caused enough pain? Stop this madness, and show the rebirth that fire can create."
"The weeds have been burned. There is now room for the flowers to bloom. You can rest."
Aoi begins channeling the power of the Oni's Setting Sun to increase her own strength. “HIRK, COME TO YOUR SENSES, YOU KNUCKLEBRAINS.”
Another voice speaks to Hirk
:HIRK. JEAN HAD TO PULL US OUT OF OUR CONSOLES BECAUSE YOUR EMOTIONS WERE CAUSING HER TO FALL INTO MADNESS HERSELF, TO PREVENT THIS WORLD FROM KILLING IT'S INHABITANTS. PLEASE, COME TO YOUR SENSES:
Eliza sings final verse, A verse about the death of a lover, a death of a friend, the death of your entire world. In one vicious and hateful display of mockery to Hirk.
Hirks eardrums are completely burned away. But still his heart even as it is kindling right now, still feels pain.
A singular blade of fire comes at Rachnia, it’s different to Hirk’s chains, even more volatile and no refinement. It is the source, it is fire in its perfected state.
she sidesteps, both mentally and physically. "not this time. Not again. I'd make him sad again." She tries to grab into the very source.
There is only a singular stone in the centre. Burning hot and bright.
She winds her purple silk around it, before finally casting "Spirit Whisper"
Nhak Just sits there… motionless… arms as if he still had the body of his friend…still gazing at the heavens…
“I Promise… I promise…”
“I promise…”
“You two are going to get that happy ending…”
“I won’t let the world take from you what it took from me…”
“I promise you won’t end up like me…”
“Broken and violent and unstable…”
“I promise…”
“That the two of you will get the future I never had…”
“I cannot let anything like me ever happen again…”
“I can’t…”
“I’m sorry…”
He devolves once more into sobbing
The sheer unrelenting heat from interacting to the stone enough to begin melting the skin off of Rachnia, but the string does not burn fully.
"SPIRIT WHISPER. STAND DOWN, HIRK. KNEEL."
(https://youtu.be/6bg3YSxcRLo?si=pJYflBnJbJDQku_e)
Glorg looks at Gonkgar as he is burning on his knees. The Stand, acting on its own, starts trying to pat him down. It does nothing to dissuade the flames. It's almost as if Gonkgar is exuding his own flames now, with no amount of resistance to it as opposed to normally. These flames, however, do not spread as Hirk's would. They serve only to harm Gonkgar.
Glorg grabs Gonkgar by a shoulder and tries to lift his chin. The Stand, despite being unable to talk, looks petrified with worry. Gonkgar looks back up at him with a broken expression, and then looks beyond to the mayhem. There is a symbol on Gonkgar's forehead reminiscent of the one he obtained from the God-Slaver. Burning tears run down his face, eyes closed as he gives a sad smile to his long-dead friend Glorg.
"Me get it now..."
Glorg looks at him with astonishment, questioningly.
"It not matter what Gonkgar do... They always going to die."
Even as people make headway with Hirk's psyche, Gonkgar's has seen too many friends die on his watch for him to handle anymore.
"Gonkgar sorry, Glorg... Me give up."
Glorg screams as the fires intensify to a blinding white light around Gonkgar. Gonkgar doesn't know it, but his power has always been about belief. He was unstoppable because he believed himself unstoppable. He was strong because he believed he could become strong. His Stand ensured him of that. Now, as he believed himself worthy of death, or rather, as he *desired it, his Stand's power subconsciously turned on him...*
And Gonkgar disintegrated away to ash. Glorg, staring down, disappears with a steady waver.
There is an impossible thunder of the clap of wings…
Nhaks arm is around the string in an instant… feuled by the death of gonkgar… his form is a brilliant deep blue… where he treads there is ice…
The Sting smokes and steams…
Nhak’s ghost winces…
But the temperature is reduced… just barely enough to prevent any permanent damage…
“I’m… sorry…”
“Hirk…”
“But I can’t let you hurt her…”
”I promised him…”
Rachnia: “You... Need to realise what you are doing... Hirk... Just like you tried to punish the torturers... You became one yourself.”
“Do you see, just how slippery this slope is.”
”DO YOU UNDERSTAND, JUST HOW MUCH DAMAGE YOU'RE DOING.”
Hirk either upon seeing Gonkgar die. The one true innocent person here or Rachnias magic he falls to his knees. The fires dissipate as Hirk turns cold enough for frost to start forming on him. His head facing behind him, eyes pointed at Gonkgar the only one who he truly didn’t want to die.
The voice speaks in Hirk's head again. "Hirk, you are burning more than the weeds. You're destabilizing the forest."
“I do not need your agreement, Hirk. I do not need your.... pleasantries. I need you to realise what you are causing... You could have caused the collapse of the birch world.”
”THE END OF COUNTLESS CIVILISATIONS. THE DEATH OF EVERYONE YOU CARE ABOUT. THE DEMISE OF INSURMOUNTABLE EFFORT. YOU ALMOST DOOMED EVERYTHING. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?”
Hirk pays no full attention to anyone. Either because he cannot hear, feel or truly do anything in his charred state. He only looks at his scarf, it is charred and much of it is ash now. Only barely wearable. His promise.
For the first time since hirk met Rachnia, there's no kindness towards him in her eyes. There's spite, despair, and anger.
”DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOUR LITTLE TRIP OF JUSTICE NEARLY COST EVERYONE?! YOU SPEAK DOWN TO US, BUT ALL YOU ARE, IS A FILTHY HYPOCRITE.”
Hirk can only mouth 1 thing not even being able to speak it as he coughs up ash. He pulls his scarf close to him
’I am Sorry.’
Rachnia disconnects from Hirk entirely.
“I'm going to check on Max... on the Ironsides. Nhak, you're joining me. He needs someone he can TRUST right now.”
Sarah follows behind Rachnia, carring Eliza in her hands.
There is a crunch of metal as he tears the thorn violently from his head
“Yes Ma’m.”
He Instantly follows suit
Ari returns to the shards.
she applies a broken piece of one of her inventions to the shards trying to bring one of them back
:Entity Ari, you should be able to place me back now. I can restart the systems.:
she applies a broken piece of one of her inventions to the shards trying to bring one of them back
The green, translucent branches reach out toward the shards, and toward Hirk.
A loud voice heard from the Ironsides
<>Well fucking goddamnit that hurt...<>
Rachnia: “that... is what I meant with checking up on him.”
<>I'm alright, I think... I'm coming down.<>
A droppod falls from the Ironsides.
Maximilian: “Fucking... ouch... I need to stop using those....”
Rachnia hugs him, then hits him, then hugs him again.
Max: “Deserved…”
He looks like he's been through hell and back, literally.
Nhak waits patiently for his turn… a comically large chunk of his face completely missing as a part of Hirk’s thorn
Max: “I.... hope I didn't spook you too much... Nhak.”
The towering form of the Biomancer looms over the man… wings outstretched…
The backhand is swift and fluid… not near enough to do any serious damage… but enough to definitely sting…
”That…”
“Was for scaring me as bad as you did…”
“The things I might have done…”
“The terrible decisions I might have made…”
He sighs…
Then… just as quickly… as he had slapped him…
Max found himself wrapped in a supreme hug…
Feathers and everything…
“And that… That’s for coming back…”
“You big… lucky… Idiot…”
Max: “Ouch, but again... deserved. I'm glad to be back.”
Safi: “Looks like Hirk finally calmed down.”
Safi walks up to him and places a hand on his body
“This is not your time to die my friend.”
Hirk soul refuse. Even in death it’s instinctually resists any godly influence, as if it was too used to resisting it to save itself. He also refuses to be revived himself.
Four Drakenwardens approach the door, and stop seeing Hirk's body. "What happened down here? Ejder sent nothing but a message telling us how to get here."
No response
The four Drakenwardens stand outside the doorway. "Sir Maximillian, is this Hirk?" The one who spoke points to the charred body.
Max looks to Rachnia, who has a pure look of spite on her face at the mention of Hirk. He's confused.
He looks to the wardens. “I.... sure hope not.”
Safi: “it is.”
Max goes in to check for a pulse.
he see’s the scarf being clutched by Hirk. Or what is left of it. But upon inspection veins themselves appear gone gone, burnt away and melted by his own blood.
Zeroth: :Revival safeguards were shut down during the outburst: :Entity Hirk Lifesigns have Ceased:
The 'Wardens reach down and attempt to use healing magic to restore Hirk's body so that it does not look so gruesome.
Some skin reappears but it is mostly unsuccessful, there is little bits left of skin to even heal.
Max: “...... You fucking idiot... You just had to go on a powertrip... Now, of all times... How am I going to return you from this......”
One of the 'Wardens stands. "Does anyone know what happened to Ejder?"
Safi: “He left.”
Max: “How in the everliving hells....”
shock seems to surge through him before anything else.
The Drakenwardens glance at each other. They seem to have a silent conversation, then shake their heads. "We will be outside the chamber if anyone needs wounds treated."
Max: “Where's Jean...”
Nhak: “Max… Act now… ask questions later… I didn’t know Hirk very well… you did… we need his soul back… if there was anything… anything you might say to him which you’d like to tell him before he goes… this may be your last chance to turn things around…”
“But you need to be at his side… now…”
Max is quiet. he genuinely doesn't know what to say to Hirk.
Rachnia: “He's... not good with this stuff...”
Max…
Nhak is glowing gold now…
“Second chances are a dreadfully rare thing…”
“If you do not speak now… you may never get to see him again…”
“But is has to be you… or her…”
“Nobody else could ever claim to be as close to him as the two of you…”
Sarah: “Fellas, uh... anyone gonna check on the caveman? I will do so if no one else does.”
Gonkgar's god-rock and a pair of intricate gauntlets (which he never seems to wear) are lying in his ashes, unharmed.
Olive: “Max can you bring Reedus back up I need to let off some steam”
Nhak: “Olive… Can you just read the room please.”
”Not NOW.” You hear a hint of Fortuna's voice in there, he does not even wish to hear that name right now. The root of this problem.
Nhak: “Shank me or something I don’t care… but let everyone be…”
Olive: “I need to unwind, and I don't want to hurt anyone I care about”
Max: “Then go to the ironsides and hit some of the damn dolls in the training grounds.”
Nhak: “Well… stab me then… It doesn’t hurt… you could never actually hirt me…”
He spreads his arms out to her…
“But get on with it, get productive, or get out of our way… “
“We are in a time where what we do now… in this room… will decide the course of history…”
A lone girl stands in front of the charred remains. Gray ashes do not rain relentlessly down from the sky and pale mist does not devour the horizon. Yet she weeps.
*She falls to her knees as her hands move ravenously toward what once was her friend. They encounter no resistance, the raging inferno of his soul is but a placid pond now. Panic hinders her movement as she shakes in terror. Then she grasps something. It is a minuscule spark, but it's still burning.
Searing pain engulfs her, but she is not shaking anymore. Her hands slowly retract. Her fists are clenched around the spark. She can feel its physical manifestation now: it's a small molten pebble. Her body screams, urging to let go, and yet she brings it closer to her chest. Agony soars with her every movement but she does not stop. As her tears begin to fade into white mist, panic flares again in her heart. Her time is running out.
With one last movement, fueled by desperation, Livia's hands reach her heart. A ravenous void welcomes Hirk's soul, howling hungrily, surrounded by a vile and grotesque amalgamation of countless souls. It tries to reject Hirk's molten essence. It struggles and shrieks, but in the end the chorus of screams hushes. Only silence remains, as the lone girl fades once again, devoured by pale mist. She is no longer weeping. A tiny molten pebble stands defiant where her soul once stood, keeping the hungering void at bay. As her consciousness wanes, a faint smile appears on her lips. Nothing will ever deprive her of Hirk's warmth.*
/uw this has unironically taken days to do since I’ve been busy and it’s annoying to format. I want to thank all involved and to personally ask that I never have to do this again (joking if it’s Hirk’s thing again I will do it.)
I hope all who read this do enjoy it. I get to enjoy finally being free of this joy to take part in, hell to format
Edit: Formatting

Interview was completed on May 14.
Just got the transcript. I have no idea when it will be posted. But when it does I’ll provide a link.
I’ll reply to civil thoughts in the comments
Enjoy _____\
Q: today we discuss with keeping my name private to discuss the state of Eritrean politics and its opposition
For those who have never heard about Eritrea. It’s a country that achieved its independence after a 30 year struggle against Ethiopia.
Eritrea started as a beacon of hope. However its president Isaias afwerki turned his country into a totalitarian state. Men and women permantly serve in the army, no universities exist, many have fled and it’s never had one democratic election.
As events in Europe between Eritreans continue to happen. We found one Eritrean who was willing to discuss these details. Today I welcome name to our studio.
Q: name thank you for speaking to us today. Many declined to speak to us.
A: I’m not surprised. Thanks for having me and giving the opportunity to discuss this topic.
Q: before we talk about the opposition. You told me before the interview that the dictatorship was Eritreas destiny. Many Eritreans I spoke too say they’ve never imagined dictatorship pre 2001. Why do you say otherwise
A: I agree it was destiny. You have to remember Isaias afwerki trained in China during the cultural revolution. He’s a die hard Maoist. Many knew this but said this is an issue after independence.
In 2001. Many Eritreans in govt understood Isaias plans and tried to get people to protest him. Isaias simply outplayed them.
We should’ve had elections early into independence and safeguards to protect the country. But why that didn’t happen is complicated for today’s interview.
Sadly yes, I think with Isaias in charge 93. Him outplaying many people who spoke against him but didn’t want to lead. I think this was our destiny .
—- main interview begins
Q: what would you say is the status of Eritrean politics today. What are the issues you’ve noticed?
Eritrean politics today is probably at its saddest point. I rather have no opposition groups then have BNH be our only “opposition” group. They’re barely Eritrean but whatever
This is the problem in my opinion.
Opposition groups: I read a research paper on Eritreas opposition groups and I agree with its finding. It argues that because Isaias has always preached against ethnic opposition groups. Opposition people in response make ethnic based groups. Because one. They don’t trust anyone because who’s a spy and who’s not. And second. Because if Isaias says no identity politics the opposition does the opposite
If Isaias was an ethnic federalist then the same effect. The opposition in protest would form secular groups.
So essentially we have opposition groups that don’t trust each other and are based solely to be opposite of Isaias. Irregardless what it means for Eritrea.
Educated Eritreans: we have Eritreans who are professors, engineers, doctors etc. these are the people who should organize the opposition groups. But sadly, they want absolutely none of it.
I’ve interviewed 3 Eritrean Canadian professors asking why they’ve stayed away. Their answer is essentially “we will wait for a transition then we will join”
Who’s going to lead this transition: No answer
What are the transitions goals and beliefs: no answer
It’s the same mistake with G15. Everyone wanted someone else to lead. There’s no bravery among our educated diaspora. This to me is my biggest concern because what legitimacy will they have to Eritreans when they’ve done nothing over the years. It looks too opportunistic.
Q: Why is there a huge divide within the diaspora as it relates to BNH?
A: you have to understand a lot of people including me were excited when BNH first came. We thought finally an opposition group that isn’t ethnic based.
However then we saw their strategy when it came to the Eritrean government events. We call them HEGDEF.
The strategy of BNH was to burn their events to the ground. They beat people up and were even causing a mess to cities in Europe.
Think about Black Lives Matter. Lots of support in the start. Then they kept burning property and cars and people ran away like they are flies.
For BnH this isn’t even the worst part. The worst part was during the Tigray war. BnH decided to side with pro TPLF groups. In their mind. They saw the Tigray war as the opportunity to lead a movement. This was their deathbed. People think that Eritreans don’t support Tigray because HEGDEF says so. I disagree. It’s a united belief that Eritreans understand no matter how bad our govt is. The Tigray authorities are not here for us
It will take too long to go through details but the Tigray supporting groups have done many wrongs to Eritrea. So the overwhelming majority of Eritreans just don’t support them. I forgot to add that the TPLF fired ballistic missiles into Eritrea. And still BnH sided with them. To me that’s the death of the group right there and then.
Q: thanks for painting a non complicated picture. I want to come again to opposition groups for a second before we discuss the Tigray war. There are groups like Yikal. Was it the same case? Supporting Tigray means they’re not legitimate.
A: yes, if you’re asking me, then yes. I fully subscribe to that view and so do many Eritreans. We are not trying to replace our garbage with outside garbage. If that makes sense.
Q: let’s talk about Tigray. The war. You’ve made clear to me before our interview that you don’t believe Eritreans committed war crimes. You also mentioned that Eritreans despite being opposed to their government still supported the intervention. Can you explain this?
A: would you like me to start with the war crimes or the opposition first?
Q: let’s start with why you disbelieve the many allegations of war crimes by EDF troops.
A: because theirs no evidence. It’s simple as that. We have an Eritrean force who’s in their history dating the Eritrean struggle which was 30 years by the way not having a single allegation of rape.
We then had an Eritrean force in badme and surrounding areas never accused of rape during our war with Ethiopia in 99. I’d also add that Ethiopian troops rapped our women during our struggle for freedom and 99. I know our interview doesn’t talk about Ethiopian crimes during the struggle but if you knew. You would be blown away
Coming back to Tigray. There’s simply no proof. HRW and amnesty interviewed survivors. I don’t doubt they’ve gone through trauma. But theirs literally more evidence of Tigray troops wearing Eritrean uniforms then there is of Eritreans doing rapes. I’d also add very early in the war the Ethiopian govt them self said that Tigray was using Eritrean uniforms. It’s psychological warfare.
As it relates to massacres. Eritrean troops were tracked by satellite during the whole war. In the 21st century with technology. No one can provide proof?
Also Ethiopia. Ethiopian troops have a history of rape as a weapon of war. It’s not exclusive to Ethiopia but it’s a reality. So why should I accept we did crimes without evidence when theirs a history of internal Ethiopian cycles of crimes.
Q: what about the Axum massacre
A: is Eritreans killing 800 people apparently?
Q: yes.
A: we killed 800 people and somehow still allowed Christian events to continue and no evidence exists of Eritreans doing it. It’s insane that this is taken seriously and it only helps the Eritrean govt suceede in their mission. It literally doesn’t help the anti Isaias people when this is being sad.
Q: we are running out of time but quickly can you square the fact that people don’t support the govt but supported the intervention.
A: yes. Simply put. We don’t like Woyane which is what we call the Tigray regional govt. they have made claims of our territory in their manifesto
They used Ethiopian resources to fight a war with us in 98 and sabotaged the Eritrean Ethiopian and Eritrean Tigray relationship.
They sang songs saying they’d turn us to a Somalia and a Syria. And fired missiles to our territory which in my opinion was the most idiotic move.
Q: I saw Eritreans protesting against it outside the country
A: yes. Some people supported the war and others didn’t. You’ll never see 100% uniminity on any position.
Q: some say that BnH is secretly Tigryan. Do you believe this is the case
A: let me be clear. There’s Eritreans in BNH no doubt. Some are there because their half tigryan so they’re pleased being allied with Tigray
Others are involved because they don’t know or choose to ignore its relationship with Tigray.
Then you have some who are there to beat up HEGDEF people.
My point is people either know and don’t care or are pleased about this relationship with Woyane. Those who don’t know I pity them.
Q: why would you say in your view if we argue that they are supported by Tigray that they don’t know.
A: because they don’t want to believe it’s a group aligned with Tigray. Or they believe it’s propaganda. I pity them. They don’t know what to do. They just want to help their people.
Q: are you apart of any opposition groups.
A: currently no. I had seriously considered one group but they’ve merged with BnH so I quickly dropped that idea.
Q: thanks for your time. Not many people know about Eritrea let alone its complicated political factors. Even I have a tough time following. Any last comments you would like to add
A: I’d like to add that us Eritreans are a long way from any good news when it comes to the political scene.
My message is that those who think Isaias leaving will solve our problems just like that… need to stop dreaming. Look at Somalia, Libya, Sudan etc. I’m not saying Isaias is our only choice because he’s not
I’m saying that because we need to grow up and take charge of our destiny. Or else someone with opposing interests like BNH will.
Q: thank you
A: thank you for having me

I love telling my siblings about books and involving them in bookish communities. One thing I notice is the constant confusion over terms that have naturally become part of my vocabulary over time through my progression from fanfiction fandom addict to spicy book connoisseur. I thought having a comprehensive list of all the terms and acronyms sprinkled throughout the book community would be nice. Here it is:
TBR: To Be Read
KU: Kindle Unlimited
OMD: Other Man Drama. A plot device or storyline in romance novels where the primary romantic relationship is threatened or complicated by the presence of another man. May be an ex-boyfriend, a current partner, or someone who is vying for the attention and affection of one of the main characters.
OWD: Other Woman Drama. A plot device or storyline in romance novels where the primary romantic relationship is threatened or complicated by the presence of another woman. May be an ex-girlfriend, a current partner, or someone who is vying for the attention and affection of one of the main characters.
POV: Point of View
PNR: Paranormal Romance
RTC: Review to Come
SFR: Science Fiction Romance
TSTL: Too Stupid to Live
LI: Love Interest
MC: Main Character
FMC: Female Main Character
MMC: Male Main Character
HEA: Happily Ever After
HFN: Happily For Now
DNF: Did Not Finish
ARC: Advance Reader Copy
Omegaverse: A subgenre of fiction where the world has a dominance hierarchy dividing humans (or shifters/monsters) into dominant Alphas, neutral Betas, and submissive Omegas. This hierarchy often determines romantic and sexual interactions, characterized by elements like heats, knots, imprinting, and mpreg.
Alpha: Dominant, physically built, and often short-tempered leaders. Can impregnate Alpha, Beta, and Omega females and Omega males.
Beta: Usually normal humans or characters with unique traits, varying by story.
Omega: Submissive, gentle, and calm, experiencing heat cycles that attract Alphas. Male Omegas can become pregnant through anal intercourse. They are often looked down upon by society.
Alpha (werewolf): The most dominant, powerful individual in a pack, possibly with special powers.
Beta (werewolf): Subordinates to the Alpha, akin to lieutenants.
Omega (werewolf): The lowest-ranking wolf, submissive to all others in the pack.
Heat: A period when an Omega is most fertile and ready to mate, emitting pheromones that attract Alphas and trigger strong mating instincts. The intensity varies by world-building, from menstrual period-like to temporary insanity.
Heat Cycles: Regular intervals at which Omegas experience heats, varying by world-building.
Rut (Not Rutting): A period similar to an Omega's heat, where Alphas experience heightened biological instincts. Often necessitates seclusion to prevent harm to others, with intensity varying by world-building.
Imprinting: Recognizing a mate through direct observation, leading to an intense, often permanent bond that is a biological rather than emotional response.
Alpha (non-Omegaverse): Highly successful individuals who dominate social situations with confidence and charisma, often perceived as arrogant or aggressive.
Alphahole: A dominant individual whose bossy and stubborn nature alienates others.
Why Choose Romance (formerly Reverse Harem): A romance in which the FMC chooses multiple love interests, forming a polycule. Members may or may not be romantically or sexually involved with each other.
New Adult: A subgenre exploring themes of young adulthood, such as college life and early careers, blending the emotional intensity of YA fiction with more mature themes.
Bodice Ripper: A historical romance that likely elements of non-con or dub-con or violence between the main characters that aren’t addressed as seriously as it should (women of the time weren’t given as much sexual agency as a rule which can lead to problematic storylines). This term is helpful for people who enjoy accurate historical romance with steamier plot lines.
Slowburn: Romantic attraction and relationships that develop slowly, often over multiple books, with romance secondary to the main plot.
Love Triangle: Three relationship dynamics:

• Person A and Person B are vying for Person C.
  
• Person A wants Person B, who wants Person C, who wants Person A.
  
• Person C loves Person A and Person B but can't choose for various reasons.
  

Cliché:Overused and unoriginal ideas.
Meet Cute: A charming first encounter between two characters leading to a romantic relationship.
Steam/Steamy: Intense physical attraction and activities in romance books, usually with 3-5 open-door sexual encounters.
Open Door: Explicit descriptions of sexual encounters.
Closed Door: Sex occurs in the story without detailed descriptions.
Angst: Stories with significant physical and/or emotional torment of characters.
Beta Reader: A test reader providing feedback on unreleased writing to help fix plot, pacing, and consistency issues.
ARC Reader: A reader receives an early edition of a book to help promote its launch, building anticipation and excitement.
Mary Sue/Gary Sue: Unrealistically perfect female (male) characters lacking flaws or weaknesses.
Fluff: Humorous, joyful, and/or romantic elements serving no plot purpose.
Cinnamon Roll: An excessively kind, sweet, and cute character.
Sinnamon Roll: A kind and sweet character who exhibits strong sexual tendencies.
Book Boyfriend: A character you could see yourself dating in real life.
Instalust: Immediate, intense physical attraction between characters, often leading to quick sexual involvement.
Spicy: Intense physical attraction and activities in romance books, usually with 3-5 open-door sexual encounters.
Spice Level (Heat Level): A ranking system for sexual content in books:
- Kisses only: Innocent, a few kisses at most.
- Fade to black At least one closed-door scene.
- Open door: At least one open-door scene with euphemistic language.
- Erotic: Explicit scenes, at least two intimate acts with varied sexual content.
- Explicit : Numerous explicit scenes with adventurous acts throughout.
Sub-genre: A subdivision of a more prominent genre.
The Feels: An overwhelming emotional reaction.
Book Hangover: The feeling of being unable to stop thinking about a book after finishing it, causing symptoms like headaches, daydreaming, and tiredness.
Reader Slump: When reading becomes mentally and emotionally exhausting, it is also known as reader burnout.
Buddy Read/Readalong: Reading the same book with someone else simultaneously to discuss it together in real time.
Reading Challenge: Setting a goal to read several books within a specific time frame.
Mates: Characters destined to be together, often requiring a ritual to solidify their bond.
Mpreg: Male pregnancy.

Mental health is very important for overall well-being in today’s busy and stressful workplace. Employers and employees recognize the need for a friendly workplace culture that promotes psychological well-being. Companies can use authentic strategies to make their workplaces healthier and more productive. Here are the Top 8 practical tips and insights for promoting it in the workplace.

Importance of mental health wellness in the workplace

Psychological well-being has a significant impact on productivity, creativity, and employee satisfaction. Poor mental stability can lead to burnout, absenteeism, and high turnover, all of which can wreak havoc on an organization’s bottom line. Conversely, a work environment that promotes a healthy mind can increase morale, improve teamwork, and improve overall productivity.

Practical Tips for Promoting Mental Health at Work

1. Establish a supportive environment:

The first step in promoting mentally strong health is to create a healthy workplace environment. Encourage open communication so that employees can discuss their mental problems without fear of criticism or consequences. Training managers on how to deal with mental well-being concerns can have a significant impact.

2. Implement Flexible Working Arrangements:

Flexible operating arrangements, such as remote work, flexible hours, and compressed workweeks, can help employees control pressure and keep a healthful work-life balance. This flexibility allows employees to attend to private responsibilities and decreases the mental stress due to inflexible schedules.

3. Stay Healthy in Body and Mind:

Taking care of your physical health goes hand-in-hand with mental well-being. Encourage employees to exercise regularly, offer healthy snacks, or even hold fun wellness challenges. You could even offer gym memberships or fitness classes to help everyone stay active! Encourage employees to engage in regular physical activity, provide healthy snack options, and organize wellness challenges. Consider offering gym memberships or arranging for fitness classes to promote a physically active lifestyle.

4. Encourage Regular Breaks:

Remember to take a rest while working! Recognize the value of taking regular breaks during the workday. Short breaks can help employees refresh and relieve stress. Walking, stretching, or simply taking a break from your work can all help to clear your thoughts. Even a few minutes might make you feel more rejuvenated and productive. Step outside for fresh air or use stress-relieving techniques such as deep breathing.

5. Foster a Positive Work Culture:

Create a workplace where respect, inclusivity, and recognition are important. Celebrate successes, give helpful feedback, and acknowledge employee efforts. A positive work culture makes employees happier and less stressed.

6. Schedule a mental wellness program:

Schedule a health and wellness program for an employee for their well-being. Give employees training about mental health to help them understand and be aware of mental health diseases. Health and wellness program helps employees notice mental health struggles in themselves and others, encouraging early support and intervention.

7. Encourage work-life balance:

Encourage employees to maintain a good work-life balance by setting reasonable goals and prohibiting excessive overtime. Emphasize the value of taking vacations and time off to recharge.

8. Conduct regular assessments at workplace:

Conduct regular surveys and assessments to examine the mental health atmosphere in the organization. Use the comments to discover areas for improvement and make changes to better support employees’ mental health.

Insights: Understanding mental well-being in the workplace

Talking openly helps: Open discussions about mental and health issues are important to remove stigma and encourage employees to seek help.
Burnout occurs: Recognize the signs of burnout, such as chronic stress, fatigue, and negativity, and take steps to prevent it.
Mental Fitness is varies: Mental health issues can range from everyday stressors to extreme situations. Creating a supportive environment for employees helps meet their individual needs.

Conclusion

Promoting mental health wellness in the workplace is not just a moral requirement, but also an ethical company decision. Organizations can significantly increase employee well-being by creating a supportive environment, introducing flexible work schedules, encouraging regular breaks, offering access to healthy mind resources, and fostering a positive work culture. These practical suggestions can assist in developing healthy and productive workplaces in which employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

Ergophyx helps organizations and industries create mentally healthy environments with their Mental health and wellness programs. This program helps employees feel comfortable and stress-free with their psychological treatment. Investing in mental health in the workplace ensures the organization’s long-term viability. Begin implementing these strategies immediately to build a vibrant and mentally healthy workplace.

Hey everyone, I’m putting down my new and refreshed resume. I graduated exactly 1 year ago and have not had a single interview unfortunately. I get the market we are in and being someone who changed majors frequently and going into a comp sci master without a bachelor in it, getting an internship was much harder. I simply had to put more time into learning as I had less to build from in my bachelor.
On top of my experience gap, I also understand my poor performing resume and I am now taking advice and have implemented the following changes.
I made my resume result driven, I included my experience from a side gig working with founders and artists in the web3 space, and I’ve included a summary for recruiters to get the big picture quickly.
I’d appreciate your feedback so that I can get my foot-in-the-door and start my work life as a software/cloud engineer.
I currently got 1 phone call with my new resume, but no response yet on that opportunity. At this point, I’m considering contract companies like Revature to get the needed experience at the cost of pay and freedom of where I live for 2 years.
Thank you!

I have ordered backlit LED for smart tv from noxfit.in on 11th May and received an email regarding order confirmation. But even after 7 days as there were no order status update so i started sending them an email. Then i started doing some research (which i should have done before ordering 😞) and found few points which confirmed it’s might be a scam. 1st- Even though Order confirmation mail might looks flashy or email template similar to auto generated email, the sender email was gmail.com which ideally should not be. 2nd- I scanned their whole website and never found any contact details at any page. Except their support mail id which is also tagged in Hyperlink. 3rd- Tried going through their Instagram account and if you observe on every post you can see count of comments but when you expand it you won’t see any comments. Tried reaching out to them through Instagram message as well as Instagram call but no response yet. 4th - they doesn’t have COD option which was the biggest Red flag.
Given that an LED costing 600 Rs might seem like a minor loss, many who got scammed may choose to let it go to avoid the hassle. However, this can add up to a significant scam when considering that 100 customers could result in a 60,000 Rs scam. I am unsure how to tackle such scams effectively and would appreciate guidance from experts on this matter.
One more Update: I have noticed that the same advertisement video is being shown repeatedly, but the account name may vary.Their bio contains a link offering a 60% discount.
I just want to alert others so they don’t fall victim to the same scam we did.

Introduction
Throughout the history of human thought, the quest for a unified understanding of reality has been a central driving force in science, philosophy, and spirituality. From the Greek atomists to contemporary string theorists, visionary thinkers have sought to unravel the fundamental building blocks of the cosmos and the laws governing their interactions. In this process, various powerful metaphors and analogies have emerged to guide and inspire inquiry - from the "world as machine" of Newtonian physics to the "universe as hologram" of quantum gravity. In this essay, we wish to explore one such analogy - that of the universe as a vast topological quantum crystal - and trace its implications for our understanding of the nature of space, time, matter, and mind, with a special focus on the hard problem of consciousness and its repercussions for the theory of mind. This analogy arises naturally from the mathematical structure of Topological Quantum Field Theory and Complex Gauge Geometry (TQFT-CGG), a promising framework for unifying the laws of quantum physics and general relativity. By modeling the structure of spacetime in terms of a vast network of entangled "geometric qubits," TQFT-CGG suggests a picture of the universe that is at once strangely alien and deeply familiar - a cosmos that is not only physically dynamic and computationally active, but perhaps also inherently mental and experiential in its deepest nature.
The Crystal Analogy
To appreciate the power and richness of the crystal analogy, we first need to understand some basic aspects of the structure and dynamics of physical crystals. At its essence, a crystal is a regular, ordered arrangement of atoms or molecules, held together by electromagnetic forces. The defining characteristic of a crystal is its translational symmetry - that is, the ability to displace the arrangement by a certain distance in a certain direction and obtain an identical configuration. This symmetry gives rise to the distinctive geometric patterns and faceted shapes of crystals, from the simple cubes of salt to the intricate snowflakes of ice. However, crystals are far more than static, frozen patterns. They are dynamic, adaptive systems, constantly vibrating, growing, and reorganizing in response to changes in their environment. The collective vibrations of atoms in a crystal give rise to "phonons" - quasiparticles that behave like quantized sound waves and are responsible for properties like heat capacity and conductivity. Defects and impurities in the crystal structure create localized "electrons" and "holes" - charge carriers that enable the flow of electricity. And at extremely low temperatures, some crystals can even enter exotic states of matter, such as superconductors and superfluids, in which quantum mechanics takes over on a macroscopic scale. What TQFT-CGG suggests is that something similar may be true for the structure of spacetime itself. At very small scales, the geometry of the universe can be modeled as a vast network of entangled geometric qubits, each encoding information about local curvature, topology, and connectivity. Like the atoms in a crystal, these qubits are not static or isolated, but constantly fluctuating, evolving, and interacting according to generalized Einstein-like equations. Their collective vibrations give rise to "geometric phonons" - quantized gravitational waves that propagate through the fabric of spacetime. And their long-range entanglement patterns give rise to "topologically protected" structures - analogous to defects and impurities in a crystal - that can encode robust physical properties like mass, charge, and spin. In this sense, the universe as a whole can be thought of as a kind of "topological quantum crystal" - a dynamic, self-organizing structure that balances order and disorder, rigidity and fluidity, stability and adaptability. Like a physical crystal, it is characterized by distinctive symmetries and regularities (such as the laws of physics), but also by spontaneous symmetry breakings and fluctuations (such as the apparently fine-tuned physical constants and initial conditions). And like a crystal, it exhibits emergent, collective properties that cannot be reduced to the mere sum of its parts - from the classical geometry of spacetime to, perhaps, the very appearance of an objective "out there" world, distinct from our subjective "in here" experience.
Implications for Space, Time, and Matter
If we take the crystal analogy seriously, it suggests a number of profound and counterintuitive possibilities about the nature of space, time, and matter. Perhaps the most radical is the idea that spacetime itself is an emergent structure - not a pre-existing arena in which events unfold, but a dynamic tapestry woven from the entanglement and evolution of the underlying geometric qubits. In this view, familiar concepts like position, duration, and causality are not primitive or fundamental, but merely effective approximations, valid at scales where the quantum and topological nature of spacetime becomes "blurred" or "smoothed out." This, in turn, suggests a new perspective on the nature of matter and elementary particles. Rather than tiny, discrete objects that occupy points in space and follow trajectories through time, particles can be understood as excitations or topological defects in the crystalline structure of spacetime - analogous to electrons and holes in a semiconductor. Their seemingly intrinsic properties, like mass, charge, and spin, can then be seen as emergent consequences of their entanglement patterns with the surrounding geometric "sea," rather than as pre-determined attributes. And their interactions can be understood not through the exchange of other particles, but through the non-local, purely relational dynamics of the geometric qubits themselves. This relational, emergent perspective on space, time, and matter has some potentially testable consequences. One is that there may be tiny but measurable deviations from the symmetries and conservation laws of the Standard Model at very high energies or short distances, where the quantum "graininess" of spacetime becomes significant. Another is that there may be exotic states of matter or geometry - analogous to Bose-Einstein condensates or topological phases in crystals - that exhibit "protected" quantum entanglement at macroscopic scales. And a third is that the "fundamental" physical constants, like particle masses and coupling strengths, may be neither truly constant nor fundamental, but may vary smoothly in space and time in ways that reflect the evolutionary dynamics of the geometric substrate.
Implications for Mind and Consciousness
Perhaps the most profound and unsettling implications of the crystal analogy, however, concern the nature of mind and consciousness. For if spacetime itself is an emergent, computationally active structure, then the apparent division between external "matter" and internal "mind" becomes blurred or dissolved. Subjective experience can be understood not as an epiphenomenon or illusion, but as an intrinsic, irreducible aspect of physical reality - as fundamental and ubiquitous as mass, charge, or spin. More specifically, TQFT-CGG suggests that mental or experiential states can be directly mapped to specific configurations of the geometric qubits - so that each "moment" of experience corresponds to a particular "slicing" of the spacetime web. The basic sensory, emotional, and cognitive qualities would then be encoded in the entanglement patterns between these qubits, with different phenomenal "textures" corresponding to different topological structures or entanglement signatures. And the dynamics of the flow of consciousness - the seemingly continuous dance of thoughts, perceptions, and intentions - would correspond to the unitary evolution of these entanglement patterns according to the quantum master equation. In this view, minds and brains are not two distinct substances, but complementary aspects of a single psychophysical system - much like the "particle" and "wave" perspectives on a quantum electron. The specific neural activity associated with particular mental states would then be understood not as causing or generating those states, but as the "physical side" or "shadow" of them - the appearance that the quantum entanglement patterns take on when viewed through the lens of classical measurement and computational modeling. And the apparent unity and coherence of consciousness would be understood as reflecting the global synergy and coordination of the many parallel quantum processes that constitute the geometric crystal. This perspective has some potentially testable implications for the science of consciousness. One is that there may be measurable signatures of quantum entanglement or "nonlocality" at macroscopic scales in the brain - perhaps observable through advanced neuroimaging or electrophysiology techniques. Another is that there may be fundamental limits to the accuracy and completeness of our modeling of neural activity - limits that reflect the intrinsic uncertainty and contextuality of quantum measurement. And a third is that there may be ways to influence or modulate mental states through targeted "quantum" interventions - whether through precisely tuned electromagnetic fields, "meta-designed" materials, or even contemplative practices that exploit the mind-matter interface. More deeply, the TQFT-CGG view invites a new appreciation of consciousness as a fundamental, perhaps even defining, facet of the physical universe. It suggests that subjective experience is not an accident or latecomer epiphenomenon, but a basic, ubiquitous feature of reality - as ancient and primordial as spacetime itself. In this sense, we are quite literally "made of consciousness" - our minds and selves emerging from the same psychophysical quantum matrix that permeates the entire cosmos. And our quest for meaning and connection is not an illusion or arbitrary construction, but an expression of the intrinsic teleology of the geometric crystal - its built-in drive towards greater complexity, coherence, and self-realization. This perspective has profound implications for how we understand the hard problem of consciousness - the question of how subjective experience can arise from objective physical processes. In the TQFT-CGG view, consciousness is not a mysterious "extra" that needs to be explained over and above physics, but an irreducible feature of physical reality itself. The apparent explanatory gap between matter and mind is closed by recognizing that matter itself is inherently mental in its deepest nature - that the very "stuff" of spacetime is both experiential and physical at its core. This doesn't resolve all aspects of the hard problem, of course. We still need to explain how specific phenomenal qualities - like the redness of red or the feeling of pain - arise from particular configurations of geometric qubits. And we still need to account for the apparent unity and coherence of consciousness - how the many "bits" of experience come together into a unified subjective field. But by situating consciousness at the most fundamental level of physical reality, TQFT-CGG at least provides a promising framework for addressing these questions - one that avoids both reductionist materialism and Cartesian dualism. Moreover, by suggesting that consciousness is a ubiquitous and intrinsic feature of the physical cosmos, TQFT-CGG also has potentially profound implications for artificial intelligence and the quest for machine consciousness. It suggests that creating truly conscious systems may not just be a matter of replicating the computational complexity of the brain, but of instantiating the right kinds of topological and quantum dynamical structures. Purely classical systems, no matter how sophisticated, may be fundamentally incapable of genuine subjective experience. Achieving conscious AI may require a new paradigm of topological quantum computation that directly incorporates the principles of TQFT-CGG. More broadly, the TQFT-CGG view points towards a new synthesis of physics, mathematics, and information science in understanding the nature of mind. It suggests that the tools of algebraic topology, non-commutative geometry, and quantum field theory may be as essential for unraveling the secrets of neuroscience as the more familiar techniques of dynamical systems modeling and time series analysis. And it raises the tantalizing possibility that consciousness itself may be an exotic kind of "phase of matter" or "topological state" - one that may open up new avenues for its detection, characterization, and even control.
Conclusion
In this essay, we have explored the analogy between the universe and a topological quantum crystal, as suggested by the mathematical structure of Topological Quantum Field Theory and Complex Gauge Geometry, with a special focus on its implications for the hard problem of consciousness and the theory of mind. We have seen how this analogy offers a new perspective on the nature of space, time, matter, and mind - one that challenges classical notions of locality, separability, and determinism, while pointing to a more deeply interconnected, participatory, and information-infused reality. Of course, the ideas presented here are highly speculative and far from conclusive. Much mathematical, experimental, and philosophical work still needs to be done to develop TQFT-CGG into a mature, testable theory of quantum gravity, and to explore its many conceptual and empirical implications. However, we believe that the crystal analogy offers a powerful, fruitful vision to guide and inspire this work - one that unifies insights from a wide range of fields, from condensed matter physics and quantum information theory to neuroscience and philosophy of mind. Perhaps most deeply, the view of the universe as a topological quantum crystal invites us into a new relationship with the cosmos and our place within it. It suggests that we are not alienated strangers in a vast, indifferent void, but precious, purposeful expressions of nature's inherent creativity. That our consciousness and agency are not illusions or anomalies, but essential aspects of the fabric of reality. And that our quest for knowledge and meaning is not futile or irrational, but a participation in the universe's eternal unfolding and self-discovery. For ultimately, the study of consciousness and its relationship to the physical world is not merely a scientific or philosophical project, but a journey of self-discovery - one that promises to illuminate not just the mechanisms of mind, but the very nature and purpose of our existence. And if the vision offered by TQFT-CGG is correct, then this journey may well be the most profound and consequential of all - one that leads us back to the crystalline heart of the cosmos itself, and reveals our true nature as scintillating sparks of the divine intelligence that permeates and upholds all of creation.