#15. Risk management strategies

[techmarkethunter]

what is gift nifty?

Title: Unwrapping the Gift of Nifty: A Guide to Navigating the Stock Market Introduction: In the dynamic world of finance, the stock market stands out as a fascinating arena where investors can explore various opportunities. One such avenue that has gained immense popularity is trading in Nifty, a flagship index of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE). In this blog post, we’ll dive into…

[astrologydray]

Mars through the Degrees🥳

Mars represents action, drive, passion, ambition, aggression, and how you assert yourself. The specific degree of Mars in your birth chart fine-tunes how you express your energy, determination, and motivation💪🏾.

0° Mars – The Raw Warrior

• Pure, unfiltered ambition and drive.

• Acts on instinct and impulse.

• Needs to learn patience and strategy.

1° Mars – The Fearless Initiator

• Bold, pioneering energy.

• Takes charge without hesitation.

• Can be impulsive or aggressive.

2° Mars – The Strategic Fighter

• Combines action with careful planning.

• Determined and disciplined.

• Can be stubborn or resistant to change.

3° Mars – The Charismatic Competitor

• Energetic and playful approach to challenges.

• Draws people in with confidence.

• Needs to avoid arrogance.

4° Mars – The Steady Builder

• Takes slow, calculated actions.

• Focused on long-term success.

• Can resist taking risks.

5° Mars – The Passionate Creator

• Highly expressive and motivated by inspiration.

• Enjoys challenges that spark excitement.

• Can be dramatic in reactions.

6° Mars – The Intuitive Warrior

• Acts based on gut feelings.

• Sensitive yet strong-willed.

• Needs to trust instincts but avoid paranoia.

7° Mars – The Spiritual Fighter

• Motivated by higher purpose or beliefs.

• May struggle with balancing action and contemplation.

• Can be deeply idealistic.

8° Mars – The Power Player

• Highly ambitious and focused on control.

• Intense and magnetic presence.

• Needs to avoid manipulative tendencies.

9° Mars – The Adventurous Explorer

• Thrives on new challenges and risks.

• Loves excitement and change.

• Can struggle with commitment.

10° Mars – The Tireless Worker

• Extremely disciplined and hardworking.

• Takes pride in achievements.

• Can be too focused on work and forget to rest.

11° Mars – The Rebel Leader

• Defies norms and takes unique approaches.

• Challenges authority and restrictions.

• Needs to avoid unnecessary rebellion.

12° Mars – The Hidden Force

• Works best behind the scenes.

• Strong but subtle in action.

• Can struggle with suppressed anger.

13° Mars – The Transformational Fighter

• Faces major life changes head-on.

• Overcomes obstacles with resilience.

• Can be drawn to intense experiences.

14° Mars ��� The Charismatic Risk-Taker

• Enjoys the thrill of competition.

• Confident and persuasive.

• Needs to avoid recklessness.

15° Mars – The Balanced Warrior

• Seeks harmony in conflict.

• Can see both sides but still takes decisive action.

• Needs to avoid hesitation in battle.

16° Mars – The Purpose-Driven Fighter

• Feels called to take action for a cause.

• Motivated by meaning rather than personal gain.

• Needs to balance idealism with reality.

17° Mars – The Relentless Competitor

• Strong-willed and never backs down.

• Thrives in competitive environments.

• Needs to manage aggressive tendencies.

18° Mars – The Deep Thinker in Action

• Combines intelligence with action.

• Makes careful yet bold moves.

• Can overthink before taking action.

19° Mars – The Daring Risk-Taker

• Enjoys pushing limits.

• Takes risks others shy away from.

• Needs to weigh consequences before acting.

20° Mars – The Determined Worker

• Focused and disciplined in achieving goals.

• Doesn’t give up easily.

• Needs to avoid burnout.

21° Mars – The Creative Powerhouse

• Expresses energy through art or innovation.

• Highly passionate and dynamic.

• Needs to channel energy productively.

22° Mars – The Strategic Mastermind

• Excellent at planning and executing goals.

• Thinks before acting but moves decisively.

• Needs to avoid over-controlling situations.

23° Mars – The Bold Leader

• Commands respect through action.

• Fearless in pursuit of goals.

• Needs to balance dominance with teamwork.

24° Mars – The Passionate Lover

• Expresses energy through deep connections.

• Highly driven by emotions and desires.

• Needs to manage intensity in relationships.

25° Mars – The Fierce Protector

• Defends loved ones and beliefs with passion.

• Extremely loyal and courageous.

• Needs to manage possessiveness.

26° Mars – The Silent Force

• Doesn’t show aggression outwardly but is highly determined.

• Works behind the scenes to achieve power.

• Needs to express anger in a healthy way.

27° Mars – The Visionary Fighter

• Motivated by big-picture thinking.

• Combines ambition with wisdom.

• Needs to balance dreams with practical action.

28° Mars – The Restless Warrior

• Constantly seeking the next challenge.

• Can struggle with settling down.

• Needs to find stability in action.

29° Mars – The Karmic Warrior

• Faces karmic lessons around anger, action, and ambition.

• Must master control over impulses.

• Has great power but must use it wisely.

[matrix-fairy]

Divine Talent

In the Matrix Destiny chart, I will be sharing a thread about the talent arcana energies, which is the position you most frequently ask about. The spot marked with X on the map is what we call divine talent, which represents the talents your soul is inherently born with in this life.

1 - You have many ideas and can generate ideas easily. When activated positively, you have the potential to succeed in whatever you touch.

2 - You can understand other people's motivations, that is, you can grasp why they do what they do at a glance. This gives you esoteric abilities.

3 - You have a good taste and a high sense of aesthetics. You have the ability to expand; you can turn a small task into big projects.

4 - You excel in team management and establishing authority. You have a strong talent for attracting money. If money isn’t coming to you, it means you are activating this area negatively.

5 - You have a talent for learning and teaching. You can master anything and explain everything you know in a way the other side can understand.

6 - Your communication skills and sincerity stand out. You are someone people come to for advice, trust what you say, and listen to your words.

7 - You have the ability to progress quickly in any job, reach your desired goals, and inspire change in both yourself and those around you.

8 - It's hard, if not impossible, for others to lie to you. You can approach everything objectively. You can achieve balance and harmony.

9 - You are more mature than your age, and this grants you wisdom. You have the ability to achieve your inner goals (knowing yourself, realizing your dreams and desires) on your own.

10 - This is a placement that brings luck. You have the talent to manage finances easily and spot profitable opportunities. You can easily attract people to yourself.

11 - Your physical and spiritual endurance is strong. You can do everything at once. You know your strengths and can use them in the most accurate way.

12 - Spiritual practices (like meditation, breathing, reiki) work well for you and have healing effects when applied to others. You have a different perspective and can solve seemingly unsolvable problems.

13 - You can make the necessary changes in every area of life and are not afraid to take risks. You can learn multiple things at once. You have the ability to easily absorb deep and detailed information.

14 - You have diplomacy and mediation skills. You can calm conflicts and maintain your composure during these processes.

15 - By opening yourself to others, you can show them what they cannot see in themselves. You can easily identify others' weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and talents.

16 - You are talented in directing people, organizing, and creating strategies. You can foresee events and chart your course accordingly.

17 - Your ability to express yourself is unique and creative. You can be the center of attention in any field you wish, shine, and stand out from the crowd.

18 - Your subconscious is very powerful. You may receive information through dreams, and your dreams may come true. Your manifesting ability is strong; everything you visualize can come into your life.

19 - You have leadership qualities and can inspire/give strength to others for success. You have the ability to not give up no matter what.

20 - You have good speaking skills and can influence masses. You can create systems from nothing and have excellent analytical skills. It's hard to confuse you.

21 - You have an aptitude for foreign languages and cultures. You can adapt to any environment. You can produce knowledge and content for a wide audience or listener base.

22 - Your decisions and thoughts may be unpredictable by those around you. You influence people with your positive energy. You can turn every tough task into fun and achieve results that will surprise everyone.

Book a reading with me 🎀

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

From November 2022

By Cate Swannell

IF further proof was needed that infection with SARS-CoV-2 has long-term sequelae for the human body, research led by Monash University has provided it, highlighting the need for GPs and other frontline physicians to be aware of their patients’ COVID-19 history.

The research, led by epidemiologist and PhD candidate Stacey Rowe, and coauthored by Victorian Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton and renowned infectious disease epidemiologist Professor Allen Cheng, among others, is published by the MJA.

“Essentially what we wanted to do was look to see what sort of hospitalisations might have been associated with having COVID-19 – did it cause other than respiratory complications, for example,” Ms Rowe told InSight+.

Rowe and colleagues analysed population-wide surveillance and administrative data for all laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases notified to the Victorian Department of Health from 23 January 2020 to 31 May 2021 – prior to the vaccination rollout and the appearance of the Omicron variant – and linked hospital admissions data (admission dates to 30 September 2021).

“A total of 20 594 COVID-19 cases were notified, and 2992 people (14.5%) were hospitalised with COVID-19,” Rowe and colleagues reported in the MJA.

“The incidence of hospitalisation within 89 days of onset of COVID-19 was higher than during the baseline period for several conditions, including myocarditis and pericarditis (IRR, 14.8; 95% CI, 3.2–68.3), thrombocytopenia (IRR, 7.4; 95% CI, 4.4–12.5), pulmonary embolism (IRR, 6.4; 95% CI, 3.6–11.4), acute myocardial infarction (IRR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.6–5.8), and cerebral infarction (IRR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4–3.9).”

In other words, says Ms Rowe, “there are considerable risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection” beyond the initial COVID-19 illness.

“You are 15 times more likely to acquire myocarditis requiring hospitalizations following COVID-19 compared with beforehand,” she said.

“Things like heart attacks, or acute myocardial infarction occur quite proximally to getting COVID infection, but other conditions such as the clotting conditions – pulmonary embolism, for example — that risk was highest later in the course of COVID illness, highest around 14 to 60 days following COVID illness.”

Other results were also telling.

“The incidence of hospitalisation with cerebral infarction was twice as high after COVID-19 onset as during the baseline period,” Rowe and colleagues wrote. “Other investigators (here, here and here) have estimated the risk of stroke to be 2–13 times as high for people with COVID-19.”

Professor Cheng, speaking with InSight+, said with testing and tracing of positive COVID-19 cases now not mandatory in Australia, it was harder to know just who has had COVID.

“What this study does suggest is that [the possibility of a previous COVID illness] should be on the radar, because there is a window of elevated risk,” he said.

“If someone presents with, say, chest pain, within a couple of months of having COVID, we really need to be attentive to that, because it’s probably a bit more likely that pain does represent a myocardial infarction than at other times.

“You can’t say that every heart attack that happens after COVID is due to COVID. But there is a period of elevated risk, and it seems to be close to when you got COVID.”

Rowe and colleagues recommend vaccination and “other mitigation strategies”.

“Our findings indicate the need for ongoing COVID-19 mitigation measures, including vaccination, and support the early diagnosis and management of complications in people with histories of SARS-CoV-2 infection,” they wrote.

“The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying symptom persistence and the development of major complications still need to be elucidated, the prevalence of the post-COVID-19 condition (by vaccination status) established, and the risks of complications following vaccination quantified.”

Professor Cheng told InSight+:

“What [this study] does show is you’re better off not getting COVID and whatever way that you do that is probably a good thing.

“Vaccination is the simplest way to protect yourself from getting COVID, but it’s not perfect. Not going out when there’s a lot of COVID out there, wearing masks, improving ventilation and all those other things, are also important.”

At one point in the MJA article the authors wrote:

“Some COVID-19 complications clinically resemble those reported after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, which is important when evaluating putatively post-vaccination adverse events. Further, we found that the incidence of hospitalisation with severe cardiac and thrombo-embolic events after SARS-CoV-2 infection was higher than the reported risk of these events after vaccination.”

Ms Rowe told InSight+:

“What we found with this study, and what other studies have found internationally is the risk of myocarditis is higher following SARS-CoV-2 infection, than it is following vaccination.

“While people [who feel they have been injured by the vaccine] might grab on to that, there are lots of studies now demonstrating that the risk is higher following infection, than it is following vaccination.”

Professor Cheng agreed.

“It’s important to acknowledge that people do get side-effects after vaccination – myocarditis happens, often after the second dose, usually within a day or so,” he said. “That’s very unambiguously due to vaccination.

“But the question from a public health point of view is, do the benefits outweigh the risks. COVID itself can cause myocarditis at a higher rate [than vaccination]. And that means you’re still better off getting vaccinated.”

Ms Rowe said the study showed that COVID-19 was not a simple respiratory disease.

“These findings really demonstrate COVID-19 is a multi-organ disease, it’s not a respiratory infection. If more research can be channelled into understanding those pathophysiological mechanisms, then we can then start thinking about how best we can prevent these.”

Study link: www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/218/1/associations-between-covid-19-and-hospitalisation-respiratory-and-non

[reasonsforhope]

Seven thousand more UAW members just walked off the job, expanding the strike to two more plants. Twenty-five thousand autoworkers are now on strike, and the walkout could continue to escalate if the Big Three don’t budge in negotiations.

[UAW president Shawn] Fain announced that Stellantis would be spared this time. The union had been expected to strike all three companies, but, said Region 1 director LaShawn English, three minutes before Fain was scheduled to go on Facebook Live, the UAW received frantic emails from company representatives.

[Note: Love that for the UAW. Also laughing so hard. Three minutes before the next round of strikes were annouced!!]

According to Fain, Stellantis made “significant progress” on cost-of-living allowances, the right not to cross a picket line, and the right to strike over product commitments and plant closures. “We are excited about this momentum at Stellantis and hope it continues,” Fain said...

“See You Next Week — Maybe?”

“These guys wanted to go out a long time ago,” said Cody Zaremba, a Local 602 member at the Lansing GM plant after the news broke that his plant would be joining the strike. “We’re ready. Everybody, truly, I believe, in the entire membership. They’re one with what’s going on.”

Five thousand workers at thirty-eight parts distribution centers across twenty-one states have been on strike since last Friday [September 22, 2023], along with thirteen thousand at three assembly plants in Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri who walked out on September 15. (See a map of all struck facilities here.) ...

The UAW is now calling on community supporters to organize small teams to canvass dealerships that sell and repair Big Three cars and trucks. On Tuesday, the union issued a canvassing tool kit with instructions, flyers, press releases, and talking points.

In negotiations with Ford and GM, autoworkers have clinched some important gains. Among them is an agreement by both companies to end at least one of the many tiers in current contracts, putting workers at certain parts plants back on the same wage scale as assembly workers. The top rate for Big Three assembly workers is currently around $32...

Ford was spared in last week’s escalation, because bargainers there had made further progress on gains for workers.

But today, the UAW once again called out workers at Ford and GM, putting some muscle behind its bold demands — a big wage boost, a shorter workweek, elimination of tiers, cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation, protection from plant closures, conversion of temps to permanent employees, and the restoration of retiree health care and benefit-defined pensions to all workers.

-via Jacobin, September 29, 2023. Article continues below.

Keep Them Guessing

This year, for the first time in recent history, the union has played the three auto companies against each other with its strike strategy, departing from the union’s tradition of choosing one target company and patterning an agreement at the other two.

The stand-up strike strategy draws inspiration from an approach known as CHAOS (Create Havoc Around Our System), first deployed in 1993 by Alaska Airlines flight attendants, who announced they would be striking random flights. Although they struck only seven flights in a two-month period, Alaska had to send scabs on every plane, just in case. The unpredictability drew enormous media attention and drove management up the wall. Meanwhile the union was able to conserve its strength and minimize risk.

The companies miscalculated where the UAW was going to strike first, stockpiling engines and shipping them cross-country to the wrong facilities. Autoworkers relished the self-inflicted supply chain chaos on UAW Facebook groups and other social media platforms.

Nonstrikers’ morale on the factory floor has gotten a boost from rank and filers organizing to refuse voluntary overtime. With support both from Fain and the reform caucus Unite All Workers for Democracy (UAWD), workers have been encouraging each other to “Eight and Skate,” meaning to turn down extra work and decline to do management any favors.

Majority Public Support

A majority of Americans support the UAW strikers, and the Big Three have taken a PR hit since the strike began, according to a new survey conducted by the business intelligence firm Caliber.

“Eighty-seven percent of respondents told us they were aware of the strike,” Caliber CEO Shahar Silbershatz told the Intercept. “It’s clear the strike is not just causing commercial repercussions, but reputational repercussions as well.”

These reputational repercussions will only worsen...

"We Can Unmake It"

Fain didn't pull any punches in his speech... “That’s what’s different about working-class people. Whether we’re building cars or trucks or running parts distribution centers; whether we’re writing movies or performing TV shows... we do the heavy lifting. We do the real work. Not the CEOs, not the executives.

"And though we don’t know it, that’s what power is. We have the power. The world is of our making. The economy is of our making. This industry is of our making.

“And as we’ve shown, when we withhold our labor, we can unmake it.”

-via Jacobin, September 29, 2023

[longitudinalwaveme]

The Rogues: Ancient Greek Mythology AU

Thanks in large part to the efforts of my younger sister, I listened to the concept album for EPIC: The Musical, which prompted me to go into an autistic-special-interest rabbit hole about Greek mythology.

This AU is the result. Because the only thing better than autistic special interests is a crossover between multiple different special interests.

Some of this is loosely based on a somewhat similar AU @gorogues wrote about a decade back (I'm primarily borrowing names; the origins of the powers and such are quite different).

The Kobaloi (this AU's version of the Rogues) are, unsurprisingly, a group of thieves, most of whom hail from wildly different parts of Ancient Greece. They are generally very successful and have proven almost impossible to capture, due to both their own intelligence and the fact that more than a few of them have managed to gain the favor---and thus the magical gifts---of various Greek deities. Capturing them is difficult, and punishing them is a risky proposition, since it risks angering their very powerful patrons. Thus, it is fortunate for everyone else that the Kabaloi are considerably more interested in money than in hurting people.

Katápsychros (Captain Cold): Katápsychros is the unofficial leader of the Kabaloi. He grew up in extreme poverty and joined the army at a very young age (probably no more than 15 or 16) in order to escape from his violently abusive father. This necessitated leaving his younger sister behind, an act for which he never fully forgave himself. Katápsychros had a knack for strategy, a fact which his superiors noticed and took full advantage of to win victories---victories for which they claimed sole credit. After all, no one would believe an ordinary soldier had come up with such complex strategies. Katápsychros resented this, and, after he received no credit and no reward for a strategy that had allowed his city-state's army to plunder a foreign city with almost no loss of life, his frustrations reached a boiling point and he began to devise a new strategy: one that would allow him to make off with the loot he felt he had earned after his years fighting. He was in the middle of his plan when he was visited by Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare. She had a habit of taking on mortal champions, and she had been decidedly impressed by Katápsychros' strategic mind. If he would agree to fight battles for her when she called upon him, she would guide him in his schemes--and grant him a powerful weapon. Katápsychros readily agreed, and Athena, inspired by his name, gave him a magical amulet that granted him some of the powers of Khione, the goddess of ice and snow. Thus armed, Katápsychros was easily able to carry out his scheme to take what he considered his share of the army's loot and run. His superior officers unsurprisingly chased after him, but his newfound powers allowed him to drive them off, and he took up a new career as a thief and mercenary for hire (which one he was depended on how he felt on a given day). Over time, he recruited a number of other powerful individuals to work alongside him; these men would become the Kabaloi. While cold, calculating, and at times ruthless, Katápsychros nevertheless holds himself and his allies to a set of standards. He strictly refuses to kill civilians, especially women and children, and is smart enough to make sure that he and his companions respect the laws of xenia (hospitality) and to regularly make sacrifices to the Olympian pantheon (particularly Athena, since she's his personal patron). He might be a thief, but he has no desire to be a butcher---and even less desire to get smited.

Armonikós (Pied Piper): Armonikós is, in fact, a prince; he is the son of the king and queen of Thrace. He was born deaf, and his very disappointed parents ordered their slaves to leave him outside to die. The kindly slaves couldn't bring themselves to do so, and, as such, Armonikós was raised as a slave for the first eight years of his life. During his eighth year, Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and healing (among many other things) disguised himself as a traveling musician in order to test the hospitality of the mortals of Thrace. Armonikós and his foster parents immediately invited the disguised Apollo to take shelter in the palace and quite willingly shared the relatively little food and drink they were given from the king and queen. Apollo was impressed by their generosity, and, as a reward, gave Armonikós hearing that could rival that of a dog, as well as magical reed pipes that had the power to hypnotize anyone who listened to them, and rather strenuously insisted to the king and queen that they recognize the boy as their son and heir. Armonikós grew up with a passion for music and became a very talented musician, but, having spent some of the most formative years of his life as a half-starved slave, he had a concern for the poor that his parents thought undignified. A prince ought not go around saying that he planned on freeing all of the castle's slaves as soon as he became king. The day Armonikós turned 16, his parents went to an oracle for advice about their son---and were horrified to learn that he was destined to become king before his father died. His parents reacted by disowning their son and banishing him from the kingdom, and only their fear of the Furies kept them from simply having him executed outright. Armonikós, who had never been outside the walls of the palace before, and knew almost nothing about how to make money, nearly starved to death, and likely would have if Epíklopos hadn't stumbled upon him and invited him to join the Kabaloi. Armonikós gives most of the money he steals to the poor and spends a lot of time helping slaves escape their masters, particularly when said masters are cruel. The other Kabaloi think he's nuts, but put up with it for the sake of his hypnotic pipes and his incredible hearing. They have no idea he's a prince, and Armonikós intends to keep it that way.

Epíklopos (The Trickster/James Jesse): Epíklopos is the son of an incredibly beautiful traveling entertainer named Helen and the god Hermes. Much like his father, and as his name would imply, Epíklopos is a trickster, a traveler, and a thief. He started picking pockets and running cons practically before he could walk, and he used the money he stole to help supplement the income he and his mother made as performers. Hermes was delighted by his son's skills as a trickster and gave him a pair of shoes that would allow him to walk on air for his twelfth birthday. Epíklopos and his mother used the shoes in their act until Epíklopos turned 16, at which point he struck out on his own and used his talents to become a member of the Kobaloi. In addition to his shoes and his incredible cunning, Epíklopos also has seemingly supernatural luck on his side, which he speculates is another gift from his father. Epíklopos insists that he is the most talented son of Hermes since Autolycus, and by all accounts he's probably right.

Dineuō (The Top): Dineuō is dead. Or rather, he was dead, until his beloved Chrysafénios brought his shade out of the underworld and restored him to the land of the living. Dineuō was born in Athens to a wealthy family of traders. Dineuō was quite well educated and displayed a fascination with natural philosophy from an early age. Unfortunately, while he had a love of what we would now call science, he did not have the temperament or the social graces to effectively work in his father's business, and his father considered him to be a disappointment and an embarrassment. In addition to his love of science, Dineuō also had a deep love of tops, and spent many hours watching them spin. Their motion soothed him and helped him to relax when he felt agitated. As Dineuō grew older, his studies lead him to become an inventor, and he gained no small amount of fame from it. In fact, he became so famous as an inventor that he was rewarded with the blessings of not one but two gods: Hephaestus, the god of the forge, gave him telekinesis as a reward for his very consistent and generous sacrifices, and Zephyrus, the West Wind, gave him the ability to spin at high speed as a reward for a brilliantly crafted device that Dineuō had offered to him on one of his festival days. Unfortunately, Dineuō's success, and his gifts, went to his head. He became arrogant and cocky, and when he suddenly and rather dramatically suffered from a fit of madness that cost him his reputation and banished him from his hometown, it was whispered that the gods had sent the madness as punishment for his hubris. If that was the case, the lesson didn't stick. Furious at his banishment, Dineuō joined up with the Kobaloi----and, soon after, fell in love with Katápsychros' younger sister, Chrysafénios. For a few years, the two were blissfully happy together (in spite of Katápsychros' disapproval), but then Dineuō was killed in a battle where the Kabaloi were fighting as mercenaries. Upon his death, his soul went to the Underworld, where he stayed until Chrysafénios rescued him and returned him to the land of the living. Now that he is alive once more, Dineuō plans to use his powers and his inventive prowess to escape the clutches of both Thanatos and Hades for good.

Chrysafénios (Golden Glider): Chrysafénios is Katápsychros' younger sister, and she was only 14 when her father used her beauty to marry her off to the wealthiest man he could find. Chrysafénios' husband proved to be nearly as brutal and cruel as her father, and, as such, she drugged his wine and ran away from him the second she learned about the Kabaloi. Katápsychros was glad to see her, but refused to allow her to join the group, saying that it was much too dangerous for her. Instead, he used the loot he had acquired from his time in the army to set her up with her own home, where she lived in relative comfort. Her husband drank himself into an early grave a year later, and not long after, a handsome young man named Dineuō, one of the Kabaloi, began paying court to her. She quickly fell in love with him and the two were soon married, much to Katápsychros' disapproval. Unfortunately for Chrysafénios, Dineuō was killed in a battle where the Kabaloi were fighting as mercenaries a few years later. Furious, Chrysafénios swore that she would take revenge on whoever had killed him--and her furious rage attracted the brutal war god Ares. He promised to give her revenge if she would kill for him, and Chrysafénios eagerly agreed. Ares gave her a pair of sandals that would let her fly through the air and a pair of swords light enough for her to use but just as sharp and deadly as any spear or broadsword, and Chrysafénios went into battle and killed not only her husband's killer but a good twenty-five other enemy soldiers besides. Her viciousness allowed the Kabaloi and their allies to defeat their enemies, and Chrysafénios loved every second of the battle, but Katápsychros was horrified---and became even more horrified when he learned that Ares had given his sister her weapons. His patron, Athena, was generally opposed to her brutal brother, and he hated the idea of his sister becoming a killer for the war god---but Chrysafénios insisted that she was a warrior now, and that she was going to use her new skills to help the Kabaloi. Her brother reluctantly agreed, if only to keep her from being corrupted by Ares' influence. Not too long afterwards, Chrysafénios descended into the Underworld, with the goal of bringing her lover back to the land of the living. She was promptly attacked by Cerberus, the guard dog of the Underworld, and actually managed to fight her way past him (albeit at the cost of her left arm). She then made her way to Hades and Persephone, the king and queen of the Underworld, and asked them to release her husband to her. Her courage and her obvious devotion to her husband impressed the dread rulers of the dead enough that they agreed to release Dineuō and restore him to life---but warned her that this boon would only be granted once. No matter how brave she was, no mortal could escape death forever. Upon their return to the mortal world, Dineuō built Chrysafénios a prosthetic arm (after all, she needed to be able to use both her swords!), and Chrysafénios eagerly returned to her role as Ares' warrior. Her brother, she maintains, worries too much. What could be better than fighting at Dineuō's side?

Aetos (Weather Wizard): Aetos has a wand that allows him to control the weather; even being able to summon lightning at will. Originally, this wand belonged to his older half-brother, Astrapí. The two of them shared the same mother, but while Aetos was the son of a mortal man, Astrapí was the son of none other than Zeus himself. Their mother adored Astrapí, the proof that she was beautiful enough to have attracted the attention of the king of the gods (though she was smart enough to never speak of their relationship---she knew what would happen if Hera ever found out), and the fact that he was also strong, handsome, and intelligent made him a general favorite. Aetos grew up in his brother's shadow; generally ignored except when he was being negatively compared to his older brother, and in frustration he ultimately ran away from home and became something of an aimless vagrant, alternatively committing petty thefts, begging, and doing odd jobs to survive. When Astrapí turned eighteen, Zeus granted him the magical wand, and the good-hearted Astrapí promptly started using it to benefit the people around him. Unfortunately for Astrapí, this eventually attracted Hera's attention, and she was quickly able to deduce that the young man who had been granted such a marvelous gift was likely yet another of her unfaithful husband's children. In a fury, Hera arranged for Astrapí to die of heart failure, which he promptly did. She then took the wand, tracked down Aetos, and presented it to him. Since Aetos' mother had always made her disdain for her younger son quite apparent, Hera decided that the best way to punish her rival would be to make Aetos more powerful than his brother had ever been. Not only would he now wield his brother's weather wand, but he would be placed under her patronage---and one day, Hera told him, she would make him a king. Aetos, more than a little stunned, accepted the offer, and in response, Hera gave him both the wand and a rather elaborate peacock-feather cape--a sign of her favor. Not long afterwards, Aetos used his newfound power to join the Kabaloi and start making a name for himself. Thanks to his brother's wand, Aetos is extremely powerful, and, due to Hera's favor, he is also extremely lucky. Aetos also has an eye for ladies (though he is extremely careful to never so much as flirt with anyone he thinks might be married---he was nothing before Hera gave him the wand, and he isn't about to lose it by dishonoring marriage and losing her favor). In spite of his power, though, Aetos is swamped with guilt over Astrapí's death. He knows that he only has his powers because his brother died, and he is well aware of the fact that his brother was much more benevolent with his power than Aetos is. But hey, Aetos is going to be a king someday! If that doesn't make up for the guilt, what will?

Enkavma (Heat Wave): Enkavma has the power to summon fire, and is immune to being burnt himself. He was born to a family of devout but poor farmers, but, when a vicious wildfire swept through the small farming community where they lived, he was the only survivor. Hestia, the goddess of hearth and home, took pity on him, adopted him, and granted him with the ability to survive flames and to control the very force that had robbed him of his family. Enkavma lived with her until he was 15, at which point he left to seek his own fortunes. Unfortunately, he wasn't very bright, and didn't really know what to do with himself. As such, he became something of a walking sideshow attraction, using his ability to conjure flames to earn money. Eventually, this ability caught the eye of Katápsychros, who invited him to join the Kabaloi. Eager to have a family, Enkavma agreed, and became the muscle of the group. Enkavma is quiet and gentle, rather like his foster mother, and sometimes wishes he could leave the Kabaloi for a less destructive group---but he has become friends with all of the other Kabaloi, and isn't sure that he would be able to survive without them.

Antanáklasi (Mirror Master/Sam Scudder): Antanáklasi is incredibly handsome, incredibly clever, and incredibly vain. He was the son of a very poor widow, and rarely knew if he would have food to eat on any given day. Antanáklasi's first stroke of luck came when he was nine years old and a traveling philosopher noticed his cleverness and spent a few weeks teaching him how to read and write. This education, brief though it was, helped him find jobs and support himself and his mother, who would tragically die of fever shortly before Antanáklasi's fourteenth birthday. Antanáklasi's second stroke of luck occurred shortly after he turned eighteen. While out in the fields, he stumbled across a magical mirror that held the image of anyone who looked in it. It had once belonged to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and Antanáklasi would ultimately use this chance find to enter into a study of both magic and science. By the time he was twenty-one, he had mastered what he called "mirror magic", a power which allowed him to create illusions, travel through mirrors, and even shoot out concentrated beams of light as lasers. Antanáklasi decided to use these abilities to become a soldier of fortune, and promptly joined up with the Kabaloi. Antanáklasi is one of the group's most powerful members, and, while he isn't particularly devout, he does have a particular fondness for Aphrodite, whom he credits for his amazing discoveries and his stunning good looks.

[onlyherefortheshowmances]

I haven't wanted to be part of the discourse(tm) that has been everywhere for the past couple weeks, but I do want to put somewhere my theories of what happens next, with where we stand now. The following is just me using deductive reasoning/logic and what information we currently have available to see what might come after, including a statement on my thoughts regarding the discourse. I'm really not interested in debating any of this with anyone, so please just take this as my opinion and move on. Remember this world is FICTIONAL. The PLAYERS are real people, but the characters are not. I'm also going to throw out there that I am autistic as fuck, so it's 100% possible I'm misunderstanding the discourse entirely, but going off of what I've seen and read, here are my thoughts.

Discourse Related Statement:

I'm honestly a little confused why people are angry at Bells Hells (or moreso Imogen) for how they've handled this, because even the Matron understood that if they just re-sealed Predathos (which seems to be what you all wanted them to do), someone else was going to come along and release him (most likely Ludinus which would be even more chaotic). They're doing the best they can with what they've been given. Predathos is a god-level entity, there is no destroying him, only locking him away (like the betrayers and Vecna have been), and now that seemingly the whole of Exandria knows what he's capable of, SOMEONE is going to unseal him no matter how hard they were to try to seal him back up, so they need to figure out a way to CONTROL him instead of just sealing it back up and hoping no one else figures it out when they (a group of chaotic level 15 adventurers) just managed to free it, so clearly it's not that hard to do, now is it? Right now they have control of the timing instead of the world being surprised when someone else does it who knows how far in the future. Re-sealing is only putting off the inevitable which is like... my very least favorite thing people seem to love doing. So right now, while Predathos is weakened and therefore controlled within Imogen, the Gods actually have time to prepare for how to handle this as opposed to just indefinitely trying to keep it sealed away, when we all (or at least I) know that is very unlikely to be a permanent solution.

Now, predictions for the remaining part of campaign 3.

Bells Hells will (with some luck of the dice) talk their way into Vasselheim in effort to speak to the Gods (because there are temples to all or nearly all of the prime deities there which is likely to be there starting point for seeking out interface with them). The Matron clearly already knows their plan (or the part of their plan that they already discussed with her), so I think they'll maybe save her for last as they make their rounds. If they can manage to get all of the prime deities in one place, all the better, but I don't think that'll really be possible, so I think it'll be more like a few small groups going through their story and explaining what's going on. For her sake, it might be best if Imogen just stay on Exandria while they others go talk to the Gods (possibly even a divide and conquer strategy due to time), and that way the guards and celestials and such can keep their eyes on Imogen the whole time which I'm sure they would prefer anyway.

Each God will make their decision to either go through with the Matron's reworked ascension ritual to become mortal or to go on as they are and risk being devoured when the time comes.

A factor that I don't know if anyone else has actually considered is... I don't think the Gods will be telling the entire populace that they're going mortal, maybe they'll each tell a handful of their most trust high-level followers (champions, chosen, etc.), but swear them to secrecy. Because if the entire populace knows the gods now walk among them, someone like Ludinus is sure to find a way to let Predathos know that once Imogen no longer has control over it (which will happen when it regains its strength).

I'm honestly, still not quite sure what their plan is with the betrayers, though honestly, I'd just let them get eaten if it were up to me, but I know Braius would at least campaign to save Asmodeus. However, Vecna is another thing, because he is technically a God and sealed away, but I would really like to see them let Predathos at least eat him, because... we really don't need another round of THAT chaos.

As for the powers granted by the Gods to their followers (Clerics and Paladins and some Monks), that's a trickier question. I can say with almost certainty that things like Commune and Divine Intervention will no longer be possible as they won't be able to communicate directly with their God anymore. However, I don't think things like... items that were created by them will lose their power (i.e. the vestiges will still do what they do, etc.), and I'd like to think that powers that they've already imbued people will won't go away completely though their nature may change slightly (as I mentioned with the direct communication related spells) and I also think no one would be able to gain any additional levels in divine classes with the Gods being mortal because they won't be able to imbue NEW powers/gifts.

That's really where I'm at right now. I feel as though most if not all of the prime deities will agree to the mortal plan just for their own safety at this juncture and then while mortal they can work up plans for how to permanently solve this issue such as a more permanent and secure way to lock Predathos away or even destroy him between all of them working together. The betrayers are more of a question mark at this point (and as I said, I wouldn't mind seeing at least a few of them get eaten if we're being fair).

Now, another side note that has been clawing at my brain for several weeks is Keyleth's question of what would happen to Vax if there was no more Raven Queen. I'm of the opinion that she trusts him enough to tell him that she's going mortal (and possibly also the maidens of Ravens Crest including Lieve'tel). She will no longer be able to watch and pull at the strings of fate in a mortal form. I know Vax will be so confused and beg her to tell him what exactly to do in her absence (though not really absence so much as... different existence), but she's always been about letting people make choices for themselves, remember she took Vax as her champion BECAUSE he was willing to test the threads of fate to save his sister's life. She knows all of times Vox Machina has accomplished things that the fates really shouldn't've allowed, and yet, she still wants/wanted Vax as her champion, and I think that says something. I imagine he would, after a long discussion with her (which may be cut short by Imogen announcing that if the Raven Queen doesn't do the ritual right now she's gonna get eaten), decide that if she's going to be on Exandria, he should be, too, but in order to keep her new mortal identity from getting out to the masses (see previous notes about why I think that will be part of the plan), she will ask him to not just... follow her around all the time since he's incredibly recognizable and well known at this point, which will for the most part leave him to his own devices on Exandria other than I'm sure still helping departing souls if/when he sees them, and perhaps a few secret meetings with the Matron here and there.

So, I do think that maybe, just maybe, this solution may work out for the best for... pretty much everyone I'm most concerned about. Vax gets to stay on Exandria (in his new immortal celestial form that doesn't age at all - but he will need to take care not to get himself killed since the Matron won't be there to knit him back together while she's mortal) with Keyleth and his family and the rest of Vox Machina. Still knowing that the Matron is safe and that once there is a more permanent solution to the Predathos problem, he will once again be her champion as he's been for the past 30 years. The clerics and paladins will keep their current abilities for the most part, though lose their direct connection to their god(s) aside from the handful of most trusted champions and chosen that are entrusted with the details of what's happening. Predathos can live his best life eating the betrayers or just angrily flying across the planes in search of deities he can no longer see (until the deities in their mortal forms come together to find a more permanent solution - which I think that could be a good plot for campaign 4, tbh). And I think we're going to get more Luxon involvement judging by the Matron's comments in her recent discussion with Bells Hells.

[shisuisui]

Sparring friends?

wc: 1,3k, fluff, Shisui and Y/n are in their feels

Age 15

At the Konoha training grounds, far from the tumult of the village, Y/n and Shisui were face to face, circling each other and ready to lunge at every moment. They both had one of their sparring sessions which usually ended up with one of them giving up to not hurt the other and them both sharing some sweets from a small local shop they visited often.

Both were determined to win. Shisui grinned and activated his Sharingan. “Hey, that´s not fair. No Sharingan!” Y/n shouted at him. “Life´s not fair love. You have improved a lot since our last spar. But are you sure you can keep up with the legendary Uchiha Shisui?" She had blushed at the pet name. For some time Shisui had started calling her pet names and she didn´t know what to make out of it. Love, darling, princess… they did not help her crush on her best friend. She had to focus.

Y/n chuckled, her hair shifting slightly as she adopted a combat-ready stance. "Don't underestimate me, Shisui. I'm not going down without a fight." He only flashed her his beautiful, charming smile, and with a swift, fluid motion, Shisui lunged forward, his kunai flashing in the sunlight. Y/n dodged it, her kunai ready in hand. Their blades clashed, each strike resonating with precision and skill. There was no way she could outsmart him with his Sharingan activated. She had an idea but didn´t know how he would react and if it was going to be effective. As they engaged in different attacks and counters, Y/n let out a flirtatious remark, putting on a slightly suggestive tone to her voice. "Is that all you've got, Shisui? I was expecting a real challenge." He countered all her attacks and managed to get a firm grip on both her forearms holding them in between them, trapping her effectively.

Shisui chuckled, their faces mere inches apart as they sparred. His face inched closer until he was close to her ear. "Oh Y/n, I have so much more to show you, of course only if you think you can handle it.” She blushed furiously and blew some smoke into his face, creating a cloud of dust and lighting it up with a click of her teeth. The cloud erupted in flames. At least she could blame her flushed cheeks on the flames in front of her.

He was gone. She slowly turned around, scanning her surroundings. Where was he? He was called Shisui the Body Flicker for a reason. With her chakra, she slowly created a chakra net on the floor which was spreading further and further. With it, she could track all the movements in her surroundings. They knew each other's techniques and strategies so well that their sparring sessions were as much a test of skill as they were a chance to enjoy each other's company. She found him. While checking her surroundings she sensed his chakra. His chakra signature was engraved in her brain. She would find him anywhere. And he knew it, which is why he was suddenly standing behind her, holding the kunai to her neck. Damn it he was fast! She turned her head, looking up at him and showing him the greatest puppy eyes she could muster while wetting her lips and pouting innocently. His gaze faltered. Y/n took advantage of that momentary opening and swept Shisui off his feet, sending him to the ground with a gentle thud. She stood over him, a playful grin on her face. "Looks like I win this round."

Shisui laughed as he lay on the ground, his gaze fixed on the girl above him. The sun behind her gave the impression of a halo around her head while she was basking in the orange light of the afternoon. He was mesmerized, to say the least. Why did it have to be her? Why did he have to fall in love with his best friend? He couldn´t risk this friendship. The Uchiha´s were already frowned upon by most of the villagers, and he couldn´t lose her. So, he just enjoyed every intimate moment he had with her. Tried to memorize every little mark on her face, everything that made her smile, what she disliked, and tried to not think about pressing his lips against her every time he was on the receiving end of one of those dashing smiles.

She held out her hand to help him up. An olive branch is being handed out. But Shisui, mischievous as he is had other plans. He took her hand in his and made a calculated move, attempting to bring Y/n down to the ground. With a swift motion, he lunged toward her, aiming to pin her to the grass. However, Y/n knew him very well and with her quick reflexes and agility, interjected his plans.

As Shisui moved in to execute his manoeuvre, Y/n expertly countered his attack. She deftly moved her body, using his momentum against him. In a fluid and graceful motion, she flipped them both over, and suddenly, she was on top of Shisui, pinning him to the grass. She was straddling his thighs, pinning his arms to the ground. And he let her. She knew that if he wanted to, he could´ve won easily against her. Now their faces were mere inches apart. Shisui´s Sharingan was still activated but his gaze softened as he met Y/n's eyes. "Impressive move darling, but do not underestimate me.” Sending her a wink he grabbed Y/n and used her own momentum to roll them both down a grassy hillside. They had reached a part of the training grounds that had a slope. Shisui and Y/n tumbled down together, laughter escaping their lips as they lost control. Shisui held on tightly onto her, his arms encircling her waist while she wrapped hers around his neck.

When they finally came to a stop at the bottom of the hill, Y/n found herself on top of Shisui again, but this time their bodies closely intertwined. Their laughter faded, replaced by a silence filled with unspoken emotions. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Shisui's Sharingan was like a swirling pool of mystery, drawing Y/n in. She was always fascinated by his eyes. Many feared the power of the red orbs, but she knew a different side. She knew of these red eyes trying everything to protect others. She knew of these eyes that had saved her countless times. And now she was so close to them. So close that their noses were touching. Y/n's eyes held a warmth and affection that was impossible to ignore.

A blush crept on Shisui´s cheeks mirroring Y/n`s own. The tension between the two friends was electrifying. They found themselves drawing closer and closer until their lips were only an inch apart. Shisui watched her carefully for any sign of discomfort. Seeing none he saw it as his cue to close the gap between them. “NIISAAAAAAAN! Where should we train?” Jumping away Y/n and both scrambled to their feet at the sound of a child´s voice. Faces red as a tomato they both watched how a little Sasuke came into view followed by Itachi. When Sasuke saw them both he immediately ran over. “Shisui-nii, Y/n-nee, look Nii-san will teach me how to throw shuriken today.” They both tried to sound enthusiastic while talking to Sasuke concealing their disappointment of their moment being gone. Shisui and Y/n knew what would´ve happened if the little Uchiha hadn´t disrupted them. They were going to kiss each other. And both wanted to do it.

Itachi the smart person that he is realised what was going on. Only raising an eyebrow while looking between Shisui and Y/n he chose not to say anything to not embarrass them further. Sasuke continued rambling and in the end Y/n and Shisui stayed to watch the lesson and occasionally voice their input. Neither mentioning what nearly happened.

[whiteraven87]

Driven by Love: Rebirth from the Ashes - 15. The Fight Continues

-----------------------

The Unstoppable Series - Masterlist

Part 3: Driven by Love. Rebirth from the Ashes

Prologue

Nightmares

For Her, I'd Do Anything

Shared Nights

I Thought It Was the End

Scars

Say it again

Pleasant Views

Oh My God

Together

A Shared Trip

The Boss's Girl

I'm Back

She's mine [18+]

The Fight Continues

I Bloomed

Something's Going On

No Brakes

City of Sin [18+]

Title Defense [18+]

FIA Gala

Home and Christmas

Just Us [18+]

A Dream I Don't Want to Wake Up From

Return to Scotland

The Woman Who Blossoms

Return to the Paddock

Media Circus

Total Domination

Marathon

The Limits of Restraint [18+]

The Unexpected Guest

Fear of Loss

The Truth I Didn't Want to Say

I Won't Let You Go

A Promise I Couldn't Keep

The Truth I Couldn't Tell Her

The Last Evening

The Darkest Day of my life

Epilogue

---------------------------

Warnings: slow burn, age gap (23 years), woman racing in F1, boss/driver relationship, sex scenes,

---------------------------

15. The Fight Continues

Brazilian Grand Prix, November

POV Miriell

Since that day, I felt as if a massive weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Years of struggle, uncertainty, and fear that I carried within me were slowly beginning to fade. With each passing day, I realized that I was truly loved and accepted—unconditionally. Toto never stopped proving it to me. He was always there, even though he knew I could take care of myself. My strength didn't scare him—on the contrary, he admired and respected it. And yet, he still wanted to protect me.

The season was coming to an end—four races remained, and the championship battle was intense. Max wasn't backing down; I could feel his breath on my neck. But I had no intention of giving up the title without a fight.

During race weekends, both Toto and I were entirely focused on our work. Every moment was spent in briefings, data analysis, and strategy preparation. We were professionals—we couldn't afford distractions.

But in the rare moments we had to ourselves, in the evenings or short breaks between sessions, our closeness found its way through small gestures. In lingering glances, in a soft brush of fingertips, in a subtle smile that spoke more than a thousand words.

But on the track, only one thing mattered—the fight.

Brazilian Grand Prix

The race in Brazil was chaotic. I started from pole position, but Max overtook me in the first corner, aggressively blocking my racing line. I knew this was going to be a long and difficult race.

For the next laps, I pushed hard, driving on the edge of risk, trying to find a gap in his defense. Red Bull had excellent pace today, and I was fighting not only against him but also against tire degradation. The team informed me over the radio that I needed to manage the rear tires, but I couldn't afford to back off.

Toward the end of the race, the strategy didn't play in my favor. I pitted two laps later than Max, giving him just enough of an advantage to control the pace until the finish. I tried to chase him down, but I was missing just a few tenths per lap.

"P2, Miriell. Good job, you're still leading the championship" I heard James' voice over the radio.

I pressed my lips together. I wasn't angry—I couldn't be. I had given it everything, but today, it just wasn't enough.

"Copy that. Thanks, guys. We keep fighting."

I crossed the finish line in second place, listening to the triumphant cheers in the Red Bull garage. Max performed celebratory donuts on the straight, while I simply returned to the pit lane.

Post-Race Briefing

The atmosphere in the debriefing room was tense but professional. We analyzed the data, discussed strategy, and considered what we could have done better. Toto was calm, composed, but I could tell he was dissecting every detail not just as a team principal, but as someone who knew me better than anyone else.

As the others started to leave, Niki approached me. He crossed his arms over his chest and gave me a thoughtful look.

"Great driving. The fact that Max had the better strategy doesn't change the fact that you were damn fast today."

I sighed, leaning against the table.

"I was fast, but not fast enough."

"It's just one race, Miriell. You still have the lead. And besides..." he smirked slightly "you know there's nothing sweeter than winning on the final stretch."

I looked up and returned his smile.

"You're right."

Toto walked up to us, looking at me with that characteristic mix of concern and professionalism.

"I know you're disappointed, but that was a good race. You fought until the very end."

I nodded.

"This isn't over."

"No, it's just the beginning" he replied with a hint of a smile.

I knew he believed in me. And I knew I had to believe in it too.

Three races remained in the season. Everything was still possible.

----------------------------------------

NEXT -> 16. I Bloomed

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"I put my armor on, show you how strong I am."

You can read the story here as well:

AO3 Unstoppable Series

Wattpad: Part1 I Part 2 I Part 3 | Part 4

🇵🇱 Dla Polskich czytelników [for Polish readers] [PL]:

Seria Niepowstrzymana AO3

Wattpad PL: Part1 I Part 2 I Part 3 | Part 4

[magnuficentwo]

Certified Magnus Recommendations for Videogames that you Should play. Or don't idk, I'm a guy on the internet not your dad

Darkest Dungeon (Turn based strategy game with some horror sprinkled in for character designs and story, hard as balls, but the risk and reward are balanced out in such a way that you're always compelled to keep sending out your guys to face the horrors. You always have to be ready and prepared for everything because you never know how the mission may end up / which enemies you'll fight in which order. It's a lot of fun to play around with the party building and see which combination of heroes is the most effective for everything, how the move sets click with each other, etc. Just don't get top attached to a character if you don't know how they'll fare in combat. For your own sake 💔)

Alder's Blood (Another strategy game with some kind of eldritch horror creeping in, this is a theme throughout this list. It's a western style horror with cowboys going places and having to manage resources inbetween combat / investigation stages, with the story naturally progressing as you get to new town locations. The main characters Duke and Chief are the main vessels for how the story progresses, and their banter and interaction with other characters is everything to me. Like a lot of strategy games it Can get a little repetitive at first, especially if you're grinding out levels for your party, plus I don't think the random encounters are quite as well executed as scripted out events, but it's still a fun little game. Really recommend for story especially + I love everything about the art style.)

Look Outside (I've already begged you to play this game on a previous post and that's what inspired me to make this list in the first place, but MAN this game FUCKS. It's an RPG maker horror game with turn based combat, and the eldritch is on FULL display. It is the very first thing the game introduces you to: You're prompted to look outside, and the second you do you get spaghettified into a horrid flesh mass by perceiving things you don't comprehend. It's so fucking perfect man. From the sound design to story to character design to the combat itself (and how you learn different abilities) to the dialogue that feels so unbelievably natural coming from everyone's mouthes. It's peak. The way it's structured incentivises you to keep exploring and looking around new areas you're most likely to have encounters in, and you gain significantly more XP than if you were to play it safe for the entire 15 days you're meant to stay inside your apartment building. Sam is also the funniest mf alive play it for his ugly lil ass, he's so charming)

Darkwood (Survival horror game. Gameplay is very simple, you click stuff to discover what it means and what it does, manage resources and try to ignore the ever growing horrors of the world around you. I really adore the visual identity this game has for its narrative. Genuinely scared the shit out of me several times as I was playing it because things happened really slowly at first and then jumped out at you insanely fast. It IS permadeath, so the replayability of it gets increased even more when you die at points and already know how to get back there after, but it also puts a huge hindrance in your progress if you're playing it blind. Gist of the story is that it's the 1980s and there's a mysterious plague causing havoc in the darkwood (title drop) forest, causing its citizens and the animals that dwell within it to go insane, and you were Supposed to investigate but given it's a horror survival game, shit goes wrong really fast. It is a Visceral experience. I adore it thoroughly and you should put yourself through it <333)

Diablo ii (Yeah yeah Diablo isn't A GREAT series by any means, it's got it's flaws, especially the third installment, but mannnn I just adore Diablo ii. I won't even pretend like it's here for any reason other than I just like it a lot, but I also just find it so charming with how clunky and weird it is. It's a top view rpg game where you kill low polygon demons with big blasts of power and equip cool looking items to look cool first and to help you second, everything in its influence is either religious or rule of cool, and you know what ? it IS cool. The difficulty is a little more unforgiving than any of its companion games, so you end up dying a Lot despite how much you prepare, and that's normal. I don't know, I just love my emotional support 2000s videogame)

Hollow Knight ("But Magnus you plug Hollow knight everywher-" PLAY HOLLOW KNIGHT BOY. What is there to even be said about this game man. It's a metroidvania platformer about bugs going through an apocalypse caused by the hubris of a king. It's like the Dark Souls (narrative-wise) of Bugs. There's so much to love all around, but I feel like by singing the praises of what it does really well would diminish the effect it has on the average player, so instead I'll just give you a non-spoilery version of everything. The gameplay consists of descending into the gut of this once very alive world and taking it apart to discover what it is that's making it rot. The deceiving vibrancy of each background and area, combined with the different enemies and other such things patrolling everything, comes together to form one of the most visually stunning things I've ever gotten to experience in a videogame. All this paired with Christopher Larkin's talented ass making all the music, and you have something genuinely breathtaking in your hands. It's such a story of tragedy, where your arrival in these lands doesn't mean you'll save them at all, just that the end of them has come and gone, and it needs to be finalized so everything in it can finally rest. You are no hero. You are just the end. anyway you should play funny bug game)

Celeste (Not as narratively good as I wish it was honestly, especially when you sit with the story for as long as I have, but that doesn't even matter because THE GAMEPLAY IS BEYOND EXCELLENT AND IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE. This is one of the greatest platformers you'll play and that's a promise. Celeste has like, 3 movement options (walk, dash, jump) and it manages to elevate it to such an unbelievable level, it's genuinely insane how far it takes its dash mechanics. Each area you explore has a unique theme going on throughout it, with a different gimmick to keep everything feeling fresh, and Man it works like a fucking charm. I love every hazard and every movement booster in this game. It beats your ass HARD, but deaths don't feel like it's just the game bullshitting you so much as it is Truly a skill issue. Everything is presented clearly in charming pixel graphics and I love it. Madeline my beloved. I wish her story got to involve more of her flaws so that Badeline could feel more like a tangible parallel, but I feel like this is made up for with how it handles depression and ideation tbh. Fuck the core though that chapter sucked shit)

Some other recommendations I have but that I don't rlly have a whole rant prepared for that you could also play possibly

Goodnight Knight (Slightly clunky combat and learning curve for each ability, made up for in charm and humour. I love the unserious way this game presents itself)

Stardew Valley (Has somehow consumed my every waking thought to a point where I have sdv aus for all my ocs. It's a good little game)

Beyond Galaxyland (Puzzle solving + Turn based combat + Exploration + Really cool story, I appreciate what it does. Also I like it's graphics a lot it's so sick)

Spirit farer (I just wish it wasnt so wholesome constantly, because I do adore the concept, but it feels like it's dragged down by its need to be defanged. It's good though)

Wayfinder (One of The most exciting turn based combat systems I've ever seen <3)

Child of the Light (Changed my brain chemistry since I was 13)

Borderlands 1 + 2 + The Pre-Sequel + 3 (AUFGFHGHSGAFHGAFADGDHAFSGSFDHAAG !!!!!! AHGGHHHGGGHG!!!!!!!!!! AHAHHAHDGHGGGH !!!!!!! play it)

[dragonthunders01]

Spectember D7: Kin Selection

After 15 million years the fluvial regions of central Africa have been changing in magnitude but their ecosystem remained similar to the time humans once stood on their shores, and as they have been gone for a long time their inhabitants kept evolving, no much of the fauna to the exception of the forest dwelling ones have changed, new species split from the older ones and other replaced previous ones. Fishes have been as fluid in change as the river they live, and so some have always tried to adapt with new strategies for their own survival or even their relatives.

In this case remarks a species of elephantfish (Mormyridae), a group of very diverse electric fishes from Africa characterized by their developed brains compared to other bony fishes, they have been experiencing further specialization with their intelligence that has changed their survival strategies, The Caretaker elephant-fish (Gnathoscalprum comifamilis) is a sample species of it, descendant of the Peters's elephant-nose fish (Gnathonemus petersii) it differs little of their ancestors morphologically with a average length of 25 cm long, though it has a more robust pointy chin and a larger tail electric muscle that help them to perceive their environment more than other species, although this is not what makes them stranger compared to other species.

The thing that differs them is their social lifestyle, they gather in small groups composed by close familiars, sisters, brothers and often 2 or 4 parents that are the dominant of the group with dozens of younger individuals per breeding season, they recognize each other thanks to a specific learned systems of electric pings each of the familiar learn and memorize, to recognize each other, this varying of family and family and anybody outside of them are aggressively kick out. The group often live upon caring for them and the members often scattering the bottom for food or shelter, normally the brothers and sisters are proactively caring for the minor and main reproductive couple even risking their life, even if that means they likely will never reproduce with other, this behavior imprints on other of the same family and can be carried by the descendants of the reproductive couple which can be passed to another generation. A way to avoid inbreeding often go with lonely individuals of other families that managed to leave their group, that can properly unite successfully with other family if they are capable to prove they can benefit them, or if they straight up kill one of the main couples, which from there will select another mate of the same family and kick the original one that survive, this helping them to avoid inbreeding.

[pumpkin-the-girlie-girl-vixen]

Impulsive Behaviors

Impulsive behaviors are actions taken without forethought or consideration of the potential consequences. They can manifest in various ways, including spontaneous decisions, risky behaviors, or emotional outbursts. Here are key points to understand:

1. **Definition**: Impulsivity involves acting on a whim, often driven by immediate emotions or desires rather than rational thought.

2. **Causes**: It can stem from various factors, including neurological conditions, mental health disorders (like ADHD or bipolar disorder), stress, or substance use.

3. **Types**: Common impulsive behaviors include substance abuse, gambling, reckless driving, or engaging in unsafe sexual practices.

4. **Effects**: Impulsive actions can lead to negative consequences in personal relationships, financial stability, and overall mental health.

5. **Management**: Strategies to manage impulsive behavior include mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), developing coping skills, and seeking professional help when needed.

6. **Prevention**: Building self-awareness, setting clear goals, and creating an environment that minimizes triggers can help reduce impulsivity.

Understanding impulsive behaviors can lead to better self-management and healthier decision-making. If you or someone you know struggles with impulsivity, consider consulting a mental health professional for support.

Impulsive coping mechanisms are ways people react to stress or emotional discomfort without much forethought. These mechanisms can be classified into negative and positive impulsive behaviors:

Positive Impulsive Coping Mechanisms

1. **Physical Activity**: Engaging in spontaneous exercise, such as going for a run, dancing, or joining a fitness class.

2. **Creative Expression**: Impulsively creating art, writing, playing music, or crafting to channel emotions positively.

3. **Mindfulness Practices**: Taking a moment to practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to center oneself and reduce stress.

4. **Spontaneous Socializing**: Reaching out to friends or family for an impromptu get-together, fostering connection and support.

5. **Adventure Seeking**: Trying new activities or hobbies on a whim, such as hiking, cooking a new recipe, or attending a workshop.

6. **Laughter and Humor**: Watching a funny movie, sharing jokes, or engaging in playful activities that bring joy and lighten the mood.

7. **Acts of Kindness**: Spontaneously helping someone in need, performing random acts of kindness, or volunteering.

8. **Exploration**: Taking a spontaneous trip to a nearby place or exploring a new neighborhood to break routine.

9. **Journaling**: Writing down thoughts and feelings impulsively to process emotions and gain clarity.

10. **Impulse Buying**: Making small, thoughtful purchases that bring joy or enhance well-being, such as a book or a favorite snack (as long as it’s within budget).

11. **Self-Care Activities**: Impulsively treating oneself to a spa day, taking a long bath, or enjoying a favorite meal as a form of self-care.

12. **Engaging in Hobbies**: Dedicating time to a favorite hobby or interest spontaneously, such as painting, gardening, or playing an instrument.

13. **Nature Immersion**: Going outside for a walk in nature or spending time in a park to refresh the mind and reduce stress.

14. **Mindful Eating**: Choosing to indulge in a healthy snack or meal intuitively, focusing on flavors and enjoyment.

15. **Complimentary Actions**: Impulsively complimenting someone to spread positivity and build connections.

Negative Impulsive Coping Mechanisms

1. **Substance Abuse**: Engaging in the use of drugs or alcohol on a whim, often to escape stress or emotional pain.

2. **Emotional Outbursts**: Reacting with intense emotions such as anger, frustration, or sadness without considering the impact on others.

3. **Risky Sexual Behavior**: Engaging in unprotected sex or multiple partners without considering health risks.

4. **Compulsive Spending**: Making impulsive purchases as a means of coping with emotions, leading to financial issues.

5. **Reckless Driving**: Driving aggressively or engaging in dangerous driving behaviors without regard for safety.

6. **Gambling**: Participating in gambling activities impulsively, often leading to financial loss and addiction.

7. **Self-Harm**: Engaging in behaviors that intentionally cause physical harm to oneself as a way of managing emotional distress.

8. **Eating Disorders**: Impulsive eating behaviors, including binge eating or emotional eating, to cope with feelings.

9. **Social Media Oversharing**: Posting impulsively on social media without considering privacy or the potential consequences.

10. **Procrastination**: Avoiding responsibilities through impulsive distractions or engaging in other activities instead.

11. **Impulsive Travel**: Making spontaneous travel plans without adequate planning, often leading to logistical challenges.

12. **Spontaneous Decisions**: Making quick decisions without thorough consideration, which can affect personal and professional life.

13. **Disregarding Commitments**: Canceling plans or ignoring obligations on a whim, leading to inconsistency in relationships.

14. **Aggressive Behavior**: Reacting to frustration or provocation with aggression, whether verbal or physical.

15. **Attention-Seeking Behaviors**: Engaging in actions solely to gain attention, even if they are inappropriate or harmful.

Understanding both negative and positive impulsive coping mechanisms can help individuals identify their behaviors and seek healthier ways to cope. While some impulsive actions can provide immediate relief, they can also have long-term consequences if not managed properly. Finding a balance and cultivating positive coping strategies can lead to healthier emotional responses and overall well-being. If someone struggles to manage these behaviors, it may be beneficial to seek support from a mental health professional.

[anthonygrove]

Green Trading Revolution: Turn Your Portfolio Into a Climate Champion!

The financial world is undergoing a transformation. No longer is trading only about chasing profits—today, it's also about protecting the planet. This shift is at the core of the Green Trading revolution, a movement that empowers investors to make impactful financial decisions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

By investing responsibly, traders can now turn their portfolios into climate champions. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, aligning your strategy with environmental goals is not only ethically sound—it’s financially smart.

What Is Green Trading?

Green Trading refers to an investment strategy focused on environmental sustainability. It involves trading assets and selecting brokers that prioritize eco-conscious practices, ethical governance, and clean industries. This can mean:

Trading companies focused on renewable energy, electric vehicles, or sustainable agriculture

Choosing brokers that reduce carbon emissions and support green initiatives

Avoiding environmentally harmful sectors such as oil, coal, or deforestation-based commodities

Green Trading helps you grow your wealth while supporting businesses that are actively working to fight climate change.

Expert Insight: Sangram Mohanta on Why Green Trading Matters

Sangram Mohanta, a seasoned forex trading expert with over 15 years in the industry, is a strong advocate for sustainability in trading. Having guided thousands of traders through volatile markets, Mohanta believes that Green Trading is more than a passing trend—it’s the future.

Incorporating sustainability into your trading approach not only reflects global values but also adds resilience to your portfolio,” Mohanta says. Green Trading is about responsibility, but it’s also a smart risk management tool. Environmentally sound businesses are proving to be more adaptive and future-proof.

Sangram also stresses the importance of using secure and regulated brokers when implementing a green strategy. That’s where platforms like Top Forex Brokers Review come into play.

Why Green Trading Is Profitable

Contrary to the belief that sustainability might reduce returns, Green Trading often enhances long-term profitability. Companies that adopt green practices are typically more efficient, forward-thinking, and adaptable to regulatory changes. This makes them less vulnerable to risks and better positioned for growth.

Major funds, institutions, and individual traders are increasingly shifting their capital into green sectors. This surge in demand has pushed the value of eco-friendly assets upward, making sustainability one of the most lucrative long-term trading strategies.

Benefits of Green Trading:

Long-term portfolio growth

Lower exposure to regulatory and environmental risks

Enhanced reputation among socially conscious investors

Support for ethical and future-focused businesses

Trusted Green Brokers – As Reviewed on Top Forex Brokers Review

Not every broker is committed to sustainability. Fortunately, Top Forex Brokers Review evaluates and ranks platforms based not only on performance and user experience but also on their environmental responsibility.

Some of the top-rated brokers with a green trading edge include:

FP Markets – Offers paperless transactions and supports green investment portfolios

IC Markets – Utilizes eco-friendly servers and promotes low-carbon trading

XM – Participates in environmental causes and supports sustainable economic projects

BlackBull Markets – Known for ethical business practices and digital-first trading solutions

FxPro – Provides access to green-focused ETFs and clean energy stocks

These brokers offer platforms that align with the goals of Green Trading, providing traders with tools to support both their financial and environmental objectives.

Real-Life Success Story: How One Trader Found Purpose and Profit

Ava Henderson, a 41-year-old trader from New Zealand, found herself reevaluating her investment goals in 2022 after witnessing the effects of climate change firsthand. Looking to align her trading with her environmental values, Ava turned to Top Forex Brokers Review, where she discovered IC Markets.

After attending a virtual workshop hosted by Sangram Mohanta, Ava learned how to construct a green trading portfolio that included clean energy stocks, green ETFs, and sustainable forex pairs. Over the next 14 months, her portfolio gained 47%, while her carbon footprint significantly dropped thanks to her broker’s green infrastructure.

Green Trading gave my investments a deeper meaning,”Ava says. I’ve never felt more confident in my strategy—both as a trader and as a global citizen.

Why Security Still Comes First

While the green revolution is essential, security must remain a top priority. As Green Trading grows in popularity, traders must ensure their funds and personal information are safeguarded through reliable brokers.

Top Forex Brokers Review places a strong emphasis on website and broker security in its evaluations. Here are some of the vital security features provided by top-rated brokers:

SSL Encryption – Ensures all data transmissions are secure

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Adds a layer of protection against unauthorized access

Regulatory Compliance – Brokers are regulated by authorities like ASIC, CySEC, and FCA

Segregated Accounts – Protects trader funds in case of broker insolvency

Platform Audits – Regular security checks maintain trust and transparency

Combining these security protocols with green initiatives allows traders to build a portfolio that is both safe and sustainable.

Why Green Trading Is the Future of Finance

Global awareness is rising. Governments are enforcing strict climate policies, corporations are pledging net-zero commitments, and individual investors are demanding more ethical choices. This paradigm shift is reshaping the financial industry—and Green Trading is at its heart.

Investors who adapt early to this sustainable model are positioning themselves ahead of the curve. As more capital flows into environmentally sound markets, demand will continue to push prices and profits higher for those who invest with intention.

Final Thoughts from Sangram Mohanta

According to Sangram Mohanta, “The financial industry is no longer separate from the environmental crisis. Traders now have a responsibility—and an opportunity—to be part of the solution. Green Trading isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about making smart, resilient, and forward-looking decisions.”

He encourages traders to explore Top Forex Brokers Review to find green brokers, stay updated on the latest sustainable strategies, and ensure their platforms are secure and regulated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes a broker ‘green’? A green broker uses eco-friendly infrastructure, promotes ESG investments, minimizes paper use, and contributes to sustainability.

Q: Can beginners start with Green Trading? Yes. Many brokers offer educational content and demo accounts tailored to green trading.

Q: Is Green Trading profitable? Yes. Companies with sustainable practices often outperform long-term due to regulatory resilience and growing investor demand.

Q: How do I ensure my trading platform is secure? Check for features like SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and regulatory compliance. Use trusted reviews like those on Top Forex Brokers Review.

Q: Where can I learn more about brokers that support Green Trading? Visit Top Forex Brokers Review, where platforms are ranked based on security, sustainability, and performance.

Conclusion: Invest With Purpose, Trade for Change

Green Trading is not just a financial strategy—it’s a global movement. By aligning your investments with environmental responsibility, you turn your portfolio into a force for positive change. With expert guidance from professionals like Sangram Mohanta and access to secure, sustainable brokers through Top Forex Brokers Review, you can build wealth while shaping a better world.

The Green Trading revolution is here. Be part of it. Trade smart, trade safe—and trade green.

[boxboxblog]

Track Analysis: Lusail International Circuit

Hi, sorry this is late, but this is part of a series I am doing analyzing each track. Enjoy!

This 3.367 mile circuit is a desert race, an a night race at that. It is a fast-paced flat track (with an average speed of 134 mph), with 16 turns (no hairpins or intense chicanes), and has only one DRS zone, meaning some find it to be kind of a boring race. This is not an overtake heavy track, which means starting position is key.

Sector 1:

Latter Half of Straight: Race starts halfway through the very long main straight, which is a DRS zone. Relatively wide, and allows for multiple racing lines which can see some position swaps upon start.

Turn 1: First turn of the race, a medium-speed right hander, this comes at the end of the very long main straight, and is often one of the major areas or overtaking. Requires high awareness of surrounding and relatively calm braking.

Turns 2-3: Very un-sharp turns, a switch from a slightly deeper left turn to a very small right turn. They are high-speed as well, so require precision and throttle control to make that left-right switch.

Turns 4-5: Two almost identical right-handers, this is the set up before probably the sharpest turn on this circuit

Sector 2:

Turn 6: Sharpest turn on the circuit, by far the heaviest braking zone. They need to balance the technical grip required, with the necessary speed for the short straight directly after this turn.

Turns 7-9: Starts with a medium-slow turn right after small straight, and then ends with two high-speed kinks. Very fast area.

Turns 10-11: A winding turn that leads into the slightest (and fastest) turn on the track. A very very wide curve that has the drivers pushing slightly right at an incredibly high speed.

Sector 3:

Turns 13-15: A jittery series of left-handed turns, link together well to create a misshapen curve. High speed until the last one, which slows down a bit, and then jumps right into a small straight.

Turn 16: Another medium turn that leads onto a small straight, where a lot of overtakes tend to happen.

Turn 17: Last turn, a medium speed right-hander that leads onto the final stretch. Requires a great exit to achieve maximum speed before crossing the finish line/making it too the very long main straight.

Beginning of Main Straight: This is the former half of the main straight, and the beginning of the DRS zone. Cars need to carry incredible speed at this point.

Strategy:

So, there are a couple things to consider with this track. For one, the environment has an effect. It is very dry and sandy in the desert, and while they have fake grass to keep stuff of track, it still leads to a high degradation style circuit, so this means usually a two-stop race, and also that drivers must really focus on tire management. Another thing is that this is a rather winding circuit, even if it does not have the sharpest corners in the world. The drivers must find a rhythm to settle into or they risk losing time around this circuit. Car balance is important to accommodate that and this paired with the high-speed nature means a medium-downforce set up is usually preferred. Another thing to consider is air temperature. While it is hot in Qatar during the day, at night desert temperatures drop, and cooler air effects how cars run. Not quite as cold as Vegas, but still cooler. The final consideration is that this is not an overtake heavy track. It has areas where they happen (namely turn 1, the DRS zone, turn 6, and turn 16) but it is still quite low in that regard. Qualifying is crucial, and so is the start.

Upsides and Downsides:

An upside of this track are that the high-speed nature can lead to some thrilling moments, and we have seen some brilliant wheel-to-wheel around here. It suits cars with good aerodynamics, and rewards drivers who are very very consistent. This can be different from other tracks, where often pure speed and aggression is the most rewarded. The fact of it being a night race is also a plus, for both fans and drivers. For fans, night races are a beauty and especially enjoyable. For drivers, the heavy flood lights provide consistent and guaranteed lighting across the whole track. This isn't always true for races in the sun. On the more negative side, the lack of any hairpins or chicanes lowers overtaking opportunities in middle section, and lead many to call this a 'boring race' both to drive and watch. Also, the desert can be windy often and can disrupt man y cars balances, leading to some unforeseen circumstances.

Alright, that is my brief overview of Losail, I hope this was informative and will see you for the race.

Cheers,

-B

[marcojames87]

Forex Volatility Secrets: What the Top 1% of Traders Use to Dominate the Market

Forex volatility is often viewed as both a challenge and an opportunity in the fast-paced world of trading. For the majority of traders, volatility represents a threat—an unpredictable force that can quickly wipe out profits. However, for the top 1% of traders, volatility is an ally, an essential element they’ve learned to harness to their advantage. In this article, we’ll delve into the secrets behind how these elite traders master Forex volatility, with expert insights from Sangram Mohanta, a Forex trader with 15 years of experience. We’ll also share a real-life success story and discuss the importance of website security in Forex trading.

Understanding Forex Volatility

Forex volatility refers to the rapid price fluctuations that occur within the foreign exchange market. Volatile markets experience sharp, often unpredictable price movements, making them exciting for traders who know how to profit from these swings. However, volatility can also lead to substantial losses for those who aren’t prepared.

For top traders, volatility is not something to fear. Instead, it’s an opportunity to make substantial profits. By understanding the causes of volatility—such as economic data releases, political events, and central bank decisions—they can predict market movements and make informed trading decisions. Mastering this volatility is key to dominating the market.

Expert Insights: How Sangram Mohanta Dominates Forex Volatility

Sangram Mohanta, a Forex trading expert with over 15 years of experience, has been trading through various market conditions, including high-volatility periods. According to Mohanta, “The key to success in volatile markets isn’t to avoid the fluctuations but to embrace them and learn to read the signals the market is sending.”

He believes that the top 1% of traders use a combination of technical analysis, a deep understanding of economic fundamentals, and precise risk management strategies to profit from Forex volatility. Mohanta recommends staying informed about global economic events that can trigger volatility, such as GDP reports, central bank decisions, and geopolitical developments.

“Volatility is predictable if you understand the forces driving it, says Mohanta. By closely monitoring the economic calendar and using the right tools, traders can prepare for and capitalize on these movements rather than being caught off guard.

Insider Secrets to Mastering Forex Volatility

So, what are the specific secrets that top traders use to dominate the Forex market during volatile conditions? Here are a few key strategies that the elite traders rely on:

Leverage Advanced Technical Analysis: The top 1% of traders are masters of technical analysis. They use sophisticated chart patterns, candlestick formations, and indicators like the Average True Range (ATR) and Bollinger Bands to assess market volatility. By identifying patterns such as breakout or reversal signals, traders can time their entries and exits with high precision, capitalizing on price swings.

Use Fundamental Analysis to Anticipate Volatility: While technical analysis is vital, top traders also use fundamental analysis to anticipate volatility. For example, when a central bank is about to announce interest rate decisions, there is often heightened volatility. Traders who track economic data and geopolitical events can predict potential market reactions and position themselves accordingly.

Implement Smart Risk Management: The difference between a successful trader and an unsuccessful one is often the ability to manage risk. Top traders know that Forex volatility amplifies the potential for loss, so they never risk more than they can afford to lose. This is why they use techniques like setting tight stop-loss orders, scaling into positions, and employing position sizing strategies to protect their capital.

Trade with Smaller Time Frames: In volatile markets, large price movements can happen within short time frames. Many successful traders take advantage of this by trading on smaller time frames (such as 5-minute or 15-minute charts) to catch intraday price swings. This allows them to stay nimble and capitalize on short-term volatility.

Stay Disciplined and Patient: While volatility creates opportunities, it also leads to impulsive trading decisions for many. Top traders remain disciplined and patient, sticking to their strategies even when the market is chaotic. They understand that not every price movement needs to be acted upon, and waiting for high-probability setups is often more profitable than chasing every fluctuation.

Real-Life Trading Success Story: How John Turned Volatility into Profit

John, a novice trader, once struggled with the volatility of the Forex market. In the beginning, he was overwhelmed by rapid price changes and found himself losing money more often than winning. However, after following the strategies taught by Sangram Mohanta, John’s approach to trading transformed.

John began to pay close attention to economic calendars and the events that created market volatility, such as U.S. Federal Reserve announcements and European Central Bank policy meetings. Using technical tools like Bollinger Bands, John started to identify price breaks and volatility expansion, allowing him to catch high-reward trades during these periods of market movement.

One of John’s most successful trades came during a highly volatile week when the U.S. Dollar experienced significant fluctuations due to a surprise rate cut by the Federal Reserve. John positioned himself ahead of the news, using his technical analysis to predict the likely direction of the market after the announcement. As a result, he was able to capitalize on the initial price surge, closing out with a substantial profit. John’s success story exemplifies how understanding Forex volatility and applying strategic methods can lead to substantial gains.

Website Security Features: Trading Safely in a Volatile Market

In addition to mastering volatility, it’s crucial to prioritize the security of your funds and personal information when trading Forex. As volatility can attract cybercriminals, ensuring your trading platform is secure is paramount.

Top Forex brokers, recommended by Top Forex Brokers Review, implement advanced security measures to protect traders. Here are some key security features to look for:

SSL Encryption: A secure trading environment starts with SSL encryption, which ensures that any data exchanged between you and your broker is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by third parties. This protects your personal information and funds.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Many trusted Forex brokers offer 2FA as an added layer of protection. This requires you to enter a unique code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your account.

Regulation and Licensing: Reputable brokers are regulated by top-tier financial authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). These regulatory bodies ensure brokers meet strict security standards and safeguard client funds.

Secure Trading Platforms: The best Forex brokers provide trading platforms with built-in security features, such as real-time monitoring of transactions, secure login systems, and encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

By choosing a broker with a strong security infrastructure, you can focus on your trading strategies without worrying about cyber threats or financial risks.

Why Choosing the Right Broker Matters

When navigating the volatile Forex market, your broker plays a pivotal role in your success. A trusted broker ensures that you have access to the right tools, market analysis, and a secure trading platform. Top Forex Brokers Review evaluates brokers based on key factors such as regulatory compliance, customer service, and platform reliability. Choosing the right broker is essential for capitalizing on market volatility and achieving long-term trading success.

Conclusion

Forex volatility doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By adopting the strategies used by the top 1% of traders, such as leveraging technical and fundamental analysis, implementing smart risk management, and staying disciplined, you can turn volatility into an opportunity for profit. Expert traders like Sangram Mohanta have built successful careers by mastering the art of trading during volatile periods—and you can too.

Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of website security. By choosing a trusted and regulated broker with robust security features, you can trade with peace of mind.

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[sunshinesmebdy]

WhatsInDaSky? - July 15, 2024

Astrology provides us with a unique lens through which we can anticipate and navigate the ebbs and flows of business and finance. As we move through the second half of July, today’s significant astrological transits promise to leave a substantial imprint on the financial landscape: Moon in Scorpio trine Saturn in Pisces, Moon in Scorpio opposite Mars in Taurus, and Mars in Taurus conjunct Uranus in Taurus. Let’s dive into what these transits signify and how you can harness their energies for your business ventures.

Understanding the Transits:

Moon in Scorpio trine Saturn in Pisces: This aspect suggests a deep, intuitive understanding of long-term financial goals and strategies. There’s a potential for uncovering hidden financial opportunities through thorough research and analysis. However, it also indicates a need for caution and patience in financial matters.

Impact on Business and Finance:

This harmonious aspect between the Moon in Scorpio and Saturn in Pisces is a powerful time for emotional stability and structured creativity in business. Scorpio’s deep, investigative nature paired with Saturn’s disciplined influence in Pisces fosters an environment where intuition and practicality merge seamlessly.

Opportunities:

Strategic Planning: This transit is perfect for long-term strategic planning. Trust your instincts while grounding them in solid research and realistic projections.

Financial Prudence: Focus on conservative financial management. Investments made during this time should be well-researched and aligned with your long-term goals.

Resilience: Emotional resilience will be high, allowing you to navigate any business challenges with a calm and composed mindset.

Actions to Take:

Conduct in-depth market research and analysis.

Reevaluate and solidify your business plans and strategies.

Prioritize sustainable and responsible financial practices.

Moon in Scorpio opposite Mars in Taurus: This transit can bring intense emotional energy to financial decisions. It might lead to impulsive actions or a strong desire for financial security. Balancing these opposing energies is key.

Impact on Business and Finance:

An opposition between the Moon in Scorpio and Mars in Taurus creates a tension between emotional depth and assertive action. This transit can stir intense feelings and potential conflicts but also offers an opportunity to confront and resolve underlying issues in your business.

Challenges:

Conflict: Be mindful of heightened emotions that could lead to conflicts with partners, employees, or clients.

Impulsivity: Avoid making rash financial decisions based on emotional reactions.

Opportunities:

Conflict Resolution: Use this transit to address and resolve long-standing issues in your business relationships.

Passion and Drive: Channel the intensity into productive activities that require determination and persistence.

Actions to Take:

Practice active listening and empathy in communications to defuse potential conflicts.

Take time to cool down and think critically before making any major financial decisions.

Engage in activities that channel emotional intensity into constructive outcomes, like strategic brainstorming sessions.

Mars in Taurus conjunct Uranus in Taurus: This powerful combination indicates a potential for radical changes in business and finance. There’s a strong drive for financial independence and a desire to break free from traditional financial models. However, impulsivity and risk-taking could also be heightened.

Impact on Business and Finance:

The conjunction of Mars and Uranus in Taurus is a dynamic and potentially disruptive transit. It brings a burst of innovative energy and a drive for radical change, which can be both exciting and unsettling for businesses.

Opportunities:

Innovation: This is a prime time for breakthroughs and implementing unconventional ideas. Embrace technological advancements and innovative solutions.

Bold Moves: Take calculated risks that could propel your business forward. This transit favors bold, decisive action.

Challenges:

Volatility: Expect the unexpected. Financial markets and business operations might experience sudden changes.

Impulsiveness: The drive for change can lead to hasty decisions. Balance innovation with caution.

Actions to take:

Be open to new technologies and methods that can enhance your business efficiency and growth.

Prepare for potential disruptions by having contingency plans in place.

Evaluate risks carefully before making significant changes, ensuring they align with your long-term vision.

Today’s astrological transits bring a blend of stability, intensity, and innovation to the business and financial realms. By understanding and harnessing the energies of the Moon in Scorpio trine Saturn in Pisces, Moon in Scorpio opposite Mars in Taurus, and Mars in Taurus conjunct Uranus in Taurus, you can navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence and clarity. As always, let the stars guide you, but ground your decisions in thorough research and strategic planning for the best outcomes.