#Its a survival strategy like so many brain things. Its supposed to help you recognize threats

[gaminegay]

I don't need movies to experience horror, I just think about how humans are hard-wired to seek patterns everywhere and will therefore often see faces where there may or may not be any

[tanakavox]

A look into the multiverse chapter 8 SAOA

Many thanks to my friend friend @bssaz97 for his work on the reactions. And TheGoldenBoy2188 for the strict for SAOA making writing easy. The next reaction will be a suprise so stay tune.

Amidst the streets of Mantle, Whitley Schnee walked towards a destination while wearing a disguise consisting of a coat, scarf, shaded glasses, and a flat cap. He had a mission and he would not waste this opportunity!

It was not every day that he could simply leave the manor without Father's permission or notice so he needed to be quick but not noticeable. He had waited months for this day to arrive. Whitley had pre-ordered the latest MMO game of his favorite game series a week before the initial release date and had come to pick it up. Having connections in the right places certainly did have its benefits. The only downside was he had to acquire his prize somewhere outside of his father's notice. So what other place to go than Atlas's sister kingdom.

Outside of his notice, a young white haired faunus woman with sheep ears followed close behind him. Fiona Thyme was out picking up some food for the rest of the Happy Huntresses when she noticed an unfamiliar person walking around. She knew almost everyone on this side of Mantle, so a new person popping out of the blue was very suspicious. Normally she would have reported this back to Robyn but upon further inspection she recognized who this person was.

It was the sole son of the worst man on Remnant and the newly appointed heir of the Schnee Dust Company, Whitley Schnee! Why was he here in Mantle?! Fiona determined he was up to no good and decided to follow him. Wherever the SDC goes, trouble usually follows!

Whitley finally arrived at the destination he was seeking… the Post Office! Now all he had to do was open the door, enter the establishment aaaaaand- stare dumbfounded as the inside of this place was a theatre.

"What the-? This isn't the post office. Where am I?!" Whitley shouted at no one in particular.

"Ah-ha! Caught you right where I- Huh? Where the hell? This isn't the post office!" Fiona also dumbfounded.

"Whitley?" Both Weiss and Winter stated in a mix of shock and disbelief at seeing their little brother. Maybe some hostility on Weiss part.

"Weiss? Winter? How-?"

"What the hell is this?!" A loud female voice shouted as four more people arrived out of nowhere. Consisting of two normal sized humans, a bunny faunus and a very large man.

"Coco/Velvet/Fox/Yatsuhashi!" Teams RWBY and JNR said collectively.

"Oh hello everyone! This… is a surprise! When did you get to Vacuo?" Velvet asked the group.

Fiona turned towards the new strangers, "Vacuo? What are you talking about? You're all in Mantle?"

"I'm most certain we're in Vacuo at the time." Yatsu spoke.

"You are in neither at the moment." Ozpin spoke up.

"What the- Teach? Weren't you supposed to be dead?!" Coco confusingly points out.

"I believe an explanation is in order."

*One short but informative explanation later*

"Wait so we were brought here to watch… alternate realities?" Fiona says after she and all the new arrivals had been told everything about the theater.

"We call them viewings but yeah pretty much." Ruby said.

"Hold on, I can understand why all of you were brought here, seeing as you all are huntsmen and huntresses. But that doesn't explain why I'm here." Whitley, having taken off his disguise.

"A great question indeed." Weiss mutters.

"I think I have a theory." Blake stepped forward. "So far now, I've noticed that the people who are here have at least some involvement in the viewings that we have been seeing. Remember that one viewing we saw of Whitley being stuck inside a video game?"

"I was stuck in a video game?"

"Also if you die in the game you die for real." Nora added.

Whitley's eyes widened at the implications.

"Well you're still stuck as far as we know. But apparently you're very good at the game so you might be fine." Jaune clarifies. Slightly feeling guilty that his alternate is the one who traps him there.

"Oh joy, now I'm trapped inside a place against my will in two realities!" Whitley throws his hands in frustration.

"Oh boo hoo! Is the rich boy gonna cry because nothings going his way today?" Fiona says in a mocking tone.

"Oh I'm sure you would know so much about crying and complaining about trivial things, thief." He shot back at Fiona.

"At least I think about the people of Mantle! When was the last time you thought of someone outside of yourself, Schnee!" Fiona retorted.

Winter sensing that this conversation was going nowhere stepped in between her brother and the happy huntress.

"Enough! None of us came here by choice so let's just stop this pointless arguing and move on."

Fiona huffed, "I couldn't agree more." She stomped away from the two siblings and found herself a seat in the theater.

Winter sighed, "It may not be ideal but as long as you are here Whitley, I would just suggest sitting tight and wait until you or all of us are able to leave this place."

"Hmph, very well. Thank you sister, it almost sounds like you care." Whitley took his leave and found a seat that was about four seats away from Weiss's team.

"Isn't there anywhere else you want to sit," Weiss practically hisses.

"Oh but Weiss it's the only seat that's close enough to you." Whitley affirmed.

Weiss groans in frustration, 'Hopefully it's only for one viewing…'

An acoustic guitar plays in the background as a montage of the events of and post-Episode 1 appears on the screen and a narrator began to talk.

" A month had passed since that fateful day. When everyone's world got all twisted, leaving them stranded in a castle in the sky. Since then, 2000 poor souls came to an abrupt and tragic end. Some by bad luck, others by sheer stupidity. I mean, really. Why would you just stand in fire? Anyways, that didn't bother The Kid none. He only cared about one thing, and one thing alone. Himself. 'Cuz in a game of life or death, you either live... or you die."

The scene transitions to Shirou leaning against a wall with an annoyed look on his face.

"What?! Two thousand of the players have died already!" Ruby yelled, tears starting to form in her eyes.

"Not surprising, seeing as many of them looked weak last viewing." Cinder coolly replies.

Many huntsmen and huntresses glared at the red clad woman. She paid them no mind.

"Well thank you very much Narrator, you're doing a wonderful job of explaining the total death count of this video game prison." Whitley commented dryly.

"Oh, WOW. What brilliant insight! It's so deep it loops right back around to being stupid." Shirou snarked.

"The Kid ranted at no one, it slowly dawning just how alone he truly was" Narrator continued..

Whitley's eyes narrowed, "Am I being sassed by the narrator?"

"Maybe you said something to piss them off." Fiona added.

"Wait, what was that?" Shirou asks, shocked.

"He asked the sky, like a preacher to his silent gods."

"What gods? What are you talking about?! It's all bullshit metaphors with you!"

"He cried, not knowing the difference between a simile and a metaphor. The tininess of his brain dwarfed only by the tininess of his di-"

Whitley's eyes narrowed and face twitched at how much of an annoyance this narrator was being.

Weiss was doing her best to conceal her smile but was failing and breathes out a laugh. She was enjoying the exchange that her brother was going through and found it amusing. Her team gave her a side glance while Fiona and a few others laughed at the roast session the young Schnee was being given.

"Narrator off." Shirou commands the system with an annoyed tone.

"YOUCANSILENCEMEBUTYOUCAN'TSILENCETHETRU-" The narrator got cut off.

"Dick."

"Thank gods that's over, that narrator was extremely rude." Whitley sighed thankfully now that the narrator was silenced.

Weiss and Fiona grumbled that their fun was ruined.

Fade into December 2, 2022, on a strategy meeting led by man called Diabel. He gave a big smiled out to the crow

"Hey everyone. Thank you all for coming to our little powwow. Now, I know many of you may be discouraged by the fact that 2000 people have died so far."

" WHAT?!" A player screamed

" 2000 PEOPLE ARE DEAD?!" Another screamed.

"IT HASN'T EVEN BEEN A MONTH YET!"

"OH MY GOD, WE REALLY ARE FUCKED!"

"Pretty much, sucks to be you!" Mercury laughed.

"These are the people that have to survive this game. Honestly what was blondie expecting," Emerald facepalms.

"Hey! Just because they've lost numbers doesn't mean that they have to lose hope!" Ruby glared at the two assassins.

"And I know even more of you are a little down because we haven't even cleared the First Floor yet." Diabel added, trying to keep the smile on his face.

"WE HAVEN'T?!"

"I THOUGHT WE WERE ALMOST DONE...!"

"You were saying." Cinder looked back at Ruby.

"Well…" Ruby trailed off, thinking of a way to defend these players.

Diabel's smile wavered

"Uh, you guys do know there are 100 Floors, right?"

"WHAT?!" A crowd of players yelled.

Diabels sighed a bit.

Ruby, despite her best attempts, also sighed and sat back down.

"Oh jeez, I am just making things worse. Point is, we found the Boss Room!"

The crowd gasps.

"Now, we've formulated a few strategies with some help from the beta testers-"

"BETA TESTERS?!" A voice yells out.

"Oh goddammit!" Diabel groaned argnily

A player named Kibaou jumps in.

Kibaou, what do you want? Diabel looked tired addressing this player.

"Beta testers? They're the reason we're stuck in this game!" Kibaoyu sneered

Many that heard this player's statement and quickly frowned at his blatant accusations towards these 'beta-testers.'

"This guy can't be serious, right?" Coco stated.

Dianel looked at Kibaou flatterausted at the stupidity of the statement he heard

"What?! Do you have any evidence to back that up?"

Kiabrou scoffed at the question. "Pfft! Evidence. I don't need no evidence. Isn't that right, Jesus?" He points to a player named "Jesus"

" It's pronounced "Hey-Zeus", and I don't know you."

"Wow, really selling your reasoning by having no one else to support your claim." Jaune stated while crossing his arms.

"Well, they still should have helped us newbies!" He exclaimed

"If I might interject...:" A deep voice called out.

A big muscular man gets up and comes to the stage.

Velvet taps Yatsu's arm excitedly, "Hey you're in this game too Yatsu! …oh gods you're in this game too."

"So it seems," Yatsu, doing his best to keep a straight face.

Coco lowered her shades along with a confused look. As far as she knew, Velvet was the only one who played video games on their team. Unless...

"And who the hell are you?!"

"I am known by many names.", "Closed eyed demon. The memory easer., "Hooked clawed tiger". But you? You may call me... "Velvet".

"Velvet huh? That's a... pretty masculine name." Kibaoru said adwarkley

"Shouldn't be. It's a woman's name." Velvet replied casually.

"Damn it. I had a feeling but I didn't want to be right." Coco cursed quietly while shaking her head.

"Wait, why would Yatsu have a character named after me? That doesn't- ...Oh ...oh my gods." Velvet's eyes widened at the implications, tears starting to build. That is until she felt a nudge on one of her shoulders. She turned her head and there was Yatsuhashi looking at Velvet with a gaze that said, 'It's not your fault.'

"Kay, I don't know how to talk to you."

"Good. Then you can shut up and listen. Does everyone here have this book in their inventory?"

" Yeah.

" Yes."

"Yup."

"Yeah."

" No... Wait, can I change my answer?"

Velvet/Yatsushi held up a book to show to everyone.

" This book is full of tips and strategies on how to survive this game, put together by the beta testers. Everyone read it, yet some people still died. The beta testers did everything they could."

"Yeah, that means Mace Hair has no reason to blame the beta testers!" Ruby points out.

Many of her friends nodded and Yastu's team smiled at the sound defense his alternate presented.

" Actually, I didn't read it." One player chimed up.

"Yeah, I didn't read it either."

"I skimmed it."

"OH COME ON!" Many members of the audience shouted in agitation.

"What? Didn't ANY of you read it?! It is literally a matter of life and death." Velvet exclaimed

"Well, dude. It's like 80 pages." A player pointed

"2000 people are dead!"

"THEY ARE?!"

"Again. These are the people that have to survive this game." Emerald reiterates.

Brief pause. Shirou looks shocked at their stupidity.

"I am so done with you people." Velvet mutters, walking off the stage.

" What do you mean "you people"?" A player asked a bit offended.

The Faunus in the room narrowed at their eyes at the implications made by that player.

"What do you mean, "you people"?" Fiona asks no one in particular.

Velvet and Kibaou take their seats.

Diabel continued with the meeting. "So, as Mister Hooked clawed tiger was saying, this book has some great strategies, including how to beat the First Boss, Illfang."

He clears his throat and starts reading from the guide.

"So as you enter the Boss Room, he's gonna throw wave after wave of disposable minions at you... and you must answer in kind."...?

"Uh, what?" A player asks, mirroring Diabel confusion.

Many in the audience reacted just as confused. All except Whitley, who had a good feeling where this was going.

Diabel continues

"Send the weaker players first. Good rule of thumb: If a player asks you for gold 2 seconds after meeting you, front lines."

"Ha, serves 'em right!" Kiaboru said with a laugh

"If they hijack conversations to rant about their political views, front lines."Diabel said with a smirk looking at Kiaboru.

Kibaou went pale. "Aw, shit."

"Ha! Serves you right!" Nora laughed.

"If they ask female players for pics of their boobs, front lines."

"OH BULLSHIT!" One player screamed out in rage.

"THAT'S DISCRIMINATION!" Another one howled.

"BOO!"

Many of the women in the theater frown at the way those players reacted. Winter was more than certain that those players were the type that participated in the mentioned acts the speaker spoke on.

Diabel smiles and waves them down. "Now, now, people. I think there are some valid points being made here. Now, it goes on to say when Illfang's health goes into the red, he's going to switch from his axe and buckler to something called a "Talwar". At that point we should initiate a strategy called "The Final Solution" and- I'm just gonna stop reading! Jesus, who wrote this thing?"

Shirou giggles evilly.

"Of course Whitley wrote that book." Weiss sighed.

"Why sister, it sounds like that didn't surprise you in the least." Whitley pretending to act hurt.

"Please. The manipulative tone of the text almost makes one sound too much like you." Weiss bit back.

"Well I suppose you would know." A wide smile on Whitley's face.

Weiss scoffs turning her head away from her traitorous brother.

Team R_BY and Winter watched the exchange and sighed.

"Okay, so the guide's a bust. But it'll be fine. I'll come up with a great plan for us." Diabel smiles at the crowed.

"Like what?"

" Well... we... could... Uh... Uhhhh... I'm open to suggestions."

"Woah, guys, we could- we could, you know, like, group up and-"

"And hit it 'til it DIES!" Another yelled finishing the other player sentence

"Woo, nice!"

"Yeah!"

" High five!"

The two hive five.

"Well. It's something, right?." Velvet does her best to be optimistic.

Many of the more experienced members of the theater shake their heads.

"That's... a good start. But let's hear some other suggestions."

"I'd like to hear more about this "Final Solution"." A player in a german accent piped up.

"Fuck it, group up." said Diabel said tirely.

Shirou slides down the seats towards a girl, named Fiona, who's on her own.

Fiona blinks in surprise, "Oh my gods, that's me! I'm in the game! Hey other me, stay away from the Schnee!"

"You have my condolences." Weiss says to the sheep faunus.

"So, why aren't, uh, you joining anyone's group?" Shirou asked.

"I have my reasons." She said mysterioly

" Is it because you're a girl?"

"No. It's because... I don't know how to play."

"Because you're a girl?"

Many of the females and males who enjoy video games, such as Yang, Ruby, Velvet, Nora,, Jaune, Oscar, Ren, surprisingly Mercury and Emerald, along with Fiona herself, threw questioning glares towards the current heir of the SDC. Weiss and Winter glared at him as well but for other reasons.

Whitley looks around to see all the glares directed towards him. "Why are you all looking at me? I said nothing."

"No!" Fiona snapped. "It's just... I don't know how to open the menu."

"What?" Both Fiona and Whitley asked.

"Jinx!" Nora shouts.

"What?!" Shriou looked at the girl in shock. "But you can't do anything in this game without the menu. How have you survived all month?"

Cut to Fiona holding a piece of bread. She is staring at it intensely. "HOW DO I EAT YOU?!" She screamed at it.

Many laughs were had at the poor girl's predicament, despite some of them doing their best to not do so but could not help themselves.

Fiona slowly sank into her chair, covering her face in shame. Her alternate was the utter definition of a newb player.

Back to the present.

"It's... been a challenge…" She muttered before looking at Shirou. "What about you? Why haven't you join the others?"

"Oh, lots of reasons. Mostly because they're a bunch of mouth-breathing neckbeards who think "LMAO" is how French people laugh."

" Ha ha, that's so Le Mao!" Said one player far away causing to Shirou shudder.

Whitley in the theater also shudders in disgust. If these were the people that he would have been surrounded by inside the game, then he too would have avoided them like a plague.

"Wow. You certainly... speak from the heart."

"Funny, I thought I was speaking from my mouth. But, eh, shows what I know about biology." He said with a smirk.

"No one else wanted you in their group, did they?"

"Shut up! It was mutual!"

"And who would blame me? Have you seen the players of this game? I'm honestly surprised they lived this long."

"You're just saying that 'cause no one wanted a smartass on their team." Fiona smirked.

"I'm sorry, were you speaking Menu Girl?" Whitley nonchalantly retorts.

Fiona's face grew red in embarrassment and agitation. She wanted nothing more than to raise her hand and activate her semblance right now. 'Give me a reason Schnee, I dare you.'

It cuts back to Diabel smiling and clapping his hands.

"Alright, looks like everyone's grouped up. Get plenty of rest tonight, people! We leave at noon!"

A player groans "Noon?"

"That's so early!"

Diabel sighs. "Alright. What about 1 o'clock?"

" Dude, come on!"

" God, fine! We leave at the crack of... 2:30, I guess. Lazy butts…"

"Christ, I'm gonna have to set my alarm."

Everyone in the theater did not have high expectations for these players as they would face their first challenge.

Cuts to December 3, 2022 Floor 1: Illfang's Tower, 7:30pm. Everyone's at the Boss Door and everyone except Diabel is exhausted.

"Okay, so there were a few more stairs than we realized. Apparently real life athletic ability translates into the game. Good to know." Diabel looked out to the sad sight in front of him.

"Oh, god. I can feel my lungs trying to kill me." One player whined.

" Is this sweat?!"

" I peed a little."

" Jesus, this is sad." Diabel said with a grimace.

One player vomits.

"Congrats Jaune, someone else has now become the new Vomit Boy of this viewing!" Yang exclaimed.

Jaune rolled his eyes at her attempt at making him feel better.

"Fuck it. Why don't you all just take a Cheetos and Mountain Dew break, and we'll reconvene in an hour."

1960 Batman-Esque transition with Cheetos and Mountain Dew.

" Dammit, guys! I was kidding! You weren't supposed to actually take an hour!" Dibal said in a rage."God, we've lost so much time. Let's just do this already! You all know the plan!"

Illfang jumps into the center of the room and roars. Kobolds pop in, and an error message pops up on the third one that says "Error: "Sentinel_ " not found."

Ruby and Nora laughed at the mob that got glitched.

"Alright, men!" Diabel began,"Form up and-"

"EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF!" A player screams

The armies converge on each other.

"Are they serious! You can't just go gung-ho in a boss battle!" Jaune exclaimed at the increasingly apparent, dim-witted players.

"What?! No! Goddammit guys!" Diabel begins to bark out orders. "Squad B, quit attacking the Boss and keep the Sentinels off us! C, D, stop attacking from the front! Do you even know what "flank" means?! Squad F, for fuck's sake! Stop playing Bejeweled! *Groans* Squad G, get in there and help A and B!"

"Got it!" Shirou said with a nod rushing in.

"Don't talk back to…" Diabel did a double take."l Holy shit, really?!"

"How is Whitley the most sensible minded player in this game?!" Weiss asked.

"Weiss, have you seen the other players?" Blake asked her in a deadpanned tone.

"...Yes you're right, that's actually too much of an insult." Weiss admits.

Shirou attacks a Sentinel, leaving Fiona to finish it off.

"Okay, Fiona! What you're gonna wanna do here is-"

Fiona lets out a Battle Cry and kills the Sentinel in one hit.

Fiona in the theater perked up at this display, "Oh my- I can fight! Oh thank gods I can fight!"

Shirou eyes widened in shock "Wow, I thought she was hopeless, but her technique is flawless. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she's even better than I-"

"Hey Shirou! I killed the thing and now it says I have XPs! Is that bad? Am I dying?! Fiona cried out to him in fear."

Shirou rolls his eyes"Or... maybe... not."

"Miss Fiona, either your alternate is very lucky or is very out of base with technology. I can't tell which it is." Whitley stated.

"Shut up Schnee, she's trying!" Fiona defends her other self.

Illfang's health drops into the red. He snarls at the players and he tosses his weapons.

"Alright, men! This last part's gonna take careful coordination…" Diabel ran towards Illfang. "which is why I'm just gonna do it myself!"

Diabel charges his weapon art. Illfang draws his Ōdachi.

Ruby's eyes widened, "OH NO!"

Shirou looked and saw the weapon and his eyes widened calling to Diabel. "Oh shit! Diabel, look out! That's not a Talwar! It's an Ōdachi!"

"What's the difference?!" Diabel ask still running towards Illfang.

"Well, a Talwar is of Indian descent while an Ōdachi is Japanese! While both are primarily slashing weapons, the Talwar was favored by cavalrymen, as opposed to an Ōdachi which was mainly used for dick measuring!" As Shirou is talking, Illfang starts jumping off the walls.

" What's your point?!" Diabel asked impaintely.

"Well if you let me finish, I was getting to that! You see…"

Diabel gets hit by Illfang, screaming in pain.

Many of the huntsmen and huntresses in the theater either gasped in fear or looked away at the surely doomed player.

"What's happening? Did I miss something?" Fox called out.

"Oops." Shirou sheepishly said.

Illfang hits Diabel again, sending him flying.

"DIABEL!" Kibaou yelled out.

Illfang pops down in front of Kibaou and roars. A message pops up "Bonus Item: Soiled Pants". Above Kibaou

"Hey, rare drop!' A player said cheerfully.

Mercury laughed at the joke while most of the others were disgusted by the fact that that achievement was unlockable.

Shirou runs over to Diabel and holds him up.

" I was trying to say an Ōdachi's a little bit longer than a Talwar, so it'll have more reach and do a bit more damage."

"And why couldn't you say that first?" Diabel asked weakly

"Yeah you dummy! You almost might've killed him!" Ruby cries out.

Whitley was actually taken aback by that statement. Sure he had moments of pride and arrogance, sometimes he looked down on people but he didn't believe he would ever intentionally kill someone.

" I like to think of myself as a teacher. Anyway, drink this."

Shirou tries to give Diabel a healing potion but he stopped Shirou shaking his head.

"No. It's better this way. I just can't do it anymore. I had such high hopes at first. But now? Our best player is a girl who thinks DPS is some kind of sex thing." Both turned to glance to Fiona.

"I know. It's weird, right?"

Fiona sulked more into her chair.

"You're clearly not like the rest of them. How do you stand it, Shirou? Where do you draw your strength?" Diabel look at Shirou like a sage.

Shirou sigh and drops his wisdom onto him. "I've been playing MMO's a long time, Diabel, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that lions do not concern himself with the opinions of sheep. Just take that little voice in your head that tells you to be tactful and understanding... and shoot it. Shoot it in the goddamn face."

" You are so wise. If only I'd met you sooner. Perhaps, things would have been different. You must lead them now. Show them this game can be beaten." Diabel let's go of Shirou wrist.

Weiss was taken aback that this man was actually willing to place trust in this alternate of her brother. This stranger who barely even knows him placed the lives of all the players into his hands. Much like how she tried to trust Whitley once… this caused a bitter frown to grow on her face in recollection. Even if this was a different version of him, it was still Whitley in her eyes.

Shirou smiles fondly at Diabel. "Another life... in another time... I think we could have been friends."

"I... doubt it." Diabel gasps out before turning to shattered glass, dying.

" Well fuck you, too!" Shirou said angrily his smile dropping into a frown.

Fiona slips in by Shirou's side and began to lay out a plan.

"Alright, Shirou. Here's what we'll do. One counters his blows to knock him off balance and the other switches in to attack. Rinse. Repeat. Victory."

Shirou looked at her with one eye. "You came up with that, but you can't open a menu."

"Shut up!" Fiona cried out.

Illfang roars and they take off running toward him.

"Alright, so you counter and I'll attack!" Shirou yelled to Fiona.

"What? No, it's my plan! I should attack!" Fiona yelled back.

"Fine, just get ready!"

Shirou makes a battle cry and counters Illfang's attack.

"SWITCH!"

Fiona moves in and gets her cloak destroyed by Illfang before attacking revealing white curly hair and sheep ears.

" See? You almost got yourself killed! I'll attack him!" Shirou yelled again and began to attack Illfang.

"Oh, that was a fluke, and you know it! He's mine!" Fiona yelled back.

Fiona attacks Illfang.

"Oh shit. They're actually giving that boss the work!" Coco called out.

"He's mine!" Shirou yelled.

Shirou blocks Illfang's next attack, but Fiona attacks him before Shirou can do so himself.:

"Mine!" Fiona screams

"NO! HE'S! MIIIIIIIIIIINE!"

Shirou slices Illfang and he explodes. Everyone is stunned. Lame party kazoo sound effect and a banner with the word "CONGRATULATION" appears.

"Yeah!" A player cheer.

This caused almost everyone in the audience to laugh. Despite the dark humor of it all, it was still pretty hilarious.

"What happened? Did they win?" Fox asks

"Oh yes, I'm sorry Fox! They beat the boss and a victory banner came out."

"...heh." Fox chuckled.

Shirou is panting. He gets an item as a reward for defeating the Boss.

"Congratulations!" Velvet said, patting him on the back. "That was even more impressive than that cat that learned to play."

Cut to a player with a cat's head, with another player staring at it.

"Meow."

"Huh what did you know?" Yang replied.

"Oh my god! You guys can see it too?! So I'm not crazy! Isn't that great, Jesus?!" We see things from the players' perceptive, with a giant hallucination of Jesus Christ looming over the crowd.

"That's right, Jeffrey. Now... kill them all." Jesus said, his voice growing darker.

"As you command, my Lord." Jeffrey whispered.

"Somethings very wrong with that guy." Qrow states.

"I honestly agree with you, Branwen… Blegh! That left a horrible taste in my mouth." Winter stated.

Cut back to Velvet talking to Shirou. The other players are applauding his victory.

"You've led us to victory, Shirou. These men and I will follow you to hell itself. Now... address your people." Velvet is smiling and pushing Shirou to the crowd.

Shirou gets up and smirks. "I always knew this day would come. Ahem. Fellow gamers! We have traveled far and up many stairs to get to this point. Fighting side by side, noobs, and leets, alike. I'd like to take a moment to say that I couldn't have done it without the help of each and every one of you."

"Aw, that's a nice thing to say-" Velvet was cut off when Shirou counties.

"Of course, I'm not a liar, so I'm not gonna say any of that."

"Oh shit."

"I thought as much." Weiss states.

Shirou grins look at the group. "I mean, really. I could've done this whole Boss Fight myself. But to be fair, I guess you did absorb a bit of damage for me, which was nice. You were an adequate meat shield, and no one can ever take that away from you."

"Fuck. Fuck! Shut up! SHUT UP!" Velvet started to say.

"So for those of you who came in late, and that one guy playing Bejeweled back there... shoot for the stars... it'll make it more fun when I kick you back into the dirt."

"You're not better than us!" Kiaboru said.

"Yeah! What makes you think you're so cool?!" Nora shouts to the screen.

Shirou equips the coat he got for beating Illfang and smugly looks at the group."My sweet-ass coat begs to differ."

"Dammit, he's got us there." one player muttered.

Shirou ascends the stairs out of the Boss Room. Fiona follows him and grabs him by the shoulder. "Shirou, wait!"

Those in the audience looked on at Fiona's alternate in hope. Surely she could turn him around after their excellent display of partnership.

"I want half." She said, staring at him blankly.

That hope was quickly squashed, shot at, and finally burned to death via gasoline and cracking a fire dust crystal.

Shirou turns to her confused. " I'm... sorry. What?!"

"I want half the coat. I did half the work, I should get half the coat." Fiona explain and extends her hand for him give it to her.

"No! It's not fabric I can cut! It's just a bunch of 1s and 0s!" Shirou was getting frustrated.

"Fine, then give me the 1s."

" Fuck you! I want the 1s!" He groans and open the menu. "I am not having this argument. I'm disolving this party." Shirou opens his menu and "Di-solves" their party.

"Shirou! If you walk away with my half of the coat, I will make your life a living hell!" Fiona screamed.

"You know what? Fine! I'll give you the damn coat! Just send me a trade request."

"A... what?"

Fiona's eyes widened as she watched from the theater, "No…"

Shirou grins viciously "Oh, it's quite simple really... Just open your menu." Shirou starts laughing maniacally as he walks out the doors as Fiona screams at him:"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" At him.

Outro Plays.

Fiona screams, "I can't believe the nerve of that-! GRAAAAH!"

"Can you please stop screaming! You're going to cause everyone's ears to bleed." Whitley said while using a handkerchief to rub his ears.

Fiona huffed then matched off, going to another place in the theater.

"Well that was interesting. So you all say there's other viewings where we see other worlds besides this one." Coco asked the group.

"Oh yeah, we've seen a couple worlds ourselves, but only a handful I'd say." Yang admits.

"Well as long as we're here, we might as well take time to catch up." Velvet smiled.

"Yeah, this will be great! It's almost like we're back at Beacon, right Weiss? ...Weiss?" Ruby looks beside her but noticed that her partner was not with them anymore.

In another side of the theater, the all three Schnee siblings stand together. Both of the youngest siblings look at Winter who brought them here.

Winter clears her throat, "I understand that there are some… tension between the three of us during this viewing. So I asked you both here so that we may come to terms with our situation."

Weiss scoffs, "Come to terms with him! I highly doubt that."

Whitley crosses his arms, "Yes it does seem like a lost cause Winter."

"Enough! Both of you!" Winter raised her voice causing both of her younger siblings to go rigid. "I'm not expecting you to get along or even apologize to each other at the moment. What I ask is if you two can at least act civil with one another while in the theater?"

Both Weiss and Whitley looked at each other and sneered at each other.

"Why of course I can be civil with Whitley. It is a virtue of a lady to be civil at all times." Weiss said with hidden venom.

"Quite true, but being civil is also a quality an heir of the Schnee family must cultivate as well. So I look forward to spending this immeasurable amount of time with you my sisters." Whitley said with his best presentable smile.

"Yes, how I enjoy us taking this time to reacquaint with each other." Weiss said while one of her eyes was twitching.

"Well then sister, shall we?" Whitley gestured for Weiss to go ahead of him. Almost would have been believable if one did not notice the glint in his eyes and his strained smile.

Winter watched as both Weiss and Whitley walked back to the auditorium where everyone else had remained.

"...This can only end badly."

Hope you enjoyed.

[ahlis-xiv]

The Headcanon Master Post: Ahlis Ildilayan (ARR + HW)

Alright everybody! This has been put off for far too long, but that’s what happens when you wrap up the MSQ twice in two months in a mad dash before Stormblood (never again). A few things I want to mention before getting this underway though...

This post will cover many of the personal head canons I have for my main character Ahlis Ildilayan. These will all most likely be for the Warrior of Light (WoL) verse but if there are any discrepancies I’ll note ‘em. If I update this in the future I’ll probably reblog this same post but Stormblood is going to get it’s own post most likely, so I’m looking forward to drafting that in the future!

Now without further ado...let’s get to it!

The Little Things

Ahlis does not favor the cold very much and this takes form in a number of ways. She dislikes the snow and cold rainstorms as well as disapproving of cold confectionery food items like ice cream or iced drinks. What can I say, she’s prone to brain freezes lol.

She loves particular bathing rituals such as using fragrant bath salts and body oils. It’s a luxury she came to know in her years living in Ul’dah and when she can afford to indulge herself she visits the Sapphire Exchange and visits her favorite vendor in the city to browse for the latest scents to arrive.

Her favorite color is purple, the darker the better. Common dyes used in her armor are currant, grape and gloom purple. She also likes red, white, gray and gold.

Ahlis almost always wears her hair long and free with little styling beyond a good comb through every day to look presentable. At night she braids it loosely to prevent tangles which also enhance her hair’s natural wavy look.

Her headband is almost never out of sight. It belonged to her mother and was originally tied to her mother’s spear.

Ahlis knows how to play the harp, having learned it from her mother in her youth. 

Habits

Ahlis is first to turn to her books when she is bored, agitated or is in need of a distraction. She spends much of her time reading theory on arcanima and the practice of writing with the special metal dyes used to illustrate geometries.

Her hands are always doing some sort of movement, be it tapping an armrest while sitting or twirling her hair. It’s almost always while she’s thinking or preoccupied with something.

Ahlis always makes sure to smell her tea before taking her first sip. She finds it very therapeutic, especially if the brew is particularly fragrant or soothing. She adds nothing to her tea either; no sugar or milk or cream and certainly no birch syrup!, preferring it to taste it as-is.

She prefers her baths to be very hot, an experience she finally managed to indulge in fairly regularly when living in Ul’dah. Cold bathing to her is terrible.

Ahlis is still prone to episodes of hoarding personal possessions, a past behavior she developed due to her years as a refugee. Clutter is something she struggles with to this day.

Money management is another issue she has to contend with due to never having to handle it very much as a youth. She’s gotten better over the years and knows how to make a budget and how to save, so...improvement!

Character Background & History

Ahlis’s family originally hailed from the city of Ala Mhigo of Gyr Abania. She was a young child of 6 to 7 years old when both her and her mother escaped the city during the Garlean invasion twenty years ago. Her father, who remained behind, perished with many other Ala Mhigans in the aftermath.

In the years following Ala Mhigo’s fall Ahlis traveled all across Eorzea in the search of succor and safety from those who sympathized with the Ala Mhigans plight. They were not very lucky and were often on the move for weeks or months at a time; from Gridania to Coerthas they traveled with other refugees like themselves. Ahlis’s mother, who still retained her pride despite their hardships, did not beg for handouts or steal like some of the other refugees. Instead, she used her skills as a songstress & musician to stir the sensibilities and appreciation from any passerby when they stayed in towns and hamlets on their travels. This is how Ahlis learned of her nation’s history, culture and stories, as well as her skill with the harp.

Ahlis’s mother died five or so years after the fall of Ala Mhigo when they were attempting to settle in the region of Central Coerthas with other refugees. Much of the details concerning her death are conjecture: the only remnants of where her mother had gone involved a broken spear, for which she used to hunt with, and blood. Ahlis had reached out for aid from the local Ishgardian knights but they refused, deeming the task too menial and unworthy of their efforts. Needless to say this fostered a deep grudge for many years following her mother’s death.

In the interim from losing her mother to the very long journey south to Ul’dah, Ahlis had to rely on her fellow countrymen for survival as she traveled in a small caravan-of-sorts for better opportunities beyond the Coerthan highlands. It wasn’t a very pleasant time in her life, as some of the men were prone to doing whatever they saw fit to putting food in their bellies as well as departing from their group to take up banditry. The experience inevitably soured some of her opinions regarding other refugees.

Upon reaching Ul’dah Ahlis almost immediately got into trouble with some local thugs and caught the attention of the local authorities. Fortunately for her however one member of the Brass Blades, a roegadyn woman by the name of Precious Spinel, recognized her family name due to a friendship she held with her father during his youth as a traveling swordsman. This family friend was a literal godssend: by helping Ahlis get on her feet in Ul’dah it prevented her from falling into poverty that many outsiders, especially refugees, ended up in.

Ahlis became fully literate in her years staying in Ul’dah, as well as acquiring her first real employment as a guard & informant between the Brass Blades and Immortal Flames. When she wasn’t working she was practicing her writing, numbers and reading with encouragement from hired tutors, all of which was funded by Precious. She also expanded her repertoire with swordplay while working in the Brass Blades and from lessons taught by Precious. Her exposure to thaumaturgy also began here (this will be expanded upon later).

The events leading up to the Battle of Carteneau Flats and the actual battle itself are memories that Ahlis either does not remember clearly, or she doubts their veracity as to what, or how much, she truly accomplished. All that she knows for certainty is that her aether was inadvertently affecting in some manner, and that her abilities with the Echo were enhanced/manifested in its aftermath.

In the time following the Calamity and as she healed Ahlis found herself bewildered and bereft on what to do; her aether had become more unstable and volatile which made for uneasy spell casting as well as a heightened sensory perception of aether as a whole. Her memories were messy as well, the Echo adding further confusion as to what, or whose, visions she was recalling

 Roughly a year as being on the mend and faced with her own abilities, Ahlis decided to leave Ul’dah to go on a sort of sabbatical/personal journey on her own. Eventually her path took her to Limsa Lominsa, her mind and management of her aether (as well as the emotional turmoil it had dealt) in a deteriorating state. As a last ditch effort she went to the Arcanist’s Guild for aid, which they were able to help provide.

Studying and understanding arcanima, as well as learning how to discipline oneself and to effectively manage her unstable aether, allowed for Ahlis to center herself and find a new purpose as a teacher and researcher of the guild once she proved herself capable and felt comfortable enough to do so.

Personal player note: Ahlis never speaks about this to anybody, as it is a source of personal contention and confusion for her. This was also the event that triggered new abilities in the Echo to further manifest and grow in intensity. Being scouted and recruited into the Scions was risky in her eyes but worth seeking more answers concerning the Echo.

Class/Job & The Mantle of the Black

Ahlis did not receive any sort of formal schooling or tutelage until she was a young teenager of about 12 to 13 years of age. She spent her early years in Ul’dah playing a vigorous game of “catch-up” to become more literate as well as learning mathematics. Ahlis spent much of her time learning, encouraged by her friend who assisted her studies as well as by her tutors who saw in her a capability to become a scholar.

Curiosity eventually led Ahlis to the thaumaturgist guild within the Arrzaneth Ossuary in Ul’dah as their collection of various texts covered numerous topics of study, many of which she had never touched upon. Aether manipulation in combat was something Ahlis took a keen interest in and spent much of her time listening to the guildmaster Cocobuki and his brother on the subjects of battle strategy.

Player’s note: Ahlis does not consider herself a devout follower of Nald’thal or to the Order. While she may feel partial guilt due to feeling deceptive towards the Ossuary’s keepers she is also unapologetic to acquiring the knowledge and resources in doing so.

The soul crystal Ahlis has in her possession is one she ended up taking when a rogue black mage of the amal’jaa assaulted her in southern Thanalan on what was supposed to be a routine exploration of some of the ruins near the Sunken Temple of Qarn. Finding the magics they had used to be unlike any seen before, she examined the amal’jaa’s corpse and found the soul crystal. 

This soul stone is unique in that upon its surface there are inscriptions using symbols and characters which are undecipherable to Ahlis, having no understanding of the script. Over time, as she had slowly learned to read the old inscriptions, she learned each black magic spell.

Although this discovery has afforded Ahlis new, and quite powerful spells, it has also deeply affected her understanding of magic as a whole. Feeling responsible for taking the soul crystal for herself and learning of its secrets has become a burden that she knows she must protect and guard lest she allow it to fall into dangerous hands.

Personal player note: I do not foresee myself RPing as a black mage in game, however on Tumblr or in other places such as Discord it’s certainly possible depending on the plot. For all other intents and purposes Ahlis is an arcanist and researcher of Limsa Lominsa where her focus of study is aether manipulation in defensive and offensive battle tactics. 

Another personal player note: red mage is certainly a strong possibility in the future for Ahlis but that will be added under the Stormblood head canons in the future!

Places

Gridania: Ahlis loves the Black Shroud and finds its beauty to be very soothing despite the hardship she found as a refugee. Finding aid from the peoples in the Shroud and from Gridania was nonexistent as the forest was the first stopping point in her journey from Ala Mhigo with her mother, so they did not remain there very long. Years later however, if Ahlis has an opportunity to see the Shroud, she accepts it.

Ul’dah: Ul’dah was her home for the better part of a decade and was the city where she began to come into her own. Ahlis was finally able to become more educated and her knack for learning blossomed under the various tutelage the city had to offer, namely from the thaurmaturgist’s guild. Her tenure with the Brass Blades however exposed her to the everyday struggle and disenfranchisement of the poor, many of whom her fellow refugees. 

Limsa Lominsa: Ahlis fell in love with this city almost from the get-go. Being near the sea again enlivened her spirits greatly, and the atmosphere and bustling energy of the people certainly played a part as well. While not entirely a fan of piracy and the typical ne’er-do-wells that frequent everywhere from the piers to the Drowning Wench, Ahlis finds something infectious about Limsa. Maybe it’s all the fresh air and delicious fish soup she can eat...

Mor Dhona & the Rising Stones: Ahlis does not care very much for the area of Mor Dhona, considering how contorted it had become due to the Calamity (although she is sure the region has very interesting aether readings and fluctuation, as well as being a great area to practice channelling aether for spellwork), but Revenant’s Toll is a good place to call home away from practically everything else. For the short time she was there prior to fleeing towards Ishgard Ahlis took up a room at the Rising Stones and oftentimes retreated there when she could to sleep or to read.

Sharlayan: The curiosity Ahlis holds for this place is unending. She strongly wishes she had been able to see such a city before it fell into ruin and disrepair, and certainly before the goblins took over! She hopes, once all her other adventures and obligations are finally finished, she can go back to the great library within and do some sleuthing of her own.

The Coerthas Highlands & Ishgard: a frozen, hellish wasteland in her eyes. Very bleak and uninviting; the only glimmer of anything worthwhile are the allies she has there and that’s about it (e.g. Camp Dragonhead). Ahlis did see the highlands before the ice and snow covered everything all year round and found the climate much more agreeable then...the locals however, not too much. As for the city itself she finds the aesthetic of cold stone and towering holy edifices to their faith unappealing and self-serving. There is a small recognition on her part on the sheer architectural magnitude of the city that is impressive, though.

The Scions of the Seventh Dawn

Ahlis was recruited in Limsa Lominsa by Y’shtola for the Scions’ cause. It was also around this time that her connection with her abilities with the Echo intensified, making itself known for the first time in her life. It was an unpleasant, but fascinating, time for her.

Minfilia: Ahlis found herself impressed with Minfilia almost from the get-go with her ambition for the Scions and their mission. Although there wasn’t enough time for Ahlis to develop a deep enough friendship with the woman their connection via the Echo was there to foster a level of camaraderie and as kindred spirits. What she misses most of her is her levelheadedness and confidence.

Thancred: Thancred did not impress Ahlis whatsoever once she learned of his ‘ways’ with women. To her he was certainly playing with too much fire and no amount of poetry would sway her otherwise. It wasn’t until after the events in Ul’dah when he went missing and after they crossed paths again did Ahlis reconsider her feelings and she now finds him a reliable ally. 

Y’shtola: The amount of knowledge Y’shtola possesses on conjury, as well as with other topics such as the primals and aetheric behavior, makes Ahlis nigh enviable of her. Upon learning of her old mentor Master Matoya it only got even worse. Ahlis wishes greatly she had such opportunities as Y’shtola did when it came to exploring magic and aether manipulation, but it doesn’t get in the way of their working relationship, In fact, Ahlis has considered approaching her for instructions or, at the very least, assistance with such research.

Yda & Papalymo: A dynamic duo if there ever was one, Ahlis was never truly close to either of them, and it wasn’t until Yda’s great reveal after the former’s death that she took a stronger interest in her. Their relationship is sure to deepen once the liberation of Ala Mhigo and Gyr Abania begins in full force.

Urianger: An aloof and strange man, Ahlis never approached Urianger much and left him to his work. He’s a great resource of information and reliable in his assistance...however after the incident with the Warriors of Darkness she is certain she won’t develop anything deeper than a working correspondence. 

Tataru: A very helpful lalafell! Ahlis appreciates all the administrative work Tataru goes through for the sake of the Scions. Her strength of heart during their time in Ishgard left a strong impression on Ahlis as well, further cementing her positive opinion for her. Her taste in fashion sense leaves a lot to be desired though, as Ahlis cannot bring herself to wear the outfit she crafted by hand despite the detail and effort that went into it. Alas!

Alphinaud: Ah, everyone’s punk little brother. Ahlis would be lying if she didn’t find the boy insufferable early on, but in that annoying little sibling sort of way...which inevitably led to her feelings of endearment (Ahlis never had any siblings of course). Alphinaud was a staunch comrade during their time in Ishgard and, like Tataru, deepened her respect for him and his ability to persevere. His growing maturity is something Ahlis is proud of.

Alisaie: Ahlis wishes she had gotten to know Alphinaud’s sister much earlier! She has a fighting spirit and a no-nonsense attitude, things that Ahlis can certainly appreciate. If Alisaie was a bit older the two of them would probably be great friends. Ahlis looks forward to future endeavors with her.

NPCs

Admiral Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn: Ahlis admires the Merlwyb despite her notorious history as a pirate. Her demeanor and staunch position on how to lead the nation of Limsa Lominsa has left quite the impression on Ahlis...however after the events at the banquet in Ul’dah she was unable to stop feelings of bitterness as she watched the Admiral walk away with the other Alliance leader Kan-E-Senna without any offered support.

General Raubahn Aldynn: A fellow Ala Mhigan, Ahlis relates to the Flame General in a number of ways. Like him she managed to make a life for herself that didn’t involve the fall of Ala Mhigo hanging over her head...or so she likes to believe. She also spent years working with the Brass Blades and knew a number of others in the grand company as well; she understands life in Ul’dah is not easy whatsoever and she does not find his position as general enviable.

Elder Seedseer Kan-E-Senna: A respected Alliance leader, Ahlis knows little of the Padjal leader of Gridania aside from observing first-hand her gentle eloquence and wisdom. The same bitterness following the banquet was felt towards the Elder Seedseer but to a much lesser extent compared to that of the Admiral.

Ilberd Feare: Ahlis’s disgust towards this man knows no bounds. He is, and was, an affront to all Ala Mhigans everywhere and his actions are righteously despised. Ahlis still feels a bit of a fool for falling for his ruse in with the entire debacle with the Crystal Braves (although perhaps not as much as Alphinaud surely did).

Haurchefant Greystone: An unexpected friend and ally. Ahlis did not think she would find any companions during her ventures back into central Coerthas but Haurchefant was a welcomed exception. He (almost!) single-handedly encouraged Ahlis to reconsider her past discretions against Ishgardians and Coerthas, so positive was his influence upon her. When he was killed by Ser Zephirin during their mission into the Vault to stop the archbishop Ahlis swore vengeance and would not stop until his murderer was brought to justice.

Personal player note: it’s a damn crime we didn’t get a faceoff with Ser Zephirin in 3.0. It’s all I wanted!

Count Edmont, Ser Artoirel & Emmanellain: House Fortemps is an interesting household to say the least. She still feels slightly indebted to them for their willingness to have herself as well as Alphinaud and Tataru as wards, however their days in Ishgard have fostered a sense of kindred between them...something that was just as unexpected and surprising as her friendship with Haurchefant.

Estinien Wyrmblood: Ahlis would be lying to herself if she didn’t feel some level of intimidation upon seeing the Azure Dragoon for the first time. And while she did not expect to have him come along during her journey with Alphinaud to speak with the heretics in hopes of delaying the assault on Ishgard, she certainly didn’t expect to end up admiring the warrior despite his cold and sometimes callous behavior.

Personal player note: Ruthlessness is a helluva drug!

Ysayle/Lady Iceheart: Every since they saw each other face-to-face, Ahlis knew ‘Lady Iceheart’ was not like any other foe she had faced before. To battle against another person with the Echo somehow felt wrong; she also has her to thank in planting the seeds in seeing many truths concerning the Dragonsong War. Ahlis knows their time together was very short, but she finds herself thinking about Ysayle from time to time, wondering if more could have been done before her untimely demise.

Personal player note: Ysayle deserved better.

Aymeric de Borel: The first impressions Ahlis felt upon meeting Ser Aymeric were not favorable. At the time the sour bitterness from the events in Ul’dah--losing the majority of the Scions, discarded by the Eorzean Alliance leaders, and fleeing death on top of it all--were still quite sharp and Aymeric was just another authority figure of a city-state she cared nothing for. Ahlis followed suit with Alphinaud in all their diplomatic proceedings, trusting in him to do what was best politically for the Scions in their time in Ishgard despite her internal reluctance. There was no real desire to become anything more than acquaintances with the lord commander during the Scions’ stay in Ishgard, although she ultimately came to respect him as both a leader and as a warrior during the events following the fall of the archbishop & the Heavens’ Ward knights. 

Personal player note: I could literally write a whole post about how I feel and how Ahlis feels about Ser Aymeric because I love the character a ton. But for the sake of brevity I’m keeping it as short as I can here. TL;DR if there ever was a slow burn for a friendship this is it.

Whew! I think that is everything, or close to it for the time being for head canons that include Heavensward. Thanks for reading and hopefully that gives a little more insight for my WoL character Ahlis!

Time for STORMBLOOD!

[wallythayer]

How Stress Affects Your Sex Drive

I gave a talk at a conference recently — the kind of talk I give all the time, about how couples can sustain strong sexual connections over multiple decades. People came up to me afterward and told me how helpful it was, how normalizing, how practical. Then, later that evening, I sat around a table with a group of women who had attended the event. We were drinking chardonnay and talking about sex — of course — when the woman across the table from me suddenly leaned forward and said, “But let’s be real, Emily. Sometimes it’s just not there. You don’t want it. And nothing on Earth can make you want it.”

“True,” I said.

“It doesn’t matter how much you love your partner,” she said. “Sometimes it’s just not there.”

“Yup,” I agreed. “Sometimes.”

“So . . .” she hesitated, her eyes filling with tears. “Where does it go?”

“And how do you get it back?” asked someone else, so quietly I couldn’t tell who it was. Around the table, heads were nodding.

Loss of desire isn’t just loss of sex. When desire diminishes, people wonder if there’s something wrong with them, and they feel as if they’re losing themselves. Or that there’s something wrong with their partner, and they’re losing their partner. Or they worry about the relationship and losing the love that bound them to this person in the beginning. Loss of desire begins to feel like loss of connection.

Yet a bajillion things can interfere with sexual desire, and only rarely is it because there’s anything “wrong.” Almost always, it’s neither you nor your partner, nor is it the relationship. To find the problem, you have to zoom out and look for a factor in the larger context that’s standing between you and your own sexual well-being.

And the single most common factor?

Stress.

Which is the bad news. Because everyone has stress.

But here’s the good news: Everyone can do something about it. And when you do, your sexual desire can come roaring back to life.

I want to tell you what I told those women that night and what I tell everyone — regardless of gender — who asks me, so that you too can recognize when stress has hijacked your interest in sex, and know how to get the desire back.

The Mind Matters

The first thing to understand is how sex actually works in the brain.

The brain has a sexual accelerator, or “gas pedal” — technically called the sexual excitation system — designed to notice all the sexually relevant stimuli in the environment. Anytime you see, hear, smell, touch, taste, or (crucially) imagine something that your brain codes as associated with sex, it sends a “turn on” signal.

It’s happening right now. The fact that you’re reading about sex is, just a little, sexually relevant. The smell of your partner’s skin, fresh from the shower. The sensation of that person’s lips on your shoulder. The memory of that time that person did that lovely thing to you. These are all sexually relevant stimuli.

Your brain also has a sexual “brake” — the sexual inhibition system. It’s not inhibition as in shy; it’s inhibition as in slowing down. The brake, too, is scanning the environment for everything you see, hear, smell, touch, taste, or imagine that it codes as a good reason not to be turned on. The kids are awake in the next room. You’re frustrated about work. You’re annoyed with your partner. You’re unhappy with your own body.

The standard advice for people struggling with sexual arousal, desire, or orgasm is to increase stimulation to the accelerator: add role-play, toys, erotica (which are great if you enjoy them). But when people are struggling, it’s rarely because there’s not enough stimulation to the accelerator. The problem is almost always that there’s too much stimulation to the brake.

All kinds of things can hit the brake: Relationship issues, trauma history, and body-image stuff are all key offenders. But the most common culprit — and the foundational condition the others activate — is stress. Stress from your job or family. Stress about your relationship. Stress about your own body. Stress from worrying about sex!

So, imagine you’re trying to drive a car . . . with the hand brake on. You might eventually get where you want to go, but you’ll take a lot longer, burn a lot more fuel, and maybe even damage the engine along the way.

Plus, in the accelerator–brake design of your sexuality, the frustration and judgment of Why is this taking so long?! Isn’t it supposed to be easier than this? adds even more pressure to the brake, so you slow down even more.

The first tip is this: Know that it’s completely normal for your sexual response to require more time and effort when you’re stressed, because stress is hitting your brake. You’re not broken; this is the sexual-response mechanism in your brain working appropriately in an inappropriate world.

Ironically, the more patient you are with yourself, the more readily your brake will release. The rest is about effectively offloading your stress.

“Sure, Emily,” you say. “I’ll manage my stress better. Piece of cake.”

Actually, it kind of is — once you know how stress works.

Understanding Stress

You’re probably familiar with the fight-or-flight stress response that involves adrenaline and cortisol and all the rest of it. What most people leave out, though, is that the stress response isn’t just a response; it’s a cycle. Like this:

Suppose you’re living in the African savanna, the environment where humans evolved many thousands of years ago. You’re there, minding your own business, when you spot a lion charging you. Instantly your body is flooded with stress hormones that prepare it for what happens next — which is, you run.

At this point, there are only two possible outcomes, right?

1) You could be eaten by the lion, in which case your sex life is no longer a problem.

2) Or you survive! Maybe you run back to the village, shouting for help, and everyone comes out and slaughters the lion, saving you. You and your loved ones enjoy a feast of roast lion. The next morning, hand in hand with people you love, you bury the parts of the carcass you won’t be using, giving thanks to the lion for its sacrifice.

That is the complete cycle: Alert! Action! Safety! Celebrate!

Fortunately, these days we are almost never chased by lions.

Unfortunately, however, our bodies respond to modern stressors more or less the same way they would if we were being chased by a lion. Horrible business meeting? Chased by a lion. Fight with your partner? Chased by a lion. Onslaught of toxic self-critical thoughts about your body when you try on a pair of jeans? Chased by a lion.

Since activation of the stress-response cycle is about survival, it makes perfect sense that all of these experiences hit the sexual brake. After all, suppose you’re in the process of running away from the lion, and your certain special someone says, “Hey, sweetie, would you like to have some sexytime tonight?”

Your response is probably something like, “Are you kidding me? How about you help me with this lion?!” Or, in 21st-century terms: “How about you help me with these kids/bills/dishes/social injustices/existential crises?!”

We are all in the middle of a lot of activated, incomplete stress-response cycles, and they’re keeping our brakes on. That’s the problem.

The solution is to get out of survival mode, complete the cycle, and release the sexual brake.

Complete the Stress Response

One approach that absolutely does not work to complete the cycle is telling yourself to calm down once the stressor is gone. Dealing with the stress is a separate process from dealing with the stressor; until you’ve dealt with the stress itself, your brain will keep the brake on. Your body needs you to do something.

Once upon a time, what we did to deal with the stressor also dealt with the stress — by design. We ran from the lion. This both saved us from being eaten and purged the stress hormones we released in response to the crisis.

These days, there is a fundamental disconnect between the behaviors that complete the stress-response cycle and those that effectively deal with the stressor. Let’s say, for example, that you’re stressed out by a toxic work colleague. Maybe you have a calm and productive meeting with your supervisor about strategies to work effectively with (and around) this difficult individual. That’s how you deal with the problem that is behind the stress.

But just because you’ve dealt with the problem doesn’t mean you’ve dealt with the stress itself.

You tell yourself you should feel good now that you’ve talked with your manager, to let it go, to stop thinking about it, and to stop feeling frustrated and annoyed.

But your body is still in being-chased-by-a-lion mode, and there’s nothing you can say that will convince it the lion is gone.

When you’re being chased by a lion, what do you do?

You run.

The same is true when you’re stressed out about work, family, life, or sex. Go for a run. Or a walk. Or head to Zumba, or practice yoga, or do whatever activity feels right for your body.

Movement is the most efficient way to complete the cycle, because it quickly cleans out the stress hormones. It tells your body you have escaped the threat and your body is once again a safe place to be.

Physical activity is just one of many ways to complete the cycle. Another is creative self-expression. I come from a family of musicians, so my people “sing it out.” My sister recently made up a little ditty called “Sometimes I Hate My Boss, But Then I Sing a Song About It.” It’s just those words, sung to a bouncy little tune, until she can laugh about it.

Maybe you knit or embroider. Maybe you cook. Maybe you draw; heck, maybe you color! Whatever mode of expression works to bring your body and mind into a place of calm and safety is the right one.

Dance is especially amazing for stress. If I were going to start a movement, it would be to teach everyone to partner dance. It involves physical activity, creative self-expression, and our third cycle-completion strategy — social connection.

The Power of Connection

Research shows that a little social connection can go a long way. Your pleasant interactions with the barista, the bank teller, or the bus driver all shift your body chemistry to a calmer state, as you’re reassured that you’re surrounded by people who aren’t enemies.

Even better, though, are the moments of laughter and play you experience with friends, family, kids, and partners. Warm, playful social interaction (whether rough-and-tumble or storytelling play) is a way to get back to the “village” and celebrate your survival. Your body knows it is safe now, because you are surrounded by your tribe.

Most powerful of all are the affectionate, intimate social connections with your partner. Marital therapist John Gottman, PhD, recommends the six-second kiss as one way to get and stay connected with your significant other. That’s one six-seconds-long kiss, not six one-second-long kisses.

Six seconds may not sound like much, but would you kiss someone you just met for that long? Would you kiss someone you were angry with for that long? A slow, deliberate kiss (rather than the hasty peck) requires that you notice that this person is there for you, that you like them, trust them, and enjoy feeling connected to them.

Another version of stress management through affection is the 30-second hug: an exercise many couples therapists use called “hugging till relaxed.” For this stress-response-cycle-completing hug, each person stands over their own center of balance and puts their arms around the other person, and they hold each other — yes, for 30 seconds, or even longer. Whatever it takes for your body to be convinced that you are home again, safe from the lion, in a place where you can celebrate.

The Magic Circle

This brings us to my favorite, and perhaps most revolutionary, strategy for completing the stress-response cycle: sex.

I don’t mean crazy, acrobatic sex or even the high romance of a movie scene. I mean you choose a time and place when everything else in your life gets set aside — work, kids, bills, everything — and you put your body in the bed. You let your skin touch your partner’s skin. You pay attention to the sensations.

Sometimes what will happen is one of your stressors will rise up like a demon between you and your partner. This creates a perfect opportunity to ask for support in dealing with it. You can also just notice and ask the demon to go watch a movie or something, because right now you’re busy enjoying your partner’s body and being touched.

More often what happens is your body wakes up and remembers, I really like this person! I really enjoy these sensations! And pleasure, so long restrained by your brake, is free to romp across the bed.

Here’s more good news: You don’t have to wait for “the mood.” Waiting for the mood is waiting for your life to be calm enough for you not to be stressed. Because many of us sustain a state of stress for years at a time, waiting for the mood usually means waiting indefinitely. And the more you wait, the more frustration, isolation, and worry builds up between you and your partner. Am I broken? Is my partner broken? Is our relationship doomed?

The mood comes when there’s enough stimulation on the accelerator and enough turning off the brake; that’s it. And a great way to help release the brake is to snuggle with and love your certain special someone.

This originally appeared as “Sex and Stress” in the July/August 2018 print issue of Experience Life.

Get the full story at https://experiencelife.com/article/how-stress-affects-your-sex-drive/

[jakehglover]

Chemotherapy Is Losing Its Luster

By Dr. Mercola

Surgery, drugs and radiation — aka the “cut, poison, burn” strategy — are typically the only solutions offered by most conventional oncologists to treat cancer, and upon receiving a cancer diagnosis most people are willing to do just about anything to get better. Unfortunately, the standard of care for cancer is not necessarily the most effective.

Research dating back over a decade suggests many women with breast cancer can opt for gentler versions of chemotherapy, or skip it altogether, without harming their chances of recovery. One 2007 study found some breast cancer patients had better outcomes when given Taxotere, a milder chemotherapy drug than Adriamycin, which had been the standard for decades.1

Another suggested the Oncotype DX test2,3 may be able to help determine whether a breast cancer patient might benefit from chemo by measuring the activity of 21 genes involved in cancer recurrence. At the time, Dr. Eric Winer of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston said,4 “We are backing off on chemotherapy and using chemotherapy more selectively." Now, a number of additional studies have come to the same conclusion: Many breast cancer patients do not need chemotherapy, and have better outcomes without it.

Many Cancer Patients Fare Better Without Chemo

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), many cancer patients are being overtreated to their detriment; an estimated 70 percent of women with early stage breast cancer probably do not need chemotherapy, and fare just as well without it.5 As reported by NPR:6

“One dramatic example revealed at the [2018 ASCO] meeting relates to the most common form of breast cancer, known as hormone-positive, HER-2 negative disease. For many women who have this diagnosis, but for whom the disease has not spread to lymph nodes, a new study7,8 finds that anti-hormone treatment after surgery is enough, and women won't benefit from rounds of toxic and uncomfortable chemotherapy.

Treatment of breast cancer for this large group of women will become easier. And for the many women who already choose not to undertake chemotherapy, they can be reassured that it's the right call. Likewise, researchers from France presented evidence that people with severe colon cancer don't benefit from a common treatment, which involves heated chemotherapy administered at the time of surgery.

This treatment has been in use for 15 years, without good evidence that it actually works … The study9 of 265 patients found that it didn't work … The study is ‘an excellent example of how less is more,’ when it comes to certain cancer treatments, says Dr. Andrew Epstein, an oncologist from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who spoke on behalf of ASCO.”

Genetic Testing Allows for Safer Treatment Protocols

In the case of breast cancer, ASCO confirms that the 21-gene test, which assesses your risk of cancer recurrence, is a valuable tool that helps spare women from unnecessary treatment. It’s been estimated that about half of all women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide have HER2-negative cancer, meaning it is a node-negative, hormone-receptor positive type of cancer, which is typically treated with a combination of estrogen-blocking drugs and chemo.

According to ASCO’s findings, women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer that test negative for HER2, and whose tumors are smaller than 5 centimeters, have not spread to the lymph nodes, and have an Oncotype DX score between 11 and 25 (out of a max score of 100), can forgo the chemo. 

For this study, more than 10,000 breast cancer patients were followed for an average of nine years. Just over 6,700 of them had Oncotype DX scores between 11 and 25, which is considered an intermediate risk. Half of this group received hormone therapy alone, while the other half received hormone therapy in conjunction with chemo.

At the end of the study, 83.3 percent of those who received hormone therapy alone had not developed a recurrence. Among the dual-treatment group, that percentage was 84.3 percent — a not statistically significant difference.

The survival rate was also near identical — 93.9 percent among those receiving hormone therapy alone versus 93.8 percent for those receiving both hormone therapy and chemo. According to Dr. Jeffrey Abrams, associate director of the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program:10

“These findings, showing no benefit from receiving chemotherapy plus hormone therapy for most patients in this intermediate-risk group, will go a long way to support oncologists and patients in decisions about the best course of treatment.”

Chemotherapy Takes a Toll on Long-Term Health

Previously, patients with this intermediate score have typically been treated with chemotherapy as a preventive measure, which often has devastating side effects, including hair loss, fatigue, cognitive decline, osteoporosis and heart problems, just to name a few. Numerous studies in both mice and human subjects have also shown that common chemotherapy drugs can foster tumor microenvironments for metastasis to occur later.

As just one example, a 2009 study11 found that long-term use of the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen — commonly prescribed for the prevention of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer — may actually increase your risk of developing a more aggressive, difficult-to-treat tumor fourfold. In other words, the very drug that’s supposed to help you can later harm you.

The side effects of chemo can also last a decade or more after treatment has ended. One 2006 study12 found that cancer patients who received chemotherapy had lower metabolism in a key region of the brain's frontal cortex, which translates into poorer memory. Scientists also noticed jumps in blood flow to the cerebellum and frontal cortex, a sign the brains of women who had chemo worked harder to perform normally than did healthy patients.

What's more, chemotherapy patients who underwent both hormone therapy and chemo also experienced an 8 percent drop in the resting metabolism in the basal ganglia. All of these effects — which explain the “chemo brain” or mental fog so often reported by those receiving chemo — were found to linger for at least 10 years post-treatment.

New Trend: More Cancer Patients Forgo Chemo Despite Lack of Change in Practice Guidelines

The good news is increasing numbers of cancer patients are now electing not to use chemo. A recent survey13 published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found the overall use of chemo declined from 34.5 to 21.3 percent between 2013 and 2015. More specifically, for node-negative cancers, usage declined from 26.6 to 14.1 percent, and for node-positive cancers, it declined from 81.1 to 64.2 percent. Use of Oncotype DX testing is thought to be responsible for about one-third of this decline in chemotherapy use.

According to the authors, “Patients’ report of oncologists’ recommendations for chemotherapy declined from 44.9 percent to 31.6 percent … Oncologists were much more likely to order RS [the 21-gene recurrence score] if patient preferences were discordant with their recommendations, and they adjusted recommendations based on patient preferences and RS results.”

To me, this is good news as it appears that more people are starting to take control of their own cancer treatment and care, which is encouraging. As noted by the authors of this survey, all of this happened in the absence of any substantial changes in practice guidelines. Overall, years of research supports the sanity of this trend.

Chemotherapy — Not Nearly as Effective as Most People Think

Despite its reputation as the gold-standard in cancer treatment, a meta-review14 published in 2004 showed chemotherapy has an average five-year survival success rate of just over 2 percent for all cancers — hardly the kind of success rate you’d expect from “gold standard,” evidence-based medicine. According to the authors:

“The overall contribution of curative and adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy to 5-year survival in adults was estimated to be 2.3 percent in Australia and 2.1 percent in the USA. As the 5-year relative survival rate for cancer in Australia is now over 60 percent, it is clear that cytotoxic chemotherapy only makes a minor contribution to cancer survival.

To justify the continued funding and availability of drugs used in cytotoxic chemotherapy, a rigorous evaluation of the cost-effectiveness and impact on quality of life is urgently required.”

Chemo Hastens Death When Given to Severely Ill Patients

Fast-forward 14 years, and the research still shows the same thing — chemotherapy is often contraindicated and hardly a reliable cure. Instead, it often does more harm than good when administered across the board. Another study,15 the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD), published in 2008, found more than 4 in 10 patients who received chemotherapy toward the end of life experienced potentially fatal effects.

Moreover, after reviewing data from over 600 cancer patients who died within 30 days of receiving treatment, it was found that chemotherapy hastened or caused death in 27 percent of those cases. As noted in a commentary on these findings, published in the BMJ that same year:16

“The … NCEPOD has reported that chemotherapy has probably hastened or caused death in over a quarter of patients who died within 30 days of receiving treatment. They suggest therefore, that greater caution be used in prescribing chemotherapy in very sick patients …

The reality is that patients receiving chemotherapy have been deemed to be fit by their oncologist. Currently, this is assessed, in the main, by performance status. However, although simple to use, it is recognized to be subjective and therefore determination of “fitness” and the selection of patients for chemotherapy is sub-optimal.

There is increasing evidence that the presence of a systemic inflammatory response, as evidenced by elevated concentrations of C- reactive protein and hypoalbuminaemia, are useful prognostic factors in patients with advanced cancer, independent of stage or treatment …

[E]levated C-reactive protein and hypoalbuminaemia may be combined in a simple, objective scoring tool, the Glasgow Prognostic score (GPS) … [W]e believe that the use of simple objective prognostic tools, such as the GPS, will improve the selection of patients for chemotherapy and reduce the number of chemotherapy associated deaths.”

Surgery Lowers Survival in Those With Advanced Kidney Cancer

Yet another study presented at the 2018 ASCO meeting showed patients with advanced kidney cancer do not need surgery. The French study,17 which looked at the outcomes of 450 patients, found “the surgery was pointless,” as the removal of the diseased kidney did not improve outcomes compared to those receiving chemotherapy alone.

In fact, those who received the chemo drug Sunitinib alone had a median survival of 18.4 months, while those who received both chemo and surgery had a median survival of just 13.9 months. According to lead study author Arnaud Méjean, a urologist at Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou—Paris Descartes University,18 “When medical treatment is required, cytoreductive nephrectomy should no longer be considered the standard of care for these patients with synchronous metastatic disease.”

Indeed, as noted by NPR,19 “There may be many other cancer treatments that are unneeded and possibly even harmful. Many longtime medical practices are based on tradition and thin evidence.”

Your Lifestyle Significantly Impacts Your Cancer Risk

As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and this certainly holds true for cancer. Optimizing your body’s ability to burn fat as its primary fuel by eating a cyclical ketogenic diet and/or fasting is a foundational aspect of both cancer prevention and treatment.

To learn more, please review “Metabolically Supported Therapies for the Improvement of Cancer Treatment,” in which Travis Christofferson and Dr. Abdul Slocum discuss how nutritional ketosis and fasting can radically improve treatment outcomes and minimize the need for chemo, even in advanced-stage and hard to treat cancer cases.

Detoxification is another crucial component, as most of us are inundated with thousands of toxins each day, many of which have carcinogenic potential. One of the simplest and perhaps safest ways is to use a low EMF, infrared sauna coupled with a near-infrared light, as your skin is a major organ of elimination.

Optimizing your vitamin D is another essential step, both for prevention and as an adjunct to treatment. For example, in a study20 published in 2010, data collected over a decade from more than 67,000 women showed that women in sunny climates with high vitamin D levels were at a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer. Other lifestyle strategies that will help minimize your cancer risk include the following:

Control your insulin level by limiting your intake of processed foods and sugars, especially fructose, as much as possible. This is one of the most powerful ways to reduce your cancer risk. By avoiding processed foods, you’ll also minimize your exposure to pesticides, herbicides, genetically engineered ingredients and factory farmed foods. Ideally, choose organic or biodynamic locally grown whole foods whenever possible.

Switch over to a cyclical ketogenic diet and then intermittent feasting and fasting. You'll find the exact steps detailed in my book, "Fat for Fuel."

Make sure your vitamin D and omega-3 levels are both optimized. For health and disease prevention, aim for a vitamin D level between 60 and 80 ng/mL and an omega-3 index of at least 8 percent.

Exercise. One of the primary reasons exercise works is that it drives your insulin levels down. Also make sure to get more movement into your waking hours. Simply sitting less can make a profound difference in your health.

Minimize your exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), including both wireless technologies and household wiring. To learn more, see “The Real Dangers of Electronic Devices and EMFs,” and “The Harmful Effects of EMFs Explained.”

Have a tool to permanently erase the neurological short-circuiting that can activate cancer genes. My particular favorite tool for this purpose is the Emotional Freedom Techniques.

Get seven to nine hours of high-quality sleep each night.

Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, household chemical cleaners, synthetic air fresheners and air pollution.

Boil, poach or steam your foods, rather than frying or charbroiling them to avoid the creation of acrylamide, a known carcinogen. Avoid all processed meats for the same reason.

Breastfeed exclusively for up to six months. Research shows this too will reduce your breast cancer risk.

Blood Tests That Help Reveal Your Cancer Risk

While a healthy diet and lifestyle are recommended for everyone, a number of standard blood tests can help you determine your cancer risk, thereby putting you on notice that more radical lifestyle intervention may be prudent. Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, whom I’ve interviewed on this topic, details these tests in her book, "The Cancer Revolution: A Groundbreaking Program to Reverse and Prevent Cancer." 

One such test is the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) test, also mentioned above, which is a nonspecific marker for inflammation. “It doesn’t tell me where the cancer is, but it tells me something is brewing,” Connealy says. Ideally, you’ll want your C-reactive protein to be below 1. Other valuable blood tests include:

• The hemoglobin A1C test, which reflects your blood sugar over the past 90 days. The reason for this test is because high blood sugar is a cancer-friendly environment

• A cancer profile test (fasting blood and urine) from American Metabolic Laboratories, which checks for:

◦ Quantitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

◦ Phosphohexose isomerase (PHI), the enzyme of hypoxia or low oxygen, which allows cancer to thrive

◦ Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA), a stress hormone

◦ Thyroid hormones, as low thyroid levels may predispose you to cancer

◦ Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), a liver marker and a sensitive screening tool for inflammation

◦ Arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide (ACEA), a nonspecific marker for many cancers

• ONCOblot, which can identify up to 33 tissue types of cancer and has a 95 percent accuracy rate. It measures the ENOX2 protein

• Circulating tumor cell test by the Research Genetic Cancer Center (RGCC). The vast majority of people die not from the tumor itself but from circulating cancer stem cells, which allow the cancer to metastasize and spread throughout the body. This test is used after cancer treatment, to determine whether or not you might need to continue an anticancer program. Connealy explains:

“Even if you have surgery, chemo or radiation, it will not eradicate or eliminate circulating tumor cells … The biggest cause of reoccurrence is the circulating tumor cells and stem cells … Anybody who’s had cancer must have their circulating tumor cells [or] stem cells checked quantitatively.

RGCC is not the only lab that does it, but … they’re in 13 countries [and] have the highest laboratory international certification you can have. It is, to me, probably the most accurate …” 

Treatment Alternatives: Cryotherapy, IPT Chemo and Hyperthermic Therapy

It’s important to realize that chemotherapy drugs are, by their very nature, extremely toxic and typically do not work with your body to modulate and normalize its response to allow the cancer to resolve normally and they do absolutely nothing to address the cause of the cancer. Natural approaches, on the other hand, do not have the types of fatal side effects common with cancer drugs because they work by optimizing your body's own natural healing capacities.

Fortunately, there are natural approaches that rival and/or exceed the limited effectiveness of conventional therapies, without the risks. In her book, Connealy discusses the use of a number of alternative treatment methods, such as cryotherapy, which is where you freeze the cancer cells. Cryotherapy typically works well for breast cancer. Connealy has treated 9-centimeter breast tumors with cryotherapy in combination with a cocktail of low-dose chemo and hypodermic mistletoe, successfully eliminating the tumor in a single month.

In patients with cancer in multiple locations, she will often use insulin potentiation therapy with low-dose chemotherapy. Connealy has done a great job of compiling a variety of valuable resources into her book, “The Cancer Revolution,” and if you or someone you love is faced with cancer, it’s definitely worth reading.

As for finding an open-minded oncologist or doctor willing to implement these kinds of integrative methods, an organization called The Best Answer for Cancer is a helpful resource that lists qualified physicians. You can find more information at www.bestanswerforcancer.org/. It's a hybrid nonprofit that services both integrative physicians and patients with cancer and other chronic disease.

from HealthyLife via Jake Glover on Inoreader http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/06/20/chemotherapy-losing-luster.aspx

[sherristockman]

Chemotherapy Is Losing Its Luster Dr. Mercola By Dr. Mercola Surgery, drugs and radiation — aka the “cut, poison, burn” strategy — are typically the only solutions offered by most conventional oncologists to treat cancer, and upon receiving a cancer diagnosis most people are willing to do just about anything to get better. Unfortunately, the standard of care for cancer is not necessarily the most effective. Research dating back over a decade suggests many women with breast cancer can opt for gentler versions of chemotherapy, or skip it altogether, without harming their chances of recovery. One 2007 study found some breast cancer patients had better outcomes when given Taxotere, a milder chemotherapy drug than Adriamycin, which had been the standard for decades.1 Another suggested the Oncotype DX test2,3 may be able to help determine whether a breast cancer patient might benefit from chemo by measuring the activity of 21 genes involved in cancer recurrence. At the time, Dr. Eric Winer of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston said,4 “We are backing off on chemotherapy and using chemotherapy more selectively." Now, a number of additional studies have come to the same conclusion: Many breast cancer patients do not need chemotherapy, and have better outcomes without it. Many Cancer Patients Fare Better Without Chemo According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), many cancer patients are being overtreated to their detriment; an estimated 70 percent of women with early stage breast cancer probably do not need chemotherapy, and fare just as well without it.5 As reported by NPR:6 “One dramatic example revealed at the [2018 ASCO] meeting relates to the most common form of breast cancer, known as hormone-positive, HER-2 negative disease. For many women who have this diagnosis, but for whom the disease has not spread to lymph nodes, a new study7,8 finds that anti-hormone treatment after surgery is enough, and women won't benefit from rounds of toxic and uncomfortable chemotherapy. Treatment of breast cancer for this large group of women will become easier. And for the many women who already choose not to undertake chemotherapy, they can be reassured that it's the right call. Likewise, researchers from France presented evidence that people with severe colon cancer don't benefit from a common treatment, which involves heated chemotherapy administered at the time of surgery. This treatment has been in use for 15 years, without good evidence that it actually works … The study9 of 265 patients found that it didn't work … The study is ‘an excellent example of how less is more,’ when it comes to certain cancer treatments, says Dr. Andrew Epstein, an oncologist from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who spoke on behalf of ASCO.” Genetic Testing Allows for Safer Treatment Protocols In the case of breast cancer, ASCO confirms that the 21-gene test, which assesses your risk of cancer recurrence, is a valuable tool that helps spare women from unnecessary treatment. It’s been estimated that about half of all women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide have HER2-negative cancer, meaning it is a node-negative, hormone-receptor positive type of cancer, which is typically treated with a combination of estrogen-blocking drugs and chemo. According to ASCO’s findings, women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer that test negative for HER2, and whose tumors are smaller than 5 centimeters, have not spread to the lymph nodes, and have an Oncotype DX score between 11 and 25 (out of a max score of 100), can forgo the chemo. For this study, more than 10,000 breast cancer patients were followed for an average of nine years. Just over 6,700 of them had Oncotype DX scores between 11 and 25, which is considered an intermediate risk. Half of this group received hormone therapy alone, while the other half received hormone therapy in conjunction with chemo. At the end of the study, 83.3 percent of those who received hormone therapy alone had not developed a recurrence. Among the dual-treatment group, that percentage was 84.3 percent — a not statistically significant difference. The survival rate was also near identical — 93.9 percent among those receiving hormone therapy alone versus 93.8 percent for those receiving both hormone therapy and chemo. According to Dr. Jeffrey Abrams, associate director of the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program:10 “These findings, showing no benefit from receiving chemotherapy plus hormone therapy for most patients in this intermediate-risk group, will go a long way to support oncologists and patients in decisions about the best course of treatment.” Chemotherapy Takes a Toll on Long-Term Health Previously, patients with this intermediate score have typically been treated with chemotherapy as a preventive measure, which often has devastating side effects, including hair loss, fatigue, cognitive decline, osteoporosis and heart problems, just to name a few. Numerous studies in both mice and human subjects have also shown that common chemotherapy drugs can foster tumor microenvironments for metastasis to occur later. As just one example, a 2009 study11 found that long-term use of the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen — commonly prescribed for the prevention of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer — may actually increase your risk of developing a more aggressive, difficult-to-treat tumor fourfold. In other words, the very drug that’s supposed to help you can later harm you. The side effects of chemo can also last a decade or more after treatment has ended. One 2006 study12 found that cancer patients who received chemotherapy had lower metabolism in a key region of the brain's frontal cortex, which translates into poorer memory. Scientists also noticed jumps in blood flow to the cerebellum and frontal cortex, a sign the brains of women who had chemo worked harder to perform normally than did healthy patients. What's more, chemotherapy patients who underwent both hormone therapy and chemo also experienced an 8 percent drop in the resting metabolism in the basal ganglia. All of these effects — which explain the “chemo brain” or mental fog so often reported by those receiving chemo — were found to linger for at least 10 years post-treatment. New Trend: More Cancer Patients Forgo Chemo Despite Lack of Change in Practice Guidelines The good news is increasing numbers of cancer patients are now electing not to use chemo. A recent survey13 published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found the overall use of chemo declined from 34.5 to 21.3 percent between 2013 and 2015. More specifically, for node-negative cancers, usage declined from 26.6 to 14.1 percent, and for node-positive cancers, it declined from 81.1 to 64.2 percent. Use of Oncotype DX testing is thought to be responsible for about one-third of this decline in chemotherapy use. According to the authors, “Patients’ report of oncologists’ recommendations for chemotherapy declined from 44.9 percent to 31.6 percent … Oncologists were much more likely to order RS [the 21-gene recurrence score] if patient preferences were discordant with their recommendations, and they adjusted recommendations based on patient preferences and RS results.” To me, this is good news as it appears that more people are starting to take control of their own cancer treatment and care, which is encouraging. As noted by the authors of this survey, all of this happened in the absence of any substantial changes in practice guidelines. Overall, years of research supports the sanity of this trend. Chemotherapy — Not Nearly as Effective as Most People Think Despite its reputation as the gold-standard in cancer treatment, a meta-review14 published in 2004 showed chemotherapy has an average five-year survival success rate of just over 2 percent for all cancers — hardly the kind of success rate you’d expect from “gold standard,” evidence-based medicine. According to the authors: “The overall contribution of curative and adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy to 5-year survival in adults was estimated to be 2.3 percent in Australia and 2.1 percent in the USA. As the 5-year relative survival rate for cancer in Australia is now over 60 percent, it is clear that cytotoxic chemotherapy only makes a minor contribution to cancer survival. To justify the continued funding and availability of drugs used in cytotoxic chemotherapy, a rigorous evaluation of the cost-effectiveness and impact on quality of life is urgently required.” Chemo Hastens Death When Given to Severely Ill Patients Fast-forward 14 years, and the research still shows the same thing — chemotherapy is often contraindicated and hardly a reliable cure. Instead, it often does more harm than good when administered across the board. Another study,15 the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD), published in 2008, found more than 4 in 10 patients who received chemotherapy toward the end of life experienced potentially fatal effects. Moreover, after reviewing data from over 600 cancer patients who died within 30 days of receiving treatment, it was found that chemotherapy hastened or caused death in 27 percent of those cases. As noted in a commentary on these findings, published in the BMJ that same year:16 “The … NCEPOD has reported that chemotherapy has probably hastened or caused death in over a quarter of patients who died within 30 days of receiving treatment. They suggest therefore, that greater caution be used in prescribing chemotherapy in very sick patients … The reality is that patients receiving chemotherapy have been deemed to be fit by their oncologist. Currently, this is assessed, in the main, by performance status. However, although simple to use, it is recognized to be subjective and therefore determination of “fitness” and the selection of patients for chemotherapy is sub-optimal. There is increasing evidence that the presence of a systemic inflammatory response, as evidenced by elevated concentrations of C- reactive protein and hypoalbuminaemia, are useful prognostic factors in patients with advanced cancer, independent of stage or treatment … [E]levated C-reactive protein and hypoalbuminaemia may be combined in a simple, objective scoring tool, the Glasgow Prognostic score (GPS) … [W]e believe that the use of simple objective prognostic tools, such as the GPS, will improve the selection of patients for chemotherapy and reduce the number of chemotherapy associated deaths.” Surgery Lowers Survival in Those With Advanced Kidney Cancer Yet another study presented at the 2018 ASCO meeting showed patients with advanced kidney cancer do not need surgery. The French study,17 which looked at the outcomes of 450 patients, found “the surgery was pointless,” as the removal of the diseased kidney did not improve outcomes compared to those receiving chemotherapy alone. In fact, those who received the chemo drug Sunitinib alone had a median survival of 18.4 months, while those who received both chemo and surgery had a median survival of just 13.9 months. According to lead study author Arnaud Méjean, a urologist at Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou—Paris Descartes University,18 “When medical treatment is required, cytoreductive nephrectomy should no longer be considered the standard of care for these patients with synchronous metastatic disease.” Indeed, as noted by NPR,19 “There may be many other cancer treatments that are unneeded and possibly even harmful. Many longtime medical practices are based on tradition and thin evidence.” Your Lifestyle Significantly Impacts Your Cancer Risk As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and this certainly holds true for cancer. Optimizing your body’s ability to burn fat as its primary fuel by eating a cyclical ketogenic diet and/or fasting is a foundational aspect of both cancer prevention and treatment. To learn more, please review “Metabolically Supported Therapies for the Improvement of Cancer Treatment,” in which Travis Christofferson and Dr. Abdul Slocum discuss how nutritional ketosis and fasting can radically improve treatment outcomes and minimize the need for chemo, even in advanced-stage and hard to treat cancer cases. Detoxification is another crucial component, as most of us are inundated with thousands of toxins each day, many of which have carcinogenic potential. One of the simplest and perhaps safest ways is to use a low EMF, infrared sauna coupled with a near-infrared light, as your skin is a major organ of elimination. Optimizing your vitamin D is another essential step, both for prevention and as an adjunct to treatment. For example, in a study20 published in 2010, data collected over a decade from more than 67,000 women showed that women in sunny climates with high vitamin D levels were at a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer. Other lifestyle strategies that will help minimize your cancer risk include the following: Control your insulin level by limiting your intake of processed foods and sugars, especially fructose, as much as possible. This is one of the most powerful ways to reduce your cancer risk. By avoiding processed foods, you’ll also minimize your exposure to pesticides, herbicides, genetically engineered ingredients and factory farmed foods. Ideally, choose organic or biodynamic locally grown whole foods whenever possible. Switch over to a cyclical ketogenic diet and then intermittent feasting and fasting. You'll find the exact steps detailed in my book, "Fat for Fuel." Make sure your vitamin D and omega-3 levels are both optimized. For health and disease prevention, aim for a vitamin D level between 60 and 80 ng/mL and an omega-3 index of at least 8 percent. Exercise. One of the primary reasons exercise works is that it drives your insulin levels down. Also make sure to get more movement into your waking hours. Simply sitting less can make a profound difference in your health. Minimize your exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), including both wireless technologies and household wiring. To learn more, see “The Real Dangers of Electronic Devices and EMFs,” and “The Harmful Effects of EMFs Explained.” Have a tool to permanently erase the neurological short-circuiting that can activate cancer genes. My particular favorite tool for this purpose is the Emotional Freedom Techniques. Get seven to nine hours of high-quality sleep each night. Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, household chemical cleaners, synthetic air fresheners and air pollution. Boil, poach or steam your foods, rather than frying or charbroiling them to avoid the creation of acrylamide, a known carcinogen. Avoid all processed meats for the same reason. Breastfeed exclusively for up to six months. Research shows this too will reduce your breast cancer risk. Blood Tests That Help Reveal Your Cancer Risk While a healthy diet and lifestyle are recommended for everyone, a number of standard blood tests can help you determine your cancer risk, thereby putting you on notice that more radical lifestyle intervention may be prudent. Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, whom I’ve interviewed on this topic, details these tests in her book, "The Cancer Revolution: A Groundbreaking Program to Reverse and Prevent Cancer." One such test is the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) test, also mentioned above, which is a nonspecific marker for inflammation. “It doesn’t tell me where the cancer is, but it tells me something is brewing,” Connealy says. Ideally, you’ll want your C-reactive protein to be below 1. Other valuable blood tests include: • The hemoglobin A1C test, which reflects your blood sugar over the past 90 days. The reason for this test is because high blood sugar is a cancer-friendly environment • A cancer profile test (fasting blood and urine) from American Metabolic Laboratories, which checks for: ◦ Quantitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) ◦ Phosphohexose isomerase (PHI), the enzyme of hypoxia or low oxygen, which allows cancer to thrive ◦ Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA), a stress hormone ◦ Thyroid hormones, as low thyroid levels may predispose you to cancer ◦ Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), a liver marker and a sensitive screening tool for inflammation ◦ Arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide (ACEA), a nonspecific marker for many cancers • ONCOblot, which can identify up to 33 tissue types of cancer and has a 95 percent accuracy rate. It measures the ENOX2 protein • Circulating tumor cell test by the Research Genetic Cancer Center (RGCC). The vast majority of people die not from the tumor itself but from circulating cancer stem cells, which allow the cancer to metastasize and spread throughout the body. This test is used after cancer treatment, to determine whether or not you might need to continue an anticancer program. Connealy explains: “Even if you have surgery, chemo or radiation, it will not eradicate or eliminate circulating tumor cells … The biggest cause of reoccurrence is the circulating tumor cells and stem cells … Anybody who’s had cancer must have their circulating tumor cells [or] stem cells checked quantitatively. RGCC is not the only lab that does it, but … they’re in 13 countries [and] have the highest laboratory international certification you can have. It is, to me, probably the most accurate …” Treatment Alternatives: Cryotherapy, IPT Chemo and Hyperthermic Therapy It’s important to realize that chemotherapy drugs are, by their very nature, extremely toxic and typically do not work with your body to modulate and normalize its response to allow the cancer to resolve normally and they do absolutely nothing to address the cause of the cancer. Natural approaches, on the other hand, do not have the types of fatal side effects common with cancer drugs because they work by optimizing your body's own natural healing capacities. Fortunately, there are natural approaches that rival and/or exceed the limited effectiveness of conventional therapies, without the risks. In her book, Connealy discusses the use of a number of alternative treatment methods, such as cryotherapy, which is where you freeze the cancer cells. Cryotherapy typically works well for breast cancer. Connealy has treated 9-centimeter breast tumors with cryotherapy in combination with a cocktail of low-dose chemo and hypodermic mistletoe, successfully eliminating the tumor in a single month. In patients with cancer in multiple locations, she will often use insulin potentiation therapy with low-dose chemotherapy. Connealy has done a great job of compiling a variety of valuable resources into her book, “The Cancer Revolution,” and if you or someone you love is faced with cancer, it’s definitely worth reading. As for finding an open-minded oncologist or doctor willing to implement these kinds of integrative methods, an organization called The Best Answer for Cancer is a helpful resource that lists qualified physicians. You can find more information at https://ift.tt/2l2y7tE. It's a hybrid nonprofit that services both integrative physicians and patients with cancer and other chronic disease.

[giveuselife-blog]

Self-Defense Gadgets for Free

New Post has been published on https://giveuselife.org/self-defense-gadgets-for-free/

Self-Defense Gadgets for Free

It’s sad to think that Being Mad we have to consider arming or equipping ourselves to feel safe. The truth of the matter is, however, that violence can happen to anyone. A Personal Safety Device can help you avoid or escape a sudden attack. Should you carry one and, if so, what should you carry? Only you can decide.

The market is flooded with all kinds of gizmo’s and gadgets; guaranteed to ensure your safety and promising to instantly neutralize a violent assailant. Some are legit. The majority, unfortunately, are junk! Even good ones, if you don’t understand their proper use and limitations, can be a liability. How do you tell the difference?

If there is one thing I want to emphasize in this article, it’s this: if you are developing a realistic personal safety strategy, focus primarily on YOURSELF… not on a tool, toy or gadget. Your brain and your body are your most powerful personal safety “devices.” Your development in each of the “Seven Components of Self-Defense,” will have the greatest impact on your legitimate safety and sense of security.

Carrying free Self-defence gadgets, is it wrong or not?

If you are considering a Personal Safety Device, do your homework. Research what’s available and evaluate your options rigorously. Find one that you are comfortable with and suits your ability and personality. Easier said than done right? When evaluating the merits of a PSD, ask and answer the following questions…

1. Is it legal?

2. Will I carry it all the time?

3. Will it be immediately available when I need it?

4. Do I have legitimate confidence in my ability to use it?

5. Is it as effective as it has been held out to be?

6. Could it be taken away and used on me?

7. Am I physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to use it?

Let’s take a look at each question in greater detail:

1. IS IT LEGAL?

Are you willing to run the risk of being arrested and criminally charged for being in possession of an illegal weapon on the off chance that someday you may need it to protect yourself? Before investing in a PSD, find out if it’s legal to possess and carry where you live. A phone call to the community services branch of your local police department should be able to provide you with this information.

2. WILL I CARRY IT ALL THE TIME?

My guess is that people seldom leave their homes thinking, “Gee, I think I’ll go out and fend off a robber, rapist or mugger today!” What happens to most PSD’s is that they are quickly forgotten about and find their way to the bottom of a purse, the glove box of your car, or the back of a kitchen drawer. They won’t do you much good there! Is the device you are considering something practical enough to carry with you all of the time, discretely, without looking or feeling paranoid? If not, don’t waste your money.

3. WILL IT BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WHEN I NEED IT?

Even if you do carry it all of the time, will you be able to draw and ready it in time to use in the event of a sudden attack? Again, if it’s in your pocket or purse when you need it, it won’t do you much good. Is the PSD something that you will have ready, preferably in hand, if and when you need it?

4. DO I HAVE LEGITIMATE CONFIDENCE IN MY ABILITY TO USE IT?

Military and law enforcement research confirms that people who lack confidence in a technique or device will not resort to it in a stressful situation. Many people have been seriously hurt in violent encounters with a potential PSD in their hand. In the stress of the moment, they didn’t think to use it or doubted its’ ability to impact the situation. Perhaps they were afraid that it would only make matters worse. If you are thinking of carrying a PSD, are you prepared to learn how to use it and practice to become proficient with it?

5. IS IT AS EFFECTIVE AS IT HAS BEEN HELD OUT TO BE?

Over-inflated claims and quick-fix promises are the “cancer” of the self-defense business. Often, unscrupulous self-defense instructors and gadget salespeople exaggerate the benefits and capabilities of their systems and products.

Whenever you hear words like “guaranteed, quick, and easy” or claims that the product will subdue any and all assailants regardless of their size, strength or sobriety, it’s time to call, “bullshit!” Walk away, someone’s trying to rip you off!

Understand the psychological and physiological control principles associated with the PSD. In other words, how is it supposed to impact the assailant’s intent or behavior? What is the science behind the claims being made?

NOTHING works all of the time. Always acknowledge the limitations and potential failure of a PSD and have a backup plan.

6. COULD IT BE TAKEN AWAY AND USED ON ME?

This is probably the most common concern about personal safety weapons, and it’s a valid one. Are you prepared to use the device aggressively on a predator to protect yourself? Are you knowledgeable and skillful enough to retain the device if he attempts to take it away from you? Never carry a Personal Safety Weapon with the intent to “bluff” your assailant. If you are not prepared to use it decisively, don’t carry it!

7. AM I PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY PREPARED TO USE IT?

Carrying a personal safety device without investing the time to become knowledgeable and proficient in its use is a big mistake. It’s as useful as a pair of boxing gloves to someone who can’t punch or a tennis racquet to someone who doesn’t have a clue how to play the game.

You must prepare physically by practicing the necessary skills and techniques associated with the device (if it requires such skills). You must prepare mentally by knowing when and how to use it and the situations that would make it uses legal and appropriate. You must prepare emotionally by deepening your emotional and moral resolve to protect yourself.

Can you come up with any other questions yourself? Have I left you hanging by not taking you by the hand and recommending MY favorite personal safety devices? If you haven’t noticed by now, my predominant teaching angle is to promote responsibility and independent thinking in my students and readers. Don’t believe me, or anyone else, about what’s best for your safety until you test it out or think critically about it. You must become your own expert, make your own decisions and draw your own conclusions.

You should be asking yourself by now, “So what? How can I use this information?” Let me reiterate that I’m against the idea of carrying a PSD as a replacement for the physical, mental and emotional development that self-defense training has to offer. I am not, however, against carrying a PSD as a supplement to a comprehensive personal safety strategy. There are some valid ones out there. In fact, I demonstrate and even sell them at my self-defense seminars.

I also believe in the merits of training yourself to recognize and use “weapons of opportunity” in the event of a violent encounter. A weapon of opportunity is a common, every-day object that can be converted into a weapon during an encounter.

If you are looking for, considering or evaluating a personal safety device, don’t do it blindly or impulsively. Do your homework and some soul searching. Will it serve your needs? Will it improve your ability to respond and your sense of security? Does it “fit” your lifestyle and personality? Only you can answer those questions.

If you are interested in specific reviews or recommendations about PSD’s in future newsletters, let me know and we can explore the issue in greater detail.

Take care, train smart and stay safe…

self defence techniques for womens

self defence videos

Randy LaHaie Protective Strategies

Final Note:

I may have created a limited perception what a PSD is. Keep in mind that PSD’s are not necessarily exotic or concealable weapons with the potential to inflict injury. In fact, many of the best one’s are no such thing.

If I had to select just one PSD to carry myself (which I do) or recommend to a loved one, guess what it would be… a CELL PHONE! I could go on for an entire newsletter trumpeting the powerful personal safety benefits of a cell phone and the ability to summon help that they provide.calendar gadgets for windows 7 free download

If you can afford a cell phone, it’s one of the best personal safety investments you can make.

“Self-defense gadgets don’t cut it. Not even guns work for most people because they can’t use them safely and effectively. The advantage of a survival mindset over everything else is that it’s always with you and ready for immediate use. That’s crucial and lifesaving because when violence explodes the security of your world, there are no second chances and no time-outs to think it over and decide what to do.”

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[pagedesignpro-blog]

New Post has been published on Pagedesignpro

New Post has been published on https://pagedesignpro.com/self-defense-gadgets-carry-a-personal-safety-weapon/

Self-Defense Gadgets, Carry A Personal Safety Weapon

It’s sad to think that we have to consider arming or equipping ourselves to feel safe. The truth of the matter is, however, that violence can happen to anyone. A Personal Safety Device can help you avoid or escape a sudden attack. Should you carry one and, if so, what should you carry? Only you can decide.

The market is flooded with all kinds of gizmo’s and gadgets; guaranteed to ensure your safety and promising to instantly neutralize a violent assailant. Some are legit. The majority, unfortunately, are junk! Even good ones, if you don’t understand their proper use and limitations, can be a liability. How do you tell the difference?

If there is one thing I want to emphasize in this article, it’s this: if you are developing a realistic personal safety strategy, focus primarily on YOURSELF… not on a tool, toy or gadget. Your brain and your body are your most powerful personal safety “devices.” Your development in each of the “Seven Components of Self-Defense,” will have the greatest impact on your legitimate safety and sense of security.

If you are considering a Personal Safety Device, do your homework. Research what’s available and evaluate your options rigorously. Find one that you are comfortable with and suits your ability and personality. Easier said than done right? When evaluating the merits of a PSD, ask and answer the following questions…

1. Is it legal?

2. Will I carry it all the time?

3. Will it be immediately available when I need it?

4. Do I have legitimate confidence in my ability to use it?

5. Is it as effective as it has been held out to be?

6. Could it be taken away and used on me?

7. Am I physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to use it?

Let’s take a look at each question in greater detail:

1. IS IT LEGAL?

Are you willing to run the risk of being arrested and criminally charged for being in possession of an illegal weapon on the off chance that someday you may need it to protect yourself? Before investing in a PSD, find out if it’s legal to possess and carry where you live. A phone call to the community services branch of your local police department should be able to provide you with this information.

2. WILL I CARRY IT ALL THE TIME?

My guess is that people seldom leave their homes thinking, “Gee, I think I’ll go out and fend off a robber, rapist or mugger today!” What happens to most PSD’s is that they are quickly forgotten about and find their way to the bottom of a purse, the glove box of your car, or the back of a kitchen drawer. They won’t do you much good there! Is the device you are considering something practical enough to carry with you all of the time, discretely, without looking or feeling paranoid? If not, don’t waste your money.

3. WILL IT BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WHEN I NEED IT?

Even if you do carry it all of the time, will you be able to draw and ready it in time to use in the event of a sudden attack? Again, if it’s in your pocket or purse when you need it, it won’t do you much good. Is the PSD something that you will have ready, preferably in hand, if and when you need it?

4. DO I HAVE LEGITIMATE CONFIDENCE IN MY ABILITY TO USE IT?

Military and law enforcement research confirms that people who lack confidence in a technique or device will not resort to it in a stressful situation. Many people have been seriously hurt in violent encounters with a potential PSD in their hand. In the stress of the moment, they didn’t think to use it or doubted its’ ability to impact the situation. Perhaps they were afraid that it would only make matters worse. If you are thinking of carrying a PSD, are you prepared to learn how to use it and practice to become proficient with it?

5. IS IT AS EFFECTIVE AS IT HAS BEEN HELD OUT TO BE?

Over-inflated claims and quick-fix promises are the “cancer” of the self-defense business. Often, unscrupulous self-defense instructors and gadget salespeople exaggerate the benefits and capabilities of their systems and products.

Whenever you hear words like “guaranteed, quick, and easy” or claims that the product will subdue any and all assailants regardless of their size, strength or sobriety, it’s time to call, “bullshit!” Walk away, someone’s trying to rip you off!

Understand the psychological and physiological control principles associated with the PSD. In other words, how is it supposed to impact the assailant’s intent or behavior? What is the science behind the claims being made?

NOTHING works all of the time. Always acknowledge the limitations and potential failure of a PSD and have a back-up plan.

6. COULD IT BE TAKEN AWAY AND USED ON ME?

This is probably the most common concern about personal safety weapons, and it’s a valid one. Are you prepared to use the device aggressively on a predator to protect yourself? Are you knowledgeable and skillful enough to retain the device if he attempts to take it away from you? Never carry a Personal Safety Weapon with the intent to “bluff” your assailant. If you are not prepared to use it decisively, don’t carry it!

7. AM I PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY PREPARED TO USE IT?

Carrying a personal safety device without investing the time to become knowledgeable and proficient in its use is a big mistake. It’s as useful as a pair of boxing gloves to someone who can’t punch or a tennis racquet to someone who doesn’t have a clue how to play the game.

You must prepare physically by practicing the necessary skills and techniques associated with the device (if it requires such skills). You must prepare mentally by knowing when and how to use it and the situations that would make it’s use legal and appropriate. You must prepare emotionally by deepening your emotional and moral resolve to protect yourself.

Can you come up with any other questions yourself? Have I left you hanging by not taking you by the hand and recommending MY favorite personal safety devices? If you haven’t noticed by now, my predominant teaching angle is to promote responsibility and independent thinking in my students and readers. Don’t believe me, or anyone else, about what’s best for your safety until you test it out or think critically about it. You must become your own expert, make your own decisions and draw your own conclusions.

You should be asking yourself by now, “So what? How can I use this information?” Let me reiterate that I’m against the idea of carrying a PSD as a replacement for the phyiscal, mental and emotional development that self-defense training has to offer. I am not, however, against carrying a PSD as a supplement to a comprehensive personal safety strategy. There are some valid ones out there. In fact, I demonstrate and even sell them at my self-defense seminars.

I also believe in the merits of training yourself to recognize and use “weapons of opportunity” in the event of a violent encounter. A weapon of opportunity is a common, every-day object that can be converted into a weapon during an encounter.

If you are looking for, considering or evaluating a personal safety device, don’t do it blindly or impulsively. Do your homework and some soul searching. Will it serve your needs? Will it improve your ability to respond and your sense of security? Does it “fit” your lifestyle and personality? Only you can answer those questions.

If you are interested in specific reviews or recommendations about PSD’s in future newsletters, let me know and we can explore the issue in greater detail.

Take care, train smart and stay safe…

Final Note:

I may have created a limited perception what a PSD is. Keep in mind that PSD’s are not necessarily exotic or concealable weapons with the potential to inflict injury. In fact, many of the best one’s are no such thing.

If I had to select just one PSD to carry myself (which I do) or recommend to a loved one, guess what it would be… a CELL PHONE! I could go on for an entire newsletter trumpeting the powerful personal safety benefits of a cell phone and the ability to summon help that they provide.

If you can afford a cell phone, it’s one of the best personal safety investments you can make.”Self-defense gadgets don’t cut it. Not even guns work for most people because they can’t use them safely and effectively. The advantage of a survival mind-set over everything else is that it’s always with you and ready for immediate use. That’s crucial and lifesaving because when violence explodes the security of your world, there are no second chances and no time-outs to think it over and decide what to do.”

“Self-defense gadgets don’t cut it. Not even guns work for most people because they can’t use them safely and effectively. The advantage of a survival mind-set over everything else is that it’s always with you and ready for immediate use. That’s crucial and lifesaving because when violence explodes the security of your world, there are no second chances and no time-outs to think it over and decide what to do.”

[beingmad2017-blog]

Self-Defense Gadgets, Carry A Personal Safety Weapon

New Post has been published on https://beingmad.org/self-defense-gadgets-and-gizmos-should-you-carry-a-personal-safety-weapon/

Self-Defense Gadgets, Carry A Personal Safety Weapon

It’s sad to think that we have to consider arming or equipping ourselves to feel safe. The truth of the matter is, however, that violence can happen to anyone. A Personal Safety Device can help you avoid or escape a sudden attack. Should you carry one and, if so, what should you carry? Only you can decide.

The market is flooded with all kinds of gizmo’s and gadgets; guaranteed to ensure your safety and promising to instantly neutralize a violent assailant. Some are legit. The majority, unfortunately, are junk! Even good ones, if you don’t understand their proper use and limitations, can be a liability. How do you tell the difference?

If there is one thing I want to emphasize in this article, it’s this: if you are developing a realistic personal safety strategy, focus primarily on YOURSELF… not on a tool, toy or gadget. Your brain and your body are your most powerful personal safety “devices.” Your development in each of the “Seven Components of Self-Defense,” will have the greatest impact on your legitimate safety and sense of security.

If you are considering a Personal Safety Device, do your homework. Research what’s available and evaluate your options rigorously. Find one that you are comfortable with and suits your ability and personality. Easier said than done right? When evaluating the merits of a PSD, ask and answer the following questions…

1. Is it legal?

2. Will I carry it all the time?

3. Will it be immediately available when I need it?

4. Do I have legitimate confidence in my ability to use it?

5. Is it as effective as it has been held out to be?

6. Could it be taken away and used on me?

7. Am I physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to use it?

Let’s take a look at each question in greater detail:

1. IS IT LEGAL?

Are you willing to run the risk of being arrested and criminally charged for being in possession of an illegal weapon on the off chance that someday you may need it to protect yourself? Before investing in a PSD, find out if it’s legal to possess and carry where you live. A phone call to the community services branch of your local police department should be able to provide you with this information.

2. WILL I CARRY IT ALL THE TIME?

My guess is that people seldom leave their homes thinking, “Gee, I think I’ll go out and fend off a robber, rapist or mugger today!” What happens to most PSD’s is that they are quickly forgotten about and find their way to the bottom of a purse, the glove box of your car, or the back of a kitchen drawer. They won’t do you much good there! Is the device you are considering something practical enough to carry with you all of the time, discretely, without looking or feeling paranoid? If not, don’t waste your money.

3. WILL IT BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WHEN I NEED IT?

Even if you do carry it all of the time, will you be able to draw and ready it in time to use in the event of a sudden attack? Again, if it’s in your pocket or purse when you need it, it won’t do you much good. Is the PSD something that you will have ready, preferably in hand, if and when you need it?

4. DO I HAVE LEGITIMATE CONFIDENCE IN MY ABILITY TO USE IT?

Military and law enforcement research confirms that people who lack confidence in a technique or device will not resort to it in a stressful situation. Many people have been seriously hurt in violent encounters with a potential PSD in their hand. In the stress of the moment, they didn’t think to use it or doubted its’ ability to impact the situation. Perhaps they were afraid that it would only make matters worse. If you are thinking of carrying a PSD, are you prepared to learn how to use it and practice to become proficient with it?

5. IS IT AS EFFECTIVE AS IT HAS BEEN HELD OUT TO BE?

Over-inflated claims and quick-fix promises are the “cancer” of the self-defense business. Often, unscrupulous self-defense instructors and gadget salespeople exaggerate the benefits and capabilities of their systems and products.

Whenever you hear words like “guaranteed, quick, and easy” or claims that the product will subdue any and all assailants regardless of their size, strength or sobriety, it’s time to call, “bullshit!” Walk away, someone’s trying to rip you off!

Understand the psychological and physiological control principles associated with the PSD. In other words, how is it supposed to impact the assailant’s intent or behavior? What is the science behind the claims being made?

NOTHING works all of the time. Always acknowledge the limitations and potential failure of a PSD and have a back-up plan.

6. COULD IT BE TAKEN AWAY AND USED ON ME?

This is probably the most common concern about personal safety weapons, and it’s a valid one. Are you prepared to use the device aggressively on a predator to protect yourself? Are you knowledgeable and skillful enough to retain the device if he attempts to take it away from you? Never carry a Personal Safety Weapon with the intent to “bluff” your assailant. If you are not prepared to use it decisively, don’t carry it!

7. AM I PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY PREPARED TO USE IT?

Carrying a personal safety device without investing the time to become knowledgeable and proficient in its use is a big mistake. It’s as useful as a pair of boxing gloves to someone who can’t punch or a tennis racquet to someone who doesn’t have a clue how to play the game.

You must prepare physically by practicing the necessary skills and techniques associated with the device (if it requires such skills). You must prepare mentally by knowing when and how to use it and the situations that would make it’s use legal and appropriate. You must prepare emotionally by deepening your emotional and moral resolve to protect yourself.

Can you come up with any other questions yourself? Have I left you hanging by not taking you by the hand and recommending MY favorite personal safety devices? If you haven’t noticed by now, my predominant teaching angle is to promote responsibility and independent thinking in my students and readers. Don’t believe me, or anyone else, about what’s best for your safety until you test it out or think critically about it. You must become your own expert, make your own decisions and draw your own conclusions.

You should be asking yourself by now, “So what? How can I use this information?” Let me reiterate that I’m against the idea of carrying a PSD as a replacement for the phyiscal, mental and emotional development that self-defense training has to offer. I am not, however, against carrying a PSD as a supplement to a comprehensive personal safety strategy. There are some valid ones out there. In fact, I demonstrate and even sell them at my self-defense seminars.

I also believe in the merits of training yourself to recognize and use “weapons of opportunity” in the event of a violent encounter. A weapon of opportunity is a common, every-day object that can be converted into a weapon during an encounter.

If you are looking for, considering or evaluating a personal safety device, don’t do it blindly or impulsively. Do your homework and some soul searching. Will it serve your needs? Will it improve your ability to respond and your sense of security? Does it “fit” your lifestyle and personality? Only you can answer those questions.

If you are interested in specific reviews or recommendations about PSD’s in future newsletters, let me know and we can explore the issue in greater detail.

Take care, train smart and stay safe…

Final Note:

I may have created a limited perception what a PSD is. Keep in mind that PSD’s are not necessarily exotic or concealable weapons with the potential to inflict injury. In fact, many of the best one’s are no such thing.

If I had to select just one PSD to carry myself (which I do) or recommend to a loved one, guess what it would be… a CELL PHONE! I could go on for an entire newsletter trumpeting the powerful personal safety benefits of a cell phone and the ability to summon help that they provide.

If you can afford a cell phone, it’s one of the best personal safety investments you can make.”Self-defense gadgets don’t cut it. Not even guns work for most people because they can’t use them safely and effectively. The advantage of a survival mind-set over everything else is that it’s always with you and ready for immediate use. That’s crucial and lifesaving because when violence explodes the security of your world, there are no second chances and no time-outs to think it over and decide what to do.”

“Self-defense gadgets don’t cut it. Not even guns work for most people because they can’t use them safely and effectively. The advantage of a survival mind-set over everything else is that it’s always with you and ready for immediate use. That’s crucial and lifesaving because when violence explodes the security of your world, there are no second chances and no time-outs to think it over and decide what to do.”

[netmaddy-blog]

Self-Defense Gadgets for Free

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Self-Defense Gadgets for Free

It’s sad to think that we have to consider arming or equipping ourselves to feel safe. The truth of the matter is, however, that violence can happen to anyone. A Personal Safety Device can help you avoid or escape a sudden attack. Should you carry one and, if so, what should you carry? Only you can decide.

The market is flooded with all kinds of gizmo’s and gadgets; guaranteed to ensure your safety and promising to instantly neutralize a violent assailant. Some are legit. The majority, unfortunately, are junk! Even good ones, if you don’t understand their proper use and limitations, can be a liability. How do you tell the difference?

If there is one thing I want to emphasize in this article, it’s this: if you are developing a realistic personal safety strategy, focus primarily on YOURSELF… not on a tool, toy or gadget. Your brain and your body are your most powerful personal safety “devices.” Your development in each of the “Seven Components of Self-Defense,” will have the greatest impact on your legitimate safety and sense of security.

Carrying free Self-defence gadgets, is it wrong or not?

If you are considering a Personal Safety Device, do your homework. Research what’s available and evaluate your options rigorously. Find one that you are comfortable with and suits your ability and personality. Easier said than done right? When evaluating the merits of a PSD, ask and answer the following questions…

1. Is it legal?

2. Will I carry it all the time?

3. Will it be immediately available when I need it?

4. Do I have legitimate confidence in my ability to use it?

5. Is it as effective as it has been held out to be?

6. Could it be taken away and used on me?

7. Am I physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to use it?

Let’s take a look at each question in greater detail:

1. IS IT LEGAL?

Are you willing to run the risk of being arrested and criminally charged for being in possession of an illegal weapon on the off chance that someday you may need it to protect yourself? Before investing in a PSD, find out if it’s legal to possess and carry where you live. A phone call to the community services branch of your local police department should be able to provide you with this information.

2. WILL I CARRY IT ALL THE TIME?

My guess is that people seldom leave their homes thinking, “Gee, I think I’ll go out and fend off a robber, rapist or mugger today!” What happens to most PSD’s is that they are quickly forgotten about and find their way to the bottom of a purse, the glove box of your car, or the back of a kitchen drawer. They won’t do you much good there! Is the device you are considering something practical enough to carry with you all of the time, discretely, without looking or feeling paranoid? If not, don’t waste your money.

3. WILL IT BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WHEN I NEED IT?

Even if you do carry it all of the time, will you be able to draw and ready it in time to use in the event of a sudden attack? Again, if it’s in your pocket or purse when you need it, it won’t do you much good. Is the PSD something that you will have ready, preferably in hand, if and when you need it?

4. DO I HAVE LEGITIMATE CONFIDENCE IN MY ABILITY TO USE IT?

Military and law enforcement research confirms that people who lack confidence in a technique or device will not resort to it in a stressful situation. Many people have been seriously hurt in violent encounters with a potential PSD in their hand. In the stress of the moment, they didn’t think to use it or doubted its’ ability to impact the situation. Perhaps they were afraid that it would only make matters worse. If you are thinking of carrying a PSD, are you prepared to learn how to use it and practice to become proficient with it?

5. IS IT AS EFFECTIVE AS IT HAS BEEN HELD OUT TO BE?

Over-inflated claims and quick-fix promises are the “cancer” of the self-defense business. Often, unscrupulous self-defense instructors and gadget salespeople exaggerate the benefits and capabilities of their systems and products.

Whenever you hear words like “guaranteed, quick, and easy” or claims that the product will subdue any and all assailants regardless of their size, strength or sobriety, it’s time to call, “bullshit!” Walk away, someone’s trying to rip you off!

Understand the psychological and physiological control principles associated with the PSD. In other words, how is it supposed to impact the assailant’s intent or behavior? What is the science behind the claims being made?

NOTHING works all of the time. Always acknowledge the limitations and potential failure of a PSD and have a backup plan.

6. COULD IT BE TAKEN AWAY AND USED ON ME?

This is probably the most common concern about personal safety weapons, and it’s a valid one. Are you prepared to use the device aggressively on a predator to protect yourself? Are you knowledgeable and skillful enough to retain the device if he attempts to take it away from you? Never carry a Personal Safety Weapon with the intent to “bluff” your assailant. If you are not prepared to use it decisively, don’t carry it!

7. AM I PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY PREPARED TO USE IT?

Carrying a personal safety device without investing the time to become knowledgeable and proficient in its use is a big mistake. It’s as useful as a pair of boxing gloves to someone who can’t punch or a tennis racquet to someone who doesn’t have a clue how to play the game.

You must prepare physically by practicing the necessary skills and techniques associated with the device (if it requires such skills). You must prepare mentally by knowing when and how to use it and the situations that would make it uses legal and appropriate. You must prepare emotionally by deepening your emotional and moral resolve to protect yourself.

Can you come up with any other questions yourself? Have I left you hanging by not taking you by the hand and recommending MY favorite personal safety devices? If you haven’t noticed by now, my predominant teaching angle is to promote responsibility and independent thinking in my students and readers. Don’t believe me, or anyone else, about what’s best for your safety until you test it out or think critically about it. You must become your own expert, make your own decisions and draw your own conclusions.

You should be asking yourself by now, “So what? How can I use this information?” Let me reiterate that I’m against the idea of carrying a PSD as a replacement for the physical, mental and emotional development that self-defense training has to offer. I am not, however, against carrying a PSD as a supplement to a comprehensive personal safety strategy. There are some valid ones out there. In fact, I demonstrate and even sell them at my self-defense seminars.

I also believe in the merits of training yourself to recognize and use “weapons of opportunity” in the event of a violent encounter. A weapon of opportunity is a common, every-day object that can be converted into a weapon during an encounter.

If you are looking for, considering or evaluating a personal safety device, don’t do it blindly or impulsively. Do your homework and some soul searching. Will it serve your needs? Will it improve your ability to respond and your sense of security? Does it “fit” your lifestyle and personality? Only you can answer those questions.

If you are interested in specific reviews or recommendations about PSD’s in future newsletters, let me know and we can explore the issue in greater detail.

Take care, train smart and stay safe…

Randy LaHaie Protective Strategies

Final Note:

I may have created a limited perception what a PSD is. Keep in mind that PSD’s are not necessarily exotic or concealable weapons with the potential to inflict injury. In fact, many of the best one’s are no such thing.

If I had to select just one PSD to carry myself (which I do) or recommend to a loved one, guess what it would be… a CELL PHONE! I could go on for an entire newsletter trumpeting the powerful personal safety benefits of a cell phone and the ability to summon help that they provide.

If you can afford a cell phone, it’s one of the best personal safety investments you can make.

“Self-defense gadgets don’t cut it. Not even guns work for most people because they can’t use them safely and effectively. The advantage of a survival mindset over everything else is that it’s always with you and ready for immediate use. That’s crucial and lifesaving because when violence explodes the security of your world, there are no second chances and no time-outs to think it over and decide what to do.”