Mica Levi has released a new single, ‘slob air’, their first for the legendary electronic label Hyperdub. The track comes paired with a video starring a skateboarding Madi Swain, made with Izzy Moriarty Thompson, Joe Auborn, and Jack Parton. Check it out below.
Levi’s most recent work was the soundtrack to Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest, the artist and director’s reunion after 2014’s Under the Skin. Their last studio albums were 2020’s Ruff Dog and 2021’s Blue Alibi.
Struggling to go Flawless in Trials of Osiris? We’re here to help! Today, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common mistakes and things you need to avoid to make your way to the Lighthouse faster and smoother. Whether you’re a solo queuing player or someone with a regular team, this guide will be useful for every Guardian aiming for that perfect 7-0 streak. And for those looking to improve their Trials performance even further, check out the Trials of Osiris boosting offers from our friends at WowVendor. They’ll help you snag the best Trials weapons and armor, rank up easily, and finally achieve that coveted Flawless run — quickly, reliably, and at a great price!
And now that we’ve got the intro out of the way, let’s dive into the key points!
Imagine this: you and your teammate end up in a 2v1 situation, guarding enemy orbs. It makes sense to stay put and finish off the remaining opponent who will likely go for revives to even the odds. It’s a simple and effective way to win the round, right? Yet, people often make the mistake of leaving their teammate alone to revive the last member of the team. This is a big no-no!
The enemy will quickly grasp what’s going on and set up a barricade, and the lone teammate left will struggle to break through due to sheer lack of firepower. The enemy will get a revive, quickly turning it into a 2v1, with the Lone Ranger against an overshielded opponent. By the time the one who left returns with the revived Guardian, the lone teammate is already down, and you’re now in a 3v2, but the numbers are not in your favor. What looked like a solid win has quickly turned into a potential loss just because someone decided to go for a run. To avoid such mishaps, remember to always play the numbers advantage. Whenever your team has more players than the opponents, use that to your benefit and never risk turning the odds against you.
It’s no secret that Supers are crucial in Trials. If planned properly, they can secure not just a round but even the entire match for your team. Many guides advise not to hold on to your Super, which is overall a great tip. However, there’s a nuance to consider: sometimes your team can activate multiple Supers simultaneously, wasting them mid-match or even at the very start. This often happens because of a lack of coordination. For instance, an enemy uses a Super, your team panics, and starts counter-ulting all at once. Don’t get us wrong: countering is okay, but the multi-Super part could have been easily avoided if you’d just coordinated your actions. Communicate with your team through game chat, Discord, or any other convenient means, and just let them know you’re planning to use your Super. This simple step will help prevent double or triple Super activations in a single round and significantly boost your chances of winning the game.
You’ve probably been in a situation where it’s a 3v1 in your favor, and the last standing enemy starts running away. You might think chasing them down solo to finish the job is a good idea, but it’s not. Your strength lies in numbers, and the last thing you want is to turn a solid winning scenario into three separate 1v1 situations that can easily lead to unpleasant surprises. Instead of pulling that unnecessary heroic solo chase, stop and think about how to maintain and possibly even increase your advantage. Why risk it when you can force the enemy into a more favorable scenario? If the enemy decides to engage, the three of you can easily take them down. If they choose to extend the round, you can use the extra time to build your Super energy. Simple and safe, right?
You might think flanking is a smart move, but it’s not always the case, especially if it takes you to the other edge of the map, leaving your team outnumbered for a really long time. By the time you get back to try to catch the enemies off guard — which likely won’t work since they can always see you on the radar — your teammates might already be down, turning a promising 3v3 into a 3v1 with you against the full trio.
If you want to flank, it’s better to stick to quick runs no further than mid-map, so you’re not out of the fight for long and can quickly re-engage from another angle. Trials are all about teamwork, so you have to support your teammates and avoid making them take on more than they actually need to.
This mistake is sadly too common in Trials, made by both newbies and seasoned players alike. You’ve probably seen it happen many times: you secure a hard-earned kill, but then your team leaves the enemy orb unguarded, allowing the opponents to resurrect their fallen comrade, which makes all your efforts go to waste. In elimination mode like Trials of Osiris, it’s crucial to always keep the enemy orbs under watch to prevent revives. If you get a kill, make sure this Guardian really stays down. The numbers advantage is a significant factor in winning the games in Trials. Plus, preventing revives also stops the fallen enemy’s Super from charging, which can give you a big edge in later rounds.
Xinyue Song embarked on her educational journey at the School of Visual Arts in New York, where she completed her degrees in Graphic Design and Computer Arts. Upon graduating, she discovered a profound interest in illustration, which significantly shaped her career path. She has collaborated with prestigious clients such as The New York Times, Converse, Adidas, Greenpeace, Cartoon Network, and W Hotel. Her artwork, characterized by vivid colors and inventive compositions, frequently explores themes centered around women and everyday life, offering viewers a visually striking experience.
Can you trace back to the moment when your interest in illustration first began to manifest?
While I was studying graphic design and computer arts, I always enjoyed creating, but it wasn’t until I finished school that I truly fell in love with illustration. I started seeing it as a powerful way to tell stories and connect with people on everyday themes, especially those related to women’s lives. This realization really shaped my path, leading me to work with amazing clients and dive deeper into topics that I’m passionate about.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Most of my inspiration comes from everyday stuff—objects I see, things I experience. Small details often spark ideas. For example, my work “Beads” uses the imagery of beads to discuss societal constraints on women, inspired by the everyday limitations I observed affecting women. This work also reflects my attempt to address serious topics like gender equality through an engaging, approachable art style.
You’ve mentioned that a lot of your work focuses on themes related to women. Could you share some examples?
Sure, my series “Waiting” is a good one to talk about, and it was recently shortlisted in the Communication Arts illustration competition. It’s all about the experience of waiting, particularly from a female perspective, exploring the strength and complex emotions behind waiting. Women are often expected to exhibit more patience in many aspects of life, whether in career progression or personal matters. This series captures those quiet, often overlooked moments, aiming to convey that waiting is more than just passing time—it’s a reflection of deeper emotional states and attitudes towards life.
How does cultural diversity influence your work?
I have a deep appreciation for traditional Chinese art, and I really enjoy blending ancient patterns and techniques with modern styles in my illustrations. My work often focuses on East Asian women, differing from traditional aesthetic stereotypes of delicate and graceful femininity. I strive for them to have a strong, powerful physique, as well as greater mental strength. By integrating influences from different cultures, I aim to showcase this burst of inspiration in my work.
In what ways do you keep your creative approach fresh and evolving?
Working on commercial projects has been crucial for honing my skills and expressive abilities. In these collaborations, maintaining my unique artistic style is essential. At the same time, I also strive to ensure that my work effectively communicates the commercial content’s needs, finding a balance that fits both my style and the message I want to convey. I’ve been fortunate to work with some well-known brands, where juggling these aspects is always a key challenge.
Additionally, over the past few years, I’ve continually enriched my experience by participating in competitions and exhibitions. Winning some awards and receiving nominations from contests like AI-AP, ADC, and Communication Arts has been a great way to elevate my profile and prove my capabilities.
Looking forward, what are your aspirations for the future?
I am eager to further my illustration career by creating artworks that are both emotionally resonant and commercially viable. I also plan to host my own illustration exhibition to showcase pieces that deeply resonate with audiences. This endeavor is a personal exploration for me, and I look forward to sharing my journey and expertise with a broader community of art enthusiasts through my work.
Los Angeles group julie have announced their debut LP, my anti-aircraft friend, which arrives September 13 via Atlantic Records. To accompany the announcement, the band has shared the single ‘clairbourne practice’, alongside a video directed by Lizzie Klien and julie. Check it out below.
“It’s two voices conflicting and crashing with each other, unable to understand each other,” julie said of the single in a press release. “The way the vocals are layered on top of each other in this song is maybe the most androgynous on the album. But it’s two people saying the same thing and still not hearing each other. We definitely wanted the loud and quiet parts to be polar opposites. Sweet, then destructive, and coming back and repeating the cycle.”
Fibromyalgia is a chronic ailment characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Traditional treatments often focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause.
However, emerging research on neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections—offers hope. Understanding how to harness this capability can potentially ease fibromyalgia symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s remarkable ability to change and adapt throughout life. This flexibility allows the brain to recover from injuries, adapt to new experiences, and learn new skills. In chronic pain, neuroplasticity means that the brain can rewire itself to reduce pain perception and improve function. Chronic pain can alter the brain’s wiring, increasing sensitivity and persistent pain signals.
Recent studies have shown that the prefrontal and insular cortex are involved in the perception and regulation of pain. These areas can become overactive in individuals with chronic pain, creating a cycle of heightened pain sensitivity.
Techniques that promote neuroplasticity, such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy, have been found to normalize the activity in these brain regions, thereby reducing pain. Neuroplasticity is not limited to reducing pain; it can also enhance overall brain function, leading to better emotional regulation and cognitive clarity.
Brain retraining involves specific techniques designed to alter neural pathways associated with pain. Primal Trust – https://www.primaltrust.org/– offers a brain retraining program that teaches individuals how to modify their brain’s response to pain. This method involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns, using visualization, and engaging in positive activities that promote healing.
Brain retraining programs often incorporate elements of positive psychology, encouraging individuals to focus on what brings them joy and fulfillment. This positive focus helps to shift the brain away from pain-centered patterns.
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) can also be part of brain retraining, where specific language and behavior changes influence brain function.
In mindful meditation, you focus on the here and now without passing judgment. It has been demonstrated to enhance emotional regulation and lessen the sense of pain. You can learn how to recognize and control pain triggers by practicing meditation and relaxation on a regular basis. The nervous system can be calmed using body scans and focused breathing, as stress is known to aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms.
Graded motor imagery (GMI) is a therapeutic technique that uses visualization to improve movement and reduce pain. It involves three stages: left/right discrimination, imagined movements, and mirror therapy. Over time, this practice can lead to actual improvements in movement and pain reduction.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-known psychological treatment that enables people to identify and change problematic thought patterns and behaviors. In the setting of fibromyalgia, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you reframe your pain perception and create coping techniques. Cognitive restructuring and relaxation techniques can help to lessen the emotional burden of pain while also improving general well-being.
Several other techniques show promise in rewiring the brain to alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms. Physical therapy improves strength and flexibility, reducing pain. Biofeedback teaches you to control physiological processes, such as heart rate and muscle tension, which can influence pain perception. Yoga and tai chi combine physical movement with mindfulness, offering holistic pain and stress management benefits.
Rewiring the brain to alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms is a promising approach grounded in the science of neuroplasticity. Remember, consistency and patience are crucial as you embark on this journey. With dedication and the right support, you can harness the power of your brain to find relief from fibromyalgia.
Bitcoin transaction costs significantly impact the efficiency of the blockchain. Higher fees can speed up transactions, while lower fees may cause delays. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for users, miners, and developers to optimize performance and ensure the network remains robust and efficient. Investors need to learn about BTC transaction costs! Go https://quantum-predex.com/ and you are on the right path to investment education. Register for free and start learning.
Transaction costs play a crucial role in determining how quickly Bitcoin transactions are processed. Higher fees incentivize miners to prioritize these transactions, ensuring they are included in the next block.
This mechanism works like a fast lane at a toll booth; the higher the fee, the quicker the passage. For example, during peak times, users might increase their fees to avoid delays, much like paying extra for expedited shipping.
On the other hand, lower fees can result in longer wait times. When users choose minimal fees, their transactions are placed in a queue, potentially waiting for hours or even days to be confirmed.
This scenario is particularly problematic during periods of high network activity when many transactions are competing for limited space in each block.
The correlation between fees and confirmation times is straightforward: higher fees generally lead to faster confirmations. Miners, who validate and record transactions, prioritize those with higher fees because they receive these fees as part of their reward.
During busy periods, such as during a price surge or significant news event, the number of transactions increases, leading to longer queues and higher fees.
For instance, during the 2017 Bitcoin boom, average transaction fees skyrocketed, and users who paid standard fees experienced significant delays. This situation highlighted the importance of monitoring fee trends and adjusting accordingly. For users needing quick confirmations, paying a higher fee is often necessary. Have you considered how you might plan your transaction fees to avoid delays?
Network congestion happens when the number of transactions exceeds the Bitcoin network’s processing capacity. This bottleneck increases transaction costs as users compete for limited block space.
Imagine rush hour traffic; the more cars on the road, the slower everyone moves and the more fuel is consumed. Similarly, during congestion, users pay higher fees to get their transactions through faster.
Congestion is influenced by several factors, including sudden spikes in demand, market volatility, and significant news events. When many users try to transact simultaneously, the network struggles to process them all, leading to higher costs and delays.
One notable example of network congestion occurred in December 2017, when Bitcoin’s popularity surged. Transaction fees reached unprecedented levels, and delays stretched to several hours or even days. Users were frustrated as the network struggled to keep up with demand.
Another instance was during the 2021 bull run, where similar patterns emerged. High fees and long delays were common as more people jumped onto the Bitcoin bandwagon. These events underscore the need for efficient congestion management strategies to maintain the network’s reliability.
To reduce congestion, developers have introduced solutions like Segregated Witness (SegWit) and the Lightning Network. SegWit increases block capacity by reducing transaction size, while the Lightning Network allows off-chain transactions, easing the main blockchain’s load. Have you ever experienced delays due to network congestion? Planning transactions during less busy times can help avoid high fees.
Transaction fees are essential for incentivizing miners, who validate transactions and add them to the blockchain. Miners receive these fees as part of their reward, motivating them to maintain the network’s security and efficiency. Think of it as a tip to prioritize your service. Higher fees attract miners to process those transactions first.
As block rewards decrease approximately every four years, transaction fees become increasingly critical. Without adequate fees, miners might lack motivation, potentially leading to slower transaction processing and a less secure network.
Balancing transaction fees is vital to keeping both users and miners satisfied. If fees are too high, users may avoid using Bitcoin for everyday transactions. Conversely, if fees are too low, miners might not be sufficiently incentivized, risking network security and efficiency.
For example, during periods of low network activity, miners may lower the minimum fee requirements to encourage more transactions. This strategy helps maintain their income and ensures the network remains active. Understanding this balance helps users plan their transactions better, ensuring they don’t pay more than necessary while still getting timely confirmations.
How do you think transaction fees could be optimized to benefit both users and miners? Continuous evaluation and adjustment of fee structures are key to maintaining a healthy Bitcoin ecosystem.
Managing Bitcoin transaction costs is vital for maintaining blockchain efficiency. By balancing fees and adopting innovative solutions, the network can handle high demand while ensuring quick, cost-effective transactions. Staying informed and proactive in adjusting strategies will help sustain Bitcoin’s reliability and appeal.
Quivers have shared a new single, ‘Pink Smoke’, taken from their Merge Records debut Oyster Cuts – out August 9. Check out director Nina Renee’s video for it below.
“The song is for the slow kind of love that is found and re-found through really getting to know someone and then making stories together,” the band’s Sam Nicholson said in a statement. “Writing your adventures down. The pull between looking forward and looking back. For the film clip, I wanted to capture my parents in their mid-70s still hunting and gathering in the frost of Tasmanian mid-winter mountains. It fell outside the scope of the film clip in the end, so there’s the idea that Nina might make that long version into a short film before too long.”
Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer has been sued for wrongful death for allegedly running over and killing a pedestrian in Alhambra, California, Variety and TMZ report. The lawsuit was filed Wednesday by the family of Israel Sanchez, the 47-year-old man who died after being hit while walking in a crosswalk.
According to the lawsuit, the collision happened the afternoon of March 18, when Klinghoffer was allegedly on his phone while driving a black GMC Yukon with no license plates. The musician made a left turn at an intersection with a marked crosswalk, striking Sanchez, who died later that day due to blunt force trauma from his injuries. No arrest was made in the incident.
“It was a tragic accident,” Klinghoffer’s attorney, Andrew B. Brettler, said in a statement to TMZ. “After Josh struck this pedestrian in the intersection, he immediately pulled over, stopped the car, called 911 and waited until police and the ambulance arrived. Obviously, he’s cooperating with the police throughout the traffic investigation. This was purely a tragic accident.”
“Mr. Klinghoffer should be arrested and prosecuted for homicide. We have a video of him on his cell phone at the time he hit and killed Israel Sanchez, a loving father, in a crosswalk,” the family’s attorney, Nick Rowley, told Variety. “Israel Sanchez was on his way to the grocery store to make soup for his family and never came home. He did everything right, looking for oncoming traffic and abiding by pedestrian signage, but tragically Mr. Klinghoffer, in a rush and on his phone, hit him fatally from behind with a large SUV. The loss and grief that the Sanchez family now faces is immense. We will not stop until there is accountability and justice for Mr. Sanchez and his family.”
Klinghoffer played guitar with the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, when their longtime guitarist, John Frusciante, decided to rejoin the group. He has since been performing as a touring member of Pearl Jam and Jane’s Addiction.
Brooklyn-based artist Raavi Sita has announced a new EP, The Upside, sharing the single ‘Henry’ along with the news. It’s out September 13 via Mtn Laurel Recording Co., and the band will go on tour with labelmates Sister. ahead of the release. Listen to ‘Henry’, which features The Nebulous Quartet, below.
“‘Henry’ is a dissection of many experiences I had with boys during my formative years,” Sita explained in a statement. “It’s about realizing I wasn’t being seen by the boys and men in my life as just myself, but as a girl first. I grew up androgynous, able to act like a chameleon to fit in with my male and female friend groups with relative seamlessness in which my tomboy gender expression, while definitely acknowledged by my peers, also gave me a freedom to exist in both gendered worlds to some degree. At some point this reality came crashing down on me. I experienced what I think a lot of gender nonconforming kids go through in that I went from being viewed as Raavi, to Raavi the girl and all the implications that being a girl comes with.”
The Upside EP Cover Artwork:
The Upside EP Tracklist:
1. Henry
2. Shadows
3. The Exchange
4. Take Me
5. The Upside
Raavi / Sister. 2024 Tour Dates:
Sep 4 – Brooklyn, NY – Purgatory
Sep 5 – Cambridge, MA – Lilypad
Sep 6 – Elizabethtown, NY – Otis Mountain Get Down
Sep 8 – Philadelphia, PA – TBA
The Jesus Lizard have put out a new track from Rack, their first album in 26 years. Following lead single ‘Hide & Seek’, ‘Alexis Feels Sick’ was inspired by Boys/Soulside drummer Alexis Fleisig. Vocalist David Yow created its accompanying video, which he described as “a disgusting and comically impressionistic portrait of American Late Stage Capitalism… with some doggies.” Guitarist Duane Denison called it a “study in greed, gluttony, and… dogs.” Check it out below.
Rack will be released on September 13 via Ipecac.
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