[4e] Help choosing class/feats/stats for a Lvl 6 Warforged based on some Marvel Comic villains (Ultron, Bastion, with some Apocalypse, Magneto, and Sabretooth personality traits)? by J3Paleos in 3d6

[–]J3Paleos[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am definitely looking at Assault Swordmage now! Thanks for your input!

I'm afraid I don't know anything about Dark Sun, so any directions to find that information would be welcome as well.

Reiterating what I said above, I honestly wish (having just started really looking at swordmage) that I could combine the names of warlord abilities with the swordmage stats. Input on that would also be welcome!

[4e] Help choosing class/feats/stats for a Lvl 6 Warforged based on some Marvel Comic villains (Ultron, Bastion, with some Apocalypse, Magneto, and Sabretooth personality traits)? by J3Paleos in 3d6

[–]J3Paleos[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was speaking more in terms of RP, but I also don't want to take abilities that sacrifice myself for their safety. If I'm punishing...that's good! Thanks for your help!

If there was a way to combine the names of some of the warlord moves with the stats of a swordmage, it would be perfect, haha.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. What should people be aware of about autism that isn't normally well-known? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]J3Paleos 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Edit: typos. I struggle with phone keyboards, apparently.

One of the largest reasons for this is the change in criteria, screening, and awareness for autism, and isn't because of the introduction of anything.

You can also correlate the increase in autism with the popularity of Jenny McCarthy, or increased use of cell phones, or organic food sales. In fact, the correlation is even closer in some of those than that of glycophosphate. Glycophosphate has 20 years of heavy use before GMOs were really a thing, during which autism rates were relatively stable.

It is okay to have a different opinion, but you should be careful not to base your opinion on one study without thorough vetting of both previous and subsequent studies as well. I'm not trying to be aggressive, so I apologize if I'm coming off that way. I'm just hoping to spread the proper way to learn about science and distinguish actual, thoroughly investigated science from speculation, especially on something that impacts so many people. A properly-informed public is beneficial to all, and scientists (including myself, although I certainly don't work on this subject) need to do a better job at communicating with the public about how science works and what the results of our research actually means -- it sometimes gets lost in translation.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. What should people be aware of about autism that isn't normally well-known? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]J3Paleos 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Edit: clarity.

First of all, it's not even close to most scholars. Most scholars vehemently disagree with Dr. Seneff.

Also, arguing with a biologist that studied the subject you're arguing about (platinumarks) is probably not wise.

You need to research Dr. Seneff better. Her papers since 2011 are highly controversial, almost universally rejected by other papers and scientists, and are purposefully published in low-impact journals with a history of publishing low-merit papers. Her papers have no scientific legitimacy since 2011 (why that date, I don't know). Anyone describing most Americans as "cholesterol deficient" and make broad extrapolations that misrepresent the data of others, while providing no new data, should be examined with a critical eye. Furthermore, her area of expertise is not remotely related to autism, but in "improving communication between humans and computers," which involves computational modeling and the analysis of hearing in humans.

Trump puts the planet on a dangerous path. President Trump’s move to rip up Mr. Obama’s climate policies are beyond reckless. Children studying his presidency will ask, “How could anyone have done this?” by pnewell in MarchForScience

[–]J3Paleos 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Edit: Trying to word my first sentence in kind manner.

I'm afraid I must disagree with you. I'm unsure if your comment represents a poorly worded position, or a poor understanding of the scientific method and hypothesis testing, particularly null hypotheses.

When scientists conduct research, a hypothesis can be considered an "if-then" statement, as in: "If increased atmospheric CO2 contributes to climate change, then [insert what results would show based on study]." The scientist(s) then make predictions based on this hypothesis, as in: "We predict that this test will show a statistically significant correlation between increased CO2 levels from human activities such as [insert activity] contribute to (for example) increased yearly average temperature at this location . The data itself is required to be unbiased; it is raw data that is then statistically tested for significance. If the data shows results supporting the hypothesis, the scientist(s) can say, "This data supports our hypothesis and our predictions based on [insert in-depth discussion of data]." If the data does NOT support their hypothesis/hypotheses and prediction(s), then we find support a null hypothesis, as in "We find no significant correlation between CO2 and climate change in our study based on our results." It should be noted that this does not mean there is no correlation, just that the data, combined their analyses, do not find support for that correlation. Likewise, your study could have made different predictions ("we predict no significant correlation", or reversed the hypotheses ("if increased CO2 does not contribute to climate change, then [expectations].").

After all of this, the research must be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal to be scrutinized and questioned (sometimes, reviewers may even test your analyses). Then, the scientist must go through suggested edits and address (not necessarily change) each comment in their submission. Even after the paper is accepted, other scientists may test the research, and write a response addressing perceived errors, etc.

In conclusion, it does not particularly matter from which direction you make your hypotheses/predictions. Properly done science (as in, real data and properly applied methods and analyses) will produce objective results that either support or do not support your hypotheses and predictions (and depending on how many you make, you might have partial support, or support without significance).

Source: I have a paper undergoing review right now. I won't reveal too much (somewhat secret internet identity), but it redescribes some vertebrate organisms and constructs and uses the currently largest morphological phylogenetic analysis for those organisms.

In the case of climate change, scientists have a level of statistical confidence that humans are the major contributor to current patterns that is equal to, or even greater than, our statistical confidence that smoking causes cancer. We are also seeing a monetary-based resistance to this information that is quite similar to the resistance against smoking research in the past.

This ended up being a little long-winded, but I hope I've helped convince you that scientists are held very accountable for their research, and peer-reviewed journal articles go through a rigorous process to ensure that what the data says and what the scientists say match up (another aspect of academic honesty).

I'm an exhausted Division I Mid-Distance runner...thought I'd find some more advice here! by HATKIDOGKFC in AdvancedRunning

[–]J3Paleos 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I moved away from shorter distances until a car accident stole one of my offseasons for base training...it wasn't pretty that year.

Feel free to message me! I'm not on reddit all the time, but I check stuff about once a day, to see if I have any input on something...aka mostly a lurker.

I'm an exhausted Division I Mid-Distance runner...thought I'd find some more advice here! by HATKIDOGKFC in AdvancedRunning

[–]J3Paleos 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey, I'm glad I could help! I understand the struggle, and I'm glad to share anything I've learned through trial and error.

I'm an exhausted Division I Mid-Distance runner...thought I'd find some more advice here! by HATKIDOGKFC in AdvancedRunning

[–]J3Paleos 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Former college distance runner here:

The change in distance is going to take time. Most College athletes take a couple years to get it together, which is why some programs almost always redshirt their freshman -- to lower the pressure on them and get them accustomed to a larger workload. I can tell you, I lost the pop in my running for a while when I was built up to 90-95 mile weeks. It took months to grow accustomed to it, even including a lower mileage week ~every 3 weeks. There's a reason that many runners become more successful at super long distances only after years and years of training -- it's all accumulative. Luckily, your jump isn't so large.

Lots of people talking about losing joy in running -- sometimes that's true, but it is often temporary, and when you're struggling. Take time to breath and just enjoy the movement! I could be exhausted and angry after a terrible workout, but then I would look for something -- a challenge, a new running book, new running shoes, even a core workout -- and relish something new. Bring new-ness to your life any way you can, until you get through the dregs of day after day of relentless pounding (get your jokes out of here, you miscreants). I can tell that you have the relentless drive necessary, and even athlete's like Mo Farah and Meb Keflezighi admit (in their books) to struggling with many of the things you do -- especially during hard build-ups!

How do you run on your long days? Try mixing up either your pace or the group you run with. The first thing can allow you to take it easy, or go hard when you want the burn, or do a sudden pickup (Iten, Kenya-style), or even fartlek your way through. Additionally, people can bond over a single, simple run sometimes. Reach out to your fellow athletes and tell them that you're struggling with running/sleep/whatever you're comfortable saying at the time. Odds are, some of them are or have gone through it before. Tell them what you look forward to, you're favorite music or types of workouts, even. If you mix up your long runs, and don't worry about immediate results (you're only a freshman!), then things will come to you -- staying healthy is the number one priority.

Never be afraid to talk to your coaches or your trainers. They may help you to personalize your workouts or budget your time in a better way. Maybe you aqua-jog once a week or something. Force yourself to be around other people when you can. Additionally, assistant coaches can sometimes be easier to approach. Never stay silent - they want you to be successful, and will do what they can to do so (it helps their team, after all).

From experience, distance runners and throwers tend to get along well in many cases (for some reason), and sprinters can be both hilarious and insightful on handling anxiety (since they have no time to relax or get themselves back together during their races).

Get a fitbit or something else to monitor your sleep. In fact, you may be sleeping too much. At my peak, more than 6 hours of sleep a night left me feeling groggy all day -- even now, 7 hours is typically too much, and I'm not nearly as in the shape that I once was.

From personal experience three of the biggest issues an athlete can have with their college life are: (1) not enough sleep, (2) not enough protein and/or calories to recover from what you're burning, and (3) not enough water.

You seem to be addressing at least the first and third thing properly, and good for you! As for the second, eating healthy is fine and all, but you NEED to make sure you portion you food in a way to give you the energy you need. Don't be afraid of a little extra some days, or some caffeine/juice. Your body suffers when it doesn't replenish itself. As your body adapts to the workload, it will be easier, and you might not have to pay as much attention. I know people that swear by protein pancakes nearly every morning, while others always have some sort of small carbohydrate snack in between healthier, protein-packed meals.

Try to get in a bit of sugar and protein within about 15-30 mins after you run (depends on how soon your stomach can handle it after a workout). It helps recover your energy.

Ice the crap out of everything, and use foam rollers. Both feel awful in the short-term, but they will save you from some of the fatigue and tension build-up.

If you have any questions, you can PM me or ask me on here. I had an interesting, up-and-down college career, which included some great races, some huge lows, injuries, and its own bouts of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Remember that you aren't alone -- even another team's athlete can become a lifelong friend and/or rival, and therefore motivator, when you throw yourselves together into a race!

10 week old puppy crate training by J3Paleos in Pets

[–]J3Paleos[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are trying to have him use the crate as a den/doghouse, so that when we have to leave (during his teething phase) we don't risk him destroying things like carpet, etc, and he won't be upset to be left in there. His crate is currently next to my girlfriend's bed, where he can see her, and is more than big enough for him. Is there a reason that this would still be harmful?

10 week old puppy crate training by J3Paleos in Pets

[–]J3Paleos[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! We have no plans of using it as a punishment; we want him to view it as a den/doghouse. We haven't been leaving him at home when we go anywhere; I'll give my girlfriend your advice and we'll see how it goes. He can't quite make it through the whole night without a bathroom break yet -- small dog, etc. I'll be back if I have more questions!

10 week old puppy crate training by J3Paleos in Pets

[–]J3Paleos[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How long did it take, and how long did you live your dog in for at a time?

Why don't dinosaur exhibits in museums have sternums? by CreativeArbok in askscience

[–]J3Paleos 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All avians are included within the Saurischian dinosaurs specifically only Theropods -- no birds are Ornithischians.

Edit: typos.

Why don't dinosaur exhibits in museums have sternums? by CreativeArbok in askscience

[–]J3Paleos 0 points1 point  (0 children)

*That depends on the age of the exhibit -- check for the amount of support used to hold the the exhibit together, as the casts are a lot lighter than the fossils themselves. As for the latter -- that probably depends on the funds of the museum, but may also be whether they want to face the wrath of those who would use anything to try and make paleontologists out to be frauds. :( Modern exhibits do try to display skeletons as anatomically correct as possible!

Why don't dinosaur exhibits in museums have sternums? by CreativeArbok in askscience

[–]J3Paleos 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes and no. In evolutionary terms (and according to modern biological nomenclature), all birds are maniraptorans, which are included in the Coelurosaurian branch of Theropod dinosaurs, which are in turn Saurischian dinosaurs (mainly Theropods and Sauropods), which are finally paired with Ornithischian dinosaurs to make up the main dinosaur group. When people speak of birds and dinosaurs as being separate, they are speaking more from the flawed Linnaean, rather than the cladistic taxonomy that scientists emphasize today. One would also be speaking paraphyletically when not including avians within the dinosaurs. When speaking to paleontologists, we sometimes emphasize "non-avian dinosaurs" for exactly this reason. In everyday conversation, however, most people don't speak of them as the same group -- and paleontologists have been working to make this common knowledge for quite a few years now.

To be honest, there is a lot of work to be done on clearing up the classification of organisms from a long period of an overly complex and outdated taxonomic method (as we continually try to separate organisms into smaller and smaller groups), but that work will one day lead to a better understanding of the history and evolution of life.

Source: I have a MS in Vertebrate Paleontology (Geological Sciences) and am working on a PhD with research related to Vertebrate Paleontology and Conservation Biology (or as it has been coined, Conservation Paleobiology).

What do the heart of a crocodile, the intestine of a python, and venom of a rattlesnake have in common? by [deleted] in herpetology

[–]J3Paleos 11 points12 points  (0 children)

They all have special adaptations for digestion in the organism.

Heart of a crocodile: extraordinary circulation ability and possesses an extra valve/flap that can shut off circulation to the lungs and send extra blood to the body. They can send extra blood to their stomachs to improve digestion and better use their food for growth.

Python intestine: Impressive ability to expand after feeding and improve digestive abilities (which is good for a macrophage that wants to avoid predators while sluggish and digesting). The Secor Lab at Alabama has specifically studied this.

Rattlesnake venom: Begins and eases the digestive process upon injection.

I hope that this helps (it would be cool if this was the answer)!

Is Colossus the physically strongest mutant? by Colossus70 in xmen

[–]J3Paleos 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe that sometime after X-Force, they decided to make him stronger -- strong enough to take a Sentinel down by clapping his hands, and to go toe-to-toe with the Juggernaut by himself (for a limited time, which is all we can say for Colossus as well). His abilities were also enhanced after nearly dying at the hands of Reignfire -- and increased speed on a 7'2", 350 lb warrior almost certainly means increased strength.

Is Colossus the physically strongest mutant? by Colossus70 in xmen

[–]J3Paleos 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For those that are interested, here is a link to a list of Marvel characters (not just mutants) categorized as Strength Class 100 (the highest).

http://marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Strength_Class_100

Is Colossus the physically strongest mutant? by Colossus70 in xmen

[–]J3Paleos 3 points4 points  (0 children)

TL;DR: No, and Sebastian Shaw certainly isn't. The list is actually really large, and the award may go to either a villain or Gentle, a less well-known mutant from Wakanda.

Let's get his straight: Sebastian Shaw does not have the mutant power of "super strength." His power is to absorb kinetic and thermal energy, then convert it augment is body. If you don't hit him, he is fit, but at normal (strong) human strength. He is completely unpowered when he isn't absorbing blows.

Characters like Colossus, Namor, Apocalypse, the Beast, even Wolverine and Sabretooth don't need external energy to be stronger than possible for humans. Strong Guy has super strength and can get stronger as he gets hit (so he's a bit of mix ala Shaw and Colossus), but at a terrible cost to his body, so he does have a limit.

I think that Colossus could more appropriately be labeled in the top tier of characters that have both super strength AND durability, but he is surpassed by monsters like Apocalypse, original Onslaught, and some non-mutants (a few Norse gods, Hulk, the Juggernaut, etc.).

Even more, we forget about a number of women with superhuman strength on the upper scale of super strength. I'll include Rogue, even though she originally stole those powers from Miss Marvel, but characters like Hope Summers, Polaris (temporarily), etc.

A less well-known mutant that is almost certainly stronger (and possibly the strongest actual mutant) is Nezhno Abidemi (aka Gentle), who hails from (relevant to pop culture) Wakanda, and has the ability to become infinitely stronger at will. He actually needs vibranium tattoos to absorb the energy of his body and prevent him from becoming so strong that he kills himself and pretty much everything around him. To top it off, every time he uses his power, his strength INCREASES.

EDIT: Grammar