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  • How to Avoid Venom by Completing Grounded 2

    How to Avoid Venom by Completing Grounded 2

    If the dangers of the environment in Grounded 2 aren’t enough, you also have to deal with aggressive insects that can impose the Venom effect on you. Creatures like scorpions and wolf spiders are tough foes, and their Venom damage is a major threat that you need to watch out for.

    Tackling these bugs while fighting the cold at the Ice Cream Cart alone is hard enough, but managing their Venom build-up and the extra damage it causes is a whole new challenge. Here are the main ways to lower and avoid Venom damage in Grounded 2.

    How To Reduce Venom Build-Up And Damage

    Dangerous creatures such as wolf spiders and scorpions can give you a Venom effect, which damages your health gradually as it accumulates, and causes heavy damage once the Venom meter is full.

    To lessen this threat, you should use items that offer Venom Reduction, Venom Resistance, or Venom Cure.

    There are three primary methods to gain these benefits, though you can’t get all three from a single approach.

    The Smoothie Method

    This method involves making a special smoothie that provides constant Venom protection without changing your armor or mutations.

    The Scorpidote Smoothie gives both the Venom Cure effect—immediately reducing existing Venom—and the Venom Reduction perk, which slows the rate at which Venom builds up.

    To craft a Scorpidote Smoothie, gather one of each of these ingredients:

    • Scorpion Venom
    • Northern Scorpion Chunk
    • Orb Weaver Chunk

    It’s best to drink this smoothie after you’ve been hit with Venom. It will clear out the Venom you’ve already accumulated and help make you more resistant to future Venom build-up. Adding a Gum Nugget will extend both the Venom Reduction and Cure effects, making your ingredients go further.

    The Mutation Method

    Knowing your enemies is key to unlocking the Mithridatism mutation, which grants Venom Reduction, like the Scorpidote, and also enhances Venom Resistance—reducing the damage you take from Venom.

    Maxing out Mithridatism is tough, but the first level is fairly straightforward: you need to kill five venomous creatures. The second level requires defeating fifty, and the third fifty more, for a total of 150 venomous kills.

    While many mutations are useful, Mithridatism is one of the best choices for anyone exploring Brookhollow Park, since venomous foes are common there.

    The Armor Method

    The least obvious way is through armor crafting, specifically by using the Adaptive Resistance Gear Set Bonus.

    This bonus grants damage resistance against Venom, Chill, or Sizzle (these can stack up to five times), depending on what negative effect you’re experiencing. Once the effect wears off, the resistance is lost.

    To get this bonus, you need to wear a full matching set of armor with it, like the Roach Armor Set. Materials for crafting the full set include:

    • Roach Helmet:

      • One Roach Head
      • One Stinkbug Gas Sack
      • Two Roach Chunks

    • Roach Chestplate:

      • Five Roach Chunks
      • Four Boiling Glands
      • Three Bug Rubber

    • Roach Greaves:

      • Four Roach Chunks
      • Two Butterfly Scales
      • Two Bug Rubber

    However, this method is currently the least effective against Venom. Shooting for smoothies or unlocking the Mithridatism mutation offers the best protection.

  • YouTube Uses AI to Make Ads Harder to Skip

    YouTube Uses AI to Make Ads Harder to Skip

    YouTube is embracing artificial intelligence in its latest effort to target users seeking an uninterrupted viewing experience. Recently, the platform announced intentions to leverage AI models to enhance the effectiveness of advertisements by strategically integrating them into videos.

    During its Brandcast 2025 event held in New York City, YouTube disclosed its plan to utilize Google’s Gemini AI for video analysis aimed at optimizing ad placements. This advanced AI will identify pivotal moments, termed “Peak Points,” within videos where viewers are likely to be most engaged, making them less prone to skip the ads.

    This AI initiative appears to extend beyond the current histogram available on the YouTube scrub bar that highlights “Most replayed” segments in videos. However, the specific criteria YouTube will apply to determine these peak moments remain unclear.

    YouTube's ad window selected by Gemini AI.
    YouTube

    YouTube has not disclosed other details about the advertisements, such as their length or whether they can be skipped. However, it stands to reason that the platform is unlikely to place shorter or easily dismissible ads, as those characteristics would undermine the strategy of inserting advertisements during the most compelling moments.

    While this approach may frustrate viewers, it could be beneficial for content creators, potentially increasing their advertising revenue. The influence on click-through rates (CTR) for advertisers likely hinges on how relevant the ads are to the audience.

    All these strategies ultimately aim to encourage viewers to subscribe to YouTube Premium. The service has attempted various methods to persuade users to make the switch, including offering limited ad-free trial periods and introducing plans with fewer advertisements. Additionally, YouTube is actively working to make ad-blocking tools less effective, particularly for those using Chrome as their primary browser.

    In a separate initiative, YouTube announced that it will stream the NFL Week One game from Brazil live on September 5th, accessible to all viewers without requiring a subscription.

  • Only 13% of Americans Avoid Fast Fashion: A Global Trend

    Only 13% of Americans Avoid Fast Fashion: A Global Trend

    Understanding the Fast Fashion Phenomenon

    Origins and Evolution

    The Birth of Fast Fashion

    The fast fashion industry has its roots in the globalization of textile production, which began gaining momentum in the late 20th century. With companies looking to cut costs, they started outsourcing production to countries where labor and materials were cheaper. This shift allowed brands to produce garments at a fraction of the cost, making fashion more accessible than ever before.

    Key Players in the Industry

    Iconic brands such as Zara, H&M, and Shein have capitalized on this model, quickly transitioning designs from the runway to store shelves. These companies have perfected their supply chain operations, allowing them to bring new trends to market at lightning speed. The allure of fresh styles and low prices has attracted a broad consumer base, fueling the industry’s rapid growth.

    Environmental and Social Implications

    Environmental Impact

    Despite its appeal, fast fashion poses significant environmental challenges. The industry is notorious for its high water usage, particularly in cotton production, and the pollution that accompanies manufacturing processes. Chemical runoff from textile factories can contaminate local water supplies, leading to dire ecological consequences. Furthermore, the sheer volume of clothing produced results in substantial textile waste, with millions of tons ending up in landfills each year.

    Labor Practices

    Labor practices within the fast fashion sector are equally concerning. Many brands depend on low-wage workers in developing countries, where labor laws are often lax. Reports of unsafe working conditions and exploitation raise ethical questions about the true cost of cheap clothes. The drive for constant consumption further exacerbates these issues, as the demand for quick turnover leads to a cycle of exploitation.

    Consumer Behavior

    The Allure of Affordability

    Despite well-documented issues, a significant portion of consumers continues to engage with fast fashion. According to Statista Consumer Insights, only 13% of surveyed consumers in the United States reported avoiding fast fashion altogether. In comparison, 19% of participants from the UK, and 18% from both India and France indicated they refrain from buying these garments. This low percentage highlights the challenging nature of changing consumer habits.

    Economic Pressures

    Several factors contribute to the sustained popularity of fast fashion. In times of economic hardship, consumers often prioritize affordability. With rising inflation and financial constraints, the value proposition offered by fast fashion brands becomes increasingly tempting. The ability to purchase trendy clothing without significant financial impact is a primary reason many consumers overlook ethical concerns.

    The Shift Towards Sustainability

    Growing Awareness

    Amid growing awareness of the negative impacts associated with fast fashion, there is a noticeable shift among a segment of consumers. Many are seeking sustainable alternatives, driven by concerns about environmental degradation and social responsibility. This burgeoning interest has led to the rise of brands that emphasize ethical production practices and eco-friendly materials.

    The Role of Social Media

    Social media has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Influencers and activists are leveraging platforms to educate consumers about the importance of sustainable fashion choices. As a result, more individuals are reconsidering their purchasing habits, increasingly advocating for transparency and corporate responsibility in the fashion industry.

    Challenges Ahead

    While the movement towards sustainable fashion is gaining traction, overcoming the ingrained habits associated with fast fashion remains a formidable challenge. Brands that wish to navigate this shift must not only adopt sustainable practices but also effectively communicate their values to consumers. Only then can the fast fashion industry’s detrimental effects be mitigated, paving the way for a more conscientious approach to fashion consumption.

  • Tips to Prevent Burglary in The Sims 2

    Tips to Prevent Burglary in The Sims 2

    In the world of The Sims 2, neighborhoods like Strangetown and Pleasantview may seem quiet, but danger lurks beneath the surface. Sims can fall victim to theft and robberies, and even the fair Sims of Veronaville are not exempt from being robbed of their valuable items, such as computers, cars, and coffee machines.

    Fortunately, there are ways to safeguard your Sims’ belongings from these unwelcome intruders. With some careful planning and quick reactions, your Sims might be able to save their possessions from the infamous burglars like Russ Bear, Nery Royce, or Jenna Boyle.

    What Happens When a Burglar Shows Up?

    The first indication of a burglar’s presence is usually a jarring musical cue, accompanied by a camera zooming in on the thief. Once they arrive, your Sims will be prevented from accessing Buy or Build Mode while the burglar is on the premises.

    Once on site, the burglar will roam around, searching for items to steal with astonishing speed, leaving with your things crammed into their bags.

    It’s worth noting that even if your Sims don’t see the burglary, the thief will show up in their relationships bar.

    What Items Will Burglars Target?

    Burglars are mostly after your Sims’ most valuable possessions. This can include high-priced home furnishings, outdoor items, and even vehicles. If there are costly items available, they are likely to ignore anything of lesser value.

    To protect valuable outdoor items, it helps to place them inside fenced areas.

    Where Can Burglars Appear?

    Burglars can show up nearly anywhere, including houses, owned businesses, and some university housing. Regardless of where the robbery occurs, the gameplay mechanics remain the same, along with the methods to prevent them.

    How to Prevent Burglaries

    There are several strategies to thwart potential thieves. Being prepared ahead of time is crucial. Upon moving into a new lot, it’s wise to ensure your Sims have access to a phone, an alarm, or even a robot security system.

    If the police apprehend a burglar, your Sims will receive a reward of 500 Simoleons, providing them an extra incentive to keep their belongings safe.

    Burglar Alarms

    Installing a SimSafety V Burglar Alarm in indoor spaces can deter burglars and automatically alert law enforcement. You can purchase this alarm in Buy Mode under the Small Electronics category. The cost is 250 Simoleons, which is a worthwhile investment compared to the potential losses from theft.

    For effectiveness, alarms should be mounted on walls to cover entire rooms. If your house has multiple entrances, be sure to place alarms in each room connected to those doors. Keep in mind that these alarms only function indoors unless modified by cheats, so consider building a closed outdoor room for that purpose.

    Car Alarms

    If your Sims own a vehicle, you can install a car alarm for 250 Simoleons. Simply interact with the car using the option to get an alarm installed. This will take 60 in-game minutes and provides an effective way to protect your car—and even helicopters—from thieves.

    Communication with Police

    Even without an alarm, your Sims can still contact the police in the event of a burglary, but they must possess a phone beforehand. Purchasing a landline from the Electronics section of Buy Mode is straightforward, with prices ranging from 50 to 175 Simoleons. Alternatively, your Sim can buy a mobile phone from a kiosk at a community lot.

    When a burglar is present, instruct your Sim to call the police using the Emergency interaction. However, be cautious not to make a false alarm, as doing so will result in a hefty fine of 500 Simoleons.

    Using SentryBots

    A proactive strategy for keeping burglars at bay involves creating and deploying SentryBots. Only Sims who have achieved Gold or Silver Robotics Skills Badges can build them. You can craft a SentryBot using the Non-Deadly Robot Crafting Station found in the Miscellaneous Hobbies section of Buy Mode. Once produced, the SentryBot will patrol the lot and scare off intruders with electrical shocks.

    While this method requires a financial investment—2,200 Simoleons for the workbench and an additional 720 Simoleons for the SentryBot—it adds an entertaining dynamic to the game.

    Overall, having multiple layers of protection against burglaries can enhance your Sims’ gameplay experience while keeping their belongings safe from theft.

  • Mastering the Warden: Summon and Evade Tactics in Minecraft

    Mastering the Warden: Summon and Evade Tactics in Minecraft

    The Wild Update, introduced in Minecraft version 1.19, brought a host of new features, particularly focusing on the eerie deep dark biome. This underground realm is not only unsettling but also holds many rewards for players brave enough to explore its depths.

    One of the main threats in the Deep Dark is the Warden, a powerful entity that protects this biome and its hidden treasures. The Warden is unlike anything seen in Minecraft before, presenting a significant challenge for anyone foolish enough to confront it. Fortunately, this guide provides insights into how the Warden operates, giving players a better chance at survival against this blind giant.

    What Is the Warden?

    The Warden is a hostile mob exclusive to the Deep Dark. With an astonishing 250 hearts of health, its resilience is notable. It is equally dangerous, dealing up to 22.5 hearts of damage with its melee attacks if you’re playing on hard mode.

    Special Attacks

    In addition to its melee capability, the Warden can unleash a powerful sonic boom attack that can inflict severe damage.

    The Warden’s most significant disadvantage is that it is blind, relying instead on its acute senses of smell and hearing. It is particularly sensitive to vibrations, allowing it to track players based on noise. Its ability to detect these vibrations enhances the chances of it locking onto a player’s scent.

    Where Does the Warden Spawn?

    Typically, the Warden spawns in the Deep Dark biome, but only in the presence of Shriekers. It’s essential to note that simply entering the Deep Dark does not guarantee a Warden’s appearance. Only natural Shriekers found within this biome can trigger its spawning. Placing Shriekers in other biomes won’t summon a Warden.

    How Does the Warden Spawn?

    Unlike standard mobs that appear due to low light levels, the Warden’s spawning is linked to Sculk Shriekers. These blocks react to vibrations produced by player actions, such as walking or placing blocks.

    How Do Shriekers Work?

    Sculk Shriekers activate upon detecting vibrations. They can either pick up vibrations directly or receive them through Sculk Sensors. It’s crucial to stay vigilant; even in the absence of a visible Shrieker, nearby Sensors can still alert the Warden.

    The Shriekers emit a terrifying scream when activated, which inflicts a "darkness" effect on nearby players, momentarily blinding them. The most menacing aspect of Shriekers is their ability to summon the Warden.

    How Do Shriekers Summon the Warden?

    The mechanics of Warden summoning involve a count of activated Shriekers. Players can activate three Shriekers without any consequences, but activating a fourth one triggers the Warden. This counter is consistent regardless of which Shriekers are activated, meaning it’s cumulative across all Shriekers.

    Furthermore, the count for activating Shriekers is player-specific. If you’ve already activated three, your friend can safely trigger a Shriek without repercussions.

    Each further activation after reaching four might summon the Warden, provided the conditions are right:

    • No other Warden within 48 blocks.
    • A light level below 11.

    The Warden’s Rage Meter

    Initially, when the Warden is summoned, it exists in a calm state without knowledge of nearby players. However, activating vibrations changes its state.

    Calm State

    When first summoned, the Warden’s default behavior involves random wandering around. Despite its calmness, it can impose a passive effect that causes darkness for those nearby.

    Anger Management

    As the Warden begins to hear vibrations, it can sense activity within a 16-block radius. Every action generates vibrations that add to a hidden anger meter toward nearby players.

    Every vibration generates 35 points on this meter, while projectiles contribute only 10 points. Upon reaching 80 points, the Warden enters its enraged state, roaring and pursuing its target relentlessly.

    What Are the Warden’s Attacks?

    The Warden has a couple of potent attacks that can wreak havoc on players:

    • Normal Melee Attack: Executes every 0.9 seconds, dealing between 8 and 22.5 hearts of damage.
    • Sonic Boom Attack: A sound-based projectile with a 20-block range that goes through walls, inflicting 7.5 hearts of damage, bypassing any armor.

    Notably, the Warden is immune to knockback and unaffected by fire or lava.

    Tips to Avoid the Warden

    To steer clear of a confrontation with the Warden, follow these strategies:

    Sneak Around

    To prevent summoning the Warden, try to sneak rather than run. Surrounding Sculk Sensors with wool can muffle vibrations.

    Distract the Warden

    Throwing snowballs or other objects creates noise and can divert the Warden’s attention long enough for you to escape.

    Have an Escape Route

    Building up can help distance yourself from the Warden since it can’t follow vertically. However, you should have a clear escape path in mind because you might lose visibility.

    A crucial key is that if the Warden remains calm for 60 seconds, it will return underground and despawn. So, escaping detection and letting it go back to its lair could be your safest bet.

    Can You Kill the Warden?

    The simple answer is yes, but it’s a challenging quest. If you wish to confront the Warden, consider bringing:

    • Potion of Night Vision
    • High-quality Food
    • Enchanted Netherite Armor
    • Wool
    • Blocks for quick escapes
    • Torches
    • Snowballs
    • Ranged Weapons Like Bows

    In multiplayer scenarios, coordinating with others can significantly enhance your chances. For reference, the Warden boasts an astounding 500 HP, surpassing even the Ender Dragon.

    A fun twist is to name a Warden to prevent it from despawning and use various means to move it to your base, although this requires considerable care!

  • Avoid The New iMessage Phishing Scam Easily

    Avoid The New iMessage Phishing Scam Easily

    A new year is here, but cybercriminals continue to use familiar tactics, now targeting iPhone users. Reports from Bleeping Computer indicate a surge in phishing attempts aimed at these users, luring them into disabling their device’s built-in security features and clicking on harmful links.

    Many of these scams employ deceptive text messages that appear to be from fake delivery agents, masquerading as notifications from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Recently, two contributors from Digital Trends experienced such fraudulent messages in North America.

    Example of a phishing text sent via iMessage.
    Reddit / Digital Trends

    Similar strategies have been reported in various regions, including India, where scammers are posing as DHL or FedEx representatives.

    Anyone curious about ‘kathlyn afaf’? They appear to be running a Royal Mail scam via iMessage. The associated email address has come to light… pic.twitter.com/jr5yPGaA3O

    — Sanny Rudravajhala (@Sanny_Rudra) January 11, 2024

    From insights shared on social platforms, it seems this tactic has been in play for at least the last couple of years. If you examine the messages more closely, you’ll notice a consistent theme:

    “Please reply with Y, then exit the message and reopen it to activate the link, or copy the link into your Safari browser.”

    Another example of a phishing text sent via iMessage.
    Reddit / Digital Trends

    This strategy recurs with minor variations in wording. The prompt to reply with a “Y” may seem innocuous, but it cleverly serves to disable iPhone’s phishing protection mechanisms.

    Apple’s iMessage incorporates protective measures that automatically block links from unknown senders. Users can only access those links if they add the sender to their contacts or reply to their message.

    Another sample of a phishing text sent via iMessage.
    Reddit / Digital Trends

    By responding to these fraudulent messages as instructed, users inadvertently mark the scammer as a “known” contact, making the harmful link clickable. When clicked, it may lead to a website requesting sensitive information, such as credit card details.

    Tips to Avoid Falling for the Scam

    First example of a phishing text sent via iMessage.
    Reddit / Digital Trends

    If you receive a message from a supposed delivery service, do not reply or click any links. Always verify the sender’s name or number. Look for spelling mistakes or personal numbers (including iCloud addresses)—these are telltale signs of deception.

    Be mindful of the country code as well; if the message originates from a foreign number, steer clear. For any mail-related inquiries, always check the delivery status or contact customer service using information from the official website.

    For any unknown messages, the iMessage app provides an option to report junk at the bottom, followed by a delete option. Keep in mind, once you reply, you will not be able to report it.

    @IndiaPostOffice I got this message today and suspect it’s a scam requesting 25 rs directly via iMessage. Just want to confirm with the officials. @Cyberdost pic.twitter.com/4FXX7UZMjT

    — Vikash Gathala (@vikashgathala) May 30, 2024

    If the message hasn’t been opened, simply swipe left, tap the red trash can icon, and select Delete and Report Junk. For added security, consider blocking the sender as well.

    The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently released a detailed advisory aiming to help users protect their devices from various cyber threats. We’ve summarized key takeaways for everyday smartphone users to promote safer digital practices this year.