#good bacteria and c

[deus-ex-mona]

me when the bacteria c o l o n i s e s

[housedyke]

My prescription mouthwash is turning my teeth a very faint shade of blue...

[jesuistrestriste]

i think art is the nerdiest fucker on the planet, maybe im reaching but i don’t know maybe it’s his vibe, i feel like if you were trying to get his attention he just would be so deep into his books that you’d have to physically take away his attention from it… if you know what i mean

nsfw

idk why but i feel like he's so average in school LMAO. like he gets pretty okay grades on his papers and assignments in college, but he's cool w it b/c he's so focused on his tennis career lol.

but ! i can also definitely see him being very studious and having his nose almost always in a book when he's not on the courts. to me he very much seems like he'd be a stem major of some kind. like, he's an overachiever for sure, even if school isn’t really his thing as much as athleticism is. he tries his best! he’s a fairly good student, he’s just better at sports!

i think if he got sucked into his studies too much sometimes, it would be so easy to just crawl under his desk and start to suck him off while he clutches his textbook and whimpers while the pages start to tear..

or you could help him study (not really) by stroking his cock and telling him he can only come if he gets all ten answers right when you verbally quiz him. he really doesn't learn anything through this process, though, b/c he's too focused on not prematurely squirting out over your hand. his brain gets mushy, that’s all; it’s hard to concentrate with your fingers wrapped around him.

"What are the three domains of life?"

"U-Uhm.. Bac—ungh!— bacteria.. arch-archaea.. and.. a-and.. and—!"

you pause your touch as his body tenses up all over.

"And..?"

"Please, please, please.. i've gotta cum, i'm really gonna cum—"

he looks to you with those big, blue puppy eyes and a soft pout.

"Finish," you whisper lowly.

"Wh- Can I really?"

"Your answer, Art."

"Oh.. And, uh, eukarya..?"

you smirk, starting to stroke him again, and he comes not even ten seconds later with a sharp moan and a softly hiccuped sob. he murmurs your name and breathy, tender 'thank you'.

whether he's thanking you for being his study buddy or for letting him release, you don't know. it doesn't really matter. you kiss him anyways as he floats in his afterglow.

—

i <3 him in his stanford spirit wear

[tachvintlogic]

Humans are Weird: Offloading tasks to Bacteria

Alien A: So your waste has bacteria in it.

Human: Yes.

Alien A: Inherently.

Human: Yes.

Alien A: Why?

Human: Because I have bacteria in my gut.

Alien A: And you're not sick?

Human: No, they're supposed to be there. They help digest tough materials we can't break down ourselves.

Alien A: You don't just do that yourself?

Human: No, we just let them do it for us. Most vertebrates on Earth have them, or at least I don't know if any don't. They already know how to digest that stuff, so why not let them help out?

Alien A: But what if they make you sick?

Human: It's fine as long as they're not somewhere they're not supposed to be. Do you not have helpful organisms living in you?

Alien A: No! That's weird.

Alien B: What's weird?

Alien A: Offloading digestion to bacteria.

Human: No it's not. They're perfectly suited for it.

Alien B: And for getting rid of bad bacteria.

Human: You have them too?

Alien B: Yeah, but not for digestion. To guard against parasites. They're the parasites of parasites.

Human: They kinda help with invaders in the gut, but that's mostly the immune system's job. Do you have an immune system? Besides the bacteria.

Alien B: No, not really.

Alien A: What!?

Human: Really? So if you don't have anything to reign them in?

Alien B: They govern themselves. It works alright.

Human: But if they stop doing their job right, you're fucked.

Alien B: And if your immune system stops doing its job, you're fucked.

Human: Touché.

Alien C: ...I'm confused.

Alien B: By what?

Alien C: These bacteria. You're talking about them like they're separate from you.

Human: Well, yeah they are separate from me.

Alien C: But they're living things that live in your body.

Alien B: I don't get what's confusing.

Alien A: Because they're parasites you haven't realized are parasites.

Alien C: No. It's... how are you distinguishing between yourself and these bacteria? How do you define yourself in a way that excludes them?

Human: They come from outside?

Alien B: Wait, you're not born with yours?

Human: No, we just kind of pick them up as we go along.

Alien B: Oh, my species doesn't do that. That would be far too risky.

Human: Yeah, you'd probably need a lot more control over what your bacteria ecosystem looks like.

Alien C: But how are they separate from you you?

Human: Well, all the cells that make up me all originate from a single stem cell with the instructions to make me—you guys use DNA right?

Alien B: We use nucleotides but different ones.

Alien A: My translator is telling me that you code your instructions in a way that is exclusive to certain single-celled organisms on my planet.

Alien C: I use DNA.

Humans: Okay, good. So my cells have my DNA and the bacteria ecosystem is all different species of bacteria with their own DNA and lineages that aren't affiliated with my origin cell, so they're separate from me.

Alien B: Yeah, that's basically how it is.

Alien C: So, you don't start as a collection of cells, all with their own DNA and DNA lineages that specialize into different systems with different jobs?

Human: Wait, so you're a colony of a bunch of organisms that become your organ systems?

Alien C: By your definition of "organism," yes.

Alien A: Okay, but can we all agree that the fact human waste needs to be sterilized is weird?

Human: No.

Alien B: Yes.

Alien C: Actually... My equivalent to a stomach reproduces on its own in addition to reproducing with the rest of me, so you will need to sterilize the spores in my poop.

Human: Woah, that's so cool!

Alien A: I'm just going to sterilize everyone's waste just in case.

[sorcerous-caress]

I'm so jealous of Daniil. Having only played the Haruspex route so far in both game, each time I'm invited to the Bachelor's place I turn green with envy at how he resides at an actual proper house with a real room and a real bed.

A real bed with a whole bedframe. A pillow with an actual pillowcase!! His bed even has sheets!

He has WINDOWS. His house is in a nice neighbourhood, and his roommate is a very attractive woman. There is actual furniture in his room. Not one hint of fungus growing on the walls or rust!

Can you imagine living there as your lair? Spending the whole game knowing you have a real house with a real bed to go back to at the end of each night? Seeing Eva's face every day before leaving to do quests?

Meanwhile, Artemy is stuck in this dumpster room of an abandoned factory. Cuddling with rats on his makeshift bed, held by nothing but a wooden panel, some boxes and a dream.

A pillow so yellow it has its own ecosystem where bugs established real estate. Is that even a pillow or is it some random rock Artemy found and chucked in there? Is it a stale loaf of bread?? Why is it hard looking?

But no, you don't even get to keep the rock roach pillow because in P2, they take it away.

Fuck you Artemy, you had it good for too long. No pillow now because what are you gonna do about it?. Fold your mattress instead to have a resemblance of a faux sense of protection under your most vital organ during the long hours of death rehearsal that you call sleep.

Somehow, they made the bed even more unstable looking. As if that thin panel in the middle could hold Artemy's weight without caving in. Oh, and apparently, I ran out of boxes to use for furniture because the bed and the table have to share custody of the same box.

We have downgraded into barrels now, as you can see :) No, I don't know what they used to contain inside.

Waking up every day to Sticky's snotty face telling me not to spit in the wind and nagging me about cleaning up the week-old human organs thrown around that are stinking up the place.

THERE IS MOLD GROWING ON MY WALLS. RUST FLAKES FALL FROM THE EXPOSED METAL PIPES DOWN INTO MY CEREAL EACH BREAKFAST.

This single wall holds so much mold and fungus that they started crossbreeding and evolved into new, never seen before types of bacteria. Satan's asscrack is more hygienic than whatever biohazard plagues of Egypt this slab of concrete contains.

I live in the gutters. My only neighbours are an illegal gang of minors with a hatred for furries and another illegal gang but of adults this time who sell me bullets way above the market price. A dangerous neighbourhood where you can't have shit because SOMEONE STOLE MY BULL.

The basement I reside in has no windows, the smell is pungent and fucking vile down here. There isn't even a space for a bathroom.

This is my kitchenette/bathroomette/showerette/cupboardette/surgery tools disinfection stationette/sinkette/watercoolerette/toilette/fridge.

also my buckets yk.

One bucket for the makeshift bathroom, another for holding important organs and loose guts during surgery, a third one as a cooking pot for making tasty meat grub soup and the final one for murky water after sweeping the floor.

What do I use to tell them apart? Oh nothing :) I just mix em up every now and then, oppsie daisy.

Oh and the floors are CONSTANTLY wet for some reason. Yeah sticky slipped and almost broke his neck the other day so watch your steps.

There is also this eerie room with literal garbage and broken furniture right next to the entrance. Don't worry about it, sometimes I hear someone crying and screaming for help when I'm trying to go to sleep but it's just the factory being silly lol.

Now this? This is where the M A G I C happens. This is where Artemy the Menkhu makes his famous herbal remedies and natural mixtures. This is where the Panacea for the infamous sand plague gets made!

In a rusty empty food can.

Falling into a bucket with shit stains.

MEDICINE BABBYYY. GET YOUR WEAK SOFT BONED ASS BACK TO THE CAPITAL BITCH, THIS IS HOW REAL MEN MAKE REAALLL MEDICINE!! RAWRRRRR🦅🦅💥💥

Meanwhile, dickovsky has the view of the cathedral and polyhedron just around the corner from where he resides. He has a backyard with a lake, and all I have is a swamp behind my basement. I trudge through the mud each night, collecting weeds and herbs to mix and trade so I and the two orphans who adopted themselves into my life don't go starving.

Not to mention the gaggles of herb brides loitering outside and giving me a false bad reputation.

That dandy douchbag has a pharmacy, a grocery, and a tailor right next door. The closest establishment to my shrekcore place of resident is a dingy basement bar with shady drinks and no bouncer to check for ID, I saw two kids in there once.

Pov: a qt3.14 surgeon says his dad isn't home and invites you over.

[theambitiouswoman]

Supplements & Vitamins

Here's a list of some of the most commonly used supplements and their benefits. Please remember that while supplements can be beneficial for certain people, everyones nutritional needs are different. It's always a good idea to consult with a specialist before adding any new supplements to your routine, as individual needs may vary.

Multivitamin: Provides a range of essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and fill potential nutrient gaps in your diet.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promote heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation. Typically derived from fish oil or algae.

Vitamin D: Supports bone health, immune function, and may have a positive impact on mood. It's commonly obtained through sun exposure, but supplements can be useful, especially in winter or for those with limited sun exposure.

Probiotics: Help promote a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.

Magnesium: Important for muscle and nerve function, bone health, and energy production. It may also help with relaxation and sleep.

B vitamins: Help convert food into energy, support brain function, and maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Vitamin C: Boosts immune function, acts as an antioxidant, supports collagen production, and aids in iron absorption.

Zinc: Essential for immune function, wound healing, and cell division. It also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Iron: Required for red blood cell production and oxygen transport. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia and fatigue, but it's essential to get iron levels checked before supplementing.

Calcium: Crucial for bone health and muscle function. It's often combined with vitamin D for better absorption.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Plays a vital role in energy production within cells and acts as an antioxidant. It may benefit heart health and cellular energy metabolism.

Curcumin (Turmeric extract): Possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially supporting joint health and cognitive function.

Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic herb that may help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and support cognitive function.

Green Tea Extract: Contains antioxidants and may support cardiovascular health, weight management, and cognitive function.

Glucosamine: Commonly used for joint health and may help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Chondroitin: Often taken alongside glucosamine, it may help reduce joint pain and improve joint mobility.

Probiotics for Gut Health: Certain strains of probiotics can help restore and maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, supporting digestion and immune function.

Melatonin: A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, melatonin supplements can help with insomnia or jet lag.

Vitamin E: An antioxidant that supports immune function and may help protect against cellular damage.

Ginseng: An adaptogenic herb that may help increase energy, reduce stress, and support cognitive function.

Prebiotics: These are non-digestible fibers that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting gut health and digestion.

Magnesium: In addition to its previous benefits, magnesium may help reduce muscle cramps, improve mood, and promote relaxation.

Probiotics for Vaginal Health: Certain strains of probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of vaginal flora, reducing the risk of infections.

Cranberry Extract: Often used for urinary tract health, cranberry extract may help prevent urinary tract infections.

Resveratrol: Found in grapes and berries, resveratrol has antioxidant properties and may support heart health and longevity.

L-theanine: An amino acid commonly found in green tea, L-theanine may promote relaxation, improve focus, and reduce anxiety.

[hellsitegenetics]

I just wanna say that as someone who has a bug hyperfixiation rn and enjoys making ocs based off of bugs that this blog is like, a character design idea haven to me at this point because of all the bugs. Thank you for your service.

String identified: t aa a tat a a a g at a ag c a g tat t g , a caact g a a t at t t ca a t g. Ta c.

Closest match: Balneolaceae bacterium isolate c63fa63d-abcb-44aa-a049-ecdd770e9aed genome assembly, chromosome: 1 Common name: The Balneolaceae family of bacteria.

(This organism has no associated image. Good luck making a character design out of that.)

[evilminji]

I... am haunted? By my Midi-chlorian theory?

Cause they are PROBABLY? Some sort of Symbiotic Bacteria?

Which was my theory. Cause "micro-organisms" is vague af? And doesn't exactly tell us what KIND? But it's probably not a mammal or some sort of fish? So like... helpful blood bacteria. Got it! No different then a good gut biome. Makes perfect sense!

Yeah, THIS one has? For some reason? A hyper sensitivity to fundamental forces of reality? But I mean? Monkeys with type writers, right? Something, somewhere, was bound to get it. Some organisms get better smell to survive, some get sensitive whiskers. The blood bacteria got jacked in to Reality's newsreel. Some low ranking admin privileges.

Still? Needs a HOST to survive though. Doesn't, itself, even really HAVE a brain.

Cause it's a Bacteria.

A Bacteria and... and Bacteria can be multiplied. Grown. Obviously? Midi-chlorians refuse to do so outside of a living body. Or the Sith and various other researchers, bother ethical and UNETHICAL, would have figured out how to crack Midi-chlorian development.

They ALSO? We can only assume? DO NOT mix. As in? Any Midi-chlorian's? Removed from the Original Host™ die off pretty promptly. (In time with the blood rotting or new body assimilating the fresh, donated, blood.) So you presumably, couldn't take from, say, Skywalker and give to an average farmer, and have that farmer become mildly force sensitive.

Even THOUGH? The BLOOD? Is where his Midi-chlorians are! So PRESUMABLY? So long as he and the farmer had compatible blood types? That SHOULD happen! Because Anikin his a SHIT TON of Midi-chlorian bacteria in his blood and the farmer would be receiving some of that High Production Strain.

Not saying the farmer would ever become a powerhouse. But? There should? Be a difference? Even if it was only temporarily.

Yet? It seems? Like Midi-chlorian strains? Just don't MIX. They split off, during development of a child, begin cultivation of their own unique colony, and never again! Shall the stains blend. I'd go so far? As to say? They probably ATTACK other Midi-chlorians in THEIR space.

Like part of the immune system. Disease, poison, parasites, and of course? Those filthy, FILTHY Other Midi-chlorian Colonies trying to encroach upon THEIR resources. Get! GET!

Which is where? All past attempts have FAILED. Because they? Had an END GOAL first, and they worked their way backwards. Approached it all with either preconceived notions or complete derision of the subject matter. Ignoring countless culture's collective MILLENNIUMS of knowledge on the subject. The observations. The notes. The folk remedies and early sciences.

Arrogant. Forgetting or outright dismissing. Because THEY were better. THEY were SMARTER. Surely, THEY would crack the code! Unlock the SECRETS of this MYSTICAL building block of the Force!

Achieve... POWER.

But? The thing IS? Primitive? Does not and HAS not? Ever meant stupid. It means young. New. Doctors and scientists, doing the best they could, with what they had. To help as many as they could. The Force? It was a mysterious thing. They knew the shape of it. The edges, but not it's depths. They could observe.

If they did X... Y occurred. Medicine A? Brought about B and C side effects, avoid it going forward. Use Medicine D. So forth and so on. Building upon the knowledge of the past.

But OH, THEY? Didn't have fancy modern medical technology! Didn't know the modern terms! So obviously they were superstitious idiots!

Thus, attempt after attempt. Failed. Usually with innocent people, paying the price. Because Power. Because Fame. Because they could rule the galaxy and go down in history books... if only these simple little bacteria would COOPERATE. But.... they don't. Do they?

Because you lack understanding.

You. Can Not. Remove Them. From The. HOST.

They DIE.

They can exsist in exactly ONE(1) environment. Their NATIVE environment. Where you found them? That's where they need to STAY. If you found them in a tree? The need to stay in THAT specific tree. Dirt? Well then! Dirt from THAT specific region of THAT specific PLANET. No moving! Cease! Desist!

Are the Midi-chlorians in a baby? The start up strains were donated! Congrats! THEY LIVE THERE NOW. They are now NATIVE to the BABY. Can not exsist OUTSIDE the baby! In fact, will immediately begin to die! Outside that baby!

This is WHY Sith Alchemy is so fucked up. Lots of live experimentation and forcing Midi-chlorians into statis. Body horror everywhere. No mas! It DOES NOT SPARK JOY.

Which?! That leads me to my point! The part of all this THAT FUCKING HAUNTS ME!!!

Bacteria can be multiplied if you give it the right food. Fuck, it WANTS to multiple. WANTS to go gangbusters. Just? Absolutely apeshit. Thick enough in the blood to turn it all into PASTE. It doesn't have a brain. It can't look around and think to itself "hey, maybe we should slow down, we're straining the environment".

It's bacteria. Ultimately, in the end, JUST Bacteria.

Yes, it may be the medium by which we connect to The Force... but IT itself? Has no intelligence to negotiate with. Just like the cells in your body. And JUST like the cells in your body? It can be a cancer. Could kill you, if something went wrong.

If SOMEONE, deliberately, made things go wrong.

All in the name of "Science".

Yes, once again, I consider the SI-OC, even as I consider Midi-chlorians themselves. What "feeds" such a bacteria? A healthy body, presumably. Connection to the Force? Kyber, most likely. Force powerful items. We know they "call" to those who are Sensitive. But! As we know? The part of your body that can actually FEEL that call? Is the Midi-chlorians in your blood, which then transfers the information to it's host.

It is the Midi-chlorians that want that specific Force object. In all likelihood, because it benefits them. That it benefits you? Is a lovely side effect. That is can be used for things? Neat! Good on you for figuring that out! It would still call you to collect pretty, shining, rocks, even if you couldn't use Kyber for SHIT. You would be COMPELLED.

NEED it.

It makes the Midi-chlorians inside you go Brrrrr. Mmm, yes, happy chemicals. Positive reinforcement! You should continue to do OTHER things that help the Midi-chlorians! Like meditation, eating well, and being around others! Go on! Hug that baby! Yeeeeeah, good energy makes LOTS of Midi-chlorian food! (Bad energy too. We are not picky. But that Does Not Feel Nice. So like.... why tho?)

So! Consider!

You have yourself an UNETHICAL AF scientist. The Board does NOT UNDERSTAND THEIR GENIUS etc etc. They have completely lost their shit. Unfortunately, they have money. And Slavery and desperation abound. There are ugly, UGLY pockets of darkness in this galaxy.

They? Have An Idea™! (It is a terrible, horrifying idea)

This scientist? Is going to crack the Secrets of The Midi-chlorian! Become Famous! It is a plot heard many times before, sadly. Just as sadly? SI-OC's parents, who were on their way to the temple, never make it there. Make no mistake! Good people. Upset, of course, that they will be losing their daughter. But? As all good parents do?

They made the decision they thought was best for their baby girl. A lifetime of being understood. Supported. Of stable food and safe beds. A good, quality education they would never be able to afford. Being able to help people someday. They love their daughter. Weep for losing her. But sometimes? Loving your child? Means letting them go.

Not forgotten. NEVER forgotten. But somewhere better then they could ever give her. Safe from those who would see their child in chains.

They do not make it.

But they do not go quietly. When those bastards come for their little girl. They make it cost dearly. Not dearly enough. Never, ever, enough. But one of the other passengers is able to get off the emergency beacon. So the Jedi will know. They will come.

It... it has to be... enough...

And it is.

And they do.

But it is not just a pirate attack. Not JUST slavers. No... no this is far more horrifying. Far worse indeed. The Shadow sent to rescue the child? Stumbles into a festering shitshow. The sort that takes a TEAM to unravel. The not-pirates are mercenaries, are closing in fast. He send his data in full, in one big lump as an emergency download.

Capture likely eminent. They're experimenting on Force Sensitives. Need Back Up.

Help.

The Doctor is, of course, DELIGHTED! An adult specimen AND a child! Comparisons and contrasts! They ramble on, unhinged, to the horror of the Shadow. Who's eyes are locked on the Crecheling in a cage. He knows help will come... but will it come fast enough?

No. Not really.

But what keeps HIM from falling? Is the Crecheling that needs to be taught. Ironic, in a way, that the very thing their capture demands and demands? Is what helps them escape, however temporarily, their cages. Meditate. They are told. Or else.

Surrounded by stolen artifacts of Light.

Meditate.

Meditate.

Imagine, if you will, a dialysis machine. It filters the blood, yes? Pumps it outside the body? A terrible process. Trial and error. How far is too far? At what distance, do the midi-chlorians begin to die? The doctor kills... so, SO many innocent. Not their prize specimens. Jedi are hard to get! But slaves? Easy enough.

The Shadow can not Fall, he reminds himself. Can not give in to his grief or rage. His horror, his sorrow. It... it is so hard. To remember the Light. In this dark place. But the Crechling helps. The kyber, the artifacts. When... not... Not IF! But WHEN he gets out of here? He thinks... he thinks he should retire. Being a Creche Master sounds lovely, to be honest.

Bright. Peaceful.

The doctor completes their horror machine. He can not stop them from putting on SI-OC. After all... HE is done growing. It filters the blood, you see. Nice and close to the body. Through and around Force rich materials, in medical grade tubing. Exposing the Midi-chlorians directly to the energy they feed off of. Filter in a mineral solution to use as building blocks.

It WORKS.

The midi-chlorians in SI-OC blood start multiplying far faster and too far greater concentration then ever before. Slowly but surely boosting their Force Sensitivity as they go. What a rousing success.

If it weren't slowly killing SI-OC.

Ever imagine? What would happen if someone reached over and slowly started turning up the sensitivity on your eyesight? Your hearing? Your taste, touch, the FEELING OF YOUR BONES? If every breath was sandpaper, and every thought an adrenaline rush?

Could you imagine? FEELING the galaxy BREATHE? Knowing for a fact that your body had been specially designed for a certain level of sensitivity? And you had been broken? Because someone wanted to see if you could handle HIGHER?

Power without the support structure? Burns everything down.

Just because something CAN be done? Doesn't mean it will work the way you fantasize it will. Reality is not a story book. Where Power comes in pretty little packages, to be bought or sold or stolen. Midi-chlorians were always Bacteria. And trying to fuck with your own micro-biomes for more power? Was always destined to end in death and disease.

For you. For someone else. For every innocent you dragged into it.

They scoffed at the "primitive" scholars who warned not to fuck with it, yet still treat it like its a mystical power to be seized.

The Shadows that finally track down the lab? BURN it wil a VENGEANCE. It is a place of horrors. And initiate SI-OC is very, VERY sick. They aren't even sure they can risk taking her to Coruscant. Too many people. Jedha? Probably safer. Luckily their library has something that...? MIGHT? Be able to help treat this?

SI-OC probably never stops Tasting Time™ and seeing the Pretty Colors™ but? At least she becomes? Largely functional? Probably needs a disability animal. One that's mildly force sensitive, so it knows when she's ~~drifting~~ again. Keep her from walking into traffic or off a landing platform.

The random bouts of prophecy and mind reading are a bit disconcerting, but like? Lay off! It's not SI-OC fault! Be nice! She can't help it! Don't be rude! D:< she basicly has tiny Force Nexus in HER BLOOD. So WHAT if she occasionally stops to admire a sunrise that hasn't existed for thousands of years? It's probably pretty!

The younglings? Very understanding. Adults are a bit creeped out. But like? Eh. Just EXTRA Jedi-y Jedi... they guess? (No, no not really. This one had a serious Force Incident. But like FUCK we're breaking rank to tell outsiders that sooooo..... Sure? Yeah. Let's go with that!)

Ironically? I bet? Anikin gets along great with her? They're team "WHY YES, THE FORCE IS VERY LOUD. WHY ARE WE SHOUTING? SO YOU CAN HEAR US! OVER THE FORCE! WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S NOT THAT LOU-?". He got it naturally, she got it by getting fucked over. But? They can both go?

"Hey, you feel that thingy in the-?" *vague hand motion* and get a "oh YEAH! Wonder what's THAT'S about?". Does anyone else feel it? No. Is it obvious to THEM? Yes.

Will Anikin punch your lights out, if you mock his disabled friend? *boss music starts playing* R U N. Padme would help. Tag team, fuckeeeeer! *from the highbar with a steel chair*

Community is EVERYTHING. And sometimes? It's you, your secret wife, your brother-mentor-dad, the Clone army you adopted, and the perpetually Force High/Vaguely Brain Damaged jedi you call your best friend! And the droids. And your secret wife's body gaurd squad. And the younglings your friend-... actually? You know what? Your family's kinda big.

Awesome :)

@legitimatesatanspawn @babbling-babull @spidori @hdgnj @hypewinter @leftnotright @the-witchhunter @lolottes @mayfay

[purplekissinger]

Hungry heart: headcanons

Daily life with zombie yan~ what could go wrong haha

I, uhhhh, made a part two?.. Just can't get over this little undead yan disaster. TW: yandere themes, zombies are their own warning I guess

I’d go with Max Brooks' view on zombie virus. He considers it to be an aggressive bacteria that kinda keeps the corpse from rotting; hence, zombies are sort of  stinky but not really, which means that Michael can (and will) be hugged (a lot) without you passing out because of the smell. 

Hugs are the way you two communicate now. ‘Good morning, Y/N’? Hug. “What’s for breakfast and oh my, is that for me’? Hug. “You are the light of my life and my last shred of humanity’?  Hug. ‘I don’t want you to go scavenging today because I heard something outside and it might be dangerous’? Hug and a small ‘grrr’.

Speaking of that. Lurking through abandoned stores became a lot easier (and safer). Michael’s hearing is almost supernatural, he can smell other zombies from a mile away. If he grabs your hand all of a sudden and pushes you under the counter, be quiet. He knows what he’s doing.

Same if there are other survivors. Michael really doesn’t want any living people around you, more so than undead ones. He’s got the point: what if you leave him for them?!?!?? Can’t have that. Get under the counter now, grr.

No sleep cause zombie → guards your safety at night. Also stares at you for hours straight, but that’s a given both with yanderes and zombies.

Extremely clingy and I mean it. He follows you like a lost puppy all the time, personal space? what personal space? Surprise hugs from the back instead.

May or may not have sneaked out once to lead a horde of his… colleagues to another group’s hideout. There! Those stupid survivors fled the city without even you noticing. He can’t even bear a thought of you joining other people.

You read to him a lot. Quality time together c: Michael's head on your lap, you stroke his hair gently, (him foaming a bit because he is overwhelmed). At moments like these his 'grrs' are almost 'purrs'. (Michael prefers children’s books btw).

Desperately enjoys every bit of domestic life with you.

Is really proud of that ‘Y/N’s PERSONAL PROPERTY’ collar. And yeah, it’s pink.

Sometimes Michael wonders if he ever was this happy when alive.

[ghoulfuckersincorporated]

I'm not sure if you've answered this before or touched on the subject, my apologies if you have, but would a condom help protect you from most of the radioactivity of ghoul semen? Just a thought, because I've noticed a lot writers use Rad-X or RadAway as a catch-all to safe(ish) ghoul sex; whereas some say there's still damage to be done even with these. But have we considered a condom?!

WARNING: YET ANOTHER RANT ABOUT GHOUL CUM IMMINENT, BRACE FOR IMPACT

And thanks for the ask, Anon. I really do enjoy these ghoul biology questions.

I have touched on the effects of ghoul semen on humans before, largely in this post, but I didn't elaborate much on condom usage. We endorse safe sex here, but...well, let's just say there's a lot more demand for portraying no-condom fucking than there is for the opposite. For this reason, at least personally, I usually just use Rad-X and Radaway as a sort of catch-all since it's basically in-game magic. Plus, my readers yearn for the c r e a m p i e aspect of it all.

Besides, if I'm honest, I'm not convinced that a condom would be of all that much use when fucking a ghoul, at least an older ghoul.

I spent some time browsing through a few research papers and articles about how gamma radiation affects various materials to give a 'not completely bullshit' answer to this. I know a fair amount about how radiation can impact the body, but relatively little about how it can impact non-biological material. Turns out, it's quite hard on most things! Shocker!

I think the biggest determining factor about whether or not a condom would provide you any actual protection with a ghoul lover would be the age and transformation status of the ghoul. I've mentioned before how I theorize that they become more radioactive over time, even if they never enter a more advanced stage of ghoulification, like becoming a glowing one.

A newly-transformed ghoul would likely both have lower levels of radiation in their bodily fluids AND no sperm (as I elaborated on in my post about ghoul-fathered pregnancy), so a condom would really only provide protection from the mild damage and irritation that prolonged or repeated exposure to low-level rads would cause your vaginal/anal/oral tissue. Not to say that isn't helpful! No one really likes the idea of being all raw from mild radiation burns inside them, and sometimes you just wanna go a half-dozen rounds with your high-stamina lover with no stress. Besides, if you're not a ghoul yourself, less overall radiation exposure is an unquestionable good.

Older ghouls (and obviously those who are in more advanced stages of ghoulification), being more radioactive overall in this scenario, also have much more radioactive fluids. Obviously anyone who is pre-war would fall under this category, but frankly anyone who has been a ghoul for more than a few decades is probably gonna be pretty "hot" overall. Low rad-resistance/low endurance folks may need to strongly consider alternative forms of intercourse, especially if Rad-X and Radaway aren't available or sufficient. With partners like this, the condom keeping the semen confined inside it means it's effective in stopping things that have to actively work to infect you (sperm, viruses/bacteria, etc.), but radiation doesn't work like that. It can easily impact you negatively if you're simply close enough to the source of it without any direct contact. If I wrapped a polonium core in a condom and shoved it inside you, you would still get incredibly sick and burned, and I think essentially the same would apply to telling your older ghoul partner to use extant barrier contraception (condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, etc.). Honestly, if they have a high enough rad level, they may just literally melt straight through whatever you're using.

It is possible that ghoul-friendly contraception could be created, at least in my opinion. But it would be complicated and difficult to find something that "ticks all the right boxes", per se. For obvious reasons, you wouldn't want a lead wool diaphragm or a cadmium-lined condom or anything like that. I understand there are a lot of different polymers/plastics that are resistant to radiation, and I'm sure that some of them are made of components that wouldn't necessarily be harmful to have inside you, especially since some of them are used to manufacture things like radiation PPE (personal protective equipment like gowns/gloves/shields/radiation blankets/etc.). However, I don't have a broad enough understanding to say for sure whether or not any of these polymers would make for the sort of material you could manufacture physical/barrier contraception from. I have a degree in a biology-heavy STEM field and not a pure-chemistry STEM field for a reason. Either way, I feel like it might be a little hard to get your hands on material like that, at least consistently, 200+ years after a nuclear apocalypse, unless you could find a way to freshly manufacture it. If you're going older in terms of your search for a ghoul partner, you're probably better off sticking to Rad-X and Radaway, overall.

If I, personally, were president in the Fallout universe, whatever funds that were earmarked for scientific research would be reallocated to figuring out how to mass-produce and distribute a ghoul-friendly form of contraception. I think it would be a great healing step for what remains of America if all the ghouls and all the smoothskins could get in a big pile and just fuck it out. Vote for me.

[sosuigeneris]

Socialite Series: Cherry’s Master Post

Things that have helped me, that could help you. Here is a master list of my softmaxxing journey!

Body:

J*hn Bent*n’s workouts: Yes he’s an asshole but his workouts really do work. He used to train models and his workouts are life changing.

2. B-12 Lipo salines: These you can consume in a shot (like an injection) or in a saline (go to a GOOD DOCTOR for this). I prefer the saline, and my doctor recommended the 6 week course for me (one saline every week). It burns subQ fat and that was the main reason why I began using those. There is zero side effect to these, acc to my doc.  edit: don’t really recommend these anymore. I’ll update this list when I finish my Emsculpt.

3. Diet: More protein, more vegetables, more water and lesser intake of carbs. Carbs are important but i used to over-consume them. Cutting down has helped me a lot. I also did a gut bacteria test (you basically sent a piece of your shit to a lab and they analyse it) to understand what foods worked for me and what didnt. 

4. Probiotics for metabolism management 

5. Measuring: I stopped tracking weight and began tracking body fat % instead. I feel that this works better for me. 

6. Wood therapy: I KNOW. You lot will think its bogus but it helped me and im sticking to it, so there. There’s no wood therapy spa near me, so i ordered the wood therapy tools from amazon, plastic wrap, a waist trainer, almond oil. I looked up videos on wood therapy and lymphatic drainage, and i do it for about 5 mins on my tummy and thighs before my work outs, wrap my torso with plastic wrap, throw the waist trainer on top. 

✨

Skin:

Accutane: this helped me tremendously with my acne and my skin is 95% blemish free now. If you are taking this, remember to be disciplined and regular. 

Zero alcohol: I stopped drinking completely and its done my skin and health wonders.

Products: Sunscreen + Vitamin C combo in the AM. Retinol + moisturiser at night. Recommended by my dermat. 

Hair removal: I refuse to shave because its so uncomfortable so i prefer to wax once in 2 months. Personally, when I began exfoliating my body twice a week - I use a scrub by the Body Shop - I noticed that the hair was growing back slower than it used to. I use a loofah for everyday too. I don’t believe in laser because it’s never just 6 sessions; you do have to have “maintenance” sessions as well post the 6.

Face sculpting: Gua sha on alternative nights. I dont know if this works or is placebo, but I felt like it did. 

Body lotion every day. Twice a day sometimes. I swear, it makes you smell good and feel so soft. 

Expensive make up: specially, foundation. I’m sorry, i know this could be controversial. But idk what cow semen Charlotte Tilbury puts in her make up, it seriously makes me glow. I’m yet to find a good drug store alternative. A while back, I stopped wearing concealer, and I began using a lighter shade of CT’s foundation as concealer over my normal shade. I feel that because the products are chemically the same, they blend better and don’t react and “peel.” Highly recommend that too. For the rest of my face like powder, blush, eyeliner, I do use normal drug store make up.  

✨

Oral hygiene:

I used to have braces. After taking them off, I noticed a difference in my jaw.

Brush, floss, Listrine, tongue cleaner

Mild whitening. I think Hollywood level teeth whitening looks crazy and I want to look as “naturally” beautiful as possible.

✨

Hair care:

For hair growth: as recommended by my doc: minoxidil hair foam 5% w/w Tugain Foam.

High frequency wand before wash days on my scalp. 

Moroccan hair oil. I use a tiny amount everyday on my ends after I finish my make up for the day and I swear it makes my hair shine like crazy.

I also got hair Botox done because i used to have curly but absolutely unmanageable hair. I tried to make it work for years but i gave up and caved in to having permanent straight hair and I love it. 

I only shampoo twice a day so on days when i workout but don’t shampoo, i use hair perfume. I spray some of it on my brush and run it through my hair. I swear it works. 

✨

Overall:

The colour palette theory seriously works. I didn’t realise that wearing the right colours can impact you so much.

Confidence is absolutely key. I seriously recommend going to a group class of some sort if you have the time and just mingling with random people. Social situations are important to gauge your “standing.”

Random but if you have a big nose: grow out your eyebrows / fill them in slightly thicker. I noticed that when I had thin eyebrows, my nose would stand out more but when I made them thicker, it balanced my face out better. 

Steam iron your clothes before you wear them. You will look 100% put together. 

*IF* you’re aesthetically challenged when it comes to picking clothes, use my rule of thumb: never wear any more than 3 colours at once  (remember: IF you can’t put outfits together). 

[ilikekidsshows]

I just saw a video of children pshycologist where she said "a lot of parents nowadays only want their kids to be happy, and that's why a lot of kids nowadays has a lot of problem. because they never taught what necessary for them, such as disappointment, responsibility, accountability, how to regulate their emotion, emphaty-" and some more I don't remember, sorry. And Marinette's parents does reflect this IRL problem which should be a good thing because we have seen what kind of child Marinette is as a result of such parenting. but, instead of make this a moral lesson, the show just validated this kind of parenting and Marinette behavior as "good".

But also it's interesting how I never see the so claimed child pshycologist who said "sentimonster is good methapor for abuse" commenting about Marinette problematic behavior, or maybe because I'm no longer followed the blog, idk.

---

To discuss the connection between Marinette’s problematic behavior and how she’s been raised, people would need to accept her accountability for said behavior first. Instead the closest to accepting that Marinette did anything wrong I’ve seen from the stans is the take that “Gabriel manipulated her into it” because being manipulated would make Marinette a victim and therefore not culpable for her own actions in their eyes. To the average Marinette stan, “being asked nicely by the main villain” just about equates to “was forced to do it with a gun held to her head”.

Also, like, I really do think that the Miraculous fandom at large either considers Marinette’s parents as close to perfect as you can get or claims they're neglectful for not suing the school for suspending her. Because, as I said before, the idea of parents who never expect anything from you, always give you whatever you want and instantly do whatever it takes to keep you in a good mood sounds really good. We all talk about how having supportive parents is really important, so no one thinks it’s possible for parents to be too supportive. It sounds ridiculous, the idea that you can basically give your child too much love by wanting them to always be cheerful and never having to struggle with anything.

The reasons for this attitude make sense. The other extreme of completely unsupportive parents messes with a child’s psyche much more obviously than being overly permissive does. Unless you’re actively observing someone’s behavior and know what to look for, there’s not much difference between having a healthy sense of self and being self-obsessed. It’s good to take care of yourself and prioritize yourself, it keeps you safe and healthy. But it’s bad to mistreat others because you just couldn’t be bothered to be considerate. It’s one thing to set boundaries when you’re dealing with things yourself and don’t have enough strength to take care of someone else on top of that, and a completely another thing to ask others to always prioritize you to their own detriment because you can't deal with even the smallest problem alone.

Fortitude against anything needs to be built up, just having support doesn’t cut it. When it comes to strengthening your immune system, it's not enough to just take all your vitamins while staying indoors all day, you actually need to expose yourself to bacteria by going outside frequently. It’s the entire point of vaccines that you need small amounts of a bad thing to be able to counter large amounts of it. Children facing expectations, disappointments and stressors is the same thing. You’ll never be able to handle even the slightest amount of stress unless you get exposed to it in small amounts first.

Also, like, this isn’t new information about parenting. Granted, developmental psychology as a separate field of psychology is a pretty new field of science to begin with (less than two centuries old), but I remember, already in my childhood, there being a philosophical approach to parenting that said: “overprotective parents raise cowards”. This was based on the idea that children mimic their parents, so the things their parents overly protect them from start to register as “scary” things. These days we know child development also includes more subtle connections, and, indeed, several articles on overprotective parenting discuss children with overprotective parents as being overly anxious, being more dependent on others, being involved in bullying as either a victim or perpetrator (or even both) and tending to lie to get people to like them more, among other behaviors connected to different types of overprotective parenting. Sounds almost like a checklist for Marinette, huh?

I used to think Marinette was coddled all the way back during the original show. It was just so obvious to me, because that’s how I was parented and I had similar problems with emotions and I had to clean up my act as a teenager. But, I think the reason it’s never been a topic of discussion, is that it makes Marinette out to be flawed in a real, tangible way that she herself would need to fix. Even before the retool validated all the more annoying stans, we had to be very roundabout and hushhush about any flaws Marinette had, because the stans were using the boogeyman of “everyone on Reddit/Youtube calls her stalker and blahblahblah” to justify being annoying jerks to people trying to discuss Marinette’s character with anything that wasn’t pure praise.

The one thing to remember about the fabled fandom psychologist, whose posts I’ve also had blocked for years, is that they were a popular blog. I’ve never been that popular in the Miraculous fandom, some posts of mine were, and my most popular posts were the most milktoast, tongue-in-cheek posts that didn’t actually challenge the audience in any way, practically shitposting. The Miraculous fandom at large, the side of it that desperately clings to this show and its protagonist as flawless, have never wanted to be challenged. They don’t want to read anything too spicy, they want to read posts that validate the common consensus . And that’s why a popular Miraculous blog would never write an in-depth analysis of Marinette’s character flaws and what caused them, it just wouldn’t bring the numbers they’re used to. In fact, if a popular blog decided to say anything even vaguely critical-sounding, they’d be torn apart by the Marinette stan mob who are just “so sick of all the salt”.

I know these things because I lived that too. I used to dial back my opinions on this show so much, once it became clear that Marinette stans just don’t remember what happens in the show and go purely on vibes and will dogpile anyone who says the vibe isn’t canon. The thing I said that offended these stans so much? “Marinette has a huge support system.” This was “too much salt”. I was new to active blogging and didn’t know how to deal with that much negative attention, so I tried to remain mostly inoffensive the rest of my time in the fandom. Choosing to burn any bridges with a fandom that unquestionably supports this bad of a show was the best decision I ever made.

[yoyomomiko]

Opposites

Pairing: Craig x F!reader

Summary: You and Craig have known each other ever since first grade, and the two of you got to be very good best friends. What's standing in the way of becoming even more? The fact that the both of you are polar opposites. There's surely no way YOU TWO could ever work in a relationship, right?

Warnings: Swearing, cringe, rushed!!

“That's childish, what are you, a toddler?”

“No... I'm all grown up!”

It was useless having arguments like these, really. It happened all the time, and you tried to ignore all the judgement, but it was just messing you up badly!

“No you're not! No older kid would still play with stuffed toys!”

“That's not very nice, you know?”

“Like i care! You're-”

“How about you fuck off?”

Craig's monotone voice cut off the other kid, flipping him off. Despite the other kid wanting to stand his ground, he just left, stomping away in annoyance.

“Are you alright? You should stop being such a people pleaser.” He stated simply in his 'i don't care' tone.

“Sorry, i just... It's hard being mean. Everybody deserves kindness in their life, at least once, they should feel like they're being cared about, no matter what.”

Craig's eyes lit up a bit, but he shook his head with a sigh.

“I can't convince you otherwise. Let's just play, there's still time left for recess.”

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

“Ay! I'm not fat, i'm big boned you dipshit!”

“I never called you fat, i just told you that eating food off the floor isn't-”

“I FUCKING DROPPED IT AND IT'S NOT GOING IN THE TRASH!”

“I understand, but there's a lot of bacteria on the floor, and you could get sick!”

“You ruined a perfectly good meal!”

“I didn't, i just-”

“Leave already!”

That's Cartman for you... You were already used to his sudden tantrums or bursts of anger, also to his insults. But that didn't mean you couldn't be kind to him, right?

You snapped out of your thoughts as you felt a hand on your shoulder. You turned around to see a familiar face, and probably your favourite one too.

“Craig!” Your eyes shined brightly as soon as you saw him, all while he walked away with you to his lunch table, along with his gang and Tweek.

“Are you alright?”

You nodded, a gentle smile on your face as the others greeted you.

“Cartman's a weirdo, he snapped all of the sudden, just because you cared for him.” Craig stated in his usual monotone voice, glancing to Cartman's table, then back at your happy face.

“I know how Cartman is, but so what?” You smiled at Craig's confused look, “Even if someone's being mean, it won't hurt to be kind! It makes you happier, and i feel better every single time i help someone!” You informed the ravenatte, all while the gang just watched you speak what seemed like nonsense to them.

“Yeah, b-b-b-but, C-Cartman's an a-ass.” Jimmy spoke for the others. You shrugged your shoulders and tilted your head to the side, a smile glued to your face.

“I know, but like i said, kindness doesn't hurt.”

You didn't belong in South Park.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

“It's on!” You grinned at the boy in front of you, who looked like he tried his best not to smile too much.

“Whatever, whatever, i do what i want!” Craig tried his best to mimic Cartman's voice, trying not to laugh.

You, on the other hand, were already laughing like crazy.

“I'm not fat, i'm big boned!” You mimicked Cartman's voice almost perfectly, while Craig couldn't hold back anymore, and let out a laugh as well.

“Okay, i have to admit, you did it better.” Craig calmed down his laughter to speak out his sentence, before chuckling a bit more.

“I thought you were sweet, yet you're making fun of someone by copying their voice.” Craig leaned into you, probably a bit too close.

“Well... Y'know, it's not really rude... I mean, i'm not saying it to his face, am i?” You stood your ground, heart fluttering inside your chest.

Craig looked away and nodded, glancing at his feet. Suddenly, you felt a hand on top of yours, making you turn your head slightly, catching a glimpse of Craig holding your hand.

His cheeks were tinted pink now, smile long gone, as you stared at him.

You blushed too, face heating up. Craig's heart was pounding in his chest, so loud that he was sure you'd hear it.

You felt the corners of your lips tug upward, mouth forming a smile.

Craig turned to you, gaze fixated on your eyes. You examined his face, while he couldn't bear to watch you anymore, turning his head away quickly as he let go of your hand in embarassment.

You leaned over to him, catching his hand in yours again, making him flinch slightly, before he melted into your touch.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

“There's no way...” Clyde perked up, checking out the way you and Craig held hands as you walked through the halls.

“W-What? ACK! T-that's...” Tweek trailed off, just as surprised.

“You guys HAVE to be blind, haven't you seen how the two of them acted with each other?” Tolkien crossed his arms. He was already expecting something to go on between you and Craig.

“B-But i t-tought they were a-already togheter...” Jimmy butted in, scanning the faces of his surprised friends.

[cherubofthenight]

nurturing my natural self (part 3)

Disclaimer: I made this, like all my other posts, for myself, but if you are reading this, I'm not a doctor, and this is basic researched knowledge. If you realize that you need help, please seek a doctor!

A Clean Slate

Everyone's skin is different, reflecting my unique experiences and heritage. It possesses its own characteristics, needs, and inherent beauty. By recognizing and celebrating these differences, I can tailor my skincare routine to enhance my natural beauty and promote healthy skin. "My Skin is Different: A Canvas for Personal Expression." Just as artists employ various techniques to showcase their unique styles, I can use skincare to express my identity. Caring for my skin is not solely about aesthetics; it’s about honoring and showcasing my true self. The textures, scents, and ingredients blend together harmoniously, creating a symphony of care that celebrates individuality. By viewing my skincare regimen through this artistic lens, I invite creativity into my self-care practices, fostering a deeper connection with my skin as it flourishes into its most radiant self.

Ingredients: There are plenty of ingredients out there that can boost skin health, both natural and chemical. Natural options like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and chamomile are great for hydration and soothing irritation. On the flip side, chemical ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and salicylic acid can brighten the skin and help with acne. Just keep in mind that “natural” doesn’t always mean “better.” It’s all about finding what works best for you and your skin. What helps Kayla might not do the same for Kiara!

- Niacinamide: Reduces redness, brightens skin, minimizes pores, and strengthens the skin barrier.

- Aloe Vera: Soothes sunburn and hydrates the skin.

- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates, plumps fine lines, and improves elasticity.

- Glycerin: Attracts moisture and enhances skin texture.

- Lactic Acid: Gently exfoliates and brightens dull skin.

- Ceramides: Restores the skin barrier and retains moisture.

- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Hydrates and promotes skin healing.

- Chamomile Extract: Calms inflammation and soothes sensitive skin.

- Green Tea Extract: Contains antioxidants and reduces inflammation.

- Squalane: Provides lightweight hydration and balances oil (the hydrogenated version of squalene, which is found naturally in our bodies and unfortunately oxides quickly, which makes it more stable and gives it a longer shelf life).

- Zinc Oxide: Offers sun protection and soothes irritation, treat itching, skin infections, chapped skin, and skin conditions.

- Retinol: Stimulates collagen, reduces wrinkles, and treats acne.

- Adapalene: Prevents clogged pores and reduces acne lesions.

- Tretinoin (Retin-A): Targets anti-aging, acne, and improves skin tone.

- Vitamin C: Brightens the skin, antioxidant protection, stimulates collagen synthesis, improves skin firmness and reduces wrinkles, reduces inflammation.

- Glycolic Acid: Gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, improves texture, brightens dull skin, unclogs pores and can help reduce acne breakouts.

- Benzoyl Peroxide: helps clear acne by killing acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and gently exfoliating the skin to prevent clogged pores, making it a highly effective treatment for mild to moderate breakouts. Please note: there's been some concern over trace amounts of benzene (a carcinogen) in some over-the-counter products. However, benzoyl peroxide itself is not inherently linked to benzene contamination. It’s a good idea to choose reputable products to minimize risk. for that reason, i wasn't going to include this in the list but i do feel it necessary to inform anyone who uses these products that may be reading this.

BUTTTT you don't need a ten-step routine to achieve great skin. these are just product ideas for specific targets & remember to always patch test and find what works for you.

Lifestyle Changes: Adjustments in diet, hydration, and stress management that can positively impact skin health.

Professional Treatments: Procedures performed by dermatologists or estheticians, such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatments.

Over-the-Counter Solutions: Products available without a prescription that target specific skin concerns (e.g., anti-acne creams, moisturizers for dryness).

Holistic Approaches: Methods that focus on the whole body and mind, such as yoga, meditation, and herbal supplements.

Nail care

all about keeping things simple and healthy. Regularly trimming your nails, filing them, and moisturizing them with natural oils like jojoba or almond helps prevent breakage and keeps them looking neat. Keeping them trimmed also prevents snagging, while moisturizing makes them stronger and less prone to splitting. It's an easy way to have strong, healthy nails without relying on harsh products.

Body care

Your body needs just as much love as your face when it comes to skincare. Exfoliating, moisturizing, and protecting it from the sun is key. Like your face, the rest of your skin needs regular cleansing to get rid of dirt and oil, exfoliation to smooth things out, and hydration to stay soft. Don’t forget the SPF on areas like your arms and legs to keep them safe from sun damage, which can lead to premature aging and uneven skin tone. I usually follow up with some perfume/body spray/scented body oil.

During hot days

Apply antiperspirant in the morning, and wipe off existing deodorant before reapplying throughout the day to prevent buildup and ensure better adherence. Carry travel-size wipes or body sprays to freshen up, especially if you can’t shower. Additionally, choose lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable fabrics like cotton to help wick away sweat and allow for better air circulation.

Feminine Care

Many feminine washes and vaginal deodorants are advertised as must-haves, but most gynecologists say they're not necessary and can actually do more harm than good. These products can throw off your vagina's natural pH balance, leading to issues like irritation, dryness, and even infections. Instead of those products, just stick to a good, sensitive skin, unscented antibacterial soap for cleaning the vulva. That’s all you really need to keep things fresh without messing with your body's natural balance. Additionally, opt for breathable cotton underwear, steer clear of douching, and consult with your gynecologist if you have specific concerns or experience unusual symptoms.

Oral Care

For mouth care, in addition to regular brushing and flossing, there are a few other practices that can help maintain oral hygiene.

- Oil pulling: swishing oil (typically coconut oil) around your mouth for 10-20 minutes. Benefits: Thought to help remove toxins, reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, and freshen breath. It may also support gum health and reduce plaque buildup. it contains the bacteria pulled from your mouth so rinse mouth and brush teeth after after. Do not swallow.

- Tongue Scraping: a tool used to scrape your tongue to remove bacteria, food particles, and dead cells. helps prevent bad breath and supports overall oral hygiene. It can also enhance your sense of taste. use a tongue scraper (or the edge of a spoon) to gently scrape from the back to the front of your tongue.

- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day bc water helps wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth, and it keeps your mouth hydrated, which prevents dry mouth, a condition that can lead to bad breath and an increased risk of cavities.

- Fluoride Mouthwash: mouth rinse that contains fluoride, which strengthens enamel, helps prevent cavities, and freshens breath. using it after brushing and flossing adds an extra layer of protection against decay.

- Baking Soda: natural mild abrasive that helps whiten teeth, neutralizes acids in the mouth, and removes surface stains. Some people use it as a toothpaste substitute or mix it with their regular toothpaste. mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and brush with it, or add it to your regular toothpaste.

- Whitening Strips: thin, flexible strips coated with a whitening gel containing peroxide that helps lighten the color of teeth by breaking down stains. to us it, follow the instructions on the package for use. overuse can lead to sensitivity, so use sparingly.

- Dietary Choices: eating a diet low in sugar and acidic foods reduces the risk of cavities and enamel erosion. foods like crunchy vegetables (carrots, celery) help clean your teeth as you chew.

- Regular Dental Visits: see your dentist for cleanings and check-ups at least twice a year. professional cleanings remove tartar and plaque buildup that regular brushing and flossing might miss. dentists can also spot and treat potential issues early, such as cavities or gum disease.

- Probiotics: beneficial bacteria that can support your overall and oral health that may help balance the bacteria in your mouth, supporting gum health and reducing bad breath. consider taking oral probiotics or including fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut in your diet.

Other Essential Tools for a Complete Oral Care Routine:

Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Gentle on gums while still effective at cleaning.

Electric Toothbrush: More efficient at removing plaque than manual brushing.

Floss: Helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth.

Water Flosser: Uses a stream of water to clean between teeth and under the gumline—especially great for people with braces or tight spaces.

Ear Care

To care for your ears, gently clean the outer ear with a soft cloth or cotton swab, but avoid inserting anything into the ear canal. Your ears usually self-clean, so routine cleaning isn't necessary unless you notice blockage or discomfort, in which case consult a professional. Protect your hearing by limiting exposure to loud sounds and using ear protection in noisy environments. After swimming or showering, dry your ears thoroughly to prevent infections like swimmer's ear. Avoid invasive practices like ear candling, and if using over-the-counter ear drops, follow instructions carefully. Lastly, go to the doctor if you experience pain, hearing loss, or dizziness, seek medical advice and consider regular hearing assessments to detect any changes early.

Routines

Face : A basic routine includes: cleansing + toning (optional) + moisture + SPF. i do skin masks at night of the beginning and end of every week, not forgetting to give my skin a break at least one day a week. I have oily skin so I start with cleansing to remove dirt and impurities. I follow up with exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion if exfoliating is needed. After that, I apply a good moisturizer to hydrate and keep your skin supple. Finally, don't forget sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage. At night, i cleanse my skin with the same cleanser (La Roche Posay Toleriane foaming face wash), I use The Ordinary's salicylic acid/The Ordinary glycolic acid (each at least once a week), then I moisturize with La Roche Posay Toleriane matte facial moisturizer, and finally my La Roche Posay Anthelios melt in milk SPF 60. I plan to add niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to my routine, buy one of those vibrating exfoliators, buy more sheet masks, try more diy masks & find a vitamin c that won't oxidize as quickly as others. These steps work together to keep my skin healthy and radiant.

- Body : I have dry skin. shower with sensitive skin, antibacterial soap, Dove or Simple. Then if i exfoliate that day (exfoliate 2-3 times a week), I use either dry brush before my bath or i use exfoliating gloves with my body wash, which is usually either Dove or Olay. I heard good things about african net cloths so i definitely plan to buy a few of those. Then I rinse and use Palmer's cocoa butter +vitamin e butter, then their vitamin e oil on top. and then my sunscreen. I also wanna try glycerin.

- Feminine : Use a gentle, unscented antibacterial soap to clean the external area (vulva). Avoid harsh soaps and douching. Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and prevent bumps. Use a gentle scrub once a week, being careful to avoid the opening and any sensitive areas. After cleansing and exfoliating, apply a gentle moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Look for products that are fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. Avoid irritable ingredients and ALWAYS PATCH TEST.

- Oral : Start your morning routine by flossing to remove debris and plaque from between your teeth, followed by brushing with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush. Rinse with fluoride mouthwash to protect your enamel and keep your breath fresh. After meals, rinse your mouth with water to clear any leftover food particles. In the evening, consider oil pulling with coconut oil for 10-20 minutes before brushing again with fluoride toothpaste. Use a tongue scraper to reduce bacteria on your tongue, and finish with a fluoride mouthwash to protect your teeth overnight. Weekly, you can use baking soda or whitening strips sparingly to brighten your smile. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet, while regular dental check-ups are essential to keep your teeth in top shape.

My favourite hygiene youtube videos:

Cosmetic Bag Essentials

Travel-sized hand sanitizer, deodorant, mouthwash, body oils (one for moisture, one for perfume), SPF, antibacterial hand soap, lip balm, lip gloss, extra undies, napkins, compact mirror, sanitary napkins, panty liners, antibacterial baby wipes, bobby pins, hair ties, tweezers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and personal medications. It’s the perfect on-the-go size with everything you need!

masterlist

ty to chat gpt for helping me word shit i want to when i'm exhausted af

[o-craven-canto]

Taxonomy rant

I’m sympathetic to claims that Linnean binominal nomenclature -- you know, the Homo sapiens Felis catus Quercus robur thing -- is inadequate to describe species as they exist in nature. But the problem is not with Linnean names, it’s with names period.

We interact with the world by imagining it’s made up of “things”, of discrete objects that belong to categories, have properties, and interact with each other; and to these “things“ we give “names”, which allow us to think and talk about them. Which is fine, as I don’t think we’d be able to interact productively with the world if it wasn’t for this level of naive abstraction. Imagine if we had to re-deduce the physical properties of each individual chair from its constituent molecules, instead of imagining the category “chair” and a standard protocol to make use of its members.

But then we fall back in the misconception that “species” are discrete, bounded categories built on variation around a central ideal type -- the Platonic essentialism that Richard Dawkins rightly considered the single greatest obstacle to most people in understanding biology and evolution. In reality, there is no “species” beyond the sum of all the individuals that make it up, which form smooth continua of variation and blur at the edges into related species.

We made a brave attempt at defining “species” as a group of individuals capable of interbreeding. This patently fails with bacteria and most protists, which reproduce asexually, and only engage in transfer of genes independently from reproduction. (And bacteria will happily accept DNA from different phyla and kingdoms, as if we could get pregnant from tree pollen.) It also raises the thorny question of what counts as interbreeding. Can two species interbreed if they bear viable but infertile offspring? What if the offspring is fertile, but sicklier than non-hybrids? What if they can interbreed just fine, but just choose not to because they have different mating signals? Even if you choose arbitrarily one step of the ladder of noninterfecundity as your criterion, populations that are not constantly mixed will drift away from each other over time as they accumulate new mutations.

What of ring species, which show that the ability to interbreed is not transitive, so that A can breed with B, and B can breed with C, but C cannot breed with A? In any given moment of time these are fairly rare, but if you pry open time and look at life diachronically, you will see that every single living population is like that. There is an uniterrupted chain of parents and children in which each ring obviously belonged to the “same species” of the previous and the next (or the previous hundred and the next hundred), but the first ring of the chain is a lancelet-like worm-fish thing, and the last is a turtle or a hummingbird or a cheetah.

You can choose to measure genetic distance between populations and set an arbitrary maximum as your species threshold, but distance is again not transitive, and again you run against bacteria -- a population of bacteria, allegedly all of the same species, can have quite different genomes from cell to cell, between environmental pickup of DNA, quasi-sexual transfer, and viral infections.

Shall we then treat individuals as unit of analysis, rather than species? (With a trillion billion billion bacteria living on Earth at any given time? Good luck) But then we run in the same issue -- where are the borders of the individual? Meiosis and fertilization at least create a clean enough break between generations in sexually reproducing species, but what of those parthenogenetic aphids and rotifera in which each individual is just a clone grown from a cell of their mother? What of budding hydrae, and clonal colonies of polyps and trees, in which an “individual” simply grows out of another as if they were but a limb?

For that matter, consider our gut bacteria, which outnumber by far our genetically human cells, and yet are a necessary part of our body no less than our own tonsils or gall bladder, despite being more unlike us than ferns. Consider mitochondria, of which there are a thousand in each eukaryotic cells, without which every oxygen breather would cease to be, and who still retain their own bacterial genome and transcription after two billion years of coexistence. Consider ERV sequences, which are but viruses that accidentally copied themselves into cells about to divide, and which make up at least 5% of the genome of every single human cell (parts of the genes for the mammalian placenta may come from there).

There are no species; there are no individuals either. Even cells and genes are on thin ice. There is just Life, a seething, shoggothy four-dimensional mass rooted in some Archean hydrothermal vent and stretching cancerous tendrils across the aeons, of which species and individuals are merely local clusters and sub-clusters that we point out and give a name to because, much like with constellations, it’s convenient for certain purposes. (Including making sense of Life and Its history as best as we can.)

Enough with that “did you know that sharks are not really fish?” nonsense. Embrace taxonomic nihilism. It is an objective fact about the physical world that the lineage of sharks diverged from the lineage of tunas before the lineage of tunas diverged from ours. It is not a fact that sharks “are” or “aren’t” fish, because categories are phantoms and nothing actually “is” except wave functions and the void. (It is also a fact that sharks are not Osteichthyes, but only because the word “Osteichthyes”, unlike the word “fish”, was defined in a specific way that excludes sharks.)

In sum, I support keeping Linnean nomenclature around on the grounds that

We need to give names to things anyway, and

I have a fetish for Greek and Latin roots. Dicopomorpha echmepterygis. Hrngh.

[ros3ybabe]

My *Updated Winter Skincare Routine + Some Tips 🎀

I have tried out some new products and have found some new personal favorite skincare items for the winter! I figured I’d update on my current morning and night skincare routines and add in some tips (based on things I’ve been doing that have been working for me). I am not a dermatologist or professional, these are sino,y my routines and what works for me!

🩷 Morning Skincare Routine

Wash my face with Cerave Hydrating Face Wash and cold water

Pat dry with a paper towel

Apply Jumiso Vitamin C Serum

Follow up with Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Cream

Use sunscreen, Beauty of Joseon Rice + Probiotics SPF 50

that’s my simple little morning routine! I love it so much more for than my super complicated routine because sometimes it’s nice to just get in and get my skincare done for the morning.

🩷 Night Skincare Routine

these two things stay the same every night, but the rest differs by night

Oil cleanse on dry skin with Anua Pore Control Cleansing Oil

Follow up with using the B.Lab Matcha Foam Hydrating Cleanser

Monday/Wednesday/Friday - Exfoliating

Use the Cosrx AHA/BHA Toner

Pat in the Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence

Use the Torriden Dive In Low Molecule Hyalorounic Serum

Next, I pat in the Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum

I use the Cerave Eye Repair Cream on my under eyes

Lastly, I use the Cosrx All In One Snail Cream

Tuesday/Thursday - Retinal Eye Cream Days

I use the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

Next, I’ll use the Torriden Dive In Low Molecule Hyaluronic Serum

Then I’ll occasionally use the Skin 1004 Centella Asiática Ampoule serum

Then I Pat a bit of the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream under my eyes

Lastly, I lock it all in with my Etude Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream

Saturday - Basic Day

I’ll use the I’m From Rice Toner on this day

Then I’ll use the Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Followed by either the Anua Peach Nicain Serum OR the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum

I’ll Pat the Cerave Eye Repair Cream into the under eye area

Then I lock it all in with Etude Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream

Sunday - Full Self Care Day

Before double cleansing, I use the Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Face Mask (I love her)

Then I double cleanse

Then I’ll use the Anua Toner Pads

Then I use my Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence

Then I use either of my Hyaluronic Serums depending on how I feel

Then I’ll use the Axis Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

Cerave Eye Cream of course

Then I use the Cosrx All In One Snail Cream

Every Night -

I pat a little Hyaluronic acid serum into my lips and seal it with Vaseline

a lot of products, yes, but I went crazy and bought a bunch of skincare and now I’m using it and my skin loves all of it honestly! My skin is not super sensitive so I use everything within reason in a way that won’t irritate it. For me, I know what works for my skin and what doesn’t, and that’s been the most helpful thing. Now, for some tips,

🩷 Skincare Tips

Apply vitamin C to dry skin! I’ve heard this helps with absorption and the way the serum works!

Pat face dry, do not rub! Rubbing irritates the skin and pulling on it aggressively like that isn’t good long term

Use clean paper towels! May be a bit wasteful but it’s a lot cleaner then using a face towel that you wash once a week

Apply Hyaluronic Acid to damp skin for better absorption!

Apply all serums to your clean fingers to pat into skin as dragging the droppers across your skin can collect bacteria and what not

Always use sunscreen! I myself sometimes forget or I skip it and that’s just not good for your skins health long term

drink your water!!! Hydrated skin starts from within, lovelies

Use products that work for your skin type! Avoid fragrances if you have sensitive skin, avoid snail mucin if you have a dust allergy, etc

Cold water in the morning to refresh your skin and wake you up

if I've washed my face + done my skincare the night before, I do not wash my face in the morning. I simply splash with cold water and do my morning routine.

learn your skin type! this will help you determine what products will be beneficial for your skin type and goals. My skin bounces between oily and dry depending on the weather, if I did skincare, if my pillowcases are clean, etc.

don't touch your face, at least not with dirty hands. always make sure your hands are clean before touching your face

don't pop acne! not only with this leave the chance of scarring, but it spreads the bacteria from one pimple to the rest of your face

brush your teeth before doing skincare. when you brush your teeth after, you may rub off the stuff you've applied or mix it in, which is not the best for your skin

those are all the tips I currently use in my everyday life regarding my skin! I hope this was useful!

til next time lovelies 🩷