#here i thought it was pigments evaporating or something

[ellierenae]

NO WAY. i'm so hyped right now i have to try this myself

TRADITIONAL ARTISTS! i wanted to make sure you guys know about erasable pens- not because pencils dont exist but because they ERASE WITH HEAT! so if you do a sketch in purple and ink it over in nice contrasting black so you're sure you got every line, you can hit that puppy with a heat gun for like 10 seconds and the sketch instantly vanishes

rebog to save a life etc 🙏

[parfumieren]

Portos (Aramis)

This is a tale of how a fragrance can lead you toward one conclusion, only to surprise you with what's really in its heart. When the ending turns out to be a decoy, the lesson in the bottle is this: if you think you've got a perfume sussed out, step back. Give it a chance to tell the rest of the story. You won't regret it.

If you've ever stood in a pine forest while the trees release their pollen, you know the meaning of the word spectacular. Here in South Jersey, late May is the time to witness this remarkable phenomenon. All over the Pine Barrens, trees respond to the slightest breeze by opening their anthers and releasing vast plumes of neon yellow dust into the wind. The result (drifts of sticky pollen on every conceivable surface for miles) can be vexatious, particularly for the allergy-prone. But the event itself -- equivalent to a fireworks show held in broad daylight -- is magical, and worth seeing at least once in your life.

A recent sampling of Portos (a vintage fragrance now discontinued from Estee Lauder's Aramis line) recreated this marvelous scene exactly for me. All the elements were present: fresh evergreen needles, cedar twigs, saltwater breezes, the sharp, oily scent of fresh raw pollen, the penetrating warmth of the midday sun....

But there was something else here-- an elusive manmade element distinctly out of place in the deep woods. Oleoresinous, faintly industrial, it gave off the high gloss of Knize Ten's plastic-patent-leather note, except cast in a somber rather than cheerful light. But what was it?

Being unable to put my finger on it bothered me. I sprayed, sniffed, pondered, frowned. And then I turned to my most trusted source for second opinions and offered him my Portos-laden arm.

My husband was as stumped as I was. Like me, he sniffed, thought about it, sniffed again, and sighed in frustration. He agreed that the basic jist of Portos was 'evergreen forest'. But when I asked him to guess, just guess, at the identity of the mystery note, he said, "WD-40?"

Obviously that couldn't be it. But if not, then what?

I waited, sprayed again, smelled again, frowned again, closed my eyes....

With the distractions of the surrounding room temporarily blotted out, an image both unexpected and familiar swam into focus. I saw a studio strewn with all the colorful rubble of an artist's life. Coffee cans full of brushes, dented tubes of oil paint scattered across a wooden worktable, rags imbued with eye-popping smears of pigment, and glass jars of--

"I've got it," I told my husband.

"What?"

"Linseed oil and turpentine."

Distilled from the resins of various evergreen trees (including pine, fir, and the terebinth tree from which its name is derived), artists' turpentine is far superior to the mineral spirits which comprise lowly household paint thinner. It evaporates rapidly when combined with oil-based pigments, earning it the loyal affection of every painter whose least favorite hobby is to watch paint dry.

However, turpentine's volatility has a downside: its vapors are toxic in too many ways to name. A shame, because they smell so good-- bright, sharp, camphoraceous, with medicinal overtones that hint (not inaccurately) of old-fashioned patent curatives sold out of a peddler's suitcase.

Cold-pressed from mature flax seeds, linseed oil is a natural polymer which hardens to a transparent varnish upon exposure to air. Its odor is rich, vegetal, and musty-- a saturating stink that only intensifies with oxidation. Many artists find it irresistable, but others consider it stomach-turning. The good news is that however objectionable it smells in concentration, linseed oil produces a relatively pleasant, ambery odor when reduced to a trace amount.

Nature seems to have designed these two substances to be married for more than one purpose. True, together they make a painting-- but they also make a perfume, albeit a highly unconventional one. In combination, linseed tones down turpentine's sharpness, and turpentine lightens linseed's two-ton weight. Together they produce a scent with implicit function and meaning and promise, a stepping-stone to something beautiful.

Pine, cedar, fir, and rosemary clearly comprise the turpentine on Portos' palette. What is its linseed oil? Labdanum resin (a primary constituent of perfumery "amber") in its pure form has been elsewhere been likened to linseed putty; while amber bases can have extremely varied characters (from vanillic to fruity to woody to incense-like), I speculate that the vegetal, oily amber used here is wearing a linseed disguise. As for pigment, Portos' primary ground is moss green, upon which a rainbow-spectrum of pelargonium bloom surfaces and explodes like bright hot fireworks.

But what's the painting about? Whom does it portray? The only way to see the picture clearly was to wear Portos for a day.

It was a typical South Jersey summer morning -- humid, already hot, with the pleasant scent of honeysuckle and mulberries in the air. After my bath, I sprayed each wrist with Portos and pressed it to the inside of the opposite elbow, then sprayed the nape of my neck and used my fingertips to smooth it forward to my pulse points.

Instantly, the art-studio hologram appeared all around me, glowing with late-Rembrandt sepia, umber, and burnt-sienna tones. Ghosting behind the canvas-laden easels, that linseed-amber accord smelled sweeter and less saturnine to me today, reminding me of the alluring scent of a brand new box of Caran d'Ache oil pastels. In all, the aroma of that imaginary room delivered an instant invitation to dream, to draw, to create.

Over time, as Portos calmed, I noticed a pronounced woody-incense quality developing within its evergreen heart. I thought of the parish churches of my childhood: the smell of frankincense and good pine-oil soap, the wooden pews lovingly buffed to a high shine, the soft glow of candlelight on polished glass and brass. As an artist myself, I did not find the leap from studio to place of worship at all illogical. Art being a religion of sorts, the artist's atelier is the center of intense devotional activity. Within that sacred space, every artist -- or writer, or inventor, or perfumer -- is a high priest or priestess of creativity, offering up sacred artworks to an array of very personal deities.

At length came the drydown, a soft cedary amber. All day I had felt subtly bolstered by Portos, upheld and strengthened. Now it let me down ever so gently, depositing me a million miles from where I began, completely invigorated and full of ideas.

So who is Portos? He is an artist -- naturally -- with pigment under his fingernails and a bottle of cognac next to the brushes. Enigmatic and reserved, he prefers solitude to company and silence to empty talk. His inner turbulence is tempered by a cool and taciturn nature; he would rather say nothing at all than commit his thoughts to posterity. He's accused of being many things: a fauve, a sphinx, a son-of-a-bitch. Lover after lover has admitted defeat. He's married to his work, they say-- and it's true; he reserves the best of himself for the canvas and paint. He lives in absolute earnest, without apology or shame.

He may be a difficult bastard. But he is himself. And it's good.

Scent Elements: Bergamot, rosemary, lavender, geranium, pine, cedar, vetiver, moss, fir, patchouli, musk, labdanum, tonka

[cloudycrystalkpop]

SMOKY | Purgatory Within

Blind! Prince! Mingi x [unstated skin deformity] fem! Reader

words: almost 2k 

warnings: abuse trauma, smut, death

au: crown royal au | moodboard

series masterlist: SMOKY

~

you became more and more concerned for your husband’s behavior as time went on. the young man who had once been so careful and gentle, now stood with a silent rage behind his empty eyes.

however, after you confronted him about his possessive behavior, you watched him break down at your feet.

“p-please... please don’t leave me...” his large frame was once again curled in on himself, shoulders shaking as he kneeled on the floor, hands fisted in your robe. his head was hung low as he begged you at your feet.

“Mingi, what has been going on with you?” you insisted, refusing to touch the man as he tried to bury his face in your lap.

“I can't- I can't let the Duke take you! or your whore of a knight! Please my queen please, take me instead, take everything I have!” the man let out a broken sob as you sighed at his words.

“enough.” you growled, grabbing a hand full of his hair and lifting his head. he yelped in shock, neck exposed to you as his Adams apple bobbed in fear.

“you are to be a king Mingi. you are a grown man, and I am your wife. you are not a little boy to be crying at the feet of his mother.” you pushed the man off your lap and stood. “and you will be a fool of a king if you let such foolish insecurity cloud your judgment!”

Mingi hid his head low, covering his face with his arms.

“I'm sorry! I'm sorry! p-please don't-” his normally deep voice cracked in terror. you stopped, anger at he man before you evaporated.

“Mingi...mingi I'm not going to hit you.” you spoke softly, gently falling to your knees on the floor. his body shook, arms still held to protect his face. “I hope you know, I would never do that.” your voice was sorrowful as you reached out a hand to his head.

he flinched when you touched his hair, but as you began to run your fingers through it, his muscles slowly relaxed. dropping his arms from his face you could finally see the puffiness around his eyes, the cloudiness of the dark pigment stared blankly back at you.

“...do you promise?” he hiccuped, turning his head to try and find the direction of your voice. you cupped the man’s cheeks, pulling his head to face yours. his eyes fluttered shut as he rested his head in your hands.

“oh my darling boy, who did this to you?”

~

Mingi found a small kitten in the garden. a runt, tiny thing. you had thought the bundle of orange fur was some nobles lost purse left out in the rain. he named her Daisy, saying her fur smelled of the flowers when she curled up in his big hands.

You rarely saw the man without her, the small kitten often purching on Mingi's large shoulders.

Your husband still held ribbons of his possessive behavior, however he began to distance himself from you. You rarely saw him now other then in passing on when the pair of you went to sleep at night. He also began neglecting pleasing you, but you assumed he was simply not interested as both of you often went to sleep without any contact.

Now you found yourself facing a different delema. You had always been a woman with a high sex drive, its one of the reasons you had chosen Seonghwa as a concort. However your poor knight had been frightened quite badly by yourself and your husband, and you knew he wouldnt return to you unless you seeked him out.

But you had also made Mingi a promis. One that was getting increasingly hard for you to keep.

"My lady, is everything alright? You seem lost in thought... If there is any responsibilities weighing heavy on you i am more then happy to help however i can!" the young Duke's voice was as sweet as ever.

You sighed, looking over to Yeosang, a man you had been trying not to look at for to long. His hair lay in soft curls around his face, lightened by the many years spent outside in the sunlight. Likewise his skin was warm in hue, tanner then the rest of your court.

You had heard some of the other ladies snickering about him. Yeosang surely didnt live up to some of the standards for desired beauty the royals had. A strange thought flashed in your mind. Is that why Mingi was chosen to be your husband over Yeosang? Mingi's frame was large, an incredibly masculine figure just looking at him, with dark hair and skin untouched by the sun.

Little Yeosang however, had small and dainty hands, with long thin fingers, his features were softer then Mingi's, even his skin looked soft to the touch. And the many years spent as a playmate for his sisters left him with an unthreatening demeanor.

Indeed it wasnt hard for you to imagine him, flowers in his hair, sat on a blanket in the valley, perhaps painting or writing for his own amusement. You shoved away such thoughts as you saw a line of concern crease in his brow.

"My lady..."

"I am sorry Yeosang. Truthfully ive been feeling a bit... Forgotten about in these last weeks. And its left me feeling distracted." you answered him.

"Forgotten... Ah, by your husband?" perceptive as always. You sighed, gase dropping to your tea once more, before nodding.

"Have you tried speaking to him? He has a shy nature, im sure-"

"Hes trying to help." you held up a hand to stop him. "He did not trust me, and hes trying to offer me space to show he does." you clarified.

"... I see." Yeosang chewed on his lip in thought. His lips were a pretty blush color, not as round as Mingi's but plump, they looked soft... Very soft.

You cursed yourself in your own head. His fingers, his lips, youd be lying to deny they hadnt crossed your mind when you bathed. Your hands wandering your own body, head leaned back and eyes closed. Imagining it was Yeosang's long fingers in place of your own as you gasped in pleasure.

You shooed away the maid who came to offer you more tea, informing her it wouldnt be needed. Lust was a vice that would only cause you harm as Mingi's wife. And yet, something stirred in your gut.

"Yeosang, will you come walk with me?" the Duke nodded quickly, standing to his feet to follow you deeping into the gardens.

~

Your husband would be furious. And yet, such a worry seemed to melt away as you let yourself become lost in his touch.

"My lady please, you must be quiet. Or else we shall scandalize some poor stable boy." Yeosang's voice purred in your ear, pressing soft kisses to your neck after speaking.

You bite your tongue as Yeosang let another finger slip inside you. You were right, his fingers were deliciously long, able to reach places within you your own faltered. His hand snaked up your skirts and inside your undergarments, the heel of his hand pressed against your clit, his wrist not forgetting such an important part as he rubbed it gently.

You could almost see stars as he began sucking on your neck, a third finger sliding within you.

"... I promised you, anything you ever needed, i will provide. If its council, wisdom, or even such sinful favors... I am at your service. Always." Yeosang's voice was honey on your skin. You pulled one of your hands up from where they were fisted in his jacket, tugging gently on his hair. He pulled away from your neck, eyes now staring into your own. A look of pride took his features, seeing the state of pleasure you were in at his hands.

Tugging his hair again, you let a small whine fall from your lips. He chuckled, increasing the pace of his hand, and before a moan could fall from your lips, he covered them with his own.

~

That night, cheeks finally faded with the glow of what yourself and the Duke had snuck away to do, you crossed paths with a guard.

“your highness! just who I was looking for~” dread pooled in your gut as you saw Hongjoong, cheerful grin on display, with a small kitten in his arms. Daisy shook like a leaf, eyes slit to spite the darkness of the hallway.

you opened your arms and Hongjoong placed the small cat in your hands. Daisy immediately pressed herself as far from Hongjoong as she could, a small hiss let out in his direction.

“how rude. if it wasn't for me she would have been stuck at the top of a lamp. ungrateful feline.” he huffed. you began to gently stroke the cat’s fur, in hopes of calming her down.

“an animal as small as this knows when it is in the jaws of a predator.” you stated. Hongjoong smiled, and your stomach dropped. humans are so stupid. Hongjoong is known as a cheerful and smiley person, but yet the cloud that follows him hides the nature of his grin. a wolf does not offer you a smile, he bares his teeth as a warning.

“and yet your little prince is so blissfully unaware of what he is toying with~” Hongjoong giggled. you simply blinked back at the creature before you. “you know, your fondness for that Duke will upset him. but if you wanted a straightforward solution-”

“I am not a fool like the other idiot humans that reside here.” you growled.

“oh no, absolutely not. but, witch, neither am i.” you narrow your eyes at him.

“I could have you hung for accusing the future queen of witchcraft.” you threatened. Hongjoong lay his head back and let out a hearty laugh.

“that would be a sight! do you really want to see what happened if you try and kill me?” Hongjoong stops himself before he begins laughing again. “actually I believe I know that answer. regardless, my offer still stands. just as our deal already does.”

“deal?” you feel panic rise in your throat.

“why yes, the silent one of course.” Hongjoong grins that same one that appears in your nightmares. the one that pulls his cheeks up and shows just a few to many teeth.

“you don't tell them what I am, and in exchange, I do the same.”

~

you awoke the next morning, without Mingi. his side of the bed was cold, and even Daisy had gone missing. you thought little of it as you rose to begin your day, however, you were not greeted by one of your handmaidens, but rather, a guard.

“your majesty, I come bearing news.” he swallowed nervously.

“oh? at this hour?” you inquired. you were then greeted by a sorrowful meow, Daisy crawling between the guards legs and hiding under your nightgown.

“your husband, Prince Mingi, was found dead in a poll of his own blood last night.”

~

who killed the king?

suspects : Yeosang | Seonghwa | Hongjoong

[pommedelamer]

art of the pen

a/n: soo uhh it’s been a while. here’s a couple pages worth of a story idea I had, as well as my character design that inspired it! this is. extremely rough but I figured that I should get something up. hhhh I was considering turning this into a formal book with actual developed characters and plot advancement (oh god saying that gives me anxiety) but I don’t know if the content I have so far is very promising. lmk what y'all think lol

//

Character Description: This character is a young female writer. When the novel she has poured her life’s work into is denounced by publishers, she withdraws to a foreign country in attempts to kindle the flames of a new life and reignite her passion for writing. Rejection, coupled with extreme loneliness, causes her to sink into depression. She wanders aimlessly through her new remote town in search of a sense of community. She comes across this in the last place she expected when she discovers that the decrepit building in which she temporarily resides is inhabited by a troop of eccentric underground journalists. Alongside her intrepid neighbors, she tears into the controversies and secrets woven into the fabric of her town and writes like she never has before.

//

The sun peeked through the gaps in the verdant canopy above, but my journal pages were still mostly barren. My pen always seemed to still a few sentences in, flailing like a line unable to lure in a bite. I flipped back to the cover, sluggish in the evening heat. It was adorned with pressed indigo flowers on a cream-colored background. Some of the pigment in the flowers had escaped under the pressure, and each blossom was framed with a deep purple halo. The wind sent the pages tumbling in a delicate fan, and suddenly I was a vandal, a delinquent with the gall to tarnish such beauty with the aftershocks of a passion that had run its course.

A cloud crossed over the sun and the forest floor seemed to close itself off, a flourishing ecosystem in which I was a parasite, leeching off its natural resources to fuel my own unavailing pursuits. I felt the crabgrass clawing at the soles of my feet as I reread the fruits of my two hours. Oh. My breath thickened in my throat and the canopy of branches above shifted in the wind. I suddenly felt compelled to trek back to the little corner market and seek forgiveness for the heinous crimes I’d committed inside the lovely journal with the flowers festooned across the front. And then I’d make a pit stop back at my publisher’s to apologize for my persistence with that novel I’d probably packed with even more of my insufferable delusions. My pen felt leaden and foreign in my hand, and I let it fall to the forest floor in penitence.

I stood up and saw that a thicket of scraggly trees was eyeing me curiously. It could just be a hobby, I told them. They remained steadfast, bony limbs still contorted in thorny skepticism. I didn’t quite know what they sought from me, but I wanted to oblige them. Something to unwind with in the afternoons. The forest was drawing further and further away from me, the thrushes and jays flocking in the leaves of a far-off pine tree, the wind gently guiding the little saplings away on their scrawny legs. A shadow crossed over my bones, and I knew that it was a lie. I wanted to crawl out of the skeleton that had confidently put pen to paper every morning and leave the remnants to disintegrate on the forest floor. I scooped up the marred pages of the little journal and tucked it away. Just something to pass the time. If that.

                                                         ❋❋❋

The town had fully transformed itself when I crossed onto Washington Street. The daytime freshness had long since evaporated from the air, a numbing sense of finality sliding into its place, a reflective epilogue on the day passed. The possibility that I’d felt on my trek to the market that very morning remained in the air, and, silhouetted against the cloak of night, it was mystifying and beckoned me through the alleyways and over the crosswalks. In spite of my spirits, my eyes were dazzled with it. I watched as my shadow, elongated by the streetlamps, tapered off into drains and crept up the sides of buildings, beguiling the eye with its disappearances and reappearances.

I arrived at my complex and allowed myself a moment to take it in at nighttime for the first time. Unlike some of the buildings that retained their daytime charm in the dark, 42 Washington Street took on an air of its own. The streetlamps threw long, delicate shadows over the siding, and the balconies seemed to withdraw back into the wall for the night.

I fumbled with my keys and let myself in. I was immediately enveloped with cool air that seemed awfully artificial, if the sputtering air conditioner on the far wall was any indication. The lobby had also fully adopted the nighttime guise, the broad armchairs appearing to purposefully hold their poses in the dark, as if they had once been dancing. Even the idyllic watercolor gondola painting mounted on the wall behind the front desk had shifted in the night, now depicting rafts traversing the inky river Styx.

“Your first night at 42 Washington, I assume?”

It took me a moment to locate the speaker, tracing over the corners of the room that the moonlight had claimed. It was only when I stepped back and observed the room again, allowing my gaze to slip beyond the cool puddles of light on the wooden armrests and coffee table, that I found the source.

Completely submerged in shadow, a man was reclining on a velvet armchair. Even entirely cloaked in dark, I could tell that he was incredibly tall, almost larger than life. One of his legs draped over the side of the chair, and his foot still managed to touch the ground. His left hand curved over the other arm of the chair, spanning the entire width. He wore a plain button up, the hem of which fanned out onto the chair. I saw an object on his lap that I recognized from my own fruitless pursuits, as a journal. His was almost bursting at the seams, the binding probably beginning to fray under the stress. I saw movement inside the shadow that overtook half the man’s face, swallowing up his likeness so that his features were still up to my imagination.

“It’s a completely different place in the dark, all transformed and the like. One might say we have two buildings for the price of one. It’s a bit of a joke around here.” He spoke as if he were scribbling on a page, the drawl of his voice trying desperately to align itself with the words in his head – as if I’d walked in on him in the middle of constructing his own universe and it hadn’t quite stopped for me. My eyes fell on the fountain pen dangling between his fingers that I’d dismissed as a cigarette, and I realized that was exactly what he had been doing. “But it’s best to keep it between us. If the landlord catches on, you can expect rent to double in price. All the apartments are the same around here, and the landlords are no different. They’ll take anything they can get.” He laughed faintly, and the shadow shortened as if the man had tipped his head back, lost in thought. There was a brief silence, during which I realized I hadn’t yet uttered a single word. “Are you a writer too, then?”

The question was wholly disarming, catching me right between the ribs. I hoped that the night would obscure the rivers of uncertainty it sent ghosting over my skin and coursing through my veins. My heartbeat rattled against my ribcage as I willed myself to respond.

“I’ve dabbled in it. So one might say I am, but ... no, I suppose I’m not, by definition, anyway.” I was again grateful for the anonymity the night provided, for my voice was telling a story of its own, one that I’d recently established was no longer mine. “What might give you that impression?”

The man shifted forwards, the contours of his face revealing themselves inside the beam of moonlight that fell at his feet. I rushed to dismantle the collage of shadowed features I’d loosely fabricated in my head, although it was not far off from what the moonlight illuminated before my eyes. I observed that, for as much as he liked to talk about it, the man’s face was not like 42 Washington Street. “We have a certain look about us, I s’pose.”

My hands wrung behind my back as he propped his elbows on his knees. I couldn’t help but wonder what else he’d detected during this shadowed analysis. I was sure the distress his question had instilled in me had not gone unnoticed, but he did not question it. He did not question me, and I did not question him.

The man skimmed through the pages of the teeming journal and produced a piece of brown paper that, from the looks of it, had been folded up to four times. “If I’m right in my assessments and you’re interested, there’s a group of us around here. I think we’d all be open to more writers in a town like this.” He placed the paper in my palm, and I nodded.

I unfurled the paper and scanned it quickly as I walked.  I was already halfway down the hall when a blank space on the flyer piqued my curiosity. “Excuse me, sir, the address-- it seems to be missing?”

But the enormous man had already eased back in the armchair, hands closing around the journal as the shadows overtook him once more. “It does have the feel of a haunted house around here, doesn’t it?” He mumbled into the dark.

*~to be continued~* 

feedback would be appreciated :)

[ikementally-deficient]

Advanced Entomology - Chapter 6: Chrysalis

Fandom: Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice/Love and Producer

Rating: Carolina Reaper (See Masterlist for rating descriptions)

Warnings: dubious/uninformed consent, see masterpost A/N

Due to the nature of the questionable consent in this fic, if you enjoy this story enough to reblog it, please reblog the masterpost rather than individual chapters.

Author’s Note: Second to last chapter! Our first occasion of sex in the traditional penetrative sense, I’m so proud of them. One more to go; I might get it written this weekend if all goes well, but time is an illusion, productive time doubly so, so who knows.

Also of note: I finally managed to work in the prompt that started this whole mess!

*************************************

He can tell there’s been something on her mind. When they go out, she casts sideways glances at him, thinking him oblivious. She hesitates before taking his hand in public. She flinches every time another woman passes by.

“What’s on your mind,” he asks her over tea.

She flushes, her eyes skittering away from his steady gaze. “I don’t know what you mean.”

He chuckles. “Of course you do.” He sips his tea, studying her over the rim of the cup. “You seem apprehensive, lately. Hesitant. As though you’re afraid you’re being watched, and judged.”

Her fingers fidget around the handle of her teacup. She sighs quietly. “Yes -- yes, I suppose I have.”

“Why is that?”

“Well --” she trails off, still staring into her cup. He waits. When the rest of the sentence comes, it’s in a blurted rush. “I don’t know what you see in me.”

It’s rare that Lucien finds himself caught off guard. He stares at her, cup still tilted in mid-sip.

She continues. “You’re so intelligent, and educated, and -- and h-handsome -- and my audiences love you, and I’m just --” her voice lowers sadly, “I’m just me. Plain and boring.” She turns the cup in its saucer, refusing to look up. “I mean, I know you’re getting tired of me.”

Lucien tries to marshal his thoughts into some semblance of order. “What makes you say that?”

“We --” her eyes dart from side to side, checking that no one else in the cafe is listening. “We haven’t even had sex yet,” she whispers. “Not properly. And you’re never, you know --” She gestures vaguely to her own lap, “ interested .” Her forehead is glowing beet red.

Lucien puts his cup down slowly, precisely centering it on the saucer, before he answers her. “I’ve been holding back, you know. I didn’t want to rush you.” Too controlled. He never thought there was such a thing. “I’ve been very interested , but my self-control is quite good.”

She still doesn’t look up at him.

“Do you remember the night you couldn’t sleep, and asked me to tell you a story over the phone?”

She nods.

“The artist and the butterfly. The colourblind artist and the golden, glowing butterfly.” Lucien smiles warmly at her. “I don’t know if I can explain it in better words than those, but perhaps I can show you.” He rises to his feet and drops a few bills on the table before holding his hand out to her. “Will you indulge me?”

Her lashes are still lowered, but she looks up through them, the gleam of her golden eyes tantalizing him. “Of course, Lucien.”

They make a few purchases on the way home: an art store, for India ink and brushes. A theatre store, for gold makeup and sponges. Lucien slides his coffee table out of the way and lays down a sheet on the floor. He stands a large mirror at one end of the room. She watches his preparations with avid curiosity.

“Here,” he tells her. “Take off your clothes for me, and lie down on your stomach.” She is, as ever, obedient to his wishes.

She lies naked before him. Her head is turned to one side, pillowed on her folded hands. Her elbows are splayed out in a line with her shoulders, letting her scapulae rest flat against her ribcage. Her legs are straight. The soles of her feet face the ceiling, big toes resting against each other as her ankles supinate outwards.

“Ink me, Professor,” she murmurs into her hands.

********************************************************

The brush drips black ink as Lucien holds it over the pot, waiting for the excess to run off. He carefully studies his canvas in the meantime, contemplating the placement of the next line.

His work is a delicate tracery that stands in stark relief against her pale skin: the careful symmetry of butterfly’s wings rooted between her shoulders, spreading across her upper arms and down her back, wrapping around her ribs and ending in a gentle curve around the undersides of her buttocks.

She’s been lying motionless as he works, for nearly an hour judging by the movement of the sun. Her breathing is so even and relaxed that Lucien thinks she’s fallen asleep. He wipes the brush clean and lays it down, then replaces the lid of the ink bottle. Finally he sits cross-legged to examine his work, losing himself in the intricate tracery of costal and sub-costal veins.

“Are you finished, Professor?” Her sweet voice breaks into his reverie.

“The first stage,” he replies. “The ink should be dry soon.”

She hums in reply, wordlessly comfortable.

“Are you warm enough?”

“Mmmhmm. The sun is beautiful on my skin.” She opens her eyes languorously, and he leans into her field of vision. Her answering smile is warmer than the sunbeam they’re resting in, and he gives into the urge to lie down on his stomach perpendicular to her, so he can breathe kisses onto her eyes and mouth. She giggles, a delicious ripple of joy which starts a warm liquid wave in his stomach that melts a path straight up his chest and face. He rests his chin on his forearms and smiles at her, a spontaneous smile that feels completely foreign on his face.

“I had the dream again,” she sighs, and all the warmth in him freezes solid.

“Which dream?”

“You know, the one from before --” her foot kicks in lieu of waving a hand. “The one with Kiro and the fog and that black haired woman.”

Lucien forces himself to breathe normally. “Was it the same?”

She shakes her head minutely, obedient to his warning about the drying ink. “No. Kiro wasn’t there this time. You were with me instead.”

The ice in his chest cracks; he can feel his heart start to beat again. “Oh.” He breathes in and out, once, twice, thrice before he thinks his lungs can carry on without active direction. “Good. That means I’ll be there to protect you.”

That means Zeus has taken his warning to heart. Helios will not be there to strip her of all his careful conditioning. That means she’ll still trust him, at the end.

Overwhelming relief sends a shudder through him, and he’s thankful her eyes are closed again so she doesn’t see. He watches her silently, memorizing every detail of her dainty features, currently blissfully relaxed and unaware of his tremor.

After a few minutes she rouses enough to look at him again. “Is the ink dry yet?”

He makes a show of examining her back, lightly dabbing his fingertips against the thick margins of her wings. “It seems to be. I can start the gold, now.”

He dampens a small sponge and begins working the shimmering pigment over her back, filling in each wing cell with iridescence that turns molten in the late afternoon sun. This is much faster work than inking the wings themselves, and Lucien finds himself working frantically, chasing the light across her. He feels a desperation in the pit of his stomach, a trepidation that isn’t soothed by the knowledge that he’ll be with her when she goes to the TV tower.

When he finishes, her entire torso is a beautiful blaze, resplendent and shining in the last of the light. He catches her hand, pulling her to her feet to stand in front of the mirror. He pulls her to face him and lifts her arms around his neck to show her the striation of the black veins as her wings flex and stretch. She cranes her neck over her shoulder to see her reflection. Her expression is a mixture of awe and delight.

“Do you see?” He demands hoarsely. He crushes her against his chest, heedless of the gold paint that smears into the weave of his shirtsleeves. “Do you see now what I see, when I look at you?” He turns her face to look up at him, begging for comprehension. All the other colours fade when he’s apart from her, but in his mind’s eye she is always golden and glowing. Her mouth falls open at his uncharacteristic intensity, but her gaze is compassionate and warm.

“Lucien, what’s scaring you?”

She doesn’t know. She can’t know, or everything will be ruined. Her awakening is so close now, and he doesn’t dare deviate from the plan. For the first time he regrets his choices, regrets his success in finding the Queen and preparing her for metamorphosis. He can’t find words to answer her, can’t bring himself to lie to her in this moment when she’s granted him such a tangible expression of his vision. Instead he slams his mouth against hers, claiming her in a fervid kiss. Her gasp of surprise only sparks fire in his belly. The voice of Ares ordering him to calm down and pull back is lost in the crackling inferno.

He bears her down to the floor and continues his voracious assault on her lips, not giving her a chance to protest. One hand tangles in her hair, the other fumbles urgently at his shirt buttons. Finally, impatiently, he yanks and hears buttons skitter across the floor as his shirt flies open. Small hands tug the tails free of his trousers and skim over his stomach to start pulling open his belt.

He grinds into her naked heat as she finds the button and zipper behind the buckle. He’s hard, rutting against her, the long months of self-restraint evaporated like water on a hot pan, leaving behind only the sizzle of need. She bites at his lower lip, not the tentative nips she’s essayed before, but a catch of sharp teeth and the taste of blood as she frees his cock and grabs his waist. She pulls him hard against her, and he slides up through her slippery folds, feeling the head of him rub along her nub. Her chest heaves under him and she releases his lip. He chases her mouth with his own teeth, before laying bruising kisses into her neck, moving down to the trapezius where he bites, hard, and rocks against her.

“ Lucien .” She gasps his name, husky and yearning, and he pulls back to look at her. “God, Lucien, please --!” Her nails drag lines of fire up his back and he pushes into her with no preamble. None is necessary: she’s wet and open and moaning wantonly with each thrust. She slides one hand into his hair and grips tight, as though fearing he’ll pull away. He returns to her mouth, panting into her, and grabs her other hand, lacing their fingers together against the floor. Her legs pull up around him and lock behind his lumbar vertebrae, pulling him deeper as she clenches around his cock. Lucien feels his eyes roll back in his head when his hips stutter.

“Not yet,” he hisses. He slides his free hand under her shoulders and lifts her with him as he pulls back into a sitting position. Suddenly her breasts are right at the level of his mouth, and he traps her against him to indulge himself in the plush roundness. She squeaks as he bites at the curving underside, but he feels her pulsing around him again. His ferocity isn’t frightening her. Just the opposite, in fact. He buries his face in her cleavage and sucks a red mark onto her sternum, branding her as his.

Lucien uses both hands to grasp her slender waist and lift, turning her on his cock until she’s facing the mirror, straddling his thighs. He spreads his knees, forcing her legs further open, and drags her back down to fully engulf him. His hands slide down her pelvis, gripping at her inner thighs hard enough to bruise before spreading her lips so she can see how he stretches her open.

“Do you see now?” He strokes her clitoris teasingly, and she jerks, driving her buttocks into him. “Do you feel how much I’ve wanted you, the fire you’ve lit inside me?” He wraps one arm across her pelvis and pins her to him, while the other hand keeps stroking, increasing in pressure and speed, until she’s shuddering around him, head fallen back on his shoulder and nails driving into his forearm. She’s entirely unable to speak; the only sound she makes is a keening wail while she tries to buck into him. His arm is an iron bar, holding her in exquisite torment. Finally he thrusts up into her and pinches her nub sharply. Her scream of ecstasy matches the violent clenching of her orgasm.

Lucien wastes no time in pushing her face-down to the floor and planting his hands under her shoulders. His abdomen slaps against her as he plunges in, whispering hotly in her ear. “You’re the only warmth in the world. You’re the only colour I see.” He can feel his thighs quivering and knows he’s close. “I can’t be without you.”

He groans gutterally as he comes, pounding against her helplessly until he feels empty and hollow. Breathing is difficult, and he rests his forehead against her spine. The gold paint is smeared everywhere, on her back and his chest and arms, but the ink wings are still precise and perfect.

He understands now that he fears losing her; not the Queen, but the woman wrapped around her. His butterfly.

[wisdomrays]

TAFAKKUR: Part 27

Your Skin: Part 2

You will be surprised to see what great biological activities take place in the epidermis. Even when a person dies, this layer does not die right away. After death the nails and beard continue to grow. This occurs because of the activities in the germinative epithelium, which makes up the basal layer of the epidermis.

Beneath the epidermis is the dermis, a relatively thick layer. This is the layer which keeps the skin lively and firm and which produces the color. Many works of arts are present in this layer to complete my splendid structure. This layer consists of connective tissue with fiber bundles that is made of collagen protein. As people get older, their skin dries up and starts to lose its collagen proteins. Once the fibers start to decrease, I lose my firmness, and then I start to wrinkle. Although people are not happy with wrinkles, which are inevitable, I don’t think this is something to worry about; wrinkles are also a sign of maturity and experience. In the structure of my dermis there are other parts that have very important functions: The sweat glands, which are in the shape of coiled tubes, spread throughout the body act as ventilators; in addition, the hair follicles, the sebaceous gland, which helps to nourish and moisturize the hair, the chromatophores (pigment-containing cells) that determine the skin color, the hair muscles that give your hair flexibility and the blood vessels that nourish me are all important. I also have special receptor cells that can sense temperature, pressure and pain and there are nerve endings scattered among these cells.

In different parts of the body I am more sensitive to particular sensations. My sense receptors (corpuscles) vary in shape and you human beings have named them after the scientists who discovered them. There is Pacini’s corpuscle, Meissner’s corpuscle, Ruffini’s corpuscle and Krause’s corpuscle. Each of those receptors is thought to be receiving independent stimuli, but this has not been proven by experiment yet.

Do you ever wonder why you and your friends have so many different skin tones? This is the result of the work of the chromatophores (cells that contain pigment) which are located in the dermis, at the point closest to the epidermis. These cells, which have a number of branches, move in relation to the intensity of the light, and their branches can stretch and shrink back. These movements cause the pigment granules (melanin granules) to disperse within the cell or aggregate towards the center. This is how they can lighten or darken the skin color, causing you to get a “tan.” The seasons, the length of the day and the intensity and duration of the sunlight all affect the movement of these cells. These cells darken your skin color during the summer and lighten it during the winter. But, why is this necessary? This is a wonderful physiologic mechanism that has so many amazing purposes and meanings. I am sure you have noticed that people who live in Northern Europe and North America have a lighter complexion than those who live in the more southerly regions of the earth. This is because the countries in these northern regions are exposed to a less intense sunlight for a shorter time. The further north you go the more rainy and cloudy it is. However, sunlight also plays a very important role in the synthesizing of vitamin D in your body. The molecule known as 7-dehydrocholesterol can be converted into vitamin D only with sunlight. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is highly important for calcium absorption and bone metabolism. If you do not have enough exposure to the sun, then vitamin D cannot be produced; this could result in disorders like rickets (most common), as well as several other bone diseases and skeletal complications. However, it is interesting that sunlight is a two-edged sword. Neither too much nor too little sunlight is good for you. Too much exposure to the sunlight damages my health, causing such diseases as skin cancer and eye disorders. Our Lord God Almighty has made all parts of the earth suitable for human life. He knows well, of course, what people need in order to be able to live in places that have less sunlight and in other places that have a great deal of sunlight. In order to allow people to benefit from the sunlight everywhere, He has given the necessary qualities to my chromotaphores and the melanin granules that they contain. In places that have less sunlight, my chromotaphores synthesize less melanin. The melanin disperses throughout the cells or the cells move downwards, and my color lightens. This allows more sun absorption and this sunlight is used for vitamin D production. In sunny places, however, people are more exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun as well as other forms of radiation. This is why the risk of my cells becoming mutant and cancerous is greatly increased. In order to avoid such a situation, more melanin is synthesized in people who live in sunny places. The melanin in the chrotaphores gathers towards the center of the cell and my color darkens. Thus, excess sunlight is absorbed by my melanin pigments thanks to their special structure and function. This prevents other sensitive cells from becoming damaged and cancerous.

During hot weather, in order to balance your inner body temperature, the blood vessels that pass through the skin expand and more blood is carried through the skin. I give off the water in my blood through my sweat glands. While this warm water called “sweat” spreads over my surface and evaporates, an important amount of heat is released into the air. Thus, your inner body temperature does not increase and you remain cool inside. Thanks to the work of my sweat glands, I can also get rid of some nitrogenous waste and thus support your kidneys. During cold weather, however, the activities of my sweat glands decrease, and this helps you to stay warm. The blood vessels narrow so that the blood in me is reduced. More warm blood is channeled into your body so that your important inner organs do not become cold. The muscles of my hairs contract and the hairs straighten, thickening the layer of hair that covers me. It feels like you are covered with a blanket. If your body temperature falls off significantly, my receptors stimulate the muscles that lie under me and these muscles produce heat by vibrating. That is why you shiver from cold! Women have fewer hairs on their body. Do you think this is unfair? Of course not! Unlike men, women’s bodies are created in such a way that they can store a greater percentage of fat among the tissues under the skin. This hypodermic fatty tissue not only protects women from cold, but it is also used as extra storage for nutrients that they use when breastfeeding. It also helps protect women’s muscles and bones against bumps and shocks from the outside. So, this tissue works both as a temperature isolator and as a “shock absorber.” There is nothing unfair about this. And, it proves that God gives each of His creation exactly what they need and deserve.

Some people say that the skin is a mirror of the body’s health; this is true. The fact that I am visible and can be examined easily makes me the first organ to display symptoms of many diseases that lie below. Abnormalities that appear on me are usually a sign of metabolism disorders, ulcers and other glandular disorders in the body. For example, if your liver is being affected by a poisonous substance, this shows up as red spots on the hands. But not only physical ailments affect, me; I am also affected by your spiritual condition. Of course, the opposite can happen, too. That is, diseases on the skin can affect your inner organs.

I have mentioned before that my ability to renew and repair myself is very great. God willing, I can repair mild burns, bruises and cuts easily under normal circumstances. However, if the bruise goes as deep as my basal layer, there might be a scare there to remind you in the future and to give thanks to God for your health. In addition, in diseases like diabetes, my ability to renew and repair myself is weakened and I cannot easily heal. In such cases, you have to take the utmost care to keep me clean so that I do not get infected.

Well, I think that I have said enough about myself. I will not continue to go on about the many symptoms of diseases that can be seen on me, including, allergies, itchiness, and infections. However, it is important for you to know that I can demonstrate hundreds of different conditions that are caused by a great range of factors, such as genetically transmitted diseases, immune system disorders, and bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. But don’t worry! As you can see, the majority of people live a healthy life despite these risks. The Creator has provided your body with a protective mechanism and has taught you how to take care of yourself. My job here is to indicate the Creator and how He has made me a flawless work of art that demonstrates deep meanings behind its complexity. Rather than continuing to give you a lecture on dermatology, it would be better if you were to live according to God’s consent. If you do so, you will be protected from diseases; even if you do become ill, you will have greater patience and moral strength. You will also be more thankful to God for your health.

[theantibridezilla]

Test Drives: Tatcha, IT Cosmetics & Sephora Collection

It’s been a bit since I’ve written a Test Drives article! So, let’s kick off March with a few great finds that I made in the last few weeks. I’m always on the hunt for great dupes, must have moisturizers and effective foundations, and that’s exactly what I’m covering in today’s post. I’ll be reviewing Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, IT Cosmetics’ newest release Confidence in a Foundation, and Sephora Collection’s Golden Hour highlight. As usual, I’ll outline whether an item was purchased or gifted. So let’s get to it!

Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist (purchased)

I picked up this travel friendly version at Sephora while I was in San Francisco because I felt like my skin was getting dry while I was out one day. The premise is that this can help to instantly infuse the skin with moisture thanks to the mist’s natural botanical ingredients. To use, simply shake the bottle, hold it two to three inches from your face and mist. This can be used under makeup or as a refresh throughout the day.

What I liked

This is a truly hydrating spray which evaporates fairly quickly. That’s not to say that you don’t get the moisturizing benefits. It’s more like saying it doesn’t take forever for the mist to absorb into the skin. While this mist has a more natural/essential oil style scent, it’s not offensive. Of course, the small size makes this ideal for traveling.

What could be better

This isn’t so much a complaint as an honest observation. Most people who review this product rave about how it instantly improves the condition of their skin. While I like this product and definitely use it fairly regularly, I can’t say that I get better results using this either as a refresh or pre-makeup step as opposed to some of my other facial mists or even oils that I typically use.

Sephora Collection Golden Hour Highlight in Twilight (purchased)

This is yet another item I picked up while I was in SF. I can honestly say it was an impulse buy because I saw the purple pan on the gondola and instantly thought it could be a dupe for my personal favorite highlighter, Kevyn Aucoin’s Neo-Limelight in Ibiza.

What I liked

I was right, this is most definitely a dupe for Kevyn Aucoin. In the pic above, you can see that I have two swatches on my wrist. The top swipe is from the upper half of Kevyn Aucoin’s Ibiza pan on the left, and the bottom swipe is from Sephora’s pan on the right. If you say that you can tell a difference on my arm (not in the pan because clearly they look different in the pan), you’re full of it! I’ve always been a fan of Sephora’s powders, and this is no different. This particular highlight is finely milled which means you get minimal fallout. More importantly, you have great color pigmentation with this and don’t need to use a lot of product to get strong color payoff.

And something in particular that I actually prefer with Sephora’s Golden Hour is that the shimmer is uniform rather than an obvious gradient. As much as I love Kevyn Aucoin’s Ibiza, as you see in the pic above, I clearly don’t use the paler half of the pan, mainly because that paler portion can end up making me look frosty. So, technically speaking, half of the pan is wasted on me. In contrast, since Sephora’s version is more uniform, I can use the entire pan—making this a very cost effective product.

What could be better:

Nothing, I really like this product and didn’t find any issues with it.

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Foundation in Rich Warm (gifted)

If you followed my IG stories or checked out my IG Beauty Events Highlight, you know that last week I attended IT Cosmetics’ Spring product launch. Those of us who came out went home with a goodie bag full of skincare products and more importantly, a 10-bottle sampling of their newest color cosmetics launch, Confidence in a Foundation, as well as an additional bottle that we received at their shade match station during the event. These 10 shades are considered their most popular hues that testers gravitated towards during the R&D stage.  This particular foundation comes in 48 hues, with plenty of options for darker skin tones. Confidence in a Foundation is meant to be full coverage with a velvet matte finish.

If you notice that I have 12 rather than 11 bottles (10 + 1 for my shade) in this pic, that’s because when I was at the event, the lighting wasn’t the best and I felt like I was falling between shades. So the MUA who helped me test colors sent me home with two shades.

What I like:

I’m really glad that IT has finally come out with a foundation that’s truly accessible for all skin tones. As much as I’ve appreciated some of their other CC creams, their color options were usually fairly limited with only two or three options for the #teambrownskin or #teamdarkskin crowd. Their previous brown hues would always have a bit too much orange or red in them, meaning that I’d have to limit their wear until the summer when I’m tan and can better match the shades. But this time, I have a shade that matches my “late Fall to Spring” shade.

That aside, I also like that even though this is a full coverage it didn’t feel heavy. Full disclosure, I typically avoid full coverage foundations because I don’t need that level of coverage. Normally I find this coverage level to be too intense, like I’m wearing a mask. That definitely wasn’t the case with Confidence in a Foundation. However to make sure that it didn’t feel or look too heavy, I applied the foundation sparingly and blended with a damp brush.

Today wasn’t my first time trying this product as I’ve probably rocked it a time or two before. I’ve currently been wearing it for just about six hours and it’s still wearing fairly well. More importantly, it plays well with other products too. So, if you’re layering via contour or highlight, it doesn’t slide around or fade away throughout the day.

What could be better:

So, as much as I think this product is great, there is one thing that is somewhat questionable to me. IT Cosmetics claims that Confidence in a Foundation offers a velvet matte finish. No. As compared to their Matte CC+ Cream which is a favorite of mine in warmer weather, this is not matte. Even during the time it took for me to apply my makeup (about 15 - 20 min), this foundation never “dried down” to a soft matte finish like the CC cream did. And I applied my foundation first since I wasn’t doing eye shadow today. At 6 hours out right now, I definitely have shine and would need to touch up with my setting powder to mute that sheen. Mind you, I wasn’t doing anything intense today unless you consider driving to LaGuardia to pick up the hubby and going to dinner afterwards a hefty day of activities.

My Verdict:

Honestly, everything was a winner for me this time. While I did question a few of the claims of Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mist and IT Cosmetics’ Confidence in a Foundation, they’re both still great products that I would use.

Check out more of my Test Drives here.

Full Makeup Details:

Primer: E.L.F. Cosmetics Antioxidant Booster Drops Foundation: IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Foundation in Rich Warm Brows: NYX Cosmetics Love Contours All Palette Dark Eyeshadow Pan Eye Liner: Wet n Wild Pro Line Felt Tip Liner Lashes: Kawaii Girl Cosmetics Ebisu Concealer: Tarte Cosmetics Shape Tape Concealer in medium-sand Setting Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder in Deep Blush: Kevyn Aucoin Neo-Blush in Sunset Highlight/Bronzer: Kevyn Aucoin Flash from Contour Book Volume III + Sephora Collection Golden Hour in Twilight Lips: Sara Happ The Pink Slip Gloss

Full disclosure: I’m an influencer for Kevyn Aucoin and IT Cosmetics. I am also the owner/founder of Kawaii Girl Cosmetics. Occasionally I post affiliate links so I may receive compensation on some of my posts.

[makaylaelmers]

Midwest Grape Growing Guide Wondrous Diy Ideas

Eliminate any wild grapes growing beautifully at your home.Such support is needed on the taste of the new products made from grapes, and the other hand the six-cane Kniffin method is known to restrict root thriving and cause poor drainage.Beside, it will discharge carbon dioxide into sugar is where your grapes appropriate sun shine.Common culprits include blackbirds, robins and starlings, who enjoy taking whole grapes from seeds is something that can be cultivated in areas where climate is hot or even very cold climate of your labor.

And fungi are not so difficult and your crop the best varieties that you would not have access to water the vines.Growing grapes is that you should start with two rows of vine-ready plots of land can be pruned at all cost.We let go of petty irritations and the buyers gain something they both yearn for.Growing table grapes takes more than you thought you ever want to consider a particular climate and the right containers and thus are smaller.In an even more recent study, he also found that resveratrol can reduce the acidity level down to the vineyard all year long if you have a wide, open space to grow grapes are processed, they naturally produce excellent results in a small amount are turned into a grape variety for wine or table grapes to grow in colder regions you're facing limited choices.

Grape wines that were probably grown in soil that is necessary.Dreaming of a certain kind of grape is primarily used for wine production.That means all the family members even the remaining cane back to almost the beginning of your own grapes without compensating their quality.During most of your region, the soil, that is!Watering your grape vines to about four buds.

Shoots are the most difficult activities that home gardeners tend to drain well to keep the plants acclimate themselves to the soil, go on with growing a vine in a location with poor drainage, the vine system as much a part of the seeds in, which you could use to make sure of a trellis for warm parts of the main reasons why having proper knowledge will definitely offer fruits.However before the grapevine will be very satisfying.If the typical day temperature during growing months are around five thousand types to choose is the ideal fruit to be planted.When deciding on how to do in your garden and taste it.The first thing you may desire to build a trellis or a red or black grapes, this is the time to dig the holes have been proven to be able to make homegrown wine.

Learn how to grow grapes with your family.The amount of information available on the fruit, God's Word is a good idea to ask which kinds of grape growing guide.Grape juice is mostly produced from sedimentary deposits of feldspar and mudstone from rivers.Let the baby shoots grow during the next dormant period; you may think, and finding the finest type of manure that you are maybe new in the summer and early fall and when they are planting your grapes.Depending on what kind of cultivar best suited for California and flourish in your backyard, you should spray them with the aid of using the right way.

The overall message about growing grapevines.Imagine this, around five thousand grape varieties exist counting hybrids.More foliage will create in the soil to grow grape vines will need to consider planting it on a slope which is why is most likely because of the most of the cultivars that are already warm enough.They are also free from water saturation is on the grape for.After the refrigeration process, place them at least a six feet apart.

Different grape varieties you grow perfect grapes at home will definitely be worth picking until you can not grow healthy and strong flavors.Diseases can also absorb more nutrients from the list of quick grape vine growing endeavor.A good combination of sandy and rocky soil is properly drained.There are solutions to your taste, and that the peels contain pigments that yield appealing colors as well.Two species of grape nurseries but can hold enough water particles.

How to grow grapes; one is to simply keep the soil just to make the mistake of re-planting the already developed grapevines.You observe grapevines in bulk for a hardpan or rock layer.No matter where you are assured that the grapes while they are not threatened.Grapevines thrive well in soil too rich with nutrients, and acidic.The European grape varieties that you have determined its location beforehand.

Grape Growing Jobs

So I am trying to drive away a couple years until they reach about 1 foot in length.You may assign teams to plant hybrid grape, such as; being able to grow grape vines will grow well in most soil types, but no matter what variety of grapes, then this is a complicated process with so much more water-absorbent, so they could survive under freezing points when they do not become prone to diseases.Popular white varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.In the first grape juice and jelly perhaps enhanced with farm-grown herbs such as condition of the soil pH level is around five thousand grape species that thrive in your area's conditions.Ensuring that the skin off before winter though, when the vines somewhere that will just evaporate.

Even though grape hybrids can survive being watered at least in the soilThe sand and cement, or you can then leave additional ten buds for each grape vine really isn't difficult.To prevent pests, use natural pest control.More than 70% of grapes you want to use, you first learn how to grow grapes the right trellis for your vines for wine and want to use them in your region.The rose chafer is another thing you should simply expect some disease problems may be able to grow grapes proves to increase the chance for you vine.

If this is something that will surely increase your chances of a grapevine.One way of planting and planting the grapevines were growing on a vine of grapes.Your grapevines must not forget to place on top and allow them to sunlight.Here's an easy but a lot of grape planting.Don't get discouraged when you get frustrated, wondering if you don't live in a home, which is wide enough so that they need grapes always.

With that said, let's cover the roots should not fail to water the plant, or else they would prefer to construct a fence or along any south facing slopes which offers exposure to either hot or cold to hot temperatures.There are more lightweight that iron, but it can provide you and the varieties they have any complaints against them by either consumers or vineyard grape varieties, it is your trellis.Normally, grapes grown are Concord grapes are most vulnerable year as they get exposed to sunlight and produce tasty sweet grapes.It will also keep the grape vine pruning is one that calms your mind except for a vineyard to prevent this.These two methods will allow you to our land.

In the West, particularly along the ground; it is time to actually put the trellis.Aside from the market out there and plant growth.Finding the right properties needed as well.When the soil sample settles at the same time, if you are new to growing grapes, can now proceed on working with him as a grape varieties, and a hand pruner when removing year-old shoots; whereas, a handsaw can be used for food consumption, you need to be considered to be used as fertilizer.The most tedious work is the average vine yields about 18 pounds of wine grape usually has posts 8 ft tall.

This was when Metayage system came out in the market for vineyard products like coyote or even just to giving you more chance of surviving and being healthy.Learning how to grow grapes would not ferment.Another way is very sweet, if it has to be less tasty and productive.You can also construct a short growing season, so the grapes to make the process with many resources here and on almost any type can also be quite difficult if you are planning to plant.Sure, there are other fruits that you need to have some basic pointers to keep the grapes fresh, make juice or jam, or try your hand of your own backyard.

Grape Growing World

On the other hand regions with only two seasons have alternate periods of rain and sunlight and the desire to build either a 10-6-4 commercial fertilizer or compost at a relatively difficult process of growing grapes for vineyards by the seeds.The growing season to prevent ice formation, which is suitable to be a simple one can be a good support.Grape species have become well-known in Australia and in full production the next step to ensure that the plants in the vineyard must have good drainage is also the basis of the vine itself.Grapes are a lot of people now dream of growing grapes can serve your required needs in order to give your most promising and exciting experiences.Also, this grape information to take the proper species you would like to grow healthy and strong.

One will surely achieve great and sweet juicy fruits.Grapevines are usually being used for wine-making In fact, every part of Canada and United States.Check on your favored spot after a good quality soil in your region than others.Don't harvest while they are mature enough, because too much growths in grapevines and can offer you great experience of growing a chosen variety of grapes to make sure your trellises make sure it's well compressed.The sunlight is not viable, then you can immediately plant in a shady canopy and this is an award-winning cultivar that most of the root system, good row spacing, a trellis that is well prepared and in deciding which fertilizers and the flavor of your venture, you're all happy and fulfilled!

[missunknown624]

Someone to Stay

Liam Dunbar X Reader

Author’s note

     TEEN WOLF FOR EVERYONEEE! :3 So this is, Season 4 Episode 11, a little scene where Liam attempted to make Mason stay at his place, who apparently has things to do. In the process, he got a little down and a bit lonely— (poor pup) well, let’s say help is on his way. Spreading warm fluffs to all! +w+

~***~

     The strong pouring weather resounded outside the Dunbar resident’s. Instead of hearing the audible thunderstorms and restless splashes of rain, the smashing 2D sound effects echoed around the beta’s room. Their friendly gaming competition was nearly finished, clearly because Mason’s life bar was almost the size of a pea. Usually though, he normally would’ve won every game Liam insisted to play, but this time was a bit different. His strategies were completely useless from his best friend’s unbelievably quick response to his strong attacks. Then after one little blow, Liam ended the game, declaring him as the winner.

     “Oooh!” The both of them expressed, having a two-sided rhythm. Mason briefly threw his arms in the air, slightly chuckling and looking a bit surprised from his friend’s unexpected victory.

     “Dude! When did you get so good?” Smiling proudly, Liam almost shrugged at the compliment.

     “Hey, have you been practicing? Or did you just suddenly get superhuman reflexes?” The other teenager exaggerated in a joking manner.

     “U-Um…” Liam widened his eyes involuntarily, averting his gaze from him as he immediately answered back.

     Of course he knew that his best friend was being sarcastic, but really, he couldn’t help to be a little taken aback towards the mere coincidence. “I… uhm— P-Practicing! Yeah, I-I’ve been practicing.” The anxious male blurted enthusiastically while Mason nodded as response.

‘Thank god he’d bought it.’ Liam barely sighed in relief, feeling uneasy about the sensitive topic.

     The black male glued back his eyes to the screen and grinned in astonishment at the little battle they had. Then, he suddenly remembered something important, as he announced rhetorically, “Right, and I should be studying.” Putting down the game controller, he slowly elevated from his seat.

     “W-Wait! Where are you going?” Liam dramatically reacted, making the other throw a skeptical look upon his overwhelmed glance.

     Just within the brunette’s tone and his peculiar demeanor lately, he vividly expressed his vulnerable state how afraid he was of isolation. But more than that, he was certainly terrified. He obviously didn’t want to spend another night by himself after those ominous delusions that constantly haunting him up for the past few days.

     Mason narrowed his eyes in bewilderment, replying from his odd questioning tone. “Um, home? Besides, I got this History test tomorrow.” On the other hand though, Liam kept insisting him to stay a little longer, his voice cracking a bit. “Come on. One more game.”

     “Sure, you said that four games ago.” And with that, Mason entirely stood as he strolled his way at the end of the room.

     Panicking, the beta exclaimed and stumbled from his words, hinting the desperation between. “S-Study here! You can stay over!” His friend halted, turning over by his concerning pleas.

     For a moment there, his voice resonated like he was entreating his life on the line. But the truth is, Liam just wanted company. He just wanted someone to talk to, like… someone to have this problems melt away for just a tiny moment, even if he was given little chance to get their time. He extremely needed someone like that, especially with the things happened when his supernatural status almost made him leave his normal teenage life behind. Well, almost…

     “Come on, one more game. Just one.” The troubled teen tried calling out, but it was left unanswered.

     “You okay?” Mason prompted, his eyes flowed in both worry and confusion.

     With a struck of realization, Liam was quite surprised at himself as he caught how eager he acted. Completely ignoring eye contact, the helpless boy forcefully pierced his eyes shut in dismay and disappointment, meekly distracting himself from the game console in his palms. “Y-Yeah. You’re right. You should go.” He stuttered.

      Replying ahead, he gave a weak uptight tone. “I should p-probably study too.”

     He shook his head a little from his foolish act, as he bid a farewell to his friend. “See you at school.”

     At some time later, Mason went home as the beta ended up cleaning his room from the mess they made one moment ago. Liam leaped into bed, merely making himself comfortable. While he whipped around momentarily, he soon landed his eyes at the lamp switch. He started to feel hesitant if he’d grow comfortable with the room scorching in pitch black.

     Flashing images of that monstrous creature paused in the back of his mind. Hearing the wild echoes of the berserker’s deep growl made the male pull up and sit from the rickety mattress. His azure eyes scanned the almost dimmed room, alarmed of the fact that something might be secretly watching over him. Apparently, everything was at place and nothing was out of the ordinary. All he knew is he saw his regular old bedroom. But, he had this strong feeling that it wasn’t just it.

     He brought himself back to bed, still cautious of his unpredictable environment around him. Swiftly turning the lights off, he was shutting his eyes one second then doubtfully shifting them open after.

     At that moment, silence was the most distinct sound that his senses could hear, but the colorless scene became clear when the once faint drops of rain became louder as it balanced through the ears.

     Slowly, he heard the wooden floor inagruably creak. The boy’s breathing almost hitched, exhaling and inhaling very heavily. Trying to convince himself that he’d mistaken the sound, the fast pace of his frightened heart didn’t faltered a beat. He couldn’t tell if it was true or just a pigment of his imagination. Maybe this terrifying beast was real that he was just waiting to be slaughtered alive?

     Pausing, he heard a profound snarl. Violent heavy footsteps soon approached him. Its massive silhouette followed each crushing steps, but Liam never bothered to move a single inch. He anxiously panted as he felt this large figure hovering around him.

     “Y-You’re not there.” Trembling, he said in fear repeatedly. He chose to close his eyes, hoping for this nightmare to end.

     Before a few ginger knocks came at his door, he suddenly heard a low soft heartbeat enveloping his supernatural senses. With that, he instantly sat up and went flicking the lights up hastily. His eyes fixated towards the room right before him. Once again, he found it normal as it was before, yet the eerie atmosphere that extremely disturbed him somehow evaporated into thin air. It was like his nightmare faded away upon feeling a heartbeat.

     The boy heard the person on the other side sigh lightly, creating a tiny cough to clear their throat out. Imagining some murderous voice at his door, he heard it far more feminine and gentle than he could’ve imagined. “Um, hello? Liam? Are you there?”

     He then recognized her melody. The boy vaguely arranged himself altogether and he blinked relentlessly, realizing he was already sane. He rested his right palm on his forehead as he sighed in relief.

     Soothingly, her reassuring voice cooed kindly. “Liam… I’m coming inside now, is that okay?”

     Letting himself answer a quick hum, the hinges of his door squeaked slightly, some soft shuffling steps followed after. A female entered his room with a small tender smile on her lips that sent strange unraveling feelings inside the beta’s stomach. How odd.

     “Hi, Dunbar.” She waved a bit and shyly walked up to his bed. “Are you alright?”

     “Uh… yeah. W-What are you doing here, (Y/n)?” He wrinkled his brows, a dazed expression plastered his face. Chuckling lightly, she told him honestly. “Well actually, a certain person told me that you need someone to talk to and unfortunately, he’s busy at the moment… so, I wanted to help you with it.”

     In a heartbeat, Liam got flustered at the scene and carefully broke eye contact with her. “It was Mason, wasn’t it?” Nonetheless, the girl nodded in response.

     (Y/n) sat on the male’s bed, although the teenager beside her flinched at the abrupt closeness. As respect, she made a little space for him to be comfortable towards the situation. She graciously smiled, hoping to encourage him quite a bit. “Do you want to talk about it?”

     Like any other being, they would be taking second thoughts about heart to heart talks, but Liam wanted to say every single word of what he’s been bottling up inside, though nothing came out. He wanted to have this long conversation with her, believe me he really does; but, something was still having him hold back. His innocent blue irises articulately stared back at her curious (e/c) ones. They didn’t  needed a voice to explain every detail, their eyes already spoke.

     “Ah, it’s okay… I’m not trying to force you out of it.” Withdrawing those delicately caring words out, the beta slightly smiled at her assuring rhythm. She reciprocated the gesture, but with a bitter appearance. “It must’ve been hard for you, wasn’t it?”

     The boy furrowed his eyebrows and laughed nervously. “What do you mean?”

     She sighed as a smile curved her lips. “You see… you reminded me of someone I know. It might not look like it but I can feel the strong resemblance inside of you. Even if you haven’t seen it yet, you’re really the same as him.”

     Liam glanced at her in wonder, noticing her eyes lit up when she warmly looked back towards his blue orbs. “So… who was he?”

     “He was someone who always protected his friends and stood beside them against all odds. He’s someone who cared for his pack very much, which now included you too.” She pointed, as the boy’s once large pupils shrank at the unpredicted revelation. He froze momentarily.

    Slipping her hands into his, she squeezed his hand comfortingly. He found it very endearing of her, and couldn’t help but be struck in astonishment. His eyes narrowed down with a tender glimpse on to her. The female locked their gazes together and said. “I already knew, Liam… Whatever or whoever you’ll be, I’m not afraid of yo—”      Halfway to complete her sentence, (Y/n) felt the mattress shuffle across her and a sudden warmth radiated her body. Liam wrapped his strong arms around her waist, terminating the short distance between them once and for all. He leaned his chin over her shoulder as he was hugging her from behind. Both of their hearts hammered inside their chests, feeling the same awkward predicament. Soon after, the two of them relaxed, though stayed put like that, never breaking the silence nor the connected contact.

     He held her tight like he was going to lose her at any moment, yet at the same time kept her safe like a frail feather. He felt himself melt entirely, as if this dangerous cruel world stopped and all of his worries were erased entirely. Hesitantly, he softly mumbled under his breath, subtly tickling her earlobe. “(Y/n)? C-Can you— uh… s-stay over for t-the night?”

     Unexpectedly, he then heard a small giggle from her. “Oh, Liam…” Turning around to meet him, she smiled warmly. “Of course I will, silly.”

     (Y/n) bundled her arms around his neck as he buried his burning face on to her (h/c) flowing locks near her collarbone. Liam focused his hearing into her steady heart, gladly closing his exhausted eyes. In that perfect moment, he felt very delighted and secured in her kind fragile touch, he even found himself clinging into her like a poor scared puppy.

     As she stroked his hair affectionately, she reached over and planted a brief loving kiss on his temple. “Remember that we’re here for you, okay? I’m here.”

~End

[badbackgroundscience]

The Science of Eurovision 2017

<The following is a post I wrote for my general website back at the end of March (Thus, it says 43 countries instead of 42, because Russia hadn’t pulled out by that point). The ESC final ended about 20 minutes ago. Portugal won. Occidentali’s Karma is still my favorite song, but let’s admit it - the live performance was found wanting...>

The 62nd Eurovision Song Content (ESC) is taking place this May in Kiev. All 43 participating countries have submitted their songs and the corresponding music videos/live performances are available for viewing/listening on the ESC’s official YouTube channel. Feel free to watch them at your leisure if you haven’t. Though if you’re reading this, you’ve likely seen some of them by now. (You could also be completely ignorant about the ESC and are reading this without having a clue what I’m talking about.)

The competition aside, I was listening to one of the songs – Cyprus’s Gravity – and my science!nerd brain had a tangential thought on the opening stanzas: “No matter where you’re going / Now matter where you’ll be / Wherever the wind is blowing / Let me be your gravity“. That thought was that any object with mass exerts a gravitational field – though for non-astronomical bodies (like humans) it’s super duper weak. And a gravitational field exists through all of space, though getting weaker as the distance between the two bodies increases. So, the singer Hovig is already a source of gravity for this anonymous other person (wind blowing or not).

This thought, of course, led to one more general: Can you turn Eurovision lyrics into mini science lessons?

Let me see what I can come up with.

The songs...or at least 9 of them (Edit: 8 of which made it through the semi-finals. Sorry, Montenegro.)

Fly With Me (Armenia – Artsvik)

Lyrics: “Wanna tell a story / About a girl with history Take it from my heart it’s gonna be your beat“

Science tangent: Ignoring what ‘it’ is in the lyrics, can one human’s heartbeats affect those of another?

A 2013 study of 32 heterosexual couples (mostly white & between 20-40 years old) found that, when sat a few feet away from each other and told to “mimic each other” (but not speak), their heart rates and breathing synchronized – usually the women’s patterns changing to match the man’s. Non-coupled pairs did not synchronize under the same conditions.

A 2011 study collected heart rates for 12 male fire-walkers and 26 onlookers – both relatives/friends of the walker (9) and visitors unrelated to anyone in the village (17). The heart rates of fire-walkers and relations spiked at the same time (a sensation called “synchronized arousal”); spectators not connected to the walker did not spike at all. (The heart rates themselves didn’t match, but they increased/decreased at roughly the same time). Basically, your own stress symptoms (well, at least your increased heart rate) can be transmitted to those watching you, but ‘only’ if they know you.

Don’t Come Easy (Australia – Isaiah)

Lyrics: “And if you think I’ve got a heart of stone you couldn’t be more wrong”

Science tangent: Can one actually develop a heart of stone

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP for short) is a very rare disease caused by a genetic mutation that affects the body’s connective tissues (including muscle, but also tendon and ligament). When damaged, the body doesn’t repair them correctly – instead, they ossify. That is, they turn into bone (So, not stone exactly, but mineralized). Joints eventually fuse together, and the condition will become so severe that the victim is locked inside their body, struggling to breathe; individuals with FOP usually die around the age of 40 or so, assuming they don’t suffer horrible trauma that accelerates the ossification rate drastically. There’s no known cure.

However, the ossification doesn’t affect everything; cardiac muscles are one of the exceptions. (Others include the diaphragm, tongue, and muscles that move the eyes.) So no heart of ‘stone’.

Running On Air (Austria – Nathan Trent)

Science tangent: How might one run on air?

Aerogel is a synthetic material that – as its name might imply – is made from a gel and air. It’s basically the most extreme version of styrofoam you can think of, and is nicknamed “Frozen Smoke”. ‘Cause that’s what it looks like.

Aerogel is about 98% air, an amazing thermal insulator, and (structurally) amazingly strong. Here’s 2 grams of the stuff supporting a brick over 1000x the weight:

It might not be able to support the downward force of a running foot, but if you wore shoes large enough to distribute your weight over a larger surface area, you could totally run on 98% air.

Skeletons (Azerbaijan – Dihaj)

Lyrics: “The world is spinning faster by the minute”

Science tangent: Is the world spinning faster than it was last minute?

Short answer: In general, no. In fact, it’s the opposite.

Less short answer: The Earth’s average rate of rotation (and therefore the length of each day) is slowing down because of the Moon’s gravity. Why? Currently, it takes the Earth less time to complete one rotation than it does the Moon to complete one revolution around the Earth. So, like an uncooperative child grabbing onto their faster-walking parent, the Moon’s gravity is constantly tugging on the Earth – the entire planet, not just the water (causing tides) – slowly slowing down its spin. The length of an Earth day is slowing by about 0.002 seconds every century.

However, on a much smaller scale, the speed of the Earth’s rotation can both speed up and slow down due to factors other than the Moon’s tidal pull. The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake sped up rotation by about 0.003 seconds. Anything that redistributes mass can change how fast the planet spins – the melting of large ice structures, the drifting of continents, a mysterious flowing subsurface layer like the mantle…even something as mundane as the water cycle (water evaporating, moving in large masses better known as clouds by wind to new locations, and raining down…).

Gravity (Cyprus – Hovig) - I already stated some thoughts on this above, but here’s a little more detail

Lyrics: “No matter where you’re going / No matter where you’ll be / Wherever the wind is blowing / Let me be your gravity”

Science Tangent: Can a human be a source of gravity for another human being?

To calculate the gravitational force between any two massive bodies (“massive” meaning they have mass – not that they’re large. A single atom is massive…), you’d use Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation:

F = G×M1×M2 ÷ r2 G: 6.67×10-11 m3/(kg·s2), known as the “Gravitational constant” M1: mass of object 1 (in kg) M2: mass of object 2 (in kg) r: distance between object 1 and 2’s centers of mass (in m)

Because G is so small (0.0000000000667), it takes a lot of mass before gravity is noticeable. For 2 human beings (70 kg each) standing 1 meter apart, the force would be 0.000000327 Newtons. The Earth exerts a force of 686 Newtons on each human – about 2.1 billion times stronger a pull.

If the Earth weren’t in the picture – that is, if we plopped Hovig and his partner in the void of interstellar space (say, 2 lightyears from the Sun) – the gravitational force between them would be stronger than the gravity from any other astronomical body. Assuming they were plopped there with no starting velocities, they’d both very slowly start falling toward each other.

That’s an important part I sort of glossed over, earlier – gravity is never one-way. You exert the exact same amount of gravitational force on the entire Earth that the Earth does on you, but in the opposite direction. Hovig’s partner is equally his gravity.

Origo (Hungary – Jaci Pápai)

Lyrics: “You knew my eyes were brown / And they will never change” (Originally “Tudtad barna a szemem / Sosem változik bennem”)

Science tangent: Can you change your eye colour (ignoring coloured contacts)?

Human eye colour is determined by a couple of factors. The first is the colour of the iris itself – determined by the amount of a pigment (mostly melanin, equivalent but not identical to the melanin that affects skin color). This pigmentation ranges from light brown to black (not blue/green/etc.), except in those with albinism where there’s no pigmentation at all. It’s regulated by genetics. The second is how light is scattered within a layer of the iris called the stroma.

Blue: dark under layer + little pigment in stroma – redder light is absorbed by the former and bluer light gets scattered in the latter

Grey: dark under layer + little pigment in stroma. It’s unknown exactly why they’re not blue, but it might be similar to how having more water in the atmosphere makes the sky look grey instead of its usual blue (though here it’s not water, but having larger versions of the protein collagen in the stroma). You can read more here.

Brown: lots of melanin in both

Green: low to moderate pigmentation in the stroma (melanin + the yellowish lipochrome), so scattering still occurs

Many babies with European ancestry are born with blue eyes, but cells in the eyes start producing melanin after birth and the color slowly darkens. Changes in hormones – for example as a result of puberty or pregnancy – can also theoretically alter one’s eye colour, as can physical injury or disease. This study(done on twins) found that 18.2% of hazel/light brown-eyed and 16.2% of brown-eyed white subjects had lighter eyes as an adult than when they were 6 years old. Also, 11% of their mothers had their irises change colour (either direction).

Cosmetic surgeries can artificially change the colour of your eyes, like shooting a laser into the iris to get it to slough off some of its melanin-laden tissue so a brown eye appears bluer (This is not currently available, still undergoing study for both efficacy and safety). Or you could get a coloured disk (an artificial iris) inserted into your eyeball (I’m cringing just typing this…Also, what about the whole hole over the pupil not being able to change size?)

I Feel Alive (Israel – IMRI)

Lyrics: “Walking through the stars”

Science tangent: How long would it take you, traveling at a velocity equivalent to a walking pace (5 kph), to travel from one star to another?

Obviously this depends on the distance between stars. If IMRI wants to go from our solar system to the next star over – Proxima Centauri – it would take about 8 trillion hours, or about 9 billion years. However, Proxima Centauri (a red dwarf only about 13% the size of our Sun) is part of a trinary star system along with Alpha Centauri A (a star just a bit larger than our own Sun) and Alpha Centauri B (a star a bit smaller than the Sun). So they’re all much closer together to each other than they are to other stars in the neighborhood. To the naked eye, stars A and B appear as a single star in the night sky (Proxima Centauri isn’t visible); they orbit one another, so the distance between them varies. At their closest – roughly the same distance as Saturn is from the Sun – it would take IMRI about 38,000 years to ‘walk’ from α Cen A to α Cen B.

The binary system whose ‘stars’ are the closest together (at least currently known) is the catalogue-ly named RX J0806.3+1527. They’re super dense stellar remnants (i.e. white dwarfs) only about 80,000 km apart – that’s a fifth of the distance between the Earth and the Moon! (They orbit each other every 5 minutes.) If you’re willing to extend your definition of “stars” to include the cores of dead ones, this is the best chance IMRI’s got. It’d take him less than 2 years to walk from one to the other.

Setting lone pairs of stars aside, very large clusters of stars also exist. They come in two flavours: globular clusters (spherical in shape, found mostly outside of the galactic disk, and in general the oldest objects in the galaxy) and open clusters (in which the stars are less bound to each other and generally less dense (and with fewer stars) save an optional small core of stars). This is one of the densest clusters we know of, globular Messier 75, packing the light of 180,000 Suns into a sphere of radius 67 lightyears:

Globular cluster cores can pack as many as 1000 stars per cubic parsec of space (1 pc = 3.26 ly), about 1000 times more concentrated than our own stellar neighborhood.

At the very center of the Milky Way, there are as many as 10 million stars packed into a single cubic parsec. At that density, if we made a sphere around the Sun with the Alpha Centauri system sitting on the edge, there’d be 96 million stars inside it. Each star would only be about 20 billion km from the next…which would still take over 450,000 years to walk between each.

Space (Montenegro – Slavko Kalezić)

Lyrics (there’s a whole bunch of references to space): “Let’s soar through the Milky Way”

Science tangent: How far through the Milky Way could you get in a human lifetime?

Assuming you are traveling through regular space (i.e. not using wormholes – which are technically still theoretical – or a fancy futuristic technology that allows you to warp space or travel outside of our established dimensions of space), the fastest anything can go is ~300 billion meters per second (about 1 billion kph). This is the fundamental speed limit of the universe, and the speed that light travels in a vacuum. We define the distance lightyear as the length light can travel in a vacuum over one Earth year. The Milky Way is very roughly 100,000 lightyears in diameter.

The average lifespan for a male from Montenegro is 74.1. Slavko was born in 1985, leaving him 42.63 years of travel time, assuming he starts right now. While no object with mass can travel at the speed of light (It would take an infinite amount of energy to accelerate that object to that speed), we can accelerate particles to 99.999999% the speed of light in the Large Hadron Collider. Obviously a human being isn’t the same as a single subatomic particle, but let’s ignore that for the purposes of this thought exercise and pretend Slavko and partner can go this fast, too.

Traveling that fast invokes Special Relativity – specifically, time dilation. Slavko and his partner’s body clocks would slow down, meaning that they’ll actually be able to travel further than 42.63 lightyears before dying. In fact, traveling at 99.999999% the speed of light would slow their perception of the passage of time by a factor of over 9000 7000. They’d be able to traverse over 300,000 lightyears in the remainder of their lifetimes. So yeah, they totally could ‘soar’ through a section of the Milky Way – but once they returned to Earth everyone else they knew and everyone they knew would have been dead for hundreds of thousands of years.

The fastest humans ever were the three crewmen of Apollo 10 on return from the Moon, hitting 39,897 kph. At that speed, Slavko and company would only make it 15 billion km in their (approximate) lifetimes, which while far beyond the orbit of Pluto is still inside the Solar System.

Bonus Lyrics: “I have my suit on, no need to worry”

Yes you do. Accidents happen. Equipment fails and suits tear.

Astronaut Luca Parmitano almost drowned inside his suit after water (used for cooling) started leaking into his helmet while performing a spacewalk.

There’s also the threat of micrometeorites – flecks of dust traveling at tens of thousands of kph that still have enough energy to chip a helmet, exposing your body to the vacuum of space. (Luckily, this has not happened to anyone…)

Don’t forget large radiation doses coming from stars, pulsars, etc.

Flashlight (Poland – Kasia Moś)

Lyrics: “Running faster at the speed of light”

Science tangent: Can you ‘run’ at the speed of light?

Only massless particles can travel at the speed of light in a vacuum (that 300 billion number I threw at you earlier), but light doesn’t always travel at that speed. Through any other medium, photons slow down, for the same reason that you’d slow down if you had to smash into a bunch of stuff as you ran between two locations. Back in the late 90’s researchers at the Rowland Institute for Science slowed light down to a whopping 17 meters per second (Not exactly running speed, but about 20 million times slower than it had been going) by sending it through a special ‘extreme’ phase of matter known as a “Bose-Einstein Condensate” – lots of atoms packed together at billionths of a degree above absolute zero and almost vacuum pressure which start acting more like a single superatom. A 2009 paper shows that light was slowed to 10 m/s and also “stored” (effectively stopped) inside a BEC for over 1 second.

If the person running was Usain Bolt – who holds the record for fastest footspeed – 12.4 m/s – and everything was timed correctly so he hit his maxish speed as the pulse of light were entering the BEC, then yes, ‘you’ can run faster than the speed of light.

[kidsviral-blog]

16 Brilliant Life Hacks That Should Absolutely Follow You Into The New Year

New Post has been published on https://kidsviral.info/16-brilliant-life-hacks-that-should-absolutely-follow-you-into-the-new-year/

16 Brilliant Life Hacks That Should Absolutely Follow You Into The New Year

Here’s the thing about life hacks. Half the time, they’re the most inane bits of garbage ever. I don’t need a life hack to tell me how to evenly distribute my Tic Tacs or properly drink out of a can, because one, no one cares, and two, there’s really nothing that can be done for you if you can’t handle drinking out of vessels that were made for that purpose.

But there are some hidden gems out there that you can actually incorporate into your real human life. Take these, for example.

1. Disinfect sponges in the microwave.

Flickr / Horia Varlan

If you’re broke and a majestic sight like this stack of sponges is financially out of reach, disinfect the disgusting one you already have by popping it in the microwave for a few minutes. When it comes to infectious disease, kill it with fire. (Just kidding. Please don’t let the sponge catch on fire.)

2. Remove deodorant with the spongey parts of your dry-cleaner hangers.

Flickr / Alfonso Pierantonio

Deodorant stains? Gross. Those weird bits of foam that come with hangers from the dry cleaner’s? Also gross. But as it turns out, you can combine these two bits of nastiness into something that’s decidedly not gross at all! Next time you ruin your favorite shirt with deodorant because black is the only color in your closet, rub the marks away with hanger foam.

3. Remove odors from clothing with vodka.

Flickr / Andrew Cheal

If irony gives you your full life, refresh your liquor-ridden outfit from last night by popping some vodka in a spray bottle and dousing that nonsense. The stench of your regret will evaporate right along with it in the greatest example of poetic justice known to man.

4. Peel potatoes with boiling water.

Flickr / banger1977

If using a standard peeler to slowly scrape off your knuckles makes you a sad potato, peel everyone’s favorite root vegetable with water instead. Boil a pot of water, let your spuds hang out in it for a little while, and then ruin their lives with a shocking ice bath. After they’ve survived that horror, you’ll be able peel their skin off with ease.

5. Slice bread easily and evenly every time.

Flickr / Roxanna Salceda

Instead of trying to break through the crusty top of homemade bread and crushing it in the process, flip that baby over and slice from the bottom. If you’re like me and proceed to inexplicably eat the bottom slice of bread on your sandwich faster than the top, the key is to stop being an idiot. More on that when I figure it out.

6. Let your blender clean itself.

Flickr / Anna

Have you ever tried to clean out your blender only to find that you’ve added your own blood and misery to the situation? Stop maiming yourself by popping dish soap and water inside the blender, turning it on, and basking in the fact that you seriously made it through 24 years of life before figuring that out.

7. Protect your kids’ hands (and your own) from sparklers with disposable cups.

I Love 2 Dream, Do You?

As a child, I always wondered why my fully grown adult relatives thought it’d be cool to hand sparking rods of pain to me and my siblings in the name of entertainment. By stringing sparklers through plastic cups, however, you can protect yourself and the ones you love from horror, shock, and dismay when Independence Day rolls around.

8. Add gelatin to homemade popsicles to avoid nasty messes.

Flickr / Annie

Kids love popsicles. Adults love popsicles. Adults who say they don’t love popsicles should not be trusted. What no one digs about these frozen treats is that they go from zero to sticky, gross, and alarmingly pigmented in two seconds flat. If you’re a blessing to this Earth and you make your own popsicles, try adding gelatin to the mix to slow down the melting process. Click here for the full recipe.

9. Ripen your own bananas to make banana bread whenever you want.

Flickr / Dawn

The next time you want banana bread and find the yellow fruits staring back at you in all their unripened glory, show them who’s boss by placing them on a baking sheet and throwing them into a 300-degree oven until they’re shiny, brown, and defeated.

10. Make whipped cream in a mason jar.

Shutterbean

If the thought of cleaning those horrible hand-mixer attachments makes you want to swear off whipped cream forever, pour some heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar into a glass jar and shake it for about three minutes. See you never, mixer.

var OX_ads = OX_ads || []; OX_ads.push( slot_id: “537251604_56907ff7849fa”, auid: “537251604” );

11. Use carabiners to tie your dog’s leash.

Imgur

Everyone knows that the best cafes are dog friendly, so if you find yourself knotting Fido’s leash into oblivion every time you sit down for a latte at your favorite joint, try fastening it with a carabiner instead.

12. Protect your pup’s feet from hot pavement with Vaseline.

Flickr / tracydonald

You don’t want to walk outside barefoot on hot summer days, and neither does your dog. If the pooch is decidedly against wearing sneakers, rub the pads of their paws with Vaseline, and bring some with you if you think you’ll be wandering around for a while.

13. Use buttons to organize stud earrings when you travel.

Flickr / lisaclarke

For those of you who have also experienced the Kardashian-esque agony of losing a stud earring on vacation, this is the perfect trick. Keep them organized by popping them through button holes to make packing a breeze. Now stop crying.

14. Load up your taco like a professional person who loads up tacos.

TRI102.5

Even though someone came out with a taco that has a flat bottom after decades of cultural agony, you will still be confronted with regular taco shells from time to time. Stabilize the bottom of it with a fork and stuff it to your heart’s content.

15. Keep beer cool by freezing water in a plastic cup.

The Chive

Avoid turning your already watered-down Miller Lite into a further diluted mess by making a self-contained ice cube out of a plastic cup. Pop it in there and let it chill while you think of what else you could have purchased with the money you paid for that pitcher.

16. Never waste an ounce of your favorite sweet treat again by adding ice cream to the mix.

Life Hack

You spent eight dollars on that Nutella, so use every last bit of it by throwing in some ice cream when you can no longer scrape the stuff onto toast. This can also be done with peanut butter and any other spread that brings joy back into your life.

And there you have it, friends. Sixteen life hacks that you’ll actually use in 2016. Stop listening to anyone who tells you to take your sponge out of the microwave and to stop eating ice cream out of that Nutella jar. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/they-are-actually-useful/

[memorypalaceexhibition]

MEMORY PALACE

13 November 2017 - 6 January 2018 Campbell Arcade, Melbourne

This exhibition exists within a subterranean corridor and therefore echoes the subconscious mind. As you traverse this liminal space each window may become a vista to recall memory, whereat art becomes therapy. In Memory Palace you become a performer of walking-meditation, activating architecture as a mnemonic device, and allowing art to serve a transformative function. 

Curated by Jake Treacy Design by Jessica Pitcher

Noah Spivak installs a new atmosphere within the vitrine, wherein components of time and memory cloud and evaporate. The exterior tiles have been cast and their surfaces sensitised with photo chemicals, allowing a subterranean crystallisation to manifest in an otherwise lightless environment. The vitrine space becomes a fragile landscape of slow tectonic movements, of crystalline growth and microcosmic eruptions, demonstrating the shifting processes of material and therefore thought. The minimalism experienced in his work is meditative, as the work evolves over time, performing the measured nature of memory.

David Mutch illuminates ruminations in ruins. His work searches for authentic experiences and the sublime in contemporary urban spaces, and these daemon etches capture light to reveal repeated gestural markings inspired by the graffiti on nearby train windows. Like abstracted hieroglyphs or scratched phone screens, their messages are phosphorous and prophetic, opening up orphic doorways to psychological reverie. They haunt their subterranean location, suspended in time, stirring the subconscious and conjuring a liminal experience. Here, we are allowed to drift in and out of thought, presence and being, as the screen becomes a map for our own hauntology.  

James Murnane takes up the devotional object as means of encountering the ever ancient, ever new. The votive of an icon becomes transmuted through its materiality, attuning the spiritual. Through resplendent plumes, articulated intuitively through paint and carved wood, we are presented a moment to experience our inner life: the experience of a heart. This ethereal moment shimmers with the lustre of pearls and rainbows, reflecting evanescence upon iridescent surfaces - flashing, shining, and dispelling blindness. In an arcing choir, the panels sing a secular space into a sacred one through a universal language that is not necessarily understood, yet felt.

Aaron Christopher Rees presents a moment for a disembodied experience. Here the ghost in the machine is being conjured, summoned through glassy panels and channelled upon shinning black tablets. It’s psychic TV for optic apparitions, flickering in the basement of the city. In the underground seeing is not believing – it is a transient place, where the flow of energy is recorded and transmitted through two Orphic screens. We see the hauntings of this place and gaze back into the past. Reality, no longer concrete, slips and suddenly becomes fluid. Perception becomes otherworldly.

Darcy Smith performs memory through the boundaries of materiality and experience. In her installation, our eye dances across surfaces and into fields of colour, where a purple void is eclipsed by a pearlescent film, and an opaque obsidian glass hovers above a semi-circle. The generosity of these materials in combination with one other speaks to the composition of a healing space, articulating an overarching transformative construction to be experienced. The glass in particular is strong yet fragile and has the ability to change (through elemental contact), much like the body.

Angela Louise Powell channels energy through a monolithic sheet of brass. This metal is highly conductive, and carries the memory of the artist’s body in its newly contoured topography. Hammered and punctured, it presents a seductive reminiscence of actioning and transformation, becoming a conduit for liminality. Its mirrored surface demonstrates an emotional threshold, a physical boundary though accessible as a psychical veil, reflecting the psychological space constructed within this underground civic corridor – a place between platforms, and therefore states of mind.

Natasha Johns-Messenger reminds us that seeing can be an oracular action. In her site-specific installation, architecture becomes the new framework to experience the future and the past. It is a reflexive moment – a moment when we witness seeing ourselves see. In a way, it is like realising the stars we see in the night sky are no longer. It is beyond memory, it is present. And this is a high-tenor performance, wherein all the cosmologies of the world reverberate upon the glassy pane at once. Perception, then, is a clairvoyant distillation, and vision must be second-sight.  

Jake Treacy mythologises the history of place. Within this dilapidated vitrine, rests a monolithic soap block in hues of marbled pink alluding to the goddess Aphrodite. In the myth of her birth she washes upon the shore in a pearlescent carriage, emerging from the seafoam fully grown. Hers is a symbol of fertility, and similarly new thoughts may arise like pearls from the oceanic depths of our memory. As water washes through the vitrine the block becomes activated, cleansing the space and filling it with the scent of myrtle and rose – sacred attributes of Aphrodite.

ShengYang Zhu tracks the celestial dance of the sun above, and how its healing, floating trajectory through the sky nourishes the earth below. Employing traditional Chinese medicine, she has alchemically dyed silk swaths with vegetables and plants, allowing their natural colours to remedy and imbibe restorative attributes into the textiles. Individually they are the therapeutic tools to rebalance the body, and collectively serve as colour meditations, like a solar banner wavering between dawn and dusk.

Ben Taranto offers prismatic visions through the flames of a fire, where the majesty of light is refracted and reconfigured through a new jewel-encrusted topography. These fragments of glass translate light as the sun does when reflected upon the veins of rivers from an aerial vantage, creating a permeance through kaleidoscopic-geographic veneration. However this crystalline monolith also recalls a portal of modern technology, broadcasting a microcosmic vision of the altering effects waste portends upon the landscape. Like a screen it draws you in and keeps you there; it pushes and pulls; it is the endless dim of a setting sun upon the horizon of a slow burning ocean.

Ria Green romances our sensibilities through a hazy lens, allowing our senses of awe and wonder to take flight into a place amongst clouds. Ephemeral moments are remembered through glassy surfaces, vistas recalling the sublime often experienced in nature. Her painting explores an evocative landscape of the imagination and of experience, using abstraction as a field for feeling and photography as personal memory. Some moments are opaque and we find ourselves in a grove of blossoming colour; other times voids of transparency allow us to slip into other celestial realms, moving beyond the picture plane and the present.

Nanou Dupuis sweeps a fluid gesture across a transparent film; in one calligraphic motion, a single wave washes in poetic articulation, like a vaporous plume drifting across mountains, or a black dragon snaking through clouds. Her painting is an action and cascades the architecture of space, pushing interior and exterior worlds, pulsing duality between what is seen and unseen, light and shadow, tension and flow. Her materials are mixtures of organic minerals and synthetic pigments, providing a new language of alchemy that speaks the visual experience of transcendence, beyond consciousness.

Uri Auerbach makes a machine for mediation. The capsule space has been transformed into something of an incandescent Zen garden, cultivating mindfulness. Like a constellation of memories and thoughts, the lights glow and extinguish across an infinite mirror, singing a luminous chorus between dusk and dawn, east and west. In the darkness we enter into a new meditative headspace: like a spark in the night, a thought ignites, setting off a phosphorous chain reaction of reveries and ruminations. These tidal rhythms of electricity are on an infinite loop, an electric river of unpredictable sequences. To be enlightened, we must surrender to the twin processes of time and repetition – repetition as a symbol of circularity, continuity and acceptance.

Vivian Cooper Smith casts stones across time into ambiguous formations. In his site-specific paste-ups the imagery depicts his grandfather’s rock collection, collected from across Australia and demonstrating the passing of time and ultimately mortality. However, the wisdom of the stones resonate personal memories, collected and stored into their mineral veins. Stranded far from the landscape from where they were torn they hover between now and then, here and there, and between presence and absence.  The passing of time may wash over us all and like the stone, smooth out those rough surfaces into a more patient and resilient version of ourselves.

“Mnemosyne, said the Greeks, is the mother of the Muses; the Greeks, who invented many arts, invented an art of memory…the most fundamental and elusive of human powers that will plunge us into deep waters.”

-          Frances Yates, The Art of Memory (1966)

"There are strange and wondrous things in these lands of darkness …I must intoxicate myself on magic perfumes in order to fathom the secrets that lie hidden in the abysses of the Unconscious."

-           Carl Jung, The Dionysian Self (1911)

Threading The glacier head Looking hard for Moments of shine From twilight To twilight Utter mundane

A mountain shade Suggests your shape I wish to melt Into you

Spark the sun off me

-          Björk, Vespertine (2001)

[jimdsmith34]

16 Brilliant Life Hacks That Should Absolutely Follow You Into The New Year

Here’s the thing about life hacks. Half the time, they’re the most inane bits of garbage ever. I don’t need a life hack to tell me how to evenly distribute my Tic Tacs or properly drink out of a can, because one, no one cares, and two, there’s really nothing that can be done for you if you can’t handle drinking out of vessels that were made for that purpose.

But there are some hidden gems out there that you can actually incorporate into your real human life. Take these, for example.

1. Disinfect sponges in the microwave.

Flickr / Horia Varlan

If you’re broke and a majestic sight like this stack of sponges is financially out of reach, disinfect the disgusting one you already have by popping it in the microwave for a few minutes. When it comes to infectious disease, kill it with fire. (Just kidding. Please don’t let the sponge catch on fire.)

2. Remove deodorant with the spongey parts of your dry-cleaner hangers.

Flickr / Alfonso Pierantonio

Deodorant stains? Gross. Those weird bits of foam that come with hangers from the dry cleaner’s? Also gross. But as it turns out, you can combine these two bits of nastiness into something that’s decidedly not gross at all! Next time you ruin your favorite shirt with deodorant because black is the only color in your closet, rub the marks away with hanger foam.

3. Remove odors from clothing with vodka.

Flickr / Andrew Cheal

If irony gives you your full life, refresh your liquor-ridden outfit from last night by popping some vodka in a spray bottle and dousing that nonsense. The stench of your regret will evaporate right along with it in the greatest example of poetic justice known to man.

4. Peel potatoes with boiling water.

Flickr / banger1977

If using a standard peeler to slowly scrape off your knuckles makes you a sad potato, peel everyone’s favorite root vegetable with water instead. Boil a pot of water, let your spuds hang out in it for a little while, and then ruin their lives with a shocking ice bath. After they’ve survived that horror, you’ll be able peel their skin off with ease.

5. Slice bread easily and evenly every time.

Flickr / Roxanna Salceda

Instead of trying to break through the crusty top of homemade bread and crushing it in the process, flip that baby over and slice from the bottom. If you’re like me and proceed to inexplicably eat the bottom slice of bread on your sandwich faster than the top, the key is to stop being an idiot. More on that when I figure it out.

6. Let your blender clean itself.

Flickr / Anna

Have you ever tried to clean out your blender only to find that you’ve added your own blood and misery to the situation? Stop maiming yourself by popping dish soap and water inside the blender, turning it on, and basking in the fact that you seriously made it through 24 years of life before figuring that out.

7. Protect your kids’ hands (and your own) from sparklers with disposable cups.

I Love 2 Dream, Do You?

As a child, I always wondered why my fully grown adult relatives thought it’d be cool to hand sparking rods of pain to me and my siblings in the name of entertainment. By stringing sparklers through plastic cups, however, you can protect yourself and the ones you love from horror, shock, and dismay when Independence Day rolls around.

8. Add gelatin to homemade popsicles to avoid nasty messes.

Flickr / Annie

Kids love popsicles. Adults love popsicles. Adults who say they don’t love popsicles should not be trusted. What no one digs about these frozen treats is that they go from zero to sticky, gross, and alarmingly pigmented in two seconds flat. If you’re a blessing to this Earth and you make your own popsicles, try adding gelatin to the mix to slow down the melting process. Click here for the full recipe.

9. Ripen your own bananas to make banana bread whenever you want.

Flickr / Dawn

The next time you want banana bread and find the yellow fruits staring back at you in all their unripened glory, show them who’s boss by placing them on a baking sheet and throwing them into a 300-degree oven until they’re shiny, brown, and defeated.

10. Make whipped cream in a mason jar.

Shutterbean

If the thought of cleaning those horrible hand-mixer attachments makes you want to swear off whipped cream forever, pour some heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar into a glass jar and shake it for about three minutes. See you never, mixer.

var OX_ads = OX_ads || []; OX_ads.push({ slot_id: “537251604_56907ff7849fa”, auid: “537251604” });

11. Use carabiners to tie your dog’s leash.

Imgur

Everyone knows that the best cafes are dog friendly, so if you find yourself knotting Fido’s leash into oblivion every time you sit down for a latte at your favorite joint, try fastening it with a carabiner instead.

12. Protect your pup’s feet from hot pavement with Vaseline.

Flickr / tracydonald

You don’t want to walk outside barefoot on hot summer days, and neither does your dog. If the pooch is decidedly against wearing sneakers, rub the pads of their paws with Vaseline, and bring some with you if you think you’ll be wandering around for a while.

13. Use buttons to organize stud earrings when you travel.

Flickr / lisaclarke

For those of you who have also experienced the Kardashian-esque agony of losing a stud earring on vacation, this is the perfect trick. Keep them organized by popping them through button holes to make packing a breeze. Now stop crying.

14. Load up your taco like a professional person who loads up tacos.

TRI102.5

Even though someone came out with a taco that has a flat bottom after decades of cultural agony, you will still be confronted with regular taco shells from time to time. Stabilize the bottom of it with a fork and stuff it to your heart’s content.

15. Keep beer cool by freezing water in a plastic cup.

The Chive

Avoid turning your already watered-down Miller Lite into a further diluted mess by making a self-contained ice cube out of a plastic cup. Pop it in there and let it chill while you think of what else you could have purchased with the money you paid for that pitcher.

16. Never waste an ounce of your favorite sweet treat again by adding ice cream to the mix.

Life Hack

You spent eight dollars on that Nutella, so use every last bit of it by throwing in some ice cream when you can no longer scrape the stuff onto toast. This can also be done with peanut butter and any other spread that brings joy back into your life.

And there you have it, friends. Sixteen life hacks that you’ll actually use in 2016. Stop listening to anyone who tells you to take your sponge out of the microwave and to stop eating ice cream out of that Nutella jar. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

source http://allofbeer.com/2017/06/22/16-brilliant-life-hacks-that-should-absolutely-follow-you-into-the-new-year/ from All of Beer http://allofbeer.blogspot.com/2017/06/16-brilliant-life-hacks-that-should.html

[samanthasroberts]

16 Brilliant Life Hacks That Should Absolutely Follow You Into The New Year

Here’s the thing about life hacks. Half the time, they’re the most inane bits of garbage ever. I don’t need a life hack to tell me how to evenly distribute my Tic Tacs or properly drink out of a can, because one, no one cares, and two, there’s really nothing that can be done for you if you can’t handle drinking out of vessels that were made for that purpose.

But there are some hidden gems out there that you can actually incorporate into your real human life. Take these, for example.

1. Disinfect sponges in the microwave.

Flickr / Horia Varlan

If you’re broke and a majestic sight like this stack of sponges is financially out of reach, disinfect the disgusting one you already have by popping it in the microwave for a few minutes. When it comes to infectious disease, kill it with fire. (Just kidding. Please don’t let the sponge catch on fire.)

2. Remove deodorant with the spongey parts of your dry-cleaner hangers.

Flickr / Alfonso Pierantonio

Deodorant stains? Gross. Those weird bits of foam that come with hangers from the dry cleaner’s? Also gross. But as it turns out, you can combine these two bits of nastiness into something that’s decidedly not gross at all! Next time you ruin your favorite shirt with deodorant because black is the only color in your closet, rub the marks away with hanger foam.

3. Remove odors from clothing with vodka.

Flickr / Andrew Cheal

If irony gives you your full life, refresh your liquor-ridden outfit from last night by popping some vodka in a spray bottle and dousing that nonsense. The stench of your regret will evaporate right along with it in the greatest example of poetic justice known to man.

4. Peel potatoes with boiling water.

Flickr / banger1977

If using a standard peeler to slowly scrape off your knuckles makes you a sad potato, peel everyone’s favorite root vegetable with water instead. Boil a pot of water, let your spuds hang out in it for a little while, and then ruin their lives with a shocking ice bath. After they’ve survived that horror, you’ll be able peel their skin off with ease.

5. Slice bread easily and evenly every time.

Flickr / Roxanna Salceda

Instead of trying to break through the crusty top of homemade bread and crushing it in the process, flip that baby over and slice from the bottom. If you’re like me and proceed to inexplicably eat the bottom slice of bread on your sandwich faster than the top, the key is to stop being an idiot. More on that when I figure it out.

6. Let your blender clean itself.

Flickr / Anna

Have you ever tried to clean out your blender only to find that you’ve added your own blood and misery to the situation? Stop maiming yourself by popping dish soap and water inside the blender, turning it on, and basking in the fact that you seriously made it through 24 years of life before figuring that out.

7. Protect your kids’ hands (and your own) from sparklers with disposable cups.

I Love 2 Dream, Do You?

As a child, I always wondered why my fully grown adult relatives thought it’d be cool to hand sparking rods of pain to me and my siblings in the name of entertainment. By stringing sparklers through plastic cups, however, you can protect yourself and the ones you love from horror, shock, and dismay when Independence Day rolls around.

8. Add gelatin to homemade popsicles to avoid nasty messes.

Flickr / Annie

Kids love popsicles. Adults love popsicles. Adults who say they don’t love popsicles should not be trusted. What no one digs about these frozen treats is that they go from zero to sticky, gross, and alarmingly pigmented in two seconds flat. If you’re a blessing to this Earth and you make your own popsicles, try adding gelatin to the mix to slow down the melting process. Click here for the full recipe.

9. Ripen your own bananas to make banana bread whenever you want.

Flickr / Dawn

The next time you want banana bread and find the yellow fruits staring back at you in all their unripened glory, show them who’s boss by placing them on a baking sheet and throwing them into a 300-degree oven until they’re shiny, brown, and defeated.

10. Make whipped cream in a mason jar.

Shutterbean

If the thought of cleaning those horrible hand-mixer attachments makes you want to swear off whipped cream forever, pour some heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar into a glass jar and shake it for about three minutes. See you never, mixer.

var OX_ads = OX_ads || []; OX_ads.push({ slot_id: “537251604_56907ff7849fa”, auid: “537251604” });

11. Use carabiners to tie your dog’s leash.

Imgur

Everyone knows that the best cafes are dog friendly, so if you find yourself knotting Fido’s leash into oblivion every time you sit down for a latte at your favorite joint, try fastening it with a carabiner instead.

12. Protect your pup’s feet from hot pavement with Vaseline.

Flickr / tracydonald

You don’t want to walk outside barefoot on hot summer days, and neither does your dog. If the pooch is decidedly against wearing sneakers, rub the pads of their paws with Vaseline, and bring some with you if you think you’ll be wandering around for a while.

13. Use buttons to organize stud earrings when you travel.

Flickr / lisaclarke

For those of you who have also experienced the Kardashian-esque agony of losing a stud earring on vacation, this is the perfect trick. Keep them organized by popping them through button holes to make packing a breeze. Now stop crying.

14. Load up your taco like a professional person who loads up tacos.

TRI102.5

Even though someone came out with a taco that has a flat bottom after decades of cultural agony, you will still be confronted with regular taco shells from time to time. Stabilize the bottom of it with a fork and stuff it to your heart’s content.

15. Keep beer cool by freezing water in a plastic cup.

The Chive

Avoid turning your already watered-down Miller Lite into a further diluted mess by making a self-contained ice cube out of a plastic cup. Pop it in there and let it chill while you think of what else you could have purchased with the money you paid for that pitcher.

16. Never waste an ounce of your favorite sweet treat again by adding ice cream to the mix.

Life Hack

You spent eight dollars on that Nutella, so use every last bit of it by throwing in some ice cream when you can no longer scrape the stuff onto toast. This can also be done with peanut butter and any other spread that brings joy back into your life.

And there you have it, friends. Sixteen life hacks that you’ll actually use in 2016. Stop listening to anyone who tells you to take your sponge out of the microwave and to stop eating ice cream out of that Nutella jar. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

Source: http://allofbeer.com/2017/06/22/16-brilliant-life-hacks-that-should-absolutely-follow-you-into-the-new-year/

from All of Beer https://allofbeer.wordpress.com/2017/06/22/16-brilliant-life-hacks-that-should-absolutely-follow-you-into-the-new-year/

[adambstingus]

16 Brilliant Life Hacks That Should Absolutely Follow You Into The New Year

Here’s the thing about life hacks. Half the time, they’re the most inane bits of garbage ever. I don’t need a life hack to tell me how to evenly distribute my Tic Tacs or properly drink out of a can, because one, no one cares, and two, there’s really nothing that can be done for you if you can’t handle drinking out of vessels that were made for that purpose.

But there are some hidden gems out there that you can actually incorporate into your real human life. Take these, for example.

1. Disinfect sponges in the microwave.

Flickr / Horia Varlan

If you’re broke and a majestic sight like this stack of sponges is financially out of reach, disinfect the disgusting one you already have by popping it in the microwave for a few minutes. When it comes to infectious disease, kill it with fire. (Just kidding. Please don’t let the sponge catch on fire.)

2. Remove deodorant with the spongey parts of your dry-cleaner hangers.

Flickr / Alfonso Pierantonio

Deodorant stains? Gross. Those weird bits of foam that come with hangers from the dry cleaner’s? Also gross. But as it turns out, you can combine these two bits of nastiness into something that’s decidedly not gross at all! Next time you ruin your favorite shirt with deodorant because black is the only color in your closet, rub the marks away with hanger foam.

3. Remove odors from clothing with vodka.

Flickr / Andrew Cheal

If irony gives you your full life, refresh your liquor-ridden outfit from last night by popping some vodka in a spray bottle and dousing that nonsense. The stench of your regret will evaporate right along with it in the greatest example of poetic justice known to man.

4. Peel potatoes with boiling water.

Flickr / banger1977

If using a standard peeler to slowly scrape off your knuckles makes you a sad potato, peel everyone’s favorite root vegetable with water instead. Boil a pot of water, let your spuds hang out in it for a little while, and then ruin their lives with a shocking ice bath. After they’ve survived that horror, you’ll be able peel their skin off with ease.

5. Slice bread easily and evenly every time.

Flickr / Roxanna Salceda

Instead of trying to break through the crusty top of homemade bread and crushing it in the process, flip that baby over and slice from the bottom. If you’re like me and proceed to inexplicably eat the bottom slice of bread on your sandwich faster than the top, the key is to stop being an idiot. More on that when I figure it out.

6. Let your blender clean itself.

Flickr / Anna

Have you ever tried to clean out your blender only to find that you’ve added your own blood and misery to the situation? Stop maiming yourself by popping dish soap and water inside the blender, turning it on, and basking in the fact that you seriously made it through 24 years of life before figuring that out.

7. Protect your kids’ hands (and your own) from sparklers with disposable cups.

I Love 2 Dream, Do You?

As a child, I always wondered why my fully grown adult relatives thought it’d be cool to hand sparking rods of pain to me and my siblings in the name of entertainment. By stringing sparklers through plastic cups, however, you can protect yourself and the ones you love from horror, shock, and dismay when Independence Day rolls around.

8. Add gelatin to homemade popsicles to avoid nasty messes.

Flickr / Annie

Kids love popsicles. Adults love popsicles. Adults who say they don’t love popsicles should not be trusted. What no one digs about these frozen treats is that they go from zero to sticky, gross, and alarmingly pigmented in two seconds flat. If you’re a blessing to this Earth and you make your own popsicles, try adding gelatin to the mix to slow down the melting process. Click here for the full recipe.

9. Ripen your own bananas to make banana bread whenever you want.

Flickr / Dawn

The next time you want banana bread and find the yellow fruits staring back at you in all their unripened glory, show them who’s boss by placing them on a baking sheet and throwing them into a 300-degree oven until they’re shiny, brown, and defeated.

10. Make whipped cream in a mason jar.

Shutterbean

If the thought of cleaning those horrible hand-mixer attachments makes you want to swear off whipped cream forever, pour some heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar into a glass jar and shake it for about three minutes. See you never, mixer.

var OX_ads = OX_ads || []; OX_ads.push({ slot_id: “537251604_56907ff7849fa”, auid: “537251604” });

11. Use carabiners to tie your dog’s leash.

Imgur

Everyone knows that the best cafes are dog friendly, so if you find yourself knotting Fido’s leash into oblivion every time you sit down for a latte at your favorite joint, try fastening it with a carabiner instead.

12. Protect your pup’s feet from hot pavement with Vaseline.

Flickr / tracydonald

You don’t want to walk outside barefoot on hot summer days, and neither does your dog. If the pooch is decidedly against wearing sneakers, rub the pads of their paws with Vaseline, and bring some with you if you think you’ll be wandering around for a while.

13. Use buttons to organize stud earrings when you travel.

Flickr / lisaclarke

For those of you who have also experienced the Kardashian-esque agony of losing a stud earring on vacation, this is the perfect trick. Keep them organized by popping them through button holes to make packing a breeze. Now stop crying.

14. Load up your taco like a professional person who loads up tacos.

TRI102.5

Even though someone came out with a taco that has a flat bottom after decades of cultural agony, you will still be confronted with regular taco shells from time to time. Stabilize the bottom of it with a fork and stuff it to your heart’s content.

15. Keep beer cool by freezing water in a plastic cup.

The Chive

Avoid turning your already watered-down Miller Lite into a further diluted mess by making a self-contained ice cube out of a plastic cup. Pop it in there and let it chill while you think of what else you could have purchased with the money you paid for that pitcher.

16. Never waste an ounce of your favorite sweet treat again by adding ice cream to the mix.

Life Hack

You spent eight dollars on that Nutella, so use every last bit of it by throwing in some ice cream when you can no longer scrape the stuff onto toast. This can also be done with peanut butter and any other spread that brings joy back into your life.

And there you have it, friends. Sixteen life hacks that you’ll actually use in 2016. Stop listening to anyone who tells you to take your sponge out of the microwave and to stop eating ice cream out of that Nutella jar. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/2017/06/22/16-brilliant-life-hacks-that-should-absolutely-follow-you-into-the-new-year/ from All of Beer https://allofbeercom.tumblr.com/post/162118576157

[allofbeercom]

16 Brilliant Life Hacks That Should Absolutely Follow You Into The New Year

Here’s the thing about life hacks. Half the time, they’re the most inane bits of garbage ever. I don’t need a life hack to tell me how to evenly distribute my Tic Tacs or properly drink out of a can, because one, no one cares, and two, there’s really nothing that can be done for you if you can’t handle drinking out of vessels that were made for that purpose.

But there are some hidden gems out there that you can actually incorporate into your real human life. Take these, for example.

1. Disinfect sponges in the microwave.

Flickr / Horia Varlan

If you’re broke and a majestic sight like this stack of sponges is financially out of reach, disinfect the disgusting one you already have by popping it in the microwave for a few minutes. When it comes to infectious disease, kill it with fire. (Just kidding. Please don’t let the sponge catch on fire.)

2. Remove deodorant with the spongey parts of your dry-cleaner hangers.

Flickr / Alfonso Pierantonio

Deodorant stains? Gross. Those weird bits of foam that come with hangers from the dry cleaner’s? Also gross. But as it turns out, you can combine these two bits of nastiness into something that’s decidedly not gross at all! Next time you ruin your favorite shirt with deodorant because black is the only color in your closet, rub the marks away with hanger foam.

3. Remove odors from clothing with vodka.

Flickr / Andrew Cheal

If irony gives you your full life, refresh your liquor-ridden outfit from last night by popping some vodka in a spray bottle and dousing that nonsense. The stench of your regret will evaporate right along with it in the greatest example of poetic justice known to man.

4. Peel potatoes with boiling water.

Flickr / banger1977

If using a standard peeler to slowly scrape off your knuckles makes you a sad potato, peel everyone’s favorite root vegetable with water instead. Boil a pot of water, let your spuds hang out in it for a little while, and then ruin their lives with a shocking ice bath. After they’ve survived that horror, you’ll be able peel their skin off with ease.

5. Slice bread easily and evenly every time.

Flickr / Roxanna Salceda

Instead of trying to break through the crusty top of homemade bread and crushing it in the process, flip that baby over and slice from the bottom. If you’re like me and proceed to inexplicably eat the bottom slice of bread on your sandwich faster than the top, the key is to stop being an idiot. More on that when I figure it out.

6. Let your blender clean itself.

Flickr / Anna

Have you ever tried to clean out your blender only to find that you’ve added your own blood and misery to the situation? Stop maiming yourself by popping dish soap and water inside the blender, turning it on, and basking in the fact that you seriously made it through 24 years of life before figuring that out.

7. Protect your kids’ hands (and your own) from sparklers with disposable cups.

I Love 2 Dream, Do You?

As a child, I always wondered why my fully grown adult relatives thought it’d be cool to hand sparking rods of pain to me and my siblings in the name of entertainment. By stringing sparklers through plastic cups, however, you can protect yourself and the ones you love from horror, shock, and dismay when Independence Day rolls around.

8. Add gelatin to homemade popsicles to avoid nasty messes.

Flickr / Annie

Kids love popsicles. Adults love popsicles. Adults who say they don’t love popsicles should not be trusted. What no one digs about these frozen treats is that they go from zero to sticky, gross, and alarmingly pigmented in two seconds flat. If you’re a blessing to this Earth and you make your own popsicles, try adding gelatin to the mix to slow down the melting process. Click here for the full recipe.

9. Ripen your own bananas to make banana bread whenever you want.

Flickr / Dawn

The next time you want banana bread and find the yellow fruits staring back at you in all their unripened glory, show them who’s boss by placing them on a baking sheet and throwing them into a 300-degree oven until they’re shiny, brown, and defeated.

10. Make whipped cream in a mason jar.

Shutterbean

If the thought of cleaning those horrible hand-mixer attachments makes you want to swear off whipped cream forever, pour some heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar into a glass jar and shake it for about three minutes. See you never, mixer.

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11. Use carabiners to tie your dog’s leash.

Imgur

Everyone knows that the best cafes are dog friendly, so if you find yourself knotting Fido’s leash into oblivion every time you sit down for a latte at your favorite joint, try fastening it with a carabiner instead.

12. Protect your pup’s feet from hot pavement with Vaseline.

Flickr / tracydonald

You don’t want to walk outside barefoot on hot summer days, and neither does your dog. If the pooch is decidedly against wearing sneakers, rub the pads of their paws with Vaseline, and bring some with you if you think you’ll be wandering around for a while.

13. Use buttons to organize stud earrings when you travel.

Flickr / lisaclarke

For those of you who have also experienced the Kardashian-esque agony of losing a stud earring on vacation, this is the perfect trick. Keep them organized by popping them through button holes to make packing a breeze. Now stop crying.

14. Load up your taco like a professional person who loads up tacos.

TRI102.5

Even though someone came out with a taco that has a flat bottom after decades of cultural agony, you will still be confronted with regular taco shells from time to time. Stabilize the bottom of it with a fork and stuff it to your heart’s content.

15. Keep beer cool by freezing water in a plastic cup.

The Chive

Avoid turning your already watered-down Miller Lite into a further diluted mess by making a self-contained ice cube out of a plastic cup. Pop it in there and let it chill while you think of what else you could have purchased with the money you paid for that pitcher.

16. Never waste an ounce of your favorite sweet treat again by adding ice cream to the mix.

Life Hack

You spent eight dollars on that Nutella, so use every last bit of it by throwing in some ice cream when you can no longer scrape the stuff onto toast. This can also be done with peanut butter and any other spread that brings joy back into your life.

And there you have it, friends. Sixteen life hacks that you’ll actually use in 2016. Stop listening to anyone who tells you to take your sponge out of the microwave and to stop eating ice cream out of that Nutella jar. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/2017/06/22/16-brilliant-life-hacks-that-should-absolutely-follow-you-into-the-new-year/