#researching most modern methods to treat it

[aidenwaites]

A new vet got hired at the place we take Ren to last April and he is legitimately like,, the best vet I've ever had dhdDND

[screampied]

MONEY HONEY! — ☆ GOJO SATORU.

➤ popstar!gojo masterlist

headline. fucking your client wasn’t on your bucket list. the famous popstar 'toru' says he can’t perform because of issues he’s having with his voice. but he finds another way to warm up his vocal cords—it involves being between your legs.

word count. 4.2k

warnings. fem! reader, popstar!gojo, pwp, unprotected sex, modern au, he's a whiney brat, overstim, degradation, praise, semi public, impact play, cunnilingus, fingering.

an. lol this was fun 2 write !! ty @osaemu as always for beta'ing

“…nono, you don’t understand. i can’t go out there, i just…can’t—!” gojo mutters, and he’s pacing back and forth. talk about a drama queen. to think you had to deal with this every day, being the infamous satoru gojo’s personal assistant was never an easy task. his attire was…quite enthralling, to say the least. gojo was draped up in a sheeny black one-piece with rhinestones attached in a few places, he always had his outfits designed a certain way. not too tight, not too big.

you sat on the sofa, taking a sip of a latte he bought you as thanks for saving him to deal with the hoards of paparazzi that practically lived outside the stadium back-way entrance.

“satoru, you do this before every show,” you sigh, glancing at him. you couldn’t lie to yourself, he was strikingly handsome. gojo’s hair was a tad bit messy and ruffled. it was a slight v-cut towards his chest to show a bit of skin. his fangirls always went wild over the most minimal things such as that. “you do realize you’re supposed to be performing in front of 10,000 people? canceling right before a show isn’t a good l—”

“i know…i know,” he pouts, and he’s so unserious, you sort of found it hard to believe this was a millionaire pop star who’s such a household name. gojo lets off a loud sigh before walking towards you with a sheepish grin. “these cough drops you’ve been givinʼ me haven’t done shit.”

“really...” you deadpan, casually giving him nothing but a sly eye roll.

gojo sulks and he’s just a few feet apart from you now. “mhm…really,” he says, and the slight rasp in his voice catches your attention. his earpiece was still on, as well with his mic that hung just barely underneath his chin. “i did research though. about other methods that help with heh, um vocal fry..”

you stare up at the popstar, and he’s returning the gaze…as if he was trying to hide the smile that was already forming against his pink lips. you don’t give him an answer and this time, he’s the one to roll his eyes.

“…well since you asked so nicely,” he grumbles, the same pout going against his face before he pulls out his phone. gojo scrolls a thumb down against his bright screen before clearing his throat. “hm, according to this accurate article, it says… to fully recover from vocal fry, a guy must uh, receive a special treat within a woman’s—”

you blankly stare at him, already second-guessing his fake response. “just say you want to eat me out, satoru.”

“wha— where’d you get that impression?” he plays dumb, furrowing his eyebrows and cowardly looking around the room. a few seconds go by before he shrugs, speaking quickly, defeated. “….fine i wanna eat you out. hmph.”

you turn your head for a brief moment, hearing the defending roars of the crowd just a few areas down from the dressing room the two of you currently stayed in. “maybe after your show, they're chanting for y—”

“they can wait,” he frowns, and he turns you around, two hands softly holding onto your shoulders. gojo remained with a pout, bottom lip just slightly tucking underneath the top one. “i can’t.”

the both of you grow quiet for a long moment, and gojo seems serious—dramatic, but serious. you and him both exchanged sensual eye contact, and you were so close to gojo that you could practically smell the strong cinnamon scent of his intoxicating cologne. the popstar smooths his lips together before briefly shifting his eyes down at the floor and then back up at you. 

“five minutes…five minutes, that isn't too long is it?” he stammers, and the gaze the two of you made starts to get more and more intense. “i won’t get into too much trouble if it's just five minutes right?”

“you’re insufferable.” you mumble, letting off a soft sigh. “okay, five minutes. if you say this helps with your—vocal whatever.”

not much to your surprise, five minutes turned into half an hour. 

you held back a moan the sudden second you felt gojo’s warm tongue swiftly lap against your drenched folds. he made you wriggle against him, and you maintained a rough grip against the laid-back sofa.

“s-satoru,” you’d whimper out, gasping at how sloppy he was. you were prompt up in such a position to where you were bent over the arm part of the couch, skirt lifted, fishnets just barely pulled down, and the most vulgar expression. “oh my g-goddd, you're gonna make the others outside h-hear.”

“you’ll just have to be a little more quiet, assistant,” he whispers, cool breath fanning against your pussy. perhaps this was unprofessional, no it was very unprofessional. a plethora of following consequences started to race through your mind. “what time is it?”

you moaned, reaching near the wooden half table for his watch and read the time, “um.. quarter past eight.”

“aw man,” he sulks, softly licking the your tender pulsating numb with the very tip of his tongue. with a quick second, he maneuvers circles all over your clit to feel you squirm and jitter against him. “that much time passed? can’t stand rushing…”

as you cling onto the fluffed couch, your black pencil skirt that was just sluggishly raised, and yet, you continued to gnaw the inside of your lip from the feelings of his tongue, entirely sloppy.

the slurps that exited from his mouth had your bottom lip quivering in such desire. you craved more, the way he swirled and curved the length of his tongue throughout your pussy earned umpteen gasps and whines from you. 

“s—satoru,” you’d croak out, and he’s casually taking the time to make out with your folds. languidly, your slick race down his chin, and between breaks to breathe, he'd lap up his tongue before diving back in. “fuck, ‘m gonna cum again, think ‘m gonna cum..”

“wait a little longer, yeah?” he murmurs, grabbing the fat of your ass with two rough hands. you felt bundles of butterflies stir inside your stomach, feeling gojo’s nose swipe against your folds for a few jiffs. “let me eat, haven't had a good meal all fuckin’ day.”

you swallowed, not even facing him but you could practically see the grin stretching across his lips. “and…and who’s fault was that?”

he chuckles, warm breath fanning against your cunt. “okay, you have a point,” and your thighs feel feverish—you’re so hot, and not because of the sudden humidity wafting around the small dressing room.

the popstar lolls out his tongue, humming before you moan, feeling him lick your pussy in a straight direction. “mhm, this is better than anything else though.”

you were about to speak, but all that did was make you let out a shaky whine. the smooth pads of his thumbs graze against both parts of your ass as he continued to eat you out like a starved man. it was as if time stood still, your mouth grew exceedingly dry and your legs felt like they could barely stand up on their own. 

“sa..satoru,” you once more repeated, not knowing how long you could last. simply, his tongue was dangerous—god, it was just the way he moved it in every direction.

he knew where to lick, where to suck, and even nibble. gojo found himself tickling his tongue against your little nub before sucking on it. all to hear you cry out in desperation. cacophonies of whimpers depart from your glossed lips such as, ‘satoru,’ ‘please-please,’ and ‘m gonna c-cum.’

there was no denying, gojo had you an entire stammering mess. you found yourself even questioning how this became, the two of you were never intimate. although, there's always been steamy moments between the two of you. 

for instance, there was a moment where gojo took you with him to the hot springs while he was on tour…which non-surprisingly led to a hot make-out sesh. that was a few months ago, and the two of you decided to not think much of it. of course, though, there are always assumptions being made about the two of you—always from the nosy journalists and interviewers. 

each interview, it’d always be questions they’d ask about the precious little assistant that’s essentially attached by the hip to the famous gojo satoru.

“are you and that girl exclusive yet?”

“how long have you two seen each other?”

“please. describe to us. what’s she like in b—”

they’d get more perverted each time. alas, gojo always loathed it whenever the press referred to you as ‘that’ girl.

his jaw would always clench in sheer annoyance. perhaps he didn't have the right to feel that way, but he was somewhat protective over you. it wasn't like you were his bodyguard or anything clearly, but still. he always liked how you treated him just like you’d treat anyone else.

“satoru..” you'd cut him off from his deep thoughts. “your phone keeps beeping.”

“huuuuh?” he grouches, ears perking at the annoying screech of his device. gojo’s thumbs remain against both edges of your ass before he breaks off his lips, a long string of his saliva running down your slit. “oh, can you hand it to me?”

he's so nonchalant, and with your back still arched, you lightly fling his phone towards him.

he grumbles.

picking up the phone, typing in his twenty-one digit passcode of ‘sexymansexyspraycan69’ before with a click, it unlocks. gojo darts his eyes towards his phone and hums at the five messages left by his manager, kento nanami. 

‘Greetings. Where are you? Message me Ass.’

‘ASAP. Autocorrect.’

‘Your fans think your dead.’

‘Don’t tell me you're busy with that assistant of yours again.’

‘When your sales start going low, don't blame me.’

and many more unread, “blah blah yeah yeah,” gojo murmurs, skimming through the loads of unread gray bubbled messages. “nothing important. geez, can't have a single moment to myself.”

you were so close to orgasming and that's when gojo flips you over to face him—you're panting and he flashes you a soft smile, leaning in to kiss your forehead. “aw, waiting for me?” he whispers, bringing a gentle kiss towards the inner corner of your neck. his touch was immensely warm, something you just couldn't describe. “you wanna cum don't you, baby?

“m-mhmm.” was all you could manage out, wrapping your arms around him as he got right between you. gojo continues to trail kisses down your neck before chuckling. 

“use those words, c’mon. don't be shy. i wanna hear ya tell me what you want.”

the way he was such a tease, you couldn't stand him, then again you could. so annoying, gojo’s warmth of his performing outfit brushed against your skin. the perfectly knitted fabric of it dancing against your skin as he inched closer towards you. “tell me how much of a messy girl you wanna be.”

“i—” you started, and he took a moment to stare into your eyes. gojo looked so pretty, smug yes, but pretty. long lashes each time he blinked, fluttering against him. whenever he showcased that well-known cheeky smile of his, his dimples would poke right against his lips. “i-i wanna cum. please, lemme cum, ‘toru..”

“pretty girllll wants to cummmm,” he sings in a playful melodic tune. again, you couldn't stand him. singing right in the middle of something so intimate. gojo runs a hand down your buttoned-up shirt before chuckling. “hm, i suppose. go ahead, let go fʼr me.”

once you do, immediately your vision turns dizzy. all you saw was a few blotches of white, and it feels so good that the feelings have you biting down on your lip. gojo leans into your neck, whispering sweet nothings against you while giving your ass a soft caress.

“good girl, just let go…yeah,” he purrs, giving your collarbone a gentle suck. you taste so sweet to him. you're addicting, simple as that. like candy, he can't get enough of.

gojo satoru had a sweet tooth for you, there was no doubt about it. “fuck, i can just suck on you all day,” he utters in a low voice, and his warm hands part your thighs so he can get a bit more between you. “i need more…fuck the fans, i need you.”

“idiot, don’t say that..” you moan, and he's kissing all down the crevices of your neck again. gojo’s lips against your tender skin gave you chills. even still, you were so hot, from the neck down. it felt amazing, the feeling of him sucking and kissing against your skin to such a point that you're just throbbing. “t-they’re waiting for you.”

“they can keep waiting,” he smiles, leaning down to kiss near your chest, moving the exclusive backstage lanyard pass away with a slight grip. “damn, you don't know how hard i’ve been during rehearsal. i—i think about you, you know?”

you gawk up at him as his body towers over you, his costume glimmers in the light before he starts to peel it off carefully. you were taken by surprise so you mutter, “you…you do?”

“well yeah girl,” he rolls his eyes, such sass in his tone, following with the low rasp that hid underneath his voice. “you drive me crazy in the worst way.”

“the feeling’s mutual, popstar.” you utter, a glint in your eye.

“hmpf. now that i was nice enough to let you cum, you decide to be a brat, huh?” he raises a brow, using two fingers to brush his mic piece aside. 

a coyish grin goes against your lips. “sorry. are you gonna do anything about it?”

“…shut up..” he grumbles, and he does. 

pretty much, you then found yourself on your hands and knees on the couch, feeling gojo caress your ass briefly before meeting the mounds of your skin with a mean spank.

you suck in shortened breath. “ooh,” he says as you moan in unison with the light thwack. “you get off on spanks, huh?” he utters in a grouse, the feeling of his palm kissing against your skin making you continuously pulse. 

“n-no.” you spat. 

“liar,” he matches your snarky tone, and you let off a gasp once you feel him finally rub the tip of his dick against your folds. gojo grows abnormally quiet the minute your slick coats his length freely. “fuckkk,” he sighs, eyes closing for a short second. you teasingly wriggled your ass against him and he spanks you again. “you’re so impatient, wait.”

“do you even know how to fuck?” you slip out, and you held back a giggle. perhaps you shouldn't have said that, your thoughts did speak way more than they should anyway. 

gojo’s eyebrows curl into a furrow, and his voice genuinely sounds offended. “wha—?! of course i  do.”

“just asking.” you tease. 

“just asking,” he mocks your tone, completely butchering it purposely and gojo slowly starts to make his way inside of your tight pussy. he's gradually moving himself in, and you let off a moan before he continues, “yeah. shut the f-fuck up.”

a small grin stretches against your lips because you hear how gojo stutters whilst sinking inches into you. even while trying to be mean and degrading, he was so close to moaning himself. it was simply adorable. you maintained a mere pristine arch while biting the inside of your cheek once more. 

“you're s-so wet ‘n sloppy,” he huffs out a groan, and the squelches your pussy made against him were simply enticing. for a second, you grew mute once you gave your own body a listen. just the faint sounds of gojo’s jagged breathing, “f-fuck, ‘s good. keep facing that way, just like that. good.”

gojo’s touch against your spine was purely gossamer. 

he was soft, gentle, delicate.

yet the minute he started to create a pace with his rollicked hips, he couldn't contain himself. the way his dick probed throughout your walls, you kissed your teeth in longing—just for him to just hurry.

gojo was always such a tease, the fat plump head of his cock dabbing against your pussy. 

“s-stop playing and just put it in.” you moaned, growing impatient by the mile. 

“heh, you know what they say,” he mumbles, you pulse even more once you feel him slide in about a single inch or two…only to then go right back out. “patience is a virgin.”

“…it’s virtue.”

“that’s what i sai—”

“just fuck me.” you whined. 

gojo giggles, and finally, he starts up his slovenly pace again. he grips your hips before sighing. he takes note of the way you progressively suck him in.

you linger over the couch, the fabric of your pencil skirt just hovering over your waist before gojo starts to sway his hips. 

you had to stop yourself from being so noisy, executives were probably in the other room.

some kind of meeting perhaps occurring, yet here you were, happily entangled with your client. such thick inches he was dumping into you had nearly drooling. gojo’s base was rotund and fat, thwacking and thwacking against you to where you were so dizzy. 

“f-fuck, ‘toru.. ‘s good,” you whined, every few seconds he’d smack your ass to watch your ass jiggle with such recoil. it was one of his favorite moments to witness. as your lips stuck together, your thighs already felt weak and tremulous. 

“damn girl…didn't expect you to s-start throwin’ yourself back again me,” he sibilates, and for a concise moment, his head goes back. a groan flies past his glossed pink lips as your ass continued to thrash against him. “you're such a needy girl. tryna…f-fuck me back..”

the way his voice unintentionally got low whenever he was in such a trance had you throbbing, such convulses making you nearly weak in the knees.

to you, the feeling was indescribable. such pools of heat ran between your legs the more his thrusts picked up.

his dick reached every spot, so much so being precise—you felt the curve of his length analyze throughout your inner walls. it didn't miss a spot, he reached deep and you let off the cutest whimper. “god, r-right there. please, ‘toru. y-your curve, ‘s reaching me deep.”

“you f-flatter me,” he pants, trying to ignore his flusteredness. gojo’s right hand, the hand that had a half-cut open glitter glove that coordinated alongside his outfit ghosts against your ass. his lip quivers from his pace, and the way your pussy just sucks him dry, a few splotches of pre-cum cutely coated against the outer part of your ass. “fuck, dunno how much i can take with you movin’ your ass against me like that…shit, shit.”

“…s-satoru,” you breathed, biting down on your arm to suppress your moans a bit. not before long, he deepens the angle and you feel his sharped hips piston in utter contentment. “fuck, f-fuck. ‘s deep.”

gojo groans, swallowing the nonexistent lump in his throat before he feels himself coming close.

“think you’re gonna m-milk me dry,” he gasps, jerk after jerk his hips go against you at full throttle. the base of his dick, you hear the pap pap pap noises commence, and it’s so obscene. “shit, think ‘m in love,” and then you grow hot. it’s a long inelegant pause before he adds to his words, “…i-in love with your pussy.”

you were gonna comment on something, but you were too fucked dumb to comprehend anything. you’re being fucked stupid into the cushioned sofa. the cottony bristles of the fabric went against your skin as your body lurched forward each time. 

splaying at an almost animalistic pace, gojo’s ears, the very tips of them at least grow incredibly hot, you’re making his body heat up, scorching. the way your pussy tightly hugged around him like a vice, he was obsessed.

he just couldn’t get enough. to think this was the first time he’s been this intimate with you—oh, how he could only imagine what it’d be like for a second time, or a third time, or a…

“s-satoru, your phone’s ringing..”

he grunts, glancing down to see the bright-lit screen display, and this time it’s geto. with an eye roll, he ignores it, still gripping your hips, he’s attaining his peak before he lets off a husky groan. “f-fuck, ‘m gonna cum.. can i—?”

“y-yes, jus’ do it, ‘toru,” you spoke, not even letting him finish his sentence—you knew what he was gonna ask though if he could shoot inside. you were so drunk from his dick, thoughts on your mind were straight mush. 

“okay, okay,” he breathes, and even his moans were pretty. figures, gojo was a soprano, so he was bound to sound angelic, even while moaning his head off. it had the perfect pitch to it, such rasp in it, almost breathy. 

you feel gojo’s pelvic bone thrust a bit more at a quickened pace, accelerating just a bit more and his nerves were just going wild. “fuck, f-fuck..” he grunts, and he starts to grow a bit whiney, his sloppy hits against your rear made out to be a tad bit voluntary, rhythm a bit more expedite, and he clenched his jaw. 

once gojo came, it's so much.

thick ropes that seeped right into you. you moan, and he pauses his hips just to watch, feeling himself pouring all inside. velvety ropes of the popstar’s cum fills you up to the brim. you're panting, he's panting, and gojo was in love.

was it love? he didn't know, but his pupils were dilated for sure. 

his breath hitches once he pulls out, watching his cum slowly spill out between your folds and he lets off a moan. “made me fuck such a mess into you,” he spouts, running a thumb down your slit to watch you cutely jounce against his touch. 

“you ruined my panties,” you whined, turning over to face him—gojo leaned in for a kiss, and you returned the favor, tasting yourself once more on his lips. the sweetened taste of your slick that remained all over his tongue. 

“baby, it's not like you need them,” he rasps, grabbing ahold of you, and he positions you to get on his lap. “besides, i was gonna ask to keep them.”

“why?” you mumble, wrapping your arms around his neck, slipping off a moan at his already sensitive tip hovering against your entrance as you realigned yourself. 

timidly, he runs a hand down his neck. “y’know. for uh…good luck? was gonna keep them in my pocket or something.”

“you're so—”

“shhh.” he hums, interrupting your words for another tender kiss. your tongue slides against his, and he tastes minty.

as his breath collides against yours, you playfully bite down on his lip. gojo grunts, and he’s making your way inside again. gingerly, you sink against his thick base and he gives your ass a mean squeeze before spanking it once you start to move. 

“oh f-fuck…fuck, forgot how sensitive-” he hiccups, watching with half-lidded eyes at your hips rotating against him in an orderly fashion. you moan from his pleasure, taking a second to swallow before whimpering—softly, you kiss against his neck and he grunts. “you-you make me feel so good, baby.”

gojo’s almost at a loss for words, he’s had his fair share of women, but none could make him feel like this.

besides, he's never had the time. touring day in and day out was a hassle, and intimacy was a straight no due to his overly busy schedule. 

although, whilst the two of you were screwing around, making out and you're riding him, cowgirl, that’s right when the wooden creaky door bursts open.

not to anyone’s surprise, it's no one other than gojo’s best friend and bassist, suguru geto.

“you've got to be joking,” he utters with crossed arms, immediately darting his eyes away. “everyone’s been calling you, there's a search party, and—”

geto pauses, tilting his head. “…is that my clothes you're wearing, satoru?”

“suguru…hey man,” gojo gasps, nervous laughter following his tone—you jump in surprise, and he wraps an arm around your waist. “i��m… kinda busy here.”

“i don't give a fuck,” he grumbles. “by the way. your mic was on the entire time. you moan like a girl more than her.”

gojo’s eyes widen, reaching for the tiny button near the edge of his mic.

indeed, the switch was turned on and he awkwardly laughed, bringing the speaking part up to his lips.

“eheh…hey mic check?” and he could hear himself echo through the earpiece. embarrassing.

despite you still being inside, you just sat there—geto staring away, not even trying to comprehend what was happening before gojo coos out a subtle cheeky, “uh…i didn't know my mic was on. my bad.”

“you're so stupid...” you run a hand against your forehead in disbelief. an entire stadium practically heard the both of you. 

the heels of geto turned before gojo brought a finger against your lips to shush, and he pouts. “sugu wait,”

“what.” he mutters, turning back around. 

“wanna join…? don't think a few more minutes wouldn't hurt…r-right?”

“…….”

[atheneum-of-you]

Priest & Priestesshood

The terms priest, priestess, high priest, and high priestess get tossed around a lot, especially in the hellenism community. But oftentimes, there is very little context or explanation on what it means to be the priest/priestess of a god. I think understanding these terms, their duties, and some very frequent misconceptions are once again an important part of this cared for religion. Because despite what many may tend to treat it as hellenic polytheism is a religion. Not one I would consider organized religion today, but a very real and alive religion and should be treated as such.

Naturally this isn't to say you have to strictly adhere to hellenism, your practice and worships will always be your own. But it is an important thing to remember when dealing with the concept of priest/priestesshood.

As usual, this is my own understanding and research of the topic, always be sure to do your own when needed and double check sources! Additionally, from here out I will exclusively be saying "priestess" and "priestesshood" as I am studying and training to be one, but for the most part (excluding the history) it will also apply to priest/priesthood within the modern day religion.

Ancient Priestesshood

When we talk about modern-day hellenic priestesshood, we can't entirely look at it in its original form in ancient Greece. Back then, priestesshood was a temple station that could be bought by well-off families or something young girls were born into. Girls as young as 7 could be taken into temples on the path of priestesshood, and as they grew older, their ranks/titles within the temple would grow with them. With that said, for the most part priestesses bought their way into the station, having come from financially well-off families. Priestesshood could be seen as an "escape" from the patriarchal household society held at the time, often giving these women significant importance above men. Although how accurate this is, we don't fully know, as young girls would also have been born into a family and encouraged to perform priestly activities at a young age.

These were in the days when our temples stood high and mighty, and the unfortunate truth is that's simply not the case today. That said, hellenism has survived the ages, and we've adopted modern ways of worship, and therefore, priestesshood should be looked at in a similar fashion.

Priestesshood Today

As we today have learned to adapt our worships to modern times while keeping the essence of the gods' importance, priestesshood today has also adapted. While the grand temples from those days are mostly in ruins, we have found ways to construct them in online spaces, and when able, in real life, planned services and congregation. So what does a priestess of a hellenic god do today?

To become the priestess of a god is something I would consider a "full-time devotee." Someone whose life is tasked with acts of devotion in that god's name and honor. A priestess of Aphrodite might become one of her sacred whores or a matchmaker, a priestess of Demeter may live rurally and grow crops to provide and offer, a priestess of Hades may become a death worker (PLEASE heavily research that topic itself if it is a path you choose as not everyone can become one and it is considered a closed practice by degrees) or a baneful worker, etc. Regardless of the gods, a priestess would typically perform duties that align with that god's attributes and associations. It is a dedication to serving that god and performing acts in their name and honor. Priestesshood is a commitment to that god.

How Do You Become a Priestess?

This can be a difficult question to answer. As stated before, priestesshood could be bought or be something you were raised into. However, in our modern day, that's no longer the case. From what I've researched, priestesshood can be obtained through two methods.

Mentorship under an established priestess

An invitation from the god

Mentorship would entail finding a god's priestess and them taking you under their wing and training you personally. Many times, the mentorship will be something paid for, but will give you someone experienced and a solid learning foundation in your future training. Naturally, you should vet the priestess beforehand and ensure they are someone trustworthy and knowledgeable. There are many people who will falsely claim priestesshood, so ensure this is someone truthful in their dedication.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, someone can personally be invited by their god into priestesshood. This in itself can hold a myriad of difficulties, such as initial uncertainty. A lot of divination or fact-checking would be required as well as checking in with that god themself. Another difficulty would be the need to do training on your own. There is no step by step guide for priestesshood for each and every god, and the chances of finding a genuine one for your deity is slim. Training solo would mean researching and practicing on your own, with a great deal of trial and error and constant check-ins with your god.

My path to priestesshood started from an invitation from Hermes, and it took a lot of communication and readings with him to gain true confidence in the decision. It can be confusing, and navigating the path alone can be incredibly scary and difficult.

Can You Become a High Priestess?

A high priestess is a vastly higher title than a normal priestess, and one that, in my opinion, very few can hold. A high priestess's entire life would be spent dedicating themself to that god, continuously in prayer and doing their duties. This is a 24/7 commitment and a lot of the time entails leaving your worldy self behind (including families, friends, ect) to live in dedication for their god. They channel the very essence of their god.

A high priestess is far more than a title, it is the pinnacle of dedication to a god and is not an easy title to obtain. A high priestess's life would entirely belong to that god, and they would spend every possible moment of it channeling the essence of that god through prayers and worship and dedicating acts for the community they have.

It is not a role just anyone can take on, and I highly advise much deeper research into the understanding of that role and what it means/entails.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

So a priestess is just a normal follower?

Not particularly. A priestess would be required to do their devotional duties that align with their station. Priestesses would be leaders, conducting rituals and serving as a conduit for their god. There is a difference between devotional acts and devotional duties, the fine line being whether these devotions were optional or not.

I've only been working with [insert god] for a short amount of time, can I become a priestess?

The gods don't care about how long you've been in service to them. What they look at is devotion and knowledge. So long as you're willing to put in the work and truly dedicated yourself to the role, it doesn't matter if you've been a devotee for 5 years or 5 days. That said, please make sure this is a path you truly wish to walk. It is a very serious role, and the gods won't take kindly to it being treated like a game or an experiment.

I'm still a minor, can I become a priestess?

While in ancient times priestesses would be trained as young as 7, they wouldn't be considered priestesses until they reached the marriage age of 14. So by account, yes, absolutely. But I think it's important to spend your younger years truly studying and gaining knowledge and experience with your god and being certain that this is a path you wish to take. Don't be swayed by social media and other's recounting. Take your time.

But [insert creator] said they're a high priestess!

Are they always on social media? Are they constantly posting? Do they have a large online presence that they manage on their own? Then chances are, they're not a high priestess. A high priestess has no time for these things unless someone else is managing it for them to show what the life of a high priestess is like.

Would a high priestess be an oracle?

While a high priestess can be an oracle and vice versa, the two are not inherently synonymous. I'll make a long post on oracles once I've researched them more but from my current understanding, yes and no.

[snowy-equinox]

Spirit Boards are Just Another Divination Method

It feels like spirit boards often get ‘othered’ in the world of divination. People label them as either innately dangerous and to be treated with caution, or as an ineffectual toy that shouldn’t be taken seriously. What could be someone’s favorite form of divination is shoved aside for more ‘traditional’ methods like cartomancy or scrying. In truth, they’re not any different from more popular divination methods, and it’s time we embrace them as another tool in the diviner’s arsenal. 

Spirit Boards Started as a Game

‘Spirit board’ is a broad term for any board that is used for spirit communication. They often have “yes”, “no”, the alphabet, and numbers engraved or printed on their surface; a planchette or pendulum is used to mark the spirit’s response by moving to the appropriate symbol. The most popular spirit board is the Ouija board, which was first made by Hasbro in the late 1800’s. 

Many will point to its origin as a game to say that it’s just a toy, it can’t actually be used for spirit communication. However, the makers of Ouija were inspired by reports of Spiritualists in Ohio using ‘talking boards’ to contact the dead; while Ouija specifically was invented as a game, it is based off a real divinatory system. 

I also want to point out that many divinatory systems we use today started as games. Tarot cards started as a style of playing card, yet I don’t see anyone doubting their ability to communicate with spirits. If being manufactured specifically as a game or toy interferes with an object’s spiritual abilities, why can we use modern playing cards or dice to divine when we don’t have access to tarot? 

Why Are Spirit Boards Dangerous? 

I’m sincerely asking. You can use tarot in the exact same way as a spirit board, yet tarot blogs are not drowning in disclaimers and warnings. I’ve never once been told I have to say goodbye to end a session, and I’ve researched tarot, oracle decks, runes, scrying, and pendulums.

Many will say that spirit boards can open portals. Why does a spirit board open portals, when tarot, which can also be used to communicate with spirits, doesn’t? Most likely, this was just made up by horror movies so the use of spirit boards can be the inciting incident for the plot.

Why do we assume Ouija boards only work when there’s an entity on the other side? We often think of tarot, runes, and pendulums as housing their own benevolent spirit, so it should follow that spirit boards can do the same. Now, some people believe that divination tools don’t have their own spirit, and are simply blank objects manipulated by external entities. In that case, why would spirit boards be more dangerous to use? Shouldn’t every divination tool carry a risk of attracting malevolent entities? You might say that’s why people will recommend putting up protections before a divination session; that would mean we could put up protections before using a spirit board and we’d be just as safe, so there’s no reason to fearmonger about them specifically. 

The aura of danger spirit boards possess is purely from their horror movie reputation; they’ve been portrayed as dangerous because they’re a horror movie darling and that has become everyone’s first impression. 

Many times now, I’ve pushed back on someone’s fear of Ouija boards. I ask the same questions I asked above, and I get mixed results. Many can’t answer those questions, proving my point. I don’t think you can give an actual reason to why spirit boards are dangerous or ineffectual, simply because they aren’t. Once you peel back the horror movie persona, they are just another tool, to be used or misused. 

Sources:

The Ouija Board Can't Connect Us to Paranormal Forces

The Dark History Behind Ouija Boards

[tinglingfuckingsensation]

having (lengthy) thoughts about mental health & religion while writing the final chapter for my baberoe WIP hungry work

In short: reflections about the serenity prayer in the context of ww2, trauma and grief, contains spoilers/musings for Hungry Work and a potential post-war sequel.

Hungry work has overt religious themes, the most prominent ones being religious homophobia (especially in the beginning) and loss of/struggle with faith over the course of the war, because I've been obsessed by how Gene's prayer (the peace prayer of st. francis) informs his character and gives some insight into his otherwise opaque inside life.

I've spent weeks researching other prayers that would fit the narrative arc of Gene relating to his faith, from being deeply entrenched in it & drawing strength from it, to struggling/breaking with it through some of his lowest points to finding his way back to it, because I could not see him completely abandoning the church or god.

Imagine my anguish when I found that one of the most well-known prayers of all time, the serenity prayer, was the one I resonated the most with for this fic, because it's like the hallmark card / live laugh love poem that everyone has stuck on their walls....

Turns out, it was created around the time of the 2. world war (by Reinhold Niebuhr, a german-american theologist), and distributed to soldiers and army clergy via prayer books & cards around 1944, which made it too perfect not to include it in my fic.

I'll put the full text here so I can dissect it:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace. Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen

To start with, I the first part is arguably the most well-known one, since it has been, among others, been adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous, and for good reason too.

It touches on the concept of acceptance, which is repeated throughout the poem. ("accept the things I cannot change", "Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace", "Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is").

Acceptance is a concept that comes up in mindfulness practice and certain modern therapy concepts such as ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), and has helped me profoundly in dealing with my personal mental health struggles, which maybe explains why I am vibing with that prayer so much.

Bc this is already turning into an essay anyway, have a quote about it:

Acceptance methods enhance patients’ experiential acceptance, defined as having or allowing private events (including painful ones) free of attempts at regulation —in other words, allowing things to be experienced without needing to change them or push them away. (Goldberg et al. (2023))

Reading the real veteran's interviews, one stuck out to me in particular concerning this concept, it's by Don Malarkey about the experience he had meeting Richard Speight Jr. who played Skip Muck:

"Richard became a great support for me, this kid half a century younger than me. Never made me feel like some sentimental old fool. Told me he understood my emotions. Said it was OK, that I was emotional because Skip and I had meant so much to each other and that was a good thing, not a bad thing. That meant the world to me." (Don Malarkey, Easy Company Soldier)

I think this quote shows how much many veterans would have benefitted from a society that allows them to own and accept their feelings of grief, pain and loss, instead of denying them. And while I don't think mindfulness practice is enough to seriously treat clinical PTSD, I think some of the core concepts would have been incredibly helpful to reduce some of their suffering - and I'm sure a number of veterans did benefit from these concepts, without putting the name to it. While most modern mindfulness practice is adapted from non-western spirituality, I think it's significant that the same sentiments are reflected in Christian Prayers as well.

Why is that significant? Well, throughout and up to the end of my fic, Gene is going through it, he's struggling severely with what he has experienced and I don't see myself writing an ending that glosses over that - instead of a happy ending, I want a hopeful one, and the fact that this prayer existed at that time, in that context, and was distributed to soldiers is exactly what I needed for that to make sense narratively.

Because how does someone cope with all of that in a healthy way? And more importantly, how would someone at the time, with access to resources they did at that moment, get the right idea about what might help them suffer less? There's no way to include modern therapy speak into a ww2 fanfiction without breaking character, so to speak.

The answer, of course, lies in religion. I think many people turned to religion for comfort during & after the war, especially those that were religious beforehand. Since it's already established in canon that Gene turns to the peace prayer of st francis for comfort and guidance, I think it's not a leap to assume he would be able to draw strength from the serenity prayer as well (especially considering it did not have the same connotations and notoriety at the time as it does now).

There's one part in particular that lends itself to exploring how one could approach that, namely "Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time;" - this is something Gene has been doing in the fic, in part, by enjoying his time with Babe, and it's how he's kept himself together enough so he doesn't get discharged.

So this is what has been floating around in my head for a post-war fic that gives his struggle justice without being a complete downer - I want to explore him finding joy in his life after the war, of finding the things that bring him comfort and relief, even while he struggles with what he's seen.

So I think the goal for Gene is, to quote that prayer again, to try and find a way to "be reasonably happy in this life" - which will include, of course, finding ways to be with Babe despite all the obstacles of that time, but also find things that are just for himself, and trying to live each day instead of incessantly worrying.

[magnetictapedatastorage]

full article under the cut

Big CITY

She Took a Picture of the Man Who Attacked Her. It Didn’t Matter.

In an age of widespread surveillance, why was a police lineup, a method known to be unreliable, treated as the gold standard?

The assumption that humans are the most dependable witnesses to traumatic events contradicts decades of social science research. Credit...Spencer Platt/Getty Images

By Ginia Bellafante

Ginia Bellafante writes the Big City column, a weekly commentary on the politics, culture and life of New York City.

Feb. 2, 2024

Last year, on a cool September afternoon around 2 o’clock, a friend who lives in my building was walking to the post office in Downtown Brooklyn when she was attacked by a stranger. She had been on the phone when she vaguely noticed someone in her periphery. Suddenly he was right in front of her, mimicking her movements as she tried to step away. Assuming the position of a linebacker, he tackled her to the ground, leaving her at the curb with various injuries.

He walked away, but before long he turned around and came back. By this point my friend, Laura, a slight artist in her 50s (who asked that I not use her full name because she continues to feel vulnerable) was safely inside the closest building. From behind a glass door, she was able to take a picture of the man with her cellphone. And there was other visual evidence: A nearby security camera had recorded the attack, footage of which my friend eventually watched in the company of detectives at the 84th Precinct.

The incident struck me not only because it happened in the middle of the day, to someone I know and care about, in what is considered a very safe part of Brooklyn, but also because of what followed procedurally and what it revealed about the still dubious place of technology in modern law enforcement.

On Oct. 23, five weeks after the attack that left Laura with bruises to her lower back, a chipped tooth and scrapes on her elbow and forearm, she was called in to the precinct house to identify a suspect. There were no actual people in the lineup; instead, she faced a presentation of eight pictures of different men who, she said, looked unnervingly similar.

“The idea that I might wrongfully accuse someone weighed on me,” she told me later. Although she could quickly eliminate five of the eight, she found it hard to distinguish among the remaining three — each of whom had a point at the top of his cranium, she noticed, and eyes that were cast downward.

She made a selection. Then, detectives told her that her assailant was No. 5; she had chosen the wrong man. She hadn’t registered any details about her attacker’s appearance during the incident itself, but she had looked at the picture she had taken. He seemed to be in his 20s or early 30s, and was wearing patched jeans, white sneakers and a black parka. He had a vacant gaze, a small, distinctive bump over his right eyebrow and a tiny scar over his left. If you looked closely, you could see a cigarette clutched in his left hand.

Detectives told her that despite the photographic and video evidence, her mistake would prevent them from taking anyone into custody. When I asked sources at the New York Police Department to explain why victim identification, known to be so unreliable, would trump visual imaging — which, in this instance, included a high-resolution iPhone photo taken immediately after the attack — a spokesman responded with an email that said: Detectives “work closely with District Attorney’s Offices to build the best possible prosecution,” which includes “taking several investigative steps” to “effectuate an arrest.”

In other words, no matter the clarity of the imaging, the human determination remained the gold standard, and in the absence of an accurate one, the case was considered too weak to move toward conviction.

This implicit understanding of living creatures as the most dependable witnesses to traumatic events contradicts decades of social science research. According to a report by the Innocence Project, titled “Re-evaluating Lineups: Why Witnesses Make Mistakes and How to Reduce the Chance of Misidentification,” empirical and peer-reviewed research “reaffirms what DNA exonerations have proven to be true: Human memory is fallible.” For all the downsides of living amid ever-present 21st-century surveillance, one benefit would presumably be the capacity to correct for exactly these errors of human observation.

Memory formation exists in three phases: encoding, storage and retrieval. “When someone is in a moment of stress — when someone has attacked them — that stress impacts both the encoding and storage functions,” Alexis Hoag-Fordjour, a criminal-law professor at Brooklyn Law School, explained. There is a frustrating lag, she said, between developments in technology, pathology, social science and science in general and what happens in the law.

There is not a uniform approach to using pictures and security camera footage when making decisions in criminal cases. “The irony,” Alex Vitale, a sociologist who has studied policing for 30 years, said, is that if Laura had died, the police “would have been perfectly happy” to arrest the suspect “in the absence of a positive eyewitness ID.”

Some lawyers, like Julie Rendelman, formerly the deputy bureau chief of the homicide division at the Brooklyn district attorney’s office, maintain that mistaken identifications should not necessarily prevent prosecution from moving forward, or, as she explained, “that the level of crime should be relevant to bringing the case.”

What happened to Laura was psychologically disruptive above all. The release of her assailant is the sort of outcome bound to enrage those who see New York as an increasingly dangerous place where law and order have been subjugated to the ostensible virtues of progressive reform. But it would also gnaw at progressives who view inadequate attention to the psychological well-being of homeless and other marginalized people as the problem animating our sense of unrest.

Detectives asked if she wanted to press charges, and she did — so that the man who attacked her, she reasoned, could get help.

Lincoln Restler, the City Council member who represents the area where the attack took place, said that the decision to prosecute an assault like this one “should be made by the D.A.’s office every single time,” adding: “If that case is taken up, then the courts, a judge, could refer the alleged assailant to treatment services, even housing,” assuming that is what is needed.

As Mr. Vitale suggested, “It is not as though we don’t know who these people are who are responsible for these quality-of-life problems.” The challenge, as he put it, is that “we don’t know what to do about them.”

Ginia Bellafante has served as a reporter, critic and, since 2011, as the Big City columnist. She began her career at The Times as a fashion critic, and has also been a television critic. She previously worked at Time magazine. More about Ginia Bellafante

A version of this article appears in print on Feb. 4, 2024, Section MB, Page 3 of the New York edition with the headline: An Attack and a Tale of Law and Disorder. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe

[ladyiristheenchantress]

Sick Day Magic

It may come as a shock to some that I am, in fact, a human being and not a 500 year old oak tree with internet access. /j

Being human, and actually being alive, means you will get sick! Exploring biology for my biomed degree has taught me a lot of things about virus's, bacteria, and how exactly they work! For example: All living things can be effected by virus's, they are nanometers big for that reason, and not much is known about their origins here on earth which is really cool! With that said, every living thing gets sick, and with that we can pair magic to help us through our sick days!

I know I am, simply because I am writing to you now while on sick leave from all 3 of my jobs. Currently the summer flu has hit our home really hard, so lets talk about recovery!

Obvious disclaimer before getting started: Doctors, medical professionals, and health organizations are here to help you. This post is not to discourage you from using modern medicine, or seeing a doctor when you need one. I actually am very much against using spiritual bypassing to discredit medical research, especially as someone who is entering the medical field. If you are sick it is always important to speak with your doctor before trying any holistic remedies, especially if you are on medications that can conflict with herbal supplements. Know the warning signs for when symptoms escalate. This post is mainly about illnesses that can be treated at home and go away within a couple days or weeks (cold, flu, etc)

Lets get started!

How do living things get sick?

To keep this as simple as possible, living beings get sick from small organisms in a couple different classifications. You have virus's, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, and they all have one goal: to use your body as a host! Some things cant reproduce on their own like virus's so they hijack your cells, some things feed off of you and your daily body functions like parasites! In all, we are exposed to all sorts of pathogens, and our body will react with the nasty symptoms like fevers, chills, coughing, vomiting, and more because your body is trying to fight off all the pathogens using your body to reproduce. There are some circumstances where medical intervention is required however, for things like the common cold, flu, and sore throat you can find remedies over the counter!

All living things get sick, including tree's, seals, and even grasses. These pathogens are really good at evolving with us!

What did people do historically?

Before the introduction of germ theory in the 1860's, and the introduction of modern medicine in the 19th century cultures all around the world were still evolving to combat common sicknesses! From medieval Europe using cupping and leaches which assisted in medical standards and theories, to indigenous tribes using the herbs around them to pave the way for medications, cultures all over the world had their own tips and tricks for staying healthy!

In general most cultures followed a 3 way system, prevention, coping, and resistance, where methods were followed to assist in times of sickness. Often times they had distinct prayers and rituals, and would combine it with local remedies and folklore to help the general population.

Later on, herbs would pave the way for medicine as scientists discovered exactly what about an herb could help someone and isolate it into a pill, salve, or tincture!

What is some illness prevention magic?

When getting vaccinated create a prayer or chant to not only take your mind off it, but also for a metaphysical boost

leave offerings to gods of health during cold and flu season by your front door, and leave offerings to spring gods during pollen season by windows

have fire tonic, elderberry syrup, and lions main mushroom tinctures prepared (reminder: always consult a doctor)

Keep crystals like jade, green aventurine, and carnelian by your bed for health

Keep fresh flowers in the home, as scents can represent healing

Visualize sickness being repelled away from you as you practice hygiene

keep sigils in your shoes to 'draw illness back to the earth'

Mundanely make sure you are also having regular checkups (if you cant afford to see a doctor regularly, see what option you have for free clinics, or public health options like medicaid in the US), going to see your dentist because the teeth has a lot to do with health, and practicing good health habits can all be really helpful with preventing illness

What is some illness coping magic?

When sick, keep lavender and chamomile under your pillow as a sleep aid

Contrary to popular belief: Don't burn incense when you have a stuffy nose because the smoke will irritate your nose, instead use a humidifier and optionally put essential oils in it for drainage

take healing spiritual showers

create soft broths, and plain foods using kitchen magic and infusing it with intentions

Optionally if you are having trouble eating because of vomiting or fever, enchant your water bottle with healing energy with even just a simple chant

Put cold or hot compress on pressure points, optionally while you rest research what those pressure points symbolize and how you can translate that into your healing rituals from bed

visualize a healing green or blue light enveloping places that may hurt like joints or the head

Listen to gentle music or healing subliminal during naps to draw out illnesses

enchant your tissue box so every tissue you use is one less you have to use later

create a salve using willow or birch bark, camphor, mint, and chamomile for a soothing joint pain relief

Enchant medications with chants or sigils on the bottle

Mundanely, we see a lot of spiritual hacks, don't put garlic in your nose (The only reason you think it works is because it irritates your nose lining creating mucus), don't use elderberry (It puts your immune system in over drive when you are already sick and actually hinders the healing process), its better to limit herbal and holistic approaches other than things that are rich in things your body needs like fruits, veggies, and electrolytes!

Recovery goes into this much like prevention, our bodies begin to process and understand the invaders making it less likely for you to get infected by the same problem again, however as mutations grow, make sure you are taking care of yourself!

Spiritually, your body is a temple, and its the only one you have, love it and it will love you back, take care of it and it will take care of you back. As a human being I recognize the struggle that concept can be. Its easy for someone to say "just sleep lmao" without having insomnia for example. In general, finding a routine that works for you, your body, and your mind is very important! You are a spiritual being, but you are also human! Don't let people try to sell you the idea that modern medicine is out trying to hurt you, because there are people out there like me who will stand for making the medical field a safer and better place! Don't let people try to sell you the idea that your sickness is because of "bad karma" or that your "low vibes" or something silly like that because the truth is, you get sick because you are alive. Cherish being alive in all of its forms.

Fair winds friends!

And remember, if you took nothing away from this I will say it again, Cherish being alive in all of its forms.

Tip Jar

[crimson-dahliaa]

Research Report: Dissecting Misteln’s Crude Techniques and Proposing Superior Methods

Subject: Revisiting the Brain’s Role in Aging and the Path to True Immortality Quick glossary:

Neuromodulation: A therapeutic technique that involves directly altering the activity of the nervous system using electrical, chemical, or magnetic stimulation. Neuromodulation can target specific brain areas to enhance or suppress neural activity, often used to treat neurological conditions or influence cognitive functions.

Nanotechnology: A field of science and engineering focused on manipulating matter at the atomic or molecular level, typically at scales of less than 100 nanometers. In medicine, nanotechnology is used to develop tools like drug-delivery systems and microscopic devices that can repair cells or alter biological processes with extreme precision.

Biophysical Mapping: A process of creating detailed maps of biological systems, often using advanced imaging techniques, to understand the physical and functional structures of cells, tissues, or organs. In brain research, biophysical mapping refers to charting neural connections and activity patterns to study how different parts of the brain work together.

Misteln’s research presents a deeply flawed approach to understanding the brain’s involvement in the aging process. Her belief that the brain functions as a biological clock, slowly winding down until death, may have been compelling to her, but to anyone with real expertise, it’s clear her methods were laughably crude. Her entire premise relies on an imagined "biological timer" that determines when the body will deteriorate, a concept that might appeal to the untrained mind, but falls apart under any serious scrutiny.

Misteln’s ideas never reached beyond the surface of the problem. Her attempts to understand the brain’s role in aging were clumsy at best, constrained by a lack of real education in neurology. She relied on theories built on outdated principles, never bothering to dig deeper into the actual workings of the neural networks she claimed to control. The crude nature of her experiments is reflected in her surgical techniques — if one could even call them that. Misteln’s approach was little more than exploratory mutilation, leaving her subjects with irreversible damage rather than any meaningful insight.

Misteln’s Crudeness and My Proposed Refinement

Her most laughable failure was her belief that the brain could simply be "altered" to achieve immortality through physical removal of a so-called "kill switch." Misteln's tools were primitive, and her methods were barely worthy of a beginner. She approached the brain as if it were a mechanical device, expecting to find a single point to snip and sever. Her surgery relied on brute force, attempting to cut away at complex neural structures in search of this mythical switch.

Where Misteln’s techniques were barbaric, I intend to advance with precision. Instead of recklessly cutting through delicate structures, I will employ advanced neuromodulation techniques — methods Misteln was barely aware existed. By using targeted stimulation and high-resolution brain mapping, I will isolate specific areas responsible for cognitive decline and systematically repair them without the unnecessary destruction that Misteln left in her wake. My methods are rooted in modern science, utilizing nanotechnology and gene editing, two areas Misteln was clearly too ignorant to explore.

Vision for Improvement

Misteln’s attempts to manipulate the brain relied on sheer guesswork, and her results reflect that. Her failures are evident in the remains of her patients — twisted experiments, barely human by the time she was done with them. This was the result of her crude understanding of neuroanatomy. Her approach was essentially like using a sledgehammer to perform delicate surgery. The fact that she even referred to her methods as “scientific” is an insult to the field.

I, on the other hand, will not be so careless. My methods will involve sophisticated biophysical mapping, using real-time neural tracking to adjust individual synaptic pathways. By leveraging computational modeling, I can predict and prevent cognitive decay before it ever begins. Instead of trying to remove a mythical “kill switch,” I will modify the brain’s aging mechanisms at the molecular level, carefully reconstructing the networks that Misteln thought could simply be severed.

Misteln was barely educated, grasping at theories with the understanding of an amateur. She viewed immortality as something to be “cut out,” rather than something to be fostered through careful enhancement. She was playing at science, pretending she could achieve real results with brute force and guesswork. Her tools were as primitive as her thinking — and her failures were inevitable.

My approach will revolutionize what she could not even begin to grasp. With access to the proper tools and a mind grounded in real science, I will succeed where Misteln faltered. Her crudeness and ignorance left her fumbling in the dark, but with my expertise, immortality will no longer be a distant dream, but an achievable reality.

Dr. Ougai Suiren Lead Researcher, Bleeding Heart Orphanage

@tilskkarishma

Can you tell biology and this kinda stuff is my favorite?

[mooneltwo]

HI I WAS JUST WONDERING HOW LUFFY MET EVERYONE IN THE MERMAID AU

omgg it's pretty funny really! So you should know in this au is kind of set in a modern-ish au, Sea creatures are pretty normal in this world but they're treated differently, because y'know sea and water... Anyways heres the ones I thought out so far: Ace, Sabo and Luffy: So first off! Sabo is a brooding parasite, so he was dropped by the reef Ace was born in!! The two managed to hit off the moment they opened their eyes and considered each other as brothers. Luffy on the other hand was a late hatchling from his mother's clutter of eggs, so he was left alone to be free food for anyone who came by, but fortunately for him Ace and Sabo took pity on him and just considered him as their own (This is the reason why the three of them are different types of merfolk!) Shanks - So It started with young Ace, Sabo, and Luffy being hungry and because they're carnivorous they thought Shanks would be an easy meal, so they sent Sabo to lure in Shanks so they can maul him in the water!! But unfortunately for them Shanks is surprising adept at handling all kinds of mermaids (ESPECIALLY children/guppies) 😔 Coby - Coby was only fishing this time and by mere coincidence he fished up Luffy! He was quite shocked and scared because he accidentally hooked Luffy by his mouth and apologized before letting him free, but Luffy hitched a ride on his boat for awhile (much to Coby's reluctance) Zoro - Zoro is a merfolk being held at a beach that Coby n' Luffy managed to sail to. Zoro wasn't really bothered, mostly annoyed at the fact that he was put on display as a tourist attraction by beach officials and kept in a just a decently sized tank with not much stuff to do. Luffy saw this and broke him out because the tank seemed pretty terrible to stay in. Usopp - in this au Usopp is a mer! but an octopus like merfolk, he's pretty poisonous.. But unluckily for him Luffy is immune to most poisons in the ocean so Luffy tried to chase and eat him before hitting it off with him because Luffy knew Yassop (Usopp and Yassop surprisingly has a pretty decent relationship in this au because Yassop visits him and his mother from time to time!) Law - For some reason I thought about him and his crew being marine biologists and for some funny reason, Luffy swims by them during their scuba diving expeditions and just gets a headache because Luffy and his pod keeps messing around with their job XP

I'll answer this here too! When Ace, Sabo, and Luffy decided to split up and go on their seperate ways, Ace traveled through the oceans and spotted a ship! He thought it was one of those ships that kept merfolk captive because of its sheer size and many people, so he tried to beat them up Ace doesn't really have much of a good experience with humans except for Shanks and his team because while growing up the coral reef him and his brothers lived in was accidentally got bombed by fishermen using unethical fishing methods :( So when Ace saw the net behind Whitebeard's boat he was quite angry because it might accidentally go through a coral reef and break fishes' habitats. But when he did try to assassinate the Whitebeards, they seem to brush Ace off easily making him pretty mad. But then Ace finds out the Whitebeards actually clean up oceans and seas he starts to feel embarrassed and ashamed because he was accusing them of bad stuff and even cussed them out. But he did eventually manage to apologize and warm up to them!! The Whitebeards have a few merfolks on board! They're not held captive or anything they just stay around there and hang out, sometimes helping the team do research about other fish species and try to keep the ocean clean as possible

[droctaviolovecraft]

"One more step and you'll be knocking on St. Peter's gate!"

ANM №: ANM-557

Identification: Duck of Leiria

Danger Level: Snit 🟡 | Contained ⭕️

Lead Researcher: P. Borges

Anomaly Type: Anthropomorphic, rural, hunter, nationalistic

Containment: ANM-557 is currently contained within a modified rural property in the Leiria region of Portugal, designated Site-557. The surrounding area has been cordoned off under the guise of environmental protection laws to prevent civilian intrusion. Foundation personnel disguised as local police maintain a perimeter and monitor for unauthorized entry.

Agents assigned to ANM-557 must approach cautiously and present the entity with at least 250 grams of salted codfish (bacalhau) during initial contact to avoid hostility. This offering has proven to be the most effective method of pacifying ANM-557 and encouraging cooperation. Chefs at the site have been trained to prepare bacalhau according to ANM-557's standards, and a supply of the dish is maintained on-site at all times.

ANM-557 is to be kept within its residence under the pretense of being a grumpy local with limited contact with the outside world. Foundation staff posing as neighbors are to maintain minimal interaction to avoid raising suspicion. ANM-557 is allowed to continue its daily routines, including smoking cigars, cleaning its shotgun, fishing, and hunting ducks, as long as it remains within its designated territory.

If ANM-557 becomes agitated or attempts to leave its containment area, agents are authorized to use salted codfish or references to S.L. Benfica football victories to calm it. Extreme caution is advised if ANM-557 is armed, as it has demonstrated high proficiency with its shotgun.

Description: ANM-557, identified as "João Arthur Rosário," is an anthropomorphic duck approximately 1.68 meters tall. The entity exhibits human-like intelligence, speech, and behavior, with mannerisms that strongly resemble a Portuguese man. ANM-557 appears robust and graying, frequently seen smoking cigars and wearing a 1970s-style suit along with a beret bearing the logo of Sport Lisboa e Benfica, a popular Portuguese football club.

ANM-557 is highly irritable, especially when confronted or questioned about its lifestyle. It shows intense nationalism and pride in its heritage, often making patriotic statements about Portugal and its football team, S.L. Benfica. ANM-557 constantly carries a shotgun, referred to as "Old Companion." Despite its apparent age, the shotgun is in perfect working condition, and ANM-557 is often seen cleaning or polishing it while sitting on a rocking chair on its porch. The shotgun appears to have infinite ammunition, as it never requires reloading or runs out of shells.

ANM-557 is hostile toward any individual or entity it perceives as an intruder. During the initial containment attempt, ANM-557 reacted aggressively, firing its shotgun at field agents while shouting Portuguese expletives. However, once presented with bacalhau, ANM-557's demeanor softened, and it invited the agents into its home, claiming they "knew the way to a man's heart."

While ANM-557 is generally uncooperative and resistant to questioning, it calms down when discussing topics related to S.L. Benfica or when offered cigars and bacalhau. ANM-557 also displays an unusual familiarity with historical events, particularly those involving Portugal, and possesses extensive knowledge of local cultural traditions, many of which predate its apparent existence.

ANM-557 seems bound to the Leiria region, as it has never attempted to travel outside the immediate area. It has expressed disdain for modern conveniences, claiming that "in its time," things were simpler and better. ANM-557 has a strong attachment to its home, referring to it as "My Little House" and treating any attempt to relocate it as a personal affront.

Addendum 557-A: Initial Containment Report

ANM-557 first came to the Institution's attention following multiple reports from local residents in Leiria about a "strange duck with a gun." Institute agents were dispatched to investigate, and upon arrival, they were immediately fired upon by ANM-557, who shouted: "Bem-vindo a Leiria, cabrão!" (Welcome to Leiria, bastard!). The agents attempted to negotiate, but ANM-557 refused to engage in peaceful dialogue until it was presented with food. After the agents offered salted codfish (bacalhau), ANM-557 lowered its weapon and allowed the agents to approach.

Interviews with ANM-557 have proven challenging due to its volatile personality and distrust of strangers. However, through repeated food offerings and discussions about football, agents were able to extract basic information about its habits and preferences. ANM-557 claims to have been born in "a better time" and frequently reminisces about the "golden days" of Portugal. Despite its avian appearance, ANM-557 insists it is fully human and becomes agitated when referred to as an animal.

ANM-557 does not appear to age, and there are no records of its existence prior to the early 20th century. Further research is ongoing to determine its origins and the nature of its anomalous properties.

---

Interview Log 557-20

Interviewer: Dr. António Pereira

Entity: ANM-557 (João Arthur Rosário)

Date: ██/██/20██

Location: ANM-557's Residence, Leiria, Portugal

---

(Dr. Pereira approaches the porch of ANM-557’s house, where the entity is seated in a rocking chair, polishing its shotgun and smoking a cigar. A portion of bacalhau is placed on the table beside it. ANM-557 glares suspiciously at Dr. Pereira but does not raise its weapon.)

Dr. Pereira: Good morning, Mr. Rosário. How are you today?

ANM-557: (growls) I told you before, bastard, I don’t like visitors. Unless you've got bacalhau for me, you're lucky I don't put a bullet in your ass!

Dr. Pereira: Of course, of course. (motions to an assistant, who brings over a platter of fresh bacalhau) I prepared your favorite dish.

ANM-557: (eyes widen) Ah, the scent of the heavens! That's the only reason I tolerate you people around here, doctor. Sit down, but don’t test my patience.

(Dr. Pereira sits in the chair opposite ANM-557, who sets the shotgun aside but within easy reach.)

Dr. Pereira: Thank you for your hospitality. I’d like to ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind.

ANM-557: Ask quickly, man. I’ve got Benfica to watch soon.

Dr. Pereira: Alright. Let’s start with something simple. You call yourself João Arthur Rosário. Can you tell me a little about your life before… well, before ending up here in Leiria?

ANM-557: (takes a long drag from his cigar) What’s there to tell? I’m from a better time, when men were men, and ducks... (hesitates) I mean, men like me knew what to do with their lives. I was born when honor and country meant something. You know what that is? I doubt it.

Dr. Pereira: And what was that time like? Do you remember specific events?

ANM-557: (snorts) Of course I remember! I was there for the Carnation Revolution, boy. I saw Portugal change hands, from dictatorship to democracy. But you know what I think? Everything was simpler before. Now it’s all confusion, modern nonsense. The only thing that matters to me is Benfica and my bacalhau.

Dr. Pereira: Interesting… And that shotgun? It looks like quite an old piece. Is there a story behind it?

ANM-557: (smiles for the first time) Ah, my Old Companion. She’s been with me through many fights, my friend. Plenty of bastards who messed with me or Benfica regretted it. It’s not for killing, you know? Just for a scare. But if it had to… (shrugs) It’s my protection, always has been.

Dr. Pereira: Do you feel threatened here in Leiria? Why do you always carry a weapon?

ANM-557: (growls) It’s not about feeling threatened. It’s about respect. Around here, no one messes with me, because they know I’m no ordinary duck. I’m a real man, a patriot. If the young people today had an ounce of respect, maybe I wouldn’t need to carry this. But you never know, right? I take care of what's mine and don’t let anyone take it from me.

Dr. Pereira: Speaking of respect, you seem to have a great passion for football, especially Benfica. Does that have anything to do with your... condition?

ANM-557: (laughs, a strange rasp that sounds almost like a duck’s quack) Benfica? Oh, if it weren’t for Benfica, I would’ve exploded in anger long ago! It’s the only decent club in this country. Look, doctor, there are three things a man needs to live well: bacalhau, cigars, and football. Benfica is the best we’ve got. Win or lose, I’m there, strong. But when they lose... (clenches fist) that’s when you’d better not bother me.

Dr. Pereira: And what do you think of the world today, outside of Leiria?

ANM-557: A world full of idiots, if you ask me. It’s all a mess now. All they talk about are machines, modern nonsense, things that don’t make sense. For me, the world ended when people stopped having pride in their country. (takes a sip of wine) I stay here, quiet, with my Old Companion, watching Benfica and eating my bacalhau. I don’t care about the rest.

Dr. Pereira: I see. Have you ever tried leaving Leiria or changing your life?

ANM-557: (shrugs) Why would I? Leiria is my place. I have what I need here. You folks from the 'Mofra' give me food, cigars, and mostly leave me alone. If I were to leave, it’d only be to watch Benfica play at Estádio da Luz or rejoin the army. But other than that, I’m fine right here.

Dr. Pereira: (glances at his notes) One last question, Mr. Rosário. Do you have any idea why... you are the way you are? An anthropomorphic duck?

ANM-557: (is silent for a moment, his expression distant) Doctor, there are some things a man, or duck, I don’t know, just can’t understand. I am what I am, and that’s that. The important thing is, even being what I am, I’m more of a man than most humans out there. Got it? I’m Portuguese. That’s all that matters.

Dr. Pereira: Alright, thank you for the conversation, Mr. Rosário. It’s been very enlightening.

ANM-557: (nods) Bring more bacalhau next time, doctor. And remember: here in Leiria, I’m the one in charge. (smiles menacingly)

---

End of interview.

Interviewer’s Notes: ANM-557 is an enigma. Despite its non-human appearance, it considers itself deeply tied to Portuguese identity and culture. Its reactions indicate a profound nationalist pride, and it seems to accept its anomalous condition without much questioning. We will continue to observe its interactions with agents, but it remains predictable as long as its demands are met.

[sewagetreatmentplant01]

Sewage Treatment Innovations in Delhi's Pharmaceutical Industry

Why Traditional Treatment Methods Fail

Traditionally, sewage treatment plants weren't designed to handle pharmaceutical waste. Activities of antibiotics and hormones, among other active pharmaceutical agents, alter conventional biological treatment processes. This knowledge led Delhi's environment authorities and the industry to embrace innovative solutions meant to tackle such unique challenges. Netsol Water is one of the best Sewage Treatment Plant Manufacturers in Delhi, offering waste water solutions.

Advanced Oxidation Breaks Ground

Another promising innovation that Delhi has especially in pharmaceutical waste treatment is Advanced Oxidation Processes. Advanced Oxidation Processes involves a combination of ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and UV light to break down the toughest pharmaceutical compounds into harmless constituent parts. What is fascinating about this technology is it surely destroys even the most recalcitrant pharmaceutical pollutants without producing any dangerous by-products.

Membrane Bioreactor Technology: A Game Changer

Membrane Bioreactor technology has revolutionized the way in which the pharmaceutical facilities in Delhi treat their wastewater. This hybrid system, combining conventional biological treatment with membrane filtration, produces extremely good quality treated water. The ultra-fine membranes enable such pure water that it can safely be reused within the facilities for non-potable purposes to filter out the microscopic contaminants.

Smart Monitoring Systems

Today, advanced monitoring systems provide real-time data on water quality parameters in Modern Pharmaceutical Waste Treatment Plants at Delhi. These smart systems make use of sensors and automated controls to readjust treatment processes in an instant to achieve optimal performance and be in full observance with environmental regulations. This technological jump has made treatment plants more efficient and reliable than they ever were.

Zero Liquid Discharge: New Normal

Among the most dramatic recent developments is the advent of Zero Liquid Discharge systems. Advanced treatment trains, involving reverse osmosis, evaporation, and crystallization technologies, recover water and valuable compounds from pharmaceutical wastewater. Several facilities in Delhi have successfully implemented ZLD, setting new benchmarks for environmental responsibility.

Biological Innovation: Enhanced Microbial Treatment

Researchers at Delhi Institute of Technology have developed specific bacteria which degrade the pharmaceutical substances far better than the usual microbes. Biologically superior systems were very effective and degraded complex pharmaceutical wastes consistently without losing stability.

Economic Advantage through Innovation

Although the setup costs for developing these innovative solutions for treatment are high, the Delhi-based pharmaceutical companies realize long-term economic savings. The operational costs have come down through filtration systems from recovered water and the recovery of valuable compounds from wastewater streams has opened up new revenue streams.

Future Developments

The future for pharmaceutical waste treatment at Delhi looks rosy. Scientists are working on developing even more effective treatment methods, such as:

-Advanced nanomaterial-based filtration systems

-Pursues AI-driven optimization of treatment processes

-Greener chemistries to minimize waste at source

-Energy-saving treatment technologies

Conclusion

Delhi’s pharmaceutical industry has done exceptionally well in trying to crack the complex problem of wastewater treatment. This not only saves us the environment, but also proves that a business can be successful and that sustainable manufacturing goes alongside it. We hope to see further groundbreaking solutions from this dynamic sector as technology moves forward. Netsol Water is top on Sewage Treatment Plant Manufacturer in Delhi, offering cutting-edge solutions for waste water.

Treatment of pharmaceutical waste in Delhi is a shining example for other industrial hubs across the globe. It goes to depict how, with the integration of technology and innovation, one can commit to sustainability without leaving a mark on even the most daunting environmental issues.

[steeloncallkavya]

TMT Bar Rate: A Key Factor in Construction Projects

TMT (Thermo-Mechanically Treated) bars are a fundamental component in modern construction. They are widely used for reinforcing concrete structures, providing strength and durability to buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. TMT bars are favored for their high strength, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion, making them an essential material for both residential and commercial construction.

One of the most important factors influencing the cost of construction is the TMT bar rate. The price of TMT bars can vary depending on various factors such as material quality, market conditions, demand, and geographical location. Understanding the TMT bar rate is crucial for construction businesses, builders, and individuals to plan their budgets effectively.

In this article, we will explore what TMT bars are, how they are priced, the factors that influence TMT bar rates, and how these prices impact construction projects.

Factors Influencing TMT Bar Rate

Several factors influence the rate of TMT bars, which fluctuate over time. Understanding these factors can help individuals and businesses better plan and budget for construction projects.

1. Raw Material Costs

The primary raw material used in the production of TMT bars is iron ore. The price of iron ore can vary based on market conditions, international supply, and demand. When the cost of raw materials rises, the price of TMT bars typically follows suit. Global factors such as trade policies, supply chain disruptions, and natural disasters can cause fluctuations in the price of iron ore, affecting the tmt bar rate.

2. Production Process

The cost of producing TMT bars is another factor that affects their rate. The thermo-mechanical treatment process, which involves high energy consumption for heating and rapid cooling, can make TMT bars more expensive than traditional steel bars. The more advanced the production technology and machinery used, the higher the overall production cost, which in turn affects the price.

3. Demand and Supply Dynamics

Like any commodity, the price of TMT bars is influenced by supply and demand dynamics. In periods of high demand, such as during a construction boom or in regions where infrastructure development is happening at a rapid pace, the price of TMT bars may increase. Conversely, during slow construction periods, when demand for building materials drops, the rate of TMT bars may decrease.

Regional variations in demand also play a role. For example, large cities or regions with high construction activity may see higher TMT bar prices compared to areas with less demand.

4. Transportation and Logistics Costs

TMT bars are often produced in specific regions, and transportation costs can have a significant impact on the final rate. If TMT bars need to be transported over long distances or to remote areas, logistics costs will increase, which is reflected in the price. Additionally, fuel costs and transportation infrastructure can influence the cost of getting TMT bars from the factory to construction sites.

5. Government Policies and Taxes

Government policies, including taxes, duties, and import/export regulations, can also affect the price of TMT bars. For example, the imposition of import duties on steel products or changes in tax rates can increase the cost of TMT bars. Conversely, subsidies or reductions in taxes on raw materials may lower the price. Construction businesses need to stay updated on any changes in government policies that could impact TMT bar rates.

6. Technological Advancements

Technological innovations in steel manufacturing can also influence the TMT bar rate. For instance, new methods of production that increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption can lower the cost of producing TMT bars. On the other hand, investments in research and development or advanced machinery may increase the cost of production in the short term but could lead to higher-quality products in the long run.

How TMT Bar Rate Impacts Construction Projects

The rate of TMT bars is a significant factor in the overall cost of construction. The amount of TMT bar required for a project depends on the size of the structure, the grade of the steel, and the complexity of the design. Since TMT bars are used extensively in reinforcing concrete, their cost can make up a significant portion of the material budget in construction projects.

1. Cost Estimation and Budgeting

Builders and contractors need to factor in the TMT bar rate when estimating the total cost of a project. Since TMT bars are a critical material in construction, fluctuations in their price can impact the overall budget. If the price of TMT bars increases unexpectedly, it may lead to cost overruns unless the budget is adjusted accordingly. Accurate cost estimation and understanding of the market conditions are crucial for successful project management.

2. Project Planning

Construction projects typically involve a large number of materials, and delays or changes in the price of one material can lead to project delays. For example, if the price of TMT bars rises significantly during the construction phase, contractors may need to purchase the required quantity of steel at higher rates, affecting project timelines and costs.

To avoid such situations, project managers often lock in prices in advance or place bulk orders to secure a more favorable rate. Additionally, monitoring TMT bar prices and market trends is essential for making informed decisions.

3. Quality vs. Cost

While the price of TMT bars is a key consideration, the quality of the bars should not be compromised in an effort to reduce costs. Using substandard TMT bars can lead to structural weaknesses, which can be costly in the long run due to repairs, maintenance, or even failure of the structure. Therefore, while TMT bar rates play a role in the budgeting process, quality must always be prioritized to ensure the safety and longevity of the construction.

Conclusion

The TMT bar rate plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost of construction projects. Builders, contractors, and project managers must stay informed about the various factors that influence TMT bar prices, such as raw material costs, demand and supply, production processes, and government policies. By understanding these factors, they can make informed decisions about purchasing and budgeting for TMT bars.

If you are looking for best quality tmt bars, please visit our website : www.steeloncall.com or you can contact us through our toll-free number: 18008332929

[johnstevenmullaly]

The Impact of Gene Therapy on Modern Medicine

Gene therapy is a groundbreaking approach in medical science. It offers hope to many patients suffering from genetic disorders and other diseases. The aim of gene therapy is to provide long-lasting and potentially curative treatments by targeting the root cause of these ailments at the genetic level. This approach highlights a significant transformative impact on modern medicine.

Gene therapy involves introducing, altering, or removing genes within an individual's cells to treat or prevent disease. The two primary types are somatic gene therapy, which targets nonreproductive cells, and germline gene therapy, which affects reproductive cells and can be passed on to future generations. Techniques such as viral vectors, which deliver new genes to cells, and CRISPR-Cas9, a precise gene-editing tool, have revolutionized this field, enabling more accurate and efficient genetic modifications.

The journey of gene therapy began in the early 1970s with foundational research that paved the way for its clinical application. However, it was not until 1990 that a significant milestone was achieved. This was when the first successful gene therapy procedure was performed on a young girl with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This landmark event demonstrated the potential of gene therapy to cure genetic disorders. Since then, there have been a number of clinical trials conducted, leading to the development of therapies for various other conditions.

Gene therapy has shown huge potential in treating a range of genetic disorders. For instance, in cystic fibrosis, a condition caused by a defective gene, gene therapy aims to introduce a functional copy of the gene into the patient's lungs. Similarly, in muscular dystrophy, gene therapy seeks to restore the missing or defective dystrophin protein in muscle cells.

Cancer treatment has also seen remarkable advances through gene therapy. Techniques like CAR-T cell therapy, which modifies a patient's T cells to target cancer cells, have shown major success in treating certain types of leukemia and lymphoma. There is also ongoing research exploring gene therapy applications in neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and cardiovascular diseases, expanding its potential reach.

One of the most important advantages of gene therapy is its likelihood to provide targeted and precision medicine. By addressing the underlying genetic cause, gene therapy can offer more effective and personalized treatments compared to traditional methods. This precision lessens the risk of side effects and enhances treatment outcomes.

Additionally, gene therapy holds the promise of curing previously untreatable conditions. For many genetic disorders, traditional treatments only manage symptoms without addressing the root cause. Gene therapy, on the other hand, offers the potential for a permanent cure, improving patients' quality of life and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Some areas need improvement, and most gene therapies are still in clinical trials. This means that there are technical and scientific challenges that researchers are continually working to overcome. This includes effectively delivering therapeutic genes to the right cells, avoiding immune system reactions, and ensuring the long-term stability of the introduced genes.

Ethical concerns also arise, particularly with germline gene therapy, which can alter the genetic makeup of future generations. The implications of such modifications raise questions about consent, the potential for genetic enhancement, and the possibility of creating societal inequalities. Ensuring equitable access to these advanced therapies and navigating the regulatory landscape for approval and safety are crucial considerations for the future of gene therapy.

Regardless, the future of gene therapy is promising, with ongoing research and development opening new avenues for treatment. Advances in delivery methods, such as nanoparticles and improved viral vectors, aim to enhance the precision and efficiency of gene therapy. Researchers are also exploring the possibility of gene therapy to treat more complex conditions.

As technology evolves, gene therapy is expected to play an increasingly significant role in health care. There are expectations of having personalized medicine, where treatment is tailored to an individual's genetic makeup, offering hope for more effective interventions.

[shahdraws]

Kaveh - Genshin Impact

I’m once again about to write paragraphs upon paragraphs about a Persian-coded character in Genshin Impact! This time including a golden hour portrait of our favorite architect, Kaveh!

Disclaimer: everything I’m writing about is from a Zoroastrian-raised, Persian perspective, and are not reflective of the views of the SWANA region as a whole. If you have a differing perspective on something in this post, please feel free to drop a comment or chat with me in my messages!

Characterization

Like I said in my post about Nilou, there is a heavy emphasis placed on the Zoroastrian philosophy of “The Asha” - Good thoughts, Good words, and Good deeds- in Kaveh’s characterization. There are plenty of instances in which Kaveh has been shown to willingly sacrifice personal gain for the sake of his ideals, such as his rescue of the foxes caught in a ley line disturbance during the Interdarshan Championship, his rejection of Sachin’s estate and research, his effort to rebuild the Palace of Alcazarzaray free of charge after the original was destroyed by a withering zone, and, most infamously, Al-Haitham’s voiceline about his purchase of a dozen keychains from a charity pledging to provide for children in poverty.

It speaks volumes on his relationship with Al-Haitham that he is at ease enough to engage in arguments with his friend and roommate, while engaging in a practice known as Tar’of with everyone else- that is, to engage in an act of refusing some gestures out of politeness, (i.e., not letting Faruzan donate her points in the Interdarshan championship to him in the first round, trying to prevent Cyno from reimbursing him for the gift of a rare and valuable TCG card, and insisting on treating the entire group to a meal despite his overall financial situation) (yes, this is a thing; arguments to pay the bill get very intense sometimes). In any case, for an interpersonal relationship to not be subject to the general rules of tar’of, it implies that despite all the arguing, Kaveh is very close with Al-Haitham.

While a reasonable amount of Kaveh’s actions with regards to the culture of Tar’of may be attributable to a sense of guilt, the overall impression is that Kaveh is making an effort to appear well-mannered to his colleagues by standards of his culture and upbringing.

Clothing

As many have already noticed, Kaveh’s design is based off of the Huma (Homa) bird, an Iranian mythical creature known to never cease flight, and to bestow fortune upon those in need; Personally, I love this detail of Kaveh’s design, since it ties in so well with his personality and lore.

Like Faruzan, Kaveh wears a shirt that resembles a Sedreh, a garment worn by Zoroastrian practitioners who are of age to have undergone the Sedreh-pooshi ceremony. While Sumeru’s religion may differ from the Persian religious practices of the real world, the representation of Sedreh is subtle and much appreciated nod to the indigenous cultures and religions of both ancient and modern Persians.

While Kaveh doesn’t practice any sort of head covering, it does appear that he uses some hair clips to keep his hair tied back, which is also deemed an acceptable method of keeping loose hairs from falling during prayer or ceremonies by Zoroastrian standards.

Overall Thoughts

I think Kaveh’s character is extremely relatable, as a young-ish Persian trying to get my shit together and getting derailed at almost every turn lol

I think Kaveh is one of Genshin Impact’s most human characters; despite his efforts to adhere to his ideals, his struggles are very similar to those of regular people, rather than the gods, demigods, politicians, Michelin-star chefs, and pop-stars that make up the rest of the cast of Genshin Impact. While I love all the characters we have met and befriended along our journey, I think it is just kind of refreshing to see a character who is just a regular guy, working a regular job with a realistic amount of successes and failures, who happens to be somewhat down on his luck.

All things considered, I don’t think he is breaking any religious or moral rules of Persian or Zoroastrian philosophy, so he is decent representation of both, in my books.

[vote-gaara]

headcanons on technology in the naruto world?

Honestly, my headcanons on technology in the Naruto world are pretty accurately represented by the List of Technologies article on the wiki.

I can really only speak to the Naruto series itself, and not Boruto since that series looks like it turned into some sort of sci fi, fantasy thing lol.

So if we are talking about the normal run of Naruto, I think the technology is pretty on par with the 90s - early 2000s tech that you would see in reality.

Health Care

Perhaps the Narutoverse is more advanced in medicine, but not in the same ways as our modern medicine. I think because of their ability to use chakra, they're able to fix stuff that...really would be irreversibly broken in our universe.

I think they would have a waaay easier time fixing paralysis from a broken back, reattaching limbs, and fixing nerve damage. Weirdly enough, I think that because their medical advancement is less "science" based and more "jutsu" based, they're actually super behind in treating things via vaccines, and so illnesses is not the thing to have in the Narutoverse. They probably have some form of superstition around anti-biotics, where most inaccurately refer to them as "antidotes." For example, I head canon that there's a form of "desert lung" common in The Land of Wind, which is a fungal infection. They do have the cure for this, which are anti-fungals, but people always attribute the cure to an "antidote" likely because more research has gone into creating and curing poison rather that microscopic living organisms, so the common person just doesn't know the difference.

They also likely have a lot less cold medicine and over the counter pain meds, mostly because there isn't much research in that field, but also because ninja tend to not want to rely on medication that could dampen their physical state....Like they would rather be in agony than take pain meds with drowsiness as a side affect, and unless it's something to help them persevere like soldier pill they won't take it.

Also:

Maternity care? Hot garbage. Mental illness awareness and support? Non-existent. Having your lower half separated from your upper half? No problem, bro, we got you.

Their advancement in things like medicine, vaccines, maternity and mental health care does improve drastically by the end of the series as countries begin sharing their research with one another.

Entertainment & Other Tech

They have things like TVs, radios, movies, VHS, Tapes and (believe it or not) cellphones. The cellphones, however, are like...nearly just bricks. They work, but signal is only ever good on common roads between villages and the call quality is grainy at best. Landlines, however, are a much better experience and they make phone calls all the time lol. Gaara doesn't keep a phone in his office because he has someone (like a receptionist) doing that for him.

TVs, movies and radios are pretty much the same as us, CGI is rare but puppetry and other special effects are amazing.

It's common to have TV but not everyone had cable. Very rich people have satellite TV, which isn't that great...Mostly it's just a status symbol.

Speaking of satellites, they do have those but space advancement is really really slow. Probably they have like 3 satellites up there for each country and there are probably hundreds more that just failed getting launched successfully.

Now as for satellites, they don't have GPS. Why would they? They can just use sensor type ninjas, so they are like "paper maps and raw instinct will do."

Travel

They have combustion engines, but they run off coal and are strictly used for navel vessels and steam trains; albeit both of these are rare. Mostly, they prefer to use electric sourced methods of travel (like their bullet train or whatever they have in Boruto) but that is super expensive and only for the rich in the beginning of the series. It becomes way more useful to everyday people after the war arc.

Weapons

They are probably on par with us. Sure, they don't have nukes but a person can blow apart a village with sheer energy force so...Do they really need them? Plus, letter bombs....crazy.

Anyways, I think guns likely do exist in the early Naruto universe, but they're suuuper bootleg. Like it would be pretty sketchy to try using one because they're just...not very well designed. Canons are much more common.

Conclusion:

They're on par with us...Better in some ways, much worse than use in some.

[tasharoseorganics]

Why Organic Elderberry Syrup is a Must-Have for Immune Support

Why Organic Elderberry Syrup is a Must-Have for Immune Support

Why Organic Elderberry Syrup is a Must-Have for Immune Support

Let’s get right to the point. Shall we? Elderberry has been scientifically proven to support the activation of the immune system and prevent the replication of viruses, as well as being active against bacteria. Full stop. Do you need to read that again? Elderberries have some pretty amazing benefits. It’s no wonder I always have a bottle of our organic Elderberry Syrup in the fridge for the first sign of sniffles or scratchy throat. In addition to all the modern research, Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat upper respiratory infections and support health in the wintertime when we seem more susceptible to these bugs. Here are the major takeaways about Elderberry (a plant in the sambucus family with multiple genuses, including nigra) from study results published in scholarly journals on PubMed. Proven to inhibit the infectious activity of viruses (PMID: 26645032) In a study with influenza A & B symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier with Elderberry Syrup (PMID: 15080016) Significant reduction of cold duration and severity (PMID: 27023596) Shown to inhibit the viral replication and block the virus attachment of human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) (PMID: 31560964) Water-derived elderberry extracts induce potent immune-modulatory effects, which represents the basis for a strong immune-mediated response to viruses including influenza compared to alcohol extracts that do not do this. (PMID: 35409309) Stimulates immune response and prevents viral infection (PMID: 22972323) Inhibits replication of influenza A, B, swine flu and turkey flu, significant improvement of the symptoms within 2 days, complete cure in 2-3 days in 90% compared to up to 6 days in the placebo (PMID: 9395631) Most of the research focuses on viruses (influenza A, B, swine flu, common cold, and recently coronavirus), but there’s also examples of elderberry protecting against bacterial infections. Active against human pathogenic bacteria (Gram-positive bacteria of Streptococcus pyogenes and group C and G Streptococci, and the Gram-negative bacterium Branhamella catarrhalisas) well as influenza viruses (PMID: 21352539) Ok, so if you want to go down the scientific study of elderberry rabbit hole, click any of the links above and read on to your heart's content. Want to know more about the plant itself and some of its more magical qualities? Stay with me. Black Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a shrub that can easily grow into a tree. It grows in Europe and North America, tolerating many environments and enjoying full sun. Each spring it produces clusters of tiny cream colored flowers called elderflowers. These flowers can connect us to the realm of above and fairies, and they have a strong connection to children, representing purity and innocence. Elderflowers tend to be gentle, yet profound. Then as the heat of summer arrives, the flowers wither and the berries ripen. Depending on the genus of the plant they range in color from a dusty light blue to a deep, dark purple. The berries are typically dried and then extracted in water (sometimes glycerine or alcohol), though as referenced above, water extraction is the superior method. Anthocyanins in the elderberries turn the water a deep purple and these are the compounds that stimulate and support our immune, respiratory systems and more. Elderberries are not sweet on their own. They have an affinity for the root and heart chakras, promoting a sense of being centered and open simultaneously. Which makes sense to me because when I am feeling vibrant and healthy I also feel centered and open, and elderberry helps bring us back to vibrant health. I hope you learned something new reading this. Let me know if you have any questions about Elder.