#since that seems to be the most popular one and one frequently recommended to people trying to get into MH.)

[brittlebutch]

this series' batshit production makes it impossible to figure out what the fuck is going on at any time ever....

Does it make sense that Deluge is supposed to be taken at face value and that totheark does know that Alex is watching the channel? Does it make sense that Advocate is a warning that Brian is in immediate danger from Alex? I'm trying so hard to fit the pieces together and they will not fit. I hate to keep coming back to the "totheark is completely full of shit" conclusion but I'm struggling to make it make sense any other way.

for one, WHAT is totheark waiting for in S1 if they already know where Alex is and are watching him closely enough to know that he's started watching the Marble Hornets channel? If the whole point of them antagonizing Jay is that they need Jay to lead them to Alex, then how could they know that Alex is watching the channel? Are we supposed to take this at face value and believe it? Or is it just totheark playing mindgames with Jay in order to get what they want?

for two, again, if totheark already knows where Alex is and are watching him closely enough to know that he's about to make a move against Brian, then what are they waiting for??? The moment Tim/Brian cross paths with Alex in S2, they are starting physical confrontations with him left and right -- if they know where he is and know he's a threat in S1, then why are they fucking around and sending videos to each other instead of kicking Alex's ass? Do we know for sure that this video is intended to be warning of a threat against Brian himself? Is this video supposed to be telling Jay that if he doesn't pony up and follow the tip he got to Brian's house, the evidence he's looking for won't be there anymore? Jay's constant recurring conflict in S1 was that he wanted to go out to these locations to get answers but also he didn't, because that's scary, so he kept hesitating and hemming and hawing until totheark put the pressure on him and he caved, so maybe that's it? Or maybe it's just more of totheark fucking around with Jay -- "framing" Alex to make it seem like he had some hand in something happening at Brian's house?

Like, I keep trying to make the first two seasons of Marble Hornets make sense in line with the third. Alex's whole goal is to kill everyone and then himself, right? And it's common interpretation that that has been his plan from the very beginning. So if he had a gun by Entry #16, why doesn't he use it against Tim in Entry #35? Why doesn't he grab it to use it in Entry #45? If he lured Jay out to the Rosswood area with the 04-04-10 tape in order to kill him, why doesn't he do so immediately in Entry #35? Why does he let Jay stalk him for months before finally trying to kill him if that was supposed to be his plan the whole time? If totheark had been watching Alex from the beginning, then why do they spend so much time fucking around with Jay instead of Alex in S1? Why don't we see any footage of Alex filmed by totheark? If Alex and Brian are already squaring up with each other in S1, then why is anyone bothering with Jay at all? i don't getttttt ittttt!!!!! make it make sense to me!!!

[neonscandal]

9 Anime to Watch to Feel Like This 👇🏾

I love how long it's been since I've done any rec's lists before pushing two new ones out. Since my blog tends to have a bit of a reputation, this one felt necessary. In no way is this an exhaustive list, but if you're looking for some LGBTQIA+ representation this month, consider tuning into any of the below. While shonen ai and yuri will of course have representation, I tried to focus on mainstream stories where possible with characters that tackle their identity or where it's not necessarily a plot point but simply a recognized component of who they are. Bonus manga recommendations at the end! Happy Pride, beloveds. ✨

Zombieland Saga (series) - Something, something about stars burning brightest not lasting as long. This is the story of an idol group of zombies who were inexplicably resurrected to bring attention and culture back to the Saga prefecture. Enter Franchouchou forged by starlets who'd died far too young, seeming victims of some unspoken curse. Follow along as each of the girls reconcile the loose ends of their human lives while making the best of their second chance at stardom. ✨

Sub/Dub | Crunchyroll

Blue Period (series) - Who you are isn't something that's readily apparent especially in your teenage years. For Yaguchi, he starts a bit behind the curve realizing in his junior year that he wants to pursue art. While the story centers around his journey to catch up with his peers, there's an element of self exploration and vulnerability that he can't quite tackle alone.

Sub/Dub | Netflix

Komi Can't Communicate (series) - Arguably the first slice of life romance to hit the list but the character who inspires the series' inclusion is not involved. This is the story of a girl trying to overcome crippling social anxiety and the boy who patiently helps to expand her social circle (even though the girl's actually really popular??). Yea, it's one of those shows. While I haven't specifically tried to out characters in describing recommendations, I included this show specifically for Najimi Osana who, while their sexuality is not particularly explored, still has very Be Gay, Do Crime energy with the way they are always looking for an ever so slightly sheisty angle. Like, good for you. The fact that they are also extremely popular and accepted by their millions of friends is just another reason to adore them.

Sub/Dub | Netflix

Ouran High School Host Club (series) - This particular throwback is a dicier inclusion than the last, namely because of the antiquated (and, at times, offensive) language that doesn't particularly hold up in a rewatch today. The show centers around a group of affluent "boys" who cater to the whims and fantasies of well connected girls at their high school. This frequently involves a bit of overdone fetishization of their own questionable sexualities and, while most of the gang is referred to as the "homosexual supporting cast", I can't dismiss the feeling that there is some earnest representation specifically with the lead that most of the hosts have a romantic soft spot for. It's a cult classic but undeniably outdated; however, I think, in the representation it does well, there is diversity. In what the series does poorly, it opens up dialogue especially for conversations people simply weren't having back when the show dropped.

Sub/Dub | Crunchyroll, Hulu

Sailor Moon (series) - Can't forget the OG. I think what, inherently, inspires the inclusion of Sailor Moon and OHSHC above is the fact that, even then, there were small rays of hope in media. How well or poorly it was executed goes to show the evolution of that representation. Spoilers but, for context, in the US, the couple above was censored and portrayed as unusually close cousins rather than romantic partners. Granted, there were a lot of other choices that were made back in the 90's that have since been corrected as the series has been remastered.

Sub/Dub | Hulu, Prime Video, Pluto TV

Ranma 1/2 (series + movies) - OKAY, I know I called Sailor Moon the OG but.. for all intents and purposes. Ranma 1/2 precedes even Sailor Moon. I would say the series, at times, may teeter a bit on whether the representation is positive or not but, I maintain that a significant portion of the cast is queer as hell. The series follows eponymous person of legend, Ranma Saotome, in a quest to become a "man amongst men" as though their life depends on it.

Sub/Dub | Hulu, Prime Video, Tubi

Stars Align (series) - While I think most of the above can be considered positive or negative representation, they are at least not trauma porn in nature. Enter: Stars Align, a moody coming of age story set as an underdog tennis club tries to defy all odds and avoid being disbanded. While I wouldn't classify this as trauma porn either, it does delve into some viscerally heavy topics while also tackling the act of Becoming for a group of young boys and what that can mean with a support system of unlikely peers.

Sub/Dub | Hulu, Crunchyroll

Wonder Egg Priority (series) - As we've departed to delve into darker themes, the premise of this show centers around teens who have dealt with instances of suicide and, subsequently, learning to stand up for themselves in real life (while violently battling it out in a dream world).

Sub/Dub | Crunchyroll

Jujutsu Kaisen (series + movie) - wholesome inclusion to remind you that you should never let your sexuality nor your gender identity stop you from pursuing world domination. Representation is equal opportunity and of little consequence to this story and, yet, considerably diverse for a shonen series. Don't get me wrong, it's a battle horror anime where kids are battling curses and plot armor is hard to come by so prepare to get your heart broken.

Sasaki and Miyano (series and movie) - There will never come a time where I don't recommend watching this series. Actually wholesome romcom wherein there's a patient level of acceptance and support as Miyano navigates the confusion of his feelings for a clingy senpai. Because there should be more unproblematic love stories in the world. 💕

Sub/Dub | Crunchryoll

BONUS MANGA

Is Love The Answer? by Uta Isaki, completed

While the main story focuses on a character navigating their way under the Ace Umbrella, the story features additional characters on their own journey of self discovery with resources for Questioning readers sprinkled throughout. It's also a great example of how broadening your media intake can create a better sense of understanding with who you are and how you identify with grace so you don't have to be so quick to label yourself.

The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy At All by Sumiko Arai, ongoing

Adorable story of opposites that find a middle ground together which drives home the idea that you should never judge a book by it's cover.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

By Augie Ray

The latest batch of weekly wastewater data suggests the US may be at its Fall low point between the summer and holiday surges. We can expect viral risks to rise in the coming weeks. In addition, this week, we received new evidence of the increasing risks we face from each COVID reinfection. This week’s update:

COVID in US Wastewater Is Low, But the Next Surge Will Soon Begin The CDC categorizes current viral activity as low. Nationally, the US has the lowest level of COVID in wastewater since June. That indicates we have the smallest number of infections in the population in five months.

The downward trend seems to be ending, indicating the next surge will likely begin in the coming weeks. We can expect to remain at Low levels another month before returning to High risks as we approach Christmas and New Years.

At a state level, COVID activity is quite diverse. Most states have Low or Minimal COVID risks, but viral activity is High in five states (Minnesota, Maine, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming) and Very High in one state (Montana).

Your risk of being infected or reinfected is low at present, but it’s not zero. PMC estimates that a room containing 50 people has a 33.5% chance of including someone COVID+. Given the risks caused by reinfections (see below), I’d still recommend some levels of caution with crowds. If that seems unnecessary given the low COVID levels, I think a metaphor is helpful: Do you take no care and throw caution to the wind while driving on sunny, clear days, saving precautions only for days with ice, snow, and storms? Or do you always take some care, raising your caution when conditions warrant?

COVID Infection Risks Are Rising, Not Falling Contrary to the popular belief that COVID is gone, data tells us that COVID infections are becoming more common, not less. We can see this in the CDC’s data on the positive rate of COVID testing.

If we look at the pandemic era since vaccines have been available and precautions were relaxed, we see that, except for the first wave of Omicron in late 2021, our peaks tend to grow with each surge of infections. Furthermore, our low points between surges are not declining. The US reached the lowest rate of positive testing in June 2021 and has seen a higher rate of positive testing ever since.

The reasons for more frequent infections are many: COVID continues to rapidly mutate, relatively few people are getting the recommended vaccines, and almost no one is taking precautions, even during significant surges. If we wore masks and avoided time in crowds, particularly during waves of infections, we could reduce these surges and dampen the rate of viral mutation. Our unwillingness to recognize the risks of repeated infections only creates more repeated infections.

What Are the Risks of Recurring COVID Infections? The severe outcomes of acute infections have declined substantially, with much fewer hospitalizations and fatalities. This is due to the longer-lasting protection caused by vaccinations and prior infections. But experts warn even these risks could change — a new variant could cause more severe disease, the continued low vaccination rate may degrade protection for many, and repeated infections could do more harm than good for our immunity over time.

However, the primary reason to be cautious with repeated reinfections isn’t that you might get acutely ill, but that each reinfection raises your risks of Long COVID and other health problems. Every reinfection increases the danger one will suffer chronic health concerns that could last months, years, or be permanent.

New Data and research demonstrate the risks from recurring reinfections:

A new report out of Canada found that, “The cumulative risk of APC (post-COVID-19 illness) increases with the number of infections from 13% with one infection, to 23% with two infections and reaching 37% for three infections.” This data is similar to earlier data from Canada: Canadians reporting two known or suspected COVID-19 infections (25.4%) were 1.7 times more likely to report prolonged symptoms than those reporting only one known or suspected infection (14.6%), and those with 3 or more infections (37.9%) 2.6 times more likely. A new study found that, “Chronic symptoms increased from a baseline of 21% among infection-naïve individuals to 43% in reinfected individuals.” A new Chinese study noted, “Participants who experienced multiple infections were more likely to experience various long COVID symptoms with increased severity. Moreover, the multivariate regression analysis indicated that having two infections posed a significant risk for many long COVID symptoms, and the risk ratio increased exponentially when the number of infections exceeds two.” Last month, a study found, “reinfections increase the likelihood of reporting Long COVID, which increased 2.1-fold from one to two infections (and 3.75x higher risk with 3 or more.) Relative to those who did not report infections or experienced COVID-19 once, reinfections were associated with increased likelihood of severe fatigue, post-exertional malaise, decreased physical function, poorer immune health, symptom exacerbation before menstruation, and multiple other Long COVID symptoms.” Also last month, a study from California discovered, “Participants reporting multiple COVID-19 infections have a significantly higher prevalence of long COVID with the highest prevalence of severe long COVID (PR: 1.84) compared with people that reported only one COVID-19 infection.” Another study published in September noted, “Participants with reinfection were associated with a higher probability of reporting headaches (OR: 1.54), loss of or change in smell and/or taste (OR: 1.90), impaired sleep (OR: 1.55), and brain fog (OR: 1.76).” (Those odd ratios mean the risks of symptoms increased 54 to 90% with reinfections.) In August, a study of people on dialysis found, “there was a 120% increased rate of long-term death for those who were reinfected (adjusted HR 2.2).” Those are just the most recent studies on reinfections. In fact, another two dozen research studies since 2022 have consistently uncovered the rising dangers of repeat infections. (You can see these in the “Reinfections” tab of my spreadsheet of COVID studies.)

The data and research are clear that two or three infections are worse than one. Here’s what research cannot yet tell us: What happens after five, six, or ten reinfections? We won’t know the answer to that question for years, by which time it will be too late for tens of millions of Americans.

Any sensible reaction to this data would encourage us to take more care, especially this December and January during the fifth holiday surge (and tenth US wave of COVID infections.) There are some signs that sense and care are returning, at least for healthcare facilities in select locations. Temporary mask mandates are returning in some medical facilities in the Bay Area, Newfoundland and Labrador, London, and Toronto. And in an unusual move (that could a precursor of things to come in the years ahead), Munich is banning pregnant municipal employees from interacting with children and working in crowded areas. (We are still learning about the dangers of COVID infections to pregnant women and their babies, but if you’d like to learn more, refer to the studies in the “Pregnancy” tab of the spreadsheet shared previously.)

I believe the world will eventually realize the danger of getting new COVID infections once or twice a year. When that occurs, we might see new regulations for safe air in commercial spaces, more vaccinations, and more precautions such as masks. Until that time, the health and wellbeing of you and your family depend on your knowledge and willingness to act on that knowledge.

Be safe, friends.

Studies: journals.lww.com/kidney360/fulltext/2024/08000/long_term_morbidity_and_mortality_of_coronavirus.10.aspx www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1452233/full www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X24010405 www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-4909082/v1 www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(24)00212-8/fulltext academic.oup.com/ofid/article/11/10/ofae608/7822496?login=false www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2023001/article/00015-eng.htm www.inspq.qc.ca/publications/3510

[bengiyo]

The Novelist: Playback (2021) Stray Thoughts

We've watched The Novelist, Mood Indigo, and Spring Life. Let's watch these two try to survive long distance.

Yes, please recap for the people who maybe got dragged to a theater for this.

No car BJ? So glad I watched Spring Life already.

Oh, we're getting a bed scene. I forgive them.

Finally, we're talking about insertion and then immediately going to realistic angles. Good job, BL.

I like the way the age gap is playing into how Rio handles his disappointment that Kuzumi frequents sex clubs with his senior.

Oh, I like that we're getting more interactions with Kamuuda.

Rio's sister is always punking him.

"People who are happy have no need for art or literature," is such a cynical read.

Wow, there is a lot of resentment here.

Oh shit, this woman took out his writing hand. That's ironic. I am amused.

Oh my goodness, are we going to make an even younger boy write for him??

Never have I been happier that a boy was illiterate.

No man is immune to Kijima's sexual energy if he turns it on them it seems.

OR WOMAN, IT SEEMS!

Poor Kuzumi. Rio is a hard man to love.

Oh lord he got this boy doing the writing now. Goddammit.

Oh good Kuzumi is here. Please fix this.

I'm so glad Kuzumi caught him with the boy.

HE REALLY SAID THAT HE ACTUALLY HURT HIS HAND THIS TIME!! 🤣

Is this the first time Rio has said his given name?

I love this woman.

Oh, please don't slow zoom onto just Haruhiko to tell me that they're not going to make it.

Oh, I shouldn't have gotten attached to Haruko.

Interesting. I suppose they did foreshadow that Haruko is popular with men.

I'm going wild over the cinematography of Rio's pacing during this fight. Incredible acting from both of them in this long take. Rio can be such a jerk.

Did Rio never recognize the crazy in Haruhiko's eyes? It was the first thing I noticed about him.

Japanese characters are so good at staying still and pretending to sleep when someone looms over them.

I just love Japanese filmmaking. I love trusting actors to act and I love the composition of these shots.

"It's not about being tough. You become tough when someone is important to you." Come through, Haruko!!!

I'm fond of Shizuo.

I'm glad Kuzumi didn't answer his phone and Kijima has to take the leap of going to Tokyo without reassurance.

Kido, you have a daughter. Why ask that question?

Finally a forthright, vulnerable apology and confession from Rio.

I love that these two always kiss like maniacs.

I just love trains.

Families are difficult, but Rio is still loved.

Hands only, baby!!

Y'all awfully vocal for hands only.

The moon is beautiful tonight.

Wow these two have incredible blissed-out faces.

Oh, Rio. I felt that wall breaking. Goddamn Takezai Terunosuke is good.

"Is there really such a life without loneliness?" is a great rebuttal to Rio's cynical view.

Aww, she smiled for her brother.

I'm so glad things ended well for Haruko and Shizuo as well.

Final Verdict: 10, If You Are Male and Queer Please Watch This Franchise Immediately. I'm giving this movie a 10 for the way the entire franchise has been the most satisfying experience I've had in BL in a really long time. I keep begging for realistic approaches to male-male intimacy and relationships, and this franchise hits it constantly. Rio is layers of bullshit hiding an incredible loneliness and sense of worthlessness, and it was so satisfying to see him claw his way out of that because he found someone else who finally connected to him. It's been a really long time since I felt this good about going back to something I skipped over for one reason over another, and I can say confidently that I fully trust @lurkingshan recommendations. If you are gay and feeling a bit displaced in BL, please watch this, and then ping her, me, @harurio @ginnymoonbeam or @waitmyturtles. I promise it will be worth your time.

[shiningthroughpcos]

Maximising Your Laser Results: Preparation, Aftercare, and Realistic Expectations

Hello again! If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that LBHR is one of the most popular treatments for managing excessive hair growth caused by PCOS. But as we dive deeper into this process, it’s important to recognise that booking your consultation is only the first step. Preparation, aftercare, and understanding how to maintain your results are key, especially since, for many of us with PCOS, the typical six sessions recommended for most people will not be enough (Liew, 2002).

Preparation for LBHR: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Avoiding Prolonged/Excessive Sun Exposure: One of the most important pre-session steps is to avoid direct sun exposure. Tanned skin can increase the risk of burns or pigmentation changes due to the laser (Alamri et al., 2023).

Shaving Before Treatment: Make sure to shave the treatment area a day before your session—this allows the laser to effectively target the root of the hair follicle without the hair shaft getting in the way (Mustafa & Jaafar, 2015).

Avoid Waxing or Plucking: It’s crucial not to remove the hair from the root (like with waxing or plucking) before your laser sessions, as the laser needs the follicle intact to adequately target the melanin within the hair follicle.

Check Medications and Skincare Products: Some medications or topical skincare products, known as ‘photosensitisers,’ can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the laser. Always inform your clinician about your prescriptions and skincare routine, even if it seems minor (Kerstein et al., 2014).

Aftercare: Protecting Your Skin for Optimal Healing

Cool Down: During your session, cooling methods like a cold air attachment or cooling gel may be used to soothe the skin. At home, continue to keep the area cool—use ice packs or aloe vera gel to relieve any redness or irritation. This is particularly important for darker skin tones, as clinical endpoints (like redness and swelling) may appear later (Vaidya et al., 2023).

Moisturise Regularly: Keep the treated area moisturised using a thick, emollient-type moisturiser to help protect the skin from excessive water loss. Avoid any products with ingredients like retinol or AHAs/BHAs for 2-3 days post-treatment, as these can irritate the more sensitive, lasered skin (Vaidya et al., 2023).

Avoid Sun Exposure: Just like before your treatment, protecting your skin from the sun afterward is essential. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ to prevent hyperpigmentation (Hamzavi et al., 2020).

Gentle Cleansing: Stick to mild cleansers, and avoid hot showers, saunas, or strenuous workouts that cause sweating for at least 24-36 hours post-treatment. Sweating can trap moisture in swollen hair follicles, potentially leading to rashes or infections (Arsiwala & Majid, 2019).

Maintaining Results and Understanding the Process

While LBHR offers long-term reduction in hair growth, it’s important to remember that this journey is a process—it’s not an instant fix. For those with PCOS, the typically recommended six sessions are often not enough, and you’ll likely need additional treatments to see significant changes. Here’s why:

Hormonal Impact: With PCOS, fluctuating hormone levels continuously stimulate hair growth, which means more than six sessions are often necessary to achieve lasting results. Each session weakens the hair follicles further, which is why consistency is key. Remember, if you’re waxing between sessions, you’re removing the root that the laser targets, so it’s best to stick with shaving.

Regular Treatments: Consistent treatments, spaced every 4-6 weeks, are essential for targeting hair during its active growth phase. While this may feel frequent at first, patience and consistency are what lead to noticeable results. You’ll likely notice slower hair growth, and the hair that does return will be thinner and sparser. In my experience treating patients with PCOS, most clients start seeing these effects around the 6-7 session mark, with hair shedding naturally after it weakens.

Maximising My Results: What Else Should I Do?

Stay on Top of Hormonal Management: Since PCOS is closely linked to hormone imbalances, working with a healthcare provider to manage your hormones—whether through medication or lifestyle changes—can enhance the effectiveness of your laser treatments. For me personally, hormonal management became much more controllable after I was prescribed Metformin by a specialist. While I can’t recommend specific treatments, I strongly encourage seeing a medical professional to keep your PCOS under control.

Choosing the Right Clinic/Clinician: Not all lasers are created equal. Ensure you select a clinic with advanced technology and experience in treating individuals with PCOS, especially across diverse skin tones. You may have heard that darker hair on lighter skin achieves quicker results, but modern laser modalities can effectively treat all skin types. Regardless of your skin tone, as long as you have dark hair, there’s a suitable laser for you.

LBHR is a powerful tool for managing PCOS-related hair growth, but achieving the best results requires thoughtful preparation, diligent aftercare, and realistic expectations. With consistency and proper support, this journey can lead to significant, long-lasting results. Don’t hesitate to consult with your healthcare provider to tailor your treatment plan, and always be patient with the process. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining and maximising your results

L 🤍

References

Alamri, G. E., Bondagji, M., Kinkar, L. I., Almasoudi, E., Fageeh, S. M., Asiri, L. G., & Bahashwan, E. (2023). Knowledge and attitude regarding the use of sun protection to prevent adverse laser events among the general population in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.50157

Arsiwala, S., & Majid, I. (2019). Methods to overcome poor responses and challenges of laser hair removal in dark skin. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 85(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijdvl.ijdvl_1103_16

Hamzavi, I., Fatima, S., Braunberger, T., Mohammad, T., & Kohli, I. (2020). The role of sunscreen in melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 65(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_295_18

Kerstein, R. L., Lister, T., & Cole, R. (2014). Laser therapy and photosensitive medication: A review of the evidence. Lasers in Medical Science, 29(4), 1449-1452. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-014-1553-0

Liew, S. H. (2002). Laser hair removal. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 3(2), 107-115. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200203020-00004

Mustafa, F. H., & Jaafar, M. S. (2015). Shaving area of unwanted hair before laser operation is useful in cosmetic procedure: A simulation study. Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, 19(1), 36-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssdds.2013.10.001

Spritzer, P. M., Marchesan, L. B., Santos, B. R., & Fighera, T. M. (2022). Hirsutism, normal androgens and diagnosis of PCOS. Diagnostics, 12(8), 1922. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12081922

Vaidya T., Hohman, M. H., & Kumar, D. D. (2023). Laser Hair Removal. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507861/

[pokeglitchden]

Hi everyone!

Just a quick lab update! I realize it's been a little while since we had a real one of those!

So, we are still waiting to hear back from Devon about funding for our next project. I will admit there's been a little bit of grumbling around the office about the need to end the Decamark project early. I suppose I might not be the most popular person at the lab. Haha...

Well. The Egg Code project is one I've actually wanted to get more work in on for a while. I think it'll be a really successful one if it gets funding!

As for pokemon at the lab! We've taken on a new addition in Lucky the Skitty. This particular Skitty has been er... blessed... (cursed?) With incredible luck in finding particular Pokemon variants. She is currently in Jo's care.

Jo is also taking on caring for Query for the time being. While this does pain me to do, it has also led me to discovering a particular aspect of the -.

It seems that -, as a possible defense mechanism, have the ability to perform a temporal halt. It seems that this is done to avoid conflict altogether and can be used to allow the pokemon and it's trainer or caretaker to get to safety. Jo has reported that the temporal stops are harmless, but are becoming more frequent as Query grows more accustomed to its powers.

Speaking of that, Enkidu is coming into its own as a fighter. It is still a Riolu, and still possesses an aura that is visually toxic, however it seems to now have much more control over the visualtoxin and in fact will become almost entirely safe to look at around people it seems trustworthy. It's still highly recommended to wear goggles around it, as it is difficult to determine just what "trustworthy" means to a bird type Riolu.

It has learned the moves force palm, bubble beam, and TM 05(Displace) by level up so far.

That's really all the updates. Ember is still refusing to do very much training, though he is otherwise well behaved. I'm really hoping this is just a phase with him.

Well, I think that's all for this lab update!

-Simon

[sunoodilocks]

𝗔𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡 22

SYNOPSIS: tensions are high and rumors are widespread. The Decelis Academy, one of the most reputed academies across the world with the highest security ever has for the first time in its 200 years had a case of arson. Everything and everyone is under the strictest scrutiny. Who and Why? everyone wants to know but the management is keeping silent. On the background though, secrets are been shared in whispers. Now it's up to the DECELIS SECRET STUDENT COUNCIL to bring this case to light!

the students

¤ Y/N

The current vice president of the organising committee at Decelis Academy. She is pretty good in studies and is well liked by her teachers because of her ability to get work done upto the standard regardless of how less time she has (in truth she is just a chronic procrastinator). She initially decided to apply to the organising committee mainly because she didn't have any interest in joining the already existing clubs at Decelis - over the course of time though, she genuinely started to enjoy working there and was promoted as vice president after a little over two and a half years of joining. Overall a nice and responsible person; cares deeply about the few close friends she has.

☆ She had a brother who also attended Decelis Academy but had lost his life 4 years ago due to a freak accident.

¤ REI

The current president of the organising committee of Decelis Academy. She is a hardworker and is quite known for her work ethic. Initially had problems fitting in since she was Japanese, so took in upon herself to learn basic Korean to strike up simple conversations. She wasn't part of any club at the beginning so and helped out whenever any club needed a few extra hands to organise any event, big or small - the teacher's took notice of her responsible nature & her organising abilities, and recommended her to apply for the organising committee at Decelis - she did and was promoted to president after about two years of joining. This is also where she met yn, who soon became a close friend of hers after the many hours they spent working together in the committee.

☆ She recently had to leave the academy dorms to go back home - apparently had something urgent to attend to. Ever since she came back though, she has been a bit jumpy.

¤ SUNOO

The current student supervisor of the tour office in Decelis Academy. Very sociable and a literal ball of sunshine making even the most reserved person be at ease with him - maybe that's why he was suggested to apply to the tour office. Initially the tour office didn't have a student supervisor, but the principal choose to take a risk and appointed Sunoo to the post after a year of joining the office - it worked out better than expected. All the important visitors to the academy were now personally attended to by Sunoo, with the principal there only as his supervisor in name - the visitors always seemed to be impressed at his ability to make easy conversation at any topic even with basic knowledge without making it awkward - all in all, it helped maintain a good image about the student body at Decelis. Is also a close friend of Rei & Yn's.

☆ Due to his amiable nature and the frequent interactions with people in general, he has quite a few connections both within and outside Decelis.

¤ BEOMGYU

Popularly known as the flowerboy of Decelis, definitely not an official position but one that is quite influential in terms of popularity throughout the academy. He is a goofy guy who loves to tease and have fun with his friends - surprisingly enough though, he is actually quite a good student, obedient and responsible when it comes to his studies and his attitude towards his professors. Despite having the looks, height, a good voice and the popularity that came with it, he never looked down on anyone and although reserved around new people, had good relations with them regardless of them being a part of his friend group or not.

☆ The younger of the two sons of THE CHOI family has been known to be enamored with music since he was born, a "natural born" musician, as he was referred to. He has won quite a few awards and was a national phenomenon making his name in the international domain, to put it lightly - however that is as far as it went, he is said to not have to best relationship with his parents who, while they did set up the best coaches for him in music did not support it as his future career.

¤ LIA

The Queen B and batch representative of her batch at Decelis. The demands and wants of her batch go through her for review before being submitted to the student council for action. Her parents own an international clothing brand, making her rich on top of being smart and pretty - given these qualities, one would think her to be aloof and vain but would be pleasantly surprised to know that she has an overall laid back personality willing to share smiles with anyone who is willing to do the same.

☆ She will do anything to maintain her picture perfect reputation, not that she needs to do anything really - she is already perfect enough !

¤ KARINA

The current president of the dance club at Decelis Academy . She has been a dedicated member of the dance trope at the Decelis branch of educational institutes since a mere age of 6 (that is, upon joining the Decelis Elementary School for the first time). With the credits she has accumulated over the years with her participation in the various dance competitions representing Decilis, she hopes to go on and become a choreographer at Decilis and from there on, open her own studio after having acquired the experience and exposure Decilis provides. She was made the president of the dance club after a year of joining the Academy due to her experience and expertise in the field.

☆ Her family's financial conditions are not the best so her parents understandably wanted her to choose a more 'reliable' career path - were against her career for quite a while before coming to terms with it slowly, after she assured them of the temporary position provided to few students to become a part of the faculty - which usually does end in getting the permanent placement.

MASTERLIST ▪︎ NEXT

[hoodssery]

Recommending Video Essays #1

I am currently sick and dealing with the constant bodily betrayal of having a chronic illness. This means I don't really have much to do (or much I can do comfortably), and am doing what little things I can and distracting myself with games like Battlefield and Arma 3 King of the Hill and video essays playing in the background of 24/7 Operation Locker servers.

Video essays are a pretty popular format for YouTube considering the design of all large scale social media platforms centers around a short attention span, click more things kind of philosophy that seems to be doing very well in the modern digital age. More than that video essays on all kinds of topics seems to be becoming the new form documentary is taking, with a notable amount of video essays even taking up the title of “documentary”.

But, that doesn't really matter because I'm sure you all can agree that what really matters is someone with 12 subscribers and no followers telling you what's good content to shove into your sensory holes that come standard with every human being.

The style and format of certain Youtubers have dramatically shaped not just my content, but the way I consume all media now. That's a pretty big deal because at the end of the day most of these people are schmucks like me who sit in their house, play video games, and say what's right and wrong. Even weirder is that I don't even know these people!

So in honor of these fellow weirdos, and because I don't have anything much better to do, I'm gonna recommend a video essay everyday of me being sick. And who knows, maybe I'll even manage find the little will it takes to do this less frequently after I can move more than 100 feet at a time.

Recommendation: God of War - Almost a Masterpiece by Joseph Anderson (https://youtu.be/pJPOvLvdugw)

POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD FOR BOTH God of War (2018) AND JOSPEH ANDERSON'S VIDEO

For most of these people I will be recommending you may have already heard of them, or seen videos from them, especially if you're traveling in obscure enough circles to find these posts. Joseph Anderson may or may not be one of these people. I can say from first hand experience that for a long time, I only recognized his profile picture of an illustration of a Dragon from the cover of his book The Wizard and the Dragon. While I can't speak for his talent and merit as an author of fantasy novels, Joseph Anderson is someone whom I greatly respect for their work as a critic of video games. He has had a very consistent voice for gaming since his first his first set of five videos entitled Dark Souls Critique – Part One – Five. Since then Joseph Anderson has consistently gotten better at producing and making these essays, with his best work being multi-hour, in-depth critiques of games ranging from Super Mario Odyssey, to Bloodborne.

However, the one that I find is his best, and the one that I would recommend to people who haven't watched his videos before is God of War – Almost a Masterpiece. This is the video where Joseph Anderson's methodical, long form breakdown of video games shines through the most. Despite covering almost every facet of the game over just about three hours flat, the video remains very focused on his view of the narrative that is set up for later games in this new God of War series. Even when he does stray from the path of the narrative, it's never for nothing and provides a more interesting insight into the gameplay, open world, structure of side quests, and comparisons to the other game's stories and gameplay than I've seen from anyone else covering this game.

Joseph Anderson is a huge inspiration for me. There is very little waste in his videos, and what waste there is always is providing some information, even if it's redundant or excessive. He is someone I honestly cannot recommend enough even if he's never gonna finish that Witcher 3 video.

Other recommendations from his channel:

-The Villian of Edith Finch, a video I would recommend if you don't have time to watch a movie length video. (https://youtu.be/6bMn4CoyUkM)

-A Critique of SOMA, another short one. (https://youtu.be/J4tbbcWqDyY)

-Super Mario Odyssey – It's no Masterpiece, is a video I don't agree with, but is also a video where his arguments about the game make me analyze my own position on the game. In my opinion, the sign of a good critique. (https://youtu.be/kYJx5xt2cB0)

[cafeadvice]

Tumblr Basics for Cafe Dot

Please keep in mind that just like any social media site Tumblr will change and in consequence this advice is ever evolving.

What is Tumblr?

To put it simply Tumblr is a microblogging site that leans toward image sharing, but is also very generous to music & video links as well as text posts. The site itself has been around since 2007 and since then has had it's ups and downs but for the most part it has remained steady and boasts around 50 million visitors a month. As of March 2023 Tumblr hosts more than 572 million blogs. Tumblr does not lean hard into any algorithm and there is no verification process, if a celebrity is on Tumblr they're using the same tools you are. Some quick facts about the site:

48% of Tumblr users are Gen Z

It is the third most popular blogging platform on the internet

70% of users are satisfied with Tumblr's functionality - this puts them only below Pinterest and Youtube for customer satisfaction

The majority of Tumblr users are US based followed by Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The user base is nearly split 50/50 for identifying male (58%) or female (41%)

How do you set up a Tumblr blog?

First and foremost I recommend reading Tumblr's own guide for using their site here: TUMBLR GUIDE

This question is relatively loaded because Tumblr, unlike other social media sites, allows you to highly customize your profile/blog. To some this is fantastic, especially those that have a grasp of basic html editing. To others this task alone can seem daunting and an astronomical height to traverse over. Thankfully Tumblr provides some premade themes that you can lightly customize if spending hours on your blog theme isn't in the stars for you. If you'd like to learn how to create a custom HTML theme click here. You can also find plenty of free premade themes by other blog enthusiasts, they all tend to have set up instructions. Just google it :) After you create an account if you click on your profile picture it will take you to a quickview of your "blog" that most people will see if they hover over your icon. You can edit this minimally. If you click on "Blog Settings" It will navigate you to a page that allows you to edit your Username, Address (your tumblr blog address), Description, PFP, etc. If you'd like to use a custom theme please be sure to enable custom themes on this page, doing so enables you to have a full tumblr page and edit your theme. If you enable this - the edits you make on your main theme will reflect in your quickview.

Basics of Tumblr

Tumblr like Twitter keeps track of your likes, has a Following tab, and a For You tab. Unlike Twitter it defaults to your Following tab on the dashboard. It also has a Your Tags tab which are hashtags you have decided to follow and a Management Tab which gives you access to something called Tumblr Labs. Tumblr Labs has to be enabled as it's just experimental features that you can try out: Popular Reblogs Tab, Trending Tab, Favs Tab, etc.  You can at any time toggle these on and off and each provide a description of what they are and do. If you do decide to turn on Tumblr Labs the staff wants you to provide feedback, so please do!

Dashboard: This is your Tumblr landing zone - from here you can view your feed (you will only see posts from blogs you follow, no one else, unless they appear on radar), settings, overall account management, and create posts.

Tumblr Feed: this is the live feed of the most recent posts or reblogs from the users you follow.

Reblog: Effectively the same thing as a Retweet on Twitter, the difference is you can Reblog your own post infinite times and no algorithm is going to knock it out visually from your followers. They WILL see it. Keep that in mind and don't overuse it too frequently.

Tumblr Radar: this is a spotlight section that is curated by Tumblr staff and boosts artwork (4 different pieces per day). You can be randomly chosen if a staff comes across your piece or you can also submit your original work and it will go through a submission process and potentially be spotlighted. Read more about Tumblr Radar and how it works here.

Queues: In my opinion queues on Tumblr are probably the single most utilized version of queues on any social media site. A LOT of users queue their posts to spread them out over several hours or days, it's just something that has always been ingrained in the community to do. You can easily set up a draft to queue from the same area you would create the draft.

Hashtags: These are the bread and butter of Tumblr, ranging from categorizing to telling entire life stories in them (not a joke). Tags are highly visible and can even be seen in notifications of reblogs, they are sometimes used as ways for the reblogger to communicate with the OP, whether they ask a question or give you a compliment, if you filter through your reblog notifications you're bound to see some interesting ones. When it comes to using hashtags for searchability make sure they're relevant to your art/music/story etc. i.e Pixelart, Painting, Digital Art, Sky, Trees, Fantasy, Fantasy Art, Blue Art, Pastel, Pastel Aesthetic, and so on. It's also worth noting that categorizing via hashtags is very powerful on Tumblr, you can utilize your own hashtags to create pages or portfolios on your blog that can be easily navigated to. Example, I've posted 3 images to this blog tagged #matchaexample and created a link to the tagged page connected to this blog called "Example Gallery" if you click it you will notice that the only posts the page shows are the 3 images sans this text post. You can do this with any tag to highlight specific things about your blog. If you want an FAQ section create a post, tag it FAQ or whatever you'd like and create a page to link to from the main page of your blog. This is super handy for creating your own versions of a master link post to your shops, other websites etc. You'll notice the discord link does in fact take you to the invite for the cafe dot server :)

Asks: On Tumblr people are able to send you messages via asks that can be anonymous or attached to their own accounts (you can toggle the settings for asks by clicking your pfp and scrolling down to the Asks section). You can choose to answer these privately or answer them publicly which posts the asks in a format to your blog. You can add tags to asks and like mentioned above create an entire page dedicated to them if you so choose.

FAQs

When is the right time to post on Tumblr for visibility? Since the majority of Tumblr users are based in the US the best time to post is between 5pm and 1am (EST or Eastern Standard Time). Convert your timezone here. This is not an exact science, there's plenty of examples of people posting outside of what is perceived as the peak time for visibility and doing just fine. Also keep in mind you can reblog your post if you feel you missed a prime time in posting! What is the daily post limit? 250

Where can I find premade themes that are easy to install? Here :) How do I edit my theme? This depends on how you've set up your blog. You can either do minimal editing by clicking on your pfp or you can enable custom themes which allows you more customizations from your main blog page. This is the page that is [yourusername].tumblr.com. On there you'll notice 4 symbols in the top right hand corner. From left to right these are quick links to your dashboard (house), blog quickview (eye), theme edit appearance (paint palette), and settings (cog). Click the paint palette symbol to open more customizations for your theme.

How do I block Tumblrs? Click on your pfp navigate down to the Blocked Tumblrs section, from here you can add whoever you choose.

Can I pin a post? Yes! You can pin a post to your blog by clicking on the 3 dots in the top right corner of it and selecting the pin option

THIS IS A WIP POST- things will be added

[prodentimsupplements]

ProDentim Reviews | (United States) What Are The Customer Saying About It | Check The Latest Report!

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Are you fed up with poor dental health? Are you looking to improve the health of your gums and teeth? Most people are not concerned about their oral health, and consider it a minor responsibility. You are most likely to have frequent dental problems if you're among them. Although dental problems may not seem complicated, they can be very painful and distressing. An ongoing dental problem can ruin your joy and positive outlook on life. You can't ignore your oral health.

Most people don't have a deep understanding of oral health maintenance. People assume that brushing their teeth twice a day or three times a day will keep their oral hygiene in check. Oral health maintenance goes beyond that. You should purchase an oral health supplement that is proven to help maintain optimal oral health. Probiotic supplements are recommended by dentists that can balance the oral microbiome.

In the midst of so many probiotic supplements on offer, it can be quite expensive to order an effective oral health supplement. Many of these probiotic supplements fail to provide any tangible benefits, despite their claims to be miracle-working. ProDentim is a trusted oral health supplement that strengthens your teeth and gums without any side effects. Since its launch, the supplement has enjoyed great popularity among people with various dental problems. But, the big question is: "Are there any risky side effects for customers?"

Product Name - Prodentim Reviews

Category - Dental Health Support

Benefits - Better Dental Health

Key Ingredients - All natural

Available Country - United States

Any Side Effects - NA

Availability From The Official Website

ProDentim manufacturers claim that the supplement is the best for healthy teeth. ProDentim contains scientifically-proven natural ingredients that can help with teeth health. Our research has shown that ProDentim is the only dental supplement on the market that can offer proven health benefits. ProDentim has received thousands of positive customer reviews, making it a huge success. The supplement's primary purpose is to replace bad bacteria in your mouth with healthy bacteria. This helps promote better oral hygiene and teeth health.

What Is ProDentim Supplement?

ProDentim Oral Health Supplement is an oral supplement that comes in the form of probiotic candy. It is natural and contains healthy ingredients. This will help you have healthy teeth and gums. This supplement is made with a special formula so that you don’t have to deal with bad breath again or the horrible effects of tooth decay. The cost of treating tooth decay and cavities can be very costly.  This supplement will help you avoid having to deal with any of these problems. 

Because it contains probiotics, which are good bacteria in the mouth, this falls under the probiotic supplement category. This can increase the oral flora and prevent plaque from forming. It also helps to avoid issues like tooth decay, bad breath, and toothache. You are not far away. ProDentim pills contain 3.5 billion probiotic strains. These are healthy bacteria that have many health benefits. It can improve your digestive system, immune system, and respiratory tract. 

Click To Check The Availability Of ProDentim At The Official Website

Because the diseases that affect your oral cavity are linked to other processes, it is easier to support your oral health if they are healthy. ProDentim pills stand out among the many oral health supplements you can access in just one click. The same can be seen in ProDentim customer reviews that describe how the supplement has helped people with their gums and teeth. It contains high-quality ingredients with solid scientific evidence of their benefits. It is also very inexpensive.

How Does ProDentim Work?

ProDentim is a supplement that promotes healthy oral hygiene. This can greatly improve your dental health. Through a combination of probiotic strains and natural ingredients, the formula promotes the activation of good bacteria in your mouth. ProDentim's lactic acid bacteria is great for oral hygiene and digestive health.

It also helps to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Research suggests that the number of beneficial bacteria in your mouth can affect your dental health. The good and the bad bacteria in your mouth are directly related to how clean you feel. Therefore, a higher level of beneficial bacteria will likely give you a boost.

Repopulating beneficial bacteria is crucial and requires powerful probiotic supplements that provide reliable results. ProDentim, a natural supplement that is scientifically supported, can help you maintain a healthy mouth. Based on ProDentim customer's reviews, it is one the most effective supplements for maintaining and boosting oral health. Individual results will vary.

Ingredients Of ProDentim

Let's examine the ProDentim components to better understand how these health supplements work. Calcium is found in many foods, including broccoli, almonds, and cheese.

Extract of Turmeric

This plant is found in South America, India, and other Asian countries. It is closely related to ginger and is often used as a spice in food. Some countries have also allowed turmeric to be used for digestive problems like gas and bloating.

Ashwagandha Root

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress. ProDentim also uses this herb for its formulation due to its antioxidant properties. The development of tumors, inflammation, and other diseases can be stopped by using antioxidants called Withanolides. Ashwagandha protects cells from harm by lowering cell-free radiation.

Green Tea Leaf

Camellia Sinensis is another name for this plant. It contains both caffeine as well as EGCG (catechins). Research published in the Proceedings of the Japan Academy Series B found that it can be used to make a drink and is linked to some health benefits.

Click To Check The Availability Of ProDentim At The Official Website

Quercetin

It is a plant polyphenol and bioflavonoid that can be found in many fruits and vegetables. It is often added to fabricated beverages, dietary supplements, and food items.

Herb Bacopa Monnieri

This is a common plant used in over-the-counter nootropic products. Bacopa is a key herb in traditional Ayurvedic treatment to treat epilepsy, decrease anxiety and improve memory. ProDentim uses bacopa because of its powerful antioxidant properties. Bacopa contains bacosides which are active ingredients that have strong antioxidant properties. Bacopa has been shown to prevent cell damage by eliminating free radicals.

Seed of The Milk Thistle

The flavonoid Silymarin is a component of holy thistle. It has antioxidant properties. Silymarin is found in milk thistle, in amounts of 65 to 80 percent. It has strong anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. Silymarin has anticancer properties and lowers blood sugar in diabetics. It also protects the liver from damage, slows age-related mental decline, and safeguards against bone fall.

 Prodentim: Benefits  

Before you buy a supplement, make sure to research its benefits. These benefits will be yours if you use this oral supplement regularly

Maintains strong teeth and gums

Aids in the restoration of oral stability

You will get fresh breath and a new smile!

The high level of cell reinforcement will detoxify your gums

Forever Forestalls bad breath

It makes the yellowness of your teeth disappear

Shiny, solid white teeth that allow you to smile confidently.

What Are The Side Effects Of ProDentim?

ProDentim Supplements are not known to have any side effects according to the official website. ProDentim reviews by real customers also seem to support this claim. Many ProDentim customers have reported that they were able to maintain healthy gums and teeth with the ProDentim supplement. Even without these ProDentim reviews the supplement is generally good as it contains ingredients that have been proven to be effective by research. 

The ingredients used in the supplement are all natural and don't contain any harmful substances. It can therefore safely support oral health. ProDentim customer complaints about the supplement are based on the fact that some people are not taking it as directed. The supplement should be fine as long as it is not mixed with any other medication or if you do not have any medical conditions. To avoid unwanted side effects, it is always a good idea consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.

Is There Any Scientific Evidence To Support ProDentim?

ProDentim supplements only use healthy ingredients that have been scientifically supported. The scientific evidence supports both the ProDentim supplement's naturally occurring ingredients and the probiotic strains. One research has shown that a spray of 1% Malic acid, which is a key component of the ProDentim formula is effective in treating xerostomia. This condition can often cause bad breath and dry mouth.

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This research paper, on the other hand, also discusses how probiotic bacteria can be beneficial for gum disease prevention and strengthen your teeth. ProDentim, a probiotic supplement, is what really sets it apart. Studies have shown that Inulin has many benefits for dental health. All of this being said, it is safe to say that these ingredients can be very beneficial for your gums, teeth, and oral health.

How Much Does ProDentim Cost?

ProDentim can be purchased on the official website. It is quite affordable. This supplement is extremely affordable considering the many benefits it offers. It can also be purchased easily.

There are three options available on the official website for people who wish to purchase this supplement. These are the options:

ProDentim, 1 Bottle, 30 Day Supply - $69

Three bottles of ProDentim, 90-day supply - $117

6 bottles, 180-day supply ProDentim - $294 (only $49.49 for one bottle).

You will also receive two bonus gifts with every order. These are PDFs that can help you gain more information about health benefits. All orders come free of charge.

Final Words

ProDentim users claim that it works well to solve all kinds of dental problems. ProDentim currently has a large user base spread across many large cities around the globe. The supplement's user base is growing rapidly. No matter how many ProDentim customer reviews you find online, it is evident that the ProDentim advanced oral probiotics supplement has the best dental hygiene support formulas currently available. The best part about the ProDentim Price It's affordable enough to be ordered immediately by all users.

ProDentim is an excellent choice for healthy teeth, gums, and fresh breath. Our editorial and research team thoroughly reviewed the product. ProDentim is the perfect supplement if you are focused on healthy teeth. ProDentim customer testimonials posted on the official website will confirm the same. This ProDentim review provides clear insight into ingredients, health benefits, and other aspects. This ProDentim review should have provided you with all the information necessary to understand the supplement.

We are a professional product review site and have done our best to provide all information about ProDentim in order to help you better understand its functions. If you are looking for a comprehensive ProDentim review to help you make a decision before buying the supplement, this article is the right choice. ProDentim has received very few negative reviews, which indicates that it is effective in delivering the expected results. ProDentim review outlines all the elements that consumers need to make informed decisions today. ProDentim side effects are not known to be dangerous. The official website provides detailed information as well as testimonials from real customers.

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[newhiphop2023]

Rap Music and the Kids Connection

NewHipHop2023

Since rap music is a great youthful form of popular music, there has always been questions about how it influences the youth our country. So many people be able to write so many things together with talk so much for the hip hop culture. Frequently , it is the negative that is definitely highlighted; the "ill-effects" are mentioned. It also all isn't since bad as it is visually. I am very shocked with motivational rapper Marcus Parker's phrases when he spelled out that rap new music is about everything that develops out in the pavement. It portrays everything outside one's safe place.

NewHipHop2023

The streets can be no heavens. Is it doesn't hard life; your rough life and plenty of a times the relationship we are not comfortable with. Most of the designers who rise to help fame come from these kinds of modest backgrounds. You will find many artists face prison-time and indulge in violations because they aren't through the well-kept, well-educated and additionally 'fortunate' backgrounds just like all those of looking over this article. Yes, it's true that most of the rappers still live a hard life. Actually , we can understand this within the very origin of that genre; it stemmed from ghetto in addition to gang communities associated with youngsters in the plagued streets of The african continent, in the 1980s. Hiphop lyrics have subject matter derived from people who skin these circumstances plus the things that are important to your prospects. These themes might, hence, seem incorrect to the sophisticated your thoughts. But when you evaluate this music in the writer's point of view as well as the listener's perception you can expect to understand the 'connection'.

The connection between your rapper and this fan is not just that instrumental and the cycle; but also the experience along with feeling. It is the feelings that creates this strong bond along with the fan-following. When a rapper raps about sex, it is perhaps something the youngster might understand. Certainly your explicit content is not the best flavor nonetheless we must wake up with the fact that physicality will be an integral part of your social being. Definitely, trying to apprehend just what your son or daughter appreciates will assist you connect with them more desirable. There are also songs that like although they will not represent myself as a person. I recommend hip hop rap beats for their beats; I might not agree with a lyric but I am able to certainly enjoy the beats.

Further exploring that genre will gets you familiar with various forms of audio that the industry provides. There is Jazz-rap together with Conscious Hip Hop popular music and many other forms that will uplift the mindset and inspire a lot beyond. Even Subway hip-hop is obtaining a greater audience along with platforms offered by the ether today. So , exactly why should we come to be intimidated or scared? Music does motivate, and when it does not; the application merely entertains. Bad does not influence when strongly as the good.

As adults, you have to be aware of what our are going through combined with give them the space to help you explore their realms. We have all passed because of that phase and additionally grown to be who were. In the end, a healthy upbringing will always overpower any superficial sway. Let the music engage in because it is only new music and not an exercising for life!

[things-keeping-me-up-at-night]

YES.

Personally, I didn’t watch the show because even though I’m a fan of her other projects, it didn’t seem like something I would be into, so again, I didn’t watch it, which I can only recommend with things you know you’re probably not going to like…*looking at no one in particular*

But the hate she is getting in general is ridiculous, especially since at least 90% of the things she’s supposed to be getting “cancelled” over are either entirely made-up, outdated, misinterpreted or blown heavily out of proportion.

I have started typing out multiple posts detailing just how wrong most of the stuff people are currently saying is, but I can do without the hate at the moment.

What I will say is that it’s absolutely fine and good to criticise creators for all the things people are criticising her for (if they are actually the case…); I do get some of it and I also get it if people don’t enjoy her shows, but the double standards people are constantly applying when it comes to her (and other female creators, but especially those who are people of colour) is just baffling.

For every questionable thing Mindy Kaling has done, there are at least a dozen more popular white/male/both creators who have done those things in ways that are way worse and don’t get half the shit she gets for it.

That’s the thing: she can’t win. Conservatives are hating on her anyway and the portion of more progressive viewers who spend too much time on Twitter hold creators like her to impossible standards.

I know her shows aren’t perfect in representing every group of our population, I know there’s only a limited ground of relatability her experience can cover and I know there are some played out concepts even in her newer shows, but she’s still made significant progress in putting more diverse stories and characters in legitimately good comedic TV shows and continues to do so, and, unlike many other creators, she has actually taken a lot of criticism into consideration.

If you look at The Sex Lives If College Girls or Never Have I Ever in comparison to The Mindy project, there is a huge difference in the love interests, the nuances of character’s stories, the female friendships etc. etc.

And yes, those shows aren’t perfect either, and they don’t have to be, but they bring a huge number of people joy and make a huge number of people feel more represented, whether it’s by showcasing the stories of desi women, a teenage girl who regularly goes to therapy, a highly privileged young woman slowly coming to terms with her sexuality, several young women experiencing sexual exploitation and assault from men they respected…(I could go on and on)

That doesn’t mean these shows represent every woman out there, which is exactly why we need more creators from different backgrounds in the industry. But we’re not achieving that by extensively hating on one of the successful creators who actually do care about making that progress, and I absolutely believe the projects she actually makes out of her own motivation will just continue to evolve in that regard.

Personally, I think for someone in their 40s who grew up in a wealthy household and came up in comedy constantly surrounded by white men, it’s incredible how relatable a lot of her storytelling truly is and how fresh the jokes in her shows and other projects do feel.

Also: no, she’s not a TERF and no, she didn’t ‘brag about sexually assaulting someone’. Both of these allegations are thrown around pretty frequently right now and are solely based on things that were heavily taken out of context.

She once liked a tweet by JK Rowling that didn’t even refer to her transphobic views and, when she noticed, immediately unliked it and liked a bunch of tweets saying it was probably an accident. Accidentally liking something is something that happens to me all the time and I think she knows Twitter well enough to know that people see what she likes, so I genuinely believe this was just an accident, especially since she actually did openly support a trans woman after her coming out: actress Josie Totah, with whom she had previously worked.

(I also know that people are referencing some things from Velma, but she wasn’t even a writer on the show, nor was she the show runner, she was one of several producers and a voice actress and that’s it, so none of the stuff from that show actually seems to come from her either.)

The other thing is a little trickier but, again, blown way out of proportion: she once said in an interview that she improvised kissing Lee Pace on The Mindy Project and joked about threatening her co-workers not to tell anyone (though it was very clear from the way she told it that it was just a joke and she didn’t actually threaten anyone, especially since she TOLD IT HERSELF) but even though the interview is very awkward, the whole situation wasn’t nearly as severe as it’s made out to be. She also said in a different interview concerning the fact that she had to learn proper stage kissing etiquette on The Mindy Project because she hadn’t learned it on The Office that her as a boss kissing people without their consent is the worst kind of sexual harassment and seemed aware that she had a lot to learn regarding that. The thing is that the person she’s intentionally putting down in these interviews is herself, not the men involved, and she seems very aware of how weird these situations in which she was physical with guest stars could get. When I first watched the clip long before people started spreading that interpretation of it, I didn’t think anything weird of it because based on her usual sense of humour, it was absolutely clear that it was just a joke. That’s not to say that it was a good situation, again, always get consent before doing something physical no matter the circumstances, but she has talked about this as a learning process multiple times and even wrote about it in her second book. I doubt most people who share this have even watched the original interview let alone watched The Mindy Project because a lot of them just share the same misleading Reddit post title over and over again, so if you genuinely want to discuss it, at least try to look at the situation objectively. As someone who has been sexually harassed (including being kissed without my consent), this interview didn’t trigger anything in me, but people’s feelings about that can surely differ; it’s just important to know that she was actively pursuing the discussion about her role as a show runner and actress in romantic scenes at the time and this was part of that discussion.

It’s also important to note that Conan O’Brien and Andy Richter were making light of the situation a lot more than she was in the interview and nobody has ever criticised them for it which is another situation of the aforementioned double standard employed to her.

This is everything I have the energy for at the moment, but it really hurts to see all this negativity over something that is, as was pointed out, not her show, as well as to read so many blatant lies on top of the things that I have touched on.

There are so many ways to constructively criticise somebody’s body of work, but they require a lot more nuance than what we’re seeing right now.

Can I just say really loud for everyone to hear “MINDY KALING DID NOT WRITE THE ATROCITY THAT IS VELMA” look it up yall, she is credited under executive producer with like 4 other EPs. This is a Charlie Grandy written show. People are blaming a WOC real quick for the actions of a Caucasian male without even taking a look at the facts and looking so fast through what she has done in the past to back up their negative beliefs. Want proof? Look up on imdb for the credit. Then look up on here Mindy kaling which today is a hate fest then Charlie Grandy which when I looked appeared to be barely effected.

[alltogetheraba3f]

All Together aba

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Therapy can benefit adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum if they learn how to prioritize. Everyone contributing will raise our chances of success. All things considered, word of the changes has spread widely. The team's wisdom and experience will determine how well the plan works. We have faith in you and know you'll be a great role model for the kids in your area. Children's mental health will consequently get better. Enrolling in our program will position you for success.

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[toreii]

Glorious Masquerade spoilers #7

Notes: Welcome to Part 2 of the event! This part is divided between the three field groups starting with Azul’s team. I will be covering the first chapter of each group in this summary. There is a mission requirement of 20 lessons for each group before advancing to the next part. Each group has a total of 50 lessons to complete to finish Part 2. This will take time to get through, so I plan to do this in parts. Let’s get started!

Azul’s Group - Group A

We begin at NBC, where Azul reconfirms Deuce and Epel being on his team. He asks them what they’d like to do. Deuce and Epel have no idea as they’ve never traveled before in their life. Epel, however, would like to see something unique to the City of Flowers.

Azul expected as much from their lackluster responses. Nevertheless, he tells the two that he did some research beforehand. One thing that can help them understand the culture of the City of Flowers is food.

Epel and Deuce agree (especially since Deuce is feeling hungry). Azul suggests they hit up the most popular place to eat in town to begin their field work.

Upon arriving in town, Deuce and Epel are taken aback by all the people. Epel comments that the town is big. Despite the City of Flowers and Harveston being in the Shaftlands, the cityscape is very different to his hometown.

Azul comments that the huge crowd must be due to the festival. However, Rollo suddenly appears before them. He corrects Azul saying that the city has always been vibrant, and not because of the festival.

Azul mentions the plan to eat the local specialties. Rollo replies that they should try one particular food. But, Azul interrupts him, saying that he studied in advance already. The City of Flower’s specialty is their bread. Rollo is impressed with Azul. Azul asks him to take them to a shop recommended by him.

Deuce and Epel don’t get what’s so great about bread since it’s nothing special. But, the wafting of freshly baked bread has them changing their tune. Azul can smell the scent of butter and toasted bread. The thought of it makes Deuce’s and Epel’s stomachs growl with hunger. Rollo mentions that there is a long established bakery nearby that he frequents, and it seems that they just finished baking. He tells the trio to follow him.

Idia’s Group - Star☆Team

We begin at NBC with Idia complaining about doing field work during their free time. It’s hard for an introvert as himself. It has him feeling pretty reluctant. Anyways, Idia prepares to check on his group members when Rook excitedly interrupts him giving Idia quite the scare.😆

Rook confirms to our Roi de Chambre that it is him, Idia, Silver, and Ruggie on their team. Idia quietly comments on Rook’s dazzling smile which radiates a positive aura. Silver overhears Idia mention the word dazzling, and wonders if it’s because the brim of the hat isn’t low enough. Rook asks if he wishes to borrow his hat instead.😂

Ruggie comments that Rook is as carefree as Kalim. Idia approaches something along the lines of sensing the same gloominess within Ruggie like himself. But, he feels like the conversation isn’t going well, and wonders if it’s the beginning of a parallel world reincarnation. Ruggie says he has no idea what Idia is talking about, and feels like this group is going to be a lot of trouble. (I’m still having trouble with this part, so I’m not 100% sure. I will definitely have to check other translations to confirm. I’m like 50-50, and like Ruggie, I have no idea what Idia just said😆.)

Anyways, Rook asks the group what they’d like to see in town. Of course, Ruggie says he’s a crafts and local specialty guy. He mentions that one can get a free meal at night. Silver wants to buy a souvenir for Lilia. Rook agrees that they should get to know the local products of the town to get to know it better. Idia also approves as he wants to also buy a souvenir for Ortho while exploring the city.

Idia adds that he wants to finish the main quest quickly. If they do that, their purpose in coming to the City of Flowers is achieved. Ruggie remembers they have the exchange meeting, and Idia tragically says his exchange meeting has already begun. Arming himself with resolve, he orders the group to head out.

Malleus’s Group - Team 1

Like the others, we start at NBC with Sebek shouting for the team to gather. Jamil tells him to shut up. There is no need to scream since they can hear him perfectly fine.😆 Sebek tells him and Riddle not to keep Malleus waiting.

Malleus is looking forward to working with them. Jamil comments that he wasn’t sure what to do when Sebek grumbled about not being on the same team with Malleus, but he feels relieved they have a guard onboard. (In other words, Jamil can relax without having to deal with Malleus’s safety.) Sebek swears to protect Malleus’s safety.

Anyways, Malleus says he’s interested in getting to know more about the town’s history. He researched in advance, but Malleus feels that there is a difference in reading a book, and actually experiencing it in real life. He asks the others what they wish to do.

Sebek happily agrees with his choice. Riddle thinks it’s a wonderful idea. Jamil also wants to learn about the history of the town as it would be a unique experience. Of course, Trein is happy they want to learn history. Grim cannot believe it. I had Yuu answer that they too want to learn, which warms Trein’s heart, as well.

Trein says that there is a place he recommends that he saw a long time ago, and left him impressed. It’s not a place for tourists, so it’s not on the map. Trein asks if the boys don’t mind him showing them around. Riddle is all for it. So, Malleus tells everyone they’re heading out.

To be continued…

[elytrafemme]

ik you're away (and im probably conked out en sleeping) but can you explain to me like. how to manage this stuff? ToT I've never srs used ao3 before and i don't wanna like. mess up stuff

SORRY if this is too much . wodjis. im on mobile if it helps anything!!

hey hey hey! yes ofc can try to help here :D disclaimer im not the best at explaining these and others may know more than me but will try!

okay so it seems like you've got a rating already-- the way that I think about ratings (since sometimes the details of which goes where get confusing) is that if it's pretty light hearted and has only very minor mention of heavier themes put it in General, Teen and Up for things that aren't super intense but reference some heavier subjects and use strong language (most fics in this fandom I feel slot into teen), Mature is for fics that have like a lot of violence etc

so Archive warnings Im like extremely bad at but basically those are for things that are like central stuff happening in the fic. If there's only minor violence I don't think you'd need the Graphic tag but if the fic frequently has some intense graphic fight scenes you might want to put that on. If the fic has none of the ones listed (note: not that they have no triggers at all, just that they dont have anything listed under archive warnings), mark No Archive Warnings apply. if there's like a surprising twist ending where a main character dies and you dont want to spoil, you can use Choose not to pick archive warning

uhhh for the most part fandoms should be easy, if you're working with a series that has several types of media in it, you may find a general tag for it and then a media-specific one; no harm in tagging both

for categories you're going to want to go with the ones that are front and center I would say. if its a fic focused on a lesbian couple but it has another gay couple of two guys that are present in the fic very actively, I would tag both M/M and W/W, but if that said gay couple weren't super present and just had a few lines, just tag W/W. hope that makes sense! Gen is for no romantic relationship, Other is... tricky but I see people use it for polyamorous dynamics or sometimes nonbinary pairings. Multi is just if there are multiple ones like the first example

ALRIGHT The relationships bar can be platonic or romantic, IF YOU ARE DOING PLATONIC/FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIP USE THE & SYMBOL whereas if you're doing something romantic USE /. if you're doing something queerplatonic I'll typically say go for & . tag just the main ones that come up like if it references a relationship happening way in the background don't put that there but otherwise ya include the main ones

if it's just a single person character study with no relationships leave it blank

characters again just go for the main ones!

okay my least favorite part of posting a fic: Additional Tags. It's hard to figure out what things go there, but what I would recommend including (non conclusive list just some stuff I see a lot) is:

Type of content (is it Fluff, is it Angst, is it Humor, is it Hurt/Comfort; there are tags for those aspects combined if you wanna tag Fluff and Angst!); if there's an AU what is it (Will take form of Alternate Universe - ___); if a popular headcanon is used (Easy example is "Sleepy Boys Inc as Family"; headcanons needed to get the story but arent explicit in canon); Time it takes place in canon (Not always there but sometimes u find tags like L'manberg Revolution etc); and common content warnings (ex. if it brings up a character's depression a lot, tag Depression; things like Childhood Trauma, Memory Loss, etc. If it's a multichapter and only one chapter lightly metnions something, you can just warn in the opening notes of that chapter and don't ahve to tag it, just go for overarching things!)

Work Title: many ways to do it! strong suggestions: song lyric, single word that sounds sort of cool or has thematic relevance, quote from fic, funny joke, etc. i recommend you do NOT take after me and make extremely long and hard to parse titles but tbh do whatever

co-creators is if two people worked on the fic so usually you won't do that but if two people did collab you can! I've seen some people add their betas or editors as co creators, I don't tend to since with my fics I only rope my beta into editing some of the chapters not all of them, but if you have a beta you can just thank them in opening notes. if they very actively always work on it you CAN make them a co-creator, that's up to you and them

Summary: If it's a multichapter in an AU setting, you might want to opt for a summary that starts off explaining the AU (ex. Doomsday never happened, and New L'manberg is still ... but like better written than that example) and then make a second paragraph (or second half of one paragraph) introducing the characters. If it's a singular oneshot that's like 1k-3k, sometimes u can just put like a single line or two explaining the premise. I can give more summary advice if u want but thats just like a bit of how I tackle that; you can also add summaries to each chapter in a multichapt except the first chapter which is just like a weird AO3 thing but those tend to be shorter and chapter centric!

Notes: people do these kind of differently depending, I tend to use Beginning Notes as any heads up for the chapter (like if additional context is needed) and CWs for that chapter in particular. if you have a beta you can thank them there, etc. etc.

End notes is where I see people talking about certain parts of the fic since by then the people have read the entire chapter, link possible fanart, link social medias, etc.

Collections are tricky but basically an example is, like, say you work on a Gift Exchange and there's a collection made by the gift exchange's host that collects all the gifts. You would want to add that fic to that collection straight up. If you want the fic to be anonymous and not have your name attached, type Anonymous in Collections and just kind of click one. Idk the differences between them but I think Anonymous_Fics is where i tend to add mine

Gifted works are just if u want one or more people specifically to uh have that fic gifted to them! yeah not much to say there. The checkbox below it is like, if you translate a fic into another language, if you record a podfic, if you write a fanfiction of a fanfiction, or if a fic is inspired off of anothers. I wouldn't say like if you wrote a superhero AU that you need to say it was inspired off of another superhero AU since that's a pretty generic trope, but like, if someone wrote something and this feels like in similar universe or just... was inspired by it, do that

clicking the series checkbox just makes a series, which is just collection of fics but you control the series. you can add series descriptors etc, and when you go to view the series you see all the tags of every fic within it. you can mark series as finished and give them funky names, etc. you can also bookmark entire series instead of just each individual fic, but you can't like kudos an entire series.

I dont get workskins but sometimes if you see really funky choose your own adventure fics they use those workskins. like if you wanna do something REALLY funky you can deffo do those but otherwise its not super needed so just ignore it for rn

You can opt for it to only let your work be shown to people logged into their accounts, so guests can't view them. Moderating comments means you get emails every time someone comments so you go and approve them; would NOT recomemnd this for fics with a lot of attention but if you get nasty comments or smth moderating comments can be a good idea. it just seems like a headache to me personally which is why i dont LOL

yeah you can pick who can comment, guests comments will ask for guests to put in a username (which will not be underlined meaning you cant click it, which is how u know its a guest) and their email so they can get ur reply. but u can just shut off comments if u want lol

Okay this is where people get funky so here's my recomemndation. Don't listen to the heard of misguided individuals that paste fics into HTML literally just go for Rich Text. Rich Text means if you have a google doc you can just, like, copy and paste it there. You can also type directly into Rich Test. HTML is just weird and funky so I don't recommend it. Sometiems Rich Text does weird shit but it hasnt fucked me over that much

if u have other questions lmk but thats the most of it!

[dreamsatdusk]

Food and Drink in Ravka - Part 2

See Part 1 here.

As before, I have some off-site references to link, but to avoid search/tagging woes, I will reblog this post right after the original goes up and add the links there. I will also link this on my Grishaverse Meta page.

IRL = In Real Life.

Beverages - Part 2:  Onto the Tea!

The Tea Itself

I assume it’s generally black tea in Ravka.  That is and has been the most popular type of tea in Russia.  There aren’t any indicators in the text that it’s likely to be something else either.  There is an explicit mention of black tea in one of Baghra’s scenes.

A variety of black teas would be apt and we have an example of one in text.  Zoya’s aunt Liliyana’s favourite tea is said to be bergamot tea.  IRL, ‘bergamot’ refers to more than one plant, so it’s possible this is an herbal tea made from bee balm.  However, I think it more likely that it’s basically Earl Grey tea, which is a black tea blend that involves bergamot oil from the bergamot orange.  

There is also mention of herbal tea. To invoke a bit of pedantry, herbal teas are more properly known as tisanes since they aren’t made from one of the varieties of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis.  However, they are frequently referred to as ‘herbal teas’ and indeed, I didn’t find the word tisane used in the books.

In Nikolai’s experience, honesty was much like herbal tea—something well-meaning people recommended when they were out of better options. (KoS)

That’s not a lot to go on, but there are a great many herbal teas IRL.  If you want to mention particulars in a fic, I would suggest finding a likely option based on what you want it to do (e.g., soothe an upset stomach, help someone sleep more soundly, just plain taste good, etc.) and see if the herbs in question grow in Russia’s climate zones.  Or just use whatever you like, as most readers are likely not to look too hard at your herb choices!  

A couple of relevant options:

Ivan Tea:  Known variously as fireweed, great willow herb, and rosebay willowherb, the plant in question was used to make ‘Ivan Tea/Ivan Chai’ in Russia.  Fireweed can be fermented and dried in a similar fashion to Camellia sinensis, but has no caffeine. The tea is said to have a fruity flavor and promotes relaxation.[1]

Birch Tisane:  Birch sap is drunk as a juice in Russia, but steeping it over fresh twigs is also done to create a tisane.[2]

There’s a passage in S&B that I suspect refers to herbal tea though it doesn’t say it outright:

I spent long hours in Baghra’s hut learning breathing exercises and holding painful poses that were supposed to help with focus. She gave me books to read, teas to drink, and repeated whacks with her stick, but nothing helped.

It seems likely the teas in question were something that might help Alina focus or otherwise aid in eliciting her powers. 

Last but not least, how do they store tea in Ravka?  Liliyana had a selection of tea tins.

Where Is Tea From?

I don’t recall any indications that tea is entering the country through Ravkan ports.  It also seems unlikely it’d be so prevalent if it did, because other items we know are being shipped in are much more expensive and scarce prior to the destruction of the Shadow Fold (see below about sugar for an example) than tea is shown to be.

That leaves Fjerda, Shu Han and Ravka itself for overland options.  Fjerda seems unlikely from a climate zone perspective.  Shu Han would most closely parallel where tea first entered Russia from:  China. (I will note I think Shu Han is not influenced exclusively by China however; I think Mongolia and likely some other locations come into play too.). Yes, Ravka and Shu Han have been at war more than once over hundreds of years, but we see in the books that they maintain diplomatic relations as well.  Trade occurring wouldn’t be a surprise.  We also read that settlements along the border change hands with some frequency.  And some passages in R&R make it sound like the border is more porous in some areas than others.  I could easily see enterprising farmers selling tea to Ravkans even outside official channels.

It’s possible some tea is grown in Ravka itself as well.  Tea is produced in the area of Sochi in Russia, thanks to a subtropical climate and tea plants bred to better withstand the winters.[3]  We know that the Grisha maintain hothouses in Os Alta. Perhaps there is somewhere in southern Ravka where Grisha have assisted in making tea a viable crop.  As popular as it is, helping to ensure supply even during times of greater aggression between Ravka and Shu Han would be of strategic benefit. 

Preparing Tea

Samovars are mentioned throughout the series, but lines like ‘pouring tea from the samovar’ don’t really illustrate how they work.  So I figured it would be best to start there, particularly as I realized that if someone had only seen a picture of one and knew nothing further on it, they might think tea was dispensed out of the spigot.  

There are different shapes and styles of samovars, as well as different materials used to make them.[4]  Brass was a common material used in Russia.  More expensive samovars could be made of silver-plate or sterling silver.  There’s gold-plating, enamel work, and more - run an image search to see some of the beautiful pieces out there.

The body or urn of the samovar is a container for heating and dispensing water.  A pipe runs up the center of it. At the bottom, fuel is burned to heat the water.  Charcoal, coals, pine cones, twigs, and so forth have been used as solid fuel historically. I’ve read of some later versions using kerosene/oil, and IRL, more modern samovars are electric.

[5] has an image of a cross-section view showing what is going on with the pipe:

When the water is heating, an extension can be added to the pipe to increase the chimney effect.  Once the water is hot, the chimney can be removed.  I’ve read of some larger samovars intended for outdoor only use in which you outright burned firewood.

Many samovars have an attachment - the crown - that can be placed on top to hold a teapot.  Both the tea and water can be kept warm for hours by keeping fuel burning in the pipe.

Yes, what about the tea, you may be asking at this point.  Hot water and tea are added to the teapot to steep.  IRL, a concentrated form of tea called zavarka is created - basically, less water and more tea leaf by ratio, steeped to create a very strong brew.  When someone is ready to drink tea, some of the zavarka is added to a cup or glass and diluted with hot water to the strength the tea drinker desires.  

That said, as best I’ve been able to find, zavarka as a concept seems to have emerged early in the 20th century, whereas samovars were already in use well before that.  However, Ravka exists in a fantasy world, not on earth, so a fic writer could choose to use the concept or instead stick with having tea brewed in a non-concentrated form.  Either way, hot water and a way to keep the tea warm are both provided by the presence of a samovar.  

A samovar would often be set upon a tray, which helped catch drips from the spigot.  A drip bowl might also be used.

Serving Tea

Tea glasses make repeated appearances in the books and are the most often referenced vessel used for drinking tea in Ravka.  It isn’t until RoW that there’s confirmation that tea glass holders are also in use:

The boy complied, setting the glasses in their little metal frames neatly on the table.

Known as podstakannik in Russia, they help one drink very hot tea without burning fingers on the tea glass itself.  Both the glasses and holders can range from very plain and utilitarian to much more elaborate (e.g., cut crystal, gold, etc.)

Teacups with saucers were also used for drinking tea and the wealthy would have particularly fine porcelain sets:

Teacups and saucers make more than one appearance in the books as well, mostly but not exclusively in the hands of the more well-to-do.

In Ravka, sugar is added to tea by many who have access to it.  In S&B, Alina is excited to find sugar freely available for tea in the Little Palace, because it had been rationed for 100 years in the country.  It makes sense it would be scarce, as we learn in CK that most sugar cane comes from the Southern Colonies and Novyi Zem.  It’s refined in Kerch.  So it’s been shipped in via West Ravka and has to traverse the Unsea to reach the east - in fact, S&B says that very thing.

This does bring the question of what happened around a century prior that resulted in sugar rationing, when the Shadow Fold itself had been around far longer.  

However, this doesn’t mean that those who aren’t wealthy have no options for adding something to their tea if they like.  In Russia, tea is often drunk with jam used as a sweetener.  You might add it directly to the tea or instead hold it in your mouth and sip the tea through it.

You don’t need added sugar to make jam and there are plenty of mentions of fruits available in Ravka in the books.

What Next?


Next up is food, though I’m not yet sure how many posts that will be or the structure.  If you have any requests/questions, just let me know.

*

Don’t forget that I’ll be reblogging this right away with the addition of reference links corresponding to the numbers above in brackets, e.g., [1]

Questions or comments?  Please feel free to reply!