#source: donkey skin

[historical-beauty-lily]

Peau d’âne / Donkey Skin (1970) dir. Jacques Demy

[alaynasansa]

SnowStone Week 2023 : day three — Fairy Tale

[suppermariobroth]

The skin texture used for King K. Rool in the SNES Donkey Kong Country trilogy was recently found, being a procedural leather texture called "leather1" from a commercial 3D asset collection, with the color simply being changed from brown to green.

Main Blog | Patreon | Twitter | Bluesky | Small Findings | Source: Render96VGTP

[bestanimal]

Round 3 - Mammalia - Perissodactyla

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Perissodactyla is an order of ungulates, commonly referred to as the “odd-toed ungulates”. It is composed of three living families: Equidae (“horses”, “asses”, and “zebras”), Rhinocerotidae (“rhinoceroses”), and Tapiridae (“tapirs”).

Perissodactyls are typically defined by having reduced the 5 original ungulate toes to 3 or 1 weight-bearing toes, though tapirs retain four toes on their front feet. Equids, adapted for speed, are unique in having almost completely lost all of their toes, bearing weight on one single toe on each foot. Perissodactyls have a long upper jaw with an extended diastema (gap) between the front and cheek teeth, giving them an elongated head. They often have highly mobile lips for manipulating grass, leaves, and other plant parts. Perissodactyls are exclusively herbivores. Tapirs and equids have dense, short coats of fur, often with a mane of hair on the dorsal ridge of their neck, while rhinos have only sparse hair and thick skin. Perissodactyls inhabit a number of different habitats, leading to different lifestyles. Tapirs are solitary and live mainly in tropical rainforests in the Southern Hemisphere. African rhinos tend to live alone in dry savannas, while Asian rhinos live in wet marsh or forest areas. Equids inhabit open areas such as grasslands, steppes, or semi-deserts, and live together in groups.

Perissodactyls are characterized by a long gestation period and a small litter size, usually delivering a single calf (or “foal” in equids). Newborn perissodactyls are precocial, and are often able to stand and follow their mother after a few hours. Young are nursed for a relatively long time, often into their second year, with rhinos reaching sexual maturity around 8 or 10 years old, while equids and tapirs mature around 2 to 4 years old.

The tiny Radinskya from the Late Paleocene of East Asia is often considered to be one of the oldest close relatives of the ungulates, and was most similar to perissodactyls. Perissodactyla itself appeared at the beginning of the Lower Paleocene about 63 million years ago, both in North America and Asia, in the form of phenacodontids and hyopsodontids. The oldest known equid was Sifrhippus, from the Early Eocene. The ancestors of tapirs and rhinos, which may have included Hyrachyus, appeared not long after.

Propaganda under the cut:

The African Wild Ass (Equus africanus), ancestor of the Domestic Donkey (Equus africanus asinus), is critically endangered, with about 570 existing in the wild.

Domestic Donkeys were probably first domesticated by pastoral people in Nubia around 4000 BC, and they replaced the ox as the chief pack animal of that culture. The tomb of either King Narmer or King Hor-Aha (two of the first Egyptian pharaohs) was excavated and the skeletons of ten donkeys were found buried in a manner usually used with high ranking humans, showing that donkeys were likely very important in early Egyptian culture.

The Onager or Asiatic Wild Ass (Equus hemionus) (image 3) is one of the fastest land mammals, capable of running 64–70 km/h (40–43 mph).

The Kiang or Tibetan Wild Ass (Equus kiang) is the only wild perissodactyl to not be threatened in any way; their population is classified as “least concern.” Natural historian Chris Lavers points to travellers' tales of the Kiang as one source of inspiration for the unicorn, first described in Indika by the Ancient Greek physician Ctesias.

Asses were named before “ass” became a slang term for buttocks. In fact, the slang term was originally “arse,” a separate word from the animal “ass”, but the r was dropped in the 1860s, meaning both words have different linguistic origins.

The Domestic Horse (Equus ferus caballus) was domesticated from now extinct wild horses around 4000 BC, and their domestication is believed to have been widespread by 3000 BC. They were one of the first animals to be domesticated for transport purposes, though they were originally bred for meat. Today, there are more than 300 breeds of horse in the world, developed for specific tasks such as riding, pulling, driving, various sport disciplines, or simply as pets. Horse-keeping has led to a range of extensive, specialized vocabulary used to describe equine-related concepts, covering everything from anatomy to life stages, size, colors, markings, breeds, locomotion, and behavior.

The Przewalski's Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) is the last remaining subspecies of truly wild horse, with other “wild horses” being introduced, feral populations of Domestic Horse. Przewalski’s Horses were already rare when first described, and were only found in the arid Dzungarian Basin of the Gobi Desert. By the 1900s, Przewalski's Horses were already declining, with only sporadic sightings of single horses or groups of 2-3 here and there, until a single stallion was sighted in 1969, and then none were seen in the wild again. Thankfully, some Przewalski’s Horses still existed in captivity, having been dispersed to various zoos in the US and Europe. Breeding programs were established and various facilities cooperated and exchanged horses to increase their genetic diversity. Unfortunately many of the horses did not survive WWII, and the most valuable group was actively shot by German soldiers in the Ukraine. By the end of the 1950s, only 12 Przewalski’s Horses were left in the world's zoos. The Przewalski’s Horse was declared “extinct in the wild”, with a slowly growing captive population being its last hope of survival. By 1965, there were more than 130 animals spread amongst 32 zoos and parks. By 1998, established herds of the horses were and still are released at various preserves and natural areas within Eurasia. In 2008, the Przewalski's Horse was reclassified from “extinct in the wild” to “critically endangered”, and in 2011 the wild horse went from “critically endangered” to “endangered”, having narrowly escaped extinction thanks to conservation efforts!

The Grévy's Zebra (Equus grevyi) is the largest living wild equid (some breeds of Domestic Horse are bred to be much larger), standing 1.45–1.6 m (4.8–5.2 ft) high at the withers.

Mountain Zebras (Equus zebra) live on slopes and plateaus as high as 2,000 m (6,600 ft) above sea level, and are thus the most adapted to cold weather of the zebras.

The Plains Zebra (Equus quagga) (image 2) is the most widespread of the 3 zebra species, but they are still threatened by hunting for their meat and hide, as well as competition with livestock and encroachment by farming on much of their habitat.

Perissodactyls were far more diverse in the past, and extinct groups contain some of the largest land mammals known to have ever existed. In particular, Paraceratheriidae is an extinct family of long-limbed, hornless rhinocerotoids from the Oligocene, with the largest species known being Paraceratherium linxiaense, which has an estimated mass of 21.7 metric tons (24 tons), an estimated length of 8 meters (26 feet), and an estimated height at the shoulder of 5 meters (16.4 ft). With its long neck, it would have towered even higher than a 4.6 m (15.1 ft) tall bull European Straight-tusked Elephant (Palaeoloxodon antiquus).

The endangered Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) (image 4) is the only tapir species that exists outside of the Americas. They feature in the folklore of Japan, and are often associated with the mythological Baku, a supernatural creature said to devour nightmares. This association has led to the creation of the Pokémon Drowzee, Munna, and Munna’s evolution Musharna.

The endangered Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) is the largest native land mammal in both Central and South America, and the South American Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is the largest native land mammal in the Amazon.

The endangered Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) is the only tapir species to live outside of tropical rainforests in the wild. They are also unique for their thick woolly coat, an adaptation to the cooler climate of the Andean Mountain range.

There are two subspecies of White Rhinoceros: the Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) and the Northern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni). The southern subspecies has a wild population of over 20,000, and is the most abundant rhino subspecies in the world, having been the only rhinos so far to have recovered from the brink of extinction. However, the northern subspecies is critically endangered, considered “functionally extinct”, as the only two remaining individuals are a mother-daughter pair, who are guarded day and night by armed keepers.

White Rhinoceroses are the largest living wild perissodactyls, with females weighing 1,600 kg (3,500 lb) and males 2,400 kg (5,300 lb) on average, though exceptional specimens can reportedly weigh up to 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Their head-and-body length is 3.5–4.6 m (11–15 ft) and their shoulder height is 1.8–2 m (5.9–6.6 ft).

The critically endangered Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) (image 1 and gif) has a reputation for being aggressive, and they charge readily at perceived threats. Black Rhinos will also fight each other, and they have the highest rates of mortal combat recorded for any mammal: about 50% of males and 30% of females die from combat-related injuries.

The word "white" in the name "White Rhinoceros" is often said to be a misinterpretation of the Afrikaans word wyd (Dutch wijd) meaning wide, referring to its square upper lip, as opposed to the pointed or hooked lip of the Black Rhinoceros.

The vulnerable Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is one of the motifs on the Pashupati seal and many terracotta figurines that were excavated at archaeological sites of the Indus Valley civilisation.

The critically endangered Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is the rarest of all rhinoceros, and among the rarest of all living animal species, with only one currently known wild population of approximately 74 animals, and no individuals successfully kept in captivity.

The critically endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is the smallest species of rhinoceros, at just 112–145 cm (3.7-4.8 ft) high at the shoulder, with a head-and-body length of 2.36–3.18 m (7.9–10.5 ft). The weight is reported to range from 500–1,000 kg (1,100–2,200 lb), averaging 700–800 kg (1,540–1,760 lb).

Rhinoceroses are threatened by habitat loss, but illegal poaching for the international rhino horn trade is their main and most detrimental threat. Their horns, composed of keratin, are used to make ornately carved handles for ceremonial daggers called jambiyas in the Middle East, and are used in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are said by herbalists to be able to revive comatose patients, facilitate exorcisms and various methods of detoxification, and cure fevers. There is also a Chinese superstitious belief that the horns allow direct access to Heaven due to their unique location and hollow nature. A single horn can be sold for up to $300,000 on the black market. Rhinos are shot or trapped by poachers, after which the horn is hastily cut off and the rhinoceros is often left to bleed out and die. As rhino populations shrink and security on them tightens, poachers have gotten more desperate, leading to one shocking death in a zoo in France. Keepers at the Parc Zoologique de Thoiry arrived on March 5th, 2017, to find their beloved Southern White Rhinoceros, Vince, had been shot three times and had his horns sawed off with a chainsaw. Some reserves and even zoos now attempt to deter poaching by sawing off the horns of their rhinos (in a much more humane process than simply hacking it off at the skin) to make them less desirable to poachers.

[smallmariofindings]

In 2005, Nintendo of Europe's official site for Donkey Konga 2 offered a skin based on the game for the Winamp music player to be downloaded. Above is a screenshot of the skin in action; note the customized interface whereby some of the player controls have been moved to Donkey Kong's bongos.

Main Blog | Twitter | Patreon | Small Findings | Source

[thehutpoint]

17 March 1880, Putney, posh district of London. William Edward Oates and his wife Caroline Anne (de domo Buckton) just welcomed their second bundle of joy and first son, Lawrence Edward Grace Oates.

The bundle grew into sickly, yet unexpectedly energetic boy, who loved to ride donkeys ("Rent a donkey for Laurie, we are coming for summer" wrote Caroline to her relative in southwestern England), and then horses. Wrestling heavily with education due to learning disabilities, little boy grew to be a sport-loving teenager, who voraciously read adventure books, then into young man who dreamed about becoming a soldier.

And he did became one, sent to war almost immediately, got wounded while protecting his injured men. The childhood was gone for good.

A fine man he was. Unpretentious, silent, maybe due to atypical, slow speech pattern that got also described as drawl. He had zero penchant for elegance, prefering comfort above all in his clothing and suffering greatly from the demands of fashion of his times (these stiff collars, ick!), he had low tolerance for snobs, assholes and dumbasses, was very known though from getting close friendships with men from social classes lower than his own, as he did not seem to care much about the social divides and stratas.

A man of great, dry wit, he did not have much of social life, out of his own choice. The other officers couldn't remember him going ever once to the town for an usual round of military entertainment, involving booze, ladies of the night and gambling, and every medical checkup confirmed Oates being squeaky clean, without a single trace of any venereal disease that were a plague among the soldiers, officers very much included. He was a frequent guest in the officers club, usually sitting quietly with a beer, which seems to be his favourite beverage, sometimes with his nose burrowed in a book.

Obviously, the life of a peacetime officer, forced him to attend some social events. Dinners, parties, picnics (he hated these fiercely, complaining to his mom about tepid tea and aching back), he seemed to go through these with his teeth clenched and no pleasure at all. He limited his social ventures though, so much he veered into the rude territory, refusing, for instance to drop his visit card in the letter boxes of the newcomer officer families as was the custom. The constant source of frustration for Oates was that during the peacetime, an officer could make a career easier in the drawing rooms, charming the wives of senior officers, than by actual work in the field. As you might expect Titus did not have much of social skills himself, and no gift of the gob whatsoever, despite being an excellent leader material.

Cool headed while facing danger, courageous, resillient, intelligent, avidly learning new skills when they caught his interest, be it woodworking, harness repair or gardening, loving horses, he seemed cut for a cavalry officer, yet he was deeply unhappy in the army. Having low tolerance for idiots certainly did not help, because every army since the beginning of humanity have had it fair share of idiot officers, petrified in their positions.

Oates had his sensitive side though. He was a compassionate big hearted man, who lectured his mother that a servant girl who got pregnant out of wedlock deserved compassion, not judgment, asked said mom to employ his fellow soldier who got kicked out of the army after injuring his spine in a work accident. When ill with smallpox in India, Titus made ruckus in the hospital until his sergeant, who, also ill with smallpox and not being an officer, did not get the nurse care, was brought into Oates's isolation tent where one nurse could tend to them both.

Let's remember and love this fine man today, on his birthday. Let's get a skinful of beer to celebrate this fine unique man!

Happy birthday, Titus Oates!

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Analysis: Of Mice and Men (Cultural References)

Bindle: A bag, sack, or carrying device.

Bindle Stiff: Hobo; transient who carries his belongings in a sack.

Bunk House: A sleeping quarters intended for use by multiple people.

Talcum Powder: Very similar in texture to baby powder, talcum powder was used mainly after bathing or shaving.

Apple Box: A box used for storage or as a stepstool capable of holding a person's weight.

Scourges: A widespread affliction, an epidemic illness or the consequence of some natural disaster, like fire, flood, or a migration of locusts.

Pants Rabbits: A sexually transmitted disease, known as pubic lice.

Graybacks: The equivalent of ticks or lice.

Liniment: A topical cream for the skin that helps with pain or rashes.

Jerkline Skinner: Lead driver of a team of mules

Stable Buck: A derogatory name for an African-American man who works in the stables.

Stetson Hat: A famous brand of hats, especially cowboy hats.

‍Swamper: A general assistant; handyman.

Murray and Ready: An employment agency, specializing in farm work.

Work Slips: Proof that people had been hired to do a job.

Cultivator: A farming tool used to stir and soften the soil either before or after planting.

Cesspool: A well or pit filled with drainage or sewage.

Slough: A muddy or marshy area.

Tart: A woman who tempts men or who is sexually promiscuous.

Buck Barley: To throw large bags of barley on a truck.

Lynch: To illegally execute a person, generally applied to the hanging and/or burning of African-Americans in the south.

Slug of Whiskey: Equivalent to a hip flask of whiskey.

Gut Ache: A stomach ache.

Airedale: A type of dog, specifically Terrier.

Pulp Magazine: During the 1920s-1950s, inexpensive fiction magazines. From 1950 on, the term also came to represent mass market paperbacks.

Luger: The Luger pistol was an expensive, high maintenance weapon manufactured and used primarily in the German army.

Euchre: A card game played in England, Canada, and some parts of the U.S.

Two Bits: Twenty-Five cents.

Rag Rug: Rugs created from rags that were tied together by knots.

Kewpie Doll: A particular style of doll, one that was usually won at carnivals.

Phonograph: The first device for recording and playing sound, most specifically music.

Parlor House: Could be considered a restaurant, but more often parlor houses were brothels.

Hutches: A form of furniture, very similar to a wardrobe.

Welter: A boxer (refers to welterweight, a weight class in boxing).

Nail keg: A wooden barrel that could usually hold 100 pounds or more inside.

Russian Hill: Affluent residential neighborhood in San Francisco, California.

Travels with a Donkey: Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes (1879), one of Robert Louis Stevenson's earliest published works.

Varro: Marcus Terentius Varro (116-29 B.C.E.), Roman scholar/author and horticulturist.

Velasquez's Cardinal: Seventeenth-century painting by Spanish painter Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez.

Zane Grey: American adventure novelist (1872-1939).

Source ⚜ Writing Notes & References

[adarkrainbow]

I cannot encourage people enough to go read fairytale collections country by country. I know that the whole fad currently is to go look up at collections organized by fairytale types or specific characters or even general motif, no matter the actual source ; but trust me, reading specific collections of fairytales and folktales from specific countries and regions is a deeply fascinating experience. Because each culture has its own specificities with fairytales, its own unique things other countries have not - stuff that are not "universal".

For example, I have been reading Anna Angelopoulos' collection of Greek fairytales (she also worked on the specifically Greek version of the "fairytale-type catalogue" if you are ever interested, with Brouskou, "G.A. Mega Katalogos Ellinikon Paramythion"), and the beauty of these fairytales is how we can clearly see the continuity with the mythology of Ancient Greece. With other European fairytales it might be hard to spot, since for example in France the mythology of Gaul is virtually unknown, and with German fairytales Germanic mythology is also pieces of fragments and a lot of hesitant reconstruction - but with Greece, we have the full mythology. And as a result, when the Greeks tell their own versions of Cinderella, and Little Thumbling and Donkey Skin and Snow-White and Rapunzel... You see the mythology.

The hero is often asked to go fetch something out of the Cyclops cave. The fairies that come to bless babies at birth are explicitely called the "Moirai". The embodiment of death/the underworld is always called "Charon". There is a recurring sea-monster in fairytales that is called "The Gorgon" (little to do with the actual gorgons, though). There is a whole slab of fairytales about a child born out of his father's leg, due to a magical item making people pregnant touching the man instead of the woman.

And it is really beautiful because it makes you look back at all these other fairytales across Europe, and you can clearly see how they are just... leftovers, shadows and twisted reflections of the old mythologies.

@somecallmejohn

[stromuprisahat]

https://www.tumblr.com/stromuprisahat/770655647269289984/aleksander-im-the-big-bad-darkling-the-immortal?source=share

What was the moment 👀 (I hate having to rr the books again lol

(x)

Assuming they're both from the same person, I'm adding the ask part of the second ask I got a few minutes after this one:

Care to share what was that moment 👀 there are so many where he is described to be indifferent and cold.

It was his reaction to her accusation he visited her wearing Malyen's face- a scene I don't see directed by him, but Alina's shame for wanting a company that's not her donkey master.

He was pressing, trying to provoke me. Instead of shying away, I moved closer. “You came to me wearing Mal’s face that night in your chambers. Was it because you knew I would turn you away?” His fingers tightened on the table’s edge, but then he shrugged. “He was the one you longed for. Do you still?”

Ruin and Rising- Chapter 9

I'm gonna more or less copypasta my comment explaining why I don't believe it was him plastering Malyen's face on, when the passage above tends to be interpreted as his agreement.

He avoids direct answer, and reacts with barely contained anger. Sure, he might not like the reminder he stooped so low, but it might simply be a new piece of information for him, and he wouldn't make himself even more vulnerable by admitting he cares about what Alina wanted to see. He already let Alina believe her own faulty conclusions, when there was no point trying to persuade her otherwise. It's beyond counterproductive now. She has power over the Tether also, whether she is aware of it or not, and finding out one of her first actions had been erasing him to appease her bad conscience- and she DOES feel guilty and "tainted" for wanting him- would cut deep. I mean... his immediate question might be making sure he looks like himself right now. If I remember correctly, she always sees him sans his scars- those very same he's rather proud of-, so changing his appearance into Mal she KNOWS she SHOULD want after a major fight with the guy is both within her abilities and in character for her. Ironically Aleksander likely came because she was upset, which is both a chance for smoochies and to shake her even more- show just how vulnerable she is, and how connected they are however she denies it. Sure, he tried to get under her skin, but I don't think he'd be SO unhappy about it if it were ALL a part of the plan.

While I'm not against non-con elements (Don't look at my AO3 reading history.), Aleksander being behind this would be both OOC and against his own interests. His goal is to make Alina let her orphan baggage go AND accept ~they~ are a match made by the Making.

I'm not saying he'd never pretend to be the Blade Boy, but that he'd do it to ~gain~ something. Even if it were a completely spur-of-the-moment single point purely selfish action, there would be an aim.

[jalicefanficblog]

can you write a Kim possible oneshot where Kim and Ron have to disguise themselves as circus clowns during a mission

Ladies and Gentelmen, let´s give our Guest Clowns a cheerful Welcome Greeting and we hope you enjoy our Circus Show!

Just like a Circus

“Why do we have to dress up as circus clowns again, Wade?”

Ron was sitting in his seat in the small private helicopter that was taking him and his best friend Kim Possible on another mission.

The teen heroine had called in a favor for this and Ron was tasked with carrying the heavy, cumbersome backpack that contained the undercover costumes for today's mission.

And of course Ron had already looked inside and given in to his curiosity. The contents of the backpack had neither caused him joy nor euphoria.

“It's for your cover, Ron. And you'll fit in perfectly at the destination,” Wade said from the small communication device that Kim was holding in her hand.

“You've always wanted to be in the spotlight, haven't you?” - joked Kim, who was trying to tidy up her red mane with a small comb and a few hairpins during the turbulence and prepare it, for what was to come.

The camouflage…not the turbulence that the pilot of the small helicopter has to contend with.

"Haha…if it weren't for the costumes…so embarrassing" - complained Ron.

"Embarrassing? The red nose definitely suits you", joked Wade.

"It's easy for you to say Wade, you sit in front of your screen and can watch us being made a laughing stock as circus clowns", - groaned Ron, and he didn't seem to be able to get used to the idea at all.

"I also made popcorn and my mum brought a six-pack of lemonade from the shop…I'm ready to enjoy the show" - replied Wade sarcastically.

"Cheer up, Ron, Rufus is absolutely thrilled with the idea!" - laughed Kim now and Ron looked confusedly down at the pocket of his still normal pants, in which Naked Mole Rat usually slept or helped Ron on missions.

Rufus had already put on a mini clone nose and wig and was all fired up for the mission. He expressed this with euphoric noises.

“You're totally stabbing me in the back right now, buddy!” - said Ron, but his voice became a little softer and his aversion to this disguise had diminished somewhat.

He couldn't and didn't want to stay mad at his animal best friend for long, and he could hardly say no to his best friend KP either.

“Besides, it's for our disguise. Dr. Drakken certainly won't recognize us as circus clowns and it will definitely be fun”, said Kim as she pulled a wig cap out of her bag.

“Why does Dr. Drakken actually want to take control of a circus?” - Ron wondered as he felt Rufus, who had meanwhile run to the backpack with the props and the two clown costumes, give him a red nose.

“Do you remember when Dr. Drakken wanted to bring his mind control shampoo onto the market? Now he's trying to sponsor the circus that's based in Boston, Massachusetts… allegedly through the circus animals' feed and wants to get them under his control… my sources have indicated , that a considerable amount of toxic substances that were found in the shampoo were found in a load of feed for the horses and donkeys… if the animals ate it, your clown disguise is perfect for investigating��� I also hacked Drakken's social media account and he got tickets for the evening performance… it seems likely that he wants to use the animals as his henchmen with mind control", - Wade summarized.

"Is it possible that Drakken's ideas are getting crazier and crazier?" - Kim wondered, having pulled the wig cap over her tied-up red hair.

"Looks a bit like a swimming cap? What is that for?” wondered Ron, who also got one of the skin-colored caps drawn by Rufus and pulled it over his head.

“The wig cap ensures that the wig doesn’t slip off the head during the show”, - explained Wade and then gave the duo the details and how they could best blend in with the artists and showmen of the circus when they arrived in Boston.

Then he wished them much success and looked forward to the show.

“Why are you getting the costume with the stripes and I’m getting the one with the dots? That makes my butt so big?”, - Ron repeatedly tugged at the legs of the outfit he was wearing. Because unlike Kim, the blond was wearing a clown costume with big red dots stretched over the yellow fabric.

The green clown wig he was wearing was the color contrast to the bright colors of the clothes and the bright red shoes were probably intentionally a bit too big.

Ron imagined himself stumbling in the ring several times.

“Stripes suit me , more than you Ron. Now close your eyes, I have to put on the make-up and the white makeup”, said Kim and concentrated on applying the makeup while Ron started to laugh because the brush tickled so much.

“Haha…that tickles KP! Don’t tell me you girls put yourselves through such torture every day”, giggled Ron and Kim had to stop what she was doing , because otherwise it would have smeared or Ron’s clown mouth would have become a weird crooked line.

“Well, with some girls at our school, you can really believe they are wearing clown makeup…..Bonnie, for example, just because she wanted to impress one of the football players, she put on this mega expensive eye shadow in midnight blue! It doesn't really match her eyes, but she was really boasting about it", Kim said annoyed and demonstrated her work after Ron had recovered from his fit of laughter and finished the relatively good-looking makeup mask for Ronald the Clown.

"Shall I paint your mask now?", asked Ron and Kim shook her head, laughing.

"Painting and applying a mask are fundamentally different things…but thanks Ron", said Kim, opened her small makeup mirror and set about making her well-cared-for skin disappear , under a layer of white clown makeup. It was a sight that the teen heroine had to get used to.

But Wade was right…for the success of the mission it would be crucial to go into the ring as circus clowns. On the one hand to make it seem believable and on the other to stop Dr. Drakken from carrying out his diablo-like plan.

So let's go. Close your eyes and go through the middle!

“I think my right shin is itching and I can't breathe through my nose, KP!”, - Ron made an unhappy expression and wanted to put his right hand to his nose to scratch it, but Kim stopped him by grabbing his hand and looking threateningly into his eyes.

“Not now, Ron, follow the clowns into the arena and then from there we'll try to get to the animal enclosures somehow , to check the food… maybe Drakken is there?”, - said Kim and gave Ron a gentle nudge in the right direction and soon the hero duo followed a small group of other clowns.

It didn't seem to really register that the two students weren't actually part of the circus and part of the upcoming show.

And so a few minutes later, Kim and Ron found themselves in the middle of the illuminated circus tent, joining the line of clowns and simply cooperating with their behavior. They joked around, teased each other and performed a dance that ended with some clowns deliberately tripping over their own feet.

It was a little chaotic and Ron seemed to be having fun despite his initial reservations and fit in wonderfully with the clown group. Kim grinned under her white makeup. Somehow Ron had often been the typical class clown and so, as the center of the crowd, they could keep an eye on everything.

When two clowns first threw a ball to each other and then it passed to Kim, the Possible spotted Shego's bright green headed towards the exit of the tent.

"Ron! There's a snake in the circus! You hold your position and I'll follow it!"

"Yuck, a snake? It's even worse than monkeys!"

"Ron, thats… Shego"

"Ah, about the green, clever KP! All right, throw me the ball”

Kim threw the ball to Ron and tried to disappear inconspicuously towards the exit, but then Shego seemed to notice her and fired a few plasma beams at her… and Kim, in her clown outfit, did a few backflips and used one of the props as a springboard to extend her grappling hook and chase Shego.

Ron clapped once, creating the illusion that it was all part of the show… which was met with applause from the audience.

The clowns continued their act and were soon replaced by the artists. Ron went with the group to the back of the ring and was even given a donut as a thank you for this performance and was asked which circus he came from.

To bridge this question, Rufus came to the rescue and performed a few tricks on a small ball that was intended for the circus dog to balance on and received applause from the clowns.

The little naked mole rat seemed to enjoy being in the spotlight just as much as Ron.

“Have you switched to clown school, Kimmy?” - Shego laughed maliciously and teasingly as she tampered with one of the food buckets and passed on information to Drakken through a walkie-talkie.

“How did you recognize me? My makeup is perfect and maybe I’ll join the circus? What brings you here? A poisonous green snake doesn’t fit in a circus, Shego", - Kim countered, using one of her gadgets to take the bucket before Shego could tamper with it.

“”Carry out a plan by Drakken…:”

“Shego! I am the leader and reveal my diabolical plan to Kim Possible!” - Dr Drakken came into the small area of ​​the animal feed supplies with a remote control in his hand and sulked when Shego wanted to reveal his ingenious plan.

“You want to control the animals with the thought of shampoo residue that you transferred via the feed into the supplies of the circus animals?” , Kim stated dryly and Drakken sulked a little more, stamped his foot defiantly and glared angrily at Kim.

“You look ridiculous in the clown costume Possible and my plan will work!” - Drakken snorted and pressed the remote control…..but his plan had a catch…because the batteries of the device were empty and nothing happened.

“Damn! SHEGO new batteries?!”

“Seriously Drakken, you don’t have any…”

“Don’t argue with the clown-possible in front of me!”

Kim used one of her attack techniques to first take the remote control from Drakken and then she whistled loudly, the signal for Ron to rush to her aid.

And Ron stumbled forward very elegantly with the big clown shoes, knocking over one of the big empty barrels with non-existent dry food for the ponies and this barrel landed on Drakken and Shego, locking the two villains in and Kim dialed the police number.

“Good job Ron! These snakes aren’t causing any more damage! We’d best tell the director about the food and that they should order more, we don’t want to take the risk that any of the shampoo will still be found,” said Kim and gave Ron a high five.

The police arrived at the right time and Shego and Drakken were taken to the nearest prison…with the barrel still over their heads and the director was informed of the incident and the animals that had already eaten the food with the shampoo were temporarily suspended from the shows…in return, the audience wanted an encore from the guest clowns.

"Maybe my future really does lead to the circus, huh?" - asked Ron as he bowed and his wig slipped off his head.

"We have a math test tomorrow and I don't think you'll be able to convince your parents of your plans to be a professional clown so quickly," - replied Kim, who also bowed and received a rose from the clown group - made from those colorful moldable balloons, of course.

"A thank you for your help," - said the circus director with a broad grin and Kim thanked him with a smile.

“Thank you… but I think I will remember this circus adventure for a long time,” grinned Possible, and when the last act of the evening was about to begin, it was time for Kim and Ron to catch their ride home.

They left the circus tent and would certainly not forget this undercover mission so quickly.

Not even because Kim and Ron would find out at home , how damn difficult and stubborn it was to wash off clown makeup.

Not to mention the headaches from the wig cap, which they had to wear for hours together with the colorful wigs.

And these would also be part of the memories.

Along with the balloon rose.

THE END

[resplendentoutfit]

Nicholas Hilliard (1547–1619) (attributed to school of) • Elizabeth I (1533–1603) • Jesus College, University of Oxford

Deathly Pale

The beauty ideals for women in Elizabethan times was alabaster skin, ruby red lips, thin eyebrows, and a high forehead. Very little, if any, color was applied to the cheeks. Pale skin signified a woman of nobility, perpetually sheltered from the sun, with an abundance of servants to perform all the necessary functions of daily life. Tanned skin was for peasants laboring in the fields.

In the Elizabethan era, mercury was a common ingredient in makeup. At that time, it was used to clear the skin of spots and wrinkles, much like today's acne treatment is designed to do. However, the mercury was not treating acne; it was in fact removing the skin and corroding the flesh! If someone found that method didn't work, they might have mixed birch sap, elder leaves, and sulfur, applied it to their skin at night and removed it in the morning. Other forms of skin cleansers were made from urine, rain water, donkey's milk or red wine. If all this failed, bring on the leeches!

To achieve her signature, porcelain look, Elizabeth's favorite cosmetic was 'Venetian ceruse', a mixture of white lead and vinegar. The queen powdered her face and neck with the substance, transforming her skin into a porcelain canvas, slowly poisoning herself in the process.

To keep that tiny waist and show off one's best stomacher, women would swallow tapeworms that would digest most of the food they'd eaten.

Sources:

Elizabethan Costuming Page, stylecraze.com, The Flower Letters, fragrantx.com

[suppermariobroth]

The skin texture used for the "Army" armadillo enemy in Donkey Kong Country was recently found, being a procedural texture called "phong1" from a commercial 3D asset collection.

Main Blog | Patreon | Twitter | Bluesky | Small Findings | Source: FanamelT

[indizombie]

Solomon Onyango, who works for the Donkey Sanctuary and is based in Nairobi, says: "Between 2016 and 2019, we estimate that about half of Kenya's donkeys were slaughtered [to supply the skin trade]." These are the same animals that carry people, goods, water and food - the backbone of poor, rural communities. So the scale and rapid growth of the skin trade has alarmed campaigners and experts, and has moved many people in Kenya to take part in anti-skin trade demonstrations. Ejiao producers used to use skins from donkeys sourced in China. But, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs there, donkey numbers in the country plummeted from 11 million in 1990 to just under two million in 2021. At the same time, Ejiao went from being a niche luxury to become a popular, widely available product. Chinese companies sought their skin supplies overseas. Donkey slaughterhouses were established in parts of Africa, South America and Asia.

‘Millions of donkeys killed each year to make medicine’, BBC

[darkfalcon-z]

“I heard it from Brother Ying. Once upon a time a man died and went down to the infernal regions. The King of Hades put an ass’s skin upon his body and told him that in his next life he must be a donkey. But the record keeper looked in his books and found that the man still had thirty years to live. They sent him back to earth. His wife perceived that, except for his weapon, his body was as it had been before, but he had still the donkey’s weapon. ‘I will go back to Hell and change it,’ he said to his wife. ‘No, my dear,’ said the wife. ‘They might not let you come back again. I will put up with it somehow.’”

translation is a bit funky, by which I mean needlessly westernised (I'm actually reading different translation in different language and probably source from a different version of the book - I found the printed copies in the library)

should I or should I not add "non-human genitalia" to the list of kinks in the book (The Plum in the Golden Vase/Golden Lotus/Jin Ping Mei)

[saba987]

In today’s beauty-conscious world, more consumers are making informed choices about the products they use — and one of the rising trends in personal care is Halal skincare. But what exactly does “Halal” mean when it comes to skincare, and why should you consider switching? At Saba Personal Care, we believe in transparency, ethical sourcing, and holistic wellness — and Halal beauty fits all three.

Let’s explore the core principles, certifications, and ingredients that define Halal skincare, and why Saba’s Halal-certified products are worth your trust.

What Makes Skincare Halal?

Halal, in Arabic, means “permissible” under Islamic law. In skincare, it goes beyond simply avoiding alcohol or pork-based ingredients. Halal skincare follows a strict code of ethics, encompassing everything from the source of ingredients to the way the product is manufactured.

Core Principles Followed by Halal Certification Agencies

To receive Halal certification, skincare brands must meet specific requirements set by authoritative certification agencies. Here are the key principles they assess:

 Sanitation

The manufacturing facility and equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and free from najis (impure or forbidden substances). This includes any traces of pork, blood, or other haram elements.

 Traceability

Every raw material used must come from Halal-certified sources. Each supplier in the chain must declare the origin of their ingredients to ensure complete traceability and compliance.

 Composition

The product formulation must adhere to the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. This means avoiding all haram or najis substances, including:

Ingredients derived from pigs, dogs, donkeys, or carrion

Extracts from insects, carnivores, reptiles, or animals with talons/fangs

Substances like urine, blood, vomit, or pus

Ingredients from animals not slaughtered according to Islamic rituals

Anything that is toxic or intoxicating

Halal Skincare vs. Regular Cosmetics

Most conventional cosmetic products on the market contain animal-derived or questionable ingredients. Halal skincare, on the other hand, relies on vegan, plant-based, or synthetic alternatives that are ethically sourced and safe for the skin.

Here’s how Saba Personal Care ensures its products remain Halal:

 Glycerine

While animal-sourced glycerine is common in cosmetics, Saba uses only plant-based or synthetic glycerine, ensuring it's both Halal and gentle on the skin.

 Gelatine

Gelatine is often derived from animals, but Halal products only use marine gelatine sourced from fish — a Halal and skin-friendly option.

 Beeswax

A natural wax widely used in skincare, beeswax is Halal-compliant and forms the base of many of Saba’s nourishing products.

 Colours & Fragrances

Saba only uses plant-based and synthetic colours that are non-toxic and non-hazardous. The fragrances used are also natural, Halal-certified, and free of alcohol.

More Than Just Ingredients — Ethical Practices Matter

Halal skincare also focuses on ethical manufacturing:

 No alcohol

 No parabens or sulfates

 No animal testing

 No unfair labour practices

 Eco-conscious and sustainable sourcing

At Saba Personal Care, we’re proud to meet these standards — offering skincare that’s pure, safe, and ethical for everyone, not just for those following Islamic values.

Why Choose Saba Personal Care?

When you choose Saba Halal Skincare, you're investing in:

 Skin-safe, plant-powered ingredients

 Vegan & cruelty-free formulations

 Certified Halal by recognized bodies

 Clean beauty that respects your faith and your skin

Halal skincare is not just a label — it's a lifestyle choice rooted in purity, ethics, and health-consciousness. Whether you're seeking products that align with your faith or simply want cleaner, safer alternatives, Halal-certified skincare from Saba Personal Care is the perfect solution.

Switch to Saba today — where beauty meets belief. Learn more and explore our Halal-certified range at Saba Personal Care.

[alsaadhomeeee]

Bringing Your Space to Life: Online Home Decor Inspiration with Alsaad Home UAE

Creating a home that truly reflects your personality and offers comfort is a journey filled with choices. From the cozy softness of a طقم لحاف قطن (cotton comforter set) to the elegance of مفرش سرير (bedsheets) and the charm of اكسسوارات منزلية (home accessories), every detail contributes to transforming a space from ordinary to extraordinary. For residents in Dubai and across the UAE, Alsaad Home UAE (alsaadhome.com/ar/aed) offers a treasure trove of home decor inspiration, all just a click away.

buy perfume online uae

The Power of Online Home Decor Shopping

Shopping online for home decor is no longer just a convenience—it’s a source of endless inspiration. Whether you’re looking for a plush مرتبة سرير (bed mattress) or a beautiful سجاد تركي (Turkish carpet), the online marketplace offers unparalleled access to diverse styles, materials, and price points.

One of the biggest advantages of shopping at Alsaad Home UAE is the ability to browse a vast range of products—like مراتب سرير / مرتبة (bed mattresses), مخدات (pillows), and even scented luxuries like معطرات فراش (bedroom fresheners) and عطور (perfumes)—all curated to complement your unique taste.

Crafting Comfort with Quality Bedding

The heart of any restful bedroom is the bedding. Alsaad Home UAE offers everything from مفرش نفر (single bed covers) to مفارش نفرين (double bed covers), ensuring that whether you want to refresh a guest room or reinvent your master suite, you find exactly what you need.

The key to comfort begins with the right mattress. Choosing a مرتبة طبية (medical mattress) or a مرتبة فندقية (hotel-style mattress) online is now easier than ever. These mattresses provide not just support but also add a touch of luxury akin to five-star hotel rooms. Pair your mattress with a فرشة سرير (bed mattress topper) for that extra plush feel.

And don’t forget the bedding essentials. A طقم تلببيسة (quilt cover set) or كفرات سرير (bed covers) can instantly update the look of your bedroom without the need for a full makeover. Plus, تلبيسة بدون حشوة (covers without filling) are perfect if you want to personalize your bedding with your own inserts.

Adding Texture and Warmth with Rugs and Carpets

No home decor is complete without the right floor treatment. Imagine stepping onto a soft سجاد (carpet) or a traditional زولية (mat) after a long day. Alsaad Home UAE features exquisite سجاد ممرات (runner carpets) perfect for hallways, along with elegant سجاد الامارات and سجاد دبي styles to suit every taste.

Buying a carpet online might seem daunting, but with detailed descriptions and clear photos, you can easily find the perfect match. From vibrant patterns to minimalist designs, there’s something for every style.

Accessorizing with Elegance

Beyond the big pieces, it’s the little touches that bring a home to life. Explore a wide selection of إكسسوارات منزلية (home accessories) and اكسسوارات ديكور (decor accessories) at Alsaad Home UAE to find items that add personality and charm. Whether you want to add a statement vase, unique lamps, or decorative books (كتب ديكور), these elements transform spaces by adding color, texture, and interest.

Enhance your bedroom with the right مخدة طبية (medical pillow) or وسادة نوم (sleep pillow) to improve sleep quality and posture. Soft, comfortable pillows and وشائد نوم (sleep cushions) are just as important as your mattress, helping create a sanctuary of relaxation.

Scented Atmospheres and Skin Care Essentials

Don’t overlook the sensory experience in your home. Fragrances such as معطرات جو (air fresheners) and معطرات فراش (bed fresheners) provide a subtle but impactful way to elevate your environment. Alsaad Home UAE also offers natural skin care essentials like صابون الحمار (donkey milk soap) and كريم الحلزون (snail cream) which can add a touch of luxury to your daily routine.

These thoughtful inclusions not only make your space feel welcoming but also help create an environment of self-care and indulgence.

Why Buy Home Decor Online in Dubai, UAE?

Living in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, shopping online for home decor offers unmatched convenience. From comforter set buy online in Dubai UAE to buy mattress online in Dubai, UAE, everything is just a few clicks away. The extensive online catalogs available at Alsaad Home mean you can explore bed sheet sets with comforter, king size bed sheets, and even single bed comforter sets without leaving your home.

What’s more, online shopping provides detailed product information, competitive pricing, and direct delivery to your doorstep, making it easier than ever to furnish your home stylishly and efficiently.

Making Your Home Uniquely Yours

At the end of the day, home decor is about expressing your style and creating a space where you feel comfortable and inspired. Whether it’s picking out the perfect شرشف سرير (bed sheet) or selecting the right سجاد تركي (Turkish carpet), every choice reflects your personal taste.

With Alsaad Home UAE, you’re not just buying products—you’re investing in your lifestyle. From luxurious مفرش سرير to the finest مراتب سرير, the brand offers everything needed to turn your house into a home that feels warm, inviting, and distinctly you.

Tips for Shopping Home Decor Online

Know Your Style: Whether you prefer minimalist modern or rich traditional, start by defining your aesthetic.

Measure Your Space: Make sure the dimensions fit your rooms perfectly, especially for items like كفرات وتلابيس (bed covers and covers) and سجاد (carpets).

Read Product Details: Fabric type, thread count, mattress firmness—all these details help you make informed decisions.

Mix and Match: Don’t hesitate to combine textures and colors, like pairing a طقم لحاف قطن with a contrasting فرشة سرير.

Explore Accessories: Small touches like عطور (perfumes) or كتب ديكور can add layers of charm.

Final Thoughts

Bringing your space to life has never been more accessible or exciting, especially with the convenience of online shopping in Dubai and the UAE. From مراتب سرير to مخدات and beautiful مفارش نفرين, every element is an opportunity to express yourself and create a sanctuary of comfort and style.

Explore the diverse collection at Alsaad Home UAE (alsaadhome.com/ar/aed) and discover how effortless it is to تسوق مع مراتب السعد (shop with Alsaad mattresses) and beyond. Your dream home awaits—start your decor journey today!

see more:-

طقم لحاف قطن, مفرش سرير , مفرش نفر, مفارش نفرين, مفارش

مراتب سرير / مرتبة, مرتبة سرير, فرشة سرير, تسوق مع مراتب السعد , مرتبة طبية, دوشق, الطبقة الفندقية

معطرات فراش , معطرات جو, عطور , صابون الحمار, كريم الحلزون

اكسسوارات منزلية, إكسسوارات منزلية, اكسسوارات ديكور, كتب ديكور

طقم تلببيسة, كفرات سرير , تلبيسة بدون حشوة, كفرات وتلابيس, مفارش سرير