#the scouts as the adaptive immune system

[castametric]

the highest honor I can bestow upon a work of fiction is “metaphor for the immune system”

[extrajigs]

The Atlantic's immune system yay!! BIG info dump below!

Basically when the blood ocean was created it was of course a conversion of all water within the Atlantic to living human blood. The blood of the caster to be exact. This came with the full mix of blood, not just the blood cells themselves. Plasma, immune cells, and even a small percentage of stem cells. For a short time after its revision, a vial of blood from the Atlantic would be indistinguishable from blood drawn from an average person. However while most of it DID decay and rot away it was eventually replaced! For the sanguine sea has a will to live all on its own and it will do what it has to to keep itself alive. Let's just say that magic radiation gave it a boost to adapt before it all would have just turned to sludge!

Also think of this as like a part one as it is not ALL of the bits and bobs.

The Main Gist

The immune system of the Atlantic has undergone slight changes from what goes on within the human body. While in the early days of the ocean, the cells within gorged and swarmed the masses of dead sea life, nowadays all that old death has long since sunk to the anoxic depths. Only the few top meters of blood hold onto the oxygen that can be grabbed directly from the air. This topmost layer is the bastion that these fellas defend and replenish, large colonies working in sync to make sure fresh blood is always around. Thus they are responsible for the bounty of the blood sea, as much as they try to eliminate it. Anything that has different DNA than the blood sea gets a not so warm welcome from it.

1. Shards

These are the scouts of the system, using two fins they meander through the blood at pretty reasonable speeds. The only senses the colonies have reacquired are those of scent and touch, the former for searching out anything strange in the blood column and the latter for when they bump into it. These guys are ill prepared to fight aside from a few acidic tendrils, but once detecting a foreign body they’ll turn tail and rush back to their main colonial swarm. If the poor animal they found out is lucky, it will have time to turn and flee before the cavalry arrives.

2. Marrow Worms

These are not the cavalry, in fact if you were to even poke these guys they are more likely to disintegrate into a plume of sadness. But do not think them worthless for their pitiful offense, for these are SUPPORTIVE WORMS! Being that the colony's individuals are derived from former immune cells, they never regained the ability to self replicate. If they were injured or simply degraded due to age, they could never repair or regenerate the cells they lost within their bodies. Luckily the marrow worm is here to save the day!

Let's say a shard is wounded, its fin torn from its body, whilst it is in no danger of bleeding out, it is in danger of becoming useless to the sea. The solution is that when the immune bodies of the sea take damage, they release a powerful chemical signal to call for aid. This draws in the marrow worms who will swarm the individual and spread their bodies over them like a hot slice of butter. The marrow worms function as mobile stem cells, sacrificing their own bodies to grow into the parts needed for the other members of the colony. Most will have every part of their body replaced throughout their lifetime. And there is a philosophical idea in there somewhere but it's time to get onto the stabby members of this band!

3. Tacks

These guys tend to stay by the main hubs of the colony, defending them from any threats that manage to get by. However they are quite eager to zip off through the blood once called upon by a scouting Shard. Their main weapon is a stabbing keratinized spike through which they inject a powerful mix of digestive enzymes. These same enzymes are used within the trailing tendrils they use to ensnare smaller intruders. With sheer force of numbers they attempt to use this acid to kill any animals they find, though luckily they are lacking in stamina so can be outrun if spotted early enough.

4. Hubs

These function as the housing for the most precious members of the colony, the marrowcores. They provide coverage for these most delicate structures as well as pumping fresh oxygen filled blood from the surface over the tendrils of marrow. Slowly swimming through the ocean they are eternally accompanied by huge swarms of supplementary organisms that feed and defend them at all costs. And with good reason! The hubs allow for the birth of new marrow worms and they are shepherded around as needed through the sea.

5. The Marrowcores

These are the true center of the ocean. Long spindled frames of bone from which long strands of marrow grow and waft. These feathered segments can break off and become new marrow worms, but the main job of these cores is to mass produce blood on a nigh unimaginable scale. So proficient are they, that that topmost layer of the ocean can be completely replaced every two months. Pretty important piece, but these individuals are the strangest of the whole lot, continuously losing and replacing parts yet holding onto some vague memory amongst themselves. Weird.

And that’s the first go of it! I hope ya like these fun lil guys!

[science-sculpt]

The Immune System's All-Star Team: The Mighty Cells That Protect You

Your body is like a bustling city, constantly facing threats from outside invaders like viruses and bacteria. Thankfully, you have a team of dedicated defenders keeping you safe: your immune cells! Our immune system is a marvel of biological defense, tirelessly safeguarding our bodies from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. At the forefront of this defense are numerous types of immune cells, each with its unique functions and capabilities. Did you know the average adult has about 2 trillion white blood cells, which contain most immune cells? That's more people than live in China! These tiny warriors come in different shapes and sizes, each with unique superpowers to protect you. Let's meet some of the key players:

The Innate Force: First up, we have the innate immune system. This frontline defense acts fast and nonspecifically, providing immediate protection against any threat. The key players: 1. Neutrophils: Think of these guys as the city's SWAT team. They're the first responders, rushing to attack invaders with toxic chemicals and swallowing them whole with their arsenal of enzymes! These are the most abundant immune cells, are short-lived but highly effective. Unfortunately, they die in the fight, leaving behind a green gooey mess (pus) that signals infection.

2. Macrophages: These are the veterans, the wise generals of the immune system. They go beyond mere engulfing, processing antigens (foreign molecules) and presenting them to other immune cells for recognition and attack. They also act as scavengers, cleaning up debris and orchestrating healing. These are the cleaners and recyclers. They gobble up dead neutrophils, debris, and even worn-out cells, keeping your city sparkling clean.

3. Natural Killer (NK) Cells: These are the ninjas of the immune system. They silently patrol, sniffing out suspicious cells infected with viruses or even cancer and eliminating them with a swift punch. The Adaptive Arsenal:

The Adaptive Arsenal: If the innate system fails, the adaptive immune system steps in. This highly specific defense remembers past encounters and tailors its response to each unique threat. The cells of adaptive immune system are:

B Cells: These are the antibody factories, producing highly specific proteins called antibodies that neutralize pathogens and toxins. Each B cell produces a unique antibody, like a lock and key, targeting specific invaders. They whip up special proteins called antibodies that lock onto specific invaders, like sticky notes, marking them for destruction.

T Cells: These are the generals, coordinating the entire defense. There are different types of T cells:

Helper T Cells: These are the commanders, directing and coordinating the immune response through chemical signals. They activate B cells, macrophages, and other immune cells, orchestrating a multi-pronged attack.

Cytotoxic T Cells: These are the elite soldiers, directly targeting and eliminating infected cells or cancer cells. They recognize and bind to specific enemy markers, unleashing a lethal attack.

Memory T Cells: These are the veterans, remembering past encounters with invaders and helping the immune system respond faster next time.

The Unsung Heroes: Beyond these main players, numerous other immune cells contribute to our defense. These include:

Dendritic cells: These antigen-presenting cells capture and process pathogens, presenting their fragments to T cells for activation. They're like the scouts, gathering enemy intel and relaying it to the command center.

Mast cells: These cells reside in tissues and release inflammatory chemicals in response to allergens or parasites. They're like the alarm system, alerting the immune system to local threats.

Eosinophils: These specialize in fighting parasitic infections, releasing toxic chemicals to neutralize them.

Basophils: These are involved in allergic reactions and contribute to wound healing.

The beauty of the immune system lies in its intricate collaboration. These diverse cell types work together in a complex and beautiful dance, each playing a specific role to achieve a common goal: protecting our health. They communicate extensively through chemical signals, creating a complex network of interactions. Imagine B cells producing antibodies that bind to a pathogen, flagging it for destruction. Macrophages engulf and eliminate the tagged pathogen, while T cells coordinate the attack and eliminate any infected cells. Dendritic cells present captured fragments to T cells, priming them for future encounters. This seamless cooperation ensures a swift and effective response to any threat.

Your immune system is constantly learning. Each time you get a vaccine or fight off an infection, your immune cells create memory T cells, making you more resistant to future attacks. Understanding these cellular heroes can help us appreciate the incredible machinery that keeps us healthy and appreciate the importance of maintaining a strong immune system. It also allows us to make informed decisions about supporting our immune system. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and consuming a balanced diet can all contribute to a robust immune response.

[twitchystitchwitch]

This was the boy who started it all! Spike the uromastyx, I actually got him right around the time the first HTTYD movie came out, he was part of the reason I was so obsessed with the series because reptiles were a huge special interest of mine as a child! He lived to be almost 16, and he inspired me to take on older reptiles that need new homes

Flat Stanley is my first bearded dragon, and honestly figuring out how to adapt what most beardies need in order to fit his needs has been an interesting task! He developed metabolic bone disease at an (assumed) very young age, and it permanently warped his skeleton and damaged his immune system, but the vet team I work with has done a very good job figuring out what will help him be the comfiest he can be and it seems like he's doing really well!

Scout is my most recent rescue, and his name is the only one I consciously decided to use the S trend for 😂 He is often just called Mr. Crusty by my husband and I because the vet has referred to him as "crispy" before because he is pretty chronically dehydrated no matter what we do. He's got chronic vasculitis in his eyes from a combination of an untreatable aneurysm and a chronic antibiotic resistant infection. I know the least about him out of all of my reptiles, I have no idea how old he is or what his life before was like. I'm currently trying to build him a new and bigger cage, since he has full mobility and doesn't need things to be fall-proofed and easy to maneuver like Stanley does

I've started taking in rescue bearded dragons, and I plan to keep doing it as time goes on. Coincidentally my first lizard (not a rescue or a bearded dragon, his name was Spike) and my first rescue bearded dragon (Stanley) had names that started with S. After people pointed it out to me I decided to make it a purposeful trend. My most recent rescue is named Scout. This all obviously means that at some point I absolutely have to name a lizard in my care Stormfly

That’s so amazing!!!! I freaking love lizards!! And a lizard named Stormfly?? Hell yeah!!!

[primergon]

Hello! I was wondering if you could do the autobots with a charge that has an extreme resistance to the cold! Like it can be 10 degrees (Fahrenheit) and there just outside in a simple sweatshirt and jeans?

A/N : hello ! sorry this took ages anon , I hope you like it <3

After his incident in the Arctic, Optimus tends to be warier of places that can drop to sub-zero temperatures. Iacon's temperature was relatively hot, as the capital city, he was used to the brutal heat mixed with a lot of pollution. Summers in Jaspers reminded him of home. The heat of the sun was enough to boil pavements and melt paint. So when it dawns to him just how cold the desert can turn, he immediately made sure everyone in team prime was prepared. The last thing he wants is to watch someone he cares for freezing to death. So when he saw you run out of the base to look at the snow, Optimus gently sets a foot down to check if you were dressed properly. He frowned, asking you where your jacket was. It took you a while to convince him that this was nothing compared to what you have experienced before, yet the Autobot leader was still hesitant, even going as far as asking June in private if it was safe. He only lets you go once you've wrapped a scarf on top of your t-shirt, leaving him to watch carefully from a distance. He smiles to himself, in awe of how humans always prove to be stronger than they look.

Taking after his leader, Bumblebee was hesitant, wondering if it was okay to let you out without a coat when the children are all huddling together by a campfire after a long day of throwing snowballs at each other. Even Raf's cheeks have turned red, and Miko was trying to hide the fact that her teeth chattered. Bumblebee let out a series of worried beeps, door wings fluttering when you assure him you're not cold. He only lets out a surprised beep when you threw a snowball at him. The Scout wonders just how tough humans were at adapting to the weather when even his internal heating systems were at the brink of overworking themselves.

Smokescreen, on the other hand, was delighted. He only asked you once for confirmation, before driving down to the beach with you. At this time of the year, the water was freezing, icy cold against his pedes as the wind rolled down the rocky cliffs. The sky was grey and colourless as the sun begins to set in the distance. Every now and then he'll cast a worried glance at you as you swim against the waters, asking you the second time when you've been in the water for quite some time. You pat Smokescreen's ankles, giving him a thumbs-up before splashing some water against him - making him laugh as the two of you continued goofing around.

Immediately after you got off the seat, Arcee had told you to change into some spare clothes. She cursed at the weather, wondering why the sky had begun to part for the rain in the middle of your patrol. You told her that you didn't bring any towels or extra clothes, but before she could panic, you reassure her you were used to these kinds of things. Arcee's first reaction is to scoff, thinking you were bluffing because even she was rubbing her hands together while waiting for her internal systems to heat up. But you only wiped away the raindrops with your fingers to laugh, and Arcee paused to process the fact that you didn't shiver even once before going to greet the others. She worries, asking you once more - indirectly, through a sarcastic remark, of course. Before leaving to shake her head at you with a smile.

As a doctor, Ratchet had every right to be worried. Cybertronian or not, he knows that winters in Jasper shouldn’t be taken lightly. So you weren't surprised to walk into the good doctor scolding you for going out without a jacket. He insisted that humans aren’t immune to the cold, reciting the anatomy lessons June had taught him while you nodded your head several times to say ' I know.' It’s a good thing you found his nagging endearing because it didn’t stop until he finally realised that you weren’t trying to act tough. The cold really didn’t bother you. ( please ignore the frozen reference, Bulkhead picked it for movie night ) He scoffed before shaking his head, the older mech silently amazed at how quick to adapting for survival humans were.

When Bulkhead saw you walk around with a short-sleeved shirt he immediately asked you where your jacket was, wondering why you weren’t geared up in a coat like Miko was when it’s snowing outside. You assured him you’re used to the weather, having lived in cold places your entire life. Bulkhead glanced at Miko, who was shivering next to the heater. After worrying for a few minutes he eventually let go of the matter, allowing you and Miko climb into his cab to drive through the thick snow.

Wheeljack didn’t notice it off the bat, but he was observant. He noticed how everyone else at the base was huddling together for heat but you. It was a shame that the base experienced a power outage, and while Jack and Fowler went to get the heaters running with Ratchet, you were out in the cold collecting firewood. You gave your jacket for June to wear, seemingly unbothered by the dropping temperature. It’s strange, he thought, how you didn’t seem bothered given that you were only wearing one layer of clothing. When the two of your are alone he asked you if you were okay, to which you responded with a smile. It slightly unnerved him, if not amazed, to see that your teeth weren’t chattering even if the wind was crowding you from all sides.

With little to no prior knowledge of humans, Ultra Magnus was still learning about humanity alongside team prime. So when his human charge didn’t react the way Optimus said humans would when exposed to the cold, he immediately thought you were sick. You laughed when he asked you if you were unwell, telling him you were just used to the cold. He nearly ordered you to return to base, even going as far to argue that it’s best if you go back to change out of your sweatshirt into something warmer. It took a bit of explaining when it comes to the second in command, who was suspicious at the idea that you can withstand such temperatures. Nonetheless, he took your word for it, letting you track through the snow to accompany him on his patrol.

[mortallyclearwonderland]

Star Wars Alien Species - Yinchorri

The Yinchorri evolved on a rocky, desert world known as Yinchorr, located in the Expansion Region. Their thick skin evolved as a means of protection against the arid environment of their homeworld. Yinchorr had little in the way of natural resources. It was, however, rich in predators, including the rolk-mangir. The Yinchorri eventually organized themselves into rival city-states. In the most ancient epochs of Yinchorr's history, Tol-Kachorn was the strongest of these, with almost one hundred small communities providing it with resources and five lesser city-states serving as its satellites. Several other polities tried to challenge the supremacy of Tol-Kachorn, confrontations that sparked wars of conquest that always ended in the defeat of the contender—and the reign of chaos.

During the years following the end of the New Sith Wars, the Yinchorri species was mentioned in the Jedi training manual The Jedi Path, in an entry on Force-resistant aliens that was written by the Jedi Master and biologist Bowspritz.

Circa 500 BBY, Yinchorr was charted by the Galactic Republic. Alien scouts decided that the Yinchorri were too underdeveloped to be useful to the Republic, and the planet was deemed too deficient in resources to be useful for a settlement. On the scouts' advisement, the Republic disregarded the world and the Republic refused to admit Yinchorr as a member, despite the desire of the Yinchorri to become part of the pan-galactic democracy. In 67 BBY, the Yinchorri Council of Elders sent a delegation led by Qayhuk, the Council's secretary, to a meeting of some of the galaxy's most influential beings on the moon Sojourn, to request that the Muun power broker Hego Damask lobby the Republic on their behalf. Damask, the public persona of Darth Plagueis, had heard rumors of the alleged Force resistance of the Yinchorri and he attempted to perform a mind trick on Qayhuk. Impressed by the secretary's immunity to Force-based influence, Damask agreed that his company, Damask Holdings, would exert pressure on the Republic to give the Yinchorri a seat in the Galactic Senate.

Around 58 BBY, the Yinchorri joined the galactic community, but most planetary representatives assumed that the species would go unnoticed in the grand scheme of galaxy-wide politics. The Yinchorri officially became members of the Republic the following year as a result of Damask Holdings' influence, and they were eventually given representation in the Galactic Senate. On attaining their seat in the Senate, the Yinchorri Council of Elders provided Damask with a convicted Yinchorri murderer as a gift, and he experimented on the criminal to learn more about the innate resistance of the Yinchorri to Force-based suggestion. After two years of study, Plagueis discovered a way by which he could bypass the convict's Force immunity and compel the murderer to become placid. The Muun developed plans to assemble an army of Yinchorri to wage war against the Jedi Order, so he traveled to the planet Kamino to discuss with the Kaminoan cloners the possibility of creating a force of obedient, cloned Yinchorri soldiers. However, the Kaminoan scientist Ko Sai expressed doubts that compliance could be bred into the Yinchorri without compromising their violent tendencies. Despite her concerns, Plagueis decided to press ahead with the development of the army and provided the Kaminoans with the Yinchorri convict. After repeated attempts, all efforts to successfully clone the Yinchorri failed.

The Yinchorri were introduced to interstellar travel through means that, according to rumor, involved stolen technology. The species began to work offworld in violent occupations, making good use of their natural drive. They soon adapted to the galaxy and developed a love for the latest military technology, including starships. Even then, few Yinchorri felt the need to settle in other, less inhospitable systems. Those who did so had to take with them all of their relatives and their relatives' families, which usually meant the relocation of an entire town or city-state. The Yinchorri colonized three other planets in the Yinchorri system: Yitheeth, which had only seven percent of the surface covered in land and was otherwise a shallow sea; Yibikkoror, characterized by its dense atmosphere; and Uhanayih, a rock with no life except for the settlers. The word Uhanayih was related to myths and legends about living in the "spiritual world." The galaxy however, understanding that the Yinchorri were aggressive, restricted the sale of starships to the species. The Human Jedi Master Tharence Wo researched the Yinchorri and wrote detailed reports for the use of future Jedi. Wo mistakenly believed that Uhanayih was a mythical place instead of a real colony.

Slavers raided the planet Yinchorr, trying to capture and sell the locals. They discovered that Yinchorri groups were more likely to fight to their deaths than face the fate of slaves; even those uncooperative Yinchorri that were captured preferred to be executed or starve to death than obey a new master. Eventually, slavers realized that the spirit of resistance was embedded in the species' social structure; such traffickers subsequently avoided Yinchorr's population.

During the last years of the Old Republic, Plagueis' apprentice Darth Sidious concluded that the Yinchorri were a threat to his plans of galactic domination due to their stubbornness and resistance to Force mind tricks. Following the failure of Plagueis' plan to clone the Yinchorri, Plagueis and Sidious hoped to engineer a crisis to test whether the Yinchorri could be fashioned into an effective anti-Jedi army. However, Sidious was also threatened by Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum and the Jedi Order, and after realizing the futility of forging the Yinchorri into a controllable fighting force, he decided to manipulate the Yinchorri so that they became an apparent hazard to the Galactic Republic. The Sith wanted the Yinchorri to attack and wage a war against the Jedi, hoping that such a conflict would weaken all his enemies and destroy some of them. Sidious also hoped to use the Yinchorri to test Valorum's ability to handle a crisis.

Needing an agent to interact with the Yinchorri without being discovered himself, Sidious recruited the Devaronian smuggler, Vilmarh "Villie" Grahrk, passing on to him a timetable along with whatever resources the Devaronian needed, but not telling Grahrk about his motives. Grahrk was sent to Yinchorr with advanced combat technology with which he defeated the Yinchorri guards. Having impressed the Yinchorri, he was granted an audience with five important Yinchorri leaders, including Jorek, Kardek and Sothek. Grahrk convinced the Yinchorri that they could increase their prominence in the galaxy by stealing several ships from the nearby shadowport Golden Nyss Shipyards, with Grahrk's help, as the Yinchorri were unable to pilot a starship at that point. Grahrk promised that the Republic would not respond with a military attack.

One of the Yinchorri leaders refused to trust Grahrk, as he was a stranger, and so Kardek offered to sponsor Grahrk by marrying his daughter Vooma to the Devaronian, prompting the other leaders to similarly offer their own daughters. Physically disliking Yinchorri women, Grahrk offered his son for the marriage in order to gain time. However, he did not have a child of his own and so Grahrk pretended that his nephew Olmar was his son and offered him to the Yinchorri. Grahrk made a deal with Olmar's father Holmar, offering him a part of the loot in exchange for Holmar's and Olmar's help.

Ferried by Vilmarh Grahrk, the Yinchorri attacked the shadowport, stole the ships there and blew up the shipyard. Grahrk reprimanded the Yinchorri for that final move but the Yinchorri, not intimidated, felt that their duty was to destroy whatever they did not need.The loot from the attack became the core of the Yinchorri's arsenal during the ensuing uprising. Over the next few years, the Yinchorri learned how to pilot their attack ships and starfighters - the latter of which included other technology stolen from twelve systems. They were also provided with armor made of cortosis, a material resistant to Jedi lightsabers.

The Yinchorri were known for their strength of character and utilitarianism. Covetous and domineering, they considered themselves worthy of anything that came within their clutches—provided they could keep it from others—using the expression, "might makes right" as their motto and moral authorization. Those things that they disliked or had no need for were destroyed. Due to a lack of neural pathways in the Yinchorri forebrain, members of the species had an instinctive disposition towards violence that rendered them unruly and unpredictable. Yinchorri only became fiercer and more obstinate when confronted by opponents; should such rivals prove a threat to Yinchorri or their loved ones, the reptilians' demeanor could explode into physical violence—although direct threats were not always necessary to inflame a Yinchorri's temper to the point of physical confrontation.

The Yinchorri lived in city-states on the planet Yinchorr. Each community had its own military and its own rulers. Most city-states were ruled by a Council of Elders headed by a single leader. Thus, the Yinchorri had no planet-wide ruler. The Council was highly respected by the Yinchorri. Each city-state also had smaller communities around it providing the city-state with resources such as minerals and farmed food; the number of those settlements was used to measure the polity's influence.

The Yinchorri were inept strategists and easily tricked by manipulative individuals who preyed on their naïveté. As such, they were led by the Sith Lord Darth Sidious and his minions not only to rise up against the Galactic Republic, but also to make tactical moves that damned their own war effort. During the years of the Galactic Civil War, agents of the Galactic Empire made good use of the Yinchorri gullibility by betraying them after tricking a Yinchorri commander and his pilot. Those Yinchorri brought Leia Organa to Yinchorr, following Imperial orders, and then were promptly killed by the Empire before the Yinchorri could understand the reasons behind the Empire's reversal.

The Yinchorri developed technology adapted to their own needs and environment. An example was the Yinchorri flutter-pack, a backpack with four insect-like wings whose fluttering allowed the user to fly for one hour. The device was capable of carrying a cargo of 200 kilograms or 441 pounds; its flight ceiling was 1,000 meters or 1094 yards. The user, commonly a Yinchorri, utilized a gauntlet to control speed and direction, with a hand-held weapon in the free hand. Those devices were often worn in conjunction with protective goggles. Upon draining of its power, the flutter-pack had to be re-charged for eight hours before it could be re-used.

The Yinchorri lived in city-states on the planet Yinchorr. Each community had its own military and its own rulers. Most city-states were ruled by a Council of Elders headed by a single leader. Thus, the Yinchorri had no planet-wide ruler. The Council was highly respected by the Yinchorri. Each city-state also had smaller communities around it providing the city-state with resources such as minerals and farmed food; the number of those settlements was used to measure the polity's influence.

They were inept strategists and easily tricked by manipulative individuals who preyed on their naïveté. As such, they were led by the Sith Lord Darth Sidious and his minions not only to rise up against the Galactic Republic, but also to make tactical moves that damned their own war effort. During the years of the Galactic Civil War, agents of the Galactic Empire made good use of the Yinchorri gullibility by betraying them after tricking a Yinchorri commander and his pilot. Those Yinchorri brought Leia Organa to Yinchorr, following Imperial orders, and then were promptly killed by the Empire before the Yinchorri could understand the reasons behind the Empire's reversal.

To the Yinchorri, social structure was a natural part of their existence, as each Yinchorri was always part of several communities: First the childhood family, then the city-state where they grew up, then the work environment, and finally the new family they formed with a mate. Yinchorri particularly valued the institution of marriage, and the species mated for life. In some cases, a widow or widower suffered so much that she or he might die of sorrow only days after the mate's death. Marriages were frequently arranged by the parents of the couple to increase the power of the family; polygyny, the form of polygamy in which a male had several wives, was not unheard of. Neither was marriage among a Yinchorri and a non-Yinchorri alien. Yinchorri were known to distrust aliens as they were not born among their clans, but this taboo could be broken through inter-species marriage. For example, in 33 BBY, the daughters of several Yinchorri Elders married the same Devaronian for political reasons. From that point on, the Yinchorri Elders considered that Devaronian and his family to be a part of their own families.

The Yinchorri, also known as Yinchori, were sentient, reptilian humanoids with sturdy constitutions. Members of the species were turtle-like in several respects, such as the head; however, they were anthropomorphic with regard to limb position. Although they were born in clutches from eggs, women showed natural breasts. There were no other appreciable differences between male and female Yinchorri. The Yinchorri body was covered by thick skin, which was dark green or brown in color.

The species was divided into two breeds: The Intelligentsia, who performed governing tasks, and the warrior caste, who were known to use violence in response to threats. No matter the breed, all the Yinchorri had a natural resistance to the mind-controlling uses of the Force, due to an adaptation of their Midi-chlorians—microscopic, symbiotic life forms that resided inside the cells of all living things—which caused the symbionts to generate Force-devoid bubbles around their hosts. The Sith Lord Darth Plagueis believed that the Yinchorri had evolved their Force resistance as a response to a past threat to their survival, and he suspected that the species were naturally strong in the Force. However, that resistance did not extend to those Force powers that did not directly affect the will of the target, such as telekinesis. A small percentage of the Yinchorri could also manipulate the Force.

Adults stand between 2.4 and 2.7 meters or 7.9 and 8.9 feet tall.

Yinchorri age at the following stages:

1 - 7 Child

8 - 14 Young Adult

15 - 40 Adult

41 - 59 Middle Age

60 - 79 Old

Examples of Names: Denrak, Emterrk, Jetar, Jorek, Kardek, Merzok, Qayayir, Solhek, Varuk, Vooma.

Languages: The Yinchorri had their own language, also known as Yinchorri, which was used to christen native fauna such as the rolk-mangir. Many Yinchorri learned to speak Galactic Basic Standard as a second language, but few learned to read it.

[ahyesreaperscouncilor]

Shaela’Riel Past

Shiala'Riel nar Tonbay vas Tonbay, the daughter of Han'Riel and Belia'Riel, born on the ship the Tonbay, had a very normal childhood. Spening with her mother and father much of her time before she got her own suit and could be taken out of the bubble. The years until her Pilgrimage had been rather normal and calm. She had learned about the culture, the exile of their ancestors and about the geth.

At the age of 19, Shiala had started her pilgrimage, wanting to explore the stars for some valuable resource as any other quarian would do. Her first goal was to reach a planet or space statiion to find some work. After a few long travels and lots of lost money, she got to the Omega. A rather unpleasant place but she couldn't be picky during her pilgrimage and with the lack of money she had.

The year on Omega had been harsh, trying to fight off Vorcha or other scum, as a quarian she wasn't welcomed on Omega, but it would be her mistake if she would let others know that. Fortunately a turian merc had caught word of her skills in repairing things and maintaining her stuff. He went up to her little shop one day and asked her if she wanted to make some more money. Shiala was relcutant at first, since she had been taught not to trust any kind of mercenaries, but she was hungry and tired of Omega, so she said yes.

At first it all seemed normal, she was stationed in the cargo hold, sometimes coming out to check on engines and other things that need maintaining. Th turians were even nice to her, one of them even shared his last dextro-paste with her, until one day some batarian raiders caught them. The ship was damaged during the fight and Shiala tried her best to get it back up to speed. The first days after this happend, everything seemed to be fine, even though the mercs seemed to ignore her or were trying to get out of her way. Even the nice turian wasn't talking to her anymore.

About two weeks after the attack they reached a planet, unhabitant with no real resources to gather. Shiala was curious to what the mercs wanted on this planet. Then the horror began to manifest in her head, they wanted to kick her off the ship and onto this lonely planet. She pleaded with them, to take her at least to Omega back or to another planet, but she could have also talked to a wall, they wouldn't change their decision. So Shiala was kicked off their ship with one pistol and one portion of food. Nothing more.

It was kind of normal the first day, as far as Shiala could tell, she had found a little cave to shelter herself from the night. The night was over quickly then the attack starter. The planet wasn't unhabitant, Varren had been on this planet, feeding on little creatures and sometimes on Pyjaks. The quarian soon realised that her pistol would never have enough ammunition to hold of so many Varren. She managed to shot at least three of them but was overwhelmed by two more. They had ripped open her suit, bit her in her legs and the side of her body. She had no idea if they had killed her or just retreated because they found something better. Shiala felt her life fading away, her suit torn apart and wounds so heavy she couldn't imagine to be alive at this point.

Another few hours to nearly a day past before a turian patrol scanned the area and found her lying motionless on the ground. It was a military ship from the hierarchy, bringing her to Huerta Memorial, since they caught some life signs on her. The staff in the hospital tried everything to get her back up, but something had caused her immunesystem to work against her body even in an highly sterilized room. So the Migrant Fleet was contact via a scouting vessel, bringing back the wounded quarian to the Migrant Fleet and to her birthship.

Shiala spent nearly six months in a sterilized room, having no chance of getting out and she was inside her new suit as well. But she felt sick everytime she made some minor exercises like sparring with others after her six months of 'imprisonment'. A doctor declared her immune system so weak she would die from a real infection if she isn't treated within a minute. She was now a non-combatant, but soon found her skills in navigation and making plans for the patrol fleet during peace time. But she had a stigma on her for returning ot her original homeship. She had sworn to switched the ship once she got better, which never happend.

During this point Shiala'Riel had been 22 years old, ending her pilgrimage only with small amount of data from the merc ship and some minor things from Omega.

2186 - The attack of the Reapers was broadcasted over the galaxy, but her people had been preparing for something else. The retake of their homewold Rannoch. Sadly the geth had been more advanced than her people had anticipated. She was one of the few people supporting Zal'Koris in this war, she was not keen on trying to destroy the geth, despite the evil bed time stories her mother used to tell her. The war had been long and devestating for both sides, she lost her father in it, but a turian Spectre, called Desolas Arterius was able to broker peace between these two groups. Now the Migrant Fleet and the geth fleet could focus on the real threat.

Shiala spent most of the war in orbit, giving orders and receiving them, helping some colonies to evacuate while they distract Reaper ground forces. They even managed to take down a reaper destroyer which had been weakened by local groud forces. The end of the war came slowly but they managed to defeat the Reapers.

During the year after the war, Shiala tried to establish something on the homeworld and even met a very interesting geth. It was lgiht-grey like any other geth and calling her creator Shiala'Riel. It offered its help with her immune system, trying to adapt her to the atmosphere outside her suit wthout killing her. Shiala had yet to try it but her new found friend reimaned patient always stating: "Creator Shiala'Riel needs time. I will wait."

[howtofightwrite]

Q&A: Spartan Military

nate2247 said to howtofightwrite:

So how would a “spartan-esqe” military work? If you’ve already answered all of this, can you just link me to the article(s)? Thanks!

The very short answer is, it wouldn’t. Which may sound somewhat strange given the Spartans certainly enjoyed some success with their methods, so why am I saying it doesn’t work?

It’s more accurate to say the Spartans tried a lot of different things, some intentionally, and others accidentally. Some of those factors made them more effective, while others actually undermined their ability to operate and (to varying degrees) lead to their destruction.

The stuff that worked, has been adapted and, in many cases, become the norm. The stuff that doesn’t work gets picked up by people who don’t know what they’re doing and emulated, often with disastrous results.

It’s also worth remembering that it is impossible to separate the Spartan military from their society as a whole. In most societies, you can segregate their military out and examine it as a distinct entity. This isn’t possible with the Spartans.

The biggest advantage the Spartans enjoyed game from the concept of a professional soldier. This is something that should be familiar to any modern reader. You have soldiers who are, primarily, soldiers. You’re not fielding a military of craftsmen and other professions who you pressed into service, or who volunteered to form a militia when called for.

This is true of every modern military. However, for the Greeks it was unusual. The norm was for someone to have a domestic profession, but when called they would set their daily life aside and go to war.

Spartans would train for combat, and their entire culture revolved around preparing for war. When the time came, they were far better prepared to deal with the challenges and foes they faced.

On the whole, their abusive training methods, particularly against their children, were a net negative. They couched it as removing the weak, and strengthening their survivors, but that’s not really true. It did impair their ability to replace lost soldiers.

There’s a kind of sick irony here. Malnourishing kids (which the Spartans did) will permanently impair them. They’ll miss growth milestones, which you never really get back. So, the result will be smaller, weaker adults with cognitive impairment, and diminished immune systems. (This is a partial list, if you want to look it up, childhood malnutrition can result in a horrific list of symptoms.)

Starting at age 7, Spartans would take male children from their mothers and send them to be trained in Agelai (“herds,”) at the Agoge. The individuals in a herd would be overseen by older boys in their mid-teens, who would be responsible for their discipline and training. In turn those older boys would be disciplined by adults. The important takeaway is that there was brutality all around.

Children in the Agoge weren’t provisioned food. They were expected to forage for food from the surrounding farms, stealing what they needed. There were harsh penalties for getting caught, so the goal was to become an effective thief. This is where that malnutrition thing comes in, because no matter how skilled they became, it’s a safe bet these kids weren’t getting enough food.

The intent was to build up toughness. There’s a certain logic there, not logic that applies to reality, but it should be familiar to anyone who’s read a tryhard YA novel which takes Nietzsche’s, “that which does not kill me,” line a little too literally.

Take a similarly aggressive approach to training, but make sure your recruits (or kids) are well fed, and aren’t freezing to death in the night, and you’d see dramatically better results. (This also involves incentivizing the recruits, to get them actually committed to the training, but that’s another issue.)

Training is also one of the easiest, and most useful components to emulate. Ironically, looking at something like the Boy Scouts you get a similar result without damaging the participants. Scouts (who reach Star rank or higher) have a solid background in wilderness survival, orientation, and other skills with direct paramilitary application. I’d say, you don’t teach them combat skills, but then again the Marksmanship and Archery badges exist. It’s also where I got my medical training, some of my hand to hand training, and where I first learned to shoot. It’s also where I first learned the basics of Criminal Investigation. So, kids who come out of the BSA with an upper rank do end up with a surprising skill set, even if I tend to think of it as normal.

I’m singling out their training methods, perhaps unfairly, because it’s not the major reason their forces became irreplaceable.

The military forces we think of as Spartan, were the full citizens, called Homoioi (I’m told this roughly translates to “Equals,” or “Similars.”) A male Spartan Homoioi would be put through the training I’m mentioning above.

Spartans who failed in a wide varieties of ways were permanently removed from the Homoioi, and became Hypomieones (Inferiors). A Hypomieones, and their descendants, could not reascend to the Homoioi. Someone could be demoted for a wide range of transgressions, including insubordination, cowardice, showing fear in combat,  failing to be recruited by a communal mess hall at the conclusion of their training, or failure to pay dues to their mess. (These last two may sound trivial, but the Syssitias were a significant component of the way Spartan society was organized. It was, however, still a very easy way for a prospective Homoioi to be removed from their culture’s elite over a relatively minor social infraction.)

The Spartans also maintained a very strict victory or death outlook. According to Plutarch, their soldiers were told to “come back with your shield; or on it,” when leaving for war. (Worth noting that Plutarch lived four centuries after the Spartan collapse. So the exact phrasing may be apocryphal, though the philosophy was accurate to Spartan philosophy. By Plutarch’s time, Sparta had been reduced to what Josiah Ober has called, “an antiquarian theme-park,” where tourists from the Greek world would come to see recreations of classic Spartan training turned spectacle.) Something really important to understand, if you’re going to learn from your mistakes, you need to actually survive those mistakes, and learn. The Spartans disagreed, if you survived a losing battle, and you could be blamed for cowardice, there was a pretty solid bet that anything you saw would be regarded as irrelevant. This kind of, “accept no failure” approach has a long term effect of crippling your ability to adapt to changing circumstances. It doesn’t matter if your character is soldier in 550BC, or 2017AD, they need to be able to learn from their mistakes, or the mistakes of others. Modern social behavior among cops, soldiers, and even martial arts predisposes you to tell stories about, how someone you knew screwed up and got severely injured or died. You may not think about why, or how, but this does serve a very real purpose. It’s normalized to the point where this is borderline instinctive behavior, but, this is one very solid way that modern combatants learn from mistakes. If your social structure penalizes this severely, that’s not going to happen, and your military force will become insular and inflexible.

By the fifth century BC, the Spartan military did employ auxiliary units that were pulled from the Hypomieones, and other lower castes (including the Helots (serfs/slaves. Worth remembering that the Hypomieones who saw combat may not have undergone Spartan training, as it was entirely possible that their ancestor had been demoted.) This was more an act of necessity, as their military was getting into a place where there were no longer enough Homoioi to reliably field them exclusively.

Because of the way demotion worked, and the artificial attrition the Spartans applied to the children of citizens, battlefield losses were irreplaceable. Specifically, the infants of citizens would be examined at birth for any defect or weakness, and if they failed this they would be left to die of exposure.

There’s an application here that’s a little abstract. Having elite forces can be a major advantage in warfare. However, when the entirety of your forces are, “elite,” you’re going to have a hard time fielding enough people to actually fight. A modern comparison would be trying build an entire fighting force off of Special Forces and eliminating everyone else from the system. You would get some very effective combatants, but you wouldn’t be able to replace standing forces lost to attrition. Which was exactly one of the problems that late Sparta faced. Where battlefield victories with hundreds of Spartan casualties, set the stage for later conflicts where they couldn’t field enough soldiers to fight.

The other major advantage the Spartans had was an illusion. In the Hellenistic world, Spartan soldiers were seen as virtually invincible. Particularly during their early campaigns, the rigorous training applied against inexperienced combatants lead to the belief that Spartan warriors were an indomitable force. There’s plenty of surviving records of enemies routing at the sight of a Spartan advance.

To be clear, this reputation was earned. However, as the other Greek city-states became more familiar with Spartan tactics, they began to learn how to exploit them. In part, Spartan tactics were predictable, but deviated from normal Greek military doctrine, resulting in a decisive advantage against foes who were unfamiliar with their methods, but could be countered by an opponent who’d seen their approach to combat before. The end of the illusion was The Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC, when the Spartans were dealt a crushing defeat by Theban forces lead by Epaminondas.

This particular illusion can be very potent psychological advantage for a military force. Particularly when you’re dealing with a small elite cadre that can be selectively deployed. Your foes never know where they may pop up, and will be on edge facing your conventional forces.

It’s also, somewhat apparent (from surviving reports), that the Spartans actually believed this illusion as well. From a military standpoint this is borderline suicidal. You want your enemy to fear your forces and think you’re invincible. You don’t want your own troops, or especially your leaders, to believe the same thing.

Sparta wanted soldiers who were absolutely loyal, with unlimited conviction. In the long run, they created an inflexible, unrelenting system that ultimately cannibalized themselves. There are a lot of lessons that can (and have) been taken from the Spartans, but those are peppered with cautionary examples of what not to do.

-Starke

This blog is supported through Patreon. If you enjoy our content, please consider becoming a Patron. Every contribution helps keep us online, and writing. If you already are a Patron, thank you.

Q&A: Spartan Military was originally published on How to Fight Write.

[techchuck]

2 Top Favorable Cybersecurity Practices That Small Businesses Can Adapt to Protect Themselves from Cyberattacks

With cybercrime evolving with the constant dynamic digital age, it is not uncommon to hear about enterprises suffering from cyberattacks from time to time.

Don’t you for a second presume that since you own a small business establishment that you are immune to cyberattacks on your computer systems.

The straight-up answer is no. Cyber attackers don’t have a preference when it comes to them phishing for personal business and client information. Be it a startup, medium-sized business, or a large corporation; cyberattacks are non-biased.

Since the belief is that cybercrime is only meant to frustrate medium-sized to large businesses. Small business owners don’t conduct their due diligence to ensure that they have pre-set security measures in place to protect their computer systems against cyber-attacks.

It is thus safe to say that a small business faces a greater risk of experiencing cyber attacks as compared to large multinational corporate giants such as Walmart or Amazon.

This is because hackers find it easier to hack information from a small business that doesn’t have adequate capital set aside to help boost their cybersecurity policies and procedures.

This write-up is meant to enlighten small business owners as well as those aspiring to start their own business ventures.  The importance of ensuring that your business has well set up cyberattack security policies to help ensure the safety of your computer systems against sporadic internet attacks.

The last thing you would want is having your business file for bankruptcy and losing its sustainability simply because you were ignorant of installing functional cybersecurity systems.

Methods Small Business Owners Can Implement to Protect Their Businesses from Cyber Attacks

Scout for Technology Tools That Can Help Protect Your Business

You may have a coherent work culture and business strategy in place to help your company combat occasional cyber-attacks.

However, choosing to outsource your IT cybersecurity responsibilities to IT specialists such as Data Cube Systems, could help your small business become more adequately prepared against attacks on your computer systems.

This is because managed IT service providers can help inculcate the latest cybersecurity technology to help secure the operations of your business.

As a business owner, endeavor to partner with IT consultants that can offer your business a multilayered security offering as it will grant your business the best chance of survival against hackers trying to gain illegal access to your company files.

Business Strategy

There’s a common saying that states, “Rome wasn’t built in a single day.” Like any solid business idea that needs to be thoroughly researched before its implementation.

The same applies to coming up with a suitable cybersecurity framework for your small business.

It is important that before mapping out your cybersecurity needs, that you have a perfect understanding of your business’s duties, roles, and chain of management command.

As it will go a long way in helping you to come up with a solid cybersecurity framework that will empower your business to respond to cybersecurity threats promptly adequately.

It is also important to note that your cybersecurity strategy should entail aspects such as technical audits, assessments, tools, and practical security policies.

https://techchuck.com/2020/12/18/2-top-favorable-cybersecurity-practices-that-small-businesses-can-adapt-to-protect-themselves-from-cyberattacks/

[mattyunijourneybrief13]

An Investigation into Potential Job Roles & Agencies - Part 2

1. Junior User Experience Designer, FinancialForce

https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/job-listing/graduate-user-experience-designer-financialforce-JV_IC2698423_KO0,33_KE34,48.htm?jl=3715772076&utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic

https://www.financialforce.com

The job opportunity at FinancialForce is a great one, however I won’t be able to apply for it this time as I will still be at university when the application deadline is, and I want to develop myself and my portfolio further until the end of my university course in May. Nevertheless, I believe this would be a good opportunity for me as it is close to Leeds, and is easily accessible by the motorway. 

FinancialForce are a company that ‘accelerate business value with comprehensive best practices and the most intelligent analytics’.

The role itself is part of the UX team. The attractive aspect of this job is that it is a junior designer role, which would be perfect for me in my current career position. There will be an opportunities in the role to ease into more responsibility, which again is a positive as it would help me progress in the company.

What will the company offer to me in the role?

A structured plan to enable me to realise my potential and mature as a designer

Training opportunities

A place for me in a growing, market leading company

Facts about the role

The role is based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Expected start September 2021

I will have a dedicated mentor (who they call a Graduate Success Coach) from day 1, offering support and guidance

This is a permanent position from day 1

The first 6 months of your FinancialForce career will be spent working through our supportive Graduate Program

How can I be successful in the role?

I need to be a good communicator, with the ability to articulate my ideas effectively

Be a self starter, motivated with an appetite to learn

I must have a good understanding of a user centred design process

Experience in creating design assets - user journey maps, wireframes and prototypes

What else would give me an advantage to get the role

Worked in an Agile environment

Hands on experience with user research and usability testing

Experience of business software or a business environment

The application includes a link to your LinkedIn profile, as well as your CV and any additional files of your work. This is a reminder of how important it is to have a social profile, especially LinkedIn.

2. Pocketworks

https://pocketworks.co.uk

Pocketworks is an agency in Leeds that design apps. The company was founded in 2012 by Tobin Harris, who realised that companies were not realising their potential with their apps. I have spotted the same thing! So it is good that we both think alike. 

This company sounds very interesting to work for, as they share the same ambition as me: creating experiences for clients that make their lives easier, in this case making them profit.

It was interesting to see their work process, which is to innovate, deliver, improve and learn by using data analysis and prototypes. They are aware of the UX process, which is beneficial to me as an aspiring UX Designer, as I will develop by working this way.

The project that stuck out to me was the instant match analysis data that gets sent to football referees. This project sounds really interesting, and even though the details were private, it stuck out to me. I am a massive football fan, so projects like this are unique and I would love to work on a project like this.

Here is what the client had to say about the project:

“Our users have a challenging lifestyle, often on the move. We wanted to develop a valuable and convenient tool for them to benefit from every day, and it was vital we partnered with a company that got this vision."

“We were scouting for leading expertise and skills, as well as passion for what we wanted to achieve, and we found that in Pocketworks."

"The project ran smoothly, the teams collaborated every step of the way and the final app, used by more than 500 match officials and staff across all UK professional leagues, is testament to this.”

Mike Adamson, Head of Systems & Analysis, PGMOL

3. Supremo

To look for some more agencies in and around the Manchester area, I found an agency called Supremo. It actually neighbours Salford university, which is handy.

https://www.supremo.co.uk

Supremo have a unique website, with a circle icon as a mouse. This was a fun addition to the website and shows that they are aware of design.

Their values are admirable:

- Straight talking

- Warm welcome

- Big ideas

- Open ears

I think this is very refreshing to hear, as most agencies seem to be slightly hard to reach, and it feels like you are not very welcome with the door closed. The fact that they are encouraging you to get in touch really gives you that extra confidence in yourself to get in touch with them.

They offer students positions to gain experience, which absolutely took me back. I’ve never seen anything like this before; it is so fantastic to see that they are aware of the struggles of students starting out in their design career. For example, the description below mentions the benefits such as working alongside professionals, networking and gaining skills to become ready for future employers. Just the fact that they are aware of this as an agency and are offering a service to help, is genuinely incredible.

The available roles are a design placement and a development placement. The design placement looks extremely attractive to me at this moment in time. To apply for the role, it says that you need to simply email them.

Their portfolio is easy to navigate; helped by a filter with branding, UX Design and web development. 

My favourite piece of work that stood out to me was Walk the Bear, which is an app that acts as therapy, which involves walking and talking. This idea is unique and it is relatable to me, as I love a walk in the countryside.

The idea is to walk and talk with a psychologist, outside in beautiful places. What a fantastic idea! 

What is behind the idea? Why walking and talking?

Exercise - Research indicates that physical activity produces changes in your brain that make you happier and more relaxed.

Fresh Air - Regular doses of fresh air help to boost your immune system, reduce stress, and maintain good overall health and well-being.

Beautiful Scenery - Trees, lakes and other natural and urban scenery inspire you to look beyond yourself to new ideas and opportunities.

https://www.walkthebear.org/about/

4. Eden Agency

https://eden.agency/work/ai-android-app

Eden Agency is an agency that began with two software developers. The team is now almost 20 people. The team includes developers and system architects, designers and UX designers, strategists, testers, project and account managers.

They have always adapted to technology, which has helped them grow as an agency. They’ve developed smartphone apps as well as interfaces for XR since the Oculus Rift was released.

Again, their aim is to create digital services that improve lives and communities.

The piece of work that stood out to me the most was an app for Hillarys, which is a company that fits blinds. They wanted to give customers an idea of the way their windows could look before booking an appointment with them, which is why they asked for Eden Agency to help. 

The brief was to:

‘Help us sell the dream of great shutters to customers by letting them see the dressings in their window before our advisors visit.’

The idea is for the customer to take a picture of their window, and then choose from available blinds that can be fitted into the space. The user has 4 options to choose from: Style, Panel, Colours & Louvres.

5. UI/UX Designer Internship, WellBe

https://angel.co/company/wellbe-3/jobs/939171-ui-ux-designer-internship?utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic

Another avenue I could go down is an unpaid internship, which may not be possible however if I were to change my living arrangements and move back home this could be a possibility. It is always important to keep an open mind about your career path.

An unpaid internship has its benefits, as it is not as popular due to there being no salary, however the experience and the networking opportunities would be priceless. This would be beneficial to me as I have no proper UX experience in terms of a paid job, and I will be able to grow my portfolio. Also, doing unpaid work is attractive to future employers, as it demonstrates your willingness to learn, and that money isn’t the driving factor in your career.

My responsibilities in the role will be to:

Generate wireframes and prototypes

Develop design concepts from initial sketches through to polished final screens and assets

Create and illustrate content for blogs, website, press and social media channels

Translate high level design requirements into wireframes and engaging, functional user interfaces

Assist with conducting user research

For this role, I will need to have:

Strong UX/UI skills

Solid design education or background

Ability to problem solve, nothing is unachievable

Aptitude for learning

Start-up mentality

Inquisitive, passionate and enthusiastic about getting things done

Creative and thorough, with high attention to detail

Positive, can do, go-getting energy

Ability to take direction but also be a self-start and come with solutions

My position would be reviewed after 6 months. If it is going well, I could be able to stay on as a full time paid employee.

[ellymackay]

How Your Chronotype Can Help in the Coronavirus Outbreak

How Your Chronotype Can Help in the Coronavirus Outbreak was originally seen on Elly Mackay's Sleep Blog

What does your chronotype have to do with how you’re faring in these strange, difficult days of isolation and uncertainty?

A lot.

That’s because your individual chronobiology has effects over our physical health, disease risk, emotional health and cognitive performance, and sleep. Our chronotypes—and how well we’re able to live in sync with our daily bio rhythms—can have a significant influence over how well we cope with the extreme conditions and exceptional stressors we’re facing right now.

We’ve all got a lot of questions right now about how to optimize our health and safety, manage our stress, and get enough sleep, in hopes of lowering our risks for contracting Covid-19 and reducing the risks of serious complications. We’re also trying to stay free of other illnesses and injuries that might take us into our health-care systems at this moment.

I wrote recently about the serious look that scientists are giving melatonin, as a possible therapy for helping the body better cope with Covid-19, by reducing the uncontrolled inflammation that creates the most serious complications within the disease. I’ve been talking about prebiotics, and their contribution to a healthy microbiome, which may improve deep sleep and REM sleep, particularly when the body is under stress. I’m also writing a lot about the relationship between stress and sleep, and how we all can cope better and sleep better in these stressful times.

Today I’m talking about chronotypes, and how we can use them right now to keep ourselves sleeping better and feeling more grounded when the world is turned upside down.

Knowing more about how your chronotype works can help you sleep better through this crisis, help boost your immune system, and cope with the uncertainty and strain so many of us are under.

Even as some communities begin re-opening some aspects of public life, it’s clear that we’re all going to be living under some very changed, and challenging, circumstances for some time to come.

Let’s look at some of the strengths and vulnerabilities that each chronotype is likely to face during physical and social isolation and the most important steps you can take to improve your sleep and overall wellness by utilizing your body’s own bio rhythms.

Don’t yet know your chronotype? Take my quiz: www.chronoquiz.com

Then jump back here to find out how your chronotype is influencing your daily life and sleep in these exceptional times—and how to harness chronobiology for your mental, physical, and emotional advantage.

And for a full run-down on all the ways that chronotype affects your life, health, sleep and performance—and how to optimize every aspect of your life by living more in sync with your bio time, check out my book, The Power of When.

If you’re a Dolphin, here’s what you need to know…

Dolphins are the “wired and tired” types, the light and restless sleepers who wake so often during the night that their nighttime sleep may feel like a series of unsatisfying naps. Dolphins have a difficult time relaxing at night. Their minds are active, with often racing thoughts, and they feel physically keyed up—light years away from the mental and physical low gear that paves the way for sleep. During our collectively stressful coronavirus times, nights are likely to be particularly tense and agitated times for Dolphins.

There are biological reasons for all this nighttime agitation in Dolphins. Unlike other chronotypes, Dolphins’ blood pressure and cortisol levels rise in the evening, which leaves them in a state of physiological arousal at bedtime. Come morning, when other chronotypes are experiencing elevations to blood pressure and cortisol that are fueling their morning alertness, Dolphins’ levels are plummeting. It’s little wonder that symptoms of chronic insomnia—prolonged trouble falling and staying asleep, waking often, waking early, and feeling deeply fatigued throughout the day—are commonplace among Dolphins. Right now, Dolphins are likely to be having an extra tough time sleeping—and that’s making everything about the days that follow even harder.

The challenge: Reduce nighttime anxiety so they can achieve some truly restful, restorative sleep.

The solution: Give a gentle boost to morning energy, while setting a calmer, more meditative tone for the day and evening to come.

Under normal circumstances, ramping up morning energy levels is a way to increase Dolphin’s daytime productivity. In these topsy turvy Covid-19 days, maximizing productivity isn’t necessarily the right focus for everyone. That may be especially true for Dolphins, who are particularly vulnerable to the one-two punch of stress and sleeplessness. Feeling pressure to produce at one’s best can agitate both. If you’re feeling anxious and burdened by the pressure of life these days, let this morning energy boost be an extra gentle one, with a goal of feeling more relaxed and centered, rather than getting more done.

4 essential morning steps for Dolphins:

Get at least 5 minutes physical movement immediately after waking. The quicker you get moving and get your heart rate up, the sooner you’ll have your blood pressure and cortisol levels rising from their morning lows. If you’re up for a full 25-minute workout—a jog or a cycle—great. In the sunlight, all the better. But some jumping jacks or crunches right by your bed will do the trick, too.

Drink a big glass of water and eat a high protein breakfast. Dolphins are especially likely to be dehydrated in the morning. And a carb-heavy breakfast will send serotonin levels rising—which send cortisol levels down, the opposite of what you want.

Try a morning meditation. Mornings are a great time for Dolphins to brainstorm and be creative. While your mind is in this wandering state, and your alertness is off-peak, do some simple meditation. Right now, more than ever, Dolphins need to quiet and slow their minds. Don’t wait until nighttime to try to accomplish this. Begin the day meditatively and take breaks throughout the day to decompress. Another great time to meditate? In your post-workout morning shower.

Dolphins best times to…

Exercise: First thing in the morning, either a blast of cardio or something gentler. And again in the evening—make the nighttime exercise a mind-body one.

Take medication: The best time to take medication often depends on what medication you’re taking. See below for guidelines on the optimal times to take common medicines.

Nap: Dolphins should avoid napping, to help maintain a strong sleep drive for overnight rest.

Work out conflicts: Around 7 p.m. Dolphins are more relaxed after dinner, and in a frame of mind to listen to their quarantine-mates, whether spouses, roommates or children.

If you’re a Lion, here’s what you need to know…

Early chronotypes—the Lions of the world—are often the subject of some envy, for their industriousness and the seeming ease with which they stick to their routines. These are the eagle scouts and overachievers—not all, but many are Lions. They’re leaders and do-ers, focused take charge types. Lions tend to be good sleepers. They almost never have trouble turning in early, and with their cortisol levels rising and melatonin levels falling starting at about 3:30-4 a.m., they often wake before dawn and rarely, if ever, need an alarm. Lions do tend to keep a remarkably consistent sleep routine. Their tendency toward consistency and moderation in most things shows in their overall health picture: research shows morning types with early bedtimes have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, less obesity, and may have lower risks for mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and others.

This all sounds really good for navigating our current lockdown lives, right? Not so fast. Lions are struggling right now, too.

The challenge: Adapting to new and different stay-at-home routines.

Lions are great at setting routines. They’re not particularly good at changing them. Working from home, maybe caring for children at the same time, not getting out to the gym—these and other daily life changes are especially frustrating for Lions who relish their consistency and are probably having a tougher time than other chronotypes in adapting. The risk here is losing quality and quantity of sleep, via unchecked stress and a disrupted schedule.

The solution: Protect sleep and psychological well being by leaning into their early morning preferences for being productive.

2 ways for Lions to make their morning productivity soar, and feel more relaxed throughout the day:

 Lean into early morning alone time. Whether it’s 15 minutes or two hours, make the very most of the time that you have to yourself in the morning before the others in your home arise. This isn’t the ideal time to dive into something super task-oriented or productive (that’s coming), but rather to center yourself for the day. Have a quiet breakfast. Read a book. Lions like to plan. We’re all taking things day by day right now, but you can still use this time to set some plans for how to use the day.

Produce—something, anything—before noon. A lot of Lions are feeling pretty frustrated they can’t work at full throttle right now. That pent up, unmet need to be productive can have cascading effects on mood and sleep. Sometime between breakfast and lunch—ideally mid-morning, between 10-12, go to town on a project, whether it’s work, or cooking, or organizing. This will help Lions feel more in control, and less adrift. It will also take the pressure of the rest of the day, during which time Lions will be increasingly off-peak and will welcome the freedom to take it easy a little.

Lions best times to…

Exercise: If you can get out for a jog or a bike ride at dawn, great. You’ll get an energy boost that will see you through your morning, which is the key time for Lions.  Take some time for mind-body exercise in the morning—a few yoga stretches after your morning cardio—and again as part of a pre-bed wind down.

Take medication: The best time to take medication often depends on what medication you’re taking. See below for guidelines on the optimal times to take common medicines.

Nap: A post-lunch nap around 1:30 p.m. works ideally for Lions who are looking for some supplemental rest or a break from the daily hum of home life in quarantine. Here’s my guide to how to nap well, including how long naps should be.

Work out conflicts: Lions are straight up morning people. 9 a.m. isn’t everyone’s idea of a great time to hash out interpersonal conflicts, but this is when Lions will feel motivated and committed to fix problems.

If you’re a Bear, here’s what you need to know…

This is the most common chronotype. A majority of adults under age 65 are Bears. Bear bio time most closely follows the sun. Bears biologically start to kick into gear at dawn, and naturally begin to wind down at sunset. Because it’s the most common bio time, Bear bio time has a dominant influence over our broader social time. The classic 6:30 p.m. dinner time? That’s when Bears are ready for their evening meal. Your favorite 10 p.m. TV show? That’s exactly when Bears are ready to wind down for the night—but not quite ready for bed. To a large degree, all chronotypes are asked to live on Bear bio time, because that’s what society—with its Bear majority—has adopted as the norm.

Except…nothing is normal right now. In ordinary times, Bears face challenges. They’re very susceptible to social jet lag—losing sleep to a schedule that doesn’t give them enough time to get the sleep they need, every night. Bears are highly prone to under-sleeping during the workweek and seeking out make up sleep on the weekends. This see-sawing keeps circadian sleep-wake cycles perpetually out of sync. Bears have a hard time sticking to a consistent, daily exercise schedule. (They’re not wild about schedules in general.) And that contributes to both their sleep deprivation and to the extra weight that many Bears carry, especially around their midsection. And these are the challenges for ordinary life. What about now, when nothing is ordinary?

The challenge: Coping with the loss of social contact that comes with physical distancing and staying at home

The combination of social distancing and the disruption of social routines that cater to their daily rhythms is likely hitting many Bears hard, particularly after so many weeks. The stress and mood disruption that comes from this social upheaval can have a deeply negative impact on sleep, and daily functioning. In the case of Bears, oversleeping is as much a risk as insomnia or under-sleeping right now. (Here are some of the reasons sleeping too much is problematic for health.)

The solution: Maintaining meaningful social connections safely, while keeping a consistent daytime routine that combines exercise and healthful meals to avoid major carbo- and sugar-loading.

3 ways Bears can keep their sleep, mood, and weight on track:

Break exercise into several small sessions, before and after each meal. Start with some exercise first thing in the morning. Jump on a stationary bike. Take a brisk walk. Have sex. Get your blood flowing and your heart rate up. Plan to repeat quick exercise sessions before and after lunch and dinner. You’ll ramp up your metabolism, lower your appetite simultaneously. Bears will be at their athletic peak between 6-7 p.m.—that’s the time to do your most hard charging workout. Bears will miss the social aspects of athletics and the team sports that are on hold right now—get out for the run now anyway, and hop on a video chat with your running partners to catch up.

Follow a sliding scale of meals throughout the day. You’ve heard the saying, eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper? That’s an adage made for Bears—and right now it can make all the difference in how Bears sleep, how much energy you have throughout the day, and how well you manage to avoid gaining weight during social isolation and spending so much time at home. Start with a protein-rich breakfast, and make this the biggest meal of the day. Have a midsize meal at lunch and a light dinner. If you’re eyeballing portions, lunch should be half the size of breakfast and twice the size of dinner.

Bears who follow these routines, keeping themselves physically active and eating moderately and on a schedule, will sleep better, experience more stable, upbeat moods, and lower stress.

Maintain robust and regular social ties—even at a distance. Bears must feed their hankering for social connection All chronotypes need social connection, to a degree, but this bio type is feeling the strain of social isolation more than most. Whether it’s getting together over Zoom for dinner or virtual games with friends, or spending a few extra minutes on a work conference call catching up with co-workers, make a point to socialize daily amid physical distancing. Rally your family at home for game night or a puzzle project, whatever feeds the need for togetherness and community that Bears are hungry for right now.

Bears best times to….

Exercise: You’ve got this laid out for you above. Do some physical activity before and after each of your three daily meals. These don’t need to be hard-driving or long workouts. Twenty minutes of walking or jogging, yoga, some simple strength training exercises throughout the day gets you to a full hour of daily exercise.

Take medication: The best time to take medication often depends on what medication you’re taking. See below for guidelines on the optimal times to take common medicines.

Nap: A 2 p.m. nap is just right for Bears. Read my primer on how to nap well, and not disturb your nightly rest with a midday snooze.

Work out conflicts: At 5 p.m., Bears will be at their most agreeable, and inclined to sort through differences.

If you’re a Wolf, here’s what you need to know…

In some ways, the current social freeze and work-from-home migration may be easiest for Wolves—at least in terms of their sleep-wake routines and daily schedules. With their strong evening preferences, Wolves tend to struggle with society’s typical daily, standard routines. Things like work and school get going too early, and social fun ends too soon for these evening types. Wolves are at high risk for chronic social jet lag and insufficient sleep, with consequences for their mental and physical health. Research shows evening chronotypes are at greater risk for chronic diseases including cardiovascular illness and diabetes, as well as depression.

Working from home may offer some respite from the Wolf struggle to align with social routines that are at odds with their chronobiology. (To be clear, I’m not suggesting that any Wolves are happy about our current situation, only that they may be experiencing some flexibility in their daily routines that isn’t often present.)

Wolves have other natural advantages right now. They’re pretty adaptive types, able to pivot more quickly both mentally and in routines. They also tend to be less tightly tethered to in-person socializing. Wolves are awake a lot when others are asleep, like Lions at the other end of the spectrum. But Wolves also face potential hazards for their sleep and bio time.

The Wolf challenge: To avoid moving too far away from social time and into Wolf time

The key for Wolves in navigating successfully these shutdowns, work-from-home orders and social isolation? Not to let their Wolfish, night-loving preferences run too wild. Wolves right now are likely living with a different kind of flexibility in their work, school, and home life schedules. That can easily translate into a major shift toward being active and awake at night, and sleeping during the day.

(Parents, take note: nearly all teens and young adults are Wolves. All that nighttime hanging out they do—and the morning hours they sleep away—that’s all biologically driven by their chronobiology.)

Sooner or later, in some gradual way, life will change from its current set up. It may not look like life used to before the coronavirus, at least not for a while. But as society does start to open up, some standard routines and expectations will re-appear. And those will still conform to the middle-of-the-road chronobiology that dominates the population. Wolves, make no mistake: you’re going to be re-entering a world that runs on Bear time.

It’s probably tempting to indulge in the flexibility to stay up until 2 a.m. and sleep in. But there’s a better, sleep-friendlier way for Wolves to use this break from the social clock that’s so at odds with their bio time.

The Wolf solution: Move routines closer to the optimal ones for Wolves in the real world, through a grounded routine of mealtimes and exercise that starts soon after waking.

Instead of going overboard with a life lived in the evenings, Wolves of all ages can use this exceptional break in normalcy to establish the moderated routines that will keep them healthier, happier and more productive and deliver them more plentiful, restful sleep right now AND when life starts to return to “normal.” What does that kind of moderated routine look like for Wolves?

5 essential steps for Wolves to find a real-world schedule that really works:

Eat breakfast. (I mean eat breakfast in the morning, not as a substitute for lunch). Wolves don’t tend to wake up hungry. But starting the day with a protein-rich breakfast gives Wolves the energy supply you need to start functioning in the morning. Wait until late morning to have your first cup of coffee—that’s when it will do Wolves the most good, for stimulation and focusing.

Follow breakfast with some exercise, ideally in sunlight. If you’re up at 7:30 a.m.—a realistic, not-to-early rising time for Wolves right now—then you’re eating breakfast by 8:30, and working out sometime around 9 a.m. Some physical activity will increase the body’s cortisol and adrenaline, much needed alerting hormones for Wolves in the morning. And the sunlight will suppress Wolves late-to-decline melatonin production, which keeps you feeling foggy headed and tempted to crawl back in bed.

Eat a balanced lunch in the early afternoon. Wolves who skip breakfast tend to get ravenous in the late morning, and are likely to tear into whatever fatty, sugary, craving-reducing foods they can find. That high-glycemic eating undercuts the afternoon of productivity that lays ahead for Wolves, if they can keep their minds sharp and their energy up. Think of lunch in terms of threes: a meal of one-third carbohydrate, one-third protein, and one-third healthy fat.

Eat dinner on the late side, but not too late. 8-9 p.m. is ideal, and late enough to keep Wolves from doing too much prowling around the kitchen for pre-bed snacks. (Use the time before dinner to video or phone chat with friends—even lone Wolves need their social connection.)

Give yourself a full hour before lights out with no screens. Take a hot shower, read, relax. Every chronotype ought to have a Power Down Hour, but for Wolves this hour of mental and physiological de-stimulation is essential to shifting bedtime back from the 2 a.m. or later range. The optimal bedtime for an adult Wolf who’s getting up at 7:30 a.m.? Midnight.

Wolves best times to….

Exercise: Wolves will be at their athletic peak around 6 p.m. That’s the perfect time for a run. But a post-breakfast walk, and some unwinding, mind-body activity during the quiet hour before bed will reinforce a healthy schedule.

Take medication: The best time to take medication often depends on what medication you’re taking. See below for guidelines on the optimal times to take common medicines.

Nap: Wolves will do best to avoid naps, but if you can’t then a nap around 2:15 will have the least impact on nighttime wakefulness (that’s with a wake time of about 7:30 a.m.)

Work out conflicts: At 8 p.m., Wolves are hitting their best mood of the day. This is the ideal time to hash things out and make peace.

The best time to take medications

You should always consult your doctor before you make any changes to your existing medication routine. This is not medical advice, but it is information you can use as a conversation-starter with your physician at your next appointment.

Historically, advice about the dosing of medications has been rooted in convenience. Bedtime and first thing in the morning are easy times to schedule a routine dose of medication, so that’s what happened.

But these uniform directions don’t take into consideration the time of day when a medication can have the greatest effect in healing. Fortunately, scientific research is increasingly pinpointing the optimal times for dosing medication and other therapeutic treatments.

Best times to take common medications

Drug                                       Ideal dosing time

Antihistamines                                    evening

Aspirin                                                bedtime

ACE inhibitors and ARBs                  bedtime

Acid reflux drugs                                before breakfast

Beta-blockers                                      bedtime

Corticosteroids                                    afternoon, to help reduce overnight inflammation

Heartburn pills                                    after dinner

Multivitamin                                       after breakfast

NSAIDs                                              four hours before maximum pain

Osteoporosis drugs                             an hour before breakfast

Probiotics                                            with breakfast

Rheumatoid arthritis drugs                 bedtime

Statins                                                 bedtime

In our chronorhythms, we’ve each got a powerful set of biological cues just waiting to be used to help strengthen sleep, mood, immunity and health during these intense and unprecedented times.

Sweet Dreams,

Michael J. Breus, PhD, DABSM

The Sleep Doctor

www.thesleepdoctor.com

  The post How Your Chronotype Can Help in the Coronavirus Outbreak appeared first on Your Guide to Better Sleep.

from Your Guide to Better Sleep https://thesleepdoctor.com/2020/05/19/how-your-chronotype-can-help-in-the-coronavirus-outbreak/

from Elly Mackay - Feed https://www.ellymackay.com/2020/05/19/how-your-chronotype-can-help-in-the-coronavirus-outbreak/

[torixus]

How Will Coronavirus End? It Depends on Our Immunity. Three Possible Outcomes

We’re all so ready for this to be over.

With the curve finally flattening in the US, the ramping up of anti-viral and vaccine trials against SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes Covid-19—and the launch of antibody tests to screen for previous infection, it seems like science is rapidly moving towards the end game. How exactly the Covid-19 pandemic will finally bugger off into history is still anyone’s guess, but virologists and public health experts generally agree that immunity is key—either through widespread safe and effective vaccination, or when enough of our population has recovered from infections and gained herd immunity.

Well. That’s the hand-waving, shruggie emoji, “eh who knows” short answer.

Like most processes in biology, immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is complex and mysterious, with results that could rapidly diverge into many possible futures. It’s partly why estimates of how long Covid-19 sticks around to wreak havoc can vary enormously, from months to years to…well, seasonal and forever, similar to the flu.

Immunity isn’t just the key factor in determining when we can reopen society. It also underlies answers to personal protection against Covid-19: Could you get re-infected with the same virus? Will vaccines actually work, and for how long? Are positive antibody tests—showing that you’ve previously been infected—actually an immunity passport?

Here’s how immunity works, and a look into possible futures in our war against Covid-19.

Our Badass Immune System

Antibodies may get all the limelight, but they represent just a small fraction of our immune response.

The immune system is basically an entire battalion of rapidly-adaptive units consisting of cellular scouts, killer cell assassins, antibody troops, and intelligence agents that log each encounter with a new enemy. When our body is assaulted by a new foe—viruses, bacteria, or even cancer—surveillance first kicks into high gear.

Normally, a type of peach pit-looking white blood cell called T cells roam around our blood stream. When they detect strange new alien protein bits—often the result of a virus replicating itself—they alert other components of the immune system to organize attacks. These troops have some funky moves: for example, macrophages, the “tanks” of the immune system, can literally swallow up some viruses and digest their genomic material into bits; in some cases, natural killer cells (yup, that’s their name) get pumped up and blast out streams of toxic thermonuclear protein missiles called cytokines that shred the viral invader into oblivion.

But perhaps our best attack comes from B cells, a bulbous, friendly-looking white blood cell that’s also the best weaponry manufacturer in nature. B cells custom-make antibodies—each shaped like a Y with two powerful arms—arranging their sequence in a way that specifically grabs onto a new viral foe. The antibody “hug” is a hug of death; in scientific jargon, it’s called “neutralizing” the infection. Antibodies are extremely specific to a particular virus, which is why testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is generally a sign that you’ve been infected by the virus.

These immune responses aren’t completely benign to the human host. Generally they’ll trigger a fever, and in some very small portion of cases, go berserk in a process called cytokine storm that ends up harming host tissue. These immune overreactions are perhaps why some young Covid-19 patients with no underlying conditions end up dying.

For luckier patients who fight off SARS-CoV-2, the immune system still remains active. Antibodies generally stick around for a bit, though the length depends on the particular virus and could rapidly decline. In a parallel process, the immune system logs the encounter using Memory T cells (also their actual name!), which “remember” specific infections. Memory T cells generally stick around our bodies for a long time after initial infection. If we ever contract the same virus again—“same” being the operative word—these memory cells will rapidly expand into a full-on army to nip the new incursion in the bud.

Three Potential Outcomes

The complexity of our immune response is partly why a positive antibody test may not exactly mean you’re immune to Covid-19, and a negative antibody test doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not immune. Other factors such as the brigades of T cells and the memory for SARS-CoV-2 will also play a role. Given what we know about our immune responses and extrapolating from previous coronavirus (and other viral) infections, there are three likely ways that Covid-19 will eventually end.

Let’s start with the best-case scenario, taken from our response against chicken pox virus called varicella-zoster. Infection with this virus, or vaccination against it and many other childhood infectious diseases, may be uncomfortable, but it’s one-and-done. This means that either direct infection or vaccination can trigger the immune system to remember the virus for a lifetime—to the point that the virus has no chance whatsoever at running rampant again as chicken pox (with the caveat that it can come back as an incredibly painful condition called shingles, but that just shows how complicated our dance with viral attackers is). Generally it means that those who have had the virus and recovered will have immunity for life. If this is how SArS-CoV-2 plays out, as a society we’ll eventually be rid off Covid-19 for perpetuity.

Sound too good to be true? Unfortunately, previous research on coronaviruses suggests that while we’ll have some immunity, it may not necessarily last. In addition, not everyone infected with the Covid-19 virus seems to be able to generate antibodies. However, one preprint study that looked at rhesus monkeys infected with SARS-CoV-2 found that two that were re-infected 28 days after confirmed recovery were able to efficiently fight off the virus. Based on these very preliminary data, it seems we’ll at least have temporarily immunity—that is, once recovered from Covid-19 we won’t immediately get it again. Without human data and time, however, it’s really just an educated guess.

This leads to the second scenario: we get immunity, but it doesn’t last perfectly forever. That is, we could potentially get the virus again, even after initial infection or with a vaccine. The reason is that for some viruses antibodies can taper off after a while, in a sort of “use them or lose them” way. One study on the OG SARS virus that terrorized most of East Asia in 2003, for example, found that antibody levels dropped dramatically after three years from the initial infection. The silver lining in this case, however, is that our immune system retains a memory of SARS-CoV-2, so when memory T cells or leftover antibodies encounter the virus again, they’ll quickly launch an immune response. It’s the difference between a country’s unprepared countermeasures towards an outbreak versus one that’s had previous experience and so has stockpiles of related personal protective equipment and medicines. You might still get sick, but it won’t be as terrible as the first time around.

Finally, the worst-case scenario: the cat-and-mouse seasonal battle. If the virus mutates fast and dramatically enough to outfox our immune system, then our bodies will no longer be able to quickly pick it out from an invader lineup. Our immune intelligence systems and battalions will once again have to fight off a new, if somewhat similar, enemy. It sounds like a frustrating scenario, but it’s exactly what happens with the flu every year. The flu virus mutates at a shockingly rapid rate, which means we’re always one step behind and the virus becomes a seasonal nuisance. The good news is not all viruses have the flu’s superpower. Preliminary studies find that SARS-CoV-2 seems to mutate at a much slower rate than the flu, which is great news for the sticking power of vaccines.

So how does the Covid-19 pandemic end? The uncomfortable truth is no one knows. However, unless SARS-CoV-2 is a total freak of nature, it’ll likely fall into one of the above three categories. They’re not all great. But knowing and planning for the worst-case scenario will make the end more tolerable—after all, uncertainty is perhaps the scariest thing of all.

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[dndrandom]

Here are the lists, though a warning that this is 1088 items listed:

Race:

Human

Elf

Dwarf

Gnome

Orc

Dragonborn

Tiefling (Demon Descendent)

Avian (Bird Person)

Centaur

Drow (Dark Elf)

Satyr (Goat People)

Myconid (Mushroom People)

Ent (Tree People)

Lamia (Snake People)

Minotaur

Mer

Warforged

Anubid

Half-Orc

Half-Elf

Owlfolk

Half-Dwarf

Blood Elf

Half-Angel

Shadowborn

Troll

Ogre

Lizardfolk

Fae

Dark Elf

Goblin

Class:

Warrior

Knight

Cavalier

Berserker

Pugilist

Shield-Bearer

Weapon Master

Dragoon

Sentinel

Fencer

Soldier

Samurai

Martial Artist

Monk

Dragon Knight

Dark Knight

Archer

Corsair

Beast Rider

Ronin

Warlord

Herald

Inquisitor

Blade-Singer

Paladin

Marksman

Duelist

Marauder

Raider

Adventurer

Strategist

Diplomat

Templar

Spellsword

Death Knight

Battlemage

Bandit

Gunslinger

Assassin

Ranger

Ninja

Merchant

Bard

Dancer

Arcane Archer

Red Mage

Blue Mage

Cleric

Battle Priest

Cutpurse

Scout

Hunter

Explorer

Beastmaster

Horizon Walker

Strider

Loremaster

Enchanter

Summoner

Psion

Elementalist

Necromancer

Druid

Acolyte

Highwayman

Ballistician

Spy

Poisoner

Trap Master

Dark Delver

Gambler

Mentalist

Tinkerer

Technomancer

Animist

Geomancer

Dreamwalker

Channeler

Sage

Theurge

Warlock

Thief

Infiltrator

Catburglar

Philanderer

Stalker

Chameleon

Trickster

Magician

Shadowmancer

Alchemist

Binder

Conjurer

Illusionlist

Shaman

Seer

Arcanist

Witch

Sorcerer

Wizard

Height:

Shortest

Short

Average

Tall

Tallest

Weight:

Lightest

Light

Average

Heavy

Heaviest

Build:

Scrawniest

Scrawny

Average

Buff

Buffest 

Skin Overtone (Melanin / Metal / Feathers / Etc):

Darkest

Dark

Tan

Light

Lightest

Albinic

Melanistic

Skin Undertone:

Blue Tones

Red Tones

Yellow Tones

Alignment:

Lawful Good

Lawful Neutral

Lawful Evil

Neutral Good

True Neutral

Neutral Evil

Chaotic Good

Chaotic Neutral

Chaotic Evil

Hair / Accents:

Black

Brown

Grey

Blonde

White

Blue

Red

Green 

Hair Type:

Longest Straight

Long Straight

Medium Straight

Short Straight

Shortest Straight

Longest Wavy

Long Wavy

Medium Wavy

Short Wavy

Shortest Wavy

Longest Curly

Long Curly

Medium Curly

Short Curly

Shortest Curly 

Character Trait 1:

Active

Adaptable

Admirable

Adventurous

Agreeable

Alert

Allocentric

Amiable

Anticipative

Appreciative

Articulate

Aspiring

Athletic

Attractive

Balanced

Benevolent

Brilliant

Calm

Capable

Captivating

Caring

Challenging

Charismatic

Charming

Cheerful

Clean

Clear-headed

Clever

Colorful

Companionly

Compassionate

Conciliatory

Confident

Conscientious

Considerate

Contemplative

Cooperative

Courageous

Courteous

Creative

Cultured

Curious

Daring

Debonair

Decent

Decisive

Dedicated

Deep

Dignified

Directed

Disciplined

Discreet

Dramatic

Dutiful

Dynamic

Earnest

Ebullient

Educated

Efficient

Elegant

Eloquent

Empathetic

Energetic

Enthusiastic

Esthetic

Exciting

Extraordinary

Fair

Faithful

Farsighted

Felicific

Firm

Flexible

Focused

Forceful

Forgiving

Forthright

Freethinking

Friendly

Fun-loving

Gallant

Generous

Gentle

Genuine

Good-natured

Gracious

Hardworking

Healthy

Hearty

Helpful

Heroic

High-minded

Honest

Honorable

Humble

Humorous

Idealistic

Imaginative

Impressive

Incisive

Incorruptible

Independent

Individualistic

Innovative

Inoffensive

Insightful

Insouciant

Intelligent

Intuitive

Invulnerable

Kind

Knowledge

Leaderly

Leisurely

Liberal

Logical

Lovable

Loyal

Lyrical

Magnanimous

Many-sided

Mature

Methodical

Meticulous

Moderate

Modest

Multi-leveled

Neat

Nonauthoritarian

Objective

Observant

Open

Optimistic

Orderly

Organized

Original

Painstaking

Passionate

Patient

Patriotic

Peaceful

Perceptive

Perfectionist

Personable

Persuasive

Planful

Playful

Polished

Popular

Practical

Precise

Principled

Profound

Protean

Protective

Providential

Prudent

Punctual

Purposeful

Rational

Realistic

Reflective

Relaxed

Reliable

Resourceful

Respectful

Responsible

Responsive

Reverential

Romantic

Rustic

Sage

Scholarly

Scrupulous

Secure

Selfless

Self-critical

Self-defacing

Self-denying

Self-reliant

Self-sufficient

Sensitive

Sentimental

Seraphic

Serious

Sharing

Shrewd

Simple

Skillful

Sober

Sociable

Solid

Sophisticated

Spontaneous

Sporting

Stable

Steadfast

Steady

Stoic

Strong

Studious

Suave

Subtle

Sweet

Sympathetic

Systematic

Tasteful

Teacherly

Thorough

Tidy

Tolerant

Tractable

Trusting

Uncomplaining

Understanding

Undogmatic

Unfoolable

Upright

Urbane

Venturesome

Vivacious

Warm

Well-bred

Well-read

Well-rounded

Winning

Wise

Witty

Youthful 

Character Trait 2:

Abrasive

Abrupt

Agonizing

Aimless

Airy

Aloof

Amoral

Angry

Anxious

Apathetic

Arbitrary

Argumentative

Arrogant

Artificial

Asocial

Assertive

Astigmatic

Barbaric

Bewildered

Bizarre

Bland

Blunt

Boisterous

Brittle

Brutal

Calculating

Callous

Cantankerous

Careless

Cautious

Charmless

Childish

Clumsy

Coarse

Cold

Complacent

Complaintive

Compulsive

Conceited

Condemnatory

Conformist

Confused

Contemptible

Conventional

Cowardly

Crafty

Crass

Critical

Crude

Cruel

Cynical

Decadent

Deceitful

Delicate

Demanding

Dependent

Desperate

Destructive

Devious

Difficult

Dirty

Disconcerting

Discontented

Discouraging

Discourteous

Dishonest

Disloyal

Disobedient

Disorderly

Disorganized

Disputatious

Disrespectful

Disruptive

Dissolute

Dissonant

Distractible

Disturbing

Dogmatic

Domineering

Dull

Easily Discouraged

Egocentric

Enervated

Envious

Erratic

Escapist

Excitable

Expedient

Extravagant

Extreme

Faithless

False

Fanatical

Fanciful

Fatalistic

Fawning

Fearful

Fickle

Fiery

Fixed

Foolish

Forgetful

Fraudulent

Frightening

Frivolous

Gloomy

Graceless

Grand

Greedy

Grim

Gullible

Hateful

Haughty

Hedonistic

Hesitant

Hidebound

High-handed

Hostile

Ignorant

Imitative

Impatient

Impractical

Imprudent

Impulsive

Inconsiderate

Incurious

Indecisive

Indulgent

Inert

Inhibited

Insecure

Insensitive

Insincere

Insulting

Intolerant

Irascible

Irrational

Irresponsible

Irritable

Lazy

Libidinous

Loquacious

Malicious

Mannered

Mannerless

Mawkish

Mealymouthed

Mechanical

Meddlesome

Melancholic

Meretricious

Messy

Miserable

Misguided

Mistaken

Money-minded

Moody

Morbid

Muddle-headed

Naive

Narcissistic

Narrow-minded

Natty

Negativistic

Neglectful

Nihilistic

Obnoxious

Obsessive

Obvious

Odd

Offhand

One-dimensional

One-sided

Opinionated

Opportunistic

Outrageous

Overimaginative

Paranoid

Passive

Pedantic

Perverse

Petty

Pharissical

Phlegmatic

Plodding

Pompous

Possessive

Power-hungry

Prejudiced

Presumptuous

Pretentious

Prim

Procrastinating

Profligate

Provocative

Pugnacious

Puritanical

Quirky

Reactionary

Reactive

Regimental

Regretful

Repentant

Repressed

Resentful

Ridiculous

Rigid

Ritualistic

Rowdy

Ruined

Sadistic

Sanctimonious

Scheming

Scornful

Secretive

Sedentary

Selfish

Self-indulgent

Shallow

Shortsighted

Shy

Silly

Single-minded

Sloppy

Slow

Sly

Small-thinking

Softheaded

Sordid

Steely

Stiff

Strong-willed

Stupid

Submissive

Superficial

Superstitious

Suspicious

Tactless

Tasteless

Tense

Thoughtless

Timid

Transparent

Treacherous

Trendy

Troublesome

Unappreciative

Uncaring

Uncharitable

Unconvincing

Uncooperative

Uncreative

Uncritical

Unctuous

Undisciplined

Unfriendly

Ungrateful

Unhealthy

Unimaginative

Unimpressive

Unpolished

Unprincipled

Unrealistic

Unreflective

Unreliable

Unrestrained

Unself-critical

Unstable

Vacuous

Vague

Venal

Vindictive

Vulnerable

Weak

Weak-willed

Willful

Wishful

Zany 

Character Trait 3:

Absentminded

Aggressive

Ambitious

Amusing

Artful

Authoritarian

Big-thinking

Breezy

Businesslike

Busy

Casual

Cerebral

Chummy

Circumspect

Competitive

Complex

Confidential

Conservative

Contradictory

Cute

Deceptive

Determined

Dominating

Dreamy

Driving

Droll

Dry

Earthy

Emotional

Enigmatic

Experimental

Familial

Folksy

Formal

Freewheeling

Frugal

Glamorous

Guileless

High-spirited

Huried

Hypnotic

Impassive

Impersonal

Impressionable

Intense

Invisible

Irreligious

Irreverent

Maternal

Mellow

Modern

Moralistic

Mystical

Neutral

Noncommittal

Noncompetitive

Obedient

Old-fashioned

Ordinary

Outspoken

Paternalistic

Physical

Placid

Political

Predictable

Preoccupied

Private

Progressive

Proud

Pure

Questioning

Quiet

Religious

Reserved

Restrained

Retiring

Sarcastic

Self-conscious

Sensual

Skeptical

Smooth

Soft

Solemn

Solitary

Stern

Stoid

Strict

Stubborn

Stylish

Subjective

Surprising

Soft

Tough

Unaggressive

Unambitious

Unceremonious

Unchanging

Undemanding

Unfathomable

Unhurried

Uninhibited

Unpatriotic

Unpredictable

Unsentimental

Whimsical

Gender:

Woman

Man

Nonbinary

Genderless 

Expression:

Masculine

Androgynous

Feminine

Sexuality:

Straight

Gay / Lesbian

Bi

Pan

None

Unspecified 

Eye Colour:

Brown

Hazel

Blue

Green

Red

Amber

Golden

Purple 

Basic Disorders / Diseases*:

Cancer

Cardiovascular Disorder

Connective Tissue Disease

Digestive Disorder

Endocrine Disorder

Hematological Disorder

Immune System Disorder

Musculoskeletal Disorder

Respiratory Disorder

Skin Disorder 

Complex Disorders / Diseases*:

Arthritis

Asthma

Anencephaly

Anophthalmia | Microphthalmia

Anotia | Microtia

Cleft Lip | Cleft Palate

Congenital Heart Defects

Craniosynostosis

Diaphragmatic Hernia

Down Syndrome

Encephalocele

Esophageal Atresia

Gastroschisis

Hypospadias

Microcephaly

Omphalocele

Spina Bifida

Upper and Lower Limb Reduction 

Bladder Cancer

Breast Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Colon Cancer

Endrometrial Cancer

Gallbladder Cancer

Gynecologic Cancer

Head | Neck Cancer

Kidney Cancer

Leukemia

Liver Cancer

Lung Cancer

Lymphoma

Melanoma

Myeloma

Oropharyngeal Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Rectal Cancer

Skin Cancer

Thyroid Cancer

Uterine Cancer

Vaginal Cancer

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Epilepsy

Fetal Alchohol Syndrom

Alchohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder

Alchohol Related Birth Defects

Heart Disease

HIV

AIDS

HPV

Chronic Kidney Disease

Meningitis

MRSA

MERS 

Physical Disabilities:

Cerebral Palsy

Spina Bifida

Poliomyelitis

Stroke

Head Injury

Spinal Cord Injury

Visual Impairment

Hearing Loss

Blindness

Deafness

Mute

Chronic Illness 

Mental Disabilities / Disorders:

Acute Stress Disorder

Adjustment Disorder

Adolescent Antisocial Behavior

Adult Antisocial Behavior

Agoraphobia

Alcohol Dependence

Alcoholic Hallucinosis

Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Alzheimer's Disease

Amnestic Disorder

Amphetamine Dependence

Anorexia Nervosa

Anterograde Amnesia

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Autism

Autophagia

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Atelophobia

Asperger Syndrome

Barbiturate Dependence

Benzodiazepine Dependence

Bereavement

Bibliomania

Binge Eating Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar II Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Borderline Intellectual Functioning

Borderline Personality Disorder

Brief Psychotic Disorder

Bulimia Nervosa

Caffeine-Induced Anxiety Disorder

Caffeine-Induced Sleep Disorder

Cannabis Dependence

Catatonic

Catatonic Schizophrenia

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder

Claustrophobia

Cocaine Dependence

Cognitive Disorder

Communication Disorder

Conduct Disorder

Cotard Delusion

Cyclothymia

Delirium Tremens

Depersonalization Disorder

Derealization

Dermatillomania

Desynchronosis

Developmental Coordination Disorder

Diogenes Syndrome

Dispareunia

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dyspraxia

Dyslexia

Dysphoria

EDNOS

Ekbom's Syndrome (Delusional Parasitosis)

Encopresis

Epilepsy

Enuresis

Erotomania

Factitious Disorder

Fregoli Delusion

Ganser Syndrome

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

General Adaptation Syndrome

Hallucinogen-related Disorder

Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Huntington's Disease

Hypochondriasis

Hysteria

Insomnia

Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Kleptomania

Korsakoff's Syndrome

Lacunar Amnesia

Major Depressive Disorder

Maladaptive Daydreaming

Malingering

Manic Episode

Mathematics Disorder

Melancholia

Minor Depressive Disorder

Misophonia

Mood Disorder

Munchausen's Syndrome

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcolepsy

Neurocysticercosis

Neurodevelopmental Disorder

Nicotine Withdrawal

Night Eating Syndrome

Nightmare Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

Oneirophrenia

Opioid Dependence

Opioid-related Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Orthorexia (ON)

Pain Disorder

Panic Disorder

Paranoid Personality Disorder

Parasomnia

Parkinson's Disease

Pathological Gambling

Persecutory Delusion

Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Phencyclidine (Or Phencyclidine-Like)-Related Disorder

Phobic Disorder

Pica (Disorder)

Psychosis

Phonological Disorder

Polysubstance-related Disorder

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Primary Hypersomnia

Primary Insomnia

Pseudologia Fantastica

Psychogenic Amnesia

Psychotic Disorder

Pyromania

Reactive Attachment Disorder of Infancy or Early Childhood

Recurrent Brief Depression

Relational Disorder

Residual Schizophrenia

Retrograde Amnesia

Rumination Syndrome

Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizophrenia

Schizophreniform Disorder

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Sedative-, Hypnotic-, or Anxiolytic-Related Disorder

Selective Mutism

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Shared Psychotic Disorder

Sleep Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Sleep terror Disorder

Sleepwalking Disorder

Sleep Paralysis

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Phobia

Somatization Disorder

Somatoform Disorder

Specific Phobia

Stereotypic Movement Disorder

Stockholm Syndrome

Stuttering

Substance-Related Disorder

Tardive Dyskinesia

Transient Global Amnesia

Transient Tic Disorder

Trichotillomania 

Amputations:

Left Leg

Left Arm

Left Eye

Right Leg

Right Arm

Right Eye

Right Ear

Left Ear

Left Foot

Right Foot

Left Hand

Right Hand 

Other Diseases:

Viral Pnemonia

Vampirism

Typhus Fever

Typhoid Fever

Syphilis

Scabies

Tuberculosis

Plague

Mycetoma

Meningitis

Melioidosis

Measels

Malaria

Lycanthropy

Influenza

Herpes

Hepatitis

Epidemic Typhus 

*Basic as in less specific, Complex as in more specific. **These may not be perfectly categorized or labelled, I'm going off of the CDC website mostly. If you want to roll multiple times, feel free-- if you want to only use some of them, feel free. If any of these need to be removed, relabelled, or recategorized, please message me privately.

[doctor-basil-puntastic]

Where's the second part? Someone lost the extra brilliant stuff about size comparisons of ever Star Fleet ship vs the Empire's ships.

But the best part isn't even here. Star Fleet has TRANSPORTERS. They don't even have to get close to the Empire. They can teleport an armed and counting down quantum torpedo into the engine room of any Imperial ship from around 5,000 km away. That's typically well beyond the firing range of Imperial energy weapons. Star Fleet doesn't have to engage (pun intended).

The best weapon the Empire has is a fleet of Death Stars (you know they're building loads of them all over the galaxy). That's really the most dangerous thing to the Federation. But since we're comparing Star Wars and Star Trek lest see if the Klingons and Romulans have anything substantially devastating to the Empire?

Functional Cloaking Technology.

We know the Empire is aware that such things exist, but they don't bother with it because just showing up is usually enough to make anyone with a healthy sense of self preservation to calm down, get quiet, and hide. You know who that sounds like in Star Trek? The Borg. Let's pit a single Borg Cube against a Death Star, just to watch the Empire crap itself senseless. First encounter starts out poorly for the Borg, as usual, but it only takes 1-3 hits from the same type of weapon for the Borg to adapt and become I vulnerable to all of those weapons. Clearly these communications are spread across the collective so another scout is sent as back up before a Borg war sphere is deployed when the Empire gets annoyed with the first Borg cube scout and uses the primary Death Star weapon to wipe it out of existence. This goes well for the Empire because they just obliterated an unknown enemy. But when the second Borg cube scout shows up the previous shield and weapon data is already present. Which means All The Borg are now immune to Death Star attacks. Potentially quintillions of Borg ships have the capacity to single handedly wipe out the Empire. But it's even worse than it sounds because the second scout ship can now resist all assault from the Empire, scan the Empire's weapons and systems, and adapt that technology to their own ships,all of them, without ever having to lose more than one ship. Imagine, if you will, The Borg with Death Star beam weapons.

At this point everyone is screwed. You're welcome.

“the millenium falcon would wipe out the enterprise in seconds” lmao the enterprise is just an innocent science class floating thru space…. all they wanna do is look at some rocks… kiss an alien…. find some space plants….. why would you fight that its not a battleship theyre just nerds…… leave them olone 

[octorockff]

Medicine

Arietta was bed-ridden.

The said girl could feel her temperature rising up to an uncomfortable degree as well as an onslaught of coughing fit unexspectingly tore out of her throat, making her already parchy throat aching painfully for water.

Grabbing the small glass of water that had already been put there by Largo, Arietta downed the whole thing in one go while remiding herself to ask the former for some apple gels the next time he dropped by.

Laying back on her matress, she couldn’t help but to muse over her weaker immune system ever since she adapted to the human life. Her  body must have been used to the fairly stable weather in the inner land, as the atmosphere back in the wood was more rigorous.

An upcoming headache could be felt spreading ever so slowly throughout her temple and worsen her already bad mood for being left alone. Legretta had made sure to kept her isolated during her illness and that included separating Leo- her utmost loyal Liger friend from her as she said they wouldn’t need another sick being to take care of.

Her words were harsh but Arietta knew she meant well for Legretta’s soldier-upbringing background had held her back from openly displaying affection. She could be considered as the closest thing to a mother figure to Arietta ever since the Liger Queen was gone.

Glancing back to the nightstand, Arietta noticed their was a small, still steaming bowl of soup placing adjacent to her empty glass of water. She must have forgotten to see it in her search for water. 

Picking it up, the petite girl let the comforting warmth spreaded through her entire cupped hands then proceeded to eat it. The first spoon entering her mouth had left an estatic taste balancing just right in between of sweetness and savory that led to her wolfing down the whole bowl in a matter of seconds.

The only one whose cooking skill could rival the Commandant's, which she knew, was Largo . Despite his burly appearance and brute strenght, Largo was actually very dedicated and precise in the food he made and this bowl of soup was the proof of its.

Sniffing the air, Arietta could pick up the distinct scents of Largo and Legretta wafting in the air, wood mixing with oil polish and gun powder mingling with rose perfume, even though they had evaporated off greatly indicating it had been hours since they were here.

Having a keen sense of smell was one of the few advantages Arietta possessed during her time back in the wild along with heightened vision and hearing. Even a stuffy nose as of now hadn't even dampened her ability to a slightest bit.

Inhaling some more, her nose was able to pick up a subtle scent, so subtle that she thought her mind had played a trick upon her. Pine tree swirling around burnt wood with a delicate touch of cinnamon at the edge. Sync.

Just the thought of the green haired boy brought her to embarrasment and a little bit of joy. It was definitely embarrased for her to be seen by him in such a vulnerable state, but she was also grateful and happy nonthless as he had taken his time to even visit her.

Arietta wouldn't even dare to step over the boundary and assumed that they were "friends", maybe "comrades" would be a better word to describe the relationship between her and the Tempest, but even that would still look like she was treading over shallow water.

The Sync she had always known was a cold, distant and hatred-ridden person. He was also prideful in both of his strenght and his position as a stratergist that he would ruthlessly drill the facts into an another person both physically and mentally. Never had Arietta seen the boy bowed down his head, except for Commandant Van, and showed respect to the other God Generals despite being the youngest. ( Legretta, Asch and Largo might have been the exceptions also on occasions as the Major would definitely rain down bullets if not and the latter two were because of their own strenght.). But for her, she really didn't know which categories that she had fallen into on his list.

Even though she was a God General herself, she was considered the weakest among them. Lacking severely in combatic skills and offensive power when she ran out of energy or when Leo was down, Arietta was seen as a hindrance during fights. She knew it and really did try to improve her stamina along with her body strenght, but it was still incomparble to the others. (She avoided mentioning Dist as he would also be useless whenever his machines were ruined but he was not worth it).

This was the sole reason why Arietta was only assigned to stealth and scouting missions when Van was in present. Otherwise, it would always be guarding the headquarter when Sync took charge. She had objected to those but each time it would always end with her being brought nearly to tears by Sync's harsh facts and taunting.

Just the thought alone had welled up anger inside the petite girl as she huffed and covered her head with blanket. So what. Sync was a meanie and that's that.

But it had also puzzled her greatly on why he was here in the first place. He certainly didn't need to for she was just a weakling and a crybaby to him.

This boggled her mind to no end. But before she could question the matter further, her nose suddenly caught a swift of the familiar pine tree scent.

It was faint as first but gradually become stronger until the beast tamer could identify the source was right in front of her door.

The wooden door suddenly slammed open and jolted her out a little with its loud noise, but Arietta's vision then quickly focused on the figure standing proudly at the door.

Still was the mask covering half of his face, which made it impossible to read what his expression was, along with his ever spiky green hair bouncing lightly with each step he took to get closer to her bed.

One of his glove covered hand was holding a tray which was pretty sparse aside from a familiar glass bottle, which Arietta could clearly see the menacing green liquid swirling around, laying (not so) innocently on top of it.

This triggered a memory in the petite girl’s mind on how disgusting the thing had tasted through the forced order of Legretta as it would help her get better she said ( the stupid thing actually worked unfortunately) , which mentally made her dry heave just thinking about it.

“ What are you doing here?” The sentence came out croakly, evidence to the long period of not using her voice, which made Arietta blushed a little for she sounded just like an old woman.

“ Huh, never have thought a granny would reside in that small body of yours. By the way, you looked absolutely miserable and pathetic with those puffy eyes and runny nose.” The Tempest snidely commented as the corner of his mouth twitched up to form a crude smirk.

Arietta's blood was boiling and she could already felt a vein forming on her head by the time Sync finished his sentence. Trying to calm herself down, for she would be the mature person here, Arietta huffingly laid down and turned her back towards the boy: “ If you just came here to make fun of me then please leave. And take that thing away with you too, tell Legretta that I wouldn’t be drinking it as I had felt better already.”

A moment of silent stretched between them. Arietta could still sense Sync’s presence as he stood there silently without making any attemps to either leave or reprimand her rudely for her rebellious behaviour. This puzzled her greatly, just what was that boy up to?

“ Order is order. Guess I have to force you into drinking this unless I want my body to be pulverized by bullets.” was the only thing that left his mouth.

What happened next was liked a blur to her. One moment her ears were taken in the sound of metal tray hitting the floor and of the unplugged bottle, the next was she felt her shoulder being grabbed and her body being yanked upward.

Before the Beast Tamer could comprehend the whole event, a large gloved hand proceeded to cover her eyes as she felt her head being titled up. What occured next would forever be carved in her mind as her mouth was then enveloped with something warm and a little chapped.

Million thoughts crossed her mind in an instance as her brain was screaming for her to snap out and push the offended object away. Feeling her instinct kicking in, Arietta used both of her hands to move and hit at whatever was in front of her while thrasing around to escape the close promixity with her attacker.

The scent of pine suddenly infiltrated her nose and her mind instantly registered that it was the Tempest she was dealing with, which then made her thrashed around even more to fight against his strong hold. This was soon proved to be futile as the hand on the back of her head then tightened its grip and yanked her hair lightly, which made her gaped,  while her chin was firmly held in place as a slimy appendange took the advantage to invade her mouth. 

The taste of that liquid medicine then filled up her mouth and it was so disgusting that it made Arietta want to spit it all out before the offended liquid could slip down her throat. Sensing her unwillingness to swallow, Sync tiltled her head up more until he could feel the medicine practically slipped down her throat.

His grip on her then relented but Arietta was so adamnant to get away that she hadn’t realized it and instead had used all her strenght to push at the boy’s body which nearly made the Tempest stumble off the bed.

Arietta's lungs immediately welcomed in the much needed oxygen as she panted heavily while her ruby orbs hazily focusing on the blurry features of the Tempest underneath his suprisingly turned up mask. 

Arietta could have sworn that she saw an unidentified glint sparked briefly in his eyes and the all so familiar features resembling the one she knew. But before she could inspect closer, Sync had already put back down his irritating mask and briskly walked out of the room without much words.

Dazedly sitting on the bed, the situation had finally caught up to Arietta, leaving her face as red as a ripen tomato. Screaming into her cover as not to alert unwaned presence, Arietta angrily thumped her hand against the cover, hoping to defuse some of her anger.

How dare he? How dare he commited such an atrocious act of stealing her first kiss? The one who was supposed to take it was Ion, she had saved it for him and him only. But then stupid Sync decided to stole it. A few drops of tear leaked out of the corner of her eyes as she desperately blinked them backwards.

Feeling exhausted all of sudden, Arietta willed herself to sleep in hope of calming herself down and to regain back some strenght.

She would definitely made him paid back, was her thought as she slowly slipped into dreamland.

But one thing then crossed her mind briefly before oblivion could completely take her.

Why did it have felt so right?

[gaarderesearchpsychology-blog]

Founder of Positive Psychology Reflects on the Field and Responds to Critics

A current short article published in the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology uses a retrospective look at Positive Psychology by co-founder Martin Seligman. He discusses preliminary efforts to change the field of psychology in the direction of well-being instead of illness, financial and political obstacles associated with the monopolies of neuroscience and Big Pharma, and other concerns connected with the movement.

" Psychiatry-as-usual already had its substantial catalog of unfavorable qualities: DSM (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). This is a manual of the insanities: schizophrenia, psychopathy, panic disorder, autism, and so on, more than 300 of them, in fact, in addition to their sex ratios, heritability, course, prognosis, and diagnostic requirements. Chris-- moneyed by Neal Mayerson, head of the Manuel and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation-- took a 3-year sabbatical from his post as director of clinical training at the University of Michigan and pertained to Penn to work with me on creating a DSM of good character and virtue along with a questionnaire to determine good character," Seligman composes.

Positive Psychology emerged in the 1990s as an action to what Martin Seligman and co-founder Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi perceived as an overemphasis on disease in psychology. "Positive" oriented psychologies in fact began much earlier, with the early American psychologist William James promoting the research study of virtue and accomplishment instead of exclusively 'mental illness.'

Likewise, humanistic psychologists such as Gordon Allport, Abraham Maslow, and Carl Rogers stressed a holistic, positive understanding of humans, with an essential belief in our important goodness. Favorable Psychologists claim, nevertheless, that humanistic psychologists stopped working to alter the field basically, and seek to treat the illness story by using conventional scientific methods (opposed to the more powerful focus on idiographic research, or individual experience, promoted by humanists).

Some have slammed Positive Psychology as promoting social conformity and adaptation. Others have actually implicated the discipline of rehashing humanistic perfects while failing to give credit, and normally failing to be reflective about the worths associated with the work. Finally, there is controversy over the analytical significance of Positive Psychology findings, with some questioning whether "positive thinking" can be a force of healing for those in severe suffering.

In the existing paper, Martin Seligman reviews the introduction of Positive Psychology as a discipline, including the challenges related to shifting psychology away from a health problem design. Seligman describes the viewpoint behind Positive Psychology, explores some of its empirical findings, argues for the development of a "Positive Education," and reacts to some of his critics.

In Seligman's early conversations with Csikszentmihalyi, he specifies that they concurred about what the focus of Positive Psychology ought to be: "The compound was anchored by the opposite concerns from clinical psychology: the good life-- what it is to be sane and healthy, and what humans select to pursue when they are not suffering or oppressed."

Seligman passes on a conversation with reporter Bill Moyers, where he convinced Moyers that it was not enough to simply "discover what is hidden," or to put it in psychological terms: to remove what is negative. Rather, Seligman thinks that positivity must be cultivated as a separate domain from illness and negative symptoms.

This mindset notified the "Authentic Happiness website," which aimed to distribute Positive Psychology findings and workouts to the public, initially without cost and after that at a low fee. In spite of promising research associated with these workouts-- comparable and "possibly superior to the effects of medication and psychiatric therapy for serious anxiety"-- the website eventually stopped working due to a lack of financing and stiff competitors related to Big Pharma. According to Seligman, however, its failure pre-empted the success of Positive Psychology as a field.

Distilling empirical findings in the field, Seligman believes that there are 5 essential parts of well-being (PERMA):.

Positive Emotion

Engagement

Relationships

Implying

Achievement

With controversial newer speculations such as physical health and control.

These findings eventually caused the creation of a "peace of mind" handbook and a "VIA (Values in Action) Signature Strengths Test," based in a list of 24 necessary virtues or strengths that appeared to have cross-historical and cross-cultural validity:.

" Kindness fit. Knowledge fit. Vitality fit. Social intelligence fit. Since it was not (generally) valued in Salt Lake City or Mecca, tolerance did not. Obedience? The Boy Scouts and Merlin liked it, but the feminist movement did not. Chastity? The Victorians embraced it, but the commune movement declined it. How about humor? That one was close. Everybody believes they have a funny bone (universality), and Chris was, in fact, an amazing sotto voce stand-up comic.

However I was not exactly sure humor was necessary sufficient to make the list. Chris wore me down, arguing that humor is a transcendent strength that enhances all the others. We eventually narrowed the note down to 24 strengths, and after that we organized the strengths, rather arbitrarily, under six virtues: Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence.".

Later On, Positive Psychology, as a research study paradigm, began to study joy as a causal consider well-being. Empirical findings began to emerge, such as a favorable impact on the body immune system, much better health habits such as wearing seat belts and preventing smoking cigarettes, life durability, greater income, much better worker efficiency, improvement at work, prosocial behavior, and life stability in terms of marriage/work.

These findings led to applications in fields such as soldier fitness and positive education. Seligman assisted in a program assisting members of the military orient toward "Posttraumatic Growth" and strength after dealing with battle, through findings and works out the field had actually established. The results were appealing, with soldiers who went through the program showing higher "emotional physical fitness, active coping and optimism, and [...] decreased catastrophizing in contrast to soldiers who had no strength training.".

In addition, soldiers with durability training were less most likely to be identified with Depression, ptsd, and anxiety. The rate of substance abuse amongst these soldiers was apparently halved.