#anti apple products

[horreurscopes]

i do not have and will never have an iphone but i've been watching hugh jeffrey's videos where he keeps exposing apple's cartoonishly evil anti-repair practices and whatever you think they are doing to keep people purchasing new devices, it is astonishingly worse.

jeffrey's releases videos every time there's a new iphone where he tries to switch parts between two brand new, straight-from-the-store working phones and shows how apple has serialized the internal components so multiple phone functions are disabled when a part with a different serial number is put inside it, effectively killing third party repair, as well as scraping non-functioning phones for parts, while iOS deceptively claims that it is a third party part and it is locking the phone for "safety" purposes.

apple was also exposed recently for not only shredding half a million traded-in phones, but taking the company they were hiring to do so to court for failing to destroy products and instead selling some of them on the side 💀

this video jeffrey posted a month ago puts side to side the claims an apple technician gave at a legislative hearing when speaking against oregon's right to repair bill, and jefferey himself demonstrating that they were, well, lying out of their ass. it doesn't have nearly enough views imo so i'm sharing it here.

in short: stop buying apple products if you care about the right to repair, reducing e-waste and human rights.

the exploitation of cobalt mines in congo is fueling the fire of genocide; people are dying in the thousands in subhuman slavery conditions every day while apple does everything in their power to stop people from repairing and re-selling their products while claiming they are committed to reducing e-waste.

we need to be committing acts of t[redacted]ism against corporate greed but in the meantime withholding your consumer power is the bare minimum

[photomatt]

Why “Go Nuts, Show Nuts” Doesn’t Work in 2022

For those who don’t know or remember, Tumblr used to have a policy around porn that was literally “Go nuts, show nuts. Whatever.” That was memorable and hilarious, and for many people, Tumblr both hosted and helped with the discovery of a unique type of adult content.

In 2018, when Tumblr was owned by Verizon, they swung in the other direction and instituted an adult content ban that took out not only porn but also a ton of art and artists – including a ban on what must have been fun for a lawyer to write, female presenting nipples. This policy is currently still in place, though the Tumblr and Automattic teams are working to make it more open and common-sense, and the community labels launch is a first step toward that.

That said, no modern internet service in 2022 can have the rules that Tumblr did in 2007. I am personally extremely libertarian in terms of what consenting adults should be able to share, and I agree with “go nuts, show nuts” in principle, but the casually porn-friendly era of the early internet is currently impossible. Here’s why:

Credit card companies are anti-porn. You’ve probably heard how Pornhub can’t accept credit cards anymore. Or seen the new rules from Mastercard. Whatever crypto-utopia might come in the coming decades, today if you are blocked from banks, credit card processing, and financial services, you’re blocked from the modern economy. The vast majority of Automattic’s revenue comes from people buying our services and auto-renewing on credit cards, including the ads-free browsing upgrade that Tumblr recently launched. If we lost the ability to process credit cards, it wouldn’t just threaten Tumblr, but also the 2,000+ people in 97 countries that work at Automattic across all our products.

App stores, particularly Apple’s, are anti-porn. Tumblr started in 2007, the same year the iPhone was released. Originally, the iPhone didn’t have an App Store, and the speed of connectivity and quality of the screen meant that people didn’t use their smartphone very much and mostly interacted with Tumblr on the web, using desktop and laptop computers (really). Today 40% of our signups and 85% of our page views come from people on mobile apps, not on the web. Apple has its own rules for what’s allowed in their App Store, and the interpretation of those rules can vary depending on who is reviewing your app on any given day. Previous decisions on what’s allowed can be reversed any time you submit an app update, which we do several times a month. If Apple permanently banned Tumblr from the App Store, we’d probably have to shut the service down. If you want apps to allow more adult content, please lobby Apple. No one in the App Store has any effective power, even multi-hundred-billion companies like Facebook/Meta can be devastated when Apple changes its policies. Aside: Why do Twitter and Reddit get away with tons of super hardcore content? Ask Apple, because I don’t know. My guess is that Twitter and Reddit are too big for Apple to block so they decided to make an example out of Tumblr, which has “only” 102 million monthly visitors. Maybe Twitter gets blocked by Apple sometimes too but can’t talk about it because they’re a public company and it would scare investors.

There are lots of new rules around verifying consent and age in adult content. The rise of smartphones also means that everyone has a camera that can capture pictures and video at any time. Non-consensual sharing has grown exponentially and has been a huge problem on dedicated porn sites like Pornhub – and governments have rightly been expanding laws and regulations to make sure everyone being shown in online adult content is of legal age and has consented to the material being shared. Tumblr has no way to go back and identify the featured persons or the legality of every piece of adult content that was shared on the platform and taken down in 2018, nor does it have the resources or expertise to do that for new uploads.

Porn requires different service providers up and down the stack. In addition to a company primarily serving adult content not having access to normal financial services and being blocked by app stores, they also need specialized service providers – for example, for their bandwidth and network connections. Most traditional investors won’t fund primarily adult businesses, and may not even be allowed to by their LP agreements. (When Starbucks started selling alcohol at select stores, some investors were forced to sell their stock.)

If you wanted to start an adult social network in 2022, you’d need to be web-only on iOS and side load on Android, take payment in crypto, have a way to convert crypto to fiat for business operations without being blocked, do a ton of work in age and identity verification and compliance so you don’t go to jail, protect all of that identity information so you don’t dox your users, and make a ton of money. I estimate you’d need at least $7 million a year for every 1 million daily active users to support server storage and bandwidth (the GIFs and videos shared on Tumblr use a ton of both) in addition to hosting, moderation, compliance, and developer costs. 

I do hope that a dedicated service or company is started that will replace what people used to get from porn on Tumblr. It may already exist and I don’t know about it. They’ll have an uphill battle under current regimes, and if you think that’s a bad thing please try to change the regimes. Don’t attack companies following legal and business realities as they exist.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Apple fucked us on right to repair (again)

Today (September 22), I'm (virtually) presenting at the DIG Festival in Modena, Italy. Tonight, I'll be in person at LA's Book Soup for the launch of Justin C Key's "The World Wasn’t Ready for You." On September 27, I'll be at Chevalier's Books in Los Angeles with Brian Merchant for a joint launch for my new book The Internet Con and his new book, Blood in the Machine.

Right to repair has no cannier, more dedicated adversary than Apple, a company whose most innovative work is dreaming up new ways to sneakily sabotage electronics repair while claiming to be a caring environmental steward, a lie that covers up the mountains of e-waste that Apple dooms our descendants to wade through.

Why does Apple hate repair so much? It's not that they want to poison our water and bodies with microplastics; it's not that they want to hasten the day our coastal cities drown; it's not that they relish the human misery that accompanies every gram of conflict mineral. They aren't sadists. They're merely sociopathically greedy.

Tim Cook laid it out for his investors: when people can repair their devices, they don't buy new ones. When people don't buy new devices, Apple doesn't sell them new devices. It's that's simple:

https://www.inverse.com/article/52189-tim-cook-says-apple-faces-2-key-problems-in-surprising-shareholder-letter

So Apple does everything it can to monopolize repair. Not just because this lets the company gouge you on routine service, but because it lets them decide when your phone is beyond repair, so they can offer you a trade-in, ensuring both that you buy a new device and that the device you buy is another Apple.

There are so many tactics Apple gets to use to sabotage repair. For example, Apple engraves microscopic Apple logos on the subassemblies in its devices. This allows the company to enlist US Customs to seize and destroy refurbished parts that are harvested from dead phones by workers in the Pacific Rim:

https://repair.eu/news/apple-uses-trademark-law-to-strengthen-its-monopoly-on-repair/

Of course, the easiest way to prevent harvested components from entering the parts stream is to destroy as many old devices as possible. That's why Apple's so-called "recycling" program shreds any devices you turn over to them. When you trade in your old iPhone at an Apple Store, it is converted into immortal e-waste (no other major recycling program does this). The logic is straightforward: no parts, no repairs:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/yp73jw/apple-recycling-iphones-macbooks

Shredding parts and cooking up bogus trademark claims is just for starters, though. For Apple, the true anti-repair innovation comes from the most pernicious US tech law: Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

DMCA 1201 is an "anti-circumvention" law. It bans the distribution of any tool that bypasses "an effective means of access control." That's all very abstract, but here's what it means: if a manufacturer sticks some Digital Rights Management (DRM) in its device, then anything you want to do that involves removing that DRM is now illegal – even if the thing itself is perfectly legal.

When Congress passed this stupid law in 1998, it had a very limited blast radius. Computers were still pretty expensive and DRM use was limited to a few narrow categories. In 1998, DMCA 1201 was mostly used to prevent you from de-regionalizing your DVD player to watch discs that had been released overseas but not in your own country.

But as we warned back then, computers were only going to get smaller and cheaper, and eventually, it would only cost manufacturers pennies to wrap their products – or even subassemblies in their products – in DRM. Congress was putting a gun on the mantelpiece in Act I, and it was bound to go off in Act III.

Welcome to Act III.

Today, it costs about a quarter to add a system-on-a-chip to even the tiniest parts. These SOCs can run DRM. Here's how that DRM works: when you put a new part in a device, the SOC and the device's main controller communicate with one another. They perform a cryptographic protocol: the part says, "Here's my serial number," and then the main controller prompts the user to enter a manufacturer-supplied secret code, and the master controller sends a signed version of this to the part, and the part and the system then recognize each other.

This process has many names, but because it was first used in the automotive sector, it's widely known as VIN-Locking (VIN stands for "vehicle identification number," the unique number given to every car by its manufacturer). VIN-locking is used by automakers to block independent mechanics from repairing your car; even if they use the manufacturer's own parts, the parts and the engine will refuse to work together until the manufacturer's rep keys in the unlock code:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/24/rent-to-pwn/#kitt-is-a-demon

VIN locking is everywhere. It's how John Deere stops farmers from fixing their own tractors – something farmers have done literally since tractors were invented:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/08/about-those-kill-switched-ukrainian-tractors/

It's in ventilators. Like mobile phones, ventilators are a grotesquely monopolized sector, controlled by a single company Medtronic, whose biggest claim to fame is effecting the world's largest tax inversion in order to manufacture the appearance that it is an Irish company and therefore largely untaxable. Medtronic used the resulting windfall to gobble up most of its competitors.

During lockdown, as hospitals scrambled to keep their desperately needed supply of ventilators running, Medtronic's VIN-locking became a lethal impediment. Med-techs who used donor parts from one ventilator to keep another running – say, transplanting a screen – couldn't get the device to recognize the part because all the world's civilian aircraft were grounded, meaning Medtronic's technicians couldn't swan into their hospitals to type in the unlock code and charge them hundreds of dollars.

The saving grace was an anonymous, former Medtronic repair tech, who built pirate boxes to generate unlock codes, using any housing they could lay hands on to use as a case: guitar pedals, clock radios, etc. This tech shipped these gadgets around the world, observing strict anonymity, because Article 6 of the EUCD also bans circumvention:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/07/10/flintstone-delano-roosevelt/#medtronic-again

Of course, Apple is a huge fan of VIN-locking. In phones, VIN-locking is usually called "serializing" or "parts-pairing," but it's the same thing: a tiny subassembly gets its own microcontroller whose sole purpose is to prevent independent repair technicians from fixing your gadget. Parts-pairing lets Apple block repairs even when the technician uses new, Apple parts – but it also lets Apple block refurb parts and third party parts.

For many years, Apple was the senior partner and leading voice in blocking state Right to Repair bills, which it killed by the dozen, leading a coalition of monopolists, from Wahl (who boobytrap their hair-clippers with springs that cause their heads irreversibly decompose if you try to sharpen them at home) to John Deere (who reinvented tenant farming by making farmers tenants of their tractors, rather than their land).

But Apple's opposition to repair eventually became a problem for the company. It's bad optics, and both Apple customers and Apple employees are volubly displeased with the company's ecocidal conduct. But of course, Apple's management and shareholders hate repair and want to block it as much as possible.

But Apple knows how to Think Differently. It came up with a way to eat its cake and have it, too. The company embarked on a program of visibly support right to repair, while working behind the scenes to sabotage it.

Last year, Apple announced a repair program. It was hilarious. If you wanted to swap your phone's battery, all you had to do was let Apple put a $1200 hold on your credit card, and then wait while the company shipped you 80 pounds' worth of specialized tools, packed in two special Pelican cases:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/22/apples-cement-overshoes/

Then, you swapped your battery, but you weren't done! After your battery was installed, you had to conference in an authorized Apple tech who would tell you what code to type into a laptop you tethered to the phone in order to pair it with your phone. Then all you had to do was lug those two 40-pound Pelican cases to a shipping depot and wait for Apple to take the hold off your card (less the $120 in parts and fees).

By contrast, independent repair outfits like iFixit will sell you all the tools you need to do your own battery swap – including the battery! for $32. The whole kit fits in a padded envelope:

https://www.ifixit.com/products/iphone-x-replacement-battery

But while Apple was able to make a showy announcement of its repair program and then hide the malicious compliance inside those giant Pelican cases, sabotaging right to repair legislation is a lot harder.

Not that they didn't try. When New York State passed the first general electronics right-to-repair bill in the country, someone convinced New York Governor Kathy Hochul to neuter it with last-minute modifications:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/12/weakened-right-to-repair-bill-is-signed-into-law-by-new-yorks-governor/

But that kind of trick only works once. When California's right to repair bill was introduced, it was clear that it was gonna pass. Rather than get run over by that train, Apple got on board, supporting the legislation, which passed unanimously:

https://www.ifixit.com/News/79902/apples-u-turn-tech-giant-finally-backs-repair-in-california

But Apple got the last laugh. Because while California's bill contains many useful clauses for the independent repair shops that keep your gadgets out of a landfill, it's a state law, and DMCA 1201 is federal. A state law can't simply legalize the conduct federal law prohibits. California's right to repair bill is a banger, but it has a weak spot: parts-pairing, the scourge of repair techs:

https://www.ifixit.com/News/69320/how-parts-pairing-kills-independent-repair

Every generation of Apple devices does more parts-pairing than the previous one, and the current models are so infested with paired parts as to be effectively unrepairable, except by Apple. It's so bad that iFixit has dropped its repairability score for the iPhone 14 from a 7 ("recommend") to a 4 (do not recommend):

https://www.ifixit.com/News/82493/we-are-retroactively-dropping-the-iphones-repairability-score-en

Parts-pairing is bullshit, and Apple are scum for using it, but they're hardly unique. Parts-pairing is at the core of the fuckery of inkjet printer companies, who use it to fence out third-party ink, so they can charge $9,600/gallon for ink that pennies to make:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/11/ink-stained-wretches-battle-soul-digital-freedom-taking-place-inside-your-printer

Parts-pairing is also rampant in powered wheelchairs, a heavily monopolized sector whose predatory conduct is jaw-droppingly depraved:

https://uspirgedfund.org/reports/usp/stranded

But if turning phones into e-waste to eke out another billion-dollar stock buyback is indefensible, stranding people with disabilities for months at a time while they await repairs is so obviously wicked that the conscience recoils. That's why it was so great when Colorado passed the nation's first wheelchair right to repair bill last year:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/06/when-drm-comes-your-wheelchair

California actually just passed two right to repair bills; the other one was SB-271, which mirrors Colorado's HB22-1031:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB271

This is big! It's momentum! It's a start!

But it can't be the end. When Bill Clinton signed DMCA 1201 into law 25 years ago, he loaded a gun and put it on the nation's mantlepiece and now it's Act III and we're all getting sprayed with bullets. Everything from ovens to insulin pumps, thermostats to lightbulbs, has used DMCA 1201 to limit repair, modification and improvement.

Congress needs to rid us of this scourge, to let us bring back all the benefits of interoperability. I explain how this all came to be – and what we should do about it – in my new Verso Books title, The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation.

https://www.versobooks.com/products/3035-the-internet-con

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/22/vin-locking/#thought-differently

Image: Mitch Barrie (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Daytona_Skeleton_AR-15_completed_rifle_%2817551907724%29.jpg

CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en

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kambanji (modified) https://www.flickr.com/photos/kambanji/4135216486/

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

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Rawpixel (modified) https://www.rawpixel.com/image/12438797/png-white-background

[astrstqr]

☆˙˖ DESIRED REALITY !

things i script for my modern dr. lmk if you want more

⬭ racism, homophobia, ableism, transphobia, islamophobia, anti semitism, misogyny, global warming, climate change, overconsumption, overpopulation, deforestation, habitat destruction etc., used to exist, however they currently do not and will never suffer from them again.

⬭ everyone is treated equal

⬭ no “pro-life”

⬭ people are allowed to have abortions no matter what age they are

⬭ women products are free such as pads/tampons and birth control

⬭ everyone is educated on problems happening around the world

⬭ health care is free

⬭ natives are seen as the founders of America

⬭ south, west, southeast, & central Asians are seen too + people know Asia is not just the east

⬭ having guns are illegal unless your job requires you to have one and there is no other way to get a gun

⬭ periods last a day and are very light

⬭ covid-19 doesn’t exist

⬭ plastic surgery is normalized , isnt look down on but people rarely gets it unless necessary

⬭ children of any age are not sexualized in any form or shape

⬭ in public bathrooms the toilet is always clean, people don't knock on the stall you are in, there is always toilet paper, always soap and a hand dryer

⬭ the Chinese government isn't so harsh & gives the citizens freedom

⬭ people of color’s cultures are RESPECTED, & not appropriated

⬭ foster care takes treats kids nicely

⬭ nobody harms animals and kill shelters are not a thing

⬭ all country leaders are good and honest people

⬭ human trafficking does not exist

⬭ the government never watches you through your phone

⬭ trump never ran for president

⬭ no world hungers

⬭ no one is homeless, and everyone has a home

⬭ world peace

⬭ women and men are equal

⬭ it’s easy for people to make money

⬭ all sickness has a cure

⬭ bullying does not exist

⬭ black history and pride month still exist

⬭ the government isn't greedy and take care of their people

⬭ every country has money, food, isnt poor, etc. etc.

⬭ no toxic parenting

⬭ the Sewol ferry never had an accident

⬭ school shooting doesn’t exist

⬭ minimum wage is $15-$20 an hour

⬭ crimes are punished with justice in mind

⬭ history is recorded correctly

⬭ people can start driving at 15

⬭ Korea is not conservative

⬭ Korea doesn’t have an unrealistic beauty standard

⬭ Korea never divided, it is united and free. But south of korea is like the city part and the north is like rural part

⬭ pollution does not exist

⬭ earth air is clean and easy to breathe no matter where you are

⬭ no acid rain, urban sprawl, ozone layer depletion

⬭ allergies do not exist

⬭ the world is more colorful and not dull looking

⬭ coral reef still has it color

⬭ no water in unwanted places

⬭ grass is always green

⬭ if the population increases the planet gets bigger to produce resources to accommodate the growing population. it doesnt effect the mass of the earth or the gravitational pull

⬭ global warming doesn't exist

⬭ humidity doesn't ruin hair

⬭ the library of alexandria was never destroyed

⬭ apple pencils work on iPhone

⬭ everything is wireless, and nothing needs a cord

⬭ line is always short in stores and restaurants

⬭ buildings and renovating don’t take longer than a wee

⬭ you can book a hotel with being 18 or older

⬭ traffic is always fine

⬭ netflix have more of a large selection of things and dont remove shows/add shows no one wants

⬭ spotify is free

⬭ the switch have a web browser

⬭ tv companies still make tv shows similar to the 2000s and early 2010s , just updated to keep up with the times

⬭ the sims franchise lore is linear throughout the series

the open world features from sims 3 is still present in sims 4

sims 4 is like an updated and better version of sims 3 keeping all the features from the sims 3 (still including everything that is already in sims 4)

non of the games have bugs

every expansion pack etc is just added to the game as an update and no one has to pay for it

⬭ cheap jewelry doesnt tarnish

⬭ washer/dryer cycles are 15 mins

⬭ in the show dancing dolls everyone was treated equally and was never fake to each other.

⬭ people actually do the theme for the met gala and it’s always unique

୨୧⠀˙⠀⠀˖⠀ world aesthetic & vibe

[violet-hearth]

Solid Perfumes and Balms Recipe

One of my favourite spell forms is something I can physically wear like a perfume, balm or body butter. Whilst this is not a recipe I favour (I prefer spray on perfumes and liquid oils), its one that has served me well in the past for glamours, anti-anxiety, and a little luck before job interviews.

Apply to your wrists and neck for a perfume, or use to create a creme makeup product such as a blush or bronzer.

Generic Recipe Base:

Always be mindful of irritants like cinnamon when creating balms!

1 tablespoon of oil (jojoaba or any other neutral oil)

1 tablespoon beeswax or emulsifier wax

OR 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or shea butter and 1/2 tablespoon of wax

10-20 drops of essential oils for a perfume (or add until desired scent is achieved), for more subtle scents 3-5 drops

1/2 -1 tablespoon of mica powder or mineral powder to colour

Melt together the wax and oil or simply melt down a dense, solid oil or fat like coconut oil, adding in vitamin E oil and mix well

Stir in essential oil (or oil you have infused with your herbs), add in your mica powder if you wish to colour it

Allow to cool slightly and pour into a slightly heated, wide rimed jar and let sit to solidify completely before sealing it - old lip balm tins, tiny jam jars and balm jars work well to store this

_________

Prosperity and Luck for Job Interviews:

Melt down your liquid oil and wax, and mix well

Stir in 9 drops of prosperity oil (ylang-ylang, lemon, basil and mint) - I like to add things in threes, so three lots of three

Allow to cool and add to a small tin or jar and allow to cool at air temperature

_________

Glamour Creme/Cream Blush

Met together shea butter and wax - more wax will make a thicker, longer lasting blush whilst more aloe will make a smoother, more subtle one

Add in aloe vera and a glamour or love/attraction oil (rose, apple blossom, lavender and jasmine - as this is blush only add 3 drops!) and whisk until smooth, taking it off the heat

Slowly add in mica powders and cocoa powder a tiny pinch at a time until the desired colour is reached

add to a tine or jar and let cool at air temperature

Adapt the recipes as needed for what you have and to your own practice <3

_________

(I will be sharing some of my generic grimoire recipes each Wednesday (hopefully) with the intent on letting people adapt the recipes to suit their needs ... )

_________

[nightbunnysong]

Italian It Girl: Beauty with Biochemical Backing

Facial Creams with Yogurt and Honey

Yogurt and honey masks are used for their hydrating and antibacterial properties. Yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), which helps exfoliate dead skin cells and enhance hydration. The lactic acid promotes a smoother and more hydrated complexion. Honey has antimicrobial properties due to its phenolic compounds and natural sugars, which help reduce bacterial growth and inflammation while retaining moisture, leading to healthier skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair

Apple cider vinegar is used as a final rinse for hair because of its acetic acid content. Acetic acid helps balance the pH of the scalp, close hair cuticles, and remove product residues. This can lead to shinier and less brittle hair by smoothing the cuticle layer and reducing scalp inflammation. It also helps in reducing dandruff and improving overall hair health.

Olive Oil Masks

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid and antioxidants such as vitamin E. Oleic acid helps deeply hydrate the skin and improve elasticity by integrating into the skin barrier. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, thus reducing signs of aging and enhancing skin repair processes.

Coffee Scrub

Coffee grounds are used as an exfoliant due to their coarse texture and bioactive compounds. Caffeine enhances blood circulation, promotes fat metabolism, and stimulates lymphatic drainage, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite. The physical exfoliation removes dead skin cells and improves texture, while antioxidants in coffee, such as chlorogenic acids, protect the skin from environmental damage.

Sweet Almond Oil for Hydration

Sweet almond oil contains essential fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid, which are vital for maintaining the skin’s lipid barrier and preventing moisture loss. It is also rich in vitamins A and E. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, preventing oxidative damage and maintaining skin hydration and elasticity.

Baths with Aromatic Herbs

Aromatic herbs such as rosemary, lavender, and thyme contain essential oils with therapeutic properties. Rosemary has rosmarinic acid and cineole, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Lavender oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which promote relaxation and stress relief. Thyme essential oil includes thymol and carvacrol, known for their antimicrobial properties. Adding these herbs to baths can help relieve muscle tension and improve mood through their volatile compounds.

Chamomile Infusions for Tired Eyes

Chamomile infusions are used as compresses due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Chamomile contains flavonoids like apigenin and essential oils that reduce inflammation and irritation. Apigenin helps inhibit inflammatory pathways, which can reduce puffiness and calm the sensitive skin around the eyes.

Chamomile for Lightening Hair

Chamomile is used to lighten hair naturally through its flavonoids and essential oils. When applied to the hair and exposed to sunlight, these compounds interact with melanin, gradually lightening the hair color. This natural bleaching effect enhances hair brightness and creates subtle highlights over time.

Rosemary Remedies

Rosemary contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid, which stimulate blood circulation and support hair growth. Rosmarinic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help improve scalp health and reduce oxidative stress. Enhanced circulation promotes hair follicle health and contributes to stronger hair growth.

[alaetoiles]

(more) modern!poets headcanons

todd is a teenage girl at heart bc he loves his iced vanilla oatmilk lattes <3

charlie religiously venmos every poet exactly at 12:00am june 1st for pride month

the comment section of pitts' tiktok is filled with girls commenting "i want him" which pitts definitely gets clowned for

neil is apart of That theater kid friend group who ambushes Denny's at 11pm after every show and proceeds to be every waitress' nightmare table

meeks always has a nice smelling car that is filled to the brim with anything you could ever need. napkins? in the glove box. straws? in the backseat pocket. mcdonalds sweet and sour sauce? check the basket in the trunk. charger? which phone do u have.

knox's iphone screen is shattered beyond use, i'm talking like chunks of glass actively fall out of his phone screen but he refuses to replace it bc he still has an iphone 6 and refuses to give up his home button. literally no one even understands how he reads Anything on his screen...it's half green lines

cameron is anti apple products. hates anything and everything apple makes...always complaining about how stupid airpods are, the terrible iphone camera quality, and how slow macbooks are even though no one gaf. always the green text bubble. Always the green text bubble.

[smuggonifico-lmao]

Click image for better quality

I have finally decided to put my knowledge as a occupational therapist in training to good use and made a little comic about some ADL (activities of daily life) things!

The little cutting aid Leo is using in the last panel is a cutting board with an extra board that has spikes on it. The spikes can be used to impale something, an apple in this case, so its easier to cut it apart with one hand! Also the cutting board has little anti-slippery thingies under it so it doesnt move around while trying to cut something. There are so many things that people without disabilities take for granted, me as well, that we would never notice!

This is @intotheelliwoods Little poptart btw! He is great for demonstration purposes since he only has one arm and also is a little guy and i love him <33

Those cutting boards with spike and anti-slipping aids also exist in real life and are used by people who have problems with motor functions in their hands or are missing an arm/hand alltogether! You can also put toast on it if you wanna spread butter on it or other things to cut apart.

I think anything that can educate and empower a person to be more self confident, self sufficient and independent in what they do is important and more people should have access to aids like these if they need it!

Im gonna link an english website that I found (i apologize for lack of ressources, i am german and mostly only have german one sbdhwbch) and if anyone wants to, feel free to add your own ressources as well! Also if you know that these websites might be shit, also feel free to tell me *insert keysmash* (though unfortunately these can get so fucking expensive, though we learn in our training as well how to make lots of these aids from scratch for our clients!)

[x-liv25-jamieswife]

can i req some grayson headcanons if thats ok with you pookie <3

grayson head canons

OF COURSE! i literally love him sm (though i'm a jamie). he's such a complex character with so many layers and i'm a sucker for those. if anyone has more requests, feel free to send them to me! hope you like them <3

gray can't stand procrastinators (me) and people who don't make an effort. this dude is working 24/7, like...

he has literally every apple product you can imagine (but he prefers microsoft computers, not macbooks)

he's never had s*x....

he absolutely lovesss cats. he used to have one when he was younger but it died. he ends up getting another one after he marries lyra and has kids

he read smut once and actually thought it was kinda good (xander got excited)

when he plays the piano, he needs a heated bench cause his ass always gets cold

grayson would always check on his brothers on their first day of school (xan and jamie) he wouldn't go up to them, but he'd watch from the shadows to make sure everything was ok.

although he never does, he lovesss sleeping. at the end of a long day, he loves cuddling up with his blankets and resting his head.

he meditates (like he sits with his legs crossed and everything)

he lovesss the nature. sometimes he wakes up early to watch the sunrise (and he watches the sunset most days)

he loves hozier and is secretly a swiftie

his favorite place he's been to is spain. he absolutely loved the food there (as someone who loves travelling and who does it quite often, i reallyyyy want to go there)

he used to take anti-depressants and still does (i'm projecting...)

he used to throw really bad tantrums as a child, like really bad (nash would get so discouraged he'd consider offing himself)

whenever he starts dating lyra (unless he doesn't end up with her...), he always leaves her little post it notes with sweet nothings written on them

gray hates being around people and socializing (obviously) because so many people have tried to use him in the past.

he went to the eras tour in a gray suit (folklore themed) with little leaves on them (the forest on the cover of the album) designed by taylor's designer roberto cavalli (apparently he died today, rest in peace)

he loved cuddles (in bed, on sofas, literally anywhere)

he's a huge fangirl for his favorite ships. like when he reads a scene of one of his favorite couples kissing or confessing he'll literally squeak (he reads romance, fight with the wall)

grayson sometimes makes those aesthetic like 'come get ready with me for the day' but there's no talking. it's like clips of him choosing his outfit, fixing his hair, etc fans go crazy for the clips of him buttoning up his dress shirt and stuff cause they can see his abs. he does them because alisa told him he needed to interact more with fans. (@catapparently came up with this one)

although we always see him swimming in pools, he prefers the ocean.

his best friend is their dog, tiramisu (this one is not really a head canon, it's been implied but i find it adorable so..)

he tried to become vegan when he was younger but loved burgers too much

speaking of burgers, he loves super unhealthy fast food meals.

he has a lucky pen

he lost that lucky pen once and had a huge panic attack. nash tried to comfort him but gray wasn't hearing him so nash had to dump a glass of water on his head.

gray secretly wishes he was as carefree as jameson cause he hates himself (poor pookie)

grayson takes up so much space in bed. like he'll be sprawled out with his head at the bottom of the bed.

gray is an emotional drunk. in my jamie and gray head canons i said that jamie once got him drunk. that never happened again cause gray ended up balling his eyes out telling everyone he loved them and that he wants to spend more time with them. that didn't bother jamie though, it was the simping over emily that did it.

skincare king (he has a skincare fridge and all the products you can imagine. this dude would have like face wash made out of 24k gold or some shit)

has an insta account dedicated to the pics he takes of people (note the word people because he has a seperate account for nature that he shares with avery, its anonymous though)

gray had an emo phase when he was 11. he didn't dye his hair black but he bought a wig and everything

he used to be really short but magically started growing at like 15

gray is actually a really good dancer. he's actually quite decent at pole dancing

he loves gardening. he cultivates his own vegetables and shit and cooks with them. he's sort of like this girl on tiktok called nara smith who does everything from scratch (like her kids asked for lasagna, and she made her own mozzarella balls, pasta sheets, tomato sauce, bechamel sauce, grows her own vegetables, etc)

[tomorrowxtogether]

[NOTICE] TOMORROW X TOGETHER WORLD TOUR 〈ACT : SWEET MIRAGE〉 FINALE Release Announcement

We are excited to announce the release of TOMORROW X TOGETHER WORLD TOUR 〈ACT : SWEET MIRAGE〉 FINALE.

TOMORROW X TOGETHER WORLD TOUR 〈ACT : SWEET MIRAGE〉, a second world tour with MOA from around the globe!

This release captures the “FINALE” concert at Gocheok Sky Dome that marked the grand conclusion of the world tour, preserving all the touching moments shared between TOMORROW X TOGETHER and MOA.

It includes not only fantastic performances featuring the stories TOMORROW X TOGETHER has told so far, but also behind-the-scenes practice and rehearsal footage, D-DAY sketches, interviews with the members as they reflect on the end of the world tour, concert commentary reminiscing about the performance, and more. Additionally, you’ll find an array of behind-the-scenes content from the world tour, all packaged in a beautifully designed outer box with a fairytale motif. Various items, including a photo book, postcard set, and photo card set, add to the specialness.

This magical moment between TOMORROW X TOGETHER and MOA, TOMORROW X TOGETHER WORLD TOUR 〈ACT : SWEET MIRAGE〉 FINALE is available for pre-order starting July 9, and will be officially released on August 12.

[PRE-ORDER DATE] - From 11AM, Tuesday, July 9, 2024 (KST) *WHILE SUPPLIES LAST*

[RELEASE DATE] - Weverse shop GLOBAL : July 26, 2024 (KST) - Weverse shop US : August 12, 2024 (PDT) - Weverse Shop JAPAN & UNIVERSAL MUSIC JAPAN : August 5, 2024 (KST) - QQ Music & Kugou Music : Scheduled to be released in August, 2024 (KST)

*Online Retailers : July 26, 2024 (KST) - Kakao Talk Gift - Aladin - YES24 - KTOWN4U - KYOBO BOOK CENTRE(HOTTRACKS) - Apple Music

- OUT BOX Size : 160x235x35mm * This outbox is designed to protect the product during distribution. We do not offer exchanges or refunds for stains or damage to the outbox that may be sustained during the distribution process.

[SPEC] 1. PHOTOBOOK Size : 145x220 mm｜148p

2. DIGITAL CODE SET DIGITAL CODE Size : 27x85mm｜About 304 mins PAPER CHARM Size : 49x76mm｜1ea

[144p], [270p], [360p], [480p SD], [720p HD], [1080p FHD] KOREAN, ENGLISH, JAPANESE, CHINESE

* This product is made of recycled plastic, so the marbling pattern is not identical on all items. Spots, parting lines, and other natural occurrences in the manufacturing process may be present and do not constitute defects

3. FOLDING POSTER Size : 74x105mm｜1ea

4. POSTCARD SET CLEAR FILE Size : 113x158mm POSTCARD Size : 105x148mm｜5ea

5. PHOTOCARD SET SLEEVE Size : 60x95mm PHOTO CARD Size : 54x86mm｜5ea

[CONTENTS] 1. TOMORROW X TOGETHER WORLD TOUR 〈ACT : SWEET MIRAGE〉 FINALE Blue Hour Can't We Just Leave The Monster Alive? Drama + No Rules Cat & Dog 9 and Three Quarters (Run Away) We Lost The Summer Can't You See Me? 0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) feat. Seori LO$ER=LO♡ER Dear Sputnik Magic Opening Sequence Anti-Romantic Good Boy Gone Bad Tinnitus Devil by the Window Angel Or Devil Happily Ever After Happy Fools (feat. Coi Leray) Sugar Rush Ride Farewell, Neverland Chasing That Feeling Skipping Stones MOA Diary (Dubaddu Wari Wari) Sweet Dreams Our Summer Blue Spring

2. TOMORROW X TOGETHER WORLD TOUR 〈ACT : SWEET MIRAGE〉 FINALE : MAKING - OF FILM - VCR SHOOT SKETCH - PRACTICE & REHEARSAL SKETCH - CONCERT D-DAY SKETCH & INTERVIEW - CONCERT COMMENTARY

[lunavenefica]

⛤KITCHEN MAGIC BASICS⛤

We’ve all heard about kitchen magic, but how does it work?

It’s pretty simple! Every herb and spice has a meaning and magical properties.

Kitchen witchcraft consists in the use of basic ingredients to make magical recipes!

Casting spells is cool and all but I think we’d all agree that enchanting your cookies is way better!

So how do I make a spell?

It’s easy! You enchant the ingredients and follow your recipe meditating through the process and visualizing your intent.

And then you eat what you made! Or you can share it with your friends, your loved ones, offer it to the Deities you’re worshiping or to the Earth; there are many possibilities!

There are also many herbs that can help improve your health and aid you in your spiritual journey!

⛤Some useful herbs:

Cayenne: boosts metabolism.

Cilantro (Coriander): Is a good source of iron and magnesium; it has been used for thousands of years as a digestive.

Cinnamon: can help lower cholesterol.

Cumin: Is loaded with antioxidants, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc, magnesium and  it also helps with insomnia.

Clove: Is an anti-fungal and alleviates toothache.

Ginger: Stimulates circulations and it is an excellent digestive, aiding in absorption of food and minimizing bloat.

Parsley: Is a nutrient-rich substance which acts as an anti-inflammatory  and antispasmodic, helping conditions from colic to indigestion.  Rub it on itchy skin for instant relief.

Thyme: Is a cure for hangovers and helps alleviate colds and bronchitis.

Turmeric: It boosts production of antioxidants and helps in the reduction of inflammation.

Sage: Very beneficial in treating gum and throat infections. Sage tea can help ease anxiety.

⛤This is just a short list with some basic correspondences:

⛤BANISHING

Black coffee with cinnamon

Chili pepper

Curry

Pepper

Water and lemon

⛤PROTECTION

Basil

Bay leaf

Beans

Blackberries

Blueberries

Coconut

Corn

Mint 

Olives

Plums

Rosemary

Thyme

Tomatoes

⛤HEALING

Apple pie

Apples 

Blackberries

Chamomile

Cucumber

Ginger tea

Honey and milk

Mint tea

Olives

Propoli

Pumpkin 

Pomegranate

Potatoes

⛤LOVE

Apricots

Avocados

Blackberries

Cherries

Figs

Oranges

Peaches

Pears

Plums

Raspberries

Tomatoes

⛤LUCK

Bread with poppy seeds

Chamomile tea

Cinnamon Rolls

Oranges

Pineapples

⛤PEACE

Apricots

Lavender water

Vanilla ice cream

⛤PROSPERITY

Apple pie

Bananas

Bread 

Chips

Curry

Grapes

Honey and milk

Peas

Pumpkin

Rice

Tomatoes

Please feel free to add to the list!

⛤Isidora & Bleiz ⛤

⛤Isidora ⛤

[nourishandthrive]

Natural Remedies for Common Ailments

Turning to natural remedies for common ailments can provide relief without relying heavily on medications. Here are some effective and easily accessible natural remedies for everyday health issues.

Headaches

Peppermint Oil: Apply a few drops of diluted peppermint oil to your temples and massage gently. The menthol in peppermint can help relax muscles and alleviate headache pain.

Ginger Tea: Brew fresh ginger slices in hot water and drink. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce headache severity.

Cold and Flu

Honey and Lemon: Mix a tablespoon of honey with the juice of half a lemon in warm water. This soothing drink can help relieve sore throat and boost your immune system.

Elderberry Syrup: Take elderberry syrup to reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support immune health.

Digestive Issues

Peppermint Tea: Drink peppermint tea to relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas. Peppermint helps relax the digestive tract muscles.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink before meals to aid digestion and reduce heartburn.

Insomnia

Chamomile Tea: Drink a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime. Chamomile has mild sedative properties that can help promote sleep.

Lavender Essential Oil: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your pillow or diffuse it in your bedroom to create a calming atmosphere conducive to sleep.

Skin Irritations

Aloe Vera Gel: Apply fresh aloe vera gel to soothe and heal minor burns, sunburns, and skin irritations. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties.

Oatmeal Bath: Add colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath to relieve itching and irritation from conditions like eczema or rashes.

Muscle Pain

Epsom Salt Bath: Soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts. The magnesium in Epsom salts can help relax muscles and reduce pain.

Arnica Gel: Apply arnica gel topically to sore muscles. Arnica has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce muscle soreness and bruising.

Nausea

Ginger: Chew on a small piece of fresh ginger or drink ginger tea. Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties.

Peppermint: Inhale peppermint oil or sip peppermint tea to help alleviate nausea symptoms.

Allergies

Local Honey: Consume a teaspoon of local honey daily to help build immunity against local pollen and reduce allergy symptoms over time.

Neti Pot: Use a neti pot with a saline solution to rinse nasal passages and reduce congestion caused by allergies.

Cough

Thyme Tea: Brew thyme leaves in hot water and drink. Thyme has antimicrobial and expectorant properties that can help soothe a cough.

Marshmallow Root: Drink marshmallow root tea to coat the throat and relieve irritation from coughing.

Stress and Anxiety

Ashwagandha: Take ashwagandha supplements to help reduce stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that supports the body's stress response.

Passionflower: Drink passionflower tea or take supplements to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety levels.

Tips for Using Natural Remedies

Consult a Professional: Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new remedy, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Quality Matters: Use high-quality, organic products to ensure the best results and avoid harmful additives.

Monitor Reactions: Pay attention to how your body responds to natural remedies and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.

Combine with Healthy Lifestyle: Enhance the effectiveness of natural remedies by maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

By incorporating these natural remedies into your routine, you can address common ailments effectively and support your overall health and well-being.

Share your favorite natural remedies in the comments below! Let’s exchange tips and support each other in our journey towards a healthier, more natural lifestyle.

[dwreader]

A Meal to Remember by @iwtvfanevents

Part 2: I am suddenly Megan Ellison, a wealthy lesbian, my father is a billionaire who has allowed me to start my own production company to make films I want to see. Money is no object. Here are the fics I would adapt and who I would hire (bully into) directing.

1. Reformation by verseau - first of all, I would pay $1 billion to acquire the rights outcompeting Amazon, Netflix and Apple and I would make Betsy adapt the screenplay. I maintain this must be cinematic because Ldpdl’s hole needs to be experienced in 70mm imax AND I would not allow any countries to censor like they did to Florence’s boobs. This would be like an Eternal Sunshine/Blue Valentine/Two for the Road type romantic dramedy that jumps back and forth in time to show the couple’s struggles and progression, and the non-linear storytelling means it automatically becomes an Oscar frontrunner. I would try to hire Barry Jenkins first but he is occupied with The Lion King 2 at Disney so then I would go to Mia Hansen-Love to direct. Beyoncé does the soundtrack. I didn’t even have to ask her she just wanted to.

2. Part of Your World by weathermood - I will imprison Mr. Monsterfucker himself Guillermo Del Toro until he agrees to direct this film like I am Kathy Bates in Misery. He will read it and then be like okay I agree you don’t need to kidnap me I will make this movie. We are going full Avatar 2 level budget to make sure underwater scenes are believable cause I won’t tolerate bad Aquaman CGI. The budget balloons to $400m but that’s okay cause it makes $2.7b worldwide and there’s 2 sequels greenlit immediately cause the world wants to see Louis get pregnant.

3. A Potentiality for Corruption by vampdf - Guillermo is occupied with Part of Your World and its sequels now so I turn to Robert Eggers to help bring to life this gothic horror romance. It’s 3 hours long. Parts of it are in black and white and there’s aspect ratio changes that confuse and unsettle the audience. We debut at Cannes. We get a 47 minute standing ovation but also some walkouts and fainting in the crowd because some vanilla viewers couldn’t handle the ending, which is controversial but has everyone talking.

4. Cord of Communion by themasterletters- this has now become a #1 nyt best selling novel so we have a built in audience and they want it to be a tv show cause of its length and we can’t skip out on any important points. Every streamer wants it but I choose HBO cause of the prestige factor and I’m an Emmy whore. It becomes Sunday night essential viewing replacing Succession it’s like if The Idol was actually good. I hire many talented directors such as Raine Allen Miller (Rye Lane), Francis Lee (God’s Own Country), Gina Prince Bythewood (Beyond the Lights) and I make Rolin Jones be my showrunner. We sweep the Emmys. The episode where Lestat fires Louis becomes the new Red Wedding traumatizing millions.

5. Pieta by baberainbow - When iwtv the amc show ends, I hire Paul Verhoeven to direct a standalone sequel film based on this fic. It’s as insane as you could ever imagine. The Catholic Church is mad at us. It’s condemned by the Vatican and the anti-feminization police. They’re protesting outside our premiere like they did to Benedetta. It doesn’t matter cause it just makes the film an even bigger hit.

6. Hand to God by boltcutters - first I pay Ziska $1 billion to finish writing this. Then I go back in time to 1933 first to make Hollywood not adopt the Hays Code so we can have gay and interracial stuff in movies and then to 1946 so Howard Hawks can direct this Danlou version of The Big Sleep.

PSA: some of my links aren’t working cause I’m on my phone (on vaca) so please forgive me but y’all know where these fics are don’t lie!!!

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Medieval Times invents a modern union-busting tactic

In the summer of 2020, I committed a minor heresy: I published a column that argued that — contrary to the orthodoxy of free culture and free software advocates — the term “IP” has a very crisp meaning: “IP” is any law or rule that can be used to control one’s critics, competitors or customers:

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

In free culture/free software circles, the term “IP” is viewed as a smokescreen, one that indiscriminately blended a basket of unrelated regulations and laws (copyright, trademark, patent, trade secrets, anticircumvention, noncompetes, nondisclosure, etc) and then declared them to be “property” and thus sacred to the neoliberal religious doctrine.

In my column, I argued that the policies grouped under “IP” were not an incoherent mess — rather, they all shared this one trait that made them useful to those who had, advocated for, or tried to expand “IP”: they were tools that would allow you to reach beyond your own business’s walls and exert control over the conduct of others — specifically, competitors, critics and customers.

Take trademark: Apple engraves miniature logos onto the parts inside your iPhone, which you will likely never see. But these logos allow Apple to argue that when someone breaks up a dead iPhone for parts sells them to independent repair shops that compete with Apple’s repair monopoly, they are violating Apple’s trademarks:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/evk4wk/dhs-seizes-iphone-screens-jessa-jones

Or take DRM: DRM is useless for preventing copyright infringement (if you want to break the DRM on, say, an audiobook, you need only do a quick search). But because breaking DRM is illegal, Amazon’s Audible — the monopolist that controls the audiobook market — can prevent a rival like libro.fm from offering you a way to switch from Audible to its platform and move your audiobooks with them:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/07/25/can-you-hear-me-now/#acx-ripoff

Anyone performing a security audit of a modern digital product most likely violates some IP — either terms of service, or DRM, or both, or some other right. When these security researchers criticize manufacturers for their insecure products, the manufacturer can silence them with IP threats:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/10/canada-chile-security-researchers-have-rights-our-new-report

IP rights also prevent you from using the things you own in the way you want — they can control customers For example, IP rights allow your printer to refuse to print with ink of your choosing — it’s not that your printer can’t use that ink, rather, it won’t:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/11/ink-stained-wretches-battle-soul-digital-freedom-taking-place-inside-your-printer

Ever since I published that piece, I’ve noticed lots of examples of IP that fit within this box, and today, I found a particularly egregious one. Medieval Times has sued its workers’ union, Medieval Times Performers United, under trademark law:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/medieval-times-sues-union-trademark_n_63485fa5e4b0b7f89f54546b

Medieval Times argues that its workers can’t call themselves “Medieval Times Performers United” because this will fool people into thinking that the company endorses the union, and that is a source of “consumer confusion,” and thus a trademark violation.

This is, of course, bullshit. Trademark contains a broad “nominative use” exception: trademark doesn’t let Coca-Cola stop Pepsi from claiming, “Our drink tastes better than Coke.” It doesn’t let HP prevent companies from advertising “HP-compatible ink cartridges.” It doesn’t let Apple prevent shops from saying “We fix iPhones.”

The union is contemplating mounting a defense at the National Labor Relations Board — not in a courtroom — “arguing that the lawsuit itself violates workers’ rights.”

It’s part of a broad union-busting campaign from Medieval Times, including anti-union “consultants” who bill $3,200/day. The performers are unionizing over pay, respect and workplace safety issues caused by inadequate staffing, especially staff who police the audience to prevent them from spooking the horses during jousting tournaments. Some performers have been attacked by drunken audience members.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/medieval-times-workers-first-union_n_62bb1d29e4b0d26a9b14fa17

[Striking workers in front of a factory, being fired on by teargas. Between them and the factory are a pair of jousting knights in the style of a medieval tapestry. Behind the factory looms a giant, ogrish boss in a top-hat, chomping a cigar. He is pulling on a lever made from a stylized dollar sign. In one gloved hand, he holds aloft a medieval night, who is bent over in supplication.]

[brenninthetaylorverse]

minor ✧ major swiftie since 2017 ✧ pharbie since 2019 ✧ book lover ✧ avid music listener ✧ chess player ✧ cheerleader ✧ enjoyer of poetry ✧ songwriter ✧ virgo ✧ slytherin ✧ hopeless romantic ✧ professional sad depressed girl✧ she/her ✧ entp-t ✧ has over 40 hours of screen time on tiktok per week 😭 ✧ just a teenage girl ✧

thank you all for 363 followers (half of them my amazing mooties<3) !

books:

circe, speak, the book thief, the hunger games series, percy jackson, the twilight saga, harry potter (not jkr ew), plus many more.

shows/movies (top three shows first):

heartstopper<3, the queen's gambit<3, i am not okay with this<3, speak and a walk to remember<333 (my favorite movies), divergent, harry potter and the goblet of fire, shawshank redemption, the hunger games movies, miss americana, the twilight movies, etc.

+ any rom-com whatsoever!

singers/bands (in no specific order):

taylor swift, phoebe bridgers, chappell roan, gracie abrams,sabrina carpenter, billie eilish, mitski, ethel cain, harry styles, sleeptoken, conan gray, adrienne lenker, boygenius, chase atlantic, beyonce, fiona apple, and all of liam mccays music lol

other interests/things i like:

chess (love it sm), ice-skating (i don't ice skate but I like watching it), lip products, autumn, cds, posters, edits of hot men!

🎧 currently listening to: ruined by adrienne lenker

📚 currently reading: ???

links to my socials ↡

pinterest ✧ spotify ✧ album of the year ✧ my goodreads ✧ letterboxd

#music ⇺ where you can find my music

#brenn's moodboards! ⇺ where you can find my moodboards

#brenn's favorites! ⇺ where you can find some of my favorite posts/reblogs/most popular posts

#haylee! ⇺ dedicated to me and my besties convos!

don't follow me if you're: perv/pedo, anti palestine, transphobic, homophobic, racist, fatphobic, spreading hate in any way, etc... because I will block you :)

free palestine ∣support lgbtqia+ ∣daily click for palestine

admin of certified swifties (if you want to join just shoot me a message or comment!)

please go follow my amazing best friend haylee, she's awesome - @urfav-mirrorball

my secret cringe notes app poetry acc - @theworldwillkeepspinning

pp bridgers fanpage acc - @peepeebridgersand-maxine

and to all my mutuals, I love you all so much ! don't forget that you are beautiful and smart and I adore you all ! <333 (click on it for a special surprise haha!)

feel free to message me or send me asks, I love yapping!

have an amazing day/night, stay hydrated, and love yourself!

[agro-carnist]

ok. References: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/23/5115

https://www.pcrm.org/news/health-nutrition/vegan-diet-better-environment-mediterranean-diet

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/20/vegan-diet-cuts-environmental-damage-climate-heating-emissions-study

https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/food-drink/shopping-guide/vegan-meat-alterantive-food-brands

Including books like Sustainable Living and 100 Ways to Live Sustainably.

My response under a read more since it got long

First link:

This study is not necessarily advocating for vegan or vegetarian diets, and it mentions that in the introduction. It mentions instead its evaluation of overconsumption of animal products and underconsumption of various plant sources.

The study also mentions that vegans and vegetarians tend to consume more fruits, vegetables, and legumes and in more variety, as well as fewer refined cereals, added fats and sweets, and non-water beverages. This is known as the healthy user bias. The study even mentions that "the differences in terms of health outcomes ... cannot be directly linked only to the different consumption of protein sources." Even their own analysis of various studies find that most results aren't statistically significant, and those that do have significant statistical correlation include flexitarians, pescetarians, and lacto-ovo vegetarians and exclude vegans.

Second link

This article references two different studies, "Environmental Impact of Two Plant-Based, Isocaloric and Isoproteic Diets: The Vegan Diet vs. the Mediterranean Diet" and "A Mediterranean Diet and Low-Fat Vegan Diet to Improve Body Weight and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Randomized, Cross-over Trial."

For the first, this goes into one of my main complaints about dietary sustainability analysis in that the calculations are all hypothetical. It does not study if an individual's personal food choices make an impact on foods being produced. I am not arguing that livestock do not have a significant environmental impact or that agriculture does not damage the Earth. They clearly do. But I'm not a libertarian that thinks the free market will solve the ingrained issues with how food is produced.

My other issue with studies like this is that it groups all livestock together and all crops together. Cattle, chickens, fish, shellfish, goats, etc. all have a very different environmental impact. Almonds, wheat, apples, avocados, beans, rice etc. also all have very different environmental impacts. Painting agriculture with broad brushes like this is, in my opinion, not very helpful. I'm also not interested in pointing out the harmful impact of one side of agriculture while completely supporting the other side and acting like we can ignore that. I am more interested in food raised using sustainable techniques vs. industrially grown food rather than pitting animals and plants against each other as a whole. I am anti-capitalist and I do not make my food and animal activism to still be playing into capitalism. I also dislike pretending that crops and livestock are mutually exclusive industries that do not fundamentally play into each other.

As for the second study, I find this one far more interesting but I do have a few things to point out. The study does not mention what the lifestyles of the participants were before the study began, only that they were overweight. It seems to be operating under the assumption that thinner automatically means healthier, which isn't necessarily the case. But are participants normally eating tons of junk food with little fresh fruits and vegetables and then switching to more balanced diets prepared at home? Considering participants are also specifically asked to avoid sweetened drinks, processed meats and snacks, and cream and to limit cured ham and fatty cheeses, there are almost definitely other factors at play than simply meat vs plants. Second, participants attended classes taught by dieticians and physicians. Of course people would be healthier following instructions by people formally educated in health. Third, it is noted that several participants out of 52 change medications during the study, which can impact results.

Third link

See my points from link 2.

Fourth link

I like the recommendations made for vegan companies here. They suggest making some foods at home and avoiding companies that use palm oil or soy from South America as well as brands like Nestle that are famously known for damaging environments all over the world and harming people especially in poor countries. I will add though that this is harder than it looks due to brands having parents companies and Nestle owns lots and lots of companies. Which also plays into my point that personal choice is so insignificant when up against monsters like Nestle that own so much power.

In short, studies like these can provide some helpful data but they do also miss many important pieces because sustainability and nutrition are such complex topics that do not come with easy answers. I also take all studies with a grain of salt because they are all going to still work under the assumption of a capitalist world. My perspective is anti-capitalist and about an uprooting of our relationship to food and agriculture. Under a capitalist system the best we can do is harm reduction and based on trends of the food market I do not see that vegan diets make a material difference. Rather I promote choices that uplift community food, pressure changes to industry norms including legislative pressure, and socialist activism that benefits people and in turn the animals we live next to. Overproduction and overconsumption are real issues.

I'd like to offer my own studies and references but looking through these has used up all my spoons. My recommendations on books though are Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Cows Save The Planet by Judith D. Schwartz.