#gain of function experiments

[wherepond]

Jeffrey Sachs Covid-19

Jeffrey Sachs reveals US biotech cartel behind Covid origins and coverup

Jeffrey Sachs joins The Grayzone's Max Blumenthal and Aaron Maté to discuss the investigation into the origins of Covid-19. As chair of the Lancet COVID-19 commission, Sachs alleges that SARS-CoV2 originated from dangerous gain of function experiments sponsored and conducted by US biotech institutions. He alleges a vast cover-up of Covid origins, including by former members of his commission, and details the personal attacks he has incurred for speaking out.

Guest: Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University and chair of the Lancet COVID-19 commission

Jeffrey Sachs says Covid-19 'very likely' originated from US lab

When discussing Covid-19, Professor Jeffrey Sachs expressed his belief that it 'very likely' originated from a US lab. The US owes China and the world an explanation.

For more on-the-ground voices from China, please visit https://thechinaacademy.org/​

The Fort Detrick horror: a closer look at the US’ largest biochemical weapons research center | (29/may/2020)

For decades Fort Detrick was at the heart of ways of weaponizing pathogens & dispersing them silently over populations & even used unwitting Americans as guinea pigs. If they can do that to their own people, why not others ? | (23/apr/2020)

Research into deadly viruses and biological weapons at US army lab shut down over fears they could escape

The veil of secrecy surrounding the US Fort Detrick Lab & COVID19 | Sinophobia (16/jun/2020)

US CDC said #COVID19 named 2019-nCoV, is similar to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome SARS coronavirus, spread from animals to people. MERS virus particles are in blue, surrounding an infected cell. The undated image was taken at FORT DETRICK. 

Fort Detrick under the guidance of the CDC, no doubt, blame came far too quickly, as did source. | (11/mar/2020)

Well, since Wuhan lab has been probed, it is now turn for the US Fort Detrick biolab. Also, the US anti-pandemic fight guided by Mr Fauci is unimpressive, hopefully he can play a due role in persuading the Biden govt to cooperate with international investigation.

US Dr Ralph Baric Was Reviewing Moderna and Dr Fauci’s Coronavirus Vaccine in December 2019! — What’s Going On?

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[keferon]

Just want to say, love your mimick au. I only found it like, an hour ago and I've devoured everything in the tag and I'm planning to do the same to the spellbound and monster hunter aus.

That said, in one of the mimick fanfics, Orion tells Prowl to leave him alone and to find a hobby, but a comic that (presumably) happens after this conversation when Orion meets Jazz, Orion seems to be back to working with Prowl. I thought the whole "leave me alone" order would go on infinitely because Orion didn't seem to have his goal locked down and he also never specified when to come back. So how did they return to working together? Did Orion find Prowl post-meltdown, or was it Prowl who just set an arbitrary amount of time before going back to Orion and going "so, how do you feel about defying god?" I just find Orion and Prowl's relationship so interesting in this au, simply because of how Orion doesn't seem to apply his morals about freedom and coexistence to Prowl despite the fact he's the one who points out that Prowl didn't include himself in his calculations, but at the same time, if he doesn't recognize Prowl's autonomy and only sees him as a tool (chatGPT style), he would have to accept that he's the one responsible for Prowl's actions because he's the one using him. But also also, Prowl encourages him to not take responsibility for all the immoral actions (like killing monsters to keep the Council's favor), which I think Orion does take up, but that would indirectly be accepting Prowl as a individual capable of making his own decisions, you know? It also the fact that Orion and Prowl both have different (and somewhat incompatible) ways of communicating. I was thinking when Orion asked Prowl to what he'd do to make the most amount of mechs happy, Prowl understood it literally: the majority of the population are non-monsters, so statistically, he'd focus on making non-monsters happy. But Orion doesn't want to make most mechs happy; he wants a diverse and equitable society, and that doesn't necessarily lead to happiness, especially in transition phases. Even in the academy, monsters are learning to compromise to live in a non-monster society; compromises are about restriction, which often aren't a source of happiness. But Orion equates that vision to happiness, and probably gets a bad impression of Prowl given "free reign" from his answer. It's great, it's so juicy.

And contrasts so well with how Prowl and Jazz interact and communicate with each other. Like how Prowl makes an attempt to learn hand language for Jazz in the same way he attempts to comfort Orion post-Shockwave demonification. But unlike Orion who has "Prowl is not alive" at the core of their dynamic, Jazz doesn't know and sees Prowl's attempt to learn as a genuine attempt to understand/communicate. You can argue that Prowl is just "programmed" to try and get more information and it's just efficient to ensure Jazz doesn't get carpal tunnel while working together, but you can also argue that we're all programmed to do that as well; small talk or bids for attention are behaviors/actions to build connection through information exchange that we are trained to do from formative years and general society. Which is to say, even if Prowl learns and tries to accommodate Jazz for mission purposes, it doesn't negate the fact that he is investing effort into communicating and building the foundation for a meaningful connection in the same way other people do. It's great, I'm having a blast with the whole AU.

Orion despite being afraid to continue his mission still has responsibilities in his Order so him and Prowl. Yeah hahah they just keep working together but purely on their usual legal tasks. I didn’t talk about the whole situation enough yet but basically Prowl never informed Orion about his new quest of suing God. Primarily because he knows that Orion definitely will try to stop him.

It’s kind of like. “What isn’t forbidden can automatically be considered allowed” mentality.

Also MY GOD YES. My favourite part of this au is reading asks like yours:0 Prowl exists in that thin line between being and not being a person capable of his own choices. Orion exists on the thin line between considering him being one of those options. He can’t see Prowl as a “real mech” because he knows for a fact it’s not true. But then seeing him as a tool means accepting that all questionable things he does are Orion’s responsibility.

At the end of the day Prowl is a metaphorical piece of fabric Orion uses to clean his consciousness. In his eyes Prowl isn’t alive enough to be fully blamed for all the bad things he does but he is also alive just enough for Orion to say “it was your fault. Not mine.”

Jazz doesn’t have that dilemma. Uh. Yet haha he will discover the truth eventually of course~. He thinks Prowl is obviously a real mech because in his world magic isn’t alive. It can create an illusion of a mech, sure, this is what all usual golems are, but it’s not smart or believable enough. It’s like one of those tests where all people think they can tell if they’re talking to an AI chat bot because “duh I would obviously know” and then fail to distinguish AI from a real person. Jazz is perceptive but he doesn’t know what to look for. All he knows is that Prowl is somehow doesn’t love anyone but seems to care about of things that aren’t people.

Also it’s a bit unrelated but I find it soooo interesting playing with the usual concepts of magic and technology. Because usually magic is perceived as something more “coming from your heart” and “connected with emotions” while technology tends to be more “soulless” and “emotionless”. And then we have the entire world of robots who think they are alive and magic isn’t :)

[laika-of-the-stars]

that scene with cyn/the solver and uzi at the very end where the solver/cyn is still a part of uzi.... so OSSDID/System coded fr fr.... im going insane abt it. im so autistical abt this

please please PLEASE send me asks abt this i am so eager to talk to ppl abt it

(rambles in tags)

[lelouch]

just wanted to put my day here so i dont forget it

today i went with my sibling to a new part of town, we went alone on public transport, which is a huge step towards independence for me! i'm quite excited as i didn't get lost even alone. it might sound silly to most people, but that is a very big obstacle to go through as i'm not very well oriented and sometimes i get lost even in places i know well.

we went first to a big tianguis, i was freaked out at first because of the sounds, but luckily i had made my meltdown kit and had my earplugs ready :)

later i went alone to a doll market to pick up a monster high, and met a very nice guy who helped me get on the correct train to get there as he was also going to pick up a monster high (core operetta) and when we arrived we talked a little and then went our separate ways :) he was very nice

when i found the guy who had my ghoulia i gave him the money and we talked a little, and we found out we live super close 😭 so we could just seen eachother very fast instead of doing all this lol but well.

i saw a lot of dolls, and in one of the stands there were a lot of draculaura things, and i had a draculaura shirt on haha and i started talking with the person that was selling them and said they liked my shirt :) and then i said their outfit reminded me of uruha and they said that was their reference! later i asked them directions as i got lost [again] they were super nice :)

i got back to the tianguis with my sibling and then we went to a café because i wanted to deliver a letter to a memorial, and we ordered 2 milkshakes, one named Kirby and one named Mokona :) i also ordered a cheesecake that tasted too much like egg.

[sanchoyo]

hate hate hate how you have to make a twitter account to see ppls tweets now. like I deleted mine for a reason (rancid bad vibes + more ads and bots than posts) but some artists I like are ONLY on twt and :( man... I get how annoying having 23434 social medias to post stuff on is. im not really annoyed at the artists who do that (just having 1 place for their art) but im annoyed at the websites that do this -_- let me innn

[earthlyruins]

said this on twitter but once this zs fic is done beating my ass i need to write a good vinsmokes siblings au. I NEED TO.

[alyssamonah]

Exquisite Opulence: Embracing Modern Luxury House Design in Sydney

Sydney, a city renowned for its captivating landscapes and architectural marvels, offers many possibilities for custom home design. Creating a home that reflects your unique style, preferences, and aspirations requires the expertise of a skilled custom home designer. In this article, we will delve into the world of custom home design in Sydney, exploring the benefits of working with a professional modern luxury house design in Sydney and guiding you in choosing the perfect custom home designer to bring your vision to life.

Custom Home Design: Elevating Personal Expression: Custom home design is an art form that goes beyond conventional housing. It allows homeowners to personalize every aspect of their living space, from layout and materials to intricate design details. In Sydney, custom home designers embrace the opportunity to transform visions into reality, crafting homes that embody luxury, functionality, and individuality.

The Role of a Custom Home Designer: A custom home designer is a key collaborator in the realization of your dream home. They possess the knowledge, experience, and artistic vision to translate your ideas into architectural marvels. From conceptualization to construction, a skilled custom home designer in Sydney will work closely with you, merging aesthetics with functionality and guiding you through the entire design journey.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Custom Home Designer: a) Design Expertise and Style: Evaluate the designer's portfolio to gauge their design sensibilities and versatility. Look for a designer whose style resonates with your vision, whether it be sleek modernism, classic elegance, or a fusion of architectural influences. b) Experience and Track Record: Research the designer's experience and previous projects to ensure they have a proven track record of delivering exceptional custom homes. Consider their ability to handle complex designs, site-specific challenges, and budget constraints. c) Client Satisfaction and Testimonials: Seek feedback from previous clients to gain insights into the designer's professionalism, communication skills, and ability to meet deadlines and exceed expectations. d) Collaboration and Communication: Effective communication and a collaborative approach are crucial for a successful custom home design project. Choose a designer who actively listens to your ideas, understands your lifestyle needs, and encourages open dialogue throughout the process. e) Quality Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail: Look for a designer who prioritizes quality craftsmanship and pays meticulous attention to detail. This ensures your custom home will be built to the highest standards, resulting in a refined and enduring living space.

The Advantages of Custom Home Design in Sydney: a) Unparalleled Personalization: Custom home design allows you to tailor every aspect of your home to your specific preferences and requirements, resulting in a truly unique and personalized living space. b) Integration of Luxurious Features: Working with a custom home designer in Sydney allows you to incorporate luxurious features and amenities that enhance your lifestyle, such as state-of-the-art technology, spa-like bathrooms, and expansive outdoor entertaining areas. c) Seamless Blend of Indoor and Outdoor Living: With Sydney's mild climate and breathtaking scenery, custom home designers can create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, maximizing the enjoyment of the surrounding natural beauty. d) Enhanced Resale Value: A thoughtfully designed custom home that showcases quality craftsmanship and exquisite design details often commands a higher resale value in the Sydney real estate market, making it a sound long-term investment.

Conclusion: The possibilities are limitless in the realm of custom modern duplex house design. By enlisting the services of a skilled custom home designer, you can transform your dream of a luxurious, tailor-made residence into a stunning reality. With careful consideration of a designer's expertise, style, and track record, you can embark on a collaborative journey resulting in a home that truly reflects your personality and desires.

[consultingfujoshi]

having some barely formed thoughts about the three severed women we know of (excluding o&d) and how they're all sort of experiencing their own misogynist hellscape and how severance not only exacerbates the existing struggles of women but reduces those women down to nothing but their suffering

gabby's innie exists purely to gestate and give birth to children and then is switched off again and never gets to raise or even meet her child until her husband decides it's time for the next one. episode 7 suggests gabby is not the only woman who has done this to herself. how many female innies exist just to be a walking baby incubator?

gemma is quite literally in hell. dozens of versions of her are being subjected to physical or psychological torture at the hands of the same white guy, at least one of which is in an endless performance of housewifery, her body given over to the hands of strangers, and she has to willingly walk into each room knowing anything could be happening to her in there and she will never know what, only that her alternate selves have literally never known anything except suffering. you did it to yourself, you asked for this.

and even when she tries to free herself she is immediately sent back by one of these innies who literally does not know what is going on and why she's here, and doesn’t know enough to question what she's being told. these women she becomes do not have the tools, the knowledge or agency, to fight back. if you'd known better, you'd have stopped it. why didn't you stop it? why weren't you smarter about it? why weren't you more careful?

tell me you love me before you go, sweetheart

and helly. she's more complicated but there's really something to be said about helena, a woman that by all accounts should see her as a sister, and uses that very idea to propagandise herself and inflate her own status, but in reality does not even see helly as human - she is constantly at the mercy of a woman far more affluent and powerful than herself who feigns care for her to the masses whilst happily subjecting her to torture. and then without that support from another woman, without that sense of solidarity, she seeks refuge in the arms of a man who can somewhat understand what she's going through because that feels like her only option, to gain approval or social standing through a man, but even that is hollow and it is soured by the very woman she is at the mercy of competing with her for that same man. she has been forced to place all her bets on the love of a man, like that'll prove she's real and worth something, and even that she can't have for herself

severance is used in all of these cases as a means of further dehumanising, objectifying, and reducing women down to their base biological functions and forces them to subject themselves to the whims of men. all in totally unique ways but all very real experiences that women go through every day, crytallised by having it quite literally be all they exist for. severance as just another tool to exert violence upon women

[prest0allay]

The Renwood dynamic is immaculete

Okay okay, lore drop for these 2

MARTYN (inthelittlewood)

He's a mercenary hired by the royal family to "protect" the prince. He's hired from a country with a strong military discipline, and so the royals thought Martyn would be loyal to them and keep the prince in check, making sure he gives up on the throne.

Martyn IS one of the best warriors BUT he's a menace and decided to backstab them for funnsies. After finding the truth about the prince Ren, he decided to train him and help him to take his rightful place as the king. Dude litterly helps Ren to build up his confidence and have a wholesome/functional relationship

REN (renthedog)

Ren was sadly born as a lycan (werewolf - it's either a rare mutation or passed down genetically by the parents, but either way they are actively being exterminated). Since he is the first born prince, his condition was hidden from the society. His family made him to undergo countless operations and experiments which would "cure" him, howevere nothing worked. It just turned into pure torture which destroyed him mentally. One of the experiments mutated his genes so much, that he gained the ability to temporarily shapeshift as a different person after drinking their blood (yea superpowers). On the outside he appears as a charming and free spirited prince, who is just not interested to become a king, but he is pretty much just manipulated by his family. There were even some assassination attempts on his life (def conducted by the royals/nobles), but sadly he survived every time (dude is depresed). After these "horrible accidents" his family hired a new "special" guard to protect him. Turns out that his guard saw through his cool prince faucade and the intentions of the royal family and decided help him and work together to overthrow them.

Ps: the people made a lot of conspiracies why was the prince kept in the dark for most of his childhood/teens. And so people began to thought that he was trans. They accept his identity tho, it's better then going to kill him for being a lycan :]

The designs might change a bit in the future, but this is overall pretty much what I'm going for. Of course the otaku gets to be a samurai (I'm otaku as well •-• )

[starsandsuch]

💘Venus synastry through the houses💘

Venus is the emblem of partnership. The kind of Venus synastry you have with a partner is fundamental to the dynamics of the union you have with someone long- term.  👩‍❤️‍👨

Venus in the 1st house overlay: Venus in a partner's 1st house creates an immediate physical attraction between two people. It creates a tie of amiably, admiration, and physical attraction. In this dynamic one wants to show their partner off and be seen with them, due to them appreciating their physical appearance or vice versa. The house person adores the Venus person, expressing admiration of their beauty and appreciation for their finer qualities.

Venus in the 2nd house overlay: Venus in a partner's 2nd house emphasizes material wealth and security between two people. The house person tends to make the Venus person feel secure in a material sense, often providing gifts, funds, and money to their partner. In this dynamic, the house person boost’s their partners self esteem through words of affirmation, and support. 2nd house synastry is favorable for marriage since it aligns with the fundamentals of: shared resources, material security, and support from each spouse.  

Venus in the 3rd house overlay: Venus in a partner's 3rd house, magnifies communication in a partnership. This is the talkative couple, who exchange ideas, thoughts, words, messages etc. The house person is often intellectually stimulating for the Venus person. This dynamic could sometimes mimic a “sibling” relationship. Emphasizing: competitiveness, playfulness and camaraderie between two people. This can manifest as the house person teaching new skills to the Venus person, and in general it is seen that this couple gains many new experiences together. Travel, competition, are themes heavily magnified in this partnership.

Venus in the 4th house overlay: Venus in a partner’s 4th house emphasizes a sense of familiarity in a partnership. The Venus person naturally feels comfortable with the house person, and the house person feels protective over the Venus person. They affect a sense of nurturing and supportive energy to their partner, making them feel secure and cared for. This aspect favors marriage, and creating a family together.

Venus in the 5th house overlay:  Venus in a partner’s 5th house increases playfulness, pleasure and enjoyment in a partnership. The house person perceives the Venus person as a source of pleasure, and someone that brings fun and enjoyment into their lives. Together, this couple is likely to do exciting things, and partake in adventurous activities that make life thrilling. The romantic chemistry is heightened here, where the house person dazzles the Venus person, viewing the Venus person as their romantic ideal. This kind of synastry makes a relationship exciting and romantic for the long term.

Venus in the 6th house overlay: Venus in a partner’s 6th house emphasizes themes of responsibility, duty, and hard work in a partnership. This Venus person becomes a part of the house person’s daily routine, and this couple can often share their daily lives together. The house person doesn't mind “serving” the Venus person, doing practical things for them and helping manage their responsibilities. In this dynamic romance finds its way into practical matters, where acts of service become instrumental in the partnership. This synastry supports long lasting partnership that functions well on a day-to-day basis. 

Venus in the 7th house overlay: Venus in a partner’s 7th house, creates a dynamic where the Venus person’s values in a relationship favorably align with the house person’s perspective of relationships in general. Through this union, the Venus person is able to extend their social network on behalf of the house person. Professionally speaking, the Venus person can help increase the house person’s business(s). In this dynamic each partner can view each other as “marriage material” almost automatically, falling into a traditional partnership dynamic with less effort than other aspects.  

Venus in the 8th house overlay: Venus in a partner’s 8th house triggers a sense of intensity in a partnership. The Venus person becomes a point of obsession for the house person, often being heavily sexually desired by them. The mutual attraction here can feel captivating and enticing. When functioning favorably, it creates a strong sensual tie between two people, emphasizing a spiritual connection as well. It is common that the house person financially supports the Venus person, or there are mutual shared resources between the two.  

Venus in the 9th house overlay: Venus in a partner’s 9th house increases the sense of hope, belief, optimism in a partnership dynamic. The house person can feel a sense of spiritual or religious devotion to the Venus person. The Venus person can symbolize the house person’s future and function as a guide or protector to them. Through this union, both partners experience positive spiritual evolution and growth. This supports each partner aligning their spiritual purpose. It is often seen that this is a long distance partnership or a union between two different cultural backgrounds   

Venus in the 10th house overlay: Venus in a partner's 10th house identifies public recognition and reputation as common threads in the relationship dynamic. The house person wants to be seen with the Venus person publicly, creating a relationship that is well known by others. The Venus person gains status and recognition from the house person, generating a dynamic that favors both partner’s reputation. The Venus person can see the house person as someone who can help them carry on their legacy and build a future with them. This kind of synastry favors longevity in marriage. 

Venus in the 11th house overlay: Venus in a partner's 11th house magnifies the common goals, dreams and desires between two people. It’s likely that together you achieve your goals and focus on the future you can develop as a union. The house person helps to fulfill the wishes of the Venus person. It’s often seen that the house person functions as a “benefactor” to their partner. Supporting their dreams, providing them with opportunities, sponsoring them financially, or leading them toward material gain. With this synastry aspect, a sense of camaraderie is obtained, generating a dynamic of long lasting friendship & moral support. 

Venus in the 12th house overlay: Venus in a partner's 12th house tends to generate an unconscious connection between two people. There is an unspoken pull one feels here, especially on behalf of the Venus person. This aspect often tends to create “unrequited love” or a dynamic where one person desires the other, but the feelings are left unreciprocated. However, when functioning favorably, one obtains “unconditional love” with a partner, willingly sacrificing for them, giving love & affection generously, etc. It often creates misunderstandings and mistrust between two people initially, but overtime strengthens in the partnership. It overall enhances the spiritual connection with a spouse.  

starsandsuch All Rights Reserved© please do not plagarize my work

[lijoue]

Boutique Hotel Mod

This mod introduces Boutique Hotels as a new venue type to elevate your sims’ vacations!

The mod is all about the vacation and guest experience for your sims, and it uses the existing vacation rental system. It’s not for owning or running a hotel. 

The Boutique Hotel is a new buildable lot type that functions like both a vacation rental and a community lot. The hotel’s daily booking price is automatically calculated based on the value of the build. 

Up to 8 different households can vacation on the same lot at the same time! Random npc guests and employees will also spawn throughout the day.

While staying at a boutique hotel, sims will generally be less tense, sad, angry, bored, or uncomfortable. Their fun and social bar will fill up slightly faster, and they’ll gain a slight skill boost to photography, wellness, and romance skills. They’ll also get a bit more satisfaction points for achieved wants/whims. 

Custom whim set: Take a photo, Have a drink, Go swimming (randomized)

Custom buff: Beautiful Vacation (+4 happy boost for 24hrs)

Base-game friendly but has extra features with certain DLC

Front Desk Computer (Get To Work Required) 

Spawns an NPC receptionist who’ll pretend to use the computer and answer phone calls all day. This is mostly for visual storytelling and doesn’t have a gameplay function. If not on a Boutique Hotel, the computer pretty much functions like a regular computer, minus some superfluous features. Unlike a regular computer, it can be freely placed anywhere for decorative purposes. To function, it must be placed centred on a desk (with a desk chair) or an island counter (with a bar stool). 

Room Phone

Order a meal instantly to sim inventory. The menu changes in certain worlds. You can order sushi in Mt. Komorebi, pasta in Tartosa, arepas in Selvadorada etc…

Order vacation purchases instantly to sim inventory. I curated items different from the default EA version.

Call a Taxi (Travel)

Miscellaneous vacation functions

Room Service Plate

Order a meal instantly to the built-in refrigerated inventory (same dynamic menu as room phone.) You can also use it to store food if there’s no fridge nearby. Uses the same tuning as the room phone, so don't delete that file.

NPC Employees

Hotel staff will spawn depending on the presence of certain optional objects. If these items aren't on the lot, the employees won't spawn.

Bar: Up to 2 bartenders

Massage Table:  Up to 2 massage therapists

Yoga Instructor Mat: Yoga instructor

Chef Station: Experimental chef

Front Desk:  Receptionist 

This mod was A LOT of hard work! I appreciate your support so much!

Have fun ♡

DOWNLOAD BOUTIQUE HOTEL MOD (EARLY ACCESS)

DOWNLOAD MY BOUTIQUE HOTEL BUILD IL PALAZZO ROMANZA (FREE)

[astrow1zar6]

Astrology placements that are ignored/underrated

12th house stelliums: people with prominent 12th house placements tend to be forgotten about a lot I notice. Many were very outcasted from an early age or were used to others pushing them into the background. they don’t get credit for their amazing creativity & emotional intelligence. They have extremely colorful inner worlds and can live more in their head than in the real world which is a reason why they can be easily overlooked in a group. Many feel like they are in the outside looking in like they were meant to just be observers in the world and never participate. They experience a lot of solitude in their lives but this solitude teaches them how to heal themselves & others. They gain a lot of wisdom from their time alone and they can be emotional sponges soaking up others energies easily which is why they tend to isolate a lot to recharge. They need a lot of alone time to function properly in the world if they don’t get enough alone time they can start acting very dysfunctional.

Mercury in Pisces & Cancer: they don’t get enough credit for how intelligent they truly are. Being water signs they are able to absorb information quickly & retain if for a long time too. They tend to have a very high emotional IQ. They have an amazing ability to read the room and can pick up on things that aren’t verbally said. They are quite influential as well and can control what people think to an extent (can be very manipulative because they are so good at emotional cues). They can manipulate you into taking their side.

Taurus moons: although exalted I feel like people really don’t talk about this sign much. They are usually very sexy people and are very comfortable in their natural bodies. Very intelligent and money driven. These people are literal money magnets. Because of their reliable and practical nature many can climb the corporate ladder faster than most. They are very reasonable and factual which is why many tend to be politicians or big bosses. Very conventional personalities. Also the creativity in their fashion is extremely underrated. These people can pull off such interesting pieces.

Virgo placements: I feel like Virgo placements get one of the worst reps of the zodiac. Many describe Virgos as being very naggy, insecure, hypercritical, bland ect. Virgo in astrology rules the untouched, unreachable, purity, devotion, analysis and healing. Virgos also rules over the maiden that is known for traditional beauty in astrology. This makes them usually very desirable and attractive which is why many Virgo risings tend to be models they represent the untouchable and the high standards of traditional beauty. Virgos face a lot of traumatic sacrifices that they often make for themselves & others. Many Virgos could’ve grown up having to almost serve others and make a lot of sacrifices to keep others happy. Could’ve been expected to heal those around them which is why many can be so hard on themselves and expect perfection out of everything they do. Many expected them to keep up a “perfect persona” mostly their family which they carry around everywhere. I also notice a lot growing up we’re constantly criticized for their looks/appearance. For example; Bella Hadid (Virgo risings) dealt with a mother who would compare her beauty to her sisters and commented on her weight. Could’ve been pushed too much to be “lady-like” creating a deep obsession with their looks and lower self esteem. Could feel restricted from showing sex appeal or could be over-sexualized by others.

The 4th house: the fourth house rules over your families karmic cycles, ancestors, all family members, generational wealth, the home, your environment & your deepest emotional point. People with placements here tend to experience mood swings & absorbing other people’s emotions like sponges. You can also tell someone’s life story or background just by this house alone as it represents the beginning and ending point. Most people with a lot of 4th house placements tend to prefer solitude and alone time in order to recharge & their emotions run very deep

The 7th house: is honestly crazy misunderstood! It’s not only about relationships which is what I notice people mostly talk about when this house is brought up. It rules of contracts, how people see you, rumors, law, your part in social standing, and enemies. The way people treat you is based on this house, the way you perceive yourself and express yourself to the world is the 1st house just to get that straight. The 7th house can be a big fame indicator and usually points to either success or failure in the public eye. Which is why it’s common for people with sun in the 7th or Pluto in the 7th to gain massive fame or have extreme power in the public eye, but it can also indicate the rumors people spread about you and the enemies you attract. You can attract a lot of jealousy from others. Having heavy 7th house placements can be talked about by others a lot for good or for bad. You are usually people’s main topic of conversation, people love to hate you! Especially if you have a Sun, Venus, Uranus, & Pluto in the 7th house.

Mercury aspects: you can see someone’s humor, mannerisms and tone of voice through this planet. If someone talks too much they most likely have Gemini-sag in their Mercury, if someone is academically disciplined yet judgmental it seems to always be cap mercs, if someone’s comedic and a great host with a flirty nature usually a libra merc. You get the point it plays a big role and most don’t talk about it much. Most people mistake someone’s Mercury sign for their sun sign a lot!

6th house placements: I find most people find talking about 6th house placements to be extremely boring lol which i understand but it actually plays an important role in your chart. The 6th house is associated with issues relating to our sexual, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. I feel like this house is probably the most under talked about and ignored house out of all of the houses. The 6th house is how you deal with day to day life and your motivation to complete tasks. When difficult placements fall in the 6th house, the individuals with those placements must carefully see how they treat themselves. Our ability to tend to matters related to our 6th house can help fuel our self esteem & ensure that we are in alignment with ourselves and values so we won’t be menaces to society lol. This shows how you manage day to day life and how you find beauty in the mundane simple things.

Gemini placements: they are not just chatterboxes, very rational and reasonable individuals who are naturally curious. Sometimes they act cold and detached but that’s because they like to observe from a 3rd party perspective. That way they can easily read people and question their motives & they are very good at it too being rules by mercury. They usually love puzzles and are great networkers. However surprisingly a lot of Gemini placements aren’t talkative and most are pretty chill and understanding. They are incredibly logical and fun & are very open minded. They are open to really anything if you are convincing enough they love trying and learning new things.

Pisces placements: there’s a lot to uncover with this sign. They are the most sacrificial yet deceitful. Being ruled by Neptune as a mutable sign they have identity crisises often and can take on others personalities & looks. These people are natural actors/ actresses, they have an ability to make you believe they are who YOU want them to be, or atleast they think you want from them. They manipulate people without even realizing and get away with a lot because they are easily adored and almost worshipped by the public. They are the definition of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I see Pisces placements who are stalked easily as well and attract a lot of obsessive and dark individuals. They usually grow up feeling very misunderstood and yearning for others to know the real them but it’s usually difficult for them to be themselves around those around them due to fear of rejection and a difficulty with expressing their needs.

[bloomzone]

self care is . . .

Reading a book: Engaging with literature to relax, learn, and escape from daily stress.

Meditation: Practicing mindfulness to calm the mind and reduce stress.

Eating a balanced diet: Consuming a variety of nutrients to maintain overall health.

Exercising regularly: Keeping the body active to improve physical and mental health.

Getting enough sleep: Ensuring sufficient rest to allow the body to recover and function optimally.

Listening to music: Enjoying music to boost mood and reduce anxiety.

Stress management: Implementing techniques to control and reduce stress levels.

Setting boundaries: Establishing limits to protect personal time and energy.

Being creative: Engaging in creative activities to express oneself and relax.

Time management: Organizing time effectively to balance responsibilities and leisure.

Taking regular breaks: Resting periodically to maintain productivity and prevent burnout.

Stretching: Keeping the body flexible and reducing muscle tension.

Practicing gratitude: Focusing on positive aspects of life to boost happiness.

Looking after your skin: Maintaining skincare routines to promote skin health.

Effective communication: Clearly expressing thoughts and feelings to foster healthy relationships.

Saying no: Declining unnecessary obligations to prioritize personal well-being.

Challenging your mind: Engaging in activities that stimulate cognitive growth and learning.

Learning new things: Continuously seeking knowledge to enhance personal development.

Regular medical checkups: Attending routine health screenings to prevent and detect illnesses early.

Hanging out with friends: Socializing to build strong support networks and enjoy companionship.

Spending time with family: Connecting with loved ones to strengthen family bonds.

Me time: Dedicating time solely to oneself for relaxation and self-reflection.

Self-reflection: Evaluating personal thoughts, actions, and experiences to gain insight.

Asking for help: Seeking support when needed to manage challenges effectively.

Setting goals: Defining personal objectives to provide direction and motivation.

Developing healthy habits: Establishing routines that promote long-term well-being.

Using your voice: Speaking up for oneself to ensure needs and desires are met.

© bloomzone

[reasonsforhope]

"People living with diabetes might have a new hope. Scientists have tested a new drug therapy in diabetic mice, and found that it boosted insulin-producing cells by 700% over three months, effectively reversing their disease.

Beta cells in the pancreas have the important job of producing insulin in response to blood sugar levels, but a hallmark of diabetes is that these cells are either destroyed or can’t produce enough insulin. The most common treatment is regular injections of insulin to manage blood sugar levels.

But a recent avenue of research has involved restoring the function of these beta cells. In some cases that’s started with stem cells being coaxed into new beta cells, which are then transplanted into patients with diabetes. Researchers behind this kind of work have described it as a “functional diabetes cure.”

Now, scientists at Mount Sinai and City of Hope have demonstrated a new breakthrough. Previous studies have mostly involved growing new beta cells in a lab dish, then transplanting them into mice or a small device in humans. But this new study has been able to grow the insulin-producing cells right there in the body, in a matter of months.

The therapy involved a combination of two drugs: one is harmine, a natural molecule found in certain plants, which works to inhibit an enzyme called DYRK1A found in beta cells. The second is a GLP1 receptor agonist. The latter is a class of diabetes drug that includes Ozempic, which is gaining attention lately for its side effect of weight loss.

The researchers tested the therapy in mouse models of type 1 and 2 diabetes. First they implanted a small amount of human beta cells into the mice, then treated them with harmine and GLP1 receptor agonists. Sure enough, the beta cells increased in number by 700% within three months of the treatment. The signs of the disease quickly reversed, and stayed that way even a month after stopping the treatment.

“This is the first time scientists have developed a drug treatment that is proven to increase adult human beta cell numbers in vivo,” said Dr. Adolfo Garcia-Ocaña, corresponding author of the study. “This research brings hope for the use of future regenerative therapies to potentially treat the hundreds of millions of people with diabetes.”

The results are intriguing, but of course being an animal study means there’s still much more work to be done before it could find clinical use. So far, harmine alone has recently undergone a phase 1 clinical trial in humans to test its safety and tolerability, while other DYRK1A inhibitors are planned for trials in humans next year.

Perhaps most importantly, the team will soon experiment with combining beta-cell-regenerating drugs with others that modulate the immune system. Ideally this should help overcome a major hurdle: the immune system will continue attacking new beta cells as they’re produced.

The research was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine."

-via New Atlas, July 14, 2024

[gay-dorito-dust]

Jason will forever be my comfort character, forever and always

Jason knew from an early age that love was conditional. This was especially more so if you lived in Gotham, and if that was the case then love was more or less something that’s purely transactional. The moment you lose the ability to give anything to someone else, you’re more then likely left to die in an alleyway or in a far away abandoned warehouse that was rigged to blow up.

Love was a weapon utilised in every possible way then what it was meant to be used for, and so Jason didn’t grow up with a very good experience with love or what others claimed as love.

Yet he read books where love was pure, love was powerful and empowering to the people who had the chance to experience it, love was scary and brutal as it was beautiful and something everyone desires to have in their life; whether or not it was real for everyone will chase after it blindly and carelessly as though their self worth was dependent on such an emotion.

He’s read books where love could break someone so badly that they can’t get up, where love can cause more cuts and wounds than knives and other weapons could ever inflict. He’s read books where love has left people wonder their self worth and if anyone else could love them as deeply and truly as the person who had just walked out of the door.

However Jason wondered that if people did love that deeply, wouldn’t you want to stay with that person even through the toughest times of their lives? Help them pull through instead of abandoning them when they were in the most need of their life? To Jason that didn’t sound like love at all as he couldn’t help but see himself in these characters that only saw the worst in themselves, truly believing that love wasn’t for them nor ever will in how their entire lives was the biggest example of such.

However all that changed with time the moment you entered his life and for good.

Jason was on the defensive as his eyes wouldn’t leave you as all you did was simple things for him unprovoked, unwarranted, as though you wanted to do these things for him. You would care for his books as though they were irreplaceable while rearranging them in alphabetical order, clean his weaponry and armour before he could early in the morning, and even would him breakfast in the morning when you noticed that he didn’t eat nearly as much as he should to properly function.

Jason didn’t know how to feel, nor how he could repay you back in response and even when he did, you would just brush him off and tell him that you could handle it, telling him that he shouldn’t worry about doing anything for you purely because you did things for him one day.

‘I just wanted to do these things for you.’ You tell him with a smile. ‘You’re a busy man and you don’t have nearly enough time to catch up to everything and I merely wanted to help clear your schedule somewhat while you’ve got your hand full.’ You add and Jason could only stare at you.

‘You wanted to?’ He said with a raised brow. ‘Sweetheart, there’s no such thing as people doing things for others out of the kindness of their heart, everyone wants something in the end as nobody is above their own desires.’ He then crossed his arms over his chest as a look of unconvincing overcame his face at your words.

You frown at this but didn’t hold such views against him, Gotham wasn’t a city where love was genuine and not corrupt nor unhealthy to some extent, if anything your heart ached for him as you could only imagine a young Jason having to learn this cruel lesson in the worst possible way; one that left a permeant scar upon his heart that would ache painfully as a reminder that in a city of Gotham love didn’t exist unless it was for transactional or conventional purposes for even more corrupt figureheads.

‘Love shouldn’t be used to hurt people, it should be used to help people and allow them to gain the strength to let others into their heart and trusting that person to not stab them in the back, love should be used between friends, family and lovers and no one else who could corrupt an innocent emotion such as love.’ You stepped closer to him as you watched his eyes and the flickering of emotions within them as his jaw clench and he would straighten his posture as though he was trying to scare you off with his height, it wasn’t working.

‘Love should help you realise that the love you’ve been receiving is not love at all, Jason you deserve love much like everyone else, for someone will look at you and see a beautiful man with scars that tell stories that they can only hope you’ll be ready to share with one day at your own comfortability.’ You finished as you rested your hand upon his bicep, feeling the muscles tense beneath your touch, as your thumb caresses a faint scar of his. It wasn’t a touch tender as anything Jason had experienced before and it both frightened and intrigued him at how much he needed this.

Had he found the love that the books he’s read in the past promised? That child in him said yes with such an eagerness, but he was still uncertain but knew that he felt safer with you than he did anyone else, and that was certainly a start in his eyes.

[little-one-eyed-monsters]

Film fact (from a media nerd):

The breathing technique used by Akin to help Jin cry in Ep. 1 of Top Form is a real-life acting method. It's formally known as the Outside-In/ ALBA Method.

It's a branch of method acting where the actors initially perform the body's actions to certain emotions in order to trigger said emotion. To illustrate: if an actor wants to cry, they must trigger the body's distress functions through movement. They take quick, panicky breaths to mimic a body in distress, which then increases their heart rate. This then triggers the body's natural reaction to calm the heart: deep slow breaths, then-- crying (crying forces the lungs to take in more air, and the high oxygen intake helps the heart re-establish rhythm. It's all very nerdy and scientific but it works 😅)

(Notice how at the start of the teaching at the bridge scene, Akin visibly shortens his breaths and widens his eyes while looking at Jin. He then gradually slows down his breathing, then touches Jin's chest to physically order the other to follow his movements, which Jin does).

It's actually harder to do than the common Inside-Out Method, which requires actors to tap into the emotion of the character first before expressing the action (e.g. crying would require you to think lonely thoughts, or place yourself in the shoes of your character in order to push the tears needed for the scene). Newbies are recommended to do the Inside-Out Method first because they don't have the experience to be instinctual with their body's reactions (the Alba Method requires that you MEMORIZE what a body does when feeling certain emotions. Senior actors, borne from years of doing complex scenes, have these actions mastered). Once a new actor gains enough experience, they'll be able to switch to the Outside-In/Alba (and get to do all sorts of roles).

But the Inside-Out is not reserved for newbies. Some prolific actors stay within the Inside-Out Method because that's what works for them. Regardless, both the Outside-In/Alba and Inside-Out are branches of Method Acting-- a very difficult (and controversial) technique which requires actors to physically and/or emotionally embody their character in its extremes in order to make their performance believable. Some method actors are stellar, some lackluster. There are about a dozen other acting techniques aside from Method Acting that actors can choose from.

Famous Hollywood Inside-Out Method Actors (based on interviews): Heath Ledger, Al Pacino, Natalie Portman

Famous Hollywood Alba Method actors (based on interviews): Benedict Cumberbatch, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody

In Thailand:

Famous BL actors who practice the Inside- Out Method (based on how they describe their performance in interviews):

Zee Pruk

Off Jumpol and Gun Atthaphan

And based on current interviews, our very own beloved Boom Raweewit is an Inside-Out actor. He studied the source materials, discussed the character with cast and crew, and even wrote the character's motivations for each scene to help fully immerse in the role. See the Black Honey Cut interview for reference.

Next, famous BL actors who practice the Alba Method (based on how they describe their performance in interviews):

Fluke Natouch

Ohm Pawat and Nanon Korapat

(I used this gif to make us all cry)

And based on current interviews, our resident heartthrob Smart Chisanupong describes his technique as Alba-adjacent. He describes his portrayal of Jin based on action-reaction: what body movements would show anger, happiness, or arousal to the audience, and what actions would trigger the same reactions from his acting partner. See the Black Honey Cut interview for reference.

Adversely, famous BL actors who REJECT Method Acting based on their interviews (and do Presentational Acting instead, where they completely separate the character from themselves and their real-life personas)

Khaotung Thanawat

Up Poompat and Poom Phuripan

Bonus (although I know this is quite long already):

The Alba Method may be indirectly responsible for causing Jin's infatuation with Akin 😅

The Alba method is NOTORIOUS for triggering "sham love" reactions from its practitioners and fans. Sham love in media refers to two things: 1) the audience believes that actors may have fallen in love for real because their actions come off as very natural onscreen, or 2) the actors THEMSELVES think they've fallen in love with their costars because their body's reactions mimic that of attraction or arousal.

Our brains, though infinitely complex, may sometimes be quite foolish. Our body's actions help our brain logically conclude what's occurring around it, so it in turn can order the body to react and fix any issues.

In Jin's case, an elevated heartbeat, dilated pupils, and a skin-on-skin contact-- these are all bodily reactions to arousal. Crying, funnily enough, is also a bodily reaction to arousal. 😅 Sexual activity increases the heartbeat, and the body's reaction to calming our heart is to increase oxygen intake and release accumulated body heat-- all achieved through crying. It doesn't help that Jin instantly found Akin captivating when they first met.

So in teaching Jin the Alba Method, Akin may have inadvertently triggered Jin's arousal 😅

(I was going to analyse Akin's swordfight with Johnny and how that triggered Johnny's attraction for Akin, but it awakened my anger for Johnny even more, so, never mind).

Edit: I made the Johnny retrospective. Click here if you're interested.

This is so long but thank you for coming to my Ted Talk 😅🤣 I'm a Broadcast Media grad and I do some work behind the scenes, so I found it fascinating how the show expertly inserted this method for a touch of realism. And now you also know why I love Top Form so much 😅 Stay kooky folks!