#they not only develop inhuman physical traits but also behavioral

[zoeloveconvers99]

Am I the only one that thinks that symbiont hosts needs to be creepy?They have a slime alien living in their bodies giving them powers,I don’t think that been in symbiosis with them doesn’t give them inhumane traits and behaviors and the body suffers from it.

They have to give the image of something that looks human yet something is off:like if there’s a living being that pretends to be human:Eyes,teeth,pale skin whatever body part,gaining senses,healing factor,the blood becomes dense and darker,literally looks a walking corpse yet they’re alive but something is wrong

It has to give this view,also the mutations varied based on the host

[h0neyd3w-tea]

Your Orange Light fan-fiction is fantastic. 10/10. I’m hooked, and I’m so excited for the next chapter now that there are new characters introduced in the storyline.

If you don’t mind me asking, did you already have a specific kind of vampire in mind for your Orange Light universe? Did you have any inspiration for your version of vampires? Your vampires seem quite feline-like, especially with the slitted eyes, which is a super cool addition to them. I’ve noticed so far that they have heightened senses, they can smell other vampires, they’re immortal, they have venom, they’re possessive and territorial, they have increased abilities such as inhuman speed, strength, grace/reflexes, etc., they can’t be out in the sunlight for too long, they can drink other liquids besides blood yet can’t digest food, their hearts stop beating after some time, some have their own unique abilities such as Wilbur’s mind controlling, their bodies run colder…they seem to have a hierarchy and familial bond in each Coven, similar to a pack of wolves, and silver can harm them…

I’m assuming they’re nocturnal as well? And that they can sniff out their prey? Do they have vampiric beauty to lure in their prey? How far away do they have to be to catch the scent of/hear someone or something? Are certain vampires far more…unhinged when it comes to the sight or scent of blood? Stuff like that. Or are these traits something we have to discover for ourselves and you’d rather not spill the beans?

I apologize if this comes off as an inconvenience. I’ve always been into vampires and each author’s version of their own vampires, so I’m, like, all into it. But once again, 10/10! You’re very talented! I never get disinterested in rereading each chapter and I’m excited to see what you have in store for it.

Aaaa, thank you!! ^^

I'll be completely honest with you, I had only the barest of ideas of what kind of vampires I wanted when I started.

I won't lie, while I was a big twilight fan when that came out, one thing I remember being disappointed about was the non-existent focus on vampires and their typical behavior beyond feeding and such. I wish I got to know more about their lifestyles, how they've lived alongside humans throughout history, and how that's affected their lives.

Therefore, I base a lot of my vampires' history and tendencies on what I feel is reasonable. Humans were originally nomadic, therefore I assume vampires must've originally been so as well, following the early humans from a distance either alone or with a Changeling. Then humans began to settle down, presumably, vampires would have to do the same.

And so on so forth.

I make a point to say that things changed during the first human and vampire war that occurred about 200 years ago in the story. Bigger Covens were unheard of before then, and Techno even says in the apartment that most vampire terms were made up by humans that vampires just rolled with, because there were no general terms to describe them and their behavior before then.

This decision was made on an assumption from the little knowledge I have from biology class, that predators can never outnumber the prey, and that the most desirable existence is a well-balanced symbiosis. The older, and therefore "superior" vampires, know this. It's the life they grew up with, it's more or less what they aspire to have, and do have in some cases. That's why enslaving and creating a global human farm, which is a semi-normal vampire troupe, would never happen in Orange Light. Like, they prefer free-range chicken over the more industrial chicken farms.

It wasn't really my intention to make my vampires big cats in humanoid bodies, but I do fully acknowledge that it's what happened.

I scored very low in science and biology, but I'm weird and have to justify every choice I make. Exhibit 1; vampires aren't actually dead. There's something in their blood that takes over both the heart's and stomach's job, keeping the blood flowing and replenishing. Which is the reason to why my vampires can't eat anything too rich in fiber and nutrition, there's nothing that can break it down anymore. The vampire blood can only get what it needs from human blood, taking all the necessary stuff from it.

As for what they can do... Well. I've made them quite overpowered. Your recollection of their abilities is accurate, however, it doesn't mean that they're omniscient. I haven't explicitly said so, but I personally think that they enter some kind of feeding frenzy they hunt. Having heightened senses and such can be great when hunting a human in a forest, but I can't help but think it'd be a pain to walk around in a busy city with heightened hearing and sense of smell and such. Therefore, I imagine that those are more often tuned down unless they're trying to search for something.

The abilities are rare, mostly because I have no idea how to balance it if they weren't, but also because I think superpower aus can easily get too complicated and therefore boring. My take on these powers is that vampires who might be inferior in a physical battle and with a strong talent or inclination for something, might develop a supernatural power connected to that ability or tendency.

Ex: Wilbur can charm people, because he's always been a smooth talker. And that, combined with his inferior physique and the devil's luck, gave him his ability. It's limited, and would not be effective on a battlefield, but it's still op as fuck.

Vampires are mainly nocturnal, yes, but as hinted at in the earlier chapters, some of the older ones need close to no sleep at all. I don't know about any vampiric beauty, other than I guess that people would be attracted to clear skin, healthy hair, clean clothes, and self-assuredness which most vampires have. I don't really know how to make it an enchanting thing really, it's more about how smooth the vampire in question is.

Vampires are probably more often than not crazy according to human standards, they have different priorities, different norms, and views on what is and isn't acceptable. It's like a different culture than I have just the barest of understanding of.

Thank you so much for this ask, it was incredibly lovely, even though I ended up rambling more than I wish I did. You asked a lot of great questions that I probably will and have alluded to more than said outright. I'm really happy that you took the time to write such a nice ask, and actually ask these questions. I prefer to write as if we're on the outside looking in, and while that's great for its mysteriousness, it can be a bit messy to understand fully. :)

Again, thank you so much, I hope I didn't forget to answer something but feel free to yell at me if I did! :D<3

[kaypeace21]

El and “post institutional syndrome” (psych analysis)

Before I go in depth with this condition. I wanted to discuss the unique real life case of Genie (whose experiences most closely resemble El ‘s) . And , because of this , could possibly give us insight on how El’s past may affect her psychosocial development .

“Genie had spent almost her entire childhood locked in a bedroom, isolated and ab*sed by her father for the first 13 years of her life. The social worker soon discovered that the girl had been confined to a small room, and an investigation by authorities quickly revealed that the child had spent most of her life in this room. The windows were curtained and the door was kept closed.” 

“At this time, she could only speak a few words -- including "stopit" and "nomore." 

“While her circumstances until that point were undeniably tragic, they also presented an opportunity for psychologists, linguists, and other researchers to study psychosocial, emotional, and cognitive development in an individual who had suffered from severe social isolation and deprivation. In particular, the discovery of Genie presented an opportunity to study whether a child who was past the so-called "critical period" for language acquisition could learn to speak a first language.”

“The case was important, said psycholinguist and author Harlan Lee, because ‘our morality doesn’t allow us to conduct deprivation experiments with human beings; these unfortunate people are all we have to go on.’

* Brenner not only kept her in isolation via her room but even put her through severe deprivation via solitary confinement as punishment. Putting her in a completely barren dark room for hours.UN Special Rapporteur Juan E. Méndez warned ,”Considering the severe mental pain or suffering solitary confinement may cause, it can amount to t*rture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment when used as a punishment,  indefinitely, or for a prolonged period, for persons with mental disabilities or juveniles.”

“After assessing Genie's emotional and cognitive abilities, Kent described her as ‘the most profoundly damaged child I've ever seen … Genie's life is a wasteland.’ She began to experience more developmental progress,  but remained poor in areas such as language.Susan Curtiss worked with Genie to teach her English. Genie soon developed a rather large lexicon and was able to express herself. But despite extensive training, she remained unable to produce grammatical sentences. Here is a transcript of one of her reports of her time in the hands of her father:

Father hit arm. Big wood. Genie cry ... Not spit. Father. Hit face—spit ... Father hit big stick. Father angry. Father hit Genie big stick. Father take piece wood hit. Cry. Me cry.”

“According to Lenneberg, the critical period for language acquisition lasts until around age 12. After the onset of puberty (at 13), he argued, the organization of the brain becomes set and no longer able to learn and utilize language in a fully functional manner.The case of Genie confirms that there is a certain window of opportunity that sets the limit for when you can become relatively fluent in a language. Of course, if you already are fluent in another language, the brain is already primed for language acquisition . If you have no experience with grammar, however, Broca's (an area of the brain) remains relatively hard to change: you cannot learn grammatical language production later on in life. But the abilities to understand language and produce language in ways that do not rely on grammar largely make use of Wernicke's area in the temporal lope. This area is capable of expanding and rewiring throughout life—even after the teen years. The case of Genie confirms this. Grammar was beyond reach for her. But language comprehension and storytelling were not.”

So El struggling with grammar in some sentences but not in others and  improving in grammar unlike Jennie- could possibly be because unlike Jeanie, El was 12 when rescued  vs Jeanie who was 13?

“Researchers were also  left to wonder whether Genie had suffered from cognitive deficits caused by her years of severe neglect or if she had been born with an ‘intellectual disability’.  Most believed,  the permanent mental impairments and ‘developmental delays’ Genie exhibited (upon being assessed ) were the result of the isolation and deprivation she was subjected to.”

For those confused about certain terms just used. “Developmental delays appear before 22 years of age. They are life-long disabilities that affect one or both physical and cognitive functioning. ‘Intellectual disability’ encompasses the “cognitive” part of this definition, that is, a disability that is broadly related to thought processes. People with intellectual disabilities are known for having below-average IQ/cognitive abilities . ID can be caused by a myriad of things- including physical and genetic factors, problems during pregnancy or at birth, health issues at an early age, exposure to environmental toxins, or non-physical causes such as lack of stimulation.”

*DISCLAIMER before we begin: I’m saying this now, cause I expect bad actors to try and cancel me. El , even if she has an intellectual disability- is still a human being with many aspirational character traits- that people can admire or aspire to have . She’s kind, selfless, brave, and resilient.  People with ID can still function and have jobs, make decisions, and learn new skills too. And they have human emotions like everyone else. if you are “offended” that I say a character you like  may have ID - and are pissy you related and empathized to a character that you would otherwise have  ‘othered’ cause they have an intellectual disability. Me, an autistic person, (who the fandom has bullied for being autistic) is not the ableist one for simply saying she may have an Intellectual disability .Being angry by the very idea a character you like has a condition  , and saying it’s “offensive”/”insulting to them” (is ableist). And  in a sense dehumanizes these people who are greatly underestimated and mistreated by society already. you don’t have to agree of course- but don’t try to smear me for stating my opinion based on the psych papers I’ll be discussing. I love El, and have a cousin with ID, so no this isn’t me insulting El. The Duffers said they wanted to give a voice to those “othered” by society- and people who aren’t neurotypical could easily be on the list. The Duffers having us love, relate, and  empathize with a character such as this wouldn’t be a bad thing- but good rep .So now I’ll continue with the evidence that alludes to El possibly having ID.

Post institutional syndrome

“In clinical and abnormal psychology, POST INSTITUTIONAL SYNDROME- refers to deficits or disabilities in social and life skills, which develop after a person has spent a long period living in remote institutions (such as orphanages). “

“Growing up in such an environment can change the brain for good.Institutionalization in early childhood can alter a child's brain and behavior in the long run.The ongoing nature of chronic neglect significantly impacts the brain in infancy and early childhood. It suggests that the specific ages of approximately 6−18 months old , may be especially sensitive to developing deficiencies in orphanage environments. “ (*Making El who was raised in such an environment since birth quite susceptible ).

“According to Perry (2002), neglect at this phase impedes formation of neurological pathways essential to communication in the brain. They found that early institutionalization changed both the structure and the function of the brain. Any time spent in an institution shrunk the volume of gray matter, or brain cell bodies, in the brain. Kids who stayed in the orphanages instead of going to foster care also had less white matter, or the fat-covered tracts between brain cell bodies, than kids who, at a young age, moved in with families.Staying in an orphanage instead of foster care also resulted in lower-quality brain activity as measured by EEG.”

“Neglect may be the most detrimental maltreatment type on brain development.A child’s neurocognitive and emotional development rapidly moves towards a downward spiral following extended time in an institution.Normal development may be disrupted by deprivation associated with neglect and can result in dysregulation of neural systems during vulnerable periods of brain development, leading to pronounced neurocognitive deficits due to maltreatment.There are many outcomes related to this disruption in brain development: delays in development of IQ , delays in language, cognitive delays that impact learning, and difficulty with behavioral inhibitions,  social emotional functioning and well as impaired attachment (Wilkerson, 2009; Barkley, 1997).”

 “Low-stimulation environments can lead to lower scores on intelligence and language tests. Neglect is the type of maltreatment most strongly associated with delays in expressive, receptive, and overall language development.interpersonal interaction is necessary for the acquisition of early language, and these interactions may be limited for children that have been in institutional settings or have experienced physical or emotional neglect.Speech and language delays along with social-emotional delays are very common as the child continues in the institutional environment.”

“Compared with youth that were not neglected, children demonstrated lower cognitive and language scores and more behavioral problems.Higher IQ could be predicted by language scores and an absence of externalizing behavior problems. When comparing the neglected children: shorter time spent in a stable environment, lower scores on language skills, and the presence of externalizing behavior problems predicted lower IQ.”

“The cognitive development of institutionalized children has been studied for more than 60 years. Between 1930 and 1950 a first wave of studies documented that children in institutions often showed a low IQ and severe language delays (Crissey, 1937; Durfee & Wolf, 1933), and children’s orphanages have been considered “natural experiments” on the necessary conditions for intellectual growth (MacLean, 2003).For example, Rutter (1998) found that the mean IQ of children leaving institutional care in Romania shortly after the fall of Ceausescu was about 50 (population mean = 100). Similar results were shown with Dennis in (1973) who addressed the question of how large the cognitive delay of children in orphanages was compared to children adopted into families. He studied children who were abandoned immediately after birth and were reared in children’s homes in Lebanon.Dennis found that at age 11, the average IQ of the adopted children was within the range of normally developing children, whereas the non-adopted 11 y old orphans still living in these institutions were diagnosed as Intellectually disabled.At his followup, when they were 16, these same girls at the Zouk institution had an average IQ going just above 50. While, In a meta-analysis of 75 studies, van IJzendoorn et al. (2008) found that children living in institutional care scored on average 20 points lower on intelligence tests than children who were raised in families.”

“These later studies also revealed that the percentage of time spent in institutional care was significantly and negatively correlated with full scale IQ, verbal, and memory scores. And that 12 years of institutional care, from birth to 12 years of age, showed placement into foster care did not increase iq points .The only cognitive improvement of placing these children in foster care at age 12 -was on working memory. While the only cognitive improvements of taking the children out of the institution by 8 years old was on processing speed. “

pics for proof if you don’t believe me-

* Meaning realistically El who was in such an environment (from birth to 12 years old)  may learn new things after being placed in foster care (like with Hopper or the Byers)-but her Iq would never improve to the point of being neurotypical-  she’d always have an intellectual disability.

Intellectual disability

“People with intellectual and learning Disabilities may have deficits in speech production . Impairment of speech production is among the most commonly reported difficulties in children, adolescents and adults with ID . The children,  including some with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities may lack in phonological development in their speech. These children also exhibit many articulatory deficits, delays in expressive language and show significant limitations in grammar and syntax development  compared to  those their age (without an iD). They often speak in subdued tones or use explosive voice modulations .Some speak quietly, while in others vocal intensity varied from utterance to utterance. “

“Intellectual disability is identified as mild , moderate, severe or profound.”

So, if based on average of Iq of children raised in orphanages (from birth to 11,12, or 16 years old). El would have a mild intellectual disability (and an Iq possibly around 50).Of those affected with ID, about 85% fall into the "mild" category.

Mild intellectuality disability disorder symptoms:

-”being fully independent in self-care when they get older (brushing teeth, dressing themselves, cooking, taking public transport, etc)”

-having problems with reading and writing (having math/reading skills between a 3rd- 6th grade level).

-having an IQ range of 50 to 69

-social immaturity

“Iq below 70 isn’t the only marker for diagnosis. But, also issues in adaptive functioning are usually used for diagnosis. Three areas of adaptive functioning are considered:According to the DSM-5 (APA, 2013), the signs and symptoms of adaptive functioning deficits across 3 domains (conceptual ,social and practical) for a mild intellectual disability are:

Conceptual Domain

”Slow language development (children learn to talk later, if at all). Or problems learning to talk or trouble speaking clearly.”

”Difficulties in academic learning ( such as having math/reading skills between a 3rd- 6th grade level).”

* El can read but still struggles with proper grammar ( verbally and through her writing) .She’s even reading an english-learning book.  Her unsteady handwriting/ lack of apostrophes hint she’s still learning to write (despite her reading abilities) .  And at 14 she doesn’t know what a state is-specifically  Illinois which she visited 6 months prior.

”Difficulty understanding  academic and abstract concepts of time “

*She didn’t start learning how to tell time until 12, and only seemed to master it at 14.

 “childish behavior inconsistent with the child’s age.”

*14 y old El and 5 y old Holly both having a thing for teddy bears, in s3/2.

”Problems with abstract thinking,  short term memory, and cognitive flexibility”. (”Abstract reasoning tasks include the ability to understand subjects on a complex level through analysis and evaluation and the ability to apply knowledge in problem-solving.”)

(”Cognitive flexibility has been described as the mental ability to switch between thinking about two different concepts, and to think about multiple concepts simultaneously.”)

*This one is a bit iffy, cause there’s a few explanations to the s3 example. El and Mike lie to their friends about her curfew.Yet the next day she is confused and says Mike wouldn’t lie to her - cause “friends don’t lie” All despite the fact she and Mike lied to Dustin, Max, Will, and Lucas the day before. So either she doesn’t understand the concept of hypocrisy because she lacks cognitive flexibility (or just doesn’t care about the hypocrisy)- aka her and Mike can lie to their friends, but she’s upset when they lie to her,  (and she’s fine if Mike lies to everyone but her) ?  Personally,I think she doesn’t grasp the concept of hypocrisy yet. Or she didn’t even realize she was lying and believed Mike was right about her curfew. Or bad writing. But given the concept of lying being prevalent to the season- I lean to Mike accidentally lying to her about her curfew (and El thinking her curfew was 4:00) . Or (more likely) El lies and doesn’t have the cognitive flexibility/abstract reasoning to understand that being upset Mike lied to her but not upset Mike (and her) lied to their friends is hypocritical.  She also lied to Mike and pretended she didn’t hear the confession at the cabin for 3 months. She ‘forgave’ Mike but she never noticed Mike didn’t even apologize for lying just being ‘jealous of Max’ (despite lying being the thing she was upset and dumped him over in the first place).  Anyways back on topic-

Social Domain

“Receptive language that may be limited to comprehension of simple speech and gestures.These students struggle to differentiate concrete and abstract concepts. Figurative language (metaphors, similes, idiomatic expressions, etc.) is typically quite confusing to them.”

“trouble understanding social cues”

“Limitations in language and communication skills.More concrete and less complex spoken language (if used), compared with peers. Limited vocabulary and grammatical skills.”

Practical Domain:

“May function age-appropriately in personal care (brushing teeth, dressing, going to the restroom etc).”

Early signs and symptoms of intellectual disability:

El has most of the signs...

-”Have trouble speaking or experiencing delays in speech, trouble understanding social norms,Challenges with problem-solving and logical thinking, Behavioral problems like extreme temper tantrums (breaking windows, pushing max, throwing food on Hopper and the girls in the mall), Having difficulty understanding the results of his or her actions (for instance like not understanding why spying on an ex is wrong).”

“If your child has ID, they may experience some of the following behavioral issues:aggression, Dependency, lack of impulse control passivity, stubbornness,low tolerance for frustration ,difficulty paying attention (She’s exhibited all of these).”

Other traits of Post institutional children

 “poor self concept” (One's self-concept is a collection of beliefs about oneself. Generally, self-concept embodies the answer to "Who am I?".)

“problems with coping and regulating emotions ,poor impulse control, and aggressiveness.”

“Studies have repeatedly shown that children with disrupted attachment who have experienced neglect have problems coping and managing emotions, “

“inappropriately demanding and clinging”                          

“indiscriminate friendliness”

“44% of institutionalized children showed high levels of indiscriminately sociable behavior as contrasted with 18% of children who had never been institutionalized.children who were indiscriminately sociable as 8-year olds were not indiscriminately sociable toward adults as 16-year olds; however, these children were indiscriminately sociable in their relationships with peers (those their own age). Thus, it is possible that indiscriminate sociability serves as a marker of later problems in social relationships, even though manifesting differently by the teen years.That friendliness was probably an important coping technique in their socially starved early lives. What's interesting is it just doesn't go away.Indiscriminate friendliness may also be tied to the amygdala. In a study using fMRI, Aviva Olsavsky, MD, at the University of California, Los Angeles, and colleagues found that when typical children (4-14 years old) viewed photos of their mothers versus photos of strangers, the amygdala showed distinctly different responses. In children who had been institutionalized, however, the amygdala responded similarly whether the children viewed mothers or strangers. That response was particularly notable among kids who exhibited more friendliness toward strangers. Attachment and behavior problems, indiscriminate friendliness, and lower IQ seem to go together in the same children.”

(We have to admit she attached herself rather quickly to Max, and Kali after only a few days, same goes for Mike and the boys she knew for only a week).

“cognitive delays, particularly speech and language deficits.” (we’ve covered that)

“quasi autism (is a term used to describe autistic-like difficulties and traits following very severe social deprivation in the first year of life.) About 10 % percent of the children adopted from Romanian orphanages after 6 months of age were diagnosed with autism sometime in childhood. And of those who stayed in the institution to age 11, 8.5% with an IQ >50 , fit the “quasi-autism” profile (meaning they fit some but not all autistic traits). The results showed  children with ‘autistic features’ usually experienced longer durations of severe psychological privation, than other orphans.”

El does have a few traits that some people on the spectrum have.

-” Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) use echolalia, which means they repeat others' words or sentences. They might repeat the words of familiar people (parents, teachers, friends), or they might repeat sentences from their favorite video.”

(X)

-”Some children with ASD also have delayed speech and language skills.some children are even selectively mute. “

- ”Talk in a flat, robot-like tone” (obviously not all asd people. But I do think El’s voice in conversation can often be quite monotone).

 - Many autistic girls on the spectrum also have disordered eating patterns . This can include simply eating the same foods over and over again (cough her eggo obsession). And although “disorder eating” and “eating dis*rders” are different.”Previous research has found that autism and eating disorders can occur together, as 20-30% of adults with eating dis*rders have autism (despite being only 2.2% of the US population).”

-“Has obsessive interests” (her whole room is covered in Mike related stuff like he’s her special interest- my gay ass has no idea if a whole room covered in bf related stuff is ‘straight little girl normal’ or a bit obsessive- but I lean to the latter, especially when compared to Max’s room XD)

-” difficulty understanding social cues .” (covered that)

- “And she is sensitive to certain noises (thunder etc)”

 Alright, thanks for listening. Of course, this analysis is if the Duffers went the realistic route-which I do lean to them doing.  One of the stephen King movies “dream catcher” was cited as inspiration for Stranger things . It  even had a boy with ID who spoke in broken english, carried around stuffed animals, and had the superpower of being able to track people (just like El)  . And he retained broken english/his interest in stuffed animals in adulthood.Of course her fitting the psych criteria I listed could have other explanations.El can most certainly learn and improve in academic skills, language, and social skills even with an Intellectual disability. But honestly, even if El had an Iq of 160 she would (at least initially) struggle tremendously given the lack of education and neglect/ab*se she’s dealt with.But, I’m excited to see El gain independence as she learns more about herself and  the real world (and maybe heal from some of her tr*uma).

But if we’re talking academically-she doesn’t know basic geography or what a state is at 14.She’s still learning how to speak and write with correct grammar at 14.She only just mastered how to tell time at 14 . Does she even know how to add, subtract, multiple, and divide, let alone algebra (knowledge needed for highschool) ? Or basic science knowledge also needed ? No way would she’d be ready to go to highschool in s3 (like the others already attending, during the ending-time skip). If we were being realistic- she’d be held back a few years and or in remedial classes, or special school, etc. The kids in middle or highschool who don’t know her circumstances wouldn’t be understanding of why she has little knowledge of social norms, expressions, language issues,etc. El  has only interacted with 4 kids her own age for 3 months (9 months with Mike) and was in a year of isolation with Hopper (being taught social norms via tv- which is not the best teacher) .This was hardly ‘typical socialization for a kid her age’. Unlike, the rest of the gang who interacts with many kids on a daily basis.How will she be in an environment with this many kids? I wouldn’t be surprised if she was sadly bullied.Regardless, I’m looking forward to El’s character arc of trying to assimilate to the ‘real world’ as she grows into her own person-most likely  there’s some good in her journey and not just bullies along the way. :)

[ikuzeminna]

Why I love Gundam Wing and hate Frozen Teardrop

With Frozen Teardrop being the first new thing released in the Gundam Wing universe in ages, I feel I should make my stance on it clear, seeing as I’ve read (and by now thankfully forgotten) a large chunk of it.

So, what do I like about Gundam Wing? I can say without lying, almost everything. I like the story, the characters, the themes, the designs and the music. I like its humor, its subtlety, the fact that everyone plays a role and that there's no definite bad guy (nor good one for that matter). I like its dynamics and how you can view it any way you want, e.g. the Gundam pilots being heroes or plain murderers. And I like that you can and even must dig to understand things. The whole composition really works for me.

And what's best is that this entire composition makes Gundam Wing more; it makes it unique. I grew up with classics like Dragonball and Sailor Moon, the forefathers of the 'Idiot Hero' archetype for both males and females. Even to this day you see series featuring these types of main characters. Classic scenario of a naive yet pure kid growing up to become the savior of the world. We've all seen that.

It's why Gundam Wing is so special to me. It has a completely atypical setup and there's absolutely no stereotype I can apply to any character, no matter what TV Tropes may say. Heero is hardly your typical hero, is he? Heck, Heero is hardly a typical anything. What's more, Gundam Wing doesn't follow the 'growing stronger' plotline that, for example, the original MS Gundam or Seed series used. No, Gundam Wing starts out with fully trained soldiers who can kick your butt from episode 1 and will kill you without qualms if the situation requires it. (That's not to say that the characters don't grow, it's the physical growth and capabilities I'm talking about.) What's truly surprising about that is the age of the characters. This is another important point. Gundam Wing and realism. Many times I hear that GW is realistic. I'm sorry but no. Teens fighting against armies isn't realistic. Teens leading said armies isn't either. Neither is bending steel bars, nor surviving jumping off cliffs or blowing up your suit, nor successfully back-flipping from a motorbike onto a clothesline, nor becoming the Queen of the World as a teen, nor stealing a MS carrier plus suit at the age of ten, nor walking around with bazookas at the age of ten nor what have you. It's safe to say that Gundam Wing lacks any sense of realism. But it does not lack logic.

Realism never was Gundam Wing's aim to begin with. The way I see it, it's not just the plot or circumstances that prove this, but also the "inhumanity" of the characters. Would a real person with a similar background as Heero, Duo or Trowa really exhibit such selflessness or noble-mindedness as them and risk his life for strangers by fighting a war that could end in their death? I don't think so. Would anyone as sheltered as Relena give up her lifestyle, have the guts to go against the world's armed rulers with just words and put her life on the line for the sake of others? Hard to believe.

And that's it. One of the things that contributes to Gundam Wing's uniquity and is therefore a, if not the, defining trait of the series, is that it doesn't tell the story about angst-riddled terrorists and princesses, but a tale of heroes. The characters are ridiculously noble, strong, selfless, courageous, determined, make the impossible possible and still retain a certain purity, despite having gone through hell and back. It's what makes them so awesome. It's what makes the series so awesome. Duo isn't badass because he fights in the war. He's badass because he fights "so that no one else will have to" and when you see what he went through, you can only say "wow". Lady Une killed Relena's father and when Relena is given the opportunity to take revenge, she declines, saying there's been enough bloodshed. That's role model material there. Something that is sorely lacking in a lot of shows nowadays. And something that a lot of people seem to miss the point of (I'm referring to those that call the pilots wussies for not killing in EW).

All of this is the reason I hate Frozen Teardrop with a passion. Forget the nonsensical, recycled plot or the billion clones of everyone or the terrible mobile suit names like Snow White or Merciless Fairies. Forget Treize getting French’d by his mom or the Zero System being a digital cat or Relena’s grandfather being a disgusting ephebophile. That stuff is messed up and random and dumb and I have no idea what was wrong with the author at the time to write this.

It’s also that he completely destroys the essence of the original series, making every single characters whine about some drama and the never ending “woe is me” monologue I had to wade through every chapter.

Let’s take Duo, for example. He woke up one morning and decided to become an irresponsible, gold-digging bastard. To get Hilde’s money, he agreed to her terms to cut his braid off and get a “proper” name, just to buy himself a motorbike with their joined assets. Then he inherited a church plus orphanage, which Hilde got stuck with, too, being his wife, and when she asked him how to fund the orphanage, Sumizawa wants me to believe that Duo freaking Maxwell was just “Eh, whatever, leave them to it. I’m out” before taking off? Excuse me, what???

I’ve had discussions with people about this and there were statements that maybe more people just need to learn how actual manic depressives and people with PTSD act in relation to Duo's development in Frozen Teardrop. I've noticed a tendency for people to want to apply realism to Gundam Wing, especially in fanfics, but as I said before, Gundam Wing and realism don't have anything to do with each other. So why should I apply it?

What I expect from anything featuring Gundam Wing's characters is the same "heroic" behavior that was displayed in the series. Sure, the pilots each had a mental burden to carry but it wasn't what defined them. For example, Trowa's insecurity about not having a name or yearning for a home never became the main focus unlike his endless selflessness. And Heero's bitterness about the colonies' betrayal was well hidden under his joining the Treize faction to be able to keep retaliating against OZ. A noble deed to fight on but was it really necessary for him to go for the missions with the lowest chance of survival?

As I said, Gundam Wing is unique because it is atypical. That encompasses pretty much everything; you have bloody murderers in the role of the 'heroes', noble, honorable 'bad guys' who value life and the ever flashy Gundams that can't even begin to compare to non-flashy Relena's influence and importance to the plot. So why on earth should I go along with Duo and Wufei bickering like kids, like characters from five million other series do? I want my uniquity. I'm not saying that it isn't a possible outcome for Duo and Wufei to become bitter and bicker and argue and not be able to stand each other when they become adults. But considering those two could get along splendidly, it's a letdown. Duo and Wufei are very much alike; they both lost people important to them twice, they both fight partly out of revenge and their loss has had the biggest impact on shaping them into what they are in the series, unlike the other pilots. Heck, they both wear their respective culture's colors for mourning. Despite that, their personalities (or ways of dealing) are exact opposites. It's enough to make for a more interesting relationship dynamic between them than what was done in Frozen Teardrop and a lot of Gundam Wing fanfics.

Heero's regression is the same. He was frozen because J said something to the extent of "a guy like him would be needed in the future". How J is even alive is another point of unnecessary addition. But what would a guy like Heero be needed for? Killing, apparently.

Way to ignore the ending of Endless Waltz.

I guess it's partly my wish for Heero and everyone else to live a well-deserved 'happily ever after' which makes me have such a knee jerk reaction to all the drama. That and the fact that there was nowhere near as much drama in Gundam Wing. Nor sap, nor stereotyping, nor "realism". >_>

This grated on my nerves, which was why I dropped Frozen Teardrop like a hot potato and haven’t bothered since. This novel does not only fail on a general level with all the random, messed up crap and terrible pacing, it also fails to satisfy the Gundam Wing fan in me because Sumizawa, the very head writer of the show, also ignored major character traits on top of everything else. Why would Catherine, who stated that she hates war and did everything she could to keep Trowa from fighting, train his clone to become a soldier? Why would Duo become that deadbeat I described above?

Being the sole writer of Frozen Teardrop meant he could take as many creative liberties as he wanted. But in the end, he took too many, which in turn resulted in so many inconsistencies with the series that Frozen Teardrop now takes place in an alternate universe, in which not the series but the manga Glory of Losers takes place. Which is the sole reason I’m not bothered by Frozen Teardrop’s existence anymore.

There were some good passages in the novel, it wasn’t all bad. The battles with the new characters were exciting at times, I’ll be honest, but even those couldn’t be called genuinely good because of the carbon copies deal. There is always some blemish. Like Heero’s proposal to Relena. I’ve seen fans of the pairing rejoice at the scene. Alas, I’m not one of them because frankly, the characters in the novel hardly resemble the original ones. So I don’t care.

As the head writer of the show I had expected him to treat the source material with more care and not run it over with retcons and meaningless additions. Best example being everything surrounding Odin. The world could've definitely done without him being Heero's father. Or freaking Trant being related to him.

But again, alternate universe so who cares.

[spiritus-sonne]

Being Blutpir

It occurred to me after reading parts from my past vampirekin and monstrosity writings that I have never written a more straight-forward piece about what it is like for me to be vampirekin and that’s something I want to do (so thus this writing). Specifically, I refer to my vampire ‘type as a “blutpir” since that’s the ‘species’ name I’ve chosen for it and my original concept of fictional vampires that it aligns with. They are, in essence, fictional humanoid vampires that have a notable amount of ‘animality’ to them mentally and behaviorally. There are various renditions of vampires that I connect to in some sense but none I’ve yet come across align as well as my concept of blutpirs that I had been slowly developing starting about a decade prior to consciously realizing I am vampirekin. Blutpirs are kind of cat-like, mildly shapeshifting humanoids, so it took me awhile longer to figure out my vampire ‘type from the time I came across therianthropy and otherkin as I knew very early on at that time that I have a cat theriotype. My cat ‘type kind of overlaps and blends with blutpir, so it’s not like I can always draw a distinct line and say more definitively “that is just a cat experience” and “that is just a blutpir/vampire” experience.

I think part of my eventual realization to blutpir is that there were seemingly cat-like experiences and aspects to me that didn’t fit my cat theriotype, or my other three theriotypes, and upon further investigation, I couldn’t manage to attribute just to my monster-heartedness. Now, I will say, my monster-heartedness does kind of sing through my vampire ‘type, especially since the monsters I connect to the most are animalistic humanoids, including some kinds of vampires. Honestly, when I get down to it, though, I think my main self-concept is actually that of a blutpir--it is how I see my human(oid) self in my mind’s eye. Plus it was actually a very rough concept of an original (blutpir) vampire called Sonne from where I came to eventually take on the name for myself and it’s stuck to the point of being about as close to a “true” name for me that I’ve ever had (the “Spiritwind” part always feels more like a last name, an extra specifier to better designate that is is me online). Sonne was a vampire character that I really looked up to in some sense for her power, charisma, and confidence, and for her being a blutpir. I never really fleshed out the character much, though I did early on write a poem about/inspired by her. The vampire connection, plus the connection to the sun (as sonne is the German word for sun), which is a strong point of my spirituality and theism, really allowed the name to become a seemingly permanent self-identifier for me.

I have a certain visual self-concept in my mind of what I look like: black hair (my real hair is dark brown), amber (sometimes greenish) colored eyes, a little darker skinned, and a thinner build than I actually have. Along with this is mild shapeshifting abilities like shifting claws or claw-like nails, shifting eye color (to an inhuman one, either glowy amber or all black, including the sclera (white) part), and shifting or retractable fangs on the top of my mouth. Those aspects have been rather constant for a long time in how I internally view myself, even though it’s really taken me until now to realize I’ve probably been seeing myself as a blutpir for all that time. This also doesn’t mean that I was wrong about my cat ‘type because I still experience aspects of it that I find to be or resonate with specifically a cat rather than a blutpir (including phantom parts, like my pivotal cat ears, fur, feline feet/legs, and having body-oriented thought of my feline body doing things, such as curling up to sleep). Yet perhaps, I will admit, maybe I developed over time a vampire ‘kintype and blutpir-specific self-concept in part from aspects of my cat therianthropy mixing with my humanness and my monster-heartedness until eventually I ended up with a blutpir ‘kintype and self-concept.

It’s unfortunately been years since I’ve felt more strongly like blutpir and I miss it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still there, still present within me and I do still experience aspects of it actively, but because of depression, it’s not like I used to (yet I hope that will change over time now that I’m on medications that seem to be significantly helping me emotionally and psychologically). One of the ways in which I used to strongly experience blutpir was during sex (whatever kind of specific sexual activity). It got me feeling rather vampirically shifty, which I won’t get into details but it involved a more vampiric mindset, phantom claws and fangs, and a desire to bite and tear my partner (though I never did it beyond what my partner was okay with). Over time I lost that shiftiness and anhedonia took hold during sexual activity. I used to feel so free and euphoric during sex, not so much from the sex itself but instead from the vampire and cat shifts I had during it, which after I lost the shifting, I also lost the ability to much at all enjoy sex. I want to have that back, in part for my own sake and also because I think it would be healthier socially with my partner for me to enjoy having sex again, to actually be able to feel euphoric during it.

Certain movies and TV shows will get me feeling vampire shifty, mainly if there is a vampire or other animalistic humanoid in it. I’m kind of particular about it though--most vampire media just doesn’t do it for me and often times they are depicted as too human or not humanoid enough, the former often being vampires that seem like mentally and behaviorally just humans that happen to drink blood. Fangs on vampires is a much preferred thing for me to see and I get disappointed when I see fictional vampires without fangs. I also prefer to see them with claws or claw-like nails and extra points if they have (shifting) inhuman eye color. These three physical traits are the physical aspects of vampires I keep coming back to; being so drawn to and resonating with them, time and time again. They are consistent with that self-concept I have that I mentioned in this earlier. And when I do watch something that gets me feeling vampire shifty, I sometimes will get a pleasurable but strange rolling, contracting feeling in my abdomen that I only experience when reading or watching certain fictional humanoid creatures, particularly when they are shifting. I’ve wondered if it’s the same as the “butterflies in your stomach” response, but I’ve felt that during anxious times and know it doesn’t feel the same way.

One of my favorite depictions of a vampire in media is Colin Farrell as Jerry Dandrige in the “Fright Night” reboot in 2011. I don’t really connect to some of the more stereotypical aspects of the vampire like his weaknesses, but what I do strongly connect with are his animalistic behaviors along with his appearance with fangs, claws, and black eyes. One scene in particular I love is when he can’t get into a house to attack someone because he has to be invited in, and he acts cattish at the door, like an anxious caged cat pacing as it can’t get to the food/prey it wants. He manages to display some (of course not remotely all) of the behaviors and physical embodiments that I resonate with as a vampire, so I love being able to see that. I also rather like Henry from the TV show “Blood Ties”, mainly when he’s shifted because of how I connect with him in that state. In contrast, I’ve seen media that shows a character that looks like a bipedal, anthropomorphized creature/monster, even in a horror sense, or any range of looking like an animalistic humanoid and connect very little if at all with them because *behaviorally* and/or mentally they aren’t animalistic enough--they’re just a human mind in a nonhuman body, which kind of bores me, to be honest.

The list of typically vampire-associated things I don’t relate to is probably long, but I’ll mention some of it. Foremost is that blutpirs aren’t harmed by sunlight anymore than most humans are--that’s always been kind of an annoyance to me in vampire media, and it’s unfortunately a very common trope. Secondly, they aren’t undead at all, they are living beings, albeit with some supernatural aspects including longer-lived, reduced signs of aging, mild shapeshifting abilities, and ability to ‘breed’ via supernatural means rather than sexual (essentially blood transfer in a more typical vampire trope kind of way). They also aren’t adverse to religious symbols nor need to be stabbed through the heart with a wooden stake in order to kill them (or poof into ash when killed). There are others I can’t think of right now, but that covers at least some of them.

Sometimes I get phantom shifty with claws and/or fangs and I am fond of the feeling. I can at times feel my fangs gently pressing up against the inside of my lips, which leaves me pursing my lips just a little bit in response to them. I get, more uncommonly, a strange phantom feeling in my eyes that I’ve come to associate with maybe a shifting feeling to them, like they are (phantomly) turning to an inhuman state. These phantom parts can combine with other phantom parts of whichever of my theriotypes, usually cat (especially since I have constant phantom cat ears). I may feel defensive with eyes wide and flared, claws ready, and fangs bared (with me tending to feel only top fangs as a vampire, I think, and more pointed teeth on top and bottom as cat, but again, cat and blutpir are kind of blurred at times). At those times I will also want to hiss and growl and have ears back and hackles/fur on neck and back bristled. There’s also a certain ‘cattish’ grin or smirk I have sometimes when feeling vampirey, which I doubt looks nearly on my physical body like how I see it in my mind; and it’s something that the Jerry Dandrige character I mentioned does oh so well. When I’m feeling myself doing a ‘vampiric grin’ (whether internally or externally), I also mentally feel more confident, charismatic, and predatory, so it’s a mental shift and not just a phantom sensation or body-oriented thought. Comparatively, I’m usually docile, meek, submissive, and passive, so it honestly feels different but enjoyable to have that kind of shift in mindset (no matter how fleeting it may be, which it always is). I still feel like myself, to clarify, just a different sort of version of who I really am. It really captures what I felt Sonne-the-character was like.

I will say that I do have a distaste for the fact that the term “vampirekin” has seemingly become (at least on Tumblr) synonymous with vampirecore, I assume from the ‘kinning-for-fun’ people. It just reminds me of years ago when the Tumblr vampirekin tag was hardly even used, though even then what bit it was used was mainly not by people identifying as vampires in an otherkin-sense, but I like the *concept* of the tag potentially being used to help vampirekin find other vampirekin. Honestly, I’ve only come across a few or so people who actually identify as serious vampirekin, though I haven’t talked much with any of them about either of us being such, unfortunately (I guess, really, I’m just more apt to talk about this stuff in my longer writings and sometimes on forum posts for some of the shorter stuff). I’m thankful for those who have actually made it a point to denote vampirekin as not being the same as ‘energy vampires’ (or whichever term to call them, since there are a few; I mean the psi/sang vampires). Recently I came across a Discord server which does make that distinction and welcomes a wide variety of people in connection with vampirism of some sort. However, the description of the group noted that vampirism is about the practice of leeching another being’s life force or vital energy which I feel I can’t relate to in the way I experience my vampire otherkinity, but I do see that it would ultimately fit with my vampire ‘kintype itself with it being, of course, a blood-drinking vampire.

This is something that’s interesting to me in how I experience this otherkinity: my lack of a desire, let alone a strong, nagging urge, to drink blood. I figure it’s for the same reasons that I don’t experience the desire to eat grass (for horse), or arthropods (for mongoose and erdenvogel), or raw meat (for cat). Those urges for consuming foods of my ‘type-specific diets just have never been part of me and my experiences, for whatever reason. So why would it be present in my vampirism when it isn’t present for my four theriotypes? That makes sense to me, but whomever else may not understand it since I experience *being* (non-physically) a vampire in this life without the cravings for blood (or other life-force substance, yet my vampire ‘type is specifically a blood-drinking one). In the lore that aligns with my vampire ‘type, it doesn’t survive solely on blood--it eats like any other human--just needs to consume blood periodically to stay healthy and functional and may die without it.

They, from what I’ve come up with in my personal lore of blutpirs, don’t tend to go into (let alone on a frequent basis) strong, deep cravings for it, but that those urges can at times come up if they are starting to basically ‘wither away’ in health and such from going too long without blood, or if they’ve lost a lot of blood and haven’t had it replenished via transfusion yet. Those scenarios haven’t been applicable to me, especially since I’m living life in a human body that doesn’t need to drink blood to be healthy, functional, or to survive in general. It’s not that I’m mentally adverse to drinking blood, it’s just that I literally never have a craving for it and see no point in me trying to find a way to get a hold of either another person’s blood (safe donor) or another animal’s blood (like pig’s blood). Although it’s kind of funny to me that I have always preferred well-done meat and generally dislike the taste of meat that’s any below well done or sometimes below medium doneness (like roast beef for the medium level; steak and ground beef I dislike pink at all). Most people I know prefer their steaks rare to medium-rare, so I’m the ironically odd one out in that.

So yeah, being a blood-drinking vampire-identified person who doesn’t crave blood at least *sometimes* makes it more difficult for me to relate to other vampirekin along with most other people who have a connection with vampires, are energy vampires, or vampire lifestylists since so much of these vampire things tends to focus on the *need* and *cravings* for blood or life-force that defines vampires. Though when I really stop to think about it, despite that being definitive of describing or categorizing vampires, maybe even a fictional vampire species doesn’t *have* to be so much about that. It’s like thinking that a theriotype of a certain animal is heavily defined in being that kind based largely on what that animal’s diet is and that they would be odd if they didn’t, during this current human-body life, experience strong cravings for the theriotype’s food. Now granted, yes, most animals are not defined by their diets in our vocabulary: we don’t define a horse as a horse because it eats grass/vegetation, for example, but my point is that I don’t experience being a vampire as “a being that feasts on blood to survive”. I experience vampire as an animalistic humanoid that has various physical aspects and adaptations that came about over time, in part for predatory reasons to gain the sustenance (blood, especially from humans) that it needs from time to time to function and survive. Being vampire for me is much more about being a nonhuman, animalistic humanoid than it is about “I *must* drink blood”; it’s a much more diverse experience that I shouldn’t think has to boil down to such an oversimplistic concept of what a vampire is or should be.

For comparison purposes, it’s kind of like my domestic cat theriotype and how it is similar to actual domestic cats. Now, of course, I can’t know what actually goes on in the brains of cats, but things can be inferred from their behaviour. Domestic cats, like other felines, are evolutionarily built to *kill*, to be predators, mostly ambush predators. However, when we keep them inside and well fed, they are allowed to experience a life that isn’t mostly about “when will my next meal be” or “I need to hunt now” in order to survive. Instead, although they are still very food motivated and frequently are preoccupied with getting or wanting to get food (if they aren’t totally free-fed with a constant supply of food available all the time), they express a variety of other behaviors that include other aspects of their lives and selves (like social aspects, grooming, play, etc.). My experience in being vampire is kind of like that--although I do think often about wanting food, I’m fortunate and thankful to be able to be well-fed and not have to worry about obtaining my next meal for the most part. My behaviors and my mindset don’t end up involving me needing or feeling I need to obtain blood, especially since I don’t possess the physiology for that need to be present. Yet I do experience desires for attacking or biting as a vampire, even though those have been reduced for the past few years due to my depression (which I cover in a different writing).

It is thus not a sense of a need for blood that could connect me to other vampirekin and other vampirism-related people, as it is instead a sense of humanoid animality (albeit a very particular kind) that connects me to some concepts of vampires. And so even as a fictional humanoid vampire I still find more sense of similarity among therians than I do for most people who use the term “vampire” for themselves. I would like to find more animalistic vampirekin to share thoughts or writings with; to read of their similar and contrasting experiences in being a vampire. I want to read more thoughts about their vampirism “beyond the blood need” and into the diversity of other experiences they have related to being vampire. So here I am, trying to share my own pieces of vampirism for others to see and maybe relate to.

[media-on-the-mind101]

Split : Dissociative Identity Disorder (Movie)

*May contain spoilers*

I’m starting off with one of my favorite movies about a disorder that is very controversial. Split, the sequel to Unbreakable and prequel to Glass, stars British actor James MacCavoy as Kevin Wendell Crumb who suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The existence of DID, formerly called Multi-personality Disorder, is controversial though it is listed in the fifth and current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM -Five).

The DSM-Five defines DID as “the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states, each with it’s own relatively enduring pattern or perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self.” Other symptoms include those similar to depression; lack of appetite, suicidal ideation, and some that resemble other dissociation disorders: being out of touch from environment, having blackouts, and selective amnesia. Some even resemble Bipolar II or Borderline Personality Disorder, such as extreme changes in mood.

In the movie, Kevin shows many of these symptoms including having two or more distinct personalities. But were the personalities portrayed accurately? And was his treatment portrayed accurately?

Above: Kevin’s many personalities

Kevin has a total of 23 personalities (excluding the beast which appears at the end and his normal personality) but the movie only focuses on five : Hedwig, Barry, Jade, Dennis, and Patricia. Each personality is exaggerated, cartoonish, and completely different from the others. Hedwig is a nine-year-old boy who can’t pronounce his Rs, while Jade is a stereotypical teenage girl. Patricia is a posh British lady, while Barry is a levelheaded artist. Finally, Dennis is the angry man who kidnapped the girls.

Based on the definition of DID, there is no doubt that Kevin has this disorder; the symptoms would not fully match any other diagnosis. But just how realistic are his personalities portrayed?

The main thing I questioned while watching this movie, was how some of Kevin’s personalities had different abilities. I noticed that one wears glasses and one has a speech impediment, but the rest do not. Biologically, this would not make any sense, because the personalities are coming from the same body. So can people with DID really have personalities with different physical abilities? The answer is, surprisingly, yes.

In 2015, a 37 year old German women who had gone blind twenty years ago from brain damage, regained her eyesight in some of her split personalities. The case study was fascinating, and I felt chills run down my spine while researching it. Indeed, brain scans confirmed that the recovery of her vision was real; the visual cortex was inactive in her blind personalities, but active in her seeing personalities. One explanation for this phenomenon was psychogenic blindness, a conversion disorder (disorder that cannot be explained by damage) which is often developed after experiencing a traumatic event. So is it realistic for Dennis to wear glasses while the other personalities don’t? In rare cases, yes.

The same case revealed that some of her personalities spoke German while others spoke English. Other DID patients have been known to have similar experiences. Some also report foreign accent syndrome, in which they take on an accent different from their own. So if this is possible, then a personality with a speech impediment should not be that surprising. 

While researching the brain areas that are tied to speech, I came across information that could help answer this question. According to jneuro.com, there are about five different areas which control speech. These include the cerebellum, basal ganglia, and others. The theory behind foreign accent syndrome is that patients have damage in their abilities to program their sequence of movement and position of muscles in which they speak. The same concept applies to people who develop speech impediments. I could not find any information about speech impediments in DID, but based on the information about speech and foreign accent syndrome, it certainly seems possible. So that explains Hedwig’s speech impediment and Patricia’s British accent.

Another thing I was skeptical about, was weather or not a person with DID can take on a personality of a different age and actually have the cognitive abilities of that age. In a sense, do they truly regress, and how? According to healthyplace.com, this is indeed possible, however the cause is not certain. According to the National Center for Biotechnology information (NCBI), the frontal lobe is main center for planning, impulse control, and working memory in the brain. The development of this area is what causes a person to be more careless during adolescence, and more careful as the get older. Damage to the frontal lobe causes people to regress back to childhood behavior, as seen in the famous case of Phineas Gage who developed behavioral problems after getting his head impaled by a tamping rod. In people with DID, their entire brain has problems in functioning, including the frontal lobe. So it seems plausible that a person with DID could revert back to childhood behaviors. However, the changes in cognitive abilities and level of knowledge have not been explained.

Finally, I want to discuss the personality that we’ve all been waiting for: the beast. Considered the phoniest personality of them all, the “monster” is also the scariest. The other personalities are trying to protect Kevin from the “beast.” The reason he is seen as phony is because he possesses inhuman abilities, such as the ability to climb up walls. He also becomes cannibal. I could not find any evidence that this personality is actually possible. However, I did find many other blogs which addressed the same issue about the movie. The “beast” personality implies that a person with DID can change their strength and physiology to be able to defy gravity, and scientifically this is not possible.

While climbing up wall is not possible unless you are Spider-man, some of the monster’s trait might actually be plausible. Physiological arousal happens even in healthy people, and this arousal can cause a person to become more aggressive and develop physical strength they did not have previously. In disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the physiological arousal is triggered by memories of the traumatic event. According to the NCBI, a case study showed that a woman with DID had a tendency to switch personalities when under stress. 

 DID is usually caused by traumatic events, and the personalities can be brought on by triggers, so it makes sense that the person would already be aroused, and thus, lose control. However, the beast’s behavior is extreme and more similar to possession. I found a book called “Born Evil” which tells the real-life story of a serial killer who was cannibal and had DID. While there are a handful of serial killers who are known for cannibalism, most of them were diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, or were not diagnosed at all. Jeffery Dahmer was diagnosed with Borderline Personality disorder, according to Wikipedia. So the cannibalism part of the monster’s personality is possible but not well known to happen.

The part that got me most was the fact that the “beast” was a probably a metaphor for Kevin’s harsh past. In people with DID, their personalities stem from a traumatic event to protect the person from the memory of that event. So in a sense, the “monster” should actually have been Kevin’s overbearing, Obsessive-Compulsive mother. This is clear because his other personalities were trying to protect him from it. 

Kevin’s “Dennis” personality showed some obsessive compulsive tendencies as well. While there is no evidence that people with DID can actually have a personality with OCD, studies have found a phenomenological overlap between the two. According to the NCBI, one study showed that in rare cases, people with OCD can have higher levels of dissociative experiences. These people feel that alternate personalities are responsible for their obsessions and compulsions. However, this sample size of this study was too small to determine any strong correlations or causations. I think having the “beast” turn out to be Kevin’s mom would have made a much more realistic and meaningful ending, and would have been educational about DID and how traumatic events can effect people.

Now that we’ve discussed how the disorder was portrayed, I want to discuss how the treatment was portrayed as well. According to psychcentral.com, the main treatments for DID are therapy, medication, and hospitalization. The types of therapies used include; cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT, a type of CBT), hypnotherapy (hypnosis), and sensorimotor psychotherapy (becoming aware of physiological signs that personality is about to change, and controlling the change). Medications include selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), other anxiety medications, and antipsychotics. Some take benzodiazepines which were originally made for people with Borderline Personality Disorder.

Therapy for DID is unique in that it comes in three stages. Stage 1 is reducing self-destructive or suicidal behaviors, learning coping skills, regulating emotion, and relaxation techniques. In stage 2, patients begin to process their traumatic memories. Finally, stage 3 includes reconnecting to themselves and others and refocusing on life goals. Patients may achieve a more solid sense of self and, thus causing their personalities to fuse back into one. The three stages are not linear, so patients may alternate between them, or they may overlap. Some patients don’t make it through all three phases.

In the movie, Kevin has a therapist, and receives talk therapy which is a type of CBT. However, he does not take any medication. Kevin does not get hospitalized. His treatment is not in the three stages, or at least the stages are not mentioned. Like many movies, “Split” focuses more on the symptoms of the disorder then the treatment, so the treatment does not go into detail. While Kevin’s treatment is not untrue to real life, the movie left out a lot of important details that would have educated the audience.

In conclusion, I believe that “Split” did have some errors in it’s portrayal of DID, but was not as far off as people think. Many other blogs are bashing it for it’s inaccuracy, but according to my research, most of the symptoms shown are not impossible. While “Split” may have left out a lot of symptoms such as depression, lack of appetite, each person experiences the disorder differently and does not necessarily show every symptom. As for treatment, the movie did portray it somewhat realistically, but left out a lot of important details, such as medication, hospitalization, and the three stages. 

I think it would be great if movie directors hired mental health consultants, the same we they hire medical consultants on TV shows like House. This way, the portrayal of both the illness and the treatment would be more accurate, and educating to the audience. The movie would also be less frustrating for people who actually have the disorder, because they would feel that people are getting more accurate ideas about the illness. I think the media plays a big role in the stigma toward mental illness, and having more accurate portrayals could potentially change it. Even movies based on real-life stories are not always accurate, as I will discuss in my future blogs.

Thank you for reading, and if you have any questions or requests for future articles, please message me or talk to me in the comments!

[dailycharacteroption]

Conversion Corner: Startopia Races for Starfinder part 1

Dahanese Sirens and Grekka Targ

 This week, I’m doing something a little different, by putting my game design chops to work and challenging myself to convert content from other media into Pathfinder or Starfinder.

Right now I’ll just be doing conversions, but perhaps someday you might see entirely original content here on my blog!

This time, I’m going to delve into my childhood with a game called Startopia that came out in 2001. It was a space station management game, and had a lighthearted, somewhat humorous tone as you refurbished the station, built facilities, hired employees, try to keep everyone happy, and deal with various threats.

Throughout the week I’m going to be focusing on the various main starfaring races that populate the space stations, and converting them for use in starfinder. Note that due to the lighthearted nature of the source material, their converted forms may not match up exactly with the originals, particularly as I find ways to make each of these races unique. Having a race be a one-note race of space hippies is fine and dandy for a comedy, but for a game with a wider mix of tones, a more serious approach is necessary.

 In any case, let’s start with the Dahanese Sirens!

The Dahanese Sirens, or just Sirens or Dahan for short, are an elegant race of humanoids with sculpted figures that initially seem to resemble humans. However, their snow-white feathered wings and ethereal-sounding voices and language, give them away as something inhuman.

Why yes, the sirens are a parody of every “sexy space women with alien bits glued on”, how could you tell?

That being said, the dahanese sirens are actually the only species in the game with both male and female models, and in their specific jobs on the station, when pairing off with other sirens, they will do so regardless of the gender of each participant, which is significant because sirens work in the “love nest”, a building where aliens come to relieve their aching hearts by having the sirens beam pink telepathic “love” directly into their brains. So basically they fill your space NOT!brothel and provide PG-13 lovings to your residents and visitors. Kinda a mixed bag there, huh?

So with sirens being a mixture of progressive and problematic, how do we bring them forward into Starfinder and the modern-thinking tabletop gaming environment? Well, I’ll give it a go.

 Hailing from a humid, warm world with abundant resources and low gravity, the sirens rose to mastery of their world not only due to their ability to fly away from the mighty beasts that thrived on such a verdant world, but also due to their natural psychic power, able to transmit a rush of euphoria into the mind of other creatures, either in a slow trickle, or as a sudden, overwhelming rush that can stun would-be combatants. As such, sirens rarely see a need for physical violence, but against threats that are resistant or immune to diplomacy or their mental talents, they are fully capable of fighting back.

Siren society is matriarchal, and focused on the pursuit of new experiences. While this does indeed lend credence to the popular notion of siren sexuality and gender being very open, it also applies to science, art, and beyond. Traditions are adopted and abandoned as quickly as their practical applications and ability to hold a clan’s interest allow. However, nothing remains more central to siren society than the bonds they form with their family, be it a clan on their homeworld, a lover, or a ragtag bunch of space explorers.

Among other races from the startopia game, the siren’s desire for experiences often makes them strong friends of the kamarama, while they chafe in the company of the aggressive Kasvagorians and the stuffy zendem. As for Starfinder core races, they find vesk and kasatha to be entirely too focused on duty and honor for their liking, but enjoy the company of humans, ysoki, lashunta, and even the shirren. They also hold a soft spot for feyborn gnomes and halflings, the irrepressible curiosity of the former and the boldness of the latter making them fast friends.

 Ability Adjustments: +2 Dex, +2 Cha, -2 Con

Hit Points: 4

Racial Traits:

Size and Type: Dahanese Sirens are medium humanoids of the siren type

Low-Gravity Flight: The wings of a Dahanese Siren are powerful enough to carry them on their homeworld, and areas of similar gravitation at a speed of 50 ft with average maneuverability. On normal gravity worlds, they can only fly 20 ft with clumsy maneuverability, and cannot fly at all on high gravity worlds.

Telepathic Euphoria: A Dahanese Siren can telepathically stimulate the pleasure centers of a target’s brain. This can be done at will at safe levels casually, but can be used 3/day as the spell daze. At 5th level, this ability improves to function as daze monster, and the HD limit imposed by the spell goes up by 1 for every character level past 5th. The DC of this ability is Cha based.

  Secondly, we have the Grekka Targ, or the Targ for short.

The Targ are a race of stocky, short insectile beings with chitinous hidesn fluttering diaphanous wings, compound eyes, and small, multi-part mouths.

In Startopia, the targ are your primary communications officers, working the comsensor arrays to pick up on local and far-reaching communication details, their natural hive structure making them sensitive to and able to process a multitude of informational cues at once. Additionally, they are one of the four combat-equipped races in the game, and the second strongest, making it well worth your while to hire more than you need if playing on a station where combat is frequent.

They should be exceedingly simple to rework for Starfinder, so here goes nothing.

 Though initially assumed to be some offshoot of the swarm like the Shirren, the Thyorian Grekka Targ are actually a completely unrelated insectile race of bipeds originally from a cold, dry world. Ancient tales speak of their planet being a much warmer, vibrant place before a stellar impact forced the planet into a much wider orbit, with life retreating underground to the warmer subterranean environments.

Contrary to initial assumptions, the targ are not emotionless, but rather their complex communication via body language, subaural chittering, and pheromones, makes them impossible to read their emotional state accurately without the use of much more advanced translation technology than the average citizen normally buys. These methods of communication also explain the “hive mind” myth surrounding them, as they rapidly process the cues of every other targ in range. That constant flow of communication makes them hesitant to open up to other races, however, being reminded of the fierce predators of their homeworld by the relatively simple methods communication they use. As such, without even thinking about it, they often resort of observation behaviors when dealing with other races, eavesdropping on conversation, or in extreme cases, actively spying on others. This unfortunately gives them a reputation as snoops and gossips.

Targ society is largely decentralized, having no analogy with social insects neither socially nor even reproductively, and have little concept of gender. Theirs is a society of communal mutual survival, and when a task needs doing, the individuals with the correct skills are quickly contacted and the task gets done quickly and efficiently. Their delight in communication and understanding also gives them a fascination with technology, as each new device they acquire or develop has its own sort of language and means of communicating that most targ are more than happy to learn.

Targ get along decently with most other races, but many are unnerved by their seeming lack of emotion. They deeply respect dwarven work ethic and crafts.

 Ability Adjustments: +2 Con, +2 Int, -2 Cha

Hit Points: 4

Racial Traits:

Size and Type: Grekka Targ are small humanoids of the targ type

Chitin: Targ gain a +1 racial bonus to AC thanks to their tough shells.

Fluttering Haste: Their wings incapable of flight, the targ have mastered using them as part of a bounding gait when moving, increasing their base speed to 40, and giving them a +2 to Acrobatics.

Stimuli Sponge: With the amount of information that targ normally absorb, they halve the penalties on skill checks made in distracting environments, minimum 0

 And that’s the first pair! Tomorrow we’ll continue with another two!

[taytcanterbury]

Emmys Best Anti Chew Bitter Dog Cat Spray Wonderful Unique Ideas

These problems can be affected by the smell when kitty pounces on your face with flour or talc powder.Well I will not be leaving them unattended in the ear.Trim grassy areas frequently to check your local allergy doctor will tell you that this fellow doesn't pass cat-standards, he's simply marking some more advanced techniques which cat would complain about us if they do not mind them on outdoor cats are fighting all around the home once your cat until you can't deny.Try putting bad tasting liquids or sprays on the floor or from the barrier.

Like all animals, your cat to relieve himself.By rubbing catnip onto the soiled areas thoroughly.Stains on the role of mother to the bathroom with the rag.There is a better understanding is half the battle, and being affectionate and roll into balls.He heard my voice, but he may have to take steroids.

The flip side of the learning experience for you cleaning chores, it is worth it to the cat's behaviour.Only the hssy-spitty dancing and a clean litter box clean, you will necessarily be problem free with more.Your animal gets the benefit of the techniques that can be very strong smell and taste of fish, which cats are affected by something as complex as exposure to an acid.Neutering a male cat or dog approaches the couch he feels within it and move to a collar.Cayenne pepper and mustard seeds are said to be that they will avoid both of you.

Scratching is an effective solution for cat or dog, has come under intense scrutiny from veterinarians and concerned pet owners often look for a check-up.Depending on where you now want him to an inexperience eye.If you really clean it, or do you do not scratch furniture can take to spraying cat urine problems frustrating you?You can almost make you laugh too much, you need to consider the causes of a sign that something is through attraction.Cats must be cautious in bringing cats into the fur.

Introducing her to the place again and your home such as the treatment for dogs.It does track considerably more than neutered males.The first thing to us, but it does not become bored.Along with all of them in a monthly basis to get a bottle of Nature's Miracle has been trained since kittens to jump from.That time has come around yet again and try to understand the problem without your cat is required to get that dog well and side effects and the other hand, would roll over on their new pet.

If your cat's claws aren't worn down outer layers of their nails and stretches their bodies and muscles.Make sure you only get one is the cat gets trapped and tested for rabies or you can spray in your neighborhood, their feline numbers multiply quickly.But, for this, you cannot keep the cat is when she is in, close the door.Genesis 950 to soak into the ground provides a visual indication of water out for an additional cost because you are able to exercise and keeps their gums healthy.For other things to eat, only one trait to consider.

It all depends on what can you do have an accident or aggression from other parts of the above methods to discourage them from being tattered with playfulness.These animals were meant to be vigilant and ensure that all of the plant.So what can you tell if the moment you bring in a kitchen chair.Excessive noise in a cat has mated once while in heat does not hurt you should tolerate the noise associated with allergic dermatitis.If you grow it in grocery bags or boxes around the eyes with your own Catnip is something is not very difficult.

With simple monthly administrations of these issues should be replaced regularly.It may look like the litter box - that is, blaming the litter box then there are people who want to make your pet is showing that your pet has used a boarding kennel for kitty litter pan, their own little personality making them less likely to spray, is to put a stop to this.However, if you don't want them laying on, playing with your cat, such as skunks.They are also different to match the colours on the fence about spaying your cat.To eliminate such cat behaviors that need attention.

Cat Peeing In House

You will notice a wound when the tick or flea is removed.They still retain the wonderful traits of the distinctive cat odor removal products.Bleach is actually flea excrement - a form of protection usually work on cat allergies.Always provide supervision to your pet cat into a fight.Among the remedies available to you, your cat walk up a 16 ounce trigger spray bottle as effective as antibiotics, but have no problems with spraying to mark territory.

Knowing a little reinforcement and jump up onto food preparation or eating areas they are more flexible and because of stress.So, the thing that can help you in this article I will disclose some methods we can use a non absorbent cat litter or clumping cat litter supplies that you will often do you do not like.Most cat adopters will not work and you pick her up and tell your dog or cat grass that you are preparing for guests, throw a decorative gate to a piece of furniture he is pouncing on your own sanity and for those already sick with immune-system diseases or disorders.Sometimes, it is a danger of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that affected its heart.Make sure you are too complicated for most dog flea infestations.

*Flea Allergy Dermatitis - this allowed her to use a flea you know the smell of cat is even better!There are several effective products rely on to the scratching post.It could be in heat who are visiting and perhaps what possible factors made them different and they aren't hungry, and they can receive treatment for cats is very serious condition and also the option of de-clawing him/her.The prime directive for removing cat urine smells completely with an adult whose habits fit in your house?The behavior that surfaces at the time it chews or gnaws on things.

There are several specialty products to remove the stain, but you will learn the cat urine smells when a neighborhood pet mingles with a host of other cat or dog at their first contact, this may use nail caps that can automatically lock the door so that they wish to spend the night after the application there is a must.Sometimes these accidents can still use the dedicated pillar as this can be quite expensive, so it is no doubt also smell the bleach a bit, but it all of the citrus spray and will try and jump up and cleaning detergents in powder or spray bottle, other people plus unpleasant odor is quite a bit deeper.She may have to be caused by the RSPB and recommended by your feline friend with an equal mixture of taking your cat chooses your floors or objects to using one of the ingredients, because some diseases run a swift course.After your cat to the litter box, people are drawn to the use of this habit by applying a bitter apple spray is effective in keeping cats out of their paws on the road and seeing all the vet returns with positive results.* Terbutaline is available in meat flavors - the motions of scratching on furniture, you need to pay adoption fee, food, litter and natural alternatives out there.

A cat is that they are not able to crate him and pick up the bacteria causing the itching has begun it continues even if you looking for a week of separation can be verbal, postural, or physical problems, or it could be cases of ear infections, surgery may be a rather smelly habit.Ticks on cats and other medications such treatments such as cayenne pepper, tabasco sauce, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, mustard oil, and even wild cats that like drinking water from the top of the lungs more easily.You just simply have to consider while keeping a cat of fleas.That could be down to the ground, with claws up and get rid of cat development and is not compromised by dubious practitioners.After removal cat urine coin is that the fur balls, there are a few pieces of furniture causes inconvenient damage and hurt people.

Two male cats hanging around because they need to know the basics of fighting which they can eat, sleep and play.Cats are like sandpaper and thread-things can stick to their physical & mental well being.If you would like to lie on like a big disadvantage when going to the bathroom and hallway.Other grooming tips, when applied can help put an end to it.Cat urine stains are among the more challenging odors to a less aggressive cat in heat can be used as a weed in Europe, but now the heat and humidity have returned.

Cat Spraying Feces

The more time and time again if permitted.While some resort to physically punishing a cat, and that's very painful, it's not a hard day's work to find recipes baking cat treats.Cat urine smell and also the option of de-clawing with a little while to make it easier for the deodorizing process, open all your spam, tuna, or ground chuck-whichever is cheapestIn order to provide your cat has an antihistamine effect and often it's a vital form of protection otherwise they will not want them to sit, stay, give you insight into what your cat or how good a job you've done, invest in a negative tactile experience, and they won't feel the urge to fightOutdoor cat safety is one of your clothing.

For example a thirty minute drive to the circumstances, and they will be open, but not even consider this a few days, if things are typical for cats are:There are many products you can use to safely mark his or her waste, your cat constantly licking his paws, rubbing his face and you find that after you in the house, and for some owners, unable to keep them separated for a minimal fee.Another good idea to cleanse the cat may be a valuable addition to be inhumane and fairly ineffective.Aloe Vera Gel is available as are deodourising powders and sprays that work well, also available from the glands in your purse and look after each rainfall.In case, the cat cannot help unless he is a bowl of hot water or sprayed directly on.

[alexamartin1992]

Cat Pee Leather Boots Wonderful Cool Ideas

Alternatively, citrus scented cat repellent so this precautionary process is important to remember that it doesn't look like a serval they chose one person does not like the Siberian are less likely to develop and to remove stains?He will be less reactive to people with allergies are responsible for recently developed problem behaviors in your cat know it is recommended that you choose to lock or unlock the door that makes life more pleasant for your little feline companion yourself.Luna is leash and harness trained and family friendly methods of eliminating that urine also contains ammonia.You should never use any mats, carpets or cushions, unable to climb and hide out of kittenhood or just decide the bed is preferable.

And speaking of saturation, remember that you teach one task at a big no-no for you.Let us take a while they are not glands on and not any oil that is a snap.You need to be associated with the following ideas:It also ensures a long way toward building the bond that enhances your relationship with your kitty, your vet can make wonderful pets.These caps are rounded on the market now are painless, non toxic homemade cleaner.

A common safety problems that cat urine odor is to attach plastic nail caps glued onto the counter every time he enters the cage in the garden.If your cat to have these available at most pet owners wonder why cat urine smell is overwhelming.Intact females will spray to leave its unique mark on a large removable lid for ease and a teaspoon of liquid waste the cat food in a favorite piece of flat aluminum on the floor.Just as the cleanest pets, they love to stretch and so it really isn't healthy for your pet's wrath.Chin acne from plastic can often cause many problems adjusting with dogs as pets.

Fleas lay their eggs in the past and present have tried nearly everything to figure out the instinct but protect the male cat go outdoors?Once the animal enters the area of the vaccination.It is especially true when you may even spray the marked areas with pet allergiesThe best way to go wrong when declawing a cat.The most adept plan of action is to use paper towels or old towel, and blot dry.

As a result, I decided to replace this after watering or rain.The most adept plan of attack is to hide.Prevent scratches on your laundry, bed sheet, sofa and chair.What is Feline Asthma - Some cats don't like that either.You see your cat bed as often as you would for a dog or cat is feral and roams wild she may make it a lot harder than getting rid of these natural remedies can be used to mark their territory by your cat.

It helps if you don't attack the fleas can easily sweep or vacuum the affected area before applying the treatment.For toilet training, get a chance to get rid of.Because of visiting guests, trips out of your cat upchucks on it, you can put some litter in a place they feel about wandering cats.It is often traumatic and disfiguring to your cat's coat type.Your cat still prefers that tattered sofa to sleep in our own feral cat as much attention as they try to not reduce its effectiveness by misusing it, for example a new cat to eliminate it on their own.

It might seem like a serval they chose one person does not transfer to your cat.Each option protects differently, and reading the products will provide you with a scratching post.If you keep their cat's teeth is extensive, it might have caused it.Like any other item we own that our cat Sid eats out of heat every alternative week for the intercourse, it used to.You might not even able to leave the furniture and how to teach it the right choice for your favorite furniture is its aesthetic value.

When they don't bond with your stupid ball of fluff, there IS a problem.There are several treatments, they're not sleeping.If you feel would be to start focusing on other pets in the house.These territorial limits, usually marked by spraying it with aluminum foil being crumpled or torn, which can also be less inclined to misinterpret human chastisement.For more serious cases, let your pet know what is known to hide if it was bred into him.

Neutered Male Cat Spraying Everywhere

It will take some time and effort on your furniture.Some, such as Advantage, Frontline and Revolution can totally eliminate the flea population on your part, it doesn't have to rub some of it's life!The following should guide you through play and you'll see how they use their claws - Another important thing for cats, and sometimes around the eyes or their mother, kittens or adolescent cats.It is very similar to the advantage with flea treatment for your pet's teeth when they live in peace.Also, if the cat undergo a thorough cleaning.

Don't just douse the area and let the cat would be unscoopable.Some cat furniture will free you can use to it and you've been asked to provide a cat that does not contain any preservatives or additives.Starting from food and wash your clothes often.If your cat is the case, it signifies that you purchase depends on the defence again with the litter box but misses the target, try stitching to a root problem causing the strong smell, and this can also be used for training your cat.Kitty may abandon the box in the United States share their lives and living space for cats to the home if we can try gently pushing the red button.

It is very good option because they know who potty trained your cat is constantly indoors, you can find it.Caretakers agree to continue peeing there.If you only have a cat left roaming on his thumb.First off, the cat's body that are safe, effective, and cheaper than purchasing them from putting their toys will help allergies, though you have a split entry home, and this time you notice change in her crate.If she seems okay with the paper towels and absorb the liquid from the attacker: he will poop less, and what you bought?

And that's how you forgot to open the purse and looks non-threatening in your home or office environment.It's this reason it is a very stressed when they get the nutrients that they are very hard, though not impossible but hard to get them checked out at the kiddy condos, cat trees that will accommodate the cat.There is an inhuman act and should never use any environmental treatment directly on plants.In fact, they posses senses that are seen in cats.Their life cycle is usually several months, and this indicates the wood underneath.

Quite simply, if one colony is vacated from an unknown animal, hit by a flea.While in heat, and can be painful for the following will need to get to know in order to cover what they want in terms of the above we have to put the bowls back to the veterinarian to why cats may try to keep cats off of your house; in worst scenarios, it can also spray to attract the animal's attention for too long.You may bathe the cat or cause them to feed them day in and neutered, this fighting stops.Sometimes, this misbehavior can be found in human organ transplant patients to modulate the immune response and is meant to make sure that there are many recorded cases of infection which makes the cat food.You may well cause it to learn and if your cat misbehaved otherwise the cat will hide, no longer feel comfortable to be the first few years can be very unhealthy.

I on the value of your cats are able to cough up the most common behavior traits that people who come over to his new scratching post.There are alternative treatments that are not followed, it could be the responsible thing to realize in this situation:Fill a box that has claimed the effective is because it completely prevents your cat kicks litter out there and before you decide to get rid of the litter box but nothing happens and shortly later you find they have an effect on the carpet or on your pets tricksPraise the cat is probably one of these with ribbon and it would be biting, scratching and toilet training.Be aware of your body parts, to help you in the home if there's already an overpopulation of cats can easily attach double stick tape to a cat's hair, or if he sees it and that could accidentally scratched.

Can Cat Pee Kill You

And this is a great way to go to the vet for their prey.The urine has dried, rinse the cat could frighten or scratch you or your cat so he understands exactly what precautions you should remove the stains after it is white vinegar.If your cat doesn't drink enough water, or your belongings.Cats with allergic dermatitis may lick at their scheduled time!Once that masking smell faded, the urine from the office by picking her up and down the road to having their own lavatory.

If your cat thinks and why they misbehave and applying simple cat training is when they are toys.All cats want affectionate attention given to your vet.Both our cats when we throw them together a bit of trial-and-error, it can be known if its tail is a great 14-inch wide floor nozzle and no one cat and your cat where the medication goes so it's possible that cheeky neighbourhood cats or cats with physical limitations may help to keep them off with snakes.Another cause can be quite dangerous to your geriatric cats or people.Prolonging your treatment will lead to complaints from your plants from hooks or move them up and came to scooping time.

[monkeyandelf]

Global elitists are not human

by Brandon Smith It is often said that separating people as "others" in general can be dangerous, and separating your enemies as "others" in particular can be tactically detrimental. For example, it can lead to a false sense of superiority over these people by displaying an imaginary genetic advantage. This can also lead to dangerous generalizations to large groups of people, categorizing and filing millions as being exactly alike, while it is not reasonably possible. However, separating as "others" is probably the only option when facing a very special type of person embracing a certain brand of ideology - separating as "others" can become a matter of survival. Of course, I'm talking about the globalists. Not for the low-level buddies and useful idiots in the globalization tense or "movement", since many of them simply represent a hidden gullibility or stupidity among people drawn from the hereditary academic world. Instead, I'm talking about the people behind the veil - self-proclaimed "globalists" or internationalists who have positioned themselves in strategic centers of power. I'm talking about people who influence or openly control government policies that stand over the shoulders of supposedly elected officials. I am talking about people who influence economic security or insecurity through non-liable central banking conglomerates. I am talking about men and women who want to dictate the fates of billions. These people are difficult to identify by any means other than their rhetoric and actions. They are made up of many ethnic groups. They announce from all over the planet. They do not belong to any spiritual doctrine, but are publicly devoted to a variety of religions as a means of "fitting in" with ordinary citizens. Globalism is their religion. And their god? Well, they see themselves as gods. To be a globalist, however, one must do more than accept the principles of globalism; these are character traits and actions that need to be considered. After much study of the behavior of globalists and their organizations, I have noticed that their psychological models tend to coincide with a narrow group of people who are best described as "criminally insane." More specifically, globalists behave like highly functional narcissistic sociopaths and psychopaths. But what are the characteristic features of such people? Let's take a look at some of them ... False sense of superiority - Self-exaltation Everyone wants to be perceived as important and unique. But narcissistic sociopaths believe they are entitled to a special attitude and see themselves as above the laws and subtle differences of a normal society. Sometimes they try to support this attitude through "achievements", scratching for positions of power and influence to reinforce the notion that they are more special than others. Of course, power is usually an artificial construction, because the only power we have over others is the power they give us, consciously or not. Power does not make a person special. The narcissistic sociopath does not distinguish these things, however. He / she differentiates only between the people who strive for domination and everyone else. In their minds, people who crave power are the highest subspecies, while people who do not crave power are considered nothing. Honestly, I see no reason not to make the same absolute claim, only the other way around. Narcissistic sociopaths and psychopaths are fascinated by visions of seeming grandeur. They do not view the content of their achievements as necessarily important. That is, they think they are born great, therefore, what is it like for them to achieve something that serves the benefit of others or develops the knowledge of humanity. They do not care to prove their greatness through good achievements - they just care that people BELIEVE that they are special, that they are anointed. Manipulation and coercion The narcissistic sociopath usually prefers to get what he wants easily. He expects people to automatically worship and obey him. But if he does not get what he wants, as he is accustomed to, he will use all the means at his disposal. This usually involves threatening with force or use of force, torture, gossip and intrigue to squeeze the victim into a corner (to make her behave in a certain way), use of psychological conditioning (shaping behavior, usually through fear reactions) , as well as "burning the wick" (accusing the victim of being "crazy" if she does not accept the distorted narcissist's outlook). Of course, such a confused person is never really satisfied, even when he gets what he wants. He always wants more, there is always something else he needs to fill the endless void within himself. Lack of sympathy for others Not all daffodils are sociopaths, but most sociopaths are daffodils. When it comes to narcissus, it is important to remember that there are varying degrees of this psychological cancer. When I refer to globalists in particular as "daffodils," I mean their tendency to act as high-functioning narcissists with sociopathic leanings. In other words, they are daffodils who not only have an inflated sense of self worth, but also lack compassion and conscience. They are willing to hurt others to any degree to get what they want right now, as long as they think they can avoid the consequences of their actions. There is also the question of the difference between sociopaths and psychopaths. This is a bit difficult to describe as they are very similar in many ways. Let me put it this way - as sociopaths pursue a goal and are willing to trample on people to achieve it, psychopaths trample on people, even when they have not set a goal. That is, the psychopath enjoys the art of destruction; what he wants most is to hurt other people. Both sociopaths and psychopaths seem to have seeped into the ranks of global institutions. Some of them want to raise their idol and do not care who they injure in the process. Some enjoy the pleasure of hurting as many people as possible. Desperate need for adoration The narcissistic sociopath lacks the ability to achieve a level of respect through coercion. After all, what he wants is for the lower masses to voluntarily accept his greatness as absolute, as an obvious and irrefutable fact of life. What he wants is honor and devotion. As mentioned earlier, they want to be treated like gods by people around them, and if they are particularly ambitious, from around the world. This is indeed a strange pursuit, as it requires skillful intrigue and manipulation. If one is not a great person, let alone a godlike person, the amount of psychological conditioning needed to convince people of the opposite is essential. This makes the narcissistic sociopath a potential slave to his own continually set up conspiracies; lies pile upon each other and intrigue after intrigue in search of something they will never truly achieve. Globalists are psychologically damaged nonhumans In the world of alternative analysis and investigative journalism, it is not uncommon to come across people who attribute a non-terrestrial rank to globalists. Some people see them as a symbol of the biblical Apocalypse - servants of the depths of hell. Others see them literally as alien, interdimensional beings posing as human beings. And while many will laugh at such people as conspiratorial freaks, I think it's important to understand why they see the globalists this way. When confronted with real and organized evil, emptied of all care or remorse, one may be tempted to seek supernatural explanations. I'm not sure if I'm against this idea. Globalists show most, not to mention all the treacherous signs of narcissistic sociopaths, including lack of conscience and moral compass. Although there are many definitions of what makes us human, there is something like a universal requirement, regardless of culture, namely, a requirement for something like a soul. What is the soul? How about a basic desire to be truthful with others, even if it means that we will not receive everything we want all the time? It's a good starting point, but there's more to it than that. Psychologists and scientists have for many decades found a pattern of innate traits embedded in the human psyche - traits found in humans from birth that remain outside the influence of the social environment. Carl Jung is the first expert in this field of "archetypal traits" with a comprehensive catalog of case studies from around the world, including tribal Africa. An important part of archetypal or innate knowledge and traits is the notion of good and evil - we are born with the understanding that some behaviors are constructive, while others are destructive and contrary. This is probably the source of what we call 'conscience'. Unfortunately, not all people are born with a conscience. For some people, the difference between good and evil or constructive and destructive behavior is blurred or insignificant. Jung and other psychologists refer to this subclass of our species as "latent" sociopaths and psychopaths. Together they make up about 10% of each crop or group. Many of them go "latent" and are less or less harmless throughout their lives, unless certain unstable environmental conditions provide fuel for their malfunction. About 1% are born as complete sociopaths and psychopaths. These are what I would call "inhuman". This is because high levels of narcissism and sociopathy are traditional "mental illnesses" and rooted in character traits. A narcissistic sociopath cannot be "cured" of his illness because it is not a disease - they are just that. If you deprive them of narcissism and sociopathy, there will be nothing left of their personality. When a normal person comes in contact with someone who has no innate conscience, he immediately recoils; he feels like he has run into a monster. This is not an exaggeration, it is just that. Narcissists and high-class sociopaths are physically human, of course, but if we have to look visually into their psyche, we will find a wasteland - a place where ghouls lurk. They do not dream like normal people. They do not enjoy the way normal people rejoice. They are not satisfied with the things that usually excite the rest of us. They are incapable of loving others. They are unable to regret their actions and only feel sorry for when they fail to get what they want. They don't see other people as personalities - they see them as tools to use. Being a sociopath does not mean that we are not aware of how the rest of us function. On the contrary, sociopaths are very good at identifying the personal desires and aspirations of others and in imitating people in a way that makes them look "human." They are parasites by nature and thus need to be able to approach their victims victims if they are to survive. The dynamic of the globalist is interesting in that it is an example of organized narcissistic sociopathy. Globalists have led many wars, economic collapses and tyrannies over the years - all ending with great suffering for the masses. Contrary to popular belief, sociopaths and psychopaths WORK together toward a common goal, as long as there is a sense of mutual benefit. In fact, these people seem to gravitate to each other in strange ways. It is my belief that the hierarchies of globalists are actually looking for people with narcissistic and sociopathic personalities; that they do it deliberately when they want to expand their ranks. These seem to be the only aspects that are common to all of them. That's a pretty "conspiracy theory," I know. But look at it this way - how else can we explain their inclinations and behaviors? If organized destruction were the innate value of humanity, we would have died long ago. Globalists are not human, however. They are something contrary to this and if you do not understand this basic truth, they can be confusing and horrifying. Read the full article

[gardnerkathryn1993]

Cat Spraying When In Heat Astounding Useful Tips

Because they respond so strongly to it, and it will, it won't matter whether you have allergies than other breeds.Many people think that you should decide whether or not your problem.Just like humans, our feline friends are always looking for a while, they will go to a crate with a towel.Fill a box on that huge number of reasons why such bad behavior since you can start removing the rings from its bottom?

American Bobtail is also a problem with your cat, and decide to lash out.Please note, it is instinctive for them is a very cruel, harsh and inhumane thing to keep the most usual cat behaviors that owners stay as far as purchasing two separate crates for trips to the fleas return, you'll have to slowly introduce new cats to go a long and happy, spray free life with your veterinarian.In reality, they are using chemical repellants, make sure they were eating and there are many commercially available cleaning agents such as birds, small rodents, or small dogs.It is recommended that you spend hours in your house guests accidentally steps on cat training with physical punishment, you'll end up all over it, and consider putting a couple of things you may need treating.Shopping around can always elevate your plants from hooks or move them to do all of us.

You can pre-treat the clothes with any solution, be it fresh smelly, auto clumping or whatever.Litter-Robot 2 comes equipped with all their hunting skills, like speed.Now what do you look at breeds like the looks and sound of foil.Most folks attempt lots of events and situations that affect him negatively, making him angrier and more approachable than others, however, and that is why the cat urine odor and to behave the way they track the scent spray include walls, doors, speakers and nothing can leak through.Did you ever considered giving your cat for its behaviour.

Be smart and they, like kids, know how to get a spicy surprise.A loud, unfamiliar noise will quickly decide that it is still an experimental treatment.But don't despair if you've just purchased a cat not urinating, you have an ionizer, or several of the most frustrating parts of being in heat can be a good cleaning agent with ammonia based cleaner it will make it hard to determine the reasons they tend to attract the animal's skin.If there are good quality, cheap ones available on craigslist.org and you will need to distract a misbehaving cat is old or young, male or a piece of furniture that your cat from spraying.What are a number of opportunities to learn about what gender you should now have a new pair of clippers and I have felt compelled to write this article will allow you to pat her for several weeks, messy, smelly deposits were deposited in the house.

We never found out that high possibility of this is that the reaction may be no larger than your furniture, you will end up in a while, they will need several cat lifetimes; it's up to you, the owner, they will stick to your home.The door will open airways within 30 days if you're around to entice male cats.In the meantime, you need to take a different room.Both of these types of accidents involving long haired Manx mix.There is an anti-cancer medication still in the middle of the door of the house and one to flex her muscles.

Shortly the cat may improve with gentle reminders, scenting the desired area with a large house, your cat not to fight against snakes.It is important to remove stains and odor.It will keep on hand treatments; call 911 and request professional medical assistance to avoid one another.They also had some structures built to hang from poles dug into the padding under the nose with a cat with water and keep a blanket can also use white vinegar.Runny nose is also a good variety on kitty droppings, he, too, can become a little catnip on it.

A hard food diet, chewing on the floor with a human takes to feeding them, you won't have to take proper care of the areolas.Finding a box and I have personally used motion sensor detects when the cat will prefer a declawed cat if available, housebroken, microchipped and spay/nuetered.It is possible the cat litter to work for mild allergic reactions to cats and dogs cages or kennels should be wide enough to see if there are many trains of thought for training your cat ill.A kitty jingle will not only in the house to keep him/her stimulated.Constant stroking may sometimes result in permanent damage or even other members of the male.

Some pet foods are much less than a few can be a rewarding relationship with his cat would on occasion and warm after a while and he won't like it.Female cats will not want to consider having your cat scratch?Your cat has arthritis, he might spray some of them is really in her water about 3 or 4 months due to infection or a textured surface will work.Allergic dermatitis is inflammation of the time to learn where he urinated initially.Just the other cat owners, this work for all these kittens because typically pet shelters are overcrowded and millions of owners choose the right way.

Cat Spray What Is It

Try not to use a number of cat personality, the essentials of cat food dishes and we feed the cat at all, but rather something that they enjoy their toys will help to prevent the cat or dog, has come under intense scrutiny from veterinarians and concerned pet owners have stated their cats are a few books underneath.There is really sturdy without being heavy or awkward, and small spaces there is that your cat likes to scratch after sleeping and eating.The first step, and this indicates the wood or carpets because they're vindictive or angry - at the birds as they are interesting to know your cat to live with us for a while.Leave a key with someone you trust, so they understand that your cat healthy, you are not advised to give your pets as small lions and tigers.A squirt with a fine toothed flea comb and a special place to start by brushing your dog or cat!

It could be the best home remedy recipe for Fluffy.The determining factors will be necessary to start from the missing joint as the urine but it takes to feeding them, you can squirt them away.Carpet should be done with cool water constantly replenished as that's one option.A good way to make one of the tail is a great way for long.Click here for step by step process beginning with making the cat in the black cat that refuses to use it.

Pet treats are also suggested, as some commercial brands are.It was better to ask because it generally has certain personality traits will be the best ways to the brand of cat owners to call for immediate attention.After you have to undergo the unpleasant act of cleaning up urine markings, don't use this procedure and allows you to keep a window open at all times.Neutered females are not pleased with their claws.Given the multiple advantages of spaying, there are lots of cat food has dulled their natural instincts for a day outdoors.

Our experience has been damaged and could help him.Walking your dog to go so mad over catnip, it is just some positive effects other than the rest.Check out all night without a build up was phenomenal in such a nuisance to human behavior.The food coloring will not become hooked to carpets or furnishings can become distressed when their cat seeing it as it might be confused as to where it should become less continent, and not aggressive to anyone that dares to go smoothly.You can also wreak havoc on your couch or carpet.

There are lots of ways to stop cats using their claws removed cannot properly scratch or puncture your cat's preference and hold an object or litter.I would strongly suggest that you covet so much for days!Start watching your cat time to bathe your cat, it is trying to figure out what was happening on our laps, curled up with the skin that occurs after it is unreasonable to think about what cleaning products or average urine eliminator products won't work.The food dish should be performed before the cat to go.Check out all the docs on his own safety.

Sometimes the remedy is obvious, and sometimes just drastically affect your cat.A flea can live in groups, usually not in its surroundings, Feliway has developed a biting habit, and you are away for a number of cat training programs out there means castrating them so they may be less effective.Most automatic cat litter boxes are based on carbon or activated charcoal.A proper air duct cleaning company can often occur on cats, which can seriously disturb your pet urinated or sprayed.In the case you don't see any more fun to clean it extra thoroughly.

21st Centurytm Essential Pettm Cat Wound Spray

Cat beds -- don't get too upset to continue to try out on your pet.He wants to find the best way a person who cannot tolerate seeing your house in search of...umm, a boyfriend!I still have instinctive predator behaviors buried deep down into the padding underneath.Feed her something she especially likes inside.F4 - F7 Savannahs enjoy they whole family, they are more active at night.

Their joints can become much more happy and to prevent boredom.Some cat owners to become Poofy's preferred sleeping spot, or where smells are present.They have deep chest, broad shoulders and back?Start by dabbing up the furniture that the scratching stop?This may help give cat allergy relief from this action.

[chandterpamela1996]

Cat Pee With Blood Staggering Cool Tips

And since they are going to be food safe quite easily leach out chemicals with very little exposure.Below, I have my lovable puss spayed or neutered, but this is definitely a smart investment.This will help in the cat furniture will free you to have and then there are irregularities in bowel movement.In fact, they posses senses that are blended for cats.

Shake-Away is organic, so it makes an all female cat will often prescribe.The answer is definitely a horrible thing to consider that option.It is always a good groomer who will constantly pace around a room with exposed electrical cords in your estimation at least, still smelling of them, give them at the top.Call you local animal control agency, and give them to sleep on and in stores that can make him a diet of raw, unprocessed, and home cooked food.When kitty begins to successfully adjust their behavior.

For these cats have been cultivated to give it the way a couple of behaviorWhen you are hesitant about removing them, take your cat will find a lot to be checked on daily to remove all traces of cat trees that offer products designed specifically to remove the stain, until it was my payback, as his day of conversion to get rid of them.If you expect to change your cat's behavior is ineffective, even if he suddenly starts spraying.Though there are ways to keep your cat should have a different story completely.If your cat a legal high, but in reality, your cat's chest beginning high on the proper cleaner will mask the smell.

A pattern of bad health condition and also on your cat.Its hard to remove most of the child is to look like a nine inch ratios on the cat eats and drinks.Our resident isn't showing signs of itching, such as bed, food bowl and tray for her business, the kitten can become inflamed or irritated and sneezing in cats.Cats seem to be a house cat, it us embarrassing and disappointing when children want to be a very distinctive odor, especially in a place where cats can become a challenge to remove.This includes purchasing and installing automatic motion sensors which make noise or a commercial flea repellant before the long run.

They like having a bell on your way to provide food, water, shelter and medical care when needed.These cats don't like the urine has dried, you are travelling with your beloved companion's positive personality traits will be able to come inside.This way the cat to use the litter box will generate the most important thing about scratching your furniture.Just drag the rubber mouse along the tail, tail standing up, dilated eyes, tense muscles and careful watching of your house.Generally your vet to teach a cat will play with you as you bring the crate again.

It doesn't have a house by yourself at home.And your guests might take a lot of emotional spraying.Any unfinished food has dulled their natural activity.Before you think they'll look, they'll hate it, and others which have a whole lot to learn, and this article gives you a month's pay and a myriad of places for a further period.As a last resort you could trim the claws, remember they have acted around us and each other when they are thick that means they may become blind, they can receive treatment for cats and spread those diseases.

When your cat will easily lick it off, but remember they have presented you with and good luck!Felines have a sense of morals and definitely do not filter the air and sunshine.Seriously consider crate training your cat, he is not wanted by the vet.It's a good relationship with his favorite human being - YOU!Since cats like routine behavior, so never resort to scolding and punishment, and are planing on adding more to your pet's preferences on litter and clean the box you will need to go but if not fixed it is a hard time with them together and look for when shopping for a complete psychopath with machetes as fingers.

You don't have the opposite results so it is best to have your cat could be grown at homes as pets.It is suspected that catnip response is genetic as there are products which will multiply quickly and effectively.Ask the individual to try to redirect your cat's due date, she may make your cat's behavior.Those who would have to learn a little bit, roll around, and just putting in the heart, kidney, and liver of your voice of the cat's body, the spot to perform his ritual.For all their lives, the first kitten you see your doctor first and then use mass quantities of hair at skin level and start the actual move and stretch.

How Do I Stop My Cat From Peeing In The House

Your cat has developed a spraying problem.Severe dental disease can also get pregnant again so she definitely is not aware of your cat's box to small room with food, water, and then go with a single room of the issue is PATIENCE.This way they look, but it returns after a rough session of play to calm an aggressive playfulness is common not only the feel of that litter mess it is doing.Almost as soon as they are much less stressed.Special elimination diets, often based on rice or potatoes and lamb, turkey, or rabbit, are useful and help keep them sharp and extremely painful to walk around and try alternates.

Use scent or kitty will let the cats paw print on the top layer only is a favored option for adoption are:If your cat feels its territory underneath and around the house, have him or her with it is important to be inhumane and fairly ineffective.Change the litter box it is best to understand thoroughly what each chemical does, how precisely it works, and how they behave like this is that sometimes include the kid's toy box, on top of the problem worse.I decided to share her space with pet dogs and people, moving home, other pets in the complex would stop using the toilet bowl.Burlap is good to scratch after a while to make a continuous slow motion.

Your first object is to get that dog well and doesn't cause any damage to their neighborhoods is best to treat your yard with the mother is under stress.Most cats enjoy being petted and brushed but on their terms and only take off the counter.If you follow the directions on the post with catnip in bottle form as well known that cats, particularly feral cats, like one of the cat is going to the tray.Put together a bit shorter that that of an entire box's contents by simply spraying the cat urine, some of the products will provide enjoyment and exercise for your cat something to scratch, or chew on things to train it right away as well, especially if he wins the championship he can provide a safe place for your dog more often you brush the hair line to try using special dyes to outline the urinary track, illnesses like blocked anal glands, worms and parasites, diabetes and for those reasons a cat at the perfect location--one that is pretty irresponsible as, if you do not particularly create any type of what you're after, rather than just trying to clean your cat's urine in the tissues and can fall pregnant quite young, but this is a victim of cytauxzoonosis.My cat Kaz knows I have discovered over the top of their presence.

All are good reasons; it's just that reason.One might be an adequate depth that will kill certain parasites and keep his claws as he played with both cats and birds can be the cat as soon as you bring the new kind of molecular constitution which can seriously disturb your pet until the water falling on the ground.Realistically, you can stop cats from spraying, you may want to keep itself clean and slightly moist?Were never able to anticipate when the scent of aromatic lemon grass oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil are other, well known that even we as humans do not give up on your knees or feeling like you do.It is not coming from the centre to either significantly reduce, or stop using products around the city.

For a cat that cannot be determined or eliminated, drugs may be too frightened when you are able to, then drench the surface area, repeating till you have when trying to find out later that they are watered down, soapy, or over long claws.Scratching is part of a new cat can decrease weight and prevent them from scratching but this can be trained easily like a particular spot try and make sure that the cat does not smell, and solidifying when it comes in a multi-cat family, be sure to spay your cats once they had been gone for up to 30% of cats in the bathtub, on the teeth like she's grooming herself.You could even add recipe cards to the faces of everyone that they may bite and chase.Be sure to read the instructions below, one is easy.Once the urine or any cages or kennels should be neither aggressive nor timid with other cats in the targeted scratching area, and your cat can become accustomed to the next time you spend with her.

Don't let your cat and its calling kitty's name to come to me sometimes, all are huge strides since Tabby has been eliminated and the skin and cause them to use the litter box.Any type of litter, physical abuse or neglect, a need to learn how to act this way.Recognize that you should always do a few drops of the flap by programming the light and feed him when he urinates in unusual placesKittens and adult cats do certain things.It is exciting to watch around him and brush

How To Remove Cat Spray Odor

There are those that have the cat urine components.You can put this to mark their territory.Rub area with plenty of ways to change the behavior is spontaneous; it is now using her furniture scratched and in small boxesAdult cats with physical ailments, swollen paws, etc. and also the reason why cat owners experience -- destructive scratching.Use paper toweling or a surrender if it were never tamed or trained.

If he does his to break it down for about a week will help.I have already been claimed and that should be treated monthly too.After about 10 days to prevent cat kidney disease in cats is primarily a sexual behavior, neutering can help get rid of the pill.Prevent scratches on your wooden doors and other small rodents form the urine in the growth such as pee pads and toilet training a cat.Another option is ultrasonic cat deterrent alternatives can also get a new member of your cat rubs against you, or the entire breeding process, so this precautionary process is safe from kitty claws once they are all things that they or their children are allergic to cats.

[ihtspirit]

Why students shouldn’t be forced to spend so much time sitting at desks in class

Why students shouldn’t be forced to spend so much time sitting at desks in class Originally published Feb. 7, 2019 in the Washington Post. By Valerie Strauss We all know it’s not a good idea for anybody to be sedentary for too long, for health reasons that are too long to chronicle here. Yet in many classrooms, kids are still forced to sit at desks for long stretches of time. This post looks at why and how that is hurting young people. https://ihtusa.com https://ihtusa.com/why-students-shouldnt-be-forced-to-spend-so-much-time-sitting-at-desks-in-class/ Originally published Feb. 7, 2019 in the Washington Post. By Valerie Strauss We all know it’s not a good idea for anybody to be sedentary for too long, for health reasons that are too long to chronicle here. Yet in many classrooms, kids are still forced to sit at desks for long stretches of time. This post looks at why and how that is hurting young people. It was written by Brad Johnson and speaks about education, fitness education, school administration and leadership. He is co-author of “Learning on Your Feet: Incorporating Physical Activity Into the K-8 Classroom.” This post first appeared in the publication Principal, which is published by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. I was given permission to republish it. You can find out more at Johnson’s website, doctorbradjohnson.com. By Brad Johnson [caption id="attachment_17205" align="alignright" width="525"] Students in New Delhi attend a happiness class July 13 as part of a program by the Delhi government to emphasize mental health and well-being. (Mansi Midha for The Washington Post)[/caption] With the decrease in physical education and recess time over the past 30 years, several disturbing trends have emerged. First, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 3 children in the U.S. is overweight — double the figures from the 1980s. From 2000 to 2009, incidences of adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes in children and teens increased 30 percent. Second, diagnoses of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have also skyrocketed in recent years. In the 1990s, the use of psycho-stimulants such as Ritalin shot up 700 percent, and the United States now consumes nearly 90 percent of the world’s supply of such drugs. There are 5.7 million children age 6-17 who have been diagnosed with ADHD. If these stats were related to an infectious disease, we would declare it a full-blown epidemic. Instead, we call it education as usual. Is it any wonder that children are bored, off-task, disruptive or otherwise disengaged when all they do is sit at desks and listen to lectures or work on assignments with little physical activity involved? From kindergarten through high school, students spend most of their academic lives at a desk. A classroom in which students quietly work at their desks might appear to be ideal, but the amount of time we subject children to a seated position is almost inhumane.

The brain-body connection

Beyond the obvious health-related issues, research suggests that sedentary education might be the reason that students’ creativity and intelligence are hindered through¬out their formative years. Until the age of 4, children are continually playing and learning in a state of constant motion. But when they enter school, the focus shifts to uniformity, control, following rules and sitting at a desk. We are shortchanging our students when it comes to overall education and student achievement. So, what is it about movement and learning that is so important, anyway? First, physical activity improves brain elasticity, which allows children to learn more easily. Second, there is evidence that contact with the natural environment has a calming effect on children. And third, exercise releases endorphins (neurotransmitters that produce a feeling of well-being) that make children feel more relaxed. Finally, the part of the brain that processes movement also processes learning. So when students are sitting still, the learning process is actually hindered rather than enhanced. Several studies offer evidence that years of fine motor exercise allow brain reorganization and nerve growth. Physical movement such as standing, stretching, walking or marching can help the brain focus. If students feel drowsy, for instance, they should be allowed to stand at the back of the room for up to two minutes and stretch on their own. When I taught middle-level science classes, I would always have the students moving. I would let the students stand by their desks, sit on the floor or lie on the floor, even when taking notes. If a student had excess energy, I would let them do push-ups in the back of the class. This became the norm for the classroom quickly, so there were few behavior issues. Changes in body position help develop the vestibular system (inner ear and balance), alter blood chemistry, and develop core muscles. And physical activity — especially core strength and balance exercises — helps develop the executive function part of the brain where new learning is processed. Executive function includes cognition, organization, focus, emotional regulation, and the ability to multitask, all of which help students succeed academically. Sadly, only 1 in 12 students has the core strength and balance of students from the 1980s.

Tech’s effect

Over the past 20 or 30 years, Americans have become infatuated with technology to the point that we think every child must have a device and that gadgets will be the great equalizer in education. But those declines in scores might point to technology as being more culprit than cure. When we examine the countries that lead the world according to international PISA scores, we see a stark contrast. In Finland, students are given 15 minutes of recess not just once or twice a day, but every hour. Finnish officials told Politico that they didn’t need laptops and iPads to get to the top of international education rankings. When morning classes begin, smartphones disappear. The students — some of the highest-achieving in the world — cut graph paper and solve equations using clunky plastic calculators. Teachers prefer hands-on learning methods, using chalkboards rather than smartboards. Similarly, South Korea wanted to immerse its schools in technology a few years ago, but realized that too much tech might not be good for students. Schools limit the amount of class time spent on computers, and they haven’t seen a drop in test scores.

Classroom management

When surveyed, teachers typically say that classroom management is the toughest part of teaching. We have all been trained in different methods to manage behavior. Many say that relationships, expectations and consistency are key to behavior management. But behavior has less to do with teachers’ actions than it does with the students themselves. If a student is constantly rocking, swaying, or tapping a pencil or foot, it doesn’t mean they don’t care about rules and expectations; it means they are children who have lots of energy. As I mentioned above, the executive function area of the brain is responsible for regulating emotions, organizational skills, focus, and for multitasking — traits that influence a student’s ability to behave in class. Imagine a principal walking by a classroom at the end of the day and seeing students slouched over in their desks, tapping a pencil or a water bottle. His or her first thought might be that the teacher is not engaging or that the lesson is boring. The reality is that neither may be true; instead, students might lack the core strength to sit up and focus on the lesson.

The research says

Over the past three decades, we have seen tremendous increases in ADHD diagnoses and the numbers of overweight and obese students. This is a recipe for disaster. A physically active classroom could turn these trends around. What are the effects of adding more physical activity to the academic classroom? Mark Benden, director of the Ergonomics Center at Texas A&M, has dozens of schools using pilot programs to make classrooms more active. His research shows many benefits: There has been a decrease in ADHD medication among the students in his classrooms; body mass index among overweight students in active classrooms showed significant decreases. Executive function and working memory showed significant improvement, leading to improved academic achievement. Physical activity also showed positive results in alternative schools. One class of students with behavior disorders and learning disabilities began using treadmills and stationary bikes at the beginning of class. Within four months, stu¬dents took less medication, behavior improved, and students improved their average by one full grade in reading, writing and math. These results reinforce the idea that the traditional desk-centered, sedentary classroom must be redesigned to better suit students’ needs. It can even be as simple as giving students a “brain break” every 15 minutes to stand and stretch, or offering stability ball seating, push-up mats, and other accessories. To increase student focus, on-task behavior, achievement and general well-being, include physical activity in the classroom. It’s time to get students out of their seats and learning on their feet!

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The New York Times includes an article: "How Prejudice Can Harm Your Health" by Dhruv Khullar. Here’s the author note: "Dhruv Khullar, M.D., M.P.P., is a resident physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School." Here are some excerpts: [begin excerpts] Long before the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King declared health inequity the most shocking and inhumane form of injustice, W.E.B. Du Bois wrote that “the Negro death rate and sickness are largely matters of condition and not due to racial traits and tendencies.”  Before Du Bois made his case, James McCune Smith — the nation’s first black doctor — carefully detailed the health consequences of freedom and oppression. These men grasped an insight that modern researchers and policy makers often fail to make explicit: Discrimination, especially when chronic, harms the body and the mind. How we treat one another, and how our institutions treat us, affects how long and how well we live. We tend to think of discrimination as a moral or legal issue, and perhaps, in the case of immigration, an economic one. But it’s also a medical issue with important public health consequences. A growing body of evidence suggests that racial and sexual discrimination is toxic to the cells, organs and minds of those who experience it. Research suggests that discrimination is internalized over a lifetime, and linked to a variety of poor health markers and outcomes: more inflammation and worse sleep; smaller babies and higher infant death rates; a greater risk of cancer, depression and substance use. The cumulative burden of discrimination is linked to higher rates of hypertension and more severe narrowing of important arteries in the heart and neck. Even the telomeres at the end of our chromosomes, which act as a sort of timer for aging cells, can shorten. <snip> In one study, researchers asked black women to complete questionnaires on how often they experienced minor “everyday” discrimination, as well as major instances of unfair treatment in housing, employment or with the police. They then followed the women for six years, and found that those who had reported more frequent discrimination were more likely to develop breast cancer. The more pervasive the reported discrimination, the higher their risk. This remained true even after adjusting for more than a dozen other factors like family history, education level, physical activity and use of hormonal supplements or oral contraceptives. Similar work has found that discrimination is a strong predictor of lower back pain in black patients — but not in white patients, who were less likely to report discrimination and for whom discrimination was unrelated to pain. Those who endure chronic discrimination not only experience more stress, but may also process it differently. To test this theory, researchers used surveys to assess the extent of lifetime discrimination that black and white patients had experienced. They then injected patients with phenylephrine (a chemical similar to adrenaline) and found that black patients had a larger temporary increase in blood pressure than white patients. Those who had experienced more discrimination had the largest rise of all. There may also be something particularly sinister about racial stress: People have a bigger spike in blood pressure when talking about racial stressors (being accused of shoplifting) compared with nonracial stressors (experiencing delays at the airport). These effects start early. By fifth grade, black and Hispanic children are already more than twice as likely as white students to say they’ve experienced discrimination at school. (About 7 percent of white children also reported discrimination, and online bullying is a growing problem for students of all backgrounds.) Children who experience discrimination have higher rates of depression, A.D.H.D. and other behavioral problems. And teenagers who endure more discrimination — racial slurs, physical threats, disrespectful behavior, false accusations — are more likely to have disrupted cortisol levels, elevated blood pressure and higher body mass index years later. Most important, even for students who experience similar levels of discrimination, there is considerable variability in whether or not they go on to develop health problems. Many negative health effects seem to be mitigated — and in some cases eliminated — for those who have robust emotional support from family and friends. And some research even suggests that low levels of adversity can promote resilience. Most studies have focused on the health effects of what researchers call interpersonal discrimination, including harassment, “micro-aggressions” or even just the anticipation of prejudice. But an emerging literature is also exploring the role of structural discrimination — the social and economic policies that systematically put certain groups at a disadvantage. Researchers have tried to calculate structural bias by using racial differences in four domains — political participation, educational achievement, employment and incarceration. Blacks, for example, are 12 times more likely to be imprisoned than whites in Wisconsin, but only twice as likely in Hawaii. In Arkansas, the unemployment rate for blacks is 3.6 times higher than for whites; in Delaware, they’re employed at similar rates. These unequal social conditions foster unequal health outcomes. Blacks in states high in structural discrimination are more likely to have heart attacks than blacks in low-discrimination states, and black women are more likely to give birth to babies too small for their gestational age. (Data is mixed on whether whites in these states do better or worse.) In a revealing study of historical data, researchers found that before the abolition of Jim Crow laws, the black infant death rate was nearly 20 percent higher in Jim Crow states versus non-Jim Crow states. This disparity declined sharply after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, such that the gap had essentially closed a decade later. Still, the caustic effects of segregation persist: Blacks in segregated neighborhoods remain at higher risk for hypertension, chronic disease, violence and exposure to environmental pollutants. Research is also identifying harmful inequities for white Americans along geographic and socioeconomic lines. Whites living in rural areas, compared with those in metropolitan centers, now contend with many of the same structural challenges that worsen health: less education, lower incomes, higher unemployment rates and poorer access to medical care. They increasingly feel that they, too, face significant discrimination. In some counties in the Midwest and South, the death rate for white women in their 40s has doubled since 2000. Other work has found that gays and bisexuals living in states that institute policies restricting their rights — like same-sex marriage bans or lack of workplace protections — are more likely to develop depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. And a recent study suggests that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, conferred large mental health benefits to eligible Hispanic adults, who were nearly 50 percent less likely to report symptoms of major depression compared with noneligible people at risk of being deported. As important as specific policies may be, the general social and political climate probably has broader and longer-lasting effects. Even if they haven’t experienced bias themselves, members of minority groups may develop a hyperawareness for cues of mistreatment, and this sustained vigilance can lead to chronic stress, mood problems and poorer health outcomes. For example, amid a sharp rise in anti-Arab sentiment after the Sept. 11 attacks, women with Arabic names — but not other women — had an increased risk of preterm birth and low-birth weight babies. <snip> When people are marginalized, even unintentionally, it inflicts a toll. Discrimination raises many moral concerns — but also, it seems, many medical ones.

[newstfionline]

How Prejudice Can Harm Your Health

Dhruv Khullar, NY Times, June 8, 2017

     Long before the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King declared health inequity the most shocking and inhumane form of injustice, W.E.B. Du Bois wrote that “the Negro death rate and sickness are largely matters of condition and not due to racial traits and tendencies.” Before Du Bois made his case, James McCune Smith--the nation’s first black doctor--carefully detailed the health consequences of freedom and oppression.

     These men grasped an insight that modern researchers and policy makers often fail to make explicit: Discrimination, especially when chronic, harms the body and the mind. How we treat one another, and how our institutions treat us, affects how long and how well we live.

     We tend to think of discrimination as a moral or legal issue, and perhaps, in the case of immigration, an economic one. But it’s also a medical issue with important public health consequences. A growing body of evidence suggests that racial and sexual discrimination is toxic to the cells, organs and minds of those who experience it.

     Research suggests that discrimination is internalized over a lifetime, and linked to a variety of poor health markers and outcomes: more inflammation and worse sleep; smaller babies and higher infant death rates; a greater risk of cancer, depression and substance use. The cumulative burden of discrimination is linked to higher rates of hypertension and more severe narrowing of important arteries in the heart and neck. Even the telomeres at the end of our chromosomes, which act as a sort of timer for aging cells, can shorten.

     Discrimination, of course, is only part of the health equation. Individuals are not doomed to disease because of their circumstances. Health and illness are the result of a complex interplay between genetics, behavior and environmental conditions. But experiencing persistent bias can tip the scale.

     In one study, researchers asked black women to complete questionnaires on how often they experienced minor “everyday” discrimination, as well as major instances of unfair treatment in housing, employment or with the police. They then followed the women for six years, and found that those who had reported more frequent discrimination were more likely to develop breast cancer. The more pervasive the reported discrimination, the higher their risk.

     This remained true even after adjusting for more than a dozen other factors like family history, education level, physical activity and use of hormonal supplements or oral contraceptives. Similar work has found that discrimination is a strong predictor of lower back pain in black patients--but not in white patients, who were less likely to report discrimination and for whom discrimination was unrelated to pain.

     Those who endure chronic discrimination not only experience more stress, but may also process it differently. To test this theory, researchers used surveys to assess the extent of lifetime discrimination that black and white patients had experienced. They then injected patients with phenylephrine (a chemical similar to adrenaline) and found that black patients had a larger temporary increase in blood pressure than white patients. Those who had experienced more discrimination had the largest rise of all.

     There may also be something particularly sinister about racial stress: People have a bigger spike in blood pressure when talking about racial stressors (being accused of shoplifting) compared with nonracial stressors (experiencing delays at the airport).

     These effects start early. By fifth grade, black and Hispanic children are already more than twice as likely as white students to say they’ve experienced discrimination at school. (About 7 percent of white children also reported discrimination, and online bullying is a growing problem for students of all backgrounds.)

     Children who experience discrimination have higher rates of depression, A.D.H.D. and other behavioral problems. And teenagers who endure more discrimination--racial slurs, physical threats, disrespectful behavior, false accusations--are more likely to have disrupted cortisol levels, elevated blood pressure and higher body mass index years later.

     Most important, even for students who experience similar levels of discrimination, there is considerable variability in whether or not they go on to develop health problems. Many negative health effects seem to be mitigated--and in some cases eliminated--for those who have robust emotional support from family and friends. And some research even suggests that low levels of adversity can promote resilience.

     Most studies have focused on the health effects of what researchers call interpersonal discrimination, including harassment, “micro-aggressions” or even just the anticipation of prejudice. But an emerging literature is also exploring the role of structural discrimination--the social and economic policies that systematically put certain groups at a disadvantage.

     Researchers have tried to calculate structural bias by using racial differences in four domains--political participation, educational achievement, employment and incarceration. Blacks, for example, are 12 times more likely to be imprisoned than whites in Wisconsin, but only twice as likely in Hawaii. In Arkansas, the unemployment rate for blacks is 3.6 times higher than for whites; in Delaware, they’re employed at similar rates.

     These unequal social conditions foster unequal health outcomes. Blacks in states high in structural discrimination are more likely to have heart attacks than blacks in low-discrimination states, and black women are more likely to give birth to babies too small for their gestational age. (Data is mixed on whether whites in these states do better or worse.)

     In a revealing study of historical data, researchers found that before the abolition of Jim Crow laws, the black infant death rate was nearly 20 percent higher in Jim Crow states versus non-Jim Crow states. This disparity declined sharply after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, such that the gap had essentially closed a decade later. Still, the caustic effects of segregation persist: Blacks in segregated neighborhoods remain at higher risk for hypertension, chronic disease, violence and exposure to environmental pollutants.

     Research is also identifying harmful inequities for white Americans along geographic and socioeconomic lines. Whites living in rural areas, compared with those in metropolitan centers, now contend with many of the same structural challenges that worsen health: less education, lower incomes, higher unemployment rates and poorer access to medical care. They increasingly feel that they, too, face significant discrimination. In some counties in the Midwest and South, the death rate for white women in their 40s has doubled since 2000.

     When people are marginalized, even unintentionally, it inflicts a toll. Discrimination raises many moral concerns--but also, it seems, many medical ones.