#ancient grains reminisce

[celestialprincesse]

𝟏. 𝐀 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞

Part One of Foreigner's God King Simon Riley X F! Faerie Reader

WC: 2k

Sunlight fractures through the leaves of age old oaks and ancient pines, dappling against your back, weaving through long strands of untamed hair to brush a kiss against your thinly clothed shoulders, spiders silk and gauze just barely fluttering on a phantom breeze stirred by the muted clopping of horse hooves on the forest floor. The mare beneath you holds tension in her withers, matching the unpleasant knotting of the muscle between your shoulder blades. She knows what’s coming just as well as you do. 

It’s been a long time since you’ve felt anxiety this way. It’s the kind of gnawing, unsettling feeling at the pit of your stomach that comes only from venturing away from the safety of the trees and caves, brooks and hollow roots you call home. Your people call home. You force yourself to swallow down the fear - remind yourself that you’re doing this for them. Without this sacrifice, your sacrifice, the woods and forests which serve as sanctuary for your entire species, would be gone. The sick feeling in your stomach refuses to be soothed. 

In an attempt to calm yourself, to tear your mind away from the images you’ve conjured of what may await you on the forest edge, you focus intently on every slow stride of your companion. You draw your thoughts to counting every rhythmic movement of her shoulders, the way they gently jostle your hips as you follow each motion of hers with one of your own. A push and pull of a gentle tide. She and you melt into one being, acting and reacting in such effortless synchrony, such enviable elegance. An innate ability for which your kind are revered. 

Humans long lost touch with nature - shunned it in favor of such rapid growth, such vast power. They burned the trees to make room for their sprawling palaces, dug up the earth and all of her riches to build their roads, to grow their crops, never once wondering what she could provide had they simply respected her instead. Your people had never done such a thing, and for that, you’d been blessed. She’d provided you with everything you could ever have needed, and all you’d ever had to do was provide for her in turn. That balance, that equilibrium, is what humans have long since forgotten. Compromise, to them, is an impossible thing. To you and your kind, it’s an intrinsic part of life. 

At this moment, you feel that perhaps you know compromise better than any. 

The journey so far has been painstakingly long. On the one hand, it’s something you feel grateful for, that you’ve time to prepare yourself for the life that lies beyond the treeline. On the other, however, it’s excruciating. To ride through the forest, down the path away from the only life you’ve ever known, to mourn something you’ve not yet even lost. Every blazing orange dusk is another grain of sand dripping through the fingers of time, and every golden lighted dawn a death knell. You wonder if your sisters miss you the way you miss them. Your mother, too. Maybe they sit in quiet solitude, wondering what you’re doing at any given moment, or maybe they cry tears of frustration and anger at the fact that it could’ve been anyone else. Anyone but you. 

The days before had been spent in a resigned sort of mourning. You’d saved your tears for the first days of your voyage. 

You still so vividly remember sitting with your mother as she twisted up your hair, pinning it with flowers as she reminisced upon the girl taken by the last king. She’d been only as old as your youngest sister, Ophelia, when it had happened. Once every generation, every two, if you were at all lucky. You, unfortunately, were not. She’d spoken of how silent everything fell when the girl had been sent away - the strange, pained feeling that had settled over your people as they’d watched her go resigned into the trees. She’d never come back, of course, a fate that you too share. The small hope flickering like a fading ember at the bottom of your heart sings songs of longing. Such a foolish thing it is, holding out that perhaps the man who waits beyond the woods will love you, guide you to him with coaxing words and the gentlest of touches. You feel pathetic even thinking of it. 

You never had quite outgrown your childish fantasies of love, and in turn, had given the humans holed up behind their cold stone walls another innocent heart to break. 

When the sun shrinks back to nothing but a hazy golden glow, like that of a dying fire or burning star, you realize that more for your horse’s sake than your own, that it’s time to stop, to rest before you carry on with your journey. A day or two more and you’ll have reached the place where the canopy dwindles and the roots which cover the forest floor grow sparse, travel under the earth as though to hide from the human feet which march upon them. You hope for at least one more blissful sleep under the stars, moss under your head and night creatures watching your rest with vigilant, unseeing eyes. 

Settling aside the small pond where your horse bends at her withers to drink, you lay up against the gnarled stump of a fallen tree, which yields to accommodate your body, just one of the many perks of being so connected with nature. You’ve no need to set up a campsite when the forest welcomes and provides for you with such ease. It’s not easy to forget the fact that the forest probably recognises the way you’re feeling - sympathizes with your predicament.

As you drift off into a fitful sleep, under the comforting twinkle of the stars, A king is waking.  Behind the fortified stone walls of the palace, the revelry celebrating the lead up to King Simon’s wedding has lasted for days. To most, it’s an opportunity to celebrate. Their cold, reclusive king finally taking a wife. When the betrothal had been announced, the sigh of relief collectively exhaled by the nation had been palpable. He hadn’t wanted to do it - marry some wild forest thing and rut her full of little fat wailing babies. Johnny had been the unfortunate soul tasked with convincing him - reminding him that since Tommy passed, so did the soul heir to the Riley line. With enemies poised in the south, ready to exploit any weakness they could find, Simon hadn’t exactly had much choice. His being backed into a corner, however, hasn’t made him the most pleasant to deal with during the preamble to his rapidly inbound nuptials. For not only his sake, but also everyone else’s, he hopes that his bride-to-be is at least reasonably tame. With his luck? Highly doubtful.

His closest men had shared their theories and fantasies of some nymph-like creature, lovely and demure, happy to bend to Simon’s every whim, less wife, more well trained pet. Whilst he can appreciate a beautiful woman just as much as any man can, he keeps his expectations low - pleasant to be around and a decent conversationalist is enough for him. 

He’s tried to expel the thoughts of marriage from his mind for as long as possible. He’s far too busy to be distracted with silly fantasies of rose petal decorated aisles and which rings he’ll select for his betrothed. Keeping a kingdom running and the vulture-like men that are his enemies at bay is no mindless thing. Simon barely has time enough to sleep, let alone celebrate a wedding he doesn’t want, nor to take the day-long trek to the agreed meeting place to collect his new wife. To collect his new wife. Parade her on horseback like some exotic acquisition to be flaunted, to grow bored with when the novelty inevitably wears off. 

It’s impossible to ignore the way his knees creak as he rolls tiredly from his bed, the fathomless cold embedded in the very core of the flagstone floors seeping into his bare feet as he dresses himself. In spite of his status as King, Simon keeps his appearance reasonably simple, his tunics plain and armor scarcely decorated. Easier to dress. Simon Riley is a man of convenience, the bells and whistles of being monarch are nothing but a hindrance. 

The celebrations have thankfully quieted, all of his courtiers and castle residents undoubtedly tired, hungover and sore from the days of singing, dancing and drinking - days which he’s mostly spent holed away in his study, playing chess with wooden carved soldiers on battle maps, giving the occasional go-ahead to wedding planners and burying his nose in any literature on strategy he can find.  Today, unfortunately, his kingly duties outweigh his reclusiveness. He’ll only travel with Price to the meeting point - having originally wanted to go alone so as to make your initial meeting less intimidating, a point to which the head of his Kingsguard had made his disagreement abundantly clear. Yes, Price knows that Simon is fully capable of looking out for himself, but he sure as hell isn’t giving him any chance of proving that. He’s also desperate to get out of the castle and away from the mothers attempting to shove their daughters at his feet. So, with huffed complaints about the weather, and the threat of oncoming rain, signaled by the gritty gray clouds blotting out the starlight, the two men set off. Hooves beat thunderously across stone, dirt and grass as they make their way past the walls of the city, through the dwindling suburbs of thatched roofs and smoking chimneys and out into the vast plains of the countryside. The fresh air is a welcome reprieve from the smoke and burning metal of forges, the grassy hills and fields stretching for miles a refreshing break from the towering monoliths of stone that make up the palace. He can see why people would like it out here, away from the banal chatter of gossip and the unrelenting noise, left to grow stagnant within the confines of winding alleys or houses packed so closely together. Simon hasn’t even met you, and yet he already finds himself sympathizing for the adjustment you’ll have to make. 

You, meanwhile, feel surprisingly more grounded following your nap, having allowed both yourself and your horse to rest for a while before continuing your journey. The gnawing anxiety in your stomach is soothed by the handful of blackberries you’d found and snacked on as you continued through the slowly more sparse woodland, and although you’re still wallowing, at least you’re not wallowing on an empty stomach and no sleep. 

The sun slowly inches west behind the cloud cover, which quickly replaces the forest canopy you’ve always known, and tells you that in your mental absence, another day has nearly come and gone, and with that, the mileage covered which draws you closer to your inevitable fate. The birdsong has long since gone quiet, and there’s no longer movement indicative of life in the shrubbery. Just you, and the parapet on which you seem to endlessly walk. 

Until the forest seems to stop entirely. The trees halt their growth at some invisible boundary, wildflowers cease their spread with an unnatural abruptness and your stomach goes lurching. Like you’ve jumped from a cliff. You’ve jumped from a cliff, you’re about to hit the ground, and everything in you is screaming for time to stop, for fate to twist, for the inevitable to be somehow avoided. 

You could turn back. You could still turn back, and the forest would welcome you home with open arms. You could go home to your sisters, to your mother and the magic woven into everything you’ve ever known.

You could turn back - but in turning back, you’d only shatter the fragile peace forged so weakly between your own people, and those who’ve come to take you away. 

“Looks petrified.” Price observes from where he and Simon stand proud upon the hill, watching as a faerie on a white horse comes emerging tentatively from the treeline. You do, you poor, delicate thing, Simon thinks to himself as he, Price, and their imposing black friesians make their way to greet you. 

Happy Foreigner's God day to those who celebrate 1.8k and 2k are basically the same so pls enjoy the 1st chapter 💕

#cod mwii #cod modern warfare #modern warfare 2 #king ghost #king Simon Riley #Simon Riley x reader #faerie reader #king ghost x faerie reader #cod au #foreigner's god #2k special #cod mw2 #cod #tf 141 #call of duty #simon riley #ghost x reader #Simon Ghost Riley x reader #Simon Riley x f!reader #simon ghost riley #simon ghost riley x reader #Simon ghost Riley x f!reader #Simon ghost Riley x yn #simon riley x f!reader #Simon Riley x yn #Simon riley #ghost x f!reader #ghost x y/n #ghost simon riley

[theresattrpgforthat]

hello! I've played the fallout ttrpg (the one they had to pull the rights from when it was pretty much done so they called it Exodus instead), I wish it didn't suck so bad! Is there any system I could borrow that would fit with Fallout's setting? I love the world in itself, but Exodus was rushed and published half-baked

THEME: Fallout

Hello friend, I have quite a few games for you to check out today! Some of them are direct homages, while others simply just have elements that might remind you of the video game.

Rebels of the Outlaw Wastes, by Nerdy Pup Games.

Play misfit outlaws fighting against the authoritarian Powers That Be in a hyper-saturated, film-grained, retro dystopia. Save the future with the power of friendship, whoopass, and explosions! Features sticker-based character advancement, effortless cinematic vehicle action, and player-driven Ride-or-Die system usings d4s, d6s, d8s, d10s, and d12s.

This game is a bit more colourful and punk-rock, and a little less morally grey than some of the more popular Fallout games. The designer cites some pretty colourful inspirations, such as FLCL and Six-String Samurai, but also concedes that you can make the tone fit that of Borderlands, Fallout, and Mad Max. It depends on how you build your world - what tech was there before? What kinds of weirdness persists? What beliefs have survived?

You’ll make skill rolls that can be boosted by gear or your personal style, with anything above a 4 granting you a success, with bonuses for rolling even higher at an 8 or a 12. Badges are the representations of character growth, tied to the skills that you choose to improve, somewhat like how concentrating on certain skills in Fallout gives you access to perks. If you want a stripped-down basic idea of the rules for this game, the designer has a Pay-what-you-want playtest that you can download for free, just to dip your toes in the water.

Earth: After Death, by Hammer City Games.

Boasting deep and crunchy mechanics reminiscent of the golden age of 90s TTRPGs, Earth, After Death focuses on OSR-style gaming, dungeon and hex crawling, fast-paced combat, high lethality, and a unique and fascinating setting to explore.

There’s plenty to do: kill mutants, explore ancient ruins, get lethal radiation poisoning, find a gun that has infinite ammunition, use psionic powers to blow up peoples heads, replace your legs with tank treads, and more!

This is a chunky, old-school style game that takes care to mention that your level-up system is just like the advancement system in Fallout games. You’ll be dealing with mutations, ghost machines, bartering for gear, and hex-crawling through dangerous wastelands. The character sheets point to a lot of moving pieces, so if you like wrangling together a character that does exactly what you want them to do, you’re going to have a lot to play with here. It looks like mutation is also a pretty big deal in this game, with over 100 different kinds advertised on the game’s store page.

Right now just the Wasteland’s Handbook is available to purchase, but the kickstarter for this game will be taking off later this year. If this sounds like your kind of game, then maybe hop over to the website to get in on the first full edition as it releases!

Fallout: The Roleplaying Game, by Modiphius.

In 2077, the storm of nuclear war reduced most of the planet to cinders. From the ashes of nuclear devastation, a new civilization will struggle to arise. A civilization you will shape. How will you re-shape the world? Will you join with a plucky band of survivors to fight off all-comers and carve out your own settlement? Will you team up with pre-existing factions like the Brotherhood of Steel or Super Mutants to enforce your own ideals on the Wasteland? Ghoul or robot, paladin or raider, it’s your choice - and the consequences are yours. Welcome to the Wasteland. Welcome to the world of Fallout.

Utilizing Modiphius’ celebrated 2d20 cinematic role-playing system, the Fallout RPG will take players on an exciting journey into the post-apocalypse! Create your own survivors, super mutants, ghouls, and even Mister Handy robots. Immerse yourselves in the iconic post-nuclear apocalyptic world of Fallout, while gamemasters guide their group through unique stories and encounters. The 2d20 edition of Fallout is as close to the bottlecap bartering, wasteland wandering, Brotherhood battling excitement as you can get.

Modiphius gets the license to make a lot of games for different properties, so a Fallout game fits in alongside other big titles like Dune, John Carter of Mars, and Alien. This company uses their own 2d20 system, with a focus on inventory and Perks in an effort to make the game recognizable to any typical Fallout fan.

That being said, the game has come under fire for being poorly edited and inconsistent when it comes to finding the right rule. The company updated the game last year and released a Settler’s Guide book, so this might be something that’s a bit more read-able now. But if you want something set directly in the Fallout universe, this is your game.

WASTELAND, by MaelikGames.

WASTELAND is a simple tabletop RPG about adventurers in the world that has only recently became hospitable after a War that might not end all wars, but almost ended the world. You and your friends decide whether this world is bleak and hopeless, like the one in Metro, or somewhat whimsical, as in Fallout. 

Much of the inspiration from Fallout appears in the character options of this game. Arkanites are homages to Vault-Dwellers, Radkin are inspired by Ghouls, and robots are, well, robots. The talents also look like they are directly inspired by Fallout perks, such as Animal Friend, which allows you to turn hostile animals into allies. Gear and inventory are both very important in this game, which is something that I never find surprising in post-apocalyptic games, since having to track inventory feels like a pretty important thing in a game about scarcity. Your skills are also based on a percentage of success, because you’re rolling a d100, with the goal of rolling under your target number. If you’re looking for a game that can mechanically reflect much of what’s available in the Fallout video games, this might be for you!

Dystopia Rising: Evolution, by Onyx Path.

No one knows how long it’s been since the world was blasted with nuclear radiation and became infested with the undead. The survivors of the Fall were the first strain of deviation of the human condition and were able to make it through the rapidly spreading epidemic. Finding a community of decent size in this world is rare; finding one that has any concept of equality or morality is rarer still.

Oh, and people have the unnerving ability to come back from the dead, regrown from the very virus that destroyed the world.

This is a completely different world from Fallout and yet I think it might still be worth talking about in this rec post. Dystopia Rising has a rich, detailed world, with various factions and faiths, and your characters are differentiated by the Strains that have helped them survive. There are plenty of conflicting beliefs that can be the seeds for unlimited conflict, including various faiths in things like evolution or the preservation of humanity, strains that give you psychic powers, and a universal ability to come back to the dead so many times before you’re turned into a mindless zombie.

There’s plenty of opportunity to fight things hand-to-hand, but there’s just as many possibilities to politic your way out of tough scenarios, which is a hallmark of Fallout New Vegas. Not only that, there's no clear "good guys": this is a complicated world with complicated people. If you want a game that carries a lot of similar themes of Fallout but puts you in a new setting, maybe check out this game.

Games I’ve Recommended in the Past

Extinction Punk, by Extinction Punk.

Wastoid, by Jason Tocci.

#tabletop games #indie ttrpgs #game recommendations #dnd #asks #fallout #post-apocalyptic #bittersweet futures

[bowlzone]

Today's cereal is South Korean Oreo O's!

Initial Impressions: Ever since I heard murmurings from the wider cereal community that the South Korean Oreo O's are the superior take on the concept, they have been at the top of my review list. This review is a chunky one, so the rest is under the cut!

Before we get into my thoughts on the box, let's take a detour back to the ancient history of the 90s to understand why these Oreo O's hit different. The original US run of Oreo O's happened between 1997 and 2007, when Kraft (who own the rights to Oreos) and Post (who own the rights to the cereal recipe) had an acrimonious break up. Both unwilling to give up their respective half of the Oreo O key, Oreo O's ceased production in the US. However, this was not the end, for another Oreo O was made. Kraft acquired a Korean food company, Dongsuh Foods, who had the rights to distribute Post products and so a perfect loophole was found. As of 2017 you can get Oreo O's in the USA again, but they are not the original recipe. It's my understanding that the closest you can still get to the 1990s Oreo O is the Korean version, which is still based on that classic recipe, or close to it. I have no nostalgia for Oreo Os as, despite living in the US during at least some of that time, my parents outlawed the consumption of sugary cereals with an iron fist. Now, as an adult in charge of my own sugar consumption, I have never been so excited to eat something. They start strong with a box that is truly a piece of art, featuring what can only be described as a milk elemental in cool shades. The interior, a shiny silver bag that comes with an immensely appreciated re-sealing sticker, is a lot hardier than the clear cereal bags I'm used to and tests my feeble upper body strength in opening it. The chocolaty aroma already promises a sublime cereal experience.

Post bowl thoughts: poring these into the bowl I immediately noticed that they are much more restrained with their marshmallow pieces (or marbits) than American cereals typically are, perhaps because they know the cereal pieces themselves can carry the bowl. The relatively tasteless marbits instead add a nice textural component to the bite, instead of being a main flavour. The cereal itself is truly the star of the show here, with a rich chocolate flavouring and a satisfying crunch that lasts the whole way through the bowl, resisting any kind of sog. It's interesting as the main grain used here is corn, but it avoids all of the disappointing hollow nothingness of other modern corn cereals. Combined with the milk they really are reminiscent of an Oreo, if slightly missing the texture of the the cream. The milk left in the bowl is fine, but its main contribution is to the texture of each spoon here, so I'm not left disappointed that the final slurp is missing a certain allure. These have immediately unseated American Oreo O's from my top five cereals list. Without the slightly over the top sweetness that the US ones have, it feels like you could keep eating these for hours and never get sick of them. Despite the almost unreasonable excitement I held in my heart for this bowl, it did not disappoint. A fantastic cereal.

#One Oreo O to rule them all #I am so sorry for how long this is I simply cannot shut up about Oreo Os #tumblr sexyman of the week is milk man in sunglasses #cereal #Oreos

[pessimysticrw]

The Watcher DLC - Personal Dissection

[SPOILERS AHEAD IF YOU HAVEN'T PLAYED BASE GAME/DLC] Oh goodness me, Videocult has decided to drop a nuke on my already rotted brain due to this game and now I shall dissect this yummy meal bit by bit like the picky eater I am (in a good way this time though). And yall are coming with me because I said so. Really, this is just a great place for me to get my thoughts in order... cough. A lot of this is speculation! If I can find anything confirmed, I will try and write about it when I can.

Steam DLC Description

Let's start with the obvious- this basically confirms new creatures, regions, etc. This place seems to be in a completely different area than both the base game and Downpour slugcats, with new creatures to boot. I will go over the revealed regions/screenshots in more detail further down.

The descriptions states "the world beneath your feet cracks and crumbles", and while this could be linked to the Void Sea, the thumbnail art and font for the DLC's steam page and trailer depicts the Rot, and I am doubtful such an obvious detail would be thrown in there without it being present. Rot is only present where iterators are, and the only iterator we know of (in detail) to have the Rot is Five Pebbles, who got it by trying to rewrite himself. SRS gave him the pearl, but whoever wrote it is unknown, and I am highly doubtful it is 5P or SRS where this slugcat takes place in. It could be a pre-existing iterator like NSH/SOS (doubtful, but i suppose NSH would explain how Hunter got the rot if that is canon), a new one that also read the information that 5P and SRS did, or maybe even the one that originally wrote it that failed the experiment themself. This is a lot of speculation though and we will only really know for sure when more information is revealed. Take all of this with a grain of salt! I am just rambling possibilities.

New Regions

New regions are seen via screenshots on the DLC's Steam page. I will be attaching the screenshots here as well as what I speculate on what they may be/entail.

Starting with these two regions here, as it seems to match the most with the thumbnail art. At first I thought it was the foggy region below, but upon closer inspection this wall-like region incorporates more blue colors, fog/clouds are present, and would make the most sense for the rot to be present if this is indeed an iterator's wall.

Credits to shrinkshooter on Reddit for the enhanced image to the right.

This region looks reminiscent of 5P Memory Crypts, only in daylight. Whether this region serves a similar purpose to ancients is unknown. I considered the possibility of it being in a similar placement like 5P, but I am unsure if that would make sense due to the fact that 5P's shaded citadel is underneath his superstructure- hence why it is so dark in that region- when it clearly isn't here. (It could be completely separate from and not relating anything to Shaded Citadel entirely though!)

Mysterious looking underground region filled with green water. It's water guys. It better be water. Please no more acid, I'm begging.

This area immediately made me think of Spearmaster's start of their campaign, or it could be something reminiscent to Moon's Submerged Superstructure. Drainage System/Undergrowth also comes to mind.

Two desert-like regions are depicted here! While some speculation on the region on the right is it being a snow biome- I personally believe that this may be in face a dust/sand storm. Dust storms were planned during Metropolis' development in Downpour, but were scrapped in favor for the day/night cycle instead. Additionally, the snow particles present in Saint's campaign look drastically different compared to what is shown here. Additionally, there is Developer Commentary that talks about these dust storms for Metropolis. The dust storm effect looks different compared to what is shown, but it could have been possibly reworked to suit the region's look. Who knows though! Could just indeed be snow- but the entire area for this campaign looks to be generally warmer.

This region looks reminiscent to Sky Islands from 5P. Something to note is the lack of nearby iterator cities. This could mean two things: this campaign takes place far into the future, with surrounding iterators having already collapsed. Or...

It could be located on an desert island, right next to an ocean. Where all the water could have gone from this area will honestly be up to speculation until more information presents itself- however the seemingly coral-like structure to this region seems to point to this. It would also explain the lack of visible iterator cities in the background of the previous mentioned Sky Islands reminiscent region.

Additionally in one of the thumbnails for the DLC, water is present below the slugcat. (Then again, rain/water is present for all of em besides Saint eh?)

Additional Notes

An echo-like effect is seen around the slugcat in the previously mentioned thumbnail, as well as in the ripples in the water around it

#rain world #rw slugcat #rw nightcat #rainworld dlc #the watcher

[scifigeneration]

Tatahouine: ‘Star Wars meteorite’ sheds light on the early Solar System

by Ben Rider-Stokes, Post Doctoral Researcher in Achondrite Meteorites at The Open University

Locals watched in awe as a fireball exploded and hundreds of meteorite fragments rained down on the city of Tatahouine, Tunisia, on June 27, 1931. Fittingly, the city later became a major filming location of the Star Wars movie series. The desert climate and traditional villages became a huge inspiration to the director, George Lucas, who proceeded to name the fictional home planet of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader “Tatooine”.

The mysterious 1931 meteorite, a rare type of achondrite (a meteorite that has experienced melting) known as a diogenite, is obviously not a fragment of Skywalker’s home planet. But it was similarly named after the city of Tatahouine. Now, a recent study has gleaned important insights into the the origin of the meteorite – and the early Solar System.

Lucas filmed various scenes for Star Wars in Tatahouine. These include Episode IV – A New Hope (1977), Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) and Star Wars: Episode 2 – Attack of the Clones (2002). Various famous scenes were filmed there, including scenes of “Mos Espa” and “Mos Eisley Cantina”.

Mark Hamill, the actor who played Luke Skywalker, reminisced about filming in Tunisia and discussed it with Empire Magazine: “If you could get into your own mind, shut out the crew and look at the horizon, you really felt like you were transported to another world”.

Composition and origin

Diogenites, named after the Greek philosopher Diogenes, are igneous meteorites (rocks that have solidified from lava or magma). They formed at depth within an asteroid and cooled slowly, resulting in the formation of relatively large crystals.

Tatahouine is no exception, containing crystals as big as 5mm with black veins cutting cross the sample throughout. The black veins are called shock-induced impact melt veins, and are a result of high temperatures and pressures caused by a projectile smashing into the surface of the meteorite’s parent body.

The presence of these veins and the structure of the grains of pyroxene (minerals containing calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum) suggest the sample has experienced pressures of up to 25 gigapascals (GPa) of pressure. To put that into perspective, the pressure at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of our ocean, is only 0.1 GPa. So it is safe to say this sample has experienced a pretty hefty impact.

By evaluating the spectrum (light reflecting off their surface, broken down by wavelength) of meteorites and comparing it to asteroids and planets in our Solar System, it has been suggested that diogenites, including Tatahouine, originate from the second largest asteroid in our asteroid belt, known as 4 Vesta.

This asteroid possesses interesting and exciting information about the early Solar System. Many of the meteorites from 4 Vesta are ancient, around ~4 billion years. Therefore, they offer a window to the past events of the early Solar System that we are unable to evaluate here on Earth.

Violent past

The recent study investigated 18 diogenites, including Tatahouine, all from 4 Vesta. The authors undertook “radiometric argon-argon age dating” techniques to determine the ages of the meteorites. This is based on looking at two different isotopes (versions of elements whose nuclei have more or fewer particles called neutrons). We know that a certain argon isotope in samples increases with age at a known rate, helping scientists estimate an age of a sample by comparing the ratio between two different isotopes.

The team also evaluated deformation caused by collisions, called impact events, using a type of electron microscope technique called electron backscatter diffraction.

By combining the age dating techniques and the microscope technique, the authors managed to map the timing of impact events on 4 Vesta and the early Solar System. The study suggests that 4 Vesta experienced ongoing impact events until 3.4 billion years ago when a catastrophic one occurred.

This catastrophic event, possibly another colliding asteroid, resulted in multiple smaller rubble pile asteroids being produced known as “vestoids”. Unravelling large scale impact events such as this, reveals the hostile nature of the early Solar System.

These smaller bodies experienced further collisions that caused material to hurtle to Earth over the last 50 to 60 million years – including the fireball in Tunisia.

Ultimately, this work demonstrates the importance of investigating meteorites – impacts have played a major role in the evolution of asteroids in our Solar System.

#science #space #asteroids #meteors #meteorite #Star Wars #science fiction and fantasy #astrophysics

[putrescentpoet]

memories aglow.

In the tranquil moment before twilight’s soft caress, a familiar symphony stirs the depths of my soul, summoning the echoes of ancient melodies. At the threshold of an eagerly awaited festival, nostalgia’s ethereal glow tenderly envelops my being.

Memories of childhood materialize, cast in the warm radiance of a myriad of lights—radiant flames pirouette, painting a gentle luminosity across the canvas of the past. The laughter, an ageless melody that once adorned the walls of my youth, now breathes stories of Diwali’s arrival.

The festival beckoned an immersion into the cradle of cherished traditions. Rangolis, intricate and resplendent, etched vibrant narratives upon the threshold, a vibrant invitation to gather friends and family. Each delicate stroke bore witness to the unyielding dedication, a testament awaiting collective adoration and joyful fellowship.

Guarding the rangoli became a sacred ritual, a labor of affection – carefully shielding it from heedless footsteps, chiding all who passed by to veer from its path: a miniature masterpiece, a symphony of colors and shapes that spun tales of their own.

The fleeting nature of this art provoked an internal tug-of-war; the longing to preserve its beauty, to savor those treasured final moments of the season. A tacit disagreement with Mumma ensued – a plea to let it linger a touch longer before customary tidying commenced. For within those grains of vibrant sand lay the very essence of love and warmth, encapsulating the ephemeral core of the festival.

The essence of this revered celebration lies not solely in the luminance of clay lamps but in the chorus of shared joy – a fragrance that dances through the air, mingling with incense and marigolds, evoking narratives, laughter, and familial warmth.

Each flickering flame within softly lit clay lamps encapsulates a myriad of memories, weaving shared smiles, stories, and the profound essence of familial bonds. It’s not just the brilliance of tradition but a collective embodiment of eternal light, symbolizing unity, harmony, and the grandeur of togetherness.

As I ready myself to revel in this celebration once more, I am transported back to an enchanting era of my past. This festive tale isn’t merely a notation on the calendar but an art form, woven with threads of nostalgia and echoes of laughter, promising the rekindling of cherished reminiscences, the rhythm of crafting intricate patterns, and an immersive embrace within familial warmth.

The luminous shades of this festivity, seen through the prism of my youth, have etched an indelible impression upon my spirit. Each passing year testifies that this celebration doesn’t wane; instead, it amplifies the echoes of love and weaves an ever-evolving tapestry of unity and enduring joy.

As the festival approaches, the echoes of ancient melodies and the vibrant glow of Diwali cast me back to cherished recollections. The festival isn’t just a celebration marked on the calendar; it’s an evocation of the heart, a tapestry interwoven with threads of nostalgia and laughter. It’s a tale that promises the revival of fond memories and the embracing of familial warmth, each passing year serving as a testament to its enduring essence. The anticipation of Diwali’s arrival grows every year, an annual embrace that weaves the echoes of love, illuminating the tapestry of unity and joy once more.

#diwali #deepawali #celebrations #happydiwali #festiveseason #desiblr #desi tumblr

[falseandrealultravival]

Lao Tzu (老子), all chapters bibliographical ~ ~ Part 2（２/３）:Essay

Lao Tzu ( Kunio Hachiya :paperback Iwanamibunko)

The Chinese classic "Lao Tzu" is a short document consisting of a short sentence fragment and 81 chapters (5,000 words), but its meaning is very deep. From now on, I will divide it into three parts and list the keywords and key points of each chapter. It is written as @ 1 = Chapter 1. 81/3 = 27 chapters each. The source is from "Lao Tzu" (Tamaki Ogawa, translation: Chuko Bunko). This blog makes sense to index and organize the Lao Tzu in me. This is the second time.

(Before accepting)

@ 28: "If you keep the weakness while maintaining the strength of hardness, it will become a valley in the world. Then you will acquire the same virtue. It is the uncut wood (Araki:樸) (wood as it is cut) Is equivalent to. "(See @ 19)

@ 29: "The world is not something you can catch when you try to catch it. If you stick to it, you lose it."

@ 30: "Those who have the intention of the Tao do not use force. The place where the army hangs out becomes a barren land."

@ 31: "A good weapon is an ominous tool." & "Don't be honored to win the battle. Those who do it are those who enjoy murder." Those who hold a celebration party die violent death.

@ 32: "The way the Tao is. The Tao is permanent and has no name." & "It is small wood but no one can make it a subordinate."

(See @ 19)

@ 33: "The state of an excellent person. It is a wise person who understands others, and a person who understands himself is a person who has a insight." It has a poetry-like form, such as stepping rhyme and using couplets.

@ 34: "The great Tao is like a floating ship. No matter what you can do, you don't take credit for yourself."

@ 35: "People in the world gather to those who hold a great shape. When the Tao is mentioned, it is candid."

@ 36: "The secret of never losing to war." "If you want to weaken a person, you must first strengthen it for a while. If you want to take away from it, you must give it first. (Several other examples)" & " Fish should stay at the bottom of the deep water. The nation's sharpest weapon should not be shown to anyone. "

(Note) There is a theory that the text of the ancient conspiracy book "Zhousho".　It has been said mixed in with this chapter, but since it has been regarded as a chapter of Lao Tzu since ancient times, the theory would be adopted. The point is to accelerate the decline of the enemy by consciously increasing it. You can imagine the idea of ​​"the moon that is missing when it is full" in I Ching(易経). The latter half of the word "fish is ..." is an image of the strongest modern weapon, the nuclear submarine. It is reminiscent of a fish in a deep pool firing an SLBM. This is a unique chapter among all 81 chapters of Lao Tzu.

@ 37: "The Tao is useless, but it can' t do nothing." & "The unnamed log:樸 "creates a state of unselfishness. (See @ 19)

(Up to this point, the first volume is called "Tao Sutra." The second volume is called "Virtue

Sutra." Together, it is "Lao Tzu ‘s Tao Virtue Sutra." It is the official name of "Lao Tzu.")

@ 38: "People with high virtues do not brag about it." & "Relativization of Confucian morals such as jin(仁), righteousness(義), and gratitude(礼)."

Jin and righteous people have some motive to do "good deeds."

@ 39: "One (one: perfect) ... By knowing the unification principle, heaven, earth, and living things can live." & "The king uses loneliness, widow, and poor crop as his own name."

The king is said to embody the misery of the world. Orphans are "minashigo". The widow or widower is "one person", and the non-grain is "bad crop and food is scarce".

@ 40: "The road goes back. Weakness is the function of the Tao."

@ 41: "Differences in how to accept the Tao depending on personality (3 ranks)." & "Great talents mature late "(Great talent=Large vessel)

The word "large vessel means "not that a large vessel is completed slowly, but that a large vessel is not completed".

@ 42: "The Tao does produce one, one produces two, two produces three, three produces all things." & "All things bear the yin and hold the yang."

This part is common to the Yin-Yang Wuxing theory and the view of I Ching. The intimacy is extremely high with the trinity of father, mother, and child, and I Ching, which talks about the fate of all things.

& "A ferocious thing does not die well. I make this the father of teaching." As in this chapter, there are some things that make it difficult to see the connection between the first half and the second half, making Lao Tzu particularly difficult.

@ 43: "Water rushes ignoring hard things." & "Teaching without words, things that can be compared with actions without actions are rare."

Lao Tzu praised water in the previous chapter. (See @ 8)

@ 44: "Which do you choose, honor or body?" "If you are too greedy, you will suffer a huge loss."

The question mark was asked, "What is the significance of the honor of damaging the body?"

Also, greed is a source of earthly desires.

@ 45: "It looks like there is something missing in the big ones. (Hereafter, the same purpose is expressed in antithesis.)"

@ 46: "If there is no war, war horses will become farm horses." & "Knowing enough is always enough."

A bell against spreading desires indefinitely.

@ 47: "Knowing the world without leaving the house. The farther you go, the less you know."

Nowadays, the power of television, radio, and the Internet makes it possible to understand the world, but how did Lao Tzu know about the world? It is a mystery to modern people. Also, if the person traveling visits a tourist destination or a commercial city, the blind person will only get information that is junky.

@ 48: "When you study, you will know more. Those who do the Tao will reduce what they do."

From a slightly twisted point of view, if you study and do the Tao, what you know and what you do is the same. So I see that both are needed.

@ 49: "The idea of ​​good is completed, with good people as good and non-good people as good."

Only when you know that it is "bad" can you understand that it is "good." Both are two sides of the same coin. In this view, saints do not discriminate against different people. (See @ 27)

@ 50: "The way to divide life and death ... Who can predict? Many people who are obsessed with life go to the dead place."

@ 51: "The Tao creates creatures, and virtue nurtures them."

The kanji "Toku(徳)" originally has one more stroke, and when the character is translated, it can be read as "going the way with an honest heart." Then you will meet various tangible and intangible treasures on the road. In kanji, it leads to the homophone "Toku(得)".

@ 52: "There is a mother in the world. You know a child from its mother, you know a mother from its child, and you will not be harmed until you die."

@ 53: "The people are hungry, but the dynasty has sharp weapons, and gets bored. It is a country that is off the Tao." (← For example, modern North Korea. There must have been such a country even during the Spring and Autumn Warring States period.)

@ 54: "With well-prepared equipment, offspring will continue to respect their ancestors. It is a virtue of the Tao." & "I see a virtuous person from the eyes of a ruler."

There are similarities between governing a country and governing a home.

(Hereafter, next time)

#Lao Tzu #81 chapters #5000words #its meaning is very deep. #Tao #The secret of never losing to war. #The unnamed log #I Ching #Lao Tzu ‘s Tao Virtue Sutra #baby #essay #Rei Morishita

[creepy-crowleys]

Anyway. I’ve been working my way around the outskirts of Nsobolo most of the day.

It’s all been all been very reminiscent of the Atenist-occupied areas round al-Merayah.

Pictures below cut - Some may be difficult to look at

[Several photos are posted of the aforementioned outskirts of Nsobolo. Many of the dwellings are adorned in bones and flesh, and sigils painted in blood. Carved figures, warped and twisted, leer back at the camera. Nobody here seems to have been burned alive in recent days at least, but there are frequent dark stains spattered across the walls and floors of the structures.]

In the dark heart of the Congo, the converted find themselves with new purpose and new understanding. Down is up. Dark is light. It is all a matter of perspective. They dig deep into the inner outer reaches of themselves as they dig into the ground and rise to ever greater heights. They sculpt themselves on the dream-teeth of Those That Sleep. Minds and flesh dissolve in boiling love.

The syphilitic whisper grows ever stronger as they inch closer to their treasure.

[Further photos show the field lands, gray-black mold and young purple-orange fungi woven in amongst wilted and mildew-coated crops. Large cages and pens in another part of the town contain a menagerie of monsters, shadowy hyenas and verdant imitations of ancient creatures.]

These creatures that imbibed in the Blackworm Jism before it carried a name or a people to whisper it come in myriad forms. All manner of life that became trapped in the caverns where the liquid 3 AM flows thick and dark found themselves changed, flesh to leaf and vine. They still roam, divorced from your fourth dimension like those that reshaped them.

[The final photos of the set show the food stores - fruits and vegetables with bruise-colored molds, fish and meats that rot on the hook, heaps of grains with oily black pustules the size of basketballs emerging from within. (If some of the meat is concerningly recognizable in size and shape, Crowley has declined to point it out.)]

First the missionaries came with food. But those that ate it became ill.

Then they came with medicine. But those that took it became sicker still.

Then they brought them to the mission. And in the cold waters of the Morninglight, they were healed. A miracle!

#.TRANSMIT #.MISSION LOG #:Mission Control #:The Tiger #:The Blight Stuff #.THE BUZZING #:Dawn of the Morninglight #:Filth and Time #:5 of 9 #:The Congo #:7 of 9 #.horror #.gore #.blood #.macabre #.fungi #.mushrooms #.cannibalism #:6 of 11

[sorichorganic]

Power Up Your Snack Game: Pumpkin Seeds Edition

Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic nibble, boasting a crispy texture and being packed with essential minerals like zinc and magnesium. They're a savory powerhouse that can easily be elevated with a variety of flavors. Opt for a savory twist by roasting them with spices like cumin, paprika, or garlic powder, enhancing their natural nuttiness. Alternatively, for a sweet indulgence, sprinkle them with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon before roasting, creating a delightful treat reminiscent of autumn.

 The History of Pumpkin Seeds as a Snack

Pepitas, another name for pumpkin seeds, have a long and fascinating history extending back thousands of years. The first people to plant pumpkins for their seeds were the indigenous peoples of the Americas, such as the Aztecs and Mayans. In addition to using pumpkin seeds as food, these ancient societies prized them for their therapeutic qualities. 

Nutritional Benefits and Health Facts

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of several important elements that support general health. With almost 7 grams of protein per ounce, they are especially high in protein and a great plant-based source of this macronutrient. Furthermore, a lot of good fats, such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which promote heart health and lower inflammation, may be found in pumpkin seeds.

 Creative Ways to Incorporate Pumpkin Seeds into Snacks

Trail Mix Twist: Combine roasted pumpkin seeds with dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, and raisins, along with dark chocolate chips and whole grain cereal, for a nutritious and energizing trail mix.

Crunchy Salad Topper: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top of salads for added texture and flavor. They pair well with mixed greens, sliced apples or pears, crumbled cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Pumpkin Seed Butter: Blend roasted pumpkin seeds in a food processor until smooth to make homemade pumpkin seed butter. Spread it on whole grain toast or use it as a dip for apple slices or celery sticks.

DIY Pumpkin Seed Snack Recipes for Every Palate

Savory Spiced Pumpkin Seeds: Toss pumpkin seeds with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Roast in the oven until golden brown and crispy for a flavorful snack with a kick.

Honey Cinnamon Pumpkin Seeds: Combine pumpkin seeds with honey, cinnamon, and a dash of sea salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake until golden and crunchy. This sweet and savory treat is perfect for satisfying cravings.

Herb-Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Mix pumpkin seeds with chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and then roast until fragrant and crispy. These aromatic seeds make a sophisticated snack option.

Chocolate-Covered Pumpkin Seeds: Melt dark chocolate and stir in pumpkin seeds until well coated. Spread it on parchment paper and let it cool until the chocolate hardens. This indulgent treat combines the richness of chocolate with the crunch of pumpkin seeds for a delightful snack or dessert

Visit : https://sorichorganics.com/blogs/blog/power-up-your-snack-game-pumpkin-seeds-edition

#health facts #healthy recipes #healthy snacks #history #nutritional benefits #pumpkin seeds

[gemsbuild]

Discovering June's Birthstones: Pearl, Moonstone, And Alexandrite

By Gems Build 

Are you a June baby looking for a special birthstone? Look no further than Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite - the three birthstones associated with June. Each of these gemstones possesses unique characteristics and is believed to bring a range of benefits to those who wear them. In this article, we will delve into the world of Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite to explore their symbolism, significance, and the qualities they are said to enhance in their wearers. 

Overview of Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite 

Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite are all exquisite gemstones that hold a special place in the hearts of those born in June. Let's take a closer look at each of these birthstones to understand their history, symbolism, and significance. 

History and Symbolism of Pearl 

Pearls have been treasured for centuries for their natural beauty and rarity. They have long been associated with purity, innocence, and femininity. In ancient civilizations, pearls were believed to be tears of the gods and were often worn by royalty and nobility. 

Characteristics and Properties of Pearl 

Pearls are unique among gemstones as they are formed inside the shells of certain mollusks. They are organic gems, created when an irritant such as a grain of sand enters the mollusk, and the creature secretes layers of nacre around it. This process gives pearls their lustrous appearance. 

Benefits of Wearing Pearl as a Birthstone 

Wearing pearls as a birthstone is believed to bring several benefits. Pearls are said to promote emotional balance, relieve stress, and bring a sense of calmness and purity to the wearer. They are also thought to enhance one's intuition and foster a harmonious relationship with loved ones. 

History and Symbolism of Moonstone 

Moonstones have captivated people's imaginations for centuries with their ethereal glow and mystical allure. They have been associated with the moon and its cycles, often seen as a symbol of femininity and intuition. 

Characteristics and Properties of Moonstone 

Moonstones belong to the Feldspar family of minerals and are known for their unique adularescence, which gives them a captivating play of light. This phenomenon creates a shimmering effect reminiscent of moonlight, hence the name "moonstone." 

Benefits of Wearing Moonstone as a Birthstone 

Wearing moonstone as a birthstone is believed to have several benefits. Moonstones are said to enhance intuition, promote emotional well-being, and encourage creativity. They are also believed to provide protection during travel and bring good fortune to the wearer. 

History and Symbolism of Alexandrite 

Alexandrite is a rare and mesmerizing gemstone known for its remarkable color-changing properties. It was discovered in the early 19th century in the Ural Mountains of Russia and was named after the Russian tsar, Alexander II. 

Characteristics and Properties of Alexandrite 

One of the most fascinating aspects of Alexandrite is its ability to change color under different lighting conditions. In daylight, it appears green or bluish-green, while under incandescent light, it transforms into a reddish or purplish hue. This phenomenon is known as pleochroism. 

Benefits of Wearing Alexandrite as a Birthstone 

Alexandrite is associated with good fortune, love, and personal growth. It is believed to bring balance to one's life and strengthen relationships. Alexandrite is also thought to enhance creativity and intuition, making it an excellent choice for those seeking personal transformation and self-discovery. 

 Choosing the Right June Birthstone for You 

Whether you are drawn to the timeless elegance of Pearls, the mesmerizing glow of Moonstones, or the captivating color-changing properties of Alexandrite, there is a June birthstone that suits your unique personality and desires. Each of these gemstones carries its own symbolism, characteristics, and benefits, making them meaningful choices for those born in June. 

As you explore the world of Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite, consider the qualities you wish to enhance in your life. Whether it's emotional balance, intuition, or personal growth, your June birthstone can serve as a beautiful reminder of your aspirations and a source of positive energy in your journey. 

Choose your June birthstone with care and wear it with pride, knowing that you are carrying a piece of natural beauty and symbolism with you. Let the magic of Pearl, Moonstone, or Alexandrite inspire you and bring joy to your life as you embrace the unique qualities they are believed to offer. 

So, whether you choose the iridescent beauty of Pearls, the ethereal glow of Moonstones, or Alexandrite's captivating color-changing properties, let your June birthstone reflect your personality and be a source of positive energy in your life. Embrace the enchantment and symbolism of these gemstones and let them shine bright on your journey. 

Birthstone magic blooms! Beyond your own gem, discover garnet's fire, amethyst's calm, and aquamarine's hope. Find strength in diamond, love in emerald, and magic in alexandrite. Ignite passion with ruby, seek peace in peridot, and wisdom in sapphire. Embrace tourmaline's vibrancy, topaz's warmth, and let tanzanite or turquoise guide you.

#crystal gems #crystals #gemstone #gemstones #minerals #hidden gems #purple gemstones #alexandrite #moonstone #gems #june birthstone #gemology

[hmerce]

Transforming Your Residence into a Haven of Well-Being: The Enchanting Power of the Sculpting Massager Pro

Initiating a quest for natural fat reduction inside the confines of your own house entails more than just losing weight; it involves converting your living environment into a thriving center of well-being and energy. By using the Sculpting Massager Pro, you may embark on a remarkable journey of success and metamorphosis, effortlessly combining traditional physical exercises with the wonders of contemporary technology.

Envision yourself as the protagonist of your journey towards well-being, equipped with unwavering will and the groundbreaking Sculpting Massager Pro. Each morning, you start your day with a revered ceremony, in which the act of drinking water transforms into a powerful elixir of vitality, preparing you for a sequence of lunges and squats. Imagine your loyal companion, your steadfast partner in your endeavor, providing enthusiastic tail wags or soothing purrs with each repetition, transforming every exercise into a scenario reminiscent of an animated friendship film.

At twilight, the Sculpting Massager Pro becomes the main focus, using its high-frequency vibrations and spinning movements to function like a contemporary wizard's wand. It effectively and systematically targets and eliminates stubborn fat from every part of your body, ensuring that it is completely removed.

The tales of Sydney, Hannah, and Ashley become the legends that fuel your journey. Their stories of regained confidence and rejuvenated energy are not just testimonials; they're chapters of a grand saga where ordinary individuals reclaim their vitality not in distant, exotic lands but in the comfort of their own homes.

But the true alchemy lies in the blend of consistent exercise, mindful eating, and the rhythmic dance of the Sculpting Massager Pro. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) becomes your daily battle rhythm, strength training your forge for igniting your metabolic fire, and every cardio session a step closer to victory. Your diet, a cornucopia of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains, becomes the feast that fuels your body and spirit for the challenges that lie ahead.

The Sculpting Massager Pro isn't just a device; it's the catalyst for a holistic transformation. It enhances the narrative of your fitness journey, adding a touch of magic to the disciplined routine of exercise and nutrition. It's proof that when ancient wisdom meets cutting-edge technology, the result is a symphony of wellness that resonates through every aspect of your life.

So, as you navigate the twists and turns of your home-based fitness adventure, remember to savor the quirky moments: the impromptu dance-offs with your shadow, the epic quest for the lost TV remote that turns into an impromptu workout, or the stealthy maneuvers to avoid stepping on your napping furry companion. With the Sculpting Massager Pro and a dash of humor, you're not just sculpting your body but crafting a tale of personal renaissance, one that ends not just with a fitter physique but with a spirit buoyant, ready to pen the next chapter in your ever-evolving saga of well-being.

[researcher-1]

Fish or herring bone floors

Title: Unveiling the Enchanting History and Symbolism of Fish Bone Flooring

Introduction:

An unprecedented surge in popularity has bestowed fish bone flooring with a mesmerizing charm that captivates the senses. This captivating design not only infuses elegance and sophistication into interior spaces, but it also resonates with a profound sense of history and tradition. In this article, we embark on a captivating journey through time to unravel the captivating history of fish bone flooring, explore its influence on interior style, delve into the reasons why oak wood is the quintessential choice for this design, and unravel the symbolic significance of the striking "eyes" found in the wood.

Ancient Origins and Exceptional Craftsmanship:

The inception of fish or herring bone flooring can be traced back to the remarkable civilizations of the Romans and Greeks, renowned for their intricate craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Among their myriad achievements, these ancient peoples embraced the extraordinary beauty and versatility presented by fish bone flooring. It adorned their majestic palaces, lavish villas, and awe-inspiring public buildings, marking the beginnings of a timeless legacy.

The Alluring Fish Bone Pattern:

The very essence of the term "fish bone" lies in the captivating semblance of fish skeletons found within the pattern. The creation of this mesmerizing layout involves meticulously arranging individual wooden planks in a herringbone pattern. The result is a mesmerizing geometric and symmetrical design reminiscent of the spine of a fish. This intricate technique demands the skilled hands of master craftsmen, who meticulously cut and adroitly arrange each piece to achieve a flawless, visually stunning effect.

Shaping Interior Style Throughout the Ages:

Throughout the passage of time, fish bone flooring has gracefully evolved, embracing diverse interior styles and adapting to various trends. During the Renaissance era, it ascended to become a symbol of opulence and magnificence, gracing the floors of majestic royal residences and aristocratic mansions. As the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras dawned, fish bone flooring assumed a paramount role in infusing lavishness and sophistication within interior spaces.

Timelessness and Versatility:

Contemporary homeowners and designers alike continue to embrace fish bone flooring as an emblem of unmatched allure. Its timeless essence preserves its place within a gamut of interior styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. The captivating pattern infuses a sense of movement and texture into any room, endowing it with a visually dynamic and captivating allure. Be it a meticulously curated formal dining room, a cozy living sanctuary, or a cutting-edge office space, fish bone flooring adds a palpable sense of richness and depth.

The Supremacy of Oak Wood:

Oak wood, as a wooden floor, stands proud as the unrivaled choice for fish bone flooring, revered for its unparalleled durability and strength. Its innate density and hardness equip it with resistance against natural wear and tear, ensuring longevity that rivals the passing of time. Additionally, oak wood boasts a striking and distinctive grain pattern that further enhances the aesthetic appeal of the fish bone design. This harmonious marriage between the durability of oak wood and the captivating allure of the fish bone pattern results in a flooring masterpiece that is both visually captivating and built to withstand the test of time.

The Alluring "Eyes" in the Wood:

One of the most enchanting attributes of fish bone flooring stems from the presence of captivating "eyes" within the wood itself. These remarkable "eyes" manifest as circular patterns, a unique feature inherent to certain oak woods. The result of minerals infilling pores in the wood, these radiant "eyes" create a mesmerizing visual effect that enchants the onlooker. These captivating "eyes" contribute character and depth to the flooring, elevating its allure to unprecedented heights.

Unveiling Symbolic Significance:

The mesmerizing "eyes" in fish bone flooring hold profound symbolic significance, harking back to the historical realms of ancient cultures. Fish, in these ancient civilizations, were revered as symbols of abundance, prosperity, and fertility. Just as they represent bountiful blessings, the presence of "eyes" within fish bone flooring pays homage to these archaic beliefs and carries forward their sacred resonance.

Conclusion:

Fish or herring bone flooring stands as an eternal testament to a rich and captivating history whilst exerting an undeniable influence on interior style. Its intricate and mesmerizing pattern instills elegance and sophistication into any space it graces, effortlessly integrating with a vast array of interior styles. The unwavering strength and beauty of oak wood make it the perfect choice for this flooring masterpiece, imbuing fish bone designs with durability and aesthetic delight. Furthermore, the presence of captivating "eyes" within the wood adds a layer of character and symbolism that further enhances its timeless allure. Whether in traditional or contemporary settings, fish bone flooring stands as an unmistakable statement, elevating the aesthetic and creating an enchanting ambiance within any interior space.

This article is made in cooperation with Bax Houthandel from The Netherlands.

#interiors #wood flooring #herringbone pattern #engineered flooring

[colemanemma739]

Kaluga Sturgeon Caviar The Golden Elixir Of Gourmet Delight

The mention of caviar instantly conjures images of opulence, refined palates, and gastronomic excellence. Yet, even within the glittering world of caviar, there are some names that shine brighter than others. Enter the Kaluga Sturgeon Caviar—a delicacy so rich in taste and history that it's often referred to as the "black gold" of the culinary realm. In this voyage of discovery, we'll delve into the illustrious world of Kaluga Sturgeon Caviar, exploring its origins, unparalleled taste, and its treasured status among caviar enthusiasts.

1. Introducing the Kaluga Sturgeon:

Native to the Amur River basin, which spans the borders of Russia and China, the Kaluga Sturgeon (Huso dauricus) is one of the world's largest freshwater fish. Closely related to the famed Beluga Sturgeon, the Kaluga can live for up to 80 years and can reach an astonishing weight of over 2,200 pounds.

2. A Flavor Profile Second to None:

Kaluga Sturgeon Caviar is celebrated for its profound and buttery flavor, an experience that dances on the tongue and leaves a lingering taste of mild nuttiness. The roe is large and glossy, with shades ranging from dark gray to a golden amber, often reminiscent of the prized Beluga caviar. Each grain is a burst of oceanic freshness, with a delicate balance of saltiness that perfectly complements its creamy texture.

3. The Journey from River to Table:

Harvesting caviar is an art, and Kaluga Sturgeon Caviar is no exception. The sturgeons are allowed to mature in the wild, ensuring the roe's natural flavor development. Once harvested, the caviar is gently processed, often using the traditional "Malossol" method, which implies the minimal use of salt to preserve the roe's natural taste.

4. Sustainability and the Kaluga Sturgeon:

Overfishing and habitat degradation have led to a decline in wild sturgeon populations. Recognizing the need for conservation, caviar producers have turned to sustainable aquafarming methods. These farms recreate the natural habitats of the Kaluga Sturgeon, ensuring their well-being and the top-notch quality of the caviar. Ethically produced Kaluga Sturgeon Caviar doesn't just taste good—it feels good to savor.

5. Serving Suggestions for the Discerning Palate:

To truly appreciate the grandeur of Kaluga Sturgeon Caviar, less is more. Serve it on a bed of crushed ice, accompanied by non-metallic spoons (like mother-of-pearl or bone) to avoid altering its taste. While traditional accompaniments include blinis and crème fraîche, purists often prefer it unadorned to relish its authentic flavor. When it comes to beverages, a glass of brut champagne or a smooth vodka makes for a match made in gastronomic heaven.

6. Investing in Authenticity:

Due to its esteemed status, the market is rife with imitations. When purchasing Kaluga Sturgeon Caviar, it's paramount to source it from reputable suppliers. Certifications, traceability, and transparent farming practices are markers of genuine, high-quality caviar.

Conclusion:

Kaluga Sturgeon Caviar is more than just a food—it's an experience. It transports you to the pristine waters of the Amur River, tells tales of ancient culinary traditions, and offers a sensory delight unlike any other.

Whether you're a seasoned caviar connoisseur or someone looking to indulge in a luxurious treat, Kaluga Sturgeon Caviar promises a journey of taste that's both timeless and unparalleled. As the pearls of the Amur River continue to captivate palates worldwide, one thing remains certain: in the realm of caviar, Kaluga Sturgeon reigns supreme.

[shezanenigma]

A Tapestry Woven in Time

by, Shawna Loree

In the quiet corners of our souls, where the echoes of past lives linger like whispered secrets, there exists a tale written in the ink of fate. It is a story of two souls, intertwined across the tapestry of time, meeting sporadically like old lovers reunited in a timeless dance. In the moments between heartbeats, where life moves in silent waves, their lives having woven intricate patterns of love with others, yet underneath everyday life they are unable to erase the imprints left by one another.

The years had been kind, sculpting their spirits into new forms, adorning their hearts with the experiences of other loves. Yet, when their eyes met, it was as if the universe had conspired to remind them of an ancient promise etched into the very fabric of their existence. A type of love, unspoken and unbidden, flowed between them like a river finding its course, for there are connections that defy explanation, existing in a realm where words are but feeble echoes of profound emotions.

As they embraced in greeting, there was a lingering touch, a temporary pause in time as if their souls recognized the familiarity of each other’s essence. In that moment, the world around them blurred, and she could almost taste the sweetness of what could have been. The hug, initially meant as a hello, transformed into an unspoken declaration, a silent whisper of longing. In that embrace, they held not just each other, but the memories of lifetimes shared, of stolen kisses beneath ancient stars and whispered promises in the hush of twilight.

Hours melted away like grains of sand slipping through gentle fingers as they reminisced, their laughter and shared silences weaving a tapestry of memories. In those precious hours spent alone, they delved into the depths of their shared history, tracing the contours of a connection that spanned beyond the boundaries of this lifetime. It was in these moments that they felt the weight of their shared past, the echoes of laughter and tears that had transcended time itself.

When the night drew its curtain, reality beckoned them back to their separate lives, but the imprint of that night lingered like an indelible mark upon their souls. In the quiet hours, when the world was hushed and dreams wove their ephemeral stories, they found themselves entangled in thoughts of each other. It was not just a memory; it was a reawakening, a reminder of a that type of love that defied the constraints of mortality.

And so, they move on once again, loving others yet carrying within them the silent knowing that there is something extraordinary in their connection. For they were bound not by the circumstances of this life, but by a spiritual thread that had woven them together across time. As they tread different paths, they carry with them the echoes of each other's laughter, the imprint of each other's touch, and the unspoken promise that they would meet again, in this lifetime or the next, for their souls were destined to dance together in perpetuity.

#shezanenigma #wildgirl #adventure #shawnaloree #poetry #wanderlust #poem #mystery #soul #soulmates #reincarnation

[chopcove]

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NY / Eusung Lee: Epitaphs

Eusung Lee: Epitaphs October 21, 2023 – November 19, 2023  Opening Reception: October 21, Saturday 6-8PM  Special Gallery Hours: Wed - Sun 1-6pm

Tiger Strikes Asteroid New York, in collaboration with DOOSAN Art Center, is thrilled to present Epitaphs, the inaugural solo exhibition in New York by the critically acclaimed South Korean sculptor Eusung Lee.  

This exhibition is a part of DOOSAN International Program, designed to expand the global reach of contemporary Korean art through partnerships with Tiger Strikes Asteroid New York. 

In Epitaphs, Lee will showcase a series of sculptures and wall-mounted reliefs that evoke a strong sense of bodily presence and narrative possibilities. 

In today's rapidly digitizing world, where the boundary between the virtual and the tangible often blurs, Lee remains dedicated to the richness of physical space and the sensory experiences offered by handcrafted materials. She embraces the classical lineage and tactile qualities inherent to sculpture, seamlessly melding an array of media, including wood, clay, metal, paper, fabric, yarn, and ready-made objects. 

Doodled Kouros (2021), a large wooden panel, alludes to the iconic Ancient Greek sculptures of nude male youths. Lee stumbled upon the slab of wood in a carpenter's shop where it was originally intended to become a table. Recognizing its latent potential, Lee worked with the panel's inherent characteristics and contours, inscribing the wood grain with marks that alternated between random and intricate. Her carvings included low relief coffee cups, butterflies, and flowering plants—motifs that recur throughout her work and are both universally familiar and deeply personal. 

Colloquial Falling (2021-2023) represents a fusion of intersecting forms, reminiscent of both butterflies and human spines. Like much of Lee’s oeuvre, this sculpture engages in an intricate interplay between brutality and care. Delicate insect forms emerge from roughly modeled aluminum, carefully cloaked in knit wool. Within this juxtaposition of warmth and cold, the human and the otherworldly coexist in an intuitively balanced composition. 

Pierce, Jane (2019) features an oversized, wall-mounted wooden ear meticulously punctuated by an array of metal earrings and hoops. The name 'Jane' alludes to both the artist's elder sister, who emigrated to the United States long ago, and the enigmatic “Jane Doe”—the term given to an unidentified woman. The ear's form is based on Lee’s fascination with her older sister's pierced ears. Piercing was a rarity in South Korea at the time and became a source of fascination for the artist, symbolizing the unfamiliar, exotic, and dangerous facets of American culture. The ear, while serving as a monument to her sister, also represents the artist as a listener—open to new possibilities and eager to connect. 

Eusung Lee (b. 1989) is a visual artist currently living and working in Seoul, South Korea. She holds a BFA from Hongik University and an MFA from Korean National University of Art. Lee has exhibited her work in many museums and art centers, including Art Sonje Center, Hite Collection, WESS, Art Space Boan, Space Catalog. Lee was also a resident artist at Seoul Metropolitan Nanji Art Studio and was selected as a Chanel x Frieze "Now & Next" artist in 2022 and awarded Emerging Artist of 2023 from Seoul Museum of Art. 

DOOSAN Art Center, based in Seoul and established in 2007, stands as one of South Korea's foremost nonprofit institutions. It actively supports emerging artists and curators through a range of domestic and international programs. In 2023, DOOSAN aims to enhance its global presence by expanding and strengthening its collaborative projects with Tiger Strikes Asteroid New York, The International Studio & Curatorial Program, and Christopher Y. Lew. DOOSAN International Program encompasses both residencies and exhibitions, fostering growth through partnerships with influential local institutions and experts. 

photos by Pratya Jankong

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