Author: ERIC KIM

  • How does skin produce melanin

    The process of melanin production and the principles behind skin pigmentation are universal, affecting all human beings regardless of ethnicity. However, genetic variations influence the amount, type, and distribution of melanin, contributing to the diverse spectrum of human skin colors. In the context of Koreans and people of East Asian descent more broadly, several specific genetic factors and characteristics can influence their skin pigmentation and response to sun exposure:

    1. Type of Melanin

    Koreans, like other East Asians, predominantly produce a type of melanin known as eumelanin, particularly the lighter, brownish form. This differs from the darker form of eumelanin more commonly found in individuals of African descent. Eumelanin provides some protection against UV radiation, which is why people with higher amounts of this pigment tend to age slower in terms of skin appearance.

    2. Melanocyte Activity

    While the number of melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) is roughly the same across all ethnic groups, the size, number, and activity of the melanosomes (where melanin is stored) vary. In Koreans and many East Asians, melanosomes are often larger and more numerous than in people with lighter skin, but smaller and less dense than in individuals with darker skin tones. This influences the overall skin color and the skin’s response to sun exposure.

    3. Skin Structure and Features

    Beyond pigmentation, other features of the skin contribute to its appearance and how it responds to environmental factors like UV radiation. East Asians, including Koreans, generally have a thicker dermis than people of European descent, which contains more collagen and can influence the aging process. The skin structure can affect how quickly wrinkles appear and how the skin heals after injury or exposure.

    4. Genetic Factors

    Specific genes are associated with skin color variation among different populations. For example, variations in the MC1R gene, which influence the type and amount of melanin produced, have been linked to skin color diversity. In Koreans and other East Asian populations, specific alleles (gene variants) associated with lighter skin are more prevalent than those found in populations closer to the equator.

    5. Cultural Practices and Sun Exposure

    Cultural attitudes towards skin color and sun exposure also play a significant role. In Korea, there has traditionally been a preference for lighter skin, which is often associated with beauty and social status. As a result, there is widespread use of sun protection measures, including sunscreen, hats, and clothing, to reduce sun exposure and prevent tanning. These practices can significantly influence skin color and health.

    Understanding the genetics and biochemistry of skin color provides valuable insights into not only aesthetic and cultural differences but also medical vulnerabilities, such as the risk of vitamin D deficiency or skin cancer. It underscores the importance of personalized approaches to skincare and sun protection across different ethnic groups.

    The process of melanin production in the skin is both complex and fascinating, involving several cellular and biochemical mechanisms. Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving skin, hair, and eyes their color, and it plays a crucial role in protecting the skin against ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Here’s a closer look at how skin produces melanin:

    1. Melanocytes and Melanosomes

    Melanin production occurs in specialized cells called melanocytes. These cells are found in the basal layer of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Within melanocytes are organelles called melanosomes, where melanin is synthesized and stored.

    2. Tyrosinase Activation

    The production of melanin begins with the amino acid tyrosine. The enzyme tyrosinase catalyzes the first step, converting tyrosine into DOPA (dihydroxyphenylalanine) and then into dopaquinone. This reaction is crucial and marks the beginning of the melanin synthesis pathway.

    3. Melanin Synthesis

    Dopaquinone can follow various pathways to produce different types of melanin:

    • Eumelanin: This is the most common type of melanin, giving skin a brown or black color. Dopaquinone converts into eumelanin through a series of reactions, involving intermediates such as dopachrome.
    • Pheomelanin: This type of melanin provides a red or yellow color and is synthesized when dopaquinone interacts with cysteine (an amino acid). The presence of pheomelanin is more noticeable in individuals with red hair.

    4. Transfer to Keratinocytes

    Once melanin is produced, it is packaged into melanosomes, which are then transferred from the melanocytes to the surrounding skin cells called keratinocytes. This transfer is essential for the distribution of melanin across the skin, contributing to the skin’s overall color and protection against UV radiation.

    5. Response to UV Radiation

    Exposure to UV radiation increases the activity of tyrosinase and stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin. This response is a protective mechanism, as melanin absorbs and disperses UV rays, reducing the risk of DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.

    Genetic and Environmental Factors

    The amount and type of melanin produced are determined by genetic factors, influencing an individual’s skin color and tanning ability. Environmental factors, particularly exposure to sunlight, also play a significant role in regulating melanin production.

    In summary, the production of melanin is a sophisticated process designed to protect the skin from UV damage. Advances in understanding this process have implications for treating skin conditions and preventing skin cancer.

  • KILL SQUAD

    How I lift

    Conquer the gravity!

  • KILL!

    To crack. To split?

    The etymology of the word “kill” traces back to several Old and Middle languages, highlighting a long history that connects modern English with its linguistic ancestors.

    • Old English: The word “kill” originates from the Old English “cyllan” or “cwellan,” which means “to kill, murder, execute.” This usage already carried the primary sense of causing death that we recognize today.
    • Proto-Germanic: Going further back, the Old English term is derived from the Proto-Germanic “*kwaljanÄ…,” a verb which also meant “to kill or to strike.” This Proto-Germanic root suggests a common linguistic ancestry shared with other Germanic languages.
    • Indo-European Roots: It is theorized that the Proto-Germanic term itself may have evolved from the reconstructed Proto-Indo-European root “*gÊ·elh₃-,” which had a base meaning related to hitting or striking. This root is the source of various words in Indo-European languages related to death, killing, or striking.

    The evolution of the word “kill” from its Proto-Indo-European roots through Proto-Germanic and into Old English demonstrates how languages evolve and borrow from one another. The term has maintained its grim meaning throughout centuries, underscoring the universal and timeless nature of the concept it describes.

  • Moveable or *NOT* Moveable?

    The best money is the one which easily moves,,, Bitcoin! Not the USD dollar ,,, fucking bullshit JPMorgan Chase wire holdups and international SWIFT bank account bullshits

  • Never Run

    Running leads to injury?

    The whole notion of running is bad

    1. First, it seems a lot of people run “exercise“; why not just walk instead?
    2. The second point; people want to run to get their “heart rate“ up. Why not lift weights instead, or just sprint for short periods of time and distances? Better to increase your heart rate by 1000% for 30 seconds, rather than have your heart rate be at 125% for five hours.
    3. Some people run to “lose weight“; but the real goal here is to lose fat, not “weight”. Running doesn’t cause you to lose fats; way to lose that is through intermittent fasting, no breakfast no lunch only dinner, and also by quitting all sugars starches fruits vegetables etc. 100% carnivore diet.
    4. Some people run because it is free; but then again anyone who is serious about running will sooner or later drop two to $300 on shoes, therefore this logic is poor.
  • Plutarch on How to Raise Your Kids, Boys & Children

    Rest is the sauce of labor

    Hesiod:

    “Hesiod, “If to a little you keep adding a little, and do so frequently, it will soon be a lot”

    “We must also keep our sons from filthy language. For, as Democritus says, Language is the shadow of action”

    Language is the shadow of action;

    The way how people talk is a reflection of how they act?

    I guess Socrates was quite wise: 

    “Socrates, when a very impudent and disgusting young fellow kicked him on one occasion, seeing all the rest of his class vexed and impatient, even to the point of wanting to prosecute the young man, said, “What! If a young ass kicked me would you have me kick it back”

    How to deal when people mock you

    “when Aristophanes brought his “Clouds” on the stage, and bespattered Socrates with his gibes and flouts, and one of the spectators said, “Aren’t you vexed, Socrates, at his exhibiting you on the stage in this comic light?” he answered, “Not I, by Zeus, for I look upon the theatre as only a large supper party”

    It seems that the best way to deal with impunities is through haughty humor 

    Anger

    “the behaviour of Archytas of Tarentum and Plato. The former, on his return from war, where he had been general, finding his land neglected, called his bailiff, and said to him, “You would have caught it, had I not been very angry”

    “I would have beat you had I not been angry “

    Restrain your anger

    “Plato, very angry with a gluttonous and shameless slave, called his sister’s son Speusippus, and said, “Go and beat him, for I am too angry.” ”

    Govern the tongue

    The Ancients

    Purple Death

    In Homer’s works, the term “purple death” is used to describe a particular aspect of death. One of the references can be found in “The Iliad,” where the phrase appears to convey the grim finality of death in the heat of battle. The line from “The Iliad,” Book 5, verses 82-83, describes a scene where a warrior is overtaken by death, with the term “πορφύρεος θάνατος” (porphyreos thanatos) directly translating to “purple death.” This imagery could be seen as evocative of the nobility or royal connotations of the color purple, possibly indicating a noble or significant death in battle, or it could refer to the physical appearance of a severe wound oai_citation:1,BLOOD-COLOURED SWANS: HOR. CARM. 4.1.10 AND HOMER’S PURPLE DEATH

    ..

  • ”Nothing fats the horse as much as the king’s eye.”

    Simple — focus your gaze on your kid, not your phone!

    or in other words, there is nothing that motivates your kid more than having your two eyeballs fixed directly on them

    “In the realm of fatherhood and the journey of childhood, the timeless wisdom ‘Nothing fats the horse as much as the king’s eye’ gracefully transforms into: ‘Nothing nurtures a child’s growth like a father’s attentive gaze.’ This interpretation beautifully encapsulates the profound influence of a father’s active engagement and heartfelt recognition on the development and flourishing of a child’s potential.”

    “Nothing fats the horse as much as the king’s eye” is a proverb that emphasizes the value of attention, particularly from those in positions of power or authority. The essence of this saying is that direct attention or scrutiny from a ruler (or, by extension, anyone in a position of high authority or influence) can lead to rapid improvement or betterment, much like a horse appearing to gain weight (or ‘fat’) simply from the king’s notice. This can be interpreted in several ways:

    1. Motivational Impact: The idea that being noticed or valued by someone important can motivate individuals or groups to perform better or improve conditions rapidly.
    2. Resource Allocation: The proverb may also suggest that when a leader focuses on a particular area, project, or group, it often results in better allocation of resources towards that focus area, leading to improvements or growth.
    3. The Power of Recognition: Recognizing someone’s hard work or potential can have a profound effect on their performance and well-being, much like the metaphorical horse that thrives under the king’s gaze.

    Overall, the proverb underscores the significance of attention and care from those in power, and how such attention can catalyze improvement or prosperity.

  • People who don’t love kids, don’t love themselves

    Also, it seems that people who don’t want to have kids, they themselves do not have good childhoods

  • Practical Wisdom

    go to the fountain head

    Combine public life with philosophical life

    “as there are three kinds of life, the practical, the contemplative, and the life of enjoyment, and of these three the one devoted to enjoyment is a paltry and animal life, and the practical without philosophy an unlovely and harsh life, and the contemplative without the practical a useless life, so we must endeavour with all our power to combine public life with philosophy as far as circumstances will permit”

    Philosophy is the most important and critical branch of study

    “Philosophy, therefore, ought to be regarded as the most important branch of study”

    “Pis aller” is a French phrase that translates to “last resort” or “if all else fails” in English. It’s used to describe a solution or choice that is considered only after all preferable alternatives have been exhausted or are unavailable. It often carries a connotation of reluctance or dissatisfaction, implying that the option is far from ideal but is the only one remaining.

    “it is well to sail round many cities, but advantageous to live in the best. It was a witty remark of the philosopher Bion,21 that, as those suitors who could not seduce Penelope took up with her maids as a pis aller, so those who cannot attain philosophy wear themselves out in useless pursuits”

    Excerpt From
    Plutarch’s Morals
    Plutarch
    https://books.apple.com/us/book/plutarchs-morals/id511195428
    This material may be protected by copyright.

  • Good or Bad?

    Perhaps it is wise and a good idea to just treat things like a binary

  • Tall Talk is Unpopular

    Safe mediocrity is indeed praised

  • How to Raise Your Kids 

    “Cf. Plato, “Cratylus,” p. 257, E. ὦ παῖ Ὶππονίκου Ὲρμόγενες, παλαιὰ παροιμἰα, ὃτι χαλεπὰ τὰ καλἀ ἐσιν ὃπη ἔχει μαθεῖν. So Horace, “Sat.” i. ix. 59, 60, “Nil sine magno Vita labore dedit mortalibus”

    Euripides—

    “Euripides, “Unskilled am I in the oratory that pleases the mob; but amongst the few that are my equals I am reckoned rather wise. For those who are little thought of by the wise, seem to hit the taste of the vulgar”

    ” What pleases the vulgar, displeases the wise”

    Our sons!

    Have you lost anything? “Certainly not, for war cannot make any havoc on virtue”

    Vice and virtue

    “the precept of Diogenes, whose advice sounds rather low, but is really of excellent moral intent,15 “Go into a brothel, my lad, that you may see the little difference between vice and virtue”

    Excerpt From
    Plutarch’s Morals

    Suckle your own children

    Two breasts — twins.

    Good slaves are turned into money lenders

    Phoenix, the tutor of Achilles? 

    “Men, what can you be thinking of, who move heaven and earth to make money, while you bestow next to no attention on the sons you are going to leave that money to”. – Socrates

    Feet

    “I would add to this that such fathers act very similarly to a person who should be very careful about his shoe but care nothing about his foot”

    Excerpt From
    Plutarch’s Morals


    Don’t be niggardly

    “Many persons also are so niggardly about their children, and indifferent to their interests, that for the sake of a paltry saving, they prefer worthless teachers for their children, practising a vile economy at the expense of their children’s ignorance.”

    Two slaves

    “Apropos of this, Aristippus on one occasion rebuked an empty-headed parent neatly and wittily. For being asked how much money a parent ought to pay for his son’s education, he answered, “A thousand drachmæ.” And he replying, “Hercules, what a price! I could buy a slave for as much;” Aristippus answered, “You shall have two slaves then, your son and the slave you buy”

    Excerpt From
    Plutarch’s Morals
    Plutarch
    https://books.apple.com/us/book/plutarchs-morals/id511195428
    This material may be protected by copyright.

  • Phoenix, the tutor of Achilles.

    The name Phoenix (Greek: Φοῖνιξ, Phoînix) in Greek mythology carries an etymology that connects to the Greek word for the color purple or dark red, “phoinos” (φοῖνος). This connection is reflective of the association with the Phoenicians, who were renowned in the ancient world for their production and trade of a purple dye made from the murex shellfish. The color purple was highly prized in ancient times, symbolizing wealth, power, and royalty, due to its rarity and the expense of production.

    The Phoenicians themselves were a Semitic-speaking people who established a powerful maritime trading culture across the Mediterranean from their cities in what is now Lebanon, as well as parts of Syria and Israel, from about 1500 BCE to 300 BCE. The Greek name for the Phoenicians, “Phoinikes,” likely derived from their association with the purple dye, reflects the Greeks’ perception of them primarily as traders in this valuable commodity.

    In the context of the character Phoenix in Greek mythology, while the direct link between his name and the Phoenicians’ trade might not be explicitly drawn in the myths themselves, the etymology of his name could subtly evoke notions of richness, nobility, or even a connection to the sea and trade, given the maritime prowess of the Phoenicians. However, the mythological narratives surrounding Phoenix focus more on his role as a mentor and father figure to Achilles than on these etymological connotations.

    In Greek mythology, Phoenix primarily goes by this name, especially in the context of his role as Achilles’ tutor in the Iliad. However, like many figures from ancient myths, the spelling and transliteration of his name can vary depending on the source and language. For instance, “Phoinix” is a direct transliteration from ancient Greek, reflecting the original pronunciation more closely. Yet, there isn’t a widely recognized alternate name or epithet for Phoenix that significantly differs from this primary nomenclature.

    Mythological figures often have multiple epithets or names reflecting various aspects of their character, deeds, or lineage, but Phoenix’s identity is quite consistent across sources regarding his mentorship of Achilles. His narrative focus in mythology, particularly within Homeric texts, centers on this role, without the multiplicity of identities or stories that characterize some other mythological figures.

    Phoenix is a figure from Greek mythology, particularly known from Homer’s epic, the Iliad. He served as a mentor and tutor to Achilles, the legendary Greek hero of the Trojan War.

    Phoenix’s backstory is that he was a son of Amyntor, king of the Dolopians in Thessaly. Due to a family dispute fueled by a curse from his mother after she was slighted by Amyntor, Phoenix was blinded by his father. The blindness was later healed, either by Chiron, the wise centaur who was known for his medical skills and who also played a role in Achilles’ upbringing, or by Paeeon, using medicinal herbs.

    After the incident, Phoenix fled to Phthia, where he was received by King Peleus, Achilles’ father, and became part of the royal household. Under Peleus’s instructions, Phoenix took on the role of tutor and mentor to the young Achilles, teaching him the arts of war and peace. His teachings were not only limited to martial skills but also encompassed morality, diplomacy, and the nuances of leadership.

    Phoenix’s relationship with Achilles was deep and affectionate, resembling that of a father and son. This bond is highlighted in the Iliad, especially during the embassy to Achilles in Book 9, where Phoenix, alongside Odysseus and Ajax, attempts to persuade Achilles to return to the battle after his withdrawal due to a dispute with Agamemnon. Phoenix appeals to Achilles not only through the promise of glory and riches but also by invoking the personal relationship and history they share, showcasing his deep emotional connection and sense of duty towards Achilles.

    Phoenix’s story exemplifies themes of reconciliation, loyalty, and the importance of mentorship, reflecting the complex interplay of personal and societal values in ancient Greek culture.

  • Ignore the Modern

    The modern is bad:

  • Bitcoin innovations

    I suppose right now with bitcoin, there aren’t that many innovations… Yet

    Some good innovations include the lightning network, which essentially makes all of these other cryptocurrency “fast” assets a bit unnecessary. For example litecoin, all these other coins, the lightning network makes it almost instantaneous to trade bitcoin even at a fraction of a bitcoin or a Satoshi.

    What I think and predict is it will be like real estate; with a lot of typical real estate developments, there’s a lot of innovation being made. When people first bought property, let’s say in New York City, in the 1900s, nobody had any good idea what to do with it. Now even a fraction of a block is worth billions of dollars.

  • Simpler is better

    Opt for the simpler design

  • Gross?

    What am I anti—

    Nasty and gross?

  • Never Share What You *Really* Think

    It takes more skill and honor to obfuscate how you really feel, than just letting all your petty feelings go up in the air?

    Also,

    Don’t treat woman how you would treat man?

    ETHICS by KIM

    Your own personal code of ethics:

    1. “Happiness” is for Women, Not for Men
    2. “Rules” & “Regulations”
    3. Stubborn Geniuses
    4. Avoid Misery
    5. What We Hate
    6. HOW I DEAL WITH RACISM
    7. How to Become a Great Man
    8. BETTER TO FOLLOW YOUR GUT AND BE WRONG THAN DISOBEY YOUR GUT AND BE RIGHT
    9. “I CAN’T BE FUCKED.”
    10. Carte Blanche Ethics
    11. Toxic People
    12. Why Are We So Into Other People
    13. Just focus on yourself and your own life
    14. Perfect morals and ethics is following your own gut
      WHY ETIQUETTE?
    15. NO BLAME, JUST CAUSE AND EFFECT.
    16. Ignorance Takes Courage
    17. TREAT OTHERS CARTE BLANCHE
    18. Don’t give people what they want or what you *think* they want, give them what you think they *should* have.
    19. Anti Small
    20. Disdain or Admiration?
    21. Beware Those With Good Intentions
    22. STUBBORN x FLEXIBLE
    23. ETHICS ARE VIA NEGATIVA
    24. OBEDIENCE & DISCIPLINE
    25. The Motive of Criticism
    26. Ethics are Social
    27. Anti Role Models
    28. What is Greed?
    29. On Having the Courage to Make Your Own Decisions
    30. How *NOT* to Get Duped or Suckered
    31. Why Help Others?
    32. The Duty of the Strong
    33. Why I’m So Intolerant Towards Intolerance
    34. The Ethics of Criticizing Others
    35. Consult Your Own Conscience
    36. The Ethics of Shit Talking
    37. The Ethics of Personal Enrichment
    38. I’m Easily Distracted
    39. On Forming Your Own Opinion
    40. ERIC KIM Philosophy of Tolerance
    41. Tolerance
    42. Aesthetics are Ethics
    43. Morality and Ethics
  • ALL FOR THE SAKE OF YOU

    Radical idea —

    If all of reality was for the sake of you fulfilling your personal curiosity on the maximum you could become ,,, what would you become, what would you look like? What would you be?

  • Don’t respond like a weakling!

    Or better yet ,,, don’t be a weakling!

  • Glory & Paradise

    Life and the sun in LA!

  • INSANELY EPIC ERIC KIM FLEX ;; DEMIGOD GOALZZ

    Don’t hate me because I can destroy you!

    https://youtu.be/014yOjeTWfM

    I am a god!

  • GOALS

    I desire panopticon sun 24 hours of the day?

  • LA IS PARADISE.

    Pure paradise — Heaven.

  • Borrow *Against* the Bitcoin?

    Fund my living expenses with debt?

  • Interesting thinkers?

    My first discovered Michael Saylor via his bitcoin prophecies, yet, ultimately I found him to just be a really fascinating thinker!

  • Money is monetary energy?

    Own pure digital energy?

  • Bitcoin is digital energy?

    Saylor—

    The half-life of bitcoin is forever?

    Bitcoin property business?

  • “Volatility is Vitality”

    Pretty interesting

    “Volatility is vitality,” Saylor wrote on X

  • Why is BCH Bitcoin Cash Up?

    Allowing futures trading?

    Yahoo —

    Coinbase Globalyesterday that the largest centralized exchange in the U.S. will offer futures trading for Bitcoin Cash and two other tokens on April 1 has sent this token higher. Expectations are that traders will be looking to trade Bitcoin Cash via these future contracts, increasing trading liquidity (and potentially spurring even greater higher-volatility moves).