#<- babe.... new tag... :((

[markscherz]

Meet the seven new frog species we just named after iconic Star Trek captains!

Artwork by A. Petzold, CC BY-ND 4.0

At the right time of year along rushing streams in the humid rainforests that stretch the length of Madagascar's eastern and northern mountain ridges, otherworldly trills of piercing whistles can be heard.

Are they birds? Insects? Communicator beeps? Tricorder noises?

No, they're little treefrogs!

Boophis janewayae. Photo by M. Vences, CC BY-SA 4.0

Until recently, we thought all of the populations of these little brown frogs across the island were one widespread species, Boophis marojezensis, described in 1994. But genetics in the early 2000s and 2010s showed that there were several species here, not just one.

Now my colleagues and I have shown that they are in fact eight separate species, each with unique calls!

These whistling sounds reminded us so much of Star Trek sound effects that we decided to name the seven new species after Star Trek captains: Boophis kirki, B. picardi, B. janewayae, B. siskoi, B. pikei, B. archeri, and B. burnhamae.

Photos of all new species described by Vences et al. 2024. CC BY-SA 4.0

I subtly and not-so-subtly built some Star Trek references into the paper, but probably the best one is this one:

'Finding these frogs sometimes requires considerable trekking; pursuing strange new calls, to seek out new frogs in new forests; boldly going where no herpetologist has gone before.'

— Vences et al. 2024

There’s a real sense of scientific discovery and exploration here, which we think is in the spirit of Star Trek.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that there are at least two Trekkies amongst the authors (including yours truly). As fans of Star Trek, we are also just pleased to dedicate these new species to the characters who have inspired and entertained us over the decades.

On a personal note, this marks a milestone for me, as it means I have now described over 100 frog species! I am very pleased that the 100th is Captain Janeway's Bright-eyed Frog, Boophis janewayae (if you count them in order of appearance in the paper)—she is probably my favourite captain, and I really love Star Trek: Voyager.

You can read more about the discovery of these new species on my website! You can also read the Open Access paper published in Vertebrate Zoology here.

[vulpinesaint]

everybody come here and take my quiz rq we're just gonna take a normal walk through a normal garden

[gncrezan]

@chrysanthemumgames in the hades game style! been putting a loooot of hours into hades 2 so this was only a matter of time (and the full portraits under the cut!)

[carrythetorchtoinferno]

we are the same, you and I.

-grian voice- welcome to a new series where we become the monsters!

[rosdevw2]

So don't blame me

When I'm gone and you have not

When you're hollowed out and empty

[allgremlinart]

[ Do NOT be deceived. Zuko's guards ARE on orders to let him in for booty calls. ]

post-canon jetko. Zuko isn't a rail-thin angry refugee anymore. Jet isn't hurting as bad as he did. He even finds himself new purpose after the war - hunting down still-rogue Fire Nation mercenaries and war criminals, housing orphans, and being occasional bounty hunter for hire (he's not as good as June, but he has his ways). And, of course, hitching a ride on the ship taking the Earth King's diplomatic embassy to the Fire Nation. The Avatar may have refused to kill the new Firelord if he steps out of line, but that doesn't mean Jet wouldn't. It's his job to go over there from time to time and remind certain people of this. If he so happens to have almost-civil discussions and intercourse with a head of state when he does so, that's purely incidental, and does not distract him in the slightest.

full pic ;]

[ Jet really DID visit Zuko's chambers with the intention of debriefing with and analyzing him, this time. To see if he could manipulate some more aid out of him, maybe, (Jet could play him like a fiddle, it wasn't hard,) or to wheedle him for lodgings and food for himself, or to see someone that he knew was just as restless as he was, regardless of peacetime, regardless that he shouldn't still feel like that. However, he caught Zuko right after he had a... meeting. With an Earth Kingdom noble. And, well... when you grow up deprived you learn you don't turn down leftovers. Or sloppy seconds, as it were. ]

[andy-clutterbuck]

[uwumoth]

shhh theyre napping

(can you tell i dont draw digitally like ever?)

[jazmazkaz]

Sour Bill for like half the movie:

[c1ittorus]

Princess Poses 👑

[14dayswithyou]

my birthday is coming up 🩵🩵🩵 I think it’d be really cute if Teo and I got like matching rings and had a cute little date at like a little altar, and maybe he wears a suit and I wear a white gown 🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵

ANSWERED: Hehe I know exactly what you mean 😻

Adjusting the black tie around his neck; Teo stands in front of the altar, pulls out a folded piece of paper from his back pocket, and begins to read. "Rosie was... the best lay I ever had. It's a real shame she died in that ugly Victorian nightgown, but I guess even It Girls need a break from serving cunt all the time."

"It's true..." Saint says with tears in her eyes — except not really because I'm livin MY LIFE WITH EDDIE BABYYYY LETS GOOOOOOO!!!!! Ok, actual fic below now, I promise teehee <3

"Thought I'd find you up here." your voice comes out soft, so as to not startle the man smoking near the ledge. The faint glow of his cigarette stands out even amongst the stars and cityscape backdrop he'd been staring at moments prior. But even after hearing your words, Teo doesn't seem to move.

"Guess I need to switch things up then." He doesn't turn around, though he does makes room for you to stand beside him. "I'm becoming predictable."

Silence blankets the two of you as you both idly stare off into the distance. It'd never been like this at the start of your relationship... And while you wouldn't admit it out loud... It was a nice change of pace. No longer did Teo seek you out for late-night rendezvous, and in turn, you no longer had to fall prey to his hedonistic escapades.

But the silence could only last for so long. And what's more, you were certain Teo would grow bored of the lack of stimulation and do something more... worthy of his attention.

So, with a slight cough, you casually strike up a conversation. "What did you get up to today?"

"Heh, you'll probably see it on the news soon." A sly smirk pulls at his side profile, before Teo finally acknowledges your presence by his side with an intrigued look in his eyes. "And you?"

...And you?

Since when did the Teo Alvarado talk about something other than himself?

"I, uhh..." Clearly not expecting that response, you stumble over your words and avert your gaze towards the illuminated backdrop once more. "I got my nails done?"

"Hmph. You don't sound too sure 'bout it, doll." The taller male extinguishes the butt of his cigarette on the cement railing before leaning against it. A beat passes before he extends a hand out towards you. "Lemme see."

He takes your palms into his larger ones and spares a casual glance over each nail individually. And had you known any better, you would've assumed he was bored. But you did know better. That was a look of genuine intrigue.

"...Green, huh?"

"I-I just felt like it!"

No way were you going to let him in on your suppressed feelings. You were well ware of the fact that once Teo sensed any semblance of attachment, he would run and never look back. You'd seen it happen one too many times, and you weren't going to let the same thing happen to you.

Besides... What you had with Teo; it felt different. It was nothing like the casual hookups he used to have with all those men and women from the city -- now long forgotten the moment he started getting cozy with you.

"...Do you like them?" Hesitantly, you gaze upwards to read his expression. "I thought you might, considering you paid for it and all."

"They're not bad. Could be better." Okay, rude. But before you can say anything, Teo continues, "Here. Try this."

Not allowing you a moment to respond, Teo quickly reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a small box. Upon opening it, an almost gaudy ring captures your attention (was that Tiffany's?) -- before his large hand hides it from view as he pulls it out.

Was that...

Reaching for your own hand now, Teo slips the ring onto your finger. Too overwhelmed with what was happening, your mind barely registers the fact that the ring seemed to be your exact size.

"Much better." Teo's voice pulls you from your thoughts. "More my taste."

"T-Teo... You do realize that's my ring fin—"

The sharp look he sends you sends a shiver down your spine. "One more word, and I'll lock you up here and drive off."

"...What about two words?"

"No."

"Three?"

Immediately, he drops your hand, turns towards the fire escape door, and waves you off. "Hope you brought a sleeping bag. 'M not coming back till morning."

"Okay, okay! I'm sorry!" Without thinking, you reach for his arm and tug him back into the spot beside you. "I'll be quiet."

Another wave of silence washes over the both of you. Though this time, it felt forced. It seemed far too awkward to suddenly address such an... unexpected and intimate gesture from someone like Teo, but you didn't know what else to say either. Changing the subject would only bring more awkwardness, and it wasn't like you could continue the current conversation either.

Damn this man and his inability to be on the receiving end of basic human emotions.

Completely lost in your own mind, you barely notice how Teo lets out a forced huff beside you and pulls you closer by your hips. He rests his chin against the crown of your head this time -- no doubt to stop you from looking up at him -- before he finally breaks the silence.

"It's my nanny's ring." When you don't respond, Teo continues, "Some... sentimental heirloom shit, I guess. She never had any children 'cause she was busy taking care of me."

Why was he holding you so tightly? Like he was afraid you'd run away at the barest hint of vulnerability?

...Attachment?

"And before you ask, yes, she parted with it willingly. I..." You feel him lull his head to the side to pop a joint in his neck, "I asked her for it. Didn't ask for her blessing though, so I don't know why she gave it."

"Teo. This is seriously sounding like a proposal."

"...It's whatever."

"Teo!"

"Fine. A birthday gift."

"...You remembered my birthday?"

"Ouch. Do I look like someone who'd forget?" Just as you open your mouth, his hand predicts your actions and squishes your cheeks together. "Wipe that smug look off your face. I can't see it, but I know you're gonna do it."

"...Thank you, Teo." It all suddenly felt far too sentimental in that moment, and you knew all too well that Teo would be responding negatively to it soon. So, deciding to fall back on old ways -- lest he starts to gets mean -- you settle for an all-too-familiar way to thank your lover.

Unashamedly, you turn in his grasp before trailing your hands down the warm expanse of his chest. They rest just above the latch of his belt -- but almost uncharacteristically, Teo pulls them away and wraps your arms around his neck instead.

"...Do I look like someone you could marry?"

"...W-What?"

"Like I said. I'm getting predictable." He uses your hands to cup his face before leaning closer. "'M switching things up again. Marry me."

[robotsandramblings]

i am marrying Background Bearded Babe 😍💍👰🤵

[sleepanonymous]

I got tagged by the beautiful @autumns-veil to post 5 songs I've had on repeat recently 🖤🖤

These were the first 5 songs on my repeat playlist on Spotify 😅 It's been a while since I did an ask game, uh... no pressure tagging: @lifemod17 @stellasplendens @loveinthemindpalace @moonchild-in-blue and anyone else 🖤 show me some cool music

[steelthroat]

The Autobot high command: Optimus, you were supposed to spy on the Decepticons, not play-fight with them, frag them, and then give them sex-ed classes and improve their morale

Optimus: I'm single-handedly ending the war.You don't get to complain about the way I choose to do so.

[mars-ipan]

Matthew 7:15

(my commissions are open!)

[ygodmyy20]

This new merch guys

Holy — I want. That Teru keychain. But honestly THAT SERIZAWA CAT

LOOK AT HIM

He is so eeepy

AND THE TERUMOB BUTTON