#American Aquarium The World is On Fire

[alice-steel]

Man dies, goes to Hell. Not surprised to be in Hell, bit surprised by pleasant hotel front on arrival, polished oak furniture and reception desk, velvet curtains, lots of real gold detailing, bar with every drink he's ever heard of, restaurant with food from all over the world. Receptionist's a beautiful succubus with raven hair and green eyes, who welcomes him like a favourite customer. Behind hotel, patio, cream teas, ice creams, people having great time, 25 x 15 m swimming pool, 500 m tall waterslides, 18-hole golf course, forests, archery range, beautiful green hills. Demon in a golf cart offers to show him around. Tour of country lanes, crown green bowling places, dance halls, pubs, breweries, orchards, farmers' markets, cafés, sailing clubs, bird-watching places, hiking trails, all rather nice. Man asks Demon: "This Hell? Seems rather nice."

Demon replies: "Nice enough, nice enough. Heaven's better, 'course. They have mahogany and platinum in Heaven, and Ambrosia. Can't get Ambrosia here. Their golf course has 27 holes, their water slides are 1000 m tall, their receptionist's a redhead, so better, but we do alright here."

Tour goes on, jazz band, white-water kayak course, aquarium, skateboard park, and man's getting relaxed until golf cart crests ridge and landscape beyond is blasted rock, pock-marked from impacts, clouds of corrosive gas drifting over it, flames spurting from cracks, surrounding a great peak cloven as if by a huge axe, the chasm lit by the lava lake boiling within it. Damned souls climb the sides on fingers scraped and burned raw, only to be plucked from the rocks and hurled back into the fire by a great, scaly Demon with huge horns, tattered, bat-like wings, four arms and a whip covered in red-hot spikes.

Man sits bolt upright and screams.

Demon says: "Don't worry! Don't worry. Nothing to do with you, that. Not your problem. You're not going there."

Man turns to stare at Demon.

Demon explains: "That's the American Evangelicals."

Demon tells him: "We put it in specially for them. They insisted!"

[froppy-butterflyfan2000]

Who is ivy and what is she like?

Oh! Ivy. She is the daughter of Nigel Thrall and Rose from American Dragon: Jake Long. In the Lunaverse, Rose and Nigel are together, after Jake and Rose broke up out of mutual terms. Rose is hunting down dragon slayers across the globe, while Nigel works in an office in a Magic Ministry for wizards that the World Dragons contacted occasionall, and still help Jake Long from time to time. Ivy try to please her father even through he spend his time working in his office at home or at works. He spend time with his wife. But he does spend time with her, but to disciplined her. He hope that she would become a perfect in his image and follows or at least make a legacy to make the Thrall's name be well-known and proud of. Nigel is protective of Ivy as he lost his other daughter a long time ago. Nigel would sometime have heartfelt moments with her likes take her to an aquarium and camping. I am going to give an king explanation on Ivy Layla Thrall. I am going to warns you, my answer may contain spoilers of @princess-lunalu’s A New Phoenix Rising about Ivy, if she will be introduce in the series though. I do not know when she appear and which chapters she will be in. You have been warn.

Ivy is @princess-lunalu’s Blossom Utonium (PPG) x AJ (Fairly OddParents)’s first daughter, Bea Grey’s friend and a member of Bea’s Liberty League, @princess-lunalu’s Blossom Utonium (PPG) x AJ (Fairly OddParents)’s twin daughter, Destiny Grey’s former mentor in magic, a pupil to @animeclub78’s fanchild of Amity Blight x Luz Noceda x Willow Park (The Owl House), Kinoko Noceda in Plant Magic (preferably the poisonous and predatory plants to expand her usage in Plant Magic, with the exception of Glyph Magic), and @princess-lunalu’s Wonder Woman (DC: Super Hero Girls) and Thor (Marvel)’s daughter, Stella Thorsdottir’s girlfriend. She is also a part of a coven where she interacts with fellow witches in meetings, sabbaths, and in rituals.

She is a magic user, whose prefers to be identify as a witch, rather than a wizard. However she does use wizard’s spells taught by her dad (such as levitating objects and turning stones into gems). Ivy does use her magic to punish bullies. Ivy prefers using Plant Magic, and dabble in dark magic before. Ivy prefers using necrobotany when using dark magic and made a contract with an Earth Underworldian Plant Demon named Willow. Ivy recently learn more about glyph magic from one of the magic teachers in Phoenix Academy, Marcy Boonchuy and Luz Noceda, Kinoko’s mother. Ivy rely on The Green for help, because her magical power alone is not strong enough. Her Plant Magic can thrive in forest. Although, Ivy have been avoiding going to forests for now because of her fear of what is in the forest that is not suppose to be apart of after her traumatic experience of a camp fire incident at Camp Green Lake (cannot tell you further details because it is massive spoilers). Not only that, as a witch, she rely on the faith of higher beings, and she pick The Asgardians. Though some of the gods do not trust her because she is a witch who dabble in dark magic, and because of the Asgardians’ bad blood toward Amora the Enchantress. Which was why Ivy had a rocky and tense start when meeting Stella’s father, Thor. Eventually, he soften up, seeing that Ivy is a good person and cares about Stella’s emotions, and learn the reasons why Stella love Ivy. Other than Plant Magic, Ivy use fireballs spell, create and manipulate portals, use summoning magic, healing magic, potion-making, and bubble Magic. She is even taking up alchemy to expand necrobotany. Her stamina used to be bad and mana drains fast as a result, now her stamina improves. Ivy still have controls over her magic but have less powers, but when stressed, tremendous powers appear.

Ivy can make curries, so far she can make Toast Curry and Sausage Curry. Stella loves eating her Toast Curry.

Since her father taught her magic at a young age, her mother, Rose taught her acrobatic, hand-to-hand combat, and swordsmanship (which she develops at The Themyscira summer camp when she was in an 11th grader, and still honing her swordsmanship with her mom).

Ivy and Bea are best friend from Phoenix Academy for 10 years. They used to go trick-or-treating, hangs out eating noodles at Goh-Rong, having a shopping spree, and going to the spa. Ivy understands that Bea been overwhelm as she try to be the perfect image Blossom wanted and watch as Bea gave up her favorite extra curriculum activities as she barely have free time after giving up her free times which she does not like, until the point she have a mental breakdown. She was always there for her and comfort her. Bea slowly becoming better and changes for the better as she began to bleach and cutted her hair, and gave up a few things Ivy and Bea used to loves to do. But she accepts that…. Because she will do anything for her best friend, even if it means sacrificing her own feelings, self-worth, her reputation and career for Bea, her causes, and Bea’s family. Ivy hide her sadness well, never wanting to bumming Bea out. Making her a valuable asset for Bea and Headmistress Blossom. That is only Ivy’s perspective, my interpretation for her after doing a roleplay with a few members of The Lunaverse Squad on Discord. Please do not bash my friends by sending hate asks, I really do appreciates it. Please do not attack them. It just that Ivy being pressure by others would give her mixed feelings. In their (Bea’s and Blossom’s) perspective, they see her as a trusted ally since Ivy know about Destiny’s secret lineage from her second father. I do hope one day Ivy will explains to Bea and Headmistress Blossom her feelings.

Ivy taught Destiny how to fly on a broom (before Destiny learn how to controls her demon transformation and portal manipulation), finding glyphs, knowledge on the Ley Lines, giving her Latin lessons, potion-making, lesson on familiars, magic detection, a bit of plant magic, summoning magic such as demon summoning and bringing artworks to life. Though, most of the lessons Destiny is given are pointless because Destiny became more powerful and is consider a sorceress because Destiny self-taught herself, thus she is now a sorceress. This cause Ivy to change her lessons multiple times to the point, Destiny doesn’t need her help at all (especially when Destiny have Raven Roth as her mentor and Destiny having a talking and knowledgeable grimoire). A witch teaching her apprentice who wants to be a sorceress is becoming one already. Ivy is also jealous toward Bea’s little sister. After all, sorceresses are more powerful than witches according to the magic class system. It did not stop her from continue her teaching at the end of her mentorship. All Ivy ever wanted was… An apprentice who value her mentor’s teaching and use the skills and knowledges she earn. And after the explosion incident in Phoenix Academy caused by Mammoth, Ivy is bound on a wheelchair, after losing a leg, she stopped teaching Destiny because Destiny wanted Ivy to recover from her injuries after rescuing students that were under the rubbles and undergoes rehabilitation while continuing her education so she won’t repeat and unable to graduate with her friends and girlfriend. So it was all for nothing. Ivy hide this sadness not wanting to make Destiny feels bad. Despite Ivy beating herself for not being the mentor Destiny wanted her to be, she comforts Destiny with her religion struggles, and had done researches on Shinto, kami offerings, the prayers, and rituals to perform for Destiny. She made sure Bea help her little sister, Destiny. I do wanted her to suggest to Destiny to visit Tsunami Grand Shrine of America and the Shinto Shrine in Townsville, or make a kamidana. The purification rituals Destiny perform can purify the evilness within her so she can get better controls of herself being a cambion. That way, she won’t attack her love ones and defend the weaks. Not just that, she can contact kami, divine spirits to guide her when using magic detection.

Okay, I should not be talking about Destiny, it is all about Ivy, even though I am explaining Ivy’s relationship to Destiny as her former mentor, and how she make an impact in Destiny’s life. Anyway… Ivy is a rescuer in The Liberty League, using her portal manipulation/spatial magic and as a healer using her healing magic. Ivy works on the garden in The Liberty League HQ, growing healing herbs and plants use for potions. (She have a green thumb after all. She have a rose garden and a foxglove garden at The Thrall Residence). She desire to be in the frontline more than the backline. However because she is now a wheelchair bound hero, there are people who are worry for her safety.

I hope I answers your question anon. Thanks you for sending me this ask. I really appreciated. Here are artworks of Ivy before she is wheelchair bound. Each made by wonderful artist. First artwork is made by the fabulous @laylaylamode and the second artwork is made by the stunning @princess-lunalu.

[18thvariation]

2022 annual review

What can I say... except that I’m feeling defeated amidst the storm of eugenic gaslighting and COVID minimization constantly swirling around us. It is a dark time to be in public health, but it’s even more devastating when your own field turns against its own alleged values. To those still holding the line and speaking our truths, I echo your defiance.

I’ll continue to show up day after day and do my best.

Notable Happenings

Long-awaited reunion with Quag - skating in North Van

Monkeypox vaccine campaign

J+K wedding in Tofino (Wickaninnish Beach)

Expanding my teaching practice :) 

Camping with Lady @ Sproat Lake

Norcal trip: Monterey, Big Sur, Napa/Sonoma, San Francisco

Highlights: McWay sunset, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Asian Art Museum, Legion of Honor

Influenza vaccination campaign

Adopting Goose! (@thecutestgoose)

Books that influenced me:

What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma (Foo, Stephanie)

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent (Wilkerson, Isabel)

Border and Rule: Global Migration, Capitalism, and the Rise of Racist Nationalism (Walia, Harsha)

All the Living and the Dead: From Embalmers to Executioners, an Exploration of the People Who Have Made Death Their Life's Work (Campbell, Hayley)

All That Moves Us: A Pediatric Neurosurgeon, His Young Patients, and Their Stories of Grace and Resilience (Wellons, Jay)

The Inevitable: Dispatches on the Right to Die (Engelhart, Katie)

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory (Doughty, Caitlin)

Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival & Hope in an American City (Elliot, Andrea)

On Fire: The Burning Case for a Green New Deal (Klein, Naomi)

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowkedge, and the Teachings of Plants (Kimmerer, Robin Wall)

No Is Not Enough: Resisting Trump’s Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need (Klein, Naomi)

The Emergency: A Year of Healing and Heartbreak in a Chicago ER (Fisher, Thomas)

Dear Life: A Doctor’s Story of Love and Loss (Clarke, Rachel)

The Vaccine Race: Science, Politics, and the Human Costs of Defeating Disease (Wadman, Meredith)

The Facemaker: One Surgeon's Battle to Mend the Disfigured Soldiers of World War I (Fitzharris, Lindsey)

A Good Time to be Born: How Science and Public Health Gave Children a Future (Klass, Perri)

The Magical Language of Others (Koh, E.J.)

Chinatown Pretty: Fashion and Wisdom from Chinatown’s Most Stylish Seniors (Lo, Andria)

Favourite Movies/TV series

SPY x FAMILY

Crash Landing on You

Twenty-Five Twenty-One

Hospital Playlist

The Farewell

Favourite foodie experiences

Brasserie Coquette (Kitsilano)

Sushi Time (Kerrisdale)

MELLO (Kerrisdale)

Esteban (Monterey, CA)

Palette Tea House (San Francisco, CA)

California Fish Market (San Francisco, CA)

[ohhkaty]

Record collecting is an expensive hobby but it also honestly brings me so much joy. There’s still so much I want to buy and will buy (tbh) but I keep going to record sales and not remembering what I own and almost buying doubles of the same album, so that’s why this list exists. But I also saw folks publishing their lists earlier and I love seeing what people have in their collections (truly I’d love to see yours if you wanted to post it!) If you ever want to talk records or music I’m your gal ♡ 

A Abba - Super Trouper - Voulez Vous - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 The Animals - The Best Of The Animals Arcade fire - Everything Now Arlo Parks - Collapsed In Sunbeams Aqua - Aquarium

B Bleachers  - Bleachers MTV Unplugged  - Take the sadness out of Saturday night  Beyonce - Lemonade - Renaissance Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever  Barenaked ladies  - Original Hits  Bo Burnham - Inside  Bob Seger - Stranger In Town Billy Joel - 52 Street - The Stranger - Glass Houses - An Innocent Man The Beatles - Help - Yesterday and Today - Abbey Road  - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

C Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated - The Loneliest Time Cat Stevens -Tea for the Tillerman Creedence Clearwater Revival - Chronicle Vol. 1 Cheap Trick - At Budokan

D Dirty Honey  - Dirty Honey Dodie  - build a problem  Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia  Dee Gees - Hail Satin  David Bowie - Legacy (The Very Best Of David Bowie) Dolly Parton  - Greatest Hits  Diana Ross - Swept Away - Summer 

E Elvis Presley  - The Essential Elvis  Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong - Ella and Louis  Etta James  - At Last  Edith Piaf  - The great Edith Piaf  Elton John - Greatest Hits  - Greatest Hits Vol. 2  - Captain Fantastic  - Honky Château  - Here and There 

F Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes  Florence and the Machine  - Lungs  - Dance Fever  Frank Ocean  - Channel Orange (yes this is a boot) Fun  - Some Nights  Fleetwood Mac - Rumours - Tango In The Night - The Dance

G Greta Van Fleet  - From the Fires  - Anthem of the Peaceful Army  - The Battle at Garden’s Gate  George Ezra  - Gold rush kid  Grateful Dead  - American beauty Genesis  - Invisible touch  The Guess Who - The Best Of The Guess Who 

H Haim - Forever EP - Days Are Gone - Something To Tell You - Women in Music III Harry Styles - Harry Styles  - Fine Line - Harry’s House Hozier - Hozier - Wasteland, Baby! Hall & Oates - Rock 'n Soul Part 1

J Jill Barber - Chances Jeff Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra - The Capitol Studios Sessions Jeff Lynne’s ELO - Alone In The Universe Joni Mitchell - Blue Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced Janis Joplin - Greatest Hits - Pearl Jefferson Airplane -Surrealistic Pillow Jethro Tull - Stand Up Janet Jackson - Control 

K Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour - Star-Crossed  Khruangbin and Leon Bridges - Texas Sun - Texas Moon Kate bush - Hounds Of Love Kansas - Leftoverture

L Lorde - Melodrama - Solar Power The Lumineers - The Lumineers - Cleopatra Lizzo -Coconut Oil - Cuz I Love You Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Lana Del Rey - Born To Die Led Zeppelin - In Through The Out Door 

M Maggie Rogers - Surrender Mother Mother - Dance And Cry Mumford and Sons - Wilder Mind Mika - Life In Cartoon Motion Matty Matheson - A Cookbook (yes this is a real cookbook, it comes with a zine!) Marina And The Diamonds -Electra Heart Minnie Riperton - Les Fleurs: The Minnie Riperton Anthology Meatloaf - Bat Out Of Hell Mr mister - Welcome To The Real World 

N Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats - Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats The National - Boxer Nico - Chelsea Girl Neil Young - Harvest Moon Neil Diamond - Live At The Troubadour 

O Orville Peck - Pony - Show Pony Orla Gartland - Women on the Internet Olivia Rodrigo  - Sour 

P Phoebe Bridgers - Stranger in the Alps  Paramore  - After Laughter  Prince - Purple rain  The Mamas & the Papas - The Papas & the Mamas The Police - Zenyatta Mondatta Paul Simon - There Goes Rhyming Simon - Graceland  Pat Benatar - Crimes of Passions 

Q Queen - Greatest Hits

R The Regrettes - Feel Your Feelings Fool - How Do You Love - Further Joy Ramones  - Ramones 

S The Sheepdogs  - Live At Lees  Spice Girls  - Spice  The Strokes  - Angles 

The Struts  - Strange Days 

Silk Sonic  - An Evening with Silk Sonic 

Simon and Garfunkel  - Bridge Over Troubled Water 

T Taylor swift  - Lover  - Folklore  - Evermore  - Midnights  Trixie Mattel  - Two Birds/One Stone - Barbara  Twin shadow  - Eclipse  - Twin Shadow Tears for fears  - Songs From The Big Chair  Toto - Toto IV Toronto  - Get It On Credit  Talking Heads  - Remain in light 

W Whitney Houston - Whitney  - Whitney Houston 

Y Yola - Walk Through The Fire - Stand For Myself Years and Years - Palo Santo

Z The Zombies - Odessey and Oracle - Oddities and Orcales  

123 The 1975 - The 1975 - Being Funny In A Foreign Language

Movie Soundtracks - Labyrinth - The Virgin Suicides - Eternal Sunshine of - School Of Rock - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Promising Young Women - Josie and the Pussycats  - Almost Famous -Rocky Horror Picture Show - Up - Space Jam  - Little Shop of Horrors  - Grease - Saturday Night Fever - Xanadu  - Ghostbusters - St. Elmo’s Fire

Television Soundtracks - The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - Stranger Things Vol 1/2 - Stranger Things Vol 3 - Euphoria Season 2 - Steven Universe 

Musicals - In the Heights - Hair

[portfolio400]

Land based learning

I am incredibly lucky to be living in British Columbia where there is so much natural beauty to enjoy. At the same time, I am also aware of my privileges. Despite the Indigenous people being on the land first, they now struggle from the effects of colonization. Their natural resources are either exploited or in ecological fraught. For example, in Susan Nerberg’s Canadian Geographic article “I am Mutehekau Shipu: A river’s journey to personhood in eastern Quebec”, the Innu people lobbied for the personhood of the river in order to protect it and maintain its ecological integrity (2022). Closer to home, the Trans Mountain pipeline continues to bring concern to the Indigenous people in the area. 

I should clarify that I am privileged because when events such as a pipeline spill or forest fire occur, I feel the effects of it less keenly than the people who live near Jacko Lake. They face the threat of an important cultural site’s destruction. However, the lack of direct consequence on my well-being should not be an excuse to remain ignorant. In fact, because I have that privilege, I should be more proactive in learning and teaching about the importance of protecting our natural habitat. But it is difficult. David Chang points out the importance of eco-based education. The 2010 documentary Schooling the World does as well. They take two different, but similar stances on it: Chang on how education is the key to eco-justice, and Schooling the World on how our Western style education system lacks in land based learning. In Schooling the World, the Ladhaki women talk about how their children no longer know how to survive off of the land. Helena Norberg-Hodge echoes the sentiment that “traditional forms of knowledge fostered sustainability” (12:54). 

To cut to the heart of it, I agree with Chang. Eco-based education could be the key to getting more people to care about the land while also incorporating more traditional practices from not only our Indigenous cultures here in British Columbia, but from cultures around the world like the Ladhaki and the Khasi people. Then it not only becomes a way for me, as an educator, to include land-based learning, but also diversity and decolonisation. 

It requires a shift to practicing being outdoors as well. During Exploration C, I visited East Kensington. It is an outdoor learning choice school. The students go outside regardless of the weather. Furthermore, I also joined two classes on their outdoors afternoon walk, where they learned about trees through touch and play. Some people might question what the purpose of the activity was. I argue that it fosters a sense of connection with the land while also fulfilling a possible science requirement (the interaction with the forest trees, seeing the different types and growths present). A sense of connection with a person, place, or thing is invaluable in creating empathy and feeling of responsibility for it. 

I would also love to incorporate something like Exploration A in the classroom and invite students to visit a favourite outdoor spot and do activities in it. Exploration A was one of my favourite things to do throughout the semester because it further strengthened my relationship with the land while also teaching me. 

Then there are the usual things: field trips to the aquarium, to salmon hatcheries, to the biodome in Queen Elizabeth Park. They are equally valuable learning opportunities, but require more planning and are less every day. I want to be able to incorporate some form of outdoor learning at least once a week. Chang talks about how “most North Americans spends over 90 percent of their lives indoors” and it results in “a kind of estrangement and alienation from the more-than-human-world”. How can we being to care about something we rarely see? When I was younger, I loved playing outside. My friends and I would ride our bikes everywhere and catch frogs in the pond by our houses. I would be perpetually tan all the way from spring to summer to fall. I still love nature and being outdoors today, but find myself more inclined to stay indoors. Modern technology and the rainy Pacific Northwest climate means there are often less incentives for me to go outside.  Kids nowadays still like going outside, but there is definitely more of a disconnect as technology prevails. I wonder if there is a way to reconcile technology and the outdoors. Is it by watching nature documentaries? Or creating games that become a hybrid of using technology normally implemented indoors with the outdoors? Whatever the method is, I want to be able to impart some of that same childhood love of nature I had in my future students.

Yukon Path’s podcast Episode 7 about land-based learning was eye-opening too. The land-based learning they are doing works well for the Indigenous students where they have previously been unsuccessful in a classroom. Much of it is experiential learning, like the application of levers to lift up a wall tent is physics in action, but not framed as such. It is a departure from the more traditional study of theory that happens in Western style classrooms. It has practical application while fulfilling requirements, something which I would love to be able to do more of. 

I am hopeful that the current shift towards land-based learning will lead towards a decolonization of our current world view in future generations. At the heart of it everything is our Earth. Even if land-based learning is happening because of the impending climate change crisis and our natural resources slowly depleting, at least that (hopefully) means we will start a trend towards sustainability. Even better if it means more cooperation with the Indigenous people, who have been caring for this land for centuries before the advent of Western civilization. I hope that by bringing more land-based learning into the classroom, I can also integrate things like the First Peoples Principles of Learning at the same time and finding a method of learning that can be beneficial to students who have had less luck with other ways of learning.

[whatisonthemoon]

The Graying of Richard Viguerie (1989)

By Lloyd Grove The Washington Post June 29, 1989

There is absolutely no shortage of money for your organization. There is only a shortage of creative ideas to raise that money. -- a framed epigram hanging on a wall at the Viguerie Co.

All is calm in the blue-carpeted anteroom of the Viguerie Co. in Falls Church. A few wan fish, the color of old newspapers, hang suspended in the greenish fluid of a decorative aquarium. A receptionist quietly shuffles papers under the gaze of a larger-than-life oil rendering of the figure once celebrated as "the Wizard of Direct-Mail Fund-Raising" for the movement once called "the New Right."

When he finally appears in the flesh, however, blinking through wire-rims and grinning a fragile grin, the Wizard bears a closer resemblance to the man behind the curtain.

"If the truth were known, I'm getting tired," says Richard Art Viguerie, 55, running his hand over a balding pate ringed with gray. "If I had to do it another 25 years, I'd do it. But it's not my druthers."

The afternoon turns to dusk as Viguerie holds forth in his new headquarters, where the phones are finally working after being out of order for half the previous week. His suite is a floor below the old one and half the size -- "a more efficient use of space," he says -- in what was once the Viguerie-owned office building on Leesburg Pike, where once he employed 300 people, compared with about 50 today. One side of his private office is cluttered with unpacked boxes, the big move having been completed a few days before. He refuses to pose with the boxes for a picture. "People wouldn't understand," he says, keeping his distance.

Desperately in debt in October 1987, he sold the building for a reported $10 million to the Rev. Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church -- a transaction he describes as a fire sale. "The area was depressed," he complains. "If we could have held on to it a few more years, we could have done a lot better." The Moon-supported American Freedom Coalition, which touts itself as a "bipartisan" lobby, is among Viguerie's principal clients these days.

Viguerie's alliance with the mysterious South Korean "messiah" who aspires to "the natural subjugation of the American government and population," as quoted recently in U.S. News & World Report, is a source of concern to some of his former comrades in arms. "If Richard's come to peace with it, then it's fine for him," says Executive Director Edwin J. Feulner of the Heritage Foundation, a self-described "movement conservative" who worries that Moon might have an unsavory hidden agenda. "It's not our way of doing business."

The '80s, which began with such bright promise -- indeed, with the election of Ronald Wilson Reagan -- have not been kind to Viguerie or his cause. Somewhere, somehow, something went wrong. The Reagan Revolution, which was supposed to have empowered the conservative dream, gave way to the era of George Herbert Walker Bush, the embodiment of non-ideological, establishment Republicanism. During the 1988 presidential campaign Bush dismissed Viguerie as "fringe," and once said pointedly, "I'm a conservative but I'm not a nut about it." (Notwithstanding this hostility, Viguerie found himself supporting Bush -- something he could not have foreseen in his wildest nightmares.)

Meanwhile, back at the fringe, such onetime powerhouses as the National Conservative Political Action Committee went belly up. Elements of the Christian right were beset by scandal and plunging donations. The Moral Majority more recently closed its doors, and Viguerie became entangled in lawsuits with former associates while suffering a series of financial, political, and personal reverses--such as the breakup of his marriage--from which he is still trying to recover. He seems at sea, like the movement he helped create.

"I don't want to talk about it, quite frankly," Viguerie says testily. "I literally have been up since 4 this morning and 5-something yesterday. ... It's been a long day, and I've got a thousand things on my mind."

Yet because Viguerie in person is the soul of geniality, just as his rhetoric is harsh and unforgiving, he ultimately relents. Soon he is giggling his trademark giggle, which is somewhere between a cackle and a squeal, as he talks about his plans to withdraw from active control of the Viguerie Co. and move into direct mail for credit cards, life insurance, "whatever it might be" -- conjuring up the image of a burned-out ideological warrior hawking magazines for Publishers' Clearing House and cash prizes to the visitors of far-flung time-share developments.

"Need name for new company," he has scrawled on a pad. He also hopes to build his fledgling political action committee, United Conservatives of America, start a small foundation to contemplate public policy and another one to lobby politicians and pundits, and, most important, discover some creative idea, any idea, that can "resurrect the conservative movement."

"I was telling a friend of mine recently, 'Yes, we're out of the woods and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel,'" Viguerie says with a giggle. "And like a wise guy, he said, 'Look out. It may be a train.'"

"The simple truth is that there is a new majority in America -- and it's being led by the New Right," Viguerie wrote in his gloating manifesto, "The New Right: We're Ready to Lead."

At the time, just after the 1980 election, there appeared to be much to gloat about. Reagan -- "the country's foremost conservative politician since 1966," Viguerie wrote -- was in the White House, having humiliated Jimmy Carter in a landslide. The Senate was suddenly in Republican hands for the first time in 26 years. All was right with the world.

"It has been obvious for a long time that conservatism is rising and liberalism is declining," Viguerie wrote, confidently predicting a revolution. "Despite all the talk in the media about 'trends,' 'cliffhangers,' and 'last-minute shifts,' the plain truth is that more and more Americans are sick of liberalism -- and aren't afraid to say so."

Yet somewhere in this glorious triumph for Viguerie and the New Right were the seeds of ... deep doo-doo. Howard Phillips of the Conservative Caucus, today one of Viguerie's 20-odd direct-mail clients, recalls that Reagan's victory served not to energize but to "lobotomize" the faithful.

They had helped him into office on a tide of resentment and opposition -- to abortion rights, gun control, the Evil Empire, taxes, the Panama Canal treaties, the Washington establishment, Iran -- and passionate support for such sacred principles as supply-side economics and prayer in school. But they hardly noticed when the Gipper inevitably sinned, raising payroll taxes, selling missiles to Iran and embracing the Soviet Union.

"The lobotomy occurs when you look at an apple and say it's an elephant," Phillips says. "When you're so much in love that policies that would have angered you if implemented by a Jimmy Carter simply delight you when implemented by a Ronald Reagan."

Worse still, the money was drying up -- or rather, the cash that would have gone to New Right causes, according to Phillips, "was being transferred into the coffers of various Republican Party organizations."

Viguerie, who had grown rich on the spoils of fundraising for groups well outside the Republican mainstream (at one point George Wallace was among his clients), quickly felt the pinch. His relations with the Grand Old Party had long been strained - he'd tried and failed in 1976 to become the American Independent Party's vice-presidential nominee - and now he was once again on the outs.

"He was irrelevant eight months into Reagan's first term," claims a Bush administration political operative. When Viguerie, Phillips, and others began pointing out Reagan's apostasies - a campaign that reached its climax in December 1987 when Phillips branded Reagan a "useful idiot" for negotiating sweeping arms reductions with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev - few conservatives seemed to be listening.

"Viguerie's in the discontent business," says William F. Buckley Jr., the conservatives' paterfamilias. "He found it very hard to say favorable things about Reagan. But there was a sense in which when Reagan was president - and for so long as he was president - a lot of conservatives figured that nothing could go seriously wrong. When someone like that becomes president, a whole audience tunes out."

Some of Viguerie's problems, admittedly, have been of his own making, such as his quixotic and financially draining race for lieutenant governor of Virginia in 1984. The following year he was forced to part with Conservative Digest, a glossy magazine he founded in the mid-1970s that lost $4 million. Then there were the hazards of the direct-mail fundraising industry that Viguerie virtually invented - only to see several former employees go into direct competition with him for ever-smaller pieces of the ideological pie.

"I don't run a business," Viguerie has said, "I run a university." Republican political consultant David Keene notes that Viguerie, who pioneered the use of direct-mail computer systems that were as expensive when he bought them as they are obsolete today, is at a distinct disadvantage in the marketplace against his microchip-savvy protégés. "It's a little bit like a Japanese shipyard trying to compete against a Korean shipyard," Keene says.

Viguerie is loath to discuss the acrimonious divorce proceedings between him and his wife of 27 years, Elaine, and then only off the record. He hardly speaks to fellow activist Paul Weyrich, with whom he has been engaged in a legal skirmish over contested bills, one of several Viguerie has fought against former associates in recent years.

Journalist Alan Crawford, who did much for Viguerie's reputation as a wizard in his 1980 book "Thunder on the Right," was recently moved, in the Nation magazine, to write his political obituary. "And the movement shows every indication that it can sputter along without him," Crawford wrote.

"What you're seeing is somebody who has had tough experiences and he's learned from them," Viguerie says. "It's up to others to evaluate, but I'd like to think it hasn't been for naught. You never know how a person's going to react until they've had problems. ... It's not how you drop, it's how you bounce."

He has sold his estate in McLean, where he used to throw glittering dinner parties under heated tents in his expansive backyard, and decamped to a farm in Rappahannock County, Va., an hour down the highway from Falls Church. "I try to be a gentleman about the whole thing and just sit back and watch the grass grow," he says. "These days there's a lot of it, with all the rain. ... I'm spending a fair amount of time conceptualizing what I want to do with the rest of my life." He has given up his annual Fourth of July festivities that featured horse-drawn carriages to transport his guests.

And he has abandoned the New Right, at least as a nom de guerre. "That's passé," he says. "Now we call ourselves the Movement, in shorthand terms. When we talk we say, 'We've got to get the Movement back on track.'"

As the Bush administration goes its merry way, with the president enjoying high popularity ratings, Viguerie has been busying himself sending out press releases. They are datelined "Washington, D.C.," cast in wire service style, and mailed and faxed from Northern Virginia to about 40 news outlets under the banner of United Conservatives of America. They've gone largely ignored in what he calls "the establishment media," but they offer compelling documentation of his quest for the Grail -- a single powerful theme that will rejuvenate the cause.

"Populist conservatives expect that {the proposed 51 percent congressional pay raise} will be the No. 1 issue in the 1990 congressional elections," Viguerie wrote on Feb. 1, a week before the House of Representatives voted it down and removed it from public discussion. "Conservatives plan to make the 'Imperial Congress' THE issue of the 1990 congressional election," Viguerie wrote on March 22. More than a few subsequent releases demanded that House Speaker Jim Wright resign, an issue that evaporated when Wright did just that. "Oliver North deserves a medal, not a prison sentence, Richard A. Viguerie said today," begins a release dated May 4.

"This conviction will be remembered as one of the great travesties of justice in human history," he said.

"Once again, the Panama Canal is an issue that could change the course of American politics," Viguerie wrote, perhaps sentimentally, on May 17. (It was opposition to Carter's Panama Canal treaties that put the New Right on the map and paved the way for Reagan's election.) Viguerie's release of May 24 attempts to create a stirring synergy: "'The injustice that has been done to Ollie North is but one glaring example of the tyranny of the liberal-controlled Congress,' Viguerie said." By the next day, he has found yet another horse to ride. "President Bush has 'the historic opportunity to become the leader of freedom-loving people throughout the world,' Richard A. Viguerie said today. 'But he is blowing it.'" This, when Bush was being widely celebrated for his "triumph" at NATO. "World events are rapidly spinning out of control," Viguerie added.

Through it all, Viguerie makes promises of "immediate" and "massive" direct-mail, telephone, radio, and television campaigns -- which so far have failed to materialize. He launched United Conservatives of America last summer and in March hired an organizer of Pat Robertson's presidential campaign, Guy Rodgers, as the group's executive director and sole paid employee. Rodgers estimates that the PAC has sent out more than 300,000 pieces of mail, including 150,000 bumper stickers reading "Jim's not Wright for America" and contributed a total of $6,000 to about 30 candidates. "It's a very low-key operation," Viguerie says.

Conservative analyst Kevin Phillips, no relation to Howard, calls it "a paper organization." He adds: "What Viguerie would like, of course, is to have a liberal Democratic president." "Oh no," Viguerie responds, shaking his head. But then he muses, "If you could have the benefit of knowing what would happen, and if you could make that choice, yes. It helped immensely to advance the conservative cause to have Jimmy Carter in the White House."

It's a far cry from the good old days. "This is literally a true story," Viguerie says, replaying one of the set pieces from his public reminiscences. "When I was 10 and 12 years old, and the neighborhood kids were running around playing cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, I was shooting -- in my head -- communists. Where that came from, I don't know." Viguerie grew up, the son of a union man turned petrochemical executive, in Pasadena, Tex. He assumed the mantle of conservatism early on, and in 1952 was even a Taft Republican. By the late 1950s, he was an activist in Young Americans for Freedom, the conservative juggernaut launched from the Buckley family's Connecticut compound.

For Viguerie, the good old days began in earnest with Watergate. As Richard Nixon self-destructed, Viguerie, Weyrich, Howard Phillips, and others plotted their revolution over breakfast, lunch, and dinner. "Figuratively speaking, we all got together and we walked to the front of the plane," Viguerie says. "We didn't like the way the plane was being flown. We wanted to give some recommendations as to how to fly the plane. So we opened the cockpit door and, lo and behold, what do we find? Nobody's home! Nobody's flying the plane."

If this was a hijacking attempt, it was followed by a tailspin. "What happened with Watergate," Viguerie says, "is that it purged a lot of the Republican leaders. A lot of good men and women went down to defeat. The Republican Party was bereft of leadership, and that which was left was disillusioned and discouraged."

In other words, the perfect environment for the ascension of the New Right. "It gave us an opportunity to come in and help fly the plane," Viguerie says.

There was some turbulence along the way. Viguerie worked for the defeat of Nixon's successor, Gerald Ford, an establishment-Republican purveyor of compromise and conciliation. He thrived under Jimmy Carter, his direct-mail empire growing by leaps and bounds. Eventually Ronald Reagan got hold of the joystick.

"He wasn't all we wanted, and he wasn't everything the left was afraid he would be," Viguerie says with a sigh. "The Republican Party -- where is it? What an opportunity to decimate the Democrats! To do for the Republicans what FDR did for the Democrats -- to set up the machinery of the political process so that those who share your views would govern for 40, 50 years. But Reagan didn't think like that."

Today, Viguerie finds reason to stand up and cheer for House Minority Whip Newt Gingrich of Georgia, Republican National Committee Chairman Lee Atwater "and the crew." But he gives the raspberry to such establishmentarians as House Minority Leader Bob Michel of Illinois and Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole of Kansas, who have expressed discomfort with Atwater's divisive tactics.

"Establishment Republicans," Viguerie spits out. "They have never met an issue yet that they weren't terrified of. What they remind me of is the old segregationists. The old segregationists said, 'Don't get me wrong. Some of my best friends are black. I like blacks. It's these new young radicals that make me nervous -- i.e., those that are going to change the system. Uncle Tom I like. He's safe.' "

Likewise, according to Viguerie, the establishment Republicans say, "Don't get me wrong. I like conservatives. Some of them are my best friends. It's these new young radicals that make me nervous." Following this novel analogy to its logical conclusion, Viguerie is the moral equivalent of Martin Luther King -- while Atwater might be a stand-in for Stokely Carmichael.

"Every time America is polarized ideologically, we do not automatically win," Viguerie says. "But the only time we win is when there is a sharp ideological difference." His goal, he says, is to harness the themes that will "divide the country ideologically."

On the walls of his suite are pictures of Viguerie embracing James Watt, and Viguerie sharing smiles with Jesse Helms and David Stockman. "There was almost a revolution around here about putting that Stockman picture back up," Viguerie says, rolling his eyes at the conservatives' Benedict Arnold.

But Viguerie fiercely defends his association with the American Freedom Coalition and Moon's minions. "Their religion is not my religion," says Viguerie, a Catholic, "but I have found them to be good, decent people who are strongly anticommunist. I don't see any reason why not to work with them. These people are putting major, monumental dollars into trying to alert the world to the dangers of communism. I think that we are in serious danger of losing our freedoms to communism. I don't know of anybody else that spends that type of money to get the conservative message out there. We're a movement that's in bad shape."

Meanwhile, he says, "the left works with truly radical, revolutionary, bad people. You know, Playboy magazine, all kinds of pornographic publications, doing things that are highly destructive and immoral. They will be funded by organizations that get their funds from trading with the Soviet Union, people who are heavily into promoting the drug culture, the whole Hollywood scene." But, he says, concluding his tirade, "the establishment protects the left."

It's a half-hearted tirade at best. Soon Viguerie is on to other subjects. "I guess what I'm saying is that we have some growth plans and I am looking to find someone else to run the company," he says. "There's not a search committee on right now, but I am moving in that direction. What I don't mind saying is that I'm moving toward playing less and less of a role in the company, and more and more of a role in public policy."

"As he should well know, that's a pretty crowded field," says the Heritage Foundation's Feulner. "Just as Ed Feulner would not find it easy to become a master of direct mail, I think it would be hard for Richard to get out of direct mail and move into think tanks. I would hate to lose Richard's considerable ability in the direct-mail area. But if he has been so burned out that he wants to turn over that part of the business to other people, then that's his decision."

Outside Viguerie's office window, thunderclouds are forming. The Wizard seems uncharacteristically muted. "Maybe I can take comfort in the fact that few people have accomplished much who haven't had to overcome this adversity or that adversity," he says. "And it's not the fact that you've had problems. It's hard to think of anybody who really accomplished much who didn't. It's how you dealt with those problems, and how you came back."

If the Movement is wandering, is Richard Viguerie mellowing? "Why would you say that? You didn't choose a bad word," he says. "I burn with the same passion I always have, I work as hard as I ever have, but there's a certain mellowing, perhaps, that comes with age."

*The internet version of this article had no paragraphs and a number of formatting errors. The formatting, including the paragraphing, used here is not the original formatting. The picture included here was not in the original article.

[davisroofingrestorationllc]

Powell OH Is a Great Place to Live

With Columbus only a half-hour away, Powell OH is a great place to live. It is a vibrant community that offers all of the modern amenities you need while also maintaining its small-town roots. It is home to a variety of shopping and dining options in both the city and downtown, as well as a local winery and brewery!

For a relaxing day out, visit Olentangy Caverns, located just eight minutes from Powell. These caverns are millions of years old and were formed by a river cutting through limestone rock. They are a must-see for anyone interested in history, or just looking for a peaceful place to spend the day!

Whether you're in the mood for Italian food or something more American, there is plenty of dining options to choose from in Powell. Vittoria, one of the city's most popular restaurants, serves up a wide range of traditional Italian dishes with an updated twist. Their chefs are renowned for their creativity and attention to detail, and the ambiance is second-to-none!

For those who enjoy trying new wines, you'll love this local business. This winery is owned and operated by a family who loves the area. The Waldron family opened the winery in 2011 and has been making wines in Powell ever since. It's a fun place to spend an afternoon tasting the different varieties and finding your favorite!

Located just a short drive from Powell, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a popular attraction for families. It's the oldest of its kind in Ohio and features animals from all around the world. It's also home to a number of interactive exhibits that teach kids about the animal kingdom.

Zoombezi Bay is a 22.7-acre water park that features multiple water slides and a lazy river, perfect for a family day out! If you're looking for a fun way to cool off during the summer, look no further!

Safari Golf Club is a local golf course that was founded in 1972. It's a great place to get some exercise while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Powell. The staff is always friendly and provides excellent service, so you won't be disappointed!

There are so many things to do in Powell, ranging from the local winery and brewery to a top-rated zoo and aquarium. This is a great community to raise a family in, and there are plenty of things for everyone to enjoy!

With a rich historical past, Powell is a great place to grow your family. It has a strong community that is proud of its heritage and the way it's evolved over time. With a variety of parks and schools in the area, you'll never run out of places to explore!

With a low crime rate and a close proximity to Columbus, Powell is the perfect place to call home. The city is home to 19 police officers who are dedicated to the safety of its citizens and neighborhoods. It also has two fire stations less than a mile from the city's northern and western borders.

Roof Installation - What You Need to Know

When you replace the roof on your home, it's a big job. You need to be able to count on the roofer you choose to do the job well and finish it quickly.

Start by measuring your home's roof. This involves measuring the length, width and pitch from the ground and taking accurate measurements on the roof itself. You can do this using a tape measure and a pitch multiplier or a calculator.

Once you have accurate measurements of your roof, you can calculate how much roofing material you'll need. To do this, you need to know the square footage of your roof and how many shingles it will need to cover.

Getting an accurate square foot value is vital in bidding for a job or ordering materials, but it's also useful to get a ballpark estimate when the homeowner asks. This is especially important when it comes to new construction roof installations, which can be tricky for people unfamiliar with their home's unique architectural details.

If you're a DIY homeowner, it's a good idea to take the time to learn how to measure your roof and order the proper roofing materials. Knowing how to do this will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Davis Roofing & Restoration, LLC 50 E. Olentangy Street, Suite 204, Powell, OH 43065 (614) 706-7003 https://davisroofingohio.com/

[st-dallas-tx-first]

Benefits OF HVAC Maintenance

While it can be easy to dismiss the idea of maintenance and air conditioning repair service, your long-term savings all depend on a properly functioning unit. Regular maintenance from a skilled HVAC contractor is a must to maximize the life span of your system since it detects problems early and avoids costly breakdowns. When you hire skilled heating contractor, you can also save energy and reduce your overall electricity bills. It also ensures that you maintain a better air quality, enhance your home safety, and maintain the unit’s warranty. Therefore, hiring a trusted air conditioning contractor is one of the best investments you can make for your home.

Texas Heating & AC Repair

There are many companies offering air conditioning repair service. But definitely, not all are created equal. If you want quality service at the most reasonable price, go to Texas Heating & AC Repair. This is a locally owned company that has more than 15 years of experience. As a trusted HVAC contractor, you can enjoy guaranteed workmanship in a timely and most efficient manner. Avoid dealing with just any technician. Most of them are uninsured which means that if anything goes wrong during the work, you may be held liable. But if you deal with Texas Heating & AC Repair as your heating contractor, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your air conditioning contractor is fully insured.

Dallas, Texas

With more than 1.4 million people, Dallas is the 3rd most populous city in the state and 9th in the entire US. The ethnic background of people is varied and it has one of the largest LGBT communities in the country. The Hispanic or Latino makes up a large percentage of the people followed by White with non-Hispanic descent, Black American, and Asian. In terms of the economy, the city has large employment opportunities mostly coming from the financial services, information technology, telecommunications, and transportation. Its skyline is characterized by over twenty skyscrapers with modernist architecture. Lastly, the climate in Dallas is humid subtropical which means that summers can be hot but winters are mild.

Dallas World Aquarium

Located in Downtown Dallas, the Dallas World Aquarium provides animal lovers with a whole new level of wildlife experience. The place offers a wide variety of educational activities and field trips for the young ones.  The real adventure starts with its Orinoco Rainforest and Mundo Maya exhibit, where you can see different birds, sloths, monkeys, lizards, snakes, alligators, and other marine mammals. At the outdoor area, a huge South African Aquarium is on display, and expect to be greeted by a group of penguins, different species of frogs, geckos, and a seasonal Madagascar exhibit. The Aquarium has a souvenir and book shop where you can buy some souvenir and memorabilia of your visit. The Dallas World Aquarium is a great place to learn and experience a new level of recreation.

Dallas Hospital Shooting Left 2 Employees Dead

Two nurses were killed after a man open fired in Methodist Hospital at 11 am, Saturday morning. The man was identified to be Nestor Hernandez, 30 years old, who was on parole for aggravated robbery and other long history of criminal records. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice allowed him to be with his girlfriend for their baby’s delivery but the hospital was not notified about this. The motive for the shooting is not yet released but two maternity ward nurses were killed instantly. Identities of the victims are still not given but the entire city is grieving for this tragedy. Dallas mayor Eric Johnson tweeted to seek swift justice on this incident.

Link to maps

The Dallas World Aquarium 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States Head northwest on N Griffin St toward Corbin St 112 ft Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Corbin St 469 ft Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto N Lamar St 0.2 mi Turn right onto Elm St 0.2 mi Turn left onto N Houston St 0.1 mi Turn left onto Commerce St Destination will be on the left 0.1 mi Texas Heating & AC Repair 701 Commerce St 5th Floor, Dallas, TX 75202, United States

[rubyvroom]

A country music protest song for 2018, and it’s actually a good one.

The load is heavy and the road is long And we've only begun to fight We just can't give in, we just can't give up We must go boldly into the darkness And be the light

[scottlivesaymusic]

Cincy’s Song of the Day (7.9.18)

American Aquarium - The World Is On Fire

[runneldog]

about me MASTERPOST (08/15/2024)

Name: Zev Nicknames: Please do not refer to me as any other name besides Zev unless you know me outside of Tumblr (IRL) or I’ve given you special permission to call me otherwise.

Age: Thirty-one Birthday: September 26th Astrology Sign: Libra Chinese Zodiac: Monkey Power Animals: Wolves, coyotes, crows, ravens, owls, bears, spiders, and hawks. Gender: Agenderfluid - any pronoun is fine. Sexuality: Bi/Pansexual.

Disabilities: Are many and varied. Please be conscientious that I have severe mental illness as a result of trauma. If any behavior of mine bothers you, it may very well be related to a trigger or because of emotional dysregulation. That all said this is not an excuse for anything done wrong, so if I ever upset you, even if it seems small in hindsight, please DM me so we can have a dialogue. I view myself as a work in progress and feedback is necessary for my personal growth.

Pets: Currently, I have a wonderful dog named Ravioli. She is an Airedale Terrier/Poodle/Sheepdog mix and my best friend in the whole entire world (pics to come soon). Art Tags: Visual Art, and Writing! (Please be aware everything in these tags is old as of this current update. I am hoping to publish more things here moving forward).

Nationality: American Ethnicity: Persian-Jewish Race: Mizrachi Jewish/Middle Eastern- Not White. Please do not ever EVER refer to me as white. Religion: Agnostic/Jewish/Pagan Languages: Mainly English, some Hebrew, some Farsi.

Triggers/obvious things to tag: NSFW, suicide, suicidal ideation, self harm, heights, gore in general, animal abuse, Israel, antisemitism, bestiality, zoophilia, CSA, incest.

Fandoms: Fire Force, Persona, Avatar/Korra, Ginga, Warrior Cats, Pokemon, Digimon, Marvel, RWBY, Magic the Gathering, and lots of other nerdy things.

Music: A bit of everything, really! I have a strong lean towards the ‘rock’ umbrella, but since we’re in the year 2024 and genre is now dead, my tastes are diverse. If I had to pick one genre, however, I’m going all in on post-hardcore. Tag me with ALL your music recs!

Other Interests: Animal welfare (former veterinary technician), space, aquariums, the environment, animation of all kinds, DND/Roleplay, fantasy and sci-fi worldbuilding, video games, karaoke/live music, and writing.

--

If you want to know anything else about me, just ask! :)

If you need me to tag things and I haven’t for some reason, let me know, I will amend this!

My personal rants/stories are filed under the tag “Zev Vomits Words,” which can sometimes contain triggering subjects. Please read those at your own discretion.

If I ever overstep my boundaries with anything, message me. I would love to talk about it and be accountable for my actions.

DO NOT FOLLOW ME IF YOU’RE UNDER 18 or an “antishipper,” and for the love of all that is good on this planet, CATER YOUR ONLINE EXPERIENCE.

[kleptonancydrew]

Nancy Drew and Education

So apparently the Clue Crew is full of teachers? Who knew. Well, as a former homeschooled student, current teacher, and (hopefully) future homeschooling parent/teacher I have been planning on integrating the games into lessons for a long time. Below the cut I have just a few of my many ideas (some more fleshed out than others). Feel free to use, adapt, or add your own! 

SCK:

-        Braille

o   How blind/vision impaired people navigate the world

§  How we can make it more accessible for them

o   How do braille books and printers work

-        ASL

o   Memorizing the alphabet and basic signs

§  Build up fluency

o   How HOH/deaf people navigate the world

§  How we can make it more accessible for them  

o   Connections of ASL to other signed languages

§  French Sign Language versus British Sign Language

-        Dangers of gas leaks

o   What to do if you smell or hear gas

-        Inequalities between mens and womens sporting opportunities

o   See Women’s Soccer

-        What are performance enhancing drugs

o   What is the difference between #steroids and the steroids your doctor might prescribe

-        How drug running is a gateway crime

-        Why blackmailing people isn’t good

-        More reasons to never move to Florida

-        Why you shouldn’t go to an actual high school part one

 STFD:

-        Television in NYC

o   Soap Operas

o   How television sets work

o   Role of director

o   Teleprompters

o   Props

o   Agents

-        Theatre in NY

o   Broadway

§  Learn a show

o   Carnegie Hall

-        Dangers in the ways we obsess over celebrities

o   Paparazzi

o   Stalkers

o   Respecting privacy

-        NY taxi system

-        NY regional accents

-        NY as a center for immigration – salad bowl

o   Ellis Island

-        History of NYC

o   Geography of NYC

-        Typewriters

-        Towers of Hanoi

-        Encoding  

-        How to make chocolates (with or without poison)

-        Read along:

o   New York the Novel (Edward Rutherford)

o   The Power Broker

o   All of a Kind Family

 MHM:

-        San Francisco Gold Rush

-        Earthquake and Fires in San Fran

-        Golden Gate Bridge

-        Angel Island

o   Asian (Chinese) Immigration to the USA

-        Chinese Zodiac

-        Fortune telling (and why it’s not okay)

-        Bed and Breakfasts

-        San Francisco today

o   Technology boom

o   Overpriced everything

§  How this hurts established residents

§  Homelessness in San Fran

-        Bandits in the American West

-        Hauntings in American buildings

-        How to remove and install tile

-        Renovations – refurbish something

-        Antiques

o   Visit an antique shop

-        Importance of fire safety

-        How to install lighting fixtures properly

-        How to fix a dumbwaiter

o   How not to be a dumb waiter

-        Tangrams

-        What is the Victorian period

o   Significance of Queen Victoria

-        Read Along:

o   Little Brother

o   Paper Son: Lee’s Journey to America

o   Angel Island Gateway to Golden Mountain

 TRT:

-        The French Revolution

o   Marie Antoinette

o   Women and the French Revolution

o   Worldwide effects of the Revolution

o   Historians of the French Revolution

-        Writing history

o   How we can focus on different events in history, how we can be sympathetic to certain people, how we can fulfill different spaces in the historical narrative, criticism of history as a field, entering history as a field

-        Wisconsin Dairy industry

-        Alarm systems and how they work

-        Fingerprinting

-        Elevator safety

-        Ski lifts

o   Skiing

-        Vandalism

-        Taking care of libraries

-        Latitude and longitude

-        Keeping records of good events and bad events

o   Nothing you do will ever stop me from loving you

-        Some people keep different sleep schedules

-        Journalism

-        Making translations  

-        Why France has different holidays – to keep the ski lodges from getting too full

 FIN:

-        History of theatre spaces

-        Use of film at theatres

-        Magicians

o   Houdini

o   Learn a ‘magic’ trick

-        Library of Congress

-        Demolition – wrecking balls

o   What’s involved

-        Plaster casts

-        Historic register of buildings

o   Visit a local historic building

-        Price of concessions and movie tickets today

-        Nickelodeons

-        Celebrity stunts for attention from press

o   Celebrity endorsements

-        Jazz music

o   Dancing

-        Kidnapping stories

o   What to do if someone tries to grab you

-        Rubber vs. electricity

-        Art/artists of the 20s

 SSH:

-        Numbering systems (particularly ones not based on 10)

-        Cultures of South America

o   Maya

§  Cultural understandings

§  Connections to what appears at Beech Hill

o   Aztec

o   Inca

-        Myths of lesser civilizations because of European preconceptions

-        Why do countries have consulates/embassies in other countries

-        What is amnesia and other medical memory issues

-        Provenance and why its important part one

-        Roles and responsibilities within a museum

o   Visit a museum

o   How to be critical of a museum and how knowledge is presented to you

-        Modern art

o   Make your own

o   Visit a modern art museum

-        Periodic Table of Elements

-        Positive and negative molds for casting

 DOG:

-        Prohibition

o   Speakeasys

o   Amendments to constitution

o   Drinking age restrictions

§  Comparison of USA to European countries  

o   Connections to modern drug policies

-        Recognizing and photographing local birds

-        Dangers in the forest – ticks and other pests

-        Why water sources are important

o   Flint water crisis

-        Visit a state park

o   Importance of maintaining public land

-        Alcatraz

-        How to care for dogs

-        Noise pollution

o   Light pollution

 CAR:

-        History of carousels

o   Visit a carousel

-        Lathes

-        Harmonicas

-        Band organs

-        Writing messages with lemon juice and other hidden inks

-        How to iron

o   How not to iron

-        How to make a sundae

-        How amusement park rides are designed

-        Soldering

-        What is parole

o   Welcoming those who have been in prison back to society

o   Problems with the American prison system

§  How it disproportionately affects minority groups

o   What can be done in prison reform

o   Abuses in prison

o   Making mental and spiritual help and guidance more available

o   Making sanitary products available

o   Prison for profit hurts everybody except the prison owner

o   Educational opportunities for those in prison

o   More half-way help

o   Juvenile sentencing reform – more out of system help

o   Respecting humanity of prisoners

o   Ending the death penalty  

-        Depression

o   How to get help

o   How to help others

o   Dealing with loss

DDI:

-        Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest

-        Orcas and other whales

o   Whaling industry in Northwest and Northeast

o   Things whale products were used for

o   Visit natural history museum with whale exhibition

-        Visit an aquarium with a good reputation

o   Problems with places that do not take care of their sea life – particularly large sea life like whales

-        What is a chowder and how is it made

o   Try or make chowder

-        Crabs

o   Restrictions on different types of crabs – what type is local

o   Try a crab dish

-        Importance of different knots  

o   Get some rope and learn how to tie different knots

-        Know the NATO alphabet and letter flags

-        Boating knowledge

o   Go on a boating trip – know the port and starboard sides

-        Learn how to kayak

-        Try to learn how to skip rocks

-        Visit a lighthouse

o   Importance and histories of lighthouses

-        Smuggling – what is it and why does it happen

-        Shanghaiing

-        Chess

 SHA:

-        The continuous oppression and mistreatment of Native Americans

o   From Mayflower to Pocahontas to Trail of Tears to Dakota to DAPL to Reservations to food deserts to voting rights to much much more

§  How to support current Native voices and concerns

o   Why Native Americans are not a costume

o   “Possession” of Native American objects and land

§  Arrowheads and native jewelry

o   Broad overview of regional Native American groups – using their own voices

§  Special focus on local Native American groups

·       Is there a local museum/educational resource that is either Native created or known for respecting Native voices

o   Current Native Americans of note (ex: politicians, activists, artists)

o   While the previous focuses on Native Americans in the modern day USA – also discuss First Nations from Canada and Native Groups from more southern areas

-        Why temperature and pan matters when baking (show what happens in the oven when it goes wrong)

-        Magnets and how different metals react differently to magnets

-        How to take care of a horse and other farm animals

o   Visit a local farm

o   Try horse-riding

-        Dangers of rattle snakes and scorpions

-        Lassos and how to use them

-        Legends of outlaws in the American West

-        Ghost towns  

-        Flower stitches when knitting/crocheting

-        Petrified wood

-        How to make a campfire

-        Picking fruits and veggies when they are ready

-        Flower language

-        Read Along:

o   Native American folk tales  

o   Motorcycles and Sweetgrass

o   Gone Away Lake

o   Black Beauty?

 CUR:

-        Where are the moors

-        Different regional accents within the United Kingdom

-        British foods

-        Latin

o   Learn fun phrases and prayers

-        Ancestry and genealogy

o   Map your own family tree and recognize family crests

o   How adoption has historically been a binding and irrefutable concept for lineage

o   Find places your family lived

o   Leaving a history for your descendants

§  Write a story book for them

o   British Royal Family

§  Why incest is bad

-        Parrots and their intelligence

-        Secret passages in old buildings

-        Alchemy

o   Connections to modern understandings of science  

o   Historical understandings of elements

-        Astrological signs

-        Witch trials

-        Legends of lycanthropy and other monsters

-        Importance of not taking other peoples medicines

-        Runic alphabet

-        Feeding your pets a healthy diet

-        Typing practice

-        How to embrace the idea that home taught students are evil geniuses

-        Forges and melting points of different metals

-        Carnivorous plants

-        Succulents

-        Constellations in different places  

-        Read Along:

o   The Secret Garden

o   The London Eye Mystery

o   Beastly

CLK:

-        Great Depression

o   Causes and effects

o   Who was hurt

o   Who was not hurt

o   Areas of America

§  Dust bowl

o   Famous people and literature

o   Homelessness and poverty

§  Bread lines

§  Soup kitchens

§  Anti-homelessness architecture

§  Connections to mental illness and veterans

§  How we can help those who do not have homes today

-        Early Telephones

-        Shakespeare

-        History of Nancy Drew

o   Mildred Wirt Benson

o   Edward Stratemeyer  

-        Fishing – why different fish respond to different bait

-        Orphanages in the early 20th century

-        Gas prices and accessibility of cars through time

-        How to make pie

-        What is jurisdiction and what is significant about crossing state lines

-        How do banks work

o   Safety deposit boxes

-        Identify theft

-        How to use a sewing machine

o   Sew an item of clothing

-        Mini golf – why and what

-        Mirrors and their usefulness

-        Stamp collections

-         

-        Radios and call signs

o   Comparison to modern internet forms

-        Telegrams

-        Read along:

o   Shakespeare

§  Midsummer Night’s Dream

§  Others

o   Pollyanna

o   Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm

o   The Grapes of Wrath

  TRN:

-        Trains

o   Steam trains

o   Visit a train museum

o   Take a train ride (if not a normal event)

o   Importance of transcontinental railway

o   Trains around the USA today

o   Trains around the world (TGV, bullet train)

-        Abraham Lincoln

-        Mark Twain

-        How to make a good burger (you leave off the PB&J)

-        Slugs

-        Periodic Table of Elements – abbreviations

-        Gemstones

-        History of Mining

o   England (Newcastle upon Tyne)

o   American West

o   Appalachia

o   Company Store

o   Health issues for miners

o   Danger of mines

o   Current issues for mining

-        Dancing the Hurley Burley

-        People who collect creepy dolls

o   History of porcelain dolls

-        Embroidery

o   How to

o   Patterns/symbols

-        General Stores in the American West

o   Sears

-        How to make taffy

-        Find a well maintained and beautiful tomb and research who is entombed

-        Focusing light through a magnifying glass can start a fire

-        Read Along:

o   Murder on the Orient Express

o   Mark Twain books

DAN:

-        All lessons in French

-        How using different ingredients and different amounts of ingredients can affect the outcome of your cookies

-        Paris métro

o   History

o   How to read/follow a métro map

o   RER

-        Montmartre and other Parisian neighbourhoods

-        History of Île de la France and Square de Vert Galant Parc and Pont Neuf

-        WWII and the French Resistance

o   Cross of Lorraine

o   Vichy France

o   Abuses of the French gov’t in this period

-        Paris and the fashion world

-        Beauty standards and the rejection of natural beauty by society

o   Dangers of weight and figure standards

o   You are beautiful as you are

-        Catacombs of Paris

-        Famous French Dishes (from this region)

o   Or Bretagne since I know and like them better

-        The French Café

-        Moulin in France

-        Tea and how hot leaf water can taste so bad but still be good for you

-        Buildings of Baron Haussmann

-        Paris History  

-        Decoders

-        Importance of vitraux historically, culturally, and religiously

-        Read Along:

o   Little Kids

§  Madeline

§  Babar

§  Petit Ours

§  Plume

o   High School

§  Hunchback of Notre Dame

§  Les Mis

§  Dale Van Kley

 CRE:

-        History of Hawai’i and her native people

o   How the USA screwed them over and continues to do so

§  Land colonizing today

o   Listen to voices from Native Peoples

-        Pearl Harbor

o   USS Arizona

-        Native myths and legends

-        Local flora and fauna

-        Surfing

-        How to make bead necklaces

-        Snorkeling

-        Entomology

o   Find some local bugs and identify and observe them

-        Horticulture

o   See if you can graft something

o   Watch a carnation placed in water with food dye

o   Regrow a fruit or veggie from the leftovers

-        Go looking for seashells – see how many complete shells you can find

-        Be aware of pesticides and the dangers they offer

o   Dangers of organic food too

-        Make something with pineapple in it

-        Fishing – different kinds of native fish

-        Volcanos

-        Hula  

  ICE:

-        Wolf sanctuaries – respecting wildlife and their place in the wild and not the domestic

o   What to do if you see a wolf in the real world

-        Fur trapping in Canada history

-        Regions and Capitols of Canada

o   Visit Canada?

-        How the Canadian government works

-        Use of French language in Canada    

o   Unique features of Canadian French  

-        Ice fishing

-        How to cook omelets, salmon, etc.

o   How to not add paprika cause like ew

-        Fossils

-        Radiation

o   Marie Curie

-        How to be a good maid

-        Snowballs/ice balls

-        Ice skating

-        Winter weather safety

-        Avalanches  

-        Saunas

-        Birthmarks

-        Fax machines

-        How to not lie about bird watching

-        Frozen water safety  

-        Modern offenses against First Nations by Canadian Government

  CRY:

-        Culture of the Arawak and Caraïbe

o   Voodoo

-        Mardi Gras in New Orleans

-        Hurricane Katrina and aftermath

-        French Influence

-        Eyes and their parts and functions

-        Teeth and their parts and functions

-        Alligators in the Southern USA and how they are dangerous pests  

-        Graveyards/cemeteries and how to be comfortable in them

o   Modern burial practices

o   Why are they above ground in Louisiana?

o   Places where they are running out of space for the dead

o   Historic violations of final resting places

-        Ventriloquism

-        Lizards and how to care for them

-        Rube Goldberg machines

-        Curio shops

-        Crystal Skulls  

 VEN:

-        International crime

-        Organized crime

-        Scopa

-        Italian basics

o   Learn an Italian aria

-        Italian food

o   Not just spaghetti

-        History of Venice

o   Current issues in Venice

-        Carrier pigeons

-        Micro-dots

-        “Observing the architecture”

-        Try to make gelato (or just get gelato, either way you get gelato)

-        Disguising yourself – put on an outfit and try to get me to not recognize you

-        Picking locks

-        Secret codes

-        Solfege

o   With hand signs

o   Learn a song in solfege

-        Carnivale

-        Learn how the sausage gets made

o   How to deal with food poisoning

-        How to secure your living space against burglars

o   Glass breaks, motion sensors, keypads, magnets, and more

-        Read Along:

o   Heist Society

o   The Prince

o   Merchant of Venice

  HAU:

-        Irish lessons (as much of this in Irish as possible)

o   Why the Irish language is important

-        Geography of Ireland

o   Provinces and counties

-        Irish names

-        Why Ireland has disliked and should dislike the UK

o   Historically

o   Famine

§  Emmigration

o   Easter Rising

o   Troubles

o   Present-Day

-        Importance of alcohol in Ireland

o   Uisce beatha

o   Guinness

§  Guinness world records

-        Irish music

o   Irish instruments

o   Learn some Rebel songs

-        Ogham runes

-        Irish foods

o   Something with lamb, who cares what

-        Don’t use friends for land development

-        Bogs

-        Chemical Reactions

-        Rockets

-        Inventions and secrecy during WWII

-        Religion in Ireland

o   Pagan traditions

o   Christianity

o   Catholic/Protestant tensions

-        Irish wedding traditions

-        How printing presses work

-        Irish castles

-        Sheep sheering/raising sheep

-        Irish legends

o   Fae

o   Leprechauns

-        Don’t drive and talk on the phone

 RAN:

-        Why blackface is problematic? (the fact that this needs to be said is problematic in and of itself)

-        Scuba diving

-        Sailing

-        Bermuda Triangle

-        Bats

-        Primates and their intelligence

o   Problems with animal research

o   Koko

o   Jane Goodall

-        Island resort culture

-        Metal detectors

-        Pirates

o   And the Caribbean

o   Their abuses

o   Different kinds

o   Modern day pirates  

-        How do walkie-talkies work

-        US mistreatment of island territories

-        Read Along:

o   Bloody Jack (Meyer)

 WAC:

-        Edgar Allan Poe

o   Stories

o   Baltimore

-        Piano

-        Victorian Dining traditions

o   How to set a place for fancy dining

o   How to fold napkins

o   Table manners

o   How to serve someone at a fancy dinner

o   How courses might work

o   How to use your silverware  

-        Why you shouldn’t go to an actual high school part two

o   Just fyi – that’s not how uniforms work

§  Have a school inspired dress code for a week

-        Bullying and why you absolutely will not be a bully

o   How to respond to bullying

o   Importance of talking to adults and counseling

-        Logic puzzles

-        Research the founding of a local school

-        Stringed Instruments

-        Plagiarism

o   Turnitin

-        Making sandwiches – like a good deli style sandwich

-        Photography scavenger hunt – make a digital (or physical) yearbook

-        Squirrels

-        Orthographic projection

-        DNA/RNA

-        Saving every major project on three different thumb drives

-        Getting along with roommates

-        States and Capitals

o   Countries and capitals of the world  

 TOT:

-        Tornados

o   Technology used to observe tornados

-        Meteorology

-        Prairie dogs

-        Life on the great plains

-        Great Plains Native Americans

-        Small towns in the Midwest honestly be like that

-        Defensive driving

-        Make a disaster kit

-        Know what to do in various natural emergency situations

o   What is the local alert protocol

o   What do local authorities recommend

-        How to maintain and fix a car

-        How to fix a broken device

-        What is tenure

-        How to budget

o   Go to the grocery store on a strict budget (however much you come in under budget is your candy budget)

-        Read Along:

o   Little House

  SAW:

-        Basic Japanese phrases

o   Learn to count

o   Writing in Japanese

-        Sudoku, nonograms, renograms

-        Japanese ghost legends

-        Japanese culture

o   Tourism

§  Ryokans

o   Space – everything small

o   Politeness/formalities

o   Hot springs/baths

o   Tatami and paper walls

-        Japanese cultural dress

o   Kimonos

o   Lolita? Fashion

-        Japanese names

o   Last name first

o   How to address others in Japan

-        Martial Arts

o   Ninjutsu

§  Traditional tools

-        Japanese tea ceremony

-        Schools in Japan

-        Teaching English as a foreign language

-        Japanese subway/train system

-        Pachinko and Japanese gaming

-        Japanese vending machines

-        Robotic animals

-        Bento

-        Japanese foods

-        Origami

-        How to fake a haunting

 CAP:

-        Basic German phrases

o   How to make a German word

o   Connections of German to English

-        German food favourites

o   Especially cakes

-        Storytelling as a cultural entity

o   How memory has worked differently in different times

-        Glass blowing

-        How castles provided for the local community

-        Bavaria in Germany

o   Cultural dress

-        Glockenspiel

-        How to make board games

-        Monster stories of central Europe

-        How to monitor security camera remotely

-        Read Along:

o   Heidi

ASH:

-        Arson

o   Watching how different accelerants burn a piece of paper

-        All politicians are at least somewhat self-serving

o   But write a letter to a local politician anyway

§  Different ways to contact elected officials, and why some don’t work

-        How to make ice cream

-        How a police investigation works

o   Problems with police departments around the world – specifically USA

o   Ways that police work unfairly targets minorities

§  If Nancy is innocent how many others are

-        How to use matches and lighters safely

-        Why you should not return to the scene of a crime – particularly a fire

-        Making sure smoke detectors work properly and the system is connected

o   We might not go to school but fire drills are still important

-        What is a mass spectrometer

-        Who to call if you’ve been arrested

-        What to do if you get pulled over

-        How the media can skew the truth and make their own narratives

-        Sound mixing

-        Be careful with what you say/post/record

o   Keep receipts and clarify when possible

 TMB:

-        What not to do at an archaeological site

-        Ancient Egyptian History

o   Pantheon, notable figures, relevant events

o   Pyramids, sphinx

o   Pharaohs

-        Modern Egypt

o   Arabic alphabet

-        History of archaeological digs in Egypt

o   Why they’ve been problematic

-        Dangers of the tombs

-        Mummys

o   How they are put together

-        Tomb raiders

-        Importance of water in the desert

-        How to piece together a broken artifact

-        How to gently brush off an artifact

-        There is no such thing as a dictionary for ancient Egyptian

-        Aliens did not build the pyramids

-        Senet

-        Desert life safety

-        How mirrors can be used to light a room

-        Read Along

o   Rick Riordan

 DED:

-        Nikola Tesla

o   All his fun stuff

o   Tesla Coils

-        3-D printing

-        Gummy fingerprints

-        Faraday Cage

-        Basic electric concepts

o   How to build a circuit board

-        Chemical safety

-        How a lab might work

-        Valuing different skills within academia

-        Ultraviolet light

-        How motorcycles work

-        Freelance photography

-        How to use academic databases

 GTH:

-        Slavery in the United States

o   Origins

o   ‘End’

o   Civil War

o   The connection to “southern culture”

o   Continued abuses of Black people in America

§  Importance of recognizing Black voices and what they are saying

§  Listening even when it’s uncomfortable

§  Checking privilege when you have it

o   Jim Crow Laws

-        Plantations

-        Gone With the Wind

o   The good and the bad

-        Civil War spies – female

-        Carbon monoxide poisoning

-        Burned out houses are not a safe space

-        Do not go digging through people’s coffins – rest in PEACE

-        Understanding that your family can be flawed

-        If you don’t want to get married, if you’re not happy in a relationship, end it

-        When a member of your family is sick you take care of them

-        Make a will, just in case your cousin kills you

-        Bachelor and bachelorette parties should feature activities that everyone is comfortable with

-        Read Along:

o   My Last Skirt: The Story of Jennie Hodgers, Union Soldier

 SPY:

-        Scotland and their identity

o   Celtic Nations

o   Independent Scotland

o   Call a Scottish person

-        Unicorns and other mythical creatures in Scotland

-        Scottish food

o   The appetizing parts

-        History of spies

-        Biowarfare

o   Code Orange

o   Other teenage stories dealing with anthrax

o   Current events and concerns

o   Historical biowarfare (smallpox blankets)

-        Ziplining

-        Archery

-        How to bug someone

-        Tartans and plaids

o   Kilts

-        Augmented Reality Glasses

-        Record players

-        How to reset a circuit breaker

-        Read Along:

o   Gallagher Girls

o   Code Orange

o   Little House (Martha)

o   Little Brother (Doctorow)

 MED:

-        Don’t meet your heroes

-        New Zealand

o   Maori culture

-        Survivor style game shows and realism

-        I’m not saying Aliens can’t exist, I’m saying they def aren’t involved here

-        Kayaking

-        Submarines and what they can do

-        Turtles

-        Earthquakes

-        Be careful with rope bridges

  LIE:

-        Provenance and why it’s important part two  

-        Greek art and how it was originally painted vibrantly

o   Abuses of Greek art through the ages

-        The British Museum and the issues with that

-        Greek pantheon

o   Legends and notable figures

o   Religious traditions  

-        Iliad and Odyssey

-        Art forgery

-        How to fire clay pots and pottery

-        Memorizing lines for a play

o   Staging for a play

o   Role of a director

-        Theatre

o   Lights

o   Curtains

o   Fly system

o   Sound

-        Greek alphabet

-        Historical importance of the Greek language and culture

o   Alexander the Great and Hellenization

-        Olympics

o   Historic and modern

-        Greece and the European Union  

-        Make something with pomegranates

-        Read Along:

o   Iliad

o   Odyssey

o   The Thief

o   Percy Jackson  

  SEA:

-        Iceland

o   Culture

§  Naming traditions

o   Language

o   Music

o   Food

-        Shipbuilding

o   Historic and modern ships

-        Ice caving

-        Northern Lights

-        Tides

-        Snowmobiling

-        Poetry

-        What is xenophobia

 MID:

-        Some games just shouldn’t be made

-        American witch trials

o   What actually went down

o   Misconceptions

-        Treating people with albinism as real people

-        Arson is bad

-        Herbal remedies and how they can interfere with modern medicine

-        Witchcraft and how not to

-        Salem MA

-        Ignorance promotes fear and hatred so we do our best to learn about others

[songsofprotestpeacerevolution]

American Aquarium - "The World Is On Fire"

[woozibby]

In Love | Joshua

requested: Hello, I hope you’re doing good 💙 Could I maybe request a cute fluff with Joshua? Maybe something were he realizes he’s in love with the reader and tells them, if that’s okay with you~

wc: 2190

a.n. I hope you like this anon!! Please let me know if you have any more requests! <3 This is unedited, so i’m sorry for any mistakes!

SEVENTEEN MASTERLIST

You, my dear reader, are in your afternoon music lesson. You tried your best to keep focus, however, it wasn’t going very well. 

So when your phone started buzzing in your pocket, that was when you completely lost focus.

Your phone screen lights up with many notifications, however, the ones that stood out were the ones from the ironically titled group chat: Oh God Why.

Mingyu: how does everyone feel about pizza?

Vernon: I could go for pizza

y/n: omg yes pls

Joshua: aren’t you meant to be in class y/n? 

y/n: don’t need to call me out like that, but yeah, I’m here 

Mingyu: So pizza after y/n’s class yes or no? 

Vernon, y/n: yes

Joshua: fine yes. y/nie, I’ll come pick you up after class

y/n: awe, thank you josh<3

Mingyu: simp

Joshua: STFU MINGYU

So you giggle to yourself as you read the exchange and you put your phone away in attempts to refocus. The idea of food and hanging out with your best friends at the forefront of your mind. 

Finally, your lesson came to an end and like he said he would be. Joshua was there, outside waiting for you to meet him. 

“So, how was class?” Joshua asks as you link your arm with his and you both make your way to his car. 

“It was something,” you laugh. 

It didn’t take you guys long to get to the small dinner that Mingyu demanded to go to. He mentioned how it sold authentic American style pizza. That no other pizza place could now compare. 

None of you bothered to fight him on it as it was just easier to go along with the giant puppies’ demands. Plus you all knew you wouldn’t be able to say no to him either. 

Once you got inside and were sat down, Mingyu and Vernon instantly went for the menu and began looking over it. However, you were fine just sitting there in the presence of everyone else. 

Looking over, you see Joshua already looking at you with a small smile on his face.

“What?” you asked, returning his smile.

“Nothing,” he responded, turning his attention away from you. “Guys, stop hogging the menus, let us have a look.” 

Ten minutes later, you’ve all ordered and are now sipping away at your drinks as you guys talk about your day. You laughed at the jokes Vernon said and how every time the door would open from the kitchen Mingyu’s head would be straight up and looking around like a meercat. 

However, what you didn’t notice was the fact how when you weren’t looking, Joshua would take the time to glance at you, smile and look away before you could notice. You were so engrossed in the conversation that you failed to notice the smile that never left his lips. 

So anyways, your pizza arrives and you guys slowly eat your food- well you slowly eat your food, the guys slowly and eating are never in the same sentence. 

So once you’ve finished up, you all split the bill and make your way out of the dinner. 

“Didn’t I tell you that place was great?” Mingyu gushes as he walks ahead of you with Vernon. 

“It wasn’t that bad,” Vernon laughs. 

You continue to smile as you watch the two boys before turning your attention towards your other best friend. 

“You okay?” you ask. “You’ve been kinda quiet tonight.” 

Joshua hums and shrugs his shoulders. He takes a moment to think before nodding his head.

“I’m good,” The smile never falls. 

OKAY so, flash forward. 

So it’s a Saturday, you don’t have lessons AND since you were good, you made sure to catch up on all of your work so you could have the weekend to chill and do nothing.

Absolutely nothing. 

You didn’t want to think, you didn’t want to move an inch out of your apartment. The only thing that would get you out of your apartment was if the building was on fire and even then, you’d have to think about it. 

So you queued up a drama on your tv and started on making a snack or two to keep you going and once that was all done, you made your way back to the living room and plopped yourself down on the couch with a blanket thrown over your lap. 

You were twenty minutes into the first episode when your phone buzzed. You ignored it, thinking that if it was important they’d call back later. So you forgot about it for another ten or so minutes until it buzzed again. 

Letting out a sigh, you pause the episode and lean over to grab your phone. 

Your screen was full of notifications. 

Some were random things from Twitter, others were from some random app you forgot you had on your phone, but the most recent ones were a string of text messages from Josh. 

Joshua: You busy? 

Joshua: You doing anything rn?

Joshua: you’re free right?

You whipped your hands on your blanket before you unlocked your phone and typed back a response. 

y/n: define free?

Joshua: As in you’re not out and doing something??

y/n: then yeah, I’m free

Joshua: YES okay, do you want to do something? I thought maybe we could go to the aquarium? 

You began to type out a message, before pressing backspace and deleting it all. You wanted to spend the day inside, but what was the worst that could happen? Plus, how could you ever say no to him?

y/n: yeah sure, meet me here in twenty?

Joshua: cool, for sure! 

Locking your phone once more, you turn off your tv and take your snacks back to the kitchen before you headed to your room to get changed. 

You put on a comfortable outfit and made sure to wear a jacket over the top as you knew it could sometimes get cold in the aquarium. So, by the time you were ready, a knock on your door didn’t come as much of a surprise. 

Opening it up, you smile at Josh and invite him in. 

“I’ll be one second, just gotta put my shoes on.” 

He nods and sits himself down on the couch as he waits for you to finish and when you come back out with a small bag, you pick up your keys, purse and phone before shoving them in. 

“You ready?” he asks causing you to nod in response. 

So he drives and you guys get to the aquarium in no time. 

Once you get inside and your tickets are brought, you start to make your way through. 

Josh laughs to himself every time you saw a new animal and ran over to them in awe. He tried his best to keep beside you, however, once something caught your eye, you were off again in a flash. 

He didn’t mind though, the look on your face and the pure joy that emanated from you was enough for him. Every little thing you did made him smile, every little thing you did made his heart jump around. 

It wasn’t until you guys got to the underwater tunnel and the sight of you looking all around you with the largest smile he thought he had ever seen you smile, did it dawn to him. 

He loves you. 

No matter how much his heart and brain fought, no matter how much he wanted to deny it- he couldn’t. Not now, not whilst looking at you like this. Not when the water was reflecting on you in a way that enhanced your already beautiful self. 

Mingyu and Vernon always joked that he was a simp for you and they were right. Not that Josh would ever tell them that, they didn’t need the ego boost. 

So as Josh followed you around the aquarium, he smiled. He laughed to himself and the more time you guys spent the more it cemented in his mind.

He was in love and there was nothing he could do about it. 

So flash forward an hour or two. 

He’s dropped you home and you’ve gone on and on about how fun the day was. How much fun it was going there with him and it makes his heart expand like five sizes. 

So after he drops you off, he heads back to his own apartment which he shares with Vernon and Mingyu. When he walks through the door, both boys are sat on the couch, playing the same game they were playing when Josh left. 

“How was your date?” Mingyu sniggers, he, however, doesn’t turn his attention away from the tv as Josh walks over and lets himself fall into the love sweet. 

“It wasn’t a date,” Josh responds before covering his face up with his hands.

“Is that why you looked so bummed?” Vernon asks. 

Josh uncovers his face and sends a look to the younger boy. Vernon, who just shrugs says nothing more. 

“I realised something today and I don’t know if it’s a good or a bad thing.” 

“Let me guess,” Mingyu pauses the game which causes Vernon to gasp. “You’ve finally realised your love for y/n and now you’re in a state of shock” 

Josh’s eyebrows furrow together as he slowly nods.

“How did you know?” 

Both of the younger boys sigh in defeat. 

“Because it’s obvious!” Vernon laughs. “You’ve been in love with them since what? The moment you guys saw each other?” 

“That’s not true,” Josh fakes a laugh as he looks down at his hands. 

“Yes, it is and don’t even try to deny it.” Mingyu states. 

“And so what you like y/n, what’s so bad about that?” Vernon asks causing Josh to shrug once again. 

“I don’t know, maybe I’m scared it’ll ruin our friendship.” 

“There is nothing in this world that could end your friendship, you know why?” Mingyu asks, but he doesn’t wait for Josh to respond. “Because your guys’ friendship transcends any other thing. You guys are practically soulmates, don’t hide your feelings because of the anxieties.” 

“He’s right,” Vernon speaks. “Let’s say you did confess and they didn’t feel the same way, that’s a whole lot better than sitting here wondering what could have been.” 

Josh lets out a breath of air and nods his head slowly. 

What the boys were saying was true. 

What was the worst that could happen? You could say no and that Vernon was right. At least you can move on from a no, how can you move on from the thoughts of a what if? 

Because what if he didn’t tell her and there was a day where he began to regret that decision? How could he live with himself if he never told you how much he truly loved you? 

Josh shot up from his chair and sent a look to the two younger boys. 

“I need to tell them,” 

Vernon and Mingyu look at each other before looking at Josh with wide eyes.

“Like right now?” Mingyu asks.

Josh nods.

“Of course, when else am I going to tell them?” 

Vernon laughs and claps his hands. 

“Go on, go do it! Tell them, dude.” 

“I’m doing it,” Josh said before walking out the door. 

He came back in a moment later and picked up his car keys. 

“I’m doing it now!” He said leaving once more. 

Mingyu and Vernon looked at each other once more before speaking. 

“He’s seriously going to do it,” 

They looked back at the tv.

“Another game?”

“Sure.” 

SO back to you!! 

Since you’ve gotten back, you’ve put back on your drama, you’ve got your snacks back out and reclaimed your position on the couch. You’ve finally finished the first episode and you’re only into the second one by a minute or two when the sound of knocking on your door causes you to jump in fright. 

“What is it now?” You mumble to yourself as you place the snacks on your coffee table and throw your blanket to the side. 

Going to the door and opening it up, you make a face to yourself in shock at the sight of Josh standing behind it. 

“Oh Josh hey, what’s up? It hasn’t even been an hour and a half, miss me that much?” You laughed at your own joke, but your smile dropped at how serious Josh was. “Are you ok-...” 

He cuts you off, and your mouth drops. 

“I love you.” 

“I love you too,” you giggle. “What’s up with you?” 

“No, I mean, I love you, I’m in love with you. I look at you and my heart swells and I wouldn’t want anything more than to call you mine.” 

You blink for a moment as your brain tries to catch up with the words Josh is saying. 

“I-I…” You try to speak, but nothing came out. 

Josh begins to frown and looks down. Maybe I shouldn’t have listened to them, he thought to himself. 

“I’m sorry, I shou-...” 

However, this time you were the one to cut him off.

“I love you too.”

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Let's eat all the cicadas!

Brood 17 - the unbelievable large swarm of 17-year cicadas - is already emerging in parts of America. This summer, Americans in the brood's path will experience a plague(ish) of locusts(ish), as the skies darken and the roads run slick with bug-guts.

Writing for Wired, Kate Knibbs brings us the cuisine of Bun Lai1, a renowned chef who has pioneered "sustainable sushi" and is now foraging in DC for early B-17 bugs to turn into chow: pizza, paella, and sushi.

https://www.wired.com/story/eating-cicadas-brood-x/

In much of the world, eating bugs is no big deal, and not just novelties like chocolate ants: think of chapulin tacos, the Oaxacan grasshopper delicacies. These are a serious seasonal delight in LA, and I can personally attest to their deliciousness.

https://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-eat-your-crickets-los-angeles-chapulin-capital-20130709-story.html

The most exciting thing about eating bugs is not in the fact that they're bugs, but rather in that they are considered a pest and a problem, which we can turn into a delicacy. Bugs (including "pests") are high protein, low-carbon, and abundant.

If you pay attention to the climate emergency, it's hard to avoid the nagging sense that every time you eat, you're contributing to the planet's destruction. Food's got a heck of a carbon footprint, especially farmed food, *especially* farmed *meat*.

https://pluralistic.net/2021/01/06/methane-diet/#3kg-per-day

Which is why the idea of eating pests and invasive species is so exciting. It's not just the idea that you're eating "guiltless" food, it's the weird sense that maybe we can turn the destructive power of the capitalism machine on things we want to get rid of.

Capitalism, after all, is true star of Nick Bostrom's thought-experiment of a paperclip-manufacturing AI that optimizes and optimizes itself.

https://nickbostrom.com/ethics/ai.html

It barrels on and on until it turns the entire universe into paperclips. The "slow AIs" of shareholder capitalist enterprises pursue profit to the destruction of their environments, workforces, customers and societies:

https://www.decisionproblem.com/paperclips/index2.html

It's a cruel irony that our asset bubbles are always fueled by destruction of something we need (like a breathable atmosphere and a planet that isn't on fire), rather than, say, the destruction of invasive species or pandemic viruses or similar.

https://boingboing.net/2021/05/10/power-plant-using-whole-output-to-mine-crypto.html

Wouldn't it be great if, instead of a foie gras-eating fad, we had a *kudzu*-eating fad, one that saw all the kudzu in the American south harvested to feed the rapacious kudzu-barons' vast kudzu empires? (Kudzu cookery exists, but has not caught fire).

https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/indiana/stories-in-indiana/kudzu-invasive-species/

The closest thing to this that I've encountered in the wild are the delicious lionfish tacos in the scuba towns in Roatan, Honduras, where invasive lionfish (possibly descended from aquarium escapees) are destroying the reef ecosystem.

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/ecosystems/impacts-invasive-lionfish

To be clear, lionfish taste good! But also, the experience of lionfish is doubly delicious because you know you're creating a market for scuba guides and fishermen to hunt lionfish, and if this drives them to extinction, that'd be a *good* thing for the planet!

This idea - driving a social phenomenon with markets - surfaces from time to time in science fiction. In Damon Knight's 1992 comic masterpiece WHY DO BIRDS?, an ad-agency is recruited to convince the entire human race to climb into a box (!).

https://memex.craphound.com/2018/12/28/why-do-birds-damon-knights-amazing-underappreciated-science-fiction-novel-about-putting-all-of-humanity-in-a-box/

The agency hits on a winning strategy: they announce that only rich people are *allowed* in the box and that box-berth prices are sky-high.

Soon, plutes are clamoring for spots, while the rest of the world demands climb-into-the-box equity to end being-in-a-box inequality.

Eight years later, Bruce Sterling proposed something similar to deal with climate change, in his brilliant 2000 Viridian Design Manifesto, which called on ecologists to rethink ecological measures as exclusive luxuries.

http://www.viridiandesign.org/manifesto.html

The idea wasn't to actually make ecologically sound living into the exclusive purview of the wealthy, but rather to make ecological living into something both status-defining *and* aspirational, creating demand across the board for sustainable technology.

But markets have a failure mode, that paperclip tragedy mode, which is that they are purely instrumental, driven to maximize their victory conditions irrespective of whether these become detached from their underlying goals.

Universal Paperclips are a subspecies of Monkey's Paws, in other words, a "be careful what you wish for" parable.

SF's got you covered here, too, as in Harry Harrison's "Make Room! Make Room!" (turned into the movie Soylent Green), where the invasive species we devour to save the planet is…us. (BTW, the Tor edition of the novel has a stupendous cover).

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780765318855

Alas, the actual situation is more Make Room! Make Room! than Viridian. Our carbon offsets are a market for lemons, useless performances of conservation what will always be cheaper - and thus more successful in the market - than the real deal.

https://pluralistic.net/2020/12/12/fairy-use-tale/#greenwashing

And nothing epitomizes the hollowness of the eco-luxury market like Tesla, a company that is only profitable because it sells carbon offsets that keep the SUV market alive - a company whose longterm stability involves bitcoin holdings with the carbon footprint of 1.8m cars.

https://news.yahoo.com/tesla-bitcoin-emissions-carbon-footprint-co2-bank-of-america-153636398.html

Still, I would happily eat some Brood 17 I-can't-believe-its-not-foie-gras.

Header image: Toby Hudson (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AustralianMuseum_cicada_specimen_11.JPG

CC BY-SA: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/au/deed.en

Kudzu image: Natalie Maynor https://www.flickr.com/photos/nataliemaynor/296950248/

CC BY: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

[thebestintoronto]

25 Best Things to Do in Toronto, Canada — Top Activities & Places to Go!

Toronto-- the biggest city in Canada-- is a metropolitan area with countless possibilities.

Energised, multicultural and multicultural, Toronto will certainly intrigue you with a bunch of tasks and striking views. From gleaming skyscrapers to private parks, this city makes sure to offer you an impressive city adventure through its numerous tourist attractions.

Do not recognize where to start? We're right here to help make your preparation experience a breeze by rounding up the best things to do in Toronto, Canada.

1. CN Tower

Towering over downtown Toronto, this 1,813.5-foot symbol was as soon as the globe's tallest free-standing framework.

Why You Must Go

With its skyrocketing apex controling the metropolitan landscape, CN Tower is a standout in the city's stunning sky line. In fact, the American Culture of Civil Designers declared this tower as one of the contemporary 7 wonders of the globe in 1995.

What To Do

Take the high-speed 58-second flight to the top of the tower. Afterward, head to the LookOut Level and also absorb the sensational views of Toronto at 1,136 feet in the air. You may additionally take a heart-pumping stroll on the thrilling EdgeWalk experience.

2. Toronto Zoo

With a monstrous land area of 710 acres, this zoological park is the largest as well as most considerable zoo in Canada.

Why You Need to Go

A visit to this zoo is, no question, one of the top points to do in Toronto with kids. With greater than 4,500 creatures calling it home, this zoo will certainly mesmerize the little ones. Also much better, this zoo features a myriad of world-class exhibitions.

What To Do

Come by the prize-winning Gorilla Rainforest, which is The United States and Canada's biggest indoor gorilla display. Likewise, you might partake in any one of the zoo's seasonable activities, like the Zoomobile flight, carousel and also ropes program.

3. Royal Ontario Museum

Because its opening in 1912, this museum in the University of Toronto has accumulated over 5 million artefacts.

Why You Must Go

Wondering what to do in Toronto when it's raining or cold? Why not head inside your home, and also discover the Royal Ontario Museum? With 40 galleries real estate numerous things, you'll have a blast admiring the diverse display collections of natural history and also world culture right here.

What To Do

Catch a broad array of antiques, consisting of Chinese temple art, Roman sculptures and dinosaur bones. If you have youngsters taking a trip with you, you can keep them quelled at the CIBC Discovery Gallery and also hands-on gallery.

4. Distillery Area

In the very early 19th century, this waterside area was residence to Canada's largest distiller, the Godderham and also Worts. Today, it's a pedestrian-only area including dining establishments, cafes, performance spaces as well as art galleries.

Why You Must Go

If you're looking for remarkable free points to do in Toronto, look no further than the historical Distillery Area. With its cobblestone roads, Victorian structures as well as year-round outdoor exhibits, it's a great location to go on an affordable taking in the sights adventure.

What To Do

Walk around the area, and soak up its beautiful setting. Then, treat on your own to a genuine Canadian mixture, or sign up with any one of the area's art classes.

5. St. Lawrence Market

Correct in the heart of downtown, this historical market has been generating succulent eats since 1803.

Why You Should Go

St. Lawrence Market is a heaven for foodies. House to more than 120 suppliers, this precious market offers whatever from exquisite breads and tasty meals to fresh veggies. And also, the marketplace has rather cost effective items.

What To Do

Satisfy your palate with the market signature meals, such as the peameal bacon sandwich. Likewise, try to rack up substantial bargains on ornaments and also antiques at this market on the weekends.

6. Toronto Islands

Located in Lake Ontario, these little and easy-going islands are residence to a bundle of family-friendly tourist attractions.

Why You Should Go

Need a break from the continuous enjoyable and taking in the sights in Toronto? Do on your own a support as well as include this chain of islands to your checklist of areas to check out in Toronto this weekend break. With extensive beaches and barbecue locations, these islands provide a rejuvenating break from Toronto's big city vibe.

What To Do

Head to Centre Island, as well as delight in a bunch of activities as well as destinations, like showing off rentals as well as beaches. Afterward, drop by the Centreville Theme park where you'll discover a boating shallows, a stroking zoo and a ton of trips.

7. Harbourfront Centre

Established in 1972, this 10-acre upscale beachfront community bursts with tasks to thrill travelers of all red stripes.

Why You Must Go

Yearly, this complex location attracts about 16 million site visitors. Exciting year-round, this waterside website boasts a myriad of notable places, consisting of dining establishments, yards, parkes, art galleries and also cinemas.

What To Do

In summer, site visitors can relax on Sugar Coastline too go kayaking and paddleboarding. If you're going to in wintertime, you may skate by the lake or see the Toronto Songs Garden. As well as, did we state that the venue hosts around 4,000 occasions each year?

8. Casa Loma

Embed in downtown Toronto, this 98-room Gothic Revival home was built in between 1911 and 1914.

Why You Ought to Go

With its eye-catching towers as well as Instagrammable exterior, this lush mansion is just one of the fascinating things to see in Toronto. What's even more, the castle shows off a marvelous 5-acre garden decorated with sculptures, fountains and wildflowers.

What To Do

Tour the mansion and also uncover several of its distinct functions, such as its secret passages, huge wine rack and also horse stables. You'll likewise like that 700-foot-long tunnel that links the stables to your house.

9. Toronto Botanical Gardens

Open up given that 2003, this 4-acre oasis attributes 17 lovely, award-winning and great smelling themed yards.

Why You Must Go

Searching for romantic things to do in Toronto for pairs? After that, visit the TBG, and take a romantic and also picturesque walk with your companion in its stunning gardens. With a myriad of attractive flowers and also a laid-back charm, this oasis makes an excellent area to unwind and loosen up.

What To Do

If you want an even more thorough understanding right into the 17 gardens, take a 1-hour led scenic tour below. Conversely, you might take an app-guided sightseeing tour that will take you around the tourist attraction's grounds.

10. Ontario Scientific Research Center

Wowing visitors for 50 years, this museum on Don Mills Roadway is filled with educational and thought-provoking exhibitions.

Why You Must Go

The Ontario Scientific research Center makes learning exceptionally fun with its 500 interactive exhibits. From its planetarium to its aging maker, this scientific research museum will entertain and surprise you in a selection of ways.

What To Do

Have a look at the museum's IMAX cinema and also watch an academic film about scientific research and modern technology. You can also join the gallery's presentations that array from papermaking to power. As well as, do not fail to remember to strike the Living Earth experience as well as rocket chair.

11. Kensington Market

A former Jewish district, this bohemian market sprang to life in the 1902 with households setting up stands to sell goods.

Why You Should Go

Kensington Market is the city's cultural capital. With its diverse vintages shops, lively feeling and also tantalizing restaurants, this market is an outright banquet for the detects. While a little disorderly, this market ensures to maintain you occupied for hrs.

What To Do

Even if you're not into shopping, you'll still appreciate strolling casually via the art-clad and wacky market. Naturally, you'll find plenty of yummy goodies as well as cool finds below, with a few of them coming from Asia and also Europe.

12. Hockey Hall of Popularity

Established initially in 1943, this museum is a stellar display of ice hockey's intriguing history.

Why You Should Go

While hockey isn't exactly the nation's main sporting activity, it's somewhat the unofficial faith of Canada. As well as, there's no better place for more information about the nation's enthusiasm for this sporting activity than the Hockey Hall Of Fame.

With 65,000 square feet of event, this museum will offer you a thorough take a look at this preferred sporting activity. In addition, it bids die-hard hockey followers with loads of epic sport artefacts.

What To Do

See many remarkable hockey-related displays, such as the goalie gear of Terry Sawchuk and also the original Stanley Mug. Also, capture the Puck Wall, which includes a thousand pucks or even more that were gathered from different globe tournaments.

13. Ft York

Constructed in 1793, this historic fort was utilized by the Canadian militia and also British Military to defend the Toronto Harbour's entrance.

Why You Ought to Go

Ft York is one of the must-see historic destinations in Toronto. Through smart guides as well as a series of battle remnants, this historic marvel will provide you a peek of the city's seductive past. Plus, it has some pleasant sights as well as views as well.

What To Do

Enjoy the armed forces drills and also cannon firings as you see this website. Furthermore, you might participate in its flag raisings in addition to trip the police officers' as well as soldiers' quarters.

14. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Managed by Ripley Home entertainment, this fish tank has 1.25 million gallons of freshwater and also aquatic habitats from all over the world.

Why You Must Go

Ripley's Aquarium Of Canada is among the can't- miss enjoyable points to do in Toronto, Canada for households. With 135,000 square feet of undersea and interactive displays, it's the largest indoor aquarium in Canada today.

What To Do

The undersea passage, known as the Dangerous Shallows, is, for many people, the highlight of their check out right here. As you venture right into this tunnel, you'll find a lot of gorgeous animals, including environment-friendly sea turtles as well as relentless sand tiger sharks.

15. Bata Shoe Gallery

Inaugurated in 1979, this special museum mainly shows the individual footwear collections of benefactor Sonja Bata.

Why You Must Go

The Bata Footwear Gallery supplies an one-of-a-kind indoor experience in Toronto. Unlike your normal gallery, this tourist attraction concentrates on presenting shoes as well as various other related products. Presently, the museum has around 12,000 shoes and also shoes artifacts that date back 4,500 years.

What To Do

Make certain to take a look at the museum's showstoppers, consisting of the Chelsea boots of John Lennon as well as the silk slippers of Queen Victoria. You'll additionally love the red leather heels of Marilyn Monroe as well as the Dolce as well as Gabbanas of Madonna.

16. Toronto Eaton Facility

With a yearly participation of 50 million visitors, this buying sanctuary is the busiest shopping mall in North America.

Why You Should Go

Toronto Eaton Center sees a lot more yearly site visitors than either of the busiest shopping malls in the United States: Ala Moana facility and Shopping mall of America. Remarkably, it likewise draws more visitors than New York's Central Park.

And also, with over 250 elegant sellers, this complex makes sure to give shopaholics their repair and window shopping.

What To Do

Invest a day searching for bargains as well as fads at leading merchants, like Forever 21, Train and Steven Madden. After your electrifying buying spree, order a fast eat from any one of the many food selections in Urban Restaurant.

17. Scarborough Bluffs

Situated in Toronto's eastern end, these bluffs stretch throughout 15 kilometers along the photogenic Lake Ontario.

Why You Ought to Go

Don't let the pictures trick you! With its sandy beaches, cascading high cliffs as well as blue-green waters, the bluffs might look a little tropical and also unique. However, guess what? This imposing geological marvel is located in Toronto.

What To Do

Enjoy the spectacular sights from the top of the bluffs neglecting the lake. You might likewise increase to the 300-foot towering cliffs or trek it. Additionally, you'll discover outing areas and also a sandy beach at Bluffer's Park.

18. Allan Gardens Sunroom

Open year-round, this no-cost attraction in the Yard District was originally opened up in 1860.

Why You Ought to Go

The Allan Gardens Conservatory has 6 greenhouses including plants and also blossoms from around the world. As well as, while it's a bit little, the sunroom also offers various other destinations, consisting of a canine park and a children's playground.

What To Do

Visit the tropical houses, which are loaded with begonia, bromeliads and orchids. As soon as done, visit the Palm House, and find a multitude of exotic creeping plants, bananas as well as palms.

19. Toronto Food Tours

Led by Cook Scott Savoi, this scrumptious excursion lets you eat your way around the city's neighborhoods, such as Old Chinatown.

Why You Must Go

There's no better method to example Toronto's varied cuisine than to take this chef-led food tour. From Little Italy to Koreatown, this excursion looks into the ethic groups as well as electrical communities in Toronto.

What To Do

Satiate your Eastern food cravings by taking their Chinatown food scenic tour. For 3 hours, this scenic tour lets you relish 12 food tastings at 6 various restaurants and stores. Also much better, you'll appreciate an authentic Dim Sum experience and make a rest stop to a Chinese Grocery store.

20. Nathan Phillips Square

With a total area of 12 acres, this urban plaza is the biggest city square in Canada.

Why You Must Go

Nathan Phillips Square overruns with fun as well as activity. From annual occasions to shows, the plaza always buzzes with task. And, the best component is, you can appreciate the majority of them, for everyone's preferred cost of no dollars.

What To Do

Relax at Peace Garden, walk the elevated walkway and do some ice skating at this plaza in winter months. Additionally, you may appreciate the square's performances, shows, rallies, regular farmers' market as well as yearly events like the wintertime lights festival.

21. Trinity Bellwoods Park

Sandwiched in between Dundas Road West and also West Queen West, this 36-acre park is a neighborhood favorite in Toronto.

Why You Ought to Go

There's no lack of age-friendly entertainment in this rich park. Whether you're visiting it in wintertime or summer, you'll find a number of great as well as worthwhile tasks in this park. To make things also much better, a lot of the park's tasks are easy on the pocketbook.

What To Do

When the weather is warm, visitors will have access to a vast array of centers, including a kiddie wading swimming pool as well as sporting activities areas. You can additionally join the BYO outings and come to be a part of their social scene. In winter season, you can go ice skating on its magnificent rink.

22. Art Gallery of Ontario

Situated comfortably in midtown Toronto, this 45,000-square-meter bonanza is one of North America's largest art galleries.

Why You Should Go

Residence to over 90,000 screens, this gallery is a piece of paradise on earth for art connoisseurs. Besides its Native as well as Canadian art displays, this gallery also has notable work of arts by European legends, like Picasso.

What To Do

Be mesmerized by the gallery's European collection featuring jobs by artists, such as Claude Monet as well as Edgar Degas. You might also admire the contemporary jobs by Canadian greats, consisting of Jeff Wall and also Michael Snow.

23. TIFF Bell Lightbox

TIFF Bell Lightbox, developed in 2010, is a social attraction in Toronto understood for its cinemas and also learning studios.

Why You Need to Go

TIFF Bell Lightbox isn't just the official headquarters of the well-known Toronto International Film Event. With 5 impressive state-of-the-art cinemas, it's likewise one of the much more fascinating points to do in Toronto tonight. And also, it houses a restaurant, a gallery area and a movie library.

What To Do

If you can't make it to the 10-day movie carnival in September, you can still appreciate this center by seeing a flick below. From international indie movies to timeless blockbusters, their movie theater runs film shows throughout the year.

24. Aga Khan Museum

Set down on a beautiful 17-acre park, this opulent gallery was opened in 2014 to highlight Islamic Art.

Why You Should Go

Aga Khan is The United States and Canada's very first museum that's devoted to featuring Islamic art. Funded by Shia Ismaili Muslims, this gallery was opened to share the scientific and also artistic creations of the worldwide Islamic areas.

What To Do

Capture the museum's long-term collection of 1,000 pieces of Islamic art. Furthermore, you might experience the gallery's unique events and events.

25. High Park

Covering 400 hectares, this all-natural as well as entertainment paradise is Toronto's solution to New York's Central Park.

Why You Should Go

No listing of the best points to do in Toronto, Canada is complete without this sprawling urban park. From untouched nature sites to themed yards, High Park will certainly move you right into happiness with its irresistible greenery. Moreover, it provides a load of amazing and interactive activities.

What To Do

There's a lot of things to do in this park. Not only does it have a zoo, however it also has ice skating rinks, tennis courts as well as an exterior pool. There are additionally playgrounds for the sprightly children.

The article “ 25 Best Things to Do in Toronto, Canada — Top Activities & Places to Go! “ was appeared first on Family Destination Guide

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