#Surfboard market

[blueweave8]

United States Surfboard Market during Forecast Period 2023-2030

BlueWeave Consulting, a leading strategic consulting and market research firm, in its recent study, estimated United States Surfboard Market size by value at USD 1.37 billion in 2023.During the forecast period between 2024 and 2030, BlueWeave expects United States Surfboard Market size to expand at a CAGR of 3.98% reaching a value of USD 1.8 billion by 2030. Major driving factors for United States Surfboard Market include Americans’ growing interest in surfing as a recreational activity and sport, particularly among younger generations. Thriving coastal tourism, media exposure, and surfing events further fuel demand. Advances in surfboard technology, including eco-friendly materials and customizable designs, also attract consumers. Additionally, the rise of surf schools and surfing communities, along with the sport's inclusion in global competitions like the Olympics, contribute to the market's expansion.

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Opportunity – Expanding E-commerce Sector in United States

The growth of e-commerce sector across the country significantly boosts the growth of United States Surfboard Market. Online platforms offer consumers easy access to a diverse range of surfboard styles, brands, and prices, enhancing purchasing convenience. As surfing gains popularity, particularly among younger demographics, e-commerce facilitates direct-to-consumer sales, reducing overhead costs for brands. Additionally, targeted online marketing and social media influence increase awareness and interest, driving sales and contributing to the overall expansion of United States Surfboard Market.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on United States Surfboard Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions could have both direct and indirect impacts on United States Surfboard Market. Disruptions in global trade can lead to supply chain issues, affecting the availability of raw materials like fiberglass, foam, and resin, essential for surfboard production. Increased tariffs and restrictions on imports from key surfboard manufacturing countries (e.g., China) can raise costs, leading to higher retail prices. Consumer sentiment may also shift, with economic uncertainty reducing discretionary spending on leisure goods like surfboards. Furthermore, geopolitical risks could affect travel and tourism, particularly to coastal areas, potentially reducing demand for surfboards from both local surfers and tourists. Overall, geopolitical instability may create cost pressures and reduce demand in United States Surfboard Market.

Online Distribution Channel to Grow Faster in US Surfboard Market

The online distribution channel segment is project to grow at a faster CAGR, driven by e-commerce convenience, broader selection, and competitive pricing. However, the offline segment remains the leader. The offline segment holds a larger market share of United States Surfboard Market, due to the tactile nature of surfboard purchases, where consumers prefer to physically inspect the boards, assess quality, and get personalized advice from specialists in surf shops. Additionally, many surfers value the expertise offered by local retailers, which enhances customer experience.

Competitive Landscape

United States Surfboard Market is fiercely competitive, with numerous companies vying for a larger market share. Major companies in the market include Solid Surfboards, Lost Surfboards, Firewire Surfboards, Orca, Gordon & Smith (G&S), Rusty Surfboards, Harbour Surfboards, USA Surfboard Shapers, and Blueprint Surf Company. These companies use various strategies, including increasing investments in their R&D activities, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations, licensing agreements, and new product and service releases to further strengthen their position in United States Surfboard Market.

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[baocean]

#undercover

jjmaybank x bestfriend!reader smau series

finished!

since the pogues got home after getting rich off gold, you’ve all moved in together, the business is going well, life is good. you’ve also, gone viral. a few of them become overnight tiktok sensations. you, being the friend you are, create a fan page for your best friend, jj.

thinking nothing of it, you post aimlessly on there, expecting no attention of any of your best friend’s fans or your best friend himself. until you do.

mood board 🦢🍸🤍🌾

reader

jj maybank

warnings

drinking, smoking, cursing, a whole lot of inappropriate jokes and insults, afab!reader.

guide

pasta please | foursome | hot,funny,smart,cool | kitten | ehhh ehhh | newww yawwwkk | surfboard foreplay | do i have to spell it out? | lana del ray coded | $300 | a polaroid in a wallet | NURSE | rip camcorder | paying your friends to hangout with you | junie bug! | sarah’s spreading germs | SAY IT PUSSY | newww yawwwkk…again? | off the market | undercover

extras

going on a girls trip | baby pogue | happy 21st! | the real gold

notes

if you wanted to be added to the taglist let me know!

i’ll try to tag everyone who asks! if i’m not able to tag you in the fic itself, i’ll try to tag you in the comments :)

[baeksqt]

𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐌 — elisa de almeida

elisa de almeida x fem!reader

(a/n: heyy its been a while ~(>_<~) I thought I would be more active in the summer but idk what happened there as I had this sitting in my drafts for sooo long, I hope you enjoyed this piece luvvies (¯ ³¯)♡)

word count: 1305

genre: fluff/angst

summary: a holiday with elisa allows her to open up.

Elisa had always been captivated by the beach, with its golden sands and the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore. However, while she relished the serenity of sunbathing and the occasional stroll along the coastline, the adrenaline-fueled world of surfing didn’t quite resonate with her as much as it did with you. During your getaway to the Maldives with Elisa and a few close friends, the days unfolded in a gentle rhythm.

You explored vibrant local markets, immersing yourself in the rich culture and vibrant colours of handcrafted goods and aromatic street food. Together, you ventured to breathtaking viewpoints, marvelling at the stunning turquoise waters and lush tropical landscapes. Despite her reservations about surfing, you often tried to coax Elisa into the warm ocean breeze, hoping to share the thrill of catching a wave with her.

Now, on this sun-drenched beach with the sun blazing high in the sky, you found yourself standing over Elisa as you stuck two surfboards into the sand, captivated by the way her bronze skin shimmered under the warm light filtering through your sunglasses. She squinted in the brightness, her brows knitting together as she mumbled softly to herself, momentarily puzzled by what was casting a shadow over her sunbathing spot.

“Ma belle,” Elisa began, her tone playful as she leaned back, the sun illuminating her radiant smile. She pushed her sunglasses up onto her head, revealing bright eyes that sparkled with mischief. “As much as I adore you and consider you the very light of my life,” she continued, a teasing grin spreading across her face, “you’re going to ruin my tan.” Her gaze met yours, a hint of challenge glimmering in her eyes.

You couldn’t help but smile at her corny charm, a mix of fondness and amusement washing over you. “We leave in just two days, and you still haven’t taken the plunge into the waves with me,” you retorted, pouting slightly, the playful banter dancing between you like the summer breeze.

“It's just not my thing, mon amour.” Elisa stood up, her voice laced with a hint of apology as she felt the familiar pang of guilt creeping in for avoiding the surfboards propped in the sand. The sun glinted off the water, inviting and tantalizing.

“You had no problem getting on the jet ski yesterday, though,” you pointed out, your tone playful but edged with a bit of frustration. You could still envision the way her laughter had danced on the wind while zipping across the water, the adrenaline painting her cheeks with colour.

“Well,” she hesitated, her brows knitting together as she contemplated the potential hazards of surfing, “what if I wipe out and the board hits me? I could end up with a concussion!” Her eyes widened as she imagined the worst-case scenario, the apprehension evident in her posture.

“Firstly,” you replied, arching an eyebrow and giving her an incredulous look, “do you forget that I do this for a living? I’ve seen it all!” You leaned closer, hoping to reassure her. “Secondly, the waves here aren’t rough at all. They’re gentle, perfect for beginners! I wouldn’t just toss you into the water without a proper lesson from moi.” You emphasized “moi” with a playful flourish, landing a kiss on her pink lips, and transferring your watermelon chapstick, hoping to lighten the mood.

Elisa bit her lip, still uncertain, but you could see the flicker of curiosity in her eyes, battling with her fears.

Elisa stood at the water's edge, her smile illuminated by the sun as she watched the gentle waves lap at her feet, the cool saltwater glistening on her skin. Yet, despite the serene setting, a flicker of apprehension danced in her eyes. "We won't venture far," you reassured her, your voice steady and warm. "We’ll just paddle and cruise along the shore. You’ll be perfectly fine, I promise. Just follow my lead." You offered a gentle squeeze on her shoulder, hoping to instil a sense of calm.

With a determined breath, you dashed into the inviting embrace of the ocean, feeling the refreshing rush of saltwater envelop your board. As you lay flat on your surfboard, you glanced back to check on Elisa. To your relief, her expression had transformed; the worry had faded, replaced by a newfound sense of tranquillity. She was right beside you now, ready to embrace the waves.

You both glide further from the shore, the rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the boards harmonizing with the gentle whispers of the ocean breeze. As you find your balance and sit up on your board, the salty air wraps around you like a familiar embrace. Your gaze sweeps across the horizon, where the vibrant colours of the sky blend seamlessly with the island’s silhouette, its lush greenery and rugged cliffs standing proudly against the shimmering blue backdrop. Each breath fills your lungs with the briny scent of the sea, heightening your senses as you take in the stunning view.

Elisa’s voice sliced through the quiet rhythm of your thoughts as she glided effortlessly alongside you in the shimmering water. “You know,” she began, her tone laced with vulnerability, “after the Olympics, I found myself questioning my place on the squad.” She stared down at the rippling surface, her legs creating gentle waves that danced around her. “It’s been constant miss after miss, year after year, and when the moment finally came at a home Olympics, it felt surreal.”

You nodded, empathy rising within you as you observed Elisa’s averted gaze, her thoughts seemingly lost in the depths of the water. Before you could express your support, she pressed on, her voice tinged with emotion. “I’m so grateful to have been part of it all, to be called up to the team. It just feels…” She paused, finally meeting your gaze, the concern mirrored in her eyes. “…exhausting.” The weight of her words hung in the air, a testament to the mental toll of her journey.

“Why didn't you tell me this in August?” you asked, your fingers resting gently on her firm thigh, your gaze searching her eyes for some kind of understanding.

Elisa's expression shifted to one of disbelief as her voice rose in protest. “You came back from Tahiti with a silver medal hanging proudly around your neck!” she exclaimed, the shock evident in her tone. “Who was I to let my misery overshadow your moment of triumph?”

A heavy sigh escaped your lips, a pang of regret tightening in your chest as you both reflected on the whirlwind of emotions over the past couple of months. You were acutely aware of Elisa’s lingering discontent regarding the team's performance at the Olympics, but you had never fathomed she might start doubting her abilities.

You both lay on your surfboards in peaceful silence as the sun hung low in the sky, where the sound of seagulls occasionally punctuated the calm atmosphere. The gentle rhythm of small waves, with each ebb and flow, gradually brought you closer back to the soft beachfront.

Elisa settled down beside you on the warm, golden sand, a soft towel draped over her shoulder. She wrapped her arm around you, pulling you closer as the gentle sound of wave crashes filled the air. “You should really make me surf more,” she said, her voice playful yet serious. The sun cast a warm glow over her face, highlighting the sparkle in her eyes.

“It’s soothing when you seek solace,” you chuckled softly, the sound mingling with the gentle ebb and flow of the waves. Your gaze drifted toward the horizon, where the tide retreated, leaving a glistening trail along the shore. “But please, don’t hold back. Share anything that weighs on your heart.” Your voice was earnest, a tender plea born from the depths of your concern.

[delicateflowerss]

You Were Never Mine

You couldn't have Conrad Fisher in the fall, but maybe you can have him in the summer.

Warnings: 18+, smut, underage drinking, mention of loss of virginity, mention of drugs, angst, friends with benefits, unrequited love

Word Count: 2.1k

You never expected to see him here.

Now you hide behind strangers, hoping he doesn’t see you too.

You watch him run his hand through his hair, almost nervously, maybe absentmindedly. He cradles a beer in his other hand, his attention on the friends that surround him.

It’s those tiny details that make your heart clench, wincing at the things that could have been, the things you could have had.

You met Conrad last fall. It was a party similar to this one. It was full of firsts, loud and messy. A college party through and through.

You had gotten into some drunken debate with some friends, and you hadn’t noticed that Conrad had joined in until it was just the two of you, arguing over something stupid that most people wouldn’t care about.

Then before you knew it, his lips were on yours and clothes were being thrown to every corner of some small bedroom.

It was your first time, but Conrad didn’t know that. You cursed at yourself when you were sober enough to realize what happened. You never intended to lose your virginity while you were drunk, let alone to a guy you just met.

You knew nothing about him so you worried he would be stuck as some one-night stand, your first one-night stand.

Until you ran into him when you were leaving the library one night. You were there late, studying for an exam the next day. He was the one who called out to you, even remembering your name.

You don’t know why you expected anything less from him.

It was cold and dark, so he offered to walk you to your dorm. You thought it was sweet, that he cared enough to do something like that.

After that, you saw him more and more. It wasn’t too long before you were spending the night in each other’s beds.

It became a habit, a dangerous one.

Sometimes, he would accidentally leave his plaid shirts in your room, leaving them draped over your desk chair.

Normally, you would give them back. Except, one you kept. You hoped he would forget he ever left it, and you would get to keep it for yourself.

And he did, never asking about it.

Now it’s summer vacation and your family decided to spend it in Cousins this year. You thought Conrad had mentioned to you once or twice that he spends his summers here too, but you hoped your memory was false.

All you can think about now is when you’ll be able to leave.

Your hiding game doesn’t last long before he notices you, your gaze meeting his. You don’t miss the surprise that paints his face, but you don’t see it for long as you’re turning away, leaving the smell of weed and booze behind you.

Summer is cruel for playing this sick joke on you. The town must be small because you’ve had to dodge Conrad a few times since you saw him at that party, including hiding behind a produce stand at the market.

You hope to find a reprieve at the beach, salt air hanging heavily around you as you lay sprawled out on a towel.

But all you have to do is turn your head and you see him again. You want to roll your eyes at your luck and it’s like he can sense you’re looking at him because he catches your eye.

You hope that he’ll go the other way, pretending he doesn’t see you.

He doesn’t do that.

Your name falls easily from his lips as he walks up to you.

“What’re you doing in Cousins?” he asks, and you wonder if the slight smile on his face is covering his annoyance that you’re here in the first place.

You clear your throat, standing up so he’s not looming over you.

He has a surfboard under his arm and his chestnut hair is wet, droplets of water falling from the strands onto his skin.

You swallow, wanting nothing more but to trace your fingertips on his damp skin.

“My parents decided to vacation here this summer,” you say, shrugging your shoulders, making it clear you had no choice in the matter.

All he does is nod, his blue gaze still on you and it makes you nervous as you don’t know what’s going through his head.

“How have you been liking it?” he finally asks, ending the awkward silence.

“I like it a lot. It’s really nice here.”

You avoid talking about how you dread leaving your vacation house just in case you run into him.

Your stare finds the sand beneath your feet, and you don’t notice him starting to say your name, his brow furrowing like he’s about to say something serious.

“I should get going,” you interrupt. “It was good seeing you, Conrad,” you hurriedly say before grabbing your things and leaving.

He watches you, a heaviness passing through his eyes.

You and Conrad were like a lit match, burning bright for a short time before being snuffed out, leaving nothing but a lingering smoke.

You could’ve lived forever in those few months when the air was crisper and fall leaves littered the ground.

It was an unspoken agreement that the two of you wouldn’t talk about what you exactly were. It was just kisses on collarbones and hands on thighs. It was whispered late-night conversations where you could say anything that was on your mind, except if it had to do with you and Conrad.

Then you slipped up.

You could hear his even breathing next to you, but he wasn’t asleep.

“Conrad?” you whispered.

He hummed in response.

“I need to ask you something.”

You don’t know why you broke the rule, but you couldn’t take it anymore. You didn’t know why he didn’t want to be yours.

You could feel his gaze on you but in the darkness, you couldn’t see the intensity of it or the slight worry.

“I need to know…what this is,” you said so quietly that you almost hoped he didn’t hear you.

You could feel him shift, turning onto his back so he stares at the ceiling instead of you.

“Does it need to be something?” His voice is even.

“Isn’t it, already?”

A moment passed and you felt like you couldn’t breathe.

“It’s just sex, Y/N,” he said casually, shrugging his shoulders.

You swallowed, not wanting the tears to well up any further.

It wasn’t a second later before he got out of bed, putting his clothes back on. He said something about seeing you later, but you knew it was a lie.

And it was. For the rest of the school year, you would sometimes see him at a party or somewhere on campus. But he would just act like he didn’t know you, and you did the same.

For some reason, you kept his shirt, maybe because it still smelled like him.

That’s why it was so confusing that he would talk to you now, just because you happen to be in the same town as him for the summer.

The music is so loud it’s hard to think. But maybe you don’t want to, choosing to drown your sorrows in whatever is at the bottom of the red solo cup in your hand.

You’re not sure why you let yourself go to another party, knowing it’s likely you’d see Conrad again.

But as you walk through the swarms of people and you don’t see his face, you almost wish he was there.

It’s not until you find the backyard that you find the face you could recognize anywhere.

He sits by the pool, the blue reflecting onto his face. Locks of his hair fall over his eyes as he takes a swig of his beer.

He’s alone, a sullenness overtaking his features.

Your feet move on their own accord, your mind not having caught up with them. Why should you talk to him?

It doesn’t matter that you can’t think of an answer, you’re already stepping outside.

He finally moves to see you walking up to him. He doesn’t fake a smile, his gaze finding the water.

“What’re you doing out here?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugs his shoulders. “I’m sure you prefer it. So, you don’t have to see me,” he says, looking at you.

Now it’s your turn to look away, also finding the pool more interesting.

“I came out here, didn’t I?”

“Yeah,” he agrees, slightly nodding. “But what about all those other times you avoided me?”

You can feel your cheeks getting warmer.

“You can’t hide from me, you know,” he adds, his tone teasing.

“I don’t want to,” you say, staring at the ground.

Something thick settles between the two of you.

“And I don’t want you to feel like you have to,” he replies.

“Really?” you scoff.

“I never meant to make you feel differently.”

You assume that’s his version of an apology.

“Well, you did, Conrad. It really seemed like you never wanted to see me again.”

You cross your arms as you wait for his response.

He swallows, setting his beer down on the concrete.

“But that’s not true,” he says, standing up, finally looking you in the eyes. “I never said I didn’t want to see you again.”

“No, you just lied about it.”

His fingers are back in his hair, nervously pushing back the strands in his face.

“I didn’t know it meant so much to you.”

You furrow your brow, wondering if he’s oblivious to his rudeness or if he knows he’s an asshole.

“You didn’t think I liked you? At all?”

Anger seeps out of your voice as you step closer to him.

A moment passes, only the distant sound of waves crashing, and the muffled sounds of the party can be heard.

“I liked you, Conrad. A lot,” you explain. “And you just left, without saying another word to me. You know how shitty that is?”

“You shouldn’t have just sprung that on me,” he argues back. “Especially at that moment. I mean, who does that?”

“There was no other time you talked to me,” you say, and it almost sounds pathetic.

He just stares at you, and you realize it is pathetic. You’re pathetic.

You don’t think you can take it anymore, so you turn around quickly, wanting to get far away from him. But your foot catches on something, forcing you to lose your balance.

You try to grab onto Conrad’s arm, hoping he would pull you back from the water’s edge. Instead, you fall into the pool, Conrad right after you, both of you submerged in the deep, deep blue.

You swim to the top as he does the same, finding him blinking the water out of his eyes as you both take a breath.

“Why did you pull me in?” he asks with feigned irritation, splashing you a little.

“You pulled yourself in. You were supposed to catch me.” Your tone matches his as you splash him more than he splashed you.

“I’m sorry,” he says, too genuine for letting you fall into the pool.

“It’s fine. I mean, you’re in here too.”

“No. About…what I did,” he says with a shaky breath, sincerity written on his face. “It was shitty, and you didn’t deserve that.”

Now that you’ve heard the words you’ve been longing to hear, your mind is blank.

“You have no idea how many times I thought about trying to talk to you again. And when I saw that you were in Cousins…I took my chance,” he continues.

“Why did you wait so long?”

“I thought you hated me. And I was right.”

“I don’t hate you, Conrad,” you interrupt. “I could never hate you.”

“You should. I hope you burned that shirt I left in your dorm.”

“What? You knew I had that?”

His lips curve into a smirk before you splash him again.

“Why didn’t you say anything if you knew I had it?” you ask.

“Because I wanted you to have it. Have something that was mine,” he adds, his voice gentle.

Your eyes soften as you feel yourself inching closer to him.

It’s not long before he presses his lips to yours, a hand holding the back of your neck as he deepens the kiss.

Your legs curl around his hips as his other hand hooks under your thigh. He softly bites your bottom lip before pushing his tongue inside your mouth.

While his other hand moves from your neck to your chest, his lips drag down the wet skin of your neck.

His fingers go down farther, finding the inside of your shorts. You can’t help the soft moan that falls out of you as he rubs the front of your underwear.

Your hips move, grinding yourself on the palm of his hand.

“Should we move this inside?” he whispers against your cheek.

And you can’t help but wonder if this means things will change.

[rocketbirdie]

your latest screenshots of cloud in situations reminded me of smth that happened while I was playing rebirth. id just gotten thru a Very Tense Scene In Gongaga and had cloud exit the building , except the sides of the staircase have these ramp-like slopes that maybe read as different terrain than stairs. i accidentally had cloud walk right on the border between stairs and slope and I think what happened was that the game got very confused about what terrain reaction it was supposed to choose and switched rapidly between the two. the angle was weird so I didnt see exactly what happened but cloud very suddenly pitched forward and the camera freaked out, which made it look like he completely ate shit down the front steps of the fair residence (aerith and tifa were standing like. right outside. just a few feet away. saw the whole thing) (i think i have video of it somewhere)

yesssss i love discovering cursed collision in this game. my entire postgame experience so far has been hunting for janky physics objects and awkward terrain.

costa del sol in particular is a treasure trove of absurdity. i'm like a scientist studying this place under a microscope. just to name a couple of my findings thus far:

near the shinra-8, there are stacks of large wooden crates that are actually physics objects. they even float in the water if you knock them off the pier! but even better, there are also a bunch of oil drums that have a horrible sound effect so loud that they can temporarily cut out all other sound effects

there's a giant chocobo inflatable thing that always rights itself if knocked over. an odd side effect of this is that it can get briefly stuck to characters and seem to ominously follow your party around in near total silence (it can also be found at the gold saucer)

there's a weird ledge behind some market stalls where if you try to vault/jump over it, you get wedged between two potted plants. if you alternate holding forward->neutral->forward etc, cloud's model will start bending at the middle more and more. this is how i was able to get that bizarre screenshot in that most recent post

and this is all just on foot. i haven't even begun experimenting with the wheelies yet. i have great ambitions involving cutlery, foliage, garbage bins, metal racks, surfboards— the possibilities are truly endless and i cannot wait to continue my research

[totallyjustabunchofhocuspocus]

Fic Preview

A sneak peek of the next chapter of Come Away, O Human Child

Evan enjoys working in the little hole-in-the-wall beach bar. The people are interesting, the scenery is beautiful, and his boss doesn’t mind if he experiments with drink recipes and his magic. A few of his concoctions have even made it onto the menu. The money’s not great, but it’s enough for his needs with tips—his Spanish has been steadily improving (even if people occasionally laugh at his pronunciations) and Evan’s always been good at being charming. A vital skill for bartending.

He enjoys it, but he enjoys his days off more.

He goes hiking along the beaches, or hops in the Jeep and explores the little towns and villages that dot the coast, finding new food to try or markets to wander in. Sometimes he wanders along secluded trails and makes friends with local creatures and lesser fae. Most of his free time, though, is spent with Sara, Rafael, and the other local merfolk.

The pod will be moving further south in a few weeks, making the rounds at a few more coastal towns to make money giving guided reef and shipwreck tours. Evan’s already agreed to make a trek into the largest nearby city with a few other people the merfolk have made friends with to buy all the things the pod will use or trade with other pods when they move into deeper waters for the winter. For now, though, practically every spare minute he has he’s shrugging into a wetsuit enchanted to withstand greater pressure than his body can handle, grabbing his surfboard, and paddling out past the breakers to the little floating dock the merfolk have constructed as the surface base of their operations.

Rafael and Sara usually end up taking him out into the deep water, miles and miles away from the shore—farther than he’d ever dare go by himself unless he was in an actual sailboat. Letting merfolk tow him all the way out there on just a surfboard was probably the plot of some horror film or another…but Evan trusts them. He always trusts the magic in his life.

Case in point.

“Are you sure about this, sunshine?” Rafael asks, the thick muscles of his tail curling and uncurling around Evan’s legs as they float out in the deep water, gently rocking on the waves. Evan takes a few moments to translate—still not as quick with it as he knows he’d have to be to call himself anything approaching fluent in Spanish—and smiles at the nickname. He rests his head back against Rafael’s shoulder, reaching up and back to run his hand through his dark hair.

It’s not a relationship. Friends with benefits, maybe, but even that implies more permanence than Evan knows this has. They like each other, sure, but Evan is under no illusions that Rafael wants him for anything other than the novelty of fucking a human. That’s fine, he doesn’t want Rafael for anything other than the novelty of fucking a merperson. Rafael is a good friend, though; most of the pod have become his friends.

“Absolutely,” he says, then sputters a laugh before sucking in a deep breath as Rafael wraps his arms around his waist and spins them down into the water, kissing him thoroughly before pulling them back to the surface.

Rafael pushes him back a little, at last flicking his tail away from Evan’s legs so he can tread water more easily. Then he reaches down to the colorfully woven (and warded to be waterproof) pouch he wears around his waist, pulling out some kind of container carved out of a solid piece of coral. “Where do you want it?” he asks, holding up the coral and plucking a cork stopper from it so that Evan can see the dark, ink-like substance inside.

“Does it make a difference?” he asks curiously, hauling on the cord tethering his surfboard to his wrist and pulling it closer so he can scramble up on top of it.

“A little. The closer to the heart, the more potent the charm is.” Rafael rests his elbows on the board, peering up at him with his shiny eyes, black as a shark’s.

He considers a moment, then shrugs, unzipping his wetsuit and tugging the sleeves off so it pools around his waist. “Right here then,” he says, pointing to his bare chest. Rafael smiles at him, all sharp teeth and mischief. Then he sobers a little.

“It will not be comfortable. I’ve never seen the boon granted, but my grandmother says humans find it painful. The ocean is never gentle, sunshine, even when she’s giving you her favor.”

Evan nods his understanding. Sara had said as much when she first brought up the idea of her and her siblings asking their pod for permission to give him an ocean boon. He’s not sure how painful they’re talking…but he thinks it probably can’t be that much worse than getting an intricate tattoo. Besides, even if it is, he still wants it. From a practical standpoint, if Sara and Rafael think it’ll make him safer while hanging out with them, he’s all for it. From a social standpoint, it would be extremely rude to refuse a gift of this magnitude—he doesn’t know much about ocean boons, but he knows it’s extremely rare for a human to be offered one.

From a personal standpoint…he just likes the idea. He likes the idea of having a permanent, tangible reminder that his friends cared about him enough to get permission for such an intricate ritual, that he was important enough to them that they even thought of it. He’s been considering getting some more ink to commemorate his time in Peru anyway; this will be even better. He grins lopsidedly at Rafael, spider-walking his fingers up the man’s bicep.

“Then I guess you’ll just have to kiss it better afterwards, huh?” he says, fluttering his lashes in an overdramatic fashion that has Rafael laughing and surging up out of the water to kiss him again.

“I hope whoever finally locks you down knows what they’re getting into, sunshine,” he says when he pulls back, shaking his head fondly.

Evan’s smile slips at that, just a bit. Rafael doesn’t mean anything by it, of course. There’s nothing romantic between them, but that doesn’t mean that Evan thinks his friend doesn’t hold a great deal of affection for him. It’s just friendly teasing, and Rafael has no way of knowing how much words like that hurt. None of the merfolk have any way of knowing. No one has any way of knowing. No matter how much he wishes it was otherwise, he’s never going to be able to have anything more than the kind of shallow, casual relationship he has with Rafael. Had with Derek. Had with Selene. No one’s ever going to ‘lock him down.’

No one’s ever going to want to. Not for what he can offer.

“Evan? You all right?” Rafael asks suddenly, seeming to sense the dip in his mood. His playful grin fades and he lays a hand on the top of Evan’s thigh, the scales on the webbing between his fingers shining iridescent in the sunlight. “We don’t have to do this today. Don’t have to do it at all—Sara and I won’t be disappointed if you change your mind.”

“I—no. No! No, I’d like to. I’d—” He pauses, and licks his lips before shyly continuing. “I’d like something to remember you guys by,” he admits softly.

Rafael stares at him a moment, before the smile creeps across his face again. “All right sunshine. Come down in the water again. Got your fancy charm?”

In answer, Evan taps his fingers against the rune he sketched over his own throat before he left the room he rents in town and lets out a soft whistle, golden light sparking from his fingers and activating the spell. He slides off the surfboard again and lets himself sink beneath the surface of the water, Rafael kicking off in circles around him. There’s a moment of disorientation, his throat burning briefly before he forces himself to relax. He doesn’t open his mouth to try and breathe, but he feels his lungs expanding and contracting anyway, the rune pulsing on his throat and letting him absorb oxygen from the water directly, like he’s suddenly sprouted gills. It's a bizarre sensation, and this type of magic is one of the few he feels more comfortable casting with proper spells and rituals. What he’s asking his magic to do is so against what his body was designed for—even he can’t hold this kind of spell for long. He blinks his eyes open, wincing at the sting of saltwater and focusing on the blurry shape of Rafael’s body drifting closer to his.

He doesn’t resist when Rafael grabs him by the wrist and starts pulling him deeper down, the blue of the water growing darker and more shadowy. They stop after a few moments, just floating together in the depths. Rafael’s hand lands on his chest, one finger tapping thoughtfully just over his heart before drifting up to grab his chin. His friend kisses him softly again, before pulling back and producing the carved coral container and pressing it into Evan’s hands. He holds it obligingly while Rafael digs a thick scoop of the thick, black paste out, the substance somehow still feeling viscous when Rafael touches it to his chest, even underwater.

He closes his eyes as Rafael starts to sketch out a pattern on his skin, a muffled sound he feels more than hears surrounding him as his friend starts chanting in the native language of his pod—clicks and whistles and pulses that Evan knows resemble whale song more than anything else. Rafael’s free hand comes up to stroke his cheek apologetically, and then the design he’s just painted onto Evan’s chest starts burning. It feels like the black ink (or whatever it is) is clawing its way beneath his skin, cauterizing itself onto his skin. A current springs up out of nowhere, swirling around them like a whirlpool, buffeting his body and the boon burns…

Buck's head breaks the surface, and he gasps, thrashes, frantically trying to right himself in water that is rushing, tumbling, crashing all around him and should not be here. His clothes weigh him down, and he can't kick properly in his shoes. He has to...he has to...he reaches up on instinct, snagging a length of cable and carnival lights stretching...stretching over the length of the street.

His chest burns, the ocean boon fairly pulsing in his flesh as water streams down his face, into his eyes, as it rushes past his body in such force he can barely hang onto the cable. What...where...

His brain finally catches up with his body, fear like he has never known seizing him.

"Christopher!" he screams.

The ocean is never gentle...

[apollostears]

𝐿𝐼𝐹𝐸'𝑆 𝐴 𝑩𝑬𝑨𝑪𝑯 ＃︎！︎

❤︎ 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 + 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: headcanons on spending time with your college roommates at the beach. college!jjk, college!au, platonic!reader, the guys are idiots (+ you), nanami regrets everything.

❤︎ 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: nanami, toji, choso, geto, and gojo

✉︎ 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐱𝐱

- one summer, nanami planned a week long trip to thailand!!

- lemme tell y’all how it went…

- choso got sun burn. . . twice (he has super sensitive skin)

- toji got stung by a jellyfish and gojo totally tried pissing on him

- geto got buried under sand by you and he almost drowned bc of how close to the shoreline y’all were

- two words: endless mimosas

- nanami was working OVERTIME to keep you and gojo away from the water so y’all drunk asses wouldn’t drown

- the housekeeping staff absolutely adored you guys!! shoutout to gojo and them dazzlin eyes

- you guys did soo much shoppin at the local markets and stores!

- gojo dragged you and geto out to one of the island clubs they had

- you definitely made out w some random person

- some local women taught you, nanami, and geto how to make traditional pad woon sen (glass noddle stir-fry)

- choso swam with sharks!!!

- y’all all definitely went snorkeling and nanami totally lost his shit bc a fish swam next to him

- if there’s water games, DO NOT LET THEM NEAR!

- geto and gojo paddle boarded way too far out and got bitched at

- choso will NOT stop going down the water slide

- several parents have complained already

- nanami falls asleep while kayaking and everyone thinks he’s dead of heat stroke so the paramedics came

- toji parasails the whole day and he’s good at it

- which is good but what’s not good is you being stuck on that damn boat w him

- you get some surfboarding lessons from this super hot guy. you totally snuck out to go though.

- likeee crack ass of dawn type shit

- you guys take pottery class together and go on a tour of bangkok

- you, choso, and nanami decide to paint at the beach while the others roam

- it was such a good bonding moment for the three of you

- constant hangovers!!

- these dudes party like they have indestructible livers

- in the end, this was the overall team damage:

- geto and gojo drowned each other

- three times

- geto almost got y’all deported

- gojo got lost for half a day

- choso got lost looking for gojo for half a day

- you literally almost ended up kidnapped had nanami not put air-tags on y’all

- toji lowkey ended up in some beef with the underground fight ring there. all bc he beat the owner’s ass in a street fight

- matching tattoos were a must!! (again)

- on the last day, nanami got stung by a jellyfish (toji was fucking cackling at that mans pain) and that’s when y’all knew it was a wrap

- mans literally came back to japan and took an extended vacation but AWAY from you guys

- you guys definitely go to the beach every summer now

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒. @kennyackermanswhore @chaoticevilbakugo @indiecursor @gabzlovesu @desiray562 @brownmochii @knjkitten @sweeneyblue1 @namjoonswifeyy @nyxeclipse @rubinocore @somerandompipzsxh @dabilovesme @histarean @hannas16 @caribbeanwifey19 @emonaculate @po3ticb3auty @waka-umm @wilsonsbuck @ctrlstar @jealousfuckingcunt @savagemickey03 @dukina @sisnot @littlemochi @hoohoohope @ruubric

✉︎ 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬... 𝐢 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐬

٩(˘◡˘)۶

𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐝𝐤 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤

(◕﹏◕✿)

[starshiips]

𝐄𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 -- part 01 cl16

pairing: charles leclerc x fem! surfer influencer! reader

trope: next door neighbors au !

summary: a particular influencer known for her surfing has recently moved to monte carlo for the summer.

liked by user1 and 10,857 others

y/nverse goodbye california, ill miss my memories, as i embrace monte carlo

view 9,582 comments

As the sun cast a golden hue over the Mediterranean coastline, [Y/n] arrived at her Monaco apartment, her anticipation palpable. She had been eagerly awaiting this vacation, a respite from the demands of daily life. With a sense of relief, she dropped her bags onto the floor of her room, the crisp linens of her bed beckoning to her tired limbs. Yet, as she gazed out of the window, the sight of the glistening sea stirred something within her.

Despite the allure of rest, [Y/n] found herself drawn to the rhythmic melody of the waves crashing against the shore. The call of adventure whispered in her ears, urging her to abandon her plans of unwinding indoors. With a sudden burst of energy, she discarded the idea of unpacking and instead reached for her surfboard, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

With practiced ease, she slipped into her wetsuit, the neoprene clinging snugly to her skin. As she made her way to the beach, a sense of liberation washed over her. The salty breeze tousled her hair, and the warmth of the sun kissed her cheeks. The familiar thrill of anticipation coursed through her veins, igniting a fire within her soul.

Unbeknownst to [Y/n], her neighbor watched her departure with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. From his vantage point across the courtyard, he observed her with keen interest, intrigued by her spontaneous spirit. In a world where schedules and obligations dictated the rhythm of life, her spontaneity was a breath of fresh air.

As [y/n] reached the shoreline, she felt a surge of exhilaration course through her. With each wave she conquered, she felt more alive than ever before. The sea embraced her like an old friend, its salty embrace comforting and invigorating all at once. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still as she surrendered herself to the ebb and flow of the ocean.

Meanwhile, the same captivated neighbor couldn't help but admire [y/n]'s fearlessness from afar. In a place where extravagance and luxury were the norm, her simple joy in the sea's embrace was a testament to her authenticity. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a mesmerizing array of colors across the sky, he made a mental note to introduce himself to his intriguing new neighbor.

As the day drew to a close and [y/n] reluctantly emerged from the water, she couldn't shake the feeling of contentment that enveloped her. Though her room remained untouched and her bags lay forgotten on the floor, she knew that she had made the right choice. In that moment, amidst the crashing waves and salty air, she found a sense of peace that she had been searching for all along. 

After her invigorating surf session, [y/n] returned to her apartment, her spirits lifted and her body humming with energy. With a satisfied sigh, she finally decided it was time to unpack her bags and settle in. As she carefully organized her belongings, folding clothes and arranging toiletries, her mind drifted to the prospect of exploring the local markets for some fresh ingredients. The thought of indulging in Monaco's culinary delights ignited a spark of excitement within her.

With her bags finally emptied and her essentials neatly stowed away, [y/n] slipped into a comfortable sundress and sandals, ready to venture out into the bustling streets of Monaco. Just as she reached for the door handle, she noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. To her surprise, her neighbor emerged from his apartment, a casual smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Hey there," she called out, her voice easygoing. "I'm [y/n], your neighbor from next door."

Charles's expression brightened with recognition as he returned her greeting. "Nice to meet you, [y/n]," he replied, a hint of curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "I've seen you around. My name's Charles, " he said as he walked along side her, it wasn't intentional but it seemed they were both going the same way,

As they reached a crossroads, [y/n] hesitated for a moment, not wanting their conversation to end. With a playful smile, she suggested, "You know, I was just about to head to the market to pick up some groceries. Since we're having such a great chat, why don't we continue our conversation on the way? It'll be like our own little walking tour of Monaco."

Charles's eyes lit up with excitement at the idea, and he readily agreed. "That sounds like a fantastic idea," he replied, falling into step beside her as they made their way towards the market. And as they walked and talked, their laughter filling the air, [y/n] couldn't shake the feeling of warmth and connection that blossomed between them.

"what brings you to monte carlo?" charles asked wondering what such a free spirit was doing in such a luxurious city 

" A new scenery, and i heard monte carlo had great beaches" She responded quite vaguely leaving aside some details

Navigating the labyrinthine streets of the principality, they both soon found themselves at a quaint neighborhood supermarket. Stepping inside, they were greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread and ripe fruits. As she wandered the aisles, her eyes lit up with delight when she stumbled upon a familiar sight – a display of chips, her favorite snack from back home.

"ah charles, its great so see you back at home, it mustve been exhausting, traveling around this season!" The lovely old shop keeper told charles welcoming the two,

as charles and the shop keeper conversed she wandered the aisles, her eyes lit up with delight when she stumbled upon a familiar sight – a display of plantain chips, her favorite snack from back home.

With a satisfied smile, [y/n] reached for a bag of the crispy, golden chips, savoring the taste of nostalgia as she added them to her basket. As she continued her shopping, she couldn't shake the feeling of contentment that washed over her. In this bustling city of glamour and luxury, she had found a sense of familiarity and comfort that made Monaco feel like home. And as she made her way back to where charles stood her heart full and her stomach satisfied, she couldn't wait to share her newfound treasures with her neighbor, trader joes "ode to the classic chip" this was one of her favorites.

The walk back to the apartments was a walk of tranquil silence.

liked by user25 and 11,294 others

y/nverse ngl the first thing i did when i got here was definitely not unpack 😞

new notif !

charleslec has started following you request to follow back?

[sonics-atelier]

𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬

Summary : Four immortal beings, a beach, and the illusion of relaxation—what could possibly go wrong? Shenanigans ensue, proving once again that immortality doesn't guarantee common sense.

WC : 1070. Read on Ao3 or Below the Cut.

For 31 Days Of Tamcien, ran by @achaotichuman <3 - Prompt - Day 12 + Day 14 : The Beach Episode + Cuddling and Snuggling

. . . 

The sun-dappled waves of the Summer Court stretched endlessly before them, gilded by the light that seemed to perpetually embrace Tarquin’s land. 

Tamlin and Lucien walked along the shoreline, their laughter mingling with the whispering sea breeze. It had been years since either had felt the kind of lightness that now coursed through them, carried on the scent of salt and sun-warmed sand. 

Tarquin’s invitation to visit the Summer Court had been unexpected, but neither had hesitated to accept, especially with the promise of Tarquin’s mate, Maenín, joining from the Dawn Court.

Lucien bent low, plucking a gleaming conch shell from the wet sand, his russet hair catching the sunlight like fire. “This one,” he said, holding it up for Tamlin’s appraisal, “is a masterpiece. Perfect spiral, don’t you think?"

Tamlin chuckled, folding his arms. “You’ve said that about every shell. You’re like a magpie with shinier taste.”

Lucien smirked, tossing the shell to Tamlin, who caught it deftly. “I can’t help that I appreciate the finer things in life. Speaking of which, did you bring that ridiculous seashell necklace you bought last time you were here? You know, the one that made you look like an extra in a bad romance novel?”

“First of all,” Tamlin began, mock indignation in his tone, “that necklace is an *heirloom* from the Summer Court’s artisan market. Second, the only bad romance novel here is the one where you keep flirting with Tarquin’s ocean like you think it’s going to marry you.”

Nearby, Tarquin and Maenín were arranging surfboards in the shallows, their easy camaraderie infectious. “Are you two just collecting trinkets, or will you actually join us in the water?” Tarquin called, his white teeth flashing in a grin.

Lucien straightened, brushing sand from his hands. “You’re on.”

. . . 

The surf was wild, vibrant with life and motion. Lucien took to it naturally, his movements fluid and instinctive. He balanced on his board with a poise that made the effort look effortless, laughing as he rode wave after wave to shore.

Tamlin, on the other hand, struggled. His first attempt ended in an undignified tumble, a spray of seawater cascading over him. He sputtered, glaring at the sea as though it had personally offended him. Lucien’s laughter rang out, warm and teasing.

“You’re supposed to *ride* the wave, not let it ride you,” Lucien called.

“Not what you said last night,” Tamlin snapped, dragging his board back out. “I’ll make sure to remember that next time I want unsolicited advice from someone who looks like they’re auditioning for an aquatic strip show.”

Lucien grinned, unbothered. “You wish you looked this good on a board. Maybe if you spent more time surfing and less time brooding, you’d have a shot.”

Several more attempts left Tamlin still battling the waves until, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he latched onto Lucien’s board mid-wave. Lucien yelped in mock outrage as Tamlin steadied himself, grinning triumphantly.

“You cheat!” Lucien accused, though his laughter betrayed his amusement.

“Adaptability,” Tamlin corrected, the corners of his mouth twitching. “Besides, I thought you liked having me hitting it from the back. Admit it, you’re thrilled.”

Lucien arched a brow. “Thrilled that you’re proving gravity works? Absolutely.”

. . . 

By the time the sun began its descent, casting the sky in hues of amber and rose, they returned to the beach where a sumptuous spread awaited. A blanket, laden with delicacies—fresh fruits, savory pastries, chilled wine—was laid out, the perfect end to their afternoon. They ate and drank, the conversation flowing as freely as the wine.

“Careful, Lucien,” Tarquin teased, pouring him another glass. “If you drink too much, you’ll end up serenading the crabs again.”

Lucien raised a brow. “I stand by my serenades. They were soulful, and you all were jealous of the connection I formed with that one crab.”

Maenín snorted. “If by connection, you mean it pinched your toe and wouldn’t let go, then sure. Soulful.”

“I still have the scar,” Lucien said, mock-wistful. “We were *meant* to meet.”

Tamlin rolled his eyes. “It’s always crabs with you. One of these days, they’re going to unionize and come for you in the middle of the night.”

“And I’ll still handle them better than you handle a surfboard,” Lucien shot back, smirking.

The others burst into laughter as Tamlin huffed, muttering something about ungrateful foxes.

As the evening wore on, Lucien grew quieter, his head beginning to dip, his eyelids fluttering shut only to snap open moments later. Eventually, he succumbed, his cheek resting against Tamlin’s shoulder. The sight stirred something deep within Tamlin—a quiet, tender ache to protect the love of his life. 

The others noticed too, Tarquin smirking as he poured another glass of wine. “I’d say it’s time for you two to call it a night.”

Tamlin scooped Lucien into his arms with practiced ease, ignoring Maenín’s amused whisper about fairy tales and princes. Lucien stirred briefly, muttering something incoherent about crabs doing drugs, before nestling closer against Tamlin’s chest.

The walk to their room was quiet, save for the gentle lap of waves against the shore. Inside, Tamlin laid Lucien on the bed with the utmost care, brushing a stray strand of hair from his face. He turned to leave, intent on changing out of his damp clothes, but a warm hand closed around his fingers.

“Stay,” Lucien murmured, his voice ridden with exhaustion.

“I need to change,” Tamlin said softly, though his resolve was already wavering.

“No need,” Lucien whispered, his amber eye half-open, filled with a quiet plea. “Unless you want to give me a show.”

Tamlin raised a brow. “And give you another reason to fall asleep faster? No, thanks.”

Lucien chuckled, his laugh turning into a sleepy sigh. “Spoilsport.”

Against his better judgment—but entirely in line with his heart—Tamlin relented. Slipping into the bed, he allowed Lucien to curl against him, their limbs tangling naturally. The room fell into a profound silence, broken only by the rhythmic sound of their breathing.

As the night deepened, Tamlin held Lucien close, thinking of the waves, the laughter, and the rare, fleeting joy they’d found that day. For the first time in a long while, the future seemed less daunting, the weight of the past lifting just enough to let in the possibility of happiness.

. . . 

- @sonics-atelier 2024 ( do not repost or reuse in any way, shape or form )

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

New SpaceTime out Wednesday

SpaceTime 20241120 Series 27 Episode 140

First ever picture of Milky Way black hole may not be accurate

A new study claims those historic first ever images of Sagittarius A* the supermassive black hole at the heart of our Milky Way galaxy may not be a true reflection of its appearance.

Titan’s crust reveals some of its secrets

A new study looking at data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft suggests that Saturn’s moon Titan has insulating methane-rich crust up to ten kilometres thick

The latest update on Earth’s Ozone hole

A new study has found that the annual ozone hole that opens up over Earth’s south pole Antarctic region was relatively smaller this year.

The Science Report

Core samples suggest planet Earth has already passed 1.5°C of global temperature rise.

Could exposure to outdoor light at night may increase Alzheimer’s prevalence.

Adding LED lights to surfboards and wet suits could prevent attacks by Great White Sharks.

Alex on Tech the latest global survey of people’s passwords.

SpaceTime covers the latest news in astronomy & space sciences.

The show is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Apple Podcasts (itunes), Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocketcasts, SoundCloud, Bitez.com, YouTube, your favourite podcast download provider, and from www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com

SpaceTime is also broadcast through the National Science Foundation on Science Zone Radio and on both i-heart Radio and Tune-In Radio.

SpaceTime daily news blog: http://spacetimewithstuartgary.tumblr.com/

SpaceTime facebook: www.facebook.com/spacetimewithstuartgary

SpaceTime Instagram @spacetimewithstuartgary

SpaceTime twitter feed @stuartgary

SpaceTime YouTube: @SpaceTimewithStuartGary

SpaceTime -- A brief history

SpaceTime is Australia’s most popular and respected astronomy and space science news program – averaging over two million downloads every year. We’re also number five in the United States.  The show reports on the latest stories and discoveries making news in astronomy, space flight, and science.  SpaceTime features weekly interviews with leading Australian scientists about their research.  The show began life in 1995 as ‘StarStuff’ on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) NewsRadio network.  Award winning investigative reporter Stuart Gary created the program during more than fifteen years as NewsRadio’s evening anchor and Science Editor.  Gary’s always loved science. He studied astronomy at university and was invited to undertake a PHD in astrophysics, but instead focused on his career in journalism and radio broadcasting. Gary’s radio career stretches back some 34 years including 26 at the ABC. He worked as an announcer and music DJ in commercial radio, before becoming a journalist and eventually joining ABC News and Current Affairs. He was part of the team that set up ABC NewsRadio and became one of its first on air presenters. When asked to put his science background to use, Gary developed StarStuff which he wrote, produced and hosted, consistently achieving 9 per cent of the national Australian radio audience based on the ABC’s Nielsen ratings survey figures for the five major Australian metro markets: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.  The StarStuff podcast was published on line by ABC Science -- achieving over 1.3 million downloads annually.  However, after some 20 years, the show finally wrapped up in December 2015 following ABC funding cuts, and a redirection of available finances to increase sports and horse racing coverage.  Rather than continue with the ABC, Gary resigned so that he could keep the show going independently.  StarStuff was rebranded as “SpaceTime”, with the first episode being broadcast in February 2016.  Over the years, SpaceTime has grown, more than doubling its former ABC audience numbers and expanding to include new segments such as the Science Report -- which provides a wrap of general science news, weekly skeptical science features, special reports looking at the latest computer and technology news, and Skywatch – which provides a monthly guide to the night skies. The show is published three times weekly (every Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and available from the United States National Science Foundation on Science Zone Radio, and through both i-heart Radio and Tune-In Radio.

[ghoultrifle]

a very ghoul beach day!

we're back to our regular, sounding rod-free schedule

short king dew and cumulus start digging a massive hole but then get stuck in it and have to get mountain to rescue them

swiss' job is just 'beach' (/ref) he roams around shirtless with a surfboard all day but never actually goes in the water

aurora and rain start a black market ice cream shop selling tesco choc ices for £5 a pop

fellow brits please join me in my outrage that they cost £1.50 now!

aether spends all afternoon making sure phantom has enough sun cream on, his vitiligo makes him extra susceptible to burns. phantom does not care, he spends his time fake drowning to get the attention of the fit lifeguard

cirrus just takes in the chaos and gets a wicked tan (it's wicked because cumulus applied her sun cream in the shape of a bat)

[melonisopod]

Saionji if you are this down abysmal for Anthy you should try maybe not hitting her?

...also this:

YES! KILL!

[bytedykes]

enough with kdj marketable plushie, somebody needs to paint him onto a surfboard

[theotanaka]

who: @cavenshh where: the markets

Theo wandered past a stall selling handcrafted candles, the subtle aroma of pine and vanilla in the air. He paused at a display of colorful ornaments, his fingers brushing one shaped like a tiny surfboard painted with red and green stripes. “That’s very ‘California Christmas,’” a familiar voice teased, and Theo turned to see Lia standing a few feet away, clutching a cup of mulled wine. He'd been a little distant from her since rekindling with Claudia, but he wasn't avoiding her. He'd spotted her from a mile away. "Didn't think I'd see you here."