#aiming to have the crabs in there by october

[kirstielol]

i added some botanicals to the tank.. leaves, cork bark, and seed pods that the crabs can hide in 🦀 also i've had the water running all day without the water heater plugged in, and the temps are perfect! 26-27 degrees in the lower water section and 27-28 degrees at the top pooling area.

the LED light bar (arcadia jungle dawn) that i have on the tank seems to heat up the pooling area nicely, which is heating up all the water as it cycles. so we'll see if i'll ever need to plug in the heater 🤷‍♀️

[paradox-destroyer]

October 19, 11:23 am

Arven had kept up a pretty good pace as he kept on the trail to Artazon with his Houndstone walking on one side, his Vespiquen floating on the other side, and his Wooper and Foongus on both shoulders.

"Okay Vespiquen, I really need you to focus for me on this, alright?" He said, as he read a summary of the Artazon gym leader on his phone. "This next gym match will be a grass type, you'll have the perfect advantage."

The Vespiquen buzzed absently, hardly paying attention to a single thing Arven was saying as she rooted through his backpack.

"You got all that, right?" Asked Arven.

The Vespiquen pulled out a water bottle and held it in front of Arven.

Arven let out an exasperated groan as he took the water bottle, rolling his eyes. "Fiiiiine, I'll drink more water!"

Just as he took a drink, the piercing cry of a Klawf caused him to startle so bad that he choked on his water and dropped the bottle.

"SHIT-" Arven coughed as he reached down to pick up the water bottle. "We're not ev- even CLOSE to the Titan's territory yet! How-"

"BACK, YOU FIEND!" shouted a distant yet familiar voice of a certain Director.

Arven shot back up upon hearing the voice, dropped his water bottle again and immediately started sprinting in the direction of the voice.

When he arrived at the scene, there was Clive standing on top of a cliff, facing off with a giant Clawf with his Quaxwell.

"Shit shit shit fucking old man what is he even-" Arven grumbled as he recalled most of his team, save for his Wooper. "WOOPER, MUD SHOT!"

The Wooper leapt off of Arven's shoulder and shot balls of mud from his mouth, aimed directly at the giant crab pokemon, interrupting the Rock Smash that was aimed directly at the Quaxwell.

"What-..." Clive turned towards Arven as the boy approached. "ARVEN?! What are you doing here?"

"I could be asking you the same thing," said Arven, "What in distortion are you thinking taking this on alone? I told you I would-"

"WATCH OUT-" Clive tackled Arven to the ground to avoid the Rock Tomb that had almost fell right on top of Arven.

"Gah... That was rather close, wasn't it?" Clive stood up, offering his hand to Arven. "I simply figured I would handle one myself so that you could save your strength for the gym battle. It isn't exactly bougie to overwork your Pokemon before battle, you know."

Arven gently slapped Clive's hand away as he got himself up. "Then talk to me fucking coordination, dumbass!" he said, before looking over at the battle. "WOOPER, MUD SHOT AGAIN!"

Wooper once again shot a few balls of mud, to which the giant Klawf blocked with one of its claws, but the mud shot was strong enough to push the Titan Pokemon back about a foot.

"No offense, but who saved who just mere seconds ago, Arven?" Asked Clive, "FANDANGO USE WATER PULSE!"

As Clive's Quaxwell used its wings to draw a circle in the air, a rings of water shot their way towards the Klawf, pushing it back a couple more feet.

The giant Klawf turned around and climbed down the cliffside of the mountain.

"It must be looking for the herba mystica," said Clive, before looking back at Arven, "We can discuss this after, but for now it would be more productive to work together now that you're here!"

"FINE," said Arven as he picked up his Wooper again, "Let's just get this over with!"

[elizabethplaid]

Honestly, I only go to my local library because I volunteer there. I don't have the attention span to read books and search for them. (Besides the fact that I already have tons at home that I need to read.)

The social aspect, trying to come out of my hermit crab shell, is why I started volunteering. I put out feelers for a book club back in October and only heard from one person.

Thanks to this poll, I think my next round of fliers will include aiming for the socially awkward/anxious people in the area. Thank you for the inspiration, @sentient-forest-boy!

As a young librarian, I started trying to figure out why more young people aren't ever coming in; 90% of our demographic are the elderly and parents of children, and the rest are a rough mix of the kids and teenagers who come in just for school projects. As a result, I've been attempting different ways to get the Youth TM to come into libraries, but first I wanted to see why they don't come in. Please reblog to get this poll out to more people! <3

[maxhunt0616]

Exploring the Enchanting Mayabunder Beach: A Hidden Gem in the Andaman Islands

Nestled in the northern part of Middle Andaman, Mayabunder Beach is a lesser-known paradise that offers an untouched and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Unlike the more crowded beaches in Andaman, Mayabunder provides a tranquil environment perfect for those seeking peace, adventure, and natural beauty. This blog aims to guide you through the many attractions and activities that make Mayabunder Beach an exceptional destination, while also providing essential Andaman travel tips for a memorable journey.

Discovering Mayabunder Beach

Mayabunder Beach is part of the stunning Andaman archipelago, known for its pristine white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and lush green surroundings. This beach is relatively unexplored, offering a perfect retreat for those who prefer a quieter environment. The surrounding areas are rich in flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Attractions and Activities at Mayabunder Beach

1. Beaches in Andaman

While Mayabunder Beach itself is a major highlight, the area is surrounded by several other beautiful beaches. Avis Island Beach, with its crystal-clear waters and coconut plantations, is a must-visit. Karmatang Beach, also known as Turtle Paradise, is famous for its turtle nesting grounds.

2. Andaman Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Mayabunder Beach is between October and May when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities.

Travel Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary permits for visiting certain restricted areas in the Andaman Islands.

Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying the local seafood delicacies at various restaurants in Andaman.

3. Honeymoon in Andaman Nicobar

Mayabunder Beach is an ideal destination for honeymooners looking for a secluded and romantic getaway. The serene environment, combined with the breathtaking natural beauty, creates the perfect setting for couples to create unforgettable memories. Private beach walks, candlelight dinners by the sea, and stunning sunsets add to the romantic allure of the place.

4. Things to Do in Andaman

Water Sports in Andaman: Mayabunder Beach offers a range of water sports activities, including jet skiing, kayaking, and banana boat rides.

Scuba Diving in Andaman: Explore the underwater world with scuba diving sessions that allow you to witness vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Sea Walk in Andaman: Experience walking on the seabed and interacting with marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Cruises to Andaman: Enjoy a leisurely cruise around the islands, soaking in the scenic views and tranquil ambiance.

5. Places to Visit in Andaman

Apart from the beaches, Mayabunder is home to several other attractions:

National Parks in Andaman: Visit the nearby national parks to explore the rich biodiversity and witness exotic wildlife species.

Limestone Caves: Explore the fascinating limestone caves, which are a marvel of nature and offer a unique caving experience.

6. Dining at Restaurants in Andaman

Mayabunder offers a variety of dining options where you can relish local Andaman cuisine. Fresh seafood is a staple here, and you can enjoy dishes made from freshly caught fish, crabs, lobsters, and prawns. There are also several multi-cuisine restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Exploring the Surroundings

Jet Skiing in Andaman

Jet skiing is one of the most thrilling activities you can indulge in at Mayabunder Beach. The calm and clear waters provide the perfect setting for this adrenaline-pumping adventure. Whether you’re an experienced jet skier or a beginner, the local operators ensure a safe and exhilarating experience.

National Parks in Andaman

Mayabunder is close to several national parks that are worth exploring. These parks are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting, bird watching, and nature walks. The lush greenery and tranquil environment make it a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts.

Limestone Caves

A visit to the limestone caves near Mayabunder is a must for adventure seekers. These caves, formed over millions of years, present a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. The exploration of these natural wonders offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Planning Your Trip

Andaman in October

October marks the beginning of the tourist season in the Andaman Islands. The weather during this time is pleasant, making it ideal for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the natural beauty of the islands. It's also the perfect time to avail of Andaman tour packages that offer comprehensive itineraries covering all major attractions.

Honeymoon in Andaman Nicobar

For couples planning their honeymoon, Mayabunder Beach offers the perfect blend of seclusion, romance, and adventure. The pristine environment, combined with luxurious accommodations and a variety of activities, ensures an unforgettable honeymoon experience.

Andaman Travel Tips

Packing Essentials: Pack light and include beachwear, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Permits and Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary permits for visiting restricted areas.

Local Transportation: Use local ferries and boats for inter-island travel to fully experience the Andaman way of life.

Conclusion

Mayabunder Beach, with its unspoiled beauty and tranquil ambiance, is a hidden gem in the Andaman Islands. It offers a perfect escape for travelers looking to experience the natural splendor, rich marine life, and thrilling water sports. Whether you are planning a romantic honeymoon, an adventurous getaway, or a peaceful retreat, Mayabunder Beach caters to all kinds of travelers.

Explore the serene beaches, indulge in exciting water sports, discover the fascinating limestone caves, and savor the local cuisine at the restaurants in Andaman. The enchanting beauty and diverse attractions of Mayabunder Beach promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return.

[xtruss]

Photography: Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winners Show the Beauty — and Precarity — of Nature

— October 11, 2023 | By Rachel Treisman | NPR

Portfolio Award Winner: The ancient mariner. Pangatalan Island, Palawan, the Philippines. The tri-spine horseshoe crab has survived for more than 100 million years but now faces habitat destruction and overfishing for food and for its blood, used in the development of vaccines. Laurent Ballesta/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

If you're looking for a breath of fresh air, we have just the thing: the newly-crowned winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

The London Museum of History, which runs the prestigious contest, revealed the winning images at a ceremony on Tuesday. It said an international panel of expert judges chose the 19 category winners out of 49,957 entries from 95 countries, based on their originality, narrative, technical excellence, and ethical practice.

The images take us underwater, deep into the woods and high above cities. They come from different parts of the world and tell the stories of various species. But they all showcase the diversity — and precarity — of life on Earth.

"Whilst inspiring absolute awe and wonder, this year's winning images present compelling evidence of our impact on nature – both positive and negative," said Doug Gurr, the director of the Natural History Museum. "Global promises must shift to action to turn the tide on nature's decline."

That's especially true of the two grand title winners.

Animals in their Environment Winner: Life on the edge. Zin Desert, Israel. Two Nubian ibex clashed on a cliffside for about 15 minutes before one surrendered and they parted ways without serious injury. Amit Eshel/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

French marine biologist and underwater photographer Laurent Ballesta was awarded Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his "otherworldly" image of a tri-spine horseshoe crab accompanied by three golden trevallies.

This is actually his second win, which contest organizers say is unprecedented. He took home the grand title in 2021 for his images of mating camouflage groupers in French Polynesia. Both portfolios focused on endangered species in protected waters.

Tri-spine horseshoe crabs have survived for more than 100 million years. Fossil evidence from Lebanon shows they were scuttling through warm waters at the same time dinosaurs roamed the land and skies.

But they are now under threat from habitat destruction and overfishing, with hundreds of thousands of horseshoe crabs harvested annually to be used both as bait for other species and for scientific research. Their blue blood is used in the development of vaccines — though that could soon start to change.

Ballesta documented the species as they feed, mate and thrive in the protected waters of Pangatalan Island in the Philippines. The Natural History museum said the images took the judges by surprise.

"To see a horseshoe crab so vibrantly alive in its natural habitat, in such a hauntingly beautiful way, was astonishing," said jury chair Kathy Moran. "We are looking at an ancient species, highly endangered, and also critical to human health. This photo is luminescent."

15-17 Years Winner: Owls' road house. Hof HaSharon, Israel. The photographer snapped this shot of several barn owls in the window of an abandoned building, using long exposure times to capture the light of passing traffic. Carmel Bechler/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year award went to 17-year-old Carmel Bechler of Israel for his dynamic shot of barn owls in an abandoned roadside building. He used natural light and long exposure times to capture the light from passing traffic.

Bechler said his work aims to show that "the beauty of the natural world is all around us, even in places where we least expect it to be, we just need to open our eyes and our minds."

To the judges, the contrast between the neon lights and nesting owls highlights a growing tension between humans and wildlife.

"It simultaneously screams 'habitat destruction' and 'adaptation,' begging the question: If wildlife can adapt to our environment, why can't we respect theirs?" Moran said.

The other winning shots raise similar questions.

Natural Artistry Winner: The art of courtship. Noss National Nature Reserve, Shetland, Scotland, UK. Each summer the Isle of Noss hosts more than 22,000 northern gannets, which return to breed on the ledges carved by the elements. This species was hardest hit by the 2022 avian flu outbreak. Rachel Bigsby/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Karine Aigner of the U.S. won the photojournalist story award for her portfolio focused on hunting competitions in Texas, for example. Overhead views of a polluted river in Indonesia and bulldozed land in Mexico serve as stark reminders of the impact humans are having on their own environment.

All of the images will be on display as part of an exhibit at London Natural History Museum that opens Friday. It will tour across the U.K. and to other countries including Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand and Singapore before it closes in late June 2024.

Then it will be nearly time to award a whole new batch of winners. The historic 60th edition of the competition will be accepting submissions starting Monday and until early December.

In the meantime, check out a sampling of this year's winners:

Invertebrates Behavior Winner: Lights fantastic. Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India. The photographer combined 50 19-second exposures to show the firefly flashes produced over 16 minutes in the forests near his hometown. Sriram Murali/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Plants and Fungi Winner: Last breath of autumn. Mount Olympus, Pieria, Greece. Parasol mushrooms release spores from the gills under their cap. Some will land where there is moisture and food, enabling them to grow networks under the forest floor. Agorastos Papatsanis/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Mammals Behavior Winner: Whales making waves. Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica. A pod of B1 Antarctic killer whales prepare to 'wave wash' a weddell seal off a piece of sea ice and into the water so they can eat it. The bubbles are thought to be part of the way they communicate with each other to form these waves. Bertie Gregory/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Birds Behavior Winner: Silence for the snake show. Guiana Space Center, between Kourou and Sinnamary, French Guiana. Trumpeters – named for their loud calls – spend most of their time foraging on the forest floor, eating ripe fruits, insects and the occasional small snake. The boa constrictor could have made a meal out of them. Hadrien Lalagüe/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Rising Star Portfolio Award: Alpine exposure. Vercors Regional Natural Park, Rhône-Alpes, France. Melcarne skied six hours across a national park and spent a night in a temporary shelter to get early access to ibex territory. He thawed his camera with his breath to take this portrait. Luca Melcarne/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Underwater Winner: Hippo nursery. Kosi Bay, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa. A hippopotamus and her two offspring resting in the shallow clear-water lake. Hippos produce one calf every two to three years. Mike Korostelev/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

— Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum in London.

[bluntforcefem]

ohio worms time >:) this is a rundown of the first irm for all (checks hand) thirteen players i’m writing irms for. ves sundae already has two concepts, so both of those will be outlined here. the rest is between me and god (not conceptualized yet)

lenny crumb - ohio state reformatory. normal guy who leads the ghost/paranormal tours at the reformatory & summoned a ghost in the cathedral off hours to play blaseball for nyr. said ghost doesn’t remember jack or shit about nyrself besides being rude and how to play blaseball so ne steals lenny’s pronouns and the first half of nyr name

vessalius sundae v1 - cleveland play house. middle-aged performer who unofficially retired from the stage to become the artistic director for the play house. lived in sarasota fl for some time in the early parts of her career, but moved back to ohio when she was about 30 to be closer to home. joining blaseball was an accident but she’s having fun in the spotlight again

vessalius sundae v2 - dietsch brothers. works at the ice cream counter and the chocolate counter interchangeably. cognitohazard who looks like other blaseball cognitohazards’ original form. has gotten the employee of the month title exactly once

patchwork southwick - lake erie frozen lighthouse. there’s a couple of these but i’d like to imagine in the blaseball universe at least one is just... perpetually frozen, because for the fucking life of me none of the websites i looked at told me if the one i liked WAS always frozen. it is now. lighthouse keeper who either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care that their lighthouse is Like This. has a cat. the cat is a ghost. this also goes unaddressed.

xandra pancakes - world’s largest horseshoe crab. realass roadside attraction btw i want to go see it. xandra emerged from the shadows the same election that luis came to the worms, so there’s a “we stole this fake crab from baltimore” kind of vibe going on. crab heist. xandra “carcinized” from the experience and now hosts drag shows at the giant horseshoe crab statue

scratch deleuze - elmore tombstone derby. dlerby, if you will. avid participant in the motorized casket race, and has recently incorporated design elements referencing the dead ohio worms as some kind of memorial. she’s also responsible for dragging the entirety of the worms to turn the stadium into a haunted house attraction every october

cantus hojo - toledo botanical gardens. artist who works with glass & creates sculptures to be seasonally displayed across the gardens. occasionally helps out with the gardens, but has largely lost time for that since joining blaseball; very loudly misses it. some of her creations can be found across the worms’ stadium.

muse scantron - neonworks of cincinnati / american sign museum. makes custom neon signs & helps to repair older ones; since coming back to blaseball from the black hole, they’ve had a pretty long backlog they’re still working through. however, they’ve still managed to find the time to decorate the stadium and their teammates’ livelihoods or homes with custom neon signs on request. they’re reportedly “pretty happy” they got sent to the shadows, as it gives them more time to work on the job they actually enjoy doing

susananana portmanteau - moonville tunnel. train conductor ghost with an accompanying ghost train that picks up “residents” from all parts of ohio who want to try moving on. rumoured to originally be an amalgam of railway workers who died around moonville tunnel, but xe’s never said as much, so it’s anyone’s guess. keeps directing the train to go into lake erie, and frequently tries to aim it directly into the ocean closest to any given away game. xe’s fine. the consistent attack on lake erie means xe has a rivalry with patchwork southwick.

millipede aqualuft - ohio uni in athens. humans vs zombies admin who was participating in a game on the go and was in the wrong place at the very, very wrong time. just some college student. trying to recruit their teammates & other blaseball teams into trying out a leaguewide game on the field (it’d be fun i promise i prommy cmon)

kit ratoon - bill’s donuts. joined the worms’ shadows for a steady supplement to his income so he could pay off student debt, and never really expected to be dragged into active play in the middle of the worst season ever while making a donut delivery to the worms. they do make very good donuts, though.

scoobert toast - columbus park of roses. goes by toast. was visiting the stadium to discuss planting a garden outside the museum with the director there when pudge nakamoto died and they got the call to play. has spent the better part of their life tending to roses, but picked up the basics of blaseball just in time to receive the credit to the team modification. they’ve mostly spent their time since joining trying to grow roses around the stadium and thinking steadfastly about anything except the end of the world, because that’s entirely too out of their paygrade as a gardener. occasionally cut roses they touch turn to gold.

katy cornbread - jungle jim’s international market. employee at a decidedly more omegamart-esque blaseball version of jungle jim’s who joined the ohio worms shadows in season 19 in hopes that she could get the hell out of retail at the weird multiuniverse store with plastic sharks all over the place. got her wish in season 22 but got the subtractor mod in the s22 elections, and worried through the end of the world about being kicked off the team for unrun crimes and having to go back to jungle jim’s

ephraim ladd - i-80 rest stops. heyy look a guy who already has irm i only have to write one for him. formerly a statue that appeared at every rest stop on i-80 in ohio, identical each time besides extremely passable subtle differences, ladd now plays blaseball and all of his movements are telegraphed to the rest stop statues. unsurprisingly this has not made all of the rest stops being identical any less creepy

[tiredspacedragon]

BIONICLE Retrospective

Part 2: Quest for the Toa

Bet y'all didn't expect to see this so soon, huh? I bet you figured I'd liveblog my way through this game like I did with MNOG. Well, I would have done just that, had I not played this game before. But, the thing is, I have played it before, once. And when I beat it, I swore something to myself, and I intend to stand by that oath until the end of my days. I swore that I would never play this game again.

(More under the cut)

Quest for the Toa, originally titled Tales of the Tohunga, is a game for the Gameboy Advance, released in the October of 2001. It serves as a prequel to MNOG (I originally thought it came out first, but apparently not) that chronicles the adventures of Takua prior to his awakening on Ta-Wahi Beach. Fresh off his banishment from Ta-Koro, Takua finds himself getting roped into various adventures across the island of Mata Nui, over the course of which he rescues the Turaga from perilous situations, recovers their staffs, and generally makes a name for himself as an island hero.

Conceptually speaking, this game is lovely. It fills in some lore gaps left by MNOG, adds a little more worldbuilding, shows off more of the beautiful island of Mata Nui, and sets things up for the game before it. What's not to love?

Well, as it turns out, a lot.

Where MNOG opted for an approach that was light on gameplay and heavy on story, Quest for the Toa does the opposite, going for a much more gameplay-focused experience while peppering in lore here and there. Conceptually, there's nothing wrong with this approach. After all, this is a game, it's meant to be played. However, video games, like any other form of entertainment, are at their best when they direct their focus toward their strengths. A game with an engaging story can afford to be light on gameplay, and a game with amazing mechanics can get away with having very little story. The reason why I cannot praise Quest for the Toa nearly as much as I did MNOG, is because despite being focused on its gameplay, this game is not fun to play.

Now that is not to say Quest for the Toa is no fun at all. It has its moments when it picks up and becomes a truly enjoyable experience. Namely, the sports played in each village are a joy to play through. Ussal Crab Racing, Ngalawa Boat Racing, Koli, Kewa Bird Riding, Huai Snowball Sling, and Ignalu Lava Surfing are all a blast. They are certainly challenging, and it can be a little tricky to get the hang of them, but that doesn't get in the way of having fun while playing them. And on top of that, each one is a new piece of worldbuilding that fleshes out the island of Mata Nui and its populace even more.

But the rest of the game? The wandering between and through villages, battling Rahi and collecting items? It's just...frustrating. I want to explore this island, I really do, and the game has plenty of branching paths and hidden nooks, so it wants me to explore too! But there are so many Rahi in this game. SO MANY. And all of them want me dead. It's a little difficult to explore all there is to explore when I'm being swarmed by half a dozen Rahi every few steps. And maybe, maybe that wouldn't be that bad if the rest of the game mechanics didn't make each and every fight a chore. I could rag on the aiming system, but there's a solid chance I'm just bad at that, so I'll let it off with a warning, but what I can't let go is that you can, and will, get stuck on EVERYTHING in this game. Plants, rocks, enemies, it doesn't matter. The player character's hitbox is HUGE, and if it even brushes up against something, it stops you dead, and you won't be able to move forward until you back off and go around. Oh, and don't even get me started on ledges. If you even get near water, or a cliffside, you will fall. I lost count of how many times I watched Takua get yanked to the side and pulled off a ledge by the game designers because I dared to get too close to the edge.

Oh, aside from the entrance to Ko-Wahi, that is, where to enter you must step off the edge, stand on nothing, and then walk across the void around the roadblock and back onto actual ground.

(Insert noise of exasperated defeat here)

There's more, of course. I could talk about how the Volo Lutu Launcher's kickback can make it nigh unusable at times,or how you only get a fraction of your health back when you die. I could talk about minor things like randomized Matoran appearances, how you can design your character at the start of the game only to be forced to play as a miscoloured Takua, or how Vakama described Takua recovering his mask as well as his Firestaff in MNOG but you only recover his staff here. I could complain that this game still goes into no detail on Takua's banishment despite bringing it up often. I could even talk about that Karzahni-damn Kofo-Jaga in Po-Wahi that made me scream in rage. But you know what? That would be unhealthy. It would be unhealthy for me to think too much about, and it would be unhealthy for anyone else to read, so I think I'm done.

This game upsets me. Because, admittedly, it is the origin of a lot of good things. This is the introduction of Toa Stones, of various Matoran sports, of the designs of numerous Rahi. There's neat new lore here, like the Vuata Maca trees that gave the Koro power to operate their machinery, the various powers of the Turaga's staffs, and the Element of Melting that explained how Ko-Koro got clean water. Hell, this game has Podu (one of the only characters in the whole game with a non-randomized appearance), a Po-Matoran who appears nowhere else and who justifies bright orange as a Stone colour 7 years before Pohatu Phantoka comes into existence. But even with all of that, Quest for the Toa is just not fun to play. It's a game, by definition, it should be fun, but it isn't. For all the good it has to offer, most of it is just a frustrating slog. I appreciate its place in the lore, I truly do. As a story, it's fine. It's a series of fetch-quests, the bread and butter of Bionicle, and I really am happy to have finally learned what Takua was up to before MNOG. But the fact that I quite literally sighed in relief when I finished the game and rejoiced that it was finally over, is rather telling. And that's why I will not be replaying it. Never again.

To anyone who really enjoys Quest for the Toa, power to you. I'm glad it brings you happiness. And if you have more positive things to say about it, please, go off. Rant, rave, ramble about what you love about this game and I promise I will hang off your every word. Because as painful as I found the experience of playing this game, it's still a part of Bionicle, and it deserves to be loved for that. Just not by me.

Next up: The Legend of Mata Nui (Well, the cutscenes we have. Should be a quick one)

[oceanok]

March 4th, 2021

Zoomester studyblr challenge

Day 4: For my researching fellows, what are you researching on? If you’re not currently researching, what is the topic within your field that you’re most passionate about?

Well, I'm not doing any research rn BUT I was until last october. My research project aimed to monitor marine bioindicators of human impacts and/or climate change.

So lemme tell you about my precious worms.

They're actually Polychaetes, the equivalent of worms but in the sea. So yeah, they live in the sand, at the bottom of water bodies, are part of the basis of the food chain, and are a kind of a biological elevator: carrying water and oxygen to the sediment layers; and nutrients from the sediment to the water.

Ok. But think with me, if they carry such important functions in their ecosystem then, if something bad happens to them, the whole thing would be affected, right? Imagine, for instance, the damage if Polychaetes, wich are the food of crabs and fishes (= OUR FOOD), get contamined!? We'd also be contamined, right? And, further, it could also cause economic damage to some sectors of the market.

So, let's keep thinking. Say we have some toxic substance in a marine environment. As Polychaetes usually don't move around that much, they'd be affected by these contaminants many times, both through water AND sand. So, we could use them to identify that something bad is happening since the beginning of the contamination, and then we'd be able to prevent the fish (and us) from becoming contaminated.

That is to say: Polychaetes are great to indicate if there's some environmental impact in a marine system. But not just that, they're just as great to indicate WHAT KIND of impact it is, since their stress response (mortality, increased abundance, changes in its life cycle...) is different for each type of pollution.

ie, Polychaetes rules

But to know for sure that the response we're getting from them is actually because of an environmental impact, we need to know how they respond the natural changes - such as variation on temperature, rainfall, salinity - that happen along with the changing of the seasons. And that's what my research project aims, we're creating a database of the response of Polychaetes to natural changes, so we'd have something to compare with when we encounter an incident of pollution in the marine environment.

[astrologia-zodiacus]

Cognitive Abilities of the Horoscopes

     Hardly everyone appears to have a personal intellectual capacity of their own. The Signs undoubtedly have such a tremendous influence on its bearers at a certain point. All of these are reasons enough for the Astrological Signs to include certain typical behavioral attributes, particularly intellectual capabilities that have already been interacted beyond its believers.

     Astrology is a science that deals with the study of man's celestial influence. People often ask, “How can we be influenced by planets and stars?” There is no answer to the question, but one thing is for sure: realistic results and projections were given by astrology.   

     Now, let us grasp the concepts that are based on these reliable sources from “Astrotalk Online Astrology” and “Astrology Bay” of the following horoscopes: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. 

Specific behavioral characteristics within each zodiac. (Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Gemini) 

     People who were born from March 21 to April 19, are given the star sign which is Constellation Aries. They are portrayed by a ram that is confident and has a dominant character which is identified as committed and strong. Aries loves being number one that dives headfirst into even the most tricky times. 

     People who were  born between the 20th of April up to  the 20th of May are known as the Taureans, portrayed by the bull. They enjoy relaxing in a serene, woodsy environment surrounded by gentle sounds, calming aromas, and succulent tastes. The Taureans are trustworthy people who are devoted to their daily routine, and determined to bring a duty to their well-being.

     Gemini or Twins are considered to be those born on May 21st-June 20th, are known to flourish in the debate, and may also be excellent individuals with infinite sources of knowledge. Have you ever been so busy that you hoped to be able to duplicate yourself just to get everything done?  That is the experience of a Gemini in a nutshell, having been involved in so many pursuits that they had to double themselves.

     Cancer, individuals who were born on the 21st of June up to the 22nd of July, are called “healers” because their touch is like the magic of other sun signs. Crab's sense of intent is mostly about fostering and cultivating emotional intelligence, language, and knowledge. Along with their adaptive and intuitive minds, they will risk their happiness for others.

     On the other hand, related zodiac signs such as Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio also have their fascinating attitudes to display.

Popular but also unique behavioral traits of every zodiac. (Leo, Virgo, Scorpio, Libra)

     Those who were born on the 23rd of July to the 22nd of August are known as Leos, portrayed by the Lion, who are the royals among the zodiac signs. Leo's sense of mission is to crack boundaries, achieve victory, and rise to fame. They are artists who fly to guide and inspire others at the heart of life.

     Virgos who were born between 23rd August up to the 22nd September are observed to obey their own decisions and also to aspire for the excellence of anything and everything in life. If no one else can do the same, Virgos are always prepared to overcome challenges and take initiative. They are independent, adventurous. and also enlighten individuals around them.

     Represented as the only non-living item on the list, born on the 23rd of September – the 22nd of October, Librans are dynamic thinkers and outstanding caregivers. Librans are known to be perfectionists and are level-headed. This represents Libra's emphasis on equilibrium and harmony. Libras are fascinated with symmetry and aim in all aspects of existence to achieve equilibrium.

     Scorpio, born between October 23rd to November 21st, is one of the most confounding zodiac signs. The Scorpion's purpose is to discover the shadows of nature, reveal hidden realities, and acquire power. Known as the passionate creatures, intuitive with a strong personality and often manipulative. They use their lessons and knowledge gained to correct their future selves.

     Moving on to some zodiac signs such as Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces with very intriguing mentalities and behaviors.

 Several familiar, common but also peculiar attributes between each zodiac. (Capricorn, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Pisces)

     The Sagittarius, the archers, were born from the 22nd of November to the 21st of December. The Sagittarians, open to new thoughts, find satisfaction in everything they put their sights on. They are all about questioning the universal concepts of life, and this symbol will go to the absolute ends of the earth and discover for itself all that life has to offer.

     Capricorns are the last earth sign holders, born on the 22nd of December – the 19th of January.They have a clear mind that hard obstacles cannot bring them down. These can be accomplished through the growth, management, and maintenance of organizations and communities that work hard through strong cardinal leadership skills for a common cause.

     January 20 - February 18 Aquarians, represented by the water bearer, known as free-spirited and eccentric.  Aquarians are strategic thinkers and have exceptional leadership abilities. They are easily attracted to any relationship wherein thinking, economic equality, and awareness structures can both be deconstructed and restructured.    

     Pisces belongs to the water and signifies the fish. Born on the dates between February 19th-March 20th, they are the ones who will never get tired of giving you all the love and support that you need. Pisces has a great creative skill and innovative inspiration that is intuitive and imaginative. Pisces adapts and communicates their healing talents to their peers in a mutable way, channeling their transcendental emotions into their artistic projects.

     Zodiac signs allow us to understand the features related to each person. Astrology seeks to help us direct these efforts on the positive aspects, gain a deeper understanding, and cope with negative aspects of our potential and our positive traits.

     Zodiac signs encourage us to identify the characteristics of each person. Each sign has several specific qualities found in each entity of that particular sign. Every person has their own personality, but they all have some common traits that are unique to their horoscope.

     Astrology is expansive, dynamic, and transforming. Despite the nuances, the most fundamental definition in astrology is based on the 12 familiar signs of the zodiac. Over time, each emblem has developed its associations, including myths, animals, and its characteristics. Each icon boasts an independent approach to life, with dynamic abilities and troublesome weaknesses.  

     Many people still believe in awkward and sometimes absurd thing such as superstitions, sorcery, astrology, and so on. This work refers in particular to astrology; although many people assume that horoscopes are "completely true" to their zodiac signs, research reveals that it is merely a matter of perception.

[mannlibrary]

Spider life

From: Fabre, Jean-Henri. The Life of the Spider. Dodd, Mead, 1919.

It's late October, and our Vaults of Mann focus turns to . . . spiders. Again, you say?! Yes, it’s true, our blog of last October was also creepy spider-focused, and we realize we may be looking a wee bit fixated on arachnids in seeking out our seasonal Halloween thrills. But we've got some good reason. First, of course, we're a life sciences library at a university with a world class entomology department. Second,  we've just opened the new exhibit Arachnophilia  in the Mann Gallery that showcases the work of Cornell arachnologist  Linda Rayor and aims to demonstrate just how fascinating and helpful this much maligned class of animals can be in the web of life on earth. And finally, there’s a happy coincidence: While preparing to celebrate said new installation, we stumbled across a wonderful old book by French science educator and naturalist Henri-Jean Fabre that gives us a look at some great 19th century science writing. No better way, we say, to cast light into the deepening gloom of late fall by sharing some of the lovely sparkle of this fun gem.

In his life time, Henri-Jean Fabre (1823-1915) gained wide renown as an educator, a scientist, and a writer of popular science publications who fervently sought to inspire and engage--rather than intimidate and exclude--a lay audience in the fascinating complexities of insect biology. Between his keen eye for nature study and his lyrical writing, Faber gained the admiration of some great contemporaries, from the likes of Charles Darwin and Louis Pasteur to literary giants such as Victor Hugo and Nobel-prize winning Maurice Maeterlinck. Smitten with Fabre's style and philosophy, journalist and literary critic  Alexander Teixera de Mattosand (who also moonlighted as a Fellow in the Zoological Society of London) brought Fabre's science writings to an English and American readership by translating excerpts from Fabre's 11+ volume French-language Souvenirs Entomologiques series and publishing them--the excerpts--as stand-alone English version editions.

Pick up a copy of The Life of the Spider and you won't need more than a few pages to understand Fabre’s popular appeal. What, for example, is not to love about a book that starts with this droll tidbit  on "medical choreography" and the complicated relationship we humans have to the ominous biting wolf spider (more commonly known as tarantula in 19th century Europe)?:  “The Italians have bestowed a bad reputation on the Tarantula, who produces convulsions and frenzied dances in the person stung by her. To cope with ‘tarantism,’ the name given to the disease that follows on the bite of the Italian Spider, you must have recourse to music, the only efficiacious remedy, so they tell us. Special tunes have been noted, those quickest to afford relief. "

For those more interested in robust scientific investigation of actual spider behavior than local spider folklore, continue reading and you’ll quickly also get what you came for. The rest of Fabre’s book presents a close look at Lycosa narbonensis (wolf spider), and other eight-legged creatures--the common garden spider, crab spider, & labyrinth spider among them--found in the sun-scorched hills around Fabre’s home in Avignon, France. Presenting observations  gathered first hand from the field over years, his account educates with carefully documented detail about the hunting, reproductive and early life survival strategies of his spider subjects (e.g. yes, wolf spiders  have a venomous bite that can paralyze and eventually kill small rodents and birds; no, garden spiders do not repair broken webs, but save their energy and silk for creating new ones when existing ones are damaged beyond usefulness). And as he spins out meticulously gathered spider minutiae to his readers, Fabre transfixes with prose that evokes--in its own 19th century style--some of the best in Attenborough-type accounting of nature’s astonishing dramas and quirks.

Fabre likely came to his dedication for bringing science to the people by virtue of his experience as a largely self-taught scientist—born to a poor rural family in the Languedoc region of southern France, his formal schooling was choppy, and much of what he learned in math and science derived from self-study with books borrowed surreptitiously from the classrooms of kindly school masters. Despite these unlikely circumstances, Fabre's intellect, enthusiasm and hard work earned him enough respect to eventually be offered a teaching position as professor of physics and chemistry at the lycée (regional government secondary school) of Avignon, where he complemented his teaching with an indefatigable dedication to scientific research and field biology. In 1866, one of his pioneering investigations—this one related to botany—successfully extracted a coloring agent from the madder plant which was later identified as alizarin and widely adopted as a stain for biological research. Ongoing publication of his explorations of the insect world, via his Souvenirs series steadily earned him a widening reputation extending far beyond southern France.

While a keen observer of nature whose influence Darwin recognized on his own work, Fabre remained a skeptic of Darwin’s theory of evolution—a position that some attribute to his devout Christian beliefs, others to his passion for doing field level study of animal behavior, rather than writing science theory. But while grand theory may not have been Fabre’s thing, his renown as an outstanding entomologist and a science educator remains well deserved. If you’re about to embark on field level study of arachnids of your own, you’ll want to read The Life of the Spider for the tips it gives on things like successfully luring wolf spiders out of their burrows for closer observation. If you’re science communicator, you’ll want to read Fabre's writing for the lovely tone and sense of humor that spices his work so effectively. If you’re a parent, you might consider sharing this gem with your kids, for the lovely enthusiasm for nature discovery it inspires. And it goes without saying, if you want to learn a bit more about spiders and their infamously spook if also alluring ways—especially if you can't quite bring yourself to get up close and personal with a live specimen yourself—this book is for you. It’s a charming and eye-opening read all around—and a pretty good piece of field biology too. 

Sources:

Fabre, Jean-Henri. The Life of the Spider. Dodd, Mead, 1919.

Jean Henri Fabre, French Entomologist, Encyclopaedia Britannica Online

Jean-Henri Fabre, Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Henri_Fabre

Life of Jean Henri Fabre, the Entomologist, 1823-1910. [s.n.], 1921, 

[drsohinisastri]

Best Astrologer in Delhi Discussing about Hidden Meaning of Birth Signs

All the zodiac signs have their hidden meaning which depicts the characteristic of the people under that particular sign. Zodiac signs can give us explanation to our weird habits and some necessary details about a particular person’s character, goals and ambition.

Aries (March21-April 19)

Hidden meaning: the Ram

Aries are the first of zodiac sign. It is a fire or sun sign. A natural born leader, Aries aims for success and achieve it. They are cable of taking charges in life be it professional or personal. Persons belong to Aries are giver and kind. Spontaneity, adventure are the traits of this sign. Loyalty is in their veins.

 Taurus (April 20- May 20)

Hidden meaning: the Bull

Taurus is the earth sign born under the planet of Venus. They are the bull of zodiac sign which means that they are stubborn sign. They have a strong eye for luxury. Passion for music defines them especially hard core strong music. Also they have love for gardening cooking etc.

 Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Hidden meaning: the twins

The hidden meaning of Gemini is the twins, who like to get interesting companion in life. Otherwise they get easily bored. Gemini is the air sign which lead them as being calm and very compassionate.wit and sarcasm comes in handy with them. Highly passionate Gemini can give their all to a passion whatever that may be. According to the best astrologer in Delhi, Gemini is a bit of inconsistent in their life.

 Cancer (June 21-july 22)

Hidden meaning: the Crab

Chanceries are the water sign. They have a good many features in them which make them very attractive. One of them is their intuitive nature. Also they have a remarkable personality what makes them close to friends even more. But wait! Do not try to understand a chanceries because you can may fail.

 Leo (July 23-August 22)

Hidden meaning: the lion

The lions aka Leos are hell of a personality. Wherever a Leo stands something magical will definitely creates. Though they are sometime a bit of self-centered and egoistic still they are very straight to your face and honest in personality.

 Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Hidden meaning: the virgins

Virgos are the trustworthy, intelligent, sweet kind of a sign. Their intelligent nature makes them attractive as hell. Generally sweet if not provoked by negative vibes. Career –oriented, cool and calm personality. They are wild and seeker of adventure time to time. Since they born under mercury, they are very communicative and thoughtful of others.

 Libra (September 23-October 22)

Hidden meaning: the scales

Libra is an air sign born under influence of Venus. According to astrologer in India they are fond of being in love. Libras are very charitable and love mankind and animal. It is a saying that all Libras should join public service as they are good at it. Despite of being such amicable personality, they are at times very bossy and bit of diplomatic.

 Scorpio (october23-november 21)

Hidden meaning: the scorpion

The ruling planet of Scorpio is mars. All the qualities of mars is prevailing in this scorpion sign. By nature Scorpios are very intuitive, power house of energy and excellent stamina. Scorpio’s motto is to get and success no matter what happens to earth. As per best astrologer in Delhi, they are great when they are entrepreneur in their own field.

 Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)

Hidden Meaning: the Centaur

Ruling planet of Sagittarius is Jupiter. They are adventurous, strenuous and philosopher at the same time.

 Capricorn (December22 –January19)

Hidden Meaning: the Goat

They are very positive minded, self-controlled, determined in their field. Value their relationship more than anything. They are very traditional and family person. They have a keen interest in art & crafts. As per the knowledge of our famous astrologer in India, they are very emotional and value their commitments.

 Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

Hidden meaning: the Water Bearer

‘Kumbham’ or Aquarius is ruled by Saturn. Planet Saturn is very authoritative, progressive in mentality. They believe in Success but not more than their emotional front.

 Pisces (February 19- March 20)

Hidden Meaning: the Fish

Jupiter is the ruling planet of Pisces. In Vedic astrology, Fish is called ‘meenam’. They have an immense love for poetry, writings and Literature especially. They do work professionally when they need to. Imaginative in nature.

[serenejoy42]

They Came From the Earth

So I've never done a writing prompt before. And what better time to do one than the present, yeah? This thing is for the Tyria Library October thing. I've never wrote much horror before, so I'll try my best, here!

But, uh, yeah. Some body horror here, Specifically burns. Just saying.

------------

"Tell me what you can remember," the therapist requested in his always-way-too-calm voice.

It was 1324, and had been nearly three years since Floridias joined the Vigil. She was seven and a half years old, and full-on Crusader now, the grown armor she joined the Order in was replaced with a full Vigil uniform, and she had a squad she grew to love-Prixx would always bicker with Barthach, one of her brothers, about the best application of his new golem, a PM-something-or-other, Flori never paid attention to the specifics; her other brother, Korneli, would try to show her some pointers on aiming her rifle while marching; then there was Linus, a massive red charr who laughed at them all and would try to sneak in some Meatoberfest food for them all when on leave. Finally, her marsh drake, Clobber, always by her side and defending her from harm.

"So... Life was good, back then?"

Life was good, back then. Fighting for a just cause, a fight against the Elder Dragons. No grander purpose existed, in that sylvari's mind.

"Good, good... Then, what happened?"

Then, one day, they were scouting in the Shiverpeaks, looking for a good place to camp, when they found the bodies. Flori saw bodies of dredge, with a light snowfall that dusted the slumped, smoking molemen corpses. They were broken, crumpled, and, most importantly, burned. Burns from their arms to their backs and to their feet. Jagged rocks speared and seared into the flesh and armor. Arms and legs lied in directions they should never lie in. All in front of the entrance to a dredge mining facility.

What disturbed them all the most, however, was that the dredge's adversaries never left a body.

Flori could barely remember who said they should go in there. It was probably her who made that dreadful mistake, for all she knew, but it no longer mattered.

She was in the back of the formation, with her and her drake guarding Prixx as he commanded his golem. She could still, to this day, remember that sneer that blue shark rat always did when he heard one of the tree children was guarding him again.

Korneli and Linus were at the front of it, next to the golem, with mace, hammer, and shield at the ready, with Barthach in the center, with his own mace and shield and his guardian magic ready. They all slowly went further into the dark caves, Flori and her brothers glowed softly in the darkness as she held up a lantern. They found more bodies: some appeared to have been fleeing, some burnt and huddled in corners. All burnt, all broken. All dead.

"When did..." She heard a pause from his voice, "How long did it take before... It all happened?"

First, it was a gentle fall of pebbles from the ceiling. Then a rock moved when she looked away. Clobber would growl at random walls. The golem would beep something about seismic activity. The cavern would feel uncomfortably hot. Why were they still there? The squad should have left as soon as-

The cavern shook. Holes in the ceiling tore themselves open as a bright, magma-veined claws crawled out of the holes, the cavern illuminated by the firey blaze of two Destroyer trolls, with Mother-knows how many crabs followed suit. They crawled the ceiling as the trolls leapt into the squad.

Everyone argued whether to fight or retreat. They ended up having to do both, in the end.

Linus had charged himself into one of the trolls, who had pinned Korneli to the ground. Charr strength and hammer met stone as the troll was tossed to the side, but it was too late, as the rosey haired, golden sylvari man had an arm and leg seared to useless black ash. Flori could still remember his screams as Linus picked him up to run. The golem was swarmed by crabs, crawling into its systems and tearing its internals apart as it thrashed around.

Flori would aim her sights at one of the other trolls, who was trying to tear through Barthach's guardian shield, and fired. She had to do something, even if the bullets plinked off or embedded into stone.

All she ended up doing was make the beasts angrier. She saw the earth shift beneath Clobber and Prixx, behind Barthach and his shield. Magma claws and talons pierced the earth and pierced and seared into both drake and asura, and finally dragged them into the earth, screaming. So many screams.

Then it was her turn. She felt the rock shift and crack as she stared in horror ahead of her, unable to move as she stared at the rocks where her drake stood on, only a jagged crack left in the ground. She only snapped out of it when she shrieked in pain as she looked down to see Destroyer crab claws clamp into her armored boots. The magma heat searing into metal, which melted into her white-bark legs. White burned to black. Wood burned to coal. She tried to move, tried to get away. She twisted in an attempt to flee, twisted her ankle, and fell on her stomach as the claws slowly dragged her. Dragged her closer. Why was it so slow that time? It should have gotten her by now-

She looked over her shoulder, dazed, as her still-standing brother, Barthach, pummeled the claws with his mace. The dark purple sylvari had a limp arm. Probably burned, too. Destroyer rock cracked and crumpled under the pressure, but she felt his recklessness accidentally pummel and shatter her legs from the knee down.

Everything afterwards muddled and faded to black as she closed her eyes as she felt charr and sylvari hands grab her to pull her out, with the sound of a golem exploding in the back ground.

They next thing she knew, she awoke in the dead of night, in a sylvari hammock, Korneli holding her right hand with his only hand. He sat on a mushroom stool, head hung low and his leg in a cast of bark. His frond-hair appeared to be wilting from his scalp, with a gentle, purple hand on his shoulder as Barthach stood beside him, his whole arm bandaged and in a sling.

When Barthach shook Korneli awake, they gave her the news that she couldn't leave the Mender's den for a very, very long time. None of them could. And they were all discharged from the Vigil due to injuries. The three of them stared at each other for a long time, and cried.

She lost her will to fight the Dragons that day. And gained a fear for fire that haunts her to this day.

[fight-surrender]

Author Asks

I’ve been staying off Tumblr because...spoilers. But I’ve been checking my alerts & thanks so much for the tags @captain-aralias and @sharkmartini !

Author Name: Drvivc

Fandoms You Write For: Carry On

Where You Post: AO3

Most Popular One-Shot: I’m not sure any of my fics count as “popular” but the one-shot with the most hits is Can I Be Your Terrible Boyfriend?

Most Popular Multi-Chapter Story: (Again, not “popular” in the sense that like it’s gotten thousands of hits) (although each and every one of you who have read it are amazing and lovely)  The One About the Hermit Crabs

Favourite Story You Wrote: Hm, for now I think it might be The Cat because I think it’s super cute and like the idea of an emotional support cat for Simon (probably because I’m a veterinarian and I think everyone should have an emotional support pet)

Story You were Nervous to Post: All of them. I’m always nervous posting my writing. Just having it sit there on AO3 makes me nervous. 

How Do You Choose Your Titles: I think initially I just wrote whatever came to my head, now I just do a riff on the titles of the TV show Friends’ episodes. “The One About the... insert fic topic.” 

Do You Outline: Not really. I just dump ideas onto a page in a notebook, or napkin or hotel writing pad, or receipt (often while driving, especially on long road trips) then try to incorporate them into some kind of cohesive mess. 

Complete: 6

In-Progress:I have one up on AO3 that I’m slowly adding to, and another one in progress that I’ve written about 5 chapters of. I’m going to try and actually finish it before posting it for once so I can actually publish it on some sort of schedule. 

Do you Accept Prompts: I’ve never received one, but I think it would be super fun. 

Upcoming Story You Are Most Excited to Write: I am SUPER excited about the one I’m working on rn but I’m not telling y’all anything about it because I don’t think anyone has written about this (that I’ve read) and I want to surprise you. I’m aiming at an October-post Wayward Frenzy close to Halloweenish release. 

Tagging: @penelopes-place  @wo2ash@carryonsimoncarryonbaz @krisrix @neck-mole @f-ing-ruthless-baz @basic-banshee (I know you’ve probably already been tagged but I haven’t seen your answers yet, but maybe I missed them) 

[prettylittleliarsxxxx]

Since “Pretty Little Liars” wrapped in 2017, Lucy Hale has barely slowed down. The actress starred in The CW TV series “Life Sentence” and recently landed a couple of soon-to-be announced film roles.

Now she’s hoping to raise money and awareness for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“I’ve always had pets growing up. I think my first pet was a hermit crab,” Hale told HuffPost. “I had everything from a turtles to fish to a cat to dogs. But I guess my real love of my animals when I got a dog when I was 15. I have a dog named Elvis now. He’s my little buddy, he’s like my child. In my opinion, animals are one of the most pure things on the planet, and they don’t always get a voice.”

To help raise money and awareness for the cause, Hale is joining with Honey Nut Cheerios for the Good Rewards initiative, which gives families the opportunity to do good while teaming up with celebrities by helping raise money for charity.

We caught up with Hale about the initiative, her new projects and more.

The Good Rewards initiative is also aimed at getting the whole family involved. What are some of you favorite traditions that you still do with your family now?

It’s so hard now that I’m older and everyone is all over the place, but most of our traditions revolve around the holidays. One thing that we never skip out on is every Christmas my mom will get us all matching pajamas. My family is not huge, but she’ll get us all matching pajamas and we’ll all take a picture. We’ve been doing that the last seven or eight years, which is super fun. And I have two nieces now, so we’re restarting all of the traditions again with them. It’s the best.

You’ve been pretty busy since leaving “Pretty Little Liars.” You starred in the series “Life Sentence” earlier this year. What’s next for you? Are you mulling other projects?

I am. You know when you can say you’re involved in something but you can’t say what because it’s not out in the press yet, but I start up with a couple of things in October, which is really fun. After the last series I did, we did a season of it and then it didn’t get picked up. So after that I made the conscious choice to take a little time off, which was fun and necessary. But it’s also cool because I can be picky about what I want to do next. So, I’m ready to get back to work. Most of the stuff I’m doing is film-related, which is cool, because I haven’t really done much film. I’ve been in the TV world, and the characters are nothing like I’ve done before. So it’s going to be a stretch, but I like a good challenge.

What at this point in your life are you looking for in a role now that you can be, as you say, more selective?

I’m at the point right now where people are allowing me to take risks and they’re giving me that shot, which is really cool because I haven’t always been in that position. For me, I love all genres. I love all sorts of films and TV shows. But I always want to be part of something that tells a story and that means something — that the world needs a lot more true stories and a lot more stories that make a difference. For me, it’s about finding those projects and characters. I always find myself in every character I play. I gravitate toward the darker, dramatic stuff, but one of things I’m doing in the fall is romantic comedy. So I’m all over the map.

You’ve also dabbled with music through the years. Do you think you’ll ever jump back into the music scene?

I do. I love music. It’s such a huge part of my life, whether I’m actively pursuing it or not. I just recently auditioned for doing a live-action version of a musical. I’d love to make another album. I think certain things would have to line up in my schedule, but you never know. There’s so many ways to utilize it now. I’ve always had a dream of wanting to do Broadway and theater. So, we’ll see!

You have great fashion style. You’re in the spotlight, but somehow you make it look effortless. What’s your approach?

I guess I’m lucky because I’ve always loved fashion. I think it’s such an amazing way to express your personality. I really don’t have any rules. I don’t really have a system. Like, my closet is a disaster. So me putting together an outfit is a miracle every single day. I just get inspiration from people on the street, on Instagram. Honestly, my approach right now is whatever is at the forefront of my closet because I’m not about to dig in there. I don’t take myself too seriously. I don’t take fashion too seriously. I always want to be comfortable, but I never want to be boring ― like, I’ll never do the same thing twice on a carpet. I keep it fun and light and hope that it works out.

Having been on “Pretty Little Liars” for some seven years, it tied you up a bit and now you have a little bit more freedom. What’s been the hardest thing about letting a series like that go, and what’s been the best thing?

I think it’s always really scary to let go of the familiar. We were on that show for basically my whole 20s. I basically grew up on that show. I grew up with those people. It was essentially the same crew the whole time. It was obviously the same cast. We really did create this comfortable environment where everyone genuinely loved each other. So to let that go was very bittersweet and sad. But at the same time, we all recognized that the show was a great platform for all of us. We all recognized that we developed huge support systems. And I think we were all ready to go off and spread our wings a little bit and try new things. The good thing about that show is that the fans of those characters and those stories — they’re always going to be there and will go down in history, I think. So, it’s going to follow me wherever I go, but I sort of welcome it with open arms and feel really grateful for all that it’s brought me, and the friends, and the fans — and it’s really helped be hone my craft, too. Eight years of being on a show, you learn every aspect of what you do.

At the same time, the new spinoff show “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists” with “Pretty Little Liars” actors Sasha Pieterse and Janel Parrish is kind of letting the show live on in some ways. How likely do you think a reunion with you being involved is possible down the line?

I don’t know necessarily know what the show is about. All I know is that the characters are placed in this new world. I’m so open to that. I love Sasha. I love Janel. If, for some reason, they wanted me to be a part of it, I would absolutely do it. I just don’t know the roles that they live in so I don’t know how the characters would fit in, but absolutely — I would always be down for that ... I’m very curious to see what they are going to do with it. I’m definitely rooting them and can’t wait to see it.

The show has helped afford you so many fans. You have some 21 million followers on Instagram. What’s your approach to social media these days?

Social media is something that I do struggle with the idea of it. I genuinely love sharing parts of my life and showing people my dog and showing people my family and promoting whatever project I’m doing. And then when you have a platform like that — I firmly believe that life is about giving back, and if you’re given a lot, you should give back ... I do have this platform where I can speak to people and try to encourage them to do good as well. But it can be toxic. It can interfere with everyday life. It an interfere with your self-confidence and you can develop insecurities because of it. But I think that it’s different for everyone and you have to create boundaries for yourself and recognize what works and doesn’t work for you. For me, there are some days where I’m like, “I’m in a bad mood. I feel insecure. I’m not going to go on social media today.” And then I wake up and feel like I can handle it.

You grew up on “Pretty Little Liars,” and prior to that on various others projects — all in the spotlight. How do you stay grounded and true to who you are?

I mean, that’s a great question, because I didn’t always feel like I had an identity outside of my job or the public image of who I was. My journey over the last couple of years has been figuring out I’m a person outside of my career or how many followers I have. It really is about the little moments you take for yourself, and I love my people my people — my tribe. You really are who you walk with. And I have grounded, real, unbelievable people in my life that help me see the bigger picture because it’s really easy to think only inside your bubble. But there’s this big world out there. So, I love doing charity work. I love traveling and I love my family. These things help you see past your own little world. You know, it’s a process. But you figure it out as you grow up.

[merciattire-blog]

The Ideal Outfit Based on Your Zodiac Sign

So, who here is into reading their horoscope? Now, I’m sure we all know someone who is super into it and reads theirs on a daily basis— I am not that person. However, I do find myself getting sucked into articles such as “Find Your Ideal Honeymoon Destination Based on Your Horoscope” and “What Starbucks Drink You Should Order Based on Your Zodiac Sign”. I mean, they’re kind of fun and entertaining, right? Plus, I can almost guarantee that everyone at least knows what zodiac sign they are, so why not pair that with some cute outfit ideas to capture your zodiac’s essence?

After making the decision to write this blog, there was no turning back. Thus, began copious amounts of research on each sign. The sources of my information were www.horoscope.com and www.astology-zodiac-signs.com. If you’re into reading your horoscopes or learning more about your sign, these are great starting places. Now, let’s get into it, shall we?

Capricorn – The Goat

Dates: December 22-January 19

Colors: Dark green and brown.

Key Traits: Detail-oriented, responsible, and hardworking.

(Dress: Amazon, shoes: Zappos, jewelry: Etsy, bag: Michael Kors)

Due to the hardworking nature of Capricorns, it is important to have a bag that can take you straight from class to work. A backpack bag is perfect for on-the-go tasks and won’t slow you down during a busy day; you will sometimes forget you’re even wearing it! Furthermore, a spacious design allows for any essentials you’ll need throughout the day. A flowy tank top dress is the perfect base to layer on gladiator sandals (which, may I add, contribute to the “strength” element of this zodiac). Lastly, an intricate, layered necklace finalizes this look by sealing in the gold accented accessory theme. The end result? A perfect, detail-oriented ensemble that’s fit for a Capricorn!

Aquarius – The Water Bearer

Dates: January 20-February 18

Colors: Silver and light blue.

Key Traits: Independent, original, and humanitarian.

(Top: Polyvore, jacket: The Jacket Maker, jeans: Express, shoes: Adidas)

For this zodiac’s originality, an eccentric look is a must. So, I went for something that is original, yet wearable on a daily basis. This incomparable silver bomber jacket is clearly the most eye-catching part of this outfit, so you are sure to stand out from the crowd. Paired with silver accented tennis shoes to match, this trendsetter look is swoon-worthy. A mixture of textures is created with a baby blue ribbed tank tucked into some distressed black jeans, which helps balance out this look. Moreover, this outfit is super comfortable—always a plus in my book!

Pieces – The Fish

Dates: February 19-March 20

Colors: Purple and sea-green.

Key Traits: Compassionate, intuitive and artistic.

(Romper: Lulu’s, sandals: Kee Shoes, clutch: Contrado, rings: Etsy)

For the Pisces, The Little Mermaid immediately came to mind. With the key characteristics of being compassionate and artistic, Ariel’s musical abilities and considerate ways came to mind. In addition, who else would use a fork for a brush? That’s intuitive art right there. To channel your inner mermaid, this sea-green romper with a twisted belt detailing is flawless. Additionally, some light purple heels match Ariel’s color theme, as well as the Pisces’! Of course, I just had to add some fish scale inspiration with a perfectly matching clutch. The shiny texture also gives off a “wet” look—score! To further this theme, I added in some silver midi rings for even more sparkle.

Aires – The Ram

Dates: March 21-April 19

Color: Red.

Key Traits: Courageous, independent, and impatient.

(T-shirt: Nordstrom, shoes: Converse, leggings: JCPenny, jacket: H&M)

This is probably my favorite outfit of them all, and I’m not even an Aires (I just love me a good band tee)! Prior to writing this blog, even I knew that Aires are known for having a “fiery” personality. Low and behold, their color is red! With splashes of red in the t-shirt and shoes, this outfit is given a bold and daring personality (much like an Aires). Due to their slightly impatient nature, a comfortable outfit is key. Enter: leggings. Furthermore, an old band tee, jean jacket, and Converse give this look an old school, “cool girl” vibe—perfect for this zodiac.

Taurus – The Bull

Dates: April 20-May 20

Color: Pink.

Key Traits: Dependable, elegant, and devoted.

(Blouse: Lulus, shorts: Missguided, sandals: Lulus, necklace: Bija Bijoux)

Despite their symbol being a bull, this zodiac has rather elegant characteristics and mannerisms. Therefore, I put together a more girly, feminine look. Even for someone who isn’t the biggest fan of pink (me), this outfit is just too adorable to pass up. A cropped, ruffled crop top is a fabulous statement piece to have handy in the summertime. Paired with some white high-waisted buttoned shorts, the torso is balanced out. Keeping with this light, romantic theme, some blush pink lace-up wedges were added. As for the jewelry, I decided on a crescent necklace that reminds me of a bull’s nose ring so, naturally, I had to.

Gemini – The Twins

Dates: May 21-June 20

Colors: Yellow and light green.

Key Traits: Affectionate, curious, and kind.

(Dress: Forever 21, sandals: Lulus, bag: Hot Topic, glasses: Sunglass Casa)

What a ray of sunshine! After reading up on Geminis, it is clear that they are typically “old souls”. Therefore, this 70’s-inspired floral dress just screamed “Gemini” to me. It also serves as a romantic look, bridging back to this affectionate zodiac. For the first statement accessory, cat eye sunglasses further exemplify the vintage vibe. Another characteristic of this zodiac is curiosity, leading to their love for curling up with a good book. Needless to say, this rare “once upon a time” purse is an excellent find!

Cancer – The Crab

Dates: June 21-July 22

Colors: White and violet.

Key Traits: Emotional, loyal, and intelligent.

(Two-piece: Lily Boutique, pumps: Shiekh Shoes, clutch: Zatchels)

For the Cancer zodiac, I put together a vintage, 20’s era outfit based on their personality traits. To establish this feminine style, lace embroidery is an essential. Thus, a white lace monochromatic two-piece is absolute perfection for this sign. Furthermore, a touch of violet is added with a simple cross-body bag. Nude pumps pair flawlessly with this romantic look without being too overpowering and distracting from the intricate detailing. Plus, these pumps  also help to elongate your legs (a great bonus)! Finally, I couldn’t resist adding in a ribbon for your hair to finish off this vintage Cancer attire.

Leo – The Lion

Dates: July 23-August 22

Colors: Gold, yellow, and orange.

Key Traits: Bold, humorous, and creative.

(Dress: Rockray Clothing, sandals: Aetrex, earrings: AliExpress, purse: Ebay)

Hit the beach in this fun, lioness-inspired look! Leos are known for being humorous and creative, so a laid-back 70’s themed outfit was my goal here. This loose, brightly colored yellow sundress with bell sleeves effortlessly captures this essence. For a lion’s mane appearance, aim for some voluminous, beachy waves and statement feather earrings. This ensemble is finished off with a woven summer-ready handbag and some beaded sandals.

Virgo – The Virgin

Dates: August 23-September 22

Colors: White and beige.

Key Traits: Organized, kind, and practical.

(Top: Athleta, blazer: Lyst, pants: Neiman Marcus, shoes: Dillard’s)

Moving on to the Virgo! To emanate from their organizational qualities, a striped shirt is the building block of this outfit. Virgos are all about functionality. Now, what better way to go from work to play than having a trusty blazer handy? Leather pants also contribute to this dual purpose outfit with their ability to transition from the office to happy hour. Lastly, flats were chosen to complete this look due to their practicality. No one wants to be slowed down from task to task, especially a Virgo.

Libra – The Scales

Dates: September 23-October 22

Colors: Pink, blue, and green.

Key Traits: Cooperative, intelligent, and gracious.

(Shirt: Yours Clothing, necklace: Accessorize, capris: True Religion, shoes: Bohme)

Next, we have a style that is built with Libras in mind. With intelligent and gracious qualities, this zodiac is gifted at finding the ideal outfit for every situation. Due to the fact that their symbol is the scales, a balance between elegant statement and basic pieces is attained to encompass this attribute. A breathtaking statement necklace with blues and pinks does just the job for an otherwise casual outfit. These light, pastel tones mix and mingle with the feel-good vibes of summertime! Combined, these items make up a sophisticated, polished look for tactful Libras.

Scorpio – The Scorpion

Dates: October 23-November 21

Color: Scarlet.

Key Traits: Brave, stubborn, and independent.

(Top: Polyvore, skirt: Lipsy, purse: Venus, heels: Larizia)

For this zodiac, a dark, classy ensemble perfectly captures their essence. This flowy top adds just a pop of scarlet to pay homage to this sign’s symbol: the scorpion. With independence being a key trait, a straight-from-work look was achieved with a classic pencil skirt and gold accented pumps. Alas, we mustn’t forget about their bravery! To capture this characteristic, a striking leopard print purse was added to finalize this outfit.

Sagittarius – The Archer

Dates: November 22-December 21

Colors: Light blue and black.

Key Traits: Humorous, creative, and idealistic.

(Skirt: H&M, shirt: Asos, heels: Express, bag: Nicole Miller)

Calling all Sags! Last, but certainly not least on the list. After studying up on this sign (and being one, myself), I decided to go for an outfit made up of timeless pieces. Of course, these pieces consist of a plain white tee and some black strapped open-toe heels. Then again, a bold leather skirt packs a creative, unexpected punch to the look. To incorporate a light blue hue, this textured rectangular bag is an impeccable addition.

Here ends my list of outfits inspired by your zodiac. Do you agree with these picks? Thanks for reading!

Until next time,

Paige

[architectnews]

Alan Dunlop Architect, Glasgow

Alan Dunlop Architect Office, Scottish Architecture Studio News, gm+ad Building Projects

Alan Dunlop Architect

Architecture Office in Aberfoyle / Glasgow, Scotland, UK – Scottish Design Studio

post updated 15 September 2021

Alan Dunlop News

Alan Dunlop Architecture, chronological:

Celtic Crossing / Irish Sea Link

Torr Head Panorama Celtic Crossing:

BBC 1 ( all of UK ) Thursday 16th September 9pm. Patrick Kielty: 100 Years of the Union.

On the 100th anniversary of its creation, Patrick Kielty will explore what the future holds for Northern Ireland, in an authored documentary for BBC One. This will include an interview with Scottish architect Alan Dunlop on his proposals for the Celtic Crossing / Irish Sea Link.

Box Girder Bridge Torr Head, Fair Head in background:

7 August 2021 GSA Student Crowdfunding

“Thirty years in teaching, fellow travellers has taught me that art like architecture cannot be taught remotely or on zoom. You need studio access, direct tutor contact and the support of your peers.

So, I’ll be donating two original drawings from my sketchbooks, the two to be chosen by the students, in support of their crowdfunding appeal and their action.”

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/glasgow-school-of-art-cheated-us-with-lack-of-studio-access-students-claim-g3lbnxwx6

17 Mar 2021 Radisson Hotel Roof top extension and changes to front of hotel, Glasgow, Scotland

Info from architect Alan Dunlop:

I discovered that almost all of the original concept and context analysis (Design and Access Statement) supporting the planning application for a roof extension to the Radisson Blu is taken directly from my own writing, without my acknowledgement or approval. Their document includes street views, block plans and multiple 3D views but concludes with the most elementary, least imaginative and crudest, commercially driven proposal.

the roof top extension is certainly overpowering:

Therefore, as the architect of the Radisson, I spent a few hours planning how you might extend the hotel in a way which is conducive to the ideas and context fundamental to its original design. Then made a few rough sketches.

images courtesy of Alan Dunlop architect

Updated 26 Oct 2020 + 23 Aug 2020

The Watch House project is the renovation of a 250 year old listed structure in Crail, on the East Neuk of Fife and a landmark on the Fife Coastal Path. It’s a spectacular site and the building looks onto the North Sea and over to the Isle of May National Nature Reserve. On a clear day, and there are many, you can see down to North Berwick.

The project received planning permission and listed building consent at the turn of this year the drawings are the original planning drawings. I was in the process of forming a design team for the next stages, preparing a building warrant and construction detail and tender drawings when the lockdown started. As a double whammy, my client is a New York based financier, in April New York became the epicentre for COVID in the US and she has been grounded there since. We hope to start again, fingers crossed, in 2021 and complete in 2022

Architecture in Ruin drawings:

Left: Aberfoyle Auld Kirk – Right: Architecture in Ruin Dunnottar Castle

Left: Castle Tioram – Right: St Peter’s Seminary

Left: Bernat Klein Studio – Right: Glasgow School of Art East Gable

Left: Mavisbank House – Right: Old Keiss Castle

Left: Southern Necropolis Lodge House – Right: St Martins RC

New drawings of the Irish Sea tunnel concept, finished 20 Mar 2020:

Approach to the tunnel at the shore level: all drawings courtesy of Alan Dunlop Architect

Kids fishing for crabs and starfish in the undercroft:

18 Mar 2020 Celtic Crossing as Sea Tunnel, Scotland / Northern Ireland, UK

From Alan Dunlop:

“An underground tunnel connects to the A77 and A75, and breaks the coastal edge at Lairds Bay and Port Mora. The structure that supports the tunnel entrance to the sea looks like it might have risen from the rocks, fragments and mass of loose stones at the base of the sea cliffs that run all along the Galloway coastline.

I believe it would be possible for a structure, tunnel or bridge to be designed to harness wave energy from the Irish Sea on a massive scale. So, in the drawing, pontoons support the tunnel below and are connected to the sea bed by cable stays. Each is set out to allow ships to pass through. Similar pontoon and tunnel structures are currently being developed and constructed as part of the Norwegian Coastal Highway, crossing fjords 500 metres deep but here the pontoons are designed also to generate tidal energy.

It is a sea tunnel not a bridge, stretching across the Irish Sea. The tunnel sits 12 metres below the wave line and is supported by and connected to the pontoons, not burrowed below the sea bed.”

25 Aug 2019 Elite University Expert Appraisal and Lecture : Professor Alan Dunlop External Academic Specialist

Wuhan University School of Architecture and Urban design, University of Dundee. Visit 2nd September 2019

Wuhan University Faculty of Architecture and Urban Design was granted by the Ministry of Education to develop a five-year Sino-foreign cooperative education project from 2013 and cooperates with University of Dundee, UK to offer undergraduate architecture programs. Such project was extended for another five years in May 2017.

image by architect

The School now has more than 940 undergraduate students and nearly 300 postgraduates. In addition, the School offers continuing education of various levels, such as adult diploma education, seminars and short-term training classes.

Focusing on the objective of cultivating high-level talents with profound knowledge bases, of broad calibers and with strong abilities, the School continues deepening the education and teaching reform and cultivates international digitalized innovative talents who have profound knowledge in human culture by virtue of the complete discipline system and deep cultural background, achieving great success.

Students of the School have participated in many domestic and international contests and won prizes. The prizes include “UNESCO Award” of International Union of Architects (IUA) which is the highest award of IUA, Red Dot Award, German IF Design Award and Excellent Work Prize of LITE-ON Award.

Professor Alan Dunlop https://ift.tt/1U3Gb9v

16 Apr 2019 Wall House, Tower House and Pool, The Trossachs, central Scotland drawing : Alan Dunlop Wall House, Tower House and Pool in the Trossachs Alan Dunlop has begun discussions with Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Planning Authority to build two, four bedroom family homes and an outdoor pool on his 5 acre studio site.

20 Jun 2012 Chinese Visit Alan Dunlop Alan will be making his first visit to Xi’an Jiaotong, a new school of architecture in Suzhou, China on the 27th June. Professor Dunlop has been appointed as one of the first external examiners at Xi’an Jiaotong- Liverpool University. XJTLU- Liverpool University is the only University in China to offer both UK and Chinese accredited undergraduate degrees. This first visit will be the beginning of a four year contract intended to help steer the new school of architecture toward full RIBA accreditation.

During his ten day stay he will also be meeting up with practices from the UK, Europe and the USA who have set up in Shanghai to discuss opportunities for Scottish architects, including Schmidt Hammer Lassen and RTKL.

He has accepted an invitation to return to Shanghai in October 2012 and present at the Masterplanning the Future international architecture and urban design conference where he will present a paper and lecture on architecture and urban regeneration in Glasgow.

His MArch Unit at Scott Sutherland School of Architecture also intend to base their next two year project in Shanghai, beginning in September 2012.

Alan Dunlop Exhibition

Alan Dunlop Exhibition 21 Feb – 19 Mar 2012 Alan Dunlop exhibition in the House for an Art Lover, Glasgow, Scotland Alan is the first architect invited to show their work at House for an Art Lover. The exhibition will feature new work, original hand drawings not exhibited before and limited edition, signed silk screen prints.

Alan Dunlop Masterclass

Working Drawing – The Hand Generated Image Masterclass, Glasgow, Scotland 17 Mar 2012 “One can learn everything there is to know about an architect by studying their hand drawings, the degree of rigour and research that they bring to their projects, their attitudes and their sensitivities. It is no overstatement to suggest that hand drawing represents the stain of the true architect’s soul on paper.” Alan Dunlop

This full day masterclass is linked to Alan’s Working Drawing exhibition.

26 Sep 2011

Hazelwood School Photo Update

Hazelwood School, Glasgow, Scotland photograph : Andrew Lee Hazelwood School by this architect

2 Sep 2011 Latest Design: South Rotunda, Glasgow, Scotland Alan Dunlop proposal South Rotunda design

16 Jun 2011 Lecture News: AIA International Convention 2011

Alan has accepted an invitation from the American Institute of Architects and BCSE to give a presentation of his work at their international convention in London.

The convention titled; Building Better Schools – Investing in Education will take place between November 9-11, 2011. The keynote presentations will be given in Hammersmith Academy and the aim of the convention will be to explore the possibilities for innovative 21st Century learning environments.

3 Jun 2011 Project News: Edinburgh Bio Quarter, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK images : erz ; Alan Dunlop Shortlisted design (one of two shortlisted) by this Scottish architects practice

Practice News: Kansas State University Lecture This Scottish architect returned to the USA to lecture and presented new work on 5 May and has been invited to judge the Heintzelman Prize at Kansas State University.

image by architect

The college of architecture, planning and design at K-State is listed among the top ten schools of architecture in the United States and the Heintzelman Prize is awarded to their top student. The invitation follows Dunlop’s successful time as the Distinguished Victor L. Regnier Visiting Chair in Architecture and visiting professor at the school.

drawing by architect

This spring 2011 visit continues lectures given by Dunlop in Kansas City, Manhattan, Seattle and Boston in 2010 and at Canterbury and the Bauhaus School in Dessau.

Nearer home Alan presented his work at Pollockshields Heritage on 27 Apr 2011.

First Project by Alan Dunlop Architects First design to be unveiled by this new Scottish architects practice, 12 Aug 2010:

House in Corstorphine, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK Residential area characterised by stone walls and high hedges, hence the design approach, a wall becomes a house

Bauhaus – Dessau Institute of Architecture workshop for masters students on Urban Design : Oct 2010

Lecture at Build Boston 17 – 19 Nov 2010

News Exclusive 29 May 2010 Recently we were the first to report the gm+ad split. Despite rumours of Alan joining another major practice we can confirm he is to go it alone and has set up a Glasgow architecture practice in St Andrew’s Square – address at Glasgow Architects.

Alan Dunlop Architect – Practice Profile

HGI : hand generated image Alan will present his work at the Canterbury School of Architecture, UCA, Kent, England, UK. drawing by architect The lecture titled HGI: hand generated image, is on 13 May 2010.

The architect is the Distinguished Regnier Chair in Architecture, Kansas State University and Visiting Professor at Scott Sutherland School of Architecture Robert Gordon University, Scotland, UK

Mahlum Endowment Lecturer Alan on left with Gordon Murray – photo : joe, simple photography Mahlum Endowment Lecture, University of Washington

USA Professorship for Scottish Architect drawing by architect The partner of Gordon Murray and Alan Dunlop architects will take up his post as the Victor L Regnier Chair of Architecture and visiting professor at Kansas State University this semester.

Oscar Ekdahl Memorial Lecture, Kansas, USA 2009 Oscar Ekdahl Memorial Lecture

Alan Dunlop Drawings drawing by architect

More architectural projects by this Scottish architect online soon

Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Alan Dunlop Architects – Practice Information

Architect studio based in Merchant City, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

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Website: www.alandunloparchitects.com

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