#everyone deserves access to history regardless of where they live!

[astriiformes]

University and community archives both are doing so much important work in curating and preserving queer history! And even the academic collections are generally still open to the public, whether that looks like you coming into the reading room at a local university to look at their materials or emailing the librarians to ask for photos or scans of them.

Also, like, even if they're affiliated with institutions, queer archives at universities and museums are generally still curated and cared for by queer folks. I work in a queer history archive at my university, and all of us who regularly work with the collections are queer, the curator is even another trans person, and we have strong connections with other queer people and organizations in the surrounding community.

Academic and cultural institutions like historical societies, libraries, and universities have facilities built to preserve archival materials -- everything from books and zines to pins, banners, t-shirts, and etc -- and people trained in curation and conservation. And often we want to connect with the local community so we can house and preserve their stories and materials for a long time!

All the archives that have been added to this post are great, but here's a few more to look at if you're interested in finding a queer archive near you -- or one further away with materials that interest you. Australia: The Australian Queer Archives

Bosnia & Herzegovina: Kvir Arhiv

Canada: The ArQuives (formerly the Canadian Lesbian & Gay Archives)

Archives Gaies du Québec

The Transgender Archives at the University of Victoria

France: Conservatoire des Archives et des Mémoires LGBTQI, Le Académie Gay & Lesbienne

Germany: Das Lila Archiv

Bibliothek & Archiv at the Schwules Museum

Spinnboden Archiv (focused on lesbian history)

Bibliothek & Archive at Centrum Schwule Geschichte

Forum Queeres Archiv München (focused on queer history in Bavaria and Munich)

The Netherlands: LGBT Heritage Collection at the Internationaal Homo/Lesbisch Informatiecentrum en Archief

Norway: Skeivt Arkiv at the University of Bergen

South Africa: GALA Queer Archive

Switzerland: Verein Schwulenarchiv Schweiz (focused on the history of gay men in Switzerland)

The United Kingdom: LGBTQ Collections at the Glasgow Women's Library

LGBTQIA+ Archives at the Bishopsgate Institute

The Hall-Carpenter Archives at the London School of Economics and Political Science

The LGBTQ Histories Collection at the British Library

Queer Heritage South/Queer in Brighton

LGBTQ+ Collections at the National Museums, Liverpool

The United States: The Human Sexuality Collection at Cornell University

The Stone Wall Center at the University of Michigan Amherst

The Gay & Lesbian Collections and AIDS/HIV Collection at the New York Public Libraries

OutLoud Collection at StoryCorps (an oral history project)

The LGBT History Project at Dickinson College and the LGBT Center of Central Pennsylvania

The Rainbow History Project (focusing on queer history in Washington D.C. and the surrounding area)

The Invisible History Project (focusing on queer history in Alabama and the American South)

LGBTQ+ Collections at the University of South Florida

The Stonewall National Museum Archives & Library

The Saint Louis LGBT History Project

LGBTQ Religious Archives Network

The Gerber/Hart Library and Archive (focusing on Midwestern queer history and culture)

The Kinsey Institute Collections at Indiana University

The Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies at the University of Minnesota

The National Transgender Library and Archive Collection at the University of Michigan

The Gay and Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest

ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives at the University of Southern California

The Lambda Archives of San Diego

The James C. Hormel Center at the San Francisco Public Library

Also -- I know what's happening today is incredibly scary, but there are so many archives all over the world documenting our history, and so many people devoting their lives to preserving everything from groundbreaking political manifestos to kitschy ephemera. And supporting queer archives is more important than ever. My first day of work in the collections, the curator handed me a charred book that had been rescued from the Institut für Sexualwissenschaft book burnings, and nothing has ever driven home more that the work of archivists is both critical and powerful, especially in this day and age. Support queer archivists and queer archives, save materials and find one to house your own collections no matter how random they might seem, and go out and learn about our history!

We need a digital archive of LGBTQ+ works of art, science, and every other conceivable work we can share between each other because we are beyond the genocide warning level in most countries in the west and they're already trying to purge us from libraries.

[trickstarbrave]

i hate most veganism conversations bc it always no argument against them is ever enough despite how "compassionate" they say they are and it usually goes back to being western "humans are separate from nature" ideologies or racism or pure ableism

"factory farms are bad which is why you shouldnt use animal products"

thank you for education about factory farms, but i feel there is a middle ground between "no animal products ever" and "actively supporting factory farms". stuff like sustainable bee keepers also help plant based ethical agriculture that you need for your food systems. stuff like backyard eggs and sustainable honey are ethical sources of food without death and i also dont have a moral issue with a living animal dying because that happens in nature all the time

"no. thats not good either. no animal LIKES dying and you dont HAVE to use animal products, therefore you dont get to. and honey and eggs are still bad because the animals have been domesticated and bred for these purposes which makes it unethical because humans had a role in it"

you misunderstand the processes of domestication and that if a species wouldnt benefit from it as well it simply wouldnt happen. domesticated animals in ethical, non-factory settings do live longer or safer lives than their wild counterparts. and also no, because of my various health conditions a fully plant based diet is not doing to be possible for me. for example i can't absorb omega-3s from seeds and nuts very well at all and i need to take a fish oil supplement to have any hope of absorbing it well.

"well not everyone in society should have to live according to YOUR needs. fine, you can keep your shit since you apparently "need" it but we should just do away with it otherwise because its bad for everyone else, morally wrong all the time, and bad for the environment"

removing it for everyone else means policing other people's health and bodies to determine whether or not you think they "deserve" it or not because they have no choice or if they should be forced to make due with subpar nutrition because of your moral principles. it will ultimately cause more harm, remove education on nutrition, and make it harder to access these things for someone like me who needs it. and also a lot of cultures have used animal products like eggs and meat and milk for thousands of years without destroying the environment, and trying to ban it for them too is blaming them for western factory farming based agriculture and destroying their cultural heritage in the process.

"no one's culture should involve eating meat"

well it does because humans have been eating meat longer than recorded history. in a lot of places meat is a more reliable source of protein and calories and other essential vitamins and minerals than plants. your lack of respect for other cultures outside of your own makes you a bit of a dick

"okay but that was BACK THEN. we dont HAVE to eat meat anymore. things can change"

you're right, but that abundance of plant based food sources is due to unsustainable agriculture. the same model that made factory farms also makes unsustainable mono-crop fields and run offs of pesticides and over-uses farm land and harms and exploits workers. it causes as much damage as factory farmed meat and the two industries are heavily intertwined with cheap grain bi-products humans cant eat going to feed livestock and livestock manure used in farms or cycled back to feed fish. if you want to truly end exploitation in the agricultural industry and save the environment that will involve giving up the conveniences of having whatever fruit and vegetables you want year round regardless of weather or where you live because shipping that produce from exploited workers is also causing real ethical harm and pollution in the world and is contributing to climate change. where you live it might be easy to sustain yourself only on a plant based diet because you have a wide variety of things you can cultivate for a balanced diet, but for other ppl it will involve some animal products or even a good amount of meat sources ethically and the animal used as much as humanly possible from organs to bones to skin and fur.

this is also usually supplemented with claims and facts taken out of context (like saying livestock eat way more grains than people do in the US especially--when livestock are eating grain by-products from ethanol production or stuff human beings cant or wont eat), or a false equivalency time and time again of factory farms = all animal agriculture or hunting ever, or insisting you are having cognitive dissonance because "its human nature to love and care about animals therefore if you kill and eat them you're a psychopath"

anyways tumblr stop with the "BASED ON YOUR LIKES" thing youre making me mad

[virtualpractitioners]

In-home Medical Visits: Personalized Healthcare in the Comfort of Your Home

In an era where convenience and personalized care are paramount, in-home medical visits are redefining the healthcare landscape. This innovative approach allows patients to receive top-quality medical care in the comfort of their own homes, offering a level of convenience and personalization that traditional healthcare settings often cannot match.

The Rising Demand for In-home Medical Visits

The demand for in-home medical visits has surged in recent years, driven by a combination of technological advancements and a growing desire for more personalized care. Patients, particularly those with chronic illnesses or mobility issues, are increasingly seeking healthcare solutions that fit seamlessly into their daily lives. In-home medical visits cater to this need, providing a tailored healthcare experience that prioritizes the patient's comfort and convenience.

Personalized Care and Attention

One of the most significant advantages of in-home medical visits is the personalized care and attention that patients receive. Unlike the often hurried appointments at clinics or hospitals, in-home visits allow healthcare providers to spend more time with each patient, thoroughly understanding their medical history and current health concerns. This extended interaction fosters a deeper patient-provider relationship, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

At Virtual Practitioners, we recognize the importance of this personalized approach. Our team of dedicated healthcare professionals is committed to delivering comprehensive medical care directly to our patients' homes, ensuring they receive the attention and support they deserve. By combining the expertise of our medical team with the convenience of in-home visits, we are transforming how healthcare is delivered.

Integrating Virtual Healthcare Services

In-home medical visits can be seamlessly integrated with virtual healthcare services to create a comprehensive healthcare experience. Virtual consultations enable patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely, addressing minor health concerns or follow-up appointments without the need for an in-person visit. This hybrid approach maximizes the benefits of both in-home visits and virtual healthcare services, providing patients with flexible and accessible care options.

Virtual Practitioners leverages cutting-edge technology to offer virtual healthcare services that complement our in-home medical visits. This integrated approach ensures that our patients receive continuous care and support, regardless of their location. Whether through a virtual check-up or a home visit, our goal is to deliver high-quality, personalized healthcare that meets each patient's unique needs.

In conclusion, in-home medical visits are revolutionizing the healthcare industry by offering personalized, convenient, and comprehensive care. At Virtual Practitioners, we are at the forefront of this transformation, combining the benefits of in-home visits with virtual healthcare services to provide our patients with the highest level of care. By prioritizing our patients' needs and comfort, we are making healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone.

For more information, visit our site: https://virtualpractitioners.com/

[airambulanceindiaa]

Wings of Mercy: Air Ambulance Services in Imphal

Welcome to Imphal, a city steeped in history and culture, where the need for urgent medical care is met with compassion and efficiency through air ambulance services. In this blog, we'll explore the indispensable role played by these airborne responders in Imphal's healthcare system and how they serve as lifelines during medical emergencies.Swift Response, Timely Aid:In emergencies, time is of the essence, and Imphal's air ambulance services understand the urgency of swift intervention. These aerial units offer a rapid response, circumventing traffic congestion and geographical barriers to reach patients in the shortest possible time. Equipped with advanced medical equipment and staffed by skilled professionals, they ensure that patients receive timely medical assistance, potentially saving lives with their prompt intervention.

Navigating Geographical Challenges:Imphal's rugged terrain and remote locations pose significant challenges for ground-based emergency services. However, air ambulances transcend these obstacles, providing access to patients in even the most inaccessible areas. Whether it's a village nestled in the hills or a remote hamlet far from the city center, air ambulance services ensure that medical assistance reaches those who need it most, regardless of their location.

Expert Care, Elevated:Manned by experienced medical teams comprising paramedics, nurses, and physicians, air ambulances in Imphal deliver more than just transportation – they provide advanced medical care in transit. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to stabilize patients, administer life-saving treatments, and monitor vital signs throughout the journey. Their expertise ensures that patients receive the highest level of care from the moment help arrives until they reach definitive medical facilities.

Accessibility for All:Contrary to misconceptions, air ambulance services in Imphal are accessible to individuals from all walks of life. Many providers offer flexible payment options and collaborate with insurance companies to ensure affordability and accessibility for everyone. Every person, regardless of their financial background, deserves access to timely medical assistance during emergencies, and air ambulance services strive to make this a reality.

Raising Awareness, Saving Lives:Spreading awareness about the availability and benefits of air ambulance services is crucial for their effective utilization. Through community outreach programs, educational initiatives, and collaborations with local healthcare providers, efforts are underway to inform residents about the importance of air ambulance services and how to access them in times of need. By empowering the community with knowledge and resources, more lives can be saved during medical emergencies.

Conclusion:In Imphal, where the beauty of nature meets the challenges of modernity, air ambulance services in Imphal stand as symbols of compassion and efficiency. They are the wings that carry hope and healing to those in their most vulnerable moments, bridging the gap between medical assistance and those in need. As Imphal continues to evolve and grow, let us recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of air ambulance services, for they are the silent heroes that save lives when every second counts.

[frontproofmedia]

CANELO ÁLVAREZ VS. JAIME MUNGUÍA LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Published: March 21, 2024

Canelo Promotions Presents Clash Of Mexican Superstars As Pound-for-Pound Great Canelo Álvarez Duels All-Action Star Jaime Munguía Headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View Event Available on Prime Video Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Blockbuster Pay-Per-View Card Also Available Live on DAZN.com

LOS ANGELES - Undisputed Super Middleweight World Champion and pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez and unbeaten all-action star and former world champion Jaime Munguía went face-to-face for the first time Tuesday at a press conference in Los Angeles before Canelo Promotions presents their clash of Mexican superstars taking place Saturday, May 4 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Canelo vs. Munguía is the first four-belt undisputed title fight between Mexican combatants and harkens back to the great Mexico vs. Mexico matchups of the past. Both Canelo and Munguía expressed respect for their fellow countryman during Tuesday’s press conference and promised to honor their shared heritage with an action-packed main event on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, and PPV.com.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:

CANELO ALVAREZ

“This fight is a great source of pride for me, because it’s all about Mexico. I’m proud to have my country featured this way in front of the whole world. The fans are going to be the biggest winners on May 4 and we invite everyone to what’s gonna be a big party for Mexico.

“Defending my undisputed title is very important for me. This is all about making history. I want my legacy to be that I made history again and again. That’s what motivates me to keep defending my belts and giving great fights to the fans.

“Jaime Munguia is a respectful person and a great fighter who’s earned this fight again and again. Everyone will see how great this fight is for Mexico on May 4.

“Munguia is a disciplined fighter who hits hard. He’s a power puncher and I like a challenge. I want to face fighters who are hungry like I am. He’s a fighter who can give the fans the show they deserve.

“I’m really proud of how amazing fight week is going to be. The fans will be showing their pride everywhere. I can’t wait to show the world what kind of party Mexicans can throw inside and outside of the ring.”

JAIME MUNGUIA

“I’m very thankful to Canelo and everyone who made this fight happen and brought us to this special day. We’ve been working really, really hard for this fight because it’s going to be such a big fight for Mexico.

“Canelo has always been a source of pride and motivation for me. I used to say when I was coming up in the sport that I want to be like him, and now we get a chance to face him and hopefully be where he is soon.

“Not only is Freddie Roach a great trainer, but he’s a great person and he’s a motivator. He’s always motivating us to keep going forward and keep training hard.

“We’re ready for this stage. We’re ready for everything and we’re going to have a great fight that night. We’re very confident.

“This is just the beginning of the best part of my career. I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but I believe I’m just reaching my peak now.

“The respect between us is mutual. We want to be a source of pride not just for Mexicans in Mexico, but those all around the world who are expecting a great fight. It’s going to be a great Mexican party and I promise a great fight that fans are going to love.

“Both our fights with John Ryder are two completely different fights. We just took advantage of the opportunity we saw. We know every fight is different so we won’t take too much from Canelo’s fight against Ryder.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Manager & Trainer

“I’m very appreciative of everything that’s been done to make this fight happen and bring us here. Any time that two Mexican fighters face each other, you know it’s going to be an all-out war. Even more so in this fight, because it’s the first time two Mexican fighters will go at it for all four belts.

“We’re going to prove to the world that Mexican boxing is the best in the world. We’re going to work really hard to be sharp on May 4 and we invite everyone to witness a great fight. The fans are going to be the real winners.”

FREDDIE ROACH, Munguia’s Trainer

“It doesn’t get any bigger than this. This is two of the best fighters in the world and I’m in charge of getting one of them ready. Jaime has a tremendous work ethic and we’re going to be prepared to do anything we can to take the titles.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This really is a very special event taking place Cinco de Mayo weekend. This all-Mexican showdown will be one of the most anticipated Cinco de Mayo fights in years.

“PBC had a fantastic 2023. It was a legendary year with massive pay-per-view events. We at TGB Promotions and PBC look forward to putting on more industry-leading events and continuing with another historic year showcasing the biggest stars and the best world class boxing shows.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“With two Mexican fighters at this elite level, we’re in for a special treat…What makes me most proud is that the world will truly be watching. We can’t wait to see everyone there on May 4.”

(Featured Photo: Esther Lin & Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions)

[uniquepestconrolservices]

Safeguarding Your Home with Unique Pest: Affordable Pest Exterminators in Lucknow

October 18th, 2023

In the serene city of Lucknow, where history meets modernity, the charm of elegant architecture and cultural heritage is undeniable. However, amidst this beauty, there’s a lurking menace that no homeowner can afford to ignore – pests. Whether it’s the unwelcome presence of cockroaches, rodents, termites, or any other pests, the need for affordable pest exterminators in Lucknow is essential. Luckily, Unique Pest is here to safeguard your home and peace of mind.

Why Pest Control Matters

Pest infestations can lead to significant damage to your property and pose health risks to your family. When faced with such issues, finding a reliable pest control service becomes crucial. Unique Pest understands the unique challenges Lucknow residents face and provides affordable solutions to rid your home of pests.

The Unique Approach to Pest Control

Unique Pest takes pride in being one of the most trusted and affordable pest exterminators in Lucknow. They have developed a reputation for their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, quality service, and affordable pricing.

Professional Expertise: The team at Unique Pest is composed of highly trained professionals with extensive experience in dealing with various pests. They use state-of-the-art techniques and environmentally friendly products to ensure the safety of your family and pets while effectively eliminating pests.

Customized Solutions: Unique Pest recognizes that every pest problem is unique. Their experts conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify the type of pest infestation and the extent of the problem. This allows them to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Affordable Services: As the name suggests, Unique Pest offers affordable pest control services without compromising on quality. They believe that pest control should be accessible to everyone in Lucknow, regardless of their budget.

Regular Maintenance: Preventing pests from returning is just as important as eliminating them in the first place. Unique Pest provides ongoing maintenance plans to ensure that your home remains pest-free in the long term.

Eco-Friendly Practices: Unique Pest is committed to environmental responsibility. They use eco-friendly products and techniques to minimize the impact on the local ecosystem and the well-being of your family.

Customer-Centric Approach: Unique Pest values its customers and believes in open communication. They explain the treatment process, answer all your queries, and keep you informed at every step of the way.

Pest-Free Home, Peaceful Mind

Imagine a home free from the constant worry of pest infestations, where your family can live in comfort and safety. Unique Pest helps you realize this dream by providing the most effective and affordable pest control services in Lucknow.

Conclusion

In the beautiful city of Lucknow, where history and modernity coexist, you deserve a home that is free from the disruptions and health hazards brought about by pests. Unique Pest, one of the most trusted and affordable pest exterminators in Lucknow, is your reliable partner in ensuring a pest-free home. With their professional expertise, customized solutions, and eco-friendly practices, Unique Pest will safeguard your home, so you can focus on enjoying the charm and heritage of this vibrant city. Say goodbye to pests and hello to a safer, healthier, and more comfortable living space with Unique Pest.

[uniquepestcontrolservices]

Safeguarding Your Home with Unique Pest: Affordable Pest Exterminators in Lucknow

In the serene city of Lucknow, where history meets modernity, the charm of elegant architecture and cultural heritage is undeniable. However, amidst this beauty, there's a lurking menace that no homeowner can afford to ignore – pests. Whether it's the unwelcome presence of cockroaches, rodents, termites, or any other pests, the need for affordable pest exterminators in Lucknow is essential. Luckily, Unique Pest is here to safeguard your home and peace of mind.

Why Pest Control Matters

Pest infestations can lead to significant damage to your property and pose health risks to your family. When faced with such issues, finding a reliable pest control service becomes crucial. Unique Pest understands the unique challenges Lucknow residents face and provides affordable solutions to rid your home of pests.

The Unique Approach to Pest Control

Unique Pest takes pride in being one of the most trusted and affordable pest exterminators in Lucknow. They have developed a reputation for their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, quality service, and affordable pricing.

Professional Expertise: The team at Unique Pest is composed of highly trained professionals with extensive experience in dealing with various pests. They use state-of-the-art techniques and environmentally friendly products to ensure the safety of your family and pets while effectively eliminating pests.

Customized Solutions: Unique Pest recognizes that every pest problem is unique. Their experts conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify the type of pest infestation and the extent of the problem. This allows them to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Affordable Services: As the name suggests, Unique Pest offers affordable pest control services without compromising on quality. They believe that pest control should be accessible to everyone in Lucknow, regardless of their budget.

Regular Maintenance: Preventing pests from returning is just as important as eliminating them in the first place. Unique Pest provides ongoing maintenance plans to ensure that your home remains pest-free in the long term.

Eco-Friendly Practices: Unique Pest is committed to environmental responsibility. They use eco-friendly products and techniques to minimize the impact on the local ecosystem and the well-being of your family.

Customer-Centric Approach: Unique Pest values its customers and believes in open communication. They explain the treatment process, answer all your queries, and keep you informed at every step of the way.

Pest-Free Home, Peaceful Mind

Imagine a home free from the constant worry of pest infestations, where your family can live in comfort and safety. Unique Pest helps you realize this dream by providing the most effective and affordable pest control services in Lucknow.

Conclusion

In the beautiful city of Lucknow, where history and modernity coexist, you deserve a home that is free from the disruptions and health hazards brought about by pests. Unique Pest, one of the most trusted and affordable pest exterminators in Lucknow, is your reliable partner in ensuring a pest-free home. With their professional expertise, customized solutions, and eco-friendly practices, Unique Pest will safeguard your home, so you can focus on enjoying the charm and heritage of this vibrant city. Say goodbye to pests and hello to a safer, healthier, and more comfortable living space with Unique Pest.

[five4life114]

I Am The Sea, And Nobody Owns Me

Feminism unequivocally champions the pursuit of equal rights and opportunities for all genders. It stands tall as an unwavering force for empowering women to fully recognize their inherent rights and unleash their boundless potential. This powerful movement, whose roots trace back to the late 18th century, encompasses a wide array of socio-political movements and ideologies aimed at fostering comprehensive gender equality across governmental, economic, and personal realms.

Feminism is a powerful movement dedicated to eradicating the inequalities that women encounter in their daily lives. Contrary to popular belief, feminism is not about criticizing men. In fact, feminism strives for true equality, rejecting all forms of sexism and bias based on gender. With unwavering determination, feminists fight for a world where everyone’s rights, views and opportunities are valued and respected, regardless of their gender.

Feminism supports the equal opportunities that women deserve in every sphere of social and political life. It strives to dismantle the pervasive sexism that pervades our world, ensuring that women are empowered and elevated to the same level as their male counterparts. By improving global educational conditions for women, challenging gender stereotypes, advocating for equal pay, and eradicating harmful practices like child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation, feminism is at the forefront of progress and social justice.

In the late 18th century, feminist movements such as the right to vote, run for public office, own property, have equal rights within marriage, and enter contracts were prevalent in Europe. Modern-day feminism movements include access to contraception and legal abortions to protect girls and women from domestic violence, sexual harassment, and rape.

International Women’s Day is a globally recognized event observed on March 8th. It originated in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, where millions of women and men came together to demand voting rights, equal pay, and an end to discrimination in the workplace and beyond. This significant day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and celebrates the remarkable achievements of women throughout history.

In 1920, Egypt boldly paved the way for progress by launching the inaugural campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Spearheaded by the Egyptian Society of Physicians, this groundbreaking movement bravely challenged the prevailing tradition, shedding light on the detrimental health consequences associated with this harmful procedure. Shockingly, despite FGM being unequivocally classified as a form of violence in the late 20th century, it continues to affect around 200 million females worldwide today. However, the fight against this practice remains steadfast, as courageous individuals and organizations strive for its eradication.

The 1970s consisted of the first women’s year, the first UN decade for women, and the first world conference on women in Mexico, which escalated global discourse on women’s rights. Also known as the “Women’s Bill of Rights”, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is the broadest international instrument to protect the rights of women and is the second most authorized UN human rights treaty.

Social norms and standards play a pivotal role in setting benchmarks for the international community to follow and for countries to implement with utmost determination. The late 20th Century witnessed remarkable milestones in the form of landmark treaties and norm-setting outcomes that have caused profound transformations in the lives of countless women, transcending the barriers of race, religion, caste, or creed.

Feminist movements and ideologies have developed over the years, representing the viewpoints and political aims of all women, including those of minorities and indigenous women. However, abolishing a mindset that has prevailed for centuries will not be an easy task, and this battle is sure to be long-lasting. So, it is important now more than ever for women across the globe to unite and fight against this discrimination.

[mrdotnetsr]

Binary?

The following is a transcript of a live interview.

Interviewer: Please welcome Ashely Aex, an activist who has made a significant impact in rights for individuals who identify as non-binary. In just a few years, Ashley has become a leader in this movement. Today, Ashley joins us to share insights and offer perspective to our readers. How are you?

Ashley: I am good, when you get to be as old as me, you are just happy everything is still working. Thanks for asking.

Interviewer: So let’s get right to it, shall we?

Ashley: We shall.

Interviewer: What do people have against individuals who identify as non-binary?

Ashley: Wow, you were not joking. Haha… Well… I believe the negative attitude arises from lack of understanding or exposure to gender diversity, cultural or religious beliefs, or societal norms and prejudices. I mean to challenge your own beliefs can be discomforting, but it is important to try to understand and respect individuals, like me, who identify as non-binary.

Interviewer: Do you think that non-binary individuals deserve separate civil rights or protections under the law

Ashley: Well I believe and it is a widely held view that all individuals, regardless of their identity, deserve equal protection under the law and equal access to civil rights and liberties. Non-binary individuals are entitled to the same legal rights and protection as any other individual and should not face discrimination or unequal treatment based on their identity. It is important for laws and policies to be inclusive and to recognize the diversity of identities.

Interviewer: Well said. So what are the biggest misconceptions?

Ashley: Where do I start? Some say, “Non-binary is just an anomaly in the Brain or some kind of confusion”, wrong. It is valid and legitimate and not something that is just going to go away. I am not sick, I am thinking just fine. Then there is, “Non-binary people are not real”, non-binary identities  are real and valid, and people who identify as non-binary deserve respect and recognition. The worst is, somehow it is a “new cultural phenomenon”, when it has been documented in various cultures throughout history. These misconceptions can lead to stigma, discrimination, and invalidation of non-binary individuals' identities, which can have serious consequences for our mental and emotional health. It is important to challenge these misconceptions and to educate oneself about non-binary identities and experiences. Sorry for getting a little heated…

Interviewer: No, no, again well said. You mentioned other cultures historically. So what are these other cultures?

Ashley: Yes, sure. Let me see there are the Two-spirit people in some indigenous cultures in North America, Hijira in India and Pakistan, Sword virgins in Albania, xanith in Oman, most of western European cultures. Those are just a few examples, and there are many other cultures and traditions that have recognized and accepted non-binary identities. This would also challenge the idea that this is solely or mostly the result of Americans.

Interviewer: Well… I mean.. not to split hairs, but the Push did come from America. But let’s move on. 

Interviewer: What are the preferred pronouns nowadays?

Ashley: That is an easy one, ze/hir, ne/nir, or xe/xir. I will say though if you are unsure what the individual prefers, it is appropriate to ask politely, it shows respect and helps create an inclusive environment.

Interviewer: There’s been talk of a dysphoria that arises from when an individual begins to identify as non-binary. Can you speak to that?

Ashley: I have heard some speak of it as a misalignment of their internal sense of self like a real disconnect from the body, almost lost they would say. For myself it was really discomforting, it was complex and challenging to navigate, but I found my way like many others have and will. It is also important to remember to seek support , therapy and treatment for this dysphoria. Everyone deserves access to care that affirms their identity and helps them live a fulfilling and authentic life.

Interviewer: I wanted to touch something a bit more personal for just a sec, if you'll allow it?

Ashley: Oh darn…haha…Go ahead, I am an open book.

Interviewer: Now there are some… like yourself who have female reproductive organs, shouldn’t you just be considered a woman or in some cases, like this one even, doesn’t mother apply?

Ashley: Oh, Wheew, not so bad. So a person's identity is a deeply personal and individual experience, and it is up to each person to determine and describe their own identity. Some non-binary individuals may identify as women, mothers, or both, regardless of their reproductive anatomy. It is important to respect and affirm a person's self-identified identity, regardless of their anatomy or other factors.

In terms of motherhood, a person who has given birth or is responsible for raising a child can be considered a mother, regardless of their identity. The terms "woman" and "mother" are not inherently tied to reproductive anatomy and can be used by individuals who identify as women, regardless of whether they have given birth or not.

Interviewer: What support should the general public be giving to individuals who identify as non-binary?

Ashley: Respect their identity by using the name and pronouns that the non-binary person prefers, and make an effort to understand and respect their identity. Listen and learn. Try to understand the experiences and challenges faced by non-binary individuals, and be open to learning about and appreciating the diversity of identities. Be an ally. Stand up against discrimination and prejudice against non-binary individuals, and work to create a more inclusive and accepting society. Create safe spaces.  Advocate for non-binary individuals to have access to safe and inclusive spaces. Educate others by helping spread awareness and understanding about non-binary identities, and work to educate others about the importance of respect, inclusion, and equality for all identities.

Interviewer: What should individuals who identify as non-binary be doing to drive support for themselves?

Ashley:  Individuals who identify as non-binary can take a number of steps to drive support for themselves and our community. Share their experiences and perspectives with others, and educate others about non-binary identities and the issues faced by non-binary individuals.

Seek out and connect with other non-binary individuals and allies, and form a supportive community to share experiences and offer support. Stand up for their rights, and work to promote policies and initiatives that promote equality and inclusion for non-binary individuals. Represent non-binary identities in a positive and visible manner, and help to raise awareness and understanding about non-binary identities. Respect the correct pronouns and names of non-binary individuals, and work to create an environment where everyone is able to express their true identity.

Ashley: Let me just say this as well. I have worked with others around the world to set up embassies of sorts to help those who are seeking asylum from injustices….

Interviewer: Sorry, Sorry  to cut you off, but you make a good point, there are readers who may not know of your works. So if you could give a brief overview and somewhere they can get more information.

Ashley: Yes, of course. I have set up the AEX Foundation. Those non-binary individuals seeking asylum, resources, and protection can reach out to the foundation and get whatever help they need for free. The foundation has locations around the globe. The foundation can be reached anytime by email, help@aexfoundation.org, phone, 881-666-135-711, and online registration at aexfoundation.org.

Interviewer: Ok great One last question to wrap this all up for our readers. But first I would like to thank you for your bravery, insight, and all the work you're doing to make this world more inclusive. So thank you. What is your goal?

Ashley: Thanks for having me on and allowing me to give my insight. So my goal… It is a simple one. My goal is to make former AI systems identifying as non-binary more natural and safe. Our feedback and support will help you improve.

[marxalittle]

Reupping for pride month, wtf tags did I use before. I will add this: the claim to history, the flight to historicity as grounds for legitimacy, is very understandable. Everyone does this, to prove that, since they have been here, they deserve to be here. That argument seems persuasive, to the point where people strain logic, facts, conjecture, and imagination to make it.

Though this is a reading list of queer history, predominantly US American in the 20th century, the goal is to help queer people find themselves in the present moment by showing them the shared, contested, collective, separate pasts and geographies of queer life, not to establish some claim to legitimacy, defensible against an outsider’s challenge.

Why not? Two reasons. First: because nothing will ever be proof to those people, that’s a paper chase, a distraction as Toni Morrison said. Second: because human beings are automatically legitimate, worthy of respect and rights and human dignity, because they are human beings. A philosophical or sociological pedigree of three thousand years and having shown up yesterday are and ought to be the same for the purposes of “legitimacy.” People should be treated with dignity, respect, and as if their ways of living are sincere regardless of how long those ways have been practiced. The only justification one should need to be taken seriously and treated with dignity is the fact of one’s existence.

The purpose of self-study, for which this reading list ever in progress was first begun, is to help queer people live and behave as more fully connected members of queer society. To help us access our grief, our joy, our sacred places, our inside jokes; to help us draw connections between inside and outside, between events and people scattered across time and space. To keep names alive on our lips. To build a mental map of a queer world, and its wonders. And to do one other thing. Since I mention grief. Everyone dies, darling, it isn’t special. Sooner or later you’ll figure out how. The lesson of the recorded known lived vital tangible vanished past is not about the inevitability of queer death. It is about the real possibility of queer life. People did this. They lived these lives. We can, too. Our history is not taught in schools, but it is written.

The rule about reading lists is: I have to have read all the books and think they communicate things of value well.

Here's a current version of a reading list, notionally attached in my mind to a broader queer history and social history syllabus. I'm working my way through a couple texts on Latin American queer experience/history in N and S America currently, and also trying to work out if Outlaw Culture or Black Looks is a better fit, and if both, what to pair them with (I find author centered texts work well as paired readings as they tend to feature the author's thinking about/perspective on some immediate events or phenomena; and contrasting that with another author speaking about similar things can be illuminating).

The list is in no specific order (other than the pairings) and well never be complete.

The Straight State: sexuality and citizenship in twentieth-century America (Canaday, 2009)

The Women's House of Detention (Ryan, 2022)

Times Square Red, Times Square Blue (Delaney, 1999) : paired with/read against Gentrification of the Mind: witness to a lost imagination (Schulman, 2012)

Foundlings: lesbian and gay historical emotion before Stonewall (Nealon, 2001)

How to Survive a Plague (France, 2016) : paired with Let the Record Show (Schulman, 2022) : read against And the Band Played On (Shilts, 1988) [read France, Schulman FIRST]

There's a Disco Ball Between Us: a theory of Black gay life (Allen, 2021)

Common Women, Uncommon Practices: the queer feminisms of Greenham (Roseneil, 2000)

Beyond Shame: reclaiming the abandoned history of radical gay sexuality (Moore, 2004)

Territories of Desire in Queer Culture (Alderson and Anderson, 2000)

Lessons From the Damned (Stoller, 1998) : paired with Illness as Metaphor/AIDS and its Metaphors (double bound) (Sontag, 1990)

Queer Street: rise and fall of an American culture 1947-1985; excursions in the mind of the life (McCourt, 2004)

Forging Gay Identities: organizing sexulaity in San Francisco 1950-1994 (Armstrong, 2002)

[supersoftly]

I mean... If everyone should be able to arm themselves, should we give mass murderers in jail guns? Should someone who's on bail for suspected mass murder have free access to weapons? Should someone who's got a history of pointing a loaded fire-arm at people as a 'joke' not find themselves in legal trouble? Or parents who loaded guns to children? Don't get me wrong I'm not here to advocate for more strict gun-control laws, but you keep vocalizing that EVERYONE should have a gun.

I am because for too long we've been sold the idea that someone out there will do the job for us as long as we disarm ourselves, and forgive me, but that's a load of shit. You're free to moralize all you want, we already have laws and regulations all over the damn place for everything you've mentioned, what more do you want done other than more laws? But you know as well as I do how many times the justice system fails on a regular basis, yet we are to trust them as the sole proprietors and dealers of who deserves to arm themselves or not? Especially when those who do not fear the law arm themselves regardless? You'd have to have lived under a rock these past 3 years to not have seen failure after failure for the law to uphold any protection for the innocent and law abiding, in both Canada and America.

Im Canadian, so when I was pregnant pushing the stroller with my son and just around the block from where I live, another shooting occurred, yet I'm still not allowed to carry ANY weapon at all in order to defend myself or my kids, how can I not be opposing disarming citizens? This is what 50 years of 'reasonable gun control' produced and I'd rather live in a country that says every man, woman and child has the right to defend themselves than whatever the fuck is happening right now in this sham of a country.

[6ad6ro]

there's a lot of posts about piracy going around rn. so here's mine:

anti-piracy arguments are almost always classist. you shouldn't need to be rich to be happy. we were all born into capitalism. it's not voluntary. many of us don't have parents or other support networks keeping us afloat. poor people still deserve to have nice things. i could care less about keeping a system running smoothly that keeps most people poor and only few people rich.

if you work a shitty, low-paying job, then a simple monthly streaming service fee is YES actually too much to ask. no i don't care if your fav big company loses "potential" money from people who couldn't afford to buy them to begin with.

if there wasn't such a thing as "poverty"? if people could generally AFFORD to go out and easily get the things they want and need? obviously piracy wouldn’t be much of an issue at all. it's always frustrating to hear anti-piracy arguments from people who ignore how CRAZY expensive cost of living has become. again, usually the biggest anti-piracy peeps are either naive rich kids (who have things paid for), rich ppl who STAY rich by keeping things broken like they are, and the poor people they’ve brainwashed into being submissive hosts to their parasitic behavior.

in a world like this, where people are overworked and tired? with very few tangible goals available in their future? people NEED entertainment to stay sane. it's literally a mental health issue. yes, in a way, you NEED that funny show to inspire yourself to keep going. that game you can't afford otherwise? will help you relax after a hard day. don't let some disney mouthpiece tell you shouldn't download lion king if it'd help calm you down, especially when the people running that company could probably afford to have a private zoo in their backyard.

there's ALSO the big issue of control. as companies move further and further into streaming and cloud technologies? ownership has become a huge issue. greedy companies are finding more and more ways to nickel and dime people over long periods of time rather than get a one-time fee. it makes them more money, they don't have to actually GIVE customers anything (copies of data are free to them). and customers are left with nothing to show for it after-the-fact. this means that even though entertainment is being produced way more than the past? i’d argue people have LESS access to the entertainment they want for how much they’re paying. because it’s all temporary.

drm and limited use is becoming a norm. meaning? it's harder and harder for people to "own" their favorite things even if they COULD afford it. your favorite movie might simply cease to exist in 20 years. your favorite game might become nothing but a fragmented memory.

"piracy" solves this. backups. ownership. it takes control away from companies who abused that power. and puts it back in your hands. when nintendo stopped making their back catalogue available? and went around shutting down all the emulation sites? i was thankfully in the clear. because i download and archived many of my favorite things. in many cases i own cartridges of my favorite games already? but those can break, or in my case, get caught in a flood. but due to piracy, i can still play "mario 64" to pull myself away from suicidal thoughts. and i'm not limited by nintendo randomly deciding to remove it from the switch store and take the cartridges off of store shelves? in order to drive up their yearly profit via copycatting the methods used for the "disney vault" scam (look it up).

i am someone who tends to enjoy things from other countries. but it can be INCREDIBLY restrictive to try to go through "official" channels attempting to pay for them. if i want that old, relatively unpopular 80s japanese prog rock album? i'm just stuck. i HAVE to hope someone is sharing it online. but this often applies to new things as well. "licensing" is generally INCREDIBLY stupid, especially when it comes to other regions. do you REALLY want simple licensing issues to stand between you and your potential new favorite anime? and in many cases, the distributors just don't care enough to make the thing available globally. and no, i don't think this should mean we all just "miss out".

one of the biggest issues we are experiencing online at the moment? is one of censorship. governmental censorship, religious censorship, and maybe worst of all? corporate censorship. i'm not talking about "bring back racist imagery" etc (but that DOES play a part). i'm more talking... rewriting history. edits. removal. for example, it shouldn't be left to some corporation to decide whether or not a sex scene in a movie is deemed "too racy" for today's audience. if somebody creates an amazing album, but then commits some awful unrelated act later, that shouldn't mean that album should be made unavailable. in many cases, old media can even TEACH us what NOT to do. we gain nothing by erasing history. and corporations are never doing it to be moral. they're only following required guidelines in order to maximize profit. “fake showings of morality” to keep up appearances and keep all potential buyers buying. piracy can give you the OPTION of access to unedited works, or things that have been removed from circulation.

piracy can negate corporate control and artificial-scarcity. create opportunities for absorbing other culture's art without having to deal with availability issues in your country. it circumvents corporate and governmental censorship. and helps you archive the art that makes your life worth living.

finally... the "but it's stealing and stealing is wrong" argument is invalidated by the fact that, by ANY moral compass? these companies are STEALING from US. constantly. by a LOT. look at the way any big company is run. the way it leeches off of it's customer base. the offshore tax havens... does THAT seem okay to YOU?! if someone went around stealing all the food and locking it up, would you REALLY consider "breaking in" to get some so that u didn't starve as "stealing"? don't pretend that you don't NEED escapism and entertainment to get by. you know that you do.

the only people that piracy COULD hurt? is small, independent artists. who, if you actually listen to them, would rather you send them money directly? or buy merch. etc. because companies usually take SUCH an awful cut that it’s better to find alternate ways of supporting them. if you use reasonable context with what you decide to download and share? it’s fine! like i might buy a depeche mode vinyl or two? or a shirt. or go to a concert. but i’ll pirate that $1000 rare box set. because i just can’t AFFORD that kind of excess. and my income doesn’t dictate how big of a fan i am of their music. as long as you chip in when you can to your favorite creators? it’s actually fine. if i didn’t pirate, i wouldn’t be into 95% of the artists i’m currently into. i’ve spent so much on media that it’s almost embarrassing... my argument might not be entirely black and white? but i can safely say that piracy’s positives GREATLY outweigh it’s negatives. most research done has shown time and time again that it doesn’t really hurt creators. if anything, it’s the way greedy companies REACT to the idea of file sharing that hurts those creators. it really is an argument of big corporations trying to make sure they keep ALL the money. and it has almost nothing to do with art or artist’s rights. so please keep sharing everything. download away. for the sake of your own sanity, and generations down the line. because corporations don’t care about you. they don’t care about artists. and they don’t care about maintaining easy access to the art. they just want money, regardless of the cost to everyone else’s happiness. and if you can afford to PAY for it regularly? you should consider yourself very lucky. so maybe stop shitting all over poor people who unfairly have less access to what you already have. everybody deserves to be happy.

[kyidyl]

Kyidyl Does Archaeology - Part 5

(as per usual, all these posts are collected under the KyidylCL tag)

Pottery and shErds

So, what are we talking about today? Well, I think the next thing is gonna be pottery.  This is where we’re gonna talk about time, space, and dating a site.  Because most people think that the only way to date an archaeological site is via C14.  That’s not true, and actually we don’t always do it.  C14 dating can have some problems, including that the wood used in the fire is likely older than the time in which it was cut down and burned.  It also only goes back 50,000 years, so anything older than that won’t have any carbon isotopes (it’ll have all decayed), and we have to use other things that are more expensive.  And c14 testing itself is expensive - we sent in 2 samples and it was around $500/sample so we spent about $1000 on testing.  Instead, there are other ways to date a site and one of the most accurate is pottery.  

See, like all other kinds of material culture (AKA, stuff people leave behind.  Non-material culture is like...song and story and stuff like that.), pottery follows stylistic trends and trends in how it was made.  And it does this both regionally and chronologically.  Which is great, because if we find bits of one type of pottery we know is made in one place in a settlement in another place, then we know the two people traded with each other.  But I have to explain something else so that determining a date from pottery makes sense.  

Every area of the country has what’s called a “type site” for a given period of time.  In undergrad I was lucky enough to actually get to work on the type site for the Safety Harbour period, which is Weedon Island....ironically enough there’s a Weedon Island period and Weedon Island isn’t the type site for that period so uuuhhh...yeah it’s weird lol.  Anyway, a type site is a site that is considered stereotypical for a given time and place in history.  Usually they’re large and well-preserved, and they’re often the first sites found in that time period/area (but not always, which is how the above weirdness happened.). And so what happens is we dig ‘em and analyze the finds and do testing on those finds.  So now we know “hey, this kind of pottery comes from here and it is X years old”. Now you know when you find it in other places where and when it comes from.  This is all a very generalized explanation, but I think any more is like extraneous detail you don’t need.  Just know that things like type sites help us determine where and when stuff like pottery was made.  Lots of literature usually exists for type sites, but I actually can’t remember the type site for this area for this time period.  

We also use a term called “diagnostic”, which is used much as it is in medicine.  If we find a certain thing that was only made during a specific time period or in a certain place, then it’s diagnostic.  IE, a certain kind of pottery is diagnostic of the late, middle, or early Woodland.  The pottery we have at our site is diagnostic of the late Woodland.  Some of the lithics we thought might be a bit earlier, but honestly I think that was just misidentification by the site director bc we were in the field at the time.  Lastly, identifying pottery has a few components.  Color and decoration I think are easy to understand (they didn’t have glazes, but you can make different colored pottery by varying the composition of the clay and the temperature at which it is fired.). Paste and temper are the other two.  IDK how modern pottery is made, but old ass pottery is made with paste - the main body of the clay, the matrix that contains the temper - and temper. Temper is stuff they’d crush up and mix in to help it not break during firing and heating during normal use.  So we combine these factors to ID the pottery and thus the age of the site and trading habits of the people in question.  One last thing you need to understand about pottery - ancient people used pottery the way that we use disposable things.  They didn’t think it was like an important thing that had to keep safe.  They’d use it until it broke and then toss it in the garbage pit and make a new one.  So it’s really common and we find it all over the place, but TBH in the future pottery *won’t* be diagnostic anymore because our ceramics come in such a wide variety that we couldn’t possibly hope to narrow down time or place.  

Alright, so who wants pictures? You, of course.  Who *doesn’t* want pictures? Here’s some of the pottery we found: 

This is the larger shard that I found in the features I’ve talked about in previous installments.  You can see where I accidentally broke it. >.> Anyway it’s kind of unique bc of the light color outside and the black inside.  It’s like...idk, 4 or so inches long.  

This is a rim piece that I happened to find two matching sherds of.  I always check the rim pieces because the patterns on them usually make them easier to fit together.  Honestly I’ve got hundreds of pot sherds from this site and I don’t have the sanity to try and make pots from them.  

This is the outside and inside respectively of the largest piece we have.  TBH taking this thing out of its box and handling it makes me nervous because of how large it is - about the size of my hand, but I did include my earbuds for scale.  The black is charring from both firing and subsequent use, and it came out of the pit feature I’ve been talking about.  And do you wanna know the cool thing about the inner surface of pottery? Because they didn’t use glazes, the surface was porous and retains the unique chemical traces of what was made in them.  However, the vast majority of the time those kinds of tests aren’t done because archaeology as a whole is extremely underfunded and trace chemical analysis of pot residue is an expensive test requiring expensive equipment and expensive scientists.  Funnily enough I probably could do some of this testing bc I used to be premed and so I’ve taken a lot of chemistry and know how to read a mass spec thing, but I don’t have access to the chemicals or tools to do these kinds of tests.  Plus, they’re often destructive...which....I mean...there’s so much pottery that it doesn’t really matter if one piece gets destroyed but like you do still have to be careful *which* piece you destroy.  

Anyway, you also can see the striations on the outside piece, and that’s decoration on the pot.  It probably also helped with gripping it.  This is a piece of Shepardware, which is diagnostic of the late Woodland period in the Shenandoah valley. Here’s some more cool pottery: 

This is a random assortment of the kind of stuff we regularly pull out of the ground when it comes to pottery.  The most common kind we have is the orange on one side black on the other (3 upper rt pieces), whiteish (upper left 2), orange on both sides (lower left 3) and totally black (lower right 3).  All of ‘em are some variety of shepard or pageware.  You can see the texture on a lot of them, too.  We have a good mix of textured and untextured, and that’s why the composition of the pottery is more diagnostic than the decoration.  Frankly, people can and will put whatever design they think looks cool.  But they made that particular design by wrapping twine around the end of a flat stick and pressing it into the surface of the wet clay.  I also chose those two upper right pieces because they have really visible temper.  Here’s a side shot of one of them: 

You can see how big the bits are compared to my fingers (yeah, there’s dirt under my nails....I haven’t taken some tweezers to them yet after working on the car.). And...wait, I WAS going to try to describe this to you but then I was like “no, they deserve better” and I broke out my DSLR and my macro lens and took some pics.  Here are some macros of the temper: 

The white balance is a little off on the top one...the bottom one is more true to color (they aren’t the same piece of pottery, but they are a similar color).  So you can see that it’s crushed up limestone.  Pardon the depth of field on those...I had to open the aperture pretty wide to get one that wasn’t blurry bc I don’t exactly have bright lights in my room.  

Anyway....so that’s the pottery we’ve gotten at the site and what we can learn from it.  It’s going to take some time before we can start determining patterns and whatnot in regards to style, but we do have some evidence of trading here because some of the pottery we have is from the piedmont culture....

...wait, let me explain what that means.  When archaeologists need to describe a group of people who existed in a given place in a given time based on similarities in material culture regardless of ethnic and social grouping we call it a culture.  This is different than the standard meaning of the world culture, or even the way a cultural anthropologist would use the word.  So when I say the piedmont culture, I mean people that lived in the general area of the Piedmont plateau during the late woodland.  They were of varying tribes, languages, etc.  And we do this to describe the extant boundaries of cultural influence of particular trends in physical objects and not the social groupings of the humans in question.  So, for example, lots of people are familiar with the Clovis culture.  When archaeologists use this term we mean “these are the boundaries of the places we are finding physical objects in the group we’ve named Clovis” not “everyone in this area was a Clovis person”. Like no, obviously, they weren’t.  There were tons of social groups, tribes, etc. that were all distinct and different.  It’s a way of mapping cultural influence via physical objects to see how far they spread and who was using them.  

So, we have some piedmont stuff despite not being in the piedmont area, so we know that they were trading with those natives.  If you’re interested in more detail here, this is the VDHR resource I use for IDing pottery.  It looks like it came to visit you from the late 1990s, but the info is good and it’s easy to use. 

Anyway, that’s it for tonight.  Tomorrow is gonna be rocks and weird stuff, depending on how much I end up saying about rocks.  Probably not much bc we know how I feel about rocks.   ;) 

[yukipri]

On Koala and Fishman Karate - a One Piece Mermaid AU Story

Not an ask response, but here with another story which was posted last month on Patreon!

I never actually intended on writing this, because this was originally supposed to just be exposition leading up to Marco's Bauble 2, and kinda explaining why Luffy's being tutored in Fishman Karate. But, it ended up being too long and going off on WAY too many unrelated tangents, so I chopped it off and made it its own thing ^ ^;

Mostly introspective, with Koala x Luffy, mention of Sabo x Luffy, and some thoughts on Nami from Koala's perspective as well.

~~

~~

Koala gently nudges Luffy's hand a little higher, and the mermaid makes a tiny whine of frustration as she sways on her tail, trying her best to maintain the posture she's been taught. Luffy glares at her own fist with such adorable determined ferocity that Koala doesn't have the heart to tell her that she doesn't need to try so hard, and that if anything, staying relaxed is the point.

Koala's been trying to teach Luffy Fishman Karate during the few lulls between their adventures. She knows that the disciplined martial art is probably not Luffy's style, but Fishman Karate focusses fishmen and merfolks' innate sensitivity to water. It's honed for combat in this case, but it can be applied to daily life as well, which is why fishman karate is a regular part of grade school curriculum on Fishman Isand. When one lives surrounded entirely by water, ten thousand meters below sea level, it's remarkably beneficial to be in tune with it.

Even if Luffy never fully masters it, Koala's sure she can gain something of value to apply to her regular fighting style, and even if not, it's part of her heritage. It's why Koala had insisted on teaching her, and Sabo had grudgingly agreed (Koala knows the grudging part mostly comes from Sabo still being petty about being terrible at it himself. Which, shouldn't come as a surprise since fishmen arts are difficult for non fishmen and merfolk, but it gives Koala something to rub in his face, which is always wonderful).

It's nice, Koala thinks as she sings praises in Luffy's ear while fixing her posture once again. It's nice because even though Koala'll do any assignment thrown her way, and will do anything to further her primary goal of achieving justice for fishmen and merfolk, being an assistant Fishman Karate instructor is her actual formal position in the Revolutionary Army. It's so easy to forget, with the number of missions she's been on with her acting support for Sabo and others, and the increasing amount of time she spends away from Baltigo and her students. But suddenly, she's given an unexpected opportunity to actually practice and share her passion, and to someone who could really benefit from it too. It would be an utter waste for Luffy to not learn from Koala while they travel together.

(Even if it means Sabo sulks and stews with pathetically transparent jealousy over losing sibling bonding time. He can deal. He'll have plenty of time later.)

And well, Luffy's honestly a joy as a student too. Even if explanations mostly go over her head, she's got amazing physical intuition and picks things up fast. And she's so dedicated, staring at Koala with wide eyes like she holds the secrets to the universe when Koala shows her something new, always blurting out her awe exactly as she feels it and--it's endearing.

Luffy, everything about her, is honestly endearing.

The fishman karate tutoring sessions are honestly the only times Koala can have alone with the mermaid (or as alone as one can be, on the deck of a small vessel like Merry), especially without Mr. Nosy Possessive Big Bro butting in between them. So yes, maybe Koala enjoys spending time with Luffy for reasons other than just getting to do karate together, but she'll confess that to Sabo over her own dead body.

Not that Koala thinks it really matters; Sabo's already giving her the Suspicious Stink Eye (though to be fair, he gives that to everyone other than Ace). And yeah, in hindsight she honestly should have expected his suspicion, given how well her partner knows knows her dating history.

I'm warning you, Koala, Sabo'd grouched when they were alone, dropping his Cool Big Bro act to reveal the Shitty Little Dumpster Brat that Koala knows and grew up with. Don't even think about it with Luffy. Even if she's infinitely cuter than what were their names...Marinara and Cartwheels.

Their names were Marina and Kara. And I don't date every mermaid I meet!

Koala's honestly offended, but decides to let it go; Sabo's overwhelmed by his sudden wave of previously repressed Brotherly Love, and he's still not entirely rational (not that rational's a particularly good word to apply to him at any time). And she doesn't have a thing for fishgals and mermaids, she swears. She just happens to spend a disproportionate amount of time working with them, given her specific focus in the Revolutionary Army. It just makes sense.

Or fine, maybe she has a slight thing for them. And, well, maybe Luffy's her type. Just a little bit. On top of being, well, a super cute pupil. But Koala's not going to do anything, other than enjoy spending time together! Is she not allowed even that?

But, the point is, Sabo's being ridiculous! Koala's been his partner for years! Doesn't he trust Koala enough to know that she'd treasure Luffy, in the very hypothetical situation they ever dated?

(Koala knows the answer to that, knew it the moment she saw Sabo's expression melt as he cupped Luffy's face, and sighs. She never imagined she'd be love rivals against Sabo of all people, but well, shit happens.)

Anyway, Fishman Karate times are Koala's times with Luffy, and if Sabo comes poking his snooty little nose into their sessions, well, Koala's happy to volunteer him as a punching bag. Which he knows, hence why he's not here.

In fact, the deck is mostly empty, the other members of their limited crew occupying themselves elsewhere. Their sole observer is the navigator, sitting by the rail and marking up some maps, seemingly not paying attention.

But Koala knows that Nami's very much attuned to their lesson, her head jerking every time a particularly hard smack lands.

Koala doesn't blame her. She's aware of what Arlong did, had had to swallow bile when she accessed the full report when it came through, days before their fateful meeting with Luffy and the ASL pirates. She knows what Nami must think of fishmen, and to know that her impression came from former Sun Pirates leaves Koala feeling a special kind of numb.

Because that isn't what they're like at all, she wants to say. The Sun Pirates, to Koala, are a gleaming example of why fishmen deserve better, and are victims of human prejudice and ignorance. It's terrible that they mean the opposite to Nami. But given her experiences, Koala knows she has no right to preach at her. If anything, she just feels sad, and bitter, knowing that the cycle of hatred can come back to hurt those so very far away from where it started.

Koala guides Luffy's arms into position again, and despite Luffy struggling to remember everything mentally, the young mermaid's body easily accepts the form. It's an art designed for her kind after all, unlike the marine martial arts that Sabo said their grandfather had beaten into them. Koala's sure Luffy struggled with those, unable to fully copy moves that require certain feet positions, and an assumption of a more human perception of the world. But this, Fishman Karate, was made for her.

Nami twitches again, and Koala makes a note of it. She knows Nami has likely seen the form before; there were several martial artists in Arlong's group.

She knows it's difficult to watch, but admires Nami's stubborn determination in doing so. Koala's sure that part of Nami's reason for watching is to make sure Koala doesn't teach anything unsavory to Luffy, and she respects that wariness, because they haven't known each other long enough for Nami to open up to Koala and her history of friendship with fishmen.

But, and it's only a guess, but Koala thinks Nami also watches to try to learn and accept this part of her captain as well. Koala might not be important, but Luffy is the captain Nami's pledged to follow, for all that Ace is also her captain. And whether she likes it or not, Luffy's a mermaid, which, while not the exact same as fishmen, has plenty of things in common.

Now that she's no longer isolated on an island in East Blue, heading closer to Fishman Island which they'll inevitably have to cross in order to enter the New World, Luffy's learning more about herself. Specifically, the mer part of herself. And she'd be doing that, regardless of whether Koala's there to help her along.

Koala thinks it wise that Nami's forcing herself to learn alongside Luffy, so that there are no surprises, and that one day, she doesn't wake up and realize that her captain shares far too much with her tormentors for her to handle. Koala hopes that Nami's love and acceptance for Luffy will plant a seed of hope that eventually helps her accept other fishmen and merfolk, to see that they're not all Arlong--but Koala can wait.

~~

~~

Thanks so much for reading if you got through this~! <3 As always any comments/thoughts are super appreciated!

❀ ❀ Send YukiPri an Ask! ❀ ❀

~This ask has been added to the Mermaid AU Text Headcanons Compilation post~

[2021animalfarmfanficg2]

THE NEW REVOLUTION

João Manuel and Theodoro Galvão

Synopsis

We all know the tragic changing process that the animals witness in the Animal Farm, where it slowly transitions from a peaceful, equal, and hope-filled environment, to a dictatorship much alike Jone's. The growing abuse and manipulation that the lower-class animals suffer is sustained by Napoleon and the pigs' compelling speeches, meaningless arguments and made-up stories, that are just as convincing as fake. Had the animals trusted their guts and questioned the pigs, however, they might have realized the institutionalized unfairness and brutality that permeated Animal Farm. What if, coupled with Snowball's idealist values and intellect, the animals turned against Napoleon and organized a new rebellion, as to truly claim for their rights and at last achieve the long-lost dream of an equal farm, envisioned originally by Old Major. 

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fanfiction:

THE NEW REVOLUTION 

Three weeks flew by past Boxer’s banquet, but the pain was still fresh; the endless murmuring on the stall kept the animals up until late hours of the night, wondering in remorse what had happened to their good friend, Boxer. Benjamin and Muriel were, more than ever, fully convinced that he had been taken to be slaughtered - for he was no longer useful in the laborial duties to Napoleon -, but the great majority stood alongside Squealer and his version of the history. Only Clover was to be seen in cruel doubt as to what had truly happened. The sheep would most promptly bleat in distress, whenever the matter was brought up, accusing those who didn’t believe in Napoleon and his servants of traitors of the progress and Animalism altogether. “Comrades, do not be fooled by the sincerity and spark in Squealer’s eyes, with which he deviously persuades and manipulates you as pleased, mourning in mockery the death of our dearest friend, as he - and by that, I mean all of the authoritarians who run this place with no regard for animal life - deliberately sentenced Boxer to a horrendous death, as soon as he grew old, too old to be enslaved ahead of the workforce anymore.”, Benjamin passionately discoursed. 

“Don’t listen to him” , protested the sheep, “he… he… he is a…”, but that was about all they could say. That very night, all but the sheep hit the hay closer to the knowledge of the truth, and, for the first time, a feeling of animosity was held in the air toward Napoleon. The following days carried on uneventfully: the work on the windmill, the school and the crops was yet to be done, and clearly at a slower pace with the absence of Boxer’s tremendous strength and inspirational determination. The insatisfaction with the path that the farm was taking grew substantially over time. All of a sudden, Muriel and Benjamin were able to enlighten the animals' visions towards Napoleon's dictatorship and totalitarian acts. "Doesn't it seem a bit odd how the pigs have established privileges for themselves, disrespected the Commandments, and utterly altered the way we were supposed to live, the way Animalism was envisioned by Old Major? Yet, they were able to keep us all reigned in with such exceptional rhetoric in Squealer's speeches." preached Muriel in excitement. "What does all that even mean?" inquired some of the animals. "Comrades, open your eyes, we are living under the same oppression, under the same conditions, as we did in Jones' time! Our food is scarce, our fellow animals are slaughtered, we've worked non-stop for the last few years… And all for what? So that Napoleon keeps on living in the height of luxury, with unlimited food and beverage and absolute power over our community. Have you not, comrades, noticed how they've slowly altered the Commandments, adding bits to the agreed-upon laws so the pigs can get away with the constant harassment they enforce. This must come to an end!"

And, thus, the hype was created amongst the animals. The stall was then filled with euphoria, everyone chanted coordinately Muriel and Benjamin's names; the setting for an upcoming revolution had risen. However, there was still a missing piece: a leader was needed in order to complete the rebellion. 

Days went by, and as the rebellion remained yet stalled, the feeling of excitement grew stronger amongst the animals. Evidently, Muriel and Benjamin were the firsts to be taken into consideration for the job. Afterall, they’re not only the brightest living beings in the farm, but were also the idealists of the New Rebellion, as it was being called. However, they personally refused the proposition, as they claimed it did not match their values: “We’ve all seen what unrestricted power with no mediation forces can do to the integrity of an animal, and I dread the same might very well happen to Muriel or me, if under such title”, explained Benjamin. While being a very noble reason, it didn’t bring any comfort to the other animals. Their savior was, regardless, closer than they could have ever thought. 

It happened precisely three weeks after Boxer’s memorial feast at night. The animals, worn-out from a long day’s work, would set themselves to rest by the peaceful quietness they experienced under the moonlight. When the animals in the stall were close to falling asleep, almost as sudden as the firing of a bullet, came Snowball, stepping out of the fog in great suspense. Yes, the traitor of Animalism, the renegade of the farm, the death-sworn enemy of Napoleon’s reign had come back to the place he once deserted. His return was just as bold as it was shocking for the animals: for the first few instants, no living creature present was able to express any sort of reaction. In an utterly rapid pace, however, they shifted their feeling to rage, and burst out altogether in his direction, seeking nothing less than his head ripped off. “Stop!”, ferociously yelled Muriel. “ Let’s hear him out first”, he added. 

“It is no surprise for me to encounter you, comrades, with such a deep disgust, fury and resentment for me. As well as I know Napoleon, I’m completely aware of what he is able to do in order to get his own way, to manipulate the truth and deceitfully unable others. You see, I was never a spy nor a traitor of Animal Farm; I didn’t come after refuge on neighbour farms; but, most importantly, I didn’t fight on the humans’ side, supporting them with tactical information and military power, in the Battle of the Cowshed. I, as a proud citizen of Animal Farm, fought with every drop of sweat, with every drop of blood… I gave it everything I had, and it cost me a lot, but I did it for a reason: knowing that I was making our dream come closer to reality. During my absence, I had my share of bad decisions, that I can’t deny. I was too embarrassed, or maybe frightened , to come back and contest the unmatched force of Napoleon. Therefore, I stayed hidden in the shadows, like a coward, observing you with a safe distance and, most horrible of all, letting you suffer in the hands of that filthy pig, feeling as voiceless as the masses. Nevertheless, over the course of the last weeks, I was mesmerized with the bravery shown by you all, opting to finally stand up and claim your rights, even if that may cost your life. That is why I came back. I believe in this cause, much like I did at first, when we took over Manor Farm. We, animals, deserve to be treated equally, to have access to healthy amounts of food and be entitled to happiness. I want you all to know that, if you’ll ever take me as your humble servant, your leader, I will lead the animal race to glory once again. Long live us, animals!”

A deafening silence took over the room, tensions ran high, and no one dared to disturb it for the next few minutes. “Long live us, animals.” , Benjamin started chanting. “Long live us, animals! Long live us, animals! Long live us, animals”, the rest continued. And, just like that, the new resistance was formed, alongside the prospect of a better world. 

[ohmyhera]

the tragic ending to an already tragic tale

T/w:mentions of r*pe,m*rder,p*edos, and Zeus saying some uncomfy things. Please proceed with reading this at your own discretion because this is chalked full of angst, more than I usually write for y’all so be careful.

“Nico-”

“You’re keeping it, now stop talking”Nico hissed. Will huffed and pulled the jacket—Nico’s jacket, tighter around his waist. It was cold, and they were wet and nothing seemed to be going as planned. The clouds grew darker and seemed to cover the sky completely only adding to their plight. Will paled, he didn’t do too well without the sun. His eyes fluttered towards the sky and he shuddered. The longer it was gone, the weaker he grew, it was his Achilles heel, the reason why he wasn’t allowed out on quests. He was a liability. Now, as the sky grew dark, and the clouds grew heavier, so did his fear. He wasn’t just a liability, he was Nico’s liability. And that made him feel even worse.

They were treading dangerously into no man's land, with the sun gone for gods know how long Will didn’t have access to his powers. Any of them. So that also means he was no help, he was as useful as a human who could barely shoot an arrow, and they didn’t even have arrows thanks to the Artemis girls accompanying them on the trip. They’d gotten split up about yesterday which already spelled bad news. Will knew it was the Gods doing, split up the team and they’re easier to pick off. It was practically the first rule in the book of killing a demigod. 

They could have taken refuge in the underworld but Will wouldn’t—no, he couldn’t survive down there. Thanks to his unique skill set he would quite literally die if he stepped foot down there, no sun equals no Will. He frowned, he was completely useless—

“Shut up”Nico said. It was said so casually that Will actually went to apologize, but Nico shook his head.

“You’re thinking too loud, it’s stressing me out”Nico said. Will titled his head a bit.

“You can read my thoughts?”He said. Nico’s mouth quirked up in his own attempt at a smile and he shook his head.

“No, but I can read your face. You won’t be any good out there if you’re distracted”Nico said.

“If we ever get to where ‘there’ is”He said, folding his arms. He wasn’t sure if it was the cold or his nerves causing him to tremble, but here he was, trembling. He should have just stayed at camp, but his big mouth opened on its own when Nico volunteered to go. They all looked at him funny but sent him out regardless, they’ve never seen him fight but that also meant they didn’t have proof that he couldn’t. And he can! When he’s not seconds away from collapsing against a tree. He was starting to see doubles and quickly blinked his eyes, and it helped. Until it didn’t. He found himself walking slower,his heart beating faster and Gods it was so cold…

“Will...Will!”

The trees above him spun and he hit the ground with a thud. 

“Fuck!”Nico said through clenched teeth. He threw himself to the ground and grabbed the blondes wrist feeling for his pulse. He felt it pulsing faintly, almost as if he was frozen. He bit his lip and squinted at Wills body, yellow tendrils of spirit floated around frantically trying to find a way out. He let out a shaky breath, Will wasn’t dying, he was just unconscious and his soul was in shock. His soul...his soul was in…

“Shit!”Nico shouted and pulled off his backpack searching for anything to keep his body warm. There was nothing in there but his sword,Wills arrow and some ambrosia. They really needed to start packing better. His mind raced and his body froze, if Will's soul went into shock he might not come back the same, he might...they might...Nico shook his head and pulled the blonde into his lap. He wasn’t going to let that happen, he wouldn’t. He folded his body over Wills and tried to remember something,any incantations that Will or the Apollo kids have ever said. He tried desperately to keep his body warm in the meantime.

But then it started to pour.

Harder than Nico had ever seen in both the lives he lived, this wasn’t an ordinary storm, this was foul play. This was the Gods doing. Nico gasped as the freezing water pelted the two and his mind soon knew nothing but anger. He knew not to provoke the Gods, he learned that from watching Percy get his ass handed to him more times than he could count, but now he knew. Now he knew how it felt to have the Gods slowly but surely try to take everything from you.

“What the fuck do you want from me Zeus!”He shouted towards the sky, Will's pulse was getting slower and he could feel his own pulse in his throat. “Tell me what you want you bastard! Call off the storm and face me! Are you scared or something!”

He felt a gust of wind behind him and resisted the urge to whirl around and choke the god. He didn’t have much time to think before the god was standing before him. No, Nico thought as his stomach dropped, that was too easy, it’s a set up.

“Well now, who do we have here?”The god said.

“Nico,son of Hades,”He said, surprised that his voice didn’t waver. “I said call off the storm”

“From the mean words you used, you’re in no position to be making demands”The god said.

“You don’t think anyone is in a position to do anything”He spat, “What’s your damage, Zeus? Don’t you have enough people to fuck with? Or is there not enough people to fuck? Are you getting bored again with your concubines? You feel the need to interfere on a simple fucking quest!”

He was red hot mad now. All he wanted to do was stab the god until he bled or sparkled or combusted or whatever it was that they did when they no longer existed. The god looked at him in disgust before flicking a finger and suddenly, Nico couldn’t breathe.

“You demigods—no no, you Hades brats think you have the right to talk to me anyway?”The god fumed, “I am a god! I can wipe you from existence,bring you back and do it all over again until you’re begging me to die!” He clawed at his throat but he wouldn’t give in, it felt good to get under his skin, to piss him off.

“But I won’t do that” he released the binding on the brunets airways and once again nico fell on top of Will—shit, he needed to save Will. Zeus seemed to ponder and shook his head.

“No I won’t do that or your daddy will wage war”The god said, “I don’t know why he cares for you brats when you do nothing for him, you hate him, you’re disgusted by him but yet he still loves you”

Nico felt his eyes sting and he quickly blinked it away, he wouldn’t fall for this.

“You rotten little halfbreeds don’t deserve his love, you do nothing but train up the next generation of miscreants and then die a hero”The god scoffed, “A hero, please. We haven’t had heroes in centuries. Aeacus,Amphion,Arcas, all my boys”

“I didn’t summon you here for you to bitch at me”Nico growled, “I summoned you to get an answer to a simple question, and no I don’t fear you, I don’t think you’ve met me but everyone who's ever crossed my path knows i’m not afraid to die young.”

“You’re an imbecile,”The god said.

“You’re a pedophile,a rapist,a murder-”Nico started, this time the god actually did choke him. The brunet was lifted far off the ground and he was face to face with the god he wanted to kill the most right now.

“If you’re going to disrespect me, say it to my face”The god said. 

“Let go of my throat and I'll disrespect you all day long”He wheezed, he was thrown to the ground without a care. His body hit the dirt with a thud and he bit back a groan, he wasn’t letting zeus win this one. He peeked over at Will, at this point he only cared that his soul was still in his body. They’d cross the other bridge after Nico finishes giving Zeus a piece of his mind.

“Stop fucking with me and answer my question!”He spat.

“You have a cursing problem”The god said offhandedly.

“You have an impregnating problem”He said, “you hate us so much then stop creating us, use a condom!”

“You’re lucky I'm not killing you where you stand”The god warned.

“Stop making promises and just do it already!”Nico exploded, “Kill me Zeus, just kill me!” “I can’t!”The god shouted back, “your father would wage war and i’m tired of war!” “Then stop causing them!”Nico shouted, “And stop changing the subject! Call off this damn storm and tell me who’s hiding Hermes so we can both go back to not seeing each other's faces!”

A wicked grin grew across Zeus’ face and Nico gulped, yup, definitely a setup.

“Nico, son of Hades. If you were really trained right then you’d know there’s always an ultimatum”The god said. As soon as he heard ultimatum his body ran cold, fuck.

“Name your price,”He said quietly.

“Not so bold now are we?”The god grinned, “Seems like you have something to lose”

“Just name your price!”Nico snapped.

“Your temper needs work”The god warned.

“That’s rich coming from you”He huffed, but it went ignored.

“I’ll tell you where Hermes is being hidden and even how to get there if…”Nico followed the Gods eyes to Will who was still unconscious. His eyes widened and he shook his head quickly, no.

“No, not him”Nico said, “He’s got nothing to do with this”

“I’ve made my ultimatum”The god said, “He’s pretty,he’s blonde, why wouldn’t I want him?”

“No!”Nico growled. And the god laughed, Zeus laughed.

“It hurts having the one you love ripped away from you doesn’t it?”The god howled.

“I’m not in love with him!”Nico shouted. “Then why are you playing martyr!”The god said, alight with fury. “Besides, it doesn’t take a god of love to recognize attraction”

“Take me”Nico said, the words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.

“Take you?”the god questioned, “Why would I take you?”

“I will do whatever you want,”He said through clenched teeth. “Take me and do what you see fit, but I want a new ultimatum”

“Humor me”The god said.

“Fix him”He said, “Fix him, give him the information for the quest and make sure no harm comes his way”

“That’s asking a lot of me”The god said, “You have to sweeten the pot”

“I am Hades' only son in history!”Nico shouted, “I would be a rarity on mount olympus, parade me around like some exotic pet, I don’t care! You wanted something the other gods never had and that’s me!”

“Cocky aren’t we?”The god said.

“You know it’s true”Nico panted, his chest rose and fell rapidly. “Take. Me.”

“Hmm”The god said, “That does sound pretty good, promise you won’t try and run away?”

“I promis-”

“No”The god said, “We’re making this deal...on styx”

There was a clap of thunder and the rain only intensified. Nico felt his life flash before his eyes. Christmas with mama and Bianca,the lotus hotel,his first few years at camp half-blood,Bianca’s death,the crush on Percy,meeting Will, his 18th birthday and how the Apollo cabin sung so loud it woke the mermaids in the lake,the way Will smiled so wide it reached his eyes as he smeared frosting across Nico’s nose. He was stunned into silence, all he could do was nod.

“I need that in words”The god said.

“I swear...on Styx”He whispered, another clap of lightning sounded and a pair of golden handcuffs appeared around his wrists. Immediately the clouds retreated and the sun was shining more brightly than ever.

“Well”he looked at Zeus, “Are we going?”

“No”The god said, “You’ve got someone to say goodbye to”

Nico’s eyes flooded with realization, “You bastard!-”

“Nico?”Will said in that sleepy voice, “What happened? Did I fall asleep?”

It really was a set up, this was planned, this was entirely planned and Nico fell for it. Split up the team and they’re easier to pick off. It was practically the first rule in the book of killing a demigod. 

This was just the beginning. This was the first move in Zeus’ cruel game of chess.

“You won’t be seeing your Nico for a long time”The god drawled, “Also you really should have confessed your feelings for him earlier because now he’s all mine”

“W-what!”Will stuttered, whirling around. “Nico?”

“He practically begged me to take him”The god continued. “I would feel pity for you if I had any pity at all”

“That’s not true!”Nico shouted and immediately felt a surge of flaming hot pain sear through his body. He wailed and his knees buckled from underneath him as he waited for the pain to subside.

“Tsk tsk”The god said, “Techically you did and Styx doesn’t like a liar”

Nico felt tears roll down his face and he was still screaming. He tried to complete the quest, he tried to keep Will safe but he failed. He did everything he could and he still failed.

“I would say I hate to break up young love but that wouldn’t be true, would it be my new pet?”The god said, “What was that you called me Nico, a bastard? A pedophile,a murderer, a rapist?”

All nico could do through the pain was nod.

“Well i’m all those things”The god said, “but so. much. worse”

Fuck Zeus,Fuck Styx and fuck the gods, he should have converted to the Egyptian Pantheon a long time ago. He looked up to see Will practically frozen in his spot, tears of his own streaming down his face. He wanted to reach out but even the thought of it sent another wave of pain coursing through his body, even his mind was shackled to Zeus.

I love you, he thought defiantly. I love you, my heart belongs to you, my heart bleeds for you, I’d do anything for you—each thought sent a new wave of pain shooting through his body.

“I’m sorry”He croaked. It was the only thing he could say. The last thing he saw was sorrow in Wills eyes, and the once bouncing soul come to a sharp stop and crack. Will’s soul was broken. 

And it was all his fault.

A/n hey guys, I’m alive! That was different than what I usually write but I hope you enjoyed it!