#exercise equipment california

[gymdoctors]

Treadmill Repair California

Treadmill Repair California" indicates a specialized service catering to maintenance and fixing of treadmills within the state. By incorporating "Gym Doctors," the phrase emphasizes expertise and reliability in repairing gym equipment. It suggests a professional team capable of addressing treadmill issues promptly and effectively, reinforcing trust and convenience for Californian fitness enthusiasts.

[yandere-paramour]

I know kids have been asked about but how they would they treat a physically pregnant darling?

From the second he learns about your pregnancy, Vivien dedicates himself to making this as easy as possible. He checks out all the books on babies at the library, reading and taking notes on everything. He wants to study every technique, every opinion, anything to ensure you have the safest and most comfortable pregnancy possible. You can't stop working, but as soon as you get home, he directs you to put your feet up and relax. Anything you're craving, he'll cook it for you. Need the remote, he's up and grabbing it. Morning sickness, he's holding your hair back and working with his herbs to find a concoction to beat it. Our sweet Vivien will run himself ragged trying to look after you. He says you're "growing body parts" so him running out at 3am to get sesame chicken is nothing. He shows up to every single doctor's appointment with a notepad, even if it's in the middle of the work day, taking copious notes on whatever the doctor says. He is also incredibly worried, but he doesn't want to annoy you or make you mad at him. He constantly checks how you’re feeling, reminding you regularly to tell him if you feel anything strange or wrong and he'll rush you straight to the doctor. He'll ask for the both of you to take gentle walks, to lay in bed a while longer, to eat more vegetables for the baby's health. He is fully aware that while this is your undertaking, he needs to take responsibility and be the best husband he can be. Any requests about the birth are honored, and he is the kind of guy to be fully involved by letting you squeeze his hand as hard as possible. He will also cut the cord and pull the kid out himself if he has to, he's not squeamish. He volunteers for every diaper and late-night feeding, and he will massage your aching stretch marks at least thrice a week. He starts out somewhat awkward with the baby, he has never had much experience with little children, but the love he holds for his child is almost tangible. He rambles to them constantly, talking about his plants, his work, and how much he loves his new little family.

Atalanta is pleased but concerned. She is not panicked like Vivien; she knows that the pregnancy itself is already implanted in the uterus, and thus, the hard part is done. She can take care of the rest. She becomes stricter when you're pregnant. Your main rule now is to do nothing that could put you or your daughter in harm's way, no junk food, a daily gentle exercise schedule, and your outfits planned by her to make sure you’re not putting unnecessary pressure on your abdomen. Atalanta cannot take a chance on losing this child; she needs an heir, therefore this child will be born and born healthy. She will pay an entire team of doctors to consult on your pregnancy with daily checkups to ensure everything is going right, no matter how annoying it is. You can still spend time with your friends and family, the time is just now limited because she wants you home and taking a rest once a day now. She completely stops all punishments, she is too scared that even hurting your feelings will damage the child somehow. Any small slights will be forgiven, and anything major will be remembered until after the birth. She buys only the latest, most well-studied baby equipment, and hooks you up to it daily. She will allow you to take charge during the birth, she knows it is a sensitive and delicate time, but she wants to cut the cord and hold the child first. After the birth, congratulations: you have earned the ultimate rest. Atalanta will bring in a trusted nurse to care for the child, and you do not have to worry about any of the gross things like changing diapers or dealing with spit-up. You just have to focus on healing and bonding with your new daughter. If you would like, Atalanta knows of a wonderful spa for postpartum mothers in California. It's only 1k per night; she can easily set up a month for you and the child to recover there; she'll just have to work remotely for a while. Atalanta loves her daughter; she is a good mother, albeit a little distant, but she will support and care for her child through everything.

[mynameismckenziemae]

In Case You Didn’t Know

Part 3

(previous part here, next part here)

Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x OFC

Summary: The tension builds

Warnings: 18+ MDNI, language, sexual tension, wet dreams, etc.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

Charlie: Sorry to bug you on a Sunday but can you do me a favor and add someone in for me this week? Any day works.

Hayes: Depends. It’s not that old farmer who called me a dumbass when I told him he needed a new knee?

Charlie: Lol, no. It’s my friend Jake. Traumatic tibia/fibula fracture after he ejected from his jet.

Hayes: Wait, that Jake?

Charlie: My best friend Jake…yes.

Hayes: *cough* The one you’re in love with *cough*

Charlie: Maybe I was just trying to let you down easy.

Hayes: Liar. You have hearts in your eyes when you talk about him. 😍

Charlie:🖕🏻 Forget it. I’ll just drive him to Austin. And I am NOT getting you coffee at all this week. You’re on your own.

Hayes: No, I’ll see him. I’ve got to meet this guy.

Charlie: Thank you. He’s not talking about it yet but I think he’s pretty shaken up.

Hayes: I bet. I’ll see you tomorrow and we’ll look at my schedule.

Charlie: Great, thanks again.

Hayes: Anytime.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

Jake smiles a bit more when you eat dinner together at the table that night.

He falls asleep with his head in your lap again, tightening his grip on your thigh when you try to move, so you end up on the couch too; waking up with an awful crick in your neck.

“Hey Jake, let me up. I’ve gotta get in the shower,” you whisper.

“'m so comfy though,” he mumbles, pressing a kiss to your bare thigh; the slight scruff of his facial hair sends a thrill between your thighs.

You both freeze.

“Sorry, I don’t know why I did that,” Jake says, a blush rising to his cheeks.

“No big deal,” you say, brushing it off. “Need anything before I jump in the shower?”

“I’m good, thanks though,” he replies, lying back down.

He’s still asleep when you put his breakfast on the counter and a note on the coffee table telling him to call if he needs anything.

“Be a good boy for Jake, okay?” You tell Cash with a boop to his nose before heading to work.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

Jake’s on the porch when you pull in a little after 5, throwing a tennis ball to a delighted Cash. He looks better already; more rested and lighter.

You could used to seeing him at home every night.

“How was your day?” You ask as you juggle the pizza you picked up and some PT equipment.

“Pretty good, slept ‘til 10. Haven’t done that in years. Caught up on some TV and then came out here to play with Cash,” he says, petting your tired dog. “You?”

“Long but good. Dr. Hayes can you see you tomorrow over the noon hour. Let’s get your PT out of the way and if you do a good job I’ll reward with you pizza and beer.”

“I’ll try my best, what happens if I don’t?” Jake asks cheekily.

“You get a bologna sandwich and the day-old milk in the fridge,” you tease, knowing he hates bologna.

He looks a little green as he replies. “I’ll do good.”

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

“I’m sweating. Why am I sweating Charlie?” Jake pants from the thick exercise mat on the floor.

You had him do some upper body work to keep him in shape when he gets back to California.

“‘Cause you lift too many weights without enough cardio,” you laugh at the offended look on his face. “I’m kidding. You just haven’t worked out in almost 2 weeks, so you’re a little deconditioned.”

“Apparently.”

“Alright, let’s finish up with some stretching,” you say, kneeling on the floor by him and lifting one of his legs.

“Jesus, your hip flexors are tight,” you say, pushing his leg towards his head.

“What the fuck is a hip flexor?” He grits out, holding his breath.

“Breathe. It’s the group of muscles towards the front of the hip. Right here,” you reply, hovering over his upper inner thigh.

He nods, face red. “Fuck that burns.”

“Maybe you’ll think twice before folding women in half, huh?” It slips out of your mouth before you think.

Very professional.

He huffs out a laugh. “It’s been so long since I’ve been laid, I don’t think I remember how to do that.”

“You too?” You cringe internally at yourself. Shut up.

“Yeah. Almost 2 years,” he replies, looking at the ceiling to avoid your eyes. “You?”

“Grad school, so about the same,” you answer, bending his leg for a different stretch.

“Fuckfuckfuck, cramp,” he grits out.

“Here, turn over and I’ll massage it.”

You help him to his stomach and dig your fingers into his hamstring, the muscle contracted and rock hard, but it eventually begins to loosen under your touch.

Other things begin to harden as your fingers work upwards, his ass clenches and he grunts when your hands almost reach the crease where his thigh and butt meet.

“Sorry, ticklish?”

“Mhmm,” he answers, his tone strained.

“Alright, you earned that pizza. Let’s go,” you pat his leg and rise.

“I need a minute,” he murmurs, face pressed into his crossed arms.

“Shoot, cramping up again?” You ask, ready to help.

“No. I’ve got a uhm…situation.”

“What hurts?”

“Nothing hurts. I’ve got a boner.”

“Oh,” you realize, heart skipping a beat.

He sighs, lifts his hips to presumably tuck himself into his waistband, and rolls back over.

Your eyes flick to his groin and your mouth waters at the thick, hard line of his erection.

You ignore it and help him up, catching him as he stumbles. His face just inches from yours. His eyes flick to your lips before meeting yours. “Thanks,” he says after clearing his throat and stepping back after you hand him his crutches.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

Your ‘Liked Songs’ on Spotify plays softly as you sit at the kitchen table as you share the pizza. The Coors are going down easy and soon you’re down to the final 2 of the 6 pack as Jake has you crying from laughing so hard as he tells you of Rooster’s latest antics.

You’re feeling good as you wash the few dishes when one of your favorite songs comes on.

“Give me one reason to stay here,” you song softly before turning to him and pointing your soapy finger at him. “and I'll turn right back around…”

“Sing it, Charlie!” Jake calls, taking another swig.

So you do, dancing along as you approach him.

The energy in the room shifts from playful to tense when you straddle the thigh of his good leg.

“You can call me baby,” you lean forward, brush your lips over his.

“You can call me anytime,” you whisper, meeting his heated gaze, rising quickly when you realize what you’re doing.

“Come on Cash, I’ll take you outside,” you say as you leave the room to cool off.

Jake’s head falls back as he tries to do the same.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

You both go to bed shortly after.

It takes ages to fall asleep as you kick yourself for your actions; tossing and turning most of the night and wake up feeling like you only slept an hour.

You hear Jake softly call your name as you head back to your room in a towel after your shower.

“Yeah?” You ask.

No response.

You hear him grumble again and wrap your towel around you tighter as you walk to his room, gasping when you push open his door.

The blankets are kicked off and he grips himself through his boxer briefs, eyes still closed.

He’s having a wet dream. About you.

“Charlie!” He mumbles, back arching as he cums, coating the inside of his briefs.

His eyes shoot open when you whimper at the sight.

“Fuck.”

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

A/N: sorry this was another short one. I hope it’s decent, I wrote half of it while in the ER waiting for my husband to get a CT after he was in an accident today that totaled my car 😬 he’s okay btw, just very sore.

As always, any interaction is appreciated but I love hearing your feedback in comments/reblogs.

Tagging:

@mamachasesmayhem

@its-the-pilot

@dizzybee03

@sweetwhispersofchaos

@shanimallina87

@blindedbythelightt

@getmyprettynameoutofyourmouth

@lexixstewart

@phoenix-rising-starbird-one

@mrsrobertfloyd5

@charmedkim

@k-k0129

@bellaireland1981

@hookslove1592

@amiets2

@nero4te

@eli2447

@atarmychick007

@vixenobrian

@86laura11

@hisredheadedgoddess28

@dempy

@angelbabyyy99

@buckysteveloki-me

@djs8891

@mizzzpink

@daggerspare-standingby

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Beautiful 1958 Pueblo style home in Yucca Valley, California is surprisingly under $1M, priced at $750K. It has 3bds & 2.5ba.

Nice rounded entrance foyer with a wide arch giving a direct view of the living room.

Upon entering the living room, there are views of other rooms from wide arches.

In the dining room there's a built-in cabinet and a floating sideboard, plus a tray ceiling. And, look at the stone fireplace.

This home has a lot nice built-ins. It also has a nice big counter in the living room to the kitchen.

The kitchen has beautiful turquoise tiles and a vintage stove. The upper cabinets are pretty, too.

Love the green cabinets in the pantry.

Den with a corner fireplace and patio doors.

The primary bedroom isn't terribly large.

But, it's unusual to have walk-in closet in an older home, and the bath is on the other side with a lovely blue tile shower and built-in cabinets.

This is nice, love the tiles and tub.

This bedroom is full of exercise equipment and conveniently has it's own en-suite.

Nice tile and a glass block shower.

This bedroom is very large and has a separate area. This could be the primary bedroom if the owner chooses.

The area that's separated by pony walls is the en-suite.

This is so pretty. There's a different outdoor space all around the home.

Covered patio with beautiful tile floor.

Then there's also a porch with view.

Plus, an outdoor kitchen.

There're beautiful gardens and no lawn to mow.

There're such picturesque outbuildings on the property. Looks like there's a hot tub in here.

There's a wonderful greenhouse.

A guesthouse.

And, a little chapel complete with a bell tower.

Looks like they sealed the well off, but it's still pretty.

The plot of land measure 15 acres.

[usafphantom2]

VX-9 ‘Vampires’ F/A-18F Super Hornet Brandishes Heavy Air-to-Air Loadout During Gray Flag 2024

David Cenciotti

AIM-174

The heavy loadout, featuring four AIM-174s, three AIM-120s and two AIM-9s, first spotted on “Vandy 1” at the beginning of September, was not a one-off test.

In September, we reported on a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet from VX-9 “Vampires” showcasing an unprecedented air-to-air loadout, featuring four CATM-174B, three CATM-120, and two CATM-9X missiles, along with a targeting pod and an IRST (Infrared Search and Track) mounted on an external fuel tank. What made the photos taken at Naval Air Station Point Mugu especially notable was that the heavy loadout was carried by “Vandy 1,” BuNo 166673—the flagship of the Vampires squadron. This aircraft sports a unique black livery celebrating the squadron’s 30th anniversary, inspired by the classic livery of VX-4 commander’s F-4s and F-14s, which previously bore the “Vandy 1” callsign.

The heavy loadout, featuring four AIM-174s, three AIM-120s and two AIM-9s, first spotted on “Vandy 1” at the beginning of September, was not a one-off test.AIM-174B

Interestingly, this configuration wasn’t a one-time test. On September 24, 2024, “Vandy 1,” again equipped with the same extensive air-to-air loadout, joined a VX-9 F-35C and a 422nd TES F-15E in a photo session over the Point Mugu Sea Range, marking the conclusion of the Gray Flag 2024 exercise.

From September 17-23, Gray Flag 2024 brought together U.S. and allied forces, alongside academic and industry collaborators, for a large-scale, joint testing event hosted by Naval Test Wing Pacific and VX-9 at Naval Base Ventura County in Point Mugu, California. This year’s event saw participation from over 3,000 personnel across the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force, executing more than 60 test initiatives. With roughly 600 aircraft sorties and more than 26 distinct systems tested on the ground, Gray Flag highlighted the vast scope of multi-domain capabilities under rigorous evaluation. Conducted on the expansive 36,000-square-mile Point Mugu Sea Range, operated by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), the event used Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) test elements to simulate advanced, multi-domain combat scenarios in a controlled, realistic environment.

“Gray Flag 2024 was an unparalleled opportunity to bring together diverse branches of the military, academic institutions, science and technology experts, and allied forces,” said Capt. David Halpern, Naval Test Wing Pacific commodore.

The range of participants enabled realistic evaluation of system interoperability, informing future requirements and tactics across domains. Importantly, allied involvement was integral to the event, reflecting the coalition-based approach crucial to real-world operations. Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander of NAWCWD and Chief of Test at Naval Air Systems Command, emphasized that integrating and operating with allies remains a strategic priority:

“The U.S. Navy operates within a global warfighting ecosystem. To deter aggression and uphold freedom of the seas, we need to test alongside our partners, just as we operate with them.”

AIM-174B

As we’ve detailed in recent months, the AIM-174B missile is a variant of the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) repurposed for air-to-air engagements. Originally designed as the RIM-174 Standard Extended Range Active Missile (ERAM), the SM-6 serves as the U.S. Navy’s primary long-range anti-air and anti-missile defense solution, integrated with the Aegis Combat System on Navy vessels.

The SM-6 ERAM is a key asset in the Navy’s long-range air defense strategy. Derived from the RIM-156A SM-2ER Block IV airframe and equipped with an active radar seeker from the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the SM-6 is capable of reaching Mach 3.5 and has a range of 200 nautical miles in its ship-based form.

While traditionally ship-launched, the SM-6 has been tested in air-launched configurations as early as 2018 and again in 2021 on other VX-31 Super Hornets, but only this year has its deployment accelerated, with further involvement from operational units.

In April 2024, an F/A-18 was spotted carrying the AIM-174, then, on Jul. 2, 2024, an F/A-18E Super Hornet belonging to the VFA-192 “Golden Dragons” was photographed taxiing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, carrying two AIM-174B missiles marking the first appearance of the missile on a frontline platform during RIMPAC 2024. At the beginning of September, images of VX-9’s Super Hornet carrying four AIM-174s mounted on both inner and middle hardpoints, along with AIM-120s set a new benchmark for its air-to-air load capacity. Additionally, the ASG-34A IRST integrated on the fuel tank complemented the Super Hornet’s radar, providing advanced tracking capability in electronic warfare or radar-denied settings.

While details on the air-launched AIM-174B’s maximum range remain unclear, it is likely to exceed the surface-launched version when launched at altitude and speed, positioning it among the longest-range air-to-air weapons in the U.S. inventory and filling the void left by the retirement of the AIM-54 Phoenix.

Officially acknowledged in July as operationally deployed with CVW-2 aboard the USS Carl Vinson, the AIM-174B’s availability in IOC (Initial Operating Capability) extends the U.S. Navy’s reach in long-range engagement. Although publicly seen with only inert and training versions, live missiles are likely already available in the fleet.

As we explained in a previous post:

With the induction of the AIM-174B into service, the U.S. Navy joins a number of air arms capable of deploying an extra-long-range beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), like the MBDA Meteor, the Russian R-37M and Chinese PL-15 and PL-21. In fact, the AIM-174B enables the U.S. Navy Super Hornets to engage targets at much greater distances than is currently possible with the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Integrated with the E-2D, F-35, and AEGIS within the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) system, the AIM-174B would extend the Navy’s capability to intercept aerial targets at ranges comparable to (if not greater than) those achieved against naval targets using the baseline SM-6.

In essence, this new missile fills the gap left by the retirement of the AIM-54 Phoenix. The AIM-54 was a long-range air-to-air missile used by the U.S. Navy’s F-14 Tomcat and retired in 2004 alongside the F-14. Known for its impressive range of over 100 nautical miles and multiple-target engagement capability, the AIM-54 left a significant void in long-range engagement capabilities.

While there wasn’t a direct replacement for the AIM-54 Phoenix in terms of range, the U.S. military has been developing advanced air-to-air missiles to enhance its fighter aircraft capabilities. The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is one such development intended to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Although not a direct replacement for the AIM-54 Phoenix, the AIM-260 aims to offer improved range and performance compared to the AIM-120.

@TheAviationist .com

[mikeneedsadrink]

Gunblr Game: CASCADIA

[Disclaimer for anyone new here: These are strictly fictional entertainment exercises within hypothetical scenarios. None of this is meant to be taken too seriously, or as a threat, or any sort of political stance. Just interactive fiction. I am not responsible for anyone else's actions or statements.]

Background: An unprecedented event has occurred in which both the San Andreas Fault Line and Cascadian Subduction Zone shift, triggering massive earthquakes, just minutes apart, leaving the West Coast devastated. The Cascadian quake occurs offshore at a magnitude of 9.5, causing massive tsunamis to pummel the coastline of the entire PNW and reduce the cities of Portland and Seattle to rubble. Vancouver, B.C. fairs a big better but is still heavily damaged. The bulk of the San Andreas quake is along the southern half of the fault line at a magnitude of 8.2 and significantly impacts every major city in the southern half of the state. In the aftermath, fires have ravaged what's left of the cities and further raised the death tolls and number of homeless.

Failed Response: Predictably, the US government prioritized California in relief efforts declaring the central and southern areas as the California Disaster Zone and declaring the northern most section of the state up to the Canadian border the Cascadia Disaster Zone. The region is enraged at their abandonment, while similar outrage occurs in Canada at the minimal relief efforts there. This leads to a power crisis and a huge autonomous zone that more or less runs from the NorCal Redwoods to Vancouver B.C..

This is not a secession, as the federal powers are completely indifferent and leaving the region their its fate, focusing on the wealth and voter power bases to the south.

Current Situation: It has now been several months, and within the PNW, various factions operate is loose collaboration due to necessity. At least one faction has sided with Chinese interests, whose personnel are on the West Coast under the guise of relief efforts. Refugee camps are all over the place as many flee the Portland and Seattle regions on foot. The majority of the factions are just people protecting what's left of their communities, bolstered by volunteers, many of whom originally arrived to assist in S.A.R. and rebuilding efforts. With interstates destroyed or operating at very limited capacity, many supplies are trucked in via smaller roads.

The Game:

You are a volunteer inside the Cascadia Disaster Zone, specifically a small town with an influx from neighboring towns : What would you arm yourself with from the mix of what's left in stores, personal collections, police stations, guard armories, and the massive cross section of weapons and gear brought in through sympathic American and Canadian supply lines? Aside from your personal security patrol gear, is there a role or setup you would insist be included among teams?

Threats - Chinese backed collaborator militia with PLA "advisors", supported by FPV drones and robotic dog scouts. Groups of armed looters attempting to take what they can as they escape the region. Random opportunistic criminals operating in the lawless environment.

Roles - Static security in towns and camps, patrols/sweeps of local area, S.A.R. should community members go missing, maintaining supply routes, and manning lookouts watching for threats, be they human, animal, or environmental related.

These security roles are supplemental to survival/relief efforts. You are there to help, not invade.

That's the premise for this one, folks. Almost the whole of the American and Canadian outdoor and shooting industries is on the table for gear. Assume a large, if poorly managed, stream of private aid is coming in, and lots of volunteers have technical knowledge. Feel free to get creative. Be as detailed as you like with your equipment choices.

[andmaybegayer]

Last ??? of the Week 2024-10-08

Flying with the sun and staying awake for eight hours overnight in Turkey and then not really having a schedule because you quit your job and are on holiday will have you forget when Monday is.

Listening: I failed completely to figure out why my bank card wasn't playing nice with Bandcamp right before my flight so I missed this Bandcamp Friday, so here's something I was trying to buy and couldn't: the Bluff City soundtrack from Friends at the Table, which is some really fun noir-ass synthy stuff

Bonus song since some of these are empty: "Lehigh Acres" from White Crosses has been stuck in my head, despite being almost as far away from Florida as you can get in the contiguous US.

Watching: Oh fuck all, I've been so busy finishing up at work

Reading: read The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson, which has been kicking around my library for a while.

It's cute. It's a fun exercise in "if a guy was 100 years old precisely how much of history could he get himself entangled with." The translated prose gets a little tedious at times, and suffers from some Lavender Unicorn, but I guess that's trying to be faithful to the Swedish.

Constantly tempted to describe bits and pieces of it as "this must go so hard if you're stupid" but that's unnecessarily unkind to what is mostly a pretty funny book.

Occasionally goes "eh? eh?" at you to make sure you didn't miss the tremendously obvious historical reference and would be better if it didn't.

Points for detouring through Indonesia but deductions for not doing Afghanistan twice which would have been really funny.

Secondly reread an old MLP fanfic that's also drifted around my library for years since I read it in high school, which is University Days. I think this one did huge numbers in the fandom back in 2013 so you might have read it.

Cutesy whirlwind romance lesbian times with period accurate internalised homophobia and some fairly tasteful drama. Starts a little weak but gets much stronger after a couple chapters. A pretty ordinary fic other than the nostalgia, which counts for something. Suffers from some Lavender Unicorn but is mostly pretty competently written and doesn't suffer from basic errors, which is enough to count as "good" among a lot of fanfic of the era.

I have actually reread this before but the unique occurrence this time was that before I hopped my flight I remembered to pull down the accompanying clopfic which I have not reread since high school and got to experience the slow horror of realizing, while in flight, that a currently-in-use sex script I have was almost certainly derived from this.

Playing: Nothing much.

Making: Still working on Website League, although that's been interrupted by the trip. We're doing some stuff to try and make it behave more Cohost/Tumblry and it's getting there!

Also of course, photography out here in California. The parks are stupidly pretty and San Francisco is a lovely city. Really looking forward to spending more time in it later on the trip. Getting to exercise my new phone camera a little when I need to go wider than 24mm.

Tools and Equipment: You can fit at least ten days of clothing in a standard carry-on and still have room for other shit. You do not need more bags.

[bucknastysbabe]

God of what? - L. Tucker

Rating: Explicit

Tags: Very bantery and wordy, pnv!sex, Baby daddy!Lance, chubby Lance, we love dad bods, both are self absorbed as hell, Maggie is still an Angel, teasing, switching, humiliation, creampie, afab!reader

Taglist: @borikenlove @lovelykhaleesiii ;)

Lance Tucker. Gold medalist. Major dickface. Baby daddy. You were one of the team coordinators for USA gymnastics and had to check in on his gym and girls. Which you had no clue how the bastard wasn’t banned for knocking up the Townsend girl but she said it was consensual and they were very much in love.

But Lance did get knocked down a peg. His gym was relocated to Northern California. What you would call Sasquatch weed farm land. An educated guess would be this is where the prick was from. He never married Maggie Townsend but they ‘co-parented’ from what you could see on social media. You wished you were sent to Hope Ann’s gym, atleast she was entertaining.

You got out of the uber and glanced at the gym. It looked nice, very eco-friendly in appearance. Of course his name was plastered in big ass letters on the sign. You remembered him at the Olympics, but he was on his way out and you were sixteen. You won gold on bars and floor that year. Then gold on bars and floor the next Olympics. He wouldn’t back you into a damn corner.

You entered through the doors, silently dipping to the side, hoping to not garner any attention. You leaned against a half-wall and surveyed the scene. Maggie was working with girls on the vault, smiley and vapid as usual. Lance hollered at two older gymnasts on floor exercises. You raised a brow at the state of the former team coordinator.

The motherfucker had on his usual tracksuit, but equipped with a baby backpack, the child just shaking around with Lance’s annoyed arm movements. You snickered quietly, holding a hand over your mouth. Parenting had taken its toll on the former Olympian, Tucker was definitely sporting a ‘dad bod’. His thick waist and what you guessed was a belly had that zip-up straining. Still clean shaven but you could spot the pouch under his chin, the softening of a jawline.

Hm. How the mighty have fallen. You couldn’t say he didn’t look cute with the baby daddy fluff but once he opened his mouth all attraction flew to Antarctica. Blue eyes flickered over your way, once, twice, and his mouth clamped shut.

You could hear him from afar, “Go get some water and your heads outta your ass, coordinator’s here.”

He stalked over, baby bouncing and laughing eagerly. You eyed the team USA patch and the embroidery on the backpack. Future Olympian - Tucker Jr. Did his arrogance know no bounds? Apparently not. Lance approached and asked, “Why did they send you here? My two girls are fine.”

You shrugged, “Had to make sure you weren’t impregnating more up and comers, Tuck. Just a routine check, loosen up that tracksuit huh?”

His full cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment. Lance grumbled, “Yeah fuck you, come and watch then.” Maggie had bounded over, gushing over you adorably. Poor thing had no brain cells but was cute as a button. She cooed, “Oh my god! I can’t believe it’s you! You were my hero growing up, I modeled my first floor routine after you!”

You grinned and gave her a hug, warmly replying, “Thank you, that’s an honor I could inspire you.”

She looked at Lance and pointed toward you, “Can you believe it? It’s like one of the best USA gymnasts ever!” He frowned deeply. “Yes Margaret. I won my gold when she was still in juniors.” Maggie babbled on, “But she has four golds.” Lance gritted his jaw, you watching his eye twitch from even multiple feet away.

“Yep. Great. Please go back to the girls.”

Maggie waved at you again with a bright smile, Lance face palming dramatically. You eyed his reddened face with a smirk. The brunette cursed, “She’s a fucking idiot.” You asked, “What’s that make you Lance? Don’t fuck stupid then.” He waved you off with a snarl, gathering his protégés up to run through their routines.

You watched with crossed arms as they warmed up. Lance had unbuckled his baby and handed the pack over to Maggie with a kiss to the child’s head. That was cute. No. You eyed him stride back over, still holding that confident swagger. He grinned at you and said, “My girls will definitely be qualifying.” You shrugged and replied, “We’ll see, yeah?”

“You’re a bitch.”

“I know. Suck in.”

Lance blushed and straightened up, embarrassed and now curling in under his arms. He scrabbled for his phone to press play for the first girl’s floor routine. She was good, you watching silently. Quietly you said, “Needs to make sure she’s not landing with her head forward like that.”

“JOHNSON, KEEP YOUR BODY TUCKED IN!”

“Yes sir!,” she yelped while doing a split.

This would be a long day.

Later on while watching bars you noted Tucker being uncharacteristically quiet. Towards you of course. He was barking at the gymnasts every other swing. You offered, “How’s the dad life going for you?” Affronted blue eyes jerked towards you. His jaw clicked open and shut. Lance replied smoothly, “Good. It’s not hard once you get routines down.”

“You changing diapers?,” you snickered.

He made a disgusted face and replied, “Maggie does that. I can do everything else just fine. Waiting for him to start walking so we can start training.” You raised a brow, holding back a guffaw. He snapped, “What? He’s got good gymnast blood!” You held your hands up and apologized, “Yeah, yeah, gotta keep the Tucker name alive.”

The conversation ended. He gave some more advice to the two girls. You hummed, “Want to get dinner after this?” Lance straightened up, eyeing you suspiciously, “Sure. I’ll drive, Coach.” You poked him in his fluffy side, “I bet you’re hungry huh?”

“Fuck you!”

“Sorry, soft spot I see.”

Lance gritted his jaw, holding back another tirade. His temper was still hot but not blazing like it used to be. You cooed, enjoying the poking of ‘papa bear’, “No need to be so tetchy Tucker, you look good rocking the dad bod! Probably hard to stay in shape with Junior!”

His hands flew up as your fellow coach snarked, “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up! Tucker got fucking fat, ha ha! Go eat a cock.” Lance’s eyes rolled aggressively as he walked over to the girls for the final talk of the day. You waited by the door as they closed up the gym, checking your phone.

Lance strode past you and called, “Let’s go.”

You rolled your eyes. “Such a gentleman!”

Following the surly coach to his Beamer you almost broke out into laughter again. You couldn’t take him very seriously, not a bit, it was endearing. Climbing into the passenger side you looked back at the car seat and smiled. Lance muttered, “I’m on a diet, y’know.”

You replied, “I’m just fucking with you, calm down Tuck.”

He backed the car up while grumbling, “The amount of pussy I get is down to zero now. Shit fucking blows.”

You raised a brow, kicking your legs up on the dash, earning a sharp glare. Looking out the window you stated, “Hate to be the bitch again but you don’t have the best reputation, especially now buddy.”

“Not your fuckin’ buddy,” he pouted, “Maggie goes on dates all the damn time.”

“Maggie’s not an asshole.”

You really wanted Tucker to blow his top. See that famous temper in action. Out of curiosity of course, not some desire to tame him. Yes. Totally.

But he gritted his jaw and jerked down a road to a little downtown area and parking in front of a row of shops and restaurants. He sighed and unbuckled his seatbelt, glaring at his tummy like it might disappear. You did the same, inquiring, “Where are we eating? Since you’re on a diet and all.” Lance snapped, “Vegan joint.”

You smirked and patted his cheek, “How healthy.”

Lance gave you a snarky grin, anger radiating off his entire being. Good. You poked him in the side again for good measure, hopping out the BMW before receiving an earful of angry dad. The elder gymnast cornered you quicker than you could step on the sidewalk, big arms crossed. He jerked his jaw. “What’s your fucking deal? I barely know you. We trained together once.”

Now it was your turn to be bashful. You didn’t really know why you were fucking with him. Originally it was out of spite but now? You weren’t sure. He jeered, “I’m waiting? Not so mouthy now huh?” Mouth agape you stood in front of his bigger frame, stuck. You pushed past him and entered the restaurant, the other laughing haughtily.

Several drinks later.

Lance offered to walk you back to your hotel down the street, considering dinner went okay. There was that stagnant energy looming over you both. But you distracted the idiot by letting him brag the entire dinner. He needed it anyways, you’d been riding his ass all day. Guys like him needed their little ego boost.

He walked beside you inside the lobby, not stopping even as you pressed the elevator button. You stared blatantly. “You think you’re getting lucky or something?” Lance closed into your space again, hand on the wall as he grinned, minty breath hitting your face. He crooned, “Obviously. I got you figured out now.”

Ding. The elevator doors opened. He followed you in. You pushed him roughly against the wall, hand blindly pressing the button to your floor. You growled, “Shut the fuck up,” and kissed him. Big hands groped your ass while you fought against Lance’s mouth— teeth and tongue intertwined. His nose brushed against yours, you pressed into his soft body harder. The pair of you looked like some horny damn teens.

Ding.

He lifted you up easily, you wrapping your legs around his hips. Lance hotly murmured against your lips, “So you had the hots for me? That’s what’s got your panties in a twist, huh?” You slapped him across the cheek lightly, swearing, “I wanted to fuck you when you won pommel horse gold that first time you stupid prick.” His eyes rolled back, a grin splitting across pink lips.

You kissed Lance again, both hands cradled in his soft hair. He pulled away groaning, “Where- the room- fuck!” More smacking of lips filled the hallway. You panted, “Last- oh Goddammit- one on the right.” In an awkward flurry of limbs Tucker had managed to grapple your keycard and open the door.

He nipped at your swelling upper lip, laughing, “You were a fucking twig then, I mean Hope Ann had more ass.” You narrowed your eyes at him, hopping down and shoving Lance across your bed. He propped up on an elbow with a smirk. Climbing onto thick thighs you replied, “You were skinnier then too— if I remember correctly.” Grabbing a handful of his soft belly emphasized the point.

Watching his brows furrow and lips pout up was priceless. Lance retorted petulantly, “Bring it up again and I’m gonna start thinking you like it.” You shrugged and started pulling at his tight red pullover, the brunette grunting at the sudden stretch. “Easy!,” Lance yelped. The undershirt didn’t last long either, you were goddamn going nuts.

He pawed at your jacket, unzipping the white fabric, shrugging you out of it. He sucked in a breath when you unhooked your bra in a swift motion, hands groping your tits, mouth finding it’s way between. Yanking his hair you hissed, “That’s it, use your mouth for something other than talking about yourself, fuck, Tucker.”

He lapped around a nipple, moaning softly. You rutted down into his lap, grinding against his cock with an aborted mewl. You got plenty of dick. So how you were rolling around with Lance Tucker, gone to seed God of Gymnastics, was purely lust motivated. He lazily moved to your other tit, suddenly going too slow for your liking.

“Hurry your fat ass up- hah- what is this? Soft core hour?”

He nipped rudely, causing you to squeak and yank dark hair again. Lance pulled off your tit, lips obscenely swollen. His pupils were blown wide, eyes lidded seductively. He cocked his head and hummed, “Someone’s needy.”

“Fuck you!”

“Trying to, spitfire.” Good one. Your old nickname.

You hobbled off of his thighs to yank down your leggings and underwear, glaring. Lance copied your actions, albeit he struggled a bit more. You zeroed in on his pretty cock but then the tattoo registered. Lance’s smug face fell when you started laughing. He yanked the lamp off.

You giggled, pawing at him in the dark. “Oh my god, you can’t be serious right now, turn the damn lamp back on!” He protested, “No! It doesn’t look right in this state!” You fell against his soft chest, guffawing now, “Oh my god you aren’t even embarrassed about the tattoo itself?”

You flicked the lamp back on with a sharp grin, the light illuminating his unimpressed face. Nipping at his soft chin you ran hands down soft flesh, wrapping around Lance’s heated cock. He gasped softly, arching ever so into you. Cooing gently against hard and fast strokes, “I’m just playing with you again Tuck. S’that feel good?”

He exhaled out a shaky moan, eyes fluttering shut. You kissed downwards, making a wet line to that beautiful cock of his, heavy and curved. Lance babbled when you wrapped your lips around the thick tip, “Oh fucking Christ- you’re a little freak you know that? Hopping your way around the coaches this year? ” You squeezed his balls in warning, Lance moaning again with a grin.

You bobbed your head a couple of times, drooling heavily on the flushed member. Pulling off you rasped, “No, just the ones who are stupid, self-absorbed, and named Lance.” His inevitable retort turned into a whine when you flicked your tongue across his weeping slit. One of his hands fisted into your hair, pulling you forcefully up and off his cock with a lewd noise.

Lance rumbled, “Enough of this shit.” You moaned in surprise feeling him manhandle you under his bulk, trapped efficiently. The brunette was settled between your thighs, cock readied at your entrance. He purred into your ear, “Pussy’s just wet for me then? Fuckin’ hell spitfire.”

“Yeah, yeah, c’mon and fuck me, you’re right Lance, no more shit!”

“I’m always fucking right,” he grunted while sliding into your pussy. The pair of you cried out in unison, panting into each other’s mouth while adjusting. Your legs wrapped back up around Lance’s softened waist, whimpering at the stretch. He fared no better, lips barely touching your own as he groaned out, “Baby- baby, sh-shit!”

There were a couple of tentative thrusts before Lance eased into a rhythm. His arms were still strong as ever. One was braced next to your head and the other held your waist as he fucked into you. You felt up whatever muscle or softness you could grab on the Olympian, moaning his name in a desperate litany. Lance was back to nonsensically talking, switching between praising your body to extolling his virtues.

You wanted him to talk about you more.

Squeezing your inner walls down on Lance made the man stutter on his thrust, moaning sluttily. You used the pause to flip him onto his back with an ‘oof’. Smirking down at him you bounced up and down roughly, hands pulling at your nipples. “You’re soo lucky Tuck, guess Mags doesn’t, ah, put out for you anymore?”

Lance gripped at your hips rough enough to leave a bruise, smacking his hips into your own. It sounded like a serious porno in the room with all the wet noises, whining, and smacking. He gritted out, “Guess you weren’t getting much either huh? Sure there’s plenty of fish in the sea that can deal with your attitude.” He got a slap again, making those pretty blues roll up.

You shoved your lips against his, Lance sitting upright to wrap around you, one of those calloused hands snaking it’s way around. His belly was soft against your own, making you moan into his mouth. He jerked up into your pussy, you meeting him shamefully with rough bounces. His cock was rubbing against your sweet spot, pushing ‘ah ah ahs’ out of your mouth.

Your were beginning to shake down to your thighs, scratching at his muscular back. Lance growled against your lips, “Taking my cock so good yeah? Sucking me down like a good slut! Fuck, yes!” You threw your head back and shouted eagerly. In a guttural rasp you replied, “Yeah yeah- fucking hell- you’re a good lay I’ll give you that, daddy.”

Lance’s eyes blew black and he slapped your ass, choking on a groan. The pair of you bickered and panted, writhing into eachother. The noises reached a fever pitch, you whining in pleasure, Lance babbling nonsensically. Your pussy tightened and twitched.

“F-fuck, Tucker, gonna cum, harder!”

He swore, “Fucking slut, god!” He pushed you onto your back, hands holding your hips as he jackhammered into your pulsing cunt. You cried and squirmed, going rigid and cumming hard, eyes rolling up. Lance choked your name out, whimpering softly, growing sloppy with his thrusts. He rasped brokenly, “God fucking damn baby, oh god!”

“Fill me up, fill me up,” you chanted.

Lance dug deep a final time, mouthing into your neck as he spilled into you, grunting and moaning. He collapsed flat on top of you with broken little noises, face smushed into your neck still. You sighed in content, lazily rubbing his back in content. His cock began to soften, seed dribbling out between your thighs.

“Hmm, see you again in Paris, Tucker?”

“Uh-huh, maybe some more before that,” he looked up to stare at you, “I need some…hm, help?”

“You? Asking for help?,” you laughed.

He rolled his eyes and laid his head back down, groaning in annoyance.

[beardedmrbean]

A massive contingent of law enforcement officers converged on People’s Park in the wee hours of Thursday morning, intent on clearing the way for crews to wall off the storied green space near the UC Berkeley campus in preparation for construction of a much-contested housing complex for students.

The university launched the extraordinary operation — designed to double-stack metal cargo containers around the entire park perimeter — around midnight.

On their arrival, police surrounded the park. Inside, they were met by several dozen protesters, chanting, "Long live People's Park" along with shouts of "Fight back!" Some were holed up for hours in a makeshift treehouse and on the roof of a single-story building in the park.

By starting the exercise under the cover of darkness and during students' winter break, university leaders hoped to minimize a conflict with activists adamant the park should remain open space, a living tribute to free speech and student activism. The university planned to install the cargo containers over several days, banking on the massive metal structures to provide a more formidable barrier than the fences that protesters have easily breached in the past.

The university acknowledged that construction of the housing, ensnared in a legal dispute, cannot begin unless the state Supreme Court agrees that the Berkeley campus has completed an adequate environmental review of the project. The proposed development would create a dormitory with space for 1,100 students in a college town with a dire shortage of affordable housing. In addition, it would include permanent supportive housing for 125 people living homeless. About 60% of the site would remain green space, with commemorative exhibits about the park’s history.

“Given that the existing legal issues will inevitably be resolved, we decided to take this necessary step now in order to minimize the possibility of disorder and disruption for the public and our students when we are eventually cleared to resume construction,” Chancellor Carol Christ said in a prepared statement.

The university said it intended to keep streets around the park, and at least one block to the north and east, closed for three or four days.

“Unfortunately, our planning and actions must take into account that some of the project’s opponents have previously resorted to violence and vandalism,” Christ said, adding that this was “despite strong support for the project on the part of students, community members, advocates for unhoused people, the elected leadership of the City of Berkeley, as well as the legislature and governor of the state of California.”

Police focused the start of their operation on a handful of protesters who had locked themselves into a makeshift wooden structure that organizers call “the kitchen,” where they had strung up a hammock and stacked supplies, according to live video from inside the shack.

Police forced their way into the structure around 12:50 a.m. Thursday and detained at least two people who had been inside. Shortly after 1 a.m., officers issued an order for the remaining 100 or so activists to disperse, saying that the demonstrations had become an “unlawful assembly.”

By 2:15 a.m., police had expanded their encirclement of the park, edging out the protesters and continuing to detain some of them. Construction workers were called in to dismantle the kitchen, and at one point, workers began chopping down trees lining the park. They later broke down tents and other structures as part of what eventually became a massive operation involving equipment and dozens of people working to transform People's Park into a future construction site.

The first two hours of the police operation were relatively calm, with protesters largely looking on, chanting occasionally and, for a handful of demonstrators, heckling the officers.

“The people united will never be defeated!” the activists chanted at one point.

By about 3 a.m., officers had successfully pushed out the vast majority of the protesters, with a few holdouts still up in the treehouse and on top of the one-story building. An hour later, the holdouts accepted a promise from officers that they would not be arrested if they came down.

Dozens more protesters waited at a barricade at the end of the block, playing music and chanting. Eventually, they ripped down some of the metal structures, and confrontations with the police intensified for a short period.

One activist who had been arrested at the kitchen was only cited, according to video posted on social media, and was back on the front lines an hour or two later.

By daybreak, police had firm control of the area and work crews stacked yellow and orange cargo containers at the east end of the park, along Bowditch Street. Dozens of workers in white hazmat suits picked up needles and other debris. The morning quiet was broken by the beep and clang of bulldozers and forklifts.

The path for the work had been cleared earlier, when cars were removed from the entire park boundary. The vehicles were towed eight blocks to a parking structure at the west end of the campus, where owners could retrieve them. They received $100 gift cards for their trouble.

A UC spokesman said police arrested a total of seven people for trespassing. They were cited and released.

Park activists put out a call for an 11 a.m. rally and march at the corner of Haste Street and Telegraph Avenue.

Activists were tipped off several days in advance that the university would try to cordon off the site while students were on break. They called the incursion by law enforcement and work crews an “attack” that would destroy a legacy to people-powered activism.

Nicholas Alexander was among a small group standing watch over the park Wednesday evening around sunset, and became the final protester to leave the park after he descended from the treehouse — from which he had overseen the demonstrations — about 3:50 a.m. Alexander, once unhoused, praised the park as a place that needy people have been able to go for decades to find assistance. He said he was part of the group that helped tear down a university-erected fence in 2022. "This park has always helped the counterculture and the disenfranchised," he said, "and it'd be a shame if it was taken from us now, because where else will we go?"

Another member of the group watching the park, Sylvia Tree, said she had graduated from Berkeley in 2021. She described the conflict as "a struggle based on the land."

"It's about a place where people who don't own any land can have a little piece of it, a piece that you can grow things on, that you can have sunshine on, that you can meet your friends on," said Tree, 25. "There's nobody who controls it. There's nobody who's selling you something."

Such passionate advocacy has become a perennial rite at the small patch of green just south of the campus and a few paces east of Telegraph Avenue.

It began more than half a century ago, in 1969, when the UC system’s founding campus announced its plan for development on what was then an empty lot. Hundreds of students and community activists had another idea, dragging sod, trees and flowers to the lot and proclaiming it People’s Park. The university responded by erecting a fence.

The student newspaper, the Daily Californian, urged students to “take back the park.” More than 6,000 people marched down Telegraph, where they were confronted by law enforcement. In the clash that followed, one man died and scores were injured.

In the decades since, the university has made repeated efforts to reclaim the property, once attempting to construct a parking lot on the edge of the park. A new generation of demonstrators arrived, with shovels and picks, to uproot the asphalt and restore plant life.

In the early 1990s, a young machete-wielding activist infuriated by the university's construction of volleyball courts at the park was shot and killed by police after she broke into the campus residence of then-Chancellor Chang-Lin Tien. Police said they found a note in the teenager's bag. It read: “We are willing to die for this piece of land. Are you?”

The push for the university to develop the property gained new life after Christ became chancellor in 2017 amid a student housing crisis. With Berkeley providing housing to a lower percentage of its students than any other UC campus, Christ promised to double the number of beds within a decade. She made it clear that she considered People’s Park — long a “third rail” that campus leaders avoided — a good location for housing.

Opponents of the housing development contend that UC Berkeley has not done enough to study alternative sites. Their cause got a boost in December, when a unit of the National Trust for Historic Preservation wrote a letter calling for "exploring all possible opportunities" for preservation of the park.

The university counters that its plan does acknowledge the historic nature of the park while also trying to resolve problems that have plagued the site and nearby streets in recent years, including homeless encampments, open drug use, petty theft and violence. UC Police Chief Yogananda Pittman characterized this week's action as necessary to provide members of the community with "the safety and security they need and deserve."

The university released results of a survey in 2021 that showed students favor the project by 56% to 31%. More recently, in an effort to address complaints that the proposed development would displace unhoused people living in the park, the university hired a full-time social worker and said most park denizens had been relocated to a Quality Inn and offered support services.

But the project suffered a setback early last year when a state appellate court ruled that UC had not properly complied with the California Environmental Quality Act, a decades-old law known as CEQA, which requires state and local governments to consider the environmental impacts of certain construction and housing projects. The court found the university had not properly addressed the issue of noise — specifically the noise generated by students who might drink and hold “unruly parties,” as some neighbors asserted in documents submitted to the court.

The court also ruled that the campus had not properly justified its decision not to consider alternative locations for the housing development. UC attorneys have said that because the project’s aim is to repurpose the park, no alternative would suffice.

The university appealed the decision to the state Supreme Court and also turned to the Legislature. Lawmakers passed a law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, designed to make it easier for universities to build housing and overcome lawsuits from residents who raise noise concerns as a potential problem.

All parties in the dispute await a decision by the high court, and the new law presumably will factor into its deliberations.

The last concerted effort by UC to take control of the park for construction came in August 2022. Just hours after an Alameda County judge issued a tentative ruling that the university could begin clearing the park, construction machinery moved into place. But the 2 a.m. operation soon drew protesters who confronted construction crews, toppling a newly erected chain-link fence and streaming into the park, where they were tackled by California Highway Patrol officers.

By day's end, the university ended the standoff by suspending its effort to take control of the park.

Berkeley City Councilmember Kate Harrison issued a public letter this week calling on police involved in any new go-round with protesters to “follow the City of Berkeley’s rules concerning use of ‘less-lethal’ weapons and tactics,” which include a ban on the use of pepper spray and tear gas. Harrison added: “These rules, established to protect human life and people’s first amendment rights, are core to our City’s value.”

[16woodsequ]

I'm honestly always surprised that I've never seen fanfics about foam rollers or stretching because as an athlete, that's such a big part of pre- or post-workout and now I'm wondering if Steve and Becky have ever even heard of it cuz like I have no idea how much stretching is involved in military training, let alone military training in the 40s

Okay! So I looked into it a little bit. I'm not an expert but this is what I found:

In the army Steve and Bucky would be accustom to using a workout routine called calisthenics to limber up and stretch before other training like runs, rope climbs, rifle exercises, etc. This link is about the British army but it seems to be similar to what I've seen for American armies.

Calisthenics outside barracks at training camp in California Feb 25 1944

Calisthenics training was useful because it didn't require any equipment. This was not the entirety of their physical training, there was also a focus on "'purposeful' physical training, in which activities and exercises were designed to have a direct application to the battlefield" (Link).

So Steve and Bucky would be used to stretching or getting ready for workouts without any equipment like rollers or blocks.

This brings up the question, would they know yoga? This article covers it well, but yoga started being brought to America in the late 1800s, early 1900s. There were exercise clubs doing yoga exercises in New York while Steve was growing up. There's a whole history of Orientalism and America perceptions of Indian and Hinduism in this.

This article puts it like this: "Bernard and DeVries’s canny blend of exotic stereotypes, trendy health advice, and new ideas about religion and gender helped build the foundations of the American yoga movement."

The trend was popular with women, but was also marketed towards men as a rugged, masculine and character building activity.

To me this feels like a middle class trend, so I doubt Steve would've done it, but he could have been aware of the concept.

Looks like foam rollers were introduced in the 70s and became popular in the 90s. (Link) (Link) Same kind of timeline for yoga mats (Link) and blocks (which were wooden in the 70s) (Link).

Hope this answers your question or gives you an idea!

[gymdoctors]

Troubleshooting Guide: Resolving Issues with Home Gym Equipment for Seamless Workouts

Getting regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind, and having a home gym can make it much easier to stick to your workout routine. However, like all machines, exercise equipment can develop issues over time, which can be frustrating and costly to fix. In this article, we will explore some common problems with exercise equipment and how to fix them. Machine not turning on If your exercise machine is not turning on, it could be due to a variety of issues. Check to see if the machine is properly plugged in and the outlet is working. If that doesn't work, check the fuse or circuit breaker. If none of these are the problem, it could be a faulty power cord, which will need to be replaced. Strange noises If your exercise machine is making strange noises, it could be due to a variety of issues. If the noise is a loud clunking sound, it could be a problem with the bearings or other moving parts. If the noise is a grinding sound, it could be due to a problem with the motor. It is best to consult a professional for these issues. Besides this, you can contact to the fitness equipment repair company in California. Uneven resistance If the resistance on your exercise machine is uneven, it could be due to a problem with the belt tension or the resistance mechanism. In this case, it is best to consult a professional for repair or replacement. Display not working If the display on your exercise machine is not working, it could be due to a faulty power source or a problem with the display itself. Check to see if the power source is working properly and try resetting the machine. If that doesn't work, it could be a problem with the display, and it will need to be replaced. Machine not adjusting properly If your exercise machine is not adjusting properly, it could be due to a problem with the adjustment mechanism or the cables. Check to see if the cables are properly connected and not worn out. If the cables are fine, it could be a problem with the adjustment mechanism, which will need to be repaired or replaced. Machine not providing enough resistance If your exercise machine is not providing enough resistance, it could be due to a problem with the resistance mechanism or the tension on the cables. Check to make sure the cables are properly tensioned, and if that doesn't work, consult a professional for exercise equipment repair or replacement of the resistance mechanism. Pedals or handles slipping If the pedals or handles on your exercise machine are slipping, it could be due to worn-out grips or pedals. Check to see if the grips or pedals are worn or damaged, and if they are, replace them. If the slipping persists, it could be due to a problem with the connection between the pedals or handles and the machine, and it will need to be repaired. Conclusion Exercise equipment is a valuable investment for your health, and regular maintenance is essential for ensuring its longevity and reliability. If you are experiencing any issues with your equipment, consult a professional for repair or replacement like Gym Doctors , a leading fitness equipment repair company in California, and offers expert repair services for all types of exercise equipment. With their years of experience and certified technicians, you can trust them to get your equipment back in top condition.

[vampyroteuthid]

"you went to boarding school with a private beach in california? wow that must have been so cool" for my junior and senior years pe class we had to use the gym in the boys dorm (the only place with enough exercise equipment [the girls dorm had an "exercise room" but it was like 1/3 the size]) (there was an actual gym but it didn't really have exercise equipment it was basically just a sports court?) and it was so decrepit that when it rained it would flood and we were simply expected to navigate the massive puddles and rusting equipment and lift weights anyway. however the tetanus risk was not the most notable thing about this room. that would be the massive portrait of an extremely ripped angel covering the entire far wall. he had like 12 sets of abs. also i wasn't allowed to wear leggings out of the dorm because it might "tempt the boys" and my science classes didn't teach us about evolution. but yeah the beach was nice once a dead whale washed up on it and i stole a vertebra

[cuuno-moved]

either once a year or twice a year my school holds this event called gym blast. gym blast is where two men who look vaguely like sapnap from minecraft show up at your school with dj equipment and make you do team-building exercises and cheer to floor-rattlingly loud club remixes of Songs That Get White People Turnt (party in the usa. country roads take me home. ect. ) for two hours straight to try and convince you to go to California on spring break with them. anyways blue team won and green (my team) was in a three-way tie for second

congrats?

[hometoursandotherstuff]

This home in Los Angeles, California is insanely beautiful and was sold for $19.7M. It has 7bd and 10ba. 

The main entrance hall. 

Off the main hall is the sitting room, just like an old Victorian. 

This is a lovely dining room, I like the deep blue and contrasting white.

Huge kitchen with 2 islands. This kitchen is equipped everything and more.

Whoever arranges this pantry is a perfectionist- look at how even the jars and bottles are.

Beautiful teal family room.

Wow, look at the pool room. Gorgeous Art Deco pool table and retro egg pod chairs.

This looks like the lobby of a hotel, but it’s a sitting room that opens to the garden and will accommodate a large group.

This is the main bd. It’s a spacious room with a sitting area and access to the terrace.

In this lovely bathroom the plants make it fabulous.

This looks like a “hers” closet.

And, this looks like it was the “his.”

Love the way they did this room- the black walls look great.

One of the other 10 baths.

A proper wine cellar.

Plus another beautiful bath.

The exercise room has a door to the terrace, too.

This is interesting- the room completely opens to the garden and pool. 

The gorgeous pool looks like it belongs in a resort.

https://www.dirt.com/gallery/moguls/finance/tracy-tutor-house-brentwood-1203303599/tracytutor_bw/

[nurtureliterary]

A Few Things I Think About Differently Now That I’m Older

Aaron Burch

How, when we’d return to California to visit family in the summers, my dad would drive us around on little nostalgia tours — that’s where I went to high school, this was the strip we’d cruise on the weekends, that used to be our favorite burger joint…

The wooden model NASA space shuttle, hand-carved and -painted by my uncle, given to me as a gift in my preteen years; knocked off a shelf when I was a teenager, resulting in a broken fin and a few chips in the paint; left behind when I moved out of the house for college; and which is still in one of my parents’ closets, I presume.

Every sketchpad and package of pens and pencils and little kid watercolor set and every other art supply that my parents ever bought me.

How every Sunday was for chores, my brother and I tasked with cleaning our rooms or yardwork when it was nice out or sprinkling down deodorizing carpet freshener powder and vacuuming or moving framed photos and knickknacks and other small pieces of décor and spraying wood cleaner onto old rags and washcloths and wiping down tabletops and the fireplace mantel and windowsills.

The boxy 80s cars I grew up with and hated at the time—my grandmother’s giant blue Ford boat of a car that I thought was so big and ugly and grandparenty that my mom and grandmother would tease was going to become my car, as a punishment; my dad’s ugly Datsun station wagon that I didn’t understand why anyone (much less my dad) would ever purchase; my grandmother’s mid80s Mustang that she gave me when I got my driver’s license, which I loved but also treated like shit and also never understood how it could be the same make and model as such cool muscle cars from the 60s and 70s.

Every weekend that we drove a few hours to go camping or hiking or fishing or to some festival that I didn’t really care about—blues, bluegrass, kite, etc.—or to go on some kind of tour—chocolatier, cheese, brewery, candy, etc.

All the toys and report cards and baseball cards and photos that are still in my parents’ various closets.

The coffee table made by my grandfather that I took with me when I moved to California with my girlfriend-at-the-time after college and that I’m not sure what happened to after we broke up and I moved out but that was the nicest piece of furniture I’ve ever owned.

Eating healthy, exercise, drinking water, going to the dentist, sunscreen.

The smell of that Arm & Hammer carpet freshening powder, that Old English wood spray.

All the sports equipment and league fees and Taekwondo lessons and tournament fees and travel costs, often whether they could really afford it or not, whether it meant borrowing money from their parents or my dad working overtime or skimping on something else that I probably didn’t know about at the time, always so supportive and encouraging in every endeavor I wanted to try.

Aaron Burch's first novel, Year of the Buffalo, is out this month from American Buffalo Books. Recent short work (fiction and non) has appeared or is forthcoming in Hex, Menagerie Magazine, Complete Sentence, and Schuylkill Valley Journal. He is (too) on Twitter @aaron__burch and on the world wide web at aaronburch.net. The last time he visited Washington with his girlfriend, he felt a deep desire to drive her around and show her the house he grew up in, where he went to high school, his favorite teenage skate spots. He often wishes he took better care of things—probably most especially himself and also those things made and given to him by loved ones—when younger. His apartment is a mess, which only highlights the pleasures of when it is clean, and while he sometimes fears the slide from packrat to hoarder, he loves looking through his old ticket stubs and notebooks and other ephemera he has collected and kept over the years. He started painting again in the last couple of years, after not making any visual art since he was a teenager. He has written about this before, but he thinks often, and more and more every year, about how loving and supportive his parents were and still are, having always encouraged him to seek and follow passions and all those things in life that bring him joy, which he is hesitant to say he ever took for granted but will be the first to tell you he has only become both more aware and appreciative of as he has gotten older.

[usafphantom2]

Aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford will return from mission in defense of Israel

The largest aircraft carrier in the United States returns from the Mediterranean Sea, where it has been parked for almost three months.

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 03/01/2024 - 08:27in Military, War Zones

The U.S. Navy has determined that its largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), will return home after a nearly three-month mission to defend Israel in the Middle East.

The USS Gerald Ford has been stationed at a close distance of Israel's attack in the Mediterranean Sea since October, in an effort to prevent the country's war against Hamas from turning into a regional conflict. However, the U.S. Navy states that the ship will begin its journey back home "in the next few days" and will be replaced by the USS Bataan - an amphibious assault ship named after a battle fought in the Philippines during World War II.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is one of the largest aircraft carriers in the world and the latest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the United States. He was already in the Mediterranean - involved in naval exercises with Italy - before receiving orders to provide support to Israel's Defense Forces after the October 7 terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas.

“Immediately after Hamas' brutal attack on Israel, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was ordered to go to the eastern Mediterranean to contribute to our regional deterrence and defense posture,” the U.S. Navy said in a statement.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin extended Ford's detachment three times in the hope that his presence would dissuade Iran and groups aligned with Iran, especially Hezbollah from Lebanon, from attacking Israel.

The ship, which carried about 5,000 sailors and more than 100 warplanes in eight squadrons, is now returning to its naval base in Virginia. However, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower will remain in the Red Sea to face the recent attacks on commercial ships perpetrated by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

“The DoD (Department of Defense) will continue to leverage its posture of collective force in the region to dissuade any state or non-state actor from escalating this crisis beyond Gaza,” the Navy said.

At the end of October, a U.S. Navy warship located in the northern Red Sea shot down three cruise missiles along with a batch of drones that were launched from Yemen and appeared to target Israel, the Pentagon said.

Tags: Military Aviationaircraft carrierUSN - United States Navy/U.S. NavyWar Zones - Middle East

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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