#family safe agriculture

[familysafe04]

planting corn

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[headspace-hotel]

The knowledge of some common plants

Since many people don't know most of the plants around them, this is information on some plants that are commonly seen in many places throughout the world

This is Lamium purpureum, also called Purple Deadnettle.

It's called deadnettle because it looks like a nettle but it doesn't sting you

This plant is a winter annual—it grows its leaves in the fall, lasts through the winter, and blooms and dies in the spring

Its pollen is reddish orange. If you see bees with their heads stained reddish orange, it is likely because they have visited Purple Deadnettle

This is Trifolium repens, white clover

It is a legume (belongs to the bean family) and fixes nitrogen using symbiosis with bacteria that live in little nodules on its roots, fertilizing the soil

It is a good companion plant for the other members of a lawn or garden since it is tough, adaptable, and improves soil quality. According to my professor it used to be in lawn mixes, until chemical companies wanted to sell a new herbicide that would kill broadleaved plants and spare grass, and it was slandered as a weed :(

It is native only to Europe and Central Asia, but in the lawns they are doing more good than harm most places

Honeybees love to visit clover

Four-leaf clovers are said to be lucky

This is Achillea millefolium, Common Yarrow

It has had a relationship with humans since Neanderthals were around, at least 60,000 years, since Neanderthals have been found buried with Yarrow

Its leaves have been used to stop bleeding throughout history, and its scientific name comes from how Achilles was said to have used Yarrow to stop the blood from the wounds of his soldiers. A leaf rolled into a ball has been used to stop nosebleeds

It is a native species all throughout Eurasia and North America

This is Cichorium intybus, known as Chicory

The leaves look a lot like dandelion leaves, until in mid-spring when it begins growing a woody green stem straight up into the air

Like many other weeds, it has a symbiotic relationship with humans, existing in a mix of domesticated or partially domesticated and wild populations

It is native to Eurasia, but widespread in North America on roadsides and disturbed places, where it descended from cultivated plants

Its root contains large amounts of inulin, which is used as a sweetener and fiber supplement (if you look at the ingredients on the granola bars that have extra fiber, they usually are partly made of chicory root) and has also been used as a coffee substitute

A large variety of bees like to feed upon it

This is Phytolacca americana, known as Pokeweed

It is easily identified by its huge leaves and its waxy, bright magenta stem

It can grow more than nine feet tall from a sprout in a single summer!

If you squish the berries, the juice inside is a shocking magenta that is so bright it almost burns your eyes. For this reason many Native American people used it for pink and purple dye.

It is a heavy metal hyperaccumulator, particularly good for removing cadmium from the soil

All parts of the plant are poisonous and will make you very sick if you eat them, however if the leaves are picked when very young and boiled 3 times, changing out the water each time, they can be eaten, and this is a traditional food in the rural American Southeast, but I don't want to chance it

British people have introduced it as a pretty, exotic ornamental plant. I think that is very funny considering that here it is a weed associated with places where poor people live, but maybe they're right and I need to look closer to see the beauty.

If you see magenta stains in bird poop it is because they ate pokeweed berries- birds can safely eat the berries whereas humans cannot

This is Plantago lanceolata, Ribwort Plantain

It grows in heavily disturbed soils, in fact it is considered an indicator of agricultural activity. It is successful in the poorest, heaviest and most compacted soil.

The leaves, seeds, and flower heads are said to be edible but the leaves are really stringy unless they are very young. Of course, it is important to be careful when eating wild plants, and make sure you have identified the plant correctly and the soil is not contaminated

I have also heard the strings in the leaves can be extracted and used for textile purposes

and that's some common plants you might often see throughout the world

[mahmoudalmasrifund]

Story

I am Mahmoud Al-Masri, I'm 21 years old, living at the Gaza Strip, an academic student majoring in Graphic Design.

I am here to ask for your support to complete my university education outside my city of Gaza after the Israeli occupation destroyed universities and colleges in the Gaza Strip and destroyed education facilities, youth support institutions and training spaces that aim to provide training for all disciplines and then provide job opportunities for young people, most of which were destroyed.

We used to have a beautiful life, despite the siege on Gaza and the wars on it. We used to have a house and now we live in a tent "displaced", we used to have dreams and we pursued them and still do, we used to go to the sea which is the only breathing space for the people of the Gaza Strip, we used to live peacefully despite all the siege. We here in Gaza have brilliant and innovative minds that learn medicine, technology, professional specialties, agriculture, industry, trade and all specialties, we just need someone to support us, appreciate what we do and motivate us to keep going.

Help me

October 7, 2023 is a date that I will never forget, we were displaced about 8 times and lived through terror and destruction and are still living it, we saw death with our own eyes and survived death several times, our features changed, we became young people instead of worrying about our future, we became tired of securing water and food for our family and carrying water from a distant place to the tent is very tiring, our bodies are tired of the weights we carry daily and the diseases that spread and we don't know what's next.

I decided to pay back my knowledge and the information I gained from study, search, and workshops by share it on social media. I will answer on everyone's questions, and make webinars as my teachers do with us.

These ideas will help educational community to grows.

My goal in launching my campaign is to raise funds to complete my university studies outside my city, to cover the costs of travel, housing, food, the costs of the university I will attend, and I am currently looking for a distinguished university in the field of graphic design. I asked my friends who attended universities in Europe to suggest some universities, and among my goals after studying is to provide a safe and stable place to live with my family.

I would be very grateful for your support for me and my educational journey.

I wish you a life full of happiness and prosperity

@el-shab-hussein @ibtisams @nabulsi @90-ghost @tamamita @apollos-olives

[mohameedibraheem]

Save one life, save the whole world

My name is Muhammad Ibrahim. I work as a high school teacher. I am a strong father from Gaza. I have three princesses from my children. I mentioned that I am strong because I try to provide happiness and protection for my family in the midst of sadness and death, and I am looking to shed light in the darkness. I am strong. I do not want to show weakness to my children, but to be honest I have no idea how strong I can pretend to be. I'm not strong. I'm sad, broken, devastated, and terrified at the thought of losing someone in my family.

Since the first hour of October, we have been displaced 6 times. It is a terrifying thing. When you see the planes dropping leaflets on us asking us to evacuate the area, you are asked to evacuate within a specific time. At this time, you are unable to think about what you want to do, and where we will go. While preparing the necessary bags, shells and missiles are raining down on us. Bullets from airplanes. At this moment, you can only escape and save your life and the lives of your children

After more than 300 days of resisting the heinous genocide, my family and I are working to support ourselves through community relief and mutual assistance efforts that stopped three months ago due to the occupation taking control and occupying the city of Rafah.

With the constant risk of death due to malnutrition, dehydration and pollution, diseases are increasing day by day. Like all residents of Gaza, we depend on donations to purchase the goods and services necessary to keep us alive, heal and recover.

One dollar could make a difference in my life. Your skip could cost us a life

Let me tell you about living in the camp, it is like a prison, and even worse, there is no fresh air to breathe, no clean water for daily use and of course to drink, no electricity and no healthy food, only infectious diseases, skin rashes, insects and scorpions.

There is no privacy as the tents are close together, and no quiet, only shelters between you and your neighbors. I stand in long lines under the hot sun for water, for bread, for hospice (food distributed to the displaced in the camp) and even for bathrooms. Public.

More than 300 days of targeted attacks and genocidal tactics have deliberately destroyed life's infrastructure: energy sources, desalination plants, bakeries, factories, hospitals, schools, sewage systems, roads, farmland, homes, my home, and my workplace. Everything has already become a terrifying ghost town

The Gaza Strip has become an uninhabitable biological zone, due to tens of thousands of decaying martyrs who are still crushed under the rubble. The beach is full of sewage and pollution, the health care system has been destroyed, and facilities and agricultural lands have been bombed. We are in a miserable situation, with the outbreak of hepatitis. Polio and other diseases, famine, pollution and constant bombing

My three children, my wife, my mother, and my father need care, and because I am the only person in the family who goes to get water and food, which is considered a huge burden on me, especially since there is no safe place there. I have always been exposed to the risk of death due to sudden bombing and miraculously survived. Therefore, my family and I want to leave Gaza. So that I can protect my children and save our lives, as they need to study, health care, and start a decent life. They have the right to live like all the children of this world, so I want your help in donating so that I can help my family. Since each person needs $5,000 to go out, I need a large amount to be able to travel, so I hope to reach the amount as quickly as possible so that I can get the children back to playing as they used to while studying

[groverapologist]

New Athens, a Percy Jackson HeadCanon:

Percy discussed with Annabeth how he wished New Rome was closer to Manhattan, or that Camp Halfblood had its own similar city so that he could be closer to his family and hometown. this sparked an idea for Annabeth.

after finishing her olympus project, she began to work on her pitch for New Athens, a safehaven for Greek and Roman demigods to grow old and live their lives in right next to Camp Halfblood. Though it was Percy who sparked the idea, the idea became so much larger and more significant than an offhand wish.

with the help of chiron and dionysus, annabeth gets her pitch approved, and work begins.

demigods of all godly parenthood have their chances to shine in the process;

Athena kids are mainly city planners, civil engineers, and architects.

Hephaestus kids are mechanics, constructors, and advisers for the civil engineers.

Demeter kids are mainly agricultural engineers, and alongside Persephone kids, also environmental engineers.

Hermes and Iris kids are transportation engineers, and Hermes kids also focus on hospitality of Roman demigods and hunters.

Apollo kids are healthcare executives and administrators, and together with Dionysus kids, they focus on entertainment.

Aphrodite kids focus on the sociological aspects of urban planning.

Ares kids focus on safety and protection.

There are much more jobs as well, some predominantly run by other demigods (Hypnos, Hecate, etc), and some run by a mixture.

While the jobs are predominantly separated by lineage, any demigod is allowed to work any job they desire.

Frank and Hazel also send in Roman volunteers to provide assistance in the development process. In their words, "You need as many hands as possible to build a city from scratch".

Leo worked considerably on this as this was his chance to be in a place where he felt he belonged. It also felt like a way to honour Jason's legacy as Jason lived in New Rome but chose Camp Halfblood. Leo wholeheartedly believes that had Jason been alive, he would want nothing more than for Camp Halfblood to be a liveable and lively place.

Leo builds a monument in Jason's memory. It is engraved with the words "Lover, Brother, Friend, Praetor, Hero. Symbol of Roman and Greek Unity. Lightning Boy." When it was first revealed, he and Piper sat there all day, holding each other.

while piper offers all the help she can, she never once seriously considers living in New Athens. while her demigod lineage is something so integral to who she is, she would rather live in the outside world. Leo and Annabeth understand.

clarisse works on a monument for all heroes lost in the battle of manhattan. even though it was her idea, it still hurts to see Silena's name engraved on the marble.

dionysus pretends to hate it, despite having played a huge role in convincing the gods (especially Zeus) that this was a great idea. he never takes credit for that. annabeth only ever finds out through chiron, months after they started work.

the project takes years to complete, but it makes annabeth's world. she considers it one of her greatest achievements, if not the greatest; she has helped her people and the future generations to come. this work cannot be forgotten. her love for demigods is written all over the city, and so many generations will see it.

percy opens a small candy shop the first moment he can. it mostly sells blue candy.

leo finally opens a garage, becoming the best mechanic of New Athens.

annabeth continues working on architecture, helping build any new buildings and working on any expansions.

grover and juniper build a family together there, their home near the woods. percy, annabeth, and grover stay close the entire time.

piper visits often. she and leo always visit Jason's monument when she does, and they leave flowers every time.

will and nico own an apartment. will's still a doctor. nico becomes a teacher. it's a surreal feeling to be able to help kids feel safe and happy, something he did not often get at their age. they've adopted two cats together.

when hazel and frank have the opportunity, they visit as well. they visit nico and will whenever they can, and percy and annabeth and leo and piper as much as possible too. despite being tied down to new rome, they still love New Athens.

reyna and thalia only visit with the hunters, but both go to jason's monument together. they don't have to talk to understand each other.

chiron is happy. in his thousands of years of working at camp, he had never had the ability to see his pupils live long lives. even if they'd lived to their 80s+, they never did so at camp. it's a new experience for him, and to all greek halfbloods who could now feel safe as they grew older in a place that accepted them with open arms.

[reasonsforhope]

"When Francois Beyers first pitched the concept of 3D ocean farming to the Welsh regulators, he had to sketch it on napkins. 

Today the seafood farm is much more than a drawing, but if you walked along the Welsh coastal path near St David’s, all you’d see is a line of buoys. As Beyers puts it: “It’s what’s below that’s important.”

Thick tussles of lustrous seaweed suspend from the buoys, mussels cling to its furry connective ropes and dangling Chinese lantern-esque nets are filled with oysters and scallops. 

“It’s like an underwater garden,” says Beyers, co-founder of the community-owned regenerative ocean farm, Câr-y-Môr. The 3-hectare site is part of a fledgling sector, one of 12 farms in the UK, which key players believe could boost ocean biodiversity, produce sustainable agricultural fertiliser and provide year-round employment in areas that have traditionally been dependent on tourism. 

Created in 2020 by Beyers and six family members, including his father-in-law – an ex-shellfish farmer – the motivation is apparent in the name, which is Welsh for “for the love of the sea”. ...

Pictured: Drone shot of Câr-y-Môr, which is on the site of abandoned mussel farms. Image: Scott Chalmers

Ocean farming comes from the technical term ‘integrated multi-trophic aquaculture’, which means a mixture of different seaweed and shellfish species growing together to mutually benefit each other. But it’s not just a way of growing food with little human input, it also creates ocean habitat. 

“You’re creating a breeding ground for marine animals,” explains Beyers who adds that the site has seen more gannets diving, porpoises and seals – to name a few – since before the farm was established.

Ocean farms like Câr-y-Môr, notes Ross Brown – environmental research fellow at the University of Exeter – have substantial conservation benefits.

“Setting up a seaweed farm creates an exclusion zone so fishermen can’t trawl it,” explains Brown, who has been conducting experiments on the impacts of seaweed and shellfish farms across the UK. 

Brown believes a thriving ocean farming industry could provide solutions to the UK’s fish stock, which is in “a deeply troubling state” according to a report that found half of the key populations to be overfished. “It would create stepping stones where we have safe havens for fish and other organisms,” he adds. 

But UK regulators have adopted a cautious approach, note Brown and Beyers, making it difficult for businesses like Câr-y-Môr to obtain licenses. “It’s been a tough old slog,” says Beyers, whose aim is to change the legislation to make it easier for others to start ocean farms. 

Despite navigating uncharted territories, the business now has 14 full-time employees, and 300 community members, of which nearly 100 have invested in the community-benefit society. For member and funding manager Tracey Gilbert-Falconer, the model brings expertise but most importantly, buy-in from the tight-knit local community. 

“You need to work with the community than forcing yourself in,” she observes. 

And Câr-y-Môr is poised to double its workforce in 2024 thanks to a Defra grant of £1.1 million to promote and develop the Welsh seafood industry as part of the UK Seafood Fund Infrastructure Scheme. This will go towards building a processing hub, set to be operational in April, to produce agricultural fertiliser from seaweed. 

Full of mineral nutrients and phosphorous from the ocean, seaweed use in farming is nothing new, as Gilbert-Falconer notes: “Farmers in Pembrokeshire talk about their grandad going down to the sea and throwing [seaweed] on their farms.” 

But as the war in Ukraine has caused the price of chemical fertiliser to soar, and the sector tries to reduce its environmental impact – of which synthetic fertiliser contributes 5% of total UK emissions – farmers and government are increasingly looking to seaweed. 

The new hub will have capacity to make 65,000 litres of sustainable fertiliser annually with the potential to cover 13,000 acres of farmland. 

But to feed the processing hub, generate profit and reduce their dependency on grants, the co-op needs to increase the ocean farm size from three to 13 hectares. If they obtain licences, Beyers says they should break even in 18 months. 

For now, Beyers reflects on a “humbling” three years but revels in the potential uses of seaweed, from construction material to clothing.  

“I haven’t seen the limit yet,” he smiles."

-via Positive.News, February 19, 2024

[from-beyond-the-woods]

Alright I'll bite. I live in Israel, yes. I served in the army, yeah. Does Israel mistreat Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank? Absolutely. My friends who are still enlisted tell me about the shit show that goes in there every day. I get it, there are a million reasons to hate the government and the IDF and whoever else you point fingers to. No side is innocent.

But assholes on motorcycles and in pickup trucks broke through the fence, entered civilian towns and military outposts alike, and just started MASACARING EVERYONE. THIS SHIT IS UNPRECEDENTED. And some MIGHT tiptoe around the point, and say that taking over outposts is fair because it's an occupation force and colonialism and what have you, but for fucks sake

They entered civilian homes. They shot everyone who moved. In locked houses, they set the home on fire and shot the families as they fled. I heard the phone calls - people screaming and begging for their lives as terrorists are walking around their home, stealing possessions, massacring everyone.

They didn't just murder colonialists, militants, occupying forces. They murdered kids who should've gone to school today. Parents working local agriculture, teachers, normal guys with an office job. They murdered dozens of elderly people who couldn't run away.

Not only murdered. Kidnapped. Living and dead, put on pickup trucks and herded back to Gaza. Stripped naked, desecrated and paraded around Gaza. I dare you to tell me the party goers, who were at a rave near one of the Kibbutzim near the fence, deserved to be shot at as they ran to safety. Hundreds of people missing. My Instagram stories filled with their faces, and a phone number attached - "help us find our loved ones. Contact lost. If anyone knows anything-" and at this point I skip them because there's nothing I can do.

My friends are enlisted down there. We're just a bunch of 20 year olds. My best friend is defending one of the villages who were infiltrated, she's trading shots with gunmen who already murdered half the place, she's messaging me once in a while to let me know she's alive. She should've been home for the weekend, we were supposed to watch Chicago now that it's on Netflix. Now neither of us sleeps, she's putting her life on the line and I'm wide awake terrified of the moment they call me and tell me she's gone.

This is mostly a rant. If you read all of it, thanks. I live up north, no need to worry for my safety for now. I don't have a good ending for this. Just, stay safe, I guess.

[daisychainfiction]

We're so happy to welcome you home to Deerbourne!

Since our founding in 1967, Deerbourne United has been a safe haven for study, self-improvement, and healing.

Did You Know? The Deerbourne campus is home to one of the oldest standing structures in Hallowe County!

The administration building  - originally built as a private home in 1887, and then used as a wartime-orphanage – is a major hub of activity. Whether you need something from Crownie's Store, the mail center, or just to chat with our administrators – we're here seven days a week!

Fun Fact! 1965’s cult classic horror movie, Drake Gardens, was filmed right here at Thurman Hall! But don't worry, faint-of-heart! The original psychiatric hospital was remodelled in 1967!

All General Education courses are located in Thurman Hall. Whether you're just starting on your intellectual journey or you're expanding an existing foundation, this is the place for you. Thurman Hall features two libraries open for use 24/7.

P-U, D-U! What’s That Smell? Deerbourne United's agricultural buildings might be smelly, but they’re worth it!  Our focus on growing our own food means zero emissions and zero carbon footprint! We’re breaking ground on all kinds of new fertilization practices and farming techniques that are not only sustainable, but tasty, too!

Sterling Hall is our beautiful dormitory and Deerbourne’s renowned cafeteria. Our in-house cooks work tirelessly to keep their seasonally-rotating menu fresh and healthy. Let us take care of your nutrition so you can focus on everything else!

Ready to begin your new life here at Deerbourne? Confirm your spot today!

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DEERBOURNE is an upcoming 18+ interactive psychological horror. This work includes depictions of death, gore, violence, language, alcohol and drug use, sex, coercion/indoctrination, the supernatural, unreality, suicide, and other horror tropes. ﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

THE WATER OF THE WOMB

---MARIA, your mother (59)

Maria had never been quiet about her ambitions. She wanted it all – a lucrative career, a perfect family, a picket fence. Instead she settled as a bail bond agent, suffered a messy divorce, and birthed two radically different children.

While Maria was far from an easy person to live with, she loved you. Your relationship with your now-retired mother is smooth as silk.

---KIMBERLY, your sister (Deceased, age 22)

Kimberly left home without a word when she turned 16. She was always good at hiding, and that’s exactly what she did.

Three years ago, pregnant and hollow-eyed, she stumbled back into your life. Last year she stumbled out of it again – permanently this time.

---BUG, your niece godchild daughter (2)

Kimberly claimed Lily, “Bug”, was born cursed. You never put stock in your sister’s ranting... but then Kimberly died, and Bug was left in your unprepared care. Maybe Kimberly was right - or maybe she simply didn’t want to take ownership of the choices she was about to make.

Bug is selectively mute. You aren’t sure if you’ve ever heard her voice clearly.

---YOU, (28)

What is there to say about yourself? Your sister died and irreparably changed your life. You can’t decide if you hate her or love her. All you know is something drove Kimberly to do what she did, and you’re prepared to find out what. But are you prepared for the cost?

THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT

---FLORENCE DEERLY (she/her)

Your Boss Headmistress

Some days, Headmistress Deerly cycles between the classrooms and libraries, taking notes. Sometimes, she flits around the administration hall with a warm smile and helpful hand.

Other days, Headmistress Deerly walks the campus perimeter, cloaked in the woods’ shadows. She is always too far away to hear you. She is always gone by the time you look again.

---SILAS CHEN (RO, he/him)

Head Administrator

Silas has a habit of disappearing - into a book, into his mind, into a crowd. He seems to enjoy this.

When Headmistress Deerly is around, however, Silas becomes... someone else. He does not seem to enjoy this.

---ANNIKA NEUMANN (RO, she/her)

Agricultural Management

You could swear the crops lean closer when Annika enters the greenhouse. Likewise, the livestock will happily follow her anywhere - even to their slaughter.

Annika refuses to speak with you. She does, however, leave pretty rocks on your doorstep.

---VARDAH OSMAN (RO, she/her)

Head Librarian

Vardah has an apartment off of the library’s left wing, but you have a sneaking suspicion that she isn’t using it.

Especially now that her perfume is the first thing you smell when you enter your kitchen every morning.

---HUNTER COOKE (RO, he/him)

Baker

Hunter won’t admit that he’s using a fake name despite your best efforts. It’s hard to care when he buys your silence with confections.

His laugh is sugar-sweet, but he always seems panicked when you’re alone together.

---JORDAN MORALES (RO, they/them)

Porter, Kennel Master

Between the Doberman at their side and the handgun on their hip, Mx Morales makes a strong first impression. Lucky for you, it was a peaceful one.

They always smile when they see you, but it never reaches their eyes.

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DEMO COMING SOON

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This blog is still under construction! Bear with me - I'm more focused on coding the Demo :)

[zedecksiew]

Monument vs Shrine

In "Replica, Aura, and Late Nationalist Imaginings", the political scientist Benedict Anderson (most famous for his Southeast Asia scholarship and that definitive critique of nationalism, Imagined Communities) muses on the Lincoln memorial:

Within a temple explicitly mimicking "the religious edifices of a safely pagan Greece";

Mazda Corp floodlights designed "to ward off unnatural, indifferent sunlight";

The abstract enshrinements of "Lincoln's memory" in the "hearts of the people", while neither Lincoln's actual remains or any rites for people to perform are present;

The sense that ultimately the most reverential thing to do there is to take photographs.

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The Lincoln Memorial; the Jefferson memorial next to it; both figures repeated again on Mt Rushmore; both figures repeated ad nauseum on dollar bills.

These monuments are designed to proliferate. Not only must they create a sober, stately experience for the visitor---but they must also do so consistently, because they are built for visitors: the mass audience of the national population.

Otherwise they must be physically replicable: a memorial to a particular national hero, erected in every city.

The very format of monument-building get copied:

Post-colonial countries, in need of new myths, choose to manufacture national cenotaphs of their own, in imitation of Western models.

Malaysia has Putrajaya, a federal capital sprung ex nihilo from palm-oil agricultural land, its buildings all arches and onion domes and imitation arc de triomphes in inhuman scale, its avenues broad and utterly unwalkable in the tropical heat.

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At such monuments the citizen is cast as tourist.

Of this state-sanctioned object of devotion you are encouraged to take photographs, sell merchandise---ie: continue the process of replication. With every copy nationalism is reified.

God forbid you tweak the official monument with your own meanings, though! While writing this post, I found the following story, from December 2023:

"Lincoln Memorial temporarily closed after being vandalized with 'Free Gaza' graffiti"

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Anderson's essay cites instances where the personal and irreproducible sneak back into, or leak out from, or vandalise, national monuments:

"Early in the 1910s,"---in Manila's Cementerio del Norte, a municipal cemetery planned by an American urban designer---"a small pantheon was constructed for the interment of Filipino national heroes."

This monument was to emulate the Pantheon in Paris, where "great Frenchmen" of the national canon are memorialised.

But the Filipino version failed.

"Today, hardly anyone in the Philippines is aware of this dilapidated pantheon's existence ... What has happened is that the Filipino Voltaire and Rousseau have managed to escape, summoning devoted, often familial bodysnatchers, to convey them to home-town shrines."

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Not that the municipal cemetery itself is deserted. Custodians and their families live in the very mausoleums they care for.

Further, Anderson describes All Saints' Eve in the Cementerio del Norte, when thousands pour into its precincts.

But these multitudes adjourn to their own myriad family graves and small ancestral shrines: spending the day with immediate loved ones, "drinking, praying, gambling, making offerings ..."

Most of the Philippines' presidents have mausoleums in Norte, "but no one pays attention to them ... and only their separate descendants come to attend them."

"There is something exhilarating here that one rarely sees in national celebrations, maybe because the structure of the ceremonial is not serial, but entirely cellular."

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Hometowns re-exerting themselves within the nation; ordinary people scrawling meaning onto the edifices of the uppercase-P People. A multitude of the singular, instead of a single mass.

Despite nationalism's efforts to centralise and clone a national identity, still we mutate, still we bootleg, still we graffiti, becoming once again ourselves.

And---particular to post-colonial societies---in doing so we casually continue the work of liberation, sneaking the idea of freedom away from our own architects and elites and prime ministers, who would seek to seize its meaning for their own purposes.

The churches or mosques or temples to demos that the federal government builds are ours to transform. To take from. To ignore.

"No need. We've got our own shrines at home."

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National heroes become local saints and slip out of national control.

Does the Filipino government really control the various Rizalista sects? Karpal Singh is now a datuk kong, without his political dynasty's consent.

Across Melaka and Negeri Sembilan there once existed shrines dedicated to Hang Tuah, Malay folk hero, now a powerful figurehead of Malay-Muslim ethno-nationalism.

One such shrine existed at Tanjung Tuan:

With a plain altar---more a porch, really---of poured cement, for folk to leave food offerings;

Sunlight mottled from the surrounding forest, and fluorescent lights from a nearby gazebo;

A large rock, with an indent on its crown, said to be Hang Tuah's actual footprint;

The idea that this was a sacred space, where you could come to ask the spirits of the place for love or children.

The shrine that existed was sited in a forest reserve. It was swept clean of leaves by locals; its adherents belonged to all faiths and ethnicities; following the transactional logic of folk religion, those who had received its blessing would've paid for its maintenance.

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"Existed".

Because the Religious Department of the State of Melaka destroyed the Hang Tuah shrine sometime in 2022, for the crime of idolatry.

A double heresy. An affront to both orthodox Sunni Islam---

But also to the Malaysian state, that sanctions Sunni Islam as its official religion; whose nationalism requires its mythic hero to have only the attributes and magics the state ulama and historians say he must have---and no others.

Local shrines are destroyed, because the nation-state intuits them to be threats to its exclusive franchise.

+

Image sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_five-dollar_bill https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arc_de_Triomphe https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putrajaya https://www.facebook.com/PilipinasRetrostalgia https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/984521.shtml https://www.facebook.com/PerakPress https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malays_(ethnic_group)

[azrielslittleslut]

"The Lost Queen"- Chapter 1

Azriel x Fem!Reader

Summary: A magical incident causes Azriel to unexpectedly tumble through a portal into modern-day Earth. Confused and injured, he is discovered by a compassionate human woman with a hidden past. She takes care of him and helps him discover the complexities of the modern world, completely unaware of who she truly is. Meanwhile, Azriel struggles with his conflicting desires: his duty to the Night Court and his growing love for the woman who saved him.

Their journey unfolds amidst ancient prophecies and the looming threat in Prythian. As they uncover the truth about forces conspiring against them, they must confront their deepest fears and make choices that will change their lives and the world forever.

Warnings: language, also kinda angsty, magic being weird

Word Count: 2.8k

series masterlist

a/n: hello, it's me.. the most impatient person ever. posting early because i have no self-control. enjoy!

Prythian, Present Day

Azriel stood at the edge of the Whispering Woods, his shadows swirling around his shoulders and wings. He listened intently to their whispers, knowing they would warn him of any sudden dangers. The Mother only knew what terrors could be lurking in these woods, and he needed to keep all of his defenses up to return to Velaris safely. He looked up, feeling somewhat small standing beneath the tall, ancient trees that towered overhead.

Nobody knew how the Whispering Woods were created. The legends of old said they were created by a powerful Fae guardian, long before Prythian even came into existence. Before this mission, he had read countless texts trying to uncover some information to help him prepare, all to no avail.

Still, he had decided it was worth the risk. His family and his court were in danger. Hell, all of Prythian was in danger.

The first sign of trouble had occurred a few months ago. It had started with a disturbance in the natural weather of the courts. A harsh winter had happened in the Spring Court, and a blazing summer happened in the Winter Court. Horrible thunderstorms, unlike anything Azriel had ever seen, had pounded Velaris, causing damage to the buildings in the city. In all corners of the world, the weather became unpredictable.

The blight hadn’t stopped there. It began to affect the plants, which in turn caused absolute turmoil in the agriculture of the courts. Az had heard rumors of plants growing rapidly, while others died altogether. Some people were starving while others were rejoicing.

The last straw had happened once it started affecting the magic. Azriel remembered the day Rhys’s power completely gave out, almost causing the Night Court to descend into utter turmoil. Suddenly, his power had returned in such an overwhelming wave that he had blacked out for a few moments. He could no longer use his daemati gifts because, sometimes, he would inadvertently project his thoughts into someone else’s mind, or he would get overwhelmed by the thoughts of others.

Azriel had never seen his brother in so much distress, not even when Feyre had been pregnant. His ability to lead the Night Court was being questioned, as he was unable to remain stable enough in his magic to rule.

This is why Azriel stood at the edge of this ancient forest, searching for an artifact that probably no longer existed. The Moonstone Amulet was rumored to have the ability to heal the land. Supposedly, it can harness healing magic, soothing whatever dark forces were at work.

The only problem: nobody had ever seen it. Its existence was all based on legend and hearsay, but Amren was convinced that it was placed in these woods centuries ago by an ancient Fae goddess.

Now, the trust had been placed in Azriel to find the damned thing. He had agreed, of course. He hadn’t questioned Rhys as his brother had borderline begged on his knees for him to start a search. If anyone could find it, it would be Azriel.

The Spymaster of the Night Court never failed a mission, especially when those he loved were in danger.

Azriel took a deep breath as he stepped into the thick mist of the woods. “You are immortal,” he murmured to himself, recalling the words that had gotten him through the darkest times. “You are very hard to break.”

Although it was dark, the air shimmered with a strange glow. The mist was so thick, it clung to every surface. Azriel squinted his eyes, struggling to see through it.  He relied on his shadows to guide him, listening to their soft voice.

This way, they murmured into his ear. Follow the pulsing.

In the distance, Azriel could indeed hear a faint pulsing sound. It sounded like the beat of a war drum, only softer and less threatening. He felt a wave of unnatural calm wash over him, easing his nerves. He walked on, feeling like he was in a trance, but he couldn’t stop. The pulsing got louder and louder, and his heart started to beat in time with the rhythm. Even his shadows had calmed, content to lounge on his shoulders as he stumbled through the dead leaves.

Suddenly, the mist parted, revealing an opening in the trees. The pulsing beat stopped, and Azriel groaned as a tidal wave of ancient power washed over his body. He came back to himself, blinking rapidly as the fog cleared from his mind. He staggered back, unsheathing Truth-Teller from his thigh. He held the blade high and level, and he willed his mind into a cool calm. His cobalt siphon pulsed, preparing to strike against any danger.

Another wave of that power roared through the clearing, knocking Azriel down to his knees. His siphons winked out, the swirling blue in them turning black, as if they had been drained. It took his five centuries of training to keep his hold on his dagger.

His shadows swirled around him, preparing to winnow him back home. “No,” he snarled at them. “I have to finish this.” He stood on shaking legs, taking small steps forward until he stood at the center of the clearing. He stopped as a faint glow caught his eye. It had an iridescent sheen, and he could see the moonlight reflected in it, almost like a mirror.

The Moonstone Amulet.

Under normal circumstances, Azriel would have let himself feel a little prideful at his discovery. After all, he had just found a lost artifact. But these were not normal circumstances, and if he were being honest, he was about to shit himself in fear.

Without thinking, he ran towards the glowing light, reaching out his scarred hand to grab it. His shadows surrounded him once again, ready to take him far away from this gods-forsaken place once he had it in his grasp.

His fingers had barely touched it when everything went to shit.

His shadows dispersed, recoiling as a power he had never felt pelted his body. His skin turned to ice, and he was frozen where he stood. The wind stopped. All sound stopped. It was as if time itself stood still.

Azriel looked at the reflection in the stone, and a terror he had never felt washed over him. He could see figures, like people moving about. He saw great metal things roaming across the land. He saw massive buildings and bright lights. He felt as if he were having an out-of-body experience.

He couldn’t move. He couldn’t breathe.

Bright light seared from the stone, hitting him in the head. He fell back hard against the earth, unable to keep Truth-Teller in his hand. His wings were bent at an awkward angle, causing him to cry out in agony. A deafening ringing sound filled his ears, and he fought like hell to stay conscious.

He wouldn’t die like this. He had a court to protect, to defend. He had his friends, his family…

Reality warped and shifted, and Azriel dug his fingers into the cold ground as voices and whispers filled his head. They echoed softly, their words carrying a strange cadence. It was a language he had never heard, but he slowly started to understand. The words flowed over him, punctuated by an accent unknown to the world of Prythian.

His heart stuttered and his breath was sucked out of his lungs as he was pulled into the stone. He cried out as he heard a voice speak, so cold it was devoid of all emotion.

“Across the veil, in worlds apart,

A warrior's heart seeks its counterpart.

Where ancient blood and shadows meet,

 The lost queen's reign, his fate shall greet.”

Maybe he would die like this.

For a moment, faces flashed across Azriel’s blurred vision. He saw Rhys and Feyre laughing as they watched Nyx. He saw Nesta and Cassian in the training ring with Gwyn and Emerie. He even saw Elain, working diligently in her beloved garden. He heard Mor and Amren laughing together, but the sound and sights were gobbled up by the throbbing pain in his head.

He had failed them.

As Azriel’s body was pulled apart, he sent out a quick prayer of forgiveness to the Mother. Protect them. Help them.

At last, he closed his eyes, welcoming the sweet darkness that overtook him.

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

New Orleans, Louisiana, Present Day

High above mountain peaks, you soar through the sky, wings ablaze with fire. Down below, you can see a battle raging, the forces of light and darkness clashing with brute strength. On silent wings, you descend into the chaos, igniting the enemy with the flames from your wings. You hear them scream as they burn.

You hear people cry out and cheer in a chant of victory.

“Rise up!” they roar as you fly overhead. “Rise up, rise up, rise up-“

You jolt awake, sitting up straight in bed. Your body is covered in sweat, and the sheets are tangled around your waist. You place a hand on your chest, forcing yourself to calm your breathing.

This was nothing new, so you didn’t know why these dreams still affected you. You have been having some variation of the dream since you were a child. At one point, your parents had been so distraught, they thought it was best to take you to a psychiatrist.

“She just has an active imagination,” the woman had said. You had laughed internally at the diagnosis while you were staring at the degrees lining the walls of her office. She had a lifetime of student debt, and the only diagnosis she could offer was an active imagination.

Apparently, you still had an active imagination twenty-five and a half years later.

Once your heart rate calmed, you looked over at the clock on your nightstand. Three o’clock in the morning, on the dot. For some reason, you always wake up from these strange dreams at this time. You laugh softly, remembering what the locals always said about “the witching hour.”

A time when supernatural activity is heightened, and the veil between worlds is at its thinnest.

You didn’t believe in all of that voodoo bullshit. Your body just hated you, and it always woke you up at the most ungodly hours.

With a loud sigh, you decided it was best to do what you always did when this happened: go for a walk. You still had a few hours before your shift at the hospital, and that was the only way to clear your mind. Plus, you knew it was better than any medicine that a phony psychiatrist would have given you.

You quickly threw on a hoodie, a pair of black leggings, and some tennis shoes. You didn’t bother doing anything with your hair, even though it was plastered to your face from sweat.

Who was going to see you at this hour anyway?

Making your way out of the front door, you breathe in the smell of the bayou. The air was thick with the scent of cypress and oak trees, and the earthy smell calmed your nerves. This was why you had decided to move out of the city once you were old enough.

Bayou St. John was located next to City Park and the bayou, but still close enough to the city for work. Overlooking the water, your cottage in the small town was the epitome of Southern charm. It has a front porch with hanging baskets of flowers and vines. It was traditional Creole style, but still modern enough that you didn’t feel old living there. You had saved for years to purchase the place, but all of that work had been worth it.

Making your way down the gravel driveway, you turned right at the edge of the water. You smiled at the sound of the cicadas singing their songs to the twinkling stars above. It was a calm night in the bayou, and you silently thanked your past self for moving here.

You took back your thanks when you felt a presence fill the air. You stopped walking, and even the cicadas went silent. Your breathing was loud in the now-silent night. You shivered as you felt an otherworldly cold come over you. You wrapped your arms around yourself, holding your hoodie close to your body.

“Fuck this,” you murmured to yourself, turning around to walk back to the house. The strange feeling in the air intensified, and the air started to shimmer around you.

What the actual fuck?

You broke out into a sprint, your eyes locked on your front door. You were so close. Only a few more seconds and you would be back inside the safety of your home. Your mind scrambled as you tried to think of what to do. Do you call the cops? Do you call your parents? Were you still dreaming?

Yeah, that’s it. You were still dreaming.

You started to shake yourself, trying to wake up.

From the corner of your eye, you saw something move in the water. You stopped running, slowing down to a jog. More than likely, it was an alligator or something, but your curiosity had you jogging over to it.

You started to walk towards the form, taking small steps until your feet almost touched the edge of the water. It was black, wrapped in something that looked like leather, almost scale-like. You bent down, turning your head to the side to get a better look.

You remembered laughing at horror movies with your friends, wondering how the main characters always managed to get themselves killed.

Well, this was how.

Despite the warning bells going off in your head, you reached down to grab onto the scales. Beneath your fingers, you felt warmth, as if it were alive. You pulled, leaning back against the damp earth for leverage. The form was dead weight, but it moved with you as you haul it out of the murky water. Once it is pulled free, you were able to get a good look.

You scream as you see a hand, a fucking hand, lying against the grass. It was covered in brutal scars, the swirled and smudged skin covering every inch. You covered your mouth as you saw black hair through the darkness, splayed in wet tendrils on the grass.

There was a body outside of your house.

You scrambled back, trying to get away. How did they get here? Are they alive? Do I need to call the cops now?

You stood up and started to pace, cradling your face in your hands. “Breathe,” you tell yourself. “Just breathe. It’s just a body in the bayou. Nothing weird about it.”

All right, it was really weird. But if you were honest with yourself, your whole life had been weird. Between the strange dreams and the constant feeling like you didn’t belong here, you had grown accustomed to seeing weird shit happen.

You decided it was best to at least haul the body the rest of the way out of the water. That way, when the cops got here, you could say you tried to help the poor soul.

You pulled at the person’s clothes, your muscles straining at the weight. He was definitely a man. Beneath your fingers, you could feel cords of muscle, and a part of you was sorry that you hadn’t met him while he was alive.

As you finished pulling him out of the water, he rolled onto his back, and you were stopped dead in your tracks as you took in the most beautiful face you had ever seen. He was all sharp angles, with full luscious lips that looked rather kissable.

“Stop thinking like that. He’s dead, you freak.” Still, he was rather pretty to look at.

You looked at his chest, taking in the straps crisscrossing over it. They looked like they were made to hold weapons or something. Maybe he was into cosplay? You knew many hot men who were into that. You were so caught up in your thoughts that you almost didn’t see his chest moving.

Holy shit. He’s breathing.

You fell onto your knees beside him. You started to slap his face as you said, “Sir! Sir, wake up!” You did nothing to hide the panic in your voice. Had he inhaled water? “I need to call an ambulance.”

You started to stand but were stopped by a hand wrapped around your wrist. Slowly, you turned around, and you were met with a hazel-eyed stare.

Eyes that were full of confusion… and utter agony. You met his gaze, and you filled your eyes with as much compassion as you could.

At that moment, there was an inner voice inside your head, telling you that your whole life was about to change.

I should have just stayed in bed.

tag list: @starofanotherworld @lilah-asteria @melmo567 @xxemmarldxx @a-frog-with-a-laptop @saltedcoffeescotch @that-one-bibliophole @happyt0exist

[batboyblog]

Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #22

June 7-14 2024

Vice-President Harris announced that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is moving to remove medical debt for people's credit score. This move will improve the credit rating of 15 million Americans. Millions of Americans struggling with debt from medical expenses can't get approved for a loan for a car, to start a small business or buy a home. The new rule will improve credit scores by an average of 20 points and lead to 22,000 additional mortgages being approved every year. This comes on top of efforts by the Biden Administration to buy up and forgive medical debt. Through money in the American Rescue Plan $7 billion dollars of medical debt will be forgiven by the end of 2026. To date state and local governments have used ARP funds to buy up and forgive the debt of 3 million Americans and counting.

The EPA, Department of Agriculture, and FDA announced a joint "National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics". The Strategy aimed to cut food waste by 50% by 2030. Currently 24% of municipal solid waste in landfills is food waste, and food waste accounts for 58% of methane emissions from landfills roughly the green house gas emissions of 60 coal-fired power plants every year. This connects to $200 million the EPA already has invested in recycling, the largest investment in recycling by the federal government in 30 years. The average American family loses $1,500 ever year in spoiled food, and the strategy through better labeling, packaging, and education hopes to save people money and reduce hunger as well as the environmental impact.

President Biden signed with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy a ten-year US-Ukraine Security Agreement. The Agreement is aimed at helping Ukraine win the war against Russia, as well as help Ukraine meet the standards it will have to be ready for EU and NATO memberships. President Biden also spearheaded efforts at the G7 meeting to secure $50 billion for Ukraine from the 7 top economic nations.

HHS announced $500 million for the development of new non-injection vaccines against Covid. The money is part of Project NextGen a $5 billion program to accelerate and streamline new Covid vaccines and treatments. The investment announced this week will support a clinical trial of 10,000 people testing a vaccine in pill form. It's also supporting two vaccines administered as nasal sprays that are in earlier stages of development. The government hopes that break throughs in non-needle based vaccines for Covid might be applied to other vaccinations thus making vaccines more widely available and more easily administered.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced $404 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and the region. This brings the total invested by the Biden administration in the Palestinians to $1.8 billion since taking office, over $600 million since the war started in October 2023. The money will focus on safe drinking water, health care, protection, education, shelter, and psychosocial support.

The Department of the Interior announced $142 million for drought resilience and boosting water supplies. The funding will provide about 40,000 acre-feet of annual recycled water, enough to support more than 160,000 people a year. It's funding water recycling programs in California, Hawaii, Kansas, Nevada and Texas. It's also supporting 4 water desalination projects in Southern California. Desalination is proving to be an important tool used by countries with limited freshwater.

President Biden took the lead at the G7 on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. The PGI is a global program to connect the developing world to investment in its infrastructure from the G7 nations. So far the US has invested $40 billion into the program with a goal of $200 billion by 2027. The G7 overall plans on $600 billion by 2027. There has been heavy investment in the Lobito Corridor, an economic zone that runs from Angola, through the Democratic Republic of Congo, to Zambia, the PGI has helped connect the 3 nations by rail allowing land locked Zambia and largely landlocked DRC access Angolan ports. The PGI also is investing in a $900 million solar farm in Angola. The PGI got a $5 billion dollar investment from Microsoft aimed at expanding digital access in Kenya, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The PGI's bold vision is to connect Africa and the Indian Ocean region economically through rail and transportation link as well as boost greener economic growth in the developing world and bring developing nations on-line.

[familysafe04]

farming and agriculture

Explore the latest advancements in agriculture technology and farming practices in Lowa. This resource offers comprehensive insights into modern agriculture solutions, including precision farming, smart irrigation systems, and cutting-edge tools designed to enhance farming efficiency and productivity. Whether you’re deeply involved in agriculture or simply interested in the future of farming, this guide provides valuable information on integrating technology into agriculture and optimizing your farming operations. Bookmark this page to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in Millersburg’s agriculture sector.

[astrocafecoffee]

Asteroid observations☄️

Part 01

✨For entertainment purposes only, enjoy ✨

🧙 Cybele (65) in 1st house in natal chart : potential success in careers related to agriculture, environmental conservation, nurturing or sustain the world.

🧙 Hygiea (10) asteroid in 5th house of natal chart : 5th house governs creativity, self expression etc. When this asteroid is in your 5th house it suggests that theme related to health and wellness may play a significant role in your career path.

🧙 Orpheus (3361) asteroid in 1st house synastry: strong artistic and creative connected between both of you. Also indicate shared interest in exploring spirituality together.

🧙 Osiris(1923) asteroid conjunct juno in synastry: there is deep sense of commitment and partnership in this relationship and a strong desire to create a family together.

🧙 Hestia(46) conjunct juno in composite chart: both partner may find comfort in each other presence, a safe place where both partner can be themselves fully and authentically.

🧙 Thalia(23) asteroid in 11th house of juno persona chart: your fs maybe actively involved in group activities, social cause, or community organization. They are outgoing, sociable, and well connected with their respective community.

🧙 Apollo asteroid in 7th house of juno persona chart : your fs may possess artistic talent, creativity or involved in the artistic career.

🧙 Fama in 7th house of juno persona chart: your fs maybe famous/ have public recognition. They have wide network of friends. Others drawn to their magnetic personality, very successful in their respective field.

🧙 Union (1585) asteroid in 1st house of groom persona chart: you may meet your fs through social events, through mutual friends, through work or collaborative projects.

🧙 Astarte(672) in 7th house synastry: romantic connection occurred. Both individual deeply connected to each other happiness and well being. Indication of long term relationship.

🧙 Cupido (763) asteroid in 1st house of composite chart: indicator of soulmates. Destined to be together.

🧙 Juno(3) conjunct sun in Libra in composite chart: marriage indicator. Relationship maybe in the public eye.

Thank you ❤️

Stay tuned 😽🥳 lovelies.

[topmalereaderblog]

Captain John Price // Fluff ABC 🌸

A - Affection (How do they show their love):

He shows his affection by displaying it. He isn't scared of what others think, and with the line of work you both have, anything can happen, so he would love to have you in his arms and vice versa.

B - Beauty (What made them fall for you):

He loves the fact that you're committed to your work, but what sealed the deal for him would be your loyalty to those you trust and how much people respect you. Hell, when you take charge of a situation, he can feel your authority just like everyone else and would admire how responsible you are.

“Okay, everyone, this is what we're gonna do….”

“Captain, are you okay?” Soap asked as you decided to take control.

“Um- Yeah, Yeah, I'm fine; why?” he responded. 

“You look distracted,” soap smirked.

John felt himself turn red at that moment and just wanted to die; lucky everyone else was too busy listening to you to realize what was happening.

C - Caring (How do they show they care):

He listens and pays attention to everything you say to him. Everything about you is important, so he would make an effort to try and remember what it is that you said to try and impress you. He would also show he cares about you by ensuring you're safe, comfortable, and well-situated.

“Shit, it's fucking freezing,” you said as you wrapped your arms around yourself. 

“Here, take my coat,” he said, getting ready to remove it. 

“It's fine-”

“I insist; please take it. I’m not taking no for an answer,” he said, looking at you with his coat in his hands.

“Fine, but only if we take turns,” you told him.“Okay,” he smiled at himself, feeling warmer than usual, even out in the cold.

D - Domestic (How do they like to spend time):

When he and you take a break from work, he wants to spend every moment with you. It's the only time when you both don't have to worry much about being responsible and get to let loose. He also loves having actual date nights with you and getting to know the more domestic side of you.

The smell of bacon and eggs was very prominent around the apartment as John woke up from a good sleep, hearing music as he opened the door to the small hallway.

“Oh, say you'll always be my baby; we can make it shine” John smiles to himself as you move your hips and sing. 

“We can take forever, just a minute at a time, ah.” 

“More than a woman” John decides to join your small party holding a spatula.

E - Entertainment (What do they do for fun):

Gardening; he grew up in Herefordshire, where they are big on agriculture, and it is no surprise that he likes gardens too. He has your tiny balcony filled with plants, which you also help maintain. He loves the fact that you're willing to help and that you care just as much as he does for wildlife. He also likes to draw something about himself that gives me that idea.

“John, that's pretty good,” you complimented him as he drew the landscape from your balcony.

“You think?” he asked, his eyes still focused on the canvas in front of him.

“Yes, babe, we should have it framed and hung in the living room,” you told him and gave him a quick peck on his cheek, leaving him to ensure you were not bothering. 

John just smiles to himself, the tip of his ears red and his chest puffing with pride.

F - Family (Do they want a family):

He definitely wants a family with you, but first, he would love to ensure you both have the necessary resources to care for children. Once those kids are ready to move out of the womb, expect to see him cry.  “I just got news of the surrogate,” you yelled as you ran to him. “What is it? Is she fine?” he asked with panic in his voice. “We're gonna be dads!” you yelled as you tackled him to the ground, “Really-” he asked with disbelief as he settled the new information. “I'm gonna be a dad!” he asked, shouting while you both were hugging, still on the ground with tears in his eyes.

G - Gentle  (How do they destress):

He loves it when you give him a good message as a destresser. It gets the job done and also helps him relax after a long day of work. He also loves taking baths with you, most preferably with his back against your chest he likes feeling your arms wrapped around him.  “Thank you, lover boy, it feels good,” John said as you rubbed his back. “It's okay, John, just relax, okay,” you replied. “Mmm” was all he said as he slowly fell asleep. 

H - Home (What's their dream home):

His dream home is living in the countryside with you, with a beautiful home with a wrapped-around porch and lots of land to farm in. I would assume there would also be a small section saved for a playground for any future kids. He would also have a nice porch swing built for the both of you to enjoy. The home itself would be very taken care of after all; that's where the both of you will grow old.  “You know, one day I want to own a farm where I grew up,'' John said as you were both lying in bed.  “That sounds very nice and peaceful compared to the city,” you said as you turned to look at him.  “I'm gonna marry you and give you kids someday and also give you the home you want, you know that, right,” you said as you kissed his lips. “Well see, lover boy, Well see,” he said, smiling and kissing you back. 

I - Interactions (How do they communicate):

You both are very open with communication. You don't keep secrets, and when something is wrong, you tell each other straight away. You both also do this thing where if there's a heated argument, you both will walk away and talk to each other when things cool down on both sides. You also have a truth jar where when you both are too scared to say something, you write it down, and the other pulls it out and reads it. Usually containing dirty secrets. “I put something in the jar,” John asked as you approached him.  “Okay, well, let's read it,”' you said as he nodded with a red face. He saw as you began to read the small note.  “Well then, why don't we get prepared? '' You smirked.  “Okay,” he said, now speed-walking to your shared bedroom. 

J - Jealousy (Do they get jealous):

Yes, you both get jealous, but it's not your actions that make each other jealous, it's the fact that people walk up to you attempting to flirt that gets you both riled up, and this is where the communication stuff comes in. You both talk it up and try to understand each other as much as possible. However, other than that, you both hardly get jealous and laugh at the situation later.  “You know she's not that cute, right,” you told a pouting John. “You think-”  “Oh, trust me, I know, so besides, with all that makeup, she should be in a circus,” you said as he chuckled. “Well played, just saved yourself a breakup,” he said as you both began to laugh at the situation. 

K - Kisses (How do they like to kiss):

He loves kisses in general, whether it be on his cheek or lips; he doesn't really care so long as he gets a kiss at least once per day. If you are both on a mission, you always make sure you have a kiss goodbye just in case things go sideways and also just for reassurance since he wants to make sure you are actually there. “Okay, ready?” John looked at you with worry in his eyes. “Yup- don't die, please,” you said to John as you finished putting on your uniforms. “I'll try not to,” he smirked as he started walking out. John felt a hand on his hips as he was pushed to the wall, suddenly feeling lips on his own. “Just in case,” you walked out, leaving a flustered Captain. 

L - Love (Who says “I love you” first):

He was the first to say, “I love you ''. It was after a mission, and you got badly injured on his watch. He felt extremely guilty and stayed with you as you were knocked out in a hospital bed. He honestly didn't know what came over him, but he just said it as if something had taken over his body. Maybe it was guilt or sadness or emotions that have bottled up with time that is now being released. He didn't care much at that moment; all he knew was that he loved you, and that's all that mattered.  “I… I- I love you,” John said as he held your hand while you were asleep. “I know you can hear me, so please - please don't leave me not yet, okay?” he said in a questioning tone.  “I love you, M/N, just keep fighting; please wake up soon,” he said as he got up to leave since it was pretty late.

M - Marriage (Do they want to get married):

There's no questioning it. John is a very simple yet traditional man with high morals, which means he only dates to marry and waits until marriage for the devil's tango. Still, since he joined his job at a relatively young age, he has zero experience, and no one has interested him much, well, at least until you showed up. “Look, I'm going to be honest with you” he took a deep breath. “I never dated anyone, and I usually always told myself to date if I know I want to get married, but my job hasn't given me much time to look, if you get what I mean.”  “But when I told you I loved you, it was true, and I hope you understand,” he ended, waiting for a response.  “Well, I guess I'm gonna have to be your first and your last,” you said with a smile as you hugged him. “I love you, John, and I'm willing to wait for as long as you need, okay….”  “Okay”

N - Nicknames (What pet/nicknames do you have for each other):

His nickname to you is ‘lover boy.’ He got that nickname for you when you both were talking about your future together, and with his hopelessly romantic self, it just felt right at the moment.  His nickname is something simple, nothing too extravagant it's just babe, but as a way to tease him, you also call him Captain very often as well. I mean, in reality, it was basically the first thing you called him when you met.  “Good afternoon, Captain,” you said as you walked past him into the bathroom. “I'm gonna be Captain from now on?” John looked at you with a smirk. “Depends if you can listen to orders, Captain~,” you said teasingly. “Well then, lover boy, what's my first assignment?”  “Wash the dishes I cooked you clean,” you said with a chuckle as you went to the closet. “You know what I meant” he yelled as he chuckled and walked to the kitchen. 

O - Opposites (What's something you don't have in common):

You guys have a lot in common, but something that stands out is your love for comic books. He finds your hobby cute, especially when you tell him about it and just start rambling on and on about it. But it's not something he usually reads though he did like one comic, which is most like Batman.

P - Proposal (How do they propose):

You both proposed simultaneously. Since you're both pretty romantic, you both decided to propose during your anniversary of being together, which happened to land on a day when you had a mission. After returning back to the base, you both wasted no time in dropping to your knee. The task force was very supportive, but they also found it funny that you both had the same idea. As you and the task force walked back to the force, you sped up to John, who was talking to Simon. “John, I have something to ask,” you said nervously.  “I do, too, but do you want to go first? I can-” “How about we just both say it at the same time, then explain, yeah….” you said with a small smile. John was definitely contemplating and fighting his thoughts. “Okay,” he said with a deep breath. “WILL YOU MARRY ME” 

Q - Quaint (What is their favorite non-modern thing):

His favorite non-modern thing to do with you is gardening and taking walks, depending on your location. Though there was this one time when you both decided to slow dance together in your living room. “I love you,” John said as you both swayed to the soft music. “I love you too, babe,” you said as you stared into his eyes and kissed him softly. “Until we're old and gray,” you said as you leaned back from the kiss. “Until we're old and gray,” he repeated, going in for another kiss.

R - Respect (How do they show/earn/get respect):

He respected you long before you got together. As I mentioned, you were very professional and responsible with your job, and it was very inspiring with how much effort you put into it. However, when you got together, that respect definitely went up a lot higher. 

S - Sleeping (How do they usually sleep):

You both are hopeless romantics, and no one can say otherwise. You both like physical contact, and with your jobs, it just reinforces it even more. Though he does snore a bit, but not often either. You both take turns to see who will be, the big spoon and the little spoon.  You woke up to the feeling of John pressing his back against your chest, mostly to a bad dream.  “I'm here, babe; it's okay.” “Mm~”  You kissed his forehead and went back to sleep with the man you loved in your arms. 

T - Teamwork (How well do you work with each other):

You guys ride or die; literally, you're always there for each other and making sure the other is safe, and when you both go into a relationship, it's no different. You're always looking out for one another and ensuring the other is okay.  “You both are so gross,” Soap said as you and John kissed. “You just wish you had someone like that,” said Gaz as he walked away. “Take that back, you little shit,” he yelled, chasing after Gaz. 

U - Unique (What something they do that makes them stand out):

His ability to live in harsh conditions. That is something you always found unique about him. He's gotten so used to being out on the field that every move he makes is always so strategized and very well calculated, and the fact that he never gives up. He also loves to build stuff for the house; when you both eventually marry and settle, he will build a nursery for your future child. 

“I have something to show you,” John said as you were watering the plants.

“Okay,” you said,d following him.

“Remember when I said you couldn't enter the room because I was working on a surprise?” “And let me guess, you're done?” you said, smiling.  “Yup- Okay, close your eyes and no peeking.” “Okay,” you said.  “Open them,” John asked as you opened your eyes slowly and looked around the nursery. “What do you think?”  “John, it's beautiful, l,” you said as you felt your eyes become watery.  “I love you,” you said, kissing him.

V - Vanity (Something they are proud of):

His beard and body. Let's be honest; he worked hard for his body and beard. I would say he is very proud of those things. But what gets his chest puffing with pride is when you announce him as your husband after you get married. “It's so nice to see you again,” said an old friend of yours.  “Hey, it's been so long,” you said.  “This is my husband, John.” “Hello,” he said with a proud smile.

W - Wedding (What's their dream wedding):

I would assume you're both getting ready to settle down. Your wedding isn't anything that is spectacular, something small with a few friends and family. There was definitely a cry on both parts, and you were both very happy that after all you've gone through together, you're finally getting your happy ending.  “I told you I'll marry you someday,” you said as you slowly danced together.“Well, looks like you did, lover boy,” He said, kissing you. (10 years later) “I love you, lover boy,” John said as you slowly danced in the living room of your home. “Papa! Daddy!” Your five-year-old came down, running to you. “Hi, buddy, what's up?” John said, holding him as you wrapped your arms around him.  “Look It, me, Papa, and you,” he said, holding a drawing. “Wow, let's hang it in the fridge, yah,” you said as your boy shook his head enthusiastically. (20 years later) “Looks like I completed my longest mission,” you said to John as you were both swinging and the porch swing.  “Yeah? What is it?” John asked.  “Well, I got married to you, I gave you the house you wanted, and we had kids together, and now we're old and gray,” you said to him as you kissed his knuckles. “Well, I guess you did, lover boy,” he said as he rested his head on your shoulders. 

X - Xaern (What do they enjoy):

He likes being helpful as much as possible if you need help. He is there in a heartbeat to support you however he can. He also enjoys watching movies while cuddling or, if you're up to it, slow dancing with him. Who knew that one dance would become a regular occurrence. 

Y - Yearning (How often do they want to spend time):

He loves you so much and can be away from you for long periods, but once you're reunited, you're practically inseparable and are always found at each other's side. Not only that, but you both believe that couples should spend as much time together as possible with alone time periodically.

Z - Zoo (Do they want any pets):

As I mentioned, you both would live on a farm eventually, so farm animals are guaranteed, and those are considered your pets. Though you would also have a dog or two running around the place, either dalmatians or german shepherds. Maybe both, but those are the ones I can see the most. 

[earnestecho]

Was listening to a podcast I like and they started talking about crows and I ended up falling down a rabbit hole of googling crow facts. With this new information I got struck with the realization: Jean is not a raven. He’s a crow.

Sure, if you don’t know much about birds they look identical. They’re both big and black. An easy mistake to make, though they’re rather different.

Ravens are found in isolation. In forests, wildlife reserves, and the like. Crows flourish in two types of areas: 1) large, open habitats like agricultural fields and 2) urban areas like parks and city centers. Jean belongs outside of the nest and in the light of day surrounded by others.

Crows are a large bird, but they’re smaller than ravens. The tail of a raven is tapered, causing raven tails to have a pointed end and giving an overall diamond shape to their appearance. Crows have tails that fan at the end. In addition, ravens have longer wingspans and heavier beaks where crows have shorter wings and thinner beaks which speaks to agility. Jean, like the crow, cannot be described as soft. However, in comparison to the raven, he is less harsh.

The two birds have different calls as well, which (for birdwatchers) is the best way to tell them apart. The crow has a high pitched caw, while the raven has a deeper, throatier croak. The crow call is similar to birdsong in that it is used to signify presence within a territory rather than mark it. In fact, both birds do not use their call as a way to mark territory but rather as a way to communicate with other birds of their species within the territory, specifically their families. The reason i bring attention to this point is because Jean has always been speaking in a language unavailable to his teammates. He has been using crow calls to speak to ravens that do not view him as family, in the species sense of the word. His words are only given power when he speaks to what becomes his own family, whether that be Kevin in the nest (who is also not a raven) or the Trojans.

The way that they deal with mean humans is an important point as well. Crows are extremely intelligent and inquisitive. A crow is known to never forget a face, and when encountering a mean and potentially dangerous human it teaches others in its family how to identify that human. I don’t think I need to draw the clearest line here to Jean “is Cody safe” Moreau. He speaks for himself.

My final point comes in the form of false beliefs about crows. One of the biggest beliefs surrounding them is their love for shiny objects (which i was going to evidence Jean’s experiences with bisexuality until I started to read more on it lol). However, this is a common myth. In fact, crows show little preference to shiny objects (the same is true of magpies!). It is simply a falsehood, if you would, that is believed by many people…sound familiar to any rumors floating around about Jean?

How in the hell is a crow supposed to survive in a raven’s nest?

[somepsychopomp]

Winged!Ed AU ft. Hohenheim (Pt.1)

rotating an idea for an FMA(B) AU in my mind where Ed has wings that are typically folded tight against his back and hidden by his red coat. He's basically born a chimera and chooses to hide his status to avoid obvious questions and suspicions.

But I want to lay down the background details, starting here:

Xerxesians, being prodigious alchemists, would of course have dabbled in chimeras and were the first to produce "successful" chimeras- similar to Greed's crew where they pass pretty much entirely for human. Most of their test subjects would have been servants, slaves, poor folk trading their bodies for coin, etc.

that's how we get Hohenheim- or 23, the twenty-third in a long line of chimerical experiments. He himself wasn't fused with an animal, but his mother or father was. 23, in turn, was actually born with a set of wings.

(Hohenheim being born a chimera is important to note bc it means his master not only made a series of healthy chimera, but ones that could reproduce! unfounded at the time)

Hohenheim was born w/ the wings of a lesser kestrel. I chose this bird more because it fits Ed more than Ho, but I just liked a few key details about it!

The lesser kestrel occupies a territory from Germany across the Middle East all the way to East Asia, which isn't super important given that FMA is set in a fictional world but loosely speaking, it's feasible that a Xerxesian alchemist could get his hands on one for human experimentation purposes.

I like the faintly red-brown coloration the males have on the back of their wings in combination w/ that black- very Ed.

They do well in grasslands/agricultural fields but are also adaptable to urban environments & co-existing with humans.

They are birds of prey!

however, they're quite diminutive birds of prey- meaning they're small and arguably very cute. (They're like 10-13 inches in length and notably smaller than Common Kestrels & other birds of prey)

Hohenheim's wings are proportional to his body tho, giving him the ability to fly.

As a slave, his physical fitness was well tested. He can fly and glide with great agility, but he was never allowed to go far because his master always kept him tethered to prevent his escape. Hohenheim also has a trail of feathers going down his spine but interestingly enough, he lacks a kestrel tail. He supposes that's not surprising, he lacks talons or a beak or eyesight far beyond that of a human. But perhaps he carries the genes for a tail. (Foreshadowing)

As an adult post-fall of Xerxes, Hohenheim found himself lost and shell shocked.

For many years, he contemplated cutting off his wings so he could better blend in with humans. But as a living Philosopher's Stone, he felt like it would be pointless endeavor and instead learned to hide them with a long coat.

Most of his canon story is basically the same until he meets Trisha.

When he fell in love with Trisha, Hohenheim knew full well that as a born and fertile chimera himself, it's fully possible their children will be born like him. He wasn't certain how great of a chance it was, it could be a recessive trait with no hope of ever resurfacing down his family line, or it could be a guarantee.

Hohenheim first has to reveal his wings to Trisha.

Even though he fully expected her to reject him at that point, understandably so, she instead accepted Hohenheim for who and what he was. She understood the possible consequences of their relationship and was completely willing to raise a potentially chimera child, together.

cue their first son.

To be safe, they have a home brith without a doctor or midwife, relying instead on Hohenheim's knowledge of alkahestry and human anatomy to tend to and heal Trisha.

And at the end of it, Edward Elric is born with wings. His were characteristic of baby kestrels, puffy and white and lacking the coloration or streamlined appearance that Hohenheim had as an adult.

Turning Edward over to properly examine his body, Hoheheim is horrified to see a small, tiny tuft of a tail protruding from Edward's lower back.

Dear god, his child was even more of a chimera than him! It's devastating to think of, until...

Hohenheim and all his souls cry at the sight of Trisha cooing at Edward as if he were a normal child, kissing his forehead and soothing his chip-like cries. She loves him. She loves their child, even if he was like Hohenheim. So brave, so loving, his Trisha.

But it also terrifies Hohenheim. He knew Trisha wanted at least two children, partly so they could help on their small family farm and partly so that the children could keep each other company.

All he has to go off of is the fact that his one and only child was very visibly a chimera. Ed will always be lesser than those around him- he will always have to hide his true self. But Trisha loved him and still wanted another child with her whole heart.

So they have Alphonse. And to Hohenheim's amazement, their second child has no visible chimera traits whatsoever! He's for all intents and purposes, human! He's human, and beautiful.

And perhaps, perhaps, just perhaps...even if Hohenheim does his best to treat both his boys equally, there's just the tiniest part of him that wants to recoil at the sight of Ed in the bathtub, flapping his wings and sending up bubbles. He's arguably slow to help Trisha bind Ed's wings before he goes out to play with Winry so they aren't seen, as well as when Trisha fits Ed with some kind of outer garment like a loose sweater or coat to hide the shape of his wings. He's possibly, if one looked close enough, a tad bit reluctant to groom Ed's wings. To gently pinch his pin feathers to release them (new feathers are encased in a white sheath as they grow out to protect them before they're fully developed), or combing his feathers or anything else.

The only thing Hohenheim does persistently and with excruciating effort/attention is when he clips Edward's flight & tail feathers so that even if he tried, he couldn't fly. It's honestly better if Edward never, ever learns how to fly and never develops the desire to. Far less a chance of someone ever uncovering his condition.

Hohenheim and Trisha have the same argument many times over the course of the first few years of the boys' lives. Hohenheim, as Ed's father, wants to take responsibility for his son's unfortunate condition by severing Ed's wings and tail before he's old enough to really remember them and the procedure.

Trisha, in contrast, argues that Edward's extra extremities are perfectly healthy limbs, even if his wing muscles are underdeveloped, and that it would be a tragedy to cut out such an integral part of himself.