#gold coast toddlers

[funthingsfortoddlers]

A great way to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit is Christmas Carols!

And there are lots of great events right here on the Gold Coast. Find the best places to take your family to see Christmas Carols: https://bit.ly/3G8XrpS

[billa-billa007]

Picnic & Try Hard Sunday Session | Indoor Climbing | Bouldering

Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that involves climbing short, challenging routes, known as "problems," on artificial climbing walls or natural rock formations without the use of ropes or harnesses

[deafchild2000]

H2O Headcanon #26

I think Charlotte has naturally changing hair colors.

Anyone who took science class knows that hair colors are determined by the amount of melanin in their hair and the coloring goes down to: Age, Genetics, Hormonal changes, Melanocyte activity, and UV exposure (not to mention stress or chemical exposure).

In Red Herring, we learned that hair dye only shows up when transformed into a mermaid since rinsing is a part of the dying process. And yet Charlotte -from what we gathered has a black-haired grandmother and a blonde mother - has red hair naturally.

Why?

Well, out of all the reasons (and careful consideration of the actress herself), I think I got the hair journey down.

When she was a baby, she was born with dark hair. As she grew up to be a toddler, she might have had tuffs of blonde or her dark hair persisted until she was 6 years old (the time of Gracie's death). I'd love the idea of Charlotte being Gracie's mini-me as an HC and realistic reasons.

Fast-forwarding post-Gracie years, her hair switched from dark to light brown. Puberty also likely added to the darkening of her hair, making it a dark brown. Another possibility can also go into hair coloring is the ingredients in acne products if she had it as well as a growth spurt that might have made her the first to get so tall in her class before anyone else did.

Then we get to see her in H2O, which is where she's a redhead and it makes sense. The Gold Coast is notoriously sunny and, between moving there and wherever she lived before, the UV waves were constantly exposed to her hair - effectively "bleaching" and exposing the red undertones.

Synopsis: Charlotte Watsford is a natural dark/light brunette and exposure to UV sunlight made her hair turn red. It's likely it won't last her entire life and after her time in H2O, her brunette tones returned.

[greatwyrmgold]

Knife Octopus

I've mentioned wanting to write a backstory for Knife Octopus, a character(?) created by @acedia-blankly. This has been lying half-finished in my drafts for months, but that doesn't mean I can't finish it.

What Octopus?

Let's start by asking: What species could Knife Octopus (herein called K.O. for short) be? Aside from the distant Siberian coast and political cartoons, there is no Russian octopus; therefore, any octo-foil for Sveta would need to come either during her time at the Asylum or her Ward era.

Either way, we're looking at New England octopi. A quick Google search indicates the presence of two types of octopi: Bathypolypus articus, a deep-water octopus small enough to fit in one hand, and "do you want to see a video of the New England Aquarium's giant pacific octopus?" (The answer is yes, by the way.)

I find the aquarium option appealing for a few reasons, including but not limited to:

An aquarium could expose octopi to a wider, more interesting variety of stressors

The giant pacific octopus can be found off the aforementioned Siberian coast, for another (superduperficial) connection to Sveta

A Knife Octopus 2-5 inches wide does not sound threatening

Why Knives?

Described as a "squirmy bastard with Knife (tm) for limbs," if we took K.O. seriously as a parahuman (erm, paraoctopus), he would presumably be either a Striker or a Striker/Changer. Maybe a Brute, if his tentacles become as hard as steel. So a close-range threat, but possibly not one with enough pain to qualify as a normal Brute trigger, and maybe a bit of an identity crisis aspect.

So, here's my rough draft.

Knifeless Octopus considers itself the aquarium's apex predator, sneaking out of his tank at night to eat fish from other tanks (as captive octopi are sometimes known to do). Then Gold Morning hits, and the aquarium crashes (along with the rest of New England). K.O. becomes even bolder in its predation into other tanks; now that it doesn't need to worry about aquarists catching it, K.O. can eat as many fish from whatever tanks it wants.

Then, some hungry refugees break into the ruins of the aquarium to see if any of the fish are still good to eat, wondering why there are so few. At the time, K.O. is prowling out in the open, deciding what kind of fish it wants for lunch, and it suddenly needs to struggle not to become their lunch.

Sure, E. dofleini is called a giant octopus, but the average result clocks in at around 15 kilograms, about the mass of a toddler or preschooler. It can stretch its tentacles pretty far, but it has way less muscle mass than a couple of hungry adult humans, and also the humans have knives.

The predator becomes the prey, in part because the predator ate everything else the apex predator could have eaten.

[youaintnothinbuta]

Can you do Austin x reader where the reader is an Australian girl he met during the filming of Elvis on the Gold Coast, and for the first time ever, she is explaining Aussie slang to him, I think he would think some of the stuff us aussies say would be hilarious.

I ABSOLUTELY CAN pls I think I should do more Austin x aussie reader content!! I think he’d find our “culture” bewildering. Imagine the look on his face when showing him fairy bread or explaining schoolies to him. Or watching footy on the telly, I feel like he’d be so concerned 😭

“Sorry, what?”

Summary: see request.

Pairing: Austin x Aussie!reader.

Word count: 586.

Warnings: None, is Aussie slang a warning?

———————————————————————

Baz had just called it a wrap on shooting for the day, everyone had gone back to their trailers to de-costume and just take a breather. After taking your hair out and putting on your clothes you went to knock on your boyfriends door.

“Can I come in?” You called.

“Yeah, baby, doors open.” Austin replied from inside, stood at the mirror, wiping the last of his Elvis make up off.

“You hungry?” He asked, watching you sink into the chair beside him through the mirror.

“Yeah.”

“Should we go get some dinner?” At this point it was an unnecessary question, but he asked you anyway.

You turned to look at him. “Well, I’m not here to fuck spiders.”

He paused for a second, you could visibly see him trying to piece together the words that had just fallen out your mouth like a toddler learning what a sentence is.

“What?”

You just burst into laughter at the utter perplexity he stared back at you with. Your laughter caused him to chuckle a bit too, though the bewilderment didn’t leave his eyes.

“Sorry, I forget you’re American, sometimes. I’m not here to fuck spiders, like I’m not here to mess around, you know?”

“I don’t.” Austin laughed. “Is that a real saying?” He picked up his keys off the table and took your jacket in his arms.

“Mhm, it is!” You stood up, nodding proudly. The two of you exited his trailer walking to his car.

“Teach me some more.” He suggested as the two of you hopped into the car, him still smiling about what you’d said earlier.

“Okay, well, right now we’re going to get some tucker.” You said, pulling out of the car park and headed for the small restaurant hidden away near one of the more northern beaches.

“Tucka?”

“Well, you’d pronounce it tucker, but we call it tucker. Means food.”

“Tucka!!” He shouted, poking fun at your accent.

“Don’t ever do that again.” You laughed.

“Dohn’t evah do that again.” He mocked you again. You couldn’t help but crack a smile at his awful shot at an Aussie accent.

“We’re not British, you know.”

“Got anymore?”

“You could say the roads are just chockers with this peak hour traffic.”

“Chockers?”

“Yeah, it comes from chock a block. Means, like, very full or very busy. Or when it’s cold out, instead of telling me to put a jacket on, you could just tell me to rug up.”

“Rug…up?”

“Yeah, rug up, dress warm, you know.”

“Oh I like that, that one’s cute. Why don’t you ever speak to me in Aussie? I could be learning this naturally.”

“Right then, mate, chuck a u-ey cos you just missed our turn.”

You watched as a little whimper of the word ‘what’ escaped his lips.

“I’m kidding Aus, you’re going the right way.” You shook your head with a grin, turning to look out the car window to try and conceal your amusement from him.

“Am I really that foreign to you?” He teased.

“Not that foreign, just a great big idiot.”

The rest of the evening was spent by Austin googling Aussie slang, making you say them all so he could hear it in your accent, then laughing at how ridiculous they all sound. You pretended to get fed up, but seeing him almost in tears of laughter hearing things you’d hear on a daily basis growing up from the adults around you was pretty good entertainment, even if you didn’t want to admit it.

[destinationfortouriststospen]

5 Best Worldwide Holiday Destinations for Visiting with Babies and Toddlers

Planning a vacation with babies and toddlers can be both exciting and challenging. Finding the perfect holiday destination that caters to the needs of your little ones is essential for a memorable and enjoyable family getaway. In this article, we will explore the five best worldwide holiday destinations that are ideal for visiting with babies and toddlers. From magical theme parks to relaxing beach resorts, these destinations offer a perfect blend of family-friendly attractions and amenities.

Orlando, Florida, USA: The Ultimate Theme Park Experience

Orlando is often referred to as the "Theme Park Capital of the World," and for good reason. With world-renowned attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, it is a dream destination for families with young children. These theme parks offer a wide range of age-appropriate rides, shows, and interactive experiences that will leave your little ones in awe. Additionally, Orlando boasts numerous family-friendly resorts and hotels that provide amenities such as play areas, swimming pools, and childcare services.

Costa del Sol, Spain: Sun, Sand, and Family Fun

The Costa del Sol, located along the southern coast of Spain, is a paradise for families seeking sun, sand, and relaxation. With its beautiful beaches and warm weather, it offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable family vacation. The region also features family-friendly attractions such as the Bioparc Fuengirola, Tivoli World amusement park, and the Sea Life Benalmadena aquarium. Moreover, there is a wide selection of resorts and holiday rentals that cater to families, providing amenities like kids' clubs, playgrounds, and babysitting services.

Tokyo, Japan: Where Tradition Meets Family Fun

Tokyo may not be the first destination that comes to mind when travelling with babies and toddlers, but it has emerged as a family-friendly city in recent years. The city offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, providing an enriching cultural experience for the entire family. Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Sanrio Puroland are some of the must-visit attractions that offer magical moments for young children. Additionally, Tokyo is home to beautiful parks like Ueno Park and Yoyogi Park, where kids can enjoy open spaces and playgrounds.

Gold Coast, Australia: Beaches, Theme Parks, and Wildlife Encounters

The Gold Coast in Australia is a dream destination for families with its pristine beaches, thrilling theme parks, and abundant wildlife. Families can enjoy the famous theme parks like Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, and SeaWorld, where kids can have unforgettable experiences. Moreover, the region offers opportunities to interact with native Australian wildlife at places like Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. With a variety of family-friendly accommodations available, including resorts and apartments, the Gold Coast ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay for families.

Bali, Indonesia: Tropical Paradise for the Whole Family

Bali is a tropical paradise that appeals to families seeking a serene and exotic destination. The island offers stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. Families can explore attractions such as the Bali Safari and Marine Park, Waterbom Bali Water Park, and enjoy leisurely walks through the picturesque rice terraces. Bali also boasts numerous family-friendly resorts and villas with amenities like kids' clubs, playgrounds, and babysitting services.

When planning a vacation with babies and toddlers, selecting the right holiday destination is crucial. The five worldwide holiday destinations mentioned above – Orlando, Costa del Sol, Tokyo, the Gold Coast, and Bali – offer the perfect combination of family-friendly attractions and amenities. From the enchantment of theme parks to the tranquillity of beautiful beaches, these destinations ensure a memorable trip for the whole family, including toddlers.

Contact us now at https://vdholiday.com/

[daycarepacificpines]

Guide to Finding the Right Childcare Centre in Nerang

Finding the right childcare center can be a challenging task for parents, especially when looking for a nurturing, safe, and educational environment that aligns with your family’s needs. Nerang, a thriving suburb on the Gold Coast, offers a range of childcare options that cater to diverse preferences. This guide will help you understand what to look for, the benefits of quality childcare, and some considerations for finding the best childcare centre in Nerang.

Why Choose a Childcare Centre?

Childcare centers provide structured, high-quality early learning environments that contribute significantly to a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. In addition to giving parents peace of mind, these centers often focus on early education, preparing children for a smooth transition to school. They offer various programs for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, with each program tailored to support age-appropriate learning and growth.

Key Qualities to Look for in a Childcare Centre

Qualified and Passionate Staff: Teachers and caregivers who are certified, experienced, and genuinely passionate about early childhood education are a vital component of a quality childcare center. Qualified staff are skilled in guiding young children’s social and emotional development and can create a supportive learning environment.

Safety and Cleanliness: A clean, safe, and well-maintained facility is essential for your child’s health and well-being. Make sure the center follows safety protocols, maintains strict hygiene practices, and has secure entrances and exits.

Educational Programs and Curriculum: High-quality childcare centers have a structured curriculum that promotes early learning through play-based activities. Look for programs that foster cognitive skills, creativity, language development, and problem-solving abilities. Centers following frameworks such as the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) in Australia ensure that children receive holistic developmental support.

Outdoor Play Areas and Facilities: Outdoor play is crucial for children’s physical health and offers opportunities for social interactions and skill-building. Check for safe, well-designed play areas that encourage exploration and physical activity.

Nutritious Meals and Dietary Considerations: Healthy eating is an essential part of childcare. Most centers offer meal plans or snacks, with options tailored to dietary restrictions or allergies. Inquire about their meal offerings and whether they accommodate individual dietary needs.

Effective Communication and Parent Involvement: Open lines of communication between parents and the center are vital. Look for childcare facilities that provide daily updates, encourage parent feedback, and foster a sense of community. Parent involvement in the child’s learning journey enhances their experience and makes the transition into childcare smoother.

Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in a Nerang Childcare Centre

1. Socialization and Friendships: Childcare provides a nurturing environment for young children to meet peers, make friends, and learn social skills. In a diverse community like Nerang, children can experience different cultures and perspectives from an early age.

2. Structured Learning Through Play: Most centers follow a play-based learning model, blending structured learning with fun activities. These programs foster children’s creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, and support language and literacy development.

3. Preparation for School: The early learning programs at childcare centers prepare children for school by developing their attention, motor skills, and early numeracy and literacy. Quality childcare often eases the transition to formal schooling.

4. Support for Working Parents: Childcare centers provide flexible hours and holiday programs, which can be a relief for working parents. Some even offer extended hours, accommodating varied schedules.

Choosing the Right Childcare Centre in Nerang: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research Options: Search online and ask for recommendations from family, friends, and other parents in Nerang. Make a list of centers with positive reviews and reputable staff.

2. Schedule a Visit: Visit each center on your list to observe how the staff interacts with children, inspect the facilities, and assess the environment. A tour will also give you an idea of the daily routine and the center’s approach to education.

3. Ask Questions: During your visit, ask questions about the staff’s qualifications, staff-to-child ratios, safety protocols, curriculum, and approach to discipline. It’s essential to understand the center’s philosophy on early childhood development.

4. Check Certifications and Policies: Ensure that the center holds relevant licenses and adheres to local and national standards, such as those set by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

5. Consider Location and Convenience: Ideally, the childcare center should be near your home or workplace to make drop-offs and pick-ups easier. Some centers may offer transportation or flexible hours that suit your schedule.

6. Review Costs and Payment Options: Understand the fees, payment schedules, and any additional costs. Check if the center offers government subsidies to help with childcare expenses.

[shaplandswimschools]

Where to Learn Swimming in Gold Coast?

Looking for the best places to learn swimming in Gold Coast? Whether you’re an adult honing your skills or a parent introducing your toddler to the water, Shapland Swim School is here to help you become water-safe and confident.

Where to Learn Swimming in Gold Coast for Adults?

Swimming is an essential life skill that promotes fitness and stress relief. At Shapland Swim School, we offer tailored programs for adults, with experienced instructors guiding you at your pace. 

Our adult swimming lessons provide a focused environment, accommodating up to three students per class, ensuring you achieve your goals efficiently.

Where to Learn Swimming in Gold Coast for Toddlers?

Introducing your toddler to swimming is a significant milestone! Our baby swimming lessons Gold Coast create a fun atmosphere where skilled instructors emphasize play-based learning, helping your little ones gain confidence and essential water safety skills.

[newstfionline]

Sunday, February 25, 2024

At the Florida Man Games, tank-topped teams compete at evading police and wrestling over beer (AP) They rose up by the dozens from across Florida, caricatured competitors in tank tops and cutoff shorts, for a showdown that treats evading police and wrestling over beer like Olympic sports. Promoted as “the most insane athletic showdown on Earth,” the Florida Man Games poke fun at the state’s reputation for bizarre stories that involve brawling, drinking, gunfire, reptile wrangling and other antics carrying a risk of time in jail or intensive care. Several thousand people paid real money to come cheer a dozen teams at the debut event set for Saturday in St. Augustine, with contests and sideshows inspired by real events from America’s most surreal state. Events involve contenders wrestling sumo-style while holding pitchers of beer, or running from actual sheriff’s deputies while jumping fences and avoiding obstacles. Some signed up to duel with pool noodles over a mud-filled pool, while others faced a scramble to grab cash flying in simulated hurricane winds.

The next generation of influencers are here. And they’re less than 10 years old. (NBC News) Koti and Haven Garza have half a mouthful of baby teeth and can hardly pronounce the word “influencer.” But the 7-year-old twins are already sharing their skin care routines and fit checks to 4.8 million followers on TikTok. “Get ready with me to go out to dinner,” Haven Garza says to the camera in a TikTok video that has amassed 2.6 million views. The “Garza Crew” first went viral on TikTok in 2020. In about a week, the family’s first-ever video had racked up more than 100,000 views, and the then-toddlers were on their way to internet fame. The sibling duo are part of a new wave of Gen Alpha influencers—creators born between 2010 and 2024—who are building followings online for videos posted on their parent-run accounts.

Colombia will send deep-water expedition to explore 300-year-old shipwreck thought to hold treasure (AP) Colombia’s government announced plans Friday for a deep-water expedition to explore the mythical galleon San José, sunk in the 18th century in the country’s northern Caribbean and believed to contain cargo valued at billions of dollars. The first phase of the scientific research into the deep waters around the shipwreck will collect information to determine which pieces are suitable and possible to extract. The wreckage is 600 meters (almost 2,000 feet) deep in the sea. Colombia located the galleon in 2015 but it has since been mired in legal and diplomatic disputes, and its exact location is a state secret. The ship is believed to hold 11 million gold and silver coins, emeralds and other precious cargo from Spanish-controlled colonies, which could be worth billions of dollars if ever recovered.

WWII-era bomb safely detonated at sea after one of the largest peacetime evacuations in UK history (AP) A World War II-era bomb whose discovery prompted one of the largest peacetime evacuations in British history has been detonated at sea, the Ministry of Defense said on Saturday. The 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) explosive was discovered Tuesday in the backyard of a home in Plymouth, a port city on the southwestern coast of Britain. More than 10,000 residents were evacuated to ensure their safety as a military convoy transported the unexploded bomb through a densely populated residential area to a ferry slipway, from which it was taken out to sea. Plymouth, home to major naval bases for centuries, was one of the most heavily bombed cities in Britain during World War II.

Huge apartment block fire in Spain kills nine people (Guardian) Spanish police have said the final death toll from a devastating fire that tore through a 14-storey block of flats in the eastern city of Valencia is nine, with one person thought to have died now considered missing and all others accounted for. Experts said the block was covered with highly flammable cladding, possibly—along with high winds—accounting for the rapid spread of the fire, which broke out on the fourth floor at 5.30pm on Thursday and engulfed the building within 30 minutes. In dramatic scenes broadcast live on TV on Thursday night, firefighters used a crane to lift a father and his daughter from a balcony where they were trapped, and a man was seen jumping several floors on to an inflatable mat to escape the flames. About 100 soldiers from Spain’s military emergency unit and 40 firefighting vehicles were deployed to the scene, where crews used drones to search the building for bodies and survivors once the flames’ initial ferocity had subsided.

Unpredictable Strongman? Two Years Into War, Putin Embraces the Image. (NYT) After President Biden called President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia a “crazy S.O.B.” this week, the Kremlin was quick to issue a stern condemnation. But the image of an unpredictable strongman ready to escalate his conflict with the West is one that Mr. Putin has fully embraced after two years of full-scale war. At home, the Kremlin is maintaining the mystery over the circumstances of the death last week of Aleksei A. Navalny, preventing the opposition leader’s family from reclaiming his body. In Ukraine, Mr. Putin is pressing his army to maintain its brutal offensive, boasting on television that he stayed up all night as the city of Avdiivka fell to Russian forces. And in outer space, American officials warn, Russia may be planning to place a nuclear weapon into orbit, aboard a satellite, which would violate one of the last arms control treaties. In power since 1999, Mr. Putin, 71, is set to extend his rule to 2030 in Russia’s rubber-stamp elections next month. As the vote nears, he is feeding his conception of himself as a history-making leader carrying on the legacy of past rulers who were willing to sacrifice untold numbers of lives to build a stronger Russian state.

Land mines return to Europe as front-line states fear Russian invasion (Washington Post) With former president Donald Trump encouraging Russia to attack NATO territory and U.S. support for Ukraine flagging, some of the nations that border Russia are looking for ways to harden their defenses, considering land mines and other technologies from ancient wars in a bid to blunt a Kremlin attack. Two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, countries such as the Baltic states and Finland warn that a threat to their own territory may be just over the horizon, with some intelligence agencies saying the Kremlin could make such an attempt within a decade. Now they are taking lessons from their enemy’s robust defense lines in Ukraine, noting that Russia’s system of minefields, concertina wire and trenches made it all but impossible for Kyiv’s forces to advance last summer. European states are still clamoring for F-35 fighter jets and space-age weapons, but the renewed interest and investment in century-old tactics is the latest example of how Russia’s war in Ukraine is upending long-held assumptions about how to defend NATO territory, with a revived focus on stopping tanks and mobile artillery.

Many in Myanmar consider fleeing to Thailand to escape conscription into an army they despise (AP) Thwel, a 25-year-old schoolteacher, saw very few options left to her after Myanmar’s military announced it is implementing conscription to fill its ranks. “As a person living in this country, I only have two options: to go abroad illegally or die here,” Thwel told The Associated Press by phone while traveling to a border area to try crossing into Thailand with a small group of like-minded people. Some observers believe a mass exodus of young talent is taking place and could become a social problem, with their exit heightening the instability that followed the military takeover that now amounts to a civil war. According to the Thai Foreign Ministry, some 7,000 Myanmar nationals have applied for visas, Thailand’s Bangkok Post newspaper reported Thursday.

China says it aims to ‘contain’ foreign interference over Taiwan this year (Reuters) China aims to “contain” foreign interference over Taiwan and “resolutely combat” any efforts towards the island’s formal independence this year, which is the sensitive 75th anniversary of the founding of communist China, state media said on Friday. China views democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory, ignoring the objections of the government in Taipei, and has ramped up political and military pressure to assert those claims. Taiwan last month elected current Vice President Lai Ching-te as its next president, a man Beijing has called a dangerous separatist. Lai, who takes office in May, has repeatedly offered talks with China but has been rebuffed. China’s official Xinhua news agency said the ruling Communist Party’s fourth-ranked leader, Wang Huning, held a two-day meeting on this year’s Taiwan-related work which ended on Friday. China “must resolutely combat the division of Taiwan independence, contain interference from external forces, firmly support the patriotic and reunification forces on the island, unite Taiwan compatriots, and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait”, Xinhua cited Wang as saying.

As Gaza War Grinds On, Israel Prepares for a Prolonged Conflict (NYT) As the war in Gaza rages on, the situation in the battered enclave is one of devastation and despair. More than 29,000 people have been killed, according to Gaza health officials, the majority in a relentless Israeli bombing campaign. Neighborhoods have been flattened, families wiped out, children orphaned, and an estimated 1.7 million people displaced. While global scrutiny grows over Israel’s conduct in the war, the Israeli military, by its assessment, has delivered a major blow to the capabilities of Hamas, killing commanders, destroying tunnels and confiscating weapons. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s goal of destroying Hamas remains elusive, according to current and former Israeli security officials. An Israeli military intelligence official, who spoke on condition of anonymity under military protocol, said that Israel was engaged in a comprehensive mission to unravel Hamas’s military capabilities. “Is it possible this mission will be left for my children?” he said. “The answer is yes.”

U.N. experts urge embargo on Israel for arms that would be used in Gaza (Washington Post) More than two dozen U.N. rights experts on Friday urged countries to halt the export to Israel of arms that would be used in Gaza, saying such transfers of weapons and ammunition could violate international humanitarian law. In a statement, the experts—who are part of the “special procedures” of the Human Rights Council, a body of independent experts in the U.N. system—said the need for an “arms embargo on Israel is heightened by the International Court of Justice’s [preliminary] ruling on 26 January 2024 that there is a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza and the continuing serious harm to civilians since then.” Francesca Albanese, U.N. special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories and one of the signatories to the statement, said on social media that sending weapons to Israel that may be used in Gaza “may amount to complicity in atrocity crimes.”

[funthingsfortoddlers]

We’ve made a list (and checked it twice) of Christmas Activities and Events coming up on the Gold Coast.

You can check it out here => https://bit.ly/3QKqLrx

[billa-billa007]

Picnic & Try Hard Sunday Session | Indoor Climbing | Bouldering

Indoor climbing, also known as indoor rock climbing or indoor bouldering, is a recreational and sports activity that involves climbing artificial walls or structures in an indoor setting. It offers a controlled and safe environment for climbers to practice their skills, train, and have fun.

[t-orr-ing]

Brisbane and Cairns

Our first big trip was to Brisbane and Cairns.

We spent our first night at the Gold Coast.

Then we headed to Brisbane. There were some feelings and poor restaurant manners.

And we fixed it all with some hotel pool drinks.

We went to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary which was amazing and had every Australian animal we hoped for. Carson has a particular affinity for Rainbow Lorikeets.

We explored the Dinosaur Exhibit and took a swim in the man made beach. Traveling with a toddler has some less-than-desireable moments.

Our next stop was in Cairns where we celebrated our 9th anniversary with the tagalongs.

And then we spent a day at Fitzroy Island. We took a ferry, did all of the work to put on our stinger suits and snorkel gear. Then I didn't have a life jacket to keep me from drowning while Matthew wanted to climb on my back and ride for the swimming portion. So that went...not so well. But so pretty!

And then came the pinnacle of our trip. The Great Barrier Reef! We took a ferry to dock on a pontoon, which we used as a base for the day. Everyone did great on the ferry until the last 5 minutes when Matthew woke up from a nap and puked down my mesh coverup. So I took a shower, and went on about our day.

Scott and I took turns scuba diving, and the boys did a snorkel tour led by a marine biologist. I haven't scuba-dived since our honeymoon, and I worried about drowning, but HOW COOL. I saw a turtle, Scott saw a shark, and then I took the boys on a glass-bottomed boat tour where they actually saw more than we did while scuba diving. The Aboriginal people taught us about their historical way of life here, and it was a 10/10 day.

A++. We are so lucky to have seen such an incredible place.

[merrock]

CHARACTER INFORMATION

face claim: Kerry Washington

full name: Serena Astraea McCoy-Bardales

nickname(s) / goes by: Nira, Rena

pronouns & gender: cis woman and she/her

sexuality: sexually fluid

birth date: September 13, 1974 

birth place: Yonkers, New York

arrival to merrock: January 2024, but moving prep for her business had started in early December of 2023

housing: the coast 

occupation: CEO and Owner of GrandArcher publishing in Manhattan, NY and opening a smaller firm in Merrock.

work place: three story building for GrandArcher publishing in Downtown, Merrock

family: ex-husband Rafael Bardales since 1999, one child born 1992 - father unknown, and one child born after the divorce via IVF in 2000

relationship status: divorced

PERSONALITY

Often known for her strong-willed personality, Serena is tough, passionate, and sometimes can be seen as having a chip on her shoulder. Even sometimes seen as being a bitch, but she has a heart of gold, that takes some time to pull back the layers to really see the woman she is underneath. Serena will be known as a hard worker, often dedicating more time to work than anything else but if there’s one thing that will always take priority over anything else, is her children. Though they’re grown now, she is still the mama bear she was all the years they were growing up. In other words, she’s a powerhouse of a woman to be dealt with.

WRITTEN BY: Bri (she/her), est.

BACKGROUND / BIO

triggering / sensitive content warning: teenage pregnancy, IVF

Serena McCoy-Bardales was born in a particularly warm day in September to loving parents that were firmly upper-middle class in Yonkers, New York. For many years prior to her birth her families history was located in New York, her father inheriting a brownstone the was passed down from one family member to family member before ending up in their name. If there was one thing she knew growing up was that she was that she was incredibly lucky, she couldn’t say that her and her sibling were given everything, but they were surrounded with love, able to get a relatively normal education through high school, and growing up in New York City was just an added bonus. She got to experience different cultures, foods, people, and find the excitement of traveling the different boroughs and just seeing so much life that she was sure so many people didn’t get to experience in the younger years. 

When she was eighteen she took up a job as a paralegal, thanks to some family friends who helped her work her way in, because she was sure she wanted to go to school for law. Still, her mother had said maybe working in the field would be a good idea before investing so much time and money into something, her mother had always known she had a flair for the creative side. Early into her career she fell pregnant and just merely eighteen with a man that she met at a club, it was after going out to celebrate with the bosses at a fancy posh upper west side night club, with men with money, and one thing turned into another, and a few handful of weeks later she didn’t know his name, his phone number, but she was having his baby. In 1992, she welcomed her first child, and with the help of her parents, and her job, she managed to get by. She struggled slightly being so young, but she had seen so many other younger mothers having it worse, she she didn’t complain. 

Just a few short years later, she met a man who would captivate her, his personality charming, his dedication to the business unyielding, only he was one the firms biggest rivals. Which meant it was all but scandalous to even think about him. Though it seemed she had captured his thoughts as he actively persuaded her and she made him work for it, and oh did she make him really work for it, even just to get her phone number. Once he had, it was hook line and sinker. With a toddler being toted around he welcomed them into his life, without any hesitation, and after a whirlwind romance were married in 1996. Everything seemed perfect, when she admitted that law wasn’t for her, he supported her going back to school, fulfilling her dreams, becoming an editors at a local publishing house and never once looked down on her as being less then. All she wanted now was to make them their own little family unit, but she was waiting for the right time to bring up children given the case he had been working under. 

The year of 1999 was the year that would both make and break Serena in so many ways. It was the year she thought they’d finally expand their family, but instead, she was serving divorce papers to her husband after an illicit affair was admitted. Packing her child up, she moved out and back home, with the support of her parents, and started to rebuild the pieces of her life. She won’t pretend that what happened between them didn’t break her in ways that could never be fully repaired, she never fully trusted a man again. After accepting a promotion to becoming a lead editor, she opted to go through with IVF and have a second child on her own, determined to prove to herself that she didn’t need the man for the family. Her parents moved out of the brownstone and moved south to Georgia where other family resided leaving it in her name, and she made a comfortable living there as she worked her way up the ranks of the publishing house. 

Endless hours, missing sleep, making sure she was still a present and active mother in her children’s life, but she became ruthless in her business life and by her mid-thirties she had worked her way up to VP of the publishing house. The money was beyond more than she had ever received, but something left her unfulfilled and with clients who loved her, some workers who were unhappy, she took a chance, and a large loan on her 40th birthday and opened her own publishing house, GrandArcher, in the center of Manhattan and after the first year of struggling and figuring out all the kinks, watched it start to grow and thrive into a multimillion dollar business with several authors under her belt. 

With her getting older, and having a strong team under her, she’s decided that it’s time for her to step back and be more of a face figure — though she will still be there for the big decisions — and found a cute town of Merrock and had a downtown building renovated into an office and a gorgeous house on a coast purchased, building a small satellite office for her company in the small town so she can start enjoying the more quite side of life rather than always being in the crazy throngs of New York City. 

[lizard-fashion]

i’m gonna put a random poll out there just for the sake of clicky button but also because i need to make an arbitrary decision, so please read below the cut if you’d like to learn about my OCs and/or click a button

i have an OC (d&d) named Iphis. they are a half-elf whose human father Jonah met their high elf mother Ielenia in the wilderness as a ranger. no one has any idea what their mother does. she abandoned Jonah after a few days of whirlwind passion and then showed up at Jonah’s door 3 years later with a toddler. Jonah, now working as a merchant, and his now-husband Markus, a musician, took the child in and raised them as their own.

Iphis took after their adoptive dad in the music department, becoming a prodigy on the violin. they were writing original compositions before their teens. and one day, maybe around age 14 or 15, they play a particularly powerful/emotional piece to the people of their village and somehow accidentally turn the bow of their violin into solid gold. everyone loses their shit, etc etc. Iphis gains renown as “The Goldenbow,” studying magic under more experienced bards and eventually traveling the Sword Coast country to share their talents with the wider world. there’s this whole subplot i'm developing of them trying to hide their magical abilities because they don’t want to get roped into helping people but i’ve already typed enough.

anyway. for all intents and purposes they are known as “Iphis Goldenbow,” but that is not their real last name. i never came up with a real last name while i was playing this character, but now i want them to have one because it just seems like an oversight. so,

for the visually inclined here are some minis i designed of Iphis and their immediate family

Iphis (they/them)

Ielenia (she/her)

Jonah (he/him)

Markus (he/him)

[sunshineboulevarddental23]

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