#icons georgia may

[lilabearr]

Mick Jagger

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[stalouh]

֗ ᷼♡ ⁽ ﹫georgia jagger - moodboard ꜝꜝ⠀๋ ୨୧⠀◌⠀❛͜⭐⠀ֺ̹

[suetravelblog]

Tbilisi Walking Tour & Georgia Independence Day

Narikala Fortress – Tour to Georgia Having time to move at your own pace is a big plus when traveling abroad. Long-term travel provides time for adjusting to new environments, without feeling pressed to see everything at once. I’ve been low-key for a few days getting my bearings, but am getting up to speed and expanding my Georgian horizons. Transportation Purchasing a Metromoney card seemed a…

[qqueenofhades]

HI!

Love your posts!

I think more people should know that Neil Young "Rockin' in the Free World' playing Tim Walz off tonight was also a big big middle finger to Trump, since Young sued Trump for illegal use of his songs, and specifically this song, during his 2015 campaign.

I'd link to articles and the song since Neil Young is fantastic but I can't.

I thought that was a great great little Easter egg for those of us following along all this time in the long tragi-comedy of 'Donald Trump flouting absolutely every rule and law he can find.'

Aha, yes. I saw something last night about how Neil Young personally approved the DNC's request to use the song for Walz, and as I said: Democrats can actually pull great artists and use iconic songs because they're not racist sexist misogynist shitbags who nobody wants to be associated with (especially when they steal your music without asking. So. Y'know). Like, when Lil Jon blew the goddamn roof off for Georgia during the roll call (which we all loved)? That may never be topped in any other political convention ever.

In terms of celebrity involvement, I also have to give a quick shoutout to Mark Hamill and Sean Astin being SO involved in the DNC and stumping for Kamala every chance they get. Especially compared to someone like JK Rowling, who wrote a formative piece of anti-fascist literature for so many of us and then dove headfirst into being a fascist, it's great to see Luke Skywalker still fighting the evil empire in real life, and Samwise Gamgee, deliverer of the "BECAUSE THERE'S SOME GOOD IN THIS WORLD MR. FRODO AND IT'S WORTH FIGHTING FOR" line that has kept me going in many many dark times, actually living up to the promise of their stories. I just have a lot of feelings about this.

[davidtennantgenderenvy]

My Two Cents On The “ Is David Tennant Queer” Drama

As some of you know, I spent a solid third of the past year working on a movie-length video essay about David Tennant. This video essay features an eight minute section titled “Gender, Vulnerability, and Why David Tennant Is A Queer Icon”, which does not speculate on David’s own sexuality, but discusses the queer coding and subversion of gender norms in plenty of his roles and his importance as an ally to the LGBT community. At the same time, I was also coming to terms with my own identity as nonbinary and bisexual, and it ended up playing a crucial role in me finally working up the courage to come out to my parents. Characters like Crowley and the Doctor, both in terms of how they present themselves and how and who they love, have been absolutely instrumental in me developing my queer identity, and my comments section was full of people who had had similar experiences, who’d realized they were trans, nonbinary, gay, etc thanks to David and his characters. And as a result, I won’t deny that if David himself were to be queer, it would mean a lot to me.

Do I think David is queer? It’s certainly possible. I see a lot of how I express my queerness in how david chooses to express himself, most prominently through his frequent queer coding of characters who don’t necessarily have to be played as such. This can especially be seen through his Shakespeare characters, such as Richard, Hamlet, and some would argue Benedick as well. When I was 15 I played Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, who I chose to play as a closeted young gay man harboring an unrequited crush on Romeo. I think I saw this role subconsciously as an outlet for my own repressed queerness, both of gender and sexuality, as I had experienced an unrequited crush on my female best friend the previous year which I was still in denial about. I’ve described my gender identity as “a girl with a chaotic tortured gay man inside of her that needs to be let out every once in a while”, which has never been more true than with Mercutio- a character who I might add, I took a great deal of inspiration from David when playing! In terms of using roles as an outlet for one’s queerness, I could absolutelt see this being true with David, especially when it comes to Crowley, who seems to have had an impact on David’s style, behavior, etc in a rather similar way to how he’s impacted me. I don’t want to act like David wearing pink docs means he must be gay, I think people should be allowed to wear whatever they want regardless of sexuality, but taken in conjunction with so many other things about him, it does make one wonder, and the fact that a seemingly straight man has been so many people’s queer awakening is a bit puzzling to say the least. I won’t pretend that these “signs” (if you interpret them that way), haven’t been increasing somewhat in the past year, and if I got to share my own coming out journey with the man who inspired it, I would be absolutely thrilled. I also can’t specifically think of an instance where David has SAID he is straight, as opposed to Taylor swift, who has.

With all of that said, where I personally draw the line is when mere speculation crosses into interfering with the subject’s personal relationships and the sense that one is OWED something. I believe that what matters to David more than anything is being a husband and a father. I believe he adores Georgia and his children and would not do anything in the world that he believes would jeopardize his family. As happy as I would be for David if he were to come out (probably as bi) I realize that that would put so much unwanted attention on his marriage and family and I think that’s the last thing he wants. I don’t think it’s IMPOSSIBLE that he and Michael Sheen are having a passionate love affair behind everyone’s backs, but I absolutely don’t consider it my place to insist that they are, because as much as I may feel like I do, I don’t know these people! And besides, if David were cheating on Georgia, he really would not be the person I thought he was.

So many queer people see themselves in David and his characters, and that is beautiful. And I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with having theories that David might be queer himself. However, it must be acknowledged that these theories are THEORIES, and they should not be used to invalidate people’s real life relationships- after all, it’s totally possible to be bi/pan and also be in a loving and healthy heterosexual relationship like David and Georgia at least seem to be in! If David were in fact “one of us”, I would welcome him with the openest of open arms, but unless and until he himself decides to proclaim himself that way, I will not expect anything of him other than to be the incredible artist and person we know and love.

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Medieval Hermitage atop Katskhi Pillar, in Georgia (South Caucasus), c. 800-900 CE: this church was built during the Middle Ages, and it sits atop an enormous limestone column that has been venerated as a "Pillar of Life" for thousands of years

Known as Katskhi Pillar (or Katskhis Sveti), this giant block of limestone is located in western Georgia (the country, not the state), about 10km from the town of Chiatura.

The church that stands atop Katskhi Pillar was originally constructed during the 9th-10th centuries CE. It was long used as a hermitage for Stylites, who are sometimes referred to as "Pillar Saints" -- Christian ascetics who lived, prayed, and fasted atop pillars, often in total isolation, in an effort to bring themselves closer to God. The Stylite tradition originated in Syria during the 5th century CE, when a hermit known as Simeon the Elder purportedly climbed up onto a pillar and then stayed there for nearly 40 years, giving rise (no pun intended) to Christian Stylitism.

Stylitism managed to survive for about 1,000 years after its inception, but it began to die out during the late Middle Ages, and by the end of the 16th century, it had essentially gone extinct.

Researchers don't really know how the monks who built this Medieval church originally gained access to the top of Katskhi Pillar, or how they were able to transport their building materials up to the top of the column. Evidence suggests that there were still monks/Stylites living atop Katskhi Pillar up until the 1400s, but the site was abandoned shortly thereafter. Georgia fell under Ottoman rule during the same period, but it's unclear whether or not that may have played a role in the abandonment of the site.

The hermitage at the top of Katskhi Pillar lay abandoned for nearly 500 years after that; no one was able to reach the top of the pillar, and very little was known about the ruins that lay scattered at the top, as knowledge of the site's origin/history was gradually lost over time. There are many local legends that ultimately arose in order to fill in those blanks.

The abandoned hermitage was not visited again until July 29th, 1944, when a mountaineer finally ascended to the top of the column with a small team of researchers, and the group was able to perform the first archaeological survey of the ruins. They found that the structure included three hermit cells, a chapel, a wine cellar, and a small crypt; within the crypt lay a single set of human remains, likely belonging to one of the monks who had inhabited the site during the Middle Ages.

A metal ladder (the "stairway to Heaven") was ultimately installed into the side of the pillar in order to make it easier for both researchers and tourists to gain access to the ruins.

The hermitage at the top of Katskhi Pillar actually became active again in the early 1990's, when a small group of monks attempted to revive the Stylite tradition. A Georgian Orthodox monk named Maxime Qavtaradze then lived alone at the top of Katskhi Pillar for almost 20 years, beginning in 1995 and ending with his death in 2014. He is now buried at the base of the pillar.

The hermitage is no longer accessible to the public, and it's currently uninhabited, but it is still visited by local monks, who regularly climb up to the church at the top of the pillar in order to pray. There is also an active monastery complex at the base of the pillar, where a temple known as the Church of the Simeon Stylites is located.

The Church of the Simeon Stylites: this church is located within an active monastery complex that has been built at the base of the pillar; several frescoes and religious icons decorate the walls of the church, and a small shrine containing a 6th century cross is located in the center

There are many lingering questions about the history of Katskhi Pillar, particularly during the pre-Christian era. There is at least some evidence suggesting that it was once the site of votive offerings to pagan deities, as a series of pre-Christian idols have been found buried in the areas that surround the pillar. According to local tradition, the pillar itself was once venerated by the pagan societies that inhabited the area, but it's difficult to determine whether or not those claims may simply be part of the mythos that surrounds Katskhi Pillar, particularly given its mysterious reputation.

Sources & More Info:

BBC: Georgia's Daring, Death-Defying Pilgrimage

CNN: Katskhi Pillar, the Extraordinary Church where Daring Monks Climb Closer to God

Radio Free Europe: Georgian Monk Renews Tradition, Lives Atop Pillar

Architecture and Asceticism (Ch. 4): Stylitism as a Cultural Trend Between Syria and Georgia

Research Publication from the Georgian National Museum: Katskhi Pillar

Journal of Nomads: Katskhi Pillar, the Most Incredible Cliff Church in the World

Georgian Journal: Georgia's Katskhi Pillar Among World's 20 Wonderfully Serene and Secluded Places

[pers-books]

Four new trips to Gallifrey

To mark the twentieth anniversary of the Gallifrey range, Big Finish Productions presents Echoes Through Eternity, a brand-new collection of short story readings, due November 2024.

Gallifrey. Ancestral home of the Time Lords. Some have lived there all their lives, some have adopted it as their own. Allies, thrown together by circumstance and strife, have forged lasting friendships in the furnace of politics, alternate realities, and the Last Great Time War. 

Gallifrey is constant, but its inhabitants must change to survive. Perhaps none more so than Narvin... 

Gallifrey has watched over the universe since the dawn of time – and, at Big Finish Productions, since 2004. The audio drama range following intrigue and adventure on the Doctor’s homeworld is now twenty years old. 

Marking the occasion is Echoes Through Eternity, a collection of four brand-new stories, in the style of Big Finish’s Short Trips. These tales are set across the timeline of the Gallifrey range and feature some of its most iconic characters. 

The set includes two stories by Gary Russell, the range’s original creator. Both follow Celestial Intervention Agency Coordinator Narvin and are read by Seán Carlsen. The other two stories focus on the characters of Braxiatel and Ace, with their original voice actors Miles Richardson and Sophie Aldred reading. 

The Worlds of Doctor Who – Gallifrey: Echoes Through Eternity is now available to pre-order (as a digital download only) for just £11.99, exclusively here.

The four stories are: 

Damned If You Do by Gary Russell, read by Seán Carlsen 

CIA Coordinator Narvin is unwillingly called upon to find some lost students – aliens admitted to the hallowed Academy. But when Narvin and Cadet Kransa enter the Catacombs, nothing will be the same... 

The Questing Beast by Fio Trethewey & Georgia Cook, read by Miles Richardson 

Battling the Lord Burner, Braxiatel is separated from his friends as they fall through a multitude of alternative Gallifreys. He arrives in a realm where science is magic and there is a Dragon to be slain... 

In Search of Lost Time by Una McCormack, read by Sophie Aldred

Old Time Agents never die – they just lose their memories. Back on Earth after her involvement in the Time War, Ace is having trouble fitting in – and coincidence seems to be following her... 

Damned If You Don’t by Gary Russell, read by Seán Carlsen 

As the Time War rages, Narvin is at the heart of the action – but he has lost so much, he may not have the will to carry on. Until his past returns to haunt him... 

Producer Heather Challands said: “One thing that was very apparent when I came on to the Gallifrey range was how well-loved it is by the listeners. 

“Gallifrey has introduced us to so many different characters, timelines, conflicts and so much creativity over the years that it only felt right to celebrate the 20th anniversary by revisiting some old favourites. A small slice of a very storied history, explored by four brand new stories set from the earliest days in the Citadel to deep in the heart of the Time War.” 

The Worlds of Doctor Who – Gallifrey: Echoes Through Eternity is now available to pre-order (as a digital download only) for just £11.99, exclusively here.

All the above prices include the special pre-order discount and are subject to change after general release. 

[cartermagazine]

Today In History

André Lauren Benjamin better known as André 3000 was born May 27, 1975 in Atlanta, Georgia.

He is one of the most revered, celebrated artists of the last three decades, an auteur whose work in music, film, fine arts, and fashion, continues to influence the cultural landscape on a global scale.

André 3000 is one half of the iconic hip-hop duo Outkast, with Anton “Big Boi” Patton, established a brand new voice/style within rap that had never been experienced before.

The 7x Grammy winning artist released his first solo album in 20 years this past November – New Blue Sun, a wind focused, instrumental album that represents the next step in André’s creative evolution. Released to widespread critical acclaim, New Blue Sun became the first instrumental album to land on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and the opening track “I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time,” broke the record for longest song to debut on the Billboard Hot 100.

CARTER™️ Magazine

[lonelywretchjervistetch]

The State Birds Initiative: Georgia (#4)

Welcome to the fourth official poll of the State Birds Initiative! Before the poll, though, one thing real quick. My suggestion is that you read the post below before voting in the poll below. That's especially important if you're lacking any context about the birds being presented as the new (or old) State Bird of the Peach State, Georgia. This is to be fully informed as to why these are being presented, and to make your choices appropriately. Lastly, some of these birds, you will notice, may go against some of the rules listed in the introduction post. All is explained after the jump where the explanations are, I promise you that. But with that...OK! Here's the poll!

With that...time to put Georgia on our minds!

Georgia! State of peaches, Coca-Cola, pecans, and civil rights! Home of Ray Charles, Jimmy Carter, Jackie Robinson, and the great Martin Luther King, Jr.! Location of the only whale shark in captivity in the country, the historic Forsyth Park of Savannah, the majestic Stone Mountain, and the first Chick-fil-A! And for our purposes here in the State Bird Initiative, it's also the first state we're looking at with a tropical climate! Well, a humid subtropical climate, actually, but it counts! If you've ever been to Georgia (which I haven't as of yet, but I'm working on that), you probably know that Georgia is a bit sweaty and temperate most of the year, with long humid summers and high water levels.

In terms of the ecology of the state, we're looking at swamps, cedar-dominated, as well as having a decent proportion of pine trees. Actually, to be specific, we're looking at forests of Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris), an large endangered pine tree species endemic to the southeastern United States. Now, to be clear, this species isn't specific to Georgia, and it's actually the state tree of Alabama. However, now that we've hit the southern USA, we have to address it, as the tree is a symbol of the region. The actual state tree of Georgia is another iconic tree to the southeastern USA, the Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana), another big tree evolved to be resistant to forest fires, saltwater, and hurricane-force winds common in the area. Famously, the Southern Live Oak trees of St. Simons Island, Georgia was harvested for the density of their wood, which made them particularly strong against cannonballs. Said wood was used to construct the famous U.S.S. Constitution, AKA "Old Ironsides", which was said to have cannonballs actually bounce off of it throughout the War of 1812. Said ship is still in Boston Harbor to this day, making the 227-year old ship the oldest still floating naval warship in the world! And that's all thanks to the natural environment of Georgia.

What about Georgia's culture? Historically, of course, Georgia is complicated as hell. A former seat of the Civil War and the Confederacy, the state has seen heavy reconstruction in the last century and a half, eventually becoming associated with many civil rights heroes, and currently having a few prominent bastions of the Democratic Party, such as Atlanta. On a contemporary level, the state is famous for its music, its accents, and its food! The state has at least four foods as state symbols - peaches, peanuts, grits, and the Vidalia onion, and has other iconic food and drink like sweet tea, cornbread, peach cobbler, and fried catfish.

As for its people, they're a highly religious bunch on average, known for their hospitality and, according to some accounts online, "polite sarcasm". Y'know, "bless your heart" and all that. Conservative historically with an increasing population of Black Democrats in metropolitan centers, it's a growing state in terms of diversity, and changing rapidly. So...a culturally diverse bird that lives in oak trees? Yeah, that's a target we're gonna hit for sure. I mean, the oak or pine tree part is pretty easy, but the other thing? Well..a songbird would make some sense. I mean, the state is famous for its musicians, ranging from OutKast to Gladys Knight to 2 Chainz to Luke Bryan, and more. So, something that sings is a solid choice. There are a couple of other qualities we can go for, but that's enough for now, I think.

With that, let's move onto the choices. Got some interesting ones this time, but I have...a hunch about this one. We'll see how this goes, but I have a feeling it's gonna go the way of New Jersey's poll, which has been...decisive. But OK, with that...birds after the jump!!!

Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum)

Not gonna lie - this one could be hard to beat, surprisingly. Which is too bad for a number of reasons, but the Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) isn't really a horrible choice for Georgia's State Bird. It breeds in the state, even though it's found all over the eastern and central USA. It's an iconic bird in sight and sound, which is pretty important for a state that's produced a lot of human singers. I even mentioned up above that a songbird wouldn't be a bad choice, and what better songbird than one who can memorize, mimic, and remix multiple sounds for its own use? Plus, it was chosen by school kids, meaning it was elected by the public. Of course, to be fair, it was also chosen by governor at the time, Eugene Talmadge, a famous white supremacist who enforced segregation in Georgia schools and universities, openly supported Adolf Hitler, and was a genuinely extremely racist PIECE OF SHIT...but I digress? Although, it is extremely ironic that Talmadge ratified the Brown Thrasher as the State Bird of Georgia, so there's that.

OK, Talmadge doesn't really have anything to do with this, I just needed to get some anti-racist anger out for a second there, sorry; dude was a bastard in a lot of ways. But in terms of the Brown Thrasher, it's honestly not a bad choice for Georgia. Thing is...I'm not entirely sure I can say it's the best choice, or even a really good choice, frankly. It's...a choice. It does eat peaches, though, so maybe throw that into the pros pile for the species. Oh, and one more thing: it's defeated an attempt to depose it before. The frankly kinda ridiculous attempt to change the State Bird of Georgia to the Cornish Chicken in 2010 was not received well for the chicken. Georgians liked their Thrasher too much! Also, one of the arguments against the Brown Thrasher that the Flip the Bird movement put forth was that it "has no contribution to the state of Georgia economy". Of all the stupid goddamn arguments...

Northern Bobwhite (Colnius virginianus)

Well, if we're talking about the incumbent State Bird, we should bring up the incumbent State Game Bird as well! Yeah, this'll be a regular thing going forward. Any ornithological state symbols are up for bid and re-election, although this is a slightly different process. If a State Game Bird is elected as State Bird, it will ascend to that post, and a new State Game Bird will be proposed, possibly with a new poll. However, if it is not the chosen State Bird, it'll remain as the State Game Bird. So, really, the Northern Bobwhite gets to stay where it is...for now. This may change as we get overlapping game birds across the USA. And we will, believe me. With that said, let's talk about the Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus).

A member of the New World quails (Odontophoridae) the bobwhite is named after its iconic whistling call, and not a random dude named Robert White. The Northern Bobwhite isn't the only species of bobwhite quail by any means, but it's the only major native representative in the USA. It's a grassland and open forest-loving quail whose range extends from Texas to Massachusetts...kind of. Here's the problem with the bobwhite: its population is rapidly decreasing. In the past 60 years or so, the population's decreased by at least 85% in its native range, which is...A LOT. It's partially for that reason that the species is on my priorities for my Life List, because I've never seen them, and they're rapidly vanishing.

That, alongside the normal ecological concerns and links, and its relatively new status as a threatened species due to land use and forest fires, makes it a good candidate for recognition on its own. But is it a good bird for Georgia? Well, only 4% of its breeding population is found in the state year-round, making the state a poor reservoir for the species. There's also a point that the bobwhite is, surprisingly, an invasive species in some countries, specifically New Zealand and Italy. They're also a common bird in captivity, even though any aviary should have them be the only ground-dwelling bird, since they can be aggressive to competitors. That said, they're not a completely doomed species.

More importantly, though, the fact that Georgia doesn't have a lot of these guys immediately makes them a less-than-ideal candidate for State Bird. State Game Bird, though? That might actually be worse. Remember, this is an endangered species, meaning it may not be a bird we should glorify as a food source. In fact, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has conservation measures in place to protect bobwhite and their habitat, also seeking to restore it and add new potential habitats for the species. And they aren't eliminating hunting of the species, but are strictly managing and monitoring populations. And there is merit to managed hunting, for the record, but that's a separate conversation to be had. So, not a horrible choice to remain as Game Bird. But who knows? Maybe I'll make a separate poll to ask this question after all. If that's something that interests you, let me know! For now, let's move on.

Bachman's Sparrow (Peuacea aestivalis)

On to the eBird suggestion! And this one is...ooooooooh...yikes. OK, yeah, you may remember my issue with the Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacutus) as a potential State Bird for New Jersey, mostly revolving around the idea that it wouldn't be easily recognizable by the public, unaffiliated with sparrows and their subtle or major differences. This? This is worse. Once again, don't get me wrong, Bachman's Sparrow (Peuacea aestivalis) would be a dream for me as a birder, as a southern exclusive species and a lifer for me personally. But for the average layman? This is a bird difficult to identify for birders! Not sure the average non-bird person has a chance, to be honest.

But just to be completely comprehensive, why the Bachman's Sparrow? Well, the eBird article quotes the species as having a large breeding population in Georgia. However, to be completely fair, the species mostly breeds in Florida, not Georgia (48% vs. 30%, by recent calculations). That said, the number of Bachman's Sparrows breeding in Georgia isn't a number to sneeze at. As for its ecology, it specializes in pine forests, including those composed of longleaf and loblolly pine, which have Georgia as a major habitat. Oh, and on a historical note (not that this matters too much), John Bachman was an opponent of segregation and racist eugenics beliefs, so a lot better than other historical figures with birds named after them. Granted, that bar is buried seven feet beneath the Earth, but still, it's cleared in this case. So, not the worst set of reasons for Bachman's Sparrow to make the cut.

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)

Whoa whoa whoa, hold on, hold on. Two more sparrows? What is this, karma? Well, yeah, maybe. Of course, these two are chosen based on their names, as both specimens used in the descriptions for the species were collected in Georgia. But does this truly matter in this case? Neither the Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), nor the Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana), breed in Georgia, although both are still found in the state. If I had to argue one over the other personally, it'd be the Swamp Sparrow, both to represent a dominant habitat in the state, and because they're possibly more recognizable...even though they're pretty close to the Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) to the untrained eye, I suppose.

Brown-headed Nuthatch (Silla pusilla)

See, here's the real question about the eBird choices. Why choose the Bachman's Sparrow, when the adorably charismatic Brown-headed Nuthatch (Silla pusilla) was right there? The largest breeding population of this bird's global range is in Georgia, with a full 26% of the species depending on Georgia for its propagation. Yeah. This is definitely a Georgia breeder, but since the Bachman's Sparrow is a bit more endangered, has different living conditions, and is a bit more dependent on its Georgia population than the nuthatch here, that's likely why it was given the crown.

And yet...AND YET...in my opinion, this is the better state-dependent representative for Georgia. Sure, less of its breeding population is found in Georgia, but one-quarter of its global population isn't exactly something to sneeze at. And, importantly, this is where the majority of its population is housed, making Georgia more important for the Brown-headed Nuthatch than it is for the Bachman's Sparrow. But is it a better representative outside of that point? Well, it's recognizable, it's not terribly difficult to find, and it's certainly charismatic. I mean, look at that thing, it's cute as hell! Not that the sparrows aren't cute in their way, but the nuthatch? I wanna squeeze that thing, and apparently, they actually sound like rubber duckies. And no, charisma doesn't always mater, and it can be damaging for noncharismatic species conservation. But it can help.

Anything else? Well, using the same logic I have with other birds, it's an important representative of its habitat. The pine forests of the Southeastern USA are, unsurprisingly, in trouble. In fact, longleaf pine forests are kind of a massive deal from a conservation standpoint, and they're in a massive amount of trouble due to development and climate change. Some figures calculate a 95% loss of these forests by 2080, which is...bad, it's real bad, obviously. That kind of potential danger to their habitat, combined with their role within it, makes the nuthatch a good option. And apparently, Birds Georgia agrees with me.

Birds Georgia, for the record, is formerly known as the Georgia chapter of the National Audubon Society. And, while they still have affiliation to the organization, they've separated themselves from the legacy of its namesake. Credit where credit's due! Anyway, why bring them up? Birds Georgia has a number of species they highlight for conservation focus, with the Brown-headed Nuthatch being a major example. Their nestbox program focuses on building more nestboxes for a declining species across the state, and it's very much worked! 450 nest boxes have been installed across the state since 2015, and hopefully that doesn't stop! So, cute potential representative! But that's not the only conservation focus from Birds Georgia.

Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)

From 2019 to 2020, Birds Georgia named the Chimney Swift their Conservation Focus for the year, and began an initiative to have nestboxes put out for the species across the state. Multiple towers were erected throughout the state by multiple conservation initiatives working with Birds Georgia, giving the birds more habitats outside of direct human settlements to breed and thrive in. But, why the Chimney Swift? They're sort of all over the place.

If you're from the eastern USA and walked outside in the morning or late afternoon, you've probably heard random chittering high above you, especially if you're in a city or town with chimneys on their buildings. If you look up, you've probably seen silhouettes of these guys flying at high speeds in the sky, mouths open to gather flying insects in the dawn and dusk. These are common birds all over the eastern US, as well as recognizable and easy to find and hear. So, why suggest them for Georgia? Because Georgia is tied with three other states for having the largest proportion of the breeding population for the species, at 6% of the species. Not a high number, but a significant proportion nonetheless. That makes it an intriguing choice for Georgia...and a few other places. So, this is probably not the last time we see this species on the polls.

Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

But hey, if we're going for birds elevated by Birds Georgia, then we should probably highlight their actual mascot: the Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpe erythrocephalus). We've already talked about the importance of woodpeckers as keystone species in forested environments, and the Red-headed Woodpecker is definitely an example of that ecological role. In truth, the Pielated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), which was up for the Pennsylvania poll, actually widens holes made by the Red-headed Woodpecker for its own nest-cavities, meaning a keystone depends on a keystone.

Now, in terms of Georgia's population, the breeding population in the state is definitely not the bulwark for the species (that trophy belongs to Kansas with 11%), but the live oak forests the state is seeking to protect definitely houses the species in significant numbers state-wide. The reason Birds Georgia uses it in their logo is because, in 2014, the species was considered high-risk and on the decline in its range. As of 2022, the species is also suffering its highest region-wide decline in Georgia, tied with a few other states on that front well. Combine these facts with an iconic appearance, and the Red-headed Woodpecker is also a decent choice for State Bird from a conservation standpoint.

OK...one more. And this one's...a stretch.

Red-Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

OK, it's not actually a stretch; I just wanted to say that because it's a tall image, and I thought it'd be funny. So, OK! The Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus). Now, this is yet another species you can find in various places in the eastern USA, but its second largest breeding population in the country can be found in the Peach State, which is beat out by Florida. Trust me, though, Florida is one of the big three states in the South in terms of breeding bird populations. I try to get a raptor for each state, you'll notice, but why this raptor for Georgia, outside of the breeding population thing?

Well, firstly, there's the association of the species with swamps and woodlands, both of which are prominent Georgia habitats. They've got an extremely varied diet, going for most small prey items in their ranges, even weird ones like roadkill deer, crayfish, and screech owls. And while they're most common in Georgia, they're also most certainly seen in Georgia fairly commonly, especially after their recovery from DDT. But even then...why? Why have a hawk for the state of Georgia at...OK, some of you probably figured it out, I might as well just say it now.

Yup, Georgia's basketball team is the Atlanta Hawks. And yes, OBviously I could've gone for the Atlanta Falcons, but falcons make far less sense to highlight for the state, ironically. There are only three commonly seen species in the state, and none of them have Georgia as a major highlight of their breeding ranges. So, with that in mind, the Hawks seem like the team to highlight, and the best hawk for the state of Georgia is the Red-shouldered Hawk. With that said, is this really the best choice for Georgia's state bird? I mean...that's up to Georgians (and Tumblrites) to decide in the end.

So! An odd post, this one was. Some interesting choices in the end, but is this the most solid roster? Not sure. I have my guess as to the winner for this one, and honestly...it's not a bad choice if I'm right. But with that, it's time to leave it to you - the people! And the next time we have one of these posts, we'll be heading to a region and a state near and dear to me, personally. Time for the Nutmeg State, and the first state with a frequent flyer for a state bird!

See you soon, and happy birding!

Introduction to the State Birds Initiative

1. Delaware - Poll | Results 2. Pennsylvania - Poll | Results 3. New Jersey - Poll | Results 4. Georgia - Poll | Results 5. Connecticut - Poll | Results 6. Massachusetts - Poll | Results (upcoming)

[pastelavender88]

What pet names do you think Buck and Eddie would use the most of their gfs?

Eddie:

I feel like Eddie is more old-school boyfriend than Buck is. Probably because he was out of the game when stuff like hookup culture and sleeping around was accepted more and more.

So he's an "Angel, Beloved, Darling, Love, My Other Half" kind of boyfriend.

If you share a kid together or you're pregnant I can see him calling you "Mama" as a joke.

Most of that’s before marriage and stuff though. After a while you get special nicknames and maybe even ironic nicknames.

He may call you “Pat” because once at an aquarium (the interactive part) a starfish got stuck to your hand and naturally his head went to the iconic Patrick star from Spongebob.

Or maybe “cougar” because once at a bar a kid, who looked way too young to be in a bar, hit on you (awkwardly) and called you a cougar to your face. 

Buck:

Now Buck is a diiferent story. If you guys start off as like hookups or something he calls you awkward nicknames like “Bud” or “Pal”.

As time goes on and you get more serious you get a “Babe” and “Honey”

I can see him also using your background as a pairing with your nickname. 

Like if you're from Georgia, he’ll call you “Peaches” or “Sugar” (that’s because he believes that everyone talks like a character from True Blood.)

Over time you notice his nicknames are more heartfelt and meaningful. Like using favorite foods, and hobbies, maybe if you speak another language, he’ll go as far as finding out more about your language and going off of that as well.

Cara Mia (Italian for "beloved"), Principessa (Italian for "princess"),Mi Cielo (Spanish, literally "my sky")

Bonus: What they like to be called...

Eddie: Honey, Sugar, Mi Amor, Mi Guapo, Baby Boy (it started as a joke but he enjoys it more than he admits subeddie confirmed), and Good-looking

Buck: Bub, Sexy, Boo Thang (started as a joke but it stuck), Romeo, McDreamy (Buck is the type of boyfriend that complains about your “cheesy” shows but sits there and watches everything, so he understands this reference), and Hercules (because big strong sexy man, duh!).

[andijaart]

+++🙏🏻God Bless🕊️+++

The Icon of the Virgin of Georgia

MEMORIAL DAY SEPTEMBER 4

Today, the Krasnogorsk monastery rejoices brightly and the Raifa desert triumphs with it, like a sunny dawn that shone from the east, having received, Lady, Your miraculous icon, with which you disperse the darkness of temptations and troubles from those who cry out to you with faith: "Deliver our monastery and all Christian countries from all the machinations of the enemy and save our souls, as The Merciful Defender of the Christian race."

💫International Orthodox Art Corporation Andcross May the blessing of the Lord be upon you!

[poliwhirl42]

As per usual, I love imagining Pokémon characters in scenarios I find myself in, so naturally I’ve thought about aged-up Best Wishes characters going on vacation to a tropical island resort together. Here’s the Unova crew’s drink orders at the swim-up bar:

Ash - a Mudslide. He said “get me whatever tastes the least like alcohol” so essentially a delicious chocolate milkshake-based drink is totally his vibe. Until he likes it so much that he has like four more and it fucks him up later.

Iris - a Malibu Bay Breeze. Iris loves anything sweet and fruity with just a hint of tang so this is perfect for her!

Cilan - a Mojito. Light and refreshing with a hint of flavor in the gin, lime and mint. It’s definitely his speed.

Trip - an Aperol Spritz. Classy as hell but not overly complicated either. Of course, “camera drinks first” - he needs to get an aesthetic picture amongst the tropical beach backdrop before taking a sip.

Bianca - a classic Piña Colada. Like Ash, I can’t see Bianca liking drinks that are overly strong, so this coconut-y treat is just right and fits her sometimes nutty personality (I say this with the utmost affection).

Stephan - a Strawberry Daiquiri! Stephan takes full advantage of the fitness center and athletic facilities at the resort, so naturally he’s gonna want something refreshing and frosty to cool off.

Georgia - a classic Margarita. Georgia is 100% a tequila girlie and the sourness of this drink goes perfectly with her snarky personality.

Burgundy - Sangria! Of course I had to incorporate wine somehow for my favorite connoisseuse, so a nice iced (red) sangria with fruit is definitely her vibe. She makes sure to flaunt her drink, in its fancy glass, around Cilan so that he’s aware of how “classy” she is, and then makes a snide remark about how his mojito is a “predictable choice”.

Cameron - a Blue Hawaiian! The vivid blue of this drink matches Cameron’s eyes and I think he’d be mesmerized so much by the color and little paper umbrella it comes with that he just has to try it out. He later regrets it when he has like three and is puking blue all night in his shared hotel room with Stephan, Trip and Virgil.

Virgil - a Mai Tai. Similar to Trip, this drink is classy, simple, but just as flavorful. I don’t really have an eloquent description or explanation of why this fits Virgil, it just does.

Luke - a Vodka Martini. Luke doesn’t know much about alcohol but wants whatever iconic drinks he sees in his favorite movies. So naturally, channeling his inner James Bond (or whatever Poké-equivalent), he smirks, glasses glinting, and orders a vodka martini- “shaken, not stirred”- while the rest of the gang stares at him, dumbfounded. It’s not until he takes a single sip and coughs violently that Ash smiles sympathetically before ordering his friend a Mudslide to wash it down with.

[tomorrowxtogether]

Tomorrow X Together add new dates to 2024 ‘Act: Promise’ world tour

Featuring shows in New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and more

K-pop boyband Tomorrow X Together (TXT) have announced their upcoming 2024 ‘Act: Promise’ world tour, which will kick off with concerts in Seoul this May.

Tomorrow X Together new world tour was first announced on March 11 by the boyband’s label, Big Hit Music, and will kick off with a three-date concert at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, South Korea from May 3 to 5.

The kick-off dates of the K-pop boyband’s 2024 tour will be made available for livestreaming, according to an announcement on TXT’s official Weverse page. Ticketing information for the shows has yet to be announced.

On March 19, the group revealed the dates for the US leg of their upcoming 2024 ‘Act: Promise’ world tour, which will start at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington on May 14. In the same month, TXT will play three shows in California, alongside stops in Texas and Georgia.

In June 2024, the K-pop boyband will play two shows at the iconic Maidson Square Garden in New York City, before heading to Rosemont and wrapping up the leg in Washington, D.C. Tickets to dates on the US leg of TXT’s 2024 ‘Act: Promise’ world tour are on sale now via Ticketmaster or AXS.

On April 8, TXT added eight more dates in Japan to the tour. The concerts will take place over three months from July to September, with two shows each in the cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Ticketing details for these dates have yet to be announced.

The dates for Tomorrow X Together’s 2024 ‘Act: Promise’ world tour are:

MAY 2024 03: Seoul, South Korea, KSPO Dome 04: Seoul, South Korea, KSPO Dome 05: Seoul, South Korea, KSPO Dome 14: Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Dome 18: Oakland, California, Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum 21: Los Angeles, California, Crypto.com Arena 22: Los Angeles, California, Crypto.com Arena 26: Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park 29: Atlanta, Georgia, State Farm Arena

JUNE 2024 01: New York, New York, Maidson Square Garden 02: New York, New York, Maidson Square Garden 05: Rosemont, Illinois, Allstate Arena 06: Rosemont, Illinois, Allstate Arena 08: Washington, D.C., Capital One Arena

JULY 2024 10: Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo Dome (NEW) 11: Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo Dome (NEW) 27: Osaka, Japan, Kyocera Dome Osaka (NEW) 28: Osaka, Japan, Kyocera Dome Osaka (NEW)

AUGUST 2024 04: Nagoya, Japan, Vantelin Dome Nagoya (NEW) 05: Nagoya, Japan, Vantelin Dome Nagoya (NEW)

SEPTEMBER 2024 14: Fukuoka, Japan, Fukuoka PayPay Dome (NEW) 15: Fukuoka, Japan, Fukuoka PayPay Dome (NEW)

‘Act: Promise’ will be TXT’s third-ever world tour, following 2023’s ‘Act: Sweet Mirage’ and 2022’s ‘Act: Love Sick’. Both those tours featured legs in the US, Asia and Japan.

[cherrygirlystuff]

Indie It-Girls: The Icons Who Defined Indie Sleaze Style 🌟

Indie sleaze is all about attitude, style, and embracing a touch of rebellious glamour. These it-girls didn’t just follow trends—they set them, becoming the ultimate style icons of their time. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic figures of the indie sleaze scene and how their unique style continues to inspire.

1. Alexa Chung: The Queen of Effortless Cool 👑

Alexa Chung is the quintessential indie it-girl. With her signature blend of vintage-inspired looks and casual chic, she became a symbol of effortless cool. Here’s a breakdown of her iconic style:

Vintage-Inspired Dresses: Alexa is known for her love of vintage dresses. Think retro prints, A-line silhouettes, and high necklines. She effortlessly combines these with modern accessories for a look that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Layering Like a Pro: Alexa’s layering game is always on point. She pairs oversized blazers with skinny jeans, and adds a quirky touch with patterned tights or retro boots. Her ability to mix and match different textures and styles is what makes her look so distinctive.

The Perfect Messy Hair: Alexa’s tousled hair is a key part of her look. It’s all about embracing a bit of messiness and natural texture, giving her an effortlessly chic vibe that’s so quintessentially indie sleaze.

Style Tip: Channel Alexa Chung’s look by mixing vintage finds with contemporary pieces. Don’t forget to keep your hair a little tousled and relaxed for that perfect indie vibe.

2. Agyness Deyn: The Bold and Brave Fashionista 🌟

Agyness Deyn made waves in the indie sleaze scene with her bold, fearless style. Known for pushing boundaries and embracing edgy looks, she became a fashion icon in her own right. Here’s what makes Agyness’s style so iconic:

Edgy Statements: Agyness loves making bold fashion statements. From leather jackets and combat boots to graphic tees and chunky jewelry, she’s all about mixing tough, edgy elements with a hint of glam.

Statement Haircuts: Agyness’s ever-changing hairstyles are a major part of her appeal. Whether it’s a chic pixie cut or a dramatic undercut, her hair always complements her bold fashion choices.

Bright, Bold Colors: Agyness isn’t afraid of color. She often incorporates bright hues and eye-catching prints into her outfits, making her stand out in any crowd.

Style Tip: Embrace Agyness Deyn’s fearless approach by incorporating edgy, bold pieces into your wardrobe. Don’t shy away from statement hairstyles and bright colors to channel that indie sleaze energy.

3. Other Indie It-Girls Who Shaped the Scene 🌟

While Alexa and Agyness are major icons, there are plenty of other it-girls who made their mark on indie sleaze style. Here are a few more to keep an eye on:

Karen Elson: Known for her striking red hair and vintage-inspired looks, Karen Elson embodies the indie sleaze aesthetic with her unique blend of retro glamour and modern edge.

Georgia May Jagger: With her iconic gap-toothed smile and rock ‘n’ roll style, Georgia brings a rebellious flair to the indie sleaze scene. Her look combines effortless chic with a touch of rock star edge.

Frances Bean Cobain: As the daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, Frances Bean has inherited a natural sense of edgy, grunge-inspired style. Her look is all about mixing vintage pieces with contemporary trends for a unique, rebellious vibe.

Inspiration Tip: Look to these additional indie it-girls for inspiration on how to mix vintage and modern styles, and how to embrace your own unique flair.

Final Thoughts, Gorgeous: Channeling Your Inner Indie It-Girl 🌟

And there you have it—your ultimate guide to the icons of indie sleaze! From Alexa Chung’s effortless vintage vibe to Agyness Deyn’s bold fashion statements, these indie it-girls have set the bar high for style and attitude. Take a page from their book and embrace your own unique look with a touch of indie sleaze glamour.

Who’s your favorite indie it-girl or style icon? Share your thoughts and style inspirations in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re channeling that indie sleaze vibe! 💕

[mrhaitch]

hi mr. haitch! just wanted your advice on some...boy advice. sort of.

i've been thinking lately about standards/requirements i would like in a partner, particularly if they were male. i think that if i ever have a boyfriend and date again, the bare minimum should be that he should identify as liberal/agree with me on a few things that i feel like every decent human being should believe in. for context, i'm american, and the main thing that makes me believe this is the idea of being pro-life vs. pro choice. if he doesn't think i should have my bodily autonomy, should i even be dating him? having kids with him? what if things go wrong during the pregnancy later in the term? would he want me to die, just like that woman did in georgia?

i know this is veering into politics, but i was asking this not to ask for your opinion on "being liberal vs. being conservative" but rather "xyz belief that i'm not sure i should be so strict on." i understand people have room to grow, particularly young men who are exposed to a lot of...things and radical ideas from a young age. this isn't to say that i don't want someone who disagrees with me, but i think in american politics there's a lot of things the right believes in that harm women, and consequently me.

so, the gist of what i'm asking is that do you think that young men (who are in college/in their twenties) grow in that regard? or do you think that, if from the get go that they believe in such things that i shouldn't waste my time?

i'm trying to keep this short (and failing horribly), but what really formed my dilemma is that i have a best friend (who is male), and he's a very nice person. became friends with me when i was not favorable with his friend group, i was chubbier, and he's the one who's helped me improve myself. still is friends with me even though his "bros" make comments about our friendship. we have insightful conversation and he's rare in the way that he actually sees women as people and recognizes the men who don't (his friends, who he's not really friends with because he recognizes that they suck). he's a decent human being, something not a lot of young men are.

however, he sends me content like "equal rights means equal fights," dark humor about feminism, interacts with onlyfans bait accounts, makes jokes about toji fushiguro from jujutsu kaisen (who has become sort of an icon for the incels who clearly have not watched the show) abusing all of his wives. a lot of young men think that just because he's muscular, tall, and powerful, he abused his wives and other typical woman-hating stuff. which is hilarious and horribly mischaracterizing but i digress. is this someting he'll grow out of and recognize as things that you shouldn't joke about?

as always, please feel free to ignore this ask if you think the mention of politics is something you don't want to discuss. i would understand. i would totally ask my dad about this, but he's conservative himself and my parents don't have the best relationship either. i hope you and haitch have a great day!!

Oof. Okay, my answer has some caveats to it so if you're hoping for something cut and dry then you may be disappointed.

Do I think boys with this kind of attitude can change? Yes. I have to believe that or my job would be pointless. Many of my students are male (in fact the overwhelming majority) and many of them hold views I would deem questionable if not outright bigoted. It's not necessarily my place to change their mind, but I do take it upon myself to find ways to challenge their thinking - albeit gently as these students have a tendency to become violent or start riots if they encounter too much opposition.

Case in point: the other day two girls in one class were talking about their experiences of creepy older men catcalling them on the way to school. We were talking it through, and a boy piped up with statistics about men's mental health and suicide rates. This boy is severely autistic and has an inclination towards what I think of as reddit-bro positions. I talked to him about it, gently, explaining that men's mental health is a pressing concern - but it wasn't what we were talking about. I then talked to him about it in greater depth, at a later point in time.

On another occasion some of my students complained that Pride Month overlaps with Men's Mental Health Month, and proceeded to argue that 'the gays don't care about men's mental health'. There have also been incidents where groups of boys have been loudly discussing how rape allegations are almost always false and women are liars, that kind of thing.

Now - I have to believe these boys can change or I'm wasting my time. But I'm also just their teacher, and at the end of the school day they are no longer my problem. Being in a relationship or close with them is a different ballgame entirely and you could be exposing yourself to harm.

Your friend may well outgrow this worldview, but it's something he has to do himself. Similarly for all men, really. If they can't talk themselves out of violent or derogatory views on women, women's health and wellbeing, and all of the other shit that goes with them - they should not be pursuing women romantically or sexually.

Fundamentally it's your call. They might grow out of it, but they might not.