#independent leeds

[crochetclaire]

Time to grab some food 😋

[cactuskid99]

Happy independence day everyone 🎉🇺🇸

[fartpixie]

Shop • Portfolio • Instagram • Twitter • Tiktok

[loiterer87]

So, back before October and all it's shenanigans, I'd actually got some work out in print!

I'm part of a little collective of local comic creators of varying degree and back in the summer we came up with the idea of doing an anthology comic! Everyone who was interested in contributing got two pages to play with under the theme of 'Cryptids Of Leeds'!

The whole thing was printed in Black and White and since I didn't read the specs correctly, I ended up doing a full coloured version of it. And so I present to you my contribution: A Meeting With The Pigeon-Eater ! In Colour!

If you're curious and want to see everyone else's contributions you can purchase it here: https://leedscomicscollective.bigcartel.com/ In both physical and digital form!

[myzswblog]

Alpin has grown to encompass some of the world’s leading voices and thought leaders in the field of sustainable development and climate change, so much so that what started off as a niche advisory service has grown into a holistic service offering  Sustainability Reporting that incorporates all of the elements and aspects that would play a role in creating a sustainable development or policy. The essence of our work lies in our flexibility, giving us the ability to match the very best consultants to your project’s needs, no matter the size or sector. We draw from a trusted pool of highly experienced, regionally based project managers as well as  Decarbonization Strategies to create a winning team.

[top10estateagentsuk]

How Much Does a Property Valuation Cost in Leeds?

[middleeastblogs]

Exploring Environmental Product Declarations and ESG Reporting in Acoustic Engineering for Sustainability

In the realm of sustainable development and environmental responsibility, the integration of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting plays a crucial role. This article delves into how these frameworks are applied within the context of acoustic engineering, highlighting their impact on sustainability reporting.

Introduction to Environmental Product Declarations

Environmental Product Declarations, commonly referred to as EPDs, are standardized documents that communicate transparent and verified information about the environmental impact of a product or system throughout its life cycle. They provide valuable insights into the environmental performance of products, helping consumers and stakeholders make informed decisions. EPDs are based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies, which assess environmental impacts from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling.

ESG Reporting and Its Importance

ESG reporting refers to the practice of organizations disclosing their performance in environmental, social, and governance aspects. It provides stakeholders with a comprehensive view of a company’s sustainability efforts beyond financial metrics. ESG factors are increasingly influencing investment decisions and corporate strategies, emphasizing the importance of transparent reporting practices.

Sustainability Reporting in Acoustic Engineering

Acoustic engineering focuses on managing noise and vibration levels across various environments, including buildings, transportation, and industrial facilities. Integrating sustainability principles into acoustic engineering involves minimizing noise pollution and ensuring energy efficiency throughout the life cycle of acoustic products and systems.

Environmental Considerations in Acoustic Engineering

When developing acoustic solutions, environmental considerations begin with the selection of materials. EPDs help acoustic engineers assess the environmental impact of materials used in products such as soundproofing materials, acoustic panels, and noise barriers. By choosing materials with lower carbon footprints and reduced toxicity, engineers contribute to sustainable building practices.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in Acoustic Product Development

LCA is a key tool in evaluating the environmental footprint of acoustic products. It considers factors like energy consumption, emissions, and resource use from raw material extraction to manufacturing, installation, use, and disposal. By conducting LCAs and obtaining EPDs for their products, acoustic engineers can identify opportunities for improvement and innovation in sustainability.

Case Studies: Implementing EPDs and ESG Reporting

Several companies in the acoustic engineering sector have embraced EPDs and ESG reporting to enhance their sustainability credentials. For instance, a manufacturer of acoustic panels conducted an LCA to develop EPDs that disclose the environmental impact of their products. Simultaneously, they incorporated ESG criteria into their corporate reporting, demonstrating commitments to energy efficiency and waste reduction.

Challenges and Opportunities

While EPDs and ESG reporting offer significant benefits, challenges remain in their implementation across the acoustic engineering industry. These challenges include data collection complexities, standardization issues, and the need for continuous improvement in sustainability practices. However, overcoming these challenges presents opportunities for innovation and differentiation within the market.

Future Trends and Innovations

Looking ahead, the future of acoustic engineering lies in integrating advanced materials and technologies that further minimize environmental impacts. Innovations such as biodegradable acoustic materials, renewable energy-powered manufacturing processes, and smart acoustic solutions equipped with energy-efficient sensors are paving the way for a more sustainable built environment.

Conclusion

Environmental Product Declarations and ESG reporting are integral to advancing sustainability in acoustic engineering. By adopting these frameworks, companies can mitigate environmental impacts, meet regulatory requirements, and enhance stakeholder trust. As the industry evolves, continued collaboration and innovation will drive meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future for acoustic solutions worldwide.

In summary, Environmental Product Declarations and ESG reporting are not merely compliance measures but strategic tools that enable acoustic engineers to contribute positively to environmental sustainability while meeting market demands and stakeholder expectations.

[stellawembley]

Reinstate "Wasting My Time" on All Digital Music Stores

Reinstate “Wasting My Time” on All Digital Music Stores I am an independent artist who has poured my heart, soul, and finances into creating music that resonates with people. My EP, “Wasting My Time”, was a labor of love and dedication. However, it was abruptly removed from all digital stores without a fair justification. This action has not only impacted my career but also affected my mental…

[a-kind-of-merry-war]

Hey gang! A while ago on my book-signing tour I went into The Bookish Type in Leeds. They're an awesome queer, indie bookshop and they are lovely.

Unfortunately last night they were broken into, with a window being smashed and cash from the till being taken.

I had a really lovely experience there, and they've got a great pay it forward scheme where you pay a fixed amount, and someone who can't afford a book can get one for free.

If you're based in the UK and looking for any last minute bookish gifts, please check them out!

[ingek73]

…

About 150 people carrying St George’s Cross flags, shouting “you’re not English any more” and “paedo Muslims off our street”, were greatly outnumbered in Leeds by hundreds of counter-protesters shouting “Nazi scum off our streets”. Skirmishes broke out between demonstrators and punks – in town for a festival – in Blackpool, with bottles and chairs thrown.

In Bristol, police kept protesters and counter protesters apart before a group headed to a hotel used to house asylum seekers.

The need for urgent political intervention was stressed by the government’s independent adviser on political violence and disruption, Lord Walney, who told the Observer that new emergency powers may be needed. “The system isn’t set up to deal with this rolling rabble-rousing being fuelled by far-right actors,” he said.

“I think home office ministers may want to look urgently at a new emergency framework – perhaps temporary in nature – that enables police to use the full powers of arrest to prevent people gathering where there is clear intent to fuel violent disorder.”

Keir Starmer held a meeting of senior ministers on Saturday in which he said police had been given full support to tackle extremists who were attempting “to sow hate by intimidating communities”. He made clear that the right to freedom of expression and the violent scenes over recent days were “two very different things”.

Last week’s riots followed the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday. Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, is accused of the attack, but false claims were spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat. In the wake of these messages, far-right protesters – guided by social media – gathered in cities across the country.

A key factor in this spread of online disinformation involved Elon Musk’s decision to allow rightwing activists such as Tommy Robinson back onto his social media platform X, said Joe Mulhall, director of research at Hope not Hate, the anti-fascism organisation. “The initial disinformation and anger was being perpetrated by individuals on Twitter, for example, that have been previously deplatformed,” he said. “And now they’ve been replatformed.”

Robinson was permanently banned from the platform (then called Twitter) in March 2018, then reinstated in November last year, after Musk bought it. “We hadn’t seen any significant numbers at any demonstrations since 2018,” Mulhall added.

An example of the danger posed by the misuse of social media was revealed in Stoke-on-Trent, where police were forced to deny there had been a stabbing, countering claims made on social media. “There is growing speculation that a stabbing has taken place as a result of the disorder today. We can confirm this information is false and no stabbings have been reported to police or emergency responders, despite videos fuelling speculation on social media,” police said.

The danger of such intervention was stressed by Ben-Julian “BJ” Harrington, the National Police Chiefs Council lead for public order, who condemned social media disinformation as a cause of last week’s disorder.

He said: “We had reports today that two people had been stabbed by Muslims in Stoke – it’s just not true. There’s people out there, not even in this country, circulating and stoking up hatred, division and concerns in communities that they don’t care about, don’t know and don’t understand.”

[covid-safer-hotties]

also preserved on our archive

By Jamie Coulson

A doctor from Leeds who developed long Covid and the debilitating effects of ME has said NHS patients like her have been “left to rot”.

Becky Williams, 34, first caught Covid in March 2020 and has been left house-bound ever since, with her symptoms including extreme fatigue, brain fog and pain.

Dr Williams, who said she had "lost my job, lost friends, lost my independence", has joined about 200 other healthcare workers who have signed a letter calling on the government to provide better support for patients with these conditions.

The Department of Health and Social Care said the government would “ensure patients receive the care they deserve”.

Dr Williams initially developed long Covid, but for the past two years has also met the criteria for ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Often developing after an acute viral or bacterial infection from which people are unable to fully recover, ME has many overlapping features with long Covid.

It is estimated at least 250,000 people in the UK have ME, which affects multiple systems within the body and which can lead to symptoms like fatigue and a flu-like malaise, though the ME Association believe that figure is likely to be "significantly" higher.

Dr Williams said: “I’ve lost my job, I’ve lost friends, I’ve lost my independence, my ability to drive and to look after myself. I can’t even wash my own hair."

'Safety concerns' Dr Williams said she had signed a letter organised by campaign group #ThereforME calling on Health Secretary Wes Streeting to improve care.

The letter asked Mr Streeting and the government to acknowledge that gaps in NHS care for ME patients were leading to "serious patient safety concerns".

According to the letter, "patients at the severe end of the disease spectrum are bedridden, sometimes tube-fed and confined to quiet, darkened rooms due to extreme light and sound sensitivity".

"In the most extreme cases, patients languish behind closed doors with little or no support," it added.

Dr Williams said: “I feel we’ve all been left to rot - which I know sounds dramatic - neglected and not being listened to."

She said the campaign would "give us all a voice", including those who are who are so severely affected they are "generally left unheard".

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “This government will ensure patients receive the care they deserve.

“We are committed to improving the care and support for people with long Covid, myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

“We recognise how devastating the symptoms can be, and the significant impact they can have on patients and their families."

The spokesperson said the government "welcomes applications for high-quality research to understand the causes, consequences and treatment of ME/CFS and long Covid".

"We are actively exploring next steps for research in this area," they said.

[beardedmrbean]

When Charlotte Tredgett won a place at King’s College London to study philosophy, the bright, enthusiastic teenager envisaged thoughtful exchanges, intense discussions – even heated debates – about the most pressing moral and ethical questions of the day.

Indeed, the university prospectus promises just that. The course will, it says, “equip students with the skills to develop, analyse and communicate arguments” and “hone their critical thinking” in a “focused environment with plenty of feedback and discussion”.

But the reality was very different.

“When classes started, it became abundantly clear that fellow students did not welcome views questioning the prevailing ideologies around gender, religion, capitalism or colonialism,” says the student, from Colchester.

An hour-long seminar on gender in philosophy provided the ultimate illustration of how “wokeness” is stifling debate on campus.

“It was the most silent seminar I’ve ever attended,” says Tredgett, 20. “We had read an academic paper and were supposed to talk about it, but barely a word was said.”

The teaching assistant running the class worked valiantly through a list of questions, waiting 30 awkward seconds for a response, before giving up and answering each himself.

“For an hour, it was the sound of his voice as he ploughed on,” says the undergraduate. “In that whole time, there were about two comments from the group of about 10 students, and those were very carefully worded – almost rehearsed.”

Self-censoring undergraduates were simply terrified to speak in a climate where saying the “wrong thing” can make you a social pariah.

“It wasn’t that everyone in the room was a ‘sex realist’ or gender critical and afraid to ‘out’ themselves,” says the philosophy student. “There will have been people who were gender positive and people who didn’t know either way, but everyone was scared of wording things wrongly, and the reaction of their peers if they did.”

Tredgett, who attended an independent school on a scholarship and gained four A*s in her A-levels, had already been on the receiving end of students’ moralising “wokeness”, after revealing to her flatmates that she was a Eurosceptic and would have voted for Brexit.

As she explained her views on the EU and British sovereignty, they accused her of not caring about human rights and began to laugh, filming her on their mobiles and sending the footage to their friends.

“There were groups of people whom I had never met who knew me as ‘the racist girl’,” said Tredgett. “If you disagree with prevailing ideological views, you are not just wrong, you are morally wrong and evil, and that justifies almost bullying tactics.”

Ostracising those who are perceived to be out of line has become the punishment of choice across campuses.

In an ongoing case, Leeds University student Connie Shaw was sacked by her student union from presenting on student radio because of her gender critical views. She was told she will only be reinstated if she makes a written apology and takes “mandatory training”. She has also been told by pals that they were warned off making friends with her by fellow students.

This cancel culture can have deadly consequences. Alexander Rogers was in his third year at Oxford University when he took his own life after being ostracised when a student expressed discomfort about a sexual encounter with him. At last month’s inquest into the suicide, the corner warned that “self-policing” was occurring without proper investigation or evidence, and posed a significant risk to student mental health and wellbeing.

Its “chilling effect” on free speech has prompted some American colleges, including faculties at Harvard and the newly opened University of Austin, to introduce “Chatham House Rule” – where comments made in class are non-attributable. It is hoped that lecturers and students will speak more freely in a culture where their words will not be dissected on campus or on social media.

In Britain, university bosses are beginning to admit the severity of the problem. Robert Van de Noort, the vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, warned MPs recently that “rigid ideas and self-censorship” were creating echo chambers on campus.

Research backs this up. A study by the Higher Education Policy Institute, which questioned students on free speech issues in 2016 and again in 2022, revealed they had become “significantly less supportive of free expression”. Some 38 per cent believed “universities are becoming less tolerant of a wide range of viewpoints” – rising to 51 per cent for male students – up from less than a quarter in 2016.

Meanwhile, a global poll of academics found that 80 per cent in the UK agreed that free speech was more limited than 10 years ago, with staff self-censoring out of fear of upsetting or being complained about by students or colleagues. One British psychology academic explained that “any diversion from the accepted line” on issues such as gender, colonialism, the Israel-Palestine conflict and neurodiversity was seen as “meaning you are a bad person rather than just someone who disagrees”.

Link here, it didn't want to embed

Against this backdrop, the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, passed under the last government to offer protections on campus, has been paused by the Labour Government to allow it to “consider options”.

Heather McKee, a psychology student at the University of Glasgow, blames the compulsion to condemn those with different views on the “critical social justice umbrella” that has descended like a shroud over UK and US universities in the past decade. Trans activism, critical race theory (CRT) and the decolonisation agenda simplify complex interactions and divide the world into the “oppressed” and “oppressors”.

“Believing in women-only spaces or in tighter borders or in a meritocracy – these are views that are held by the vast majority of people in this country,” said McKee. “Yet because of imposed groupthink, students and academics are too afraid to voice them and are being punished when they do.”

In a recent online discussion about ethics, the mature student brought up the groundbreaking Cass review, which criticised gender services for children and young people and led to a UK ban on the prescribing of puberty blockers to those under 18.

“I got crickets [silence],” says McKee, 44. “Either no one knew what it was, or if they did, they didn’t want to talk about it. When I spoke to one of my lecturers about this, she simply talked about the university being an inclusive environment. I thought, ‘Yes, but not inclusive to my view that sex is binary and biology is important’.”

But some students are beginning to fight back. McKee, 44, is the convenor of the student branch of Academics For Academic Freedom (AFAF). It has more than 1,700 followers on social media and student membership numbers are in double figures. But it is a hard slog persuading young people to put their heads above the parapet.

For McKee, campaigning for free speech is not just about being able to voice her views in seminars without meeting tumbleweed, it is about protecting students’ interests.

She cites members who are studying clinical psychology who are being taught that CRT – which purports that Western structures, institutions and knowledge uphold white supremacy and are inherently racist – is “the truth” rather than a contested theory.

“They are white males and being taught that they are privileged, that they can’t imagine what it is like to be a black woman, for instance. They are training to be psychologists and are supposed to help people work through their problems, but they are being told they can never understand. What are they supposed to do with that?”

McKee and Tredgett are concerned that speaking out will count against them – at university and in their future careers – but both feel the fight is bigger than that.

“There is a shockingly militant echo chamber within the communities of people that are supposed to be pursuing truth,” warns Tredgett. “This is not hysteria, and it is not a small number of cases. It is real and is happening all over the country.”

[anothersebastianblog]

Calendar of events that Sebastian could attend in the second half of 2024:

ADM screening at Bergmann Center (Fårö) june 26th

ADM screening at KVIFF (CR) june 29th-30th, july 6th

ADM screening at the Chicago Sundance Institute june 29th-30th

Ethan’s bday july 13th

Video call with Don july 16th

Chace’s bday july 18th

ADM screening at New Horizon film festival in Poland july

Charles’s bday July 25th

Kevin Feige’s walk of fame star ceremony july 25th CONFIRMED

San Diego comic con july 27th CONFIRMED

ADM screening at Melbourne film festival aug 8-25th

ADM screening at the new zeland film festival aug 1st and 5th

D23 aug 9-10-11th

Sebastian’s bday aug 13th

The apprentice at Telluride aug 31st CONFIRMED

Annabelle’s 40th bday Sept 5th

The Apprentice at TIFF sept 5th

ADM screening at Deauville ff + sebastian receiving the rising star award sept 9th - 10th CONFIRMED

ADM screening and pre recorded Q&A for Film Independent (LA) sept 11th CONFIRMED

ADM at LIFF (Leeds) sept 14th

ADM premiere and redcarpet CONFIRMED sept 17th

ADM at Cinéfest Sudbury (Ontario) sept 18th

ADM releases in theaters sept 20th

Sebastian at the TODAY SHOW sept 20th CONFIRMED

ADM screening + Q&A with cast (NY) sept 20th and 21st CONFIRMED

ADM at fantastic fest (Austin) sept 22nd CONFIRMED

Sebastian @ Jimmy Kimmel live (LA) sept 25th CONFIRMED

ADM q&a in LA sept 24 and 25th CONFIRMED

ADM at VIFF (vancouver) sept 26th and 28th

LA premiere of The Apprentice sept 29th

BAFTA screening of ADM + q&a oct 2nd CONFIRMED

Sebastian at Graham Norton Show oct 4th CONFIRMED

Sebastian at WTF pocast Oct 7th CONFIRMED

Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong on CBS Morning talking TA Oct 8th CONFIRMED

NYC premiere of The Apprentice Oct 8th CONFIRMED

ADM at Sitges FF oct 3rd-12th

THE APPRENTICE releases in theaters oct 11th

Sebastian at Zurich ff oct 12th CONFIRMED

TA at BFI london ff oct 15th and 17th CONFIRMED

Danish premiere of TA oct 16th CONFIRMED

Sebastian attends the annual Academy Museum Gala oct 20th CONFIRMED

CDFA awards oct 28th CONFIRMED

Sebastian awarded at SCAD Savannah FF (Georgia) nov 2nd CONFIRMED

Sebastian awarded at Miami ff nov 3rd CONFIRMED

Liverpool comic con nov 9th and 10th CONFIRMED

Governor awards nov 17th CONFIRMED

The leading men Party by LaMagazine (LA) nov 20th CONFIRMED

FYC event for The Apprentice (LA) nov 21st CONFIRMED

Gotham Awards dec 2nd CONFIRMED

The tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon dec 5th CONFIRMED

American Cinematheque Awards dec 6th CONFIRMED

thunderbolts* reshoots dec 10-18th atlanta CONFIRMED

American cinematheque Q&A in LA dec 18th CONFIRMED

Tokyo Comic Con dec 28-29-30th CONFIRMED

Useful link

[lotstradamus]

inspired by the manchester anon haha but do you have any tips and suggestions for visiting leeds? 🩷

I've lived here for 2 years now (!!!) but somehow I still don't really know my way around and just go to the same 5 places and use google maps to get anywhere else. it's sad. but here's some shit I love:

Grindhouse - cheap drinks, loads and loads of seats, never too full, music a reasonable volume, and they project 80s movies on the back wall. we once sat in here for 2 hours cos Stand By Me was on. one time we watched the bar staff earnestly tell a group of women on a hen do that the bar was closed and they weren't serving any more drinks, at 7:45pm. 10/10.

Rudy's - only 9 cities* in this fair nation have a Rudy's, so I'm going to keep reccing it for everyone else. perfect Neapolitan pizza. *Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham, Nottingham, Durham, London, York, Liverpool - if you live in one of these places and haven't been to Rudy's yet, sort it out.

Neon Cactus - go here on a Wednesday and order wings, and you'll get half price margs. lots of great Mexican scran. don't take anyone too picky or over 50, because the price for the great food and vibes is that at least one thing you order will be incorrect. but roll with it. half price margs, man.

Empire Cafe - book in advance if you want to sample the delights of Empire Cafe, cos there's like 6 tables max. everything is seasonal, changes on the daily, and is insanely delicious. if you want to experience heaven, order the steak and chips with salsa verde. there is NOTHING like it.

Stuzzi - another seasonal, small plate sort of place, but Italian. amazing food and a gorgeous restaurant. go with a big group and order one of everything.

Eat Your Greens - ANOTHER seasonal restaurant! this one is farm-to-fork and organic. I can’t speak to the quality as I haven’t actually been, but I am a frequenter of their GREENGROCER, which is MEGA. last time I think I left with natty wine, pâté, some insane tinned fish, a jar of harissa and a bag of sunset potatoes. if you like food, go here.

SARTO - fresh, handmade pasta and picky bits. another great place to go with a group and order all the starters. I had a celeriac pasta there last year that I think about on a fairly regular basis; I picked it cos it was the weirdest sounding thing on the menu and it was fucking mouthwatering. good quality and good people! and it's next door to The Wardrobe, so perfect for a pre-gig tea.

Santiago Bar - like Grindhouse (alternative, casual) but the music is louder and you'll find yourself doing tequila shots at 1am and screaming along to, like, Don Broco. it's the best.

Blue Collar Boys - as a rule I hate 'vintage' clothes shops (overpriced, ugly, everything is XXS), but this place seems to specialise solely in American t-shirts and sweatshirts from the 90s in exactly my size, and everything is £10. this is amazing and a huge bargain if you find something like vintage Wranglers and a Playboy bomber jacket (£20, my wife) but not so amazing or a bargain if you find 3 t-shirts with holes in (£30, me). we've never been without finding shit we love. they only open on random weekends, and they always seem to have more stuff than they could possibly ever sell. it's a freaky vintage alternate universe.

The Corn Exchange - a big gorgeous ol' building full of little businesses. vintage, handmade, tattoos, coffee, jewellery, independent brands, yarn, shoes, a barbers, a bookshop, they've got it all. very easy to spend £100 and 6 hours. every so often they have a market on the bottom floor. perfect tiny representation of Leeds: quirky, independent, delicious, cool.

Silver's Deli - this is a 9-minute train ride away in Bramley (my ends!) but has become THEE buzzy foodie spot recently. go on a sunny saturday morning (cos you will probably have to sit outside) and order the everything sandwich. thank me later. if they have scotch eggs or sausage rolls on, I beseech you, order both. and if you want the sunday special prepare to get there at 11 and fight.

Against the Grain - if you've come to Bramley for Silver's, you may as well trundle 10 minutes up the road and visit the best bar in Leeds. cosy, casual, full of locals, hidden in Swinnow Mills. it's a sit-around-and-chat-to-people sort of place, with bonus charcuterie boards AND a pizza van on weekends. we are here A LOT, because Gray's Salon and Rose and Thorn Tattoo are both in the Mill, and we give them all our money. oh! and dog friendly. sooo many dogs.

Project House/Galleria - if you've gotten the train out to Bramley for Silver's and ATG, jump on the 72 back to town and get off at Project House to eat MORE food. Galleria is a great place to get breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Project House has EVERYTHING (depending on the day). yoga! gigs! vintage fairs! a bi-annual tattoo convention meets makers market with food vendors called Hand of Glory! check what's on and head on down to support local!

Kirkstall Bridge Inn - another one local(ish) to me, but worth travelling out of town for; a PROPER pub (i.e. no tv, no sports, no shite) that does roasts upstairs and lets dogs in downstairs. outdoor seating right by the canal, and every so often they put something on and the car park turns into a tiny festival. Kirkstallpalooza is a highlight. great place to finish a nice canal walk (who am I?!).

tl;dr sorry that this is obnoxiously long, I love Leeds

[loiterer87]

Been attempting Full-Colour comics again! Behold! Loiterers, Issue 2! The Good Knight Rises! This took ages, mostly because I was working on it between other things and trying to get to grips with my graphics tablet. Seriously, look at the difference between the colours on the first page of the story and the last...

Anyway! Check it out and let me know how many locations I got wrong around Leeds! Everything is accurate to where it is when I wrote and drew the thing...

[yes-i-am-happyaspie]

How about Peter feeling touch-starved and asks Tony for a hug?

These mini fics often turn out super self-indulgently soft. Haha. But hey! We love it, right?? We're here for the fanon?? I know I am! I hope Anon is too because this one is hurt/comfort with a heavy emphasis on the comfort. Peter desperately needs a hug and doesn't know it. Good thing Tony does. :) Super sweet. Very fluff.

Peter Parker Needs a Hug 967 Words

At sixteen-years-old, Peter was eminently capable of spending a week alone in the apartment. May had been begged to take some shifts at a short-staffed hospital a few hours away. She’d tried to decline. She’d told them she had a nephew at home and couldn't uproot him in the middle of the school year.

Peter had argued the compensation was too good to give up. He’d assured her he would be fine. It wasn’t like he spent that much time at home anyway. He’d attend school, patrol, complete his homework and sleep. If he needed anything, he would have the Leeds’, MJ and Mr. Stark.

Reluctantly she had accepted the offer. She’d packed a few bags, hugged him tightly and driven off.

As it were, Peter flourished in the independence. He woke up early to make himself breakfast, watched whatever he wanted on the television and made sure to get to bed at a reasonable hour. It was great. And when the first week went well, May apprehensively agreed to one more.

While Peter missed his aunt, he wasn’t terribly upset that she had decided to stay longer. It was only seven more days and they talked on the phone all the time. However, the intrigue and sense of accomplishment that came with being trusted to care for himself came to a screeching halt in the middle of his eleventh night of solitude.

For no discernible reason, Peter woke up too early in the morning feeling uneasy. He didn’t think he’d had a nightmare. If he had, he certainly didn’t remember it. Sighing, he went to get a glass of milk from the kitchen; something he often did when he simply couldn’t sleep. But as he walked down the hall, he realized something was different. What he ordinarily thought of as a peaceful silence in the apartment, had been replaced with an eerie feeling of emptiness. He rolled his eyes at his own dramatics and flipped the light on.

The rest of his day didn’t go any better. He got to school and went through the usual paces. Really, it would have been a completely ordinary day had it not been for the lingering discontent in the back of his head. It made him irritable and anxious, and he had no idea how to combat.

When lunch came around, Ned put a hand on his shoulder and asked him if he was okay. He shook his head, his eyes stinging with unshed tears as he fought back the overwhelming desire to pull his friend into a bone crushing hug. Being that they were in the middle of the crowded cafeteria, he fought the urge and wrapped his own arms around himself instead. He mumbled he was just in a bad mood, apologized and tried to go back to his suddenly tasteless sandwich.

Patrol was a no-go. He wanted to go out and help, but lacked the motivation. It was odd. He couldn’t think of a time he’d ever not wanted to patrol. He brushed it off as another symptom of a bad day and went straight home. He’d only been there about ten minutes before Mr. Stark texted him.

‘You’re not patrolling today?’

‘Taking a break,’ he replied, not wanting to give too much away.

‘Want to take that break at the tower? the next message read. Followed by, ‘I could use your help.’

Peter read the message over a few times, surprised that going to the tower actually sounded really nice. Hurriedly, he changed into this suit and headed in that direction.

“Hey, Kiddo!” Mr. Stark cheerfully greeted. “How goes your lack of parental supervision? I haven’t gotten any emergency calls, so I assume it’s gone well.”

Dubiously, Peter narrowed his eyes. “May asked you to check on me, didn’t she.”

Mr. Stark smiled sheepishly, his hand moving to the back of his neck. “She did. Said you sounded a little down this morning.”

Peter’s eyes tried to well up again. It was super aggravating. Especially in front of Mr. Stark.“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” he growled. “I’m antsy and annoyed for no good reason.”

Mr. Stark’s head tilted to the side. “How long has May been gone?”

Peter scrubbed at his face and did a mental tally. “Almost twelve days.”

There were a few beats of silence. Then Mr. Stark beckoned him closer. “Come here, Buddy.”

“Why?” Peter asked, feeling more defensive than he should have.

“Just come here. Trust me.”

Peter did as asked. He closed the distance between them and was met with a tight embrace. He stiffened for a split second before melting into the pressure. He couldn’t restrain the fresh round of tears that sprung to his eyes. Mr. Stark tightened his grasp, swaying gently as he ran a hand up and down his back. He didn’t stop until Peter gathered a breath and pulled back on his own.

“Better?” Mr. Stark asked, one hand still squeezing Peter's bicep.

“Yeah,” he replied, his cheeks pink with mild embarrassment. “Yeah, that’s better.”

“I know you’ve been doing fine on your own, but you know you’re welcome to stay here tonight,” Tony offered. “Pizza and movies. I’ll get you to school in the morning.”

Relief Peter didn’t even know he needed, washed over him. “That actually sounds really awesome,” he sighed, leaning in for another brief hug. “Thanks, Mr. Stark. You always seem to know what I need.”

“That’s my job,” Mr. Stark said softly. “But next time you need a hug, all you have to do is ask, okay, Pete?”

“Okay,” Peter echoed. He bit back a smile and looked up through his lashes. “Can I have a hug?”

Tony barked a pleasant laugh. “Of course, Kiddo! Any time,” he said, arms outstretched for Peter to fall into. “Absolutely anytime.”