#just had to instal a flag pole for this

[alienara-simblr]

🌆 Chapter 5 : The Neighborhood Download 🏘️

It's a big post, please read carefully ...

🥂 It's FINALLY here, the long-awaited neighborhood download post ! You'll finally be able to explore this new map yourself, add your Sims, and play fantastic brand new...old stories. However, depending on the neighborhood you want to download, you'll need to make sure you've already downloaded and installed the necessary custom content from the lots you need ! To speed things up, the "chapter" posts offer direct access to the entire download folder for the area in question (e.g. "Chapter 1" proposes the lots from Neighborhood 1 etc.)

🌃 All the neighborhood have been cleaned with Hood Checker and completely empty of all their sims (in folder, and in the neighborhood file with SimPE). The Neighborhoods with lots have 🇫🇷 FRENCH and 🇬🇧 ENGLISH texts for every lot titles and descriptions from the original SIMS 1 descriptions.

🌇 NEEDED NEIGHBORHOOD DECO

Redbud Tree CUSTOM version by @suratan-zir Age of Empire 3 Trees conversion by @haut-gothique Dead Trees by @mustluvcatz-reloaded Placeable Cliffs by @greatcheesecakepersona Nessie the Plesiosaur by Psychosims The Neighborhood Fog by @jodeliejodelie The Waterfall by Numenor The Osara Wood Bridge by @simborg The Wood pier fragment by @criquette-was-here on MTS Busy Road Vehicle Set by @criquette-was-here (Police car ; Garland Bubalina Tractor ; Semi-trailers ; flatbed loaded) The Bus stop and Post by @criquette-was-here Rural Road Charm’s Asphalt Tarmac Pieces by @criquette-was-here Those Telegraph Poles by @criquette-was-here The Fence & Hedge set by @criquette-was-here Smuggled Deco's Giant FS13 Harvester by @criquette-was-here Railway Tunnel Portal from Feverfew by @criquette-was-here Railway Tunnels by @criquette-was-here on MTS Street Lights Set by @criquette-was-here 4t2 Street Lights by @beautifulnerdkitty Building by @ethanmcgregor (can't find name ; begin by “fixed”) The Blue Water Tower by @funphumph Smallest Maxis Watertank by Psychosims 4t2 Stone Wall A by @lordcrumps 4t2 Dirty Long Road by @leoz94 (ts4dirtyroad1 ; ts4dirtyroadlong ; ts4dirtyroadpovorot1 ; ts4dirtyroadpovorot2) 3t2 Old Mill by @hafiseazale MagicTown default replacement for Maxis Bimp by @shastakiss 🌉 You will NEED BRIDGES for the neighborhood, but the choice of the bridges depend on which roads you are using. 🔹IF you are using MAXIS roads, you need these bridges (and you will have to place them yourself on the completely remade neighborhood) 🔸IF you are using @criquette-was-here's Rural Charms Roads like me, you will need her Unified Brigdes

🏞️ OPTIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD DECO

Skyboxes by @dramallamadingdang (I use Mixed Clouds) Skylines by @greatcheesecakepersona (I use Green Hills)

🌲 DEFAULT REPLACEMENT PINES

You can chose to keep the Maxis ones or use one of those :

Neighborhood Pine Forest Defaults by @teaaddictyt, @lowedeus and @shastakiss My Darker Recolor of the previous set : SFS - Mediafire (it's the version used on my pictures, obviously) Tree Clump recolors by @jodeliejodelie

☑️ CHECK LIST

💾 Did you make a backup of your Sims2 folder ? 🌁 What neighborhood do you want and how to install it ? ⚒️ Did you check the master meshes post ? installed everything ? 🏘️ Did you installed all the needed lots and their CC ? 🌲 Did you install the neighborhood decorations from this post ? 🙏 Did you send a prayer to the Gamer's Gardian Angel ? 🦑 Did you exorcised the Pink Soup out of your PC ? ✅ Then you're ready to GO !

💾 DOWNLOAD OPTIONS

The Empty one is... empty of lots, It's just my remade version off Kalisa's map. I had to change it to create MagicTown, changed the roads with SimPE and decorated the hood. The second option, is an edited neighborhood with only the MagicTown addition, all the OldTown and Downtown lots are Kalisa's CC free ones. It allows you to have less CC to install because you will need only the MagicTown related ones. That's why I had a flag system on my master meshes post . And finally, the entirely remade neighborhood has all my made and remade lot and need ALL the CC from the lots and the master-meshes post.

🟥 MAIN Empty Hood : SFS - Mediafire 🟧 MAIN MagicTown + Kalisa's OldTown : SFS - Mediafire 🟨 MAIN Entirely Remade : SFS - Mediafire 🟩 SUB Empty Hood : SFS - Mediafire 🟦 SUB MagicTown + Kalisa's OldTown : SFS - Mediafire 🟪 SUB Entirely Remade : SFS - Mediafire

To install the MAIN HOODS, you have to put the neighborhood folder in your TS2 document folder : .../My Documents/(Your Sims 2 folder)/Neighborhoods/ To Install the SUB HOODS, you have to put the neighborhood folder in your TS2 "Open for Business" installation folder : (Your TS2 Installation repertory).../EP3/TSData/Res/Neighborhood Templates/

🏘️ ★ 🛠️ ★ 🏡 ★🧍★ 👫 The TS1 Sims Neighborhood is on its way...

[reality-detective]

🇺🇸 Nothing Is What It Seems: Trump, Symbolism & the Flag

I have learned through the last few years, that in Trump’s world, nothing is ever just optics. His words often carry hidden meanings. His actions; parades, flags, positioning, are deliberate signals. They may seem casual, but they are not.

Interpreting them isn’t easy, but when viewed through the lens of history, timing, and symbolism, they reveal a pattern. The past week offers one of the clearest examples of this:

Flag Day Parade – June 14, 2025

Trump oversaw the 250th anniversary parade of the U.S. Army on Flag Day. At the height of the ceremony, he was handed a folded American flag—flown over the Capitol and delivered by a Golden Knight parachutist who descended in a free fall.

That phrase—“free fall”—may seem purely technical, but in a symbolic context it carries weight: a controlled descent from above, a return to earth. A flag once elevated in the sky is now placed back in the hands of its rightful stewards.

As the flag was presented, Melania stepped in front of Trump. Like a Queen shielding her King, it was a visual shift—subtle, but loaded. In chess, the Queen is power, strategy, and protection.

Flagpole Installation – June 18, 2025

Just days later, Trump funded and installed two 100-foot flagpoles on the White House lawns. He said:

“This is something they should have done 200 years ago.”

Until then, the White House had only ever flown the flag from the rooftop, but these new poles are different. They rise from the ground—from the soil of the Republic. The message is clear: the flag no longer floats above the people; it stands with them.

This is the flag of We the People.

Why “200 Years Ago”? — 1825

In 1825, Andrew Jackson won both the electoral and popular vote. But Congress handed the presidency to John Quincy Adams through a backroom deal. Jackson called it the “Corrupt Bargain.” It was America’s first openly fraudulent election.

That same year also marked the end of the Founding generation and the beginning of entrenched elite control.

Trump’s reference to “200 years ago” was no accident. He’s pointing to the moment the people lost their voice and signaling a reversal.

In just a few days, Trump orchestrated a deliberate sequence:

– A military flag delivered by air

– A Queen’s move on the national stage

– Two flagpoles anchored in the people’s ground

– A reference to the Republic’s first great betrayal

This wasn’t theatre. It was a declaration.

The flag is back where it belongs.

The people are back in the picture.

The Republic is being reset. 🤔

[slavicdollie]

My bestfriends brother ⋆｡‧˚ʚ♡ɞ˚‧｡⋆

Summary: Things don't go as planned when your close friend invites you to watch the new Johnny Cage movie.

Notes: Post-mk1 story and Bi-hans betrayal never happened. AFAB reader isn't one of earthrealms champions just a cool girl Tomas started to become friends.

Content Warnings:NSFW, dub-con fingerbang, small temperature play ,female masturbation.

Chinese culture was a beautiful sight but she still loathed her father for moving here, leaving behind her old friends and memories. She struggled to learn the language and felt outcasted amongst her peers all but one, a silver haired man named Tomas the same age as her. He knew what it felt like to be different from everyone else. A friendship began to spark between the two of them sharing stories of the past and present. Tomas was a good listener and sometimes she just needed to get things off her chest.

It had taken a lot of convincing to allow her at the fire temple Kuai liang was content with her visiting considering she looked as if she had never fought in her life, she put an end to that assumption when showing off her meteor hammer skills,she had shown interest in martial arts from a young age. Both Kuai Liang and Tomas looked impressed they had never seen a warrior move so beautifully and Tomas was practically drooling.

Bi-han however was not too fond of having a stranger enter their home let alone train with her brothers whilst not being lin kuei.

"I promise I am not a threat Grandmaster I simply enjoy the company of Tomas and practicing how to use my meteor hammer in a professional sense." Tomas felt his heart race at her statement.

Bi-han only grunted a popular gesture of his," You are no lin kuei do not presume to address me as Grandmaster." As he walked away stoicly, she began to admire him his handsome face and hot physique could not go unnoticed.

She became more comfortable around Tomas even making jests about wanting to fuck his brother, "Yeah I'd totally freeze my tongue on Bi-han's flag pole" Tomas laughed awkwardly hiding how uncomfortable he was and he looked almost...hurt?

She found herself becoming more comfortable around the lin kuei trio kuai liang appreciated her fire puns but Bi-han only shot her deathly glares.

"Are you ready to have your mind blown?" Tomas asked with a stupid grin he was excited to be apart of Johnny cage's new movie even if someone else was casted he was interested on how they would portray him. "Didn't know ninjas were allowed TV's" actually Tomas and Johnny had convinced Bi-han to install one.

Tomas and Y/n sat on the soft couch sharing popcorn. Tomas was blushing due to how close her leg were to his,she was wearing a skirt but he knew not to look at it she'd probably think he was some kind pervert and never want to speak to him again. Their faces were glued to the screen until interrupted by a deep voice. "What are you two morons doing?" Tomas jumped at the sound of Bi-hans voice but Y/n just smiled and replied "Watching the movie about you guys, the guy Johnny got to play you really captures your essence" The actor had been grumpy and mascular just like Bi-han.

Bi-han let out an annoyed grunt,"I told Cage our victory is not for entertainment" although he disproved of the movie being made he still wanted to see what the fuss was all about, motioning for Tomas to move up now sitting in the middle, between his adopted brother and his friend who he found to be alluring.

Bi-han removed the popcorn from her lap and gave it to Tomas that may have been the kindest thing Bi-han had done for him yet his only intention was to get a view of Y/N's skirt. It was a black plaid skirt with a pink ribbon around the middle that was above knee length. 'Why is he staring at me' Y/n began to think while Tomas was too focused laughing at the movie. Bi-han stared at her as a predator stared at it's prey. She looked at him for a split second making eye contact only to quickly look down and play with her fingers which was a common thing for her to do when nervous.

This action only annoyed the cryomancer next to her causing him to pull her hands apart placing them on her sides. He turned to look at Tomas seeing him stuck on the screen like a kid at a candy store, Bi-han rolled his eyes and looked back to the girl next to him. He begun rubbing his rough hands on her gentle thighs. His hands were cold she shivered at his touch. He put a lock of her hair behind her ear almost as a way to reassure her everything was going to be okay.

She subconsciously started rocking her hips and he slowly started to put his hand under her skirt reaching her cotton panties. Pushing her panties to the side and entering two fingers in her slit while she parted her legs, turning to look at Tomas who was oblivious to what was going on. The ninja used his cryomancer abilities to form solid ice on his fingertips. She whimpered softly at that, quickly covering her mouth to prevent Tomas from looking over. Bi-han started moving his fingers in and out of her wet pussy. She wanted to moan and tell him to fuck her right now,who cares if Tomas was there. She was a blushing and sweating mess Bi-han wanted to make fun of her for her reaction but did not want to draw attention to it.

Thank the elder gods for the volume of the TV or else Tomas would be hearing the sound of his friend's pussy as she was getting fingerbanged by his older brother. The finger fucking went from slow and gentle to rough and fast tears started to form from the inner corners of her eyes,Bi-han noticed this and wiped them away and started going slower and she tried to keep in her moans with her hand. She was about to cum and accidentally removed her hand from her mouth,"AAAERR THAT WAS A GOOD FIGHT SCENE" she tried to play her orgasm off as a reaction to the film. Bi-han smirked and Tomas only said "I know right!" not judging her reaction. Bi-han grabbed the popcorn bowl from Tomas and giving it to the girl he just dispoiled. His fingers were still covered in her juices she opened her mouth to put the popcorn in her mouth but instead was greeted with bi-hans jizzed covered fingers shoved in her mouth she need not be told what to do and started sucking her mess from his rough fingers.

She had completely forgotten the plot of the movie she was watching and only shooting smiles at Bi-han and wondering what other parts of his body are cold. After the movie, Tomas got up and offered Y/N to stay for dinner. "You know it's pretty late I should get going home." She refused awkwardly. "Did you enjoy the movie?" Bi-han asked with an unreadable expression.Tomas was taken aback since when does Bi-han care about the opinion of others especially on irrelevant things like a movie directed by Johnny but the girl about to leave knew he was not referring to the movie,"it was nice...I've never experienced something like that before" she smiled at him. Tomas offered to walk her home but she needed to be alone and given time to think.

'Did that really just happen??The always angry dude just fingered me while he was sitting next to his brother!!???' The whole scene felt like it came out of a bad porno. When she arrived home she went to straight to bed staring at her ceiling contemplating if this was a dream or if it actually happend. 'Of course it happend Y/N' she slightly hit herself on the head. Her mind begun to wander again thinking of Bi-han how he smirked at her after her release how good his fingers felt inside of her. She put her hands inside her underwear and tried to recreate Bi-hans movements her hands weren't as cold as his but you have to work with what you've got.

The skirt:

[cleolinda]

Weekend links, May 11, 2025

My posts

Re: Silent Hill 2: I have now recorded something ELSE that I had to scrap due to multiple, UNRELATED tech issues, including but not limited to Firefox popping up and telling me to group my tabs into tab groups when Firefox WAS NOT EVEN OPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE. However, I have the main three-hour commentary on Maria and Western South Vale done, and I'll post it on Patreon (free) if you'd like to see it early. 

I just. Why. 

Reblogs of interest

All my condolences to Diane Duane, who needs help after her husband Peter Morwood's sudden death.

So. How 'bout that Pope.

("I believe the kids call it rawdogging.")

Salt Lake City and Boise adopt official pride flags to skirt Republican bans

Welcome to the DashCon of BookTok, the A Million Lives Book Festival.

I wasn't around to reblog very much from this year's Met Gala (theme: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" and Black dandyism), but IMO my beloved Janelle Monáe killed it.

@jstor announces its Tumblr community The JSTOR Collective

Advisory: SoundCloud Quietly Updated Their Terms to Let AI Feast on Artists' Music

Oh also Discord is going public with a Blizzard guy as CEO

PSA: Yeah, I need to be more conscientious about sourcing as well in the age of AI

The Onion dispels the common myths surrounding autism

These Fragrantica reviews of Kerosene's Followed match every single thing I have ever read about it on r/fragrance and I would not touch it with someone else's pole

"Yuri Gagarin, the hobbyist photographer, at home with his wife"

Lunar Princess Ranni is the only reason I have considered playing Elden Ring

"My edo period samurai roommate keeps telling me how i’ll bring shame and dishonor to our apartment if I keep forgetting to wash the dishes"

Cicada Man, a comic

Soup Patrol

"picture of a cute innocent baby animal 'um this is who youre being mean to btw' thats not even true man youre a straight up vampire and you destroyed my village with your dark powers"

"The medieval warrior, realizing the consequences of his impulsive act, immediately approached the owner of the drone and offered to pay for the damage"

Why a dude might hold a 90,000 lb plane on a leash

Blatant anti-moon propaganda

Video

"We got ROBBED," another installment in the fine genre At No Point In This Video Did I Know What Would Happen Next

2 Old 2 Guard finally has a trailer and a release date

Viola Davis talks about the bias of whiteness in theater training

"Wearing my mom's dress to prove her wrong"

Josh Johnson talks about the first time he met a white kid

"Diver convince octopus to trade his plastic cup for a seashell"

"Time to FROLIC!"

The sacred texts

"happy 10 years of radical saturday everyone!!"

"Would sleeping with a centaur be considered bestiality?"

Personal tag of the week

"I will be adding to 'with mama' as often as possible": I kept my promise.

[cowboyjen68]

Do the Republicans in your area give you any grief about being butch?

The first day my girlfriend (at the time) and I moved into our new house in rural Iowa in 1999 we ran a rainbow flag under our American Flag up the shiny new pole my dad and I installed in the front yard. (complete with a light to shine on them at night).

I have been in my home over 24 years and have not experienced any issues at all. I am pretty well known in my community from the Post Master to the Feed Store to the local shops in nearby towns and I only get greeted with "hi" or "good morning".

I work at a farm, I shop at the locker and raw dairy and small town hardware store. I eat at the breakfast cafe in the County seat . I have helped more that one idiot get their truck unstuck from the mud on the B level road next to my pasture.

I actually have no idea where any of my neighbors stand politically and really, it doesn't matter. When one of them needs help with something I am there and when it is time to put up my hay, Kevin from next door is always on hand to help. He takes Red's Apple Ale as payment for his time.

Perhaps it is because we are only 20 minutes from Cedar Rapids and 40 from Iowa City. Maybe because over the years I am just regular site and just one of the locals. I am no threat to their beliefs because I don't care to tell others how to feel and think about my presence in the community. The best gifts I given myself has been to be a good neighbor and customer, confident in who I am, a lesbian and butch woman and to smile and say "hello" when I am out and about.

I am sure it is a combination of being very lucky, living in just the right place and my personality.

There is no way they don't know I am a lesbian. I continue to hang up the rainbow flag in June, a labrys flag in May and one look at me is a dead giveaway with or without noticing my rainbow necklace. My social media is often tagged Iowa so I show up on the feeds of lots of people who don't know me but see me in public and say they follow me.

Iowa, the area of Iowa, I occupy is pretty much a live and let live mind set. No one wants to be told what to think. People appreciate others showing up to help and no one brings up politics during small talks or casual conversations with strangers in line at the DMV.

When the subject has come up or during election season (which seems very often in Iowa) every conversation I have had with others is respectful even in disagreement. I don't get worked up with I see the flaws in the politics of others. It is an argument I can't win if they are going off of false pretense and their minds are firm. So I don't spend the energy unless they really want to listen, which does happen. In turn I listen to them. Listening shows respect but there is no expectation of mind changing.

[remimibanana]

Episode 7 Thoughts!

I watched Episode 7 and I wanted to share my thoughts about it!

All under the cut!

WOW

This episode was rapid paced but full of action with so many hype moments!

Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?

Everyone reconvenes where President Vernon is and they start formulating a plan on how to actually defeat Nerville from the future who is trying to destroy them all.

Jack-O’ mentions that there is a multidimensional distortion barrier and they can’t break it even if they were to reach it. The magic weapon could, but it needs time to change targets (which is such bad design, who made this again LOL)

El and Ram then use their powers as Valentine units to shoot through the barrier unprompted, forcing Nerville to retreat like a sissy. Can I just say, THEY WERE SO AWESOME HERE AAAAAAAAAAA

I love El and Ram a lot, so I’m glad to see them have such screen time and roles in this episode!

We see Bridget appear to appeal for Unika, to show that she isn’t as bad. She’s just a little lost and is trying her hardest to find an answer. Then Dr Paradigm comes back and helps out with the analysis and strategy!

The magic weapon doesn’t have enough power as is to shoot through the barrier, so Vernon then takes all the magic cylinders from around the world in order to power up the weapon.

Sin tries to talk to Unika, but alas she doesn’t respond to his words…but she does respond to what happens next to another dear friend. I didn’t expect for this to happen.

Bridget is helping them all out, and she suddenly gets attacked and is hurt in the process. BRIDGET NOOOOOOOO NOT MY BRISKET THEY TOOK HER OUT MAN

Unika then rushes out after knowing something happened, and that spurs her to act in haste to help everyone out by using herself as an amplifier for the magic weapon.

I think this must be Unika’s overdrive that they didn’t show in her trailer they released because it would be a huge spoiler for the anime, and if it is…HELL YEAH! I’m going to absolutely love playing as her.

She then gets taken by Nerville.

It’s interesting to note that Nerville is actually a variant of a Gear, so being taken down by his own virus he made against Gears as Frederick plans to do with a modified bullet is really ironic.

It’s great to see Sin’s character development here, he asks for the bullet and to take some of the burden…he’s growing up so well. I’ve always liked him but I think this anime makes him more likable and shows how he’s not just a silly glutton.

Sin then uses his Command Gear powers and asks for all the Gears around the world to help! The visuals during this whole sequence were amazing, especially seeing Testament fighting!!!! I had to go back to make sure because they were shown for a few seconds.

The magic weapon is finally shot once full power is established, and the main crew enter the barrier in order to see how UGLY Nerville is here like DAMN NO WONDER YOU HIDE YOURSELF

We then get awesome fighting sequences with everyone, with my favourite ones being El, Ram and Jack-O’s! They showcased the power of each of the Valentines so well, it made me very happy!

Didn’t know Jack-O’ could split herself into infinite personalities.

THEN AXL LOW MY MAN COMES BACK I SCREAMED HE’S OKAYYYY

Classic Guilty Gear with people appearing without any real reason.

Then the fight sequence after is reminiscent of the opening sequence and that’s awesome. Everyone then uses their power to shoot at Nerville’s barrier he has, through the power of friendship. But they’re all struggling until…

KY AND DIZZY MAKE A COMEBACK HELLO AND SHOOT THEIR POWER TO HELP AAAAAAAA DO YOU SEE HIS DRAGON INSTALL STATE WOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Then Frederick throws Sin’s flag pole and he rides right into the chaos that is Nerville….I feel like I could word this better than I did LOL

Point is, it was a pretty good episode and I’m excited to see the finale next week! I don’t think I want it to end already….

[la-principessa-nuova]

There’s this air freshener thing that’s been hanging above the door to the bathroom in my bedroom since I moved in, slightly askew, but for some reason I never bothered to take it down.

Today I finally did it, and when I pulled it down, it was being held up by a very stripped, very poorly inserted screw.

the picture isn’t super clear but the screw is in the wall at a fairly large angle off from being orthogonal to the wall, and i don’t even know what’s going on with the head. I gave it a pull and it slipped right out. Clearly it had just been left loose in the hole after whoever installed it failed to get it to go in, since there was no drywall anchor.

(I’m holding it with a tissue because everything I touched from this air freshener made my hands smell surprisingly strongly like weed - although it’s worth noting i’m extremely sensitive to the smell so most people might not even notice it)

So I went around in my “trans room” (the walk in closet off of that bathroom where I hid all of my girly stuff before coming out and still haven’t moved everything out of) looking for something to put there instead, and i saw the pride flags i have in there.

That gave me an idea: what if i hung one of those there somehow? So I grabbed one of my lesbian flags, cut the pole in half with a big pair of scissors, grabbed my step ladder and a hammer, and hammered the scrap end of the flag pole into the wall, expanding the screw hole a little like i would with a drywall anchor.

Then I gave it a tug to pull it out and slid the end with the flag in, and…

Voila! A nice long bacon banner to hang above my bathroom door!

[fangedbeau]

Space flags and insignia

While designing fictional flags and insignia for some digital art I started to think about how national symbols might change when people settle on moons, O'Neill cylinders and asteroid fields.

Form factor

As we all know, NASA has constructed a flag pole for display on the moon. It's not that difficult. But it might be more convenient to hang flags vertically for exterior display on moons and O'Neill cylinders. Many national flags already have rules for vertical display. Some even have variant designs specifically for vertical display. This already existing custom may just become the most common way to display flags where there is gravity but no atmosphere.

In microgravity a fabric flag would need to be affixed on all four corners. For that they would need to be constructed to be hoisted on both sides. But I suppose it would ultimately be more convenient to paint flags onto plates rather than sew them from fabric.

At that point there isn't much reason to design rectangular flags. And national symbols would be more recognisable if they take on more varied base shapes such as hexagonal or octagonal. So in space, national emblems and coats of arms may become more prevalent than flags.

Colours

We should also consider that pigments change over time when exposed to sunlight. Outside our atmosphere even more radiation from the sun reaches a display and frequently repainting it might be too difficult to prioritise it. One result of this may be that space nations favour unique shapes in their national symbols that are recognisable even when the colours aren't proper.

Another result may be that certain colours become widely used for the practical reason that out of those pigments that are most easily available far from Earth they are the ones that remain most steady under radiation exposure. So among space nations the most common national colours may be noticeably different from the pan-slavic colours which are most common among Earth flags. And maybe some Earth nation will change its flag for the reason that too many people who see it assume it doesn't belong to Earth based on its colours.

Maybe tholin-based reddish-brown pigments could become typical of outer solar system nations. Also, noble metals like gold and platinum would become more available due to asteroid mining, are easier to apply to a plate than they would be to a fabric, and are chemically stable. So space insignia might look a lot shinier than terrestrial ones.

Design

Star shapes are used in many flags as symbols. In several flags, including those of Brazil 🇧🇷, Samoa 🇼🇸, New Zealand 🇳🇿, and Alaska, star shapes are arranged in the patterns of constellations. These representations are strongly associated with stars as astronomical objects. Stars twinkle due to refraction in our atmosphere. People who live in space see the stars as more steady. I wonder whether people who permanently live in space would tend to draw constellations as arrangements of spherical dots rather than star shapes.

When asteroids were first discovered (and initially considered planets until it became clear that there are many more in about the same orbit), they were assigned new astronomical symbols just as the known planets had. There exist rarely-used astronomical symbols for several of the larger asteroids and several trans-Neptunian objects also got symbols. These could be used to create insignia for asteroid mining colonies. Since they do not represent anything related to living conditions in those installations or to their history, it could well be that asteroid settlements which gain independence would create their own insignia and that astronomical symbols remain only in use by externally managed colonies.

But it's also possible that the historical astronomical symbols remain in use and that more symbols are created in a similar style, so line art that's often based on attributes of the mythological deity a celestial body is named after.

One thing to consider is that in space there is no universal up and down. This affects flag design. On Earth a common flag shape is a tricolore consisting of three differently coloured bands of equal width. Some tricolores are divided horizontally, some vertically.

In space these flags are less distinct. We can't tell tricolores with reversed order apart, such as those of Ireland 🇮🇪 and Côte d'Ivoire 🇨🇮. Flags that also differ in the direction of the bands, like those of France 🇫🇷 and the Netherlands 🇳🇱 can be told apart based on the aspect ratio, but when viewed at an angle, perspective distortion makes that difficult. These problems have already been solved with the classic roundel form of military aircraft insignia. I could imagine roundels becoming common insignia on civilian spacecraft and space habitats.

Some existing flags are more easily identifiable without fixed directions. These might be used without modifications in space and their basic design elements may become more common in new space-based nations:

First, there are symmetric designs.

Coloured bands in a symmetric arrangement are most common with horizontal bands (though few flags with vertical symmetric bands exist) and would be the same upside-down. So the flags of Botswana 🇧🇼, Mauritania 🇲🇷, Suriname 🇸🇷 Thailand 🇹🇭, Costa Rica 🇨🇷, Latvia 🇱🇻, Spain 🇪🇸, … and others would work well enough, although the flags of Austria 🇦🇹 and Peru 🇵🇪 are too similar.

Crosses have nice symmetries. The Swiss flag 🇨🇭 has a 1:1 aspect ratio and is symmetric under 90° rotation and under mirror reflection. This is pretty much a perfect design for use in space. The Nordic cross flags 🇩🇰🇸🇪🇳🇴🇮🇸🇫🇮🇫🇴🇦🇽 are not square and have the centre of the cross offset towards the hoist, but that doesn't diminish their recognisability. The Union Flag 🇬🇧 with its combination of cross and saltire works equally well.

Quartering the field with or without a dividing cross or saltire also creates nice rotationally symmetric designs that would work well in space. For example, the flags of the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴, Burundi 🇧🇮, Jamaica 🇯🇲.

A circle, as on the flags of Japan 🇯🇵, Bangladesh 🇧🇩, Palau 🇵🇼, …, is of course symmetric under all rotations. And a five-pointed star, as on the flags of Vietnam 🇻🇳, Morocco 🇲🇦, Somalia 🇸🇴, …, is symmetric under 72° rotation.

Beside symmetric designs there is the option of using a feature that directionally anchors a flag.

A design that is about as simple as a tricolore but adds a directional hint is that of three coloured bands of which the first is notably wider than both others (usually in a ratio 2:1:1) as in the flags of Colombia 🇨🇴 and Rwanda 🇷🇼.

A hoist-side triangle like in the flags of Djibouti 🇩🇯, Sudan 🇸🇩, Czechia 🇨🇿, the Philippines 🇵🇭, Palestine 🇵🇸 and others, a hoist-side vertical band like in the flags of Madagascar 🇲🇬, Benin 🇧🇯, Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼, the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and others, or a canton like in the flags of Togo 🇹🇬, Greece 🇬🇷, Samoa 🇼🇸, the United States of America 🇺🇸 and others add a sense of direction in absence of a physical hoist and fly.

To add a direction to pre-existing flag designs we could add a vertical band on the hoist side to represent a flagpole. A white band to match the most popular finish for flagpoles seems most fitting for this purpose. But if a spacecraft's hull is entirely painted white to reflect light and help in cooling it, then grey would work better for the vertical band.

When there is no need to make the whole design rectangular, then the vertical band could extend beyond the flag proper at the bottom side to more clearly represent a flagpole, and on the top it might get topped with a white or gold cap in the shape of a sphere or an arrowhead, or of a heraldic animal or some other national symbol.

If that's too fancy but there's a need to differentiate top and bottom on the flag, then instead of a vertical band we could add a triangle with one point at the top, representing a perspectively distorted flagpole as seen from the ground looking up. Another option is to add corner bands on the hoist and top to represent the kind of flagpole that was used for the flag on the moon.

Based on historic and current usage, it would make sense that flags with another national flag as their canton would be used by early off-world settlements that due to their large number and relative autonomy might fly their own flags but would still be dependent on their terrestrial parent nation.

Such designs are also common for naval ensigns (for example, those of India, Nigeria, Malaysia, the Bahamas, the Solomon Islands), so it might make sense that Earth nations whose military and civil ensigns consist of differently coloured fields with the national flag in the canton might add more variants for spacecraft ensigns. Though at least as long as spacecraft launch from and land on Earth their markings will more likely mirror those of aircraft than those of naval vessels.

In both these applications it's a lucky coincidence that the canton also aids in orienting the flags in space.

Structure

Since in space there is obviously room for a lot more nations than we have here on Earth, creating unique symbols for them would benefit from structuring them hierarchically. So you may have an asteroid belt flag, a Jupiter system flag, etc., even if there isn't much unity or any common administration that would use them; just so they can be placed in the canton of the flags of particular asteroid groups, moons, and O'Neill cylinders within these structures. Or maybe not, considering that multiple national flags in Oceania use the southern cross as a symbol, but the Samoan flag is the only one that places it in the canton. That precedent indicates that other conventions would likely arise with shared symbols.

If there is no unified administration in a structure, it would probably have multiple symbols that different nations within it use as part of their national symbols. These may also have political associations. For example, Saturn system mining colonies whose governments are closely tied to the inner solar system might have flags charged with a stylised ringed planet as we would recognise it; whereas nations with more focus on life and trade within the Saturn system might use a design that represents the rings as one stripe across the flag, rejecting the outside view on their system.

Since distance from the sun changes both, the intensity of solar radiation and the availability of various materials, this ties into my earlier thoughts about pigments to use. Different macro regions of the solar system may end up with their own distinct typical colours for purely practical reasons. And these may be embraced as a way to structure the vast solar system.

[cowboytumbleweeds]

Tatum Dairy Farm Horses

The Tatum Dairy Farm is home to several horses and ponies, alongside their goats, cows and chickens. No stallions are kept on the property, so mares and geldings are turned out together. The paddock at Tatum Dairy borders the Golden Oak property and Beck has installed an additional gate on the Golden Oak side so he can access the horses from either property if he needs to take them out for training etc.

Thiscatsamasterpiece aka. Coupe - 2013 Sorrel Quarter Horse Gelding, 15 hands

Coupe was named for the Cadillac Coupe De Ville, because that's how smooth he rides. He's a reliable, good-minded and sweet-natured ranch and rodeo horse who was Ethan Tatum's show horse for several years. Ethan and Coupe were two peas in a pod, reaching the winner's circle time and time again in the Reined Cow Horse, Cutting, Team Roping, and Breakaway Roping. From Rodeos, Wrangler Finals, to the AZ Sun Circuit, the pair have competed everywhere, earning memorabilia, cash, and World Show Qualifications. He has almost $20k in earnings in NRCHA alone.

Coupe isn't just a show horse, though. He's also a friend. Coupe can be trusted to take care of novice riders and experienced riders alike. The kids have ridden him since they were tiny, and he's the horse Rachel Tatum usually uses if she's going trail riding or doing anything around the farm on horseback.

Pedigree

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SRS Son Is Risen aka. Wrangler - 2014 Bay Roan Quarter Horse Gelding, 15.1 hands

Wrangler is Arthur Tatum's go-to ranch horse. Ethan used to ride him in all the local jackpots and rodeo shows, going to the winners circle many times on him. He ropes both ends and works cattle but is fun to ride on trails and off the ranch as well. He's also been used by the kids in junior rodeos and is a pleasure in the barn and out on the pasture. Ethan and Beck used to sometimes playfully call him 'Reefer' instead of Wrangler because his birthday is 4/20.

Pedigree

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Polly Pockets aka. Hot Pocket - 2018 Bay Quarter Horse Mare, 15.1 hands

Pocket's breeding lines are a mix of racing and rodeo horses. She's a great rodeo and ranching horse who can be trail ridden, run poles, barrels, can rope, sort and pen cattle. She's mainly used to work cattle but has competed in the occasional jackpot and rodeo.

Pedigree

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Guns R For Cash aka. Cash - 2019 Sorrel Quarter Horse Gelding, 15 hands

Cash is a full sibling to Beck's horse, Butter. They were both out of the same foal crop by Guns R For Shooting on Golden Oak Ranch where Ethan Tatum worked back in 2019. Beck took Butter, and Ethan took Cash. The two had a friendly competition to see who could raise their foal from the ground up and make a more successful horse, but Ethan died when Cash was around three years old, so he didn't get to compete on him apart from a few shows.

Beck likes to keep up with Cash's training whenever he can to honor Ethan. Cash is super kid-friendly. Beck's niece and nephew ride him and use him as a show horse in the youth categories. He's a patient, friendly boy who makes an amazing family horse and ranch horse.

Sire's Pedigree | Dam Pedigree | Video

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Red N White Hero aka. Hero - 2019 Sorrel Quarter Horse Mare, 15.1 hands

If Beck hadn't got this horse for Cody, he'd be keeping her for himself. Hero was bred by the famous Flag Ranch. She's a money earning head horse in the rope horse futurities and is bred from a racing and cow horse cross that makes for exceptional rope horses. Hero has been roped off and ridden by kids as young as 7, which allowed Beck to be comfortable enough to pick her out for Cody, who has taken an interest in roping.

Pedigree | Video

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Bodacious Babalooey aka. Boba - 2019 Grullo Quarter Horse Gelding, 14.2 hands

Boba is a sweet gentleman with the cutest puppy dog eyes. Boba was a gift for Cassidy Tatum when she determined she was old enough to have her own horse. Of course, Beck made sure to pick out a good, kind, safe one for her. Boba has been roped off, ridden by kids, and is a perfect trail partner. He can hold his own in the Stock Horse with wins in the Pleasure, Trail, Reining and Cow Versatility, and is the perfect partner for Cass to continue to develop herself as a rider and compete in youth shows. He can also be used around the ranch, and his pedigree goes back to foundation quarter horses. He'll bend down and let you kiss him on the side of his nose.

Pedigree | Video

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Diamond Tari aka. Snickers - 2003 Bay Tobiano Paint Horse Gelding, 14.3 hands

Snickers was a gift from Beck's parents for his 12th birthday, and Beck has ridden and trained him ever since. He was Beck's only horse for years, and the horse Beck showed in youth events and as a young adult. In a lot of ways, Snickers is Beck's 'heart horse'. He's fit and healthy, but due to his age, he isn't used for intensive work or showing any more and instead gets light exercise and trail rides. He's retired to Beck's parents farm, where Beck's niece, nephew and sister-in-law also live, and does the occasional small, low impact youth shows with the kids. He hangs out with the Tatum family's other ranch horses and he's actively adored and fussed over by the family. Snickers is goofy, sweet and curious, loves sticking out his tongue and rolling in the dirt right after you bathe him.

Pedigree | Video

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Nelson & Dolly - Grade Ponies

Named after Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, they're a pair of older ponies who go where they want and do what they want. They've lived on the farm most of their lives. Nelson is about 40 years old and Dolly is about 20 years old. They have the run of the farm because they'll simply walk through or under the fences anyway. They don't bother anyone and simply wander around slowly, munch grass, and get occasional pets. Beck learned to ride on Nelson when he was a kid, and Cody and Cassidy used to ride the ponies before graduating to the bigger horses. Nowadays, they're not ridden and are just companions.

[qnewsau]

New plans for Sydney's Pride Squares

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/new-plans-for-sydneys-pride-squares/

New plans for Sydney's Pride Squares

There are major plans proposed for Darlinghurst’s Taylor Square, while the sale of Newtown’s The Hub Theatre could make the Inner West’s Pride Square even queerer.

The redevelopment of the T2 building on Taylor Square will finally move forward after the City of Sydney approved plans by site owner Archon Property to add three new stories and a rooftop garden to the heritage listed building.

Archon Property bought the building in 2018 for $6.9 million in 2018 after a council plan to turn the building into a hub for cyclists fell through.

However an earlier design for the redevelopment was knocked back by council after complaints from residents and a design considered unsympathetic to the heritage of the existing building.

The new plans include a restaurant and cafe on the ground floor, and a live music venue in the basement, while the upper floors of the building will become office space.

The news comes as councillors have unanimously voted to support a proposal by Team Clover’s Councillor Adam Worling that would see additional Pride Flags installed around Taylor Square and flown all year round.

There are currently 18 smart banner poles on the north side of Taylor Square flying Progressive Pride banners.

Under the longterm plan, “Pride Flags of Importance” recognising different groups from within the LGBTQIA+ community would be displayed on poles outside the Darlinghurst Courthouse with QR codes or plaques for educational purposes.

In the short term, council will explore the feasibility of dedicating the remaining 18 smart banner poles on the south side of Taylor Square to Progressive Pride banners.

“I want to create an avenue of pride flags that wholly captures the diversity and full spectrum of our community,” Worling told QNews following the success of his motion.

“We’ve come a long way since the rainbow flag of ’78, with each expression of sexuality now having its own unique flag. I think installing them as a welcome at Taylor Square would be a very powerful (and colourful!) education for visitors.”

Worling’s motion also reiterates the City of Sydney’s advocacy for the removal of fences outside Darlinghurst Courthouse so that the grassed area in front of the court can be reclaimed as part of an expanded Taylor Square.

Meanwhile the newly opened Inner West Pride Centre is set to be joined by an additional queer space after The Hub Theatre, located two doors down in Newtown’s Pride Square, has a new owner for the first time in 58 years.

The theatre and a nearby house were sold for $25 million by longtime owners the Vlattas family, who had previously spent half a million dollars renovating the building in 2014.

It had reportedly been costing the family $100,000 a year since then while it remained empty apart from an occasional theatre show or pop-up sale.

“It’s definitely staying as a theatre and it won’t be knocked down, which is what we feared,” Dimitri Vlattas told Realcommercial following the sale in November.

“We didn’t have it on the market, we’d just put it up for rental, but the buyers approached us and they said they wanted to purchase it, so everything’s got a price I guess.”

The building was bought by a Barbara Doreen White, and sources told Realcommercial that she wanted the space so that her daughter can create a new “queer performance space” in the Inner West.

The sale of The Hub is believed to be the biggest property transaction in Newtown since the Marlborough Hotel changed hands in 2017 for $24.5 million.

[candy-floss-crazy]

Wild West Photo Booth Hire

Hire Wild West Photo Booth, The Duke   Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction Hallelujah, your salvation is at hand. This will surely save yer from them there dull booths. The rootin, tootin unique Wells Fargo stagecoach photo booth system, the only one of its kind in the U.K. Complete with cowboy and Indian booth butlers, themed props, even cowboy music playing. Throw in a couple of cactus, a totem pole, even some tumble weed and you have a stunning centrepiece for your event, the envy of Jesse James. This booth is unbeatable for wild west themed events. We also offer a range of wild west themed games to accompany it. You can have your own little wild west town to entertain your guests.Our fantastic stagecoach comes with; •Booth Butlers Dressed As Cowboys. •Wild West Music Playing. •Cowboy & Indian Sound Effects. •Wild West Themed Props Box. •Wild West Accessories. •A Totally Unique Themed Booth. This isn't just a booth, it is a centrepiece for any wild west themed event, with cactus plants, a whiskey barrel an Indian totem pole and more for decoration at no extra charge. Our booth butlers wear real cowboy dress and even carry blank firing cowboy guns. Altogether a total league above any other booth on the market for an event like this. "The Duke" is a booth even John Wayne would have been proud of. Wild West Town To complement our wild west photo booth, we also offer a range of themed games. A Deadwood Saloon shooting gallery (using replica Winchester guns), cactus hoopla and Boot Hill graveyard horseshoe toss. We can supply a whisky wagon, or a chuck wagon with hot dogs. Taken all together we can provide you with a little replica town to entertain your guests. Our Stagecoach photo booth uses only the best equipment; •Professional Dye Sub Print Systems. •Canon DSLR Cameras. •Integrated Touch Screen Control System. •Cowboy Sound Effects. •Cowboy Music System. 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We commissioned the building of a totally one off custom replica stagecoach. Designed to install our photo booth in. Based on the plans for a Concord Stagecoach, our wild west stagecoach photo booth is a one off. The original Concord coach was designed by J Stephen Abbot, a coachbuilder and the wheelwright Lewis Downing. They were based in Concord, New Hampshire, hence the name. In its time the Concord was a high end, expensive coach, but one with long lasting build and ride properties that beat its competitors. Contrary to the many Hollywood movies, coaches didn't gallop across the west persued by Indians. The name comes from the fact that they travelled in stages. From one relay station to another at around 5 m.p.h In a day they would cover perhaps 60 to 70 miles. At each station or ‘stage’ the team of horses would be swapped for fresh ones, hence the name. The stage ours is based on would have had bench seating for 9 passengers inside, and could carry another 6 passengers on the roof.WHERE CAN I HIRE A WILD WEST PHOTO BOOTH NEAR ME; We cover the full U.K. with all of our services. CAN THIS BE USED INDOORS; It has been many times, but note that it is a full sized stagecoach so needs large industrial sized doors to get in. HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES IT HOLD; You can comfortably get 6 inside. DOES IT COME WITH HORSES; Sadly not! Wild West Photo Booths Hire, Our photo System Is Available For Hire. In Scotland, London, The Midlands, The North East, Lancashire, Yorkshire And The Rest Of The U.K. And Europe 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 Read the full article

[dirtybackroad]

the cable guy

read on ao3 / tag list

outsider POV fic

word count: 2k

summary:

day 3 prompt: digital

Outsider POV fic. The bunker needs wifi. Enter Dave.

_____

Dave knew this would be an odd job from the moment he got the assignment. If he was being honest, he didn’t predict that things would be quite this strange, but regardless, he saw the red flags from the jump. 

First of all, when his boss sent out the list of addresses for the day’s installations, one was listed as only a set of coordinates. Dave was a fuckin’ cable guy, not a sailor or a goddamned pilot. He was afraid of the ocean, and his coke bottle glasses were proof that he lacked the 20/20 needed for the latter profession. He was simply a cable guy, and honestly, he didn’t even know if his car’s GPS would accept the coordinates to help him make the drive. 

Shit, he was a cable guy, not some fuckin’ computer whiz. He claimed to be able to hook up some wires, turn on a few modems. Maybe climb a telephone pole if things got really rough, but for the most part, Dave was just a man in his sixties. Ready to retire and slightly confused by modern technology. 

A problem for later, Dave put it out of his mind and carried out his first two installations of the day. An apartment set-up that took seven minutes and cost the poor woman nearly two hundred in fees was first, followed by a new construction that took eight times as long. 

Then Dave was off towards the coordinates, the newfangled touchscreen map in his car easily adjusting to using such an antiquated navigational system. Where in the world was he headed that didn’t even have a goddamned street address?  

Every job he was assigned came with its own challenges. The clients could be rude, the hookups old, the tech malfunctioning. No amount of weird gigs could have prepared Dave for this. 

It officially started when the GPS took a sharp left off the highway onto an unincorporated dirt road. The city radio station was already getting spotty out this far, but after a few minutes on the drive, static took over. The tires kicked up vision-obscuring amounts of dust, and Dave was glad he was the only one on the road that day. 

The robotic voice of his car’s navigation system announced that his destination was coming up. After a mental checklist of the gear he would need to grab from the trunk, Dave refocused on peering down the road ahead for his destination. 

As he carried on down the road, a large industrial building came into view. Dave hoped he had somehow mistyped the coordinates or the GPS was wrong because if not, he feared he’d been lured out into the woods to die. 

What looked like either a factory or a prison growing out of the hillside was the only structure for what felt like miles, and the voice of the navigational system announced Dave’s arrival. He took out his phone and fumbled with his company’s app to pull up the client’s phone number. 

The phone was barely allowed to ring before the line was picked up with a click and a panicked voice asking for a “Dean?”

“No, this is Dave? From Comcast?” 

The man on the other line let out a loud puff of a breath. “Sorry, I’m waiting for a call.” 

Dave announced his arrival at the location, and the man announced his intent to meet at the door. The cable man grabbed his duffle bag from the trunk and headed off towards the only thing nearby that could be considered a doorway. 

A short staircase of steps was followed by the strangest introduction to the assumed man of the house, one Richie Sambora, who looked nothing like the guitarist and only made Dave think he was given an alias. It would make sense; only someone with a lot to hide would live in a place like this. 

The door, which was below ground level and opened directly into the hillside, let out onto an even bigger staircase and a cavernous room. Dave didn’t even want to think about how much wire he’d need to make the connections necessary. “Richie” led the way down the metallic staircase, and Dave realized that he most definitely was dealing with the mob. 

It had to be organized crime; there was no better explanation for what Dave was dealing with. He fought to keep an even expression on his face when “Richie” turned back to gauge his reaction. Taking a closer look, the man was definitely muscle, and judging by the holster on his hip, he was ready to go. Dave just smiled, glad he was here to install the wifi and not shakedown a rival gang. 

They were standing in what could only be described as a war room. A giant map covered the table in the center, a switchboard and telegraph off to the side. A telegraph. In 2013. 

Maybe this wasn’t the mob. Perhaps this was just terrorism. 

Should Dave call someone?  

“Where would you like to have the router?” Dave asked his normal questions in the face of a situation that was absolutely abnormal. 

The construction around them couldn’t be any more recent than the late 30s, and the furniture didn’t seem to have been updated since then either. That didn’t bode well for the modem they needed to connect. 

The man smiled almost sheepishly and directed off towards a long hallway off of the main room. Shit, things were gonna get weirder before things were gonna get done. The guy who was definitely not named Richie led Dave out of the war room, past the largest telescope Dave had ever seen (yeah, definitely terrorism), and into the corridor. A few suspiciously shut doors down was a doorway that opened to reveal a spaceship’s worth of control panels, various outlets, and inputs. 

Where was this place? What was this place? 

For lack of anything better to say, Dave dumbly asked, “Here?” and got a nod in response. 

They were so far underground and into this hillside that Dave was sure a call to 911 for help would be impossible. But, just as the thought crossed his mind, the client’s phone rang out. 

Large hands wrestled to answer so quickly that the phone was nearly dropped in the struggle. 

“Dean?”

Pretending to be uninterested, Dave grabbed for his duffle-bag. The electric hum of the room and the space between the two men ensured that “Dean’s” response was inaudible, so Dave pulled out a few cables to start and went about his job. 

“Is everything fine?” A pause. “How about Cas?” A sigh. “Dude, how could I have known that? Gimme a minute; the Comcast guy is h-“ 

Dave fumbled with the modem while he pretended not to be so interested in what this Dean had to say on the other end. 

“But you got it?” The client asked emphatically, then immediately lowered his voice. “Salted and burned?”   

What?

Dave managed to keep from looking over, but the phone call must have ended because the next words spoken were to him. 

“I’m going to be right down the hall if you need anything. I’ll let you work.” 

Great. Dave was now alone with his thoughts. He focused hard on the task at hand, stringing cables to and fro, arguing with himself about whether or not to notify homeland security. 

The usual routine for a cable guy, right?

It couldn’t have been more than twenty minutes before “Richie” was back, his floppy hair and big doe eyes at odds with the general air of uncertainty in the room. The suspicion seemed to go both ways, and Dave wondered how many outsiders were allowed in. He suspected he might be the first. 

The modem and router were both set up, but if Dave remembered correctly, the client asked for a signal booster to be installed in another room. 

“All set here; where would you like your extender?” His robotic customer service demeanor seemed to set aside some of the client’s nervous energy as well. 

A few moments later, “Richie” was guiding Dave back up the hallway they’d come down and into the room with the large map table. From there, Dave was led into some sort of library. Now he only had more questions. 

He was left right at the entrance to the library when the other man dashed up the stairs to answer a call. This part was easy, just a simple power cable and then a few configurations on his phone, and then Dave could be on his way. Hopefully, without being marked as an enemy of whatever state this guy represented. 

But no. Dave couldn’t just have a normal Wednesday. 

The sound of heavy footfalls on metal came ringing through the space. Dave looked up to see Richie had just let in two friends. One was wearing a tattered and burnt shirt, and the other looked nearly spotless like he was coming home from an office job. Dave was definitely going to be killed for seeing this, so he just pretended he didn’t, looking back down at the outlets in the library wall. 

Out of the corner of his eye, Dave saw the three men make their way down the stairs, their voices coming into earshot as he worked. 

“-fuckin told me that the oldest son had the pocketwatch, so we were in his damn basement for nearly an hour before the thing showed up, and it was pissed. Cas nearly got whacked, but-”

“Cable guy, remember?” 

“Whatever. We figured it out; no thanks to you. Had to go grave robbin’ for the watch, but-“

“Dean!” The first man reached out to smack at his shoulder, serving as a warning to keep quiet. 

Tattered shirt guy, who Dave now knew was the Dean from the phone call earlier, sauntered into the library and plopped down in a chair across from Dave. 

“So!  We're goin' digital.  Did Sa-“

Richie cleared his throat loudly enough that Dave startled. 

Dean restarted. “Did Richie offer you anything to drink?” 

So it was a fake name. Not that Dave needed proof, he knew Bon Jovi and how to spot a red flag, but it was nice to have more assurance that he wasn’t just paranoid. 

Gesturing to the bottled water that Dave brought in with his bags, he dismissed the offer. The next step was waiting for the configuration signal to connect, and Dave wanted to avoid small talk as much as possible. He thought his safest bet was to absorb as little information as possible to keep in these guys’ good graces. 

A peek at the titles on the bookshelf to his right didn’t ease his anxieties. De Occulta Philosophia libri III, Tryals of the Spirit, and A Magical Record of the Beast didn’t exactly sound like book-club-friendly novels, but they also didn’t sound like the collection of a mad terrorist cell either. 

“We’re thinking about offering library cards and a good kids story time.” Damnit, Dave was caught looking. When he looked up to see Dean’s reaction, the man was just wearing a self-assured smile. The man’s laid-back demeanor was at odds with the bizarre situation and the fact that he looked like he’d been through a house fire. 

Dave must have looked horrified because Dean gave a follow-up clarification. “Joking, joking.” 

Dave’s phone chimed to notify him that the setup was complete, and he had never stood up faster in his life. He had lost track of “Richie” and the businessman, but upon exiting the library, the two were seated at the map table, hunched over and whispering. 

Dave only heard the words “haunted” and “vessel” before the two were startled at his presence. The cable man fumbled for his usual phrases, anything brisk and easy to get him out the door, but he was truthfully at a loss for words. He gaped a bit, dumbly, at the cast of characters around him and grabbed his bag strap. 

“Thank you for choosing Comcast?” It came out as a question while Dave tried his best to give a customer service smile. Usually, he’d have the client check a device or something for the connection, but all Dave wanted was to be in his car, headed back towards safety on that damned dirt road. 

He did not get paid well enough for this shit. 

[rare-props]

The making of Beedle!

The backpack prop for my Beedle cosplay had been a big hit across my social accounts and I have gotten a lot of questions about how I made it. So here we go! 

I started off by making an EVA foam shell in the approximate shape I wanted the finished backpack to be. If you look inside you can see the pvc braces I installed to support the straps of the backpack. I flattened the ends of the pipe and riveted them through the foam with large washers on both sides of the foam. I also added rings inside made from air piping to help spread the weight and help the backpack keep its shape while being carried. 

I covered the body of the backpack with inch and a half thick upholstery foam and used an electric knife to carve it into a more desired shape. I also worked on creating the "horns" of the beetle backpack. It was around this time I decided the top should be removable. And that the seam would be covered by a decorative fabric detail once everything was finished.

I used a few different thicknesses of upholstery foam to cover and carve to create the rest of the shapes for the backpack. To make the flaps and the extra horns on the back of the backpack I use just upholstery foam. 

Once I was happy with the shape I started covering everything with fabric. 

After covering the main body I stated draping all the detail fabrics, and placing hook and loop to hold the purple role in place.

I tacked down the fabric around the seam between the removable top and the body of the backpack to hide the gap and painted the detail onto the blue draping fabric. I also added in the D rings that would hold all the accessories and the fabric band to cover them. Each D ring is bent around a piece of pvc and has a strip of webbing around it through the foam layers and glued to the inside of the bag for extra support. I added the connections for the canopy and the sigh pole.

With the canopy structure done I started making the table that would hide up underneath and pull down. I wasn’t able to find the right green on green checker pattern but I really liked the alternative I found. I used foamboard for the table and covered it in wood grain shelf paper. Magnets hold it to the underside of the canopy. 

I use eva to make the body of the basket and braded up some macramé cord to create the bindings. The apples, chilies and foliage were all purchased from the floral section of the craft store. All the other accessories were made from upholstery foam and covered in fabric.

The sigh was made using wonder under to make the triangle shapes and I painted the face on with craft acrylics and puffy paint.

Last I added in all the little details like the flags across the back and buckles. And adding the padding and fabric to the straps.

I still had to paint the reverse side of the sign and the pole when these were taken but that is it for the build! I love how it came out.

I also made a mast to go with the costume because 2020 XD

[tsukishumai]

Haikyuu boys at a music festival / Rave

A/N: I’m still sad about Coachella being cancelled this year... the line up was perfect (◕︵◕)

Warnings: adult content, mentions of (hard) drug use, pls don’t do these things irl if ur a minor (or at all i guess?)

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

THE PROFESSIONAL RAVER –

Kuroo Tetsuro, Iwaizumi Hajime, Hanamaki Takahiro, Semi Eita, Konoha Akinori, Suna Rintaro

Easily spotted due to the flag/totem pole they insist on carrying around. For some reason, knows all the security guards?? Won’t stop talking about how the festival three years ago in Shibuya was probably the best one he’s ever been to. The designated drug mule, cracks a joke or two about how the pills you’re taking was taped to his balls. Pre-game master, knows how to get everyone loose and having fun. You’ll catch them at the house or techno stage, shuffling the night away. You had no idea they even danced, but you don’t think he takes one break. Doesn’t drink, but won’t say no to some special k. He’ll 100% take his shirt off when his fav artists comes on stage. At multiple points in the night, he’ll throw his arms around his friends and say “I just love you guys.... soooooo fuckin much!”

PARENT OF THE GROUP –

Sugawara Koshi, Yaku Morisuke, Kai Nobuyuki, Ojiro Aran, Ennoshita Chikara, Akaashi Keiji

Constantly refilling the camelbak. Always always always reminding you to hydrate. Will be the one to make sure everyone’s together before moving on to the next stage. Wears one of those battery powered mini-fans around their neck to cool you down in case you get overheated. The one designated to carry the Vicks Inhaler(iykyk). First-aid kit on deck, complete with band-aids(you’re clumsy when you’re rolling), Tylenol, Pepcid (they be gettin Asian glow), Baby wipes and hand sanitizer at your beck and call. Will let you lay your head down on their lap while waiting for the artist to get on stage. Probably gives out free massages. Won’t roll or do any drugs, but will get smashed, maybe even a little cross-faded. “IF ANYONE GETS LOST, MEET UP AT THE FERRIS WHEEL!”

THE FIRST TIMERS –

Hinata Shoyo, Haiba Lev, Goshiki Tsutomu, Koganegawa Kanji, Yamaguchi Tadashi, Komori Motoya

Dragged out by the professional raver, probably had to lie to their parents about where they really were that weekend. Wants to go to every single stage and carries around the schedule with them. Has a wide-eyed expression on his face the whole day, thinks that this might be the best day of his life. Gets a little flustered at the fact that so many people are walking around half naked. Insisted on trying molly for the first time, even though everyone kept telling him no. Someone finally gave him a sip of molly water, and he wouldn’t stop bouncing the rest of the night. Won’t stop saying, “I loooove this song, bro!”

THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY –

Tanaka Ryunosuke, Nishinoya Yuu, Yamamoto Takinori, Oikawa Tooru, Tendou Satori, Miya Atsumu, Bokuto Kotaro , Terushima Yuuji

Took his pill too early, and started rolling in line. His roll wore off when everyone else was peaking, now he’s bugging everyone for an extra molly 😭 he said he’ll pay you back. Sporadically comes and goes. Promised a few other friend groups that he’d meet up with them for certain artists. Usually brings back a new person, becomes their best friend for one set, then leaves, only to come back with another stranger. Uses the term ‘rave bf/gf’. Has had their outfits planned out months in advance. All about the PLUR life – wears the brightest costumes, arms covered all the way up to their elbows in kandi, trading bracelets with any stranger that was willing to look their way. Considers themselves to be “part of the Art Installations.” Has 15365 new Instagram followers by the end of the weekend. “I’ll just meet you guys at the hotel later!” Comes back at 8 am.

THE VIP INFLUENCER –

Kageyama Tobio, Kozume Kenma, Shirabu Kenjiro, Ushijima Wakatoshi, Sakusa Kiyoomi, Futakuchi Kenji

Pays extra for VIP cause he’d rather die than be stuck in a crowd. Says he’s only there because “he knows someone in the band” (he doesn’t.) His outfit looks plain, but his shorts are actually $1,200 and the black t-shirt he’s wearing is $700. The only people he tags in his photos are the brands he’s wearing. Somehow gets invited to all the artist after parties. Only does expensive drugs, like cocaine and ecstasy. He says he can get you backstage, but won’t text you back the rest of the night. Has a ‘too cool to be here’ attitude, and will only lightly tap their finger to the rhythm. Really only went so they could say they were there.

THE LONG TIMERS –

Tsukishima Kei, Sawamura Daichi, Azumane Asahi, Matsukawa Issei, Kita Shinsuke, Miya Osamu

They’ve been there, done that – now all they really want is to enjoy the music. No longer interested in entering the mosh pit or head banging , perfectly content with being in the back of the crowd and next to the speakers (you can feel the bass better this way, anyway.) Doesn’t put too much thought into their outfits. Takes all his vitamins (B12, Calcium, D) before starting the day. He’ll pop a molly, and he might do shrooms if the vibe allows it. Will leave for the next stage before the set’s over in order to “avoid the crowd”.

[reliciron]

The goddamn telephone pole down the street from my house fell over last Wednesday, leaving us with a 12 hour blackout, and while the power company installed a new pole and got the power back on, they left the damaged internet lines literally laying on the ground and the box hanging from the lines. Very much a "bitch not our problem" thing.

I get it, there are probably legal reasons why they couldn't fix them, but they didn't even notify the internet company! WE had to do that, and they didn't believe us that the problem wasn't on our end. Everyone in our neighborhood who had our kind of internet was screwed too.

So we had to wait until today for the guy to come out, only for him to go to the wrong house and get huffy when no one answered. Thankfully one of our neighbors (who was also lacking internet) managed to flag him down and explain about the power line. Thankfully he believed her and I guess did a temporary fix (as in, zip ties and trash bags) but they're gonna have to replace the lines entirely on January 3rd. He never actually made it to our house either, just slunk off, fixed it, and left without letting us know.

Definitely gonna start looking for a new internet company, because we're so tired of our current one's shit.

[geekingbeautytx]

okay hear me out; harringrove (college au)

so basically it abruptly came to my knowledge at school that many frat boys have installed stripper poles in their rooms. so...

billy invites steve back to his room after a party or maybe just to study or something and eventually someone

demonstrates.

I could never get myself to write this so 💗

Sorry life got in the way but here it is! It’s pretty short lol but enjoy!!

It’s not like this was my first study session...study date? I had studied with plenty of girls and boys. But I have to admit there was something different about Billy Hargrove. Maybe it was because he was a Pi Kappa Alpha. Or maybe because Billy offered to help in English Lit without me asking. Most likely though, it was probably because Billy was the hottest thing in Indiana besides the summer heat. Seriously, the guy was of “Greek God” status. I’m talking blonde curly hair, ocean blue eyes, and muscles for days. Billy also had the audacity to be confident enough to wear crop tops. 

So here I am standing on the front porch of the Pi Kappa Alpha house debating how to go in. Should I knock, text Billy, or just walk in. Before I can make any decision the front door opens. 

“Oh shit hey! You’re Steve right?” asks a very tired and hungover looking Tommy. 

I think that’s his name. 

“Yeah, I’m supposed to study with Billy today.” I reply nervously. 

“Yeah, um, he’s in his room. Third door on the left.” 

“Thanks.” I say smiling and stepping into the house. 

“No problem. Wow he kinda is a pretty boy.” 

 I barely hear the last part he whispers. 

“Pretty Boy.” I whisper as I walk towards the stairs. 

Is that what he thinks about me? I mean don’t get me wrong, I am pretty, but Billy said that? I can feel my cheeks heat up when I reach the stairs. The carpet is sticky, gross, which almost distracts me from my own thoughts racing at hundred miles per hour. But not for long.  Billy doesn’t think I’m pretty. No way. I’m pretty but there is no way that Billy thinks that. 

I finally reach the top of the stairs. It’s quiet and empty in the hallway. Which is pretty common for a Saturday at 12pm. I get to Billy's door which has a plaque with his name on it and it’s even got a little pride flag on it. He could be an ally I think to myself. I take one last breath and knock on the door. 

My hands begin to sweat waiting. When the door opens I feel like I got the wind knocked out of me. Billy answers wearing a “My Chemical Romance” crop top and the shortest black shorts I have ever seen. 

“Uhhh.” I tried to say words but it wasn’t happening. 

“Hey Harrington.” He greets smirking and leaning against the door frame.

“Hey.” I finally squeak out. 

“You gonna come in or you just gonna stand out there all day?” He asks, licking his lips. 

I nod and walk in making a beeline for his bed just so I take a moment to gather myself. I place my bag on his bed and let out a deep breath. 

“You want anything to drink?” He asks sauntering over to his mini fridge. 

I look up to answer and I swear for the hundredth time today I almost die. I look and on the right side of his room, next to a bean bag chair, is a stripper pole. Why am I being punished? Did I do something awful in a past life to be tortured like this? 

“Uhhh, water please. What’s with the pole?” I ask without even thinking. 

Smooth Steve. Very smooth. 

“Oh, the guy before me put it in. I just kept it cause it seemed like a pain in the ass to take it down. Plus, maybe the guy after me will get some use out of it. Also Tommy, my roommate, has a plan to get his girlfriend Carol to use it. Which between you and me, she’s never getting on it.” 

I nod awkwardly while pulling out my notebook and assignment paper. 

He walks over with the water and sits at the head of the bed leaning his back on the headboard. I turn to face him and sit crisscross at the foot of the bed. He holds out the water bottle to me and I take it trying my hardest not to touch his hand. 

“Alright pretty boy, what do you want to work on?” He asks, putting both of his hands behind his head. 

I stare for what feels like forever. 

“Um, well, I, uhhh...what was the question?” I say like the stuttering mess that I am. 

“Oh wow, yeah you definitely need my help.” He replies smiling and laughing only slightly. 

“I’m sorry it’s just, fuck, I gotta clear the air with you!” 

“Okay…” He says looking confused. 

Why is he confused I think to myself. He just called me pretty boy. Like you can’t just do that and not expect me to short circuit. 

“Harrington?” 

“Sorry! But ummm, you just called me pretty boy.” 

“Oh yeah, is that not okay?” He asks, his whole demeanor has changed. 

“Yes it’s fine, but only if you mean it.” 

“I do mean it. You’re a pretty boy. Like you have beautiful brown hair, calming brown eyes, and the preppy clothes you wear make you look so soft. And honestly, that ass should already be twirling on that pole.” 

I sit there completely stunned. I have never had someone describe me like that. Nancy just always said I was cute. Never gave me specifics as to why I was cute. But Billy, he just put it out there without any hesitation. 

“Harrington, you good. I’m sorry if I made you un-” 

“No no no, you’re fine! You’re more than fine. Also, once I saw the pole I was waiting for you to tell me it was yours and you practice daily.” I say scooting to sit next to him.

“I mean I never said I don’t use it. I just said the guy before put it in and the guy after me can worry about taking it down. So you want to study or you want a show?” He asks, sitting up on knees.

My mouth falls open and without realizing it I pull him onto my lap. 

“Oh you want a lap dance first?” He teases putting his hands on both sides of my head leaning on the headboard. 

I grab behind his neck and pull him down for a kiss. I can feel him smiling as he kisses me. After a few minutes, seems like hours, he breaks the kiss and gets up off the bed. He struts, I repeat, struts to the pole. I can feel my cheeks heat up again and my mouth going drier than the Sahara Desert. 

He turns on his speaker and it’s immediately playing “Moment” by Victoria Monét. He had to have planned this. I can feel my whole body heat up as he takes his shirt off. I must look like such a loser cause I haven’t moved from my spot on the bed or my hands by my side. He puts his hand on the pole and walks in a circle. Before he can do anything the door flies open and we both fling our heads towards the door.

“What the fuck Billy?! You said you were gonna study. Not perform! Jesus Christ!” Tommy says covering his eyes. 

“Why the fuck are you covering your eyes you idiot? I just have my shirt off!” Billy replies while putting his shirt back on. 

“Because asshole I don’t know if your boy toy has a boner or hell if you have one. And I don’t need to be scarred for life, okay!” Tommy says cracking his fingers open to peek at the scene in the room.

“Just give me a minute shit head.” Billy says scooting him out of the room. 

I finally get up and pack my stuff up. As I finish and turn around, Billy is right in front of my face. 

“I’m sorry that went south.” He apologizes while rubbing the back of his head. 

“It’s fine, we can just study in my dorm later tonight. I don’t have a roommate so we can just chill after. Cause while I loved the strip tease, I really do need help with English.” I say smiling. 

“Sounds like a plan Pretty Boy. So can I kiss you...again?” He asks, licking and biting his lip. 

I answer with  me pulling him by his waistband and my other hand his hair. The door opens again. 

“Oh come on! You said a minute!” Tommy yells.