#led grow lights of 2020

[apartmentsmoke]

Evan tells Tommy that he's babysitting Jee, but he still really wants to spend time with Tommy, if Tommy doesn't mind - and Tommy accepts. Jee's part of Evan's family, and Howie's family, and how bad can hanging out with a three-year-old - almost four, he is told by her in the car - be anyway? What he's expecting is a night on the couch watching Frozen. (Kids still like that, right?) Maybe tea parties. What he does not expect is that Evan already has an outing planned to Chuck-E-Cheese. Surprise - Chuck-E-Cheese still exists. He would've sworn they went bankrupt back in 2020.

He's not sure what Jee is going to think of him, but she remembers him from the hospital as "Uncle Buck's dirty friend" and accepts his presence easily enough. She keeps her hand in Evan's as they walk into Chuck-E-Cheese. It's one of the cutest things Tommy's ever seen. There's a thousand kids around, laughing and crying and shouting. He only has to focus on one, he tells himself, and lets Jee lead him and Evan through the maze of games. She stops at a claw machine and demands that her Uncle Buck win her a rabbit toy. After ten minutes, fifteen dollars, and Tommy tagging in, they finally succeed. The next two hours are filled with more exploitative games, the greasiest fucking pizza Tommy's ever had, and Jee spending five minutes deliberating between two similarly-colored bouncy balls to exchange for her tickets. Throughout it all, Evan's patience never wavers, even when they lose Jee for five minutes in the crowd and have to search for her. She's hiding under the air hockey table.

Tommy's doing his best to keep up. He's led all over the place, recruited to help with games, and tries to make sense of Jee's non-sequiturs. While they're standing in line for the bouncy ball, Evan nudges him. There's a big smile on his face. "I know this isn't an ideal date. Thanks for being here." "Of course," Tommy says, and he nudges Evan back. "I like getting to know your family, Evan." It's not what he expected, but seeing first-hand how full of love Evan's family is, how much love he has for them - he wouldn't trade it. Not even for the bluest bouncy ball. Evan's smile grows even wider. They're almost out the door when Jee spots a photo booth and hones in. "I wanna photo," she says, tugging at Evan's hand, and Tommy dutifully follows along. He'll - wait out here, he guesses, while Evan and Jee take their photo. They wouldn't all fit, anyway. It's a little awkward, hanging around the photo booth, but it's fine. They disappear behind the curtain for a moment and Tommy can hear Jee's high, insistent voice and Evan chuckling and responding, though he can't make out the words. Jee and Evan poke their heads out a second later. "You too!" Jee says, and Evan echoes her with a grin. "Yeah, you too. Get in here." They quickly learn there is no way the photo booth is going to fit them all. Tommy fits maybe a third of his body in. Evan frowns, then lights up again. "Hey, Jee, why don't we get out for a second? Then Tommy can sit down and I can sit on his lap and you can sit on my lap. Okay?" "Okay," she says, so Tommy squeezes in, and a second later Evan plops all two hundred pounds of himself and thirty pounds of Jee onto his lap.

"Evan," he hisses, and Evan grins at him, unrepentant. "Smile for the camera, Tommy," he says, and Tommy finds that his smile comes easily, especially when Evan turns to kiss his cheek on the last photo. After they scrabble out of the photo booth, Evan looks down at the strip of photos and their wide, grinning faces. "Oh, yeah. That's going on the fridge for sure." "For sure," Jee repeats for emphasis, and looks up at Tommy expectantly. "For sure," he says, and he's met with twin smiles.

[this fic has matching art by @aringofsalt! it's adorable and you should definitely go take a look]

[girlactionfigure]

Want to know what shocks me every time? 

It’s not the antisemitism that’s spiking globally. If you read any history book, you should have known that was coming. 

It’s not even the level of hate people have for the Jews. Ditto. Happens in every generation. 

What really shocks me is how the same exact ridiculous blood libels that were used throughout history to vilify the Jews are being repeated in 2025. 

Like, growing up, hearing all the insane things people said about Jews, it always confused me. It was almost hard to even imagine. 

The conspiracies. The tropes. The laughable lies. 

And here we are in 2025. 

“The Jews control the media.”

“The Jews control the banks.”

“The Jews are not loyal to America.”

“The Jews killed JFK.”

“The Jews are responsible for 9/11.”

“The Jews have a secret club where they make sinister decisions about the world.”

And the list just goes on and on. 

How long before the “The Jews have horns.” story comes back?

Oh, and let’s not forget the “Jews killed Jesus. Even the Talmud says so…” fairy tale. 

It’s just funny to me how these antisemites think they’re so smart. Like they got a “Got you” moment. 

Don’t they know how to read? Don’t they realize that their insane stories have been told for generations? 

Like, how is it that otherwise intelligent people, otherwise moral people, somehow, when it comes to the Jews, just lose their minds completely? What is it about the hatred of the Jew that makes otherwise normal people, totally insane? 

How is it that a nation that makes up 0.25% of the population and a country that is smaller than New Jersey dominates the news cycle and is all anyone wants to talk about? 

What is it about this war that is so unique that it’s all anyone cares about? 

It’s not the casualty numbers obviously. What is it? 

If you don’t want to pull the antisemitism card, then explain it to me. 

Why is everyone talking about Gaza and the made up casualty numbers and no one is talking about Syria or the countless other REAL genocides happening right now? 

Why the obsession with the Jews? 

Why is Israel the only country that has to justify its existence every single day? 

Why does any country think they have a right to tell another sovereign country how to retaliate to an unprovoked attack that led to endless death and destruction? Who the hell asked them? 

Why is it that people who have never stepped foot in the Middle East and have no idea that Egypt has a border with Gaza think they have a right to express their opinion on a conflict they know nothing about? 

What other complex issue do people think they have a right to an opinion despite having zero understanding of the issue at hand? 

If you can’t answer the following question and you speak regularly about the “Palestinian issue”, then maybe consider sitting down and shutting up? Just a friendly suggestion. 

- When was the modern state of Israel established? 

- What was the land called before it was Israel? 

- What was the partition plan? 

- What did the Arabs do after they were offered a state in 1947?

- What does the Palestinian charter say about their goals and ambitions? 

- What happened in 1967 in the region? 

- What is the disengagement? 

- When people chant ‘From the river to the sea’, what river and what sea do they mean?

- What is an intifada, the thing so many people want to globalize?

- Who was Yasser Arafat and where was he born? 

- What do the years 1937, 1947, 1967, 1991, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2019, and 2020 have in common? 

- What is ‘Zion’ and what is Zionism?

That’s a good start. If you don’t know the answers to those very basic questions, you should probably go read up about the Middle East before expressing your totally uneducated opinion. 

As far as the antisemitism, the Jews have been nothing but a source of light in the world. 

Whether it’s Nobel prizes, cancer research, tech and innovation, rescue missions, or really anything else you want to look at, the Jews have made the world a significantly better place. 

Your very dark world is significantly lighter because of the Jews. 

You can live your life better because of the Jews. 

You can use your iPhone because of the Jews. 

You can water your garden because of the Jews. 

You can use USB because of the Jews. 

You can take pictures with your phone because of the Jews. 

You can get to work safely because of the Jews. 

You can have better healthcare because of the Jews. 

You can call your friend over the internet because of the Jews. 

You can expect your car to drive itself soon because of the Jews. 

The Jews have made your life better. 

That’s a fact. The rest are just baseless lies repeated in every generation. 

Don’t fall into the trap of hating the Jew. Be different. Do better. 

History will remember you and thank you. 

It’s not for us. The Jews don’t need your love and support. We’ll be fine without it. It’s for you. It’s for your grandchildren who will ask you if you spoke up in 2025 and when you tell them you didn’t, that you sided with a genocidal terrorist organization full of rapists and pedophiles, they will look at you with disgust and lose all respect for you. 

You don’t want to side with Israel for your own morality? Do it for your grandchildren. 

If you choose the wrong side of history, remember this. Am Yisrael Chai is a historical reality and if you don’t believe me, ask yourself how many Babylonians you know. They’re gone, the Jews are still here. 

Those who chose the wrong side of history, the side that came after the Jews, they are gone buried deep in history books, and you will join them very shortly. 

Regards to all of our friends from ancient Egypt, Phillistines, Assyria, Babylon, Ancient Persia, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Byzantine, Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and so many other empires that came after the Jews and have gone extinct. 

If you don’t want to side with the Jews for your own morality and you don’t want to side with the Jews for your own grandchildren, then consider siding with the Jews for your own survival. It’s just a good strategy. 

Choose wisely. Your move!

Hillel Fuld

[sitepathos]

Hello. I know this might sound dramatic, but I want you to know that you probably save my life tonight.

I was having a really bad day. My family doesn't understand me enough to care, and maybe my issue with my family is the reason why I found comfort in Batfam fics. Today, everything just got worse. My father yelled at me for something he didn't even know, I don't know why he even had the audacity to speak when he doesn't even know the matter, and now I can't speak and yell at his face that he's wrong because I am a child and not a parent, I would be considered "disrespectful" if I wanted to speak what is right and true.

I was really begging any Gods at that point to take me. I was thinking of ways to execute myself tonight. I was planning to starve myself tomorrow and ignore today's dinner. I was planning on searching what's "Metoprolol" is because growing up as a kid, I always think that "concern" is a form of love, and maybe if they saw my dead body tonight, maybe they'll cry because they love me. I know this is bad. I know this is inappropriate to say, but when I tried to atleast make myself feel better and decided to read Batfam fics again, I saw your new chapter of From Gold to Mold and it genuinely makes everything better. I didn't want to read Chapter 3 because I saw the comments that you left it with a cliffhanger, and I hate that, and decided to wait for the next chapter instead. Ever since I saw the new chapter, I actually ate dinner, because atleast I know there's still things in this world that makes me happy. When I saw your new chapter, I asked God, "Is this your way of comforting me?", and I want you to know that your work is a form of blessing for me. I started thanking God at that moment, and told myself that I also want to thank you.

I actually don't read Batman comics, or watch Batman. I never read or watch any DC movies before, but Batfam fics is about a family that I will always desire yet never really grasp. I wish for all Batfam authors to live the life they wanted.

I am very sorry for saying this, and straight up said that I was actually considering doing it. I am very aware that this is inappropriate but I really, really, really want to tell you that you save me. I know saying that a "fanfiction" save my life sounds ridiculous, but that's where I found my comfort in, and I would be willing to be ridicule at if it means showing what genuinely makes me happy. I will always love your works even if it means showing my lack of redamancy for my family, or even hatred if I have to admit. This doesn't mean that you are a start of my rebellion. I am only stating that you are a light in my times of darkness.

Thank you.

Wow, ok, wasn’t expecting my work to have such an impact. Good to know.

First of all, I’m glad you’re enjoying the series! When this idea popped into my head, I wasn’t sure if there would be many who’d actually enjoy it. With people like you, I’m inspired to put all that I have into From Gold to Mold! I hope my future work meets and exceeds all your expectations!

Second of all, I’m so sorry that you’re going through such a rough time in your life right now. Since you were brave to share a part of you for all to see, I’ll share something, too. About five years ago, my mother was a major junkie. With that, plus her narcissism, led her to divorcing my stepdad (who brought me out of my shell and made me a better version of myself) and moved us to my grandmother’s house after my grandfather died after battling lung cancer. Living with her was a nightmare, constantly walking around eggshells for fear of pissing her off, her stealing money from my grandmother, and yelling at everyone. She was always riding my ass to get a job just so she could take money from me. Early 2020, she was finally evicted and it’s just my grandmother and I living together.

She’s actually cleaned herself up and we enjoy a decent relationship.

So, while things look horrible and it may take a while, things do get better. I’m rooting for you.

[kathlare]

coffee & invitations

Lando Norris x Amelie Dayman

Amelie and Lando are forced into an awkward situation when Amelie’s family unexpectedly arrives early at their hotel, leading to a tense breakfast where secrets about their growing closeness begin to surface.

Warnings: none

full masterlist // request over here!

December 1st, 2020 - Sakhir, Bahrain

The elevator doors slid open, and Amelie stepped out first, adjusting the sleeves of her oversized hoodie. Lando followed, shoving his hands into the pockets of his sweatpants, still blinking sleep from his eyes.

It was too early for this.

Sharing a hotel room in secret was easy. No one was paying attention to where they slept, and with COVID restrictions still limiting interactions, it wasn’t like anyone would randomly knock on her door unannounced.

But sneaking down to breakfast together? Much riskier.

Amelie yawned behind her mask, nudging Lando’s side. —Coffee first. If you try to talk to me before that, I’ll kill you.—

Lando hummed, amused. —So violent in the mornings.—

—No, just allergic to you.—

—Yet, here you are, sneaking into my bed every night.—

She shot him a glare, but he just smirked under his mask. She had no good comeback for that.

The second they stepped into the buffet area, Amelie froze mid-step.

Oh. Oh, fuck.

Seated at a large table near the window, in plain sight, was her entire family. All of them.

Lando, oblivious, nearly walked straight into her before following her gaze. The second he saw them, his whole body stiffened.

—Well.— He exhaled. —That’s unfortunate.—

—They weren’t supposed to be here yet. They were supposed to fly in later today.—

Lando scratched the back of his head. —We could turn around? Pretend we never saw them?—

Amelie hesitated. It was a good plan. A solid plan.

—Except they already saw us.—

Lando groaned. —Of course they did.—

Amelie chanced a glance back at the table. Her mom was already waving enthusiastically, her sister Stella narrowing her eyes slightly in suspicion. Callum, her ever-watchful older brother, was mid-sip of his coffee, gaze locked on them like he was analyzing a crime scene. And worst of all, her dad, Elias, sat there, silent and unreadable, a slight frown on his face.

Lando shifted beside her. —Well, guess we’re doing this.—

—Guess so.—

Keeping their distance but walking with forced casualness, they made their way toward the buffet. They split up—Amelie going for coffee first, Lando grabbing a plate of food as if that would distract from the inevitable interrogation they were about to face.

—Act normal,— Amelie muttered, loading her plate with a single croissant and some fruit.

—This is me acting normal.—

—You look like you’re about to shit yourself.—

—Yeah, well, your dad terrifies me, so.—

Amelie snorted but didn’t disagree.

Once they had their food, they couldn’t stall any longer. Taking a deep breath, Amelie led them toward the table, forcing a bright, innocent smile onto her face.

—Good morning!— she greeted, sliding into the empty seat next to Elysia.

Lando hesitated, but before he could make an excuse to sit elsewhere, Callum gestured to the seat directly across from Elias.

—Sit, Norris.—

Lando obeyed like a soldier receiving orders, sitting stiffly with his plate.

—Lando!— Victoria smiled warmly. —I didn’t know you were staying in this hotel!—

—Uh, yeah.— Lando scratched his neck, flashing a tight smile. —Figured I’d stay here since, you know, logistics and all.—

—And you and Amelie came down together?— Stella arched an eyebrow, her tone light but laced with curiosity.

Amelie shrugged. —We ran into each other at the elevator.—

Lando nodded way too quickly. —Yeah, complete coincidence.—

Callum hummed in doubt, but thankfully, the conversation veered away for a while. They ate, and things settled into something almost normal. Almost.

Then, out of nowhere, Elias spoke.

—Lando.—

Lando looked up so fast he nearly choked on his food. —Yes, sir?—

Elias studied him for a moment before nodding slightly. —You should join us in Cozumel for New Year’s.—

Silence.

Dead. Silence.

Lando blinked. Amelie’s fork paused halfway to her mouth. Stella and Callum exchanged a look. Even Checo, who had been busy cutting up food for Chequito, raised his brows slightly.

Amelie was the first to recover. —Dad, what?—

Lando’s brain short-circuited. Had he just been invited on a family vacation? A vacation with Amelie’s entire family?

He wasn’t even sure how to respond.

Amelie, on the other hand, looked like she wanted to slam her head against the table.

—Dad, Lando probably has his own plans.— She shot Lando a look that screamed do not say yes.

But Lando, the absolute menace that he was, just grinned. —Actually, I don’t.—

Amelie’s jaw clenched. You fucking idiot.

Elias nodded approvingly. —Good. Then it’s settled.—

Stella smirked into her coffee. Callum sighed deeply like he already regretted every choice that led to this moment. Chequito cheered, probably not understanding what was happening but happy for the chaos.

And Amelie?

She wanted to strangle Lando.

Because now they had to survive a family trip without anyone realizing they were secretly together.

Oh, they were so fucked.

After breakfast, Lando quickly stood up, wiping his hands on his pants, looking uncomfortable as hell. He shot a quick glance at Amelie, who was still trying to recover from the bomb her dad had just dropped.

—Uh, I’m gonna head up, get some work done or whatever,— Lando muttered, already backing away from the table, clearly eager to escape the potential disaster that was about to unfold.

Amelie shot him a look that could melt steel, but he was already making a quick exit.

As Lando disappeared into the crowd of hotel guests, Amelie took a deep breath, her stomach already churning with anxiety. What the hell had just happened?

She turned her attention back to her family, who were all watching her now, some with amusement, others with varying degrees of suspicion.

Victoria, ever the social butterfly, was the first to speak up. —So, Amelie, what do you think? I think it’s a wonderful idea! We can all celebrate together, and Lando’s great company, right?—

Amelie gave her mom a strained smile, nodding slowly, but her insides were anything but calm. —Yeah, sure, it sounds great.— Her voice was tight, and she didn’t even try to hide the stress that was creeping into her tone.

Amelie plastered a smile on her face, trying to ignore the deep pit forming in her stomach. This was going to be a fucking disaster.

The rest of the meal passed in a blur. Her family asked a few more questions, mostly about the “coincidence” of Lando and her arriving together, but Amelie dodged as best she could, trying to act like everything was fine. At least they didn’t press too hard, but Amelie knew it was only a matter of time before they pieced things together.

Once breakfast was done, Amelie helped her mom clean up, and she excused herself as soon as she could. She needed to get back to the room.

Amelie didn’t even bother with the elevator. She took the stairs two at a time, her mind racing. What the fuck just happened?

When she reached the room, she pushed the door open with a sharp exhale, seeing Lando already pacing by the window. He turned at the sound of the door clicking shut, the guilt written all over his face.

—You are an absolute disaster, Norris.— Her voice was tight, holding back the frustration bubbling up inside her. She dropped her bag by the door and threw her mask onto the dresser.

Lando took a step toward her, his hands raised in surrender. —I panicked, alright? I don’t know why I said it, it just... came out.—

Amelie snapped, arms crossed over her chest. —What were you thinking?—

Lando shuffled awkwardly. —I honestly don’t know. It was like autopilot, and then your dad was like, “Join us!” and I... I don’t know, I didn’t know what else to say. He’s scary, Amelie, you know that. I just wanted to get out of there without causing a scene.—

Amelie pinched the bridge of her nose. —You couldn’t have said something like, “Oh, I already have plans?” or, I don’t know, “Let me check my schedule”?— She was pacing now too, trying to process what the hell was happening.

—No, because it would’ve made things... weirder. And it’s not like I can just say no to your dad.— Lando shrugged, his usual easygoing demeanor now replaced by awkwardness. —I didn’t want to be rude, and I kind of panicked. Also, you know, the idea of spending New Year’s with you... that sounds... nice.—

Amelie’s frustration was clear, and Lando could see it written all over her face. She was pacing, trying to wrap her mind around what had just happened, and he could tell she was trying to hold back from exploding.

He hesitated, watching her for a second. Then, in a move he could only describe as both reckless and stupid, he took a step toward her. His fingers grazed her arm lightly, just enough to get her attention.

—Amelie, come on... it’s not that bad,— he said, voice quieter than before. He reached out again, brushing a lock of hair from her face, his fingers lingering near her jaw.

She stopped pacing and looked up at him, eyes narrowing. —Are you seriously trying to convince me that this is a good idea? You’ve completely lost your mind, Lando.—

He smirked. —I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? It’s just a family trip, right? It’ll be fun. It’s New Year’s. We could... have our New Year’s kiss.—

Her heart skipped at the suggestion. She tried to suppress the flutter of excitement, but he saw right through her. Her eyes softened, and she looked away, trying to fight the smile that threatened to break through.

—You really think this is a good idea?— she asked, her voice quieter now, almost vulnerable.

Lando took another small step forward, closing the space between them. His gaze dropped to her lips, then flicked back to her eyes. —I don’t think it’s a bad one. I mean, I’d love to spend New Year’s with you. And maybe... we could make some new memories.—

She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Lando’s lips brushed against her cheek, a soft kiss that sent a wave of warmth through her. Amelie inhaled sharply, her thoughts scrambling. He didn’t give her a chance to say anything before he kissed the corner of her mouth.

She closed her eyes, her hands moving to his chest, lightly pushing him away, but it was weak, and he didn’t budge. Instead, he leaned in again, placing a quick kiss to the other side of her cheek.

—You’re being unreasonable, you know?— he murmured against her skin, his lips tracing a path along her jaw, his breath warm against her neck.

Amelie shivered, her heartbeat picking up. She was so mad at him, but the way he was kissing her so tenderly, so reassuringly, made it so hard to stay angry. She swallowed hard, but the words wouldn’t come.

Her eyes flickered to his lips again. God, she couldn’t resist.

Amelie bit her lip, trying to keep her composure. —This is ridiculous. This whole thing is ridiculous, and you... you shouldn’t have said yes. You’re just digging yourself into a hole.—

—Maybe,— Lando murmured, stepping even closer now, his hands resting lightly on her hips. He met her gaze, his own darkened with desire. —But maybe it’ll be worth it. For that kiss. We can start the new year right. Together.—

Amelie’s breath hitched. His lips brushed against hers, and she couldn’t stop herself this time. She kissed him back, slowly at first, testing, then with more urgency as the need for him overwhelmed her. The warmth of his lips, the way he kissed her so tenderly, like he was afraid she might break—everything about it made her heart ache. She pulled him closer, hands running up his chest as if trying to hold onto him, to ground herself in the moment.

Lando deepened the kiss, his hand sliding to the back of her neck, pulling her even closer. Her breath mingled with his as they kissed, and Amelie could feel the tension in her body start to melt. Her mind was still spinning, but in that moment, all that mattered was him.

When they finally pulled away, both breathing heavily, Amelie’s fingers grazed his lips, still feeling the electric pulse of the kiss. She bit her lip, still unsure.

—You’re insane,— she whispered, a soft smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Lando grinned, his hands resting on her waist. —Maybe. But I’m insane for you, Amelie. And I promise, we’ll figure this out. It’s New Year’s, and we’re allowed to do something crazy. We can be together. We can have our moment. No one will suspect a thing. We just have to... make it work.—

Amelie couldn’t stop herself from smiling, her heart swelling despite her reservations. Maybe he was right. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. And maybe, just maybe, the chaos would be worth it.

She nodded, her voice quieter this time. —Okay. Fine. We’ll go. But you better be ready for this, Norris.—

Lando’s grin was wide and cheeky as he leaned in to kiss her again. —Oh, I’m ready, Ames. I’m more than ready.—

[weirdcreaturefeed]

Weird Creature of the Day: Vampire Squid

Undead, undead, undead... Vampyroteuthis infernalis...

Despite its macabre name, vampire squids are significantly less monstrous than many of their deep sea neighbors. They grow only up to 1 foot in length and feed primarily off of marine snow, instead of any hapless damsels or well-meaning real estate salesmen.

Vampire squids helped make scientific history! Featured among other organisms catalogued during the Valdivia Expedition (led by cephalopod expert Carl Chun in the late 1890s,) they helped prove the then-contested theory that life was possible at underwater levels deeper than 550 meters.

Vampire squids are one of those wonderful deep sea species whose colors appear vastly different depending on the lighting. While named for its lusciously deep black coloration, the squid can appear red under certain lighting conditions. It has photophores that can create flashing patterns to attract prey and stun predators. Its chromatophores can't do much of anything. But hey, it's super dark down there, so he doesn't need to worry about that. Black is always in fashion. Especially when it's on such a glamorous cape.

Vamp squids have massive eyes. Like, record setting, largest known eye-to-body ratio in the entire Animalia kingdom massive. He will stare at you with them big ol' eyes. The eyes appear blue under lighting because they reflect the surrounding water.

They differ from most of their peers in the Cephalopoda class in a lot of ways: They're the only cephalopod to live in the oxygen minimum zone-- a place where oxygen levels reach as little as 3%-- having developed the lowest metabolic rate of their peers to adapt to this; they're the only currently living cephalopod to scavenge instead of hunt; they lack ink sacks, and will instead raise their webbed arms around themselves to show the spiked structures underneath (called a "pineapple" position) while they release bioluminscent mucus; and the males do not release sperm for the female to receive, but rather deliver her a "packet" full of sperm that she'll store in a special pocket until she decides she's ready for motherhood. I, personally, am glad to know vampire squids are carrying on the goth legacy of being The Weird Kid in class and at home.

While vampire squids are not endangered or threatened, they do face a higher risk of issues with microplastics as they eat a high volume of marine snow.

One of the bosses of the 2020 Halloween Google Doodle is a vampire squid (who also happens to be possessed by a ghost). He swoops in on your character, first like a typical Dracula, then in the "pineapple" position!

A vampire squid was briefly shown in captivity to the public in 2014 by the acclaimed Monterey Bay Aquarium. It was kept in a highly specialized, low-light tank to protect its eyes and meet its special pressure and dietary needs. I don't believe it's being held there anymore but they still have a great info page about it here!

If you'd like to hear this post summarized in song, check out this video I stumbled upon by The Octonauts. It's cute.

[yourreddancer]

We know exactly who’s behind “Project 25”. 6 Billionaire Fortunes Bankrolling Project 2025

More than $120 million from a few ultra-wealthy families has powered the Heritage Foundation and other groups that created the plan to remake American government.

Aug 14, 2024

More than 100 nonprofits led by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank that has engaged in climate change denial and obstruction for decades, have signed on as advisors to the Project 2025’s 900-page “Mandate for Leadership” document — a plan to rapidly “reform,” or radically alter, the U.S. government by shuttering bureaus and offices, overturning regulations, and replacing thousands of public sector employees with hand-picked political allies.

An analysis of financial disclosure forms shows the same small group of donors supporting Project 2025’s advisors again and again — hardly a sign of ideological diversity. Of the 110 nonprofits formally supporting Project 2025, almost 50 received major donations from the same six sources of wealth since 2020.

Many of the organizations the six families funded also have close ties to Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, DeSmog found. Trump has repeatedly denied involvement in or knowledge of Project 2025, though that position conflicts with a growing number of news reports — a disavowal made more awkward by the fact that Vance wrote the forward to Dawn’s Early Light, a forthcoming book by Heritage Foundation president Kevin D. Roberts that describes his Project 2025 vision. DeSmog’s review of Project 2025’s financial backers found additional links to Trump, Vance, and key figures in their orbit that had not been previously known.

These six donor networks, linked to the family fortunes of a handful of wealthy industrialists, have spent years working to loosen environmental regulations and promote climate change denial. Though Heritage describes Project 2025 as a mainstream effort to “return government to the people,” its funding sources suggest something far less populist: a vehicle for the obsessions of ultra-rich donors on the far-right fringe, pushing an agenda to reshape American democracy and overturn regulations needed to maintain a livable climate.

To learn more about the people behind “Project 25” Read “The Scheme” How The Right used Dark Money to Capture the Supreme Court. By Sheldon Whitehouse

[stephensmithuk]

The Red Circle

Published in 1911 as a two-parter, this is the penultimate story we'll be covering His Last Bow, leaving just the titular story there.

This does sound rather like "The Veiled Lodger", doesn't it?

These days, you'd have to check the immigration status of your tenants. In 1902, really not an issue. Although anti-immigrant sentiment was definitely there and growing.

Those strange coded personal messages - some even encrypted - very much existed in newspapers back then. Once radio had become a thing, the British would use them on radio broadcasts to Occupied Europe in the Second World to get messages to the resistance movements. Including the "get ready" and "go" codes for the mass sabotage operations that preceded Operation Overlord in 1944.

"Timekeepers" were used for recording arrivals and departures at a site, including that of staff for the purposes of paying wages, determining lateness etc.

Great Orme Street is more properly called Great Ormond Street, located in Bloomsbury. It is best known for the world-famous children's hospital called Great Ormond Street Hospital. They have a permanent UK copyright to Peter Pan which gives them a right to royalties for publications, adaptations, performances etc. The US copyright on the original version expires next year. If anyone wants to do a LfW retelling of the original book, it would be nice to contact them and arrange a donation. They're a very good organisation.

"Art for Art’s sake" was a French slogan from the latter half of the 19th century. You may know its Latin version - ars gratia artis - as the motto of film studio MGM.

The light flashing message gets a whole chapter covering it in Klinger's annotated version, as it's been heavily discussed by scholars. Basically, it would take multiple minutes to send that message.

The Pinkerton detective agency did a lot of investigative work in its early days, both criminal investigation and more nefarious stuff to aid strike-breaking. The latter got the US government banned from hiring them as such in the 1893 Anti-Pinkerton Act. They are still involved in anti-union stuff today.

Much of Notting Hill had become increasingly slum-like by this time as an influx of people led to houses built for one family being split to hold far more; the idea when the area was built was for the middle classes to live there, but they didn't buy the properties. It later attract large numbers of Afro-Caribbean immigrants in the post-war era, partly as the notorious slum landlord Peter Rachman was prepared to rent to them while others weren't. This growing ethnic tension culiminated race riots in 1958, with white "Teddy Boys" attacking West Indian homes. Since then, the slums have been cleared and the area has gentrified quite a bit.

It is also home to the annual Notting Hall carnival every August since 1965 (bar 2020 and 2021), which around 2 million people attend. The Metropolitan Police have moved from active hostility to active cooperation in its running and there will be photos of officers dancing with those in the parade at any given carnival. The reputation for violence is unjustified and arguably fuelled by racism - while there were frequently arrests for violence, drugs and weapons offences, on a pro-rata basis, the arrest rate is about the same as the Glastonbury Festival.

The Carbonari ("charcoal makers") were secret revolutionary societies active in what would become Italy in the early 19th century. After failed uprisings in 1831, the various Italian governments cracked down hard on them and they were effectively eliminated. They were not really engaged in protection rackets.

Dynamite was patented by Alfred Nobel in 1867. Being a good deal more stable than nitrogyclerine - although storage is important as old dynamite is a good deal less stable - it became popular for terrorists and criminals, with a series of bombings by Irish republicans between 1881 and 1885 leading to the formation of Special Branch.

Covent Garden is home to the Royal Opera House.

[asheelaine]

“nevrknewu” (2020) - cardboard, LED lights, plastic, hot glue, paper, acrylic, ink, sound, hidden/embedded text: here, miss u///  thinking of memorials, making memorials for those i love yet never knew, communication between realms, mortality, the immortality of memories, would u have liked me would u have loved me, can i love u without ever have touched u seen u heard u, language beyond word, the construction of love through our own subjective lens, the literal construction of memory thru our biases and gaps in our memory, collective memory, growing out from the souls of memory/lineage/bloodline, trying to go home, digging down (way down) in a last attempt if the little rabbit can’t jump high enough to get to you either

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

World's darkest and clearest skies at risk from industrial megaproject

On December 24th, AES Andes, a subsidiary of the US power company AES Corporation, submitted a project for a massive industrial complex for environmental impact assessment. This complex threatens the pristine skies above ESO's Paranal Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert, the darkest and clearest of any astronomical observatory in the world.

The industrial megaproject is planned to be located just 5 to 11 kilometers from telescopes at Paranal, which would cause irreparable damage to astronomical observations, in particular due to light pollution emitted throughout the project's operational life. Relocating the complex would save one of Earth's last truly pristine dark skies.

An irreplaceable heritage for humanity

Since its inauguration in 1999, Paranal Observatory, built and operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), has led to significant astronomical breakthroughs, such as the first image of an exoplanet and confirming the accelerated expansion of the universe. The Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020 was awarded for research on the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, in which Paranal telescopes were instrumental.

The observatory is a key asset for astronomers worldwide, including those in Chile, which has seen its astronomical community grow substantially in the last decades. Additionally, the nearby Cerro Armazones hosts the construction of ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), the world's biggest telescope of its kind—a revolutionary facility that will dramatically change what we know about the universe.

"The proximity of the AES Andes industrial megaproject to Paranal poses a critical risk to the most pristine night skies on the planet," said ESO Director General, Xavier Barcons.

"Dust emissions during construction, increased atmospheric turbulence, and especially light pollution will irreparably impact the capabilities for astronomical observation, which have thus far attracted multi-billion-Euro investments by the governments of the ESO Member States."

The unprecedented impact of a megaproject

The project encompasses an industrial complex of more than 3000 hectares, which is close to the size of a city, or district, such as Valparaiso, Chile or Garching near Munich, Germany. It includes constructing a port, ammonia and hydrogen production plants and thousands of electricity generation units near Paranal.

Thanks to its atmospheric stability and lack of light pollution, the Atacama Desert is a unique natural laboratory for astronomical research. These attributes are essential for scientific projects that aim to address fundamental questions, such as the origin and evolution of the universe or the quest for life and the habitability of other planets.

A call to protect the Chilean skies

"Chile, and in particular Paranal, is a truly special place for astronomy—its dark skies are a natural heritage that transcends its borders and benefits all humanity," said Itziar de Gregorio, ESO's Representative in Chile. "It is crucial to consider alternative locations for this megaproject that do not endanger one of the world's most important astronomical treasures."

The relocation of this project remains the only effective way to prevent irreversible damage to Paranal's unique skies. This measure will not only safeguard the future of astronomy but also preserve one of the last truly pristine dark skies on Earth.

IMAGE: The dark skies above ESO's Paranal Observatory, home to ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT), yield breathtaking views so clear and so full of stars that you could almost touch them. Standing atop a platform at VLT, ESO Photo Ambassador Petr Horálek reaches towards a standout object in the sky. You may assume this bright body, like many others in the sky, to be a star, but it is in fact a planet in our solar system: the gas giant Jupiter. Closer to Earth, the four Unit Telescopes (UTs) that comprise the VLT can be seen in the background. Each UT features an 8.2-meter mirror and they operate synergistically to produce some of the sharpest views of the universe. Accompanying the four UTs are four smaller, movable Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) which have 1.8-meter mirrors. The Chilean Atacama desert once again proves its value as the ideal location for ESO's VLT. The remoteness of the observatory means that there is very little to no light pollution, which is vital for astronomy and also yields such breathtaking views. Credit: ESO/P. Horálek

[mishasminion360]

Home Again, Home Again

Marcus Moreno x fem!reader

Warnings: None! This is just pure fluffiness.

Summary: It’s always hard being away from the one you love, but when the one you love is a superhero the distance feels far greater. But that just means the return home is all the sweeter.

A/N: This little fluff fest was a request by my lovely friend, @your-slutty-gf. Business trips can feel endless when you know there’s someone wonderful waiting for you back home. I Hope you and your fella are reunited soon, luv 🥰

It seems as though the world has only grown crazier and crazier since 2020. You mean besides the pandemic and political turmoil and senseless violence and all the other garbage.

Every week there’s a new supervillain attack or three. A new alien invasion or national state of emergency. And every week that means your man is off to do what he does best: Save the world.

You knew damn well what you were getting into when you fell head over heels for Marcus Moreno. Dating a superhero meant constant danger, constant leaping into action to perform some derring-do, and constant worry. It wouldn’t have been worth the trouble if he weren’t so absolutely wonderful.

The two of you had met on the job; him defending the city from certain doom with all his cohorts while you, a dedicated journalist, covered the action from a somewhat safe location, snapping photo after photo of all the harrowing action and jotting down notes for the article that would recount the events to the masses.

You’d seen him coming through the lens of your camera as he dove to pull you out of the path of the falling rubble you hadn’t seen coming at all. You didn’t believe in love at first sight, but you’d definitely felt something when you’d looked into his eyes.

From then on, whenever he’d jump into action so did you. You became a regular Superman and Lois Lane. And something more. It started with playful banter and gradually evolved into straight up flirting. Flirting became dates, which became a relationship, which led to you moving in with he and his daughter. And in the middle of all that came the cheesiest love confession you’d ever heard.

“I can’t believe this entire time I’ve been dating a criminal.”

“You’ve lost me, Moreno.”

“You’re a no-good crook. Because you’ve stolen my heart.“

The only thing stronger than his powers is his love. The intensity of that force makes it all the more noticeable when you’re without it.

He’d only just returned from London last Friday after he and the team had defeated a hoard of alien body snatchers attempting to impersonate the British monarchy. Come Monday he was jetting off to Japan to deal with a Kaiju situation. It’s now Thursday and you’ve heard barely a word since he’d left again.

***

Missy waves goodbye from the back of Mrs. Miracle Guy’s (you really should learn her name) minivan and you brace yourself for another lonely night in. A little leftover Chinese, a cozy set of pajamas, and some light Netflix binging are in order. After a very long, very warm shower.

You stand beneath the pounding spray, letting it wash every last worry out of your tense muscles and weary bones. There they go spiraling down the drain; every “I hope he’s okay” and each “Is he getting enough rest?”

The water has just started to grow cold when the shower curtain parts and you feel a hand wrapping around your own.

“I’m home, hon—“

“INTRUDER!!”

You deliver a swift roundhouse kick to the thin barrier between you and your unwelcome guest and feel your foot connect with something on the other side—Stomach? Chest? Testicles?—followed by a groaning exhalation of air.

The force of your maneuver, coupled with the slipperiness of the inside of the tub has you teetering through the curtain—yanking it from its rings on the way down—and spiraling out of the shower and landing atop your attacker in a wet heap of torn fabric and damp nudity.

“Listen here, criminal scum! My boyfriend’s a superhero. He could kick your ass into a coma if I give the word,” you threaten, hoping he won’t realize how empty that threat is at the moment.

“Oh, I’m aware,” the assailant wheezes.

That voice, even breathless, is familiar. You fumble with the downed curtain and liner to find the man buried beneath.

“Marcus?!”

“Surprise.”

“You’re home?”

“I’m home.”

Your fear turns to joy in the fraction of a second. “Oh, my God, I missed you! How are you? Where did I kick you?”

“Missed you, too, exhausted, and I think you know exactly where you kicked me.”

You offer him an apology before leaning down eagerly for a kiss before realizing that he’s smeared head to toe in some kind of purple goop.

“And what is this?”

“That,” he sighs, “would be kaiju guts.”

“You just….decided to fly home like that, huh?”

You help him sit up and listen to the symphony of cracks, pops, and grunts his exhausted body makes.

“I pretty much just walked right off the battlefield. I just couldn’t take it anymore, sweetheart. I teleported home and left the others to deal with the mess. Which I realize, now that I’m saying it out loud, was a total dick move.”

“Three days just to kill one rampaging giant lizard?”

“Four. It had babies.”

“No wonder you’re exhausted.”

He looks so tired; body, mind, and soul. The world is running him too ragged. Still—and this is one of the truly amazing things you love about Marcus Moreno—his still musters enough residual energy to give you a smile.

“I missed you, sweetheart.”

You give him that kiss you’d been holding onto. Monster goo be damned. “I missed you, too, you goof.”

“Where’s Missy?”

Once again ignoring the purple gore slicking his skin, you lean into him and wrap your arms around his neck. Good thing you’re naked because that will really help to drive your next words home.

“She happens to be at a sleepover. So, maybe, you and I could have one of our own.” You throw in a seductive eyebrow waggle as a bonus.

“Oh, yeah? You’d want me like this? Covered in essence of Godzilla?”

“Watch how casually you toss around the “G” name. You don’t wanna add copyright infringement to your list of stressors, do you?”

“Right,” he snorts.

“And Marcus Moreno, I will take you any way I can possibly have you. That includes covered in monster muck or worse.”

He returns your kiss with one he’s been waiting to give you since he walked out the door on Monday.

“You have me, sweetheart. But before that ‘sleepover’ gets underway, I really would like a shower.”

“Well, you’ve come to the right place.”

***

One hour later you’re both in your coziest jammies and sagging onto the sofa, curling your bodies together like two puzzle pieces finally uniting to form the perfect picture.

“Hey, wait a second. Why is Apple saying we’re on episode eight of ‘Ted Lasso’? We’d only just watched episode four before I left.”

“That is….most peculiar,” you shrug.

“Baby. You didn’t.”

“Um…it was Missy.”

“You watched ‘Ted Lasso’ without me?”

You beg forgiveness with your eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“Betrayal!!”

“We can rewatch together!”

“That doesn’t make it hurt less!”

You missed this. The playful squabbling, the cuddling and closeness. The you, the him, the we and the us. Nothing feels right when you aren’t together. But no matter the distance or the days between you he’ll always come home, so long as you’re there waiting.

Ted and his soccer team believe in “Believe”. You believe in Marcus.

@grimeylady @rav3n-pascal22 @mamacitapascal @insomniamama1 @pedrosbisch @emmaispunk @lv7867 @reonlouw @hawaiianmelodies @heythere-mel @healingstardust @delorena @pedropasxal @caesaryoulater @fangirling-alert @fromthedeskoftheraven @axshadows @dragon-scales88 @spacepastel-blog @spideysimpossiblegirl @hauntedmama @mswarriorbabe80 @horton-hears-a-honk @wild-at-heart-kept-in-cage @a-trial-run-on-paper @oonajaeadira @dhadiirah @felicisimor @practicalghost @luz-introvertida @amneris21 @hb8301 @tanzthompson @littlemisspascal @dobbyjen @supernaturalgirl20 @alexxavicry @harriedandharassed @trickstersp8 @neganwifey25-blog @twistedboxy @emiemiemiii @energeticspookyshark @thevoiceinyourheadx @pedr0swh0r3 @anamiad00msday @secretwriterpp @wannab-urs @pedrostories

[theoutcastrogue]

Distributed Denial of Secrets — the nonprofit transparency collective that hosts an ever-growing public library of leaked and hacked datasets for journalists and researchers to investigate — has been a major source of news for organizations like the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, BBC News, Al Jazeera, the Associated Press, Reuters, and Fox News, among others. It has published datasets that shed light on law enforcement fusion centers spying on Black Lives Matter activists, revealed Oath Keepers supporters among law enforcement and elected officials, and exposed thousands of videos from January 6 rioters, including many that were used as evidence in Donald Trump’s second impeachment inquiry. (Disclosure: I’m an adviser to DDoSecrets.) But not everyone is a fan. DDoSecrets has powerful enemies and has found itself censored by some of the world’s biggest tech companies, including X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. The governments of Russia and Indonesia are also censoring access to its website. Shortly before the 2020 election, Twitter prevented users from posting links to a New York Post article based on documents stolen from Hunter Biden’s laptop, citing a violation of the company’s hacked materials policy. After intense pressure from Republicans, Twitter reversed course two days later. This was widely covered in the media and even led to congressional hearings. What’s less well known is that earlier in 2020, in the midst of the Black Lives Matter uprising, Twitter used the same hacked materials policy to not only permanently ban the @DDoSecrets account, but also prevent users from posting any links to ddosecrets.com. This was in response to the collective publishing the BlueLeaks dataset, a collection of 270GB of documents from over 200 law enforcement agencies. (German authorities also seized a DDoSecrets server after the release of BlueLeaks, bringing the collective’s data server temporarily offline.) When Elon Musk bought Twitter, which he has since renamed X, he promised that he would restore “free speech” to the platform. But Musk’s company is still censoring DDoSecrets; links to the website have been blocked on the platform for over three years. Lorax Horne, an editor at DDoSecrets, told The Intercept that they are “not surprised” that Musk isn’t interested in ending the censorship. “We afflict the comfortable, and we include a lot of trans people,” they said. “Transparency is not comforting to the richest people in the world.” [keep reading]

[justforbooks]

In 1967 when Radio 1 was founded as a successor to the BBC Light Programme, one of its aims was to reach housewives – and to attract them, the station employed only male DJs (or “husband substitutes”, as they were known behind the scenes) for the first three years. It was only in 1970, bending with the times, that it took on its first female presenter, Anne (later Annie) Nightingale, a former journalist and television presenter with almost no radio experience.

The original male presenters have long since left the station, but Nightingale was still working for Radio 1 at the time of her death, aged 83, and had become its longest-serving broadcaster, most recently on air in December 2023. Known to fans as the Queen of Breaks – breakbeat was her specialist genre – she defied the station’s usual career trajectory (five years as a top-tier presenter, then off to weekends or Radio 2) by staying relevant. She introduced listeners to prog rock, punk, indie and dance music, and was unfeignedly passionate about them all. At 75, she told a dance magazine: “I listen to what 13-year-olds listen to because that’s the future. [I’ve] got to be ahead of the game all the time.”

As a dance music specialist from the late 1980s onward – playing “the biggest bass bangers”, as Radio 1’s website put it – Nightingale spent the second half of her career broadcasting to people too young to have known that she had been friends with the Beatles and Marc Bolan. But her age was immaterial because of her stature in the dance world. In 2001, she received Muzik magazine’s Caner of the Year prize in recognition of her late-night lifestyle – her favourite of all her awards, which also included an MBE in 2002 for services to broadcasting (advanced to CBE in 2020), and an honorary doctorate in journalism.

She was a highly knowledgable musical curator, and an expert at exploiting the intimacy of radio. Though Nightingale prioritised music over DJ patter, she recognised that a human voice was still an essential part of the mix; husky-toned and self-deprecating, she belied the station’s early fear that a female DJ would lack authority. According to the writer Irvine Welsh, who listened to her while growing up, her “cool, funky tones” stood out against “the flatulent sounds of loud, boring, thick and egotistical men strafing the airwaves”.

An only child, Nightingale was born in Osterley, west London, to Basil, who ran a wallpaper company, and Celia (nee Winter), a chiropodist. Educated at the independent Lady Eleanor Holles school in Hampton, she left before her A-levels. Overriding her parents’ request that she have “something to fall back on”, she enrolled on a journalism course at the Regent Street Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster). Moving to Brighton after graduation, she married a Fleet Street journalist, Gordon Thomas, and had two children. After a short stint at the Brighton and Hove Gazette, she became the only woman in the newsroom at the Brighton Argus.

Along with reporting local news at the parish-council level, she was given a music column called Spin With Me, which gave her access to the biggest pop stars of the 60s. Her friendship with the Beatles later helped open doors at Radio 1 – the band’s publicist, Derek Taylor, persuaded the station controller to let her audition after her own requests were repeatedly refused.

At a Dusty Springfield gig in 1964, she met Vicki Wickham, producer of Ready Steady Go!, who hired her as co-presenter of a new pop show called That’s For Me. It lasted only a few months, but the exposure led to writing work at the Daily Express and Cosmopolitan, and radio appearances on Today and Woman’s Hour. It was the era of pirate stations such as Radio Caroline; she considered applying to Caroline but was put off by the idea of “living out at sea with a bunch of blokes”.

Finally installed at Radio 1 in 1970, she was hampered at first by a lack of technical knowhow – her first day was marked by eight seconds of dead airtime when she accidentally pressed the “off” switch in the middle of a record. Yet she quickly established herself, choosing her own playlist almost from the start. Her skill at persuading listeners that what she wanted to hear was what they wanted to hear led in 1978 to the job of presenting BBC Two’s “serious” rock programme, The Old Grey Whistle Test. It had failed to keep up with musical fashion, a problem she tackled by booking the most challenging artists she could get away with and braving the consequences. She was delighted to bag Public Image Ltd for a live appearance, though frontman John Lydon repaid her enthusiasm by admonishing her for being “so fucking patronising”.

Four years at Whistle Test were followed by a return to Radio 1’s highly popular Sunday afternoon request show for 12 years. When acid house gained traction in the late 80s, she credited it with changing her life; from that point, she played solely dance music on Radio 1, first in the influential Chill Out Zone slot, then on a longstanding programme that went out at 1am on Wednesdays. Her free time, she said, was consumed by listening to the thousands of demo tapes she received every week.

Despite her achievements, Nightingale claimed she lacked confidence until she was robbed in Havana, Cuba in 1996. The attack left her unable to walk for months, but made her “a stronger person”, she said.

Though she hated nostalgia, she did reflect that ageing had been isolating. The death of John Peel, her friend from the early days of Radio 1, provoked the unusually downbeat comment: “Now John’s gone there’s nobody I know in my age group who remotely likes this kind of thing. I don’t understand why. I’m driven by it.”

She published two volumes of autobiography, Chase the Fade (1982) and Wicked Speed (2000), and a 50th-anniversary volume, Hey Hi Hello: Five Decades of Pop Culture from Britain’s First Female DJ, in 2020.

She is survived by her children, Alex and Lucy, from her first marriage, which ended in divorce. Her second marriage, to the actor Binky Baker in 1978, also ended in divorce.

🔔 Anne Avril Nightingale, broadcaster, born 1 April 1940; died 11 January 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[justinspoliticalcorner]

David Smith at The Guardian:

Crooked Joe or Sleepy Joe? Donald Trump wanted to know which nickname his supporters prefer. “That’s the first time Sleepy Joe has ever beaten Crooked Joe!” he said with surprise, after asking the crowd to make noise for each contender. That, however, is not the branding exercise the former US president cares about most right now. On Saturday night he wanted his followers to go home with three words: Biden. Migrant. Crime. A month after his audacious campaign stop in the Bronx, New York, Trump held his first ever campaign rally in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy and another Democratic stronghold where Joe Biden won 81.4% of the vote in 2020.

He had come with a sledgehammer message: Biden’s open borders have allowed thousands of illegal immigrants to pour into America, leading to a surge of violent crime in its major cities, hurting Black and Hispanic populations the most. And in the grand tradition of “law and order” Republicans, only Trump could fix it. “Few communities have suffered more under the Biden regime than Philadelphia,” he told thousands of supporters, many wearing “Make America great again” caps, at the event in a sports arena. “Under Crooked Joe, the City of Brotherly Love is being ravaged by bloodshed and crime.”

The rally was staged at Temple University, in a historically Black area. Trump won just 5% of the vote in precincts within a half-mile radius of Temple’s main campus in the last election, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper. But encouraged by opinion polls, his campaign has made wooing Black and Hispanic voters, who make up more than half of Philadelphia’s population, a priority this cycle. Even small gains could make all the difference in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. Several African American supporters were positioned behind Trump’s lectern in the Liacouras Center, against the backdrop of a gigantic Stars and Stripes. Attendees brandished signs with Trump’s police mug shot and the words “Never surrender”. An electronic sign flashed optimistically: “Philadelphia is Trump country.”

Trump painted a dystopian, often dishonest picture of “bedlam and death and terror”, a likely preview of his strategy for Thursday’s debate against Biden in Atlanta and the rest of his scorched earth campaign until November. “Murders in Philadelphia reached their highest level in six decades,” he said “Retail theft in Philly is up 135% since I left office. The convenience stores are closing down left and right. The pharmacies have to lock up the soap … You can’t buy toothpaste, you can’t buy a toothbrush, it takes you 45 minutes.” The crowd roared with laugher. In April the Pew Charitable Trusts’ annual “State of the City” report found that violent crime in Philadelphia is at its lowest level in a decade. The city’s homicide rate dropped six percentage points in 2023, in line with other cities of similar scale. But the number of property crimes did rise sharply over the same period.

Crucial to Trump’s fear and fury election strategy is joining dots between crime and illegal immigration. It is a hot button issue after Republican governors in Texas and Florida chartered buses and planes to send thousands of migrants to Democratic-led cities. Mayors have felt a strain on their resources and growing backlash from voters. Trump said: “Unbelievably Crooked Joe Biden is going around trying to claim that crime is down. Crime is so much up. First of all, we have a new form of crime. It’s called the Biden Migrant Crime, right? And all these millions of people that have come in, they’re just getting warmed up.” In fact last year violent crime fell to one of its lowest levels in more than half a century. FBI statistics show steep drops in every category of violent crime in every region in the first three months of 2024 compared to a year earlier. But at Saturday’s rally Trump, himself a convicted criminal, sought to turn reality on its head.

“The FBI crime statistics Biden is pushing are fake,” he said without evidence. “They’re fake just like everything else in this administration.” The former president went on to use lurid, apocalyptic language to describe the alleged threat posed by undocumented immigrants. Many studies have found that immigrants are less likely to commit violent crimes than US-born citizens.

Donald Trump’s so-called “rally” in Philadelphia was more of the same: lies, bombast, and idiocy.

[giftedpoison]

Y'all.

So like I'm absolutely unhinged and can never like something a normal amount.

Like ever.

But I got a job stage managering for a Renaissance faire near me in the summer. And also they asked me to help with a weekend event where I will be stage managering for a bunch of bands.

Sick right?

And like I've never done anything like this before. (And therefore no idea if I'm gonna enjoy it but I'm convinced that stage managering is actually my divine calling of sorts- specially for musicians but not limited to there. Which is mostly because it feels like something clicked into place. Like it feels right this feels like something I should be pursuing.)

But because I'm an academic with a hatred for the confines of real schooling at heart, I started doing research about what a stage manager should know (not to prepare for the jobs which are expecting me to be completely green) and the thing about a stage manager is they should have an understanding of all aspects of things that go into live performances.

So a music stage manager will understand the needs of a vocalist or an instrumentalist or the tech people as equally as possible and so forth.

And a theatre stage manager should comprehend actors needs, lighting needs, director needs, etc etc.

And as someone who has been in music and theatre most of my younger years less so since high school (couldn't keep up with my peers major L) I'm not completely alien to the world. (In fact I always say my first two loves were the written word and the performing arts) (plus I once went the trajectory of trying to become fight director back in 2020 which led to lots of research of that field shocker.)

ANYWAY

Now I'm like actively absorbing all the books I can find that has anything to do with film, theatre, and music.

And am currently reading Drama High by Michael Sokolove and The Music Never Stops by Peter Shapiro.

And I have a running list of documentaries to watch about different histories of music (specifically ones I'm less familiar with like blues and hip hop and opera but not limited)

And I'm trying to get back into practicing martial arts on my own.

And I have shows I want to see and events I want to go to.

BUT THESE BOOKS IM READING MAN. They get it.

Reading Drama High is so wild because I'm learning about these kids who would otherwise be mostly unknown other than this book and I just feel so deeply connected to them.

Courtney Meyers has my whole heart from that book. Like this quote about her "Taking the job at Georgine's felt like a death sentence. But theater is not an escape. In some ways, it is the opposite of that- it brings her closer to the true self she thinks she might be, or could become."

Georgine's is a diner that her mother and grandmother works at so she felt destined to repeat that. And as someone who also came from a small town and felt like I had nothing going for me and that I was doomed to job hop retail jobs like my parents and never quite get by enough? It resonated with me. It also resonated with me about her feelings on theater. Like music, writing, and theatre sure was a form of escapism but it was also always a form of self expression a way to pull out pieces of myself from the written word and look at my own reflection.

Even growing up id always want to play angry or villainous characters (to this day I think about how my theatre teacher passed me over for Morgana in sleeping beauty to give it to my twin who hated it, in 5th grade) because I wanted a safe space to express all this anger I had at a world that refused to listen. But not only that the confusion I had. The world was so achingly confusing and social cues confused me and the written word helped me try to unravel this confusion.

And don't even get me started on music. When I am in a venue listening to a band suddenly nothing else matters. When I am surrounded by people actively pursuing music I have both feelings of inadequacies but also at home.

When I see a concert I don't want them to perform to me like it's their job- I want to see you having fun and enjoying it even if you've been doing it for 20 years (I really see Ice Nine Kills as a shining example of this, but they are one of thousands however they are my only core experience as they are like one of few bands I've seen multiple times. And even tho it's clearly a performance as we get (fake!)killings on stage it's also for the love of horror and for the love of song. It has to be or they wouldn't be rocking the horror world with their very own convention that could very well be the next Spookyworld. If you're curious what I mean here's my review of their last convention where I explain that very concept.)

Theatre and Music are two loves I have that feel equal parts untouchable while also constantly being all around me.

And I don't know where I was going with this but I guess consider this the ramblings of someone in love with the arts who fears the arts will never love her back but she keeps trying to find her place anyway.

[marthashlyn3]

The entire point.

God this entire time: “Y’all still don’t see these consistencies Marthashlyn is pointing out?! It is truly the end of days. Hold on! Get tf out of my places of business! And these two are MFEO because I’ve declared it so since they were born! Don’t tell me what to do. Stay in your place. ..And I’ve reimagined the prophecy in revelation. 😏”

Also God: “With these two together, I can get more work done. I need them together NOW!”

Also God: “I want a wedding for those two.”

Me: “I think they’ve gotten the message boss. 🫡👩🏾‍🔬👩🏾‍🎨”

Also me: “Do you all know how long our celestial spirit has been catching our attention speaking as loud as he has been for us high vibrational to instantly pay attention?”

Le monde is waiting for the bird class on the farm to get it together. The farm animals too. Y’all still human to me too. And the story is clear. Just eyes & leveling of oxygen & salt in the water. It’s greeky too. The lining is golden and the background is gray.

The real tea while the adults try to fix the spiritual issue that arose around 2016; I’ve entered gracefully of age around 2020.

See how I could point it out since then & many still do what they want to do? I’m waiting for God still. It’s interesting 🤔

Many suddenly wanted to attack me & I’m only a new entrepreneur focused on my spiritual growth.

A mass majority of people are never present as a whole. Mind, body, & spirit.

Witchcraft and perversion like crazy since our last senior pastor’s dismissal is evident everywhere every day.

Psycho mania as a result of being cursed by the lord for God knows what is also evident.

Many are lost in extreme self-comparison in feeling inadequate, overcompensating, burnt out.

Many are stuck in an extreme state of flight or fight.

Many are also sleep deprived from spiritual menaces & stress.

Private time for many are still interrupted by spiritual menaces who are actually terrorists for illogical reasons pertaining themselves never discussed too; many only pray & sing to keep rooted in their personal spiritual journeys.

The seven deadly sins are blindly linked. Many cannot stop. They’re blind in what they are doing & cursed.

An extremely perverted & corrupted reproved favorite is the real source of these issues with her boatload of parallel equals. Elderly & young adults alike. While all, also seeking to be loved by someone who wants nothing to do with them. As do many others. Lost in that. Their ears don’t work.

Others show evidence of extortion & exploitation, slaving and whoring one another, seeking to have that pass on the next generation

So, yeah the devil amongst plenty still..

I’m also a light worker providing insight as I grow on my journey.

Grey space simulator energy while I am not present in the room or stretching off to the side somewhere listening to music will not continue.

I only feel that energy. A serious grey spell with people stuck in a primitive psychopathic criminal state barely able to directly communicate was 2 to 3 sabbaths now. Lost in a traumatic way. They don’t even realize it.

I’ve walked the track at the park for 2 sabbaths in a row now. Spirit led. A third time, I’ve only stared at the building. I know nothing. Just energy change. After church, I only do my energy conversion.

Extreme reality falling apart & coming back together things. “Checkerboard” to me. A black whole may show up there.

I’ve already walked through a rip of white space there too a while ago. SOBER. Completely dry.

All of this, is added to God’s organic chemistry at work and chakra voodoo/Matilda tricks shared with the general public, among many other things

My reserved and I are waiting for a peaceful transition to be in completion, although, everything was finalized formerly in the lord.

[ausetkmt]

New York Post : Scientists warn that light pollution could make stars invisible in two decades

Make a wish upon a star — while you still can.

Scientists are warning that due to light pollution, human’s ability to see the cosmos at night could be wiped out in just 20 years.

“The night sky is part of our environment and it would be a major deprivation if the next generation never got to see it, just as it would be if they never saw a bird’s nest,” Martin Rees, the British astronomer royal, told The Guardian.

“You don’t need to be an astronomer to care about this. I am not an ornithologist but if there were no songbirds in my garden, I’d feel impoverished.”

Light pollution conditions have rapidly worsened in the last several years, including since 2016 when astronomers reported that the Milky Way was no longer visible to a third of humanity, according to Rees.

Scientists told the outlet that light pollution is now causing the night sky to brighten at a rate of about 10% per year.

A child born in an area where 250 stars are visible at night today would only be able to see about 100 by the time they reach 18, Christopher Kyba, of the German Centre for Geosciences, dauntingly revealed.

“A couple of generations ago, people would have been confronted regularly with this glittering vision of the cosmos – but what was formerly universal is now extremely rare. Only the world’s richest people, and some of the poorest, experience that anymore. For everybody else, it’s more or less gone,” Kyba said. The increased issue of light pollution can be blamed on the increased use of light-emitting diodes.Getty Images

Though light pollution has been a longstanding issue for half a century, the latest burgeon of the problem can be reportedly traced to the increased use of light-emitting diodes (LED) and other forms of intense night-time lighting.

Other than the aesthetic loss of our stars, light pollution poses several other ecological dangers.

In 2019, scientists found that the issue is contributing to an “insect apocalypse” — light has a major impact on how bug species move, search for food, reproduce, grow and hide from predators. Light pollution is now causing the night sky to brighten at a rate of about 10% per year.Getty Images/500px

Light pollution confuses sea turtles and migrating birds, who are guided by moonlight.

Darker nights also provide cover for crime and other dangerous situations for humans, researchers note.

But there could be a simple fix to light pollution.

Rees and his team of researchers are pushing their 2020 report that outlines several policies to help diminish the illumination, including appointing a minister for dark skies, creating a commission for dark skies and setting strict standards for the density and direction of lighting.