#pioneer cement

[reasonsforhope]

"India’s announcement that it aims to reach net zero emissions by 2070 and to meet fifty percent of its electricity requirements from renewable energy sources by 2030 is a hugely significant moment for the global fight against climate change. India is pioneering a new model of economic development that could avoid the carbon-intensive approaches that many countries have pursued in the past – and provide a blueprint for other developing economies.

The scale of transformation in India is stunning. Its economic growth has been among the highest in the world over the past two decades, lifting of millions of people out of poverty. Every year, India adds a city the size of London to its urban population, involving vast construction of new buildings, factories and transportation networks. Coal and oil have so far served as bedrocks of India’s industrial growth and modernisation, giving a rising number of Indian people access to modern energy services. This includes adding new electricity connections for 50 million citizens each year over the past decade. 

The rapid growth in fossil energy consumption has also meant India’s annual CO2 emissions have risen to become the third highest in the world. However, India’s CO2 emissions per person put it near the bottom of the world’s emitters, and they are lower still if you consider historical emissions per person. The same is true of energy consumption: the average household in India consumes a tenth as much electricity as the average household in the United States.  

India’s sheer size and its huge scope for growth means that its energy demand is set to grow by more than that of any other country in the coming decades. In a pathway to net zero emissions by 2070, we estimate that most of the growth in energy demand this decade would already have to be met with low-carbon energy sources. It therefore makes sense that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced more ambitious targets for 2030, including installing 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, reducing the emissions intensity of its economy by 45%, and reducing a billion tonnes of CO2. 

These targets are formidable, but the good news is that the clean energy transition in India is already well underway. It has overachieved its commitment made at COP 21- Paris Summit [a.k.a. 2015, at the same conference that produced the Paris Agreement] by already meeting 40% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuels- almost nine years ahead of its commitment, and the share of solar and wind in India’s energy mix have grown phenomenally. Owing to technological developments, steady policy support, and a vibrant private sector, solar power plants are cheaper to build than coal ones. Renewable electricity is growing at a faster rate in India than any other major economy, with new capacity additions on track to double by 2026...

Subsidies for petrol and diesel were removed in the early 2010s, and subsidies for electric vehicles were introduced in 2019. India’s robust energy efficiency programme has been successful in reducing energy use and emissions from buildings, transport and major industries. Government efforts to provide millions of households with fuel gas for cooking and heating are enabling a steady transition away from the use of traditional biomass such as burning wood. India is also laying the groundwork to scale up important emerging technologies such as hydrogen, battery storage, and low-carbon steel, cement and fertilisers..."

-via IEA (International Energy Agency), January 10, 2022

Note: And since that's a little old, here's an update to show that progress is still going strong:

-via Economic Times: EnergyWorld, March 10, 2023

[m1nd-r0t]

8551 Daitarabotchi … named after the Japanese Yokai colossal giant.

The asteroid represents the essence of massive, awe-inspiring, and ambivalent power—both creative and destructive—drawing from the Japanese folklore of a giant who shaped the landscape of Japan. Daitarabotchi symbolizes monumental, overwhelming forces beyond ordinary human comprehension, embodying traits of divine wisdom, uncontrollable might, and the simultaneous potential for harmony and chaos.

Traits, themes, characteristics;

The native has a “colossal” power/presence.. The overwhelming size and strength of Daitarabotchi define its mythos. It creates mountains and lakes effortlessly, representing forces capable of massive, lasting impact on the physical or metaphysical world.

Themes of creation and destruction (As a being who sculpts landscapes, Daitarabotchi bridges the duality of creation and ruin. Mountains rise, valleys sink, and entire ecosystems form or vanish at its touch.) The Daitarabotchi is a descendant of the God or Creation.. powerful, almost divine energies are at play here.

Traits of defiance and AWE.. The stories of humans trying to outwit or appease Daitarabotchi reveal its role as a symbol of the human struggle against overwhelming natural or cosmic forces. The rituals to drive it away reflect fear of what cannot be controlled or understood. These people also have the potential to leave an enormous footprint behind (metaphorically, obviously.)

—————

A prominent Daitarabotchi (conj, square, opposite. Etc.) can signify a native with an immense impact, a transformative presence, or a connection to monumental change. This asteroid speaks to themes of vast ambition, divine creativity, raw destructive energy, and encounters with overwhelming odds, etc.

Keywords include, but are not limited to; monumental creation and destruction, great passion, overwhelming strength and presence, enormity, a terrifying, yet awe-inspiring force, shaper of environments and destiny, duality of benevolence and hostility, colossal hunger for power, influence, and resources, ancient wisdom and primal instincts, impactful legacy and eternal footprints, fearsome defiance and unstoppable will.

——————

THROUGH THE SIGNS

Daitarabotchi in ARIES

Daitarabotchi in Aries represents the raw, explosive force of colossal energy infused with the fiery, pioneering, and impulsive nature of Aries. It is an embodiment of overwhelming power, relentless determination, and a drive to leave a permanent mark on the world. In someone’s life, this placement manifests as an uncontainable urge to conquer, create, and dominate, often in ways that feel monumental or larger-than-life to others. Aries thrives on action and initiation. With Daitarabotchi here, the individual becomes a figurative giant in their world, capable of reshaping their surroundings through forceful decisions and bold actions. They approach life with the mindset of a conqueror, needing to carve out their place by sheer willpower. This may play out through audacious career moves, dramatic personal transformations, or relentless pursuit of goals that others consider unattainable.

This placement speaks to ambitions that are not just big—they’re overwhelming. The person feels the need to act on a grand scale, often pursuing projects or goals that seem too large or daunting for others. They may build empires (literally or figuratively), striving for achievements that cement their legacy.

Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of war and action. The combination with Daitarabotchi can make the individual incredibly assertive, even aggressive. They’re not afraid to fight for what they want, and they’ll often confront obstacles head-on, regardless of the consequences. However, the impulsive nature of Aries means their actions may sometimes lead to unintended destruction.

Like the mythological giant shaping the terrain, these individuals often influence or reshape the lives of those around them. Whether through leadership, confrontation, or inspiration, they become a towering figure in their community, profession, or personal relationships.

Daitarabotchi in Aries embodies the idea of clearing the old to make way for the new. In someone’s life, this can manifest as cycles of destruction and rebirth—burning bridges, leaving past situations behind and starting anew. These individuals often feel “bigger” than the world around them. They may struggle to find places where they can fully express their energy, leading them to seek environments where their larger-than-life personality is not just tolerated but celebrated.

Keywords; Monumental power. Pioneering spirit. Creation through destruction. Towering presence. Raw aggression. Unstoppable force. Chaotic energy. Passion. Monumental influence. Etc…

Daitarabotchi in TAURUS

Daitarabotchi in Taurus embodies a titanic force grounded in the physical and material world. It fuses the massive, terrain-shaping energy of the mythological giant with the steady, patient, and determined nature of Taurus. Daitarabotchi in Taurus reflects immense creative and destructive power toward building, stabilizing, and accumulating resources, wealth, or influence.

Taurus is the sign of persistence, with Daitarabotchi here, the native feels compelled to build something monumental that will withstand the test of time. Could manifest as constructing a literal empire, amassing wealth, or creating a powerful legacy rooted in actual tangible physical achievements. Approaching life like a mountain. I.e: immovable, enduring, and deeply rooted in their purpose.

Taurus ruling material possessions and earthly pleasures, having Daitarabotchi here magnifies exceedingly. Native may be deeply driven by the need to acquire wealth, land, or resources to secure stability and power. Or, they may feel overwhelmed by the weight of material responsibilities or a fear of scarcity, leading to an insatiable desire to stockpile and persevere.

Unlike the explosive, impulsive Aries, Taurus tames the great Daitarabotchi with patience and deliberation. This placement represents slow, but unstoppable growth. Said natives do not rush into action; instead, they cultivate their goals methodically, ensuring that every step builds on a solid foundation.

An absolute inability to quit. A cosmic-level ability of determination and resilience. Natives possess incredible endurance and will push through even the most insurmountable obstacles. Beware of this determination leading to stagnation and resistance to needed change.

Keywords; monumental stability, titanic patience, material mastery, earth shaker, immovable determination, sensual monolith, weight of responsibility, enduring legacy, constructive destruction, cosmic builder, luxury overdrive, enormous resourcefulness.

Daitarabotchi in GEMINI

Daitarabotchi in Gemini manifests as an immense, transformative force operating within the realms of communication, intellect, and duality. This placement symbolizes someone whose mental faculties and verbal expression are colossal, far-reaching, and capable of shaping the minds and environments of others. Just as the legendary giant Daidarabotchi left lasting marks on the landscape, this placement ensures that the individual leaves an indelible intellectual or social imprint on the world around them.

The mental titan

A mind that operates on an enormous scale, constantly seeking to gather, connect, and disseminate information. Their thoughts and ideas seem larger than life, often overwhelming to others. Reflecting Gemini’s duality, they can seamlessly adapt to different roles, shifting between conflicting identities or viewpoints with ease, much like the Daidarabotchi’s ability to change shape. Their ability to connect people, ideas, and information creates vast webs of influence that reshape their social and intellectual environments.

Endlessly curious and always moving, they find it difficult to remain in one place—physically, mentally, or emotionally—leaving behind profound changes wherever they go. Communication becomes a superpower. They can uplift, inspire, or utterly destroy through their words and ideas, wielding language with the force of a giant’s footsteps. While they may exhibit lightheartedness and wit, their humor and curiosity mask an intimidating depth of intellect and ambition.

Totally unparalleled communication

A masterful ability to express even the most complex concepts in a way that others understand. They can be persuasive, entertaining, and magnetic when speaking or writing. They thrive in environments that require quick thinking, adaptability, and creativity. These natives are able to bring together disparate ideas, people, or disciplines, they can create innovative solutions that others would never imagine. Their charisma and intellectual prowess make them natural leaders in social or academic circles. Their ability to manipulate and dominate conversations or social environments can intimidate others or create alienation.

They often become experts in their chosen fields, but their expertise spans multiple disciplines. They could be polymaths, inventors, or prolific writers. This placement can translate to mental mastery. Known for their speech or writing, they might publish groundbreaking works, deliver unforgettable speeches, or revolutionize how ideas are communicated. Much like Daidarabotchi’s footprints became lakes, their words and actions create lasting ripples in the collective psyche or societal structure.

Keywords; intellectual colossus, shape-shifting communicator, enormous curiosity, monumental ideas, hyper passionate communication, words that CUT.. DEEP.. social architect, mental chaos, cerebral dominance, etc..

Daitarabotchi in CANCER

Daitarabotchi in Cancer wields emotion like a giant reshaping the earth, capable of creating serene lakes of love and support or unleashing tsunamis of destructive force. This placement ensures that their emotional impact will resonate far beyond the bounds of their personal life, shaping not just individuals but entire emotional landscapes. Daitarabotchi in Cancer signifies a monumental presence in the realms of emotion, nurturing, and protection. This placement embodies the vast, almost primordial depths of feeling and connection, a cosmic interplay between the maternal and the monstrous. With Cancer’s lunar influence amplifying Daitarabotchi’s already overwhelming scale, this person operates as an emotional and protective giant, reshaping their inner and outer worlds through profound instincts and tidal waves of sentiment.

General themes

Their feelings are titanic, capable of carving landscapes within relationships, family, and community. They feel not just for themselves but for the world, channeling ancient, universal emotional currents. Like a divine protector, they are fiercely nurturing, defending those they love with an intensity that can be both awe-inspiring and fearsome. Their emotional care feels larger-than-life, but so too can their protective anger. Their intuition operates on a massive scale, sensing shifts in the emotional atmosphere like tectonic movements, often acting on these instincts with an unstoppable force.

These natives create and destroy emotional foundations, reshaping personal and family dynamics with their colossal influence. This can feel comforting or overwhelming to others. Their internal world is vast, complex, and oceanic, reflecting both the nurturing calm of a tranquil sea and the overwhelming power of tsunamis.

Unstoppable Nurturing Power: Their ability to support, heal, and care for others is profound. They often act as the emotional anchor for their family or community. They can access emotional depths that others barely understand, offering profound insights into the human condition. Just as Daidarabotchi’s footprints became lakes, their emotional contributions leave a lasting mark on the people and places they love.

Overwhelming Sensitivity: Their emotional currents can be so intense that they drown in their own feelings, struggling to find emotional balance. Their colossal feelings may lead to dramatic responses, creating chaos in situations that require calm. Their emotional depth may alienate them from those who cannot comprehend or match their intensity.

Emotionally Transformative Presence: Wherever they go, they profoundly influence the emotional atmosphere, reshaping how others feel and interact. They are drawn to roles or causes where they can shield and nurture, whether as caregivers, activists, or healers. Their relationships feel vast, intricate, and enduring, often resembling entire ecosystems of shared emotion and history. Their personal stories and emotional legacy often become larger-than-life narratives, influencing those around them for generations.

Keywords; emotional titan, cosmic nurturer, nurturing force, oceanic depths of feeling, cyclical emotional energy, overwhelming care, emotional anchor, creator of emotional ecosystems, etc

Daitarabotchi in LEO

Daitarabotchi in Leo is a towering figure of creativity and leadership, reshaping the world through their radiant presence and dramatic flair. Their life is a stage, their impact a legacy, and their heart a sun that burns with unrelenting passion. This placement ensures that they will never simply exist—they will leave an indelible mark on the landscape of life. Daitarabotchi in Leo represents a massive, awe-inspiring presence in the realms of self-expression, leadership, and creative power. This placement combines Leo’s solar brilliance and dramatic flair with the colossal, earth-shaping nature of Daitarabotchi, creating someone whose personality, creativity, and charisma radiate with overwhelming force. These individuals are natural-born leaders, performers, or creators, reshaping their environment with the intensity of their presence and vision.

General themes

Colossal ego & creativity; Their sense of self and creative drive are larger than life. They often see themselves as central figures, not out of arrogance, but because their presence naturally commands attention. They shine like a sun, exuding dramatic flair and the ability to captivate an audience, whether onstage or in daily life. Their energy is regal and dominating, like a giant who reshapes the world with their vision and passion. They possess an unshakable belief in their uniqueness and abilities, often inspiring or intimidating others with their sheer self-assuredness.

Transformational leadership & authority; Their leadership style is both grand and impactful, often changing the lives of those they guide or influence. They approach life with courage and passion, driven by an intense connection to what they love and care about.

They radiate warmth, confidence, and charisma, drawing others to them like moths to a flame. They effortlessly draw others into their orbit, using their charm and brilliance to influence or inspire. They are deeply driven to leave a lasting legacy, whether through their creations, leadership, or relationships. Their creative talents and self-expression are expansive, capable of reshaping cultural, social, or artistic landscapes.

Potential for an overbearing ego. Their confidence and sense of importance can tip into arrogance or a need to dominate. They may struggle with insecurity if their efforts go unnoticed, becoming overly reliant on external validation. They may demand to be the center of attention or insist on being in control, alienating others in the process. Their immense pride can make it difficult for them to admit mistakes or accept criticism.

Keywords; titanic & massive charisma, enormous self-expression, regal presence, monumental creativity, overwhelming pride, radiant self-belief, grand legacies, royalty, visionary builder, courageous creator and destroyer.

Daitarabotchi in VIRGO

Daitarabotchi in Virgo merges the boundless might of the cosmos with the small, exacting details of life. These individuals are humble yet powerful, unassuming yet transformative, capable of shaping the world through their unmatched dedication to perfection and service. Their lives are a testament to the beauty and impact of diligence, showing that even the tiniest details can create monumental change. Daitarabotchi in Virgo manifests as a monumental force focused on precision, service, and refinement. This placement merges Virgo’s analytical mind and meticulous nature with Daitarabotchi’s massive, terrain-shaping energy, creating individuals who see no task as too small and no detail as insignificant in their pursuit of excellence. Their lives are defined by a profound commitment to structure, order, and purpose, reshaping their world through acts of diligent service, relentless improvement, and transformative problem-solving.

General themes

These individuals amplify Virgo’s natural inclination toward precision, making their work and efforts feel immense in scope yet intricately refined. They have an overwhelming need to improve, heal, or optimize, tackling problems others would find too complex or overwhelming. They approach their goals with rigorous focus and organization, excelling in environments that demand careful analysis and execution. The natives have an a relentless desire to perfect themselves and their work. Endless self-improvement. Their work ethic borders on obsessive, driving them to extraordinary levels of achievement.

A massive analyst, their capacity for analysis and critical thinking is monumental, allowing them address problems others may overlook or dismiss. These natives are also incredibly intelligent, much their Gemini counterpart. They can also create very long lasting frameworks - be it in relationships, projects, their work, etc - that withstand and endure due to their painstaking attention to detail.

These people can also be overwhelming perfectionists. Their genuine obsession with getting everything so precise can lead to stress, burnout, and paralysis in the face of imperfection. Their attention to detail may become excessive and lead to them to also become exceedingly and over the top nitpicky. Also a capacity to become super critical over themselves and others. Extremely judgmental people.

On the plus side though these natives can be incredibly planners and have quite exceptional organizational skills. They can be very precise and have quite the impressive work ethic. Their work ethic and discipline can be absolutely indefatigable.

Keywords; monumental precision, colossal refinement, healing power, systematic mastery, tireless, indefatigable, relentless discipline, obsessive improvement.

This is my first post with this much detail and that’s this organized.. if it does well, I’ll release part 2, containing Daitarabotchi in Libra-Pisces…

[purriteen]

Ad victor spolia, chapter six

content warnings: incest, manipulation, eventual Stockholm Syndrome, toxic & dark!Coriolanus Snow (as if that isn't his default), named!reader, ANGST, eventual smut, non-con, age gap (5-6 years), somnophilia

author’s note: Tigris my beloved I'm so sorry 😭🫶🏻

BIG extra warning for this chapter!! smut, Coriolanus Snow is fucking insane, choking, non-con (again), he treats reader very badly in this chapter

you are responsible for your own media consumption I have warned you

word count: 4,024

Previous chapter

It had been a few weeks since Romulus and your supposed attacker, a man whom you didn't even recognise, were executed side by side. Everyone had extended their sympathies and condolences to you, not because you'd lost your childhood friend over an accusation that was so obviously false it was painful, or because you had to witness two likely innocent men being fried to death in a surprisingly swift manner, pioneered by doctor Volumnia Gaul herself.

But rather because it took so long for you to get justice. It seemed as if everyone knew more about your supposed assault than you yourself. Once again your brother was ten steps ahead, painstakingly fabricating your entire life and neglecting to tell you until it was already cemented.

You no longer woke up in his bed every morning. You no longer exchanged pleasantries over breakfast, congratulated him or feigned interest in hearing him talk about his day.

Coriolanus hated it. He had intended for the experience to toughen you up a little, make you see the world the same as him, help you see other people for the vipers that they are. But instead it seemed you had turned on him, pinning him as the viper.

Scolding himself for getting impatient with you had quickly grown unproductive, and so he realised he had to solve things elsehow.

That was where Tigris came in.

Although she didn't know it, she would play an important role in pushing you in the only right direction. Losing Tigris would be the last nail in the coffin.

Even if you weren't the same girl you once were by the end of this, Coriolanus would get what he wanted from you. He always did.

To the victor go the spoils.

Being told that your brother had arranged for Tigris to come over for tea was like a godsend, even if it had been arranged by someone you could only describe as the complete opposite.

Romulus' execution had washed away any hopes you had of your brother being a decent human being. You felt like a fool for believing he might actually be anything other than a callous, miserly serpent.

But it was no use crying over spilled milk. You had to get out of here, and your cousin was your only hope.

Unbeknownst to you, Coriolanus had been as meticulous in shifting Tigris' view of you as he was with everything else.

You immediately knew something wasn't right when you sat down with her in the sitting room.

You had never seen Tigris angry, and that wasn't about to change. But there was this unsavoury look in her eyes, one that you could most accurately describe as sorrowful. Every time that she looked at you, it was as if she was mourning something.

You couldn't bear it.

After a few minutes of fluctuating between lukewarm small talk and an agonising silence, you spoke up.

"Tigris.. Please, talk to me."

It was pathetically subdued, your request. Not conveying even half of the desperation you felt, nor the confusion, the disillusionment.

It only takes her a few seconds to respond, but as her golden brown eyes peer into you for those deathly silent few seconds, you feel as if several years of your life have passed by in a single breath.

"You've changed." Is all that she says, and judging by the look on her face, even that takes a great deal of effort. You can feel her eyes trailing down to your blouse, and it takes you a moment to realise why she seems to have latched onto it.

As you clothed yourself earlier that day, you hadn't thought much of the impression your outfit would give. You were used to having your clothes laid out for you every morning, and although you didn't particularly like it, it was undeniably convenient.

But today, you were dressed in a pussybow blouse, a crisp white colour with buttons and the bow itself in your brother's signature deep maroon colour. Your hair, which you had for years insisted on keeping relatively natural looking, was done up into an overly complex updo.

You looked like all those wealthy, prissy Capitol ladies you and your cousin used to secretly poke fun at. Like your power-hungry brother's wet dream. The version of you that he had painstakingly curated to align with everything that he wanted to portray himself as. You were aware that your image, your entire person, was to him an extension of his own image, but you would've never thought that Tigris would be fooled by it.

Your blood runs cold as the truth crashes into you all at once.

You knew your brother was vicious and that he certainly wouldn't hesitate to keep you and Tigris apart if it was in his best interest. But you never considered how all of this would appear to Tigris, what she would make of how Coriolanus had portrayed you.

At least, you never considered that it might be this.

You thought she would always take your side, that she would always be the one to listen when nobody else did.

The realisation that that is no longer the case hits you like a thousand bullet wounds, puncturing your remaining hope like a balloon.

"Tigris.." You begin, your voice trembling, a look of disbelief and pure regret plastered on your face.

"Why did you ask me here, Hersilia?" She asks, her voice barely above a whisper. She too looks like she's on the brink of tears, her lips pursed.

"You were like a little sister to me. Then when Grandma'am died, you pushed me away, you wouldn't even speak to me," She breathlessly chuckles, wiping a stray tear with her sleeve.

"You love your brother, I can't blame you for that. But you didn't have to abandon our relationship for that.." She says, and although her voice is silken and smooth as always, with a tinge more of hurt, it feels as if she's just driven a dagger through your heart.

"That isn't-" You begin to speak, but you're unable to stop a sob from escaping your throat, the distress overpowering your voice.

Through tear-filled, blurry eyes you watch as Tigris rises from her seat, sniffling as she walks over to you. You're surprised when she takes your hands in hers, gently circling your knuckles with her thumbs. You can tell she's struggling to not burst into tears herself.

"I love you, Hessie, and I know there's still good in you. But you chose him, and if you continue like this you'll be stuck with that choice for good. I tried, but I can't help you any more than I already have." She whispers to you, pressing a shaky kiss to the top of your head, before letting go of your hands and leaving you all alone with your lukewarm cup of tea.

The door quietly shuts behind you, and a maid rushes in as you break into violent sobbing, completely unreceptive to her attempts to calm you down. The last thing you remember is Eugenie entering the room, and yourself finally allowing her to hold you as you bawl.

You know she means well, and she manages to calm you down enough to stop your hyperventilating, but you're also painfully aware that the pain you feel now will never truly go away.

The cathartic relief as you stop weeping will never come.

You awake later that day to find Coriolanus sitting at your bedside, your own bedside this time. You're back in your own room on the other side of the presidential palace.

He's still dressed in his woollen coat, his hair neatly styled as it was when he left this morning. He gives you a weak smile when you look up at him, stretching out his hand to tuck your hair behind your ear.

"How are you feeling?" He asks, and the audacity of him to ask such a question in this moment makes your blood boil. Perhaps he's already forgotten how he ruined your life, picked it apart down to the bone, all without even telling you, the deceptive fuck.

You used to think your brother wanted to keep the family together, that you were important to him. You allowed him to ensnare you until he had taken everything you once held dear from you right under your nose. You hate that you allowed him to get away with it, with everything.

You don't even realise what you've done until he has your wrist in a grip so tight you feel as if he might crush it, his eyes narrowed and cheek marred with a handprint so bright red it almost looks comical.

You thrash in his grasp, your free hand balled up into a fist as you repeatedly jab it at his chest. But in a matter of seconds he has you pinned down on your chest, your wrists restrained behind your back.

His hot breath tickles your skin, making the hairs on your neck stand as he whispers, no, hisses into your ear. "Do you really think it's a good idea to pick a fight with the only person left in the world who cares about you? Huh?"

His cruel, taunting words cut deeper into you than a knife, making you thrash in his grasp once again as a string of cries and sobs spill from your mouth.

"You were never on my side, you sick bastard!" You spit out, but he quickly pushes your face down into the pillow which effectively shuts you up, his white-knuckled grasp on the hair on the back of your head painfully tight.

"Just shut up, you ungrateful fucking slut. You have no one left to turn to but me. You should be thankful that I don't cut out your tongue or banish you to the districts," He almost shouts at you, but you can tell he's already struggling to keep his voice down. You can hear your heart pounding in your ears as you struggle to breathe.

You realise once he straddles the back of your thighs what his intentions are, much too late, as always. His bulge presses against your thighs, horror and disbelief taking over you as you make a final, adrenaline-fuelled attempt at fighting him off. You manage to break your wrists out of his iron grip, only for him to release your head and instead force your hands back into place, his free hand rustling with his belt.

You writhe and shout, but nobody comes to your rescue. He must've cleared this wing of the building beforehand. "You're my brother, you degenerate fuck! If you do this you're no better than those district savages you speak so unkindly of!"

Your words are soon followed by an anguished yell as he bends your wrist at a painful angle, only letting up when you feel as if it's about to snap. In the blink of an eye he has you on your back, hands pinned down at your stomach as he leans in close, his face mere inches away from you.

"Yes, Hersilia, I am your brother," He hisses, grabbing you by your hair and forcing you to keep your eyes on him. "And I made you. I raised you, moulded you into exactly what you are today. You were no one and nothing, and I gave you everything," He continues, his words coming out strained and harsh as he speaks right into your ear, accentuating every syllable of that last word.

"Do you think I did all of that for nothing? So that you could stray from the future I built for us, for our family, so that you could abandon me?" He breathlessly chuckles, his hand working to undo the buttons of your blouse as you struggle to hold back tears, teeth digging into your bottom lip hard enough to draw blood.

As he unties the ribbon around your neck, he replaces it with his hand, snug around your windpipe.

“Answer me.” He snarls, cruelly cutting off your air supply as he waits for an answer. You meekly shake your head in response, to which he lets out a humourless laugh and lets go of your neck. Within the blink of an eye his hand comes back down, hard, on your left cheek, before returning to slither around your neck.

"Useless." He mutters, taking a moment to burn the image of your dishevelled state into his mind before he lets go of your neck, yanking open the rest of the buttons of your blouse to reveal your bare midriff and bra-clad chest. You start to squirm again and he pins your hands above your head in response, his free hand grasping your chin hard enough to make you grimace.

"Hey, look at me. Quit squirming or I might as well let doctor Gaul run one of her little experiments on your head, yeah? Let her stir around your pathetic fucking brain." He practically growls at you, and with the threat of whatever lobotomy-like operation doctor Gaul had in store looming over your head, you finally stop writhing for a while and let the tears fall freely.

He resumes pedantically undressing you, holding your left hand up and pulling the sleeve off whilst the right one remains pinned over your head before repeating the process with the other. Finally he discards your blouse on the floor, a sly grin on his face as he takes in the sight of your barely covered breasts.

"That wasn't so hard, was it?" He muses, his hand tugging at the zip of your skirt. He soon gets impatient, carelessly yanking it down over your hips and finally tossing it aside, which earns him a surprised gasp. The look on his face is amused, clearly pleased with himself, as he takes in the sight of you in only your underwear.

"Didn't know my own little sister liked to dress like such a little whore," He taunts, making your cheeks heat up with embarrassment. You choose not to point out that he's the one who bought everything in your underwear drawer, although this set was definitely among the skimpier options.

"Look at you. Wearing that barely-there bra and those flimsy little panties, and yet you're still trying to hide yourself from me." He sighs, his hand delving in between your squeezed-shut thighs.

"Open." He instructs, and this time the playfulness has entirely vanished from his voice. You swallow hard, trying to brace yourself for the impending humiliation, and slowly spread your legs wider.

"That's better." He pats your cheek almost affectionately, and by god you want to bite his fingers off. You've finally calmed your crying, but when he hooks his digits under the waistband of your panties, you're damn close to starting back up. But you refuse to give him the satisfaction.

So you put on your best poker face, managing to maintain it as he slowly, slowly peels your panties off, revealing your puffy cunt to him. He curses lowly under his breath, and you grit your teeth as you watch him absentmindedly pocketing your panties. Next he hastily unclasps the back of your bra, pulling it off of you and carefully releasing your wrists, now that you're caged in between his arms anyways.

"Don't try to escape, okay? I've got guards stationed just outside. Just let it happen, unless you'd like them to see you naked too." He warns, and you let out a mumbled 'okay'. The fact that his guards know what's happening in your bed in this very moment, and aren't doing anything to stop it, makes your stomach turn.

Even though you were anticipating it, feeling his hands on your naked body makes your breath catch in your throat. His hands explore your exposed tits as his knees settle in between yours, ensuring that your legs stay spread and your sex remains on full display for him.

"Would you look at that, you're wet already," He mocks as he swipes his index finger across your folds, coating his fingertip in your juices. He leans down to whisper in your ear as he slowly pushes his index and middle finger inside.

"You've practically been asking for this, you know. I was going to take you in your sleep that night, when you passed out drunk in my bed, but I wanted you to be awake for this moment." He admits without the slightest bit of hesitation, sending a shiver down your spine. You bite back a groan when he starts to move his fingers in and out at a steady pace.

Without even saying anything about it, he's confirmed what you already knew deep down, that what he claimed lead up to you falling asleep in his bed that night was just an excuse, something he fabricated so he could keep you close to him.

"You're disgusting," You manage to whisper out through gritted teeth, earning you a disinterested sigh.

"And you're much prettier when you're not talking."

His words nauseate you, wondering what it was that everyone else saw in him to earn him the trust of the Capitol citizens. He undoubtedly had superficial charm, but you found it strange that nobody saw past it and saw him for the snake he truly was, even though you yourself had been played for a fool too once.

You're just about to say something in response when his fingertips graze your sweet spot, a whimper falling from your lips before you can stop it. Coriolanus' grin widens at this, starting to repeatedly prod at your g-spot with each thrust of his fingers.

You tense up when he pulls out slightly, pressing his ring finger to your entrance, and before he can push it deeper your own hand paws at his wrist, trying to push him away.

The look on his face instantly hardens, grabbing both of your hands in his and grabbing his previously discarded belt, raising an eyebrow at you as if to warn you that he'll restrain you again if you keep fighting back.

You avert your gaze in shame, mumbling out an 'I'm sorry' in hopes of dissuading him. He reluctantly releases your wrists, tossing his leather belt aside.

"You're on thin ice." He says coldly, and you have to resist the urge to roll your eyes.

Without warning he pushes all three fingers back inside at once, drawing a whine from your lips.

Coriolanus relishes your mortified and sordid state, taking great pleasure in being the first man to taint your innocence. The first and only man who'll ever get to see you like this.

He goes slow at first, allowing you to adjust and himself not to miss out on any of your reactions, wanting to hear every little sound, study every facial expression you make. If he hadn't already waited so long for this moment, he'd have taken his time, made you writhe and squirm and beg him not to stop before he even considered properly fucking you.

But it doesn't take long for him to get impatient. He picks up the pace as he leans down to trail kisses down your neck, planting a dark hickey that would be hard to hide just below where your left cheek ended.

Finally he retreats, bringing his fingers to your lips and watching as you hesitantly take them into your mouth, licking your own juices off of his fingers. As soon as he deems them clean enough, and you mortified enough, he pulls them out and hurriedly undoes his button-down shirt.

You watch with dread as he unzips his pants, taking them off and leaving him only in his boxers and his open shirt. But soon his undergarments come off too, and your breath hitches in your throat when he bares his shaft. He's both thicker and definitely longer than you thought.

He wastes no time in pressing his tip, reddish and already leaking precum, against your puffy folds, rubbing it up and down a couple times to coat himself in your wetness, before grabbing ahold of your waist with his free hand and starting to guide himself inside with the other. It's a tight fit, and you can't help but cry out as the head of his cock slides past your hymen, providing a painful stretch.

Your hands come up to paw at his chest, but this doesn't seem to deter him one bit, as he simply keeps going, forcing himself deeper inside until you can feel his tip prodding directly at your cervix.

There's still another inch or two to go, Coriolanus thinks, but you'll have to work on that over time.

He steadily pulls back until his tip slides back through your hymen, the sore ring of muscles clamping down around him on instinct as he practically slams back in, burying his cock as deep as it would go. A shameless groan spills from his throat, his hand gripping at and bunching up the bedsheets right next to you as he repeats this motion a couple more times.

Deciding that your legs are getting in the way, he swiftly grabs you by the back of your knees and practically folds you in half, forcing your legs to wrap around his waist for stability. He leans down to press his lips against yours, and you can practically feel his victorious, shit-eating grin on your mouth as he slowly and roughly pumps his cock in and out.

From the outside, the two of you could pass for young lovers, tangled in an intimate embrace and bursting with mutual affection. But in reality, he's a serpent masquerading as a man, slowly, slowly sucking the life out of you.

"You're nothing without me," He grunts lowly as he fucks into you, hand wrapped around your throat. When he receives no response he squeezes slightly, eyes boring into yours. "Say it." He emphasises his words with another, harsher squeeze, refusing to break eye contact as he relentlessly pounds your weeping cunt.

"'M nothin', nothin' without you," You blubber out, looking up at him through teary eyes. You never thought your brother would take it this far, but now it's clear that he'd been waiting for his chance to defile you ever since you first moved into this house of horrors.

You've lost count of how many times he's forced you to cum around his cock by now. With him frequently asphyxiating you, never allowing you to fully catch your breath before his hands reclaim their place around your throat, your mind has been perpetually hazy for the past hour.

You know for sure however that he's came inside you twice already. Enough for his spend to be leaking out of your sore mound and trickling down onto the sheets. You pleaded with him to pull out the first time, but by the time he approached his second orgasm of the night you had given up.

At the end of the day, you knew that Coriolanus would never allow you to get pregnant out of wedlock, especially not with your own brother's child. He would make sure it didn't take one way or another, for the sake of his own reputation. Certainly not for your sake.

He lightly slaps your left cheek, his thrusts starting to get sloppy as his cock throbs deep inside of you. "Look at me. Look up at me, stupid fuckin' slut." He huffs, and even though he's called you worse before, the vulgarity of his words still manage to take you by surprise.

He flashes you a crooked grin when your eyes finally meet his, savouring the fucked out, defeated look on your face. Your beautiful eyes, lined with smudged mascara that trails down the valley of your cheeks, filled with misguided disdain and crushed hope. Your soft lips, puffy and agape as you gasp for air.

Coriolanus had never felt quite this enamoured with you before. On a bad day, you were pretty, but now that he had you splayed out underneath him, your sweet cunt wrapped around his shaft, you were nothing short of divine.

This was the version of you he adored the most.

Tame, vapid and pliant.

taglist: @caffeine-addict-slug, @phoward89, @catesbaroquecasahouse, @priyajoyy, @euphemiaamillais @harvey-malfoy

so likeee... y'all want an epilogue or no?

[jstor]

Edward Christopher Williams (11 Feb. 1871 - 24 Dec. 1929) was a pioneering African American librarian, educator, and scholar who played a vital role in shaping library collections at Western Reserve University (WRU) and Howard University. Born in Cleveland to Daniel P. Williams, a prominent African American figure, and Mary Kilkary Williams, a Clevelander of Irish descent, Williams embarked on a remarkable journey of academic and professional achievement.

Graduating from Adelbert College of WRU in 1892, Williams quickly made his mark as he assumed the role of first assistant librarian at the institution. His dedication and expertise saw him ascend to the position of head librarian in 1894 and university librarian in 1898. Eager to deepen his knowledge, Williams pursued further studies in library science at the New York Library School in Albany, completing the rigorous 2-year program in just one year.

Williams's impact on WRU's library was profound; he significantly expanded its collection and elevated its standards, establishing himself as an authority in library organization and bibliography. His advocacy for the establishment of a school of library science at WRU led to its inception in 1904, where he became an esteemed instructor, offering courses in reference work, bibliography, public documents, and book selection.

A founding member of the Ohio Library Association, Williams played a pivotal role in shaping its constitution and direction. However, in 1909, he left Cleveland to assume the role of principal at M St. High School in Washington, D.C. His tenure there was marked by his unwavering commitment to education and leadership.

In 1916, Williams joined Howard University as university librarian, further cementing his legacy in the realm of academia. Not only did he oversee the university's library, but he also directed Howard's library training class, taught German, and later chaired the Department of Romance Languages.

In pursuit of academic excellence, Williams embarked on a sabbatical in 1929 to pursue a Ph.D. at Columbia University. Tragically, his studies were cut short by his untimely passing later that year.

In 1902, Williams married Ethel P. Chesnutt, the daughter of Charles Chesnutt, a renowned author. Their union bore one son, Charles, who would carry on his father's legacy in the years to come.

Read more about Edward Christopher Williams here.

[unb1nding-t-b0y]

Transphobia/ micro aggression idk story cuz I see a lot of posts talking about transandrophobia but not as many stories about experiencing it. (Maybe it's just my Tumblr algorithm but regardless posting will hopefully help that too)

Anyways I'm 21 recently started transitioning and I've been performing at a drag place for a little bit. This elder queen (I don't even remember her name I think she was trans but with drag queens that have spent their lives In Drag it can be difficult to tell even when you hear them talk about themselves because many of these people kinda use male and female names pronouns etc interchangeably etc. I'll use she -her pronouns in the story because I'd rather not accidentally misgender a trans women and ik she doesn't care about being she/hered even if she is a cis gay) Anyways she asks bout me and I tell her my name, pronouns, and identity as one does in queer spaces. Upon hearing I was a trans masc she immediately feels the need to tell me the story of the time she *gasp* almost slept with a trans man. The story goes like this.

Shes at a drag night in some bar and a drag king approaches her and they hit it off. Shes into him and vice versa. They ditch the bar and make out in a car somewhere and when it's getting hot and heavy the dude pulls his strap out and tells her he wants to fuck her. All standard shit. But she goes on and on about how surprised and disgusted she was at both the fact that she's been fooling round with a "woman" and how off-putting it was to even suggest a BOTTOM get fucked with a dildo. She picks up. A. Drag. King. And gets surprised when he's trans. If a lesbian went to a drag night and picked up a trans woman and reacted in the same way people would call her an idiot for not bothering to have the critical thinking skills to consider that maybe that person performing gender up there is performing a different gender than they were assigned at birth. (Side note if you're gonna pick someone up without knowing anything about them you can't be mad about surprises. I swing both ways so a surprise is just fine for me but if you have a severe genital preference maybe fucking ask people before you're making out with them and wanting to fuck. Sorry you hate dildos but you should have checked, and honestly even if it's a cis dude you should at least try to verify that they get tested + use protection etc

Unfortunately the majority of drag kings I've run into have been CIS men. The place I'm in is very supportive and kind to cis men doing bare minimum performances (no choreography, no makeup, usually the dude just takes his shirt off at some point and that alone is enough to be praiseworthy. Or he wears a suit stands around and barely lip-syncs ) whereas drag kings that aren't cis or arent men are more often than not treated as outsiders.

The story also cemented what I was afraid of that ultimately I was viewed as an invader of the space. That for some reason cis queens and cis kings are more acceptable in a space that was pioneered by trans women and drag queens. The trans drag shows Ive gone to haven't had any trans men in them unless they are open call. It's hurtful it's alienating and it's frustrating. I AM STILL TRANS. IF YOUR TRANS INCLUSIVE SPACE ISNT INCLUSIVE OF ME ITS NOT INCLUSIVE. It's frustrating that as a trans man when I enter "trans friendly gay bars" I'm often treated like an annoying presence getting in the way of everyone else's dicks only zone. Sorry I don't have a cock but that shouldn't be a requirement to occupy these spaces and you can't call yourself trans inclusive when you really mean just cis gays and trans girls. At the time I couldn't really articulate how fucked up what she said was so I just kinda said some non offensive topic change and moved on but like most of the other queens ignored or avoided me and that moment I figured out why I always felt like the odd one out. Because I was.

[trapangeles]

Kendrick Lamar’s "Squabble Up": A Visual Masterpiece of Cultural References and Homage

Kendrick Lamar has once again cemented his place as a visionary artist with the release of his "Squabble Up" music video. Packed with cultural nods, historical tributes, and impactful cameos, the video is a layered exploration of Black culture, West Coast pride, and hip-hop legacy. Here’s a deep dive into the elements that make this visual a masterpiece.

1. Ice-T's Power Album Cover

Kendrick pays homage to Ice-T’s 1988 album Power, one of the foundational pieces of West Coast rap history. By referencing this album, Kendrick honors a pioneer who paved the way for artists to merge raw storytelling with mainstream appeal.

2. David Hammons’ “African-American Flag”

The reinterpretation of the U.S. flag by David Hammons, featuring red, black, and green colors, symbolizes Black identity and resilience. Kendrick’s inclusion of this flag is a nod to empowerment, heritage, and the ongoing fight for equality.

3. Soul Train Scramble Boards

Kendrick incorporates the scramble boards made famous by Soul Train, the iconic Black dance and music show. This nostalgic reference celebrates Black excellence and the cultural impact of the show, which gave countless artists a platform.

4. Trunk Boiz “Scraper Bike” Video

The video nods to the 2007 “Scraper Bike” video by Trunk Boiz, a Bay Area anthem celebrating creativity and individuality. This homage reflects regional pride and highlights how grassroots movements have shaped urban culture.

5. Menace II Society Reference

The tricycle scene is a direct reference to the 1993 urban classic Menace II Society. This moment reminds viewers of the gritty realities of inner-city life and ties Kendrick’s storytelling to a legacy of authentic cinema.

6. Isaac Hayes’ Black Moses Album Cover

Kendrick recreates the cover of Isaac Hayes’ 1971 album Black Moses. This nod pays tribute to a soul music legend whose work represented strength, vulnerability, and empowerment.

7. The Roots’ "The Next Movement" Video

Visual parallels to The Roots’ 1999 “The Next Movement” video highlight Kendrick’s connection to progressive hip-hop storytelling, showing his appreciation for fellow innovators.

8. Nate Dogg Tribute

Kendrick subtly honors West Coast legend Nate Dogg, whose smooth hooks defined an era of hip-hop. This tribute ties the video to the golden age of West Coast rap and acknowledges Nate Dogg’s lasting influence on the culture.

9. “Jesus Saves Gangsters Too” Outreach Ministry

This reference to the grassroots ministry founded in 2000 emphasizes themes of redemption and transformation. By including this, Kendrick underscores his message that no one is beyond saving.

10. Statue of a Black Panther

A striking statue of a Black Panther symbolizes resistance, unity, and empowerment. This imagery connects Kendrick’s work to the legacy of the Black Panther Party and its role in advocating for justice.

11. Ese’s Partying Scene

Kendrick includes a scene of Ese’s partying, highlighting the intersection of Black and Chicano cultures in L.A. This moment is a celebration of diversity and community, integral to the West Coast lifestyle.

12. Big and Curvy Women Dancing

The inclusion of big and curvy women dancing challenges societal beauty standards and celebrates body positivity. Kendrick has long been an advocate for authenticity, and this scene is a bold statement of inclusivity and empowerment.

13. Dog Trainer Bitten by a Pitbull

The scene of a pitbull biting its handler carries layered symbolism. It could represent the struggle between control and rebellion or speak to the unpredictability and survival instincts that define life in the streets.

14. Westside Traffic’s Hoover Stomp

Schoolboy Q’s artist Westside Traffic performs the Hoover Stomp, bringing raw, authentic energy to the video. This moment is a vibrant nod to L.A. street culture and its unique contributions to hip-hop.

15. Storm DeBarge’s Stunning Moves

Choreographer and dancer Storm DeBarge brings dynamic energy to the video with her captivating performance, further showcasing Kendrick’s commitment to highlighting Black artistry.

16. Black Panther Movie Connection

Kendrick subtly nods to his work on the Black Panther movie soundtrack. This acknowledgment reinforces his role as a cultural leader bridging the worlds of art, music, and activism.

17. Cameos from L.A. Stars

The video features appearances by Taz Arnold, G Perico, RJMrLA, and Cuzzos, bringing together a community of creatives who embody the vibrant spirit of L.A.’s music scene.

A Celebration of Culture and Legacy

From its rich cultural references to powerful imagery and standout cameos, Kendrick Lamar’s "Squabble Up" is a layered visual masterpiece. It’s not just a music video—it’s a celebration of resilience, identity, and the enduring legacy of hip-hop.

Have you been spending all your money and time on making music and shooting videos, but still not getting any exposure? Tired of just spinning your wheels? You know to get exposure you need to get featured on blogs, radio stations, playlist, and get your music e-mail blasted out to the masses. Need help getting all that done? Then check out the Package we’ve made available for you below!

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[satellitebroadcast]

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine: Telegram

To the people of Lebanon and its resistance, your blood is our blood. The occupation's crimes will backfire on them. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine confirmed that the renewed, large-scale zionist attacks on Lebanon, which included a wave of bombings targeting innocent civilians and civilian property, will not succeed in breaking the will of the resistance, and will certainly turn against the occupier. The Front noted that this renewed aggression is a clear result of the US-zionist coordination, aimed at a failed attempt to change the rules of engagement on the Lebanese front, exhaust the resistance, and strike the popular support base that has demonstrated its resilience in Gaza, Lebanon, and other fronts over the past months. The Front viewed Hezbollah’s clear response, announcing the continuation of supporting the Gaza front, as evidence of the failure of these attempts. The Front renewed its full solidarity with the brotherly Lebanese people and its courageous resistance, led by the brother and great leader, symbol of resistance, Hassan Nasrallah. The Front addressed Hezbollah, saying: Your wounds are our wounds, your blood is our blood, mingled together on the battlefields against this terrorist enemy, cementing the unity of our stance and shared destiny, which will result in nothing but the defeat of this criminal entity and victory for the peoples of our nation. The Front highlighted that the history of the resistance, including Hezbollah’s great sacrifices, stands as a testament to its pioneering role in defending Palestine, Lebanon, and the Arab nation as a whole, making the party a symbol of steadfastness and resistance in the face of occupation. The Front stressed that the resistance, in all its factions, possesses the capability to confront, exhaust, and defeat the enemy, avenging the blood of the martyrs and the suffering of the wounded. The Front emphasized that all Palestinian resistance forces and the factions of the axis stand united alongside Hezbollah in this decisive battle, defending the rights of the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples, and the rights of the nation and all of humanity. The Front added that this large-scale aggression could not have been carried out without the American green light, international complicity, official Arab silence, and the clear conspiracy of some Arab regimes, whose active participation in this aggression is not limited to normalization but extends to logistical support for its war crimes. The Front, along with all the resistance factions, vowed to the martyrs to escalate the resistance, no matter the sacrifices or the extent of the aggression, affirming that the blood of the martyrs is the beacon lighting the path towards the liberation of Palestine from the river to the sea and the defeat of the zionist entity. The future belongs to the free peoples of the region, who seek freedom and dignity. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine Central Media Office September 19, 2024

[blackinhistory]

Gladys West

Overcoming racial and gender barriers, she charted a course that led her to become a “hidden figure” behind the ubiquitous Global Positioning System (GPS). West’s work has had a profound impact on how we navigate the world today. Her story illuminates often-overlooked contributions of diverse voices in scientific progress. So, how's her work connected to the present?

Gladys West was born in 1930 in rural Sutherland, Virginia. Her family was an Black farming family and she spent much of her childhood working on the farm, surrounded by sharecroppers. Despite the challenges, she excelled in school and was determined to get an education. West's childhood on a farm instilled in her a deep understanding of precision and calculation. Despite limited resources and societal constraints, she excelled in academics, graduating with a mathematics degree from Virginia State University and went on to earn two master's degrees and a PhD. Her talent propelled her to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, where she embarked on a remarkable 42-year career. It was also there she met her husband, Ira, married in 1957, and had 3 children. She was the 2nd Black woman ever hired, and 1 of 4 Black employees, her husband included.

There, with the backdrop of Cold War tensions and burgeoning space exploration, West tackled complex mathematical problems related to satellite geodesy. This specialized field, equivalent to deciphering Earth's celestial fingerprint, held the key to precisely pinpointing locations in space. West's meticulous calculations, particularly for the groundbreaking Seasat and GEOSAT satellites, became the invisible scaffolding upon which the modern GPS system was built.

For decades, her contributions remained largely unacknowledged due to her race and gender. Yet, the accuracy and efficiency of her work spoke volumes. The precise models she developed for Earth's gravitational field and its subtle variations due to tides and other forces became the bedrock of GPS calculations. Today, whether navigating city streets or pinpointing remote wilderness locations, we unknowingly benefit from West's invisible hand.

Recognition finally arrived later in life. In 2018, the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame inducted West, acknowledging her transformative impact. That same year, the BBC included West among its "100 Women," recognizing her groundbreaking contributions. Just three years later, the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK bestowed upon her their highest individual honor, the Prince Philip Medal, cementing her place as a pioneer in her field. But her legacy extends far beyond accolades. Gladys West stands as a beacon of inspiration, not just for aspiring mathematicians, but for anyone facing systemic barriers. Her story reminds us that the path to groundbreaking discoveries is often paved by those who defy expectations and chart their own unique course.

Photo Source: Wikimedia Source: Wikipedia Source: BBC Source: Britannica Source:  Atlanta Black Star

[whiskeylover75]

In the 1950s, Hollywood was dominated by two icons who redefined glamour and allure: Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich. Both actresses captivated the world with their unique beauty and immense talent, becoming symbols of the golden age of cinema.

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, transformed from a struggling actress into one of the most beloved stars of her era. Her portrayal of vulnerable, yet irresistibly glamorous women in films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and The Seven Year Itch (1955) cemented her status as a sex symbol. Her signature platinum blonde hair, curvaceous figure, and playful persona made her a cultural icon, and she became a beloved figure in both Hollywood and popular culture. Despite her personal struggles, including battles with mental health and relationships, Monroe's impact on the entertainment industry was undeniable. She remains one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history.

Marlene Dietrich, on the other hand, was a seasoned actress and singer who had already made her mark on the silver screen by the time she met Monroe in the 1950s. Born in 1901 in Germany, Dietrich became a star in the 1930s with films like The Blue Angel (1930), where she gained international fame. Her sultry voice, striking fashion sense, and androgynous appeal made her a trailblazer, especially during an era when female stars were expected to embody traditional femininity. By the 1950s, Dietrich had firmly established herself as a sophisticated and bold figure, and her collaboration with Monroe in 1955 exemplified the blending of old-world glamour with the new Hollywood.

The meeting of these two legends in 1955 was a momentous occasion in Hollywood history. Monroe admired Dietrich for her elegance and pioneering role in cinema, while Dietrich was impressed by Monroe's rising fame. Together, they represented two generations of Hollywood stardom, each contributing to the rich legacy of classic cinema.

[infinstar]

I basically binge watched the SOTUS series for the first time today and coincidentally Thailand passed the marriage equality laws at the same time! Such timing when watching the first GMMTV BL made and one of Thailands first BLs.

I actually really liked it more than I thought I would. I loved Kongbpob's flirting lines!! It always came out of nowhere and I basically had the same expression as P'Arthit (which was bewildered blushing haha) every time. I liked how their relationship developed and how even the confident Kongpob was scared of being honest when confronted about his feelings. It felt realistic and raw - less polished than the BL's we see these days so more freedom to explore as it was a pioneer of sort. The setting was also so nostalgic as I was also in university in 2016 so it brought back so many memories.

I wanted to write in defense about what Kongpob says to M when he asked regarding if he liked boys. He replied that he didn't like boys but he liked P'Arthit because it was P'Arthit. Now I haven't watched SOTUS S or the Our Skyy episodes so I am not sure about Kongpob's attraction/relationship history but it seemed like to me he said that as it was his first actual attraction to someone/guy.

So if that was the first time he liked someone/guy and if he is demisexual/demiromantic then that might make so much sense for him to say that. This is coming from someone who basically said the same thing when I liked someone for the first time (basically around the same time as kongpob) - who just happened to be a girl. I genuinely didn't understand it back then as I had never experienced physical/romantic attraction to anyone regardless of gender before this. I think when you first experience that kind of attraction quite strongly you think that it is only applicable in regards to that person. But my dumbass realised a few years after that, if you liked her then you can/do like girls (it was such a whole different awakening).

But I get where he was coming from. There was a point in time where she asked me and our other friend (who was also a girl) if we would ever like each other if our genders were different. At that time I had already realised that I was in love with her and after thinking about what she said I realised that I would've loved her the same if she was a guy too. This was what cemented the notion that I liked her and not that I liked girls in general at that time (as I couldn't imagining liking anyone else even if their gender had changed). So that was a blast from the past when I saw Kongpob mentioned that to say the least.

I do however like that we have of moved past that kind of declarations as the norm for someone experiencing first time attraction to the same sex. Maybe it will be nice to still have that kind of thinking when it is appropriate for that character as it is so raw but then have that character go through similar realisations that I did to understand otherwise. Basically make the characters a bit more flawed, inexperienced not fully knowledgeable in all aspects of the LGBTQ+ world so that the audience can go on that journey of realisation through the character too. I know I would've benefited from it back then for sure.

[chaplinlegend]

CHARLIE CHAPLIN

A brilliant talent and great mastery in many fields of art. A sense of good taste and style. His blend of American bravado and English elegance made him recognizable across cultures and helped cement his position as a global superstar. Today, Chaplin remains a beloved icon and legend whose legacy transcends national boundaries and ethnic divisions!

Charlie Chaplin was also a pioneer in the field of directing, screenwriting and film production, which made him a role model for many later filmmakers.

[lesser-mook]

The Machine (Pioneer of propaganda: Edward Bernays) *The science of control of the many by the few*

2:15 Notice how they use/weaponize women to push a bad habit & paint a method to shorten your life as a Rights issue.  

When the agenda was profit, not agency of women. 

That's how they manipulate our girls & ladies. They play on their natural altruism/power to assemble into community to fight for what's right through protest and the one's running the show are leading you off a cliff: 

That's modern gynocentrism in a nutshell. Keep women at war with men, keep girls propagandized, keep their ego's radicalized, or fear monger them into being paranoid of men or just hating maleness. 

The goal is destroying women's trust of men. And it doesn't help that corrupt men are working toward the same end from the other side.

When the best interest of both parties is having each other. 

And they (puppetmasters) know it.

"The point of propaganda is to sell you a suggestion and make you believe it was your idea."

Propaganda is science. The cheapest form of warfare; It takes longer for sure but because it's a slow burn, it's that much harder to undo because it's so intimiately integrated. So patient and articulate.

You can't just re-write generations of cemented culture overnight, the people using it know how easy the mind is to break. Especially when an incentive is indulgence, hubris, lust, ego, insecurity, longing, desire, pain, trauma even. 

It is an effective way to bring down a nation without firing a single warhead or expending a single soldier.

Convince the enemy to want their own destruction, trivialize their own livees or "eat each other". (Joker 2008)

Chani in DUNE PART Two is genius misdirection. 

She represents the skeptic who sees the dangers of propaganda, the one going against the grain:

But the point the movie made was she was proven wrong because the propaganda wasn't a lie and the messiah produced results in a matter of days- so her credibility was shaken.

Miracles, a man of works disproved the naysayer, who was technically the only person using her brain. One woman, woman of reason. (RIp, to her friend who also shared her view)

Thus was she wrong because the messiah did come?

No. The overtone is skeptics are not to be trusted because the Messiah/Anti-Christ/Superman/Neo/Lisan Al-Gaib is true.

But Chani was indeed right, the propaganda was and is a means of control despite the fact that the messiah exists, she's still right.

The Fremen "Free-Men" had everything they needed to do exactly what Paul had them do, they didn't need him entirely, but their success rate was increased because of him but their liberation was ultimately in their hands. As Paula alluded to anyway.

The Masses, the little people, the infrastructure have the power. 

Not Big brother, not the giants, but the people making the system work with the sweat of their labor have the power. 

Chani was right.

Point being: Both the propaganda can be right, and be a means of control, a lie to affirm a pacifying effect. Both can exist at the same time.

Propaganda is a sociological weapon for the psychological, it could be used to take humanity further for the goal of good, fortify the wills of the youth instead of planting discord and confusino. 

Train efficient children in a more practical school model, not enable a society where children are not even safe in schools. 

Raise competent girls trained to be self-sufficient yet humble, trained to be accountable, mentored to preserve womanhood. 

Thus resulting in women who are not dependent on the system for empowerment & charity and in fact are a dangerous force because they're not reliant for validation. 

Which is why they will be conditioned to always need it. "GirlBosses" can be controlled. A woman who can carry her own weight is too controversial for the establishment. Hence why we “support all women” until they step out of line of the accepted narrative.

Productive men with their balls still attached, not running away from society & women but welcomed to the fold. Mentored to be stable, humble, responsible, emotionally competent, boys taught that empathy is not a woman thing but a human essential. 

(Sounds heavenly)

 But control or the illusion of it- can be used against people. Peace is boring to some, it's why that very simple model will never be a reality. 

Some feel watching people burn is the way, it's why the traditional family has to be torn down, some believe chaos is the natural order, it's why you're never afforded peace in "peacetime". 

War of the sexes, political wars, race wars, culture wars, always something to keep everyone's eyes in one direction. People must fight.

(That's what Ledgers JOKER represents= Anarchy):

 "I'll show you. When the chips are down, these, ah, "civilized people"? They'll eat each other. "

The attitude being: Humanity & life is trivial. We're a tedious cause because we can be convinced to kill each other anyway or trained to romanticize genocide & violence. 

“Vulgar masses.”

The fact that Joker was proven wrong during the ferry scene isn't the point, it's misdirection. It's the fact that Harvey (A man of power of the system/ A man whom the people honored) proved him right.

It's the fact that Joker was crazy, but had an argument. 

It's not the fact that Thanos lost, it's the fact that he had an argument. He was wrong by means, but the why was right, that's the dangerous part.

The nugget of truth in the insanity is the seed, the argument is the propaganda, that's what it is dangerous. They're right and written to be so.

Through movies, tv shows games, comics, porn, fetishism (which just means obsession, doesn't always mean sex, being a Neet is form of fetishism/ literally just means *ZERO moderation/Doing too much*), books, drugs, addiction to youtube or tiktok, news, everything you see as a child, set into our ways as adults- Distraction.

Power is knowing, if you're distracted, you're least likely to know anything. Sometimes you don't want to know. More willing to give more of oneself & ones time to maintain the fix: Ie. "Minding my business", "Live and let live" 

Apathy is law. Just like the Little Nightmares viewers, compliant and sterilized. Question nothing.

Genius model to condition people to want to remain sleep, aka The Matrix

They know what they're doing, that's why they're on top.

It's why they're called "Elites", not that they're better than you or immortal. 

They know, that's it. They know.

Knowing is enough.

______________

One would reasonably say: "Coincidence, who the fuck puts all that effort in controlling people", "It's just a movie", think about it. Why are all these movies & mass media pushing the exact same thing. 

No matter how many times a show or movie bombs because of a political push, they still push the same viewpoint. Because assaulting you, namely your kids is the goal, YOU will reject it, some won't, but the successors to your generation specifically might even support it. 

Plant seeds in the next generation, the future.

And notice how the macro-companies that own these studios/companies aren't ran by you/us/ the people, normal people but instead upper echelons ran by bloodlines/ people you don't even know exist. People sooooo rich, but sooooo.....to themselves.

Celebrities are the visible "Stars" you see in the sky, but the people that own them, the people that fund them, you never see.

All these Agent Smiths, but we never see the Architect(s).

____________________

If you think it's petty, you're right, it is. If you think it's ridiculous, good, because it is, but the reality remains the same stubborn animal it was 50-100++ years ago.

Questioning this is not discouraged on my part, to question anything takes intelligence, and just because someone talks a lot doesn't mean they know what the fuck they're talking about. 

So by all means, question what I say if it smells funky to you: But all I ask is--- 

#1 **Do Not Ignore it.** Just keep it into consideration.  

#2 Don't stress over it, fear mongering isn't the point of being aware, the point of knowing what's going on with your culture thus you is building an immune defense mechanism to having your mind infiltrated any further.

Don't fear life or your society because aspects of it are designed to take advantage of you, not all of it is. Like going to the dentist isn't some grand plan to install trackers in your jaw, the lore of society is deep, but it's not that deep. 

Don't fear it, just be aware.

_______________________

Example: I watched DUNE PART TWO the first time knowing it was anti-christ propaganda, I didn't clutch my pearls the entire time- I fucking enjoyed the shit outta that film.

I saw it 4 times before March ended while knowing exactly what it was, but I didn't watch it 4 times (or anything I watch) to dissect it or find things wrong with it.

Despite what it is (& no it's not perfect as a film), I watched it that many times because I liked it, you can still enjoy things and know what it is.

And cut some things out of your life because you know what it is. But you have to see and know. "You need to see."

The ability to discern and know the difference, the OPTION to even drop certain things, is control, agency.

 The ability to "know" what it is you're seeing is the point of my or anyone saying anything, not fear: Awareness. The ability to see.

If someone is trying to scare you, they're weaponizing the truth (and sometimes, some people don't mean to their way with words/Internet charisma stats is just not where it should be to deliver the message in the best way possible). 

The true design/purpose of truth is freedom. You have the option to do or don't. Vs just being stuck in NPC mode, just acting on impulse, one way and one way only. Zero agency.

That's what Jamis told Paul: "You need to see.", All seeing Eye.

Thanos had the will to do what felt needed to be done because he had the "curse of knowledge". Not many people know what that truly meeans. 

That's why Oracle was top 3 one of the most powerful Matrix characters, not because she was the mother of the Matrix but she knew. She had "knowing".

___________

***Knowing and seeing are two different things. 

You can see something and not know what it is. You can know what to look for and not see it. 

Knowing what it is you see/ seeing it because you know: Is the point. Balance.

Not fear. Fear is just another means of control.

Can’t live a life if one fears seeing something, living in fear because you know something. That is just self-destructive. 

______________

Otherwise, these cabals are the one's that began the slogan

"Knowledge is power", 

everybody knows the phrase, but not the lore behind it.

It has nothing to do with college or degrees, you know something useless and still be useless. 

It's a taunt.  

They know. NPC's, the uninitiated, the masses: don't know.

Part of the point of the quote is a nod to the initiated, and part of it is irony.

The art of mass persuasion.

[literaryxbones]

Goth History-Episode 1: Brand New Series!

Today I am starting a brand new series on my @literaryxbones blog. As a history buff, 80's enthusiast, and aspiring author, I decided to focus on the formation and evolution of goth.

Most subculture blogs focus on the makeup, fashion, and music; while I'll cover these aspects too I want to pivot towards focusing on the past. It's not something I've seen a lot of people do on here. Archiving our scene is important and there's a lot that can be learned from remembering and preserving it.

General Overview

The goth subculture is centered around its distinctive, bleak, and poetic music. It's emergence has almost no relation to the Germanic Tribes or the medieval architectural period of the same name. Rather, it is a scene swayed by its sound. Music is the priority. Fashion, overlapping interests, and politics are second in line. That is precisely why I'll be overviewing the humble beginnings of gothic genres.

During the rise of punk in the 1970's, post-punk was born. Despite the similar-sounding names, these two styles are sonically different. Post-punk sought to break free of established cliches; combining low-toned bass with funk, synth, and disco elements. A common misconception is that Post-punk came AFTER punk, when it was really created at the same time. The name really doesn't cement that idea. Post-punk musicians, while all different, possessed some similarities. They strove for independence. DIY, upcycling, creative multimedia, and indie record labels signaled a divergence from mainstream industries, consumerism, and conformity. What separated them from the punk scene was their lesser emphasis on politics and innovative new sound.

Siouxsie and the Banshees, Soft Cell, Joy Division, The Cure, and The Talking Heads pioneered the 1980's. Each of them set a precedent for what "pop music" became.

A band called Bauhaus, fronted by Peter Murphy; was among the first to incorporate "Gothic Rock" in its discography. "Gothic Rock" is best illustrated by its bass and minor tones. Its scales lend to its darker atmosphere, complimenting the melancholic lyrical themes goth music is so well-known for.

Though associated with Post-punk, Gothic Rock branched out into a fully-fleshed genre. As you may have guessed, many macabre concepts were inspired by gothic literature, written during the mid-to-late 1800's. Think Jane Austen or Edgar Allan Poe.

Some of the goth subculture shares their interest in cryptids, horror, oddities, and classic poetry with these long-dead writers. This historical evolution influenced the modern goth subculture, as it is today.

Thank you reading the first installment of my new little series. New episodes will be posted every 3 days, so make sure to check back in every once in a while. If you have any topic you want me to cover please let me know Credits: divider made by @animatedglittergraphics-n-more , written by SORDID from @literaryxbones

[miroslavcloset]

uhhhh can you do Wusiala and Per Mertesacker/Chris Kramer for the ship bingo plzz 🫣

Absolutely~ And we have a ✨new bingo template✨ sponsored by @elmatadorisgay

Wusiala~

Bambi needed some love and seeing him with Flo warms my heart sm~ BTW just so you know I started shipping them bc of your blog, so you're the pioneer ✨ at least in my eyes

Merteskramer~

They just keep on complimenting each other every time they're on commentary or just doing anything together and for me the euros cemented this one~~

[scotianostra]

September 2nd 1834 saw the death of Sir Thomas Telford, the pioneering engineer, road, bridge and canal builder.

Telford was the Scotsman who laid the foundations of industrial Britain, the Colossus of Roads, the godfather of civil engineering, Thomas Telford even had a town named after him, albeit an English one!

Born at Glendinning, Westerkirk, Dumfriesshire, on 9 August 1757, Thomas Telford never knew his shepherd father. He dies four months after the boy is born. His single mother can’t afford to raise him so relatives do. But such is Thomas’s vitality that he’s soon known as ‘Laughing Tam’.

Thomas leaves school and aged 14, he apprentices to a stonemason. He helps build new roads and a farmhouse on the estate of a local duke. Despite the nature of his day job, with its intensive long hours, Thomas studies at night to learn all there is about construction. By 25, he’s worked in Edinburgh and is off to London. He meets with two Scottish architects, one of whom, Sir William Chambers is building Somerset House. Telford secures work there.

And so began his long career seeing him build everything from canals to bridges, roads to harbours, Thomas Telford – the first President of the Institution of Civil Engineers – worked or advised on hundreds of important civil engineering projects in his lifetime .His expertise was so renowned that people from all over the world – including the Swedish and Russian governments – consulted him for their major civil engineering projects.

Telford’s most famous canal works include the 60-mile Caledonian Canal (1804-1822) and Ellesmere Canal.

In the Highlands of Scotland, Telford was responsible or about 1,200 miles of new or improved roads.

His main achievements in road-making were the London to Holyhead and Bangor to Chester roads. The road in North Wales has been designated a ‘Historic Route’.

Bridges also played a large part in Telford’s career, with the Menai wrought iron suspension bridge over the Menai Straits in Wales being one of his most famous designs.With an unprecedented span of nearly 580ft, it was considered the most outstanding bridge development of the early 19th century.

In 1783, he first started working for William Pulteney, the first Earl of Bath and MP for Shrewsbury, restoring Sudborough Rectory in Northamptonshire.

Pulteney was a strong influence on Telford’s career, and helped establish him as an engineer.

Telford worked on a number of infrastructure projects in Shropshire after being invited there by Pulteney to restore Shrewsbury Castle in 1786.

He worked on local church restorations, private houses, improved streets and drainage.

After he restored the castle in a Gothic style, Telford lived in and practised as an architect from the castle.

When Pulteney became director of British Fisheries Society in 1790, Telford advised on the improvement of numerous harbours in northern Scotland. The largest was Pulteneytown at Wick.

He also helped spread the use of Roman cement in facing, pointing and brick-jointing mortars to stop water penetration.

The aluminous hydraulic cement, patented by James Parker, set to a “very considerable extent” in about 20 minutes.

Telford’s civil engineering career started to take off from 1793 when he was appointed as general agent, surveyor, engineer, architect and overlooker to the Ellesmere Canal. The standout structure on the canal is the Pontcysyllte cast iron aqueduct over the Dee.

In terms of road construction, Telford’s roads were well-drained and had a hand-pitched stone foundation under a layer of conventional road metal.

Although they were more expensive to build, their higher quality meant that maintenance costs were lower.

Telford planned, built or advised on several thousand masonry bridges throughout his lifetime.

His first major bridge was over the Severn at Montford from 1790 to 1792, using convict labour.

Other infrastructure Telford worked on included drainage of the Fens in eastern England, the improvement of more than 100 harbours, docks or piers, and water supply schemes such as a piped supply to Liverpool from springs at Bootle.

Telford was invited by the King of Sweden to be the consulting engineer for the Trollhatte Canal’s eastwards extension to the Baltic at Soderkoping.

He was also consulted by the Russian government, and North American canal schemes.

For his achievements in civil engineering, Telford has been dubbed the ‘Colossus of Roads’ and ‘Pontifex Maximus’.

A liver problem, referred to as a “bilious derangement”, caused his death on this day 1834. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.

[3rdeyeblaque]

Yesterday we venerated Ancestor Rosetta Tharpe on her 108th birthday. 🎉

Definitively crowned as THE Godmother of Rock N Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a trailblazing pioneer whose legacy continues to inspire, revolutionize, & cement our footprint in America's arguably longest standing music genres.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe's musical genius is found at the crossroads between the old church house & 40s nightclubs. Born to a family of traditional evangelists & cotton pickers, she grew up in a world immersed in music & performance. She'd go on to engineer an infusion of Delta Blue's, New Orleans Jazz, & Gospel. Her unique playing style paired with her striking range in voice was both enthralling to her fans & appalling to her church family & folks. As if being a woman & Negro holding a guitar wasn't enough, her audacity compelled her to find the sweet harmonious center in secular themed music. Her sexually charged songs lined with faithful praise and gritty giration marked a collective shift in the midst of the Prohibition Era & WWII in what was viewed as popular music among Black and Mixed audiences.

She is the powerhouse that gave voice, sound, & style to the legendary likes of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franlkin - and to the leeching likes of Elvis & Johnny Cash who began to sample her blueprint at the downswing of her 40 year long career. It was the swing of her hips paired with the strum of her guitar that ignited the international sensation that we call, Rock, today & the array of subgenres that stem from it. We owe it ALL to Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

"Can't no man play like me!” - Sister Tharpe

We pour libations & give Sister Rosetta Tharpe her due 💐 for her fearless heart & raw talent, who's ripple effect charted our course in music history.

Offering suggestions: play her music, a COGIC Bible verse, & libations of whiskey or gin.

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