#preserve and protect

[steviewashere]

One of my special interests is lost media. Whether this be the discovery that something is lost, the hunt for said lost thing, or the finding of that lost thing. I love it all.

A YouTuber that I enjoy a lot that discusses lost media is: blameitonjorge

And as I'm watching his most recent upload, Lost Media Found in 2023, it's making me realize how much of the internet is either not archived, or is archived. Now—if you'll allow me to info dump and ramble—one of the largest data bases on the internet for archived content (ranging from old YouTube videos, early screenshots of websites from the 2000s, mods for video games, even whole TV show episodes, and much more) is the Internet Archive.

What's important about the Internet Archive is that it's a "non-profit digital library" (description given under site name on Google). It's a website used to truly archive anything you can think to find on the internet. I've gone on here and found screenshots, working links, and site changes to websites my late dad had created and uploaded in 2000-2003, before his untimely death. Which is so incredibly special to me. It's incredible to even have a resource like this, for free, right at my fingertips.

However, the Internet Archive has been at constant risk for removal. Aiming from big publishers, politicians, courts, etc. And it's extremely important that internet users fight back on these requests for removal.

Think of all the lost media. Of all the songs and shows and websites, Tumblr posts and Reddit stories you thought were a thing of your past, never to resurface or to be rediscovered, but it ends up right there on the Wayback Machine or directly on a separate sanction of the Internet Archive! Maybe you're like me and want to access internet activity from deceased family members and the Internet Archive is the only place to find it! Maybe you want to see the old MySpace layout just for fun or look for scanned pages of an art book for a favorite video game or you want to visit the old Newgrounds just to taste some of your childhood all over again!

Think of all the things you, we, us, everybody loses if the Internet Archive goes down.

I'm not kidding, and I know I've seen it as a joke somewhere, but the loss of the Internet Archive will be like the burning of the Library of Alexandria. All the resources gone, deleted, never to be seen again.

I think of it, too, when visiting Archive of Our Own. All of those fan works that everybody loves dearly, that maybe you've spent hours on, would be gone if AO3 was knocked out. Remember the great knockout of 2023? Remember how devastating it was to think it was just gone? Remember freaking out about not downloading your favorite fic as a pdf onto your phone or desktop, just thinking it'd be there when you get back online?

So, this is just me getting on my soapbox:

Cater for the protection of Internet Archive, Archive of Our Own, and all archived media. Remember to save files and links and all that jazz so that you can use it for later referral. Remember to thank and appreciate the people on the internet collecting all of this data. And also, if you like something—archive it!

Archive what you like, get physical copies, make your own physical copies if none exist. If we have to live in a society of constant consumerism, then remember to also preserve what you consume.

Because, it may just be gone tomorrow. And if you're unlucky, it won't be archived. And if you're even more unlucky, it will never be seen again.

[harmonyhealinghub]

Preserving Our Natural Heritage: Tips for Saving Wildlife

Shaina Tranquilino

November 19, 2023

The world we live in is incredibly diverse, with an abundance of incredible wildlife species that captivate our imaginations and contribute to the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, many of these creatures are facing significant threats due to habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and poaching. As responsible stewards of this planet, it is crucial for us to take action and play our part in conserving and protecting wildlife. In this blog post, we will discuss some effective ways to save wildlife.

1. Support Conservation Organizations: Numerous organizations around the globe work tirelessly towards preserving biodiversity and safeguarding endangered species. By supporting reputable conservation groups through donations or volunteering opportunities, you can contribute directly to their efforts. Examples include World Wildlife Fund (WWF), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and local initiatives such as community-based conservation programs.

2. Promote Sustainable Living: Our individual actions have a collective impact on the health of our environment. Embracing a sustainable lifestyle can help minimize damage to ecosystems and preserve habitats for various wildlife species. Reduce your carbon footprint by using energy-efficient appliances, driving less or opting for public transport, recycling and composting waste materials, and choosing eco-friendly products whenever possible.

3. Preserve Natural Habitats: Habitat destruction remains one of the leading causes of declining wildlife populations worldwide. Take steps to protect natural habitats within your surroundings – whether it be forests, wetlands, or grasslands – by participating in habitat restoration projects or advocating for the preservation of green spaces in your community.

4. Avoid Single-Use Plastic: Plastic pollution poses a severe threat to marine life and terrestrial animals alike. Refusing single-use plastics and packaging can significantly reduce pollution levels in oceans and landfills. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives such as stainless steel water bottles.

5. Educate and Raise Awareness: Increasing awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation is essential for long-term change. Share your knowledge with others, engage in discussions, and participate in educational events. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to watch documentaries or read books on wildlife preservation. By spreading information and inspiring others, we can create a ripple effect that contributes to saving wildlife.

6. Support Sustainable Tourism: When travelling, choose responsible tourism operators who prioritize wildlife conservation and minimize their environmental impact. Avoid activities that exploit animals or disturb their natural habitats. Instead, opt for eco-tours that prioritize education and respect for wildlife while contributing to local economies in sustainable ways.

7. Be Mindful of Wildlife Products: Avoid purchasing products made from endangered plants or animals such as ivory, fur, or exotic species kept as pets. The illegal wildlife trade is a significant contributor to species decline globally; by refusing to support this industry, you help protect vulnerable creatures.

Preserving our planet's biodiversity is both a collective responsibility and an urgent necessity. By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can make a tangible difference in the fight to save wildlife populations worldwide. Remember that every small action counts! Let us unite in safeguarding the incredible diversity of life on Earth for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

[anbaisai]

Care for a dip in the pool? The lifeguards may be marketable plushies, but they're 100% reliable!

(Scarabia lifeguard AU belongs to @natsukishinomiyaswife, you can check out the tsum post here!)

[fatuifucker]

sunday seems to me like someone who would be an unintentionally controlling partner. he doesn't mean to. but the family has a duty to uphold. and as the lover of the oak family head, so do you. prim and proper is what you are expected to be. a noble just like him.

but in truth, he sees your strained smile and your tired eyes, your head heavy from the burdens of that metaphorical crown thrusted upon you when you chose to be his. such a sight does not befit you. no, he much prefers those rare instances where you rest your head on his shoulder; a genuine smile on your lips as you intertwine your fingers with him, wholly at ease.

if sunday could be forever... then you too would forever be at ease.

[robocop1906]

Just going to the store for some milk

[starcurtain]

Sometimes I think about Aventurine in the moment he first discovered his Pathstrider abilities. The moment he first realized he could shield not only himself but also others. The very first moment he realized he could be a source of safety, rather than a burden--than a curse.

Sometimes I think about the hatred he must have felt for himself in that instant.

Where was this power when their camps were burned to the ground with every last one of their meager possessions? Where was this power when his mother died begging as he cowered, playing dead in a bath of the blood of everyone he knew?

Where was this power when his sister stood tall, a silhouette against the lightning, and used her body as the shield? Where was this power in the maze, when it could have spared the screaming child who was the first to die?

You could have saved them. You could have saved them. You could have saved them.

[catsconflictscopicsandchamomile]

Me: hey brain, can we think normal things tonight?

Brain: PALEONTOLOGIST!DEAN FINDS AN ANGEL THAT GOT BURIED DURING THE EXTINCTION OF THE DINOSAURS.

Me: *quietly* ...what the fuck

Brain: Dean is working on an excavation in a cave system when he uncovers this. fcking HUMAN BEING WITH *WINGS* AND *TOO MANY EYES*. PRESERVED IN ROCK IN THE SAME STRATA AS THE DINOSAURS. And ofc Dean is really freaked out and scared of this thing, but then he notices that the figure is curled forward over something, and as he looks closer he sees the skeletons of a nest of baby raptors that the "human" figure was holding tight to its chest, like it was trying to shield them from something. And he realizes that this... Thing... died protecting them.

Except the "human" figure isnt a skeleton, its preserved fully in the rock. Or perhaps...

[madeleineengland]

INTERNATIONAL SNOW LEOPARD DAY 🐱 (23rd october)

Snow Leopards are often called the 'ghosts of the mountains' due to their elusive nature & their ability to blend seamlessly into their icy, high-altitude habitats. Their thick fur, large paws and long tail are adaptations to the harsh environment.

Snow leopards live in the mountains of Central Asia. Their range of distribution is over 1.8 million km2, with the largest share in China, followed by Mongolia and India, but only 3,920-6,390 individuals remain in the wild now.

Let's celebrate them but also raise awareness on Conservation and Protection of these animals. The snow leopard acts as an indicator of the health of the mountain ecosystem in which they live. Sadly they face many threats in the wild including habitat loss due to climate change and poaching.

Here a useful link to donate: https://snowleopardconservancy.org/

Curiosity:

○ snow leopards can have between 1 and 5 cubs.

○ The cubs have blue eyes for the first few weeks.

○ Snow leopards parents don't raise their cubs together. The male leaves right after the mating.

○ The mother usually warps her long furry tail around the cubs like a fluffy blanket.

○ Due to the shape of their throats, snow leopards cannot roar.

[sunnysideaeggs]

my main problem with hotd is that the writers genuinely believe that all women would sacrifice their children for a speck of ‘female liberation’ that they won’t even be the ones to enjoy.

[kiame-sama]

Seeing a lot of threats from certain aligned folks who think threatening a person's safety, well-being, and bodily autonomy is a joke.

So, here is a reminder to everyone; if you must fight for your life/safety, don't be afraid to claw and bite.

Useful clawing and biting info below the cut;

If you can bite through a raw carrot, you can bite through a finger. If you must bite, scrunch up the skin of your face to protect your eyes and don't let go until you can't hold on anymore. Thrashing your head and biting harder are acceptable ways to protect yourself. Human bites can rot in short amounts of time and definitely leave lasting scars regardless of proper treatment.

When clawing, go for the eyes, the temple, and the front of the throat, they are the weakest spot on a Human regardless of gender. Fighting for your life is a no-rule conflict, do what you must to be safe and protect your life.

Don't fight unless you have no choice, and if you have no choice give that fucker a scar to remember you by. There is no shame in protecting yourself from those that wish to harm you. I don't condone senseless violence, but violence to protect your own life/safety from direct threat will always be allowed in my eyes.

Seek medical care immediately/shortly after biting in case the person had blood diseases so you can be monitored/treated. DNA under the nails from scratches can also be useful in arresting/identifying your attacker. Tell the EMTs and doctors everything, they are there to help you, not arrest you (this is also true if you have taken illegal substances, the doctors want you to live not arrest you for poor choices. It is a HIPPA violation for them to try and get you in trouble for seeking help).

[theweatherinmyhead]

I cannot begin to describe how much I love and respect and appreciate the people who keep Ao3 functioning as the amazing resource that it is. I cannot fathom how such a massive, highly trafficked non-profit project is maintained as well as Ao3.

With that cleared up:

I am dying, perishing of starvation, lost, bereft, forlorn. My only natural food source has shriveled up and I am on my last legs, alone and malnourished. We are approaching the three hour mark and I fear for my future. Will I survive? Will I find sustenance? Will I have to do productive things while waiting?

[shitpostingkats]

I swear, nothing makes me go bonkers fucking yonkers quite like comparing Athena and Apollos' introductions to the WAA.

When Phoenix asked Athena to come work for the agency, he reached out overseas to get in contact and offer her a job. When Phoenix asked Apollo to come work for the agency, he didn't even mention what the business was called or what they actually did.

On Athena's first day in court, Phoenix showed up and took over for her when she started to break down. On Apollo's first day in court, Phoenix made him an accomplice in crime and almost ruined his career.

When Athena introduces her childhood best friend to the WAA, they get her cleared of murder charges and save a friendgroup. When Apollo tries to introduce his childhood best friend to the agency, he dies before that can even happen.

When Athena returns to the space center, she is greeted by the robots with open arms. When Apollo returns to the space center, he is greeted by the name of a dead man.

When Phoenix sought out Athena as a protégé, it was because he realized how much she was hurting. When Phoenix sought out Apollo as a protégé, its because he realized how much he could be used to hurt others.

[rotisseries]

planet of love

[vaguely-concerned]

Merrill banters I am thinking about all the time always 24/7

merrill truly will incessantly worry she's stupid and missing the point all the time and then take you out with the most beautifully worded and compassionate breakdown of the thematic spine of DA2 you've ever heard. no actually daisy I think you're the only one getting the point here slowly but surely

especially this one, actually: (also why I could see how bioware would bring merrill into DA:D on solas' side, but also I really really don't want them to because her arc is just -- it's just incredible and I don't want them to mess with it lol)

'I don't think people are cleansed by fire'. people make mistakes and you have to believe in them anyway. yeah basically that's the thesis of dragon age huh

[haunted-xander]

Minazuki, who was just born, learns his first emotion: murderous intent!

[bestworstcase]

“unreliable narrators” is not code for “arbitrarily cherry-pick what you believe to be true from the text based on vibes and what you want to happen, and ignore any textual evidence that contradicts your theory-fanfic on the grounds that narrators are unreliable” it means you have to be skeptical and think critically about what every character says. only by evaluating the text in a holistic manner is it possible to determine the narrative truth.

you cannot just say “well this character is just lying/wrong, because unreliable narrators” – you need to actually interrogate the context. are there discrepancies between what this character said and what has been said by other characters? what about things we’ve been shown, not recounted to us through the lens of a character’s dialogue? does this character have a motivation to lie? are there relevant facts of which this character is not aware that might change their view? is the character stating a conclusion based on logical reasoning from the information they have or are they speaking from emotion? does the character have any biases that might inform their interpretation of what they know or see?