#the cornerstone program

[adlamu]

sad day for uk millennials (me)... citv (ie: the best kids' channel of all time for our generation) has died.

gonna pour one out for the grizzly tales theatre guy, sooty (double, just for artie), bernard & his watch, the zzzap gang, the big bang people (not the sitcom, the kids' educational science show), and the creepy talking head on the original art attack.

[cicccvancouver]

The Data Science Co-op Diploma Program at Cornerstone College is a comprehensive course designed for tech-savvy students seeking skills in high demand.

https://ciccc.ca/

Watch this video :

[buddyapologist]

"this pain is all i have left of him" what if we all killed ourselves

[montereybayaquarium]

Remembering Rosa the sea otter

Hello Aquarium family. It’s with great sadness that we share that our beloved sea otter Rosa passed away today. At 24 years old, Rosa was the oldest resident otter at the Aquarium and one of our most experienced surrogate moms, having raised 15 stranded sea otter pups in her time with us. 

While Rosa spent the last few months behind the scenes getting extra special care from our staff, she was the matriarch of the Sea Otters exhibit. Beloved and cherished by millions of visitors and fans of the live Sea Otter Cam, she was instantly recognizable thanks to her blonde head (eclipsed only by Ivy as our most grizzled of kelp grizzlies) and her signature head-all-the-way-back swimming style.

“Rosa was one of our most playful sea otters, and even at 24 years old, she would still be seen frolicking and wrestling with the younger otters when she instigated it,” said Melanie Oerter, curator of mammals. “Rosa was usually found sleeping against the window while on exhibit with her chin tucked tight into her chest and her tail swishing back and forth.”

After being found stranded as a four-week-old pup in September 1999, Rosa became part of the Aquarium family before our sea otter surrogacy program even took shape. Our Sea Otter Program staff raised her by hand for nearly seven months before releasing her to the wild. 

Rosa eventually returned to the Aquarium once again in March 2002 when she didn’t take to life outside of human care, and she immediately became a fixture in the formative years of our sea otter surrogacy program as a caring adoptive mother for rescued pups destined for wild release.

She was a delight to work with, though she certainly had her expectations of our staff according to the many Sea Otter Mammalogists who trained (were trained by?) Rosa over the years. 

"Rosa was an incredibly smart otter! Generally calm and patient with the staff. However, she could be defiant at times and there would be no convincing her to do something she did not want to do," said Oerter. "She would often just look at us or swim away. I believe she was the one who was really training us all of these years. I certainly learned a lot from working with such an incredible otter. It has been a privilege and to say we will miss her is understated."

Rosa relaxed into retirement from surrogacy in 2019, acting as a companion and cornerstone in the ever-changing raft of otters in our care. 

Wild female sea otters live between 15 and 20 years, and reaching the age of 24 is a testament to the exceptional care Rosa received throughout her life from our Veterinary and Animal Care teams. In recent years, she began showing signs of age-related health concerns.  In the last few weeks, her health had been deteriorating. After an exam, the veterinary and animal care teams made the difficult choice to humanely euthanize Rosa because those health conditions were compromising her quality of life. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her caretakers.

Rosa’s legacy lives on both at the Aquarium with our other resident sea otters Kit, Selka, Ivy, and Ruby, and in the wild, where sea otter pups she raised continue to raise pups of their own, contributing to the recovery of their species and their ecosystems along the California coast. 

Rosa was an inspiration to millions as a charismatic ambassador for her threatened species while playing a leading role in the story of sea otter recovery from near-extinction during the fur trade. Rosa will be greatly missed by all of us who got to know her over the years.

To celebrate Rosa’s long life, please feel free to share photos and stories of your encounters with Rosa at the Aquarium in the comment section on this post, in her memory and for the staff and volunteers grieving her loss. Thank you all for being such a big part of Rosa’s life. 🦦♥️

[wandering-wizardry]

How do I connect with local spirits?

Most witches consider local spirits to be a cornerstone of their practice. It's much easier to cast a ward on your home when the local forest spirit will back it up. Ask five witches how to connect to spirits and you'll get seven answers and three arguments.

So I'm going to give you a foolproof answer.

If you live in the united states, your state will have a list of endangered and threatened species. It will also have a list of invasive species. Look through these. There's a pretty good chance that you'll be surprised and find something you've seen before. "I didn't know that was endangered! I've seen that in my grandma's backyard."

Great! You are now that species guardian angel.

Figure out how to protect it. Find out how to spread it. Then do it. It spreads from cuttings? Awesome! Take some cuttings and sprout them, then plant them somewhere.

You don't have anywhere to plant them? That's okay. Get a high-vis vest, pull over onto the side of the highway in a nice spot, plant them, and leave. No one questions the high-vis vest. Someone does? "I'm a volenteer at an endangered species reintroduction program." It's not even a lie, it's just a program of one. Hell, that program may actually exist and you may actually be able to volenteer for it.

"But how does this help me connect with local spirits?" You are actively protecting your local ecosystems that your local spirits are a reflection of. They will appreciate that far more than any other offering you can give.

[kunosoura]

Antinatalism is largely a philosophical position held by people who already don’t want to have kids to help support and justify their choice in a society that places extreme value on reproduction. Pronatalism is the ideological foundation for just about every single political program restricting women’s autonomy and a cornerstone of reproductive futurism. Acting like the two are comparably reactionary is frankly pretty stupid

[fipindustries]

i saw wicked

i now understand why yall gays are... like that. It was like witnessing the council of nicea, it was like seeing luther nail that piece of paper on a door. This clearly was one of the foundational cornerstones of the psyche of this website

Also it was fantastic, it was stupendous, it was one of the best movie experiences i ever had. I am part of this website too, after all. Its siren song activates my mk ultra programming and puts all my bones in attack mode as well as any other theatre kid tumblrina in this place. Its in my dna.

it was in some senses exactly what i expected, after all i had absorbed this entire story through osmosis, in other senses i genuenly didnt expect it could be that good. But this is more due to form than content.

I scoffed like everyone else when i saw the posters and the trailers and the early leaked scenes. I had zero hopes for this movie because its aesthetics were so similar to other failed million dollar musical productions. It looked like wonka, it looked the disney live action remakes, if i wanted to be mean i could say that it looked like tom hoopers cats. Garish oversaturated colors, overcrowded fake looking sets, abuse of cheap cgi, pointless celebrity casting and snl comedians as secondary characters.

So why did it succeed so much when all other movies failed? Could it be its fantastic set and costume design? Could it be its lavish, energic, immaculatly performed choreographies? Could it be the fact that every single song here is a banger, instantly catchy and endlessly hummable? Could it be the lead actresses with their titanic skills for both singing and acting? Often at the same time? Could it just simply be the fact that this is just a very well written story, adapted by someone who gave a fuck?

This is a musical's musical, this is the archetypical form, what all other musicals aspire to be. By the time we reached defying geavity my heart was beating out of my throat.

I stood up and clapped when it cut to credits

9/10

[mysunshinetemptress]

Luch

(Lil McCabe Universe)

Katie McCabe x Lil McCabe

Warnings: Part of the unseen series this part focuses more on Katie, it’s got angst and is like a little background and a way to go forward with Katie and Lil McCabes relationship

Katie didn't quite know when you fell through the cracks and faded into the back. She could still remember you being born, though. She was seven, a whirlwind of freckles and laughter, so excited to have a new baby in the family. It had become a tradition in their house, this older sibling adoption. The eldest would take the youngest, showering them with attention, teaching them everything they knew. A miniature mentorship program, filled with scraped knees, shared secrets, and an unwavering bond.

For Katie, it was her turn. She was going to be the best big sister ever. A boy or a girl, it didn’t matter. She’d teach them everything, from the best hiding spots in the garden to the correct way to tackle a football. She’d introduce them to her friends, share her toys, and protect them from the world.

She remembered the day you arrived, a tiny, wrinkled bundle. You fit perfectly in the palm of her hand. She was careful, so careful, as she held you, her heart pounding with a mixture of love and responsibility. She’d named you ‘Squishy’ that day, a name that stuck for a few weeks before you graduated to something more...permanent.

What was it, why can't she remeber it now, its the only thing she called you, the only thing SHE called you.

There are gaps in her memory now, like pieces of a puzzle missing. You were there, a constant in the chaotic tapestry of her childhood, and then you weren’t. It’s as if someone had gently peeled you away, leaving an indistinct shape where you once were.

She remembers your laughter, a clear bell-like sound that would fill the house. She remembers the way your eyes would light up when she read you stories. And she remembers the day you took your first steps, holding onto her finger for dear life.

She dressed you in tiny football jerseys, her favorite team’s colors blazing against your soft skin. She taught you the alphabet with the help of her toy animals, her patience endless as you struggled to pronounce the letters. Weekends were spent at the park, Katie pushing you on the swings, her laughter mingling with yours as you soared through the air.

But then, the memories start to blur. There are fragments, snapshots, like a photo album with missing pages. You’re there, but you’re also not. You morph into Ella and Lauryn, She starts being unable to tell what memories are with you and what memories are with them.

Cheeky, no thats what she called Ella

Sometimes, late at night, when the house is quiet, Katie will close her eyes and try to remember you. She’ll see a small figure, a blur of color, a sound. But then, the image fades, and she’s left with an aching emptiness.

Munchkin, no thats what she called Lauryn

The name was on the tip of her tongue, a phantom word dancing just beyond her grasp. It was a small thing, a trivial detail, but in the grand scheme of her fading memories, it was a cornerstone. Squishy was a placeholder, a temporary label for a child who had become an integral part of her life. The real name, the one that fit perfectly, was buried beneath layers of time and confusion.

It was a name whispered in countless bedtime stories, shouted in shared laughter, and softly murmured in moments of comfort. A name that held the weight of a world, a universe contained within a single syllable. Now, it was a ghost, haunting the corridors of her mind.

The blurring of memories was a cruel thief, stealing the clarity of childhood. Ella and Lauryn, the subsequent additions to the family, had cast long shadows, their presences eclipsing you. Yet, there was a part of Katie that refused to accept this erasure.

The name was a whisper in the wind, a phantom echo in the chambers of her mind. Katie clutched at the edges of her memory, desperate to grasp the elusive word. It was a puzzle piece, missing from the grand tapestry of her childhood, a void that gnawed at her with an insistent hunger.

Days turned into weeks as she delved deeper into the recesses of her mind. She revisited old photo albums, the glossy pages filled with smiling faces. There you were, standing at the back sometimes only the top of your head only visible, a tiny speck in a sea of laughter, your eyes holding a spark of mischief that mirrored her own. But the name remained out of reach, a tantalizing mirage in the desert of her recollection.

She tried talk to your parents, hoping they might remember. But your mam still refusued to talk to her and your da was no help not even remembering if her himself had given you a nickname like he had the rest of his kids. She tried your siblings but they were no use each either shouting out random names or asking "Wait Y/n had a nickname, i thought it was just Ella and Lauren." It was as if it had been erased from the family history, a forgotten chapter in a well-loved story.

Desperation crept into her heart. She was losing you, she had lost you. Katie remembered, the fearless, protective big sister role she used to proudly play, but your part was fading if not already gone.

One evening, as she sat alone in the quiet of her living room, a flicker of memory ignited within her. She closed her eyes, focusing on the sensation of warmth, the smell of baby powder, the sound of soft giggles. And then, it came to her, as clear as day.

"Luch."

The word slipped out of her lips, a whisper in the still air. It was perfect, simple, and utterly fitting. Luch it was mouse in Irish something she had just learned in school and it fit you perfectly you were as quite as a mouse even as a baby and she used to laugh at the way you scrunched your nose just before you cried. It was the name she had given you, the name that had defined your place in her heart.

You were her baby sister. Her first responsibility, her first love. And somewhere along the way she had failed to even notice you slip through the cracks, she had turned into the person she had sworn to protect you from at just seven years old and she didn't know how to fix it.

[itsbensart]

Burnt Out but Not Alone

Pairing: Fiyero Tigelaar x Male Reader | Part 2

Summary: Y/N feels overwhelmed by his demanding workload and the pressure of looming deadlines. Despite his exhaustion, he refuses to take a break, even as concern grows from friends like Elphaba—and even the Winkie Prince. When Fiyero sees just how much Y/N is struggling, he offers unexpected help, proving that sometimes, even the most carefree people can provide the support needed during times of stress.

Warnings: Excessive teasing and playful banter, Subtle romantic tension, Themes of academic pressure and burnout, Light physical touches (e.g., arm grabs), Vulnerability in moments of exhaustion, and Heartwarming support from an unexpected ally.

A/N: Y/N is an Architecture Student specializing in Ozian Architecture at Shiz University, known for its demanding curriculum.

Word Count: 1,743 words

The lecture hall buzzed with the soft hum of conversations, the rhythmic tapping of pens against desks, and the occasional shuffle of papers. Y/N sat in the middle row, staring at his open notebook but not truly seeing it. His thoughts were elsewhere, replaying Fiyero’s smug grin and that low, teasing voice that seemed to follow him even now.

“You know what to do if you want to shut me up, doll.”

The memory sent an involuntary flush to his cheeks. He quickly ducked his head, hoping no one noticed. Shaking his head, he tried to dispel the distraction. This was no time to get flustered. An endless list of tasks awaited, and Professor Solennia was already notorious for her high standards.

Y/N’s chosen course, Ozian Architecture, wasn’t for the faint of heart. It was one of the most demanding programs at Shiz University, known for its rigorous workload and the precision it required. Students delved deep into the rich architectural history of Oz—an eclectic mix of styles balancing the grandeur of Emerald City’s gleaming towers with the rustic charm of Munchkinland’s cottages and the imposing, fortress-like structures of Winkie Country.

Today’s lecture focused on the integration of natural and magical elements in building design, a cornerstone of Ozian architecture. The topic would have been fascinating under other circumstances, but Y/N found himself struggling to concentrate. Between looming deadlines and the lingering echoes of Fiyero’s remarks, his mind was a chaotic mess.

Professor Solennia’s voice cut through his thoughts. “As you can see, the inclusion of enchantments in structural integrity was not merely aesthetic but practical. Now, who can tell me how the dragon clock influenced the design of Emerald City’s central spire?”

Y/N froze as the professor’s gaze swept across the room. He usually prided himself on being prepared for questions like this, but today, his mind was blank. He prayed someone else would answer, his heart pounding as he stared down at his notes—frustratingly empty.

By the end of class, as students filed out, Y/N realized just how little he had retained. The weight of his responsibilities crashed back down on him, amplified by the realization that he was now further behind than before.

He decided to head to the university’s library to tackle his pending tasks—especially the scale model due next week. Though he was exhausted, he had no choice. The output would determine whether he passed this semester.

As he walked through the hallway, he almost bumped into Elphaba, who had been waiting for him to catch up. She noticed his drooping posture and the dark circles under his eyes immediately.

"Y/N," she said, her voice softer than usual, "You look like you haven’t slept in days."

Y/N gave a half-hearted shrug, trying to brush her off. "I’m fine, Elphaba. Just... busy, you know? I have a lot to do."

She narrowed her eyes, not buying his response. "It’s more than just being busy. You’re running yourself ragged. You need rest."

"I don’t have time for rest," Y/N replied, his tone more tired than he meant it to be. "There’s too much to do."

Elphaba hesitated for a moment, clearly concerned. "I get it, but this—" she gestured to him, her eyes lingering on his fatigued form, "—isn't sustainable. You’re only going to burn out."

Y/N gave a small, dismissive smile. "I’ll be fine. I just need to get through this week."

Elphaba didn’t look convinced but didn’t press the matter further. "Alright, just don’t overdo it. Take care of yourself, Y/N."

He nodded quickly, not meeting her eyes, and made his way toward the library, eager to escape the conversation.

Unbeknownst to Y/N, Fiyero Tigelaar had been wandering the campus, casually searching for his favorite “doll” to tease. His natural charm and carefree demeanor had earned him a reputation for showing up wherever and whenever he pleased, and today was no different.

As he strolled into the library, his piercing eyes immediately spotted Y/N in his corner.

Fiyero smirked. This was too perfect. He sauntered over, his footsteps deliberately light. “There you are. Hiding in the library, huh? Didn’t think this was your kind of hangout spot.” As he slid into a seat beside Y/N, he leaned closer, his voice low enough to only reach him. “Still thinking about me, doll?”

Y/N clenched his jaw, his ears burning as he hissed, “You wish.”

Fiyero chuckled, clearly pleased with the reaction, and leaned back in his chair. “You’re awfully red for someone who’s not thinking about me.”

Y/N barely looked up, his pencil pausing briefly before resuming its work. “Not now, Fiyero. I’m busy.”

The lack of reaction made Fiyero blink in surprise. Usually, his remarks earned him a flushed face or an exasperated retort. Instead, Y/N’s tone was flat, his focus unbroken.

“Busy?” Fiyero peered down at Y/N’s sketches. “What’s got you so tied up? Another one of those fancy projects?”

“Yes,” Y/N responded curtly. “So please, not now, Fiyero.”

Fiyero, however, seemed unbothered. “So, what’s next, doll? More lectures? Or maybe some of that architectural magic you lot are so obsessed with?”

Y/N let out an exasperated sigh, his patience worn thin. “I have too many tasks to finish. Does that answer your question?”

Fiyero tilted his head, studying Y/N’s face with uncharacteristic seriousness. “You look exhausted.”

“Thanks for noticing,” Y/N muttered, packing up his materials before leaving the library, hoping the prince wouldn’t follow him.

At first, Fiyero assumed it was just another one of Y/N’s quirks—being too serious about academics and all—but as the hours turned into days, he couldn’t ignore the change. The playful teasing he usually dished out with ease seemed to fall flat, met with a tired smile or a quiet nod instead of Y/N’s usual fiery retorts. Fiyero had tried to brush it off, but the concern gnawed at him, growing stronger with each passing day.

One afternoon, while they were in the cafeteria, Fiyero noticed Y/N in line. With a tray in hand, Y/N seemed oblivious to his surroundings, swaying slightly from exhaustion. Just as it seemed Y/N might stumble, Fiyero reacted quickly, grabbing him to prevent a fall.

"Alright, doll," he began, keeping his tone light, though concern lingered beneath the surface. "You’ve been looking like you’re one step away from collapsing. What’s going on?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

Y/N glanced at him briefly, then lowered his gaze to the ground. "Just… school stuff. You wouldn’t understand."

Fiyero frowned, his usual teasing grin replaced with a concerned expression. "Try me."

Y/N sighed long and heavy, adjusting the strap of his overburdened bag. "There’s just too much. Drafts, models, presentations… I can’t keep up. And Ozian Architecture isn’t an easy course. It feels like I’m drowning, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t keep my head above water."

Fiyero came to a stop, gently grabbing Y/N’s arm and halting him in his tracks. "Why didn’t you say anything sooner?"

Y/N shrugged, avoiding his gaze. "What good would it do? It’s not like anyone can help. This is my workload. My responsibility."

Fiyero didn’t respond immediately, instead narrowing his eyes at Y/N’s exhausted face. "How much have you slept? Or even rested?"

The silence that followed was answer enough.

Fiyero’s usual smirk softened into something more like genuine concern. "Alright, doll. Time to take a break."

"I don’t have time for a break," Y/N snapped, his tone sharper than he intended.

Fiyero stood firm, the command in his voice unmistakable. "Then you don’t have a choice. Let’s go," he said, pulling Y/N toward the courtyard with surprising insistence.

"I’m serious, Fiyero. I have so much to—"

"And I’m serious too," Fiyero interrupted, his voice firm but not unkind. "You’re running yourself into the ground, and you know it. If you collapse, you’re not going to finish anything."

Y/N frowned, but the warmth of Fiyero’s hand on his arm and the determination in his eyes made resistance feel futile.

They walked in silence, the noise of the cafeteria fading as they headed for the quieter courtyard. Once there, Fiyero led Y/N to a bench, underneath an oak tree. "Sit," he ordered, dropping his own bag onto the ground.

Too tired to argue, Y/N complied.

For once, Fiyero didn’t joke or tease; instead, he looked thoughtful. After a moment, his gaze sharpened. "Alright, here’s what we’re going to do."

Y/N blinked up at him, still a bit disoriented. "What?"

"I’m going to help you."

Y/N let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "You? Help? No offense, Fiyero, but this isn’t exactly your area of expertise."

Fiyero smirked, though it was softer than usual. "Maybe not. But I can still do something. I’ll carry your books, keep you company during late nights, or even distract you when you’re on the verge of a breakdown."

Sitting beside him, Fiyero leaned back, as if the weight of the world didn’t rest on his shoulders. "Look, I might not understand all your architectural mumbo jumbo, but I can help in other ways. You don’t have to do this alone, doll."

Y/N opened his mouth to respond but paused. The sincerity in Fiyero’s eyes caught him off guard. For the first time in days, a small, genuine smile tugged at his lips. "You’re serious?"

"Dead serious," Fiyero replied, his grin widening. "Starting now. So, what’s first on the agenda, Mr. Burnt-Out Architect?"

Y/N hesitated, then admitted, "I have to finish a scale model for tomorrow, and I still need to draft the base plans."

"Easy," Fiyero said, slinging an arm around Y/N’s shoulders. "You draft, I’ll cut and glue. I’m not completely useless, you know."

"You’re really going to help me?" Y/N asked, feeling the weight on his shoulders lighten just a little.

Fiyero chuckled. "What can I say? You’re growing on me. And besides, I can’t have you walking around looking like a zombie. It ruins my fun."

Though exhaustion still pulled at him, Y/N couldn’t help but laugh softly. "Alright, Tigelaar. Let’s see if you can keep up."

As they made their way toward the studio, Y/N felt a strange warmth spreading through his chest. Maybe, he wouldn’t have to face the chaos alone after all.

And maybe, just maybe, Fiyero Tigelaar was more than just a cocky prince of charm.

To be Continued.....

A/N: Hello! Here’s the second chapter of my series, (I don't have a title yet, so..... yeah). I’m so happy you’re sticking around to see where this story goes—it means a lot!

There’s definitely more drama, love, and emotions coming your way, so keep an eye out for the next chapters. I’d love to hear what you think, feel free to leave a comment. Thanks for reading, and see you in the next one! 😊

[posttexasstressdisorder]

CNN 5/19/2025

‘Sesame Street’ taking up residence on Netflix

By Lisa Respers France and Liam Reilly, CNN

Updated: 12:32 PM EDT, Mon May 19, 2025

Source: CNN

We can definitely tell you how to get to “Sesame Street.”

It was announced Monday that the popular longstanding children’s program has found a new home at Netflix.

“For more than a half a century, ‘Sesame Street’ has been a beloved cornerstone of children’s media, enchanting young minds and nurturing a love of learning,” a press release states. “Now Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and all their friends are coming to Netflix later this year, with Sesame Street’s all-new, reimagined 56th season — plus 90 hours of previous episodes — available to audiences worldwide.”

The news comes after Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company, opted not to renew its contract to stream the series on Max (returning to the name HBO Max.)

“The new season will feature fresh format changes and the return of fan-favorite segments like Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck,” the streamer announced. “Additionally, episodes will now center on one 11-minute story, allowing for even more character-driven humor and heart.”

The series will still be available on PBS. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to end federal funding for PBS and NPR.

“I strongly believe that our educational programming for children is one of the most important aspects of our service to the American people, and ‘Sesame Street’ has been an integral part of that critical work for more than half a century,” Paula Kerger, the PBS president and chief executive, said in a statement.

Sherrie Rollins Westin, the president and chief executive of Sesame Workshop — the organization behind the show — emphasized that the deal combines Sesame’s research-based curriculum and Netflix’s global reach, “ensuring children in communities across the US continue to have free access on public television to the Sesame Street they love.”

Netflix, meanwhile, touted the acquisition as a major win. The company announced the deal on X with a video of Cookie Monster devouring the Netflix logo, accompanied by “N IS FOR NETFLIX!”

The new deal provides the beloved children’s TV show with a much-needed lifeline after months of turmoil following HBO’s and Max’s decision to opt out of renewing a contract with “Sesame Street.” Since the December announcement, Sesame Workshop’s coffers have been stretched thin, leading it to lay off staffers in March as it approached production of Season 56.

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[michele-apricity]

𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓪𝓬𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓶𝓲𝓪 ˙⟡🪶─

𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔

Dark academia is rooted in a love for philosophy, history and literature... so here are some recommendations for books that fit the dark academia aesthetic and you should definitely read

𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒔

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The cornerstone of dark academia literature. A group of elite classics students is drawn into a web of obsession, betrayal, and murder.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

A dark exploration of beauty, morality, and corruption in Victorian England.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

A Gothic classic delving into the pursuit of forbidden knowledge, ambition, and the consequences of creation.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

A story of love, mystery, and self-discovery, set against the brooding backdrop of Thornfield Hall.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

A Gothic masterpiece full of eerie atmospheres, academic investigation, and the dark allure of the unknown.

𝒎𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒔

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

A Shakespearean tragedy set in an elite performing arts college, where students’ lives unravel after a murder.

Vita Nostra by Marina & Sergey Dyachenko

A surreal and unsettling novel about a young woman attending a mysterious school where reality bends under the weight of knowledge.

Bunny by Mona Awad

A darkly humorous and sinister look at creativity, academia, and a cult-like clique in a prestigious MFA program.

The Atlas Six trilogy by Olivie Blake

A magical dark academia tale about six exceptionally talented magicians competing for a place in a secret society that guards knowledge.

In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

A memoir with Gothic undertones that explores trauma, storytelling, and academic reflection.

𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒚/𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒔

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

A mysterious and haunting tale of a young boy discovering a forgotten book and its dark history.

The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

A supernatural dark academia story set in Yale’s secret societies, where magic and danger collide.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

A chilling Gothic mystery set in a decaying mansion, with a protagonist investigating her cousin's eerie marriage.

The Lying Game by Ruth Ware

A tale of friendship, deceit, and secrets in the shadow of a Gothic boarding school.

Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth

A queer, layered story blending Gothic horror and academic intrigue across timelines.

𝒑𝒐𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒚 & 𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔

The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson

Dickinson’s introspective and haunting poetry complements the aesthetic’s love of literature and existential reflection.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

For the intellectual side of dark academia, this stoic philosophical work is a guide to self-reflection and understanding.

Paradise Lost by John Milton

An epic poem exploring rebellion, ambition, and the fall from grace, perfect for the themes of the aesthetic.

Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake

Poetry reflecting duality, beauty, and the darker aspects of human nature.

𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

A magical school where survival is key, blending dark academia with fantasy and wit.

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Noell by Susanna Clarke

A dense, Gothic tale of magic, rivalry, and ambition in 19th-century England.

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

A modern, darker take on a magical academy, filled with existential musings and flawed characters.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

A historical and fantastical romance steeped in academia, libraries, and ancient mysteries.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

A haunting, introspective story set in an otherworldly labyrinth that plays with memory, knowledge, and solitude.

𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒕

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

A suspenseful story of privilege, power, and systemic secrets in an elite private school.

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas

A slow-burning, atmospheric novel about an experimental university and the price of knowledge.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

A tale of mystery, tragedy, and privilege among a wealthy, secluded family.

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

A series rich with mysticism, academic undertones, and a search for ancient knowledge.

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

A romantic and artistic dark fantasy set in a world of fae and forbidden craft.

Did you read any of the books mentioned here? And if so what was your favorite/your opinion on them?

I personally read most of the books here and loved every single one.

-michala♡

[fulltrashtheorist]

“One Beautiful Bill” Would Be a Tragic Setback for Indian Country

Guest Opinion. The name “One Beautiful Bill” might sound harmless, charming, even, but for Indian Country, its passage would be nothing short of a policy earthquake. Behind the rhetoric of fiscal responsibility and government streamlining lies a sweeping assault on the foundational programs that uphold tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and the bare minimum of equitable federal support that Native Nations have fought to establish over generations.Modeled on recent proposals that promote anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) measures, budget austerity, and bureaucratic consolidation, this bill threatens to gut critical federal programs that support Native communities. It is a direct challenge to the federal trust and treaty obligations owed to tribes, a responsibility that predates the founding of the United States and has been reaffirmed repeatedly in federal law.The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), already chronically underfunded, are squarely in the crosshairs. The bill targets Tribal Priority Allocations (TPA), flexible funding used for core government services like law enforcement, social services, and road maintenance. The Housing Improvement Program (HIP), which assists Native families in dire housing need, is viewed as duplicative and dispensable. BIE programs for early childhood education and tribal colleges, which struggle under current funding levels, could be further diminished or eliminated altogether.The assault extends far beyond the Department of the Interior. The Indian Health Service (IHS), the most direct manifestation of the federal trust responsibility in healthcare, faces cuts to vital services like Purchased/Referred Care, the Community Health Aide Program, and urban Indian health initiatives. Worse still, advance appropriations that protect IHS from government shutdowns could be reversed, once again jeopardizing lives with every budget crisis.The bill’s impact on tribal housing and economic self-sufficiency would be devastating. It threatens the elimination or downsizing of the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) and the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG), cornerstones of housing infrastructure across Native communities. Programs that support Native entrepreneurship through the SBA 8(a) program and the Office of Indian Economic Development could be slashed or rationalized out of existence.Education, language revitalization, and cultural preservation efforts face a similar fate. The Office of Indian Education and its work funding tribal education departments and Native language programs could be framed as “non-core” and eliminated. Food security programs like the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), critical to many rural and remote tribal communities, are also at risk, dismissed as duplicative of SNAP without any understanding of their unique implementation in Indian Country.Environmental protections, transportation equity, justice programs, and the very infrastructure for federal-tribal financial relations, every one of these areas would suffer under “One Beautiful Bill.” The Department of Justice’s tribal set-asides, tribal transportation funding formulas, EPA’s General Assistance Program, and even the Treasury’s Tribal Office and ARPA oversight functions are all on the chopping block. These aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities for self-governance, public health, and environmental and cultural survival.The common thread among targeted programs is telling: they are discretionary, equity-based, and uniquely tribal. They are not “wasteful government spending”, they are the instruments through which tribal governments serve their citizens and exercise the rights promised to them by treaty and law.Make no mistake: if passed, this bill would not just cut programs, it would unravel the framework of modern tribal self-determination, a framework built over the past 51 years with bipartisan support. It would erase decades of hard-won pro

[thoughtfulcollectortidalwave]

“One Beautiful Bill” Would Be a Tragic Setback for Indian Country

Guest Opinion. The name “One Beautiful Bill” might sound harmless, charming, even, but for Indian Country, its passage would be nothing short of a policy earthquake. Behind the rhetoric of fiscal responsibility and government streamlining lies a sweeping assault on the foundational programs that uphold tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and the bare minimum of equitable federal support that Native Nations have fought to establish over generations.Modeled on recent proposals that promote anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) measures, budget austerity, and bureaucratic consolidation, this bill threatens to gut critical federal programs that support Native communities. It is a direct challenge to the federal trust and treaty obligations owed to tribes, a responsibility that predates the founding of the United States and has been reaffirmed repeatedly in federal law.The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), already chronically underfunded, are squarely in the crosshairs. The bill targets Tribal Priority Allocations (TPA), flexible funding used for core government services like law enforcement, social services, and road maintenance. The Housing Improvement Program (HIP), which assists Native families in dire housing need, is viewed as duplicative and dispensable. BIE programs for early childhood education and tribal colleges, which struggle under current funding levels, could be further diminished or eliminated altogether.The assault extends far beyond the Department of the Interior. The Indian Health Service (IHS), the most direct manifestation of the federal trust responsibility in healthcare, faces cuts to vital services like Purchased/Referred Care, the Community Health Aide Program, and urban Indian health initiatives. Worse still, advance appropriations that protect IHS from government shutdowns could be reversed, once again jeopardizing lives with every budget crisis.The bill’s impact on tribal housing and economic self-sufficiency would be devastating. It threatens the elimination or downsizing of the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) and the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG), cornerstones of housing infrastructure across Native communities. Programs that support Native entrepreneurship through the SBA 8(a) program and the Office of Indian Economic Development could be slashed or rationalized out of existence.Education, language revitalization, and cultural preservation efforts face a similar fate. The Office of Indian Education and its work funding tribal education departments and Native language programs could be framed as “non-core” and eliminated. Food security programs like the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), critical to many rural and remote tribal communities, are also at risk, dismissed as duplicative of SNAP without any understanding of their unique implementation in Indian Country.Environmental protections, transportation equity, justice programs, and the very infrastructure for federal-tribal financial relations, every one of these areas would suffer under “One Beautiful Bill.” The Department of Justice’s tribal set-asides, tribal transportation funding formulas, EPA’s General Assistance Program, and even the Treasury’s Tribal Office and ARPA oversight functions are all on the chopping block. These aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities for self-governance, public health, and environmental and cultural survival.The common thread among targeted programs is telling: they are discretionary, equity-based, and uniquely tribal. They are not “wasteful government spending”, they are the instruments through which tribal governments serve their citizens and exercise the rights promised to them by treaty and law.Make no mistake: if passed, this bill would not just cut programs, it would unravel the framework of modern tribal self-determination, a framework built over the past 50 years with bipartisan support. It would erase decades of hard-won pro

[warship005]

Deku briefly mentions in a conversation with Uraraka that Spinner wants to write a book about the LoV

Uraraka thinks about it for a while and decides to reach out and arrange a meeting with Spinner

Spinner is skeptical about meeting another hero kid for obvious reasons

However he remembers that Toga had deep feelings for Uraraka, so against his better judgement decides to accept her visit

(dunno if he would be in a hospital or prison, the series was kinda vague on Spinner's whereabouts post his talk with Deku so let's say he's still recovering in the hospital)

When they meet the mood is obviously tense

Uraraka tells Spinner she heard that he wants to write a book and offers to help him with it

When asked about it, Uraraka says that there's two main reasons why she wants to help

One, since the cameras died that day, the only person who knows how the final fight between Uraraka and Toga went is Uraraka herself

She wants Toga's story to be known

And two, she knows that Spinner is never gonna get that book published in a million years

Destro's book was the cornerstone of the creation of the Meta Liberation Army, so she doubts that a book about the LoV would see the light of day

Especially after how much the media tried to not humanize Shigaraki after the war

Uraraka couldn't do anything to save Toga, but she at least can try to do something to help the people she loved most

And as a prohero who fought on the front lines during the last war she knew her word held some power

Enough power to get that book published at least

After some thought, Spinner decides to accept the offer and the two begin working on the book

Uraraka decided to remain anonymous so she wouldn't steal Spinner's thunder for when the book releases

her main contributions to the book were the chapters about Toga anyway

During the whole book writing and publishing ordeal, Spinner and Uraraka become somewhat friends

Not really besties-besties, but they do text each other every now and then, making sure that he and Compress are doing alright

one of their fondest moments being when Uraraka tells him about her heart to heart with Toga, and Spinner tells her about Shigaraki and what brought them two and the LoV together

After the book is published, pro hero Uravity always brings it up during public appearances

saying it is the most accurate portrayal of what happened that day when she fought Toga

and perhaps the most accurate portrayal of what led the League of Villains to become the League of Villains

It's how she kick-starts her program about better quirk counseling

[youngpettyqueen]

💚: What does everyone else get wrong about your favorite character?

For DS9 <3

cracks my knuckles

alright so ive kinda covered the infantilization of Julian Bashir in my last answer and this is somewhat related because when people do this with him they also tend to make him out to be a lot more insecure than he is in canon, and in relation to that they also make him a total doormat who just lets people walk all over him which is. absolutely not what he's like. at all

Julian does have some degree of self-loathing and imposter syndrome but I think its vitally important to understand this as his anger and loathing being directed towards what was done to him. its not as simple as him hating himself- he hates what was done to him, so while there is a degree of self-loathing, that anger is also directed outwards at his parents and every doctor who had a part in augmenting him

I think takes where Julian is deeply insecure about being, like, really talkative are just incorrect. I dont read that from him at all. Julian is very unapologetically and loudly himself and he doesnt apologize for any of it. his confidence in himself is one of his defining character traits. ive seen takes that all of that is a front and I just dont agree with those takes. I agree that he has some degree of insecurity and that is related to his augmentations and some imposter syndrome based on that, but when it comes to things like how much he talks, his difficulties with reading social cues, I dont think he's particularly insecure. again, this is in relation to the very popular headcanon that Julian is autistic, and people take the traits he has that are common autistic traits, and make him insecure about them, and that tends to lead straight into takes I see where people make him out to be a doormat who cant stand up for himself

I genuinely have no idea where the fanon version of Julian that is incapable of sticking up for himself comes from. ive seen it in some fics, and in some headcanons, and it makes me wonder if we watched the same show. I dont think Julian cares all that much about jokes made at his expense about how chatty he is or how childish he can be. the one time I can think of that we see him get even slightly upset by jokes of that nature is when everyone is ganging up on him for his holosuite programs, and even then, he's not insecure about it he's annoyed cause he's being ganged up on by multiple people. Miles makes a lot of jokes at his expense and thats their general banter- Julian gives it back as good as he gets. same with Garak. ive seen people act like Miles telling Julian the Changeling was better was a horrible heartless thing and sure, it wasn't a great thing to say, but thats just. how they talk to each other. the cornerstone of their dynamic is them ribbing each other. same with how Miles and especially Garak will joke about Julian's augmentations- ive seen people act like this is horrible on their ends, while I read it as its their way of normalizing it for Julian and showing their acceptance of it. and if Julian really didnt like it, he would say something. he's not shy!

idk I feel like some of that might come from The Wire in how Julian sits back and takes Garak's yelling at him and attacking him, but to me thats just Julian being really good at handling a crisis situation. as someone who deals with crisis situations as part of my job, what Julian is doing is just trying to de-escalate the situation. he's keeping himself very neutral and letting Garak rant- if he were to snap back in that moment, it would only escalate things further, which he was trying to avoid. this is exactly what youre supposed to do when faced with someone in crisis. its also worth mentioning that Garak was going through agonizing withdrawals, so I doubt Julian was taking anything Garak was saying to heart. he responds to him like he's taking him seriously, for the purpose of de-escalating the situation and trying to calm Garak down. thats not an indication that Julian is incapable of standing up for himself and will just let himself be walked over, but rather that he just. knows how to handle a crisis

the infantilized oh-so-innocent deeply insecure eternally bullied Julian Bashir that I see exist in some fanon circles is just. so bizarre to me. it takes so much of nuance away from his character and im not sure what for? ive seen it used in some fics to bolster Garak up as this protector for him and im not a fan of twisting their dynamic to be like that, it takes a lot of the intricacies of their dynamic away in favour of loading them up with tropes. I think people forget that Julian very successfully kept his augmentations hidden for over half his life and would've continued to keep them hidden if his parents hadn't fucked it all up. I also think people forget that Julian is perfectly capable of and WILL stick up for himself, and that a lot of his anger at his situation is directed outward. turning him into this weird version of himself that is very woe-is-me just does nothing for me and is very divorced from how he actually is. he's snappy and rude as hell when he wants to be, he's not taking shit lying down, doesnt matter who it comes from

also a smaller thing but it annoys me every time cause I get it in notes on my posts. when people say Julian's self-sacrificing tendencies come from his need to be useful I wanna whack them with a rolled up newspaper. its because he wants to SAVE PEOPLE it is explicitly about SAVING PEOPLE he isnt trying to die to be useful his goal when he runs through fire is to help and to save because he is, at his core, a doctor and a healer!! its about the preservation of life and doing everything he can!! its not about this weird complex fanon gives him where he needs to be useful or die trying to justify his existence or whatever I dont read that at all from him. he's just that determined to save lives

hope you enjoyed this ramble I have many thoughts and feelings on this

[jjmcquade-misc]

The Controversial Shutdown of USAID

Today, the Trump administration announced the immediate and complete shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the primary U.S. agency responsible for civilian foreign aid and development assistance. This decision, part of an "America First" agenda, halts billions of dollars in humanitarian, development, and security programs worldwide, effective immediately. Influenced by Elon Musk’s unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the administration criticized USAID as inefficient and wasteful. The shutdown disrupts aid to over 100 countries, terminates programs like PEPFAR (HIV/AIDS relief), and affects approximately 10,000 USAID employees and contractors who now face job losses. The move has sparked legal challenges and intense debate over its implications for U.S. global influence.

In a dramatic and divisive move, the Trump administration today ordered the immediate and complete shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), effectively ending decades of U.S.-led civilian foreign aid efforts. Announced as part of an "America First" policy to slash federal bureaucracy and redirect resources domestically, the decision terminates all USAID operations, halting billions of dollars in humanitarian, development, and security assistance across more than 100 countries. Programs such as disaster relief, food and medical aid, and the highly regarded PEPFAR initiative for HIV/AIDS relief have ceased operations as of today, leaving millions of beneficiaries in limbo.

The shutdown stems from critiques by Elon Musk’s unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which labeled USAID a symbol of inefficiency and waste, though specific evidence remains sparse. The decision has led to the furlough or termination of approximately 10,000 USAID employees and contractors, sending shockwaves through the agency’s workforce. Internationally, the abrupt cutoff of aid has raised alarms among allied nations and aid-dependent regions, with potential diplomatic fallout looming as countries reassess their reliance on U.S. support.

Legal challenges emerged almost immediately, with opponents arguing that the executive branch overstepped its authority by dismantling an agency established by Congress in 1961. A federal judge has already signaled that the move may violate constitutional checks and balances, though the administration appears determined to proceed, transferring some residual responsibilities to the State Department. Public opinion is sharply divided: critics decry the loss of America’s humanitarian leadership, while supporters applaud the prioritization of taxpayer resources for domestic needs. The shutdown marks a pivotal shift in U.S. foreign policy, with uncertain long-term consequences.

USAID, created in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, channeling civilian aid to promote development, stability, and democracy worldwide. However, its operations have long drawn both praise and scrutiny, particularly regarding its use of taxpayer resources.

Arguments Against USAID

Inefficiency and Waste: Critics argue that USAID’s large bureaucracy results in high administrative costs and inefficiencies. Funds have been known to be mismanaged or diverted by corrupt intermediaries in recipient countries, reducing their impact.

Drain on Taxpayer Resources: Detractors, including the Trump administration and DOGE, assert that USAID’s budget, billions of dollars annually, represents a significant drain on taxpayers, especially when domestic challenges like infrastructure and healthcare remain underfunded.

Questionable Effectiveness: Some question the agency’s long-term success, pointing to instances where aid has failed to produce sustainable outcomes or has propped up ineffective governments rather than fostering self-reliance.

Arguments in Favor of USAID

Humanitarian Leadership: Supporters emphasize USAID’s vital role in delivering life-saving aid, such as emergency food supplies, disaster relief, and health programs like PEPFAR, which has saved millions of lives globally.

Strategic Soft Power: The agency enhances U.S. influence abroad by building goodwill and supporting stable, democratic societies—efforts that complement military and diplomatic strategies and bolster national security.

Economic Returns: Proponents argue that USAID’s investments in development create future markets for U.S. goods and services, offering indirect economic benefits to American taxpayers over time.

The shutdown of USAID reflects a prioritization of domestic concerns and a rejection of its perceived inefficiencies, but it also risks diminishing America’s global standing and abandoning vulnerable populations. Whether this move ultimately benefits U.S. taxpayers or weakens the nation’s international role remains a subject of heated debate. In short, the USAID of the 1960s doesn’t fully suit 2025. Its shutdown could indeed be a catalyst to rethink an outdated system, potentially leading to smarter resource use and a break from propaganda-tinged aid.

The line between support and manipulation can blur, especially when powerful players are involved. But when the primary goal is control rather than compassion, it’s a different beast entirely. There’s something profoundly sinister about USAID offering aid with a smile while secretly wielding it as a tool for manipulation. Using “good intentions” as a mask to control vulnerable populations and strike at an enemy isn’t just deceptive, it’s diabolical. It’s exploitation dressed up as charity, and the fact that it preys on those who are already desperate makes it one of the most contemptible acts imaginable. When people are impoverished or in crisis, they’re forced to rely on whatever help comes their way. To take advantage of that vulnerability, not to uplift them, but to pull strings for strategic gain, turns a lifeline into a leash. It’s not aid; it’s a weapon, and the defenseless masses become collateral damage in someone else’s game. The moral rot here is glaring: it perverts compassion into a power play and strips away the dignity of those who have no choice but to accept the poisoned gift from Democrat party.