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certified-dumbass02 · 3 years

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Gold Rush (pt.1)

A college AU.

Yelena is a playgirl….but really she’s just a huge flirt who’s been too chicken to really do anything for the last year because she’s secretly just as in love with you as you are with her.

Inspired by the always excellent @peachbear88 and Taylor Swift’s gold rush. Split into two parts because I thought it was getting too long.

~*~

Yelena Belova will be the death of you.

To be fair, she’s the death of pretty much everyone she crosses paths with on campus. Her prowess has, unsurprisingly, earned her several flattering - to her, since she laughs and preens at them - nicknames: Russian Assassin, Femme Fatale…Black Widow.

With her devastatingly gorgeous good looks, frustratingly charming personality, and annoyingly enduring popularity as one of the star athletes at the university, Yelena is never short of admirers.

What’s worse is she’s fully aware of her affect on others; men, women, everything in between - they all flock to her in a crowded room, clamoring to hear the Russian lilt she inherited from her immigrant parents glide silkily over a sarcastic quip or flirtatious comment.

Being around her is like being underwater, or being sucked into a black hole; reality just doesn’t seem quite the way that it normally does. People seem to lose their sense around her, trip over themselves just to try and impress her for the night, or grab her attention.

It is for this reason that you steadily avoid Yelena.

The idea of being enamored with someone to the point of foolishness has always left a bad taste in your mouth, and eliciting that behavior just happens to be one of Yelena’s specialties.

You want no part of it.

As appealing as she is, and you can’t deny that she is, you’ve never seen yourself entering what would surely be an ill-fated endeavor with someone that everyone wants. The stubborn part of you that has always gone against the grain, that prides itself on individuality and refuses to jump on any bandwagon, will not permit you to step into the Widow’s web as most others do.

Unfortunately, despite your vow to steer clear of her, you always find yourself in her orbit. It’s not your fault, really, and it’s not a problem - at least not at first. It begins with a forced partnership, a group project for a class you share, and when she isn’t being an obnoxious, terrible flirt determined to get a rise out of you, you get along really well.

She’s intelligent, observant, and she makes you laugh - internally, of course. You won’t give her the satisfaction of knowing that you actually enjoy her presence rather than just tolerate it; your other group members stroke her ego enough. When the project is over, you’re overcome with the startling realization that you might miss bantering with her. You let out a sigh of relief to be done with it, because you already know that further exposure to Yelena Belova will be the death of you.

Naturally, you are further exposed to Yelena Belova.

You two have always run in similar social circles, connected loosely by mutual friends and choice of hangout spot, but previously you’d managed to duck her prowling green gaze, at least as long as it would take her to find her toy for the evening. After you’d been placed on her radar, however, it becomes impossible to hide.

Any room you’re in, no matter how crowded, she finds you.

Time and time again, she seeks you out, her mob of admirers following. You find it amusing how ironic the situation is: they clamor for her attention, and are ignored while she clamors for your attention and you ignore her or coolly brush her off.

You know you have no business humoring her because the second you give in, you’ll just be the latest in a long line of people that she’s loved and left. You refuse to be taken for a ride.

(If you privately admit to yourself as you watch the sway of her hips and the flex of strong arms over the swell of her chest that it would be one hell of a ride, that’s nobody’s business but yours.)

The problems arise when she ceases flirting mercilessly and instead shifts into something resembling an actual human being, wiggling her way into conversations and debates with you that last throughout the night. She still flirts, of course, but you’re accustomed to it now. She grows on you and grows on you, and the moment she begins to be your friend you groan knowing you cannot stop the inevitable.

Yelena Belova will be the death of you.

~*~

It’s been almost a year of being friends with Yelena, and you are miserably, ridiculously in love with her.

If there’s one thing you’ve learned after countless conversations, shared drinks and laughs, it’s that she’s annoyingly easy to fall in love with and annoyingly difficult to fall out of love with.

Your stupid heart beats faster whenever you see her stupid gleaming eyes and her stupid glossy blonde hair that always, always falls perfectly into place around her stupid pretty face; you feel like one of Pavlov’s dogs whenever you hear that raspy Russian drawl roll over your ears and you absolutely cannot stand it.

It’s stupid- she’s Yelena, and everyone still wants her. You’re stupid because you thought you could avoid joining that statistic, and it frustrates you to no end; it’s bad enough to develop feelings for Yelena, known playgirl, but it’s even worse when you develop feelings for Yelena, your best friend.

In an effort to get over her, you let your other best friend set you up on a date with one of their friends, hoping that it can turn you into something resembling your old self, because then you can get back to acting normally around Yelena instead of…whatever this is.

You meet up with your date at your favorite bar. It’s familiarity brings you comfort because you’ve always been awful at dates, and even if you don’t know this girl, you still feel nervous.

She introduces herself as Kate as you two settle into one of the more isolated tables in the corner of the bar, and you’re grateful she seems to make conversation much less anxiously and awkwardly than you do.

Kate is pretty and seems really nice; she’s bold when she flirts with you, which catches you off guard because you’re used to how Yelena flirts. You can’t really bring yourself to flirt back, because somehow it feels like a betrayal, but Kate is patient and takes it in stride. You find yourself not resenting your best friend’s pick as much as you thought you would, and an hour and two drinks pass by rather painlessly.

Kate gets up to go to the bathroom as you thumb the wet ring around your third drink, and consider the pros and cons of replying to the text Yelena sent you hours ago.

It is truly unfortunate that just as you sit your phone down without answering, determined to leave it alone, she walks into the bar.

Yes, you know this for sure: Yelena Belova will be the death of you.

~*~

You will be the death of Yelena Belova. She knows this.

You do not.

You are everything that enchants her and frustrates her; from the moment she’s partnered with you, she can’t stop thinking about you.

Yelena is both a complicated and a simple girl.

(“I’m an onion. I have layers,” she tells you one night early in your tentative friendship, and startles because it’s the first time you’ve ever laughed aloud at something she’s said; she decides immediately it’s her favorite sound and endeavors to elicit it any chance she gets.)

Yelena is both a complicated and a simple girl, but she knows when she wants something and she always pursues what she wants.

(“It sucks!” She laments one day to her sister. “I’ve never wanted anything as much as Y/N, and I can’t even do anything about it!”

Natasha glances unimpressed at her sister dramatically plopped onto the couch beside her. “You could always, I don’t know, ask Y/N out.”

Yelena grabs a pillow and shoved her face into it with a groan. “I’ve tried that, don’t you think I’ve tried that! Every time I flirt, I’m brushed off. I’m not taken seriously!”

“Well you do look like a clown, of course it’s hard to take you seriously.”

Natasha easily dodges the pillow flung at her head as Yelena scowls at her. “Not helping, Natasha.”

“Okay, okay,” Natasha holds her hands up in surrender. “What if you tried a different approach? Maybe ease up on the flirting and try acting like a friend first.”

“But I want to be more than friends,” Yelena pouts childishly, and Natasha blinks.

“I feel like I’ve just slipped into an alternate universe. Yelena Belova wants to enter a committed relationship,” Natasha deadpans and dodges another pillow aimed at her head.)

Yes, Yelena wants you and has wanted you for a very, very long time, but she’s got no clue how to tell you she loves you without you thinking she’s joking or misunderstanding her entirely.

(“Y/N, I looooove you,” she drawls one night, drunk as you ease her into the back of your car. You don’t know it, but it’s the first night she’s turned down a convenient partner because she just couldn’t get you off her mind. Afterwords, she wasn’t sure if she got so trashed in mourning or celebration and called you because you’re the only thing solid in her vodka haze.

You answered, assumed she’d needed a DD - which she did - and rushed to take her home.

She falls in love with you even more with how quickly you come to get her, how dependable you are even in the middle of the night.

So she tells you she loves you, over and over again, and you furrow your brow at her in your rear view mirror in confusion.

Then, you giggle because she starts singing loudly.

She pouts at your laugh, and you wonder what is going on in that pretty little head, completely unaware that the only thought running through it is you.

Yelena babbles more at you, love pouring from her lips over and over because she’s desperate for you to understand that you’re the most beautiful thing she’s seen as the moonlight glances off your cheekbones in your car and she’s never met someone who calls her on her shit and you make her laugh and-

“Alright, comrade. Let’s turn you on your side. There’s a trashcan right here, and a couple of water bottles and ibuprofen right there,” you say gently as you guide her into her apartment and into her bead. She clutches at you as you slide her shoes off, tries to tell you again, but you just shake your head with a smile.

She goes quiet, stunned by the sight of it.

You pat her on the head, pull the covers over her, and turn out the light. She makes a sound of protest as you say goodnight, but stirs no further, and you leave silently back to your apartment.

Yelena wakes up with a dry mouth, a headache, and a text from you that says:

Are you alive, comrade?

She furrows her brow because you’ve never called her that before and dials your number as she guzzles down her pills and water.

As it rings she remembers telling you everything, but can’t recall your response; it makes her heart beat more rapidly than when she runs.

“Good morning, comrade!” You chirp smugly, practically hearing her wince.

“Morning. What’s with the comrade, comrade?” Yelena asks, her hope tentatively rising because you don’t sound like someone totally disgusted with her for confessing her feelings.

You laugh, and she automatically smiles in response.

“Well, you were very chatty last night.”

Her hope blooms further in her chest, because finally, finally you understand she’s serious about you.

“But you were absolutely committed to your mother tongue. I don’t think you said one word in English the whole ride back to your place, besides my name.”

It is only then that she is overcome with the crushing realization that she spent the entire night professing her love to you in Russian, which you do not speak.

Yelena feels like the wind has been knocked out of her, but she forces a choked laugh out anyways as you go on. She’s thankful you do, because she’s not sure that after all the words she’d said last night uselessly that she has any words left in her.

“You know, you kept saying something, it sounded kind of like this,” you mimic the phrase, stumbling a little over the pronunciation but it’s almost perfect. It is perfect to her.

Those green eyes you adore so much well up in tears to hear you say “I love you” to her, especially to hear it in Russian. But it’s so, so cruel because you have no idea what you’re saying, no idea what she meant when she said it to you first.

She laughs again hopelessly, quickly changes the subject and lets you rant on and on about what you have to do that day.

When you get off the phone, she sighs and falls back into bed, playing the way you said I love you over and over in her head.)

Yelena loves you, and she knows you’ll be the death of her.

She becomes especially aware of this recently, when you start acting odd. You’re distancing yourself a bit because you’re in love with her so much it hurts, but she doesn’t know that and she’s bothered like never before.

So she finds herself at her favorite bar, which is also your favorite bar, to ease her nerves. She’s both surprised and thrilled to see you sitting in the corner table there, if a little confused. Still, she’s pulled to you like a magnet, like she’s been for the past year, and she approaches you with a grin.

Pt.2:

#yelena belova #yelena x reader #yelena belova x reader #yelena x you #Taylor Swift inspires gay thoughts #we love dumbasses who can’t communicate #black widow #natasha romanoff

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juliantaylor · 3 years

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ᴊᴜʟɪᴀɴ ᴛᴀʏʟᴏʀ ; ɪɴᴛʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ

is that regé-jean page on campus? oh no, that’s julian taylor. from seattle, washington & new york, new york, the 24 year old has come to study law (juris doctorate graduate program). rumor has it he is charming and alluring, but manipulative and destructive, which is why he is known as the casanova. he resides in yorks and can’t wait to graduate.

although not explained in absolute depth, please note the following triggers: mentions of child abuse & neglect, mentions of eating disorders, illicit substance abuse

wanted connections | relationships | full navigation

statistics !

full name: julian taylor

birthday: november 5th, 1996 (24 years old)

sign: scorpio

height: 5’11”

ethnicity: english and zimbabwean

nationality: british

place of birth: london, england

places lived: moved to seattle, washington when he was 13; moved to new york, new york when he was 18.

accents: british

sexual orientation: heterosexual

undergraduate degree: pre-law & political science from NYU

graduate degree (currently majoring in): law (juris doctorate program)

occupation: self-defense and boxing instructor at soulstice gym

positive traits: charming, ambitious, protective, likable, candid, spontaneous, outgoing, honest

negative traits: resentful, destructive, manipulative, possessive, guarded, blunt

pre-existing connections: arden (ex-girlfriend from high school), amber-jade (her former client from new york city)

backstory !

born in london, england to a well known lawyer and plastic surgeon…and being the old child, one would think julian had it all — but he didn’t. while a normal household was filled with love and joy, his was filled with success and wealth. and that’s all that mattered. there was no room for joy, as recognitions, honors, and awards came in for both parents like wildfire. julian was often left with a nanny, the closest thing he has to a true, loving mother. and when his nanny wasn’t around, he was alone.

he had spent most of his time watching karate kid over and over again, and mimicking the moves that were made throughout the movie…while breaking almost every piece of glass in his home during the process. because of this, and due to the recommendation of his nanny, his parents put him into his first of two sports. starting from the age of five, he found love in taekwondo — and taekwondo found love in him. he was a natural, but being in the sport that he loved cost him a price. his well being and confidence.

starting from the age of 8, his master thought it was time to start competing, and his father couldn’t have agreed more. but with this, julian quickly met the overly competitive, always on top and always winning father. and things quickly went downhill. for years, julian was pushed to his absolute limit by his father, training session after training session, practice after practice — all to be the best. because there was no room for love and joy in the taylor household, only room for wealth and success. julian was only allowed to bring home gold medals from competitions — that was what he had to do to get the love of his father, who actually would take time out of his busy schedule to come “support” him during competitions and practice. his mom was always too busy with her patients and practice to pay him any mind. and when he didn’t bring home the gold, even if it was silver, his life would be hell until the next competition. we’re talking about, hours upon hours at a time of training and conditioning, pushing julian until he was crouched over a toilet, throwing up from how overwhelmed his body was. extreme dieting, being given only sources of protein and vegetables, with the occasional whole grain and complex carbs. his father knew how to win, and he knew how to get julian there — and it was by pushing him to his absolute limit. because of this, julian doesn’t take losing well, and he will beat himself up hard just because that’s what he’s been conditioned to do.

this continued to go on for years and years, until his father and mother decided it was best to move to the states. his father’s firm and pro-bono services for those who aren’t privileged had gone international, and his mother was one of the best plastic surgeons in the world (all the ladies and men wanted her, and her only). so they brought their services to seattle, washington. julian was only 13 years old, and he was ripped away from the only mother figure he had.

julian had continued to do taekwondo up until his move to american, which is when he transitioned into boxing. and as per usual, he was a natural. and as per usual, there was no room for failure. his fathers obsession with his family being at the top always persisted, and so the unhealthy habits continued, forcefully.

you’ll thank me one day, son. when you’re out there traveling the world, receiving all those gold medals and being with the best of the best, you’ll thank me. you can make great britain and even america so proud, but only if you win.

julian quickly rose to the top, winning state, national, and even international competitions/fights. he was a force to be reckoned with. he was scouted by an olympic trainer, and began training for the 2016 olympics at the age of 16. he was making his father proud, so he thought.

he stood in seattle until his high school graduation, which is when he then moved to new york city in 2015. he was 18 years old. he mainly moved to new york to train with some of the best of the best. and after years of hard work, he found his way to the 2016 summer olympics in rio, in which he represented team usa. he was 19 years old. and he did what his father sent him to do — he won, and he won a lot. bringing home a gold medal in the heavyweight competition amongst other events, julian taylor became one of the best boxers in the world. there is no room for love and joy in the taylor household, only room for wealth and success.

as new york city was his home training spot, julian decided to go back there after the olympics was all said and done. and considering he was on top of the world, rolling in both the wealth that came from him and his father, he was able to distance himself from his parents. they still talk, but julian doesn’t allow them to control him anymore. instead, he controls and abuses himself now.

academic life !

like in his sports, julian always excelled in school. he didn’t really care much for school, but he was naturally damn good at it. because he couldn’t be anything less than great in everything. he always got perfect grades, and graduated as one of the top in his class in both high school and college.

considering that he took a million advanced placement and college courses in high school, he was ahead of the game. but still, he took about a year off from university in order to train for the olympics. he took two years off in order to enjoy his life and run wild, while also training, and didn’t decide to go back to school until he was 21. he started college in the fall of 2018. he graduated in 2020 with his undergraduate degree in pre-law and political science from NYU in just two short years, at the age of 23. during uni, he was able to balance training with school. he didn’t work a job, but instead two — school and training were his jobs. and he did them full time.

after taking yet another break, julian has decided to begin his juris doctorate, which is a three year graduate program. luckily enough for him (and arden (;), monarch has one of the best law programs in the country. however, this is only because he got into a car accident in late 2020, which resulted in him needing to get surgery on his shoulder in march of 2021. he was supposed to go to the 2020 summer olympics in tokyo this summer, but was forced to step down as he didn’t pass physical therapy and didn’t heal in time.

familial life !

while he’s obviously not close with either of his parents, he’s extremely close with his old nanny. she is basically his mother figure, and has took him in as her own family numerous times (despite her having her own children and life, she made sure that he got to feel some of the love her kids felt). after moving to the united states, he often would spend a month of his summer in england with her, and would go there for christmas every year. he still makes it a point to fly out and visit her as much as he possibly can, even during school and training.

personal life !

he’s a huge partier, and a huge ladies man. when he’s not training, he’s partying. but he doesn’t do the trashy bar/house parties, but instead he really love to spend his fathers money. you’ll catch him at some of the most beautiful, fancy, yet wild clubs around. the clubs that are typically for the rich, and nothing less. you’ll find him doing lines of coke on the bodies of strippers that he would soon take in the bathroom, car, or private room for a quick and easy fuck. you’ll find him drinking the finest of drinks, the most expensive of drinks.

he’s only ever had a total of two girlfriends, arden and another girl he met in new york that he just broke things off with. he doesn’t really take relationships seriously, and often times comes off as emotionless. there’s no room for love and joy, only wealth, success, and anger. he’ll take care of you physically and sexually, but don’t expect him to take care of you emotionally. he lives for the thrill and chase, though.

personality !

did someone say toxic men?!!!!! did someone say bad boy?!!!!!!

he’s fun, wild, spontaneous, and lord knows he knows how to have the best time…but he’s also dangerous.

he’s the one to break your best friends heart, in which you tell them to not go back and they agree with you because they know it’s wrong….just for them to go back days later.

he’s the one to get into fights with guys that even dare to look at his girl, but then be the one to steal someone else’s girl…even if he has one of his own.

he’s the one to literally curse you out if you even try to come at him sideways. a spitfire with absolutely no filter.

but!!!!! he’s very charming and knows how to talk his way around.

disclaimer: he can also be a good friend and a bit of a softie once you break down those vicious walls.

mental health !

as you probably have noticed by now, the man is extremely fucked up. he has developed the unhealthy habits his father forced upon him from a very young age, so he does suffer from some form of an eating disorder…but he has no recognized this. he’s a huge health bean (except for the liquor and drugs). catch him at the gym every day and not even bothering to look at a donut.

illicit substance use !

the man drinks, and he drinks a lot. he also smokes a lot, and does coke occasionally (and by this, we’re talking about every weekend). he has always passed his drug tests due to buying other people’s urine (major yikes). he’s used to getting away with everything now.

#monarchintro #bio #i always say i'm not gonna do a long intro #and then i do the longest intro aufhrgiuhrseigh #anyways come plot with me for my new bby!!!!

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lgbtqia-representation · 3 years

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Marginalization within the LGBTQIA+ Community

Sexuality has and always will be a hotspot of discussion for everyone because of how central it is to anyone’s life; so then why is it that certain communities are still ostracized? Within any realm, there are people who perfectly fit into the bubble and others who seemingly never fit into it. While the LGBTQIA+ community, even by its ever-extending name alone, strives for inclusion there are sadly some aspects that are still less accepted within it, and even more so within society. “Pride, the one place that is supposed to be a safe haven for people of all sexual orientations is all too often a place where they must battle the same misconceptions that they encounter among heterosexual people.” (Allen)

Bisexual

Despite ironically being part of the original acronym “LGBT”, bisexuals have never really been part of it. “That June 2018 YouGov data shows that 20 percent of Americans now identify as something other than “completely heterosexual” or “completely homosexual.” That would amount to about 65 million people—a population approaching the size of California and Texas combined.” (Allen)

This community is large and vastly growing in representation each year at Pride events worldwide. Yet ironically the community faces two starkly different complications. First, the idea that bisexuality is simply a phase. People constantly assume that the individual claiming to be bisexual is simply indecisive about their own orientation. Even mass media like “The L Word”, a lesbian central TV show with hints at bisexualism, makes comments along the lines of, “Pick a side”. While the show has all sorts of other redeeming qualities, comments sadly are still highly remembered and affect the community.

Secondly, building off the first part, that because they are “just a phase” there is not a community for them of likeminded individuals. A bisexual is heavily affected by interpretation. For this example, we will assume the bisexual is a woman. If she shows up to an event with a current female partner, it is assumed she is lesbian. Whereas if she shows up with a male partner, she is assumed to be straight. In no situation does the individual get properly identified as a bisexual. This leaves them as dissociated from the community as a large based on who they are currently dating. “This hunger for representation from what is, in fact, a statistical majority of the LGBT community speaks to the fact that bisexual people face discrimination both from within that community and from the world at large.” (Allen)

Organizations like #StillBisexual work to connect the community through inspiring stories that shine a light on real issues from real people within the bisexual community.

The Asexual Spectrum

Before we delve in, if you feel you don’t know too much about asexual spectrum here is an amazing source that breaks down the different forms attractions/connection and how they relate to a person’s sexuality. Check it out here!

The LGBTQIA means asexual, not ally, like so many assume. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the issues they experience. Asexual means they are not sexual attracted to any person. This plays an important role in spreading awareness of the different types of attractions that are fundamental aspects to each of us people. Below is a wonderful depiction of the different types of attraction:

So, as you may have assumed from the title, asexuality is not a one and done sort of deal in explaining, rather it is a spectrum. This spectrum encompasses levels and frequency of attraction and desire to engage in sexual behaviors. On one end, a person would never want to have sex, whereas on the far other end, they would love to be having sex constantly. Within the middle area are the more normal sexual attraction tendencies. When looking at the asexual area of the spectrum other forms of attraction can affect how much someone may want to have sex.

Due to the lack of sexual desire, a lot of asexuals face rejection from the LGBTQIA+ community on the grounds that they do not want to have sex. However, this realm of the community still strives for all the same aspects as any other member: inclusion in media, destigmatizing of their sexual habits, and a desire to connect with likeminded individuals.

“Sex positivity is a long overdue movement meant to celebrate sex: Everyone should be able to have it, whenever and with whomever they want. But for some people that means maybe never with maybe no one.” (Khosla)

Demisexual

Within the realms of asexuality is demisexuality. This sexuality focuses on mental attraction and established relationships. The stereotype behind this sexuality is that of falling in love with your best friend. This is completely since friends are the only options for who they can feel attraction to. Without pre-established friendships, common interests and connections, or past histories together, a demisexual will feel nothing for someone.

This sexuality just like the others of this section face their biggest issue in the form of misunderstandings. Many people sadly assume that this is the same thing as “wanting to wait for the right person”. The issue with this is that as a person with a normal sexual attraction level, a person will look sexually appealing, whereas for demisexuals they do not. There is no sexual attraction and interests in any way until the emotional bonds are established.

“And from one demisexual to another, I will tell you this: we will not have our knight in shining armour, and that is okay. I will have some peace of minding knowing that the aforementioned knight is not a raving lunatic/serial axe-murderer masquerading around as a knight.” (Narasimhan)

Pansexual

Pansexual is one of the more complex sexual orientations while also simultaneously being the easiest in concept. Pansexuality and bisexuality are often used interchangeably which is not correct due to some very specific nuances. “Bi” derived from Latin means “two,” in the case of sexualities they mean the two standard gender options of male and female only. In contrast, a pansexual can be attracted to literally any person, any gender identity, and any gender expression. Pansexuality is specifically not rooted in the binary that bisexuality is rooted in.

As easy to be seen, with so many assumptions made about this sexuality it is hard to feel accepted into the community. They are constantly facing struggles about what their sexuality even is especially because it confronts the binary standard of sexes and gender expression. Overall, this sexuality is simply being attracted outside of the confines of societal binaries.

References:

Allen, Samantha. “Why Bisexuals Feel Ignored and Insulted at LGBT Pride.” The Daily Beast, The Daily Beast Company, 23 June 2018, www.thedailybeast.com/why-bisexuals-feel-ignored-and-insulted-at-lgbt-pride.

“Asexuality, Attraction, and Romantic Orientation.” LGBTQ, lgbtq.unc.edu/resources/exploring-identities/asexuality-attraction-and-romantic-orientation.

“Bisexual Health Facts.” Still Bisexual, stillbisexual.com/education/.

Boog, Isa. “What Is the Difference between Being Asexual and Demisexual?” Quora, 4 Sept. 2018, www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-being-asexual-and-demisexual.

Khosla, Proma. “How the Queer Community Can Embrace the Asexual Spectrum.” Mashable, 26 June 2019, mashable.com/article/sex-positivity-asexual-demisexual-community/.

McNamara, Brittney. “This New Discovery About Bisexual Teen Girls Is Troubling.” Teen Vogue, Teen Vogue, 26 May 2017, www.teenvogue.com/story/bisexual-teen-girls-depression-suicide-ideation-young-women.

Narasimhan, Harshita, et al. “What Is Demisexuality, You Ask? Here's A Quick Primer.” Feminism in India, 7 June 2018, feminisminindia.com/2016/10/24/demisexuality-quick-primer/.

“Pan Pride All Day Long.” Facebook, www.facebook.com/panpridealldaylong/.

“Pin on Pride.” Pinterest, www.pinterest.com/pin/855754366679055022/.

Rosenblum, Karen Elaine, and Toni-Michelle Travis, editors. The Meaning of Difference. 5th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2008.

“Still Bisexual.” Still Bisexual, stillbisexual.com/.

Thomas, Sophie Saint. “What's the Difference Between Pansexuality and Bisexuality?” Cosmopolitan, Cosmopolitan, 18 Dec. 2020, www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a20776748/pansexual-vs-bisexual-differences/.

Images:

Krishnan Rajagopalan, Lyndon A. Taylor 30 Apr 2020, et al. “The Evolution of LGBTQ Inclusion: Building Cultures of Greater Acceptance and Stronger Communities.” The Evolution of LGBTQ Inclusion: Building Cultures of Greater Acceptance and Stronger Communities | Heidrick & Struggles, www.heidrick.com/Knowledge-Center/Publication/The-evolution-of-LGBTQ-inclusion.

#lesbian #gay #lgbtq #lgbtqia #bisexual #pansexual #asexual #aromantic #nonbinary #transgender #pride #demisexual #genderqueer #genderfluid #queer #demiromantic #rainbow pride #intersex #biromantic

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pokefarm-q · 3 years

Text

firewolf1117 refuckingceipts (it's all been removed now but people archived it)

this bitch:

When you say “All Cops are”, here’s what you’re really saying:

All Blacks are Criminals All Mexicans are Illegal All Americans are stupid, fat, and lazy All Rape Victims are liars All Suicide Posters are Attention Seekers All Muslims are Terrorists All LGBT deserve to die

Are you outraged yet? GOOD.It means I touched a nerve.

You would never, ever, EVER say those things about those groups of people because you KNOW that it’s not true, even in the slightest. There are so very very FEW Cops who are actually corrupt and using their power and position inappropriately.

So what gives you the right to say the same about cops? COPS! Who are practically SOLDIERS! EVERY DAY their family lives with the fear that they won’t return. EVERY DAY they put their lives in danger to PROTECT you! They, as a whole, deserve your RESPECT!!! MOST ALL “Brutality” cases are from the CRIMINAL fighting, disrespecting, grabbing a weapon, etc. If you’d just COOPERATE AND BE RESPECTFUL you’d be treated FAIRLY!! Cops don’t have the time to sort things out. Their snap second decisions PROTECT them AND nearby Civilians. You can’t possibly understand the FEAR AND TERROR they hold EVERY SECOND of EVERY DAY! So don’t you DARE judge them for mistakes.

and here’s the response of one brave user, this legend, this badass mofo, who replied to their bullshittery and got banned for a day for posting in the whiny crybaby bitch’s journal without permission:

Replying to this, because FireWolf1117 is intentionally spreading misinformation and hate. I don’t care if the staff is going to tell me off for this — for once, I care a little more about setting this right than following the Journal rule.

First of all, United States cops are legally not required to save civilians. It’s not considered unconstitutional, according to the case Warren v. District of Columbia (444 A.2d. 1, D.C. Ct. of Ap. 1981). To keep it short, cops can literally see crimes being committed and decide not to intervene if they feel like it. This has been quite common among police departments if you (objectively) compare the police’s actions during BLM protests and anti-lockdown protests.

Anyways, let’s get to your generalizing logic. I have to agree with you on one thing: generalizing is bad. No group should be generalized because of some rotten apples. However, this doesn’t count for cops. Here’s why not:

The police force isn’t a marginalized group. A police officer is a profession. A job. Cops are public servants. They work for the state, for the civilians. And that’s why they need to be held accountable for any misconduct they commit. Which is, unfortunately, is objectively not the case. According to statistics from https://mappingpoliceviolence.org, 99% of United States cops who have killed citizens have not been criminally charged, because police departments literally protect officers from getting tried. Of the 750+ shootings done by police this year, only four cops are getting tried. So much for “there are only a few corrupt ones”. Black people are also way less likely to carry a weapon compared to White people, while Black people get shot by cops thrice as likely.

What’s more, because the police force is a profession, people can quit being a police officer. This doesn’t count for most of the groups you mentioned: Black people can’t stop being Black, Mexican people can’t stop being Mexican, Americans can’t stop being American (also you including Americans kinda makes you look embarrassing lol no offense), rape victims can’t be ‘unraped’, Muslims (or even just Arabs in general) can’t stop being perceived as Muslims (even Sikhs get seen as Muslims nowadays…) and LGBTI+ people can’t stop being LGBTI+ (unless they discover they’re not). Police officers can literally take their uniform off and be perceived as normal human beings. As soon as they are on duty and take on their uniform, a huge responsibility awaits them. A responsibility that has been abused by them to the point that marginalized people will hesitate before calling the police, fearing that the police will either come too late or escalate the situation. Cops aren’t endangering their own lives. They’re endangering the lives of those they’re supposed to protect. No good person would shoot a man in his back SEVEN times for being 'aggressive’. No good person who claims to protect and serve would kneel on someone’s neck for eight minutes while that person was cooperating with them. No good person would shoot a completely innocent woman in her sleep because they raided the wrong house. (BTW, Breonna Taylor’s murderers are still walking free as if nothing happened.) No good person would shoot a 12-year-old kid for having a toy gun. No good person would kill a man in his car for… picking up his ID to show it to the cop. Just because you cooperate, doesn’t mean that you’re safe.

Your logic is clearly flawed, because you judge cops on their personality, and not on the bigger picture. All cops are “bastards” not because we see all of them are evil killing machines that shoot people on sight — it’s because they contribute to an oppressive system, whether it’s directly or indirectly. It’s more than 'just a few cops’: the government wants bad laws to be enforced, the prison system is getting used as a business model, minorities are forced to live in poor socioeconomic areas on purpose BY the government, gentrification exists, multi billionnaires are exploiting low-class working people even more, there’s a damn pandemic that’s not being taken seriously… And guess who’s at the front of keeping the fragile capitalist system intact? Right. The police. The face of the government, that’s laughing at Black people, people of color, disabled people, LGBTI+ people… No good cop exists, even if they’re nice to everyone. Good cops who speak out against the abuse of other cops get fired, because the police departments don’t want the truth to be exposed. If you truly want to be someone who saves people’s lives, then stop being a cop and get a better job, like a firefighter, an EMT, a psychologist… Anything that isn’t completely corrupted.

Even during the recent BLM protests, cops are showing off their power. They escalate situations without provocation more times than BLM protesters start shit. Also cops are committing literal war crimes by using tear gas and other chemicals against civilians (IT GOES AGAINST THE GENEVA CONVENTION FOR FUCK’S SAKE). Not so protective now, aren’t they? The only thing BLM protesters have hurt are cops’ ego. Trust me, protesters being a little mean to cops won’t ever be as bad as all the innocent lives cops have taken and covered up.

I want to go on forever, because I have a lot more to say (such as why “All Lives Matter” is reactionary and racist, how the police force was formed in the first place, how the effects of slavery and colonialism are still being felt by Black people to this day, how and why 'riots’ can be 'justified’), but I’ll leave it at this. At least I got to give counterarguments to your points. Take care and educate yourself! (Tip: stop watching FOX News and Infowars if you do that, you’re going to develop brainrot! ;__;)

ladies and gentleman of the jury, as you can see, this user not only came into this argument prepared, but they were civil and had links (that aren’t links now oop soz). they gave this bitch plenty of opportunity to learn and grow from this without attacking her.

but your bet your ASS the poor little white girl went crying to her daddy about people ATTACKING HER and BULLYING HER FOR HER OPINIONS!!!! she uses her anxiety as a get out of jail free card CONSTANTLY, bitching and moaning about how, and these are directly quoting from HER own journal:

MAY 29, 2020

I log in to this game to have fun and escape the stresses and problems of real life. I do NOT want to be going about my business, and see “BLM” in someone’s Trainer Card, and have to deal with a surge of overwhelming emotions (whether positive or negative). I simply cannot handle the Anxiety that results.

This is a GAME site. NOT a place to share your political, racial or other stances. PLEASE keep ALL such topics OFF this site. I understand you want to talk about them, and that’s fine. But out of respect for people like me, can you please do so in private with the people you know WANT to see and discuss it?

just admit you’re racist dude.

She uses CSS. SHE CAN FUCKING HIDE OTHER PEOPLE’S FUCKING CARDS. PEOPLE CAN TALK ABOUT WHATEVER THEY DAMN WELL PLEASE ON THEIR OWN DAMN PAGES. THE WORLD DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND YOU.

Also! You know she only put “whether positive or negative” to quell any hate she might’ve gotten because ANXIETY is usually not a positive emotion. There’s not even a positive CONNOTATION. and she hopes to be published by the end of the year lmfao yeah right.

and then, on JUNE 16, 2020:

I WAS going to make a post in response to the most recent announcement, but now I’m just too frazzled and upset about it. Still making a post. I’ll just be posting it off site so I can say things how I want to say them, and so I don’t have any in game repercussions.

Honestly, though. I log onto this site to ESCAPE reality. I do NOT want to see ANY stance on ANY “cause” ANYWHERE. NONE OF IT BELONGS HERE. NONE!!!! Because of this “decision”, I’m going to make one of my own. I am gone from this site until current affairs are resolved. Heck. Perhaps even after. I will NOT be a part of a site that allows…Ugh. NOT going to get into this here.

but like… she came back a month later lmao

OH AND!! Earlier this month on AUGUST 6, 2020 she posted this!

It really breaks my heart seeing derogatory remarks against Cops in people’s Trainer Cards. It’s upsetting that you feel that way, and even more so that you make your hatred so vehemently known.

Personally, I don’t know why any of those Cop comments are allowed. If someone had something in their Trainer Card against Religion, LGBT, or POC, I guarantee that statement would be removed. So why is it alright for people to make hateful, vile, disgusting remarks against Cops? Despite it being someone’s personal opinion, it’s still Hate Speech, and shouldn’t be allowed.

this bitch is part of the lgbt+ community. she’s part of a marginalized group.

The “"derogatory remarks”“ she’s talking about? #AllCopsAreComplicit #CopsStinky #AllCopsSuck

which brings us back to Exhibit A, ladies and gentlemen! Her equating #AllCopsAreComplicit and #CopsSTINKY to "All LGBT deserve to die” and a Shitton of other stereotypes. Well fucking done.

Despite bitching and moaning about I DONT WANNA SEE ANYTHING, despite there being ways she can fucking hide it HER DAMN SELF she chooses instead to bitch piss moan bitch piss moan bitch piss and fucking moan and then when someone calls her out on her genuinely harmful bullshit, pulls the wounded gazelle gambit, claims she’s being attacked, and puts in her Card that “anxiety attack! again! waaaah!” like anyone has a shred of sympathy left for her ugly ass. She can’t handle looking like the bad guy so she plays the anxiety card. She bitches about never having any friends, only depression and anxiety, and it’s like bitch no fucking wonder.

Both the top posts have been taken down, but the user who responded to her has gotten nothing but love for her mad courage in saying something when no one else dared.

Firefurrywolf made a halfassed apology (August 30, 2020) which I won’t go into but there is one line that sticks out to me because it’s such a goddamn lie:

When I state my opinion, I usually do so with grace and eloquence. I did not think about my actions this time.

… do you?

This is a GAME site. NOT a place to share your political, racial or other stances. PLEASE keep ALL such topics OFF this site.

Do you… really?

I log onto this site to ESCAPE reality. I do NOT want to see ANY stance on ANY “cause” ANYWHERE. NONE OF IT BELONGS HERE. NONE!!!!

I don’t think so. You vile, disgusting, manipulative, obnoxious, PRETENTIOUS, racist, terfy bitch.

Oh, before I forget, yeah. Terf. She looks like one too. All over her insta. Gross.

NOVEMBER 19, 2019

My response to a LGBT post in one of my writing groups.

I don’t know most of these terms within the community. Don’t really care to know either, cause your preferences won’t change my feelings about who you are. I probably should, though, cause the Its and Xes really confuse me.

I knew I was a Demi-Ace for a few years. I’ve also known that I was Poly since I was early teens. But I’m also attracted to beauty and care more about who you are as a person than your preferences, so apparently I’m Panaesthetic as well?

Also firm believer of “True Love Knows NO Bounds”

Her journal got moved to 18+ because there was a post talking about sex. Might’ve even been alluding to rape. On a CHILDREN’S SITE. In her CHILD-FRIENDLY journal. It sat there for at least two months. TWO MONTHS. But I will not be posting that here, but it’s still there if anyone wants to snoop. All of this is public. Well, it was. But at least minors won’t be exposed to this histrionic little whiny whitey who is absolutely drowning in her white privilege.

Just because she changed her pfp from her face to a shitty drawing she did doesn’t hide the fact that she’s white, and the worst kind of person with little to no actual coping skills.

She claims to be an artist, a writer, all this, blah blah, but then why doesn’t she channel any of it into her work so she can get fucking better at them? She says she’s working on losing weight, so do that. Instead of shrieking and stomping your fucking feet like a toddler at the peak of their terrible two’s, throwing tantrum after fucking tantrum on a CHILDREN’S SITE about your shitty stances, go for a fucking walk. Punch a fucking punching bag. Literally anything else. You’ll feel better, you’ll lose weight faster, you’d be keeping your vitriol to your damn self and no one will “attack” you.

“Are you ourtraged yet? GOOD. It means I touched a nerve!”

She fucking wanted a reaction. But couldn’t handle it when she actually got one. I’m so embarrassed. Grow some fucking thicker skin, you’re older than I am. Grow a pair and shut the goddamn FUCK up.

For now, the evil is defeated, and I rest my fucking case.

#this is a nice archive #pokefarm #pfq #pokefarm drama #submission

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satinwulf · 4 years

Photo

✦ ▓ AND WHO GOES THERE? oh, it’s just [ SANSA STARK ]. some say [ HER ] resemblance to [ AHN HEEYEON ] is almost uncanny, but the [ TWENTY-SIX ] year old has been in the capital for [ TWENTY-SIX YEARS ]. many suspect that they are the notorious [ ASSOCIATE ] of the [ STARK ] family: perhaps that has made them [ RESERVED ] && [ CIRCUMSPECT ] of late, when they used to be so [ WHIMSICAL ] && [ SANGUINE ]. during the daylight hours, [ SANSA ] can be found working as a [ FASHION DESIGNER & BOUTIQUE OWNER ], but when night falls over king’s landing, they are best remembered listening to [ THE ARCHER BY TAYLOR SWIFT ]. may the gods be with them in these dark streets. ( mowgli. twenty-four. cst. she/hers. )

STATISTICS.

full name: sansa elethea stark.

moniker / nickname: princess, sans.

gender && pronouns: cisfemale, she / hers.

dob && age: december 23, 1994. 26.

zodiac sign: capricorn.

ethnicity: korean.

sexual orientation: bisexual.

romantic orientation: biromantic.

mafia affiliation: associate to the stark family via familial ties - sansa does NOT partake in anything further than simply being known as a stark.

occupational history: former socialite turned fashion designer. current owner of the satin wolf, an upscale boutique featuring her designs.

financial status: sansa comes from wealth, but has also amassed her own funds through her business - albeit, it is easy to do so when you don’t have to pay rent.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE.

face claim: ahn heeyeon, ‘hani’.

height: five feet, eight inches.

physical build: tall and slim; sansa is not very toned nor muscled, her body is very much so smooth lines and long limbs.

eye colour and shape: brown, almond.

hair colour and style: currently strawberry blonde, formerly many different colors, as sansa expressed herself through having it dyed previously. it is often worn straight and down when she isn’t working, and pulled into a messy bun when she is!

usual expression: stoic.

accent and speech style: sansa has a very soft voice, very saccharine and sweet by its very nature. she has no blatant accent, and speaks often in run on sentences.

distinguishing marks / characteristics: any scars, tattoos, piercings.

clothing style: very street chic but also dependent on the occasion - she dresses for the life she wants to have and live.

jewellery and accessories: earrings, necklaces, hats, scarves - any and everything is on the table when it comes to accessorizing the perfect outfit. sansa never considers herself fully dressed without her apple watch, earrings, and a silver wolf’s head locket necklace.

FAMILY:

father: eddard stark.

mother: catelyn stark, nee tully.

siblings, if any: robb, arya, bran, rickon.

extended relations: hoster & minisa tully, edmure tully, brandon stark, lyanna stark, benjen stark.

significant other(s): none, currently. formerly a fiance.

children: none.

household pet(s): a female merle great dane named boleyn, “bo” for short.

FAVOURITES.

colour: blue.

weather: a sunny, but cool fall day.

food item: red velvet cupcakes.

beverage: peach lemonade.

time of day: mid - evening.

television genre: drama.

PERSONALITY.

hobbies: painting, baking, reading - and occasionally writing.

pet peeves: sansa loathes loud chewers, people who refuse to put effort into their outward appearance, and people who think ketchup and ranch go on everything - or anything at all.

phobias: spiders, rats, snakes.

allergies: penicillin.

mbti type: enfj, the protagonist.

enneagram type: 4w3, the enthusiast.

positive traits: whimsical, sanguine, clever.

negative traits: reserved, circumspect, fretful.

morning routine: up by seven, morning walk with her dog, shower, breakfast, begin work by nine, sharp.

beauty routine: multi - stepped, always beginning with primers and concealers. sansa is a bit of a makeup enthusiast; even if she’s just at home working, she prefers to have some level of it on, as she feels it’s yet another creative and artistic outlet . . . even if it is just for herself.

sleeping habits: sansa has always been a heavy, deep sleeper, even as a child. she can fall asleep in the blink of an eye, and be out for hours without even a hint of discomfort. she used to be the person who was up all night, and tended to sleep all day - now she’s asleep by 8:30pm most nights and up by 7:00am.

living space && home: a high rise loft apartment, kept impeccably clean and decorated in a modern contemporary style, with many hues of gray and light pastels.

all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put me together again, ‘cause all of my enemies started out friends.

sansa attended king’s way college and graduated with a bachelor’s degree of fine arts, having majored in fashion design. her graduation present was the satin wolf, a boutique of her own to showcase her designs. it is located in neutral territory, and operated by staff hand selected by sansa herself.

the death of hoster tully was a sad affair for her, and yet, sansa’s grief was also met with a sense of relief. that with her grandfather no longer pulling strings, the pressure of being brought into a life she did not want might wain.

it is her intent to never become involved further than she is currently with any of the syndicates, even her own family’s.

dancing under lights since she was seventeen. her brain’s flooded with ketamine, high from every party, low from self - esteem; it’s selfish but she never sleep. honestly, she needs a little sympathy.

the socialite daughter, beautiful and charming, always interested in the next party - the next event. sansa had a penchant for attention, late nights spent out drinking and dancing even when she less than legal; it made her feel happy, feel free. it was a way to forget that things could be dark and grim - to forget that her parents, her siblings, nearly everyone she knew was involved in a lifestyle that made her stomach curl. so she danced and partied, smiled wide for pictures, found a boyfriend that enjoyed the same things she did - one who wasn’t interested in what her family’s name could do for him . . . or so she thought. when he asked her to marry him, she cried tears of joy, and things were perfect. just like they always were for sansa.

until one night a few months ago, when she and her fiance were leaving a club - drunk and stumbling, clinging to his arm with practiced ease . . . when two rough hands that weren’t his pulled her away. into a darkened alley, where accomplices met and held her at knife-point. they wanted to know about her father. her uncles. her mother, aunts, grandfather. stark plans, stark anything - gravely voices that wondered how many pretty pennies they could get if they just took her off the streets now. held her until they paid, and maybe they’d just kill her anyways. the rough brick of the building at her back digs into unmarred skin, leaving it scratched and red - prick of a blade just centimetres away from the flesh of her neck, threatening to cut it open and leave her bloody.

she can’t figure out where he is, the man who’s supposed to love her - seemingly vanished into thin air the minute things had turned sour. sansa is convinced of the worst, mascara tears trailing down her cheeks, because this must be it. the end of it all.

reprieve is the sight of one man, then two, crumpling to the ground. a familiar face appearing in the dimly lit alley as the knife at her throat clatters to the ground and her freedom is given. alive but shaken, sansa hasn’t been the same since.

i used to be a darling starlet like a centerpiece. had the whole world wrapped around my ring. i flew too closely to the sun that’s setting in the east, and now i’m melting from my wings.

returning to a normal life post incident - post trauma - has been easier said than done. now reclusive in nature, stowing herself away for days in her high rise loft apartment, sightings of the eldest stark daughter are said to be few and far between. she no longer frequents her own boutique, working instead from home and through various intermediates to ensure everything is well controlled; sansa only appears when it’s absolutely necessary, when business requires a gentle, steady hand and cannot be managed from afar.

custom designs are still available, but often very hard to come by. sansa is incredibly selective with who she’ll meet in person with, and thus, only those who can guarantee her trust have been able to get them.

sansa does, however, outfit most of the stark syndicate in gear that is both fashionable and functional. including safety measures & fabric a little more durable than most. this is generally the extent of what she’s willing to do for the syndicate, the idea of being involved in violence is absolutely terrifying to her, especially after everything she went through without even being more than a child of known members.

she still is unaware of her ex-fiance’s involvement in the attempted abduction - if he was working along with the men, or if he was just cowardly enough, uncaring enough to have let her be pulled from his arms. she hasn’t spoken to him much, outside of ending their relationship as a whole, the truth isn’t worth the extra pain it may cause, or so she’s convinced herself for now.

wanted connections !! i may send some of these into the main after a bit if they aren’t filled just because i’m #needy.

judas . . . this would be sansa’s ex - fiance! i did write it off a tweaked and modernized version of her relationship with joffrey but it definitely doesn’t have to be him. their relationship was seemingly picture perfect - and likely too good to be true. they were frequent party and club attendees together, and truly, was based off of the fact that being together was akin to the high that came with endless drinks and fun. ideally, he would have just been using sansa to hopefully siphon information or even to gain an in to the stark family - the possibilities are endless and i’m ?? here for them? sansa romanticized the fuck out of him and their relationship, ignoring any and all warning signs until things went bad the night of the after club incident. essentially she’s ghosted him, aside from mailing back his ring and a letter telling him it was, in very few words, over. the finer details are very much so up for discussion and interpretation so y’know, run wild.

white horse . . . whomever saved sansa from the alley - no gender requirements because we love equal opportunity ass kickers in this house. they had at the very least an acquaintanceship with sansa in the past and after their act of heroism, sansa’s sort of attached herself to them in a very idealized way? not necessarily romantically but very clingy, she doesn’t want to be a burden but also it’s very hard for her to not instinctively shift into thinking of them as her protector and she just needs and wants to feel safe . . . all of the time. taken by dacey mormont.

pink pony club . . . sansa’s #squad. their relationship(s) may be slightly strained from sansa shifting into recluse mode, but ultimately they would be the people she spent the most time with previously. dancing, studying, coffee dates, all of the close friend things. bonus points for friendships from childhood to now, because we all need the montage of childhood sleepovers to sansa showing up at their house at 6:00 in the morning because she can’t sleep and she brought coffee, also do they have time to talk about how she can’t stop shaking and she just needs a hug.

also if you’ve made it this far, ‘sup i’m mowgli and i told myself i wasn’t allowed to join the discord until i finished my intro because i have the attention span of a goldfish and it still took me all day ?? anyways, i’m gonna be sneaking myself on in there soon but y’all can feel free to also just add me @ mohglee#0602 ty ty <3

#vixere:intro #vixere:task #c : / / biography .#c : / / completed task .

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cedar-glade · 4 years

Text

Taxanomists: “What exactly am I looking at?”

Sure this is Spiranthes cernua, and we might be able to agree on that concept; or can we?

Spiranthes cernua is a species that perhaps fits the concept of intermediate abrupt speciation more than most species fitting into the contemporary and distant past time slot so much so that it may be the next new model speices.

Here is an R. A. style blurb that I plan on highly modifiying before the end of september as I collect more photos and take more photos of specimens. I also want to add article statements on each microspecies and add several method sections. I hope y’all enjoy this.

Abstract:

Spiranthes cernua has been problematic for taxonomists for more than 100 years and is constantly having species being added or removed to its aggregate taxon. Spiranthes cernua complex is a consistent topic for debate: to resolve taxonomic issues, discuss hybridization and abrupt speciation, and view apomictic strategies for colonialization and genetic persistence. The focus of this paper is on apomictic persistence and the mechanism as a potential point of discussion for the persistence of hybrid populations, autopolyploid populations that are used as hypothetical taxonomic units , and for the idea of discussing it as potential model species for apomixis studies.

Indroduction:

Orchidaceae, Spiranthes spp. and Spiranthes cernua:

Orchidaceae is a nested taxon, specifically ‘the orchid family’ and it’s derivatives; Orchidaceae is a vastly complex group located within’ the Lilianae super order (Monocots, characterized monocotyledon), taxon, and is perhaps one of the most discussed families for a number of reasons: discussed for it’s number of species, it’s families distribution, it’s morphological adaptations, symbiotic ‘strategies’, phenology and life stages, associated pollinator syndromes, and the reproductive abilities known(Catling, 1982)(Dressler, 2005). All of which may be considered concepts that are driving factors for evolutionary success or failures according to Dr. David Briggs and Dr. Stuart M. Walters (Briggs and Walters, 1969-2016). North America is considered the center for Spiranthes spp. diversity, with potential to expand this specific genera’s diversity and thus expand Orchidaceae too (Sheviak and Catling, 1980) (Dueck et. al. ,2005). Orchidaceae can be further broken down from subfamilies to tribes and tribes to genera with specific species and their subspecies, botanical varieties, isolated forms, mutation forms, and cytotypes; scrutinized complex resolution and the discovery of new species may disrupt the historic validity of sources, an approximate number may be 24,500 Orchidaceae members, unique enough to be species, currently inhabiting the globe(Dressler ,2005) )(Taylor et. al. ,2007-2009) (Dueck et. al., 2015). In the United States, Spiranthes spp. is one such genera in the Orchidaceae that is known for it’s apomictic behavior to some extent, and is distributed across the United States, found in every state except for Hawaii, and distinguished to have ~ 45 species present standing (Catling and Richard, 1980)(Catling, 1981/1982)(Catling and Brown, 1983)(Argue, 2011). Spiranthes spp., in general, is “The most diverse species in Eastern North American flora” and Spiranthes cernua seems to be at the center of this issue (Sheviak and Catling, 1980) (Sheviak, 1982/ 1991). Spiranthes cernua, colloquially ‘the nodding ladies’ tresses’, has been a major subject of taxonomic study, evolutionary origins, and molecular and genetic study as a species noted in North America’s flora (Dueck et. al., 2005) (Dueck et. al., 2015) (Pace and Cameron, 2017). Though difficult to grow from seed, tissue cultures are a process widely used in the cloning of orchid species and can be done on a massive scale; “Spiranthes cernua is a facultatively agamospermic polyploid compilospecies in which unidirectional gene flow from related diploids generates a wide range of novel forms and races” and could be potential model species for apomixis research based on model species criteria (Briggs and Walters, 1969-2016) ( Griesbach, 1986) ( Gonzalez and Concha et. al., 2002) (Dueck et. al., 2014). What is known from Spiranthes cernua’s apomixis habit is critical to understand to make conclusions on potential driving factors for Spiranthes spp. speciation events as a whole is definitely key to understanding species diversity.

Morphological Representation in Spiranthes cernua:

Spiranthes cernua is as morphologically diverse as it is distributed, and ecotypes from specific ecoregions are still not enough to truly represent a limit to the morphology present (Dueck et. al., 2014). One perceived problem with specific statewide flora’s can have different mechanisms for how they describe this species with overlap and in some cases federally threatened designation is ‘potentially’ not placed due to the var. or form maintaining it’s status as Spiranthes cernua, making studying Spiranthes cernua critical to conservation in the genus (Dueck et. al., 2014). Morphological characteristics that are critical to arriving at an ~ identification is somewhat associated with the minimum need that a basal rosette is present with no cauline patterning present, a single rachis like spike as an inflorescence is present and grows directly from the basal rosette, rachis is pubescent to canescent( densely pubescent to some degree), but not hirsute( densely pubescent with large hairs); hairs along the inflorescence are mixed in form: “trichomes capitate, glands obviously stalked” (Sheviak and Brown, 2002). The nod and flower color, leaf morphology, floral tube morphology, all display differences in populations, though they are usually completely white, creamy, or silverfish in sheen, instead of having yellow or green tints (Sheviak and Brown, 2002). The nod that occurs is caused by the reflexing at the base of the perianth; however, the exaggeration of the nod is variable (Sheviak and Brown, 2002).

Apomixis and it’s Potential:

Apomixis is a complicated asexual regenerative behavior that certain plant species undergo and is widely accepted as one of many successful reproductive mechanisms that has developed many times over history(Walters and Briggs, 1969-2016). Apomixis, through agospermic seed setting, is considered a pseudo-selfing mechanism that appears to parallel with cleistogamous mechanisms; however, mechanically it is different as gametogenesis and reduced tissue structures under scrutiny are less associated ,or not at all, with the ladder, and even delineated, to cell type generation from previously developed tissue types without reduction; in this way, it isn’t necessarily a ‘self-fertilizing’ event that creates offspring, but cellular propagation from a vegetative part of the original organism to produce seed(Walters and Briggs, 1969-2016) (Sharma and Thorpe, 1995). Another way to term apomictic mechanism for “Pathenogenetic seed setting” is “adventitious embryony”, “gametophytic apomixis”, and “asexual embryogenesis” (Sharma and Thorpe, 1995). Asexual propagation from non-reproductive vegetative organs as an inclusion in the concepts behind the definition of apomixis is notable, clarification of this type of apomixis, or vivipary, needs to be separated out in the definition for discernible definitions(Walters and Briggs, 1969-2016)(Sharma and Thorpe, 1995)(Carneiro et. al., 2006). The exception for the term ‘apomixis’ including asexual propagules, vegetative apomixis, comes from the idea that a species may not be able to set seed and only survives from this form of clonal propagation from a non-seed vegetative organ (Walters and Briggs, 1969-2016). Both forms are considerably advantageous to some degree, theoretical examples are areas where introduction events may occur and founders’ effects may be avoided (Walters and Briggs, 1969-2016) (Sharma and Thorpe, 1995). If we factor in allopolyploidy, which is considered a potential driving mechanism for speciation, or aiding to back up hypotheses delineating species (Walters and Briggs, 1969-2016). In North America we do see Spiranthes spp. exhibit polyploidy mechanism as the genus; a bimodal distribution of chromosome numbers becomes apparent from statistical analysis done from North American operational taxonomic units as a cohort: “two groups having either a base number of n = 15 or 22 (except for one with 12), or are amphiploid products of hybridization between members of the two groups (i.e., n = 15 + 22) and thus also allopolyploids”(Dueck et. al., 2014). Many known examples of allopolyploidy have already been noted in Spiranthes cernua complex and evolutionary developments may occur in temporal span from a potentially speciating specimen that persists by these apomictic mechanisms in new environments until other evolutionary driving events occur like polyploidy events; and if these events have already happened, they can be persist in a population due to this mechanism (Walters and Briggs, 1969-2016) (Dueck et. al., 2014).

Reproductive output and phenology in Spiranthes cernua:

In populations, environmental factors and life cycles may need to be analyzed in this complex to isolate how much apomixis is associated with a populations success and this can be done to some extent by juxtaposing resource availability and allocation and its contribution to normal reproduction and apomictic reproduction; reproductive output, resource allocation costs in reproduction, in many species is considered to be a factor in measuring fitness (Walters and Briggs, 1969-2016) (Antlfinger and Wendel, 1997). In most taxon, and at least historically speaking, the view of reproductive output is viewed as a compromise in usable energy for species survival; however, “Positive rates of net photosynthesis by reproductive structures have been measured in many species ,including orchids” (Antlfinger and Wendel, 1997). Long term phenology studies of a specific population adds a certain level of approximation to reproductive output or at the very least the methods used may be used as a guide to further studies on the Spiranthes cernua complex; methods included were: fire studies, morphological assays, gas exchange surface area assays, plant growth assays, and chlorophyll assays (Antlfinger and Wendel, 1997).

Spiranthes cernua complex, hybridization, and apomictic events:

Hybridization, polyploidy events, cleistogamous crossing, apomictic progression, and cryptic origins are all present in Spiranthes cernua (Pace and Cameron, 2017). These sets of irregular population hereditary persistence phenomena, peloria, can occur in different rates at the same time in any specific population (Pace and Cameron, 2017). “Complicated set of issues is further obfuscated by the lack of a universally accepted species concept” (Pace and Cameron, 2017). Legitimate species diagnosis specifically seems to have troubles with overlapping species or those closely related; Spiranthes cernua is known to hybridize and are related to S. magnicamporum, S. caesi, S. odorata, S. parksii, and S. ochroleuca with the level of hybridization varying and the level of polyploidy outcomes varying to the extent isolating a hybrid becomes difficult and complex ( Pace and Cameron, 2017). Combinations of methods are used, being critical to OTU sequences (from plastids, mitochondria, and nuclear DNA) ,specific to a standing/~delineate species, and using morphology from records of these OTU done by taxonomic analysis and utilizing matrix comparisons of a hybrids’ amplified fragment length polymorphism, present, and juxtaposing them to theorized parent species (Dueck and Fowler et. al., 2005) (Pace and Cameron, 2017). Synonymous taxonomical groupings have been made and removed due to hybrid history, and contemporary hybridization, with discernable amounts of claims on polyphyletic and paraphyletic linking being focused on; although clade crossing, reticulation, occurs enough to disrupt delineation(Pace and Cameron, 2017). This concept becomes an issue when planning out state resources and monitoring of federally threatened taxa; S. parksii is an example of federally threatened taxa that is now under scrutiny of placement under S. cernua, “as a localized sub-peloric form promulgated through apomixis” (Pace and Cameron, 2017). Spiranthes cernua complex apomixis events does not stop being present in operable resolution of hybrid origin’s and species housed under this complex (Pace and Cameron, 2017). Several other species in this complex are known to have levels of apomixis effecting their population occurrences and evolutionary history: S. casei, S. incurve (a polyploid hybrid originated species between S. cernua and S. magnicamporum), and S. ochroleuca (Dueck and Fowler et. al., 2005) (Pace and Cameron, 2017). These are noted as “micro species” of S. cernua in the complexes case; S. casei and S. incurve are specific micro species components that show a trend of majority apomictic population growth in comparison to those that have more mixed stratification of crossing habit seed setting and apomictic persistence (Pace and Cameron, 2017). S. xkapnosperia, which has distinct components from accepted S. ochroleuca, is another current hybrid that has questionable taxonomic stratification and phylogenetic presence that seems to follow trends of apomictic growth; but, population persistence is questionable as it stands( Pace and Cameron, 2017).

Conclusions:

Apomixis in Spiranthes cernua species complex does not successfully delineate one species, micro species, from the other as a solitary mechanism of evolution; instead evolution within this complex can be viewed as incorporating apomixis in high levels as a means to justify a hypothesis and describe evolutionary trends in species. The evolutionary developements in Spiranthes cernua complex usually are a factor of both facultative apomixis and some level of polyploidy event or hybridization event. Since apomictic linages are persistent in preserving genetic trends and occur in a common frequency in certain members of Spiranthes cernua complex, these members are good examples to study the driving mechanisms of apomixis. Some species in Spiranthes cernua complex may be cloned from tissue culture in mass utilizing well known orchid tissue culture methods. A combination of tissue culture and the frequency of apomixis as a strategy for maintaining characteristics in a population make this species concepts’ members potential model organisms to study apomixis as a mechanism for evolution.

Work cited:

Web references, Journal articles, R.A., and Taxon Sources:

Antlfinger, A. and Wendel, L.“Reproductive Effort and Floral Photosynthesis in Spiranthes Cernua (Orchidaceae)”. 1, June. 1997. American Journal of Botany Vol. 84, No. 6, pp. 769–780. https://doi.org/10.2307/2445813

Argue, C. L. “Subtribe Spiranthinae”. 18, August. 2011. Springer. The Pollination Biology of North American Orchids. Vol. 2, pp 19-52. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4614-0622-8_2

Carneiro, V. T. C.; Dusi, D. M. A.; and Ortiz, J. P. A. “Apomixis: Occurrence, Applications and Improvements”. 2006. GSB. Floriculture, Ornamental and Plant Biotechnology. Vol 1, pp. 555-571. http://www.globalsciencebooks.info/Books/images/FOPBVolume1sample.pdf

Catling, P. M. “Breeding Systems of Northeastern North American Spiranthes (Orchidaceae)”. 1982. Canadian Journal of Botany. Vol. 60, No. 12, pp. 3017-3039. https://doi.org/10.1139/b82-358

Corrias, S. D. and Villa, R. “Embryology and Embryogenesis of Spiranthes L.C.M. Richard (Orchidaceae): S. spiralis (L.) Cheval and S. aestivalis (Poiret) L.C.M. Richard”. 1983. GBI. Vol. 117, No. 5-6 pp. 193-200. https://doi.org/10.1080/11263508309427969

Dressler, R. L. “How Many Orchids”. 2005. Selbyana. Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 155-158. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41760186

Dueck, L. A. ; Aygoren, D.; and Cameron, K. M. “A Molecular Framework for Understanding the Phylogeny of Spiranthes (Orchidaceae), A Cosmopolitan Genus with a North American Center of Diversity”. 1, September. 2014. Wiley. American Journal of Botany. Vol. 101, No 9, pp. 1551-1571. https://doi.org/10.3732/ajb.1400225

Dueck, L. A.; Fowler, J. A.; et. al. “Genetic Discrimination of Spiranthes Cernua Species Complex in South Carolina”. 2005. Selbyana Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 145-154. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41760185

Griesbach, R.J. “Orchid Tissue Culture”. 1986. Springer, Dordrecht. Current Plant Science and Biotechnology in Agriculture. Vol. 2, pp. 343-345. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4444-2_29

Loyet, C. D. “Breeding Systems in Spiranthes magnicamporum (Sheviak)”. 1993. Masters Theses 2179. EIU. The Keep. https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2179/

Nygren, A. “Apomixis in the Angiosperms II” December. 1954. Vol 20. No 10, pp. 577-649. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4353528

Pace, M. C. and Cameron, K. M. “The Systematics of the Spiranthes cernua Species Complex (Orchidaceae): Untangling the Gordian Knot”. 27, December. 2017. ASOPT. Systematic Botany. Vol 42, No. 4, pp. 640-669. https://doi.org/10.1600/036364417X696537

Schmidt, J. M. and Antlfinger, A. E. “The Level of Agospermy in a Nebraska Population of Spiranthes cernua (Orchidaceae)” 1, May. 1992. Wiley. American Journal of Botany. Vol. 79, No. 5, pp. 501-507 https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1537-2197.1992.tb14585.x

Sharma, K. K. and Thorpe, T. A. “Asexual Embryogenesis in Vascular Plants in Nature”. 1995. SSBMD. Current Plant Science and Biotechnology in Agriculture: In Vitro Embryogenesis in Plants, Vol 20, pp 17-72. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-011-0485-2_2

Sheviak, C. J. and Brown, P. M. “Orchidaceae: Spiranthes cernua”.1, June. 2002-2003. MOBOT, New York and Oxford. FNA: Vol. 26, pp. 498-499, 530-537, 541-542. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101948 and http://beta.floranorthamerica.org/Spiranthes_cernua

Sheviak, C. J. and Catling, P. M. “The Identity and Status of Spiranthes Orchroleuca”. October. 1980. JONEBC. Rhodora No. Vol. 82, No. 832 , pp. 525-562. https://www.jstor.org/stable/23314094

Sheviak, C. J. “ Biosystematic study of the Spiranthes cernua complex”. 1982. Bull. New York State Mus. Sci. Serv. pg 448. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.135544

Sheviak, C. J. “Morphological variation in the compilospecies Spiranthes cernua: Ecologically-limited Effects of Gene Flow”.1991. Lindleyana. Vol. 6, pp 228–234.

Sun, M. “Genetic Diversity in Three Colonizing Orchids with Contrasting Mating Systems”. 1, February. 1997. Wiley. American Journal of Botany. Vol. 84, No. 2, pp. 224–232. https://doi.org/10.2307/2446084

Taylor, T. N.; Taylor, E. L.; Krings, M. “Flowering Plants”.2007-2009. Paleobotany (Second Edition): The Biology and Evolution of Fossil Plants. Pp. 873-997. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-373972-8.00022-X

Yeung, E. C. and Law, S. K. “Ovule and Megagametophyte Development in Orchids”.1997. SSBM, KAP. Orchid Biology: Reviews and Perspectives. Vol. 7, pp. 31-73. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-017-2498-2_2

Book references:

Briggs, D. and Walters, S. M. ““Polyploidy: In Chromosome Changes, Allopatric Speciation and Hybridization, and Abrupt speciation; Apomixis: In Breeding Systems, Abrupt Speciation,”. 1969-2016. CUP. Plant Variation and Evolution: 4E, pp. (57-59)(251-274)(287-329)(106-134, 144, 296.) Http://lccn.loc.gov/2015038104

#RA styled Blurb #ecology #spiranthes #orchidaceae #evolution #spiranthes cernua #apomixis #plantblr #botany #ohio

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mirkwoodshewolf · 5 years

Text

Ridge farm memories; Queen x teen reader

*Author’s note*

Well this fic is DEFINITELY LONG OVER DUE!!!! For those who were fans of the Deacy fic “Always family” here is a scene I decided to do based off the comforting scene Roger and reader-chan had. So no warnings except RAW FLUFF but if I had to add a warning, it would be that SOB Paul makes an appearance. But other than that this is a SUPREME FLUFF FIC. So I hope you all enjoy this fic as well as the last one I just posted up :)

Taglist:

@psychosupernatural

@plethora-of-things

@ixchel-9275

@waddles03

@queendeakyy

@coolcxt

@geek-and-proud

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I was downstairs in the kitchen sitting between Deacy and Brian eating my breakfast while they were in the middle of an argument regarding Rog's new song.

"Put my heart and soul into this song." Roger spoke up as he cut up a loaf of bread.

"No one is disputing that." Answered Deacy.

"And you don't like it because you want your songs on the album." Roger retorted.

"It's not that Roger."

"Then what is it?"

"'I'm in love with my car?'" Answered Brian as my cousin shrugged giving him one of his funny looks. "Maybe it's not strong enough?" suggested Brian.

"What does that even mean not strong enough?"

"I know that I'm late, what did I miss?" Freddie's voice soon spoke up.

"They're talking about Roger's car song." I filled Fred in on the details as he came over and kissed the top of my head before getting himself a cup of coffee.

"Is it strong enough that's all I'm asking. If I'm on my own here, then I apologize." Brian spoke up as he raised his hands in defense.

"How does your new song go then? Hmm?" Roger picked up a sheet of paper that had Brian's current song that he was working on as he read out loud, "'You call me sweet, like I'm some kind of cheese'."

"It's good." Defended Brian.

"Wow." Roger exclaimed sarcastically.

"Is that, you know 'with my hands on your grease gun?' That's very subtle...."

"It's a metaphor Brian!"

"It's just a bit weird Roger, what exactly are you doing with that car?" my cousin spoke up.

"Children please. We could all murder each other but then who would be left to record this album?" Freddie spoke up.

"Statistically speaking most bands don't fail, they break up." Deacy piped in.

"Deacy!" I slapped his arm.

"What the hell would you say something like that?" Freddie asked Deacy as he stared at him in shock. Deacy merely shrugged before Freddie turned to Roger and said, "Roger there's only room in this band for one hysterical queen." Before walking out to probably have a smoke break.

"I know why you're angry Roger." Brian spoke up.

"Why?" demanded Roger.

"Because you know your song isn't strong enough." Roger grew quiet and he nodded before walking back over to the oven, grabbing the bacon from the pan and throwing it straight at Brian who was unaffected by it.

"Oh great, now you've done it. Way to go, Bri." I muttered quietly just before the bacon hit Brian square in the face.

"Is that strong enough?" Then with one quick motion, Roger knocked everything off the counter, all our food, plates, the vase full of flowers, everything except our mugs that we each held as Roger roared out again, "What about that!?!" He then went and grabbed the coffee machine and was just about to smash it when we all exclaimed to him.

"NOT THE COFFEE MACHINE!!"

It's been a few days since we've moved from Rockfield studios here to Ridge farm studio to record the 'A Night at the Opera' album. And so far if I had to compare the two, I'd say I'd like this one a lot more because it had a nice pool to take a morning dip and it was a lot more spacious than Rockfield was because there was also a wooded area just behind us where we could hike, hell even campout if we wanted to.

After breakfast I decided to take my morning swim since I knew Paul would be breathing down my neck about getting all the pictures the record company required during this trip, and of course bash on how most of them didn't include more pictures of Fred. So I figured a little relaxing swim would do me some good, plus it'd get me away from the stress the guys are having to be under especially after what had just happened at breakfast.

As I passed the kitchen heading for the backdoor, I felt something grab my arm and I was pulled into a dark room. I was about to scream when I heard Roger's voice say.

"Don't scream it's just me." I shoved his hand away from my mouth and I hissed out in a whisper.

"What the fuck Roger you know I hate it when you do that."

"Why are you whispering?"

"Wha? I don't know. What are you doing here in this cupboard?" I first questioned in a whisper but then spoke in normal volume.

"Lesson number one you'll learn from your dear old professor Taylor my dear. Is that when you want something but other's won't give them what they want, you protest against them."

"Seriously Rog?"

"Yeah, I stayed up all night putting that song together, the least they could do is allow it in the album. I mean we went with John's sappy song. God if I have to hear that line one more time, I think my ears will just explode."

"Okay one that song is special to him cause it's for Veronica. And second and most importantly, why drag me in here with you?"

"That leads to my rule two, in order to get this less biased, you need people to support you in your cause." I just looked at him weirdly and when I didn't respond the way he was hoping he spoke up again, "What you think the song's stupid too?"

"Well I mean it's—"

"Don't you dare finish that answer." I shut my mouth before speaking up.

"I mean Roger you've got to slightly admit; it does sound like you're trying to do something more with a piece of machinery."

"It's a metaphor (y/n)."

"For what? Your car sex fantasy? Roger please let me out of this cupboard right now, I just want to go for my morning swim."

"Well it can wait; cause you're not going anywhere."

"What?"

"This has now turned into a hostage situation and you're not leaving till either you accept and be my partner in this, or the lads finally accept and have the song go on the album. Whatever one comes first. You are the Rumpelstiltskin to my Mungoblizzar."

"What?"

"You know the two cats from that poem you love so much. I see you read it all the time and you even read it to me."

"Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer?"

"Yeah that's it. Why are they named that again?"

"I don't know I'm not T.S Eliot."

"So partners in crime till the end. Like we pact."

"Yeah Rog we did make a pact, but I draw the line here."

"Nope, since I'm the oldest between us, you've got to respect your elders and you are going to stay in here with me to protest against them. Whether you like it or not." He bopped my nose which made me groan.

Hours went by and of course once the guys found out that roger forcefully made me the bait of negotiation, it turned between a tug of war to see who'd give in first. Until finally Freddie agreed to have Roger's song be on the B-side of the album.

God and all I wanted to do that day was have a nice relaxing morning swim.

A couple more weeks passed and the album was almost about done. One day Brian had told us that he had managed to find a perfect spot for stargazing and thought it would be a good idea for all of us to pack up some gear and go star gazing.

Immediately agreeing after working so hard, Freddie agreed to the idea instantly, Deacy was down for it as well wanting to have a break from the arguing and the complaining. I agreed to it because it would feel like a camping trip and I hadn't been camping since I was a child. Roger also agreed because that'd give him some time away from the recording studio since his hands were still recovering from abusing them so much.

Unfortunately Paul Prenter decided he needed to insert himself on this little outing, claiming that he needed to make sure the band wasn't too distracted since they were on a strict deadline and that Mr. Reid would come and check on the progress of the album, along with Miami.

So here we all were out in the forest walking across logs, hopping from boulder to boulder, gazing at little mini streams, or observing the wildlife of nature, especially Brian. He especially got distracted when a fox would quickly come out from a bush and stare at us before running away.

I was currently hopping from boulder to boulder and of course Deacy being the overprotective cousin that he was said to me.

"Careful (y/n), last time you did that you had a broken ankle for weeks."

"I was 7 years old when that happened Deacy, I'm as agile as a jungle cat." As I hopped onto one boulder I nearly almost fell until I was caught by Roger who said smugly.

"Yeah, a dead jungle cat." I stuck my tongue at him and we continued to tread on.

Of course Paul made the walk seem longer because like every 2 minutes he just had to take a break so I took the time to screw around with him and fill his backpack with small rocks. Roger who of course supported my pranks on Prenter kept watch to make sure the other three didn't rat me out.

As we came down a step hill. I first got on the log and walked down it before squealing out and jumped onto the boulders below.

"Careful guys, that last step is pretty steep."

"Thanks for the warning love." Brian spoke out as he came down next, followed by Roger, Freddie and Deacy. While Paul mainly crawled along the rocks like the snake that he was exhausted and winded.

"Ohh I'm going to kill my doctor. He always said I was in perfect shape." Before we could go on, Brian then spoke up.

"Alright, we'll break."

"Again?" complained Roger. "Brian, at this rate it'll take us a week just to get to this special spot you found."

"Look I don't like it either but since it's not too far from here we'll just rest for a bit, allow Paul to catch his breath and we'll walk the rest of the way. Just chill Roger." He then walked on ahead with Deacy and Fred walking alongside them to talk while I slowly sneaked back behind Paul who had taken his backpack off and I proceeded to quickly fill more pockets of his bag with rocks.

"God I'm in such bad shape. Someone had me my water, I can't move."

"I got it." I said. I soon found his water bottle lying between the two boulders that we were sitting on top of but what I found interesting was the little lizard just a couple inches from his water bottle just sunning on the rock. A smirk spread across my face as I whispered, "Brilliant."

I grabbed the lizard which squirmed between my fingers till I set her down on Paul's bottle. I turned to Roger to see him trying to hold in his laughter as I said as I handed Paul his water bottle.

"Here you go Paul." He took it without even looking at me let alone thanking me as he immediately began to douse his water down his throat. A split second later he let out a scream as he fell off the boulder and screamed like a little girl waving his arms in a shooing motion as his legs spasmed.

"What's happened?" asked Deacy. I then grabbed the female lizard and said as I held her gently between my fingers.

"This cute little girl made herself home on Paul's water bottle." I stroked her long tail as Freddie said.

"Be thankful it was just a lizard Paul. It could've been a lot worse you know."

"Oh right, right you're right Freddie. I'll be fine, thank you." I rolled my eyes as did Roger and pretty much the rest of the guys minus Fred because we all knew of Paul's infatuation with Fred. I then held the lizard out towards Paul so that when he turned after milking his praises, the second he turned the lizard squeaking in his face making Paul shriek out as he told me, "Get that bloody thing away from me! I hate things that crawl!"

Wow then I pity the poor child that you'll have to bear one of these days Paul, though I hope you never reproduce your poisonous seeds.

"How can you even touch that, I thought girls were supposed to hate things like that? Just—put it away!"

"Okay, okay I'll put her down." I muttered as I stood up before an even better idea came to mind. I slowly leaned over Paul's head and placed the lizard on top of his head.

"Rog, (n/n)." Deacy spoke up.

"What?" Both Roger and I chorused alarmed almost fearing I had been caught.

"Brian, Freddie and I will take the lead. You two help Paul, okay?" As the three of them walked ahead, Roger came up beside me before Paul as the mustached arsehole muttered as he stood himself up with his backpack once again on his back.

"Sure you'll help me. Right over a cliff you'll help me." He then walked on ahead complaining and muttering in pain as Roger whispered to me.

"Not a bad idea."

"Yeah see any cliffs? I doubt he's got anyone that'll really miss him." We turned towards Paul who was still muttering in agony as I spoke up in mock sympathy. "Need some help Prenter?" He stopped in his place and turned towards me as he sneered through his forked tongue.

"Not from you Deacon. Don't think I can't see the She-devil behind that angel face of yours. One more trick out of you lass and I promise I will make your life hell from the day this album takes off into the charts. Got it?" Roger protectively wrapped his arm around my shoulder as I was unaffected by Paul's empty threat before he turned around.

"Got it, Norman Bates." I muttered. Roger snickered as Paul froze and turned around and hissed out.

"What did you call me?"

"Nothing, nothing she didn't say anything. Norman Bates." Roger muttered as the two of us walked past him. He muttered the name to me and I softly snickered as Roger stopped to say, "Oh by the way Prenter, I think I saw something on your head." He then turned back and followed behind me.

The two of us hid behind a tree while Roger peeked out and I could hear Paul scream before it was silenced for all but his whimpering.

"Oh my god." Roger was almost in complete hysterics. "You brilliant She-devil it went in his mouth."

"Oh that poor lizard." We fist-bumped each other as we saw the guys coming around as Brian was asking what happened now as Paul was now coughing and groaning in disgust.

"What.....happened now?" asked Freddie panting. Paul was gasping like a fish out of water but I did manage to hear.

"Ask—her....." I then heard Deacy sigh heavily and I could just feel him looking behind him towards the tree we were hiding. Roger and I peeked out innocently as Roger said.

"Oh come off it Deacy what did she do? She was by my side the entire time."

Finally we reached Brian's spot. It was a nice open meadow filled with beautiful wildflowers as far as the eye could see. All in various species and colors, there was also some points when the creatures of the forest would peek out like deer, does with their fawns, badgers, foxes and even a couple of hedgehogs.

I definitely got some good pictures of the wildlife as well as the flowers and of course the boys. By nightfall we were all gathered around and I'll admit Brian was right, this was the perfect spot for stargazing. I mean you look up and there's just billions and billions of them.

"Wow Brian, you—were right this is.....gorgeous." said Deacy.

"Told you." Brian spoke up.

"It's so unreal of just how many stars there really are in the sky." Said Freddie.

"I could live here forever if it meant getting to look at this every night." I said in awe.

"I agree with you on that love." Brian said.

"Hey Brian, do you ever wonder what lies beyond our world? I mean as an astrophysics major does it ever occur to you that maybe we're not the only beings in the universe?" I asked him.

"That's always the question love, and that's why astronauts and the people at NASA always work so hard. We've already managed to colonize the moon, who knows what we'll be able to accomplish in the future. And maybe we might discover something far beyond our solar system."

"Cool." I said in awe. "Hey Bri?"

"Hmm?"

"How—how do constellations get named? I mean do the astronomers just look at an image and just say 'oh hey we'll name this the Big Dipper and little dipper' or is it more scientifically?"

"Oh don't get him started (n/n), we'll be here all night." Roger spoke up. Brian scowled at Roger but said.

"Ignore him (y/n), he's just jealous you're not asking questions about dentistry."

"You know I changed my major to biology." Roger pointed out but Brian only chuckled and sat up allowing me to go up to him and actually rest my head on his lap as he spoke.

"Well to answer your question (y/n), it's sometimes varies. It sometimes does deal with the actual formation that the stars make, but that's because their names have dated back to the ancient Greek and Roman days when the first astronomers began mapping the stars. We've just added more onto what was previously said."

"So what did you do for your major?" I asked.

"My current thesis is about the radical velocities in zodiacal dust cloud. I completed it just last year but I'm putting in on hold for publication for a while due to my commitment here."

"Will you ever get it published?" I asked.

"Someday. It'd be ashamed and a waste of my time if I didn't. Hours spent doing research on my thesis and everything for it to not be shared with the field of astrophysics."

"You know science was always my favorite subject, I especially loved it when we got to do the astronomy section."

"Really?"

"It's true. Ever since primary school she's been obsessed with space, planets and the stars." Deacy spoke up.

"Now not to judge on why you picked up photography, but why didn't you try to go for a science degree?"

"Because every boy in my grade always said 'science isn't for girls'. I got teased about it relentlessly. Then one day after coming home with a bloody nose I decided to keep my mouth shut and find something else."

"Well they were obviously jealous that a girl was not only cute but too smart for their feeble little minds." Proclaimed Freddie. I blushed after remembering the baby pictures of me that the boys have seen when they all came to visit me and aunt Lillian on my birthday just a few months ago. Of course Deacy helped out with the embarrassment just to irk me.

"Freddie's right love. I won't tell you to change your dream because you've got a future in photography, but if it doesn't work out then you should try to give science another chance. Clever girl like you, I know you'll get far." Said Brian.

"You mean that?"

"Of course." He playfully poked the tip of my nose which made me laugh as we continued to observe the stars. With the gentle strokes he was giving my head, the sound of the crickets making a beautiful symphony and the beauty of the stars, I soon found myself falling asleep in Brian's lap.

*3rd Person POV*

Brian looked down to see (y/n) asleep in his lap. He smiled softly and softly whispered to the boys.

"Lads, take a look." Freddie awed softly and said.

"She's like a cat when she sleeps."

"I think it is time we head back to the house." Answered Deacy.

"About time." Paul muttered as he stood up. Roger and Deacy glared at Paul. Brian gently picked her up and to help make the trip easier so that she wouldn't wake up, he placed her on Deacy's back and he gripped his cousin's legs while Brian adjusted her arms around her cousin's neck.

Feeling the transition, (y/n) buried her face into her cousin's neck, his long hair gently tickling her face and the five of them headed back to the house.

Once they got there, Deacy and Brian helped (y/n) into her bed, Brian helped eased (y/n) into the bed while Deacy covered and tucked her in. The two of them kissed her goodnight and whispered their goodnights to her before heading off to their rooms.

The stress of making an album is straining, so its always nice to find those little spaces in between to find the time to have some fun and keep the peace. Whether it's a nice relaxing swim in the summer heat, having fun with the farm animals, or just stargazing in the cool summer heat.

Luckily with Queen they managed to find the time to do it, especially when their little mini-Deacy was around. Because they hated for her to be bored, so they always made time to pull anything that might interest her just to make her day better. And when she was happy, they were happy.

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honeypiehotchner · 5 years

Text

Trust -- part thirty-nine

Hello and welcome to the final official part of Trust. It’s mushy. I played Taylor Swift’s new song “Lover” on repeat to get me in the mood. The lyrics are peppered in throughout in italics. Enjoy. (A sappy note from me is coming shortly behind this xx.)

With the attempted-murder of Major Sholto and the case of the Bloody Guardsman solved and dealt with, Sherlock seems to be calming down.

The photographer turned out to be the assailant, and Lestrade dealt with him accordingly. And once that is over with, everything returns back to normal, back to the way things were supposed to go.

Sherlock steps up onto the small stage, preparing to place the waltz he wrote for John and Mary. Again, you try desperately not to think about the dreams you had. Since it’s been a while, they have been less frequently in your thoughts, but today they seem to find anyway they can to enter your conscious mind.

And right now, as you watch John and Mary dance while Sherlock gently plays, is no exception.

Sherlock finds your eyes and smiles, practically playing to you, despite this piece being written for your brother and his now wife.

Wife. Mary is your sister-in-law now. She’s your sister.

There’s not a moment of this that doesn’t feel surreal. You’re certain you’re going to wake up tomorrow, Sherlock’s arm around your waist like it always is, and you’re going to have to ask him if John and Mary really did get married. Because none of this feels real.

It feels good. That much you know. But good things have never lasted for you, so the idea that this is a good thing – that you now have a sister-in-law on top of having your half-brother back in your life, that this good thing doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon, is baffling to you.

“Ladies and gentlemen, just one last thing before the evening begins properly,” Sherlock says, waiting for everyone to quiet down. “Apologies for earlier, a crisis arose and was dealt with. More importantly, however, today we saw two people make vows. I have never made a vow in my life and after tonight, I never will again. So, here in front of you all, my first and second to last vow.”

He speaks quickly over it, but you catch it. Second to last vow? What does that even mean? What is he talking about?

“Mary and John. Whatever it takes, whatever happens, I swear I will always be there, always, for all three of you. Uh, I’m sorry, I mean two of you. Both of you. All two of you. I must’ve included Y/N on accident there, apologies. That’s later, love. Sorry. Anyway, it’s time for dancing. Play the music again, thank you.”

You meet Sherlock when he rushes off the stage, shaking his head. “What was that?” You ask, wrapping yourself around his arm. He went from calm and collected to a nervous wreck within a matter of seconds.

“Sorry, that was one more deduction than I was really expecting.”

“Deduction?” Mary questions over the music.

“Increased appetite. Change of taste perception. You were sick this morning. You assumed it was just wedding doubts.”

“Oh my God…” You whisper. “You were. Remember? You nearly threw me out when I mentioned you might be…”

“All the signs are there,” Sherlock continues, slowly.

“The signs?” John chimes. “The signs?”

“The signs of three,” Sherlock glances down briefly. “Mary, I think you should do a pregnancy test.”

John bends over, hands on his knees, no doubt almost near hyperventilating. You tighten your grip on Sherlock’s arm, sharing Mary’s wide grin with her as Sherlock continues rambling on.

“The-The statistics for the first trimester are—”

“Shut up!” John hisses. “Just. Shut up.”

“Sorry.”

“How did he notice before me? I’m a bloody doctor!”

“It’s your day off,” Sherlock tries.

“It’s your day off!” John counters.

“Stop panicking!”

“I’m not panicking!”

“I’m pregnant, I’m panicking,” Mary shouts, getting both of the boys to shut up.

“Don’t panic,” you finally speak up. “You don’t need to panic, come on.”

“There’s absolutely no reason to panic,” Sherlock agrees.

But John is still panicking. “Oh, and you’d know, of course?”

“Yes, I would,” Sherlock nods, sure of it. “You’re already the best parents in the world. Look at all the practice you’ve had.”

You know exactly where he’s going with this, and you smile. He’s right. John’s had years of practice and Mary has had a year.

“The practice?” John asks, looking ready to clock Sherlock in the jaw any minute now.

“Well, you’re hardly going to need me around now that you’ve got a real baby on the way,” Sherlock clarifies.

“And I’m going to help!” You blurt. “Dibs on being the babysitter.”

John and Mary laugh together, the panic slipping away and dissolving into excitement. They’re expecting. They’re married (finally) and now they’re going to be parents.

“Dance,” Sherlock says suddenly. “Both of you, now. Go dance. We can’t just stand here, people will wonder what we’re talking about.”

“What about you two?” Mary asks, tears still in her eyes from moments before.

“We’re going to take a walk,” Sherlock answers, placing his hand over yours.

“We are?” You ask, turning your head to look at him. He nods. “Okay,” you shrug, giving Mary a look. “I guess we’re gonna get some fresh air. Dance, you two.”

They start to, and Mary sends a wink your way before Sherlock tugs you away and out into the night air.

You don’t realize how much you needed fresh air until you’re out in it, holding onto Sherlock’s arm while you walk down the sidewalk and away from the reception hall. You’re not even entirely sure where you’re going until you see a gazebo up ahead. You took a few pictures in it earlier, but now there are lights all around it.

Your heart races in your chest, your hand tightening its grip on Sherlock’s bicep. You know he feels your death grip, but he doesn’t say a single word about it as he steps up into the gazebo with you.

Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close, forever and ever?

“Sherlock…” You murmur. “What are we doing?”

“Dancing,” he replies simply, turning you to face him. The two of you begin a slow waltz, no music playing at all.

“Okay,” you chuckle. “Why couldn’t we dance in there?”

He shrugs, pulling you a little closer. “I wanted you all to myself. I’m selfish.”

“I know you are,” you reply, giggling at the look on his face when you agree with him. He wasn’t expecting that response at all. “Earlier,” you pause, staring at his tie instead of his face, “you said that was your second to last vow.”

“I did.”

“What’s the last one?”

“This right here.”

Your eyes meet his, a confused smile stretching across your lips. “What?”

“This moment,” he says. “This is my last vow.”

“I don’t understand…”

“My vow to keep you close,” he continues, pulling you closer for emphasis. “My vow to protect you,” he squeezes your hand. “And my vow to love you. For a lifetime.”

“Sherlock…”

He lets go of your hands to reach into the inside pocket of his jacket, returning with two gold rings in his hand. Just two simple gold bands. Exactly like you’d dreamed.

You cover your mouth as a choked sob leaves your lips, staring down at the rings as he holds them out to you, a small smile on his lips.

I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover…

“It’s not a promise ring because I don’t promise things – only one thing,” he explains. “And it’s not an engagement because you said you don’t want to be married in the traditional way. It’s… It’s a vow.”

You shake your head in disbelief at the man before you, vowing right here, in his own way, to love you for as long as he lives. “I love it.”

He takes your hand in his, slipping the ring over your ring finger. The exact fingers that he was holding and massaging frequently the past week, and that’s when it clicks.

When he was doing that, he was figuring out your ring size. Of course. You’re an idiot for not realizing that sooner.

You slide his ring on his finger, wasting no time in grabbing his curls and pulling him in for a kiss.

Darling, you’re my, my, my, my…lover.

~~~

When you wake the next morning, curled into Sherlock’s side like always, you immediately reach for his hand.

You let out a sigh of relief when you see the ring is still there. And when you see your own is still present as well.

It’s real.

Sherlock stirs with the movement, opening his eyes to look down at you, your chin resting on his bare chest as you stare up at him.

“Good morning, lover,” you tease. You had the idea last night to call him your lover instead of your husband. Husband does sound too…traditional for you. Lover fits perfectly.

“Morning,” he breathes, pulling you closer.

The dreams from your coma have been replaced with this reality. The reminder of his vow resting forever on your ring finger, a constant assurance that he is here. For a lifetime.

And that you are safe. For a lifetime.

All’s well that ends well to end up with you…

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blankslateblog · 4 years

Text

Can Cars Become folklore? Exploring the Future of our Streets Post-Coronavirus

It’s 7:30pm on a Monday night in August. We are in the heart of our nation’s capital. Yes, D.C. always clears out around this time of year, and yes, it is raining right now, but this summer night is different. We are on month six (give or take) of the coronavirus pandemic here in the United States, and our streets have undergone a drastic transformation. In the time it took me to write these first few sentences, only 5 cars have driven by my window. This would have been unheard of in the heated rush hours of Before Times. As Taylor Swift languidly reflects in her song, august, “But I can see us lost in the memory / August slipped away into a moment in time.” While maybe Taylor isn’t contemplating automobile ephemera like me, her sentiments about fleeting memories have never seemed more true. Our society has entered a new normal in every facet of our lives, and our streets are no different. Coronavirus has presented us with both extreme challenges and opportunities, leading many to question if we can leverage the positive, interim changes and seeming concessions into permanence.

It seems as if our view on cars being indispensable to the American Way of Life is immutable, however many are hoping to change this. Farhad Manjoo, an opinion columnist for the New York Times, recently published a piece titled, I’ve Seen a Future Without Cars, and It’s Amazing. His thesis: Why do American cities waste so much space on cars? While this idea may be nothing new, Manjoo’s angle of focusing on space came at an apt time as society reckons with isolating in small, urban spaces, quarantining in cities once as dynamic as its transient residents, and transitioning to experiencing our neighborhoods at street level. We are being forced to confront truly living in our immediate surroundings, in a way that we may not have wanted to, or been conscious of, before. I thought I knew my neighborhood like the back of my hand, but my quarantine walks have taught me that I was sorely mistaken. In the past month I have discovered 3 community gardens, 2 cemeteries, and 1 park all within a 30 minute walk of my apartment.1 Greenspaces have become a refuge for me now more than ever. Having worked with the Parks Research Lab at William & Mary and ParkRx America in Washington, D.C., greenspaces have always been a research interest of mine. Pro-tip: If you are yearning for some ecotherapy like me, you can utilize ParkRx America’s database (located on the homepage) to “prescribe” yourself a local greenspace to visit. Now, the idea of space, be it “green” or other, has taken on a whole new meaning during the pandemic. As I type, limited to my small, city apartment, I am reflecting on Manjoo’s visceral appeal for us to optimize how we are using and creating space.

ParkRx America’s mission is to decrease the burden of chronic disease, increase health and happiness, and foster environmental stewardship, by virtue of prescribing Nature during the routine delivery of healthcare by a diverse group of healthcare professionals. Source: ParkRx America Resources

As an environmentalist, I have been celebrating the recent dearth of cars in my own city, and the proliferation of “Open Streets” and “Open Restaurants” movements across the country as the pandemic progresses. Notable examples include: Oakland's Slow Streets, Seattle's Stay Healthy Streets, and Paris' “Corona Cycleways.” Many of these initiatives have been championed by individual communities or tactical urbanists for years, but for the general public these ideas are just now becoming mainstream as we adhere to Stay at Home orders and live more locally. Scenes like Karsten Moran’s photo, below, of Mulberry Street in Manhattan evoke the plaza-culture of cities abroad. Having traveled often outside of the U.S., I always wonder why our streets don’t feel like theirs. Is it a problem of planning? Of people? Of both? Cars seem like an easy culprit, but maybe they are just a scapegoat symbol for the individualism of American society. As public health experts reckon with the threat of American individualism in combating coronavirus, can we instead channel this obstacle into collective action to improve our streets?

NYC Open Restaurants’ Siting Criteria has ushered in a new era of ‘tactical urbanism’ founded on quick-fixes, often utilizing the mishmash of materials on hand. Source: NYC DOT

“New York City’s sidewalks and streets have sprouted oases that evoke destinations from the Greek isles to the New Jersey Turnpike. In Manhattan, Mulberry Street, which was dotted with sidewalk seating before the pandemic, now features in-street dining.” Photo Credit: Karsten Moran; Source: Outdoor Dining Offers Fresh Air and Fantasy to a City That Needs Both

It is critical to explore who we are “improving” our streets for, who these changes will benefit, and who is calling for them. How would open streets impact BIPOC? People living with disabilities? Essential workers? Many urbanist activists are “challenging the practice of quick-build infrastructure projects like Slow Streets that eschew multi-year and multi-stage construction projects in favor of timely progress and rapid feedback.”2 In D.C., Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White effectively banned Slow Streets from his ward, which is over 92% Black according to DC Health Matters, with an amendment to the law permitting them stating, “Many residents in Ward 8 have not supported bike lanes and other measures that appear to force aspects of gentrification and displacement.” Dr. Destiny Thomas, a Black transportation planner and organizer, explores these ideas and more in the article, ‘Safe Streets’ Are Not Safe for Black Lives. I highly recommend reading her article first, before I outline a few of her ideas here. Dr. Thomas explains that the onslaught of slow streets and bike lanes during the pandemic was a “nightmare” due to their lack of participatory planning. She states, “by design, their ‘quick-build’ nature overrides the public feedback that is necessary for deep community support. Without that genuine engagement, I feared that pandemic-induced pedestrian street redesigns would deepen inequity and mistrust in communities that have been disenfranchised and underserved for generations.”3 If planning is to become anti-racist, it must center and amplify the voices of communities members through inclusive methods such as participatory planning and budgeting, youth engagement, and other targeted outreach efforts. As we know, racial justice and environmental justice are interconnected, and Dr. Thomas goes on to explain how these initiatives “fail to address the environmental factors at the root of these health disparities. Encouraging Black residents to go outside without addressing the environmental crises that lead to COVID-19 complications is a tell-tale sign that Black well-being was a secondary (at best) intention of these projects.”3 Black access to the outdoors has long been limited, as illustrated by national park visitation statistics: although Black Americans represent 13.4% of the U.S. population, a 2018 study, People of Color and Their Constraints to National Parks Visitation, indicates that they represent less than 2% of national park visitors. Keya Chatterjee, a D.C.-based climate activist who organized ad hoc street closures in the first few months of the pandemic, believes projects like Slow Streets can mitigate harm to Black residents, including from air pollution and COVID-19. Chatterjee argues, “I do think that building things quickly, that result in a lower loss of life, in a situation where that loss of life is clearly based on racial injustice, is the only way to move towards justice.”2 Decreasing the number of cars operating in our cities would lead to significant reductions in toxic air pollution which currently disproportionately affects communities of color. However, we must not make these decisions in a vacuum; input from affected populations is indispensable.

Black visibility in public spaces and streets challenges the racist, ableist, and classist ideas historically underpinning “who should have access to ‘outside’ and how they should be allowed to access it. Without a plan to include and protect Black, Brown, Indigenous, trans, and disabled people, or a plan to address anti-Black vigilantism and police brutality, these open streets are set up to fail.”3 Dr. Thomas outlined seven concrete ways to address racism and inequity in transportation planning specifically:

Public works and transportation agencies should produce and publish a concrete plan for divestment from police agencies. This includes both fiscal and values-based components: Enforcement should be replaced with accessibility and accountability, and funds to police should be redistributed to community-based organizations, direct service providers and behavioral health specialists that are equipped to uphold dignity and care for everyone within the built environment.

Quick-build projects don’t solve the disparities caused by the legacy of racist planning and disinvestment. In order to be transformative, infrastructure projects should have a comprehensive environmental justice plan as a prerequisite, and basic public works should be up to date prior to implementation. This includes proper drainage and floodplain planning, addressing pavement heat indexes, upgrading underground utilities, reducing toxic industry in the vicinity, accessible curbs and crossing opportunities, adequate shelter and shade, and dignified support for curbside residents.

If you want to ban cars, start by banning racism. Planners should make an intentional effort to address scarcity across all modes of transportation so as to empower freedom of movement and choice in mobility. This should include free assistive devices, bikes and bike accessories, free transit, subsidized rideshare, and economically equitable access to zero-emissions vehicles. Until Black people are no longer being hunted down by vigilantes, white supremacists and rogue police, private vehicles should be accepted as a primary mode of transportation.

Design low-stress street networks that specifically center the safety of and joy-filled travel by Black people. These routes, networks, wayfinding elements, and reparations-centered policies should derive from a participatory process that includes the voices of Black people, people living with disabilities, trans people, elders and youth.

If your leadership can’t speak to racial equity, you should not be releasing a statement. If your organization, agency, or firm is/has released a racial equity statement in solidarity with the Movement for Black Lives, you have an obligation to ensure that your workforce is reflective of those values and the treatment of your Black employees is consistent with these values. Stop asking your one Black employee to write your equity statement overnight.

Employee agreements for transit and transportation agencies need to be modified so that no one is forced to serve the needs of law enforcement. No one should face retribution or punishment for opting out.

Bikeshare operating agreements should include mandatory long-term anti-displacement and equitable distribution plans to ensure bikeshare as a mode choice is equitable across the geographic region.

As a new “student” of planning, I am just beginning my studies into the racist history of planning, however I am eager to share with you new resources I have found as I begin to educate myself and work to amplify BIPOC voices in planning. I recently attended a webinar titled “Design for Everyone: An intro to Urban Planning & Design” hosted by Form Function Studio featuring BlackSpace, a collective of Black urban planners, architects, artists, activists, designers, and leaders working to protect and create Black spaces. The BlackSpace Manifesto consists of 14 guiding principles encouraging us to Celebrate, Catalyze, and Amplify Black Joy, Protect and Strengthen Culture, Seek People at the Margins, Center Lived Experience, Be Humble Learners who Practice Deep Listening, Reckon With the Past to Build the Future, among many others.

BlackSpace created this manifesto to guide their growth as a group and their interactions with partners and communities to work towards a future where Black people, Black spaces, and Black culture matter and thrive. Source: https://www.blackspace.org/manifesto

As we return to the tension between cars and space in our cities, we must investigate who owns these cars, and how car-owners are profiting off this status. In D.C., only about 6 in 10 D.C. residents have a car, and those who do are overwhelmingly wealthy and white compared with those who don’t own one.5 Additionally, the federal government provides subsidies through the tax code for employer-provided and employer-paid automobile parking, transit passes, and other commuter expenses, but it does so inefficiently and inequitably.6

“Ultimately, the effect of the tax benefit for commuter parking is to subsidize traffic congestion by putting roughly 820,000 more cars on America’s most congested roads in its most congested cities at the most congested times of day. [Beneficiaries] tend to work in areas where parking is most expensive (such as downtown business districts), with those in higher-income tax brackets receiving the greatest benefits. The parking tax benefit represents $7.3 billion in reduced tax revenue that must be made up through cuts in government programs, a higher deficit, or increases in taxes on other Americans.”6 - TransitCenter and Frontier Group

Similar to how the pandemic is helping those who are already ahead to stay ahead, the parking tax benefit merely serves to hurt lower income populations and non-car owners, a demographic with a lot of overlap.

In I’ve Seen a Future Without Cars, and It’s Amazing, Manjoo is told, “instead of fighting a war on cars urbanists should fight a war on car dependency - on cities that leave residents with few choices other than cars. Alleviating car dependency can improve commutes for everyone in a city.” Focusing on urban scarcity, from accessible, alternative transportation to affordable housing, to inclusive food systems, will force us to question how we are often allocating space in our cities for the benefit of cars (as if they are CarsTM) rather than the people living in them. As Manjoo has outlined, “in most American cities, wherever you look, you will see a landscape constructed primarily for the movement and storage of automobiles.”7 We cannot “continue to justify wasting such enormous tracts of land” on cars as we strive for more equitable and inclusive urban spaces.7 It is also important to acknowledge that this piece comes at a unique time, when city dwellers and suburbanites alike are vying to escape the sprawl, antsy from months of quarantine. Even I have been wishing I owned a car to set out on some, any, kind of spontaneous adventure. The unknown of life post-coronavirus is daunting, but in the chaos lies a little bit of hope. Perhaps we can channel this sliver of optimism to design for the future we are all hoping for. I know I still want the “old Taylor” back, just not all the cars that came with that era.

But do you remember? Remember when I pulled up and said "Get in the car" And then canceled my plans just in case you'd call? Back when I was livin' for the hope of it all, for the hope of it all

Inspired by “august” by Taylor Swift. Stream on Spotify.

Citations:

Washington, D.C. greenspaces discovered during quarantine; Gardens: Columbia Heights Green, Upshur Community Garden, Wangari Gardens; Cemeteries: Rock Creek Cemetery, Glenwood Cemetery; Park: Crispus Attucks Park

Do DC's Slow Streets Benefit Everyone?

‘Safe Streets’ Are Not Safe for Black Lives

People of Color and Their Constraints to National Parks Visitation

Opinion | The high cost of DC's cheap parking

Subsidizing Congestion

Opinion | I’ve Seen a Future Without Cars, and It’s Amazing

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secrettheorist · 5 years

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11 and 40 for all your OCs?

11) How competitive is your oc? Is every little task something that they can win, or are they just as competitions for the fun of it? Is their anyone they’re most competitive with?

Avery: She is very competitive but really only with her partner (I have yet to come up with a decent name for him so stay tuned). She always has to be better then him and finish first. She likes to play normal games but she can sometimes be a sore loser if the game gets heated.

Taylor: He is big into strategy so sometimes he loses on purpose to tip the scales. He likes to do tasks that are challenging to himself so I guess he competes with himself the most. He rarely does anything for fun, he’s kinda lame that way.

Samuel: He could care less. He mostly keeps to himself and doesn’t like games or competition.

Harper: She loves friendly competition. She doesn’t mind when she loses and is always a good sport. She mostly likes to compete with Avery though, they are best friends.

40) Are there any habits your oc has picked up from people around them? Do they know where they’re from? Does your oc try to stop themselves from doing it?

Avery: She has learned a lot from her partner and Harper emotionally. She catches herself letting her walls down more often and being more cheery and positive. Most of the time when she catches herself open up she tends to change the subject or play it off as a joke.

Taylor: His best friend Layla gave him the habit of being lazier. He finds himself snacking, sitting around , and binge watching shows. When he realizes he wastes basically his whole day he swears off doing it again and goes for a run or to do a heavy workout only to fall back in the habits again later.

Samuel: He has picked up the habit but not being as clean and OCD about things, because Harper is very messy and he tries to fixed her messes and forgets his own. Avery’s partner and Samuel are very close and he has the habit of being more involved become more sympathetic and more positive not letting statistics get in the way.

Harper: She has picked up the habit from Samuel to organize everything and sort things. Hes very methodical and it has definitely rubbed off on her. She likes being organized but she hates how she sorts things, so when she catches herself she just stops and goes to do something else for a while.

#my ocs #thanks for the ask anon #little things about my ocs

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pathfinder-bestiary · 5 years

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Robot Golem (CR 11)

Not quite a robot. Not quite a golem. Here’s a goddamn Robot Golem.

Though corroded and damaged, this bipedal metallic construct moves silently, as though powered by some force other than its own rattling gears.

XP 12,800

N Large construct Init +0; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +0

DEFENSE

AC 27, touch 9, flat-footed 27 (+18 natural, –1 size) hp 112 (15d10+30) Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +5 DR 10/adamantine; Immune construct traits, magic

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft. Melee 2 slams +22 (2d10+8) Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft. Special Attacks rend construct (2 slams, 2d10+12), shockwave (30-ft.-radius spread, 8d6 electricity, Reflex DC 19 for half, usable every 1d4 rounds)

STATISTICS

Str 26, Dex 11, Con —, Int —, Wis 11, Cha 1 Base Atk +15; CMB +24; CMD 34

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Immunity to Magic (Ex) A robot golem is immune to spells or spell-like abilities that allow spell resistance. In addition, certain spells and effects function differently against it, as noted below.

A magical attack that deals electricity damage deals half damage to the golem. Additionally, for 1d4+1 rounds the golem gains the benefits of haste and goes berserk. The uncontrolled golem goes on a rampage, attacking the nearest living creature or smashing an object smaller than itself if no creature is within reach; it then moves on to spread more destruction. The golem comes back under the control of its creator when the duration ends. A transmute metal to wood spell reduces the robot golem’s damage reduction by 5 and its natural armor bonus by 9 for 1d4 rounds. A robot golem is affected normally by rust attacks, such as those of a rust monster or a rusting grasp spell. Rend Construct (Ex) This functions as the rend special ability, except the robot golem can rend only other constructs.

Shockwave (Ex) A robot golem can release a pulse of electrical energy held within its nonfunctioning batteries as a standard action once every 1d4 rounds. This pulse is a 30-foot-radius spread that deals 8d6 points of electricity damage to all creatures in its area of effect (Reflex DC 19 half). The save DC is Constitution-based and includes a +2 racial bonus.

ECOLOGY

Environment any Organization solitary or gang (2–4) Treasure none

When robots are damaged beyond the abilities of technologists to repair, salvages sometimes animate their frames via magic rather than science. What results is more of a walking mechanical corpse that lacks the intelligence and vulnerabilities of a true robot. Arcanists often employ these magically animated constructs to combat rogue robots or those under the control of their enemies.

Products of advanced scientific technology, the constructs called robots are animated by engineering and advanced science rather than magic. Most people refer to robots as “automatons” or “metal men”; their proper nomenclature is known to only a few. Unlike most constructs, robots are capable of independent thought. However, they still must obey the programming instilled in them at their creation. Any robot whose creator hard-coded limitations into its programming can never be truly autonomous.

Robots almost always arise from cultures that possess technology that is leaps and bounds ahead of other civilizations, though sometimes they appear due to cultural diffusion from such a society. A wrecked spacecraft, a portal through time, or a group of robots mass-producing others of their kind could all bring robots into a world. Robots that appear from another place or time might still follow the alien dictates of their original programming, or could run amok, their directives corrupted or forgotten. Whatever the case, these robots possess technology that is beyond the means of almost anyone to reproduce, and they represent a stark contrast to other constructs, as they have nothing to do with magic.

Some spellcasters, despite lacking any real grasp on the technological principles required to create robots, have managed to create their own robots by cobbling together spare parts and broken machines, filling in the gaps and completing the design with a mixture of magic and barely understood fragments of science. These inferior designs usually lack the inexhaustible power supplies, advanced intellects, and self-repair systems found in the original robots, and the magic used in their creation can potentially render them more susceptible to techniques that work against other sorts of constructs.

Robots serve a wide range of purposes, from warfare and defense to peaceful tasks like excavation, farming, and maintenance. Small villages that find robots and somehow manage to command them will often put them to work quietly tending fields or constructing buildings all day long. Armies and warlords collect the more dangerous varieties of robots, but even the more ordinary varieties can be deadly. Most robots sport alloyed skin as hard as steel, meaning that even the lowliest worker robot presents a potent threat when altered for battle.

Furthermore, since most cultures lack a means to reliably repair or understand how to command robots, even the most benign one might malfunction, or even reach a point in its programming where it changes its activity and refuses to follow orders, leading to untold death and destruction among the its former temporary masters.

The means of commanding robots vary from model to model, which can be a source of endless frustration for any who seek to control them. Some obey orders from any humanoid, some bond to a specific master until her death, and others only yield to the command of technological brooches or control rods. Still others submit after mechanical surgery or rebuilding, or not at all. Many must be given extremely precise instructions, for they are unable to process metaphors or other figures of speech, and may interpret them in unanticipated ways, much to the chagrin of those who would command them. A surprisingly large proportion of uncontrolled robots already speak Common, as most models exhibit considerable linguistics talent, and the robots train each other in their new home’s languages. Though they comprehend language, most robots rarely speak save for terse acknowledgements of orders. Their speech typically excludes words they deem unnecessary with their mechanical efficiency, leading to strange disjointed statements that convey the requisite information without emotion, although some robots programmed to interact well with humans are able to speak in a more fluid and less disconcerting manner.

Constructing a robot requires no magic, but does involve advanced and extraordinarily rare materials and technological expertise. Because almost no one possesses the skills and materials to complete the process of constructing a robot, these entries omit the construction sections provided for most constructs. A GM can add the robot subtype to a different type of construct, such as an animated object or homunculus, to create new types of robots. Typically, this doesn’t alter the construct’s CR.

A character can’t create a robot from or add the robot subtype to a construct that has already been created; adding the robot subtype to an existing creature is purely a means for the GM to simulate additional robots beyond those provided here.

Variants

In addition to the four robots with full entries on the following pages, robots are designed by beings of sufficiently advanced technology for a variety of other tasks. Here is a list of some other robot types and their common uses.

Collectors serve as scouts and acquisition agents. Directors enforce order and maximize efficiency. Evaluators determine whether races are fit for contact with other beings. Juggernauts are titanic robots with the ability to shut down technology. Observers are designed for reconnaissance. Reclamators are adept at salvage and construction. Surgeons are equipped to treat injuries. Thought harvesters extract memories from living creatures. Wardens serve as guardians.

Construction

A robot golem’s body used to be a Large robot, but is now nonfunctional. Any major damage on the intended body must be repaired prior to animation.

CL 14th; Price 72,000 gp

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

Feats Craft Construct; Spells geas/quest, limited wish, make whole, shatter; Special creator must be caster level 13th; Skill Craft (mechanical) DC 20; Cost 36,000 gp

#Pathfinder #Numeria #CR11 #Robot #Golem

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ever-growing-inspiration · 5 years

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Statistics

Aldus Be Chuille

Age: 402

Sexuality: Pansexual

Species: Vampire (Magi)

Ability: Sacrificial Magic

Weakness: Human Strength

Personality Traits: Charming, Resourceful, Persuasive, Coward, Blunt, Flaky

FC:Tom Ellis

Biography

Some may see Aldus as a man who had so much going for it but ruined it for himself. But, truly, he never had much going for him from the very start. He was abandoned in the town’s square in Paris, taken in by a couple who were street performers. They used to play instruments, mime, the whole bit. He learned how to do magic tricks from the man who found him. Though, with sanitation still not at it’s height, the parents who took him in passed away from cholera. He was left alone, again, but he kept up their love of performing with his own tricks.

Aldus had always been a lover of the spotlight, enjoying the world looking at him. How he achieved this while he was a human was performing simple little tricks with an audience. Most of his young adult life was spent in France, being a Jester of sorts for the Court. Though, what he did love doing was entertaining the youth. He thought the smiles of children were the most important things since they didn’t know the horrors of the world. They still had an imagination...something he wished would never leave them.

But, because of the dire situation with Paris’ issues, he figured it was time for him to finally leave. Making his way to London, he quickly found himself in the same position back in France...except it was more or less performing on a stage. It was strange, how quickly he gained fame and developed a taste for laudanum. His fortune and glory had been long-lived since he joined traveling troupe after a decade of entertaining the 17th century aristocracy. He’d gone all over, though he came back to Paris and ran into a man named Hamon. This soon would be his Fate since he was part of the Druidic Coven known as the Be Chuilles. Without even a second thought, Aldus took the offer and left everything he knew behind.

Time had gone by with the Be Chuilles and he found his talent being something in a lack of taste amongst some Magi circles. Sacrifices had been a ritual very few Druids performed, let alone it have it as their affinity but it was necessary. Hamon reminded Aldus of that since he wasn’t exactly happy about what was gifted to him when he was turned. Though, because of Hamon’s belief in his new fledgling, Aldus worked hard to perfect it so he could possibly, one day, use it for good. It frightened him, even made him feel guilty at times. But, as time went on, he let it become a part of him.

Even with his focus on his affinity, he still felt he needed more. The applause, the lights, the rush of being in front of a crowd. Because of what Coven this was, he felt they shouldn’t be hidden away and an argument between Hamon, Glenn, and himself ensued. It didn’t end with Hamon telling him to stop, it was something that came out every couple of years. Then once a year, then every six months and so on. But, one day, Aldus couldn’t take it anymore. He needed to be in that spotlight again. Shouting that he was sick of being shut up like a caged bird, Aldus took off while leaving some unresolved issues behind. The thing was, Glenn and Hamon asked Mouse to follow Aldus wherever her went but only to show himself when the other would cause trouble.

With only his clothes and a few trinkets to his name, he started a small traveling act troupe. He didn’t know exactly what to call it until he was reading a book that had the term in it: Cirque. It was perfect, and he was going to solve all of his problems. Quickly making the name known, he was happy to do other things on the side when he was in the towns they visited for two weeks at a time. To keep himself still in the spotlight, his help was going to save them from any bad news to come at the Cirque. The thing was, more bad news came to head when he got a letter from Glenn about the passing of their Sire. There was still so much to fix, so much unresolved tension that if he showed up, he feared he’d be shunned forever. No, instead he hid the letter away along with that shame he felt.

Now, not just that kept him from going back to the Coven, there would be one more incident that would keep him completely on the run. It was part of his side tricks, saving people’s lives for a price. Normally, he would do this and everything would work out, but not this time. A man requested for his help to save his family, but it was much more difficult than that. He didn’t exactly let the man know that his magic would require a sacrifice, killing the man’s family and leaving him all alone. Everything backfired on Aldus and he felt humiliated as well as distraught over the guilt of what he’d done. Instead of confronting the issue and letting the man take him down, he ran off with his Cirque. He added protection spells, charms, everything he could to protect their sanctuary. He thought the Cirque and himself would be safe but the two raids proved to be the opposite. Abandoning the Cirque once he saw that man, he made sure to call Lucas since he made a good connection with him during his acting troupe days.

He thought Mouse would’ve followed the Cirque, finally leaving him alone but he was dead wrong about that. God, the man drove him nuts with being right behind him all of the time. He was like a pest to Aldus, despite their obvious Coven connection. But, once it was beaten into him about all of the shit he’d done, it brought more guilt onto Aldus and he couldn’t take it. They both fought verbally and physically until the Parisian Jester finally broke down. Mouse listened to him, taking in everything but promising not to say what he had actually done. Aldus knew the other wouldn’t say anything, but he had to make one sacrifice...to right all of his wrongs. Agreeing, they finally went to Castor.

Ever since then, he’s been trying to do what’s right. He’s working on it, talking to Adah and the rest of the Cirque in order to fix what’s broken. Though, when he finally got to the Be Chuille home and talked to Glenn, he was tackled out of a window by someone he almost didn’t recognize until he saw the horns and the black eyes. It was Sinclair and the man was furious. Fearing him now, it was terrifying and he’s kept his distance from both him and Stefan. Though, one day, he’ll have to talk to them man to man. But, right now, he’s got one big issue that’s keeping him in Castor: the vengeful Hunter that wants his head mounted on a plaque in his living room.

Playlist

Enter The Circus - Christina Aguilera

Bad Blood - Taylor Swift

Never Enough - Loren Allred

Fuqboi - Hey Violet

The Greatest Show - Hugh Jackman & Keala Settle

Hurt - Johnny Cash

From Now On - Hugh Jackman & Greatest Showman Ensemble

#bio

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wigmund · 6 years

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From NASA Earth Observatory Image of the Day; April 25, 2018:

A Ring of Green Around Surgut

The Russian settlement of Surgut lies on the north bank of the Ob River in the cold, swampy lowlands of West Siberia. Just a small village in the 1960s, Surgut has ballooned into a bustling city of 340,000 people, largely because of the development of the vast gas and oil reserves in the area.

The Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8 collected this natural-color image of the city and its surroundings on August 22, 2016. Gas and oil infrastructure spreads across marshlands northeast of the city, and there is another sizable oil field southeast of the neighboring city of Nefteyugansk.

Over the past two decades, NASA satellites have collected observations of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)—the “greenness” or health—of the vegetation in the forests and marshlands around the city. Taiga forests (light green) made up of evergreen and deciduous trees grow in the well-drained soils along the Ob River, while marshlands (light brown) with few trees dominate the swampy landscape beyond the river valley.

By analyzing NDVI measurements collected between 2000 and 2016, Igor Esau and Victoria Miles of Norway’s Nansen Environmental Remote Sensing Center have identified some interesting changes in this area. Most notably, the taiga forests across the northern part of West Siberia have gradually become less green, a trend the scientists attribute to rising summer temperatures.

However, the opposite is true in pockets of forest around the towns and cities. When the researchers focused on changes to the vegetation within 40-kilometers (25-miles) of 28 cities in Siberia, they found the vegetation had gotten slightly greener (or browned less) than the rest of the region.

The effect was particularly pronounced around older cities like Surgut, which have had more time to establish parks and other green spaces to reverse the initial loss of vegetation cover associated with development and urbanization. In the NDVI variability map above, the cities and rivers showed low variability between 2000 and 2016 in comparison to the ring of vegetation surrounding the two cities. The greater variability indicates an increase in greening during the warmer months. Note: to generate the NDVI map, the scientists applied a statistical technique that extracted the local effects from the regional trends.

The greening trend was driven by other factors, as well. For Surgut and several other cities, development required covering swampy soils with relatively sandy, well-drained soil that was sturdy enough to build on. The sandier soils were not only better for infrastructure, they made it easier for trees to thrive.

Building materials like concrete and asphalt also created an urban heat island that increased land surface temperatures in the city core compared to rural areas around it. In the Arctic, heat islands warm the soil, which can thaw underlying permafrost and have far-reaching effects on tundra and taiga landscapes. In areas like Surgut with cool and short summers, the added warmth gives many types of vegetation a boost.

In comparison to other Siberian cities, the intensity of Surgut’s heat island is unusual. The city is home to two large gas power plants. One of them, Surgut-2, has an installed capacity of 5597 megawatts, which means it supplies energy to nearly 40 percent of the population in Russia and is among the largest gas-fired power stations in the world.

“Surgut is now about 10 degrees Celsius above normal, which means that ecosystems around the city have a climate that could otherwise only be found 600 kilometers to the south,” noted Esau.

References and Related Reading

Esau, I. et al, (2016) Trends in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) associated with urban development in northern West Siberia. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 2017, 9 (10), 989.

Miles, V. & Esau, I. (2017) Seasonal and Spatial Characteristics of Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) in Northern West Siberian Cities.Remote Sensing, 9 (10), 989.

Miles, V. & Esau, I. (2016) Spatial heterogeneity of greening and browning between and within bioclimatic zones in northern West Siberia. Environmental Research Letters, 11 (11).

Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (2016, November 10) Larch forest in West Siberia getting “greener.”Accessed April 18, 2017.

NASA (2017) A spread of green. Accessed April 18, 2017.

The New York Times (1974, April 13) Building Siberian Oil? Boom Town Is Test of Endurance. Accessed April 18, 2017.

NASA Earth Observatory images by Mike Taylor and Joshua Stevens, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Surveyand NDVI trend data courtesy of Victoria Miles/NERSC. Story by Adam Voiland. Instrument(s): Landsat 8 - OLI; Terra - MODIS

#earth observatory #long post #satellite photo #urban development #environment #forest #Surgut #Siberia #Russia #landsat 8 #terra satellite

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