quantumcupcakes

Today is mostly sunny and cool.

I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.

I put out water for the birds.

EDIT 11/16/25 -- We cut down a majority of the brush left in front of the garage. We'll need to pick up inorganic debris from the ground and do some weedwhacking, and there's a section of brush left to clear. Two larger stumps are beyond the capacity of the loppers. But we made a lot of progress, more than I expected. \o/

.

Current Mood: busy

cosmolinguist

1) What's one of the nicest things a friend has ever done for you?

diffrentcolours and mother_bones making it very clear to me that I had options, when my marriage felt too difficult to extract itself from, they just loved me and waited for me and made sure I never felt like I was alone.

They left me stay here without paying for much the first few months so I didn't have to worry about money (which I appreciated so much but also when I got money I appreciated that they let me pay it back because it was really important to me, father than to them, that I do that).

They took on me at my most messed-up and Gary just as he was starting to be a lot of work, and adjusted their lives repeatedly to meet our needs. And they've continued to provide a warm, safe, functional and pleasant house for me to live in ever since.

2) What's one of the nicest things a stranger has ever done for you?

In 2018 I went to London with friends. The plan was to stay overnight, see Hamilton, and then one of them was taking me to Brussels on the Eurostar so I could make use of my less-than-a-year-old British passport to travel within the EU while the UK was still part of it.

By the time the play had finished, I had a Facebook message from a stranger. She said she was staff on the train we'd gotten to London, she'd found the little plastic wallet that I had my railcard and train tickets in which I'd apparently dropped on the floor rather than putting back in my bag after the tickets had been inspected, and that she'd handed it in at Euston so it'd be waiting for me on my return.

Without that ticket wallet, both me and my companion traveling on my disabled railcard would've had to buy new tickets from London to Manchester which is exorbitantly expensive especially at the last minute, and it would've been a cost that was utterly beyond me at that point. And I would have wanted to cover it since it would've been 100% my fault that I'd lost the tickets!

I am so grateful to that lady. So clever of her to look up the railcard name on Facebook to communicate with me, and thank goodness I didn't have a common name! (Also lucky for me it was the same name; since my railcard eligibility is my Certificate of Visual Impairment and since that's in my old name, my railcard is in my old name too; I've been calling it my "blind name" lately for this reason as a lot of things depend on that: so like at the gym I'm getting a discounted membership for being disabled and that means the other day when the gym staff asked my name as I was signing in, I had to think quickly to get it right! Anyway, this method wouldn't even work for finding me on Facebook these days but it did back in the days of Hamilton and Britain being in the EU.)

I got in touch with the train company to lavish compliments on her and I hope they gave her whatever treats or bonuses they offer. It was a small effort for her but it made a huge difference to me.

3) What is a trait in another person that you instantly admire, and that draws you to them?

Vulnerability and emotional fluency.

4) What is a trait in another person that instantly repels you, and prevents you from forming a close relationship with them?

Treating people as things, as Granny Weatherwax describes it.

5) Time to vent: tell us about something rotten someone has done to you.

Two of the three people I was with Answer 3 aren't in my life any more, both related to the same instigating incident where almost all my friends and my community fell for some DARVO, ghosted on me, and/or apparently still drastically misunderstand the circumstances in Answer 1. This being unrelated to but almost perfectly timed with the beginning of the pandemic was incredibly isolating. It's taken time to rebuild friendships and a sense of community, but good progress has been made over the last couple years.

newscientist_feed

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835690-600-the-19th-century-maths-that-can-help-you-deal-with-horrible-coffee/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home

Do you need to fairly allocate players to teams, or sort out a pot of badly brewed coffee? Katie Steckles has a mathematical solution

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835690-600-the-19th-century-maths-that-can-help-you-deal-with-horrible-coffee/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home

elf_wizard posting in

addme

Name: K/zheida

Age: 36

I mostly post about: nothing in particular right now, i'm trying to get back into using this site, i think i'm really over social media in general and i miss LJ stuff haha BUT mostly rp doodles probably, and some artwork now that most sites are making it near unbearable to post drawings that are lgbt romance. Anything n everything

My hobbies are: drawing, writing, rp, world building, music archiving (usually old obscure osts for various anime n rpgs) gaming, watching anime, reading Manga (I need to read more books... 😭) d&d/tabletop, cooking, sewing, crafting idk do a lot of things but I'm not necessarily good at many hahai

My fandoms are: i don't really consider myself "in fandoms" I just sort of like what I like and make merch for it sometimes, I rarely interact in fan content so I'm not rly a big fic reader, I'm much more in the oc crowd than making fan content. BUT here's some stuff I love: record of lodoss war, weathering continent, RG Veda, Saint seiya, magi labyrinth of magic, land of the lustrous, dungeon meshi, Slayers, lunar: sss&eb, mana series, final fantasy, Lufia, -- really lots of old fantasy anime n games from the 60s to late 90s with the rare occasional newer thing

I'm looking to meet people who: are chill and around my age, anyone who's interested in original characters n anything listed above

My posting schedule tends to be: unsure yet but I'd like it to be every day if I can manage it

When I add people, my dealbreakers are: I guess just general hateful content, which I don't see happening often. Other than that I am NOT a fan of anti/proshipper wank I am frankly too old for it. Both sides get on my nerves and I will typically unfollow ppl who start engaging in that arguing.

Before adding me, you should know: as related to above; I am a believer of fiction being fiction and separate from reality. I don't really care what people choose to write or create. (we can point out real life patterns in themes chosen, but that doesn't make any of it real or inherently harmful) However, I like to be critical of media n can sound harsh about it sometimes, but I'm never going to tell anyone not to like something just bc I don't care for it.

apod_feed

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap251115.html

Andromeda and Friends

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap251115.html

ysabetwordsmith

Scientists recover 40,000-year-old mammoth RNA still packed with clues

Researchers decoded 40,000-year-old mammoth RNA, unlocking real-time biological secrets frozen since the Ice Age.

Researchers have sequenced the oldest RNA ever recovered, taken from a woolly mammoth frozen for nearly 40,000 years. The RNA reveals which genes were active in its tissues, offering a rare glimpse into its biology and final moments. Surprisingly, the team also identified ancient microRNAs and rare mutations that confirm their mammoth origin. The finding shows that RNA can endure millennia—reshaping how scientists study extinct species.

Current Mood: busy

ysabetwordsmith

The November

crowdfunding Creative Jam is up with a theme of "Love and Sacrifice." Come leave us prompts, or claim some for your own inspiration!

This is the 149th Creative Jam! There is none in December, so January will be the 150th. \o/

What I Have Written

From My Prompts

Current Mood: busy

conuly

Listen…
With faint dry sound,
Like steps of passing ghosts,
The leaves, frost-crisp’d, break from the trees
And fall.

***

Link

ysabetwordsmith

Today we visited two events, the Otto Center Bazaar and a craft market at Cross County Mall.

( Read more... )

Current Mood: busy

ysabetwordsmith

Today is partly sunny and quite warm. It's already up to 75°F.

I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, plus a male cardinal.

I put out water for the birds.

EDIT 11/15/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.

EDIT 11/15/25 -- I did more work around the patio.

EDIT 11/15/25 -- I did more work around the patio.

EDIT 11/15/25 -- I did more work around the patio.

As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.

Current Mood: busy

yourivy posting in

addme

I have always found nice people through this community, so I thought I would give it another try ;)

Name: Tina
Age: ~~old~~ 37 as of May 10th
I mostly post about: My daily life, thoughts that go through my head, the occasional meme/survey, and I often post pictures. However, I will always put the latter under a cut if there's more than three, so I don't clog up your flists too much.
My hobbies are: Reading, taking walks, hanging out with friends, listening to music/podcasts, doing jigsaw puzzles, taking pictures, cuddling my cat, travelling (when time and money allow), going to concerts (see previous brackets xD), doing logic puzzles & word searches, learning new things. I used to love adult colouring books and would like to get back into them at some point.

My fandoms are: I don't have fandoms as such - I mean, I like things but I don't participate in "fannish activities" like watching/reading fanfiction or the like. I have nothing against the former or anything and even enjoy reading the occasional fic my friends post if I am at all familiar with the fandom, it's just never been something I was particularly interested in doing myself.

I will list some favourites here though, if anyone is interested to see what we have in common.

Musical artists: A Day to Remember, Bring me the Horizon, Florence & the Machine, Taylor Swift, The Warning, The Last Dinner Party, Death by Romy, Tegan & Sara, Ice Nine Kills, Freya Ridings, Wanda, Emilie Autumn, Amy Shark, Great Big Sea, Alan Doyle, Shanneyganock, Derina Harvey Band, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Kellie Loder, Bodh'aktan &many more. I probably even forgot some! I love music and can be found listening to anything from Pop or Rock to Metal, Goth or Metalcore to Rap, depending on my mood. The only genres I don't like much are Jazz & Classical Music but even there I can enjoy the occasional song.

Books: Lolita (V. Nabokov), Middlesex (J. Eugenides), The Wrong Boy (W. Russell), The Future of Another Timeline (A. Newitz), The Shock Of The Fall (N. Filer), Mio my Son (A. Lindgren), The Little Prince (A. de St. Exupéry), The Kronoberg trilogy (E.A. Sund), The Dept. Q series (J. Adler-Olsen), The Deathless series (N. Forna), The Peculiar Children series (R. Riggs), The Cider House Rules (J. Irving), Mrs. Dalloway (V. Woolf), Orlando (V. Woolf), We'll Prescribe You A Cat (S. Ishida), The Kangaroo Chronicles (M.-U. Kling), Animal Farm (G. Orwell), Migrations (C. McConaghy), Once There Were Wolves (C. McConaghy), The Hunger Games series (S. Collins), To The Bright Edge Of The World (E. Ivey), American Gods (N. Gaiman), A Song Of Ice & Fire series (G.R.R. Martin)...and I am probably forgetting half of them here, as well!

I used to be a huge Potterhead but ever since it came out what kind of person JKR is, I cannot read or watch the series with a good conscience anymore, or spend any money on HP-related things. I don't judge anyone who still likes the series though, it is just not for me anymore.

Movies: Anything with Meryl Streep ♥ , Godzilla movies, trashy horror movies in general (think creature feature/animal horror ^^), Despicable Me & Minions series*, The Secret Life Of Pets, Creep 1 & 2, Kinsey, Forrest Gump, If These Walls Could Talk II, Imagine Me & You, Smile, Life Of Brian, Guardians Of The Galaxy 1 & 2, Inside Out 1 & 2, A Simple Favor, Get Out, Escape Room, The Silence Of The Lambs... I confess that I am not a huge movie watcher, although I have been getting more into them over the past two years or so.

*apparently that makes me a cringy boomer. Oh well.

TV shows: Law & Order:SVU, Stranger Things, Wednesday, Son Of A Critch (though I have yet to see the latest season). I will also watch the occasional episode of Is It Cake? when the mood strikes. In the past I've enjoyed Pushing Daisies, Boston Public, Call the Midwife, Zoo (anyone remember that one?), Starling and Republic Of Doyle. As you see, I am not a huge TV watcher either *blush*.

I always welcome recommendations of any kind! :)

I'm looking to meet people who: are kind, empathetic, funny, open-minded and understanding. While it's cool if we have stuff in common, it's not a necessity to me - a lot of the best friends I've made on here have completely different interests. In fact, I love getting to know what kinds of things other people like and maybe even give that song/band/movie/book/whatever a try myself :) we can inspire each other!

My posting schedule tends to be: I try to post at least twice a week - I do a "What Are You Reading Wednesday" post (guess on which day? LOL) every week, and usually catch up on daily life every Sunday. Random posts may happen too ;)

When I add people, my dealbreakers are: Discrimination/intentional bigotry of any kind. I say "intentional" because we all have subconscious prejudices and mess up once in a while and as long as we're open to learn from it, that's okay. Extreme black and white-thinking on any issue - I value critical thinking.

Before adding me, you should know: I have a few mental health issues, so my journal might not be puppies and sunshine all the time. So if you are a person who can't take "too much negativity" on their flist, I might not be the right friend for you. That's not meant to sound rude, it's rather that I want to feel free to let out my feelings in my journal without worrying where the line crosses into "too much" if that makes sense?

The former can also mean that I sometimes don't comment or read as much as I want to, same applies to when life gets busy. I always try to be there as much as I can though, and I always come back and catch up eventually!

Lastly, I am neurodivergent, most likely on the autism spectrum somewhere (just still undiagnosed because it is very difficult to even get an appointment for an assessment where I live :(). I say that because it means I sometimes take things too literally or may misunderstand something, or don't see all the nuances of what you wrote. So if I ever say something that comes across as rude, or put my foot in my mouth, please do give me the benefit of the doubt that it wasn't my intention to be offensive and give me a chance to explain myself. I swear I never mean harm &hearts; and I will do my best to make up for any I do cause.

I am looking forward to meeting new people from all walks of life ♥ please do comment here or on my Friends Only Post before adding me though, thank you.

Current Mood: excited
Current Location: Germany, Cologne
Current Music: There Is A Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths

feurioo posting in

tv_talk

Assortment of black and white speech bubbles

Welcome to the weekly roundup post! What are you watching this week? What are you excited about?

newscientist_feed

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835692-300-breaking-bad-showrunner-uses-sci-fi-for-smart-dive-into-happiness/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home

Vince Gilligan, the showrunner behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, is back, this time using sci-fi to explore a deceptively rich premise about the pursuit of happiness and the notion of utopia, finds Bethan Ackerley

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835692-300-breaking-bad-showrunner-uses-sci-fi-for-smart-dive-into-happiness/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home

ysabetwordsmith

People have expressed interest in deep topics, so this list focuses on philosophical questions.

Is some degree of censorship necessary?

( Read more... )

Current Mood: busy

apod_feed

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap251114.html

Florida Northern Lights

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap251114.html

ysabetwordsmith

Why I Am Resigning from the Heritage Foundation (Guest-Post by Adam Mossoff)

[DB: This is a guest post from my Scalia Law colleague Professor Adam Mossoff, reprinting his letter to Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts resigning his position as a visiting fellow at the Foundation. As Adam says, this is a time for choosing on the political right: you either abandon conservatism and stand with Tucker Carlson and nihilism, collectivism, Nazism, and Jew hatred, or you stick up for (conserve, if you will) the American traditions of individual rights, religious and ethnic pluralism, and the rule of law.]

An interesting feature of modern politics is how often it highlights where people draw the line, that they are comfortable or tolerant of A-Y but not Z.

Current Mood: busy

heartsfate posting in

fandom_icons

Icons
[2] Rogue (Marvel Rivals)
[2] Gambit (Marvel Rivals)
[2] Minx (IDW's Jem and the Holograms comics)
[2] Rapture (IDW's Jem and the Holograms comics)
[1] Minx & Rapture (IDW's Jem and the Holograms comics)
[3] Raya (IDW's Jem and the Holograms comics)
[2] Riot (IDW's Jem and the Holograms comics)
[1] Riot (Jem and the Holograms cartoon)
[2] Stingers (Jem and the Holograms cartoon)
[2] Minx (Jem and the Holograms cartoon)

Graphics
[1] Gambit/Rogue Header (Marvel Rivals)
[1] Invisigal/Robert/Blonde Blazer Phone Wallpaper (Dispatch) *slight spoilers*
[2] Z-Team Wallpapers (Dispatch)

Preview

The rest are Over Here

ysabetwordsmith

Want to build a deeper, richer community? Learning how to handle conflict is key, the Gottmans say

As Julie told Good Good Good, in the decades they have spent doing this work they have observed time and time again: “Conflict can really lead to greater understanding between people.”

The trick is approaching conflict with a goal to understand; not to conquer.

“Speak in such a way that you don't sabotage yourself getting listened to,” Julie said. “That means avoiding criticism, contempt, defensiveness, totally shutting down, or stonewalling.”

( Read more... )

Current Mood: busy

conuly

"Along the journey she discovers that her and her family were never actually slaves at all but the original royal family and the original slaves usurped the throne and took over due to constantly being oppressed and treated unfairly."

I really want to ask this person if they understand how the concepts of "slavery" and "royalty" work. This girl was definitely a slave because she was enslaved, you can be a slave and also be from a royal family since both these concepts are societal concepts, the word "usurp" suggests that this revolution was invalid and bad, and by the way, if she was born as part of the royal family she's probably lucky she wasn't killed, except that then the book would've been very short and grim, with no happy ending. Well, no happy ending for her, all the happy endings for the people who killed her family and secured their freedom.

(Somebody suggested this may be The Claidi Journals, which is what I was thinking.)

********************

( Read more... )

ysabetwordsmith

Virtual 'University Of The People' provides a free college education to anyone in the world

The university offers accredited certificates, associate and bachelor’s degree programs in business administration, computer science, and health science, and master’s degree programs in business administration, information technology, and education.

There is no tuition involved in obtaining a degree, but a variety of fees are required that add up to about $5,000 for a bachelor’s degree.

( Read more... )

Current Mood: busy

All about ME!

I'm Samantha, I'm 55 and I'm a kinky, bisexual, polyamorous, Welsh geek who loves to bake and read.

I'm a retired physics teacher and am fascinated with astrophysics, space exploration, engineering and mechanics. I'm a rugby fan and an avid supporter of my Cardiff Blues.

I also love floral dresses, biker boots, leather jackets, dancing, yoga, 80s pop music, science-fiction, superheroes and chick lit.

the universe is in us

the life and times of a welsh geek

Reading

Birdfeeding

Friday Five on a Saturday

The 19th-century maths that can help you deal with horrible coffee

Hewwo

Andromeda and Friends

Wildlife

Creative Jam

November Night by Adelaide Crapsey

Today's Adventures

Birdfeeding

O hai there :)

Speak Up Saturday

Breaking Bad showrunner uses sci-fi for smart dive into happiness

Philosophical Questions: Censorship

Florida Northern Lights

Politics

Multi-Fandom Icons (and a few other graphics)

Communities

This is such a weird framing

Education

All about ME!

Page Summary