#Negative Effects of Technology | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

wachinyeya · 4 months ago

Text

When Stockholm’s Traffic Office conducted a general assessment of street traffic in the Swedish capital in 2001, it came to the shocking conclusion that two-thirds of all trees in the city center were dead or dying.

City authorities agreed that an urgent response was needed to nurse these leafy urban ecosystem pillars back to health.

Enter Björn Embrén, Stockholm’s first “tree officer.”

Under his leadership, various technologies and materials were tested in an attempt to create a more suitable living space for trees in the urban environment.

“I knew that they could grow if the circumstances were right,” says Embrén, a former professional gardener.

“It’s like putting a plastic bag over your head and tightening it over your neck,” says Embrén. “That’s what happened to the trees in Stockholm. They were dying.”

Eventually, inspired by railroad embankments — which require only a small amount of organic matter for healthy trees to grow — Embrén concocted what was to become known as the “Stockholm tree pit” model.

By 2002, Embrén had drawn up designs. And by 2003, they were already building.

The design involves digging a pit and constructing a frame underground around the tree’s roots, and then filling said pit with a mixture of soil and stone, sometimes including biochar, to both aerate and fertilize the soil. These permeable layers are very strong and physically adaptable but also allow stormwater to flow in, meaning the trees are provided with sufficient air and water naturally. They also allow rainwater to be soaked up — a necessity amid more extreme weather brought on by climate change.

“We found that the more breathable the materials we used, the happier the trees were,” adds Embrén.

Proponents say the method has a number of benefits, including the fact that pits can be installed around existing trees, they can bear the weight of heavy-vehicle traffic, they require little topsoil — a resource that is becoming scarce — and they need less watering than traditionally-planted trees.

This approach, which allows tree roots to thrive beneath hard surfacing, ergo allowing healthy trees to grow within the modern built environment, is particularly relevant as cities attempt to re-green and reforest in the face of climate change.

According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, urban forests can help “future-proof” cities, which are responsible for about 75 percent of global CO2 emissions. Sustainable urban forestry, it says, can bring multiple benefits, such as lowering temperatures, improving public health, creating habitats for biodiversity, sequestering carbon, generating green jobs, and mitigating risks of floods and landslides.

“It’s more important now than ever before,” says Ryan Klein, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida. “We have these massive populations in urban areas. And we’re seeing more extreme weather like hurricanes, wildfires and prolonged droughts. Trees can help to offset some of these negative effects.”

However, amid the rush to rapidly reforest cities, experts like Klein warn that due to ineffective methods and techniques being used, it’s common to see urban trees in poor health, and trees planted in cities often have very high mortality rates.

“We have the understanding of how to grow healthier, more sustainable and resilient forests,” says Klein. “The research backs it. Unfortunately, we don’t always invest the time, money or internal know-how on implementing this.”

A review of 16 scientific studies on urban tree mortality, published in 2019, found that in the first five years after planting, 6.6 to 7 percent of trees died annually.

“Urban soils are not very tree-friendly currently,” says Rik De Vreese, leader of the Urban Forestry Team at the European Forestry Institute. “It’s quite a serious threat.”

When trees aren’t properly anchored, De Vreese adds, it can also lead to other issues, such as trunks falling over and causing damage or roots warping sidewalks.

However, the Stockholm Tree Pit method — and the way that it’s been implemented in Sweden — is helping urban forests genuinely take root.

One of the first locations where Embrén introduced a tree pit was Erik Dahlbergsallén street in Stockholm, not far from the popular Swedish Museum of Natural History.

There, according to research by the municipality, the circumference of a selection of those planted trees increased from 30 to 35 centimeters to 70 to 83 centimeters between 2004 and 2013, even surpassing that of trees without the tree pits that have been there for more than 80 years. The latest figures from 2024 saw them reach between 100 and 136 centimeters.

“It’s easy to see how effective the pits have been,” says Embrén.

The municipality estimates that 2.3 million liters of rainwater are managed by the trees per year, and consequently, 4,600 square meters of roofs and sidewalks have been disconnected from the sewage system, reducing the burden on water treatment services.

This technique has proven so successful that it has become the standard for all other development projects in the public spaces of Stockholm. Embrén says he has been directly involved in constructing more than 3,000 tree pits, and while he has since retired, there are now three “tree officers” who have taken on the expanding role.

Britt-Marie Alvem, one of the current tree officers, estimates that the city now builds between 500 and 1,000 tree pits a year.

These days, the tree pits are also in almost every Swedish city — with a few variations.

“Some have copied and changed a little bit, like adding pumice to the stone mix,” says Embrén.

Stockholm’s tree pits are now spreading across Europe, too. In Budapest, Hungary’s capital, the tree pits can be found all over Bartók Béla Boulevard and Arany János Street. Embrén says the Spanish city of Madrid has implemented the method using local materials. And it’s become increasingly popular in the U.K.

Ben Rose, the principal arboricultural consultant at U.K. tree service Bosky Trees and the founder of Stockholm Tree Pits, a U.K.-based company that produces the equipment required to make tree pits, says that he has planted about 500 trees using the Stockholm model in the U.K. since he began in 2019, mostly as part of small-scale pilot projects.

“The approach is very suitable for use in urban situations, particularly in car parks, in plazas, and beside walkways or cycle paths,” says Rose.

Join the Reasons to be Cheerful community by supporting our nonprofit publication and giving what you can. JoinCancel anytime

Yet there are some drawbacks to the system. Installation costs can be high, the pits can require a large amount of space to install, and it is impossible to reuse existing soil. In addition, for now there is a relative dearth of professionals who know how to construct tree pits.

“Our main concern is the price,” says De Vreese, whose team is currently studying the importance of “structural soils” like those deployed by the tree pits. “Excavating the soil surrounding the tree and refilling it is no small job.”

And while Professor Klein praises the Stockholm Tree Pit’s use of structural soil and how effective it’s proven to be, he notes that the long-term success of urban forestry also relies on other factors such as the supply of high quality nursery stock and proactive tree management such as routine pruning by municipalities.

“If we don’t have these we are setting ourselves up for failure,” he says. “Some cities do the bare minimum. In the U.S.A., it’s the wild west. But others, like Stockholm, are proactive, and they have public officials seriously behind it. That’s what we need.”

By: Peter Yeung, March 4, 2025

451 notes · View notes

oddberryshortcake · 2 months ago

Text

Twisted Wonderland - Blessings and Curses

In Twst, it’s said repeatedly that blessings and curses are virtually the same thing, but are differentiated only by how they either positively or negatively affect the person who is spelled.

This is interesting because of this, in some cases, spells meant to be blessings turn into curses, which a number of characters suffer from. Some curses can also be a blessing.

There are now at least four characters who are canonically cursed in some form, with some being more explicitly stated as cursed, others implied, and some we don’t even know what’s truly going on, so I’ll be going over everything that we do know because this magic system is mysterious and I want to know more.

Idia Shroud, the late original Ortho Shroud, STYX’s director (Idia’s father) and the late Aidne Shroud (Idia’s grandmother) have all been generationally cursed for hundreds of years since their ancestor was punished for trying to revolt against their rivals, the Jupiter Family.

Their curse manifests itself as firey blue hair and the ability to incinerate blot at such a speed that overblot is impossible.

The inability to overblot can be interpreted as a blessing, but if the Shrouds don’t produce blot/live in close proximity to blot, the curse will attack their magic force and destroy it, possibly harming their lives as well.

Because of this, the curse makes the Shrouds uniquely qualified for blot research and protecting the rest of the world from the massive phantoms created by hundreds of overblotters across history.

This curse prevents Idia from living a normal life and, as Idia has done research on himself and the family, concluded that it is the curse is unbreakable (as most curses appear to be)

Idia also confirms that Grim is cursed, except Grim’s curse seems to be so old and complex that he can’t decipher what it is. Grim does have blot resistance, and its theorized that he’s a direbeast fused with some other kind of animal and possesses almost human-like intelligence.

Idia is able to conclude that someone casted an ancient spell on Grim, but the person who did it and the purpose of the spell is unknown.

This, paired with Grim’s insatiable desire to eat blot stones produced by overblotters, hasn’t been touched upon by the plot again as of right now, but the chimera creature that resembles Grim from the prologue is an indicator that we will find out what this curse is at some point.

Next is Silver’s curse, which is different from everyone else because it was intended to be a blessing from the very start.

And it was a blessing for around 400 years…Until he woke up and started experiencing negative effects from the spell, which made it a curse.

This is more on the theorizing side since Silver’s sleeping problem is brought up only once in Book 7 and not touched on again. By the end of Book 7, his sleeping issue still isn’t talked about. Given the new guest room and chat voice lines that just dropped on JPN server, it’s implied that Silver is still struggling with his uncontrollable sleeping habit and he is not cured of his curse.

But again, we won’t know if that’s actually the case until the story continues.

People rightfully speculate that the reason behind his sleeping issue comes from his original blessing, which was to sleep until found by someone who loves him. He was in ageless sleep until he was found by Lilia, and then he started to age like a normal child but fell asleep suddenly with no explanation.

It’s stated multiple times in vignettes and once in main story that Silver has been taken to doctors for his sleeping issue and no one was able to find anything, implying that curses are virtually undetectable outside of the STYX technology Idia has access to.

The blessing met its criteria and him being awake proves that it has been broken, but the reason why he’s experiencing negative effects from something that saved his life is unknown and hopefully it’ll be explained later on. Lilia also theorizes that the spell may have fallen apart due to how unpredictably long he spent under it, but that was probably just him assuming he didn't meet the spell's criteria.

Given what we know, I theorize that, in some cases, excessive amounts of exposure to powerful magic can be harmful to people, especially humans who were spelled at such a young age.

This is how a blessing can change into a curse, it’s now a part of him whether he wants it there or not.

Maybe his body is just used to being asleep, he was like that for 400 years and has only been awake for 18 years. Maybe there’s something else at play, we don’t know.

We have enough evidence to assume that he’s part of the cursed club (also he’s twisted from Aurora who is very famously cursed lol)

But he’s in the same place as Grim where you know it’s there but you’re not entirely sure why.

Lastly, Malleus has joined the cursed club as of the end of Book 7.

The Senate “blessed” him, and their intention truly was blessing. However, the effects of the blessings have become more of a curse to Malleus.

Malleus himself even interprets himself as cursed.

He was blessed to be so powerful that no one could do him any harm, however, because of his power he was harming everyone around him, including his loved ones, which is something that kept Malleus isolated and repressed.

Because the curse hindered his ability to express emotion, he was robbed of what he actually wanted, which was the ability to be happy, sad, and being able to hug someone without the fear of hurting them.

Malleus is the best example of blessings and curses being virtually the same thing. What was a blessing in the eyes of the senate was a curse in Malleus’s perspective.

Because of what happened, Malleus’s curse isn’t ‘broken’ per se, but he can no longer physically perform the kind of magic he was able to perform when both his horns were intact.

I don’t know if there’s anything Idia, Grim and Silver can do to break the effects of their curses but we’ll have to see as the story goes on.

IN CONCLUSION, having consequences to powerful spells and an open interpretation of how magic can both save and harm someone simultaneously is a really interesting aspect of Twisted Wonderland that I hope gets expanded upon in the future.

#twst #twst spoilers #twisted wonderland #twst chapter 7 #twst analysis #there's a chance we'll never know more BUT a girl can dream #Idia Shroud #twst Grim #Silver Vanrouge #Malleus Draconia #oddberry analysis

390 notes · View notes

iteratorsex · 5 months ago

Text

How Gravity Disruptors Work

We all are aware of the gravity disruptors inside of iterators, right? They... disrupt gravity.

I believe they do this through fluctuating karmic fields in parallel planes of existence, which affect spacetime and gravity by rapidly decreasing or creating "negative" mass.

Let me break down what I mean

Karma as a force, and alternate planes

Karma is like a force of the universe alongside that of gravity, electromagnetism, and weak/strong force. The iterators have an incredibly pragmatic view of karma and the cycles, treating it more like a science with odd spiritual elements involved. The iterators calculate and solve through traditionally empirical means, yet still pray and meditate.

- "It became the symbol for enlightenment as it momentarily enables a creature to let go if its carnal self, and to contact the selves of other planes - dreams, memories, imagined worlds."

Moon mentions other planes in her Karma Flower dialogue. We can understand there's a "dream" or "cerebral" realm that you could see through with this flower.

These dream plane(s) are HEAVILY associated with karma, and karmic fields, as your ingame deaths experienced in this plane cause your karma to decrease, and the karma flower that lets you contact these cerebral plane selves ... affects your karma!

As well as this, Hunter in vanilla is described as having a "karmic imbalance", once again wording it like it's a force that can be measured and somehow imbalanced

The behaviors of gravity disruptors

Having established karma as a universal force, and also alternate realities, let's actually look at the gravity disruptors themselves.

They appear to very clearly have an orbit, and drag nearby things into it. They also distort light they're so powerful!

But... you can't get to the center. The center of a gravity disruptor repels you. Violently. You can't get to the center naturally through gameplay due to the force.

So rather than this being like a black hole, it's actually closer to theoretical white holes!

The distortion of time and gravity

This leads further into my next point. According to general relativity, the mass of a black hole causes a huge sink in spacetime, slowing it down. So a white would be the opposite, wouldn't it? Something that REPELS matter because of its negative mass!

How do karma and gravity interact with each other then?

Well, like a black hole, the Void Sea slows down your perception of time until you enter it, at which point you return to normal speed. However, unlike one, gravity seems to get lower

So perhaps the Void Sea- and by extension void fluid- are somehow manipulating the spacetime continuum to both lower gravity and slow down perceived time?

Now this leads me to my biggest point...

Parallel planes!

I believe that karma and gravity are intertwined, as the boundaries between realities in rain world seem to be very vague and blurred, as you can never tell in the void sea when you actually enter the other reality. And as mentioned in the above Karma Flower dialogue, apparently you were able to contact other selves in other planes of reality.

By warping the karma fields in a parallel plane, you can warp gravity in a localized area, creating the effect of a 0g environment! This was done most likely through the use of void fluid

These parallel planes of reality between cerebral and corporeal planes already interact with each other to a noticeable degree!

How do iterators manage to "smooth out" this flux? Well, I'll be honest I'm not sure. But the fact they have the technology to do that to begin with is rather impressive!

What about Mass Rarefaction Cells

Rarefaction is an actual thing, for those who didn't know. I actually found this out recently.

From Wikipedia: "Rarefaction is the reduction of an item's density, the opposite of compression. Like compression, which can travel in waves (sound waves, for instance), rarefaction waves also exist in nature. A common rarefaction wave is the area of low relative pressure following a shock wave (see picture)"

And if you refer back to the examples of general relativity I brought up... you can see it's doing the opposite of compression. It's stretching- being rarefacted!

And in some ways, it reduces density- or gives the illusion of such.

So yes! Rarefaction is actually relevant and isn't some odd technobabble thing.

So how do they produce energy?

The orbit formed by rarefaction cells can produce kinetic energy, replacing the role of a force spinning the turbine inside of a generator. This kinetic energy is then converted into electrical energy, transported on those powerrails/busbars

This might also be the explanation to the "washing machine" look...

Closing notes

I know I've said in the past that rarefaction cells are probably not the safest and wouldn't be used very often, and how much I dislike their existence.

I still think that.

I don't believe that the vanilla gravity disruptors work the same way. They use void fluid of course, but they're MUCH safer I imagine- at the cost of not being easily transported around like a cell.

but yeah thats what I think

#textadactyl #lore #rain world #long post

375 notes · View notes

mostlysignssomeportents · 1 month ago

Text

Trump’s CFPB kills data-broker rule

I'm on a 20+ city book tour for my new novel PICKS AND SHOVELS. Catch me in PITTSBURGH TONIGHT (May 15) at WHITE WHALE BOOKS, and in PDX on Jun 20 at BARNES AND NOBLE with BUNNIE HUANG. More tour dates (London, Manchester) here.

Something amazing happened from 2020-2024: even as parts of the Biden administration were encouraging genocide and covering up the president's senescence, a small collection of little-regarded agencies were taking a wrecking ball to corporate power, approaching antitrust and consumer protection with a vigor not seen in generations.

One of the most effective agencies during those years was the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. Under the direction of Rohit Chopra, the CFPB finally used its long-dormant powers to rein in the most egregious and abusive conduct of America's most predatory corporations, like banks, fintech, and repeat corporate offenders, with a 7-2 Supreme Court mandate to go hard:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/10/getting-things-done/#deliverism

As impressive as the whole CFPB agenda was, the standout for me was its attack on America's data brokerage industry. Data brokers are effectively totally unregulated, and they buy and sell every intimate fact of your life. The reason every device in your life – smart speaker, car, toothbrush, thermostate – spies on you all the time is because data brokers will buy any data from anyone and sell it to anyone, too.

Data brokerages put "surveillance capitalist" companies like Google and Meta to shame (indeed, Big Tech buys a lot of data from brokerages, as do agencies like the DEA, ICE and the FBI, who treat the brokerages as a warrant-free, off-the-books mass surveillance system). Data brokerages combine data about your movements, purchases, friends, medical problems, education, love life, and more, and bucket you into categories that marketers (or scammers) can buy access to. There are over 650,000 of these categories, including "seniors with dementia," "depressed teenagers" and "US military personnel with gambling problems":

https://themarkup.org/privacy/2023/06/08/from-heavy-purchasers-of-pregnancy-tests-to-the-depression-prone-we-found-650000-ways-advertisers-label-you

Congress hasn't passed a new consumer privacy law since 1988's Video Privacy Protection Act. The last technological privacy issue your legislature considered important enough to address was the scourge of video-store clerks telling newspapers which VHS cassettes you took home:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/06/privacy-first/#but-not-just-privacy

Congress's massive failure created equally massive risks for the rest of us. From phishing and ransomware attacks to identity theft to stalking and SWATting, America's privacy nihilism enabled mass-scale predation upon all of us, rich and poor, old and young, rural and urban, men and women, racialized and white.

That's the void that the CFPB stepped into last summer, when they passed a new rule that would effectively shut down the entire data brokerage industry:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/16/the-second-best-time-is-now/#the-point-of-a-system-is-what-it-does

Yesterday, Trump's CFPB boss, Russell Vought, killed that rule, stating that it was "no longer necessary or appropriate":

https://www.wired.com/story/cfpb-quietly-kills-rule-to-shield-americans-from-data-brokers/

Here's the thing: Trumpism relies on the fusion of two groups of people: a tiny number of oligarchs, and millions of everyday people who are constantly victimized by those oligarchs. To get this latter group of Christmas-voting turkeys to stay in the coalition, Trump needs to delivery something that keeps them happy. Mostly, Trump delivers negative things to keep them happy – the spectacle of public cruelty to immigrants, women, trans people, academics, etc. There is a certain libidinal satisfaction that comes from watching your enemies suffer – but you can't eat schadenfreude. You can't make rent or put braces on your kids' teeth or pay your medical bills with the sadistic happiness you feel when you hear the sobs of people you've been taught to despise.

For Trump to keep the turkeys voting for Christmas, he needs to do something for them. He can't just do things to scapegoats. But America's eminently guillotineable oligarchs have found so many ways to turn working peoples' torment into riches, and they are so greedy and unwilling to give up any of those grifts, that Trump can't manage to deliver anything positive to his base. Last week, his FTC killed the "click to cancel" rule that required companies that tricked you into buying subscriptions to make it easy for you to cancel them:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/05/12/greased-slide/#greased-pole

There isn't a single person in the Trump base who isn't harmed by data brokers. Every red-hat-wearing MAGA footsoldier has been swindled with a recurring-payment scam by clicking a deceptive link. The material conditions of the lives of Trump's base – already in severe jeopardy thanks to the massive inflation the tariffs will cause, and the plummeting wages that the ensuing mass business-closures will bring about – cannot be improved in any way.

I don't think anyone knows for sure how much support Trump can win solely by torturing the people his supporters hate, even as those supporters' lives get worse and worse. The one thing I'm sure of, though, is that it's less support than Trump would get if he could do something – anything – to make their lives even a little better.

Trump owes his success to coalition-building. The Trumpist agenda – ripoffs and racism and rape – has been around forever, in festering pockets like the John Birch Society, but those feverish monsters were encysted by the body politic and kept away from power. When a group of people who've been unsuccessfully trying to do something for a long time suddenly attain success, the most likely explanation is that they have found coalition partners to join them in their push.

Every coalition is brittle, because coalition partners want different things (if you want the same thing, you're just a group – "coalitions" are, definitionally, made up of people who want different things). They have shared goals, sure, but some of the things that some of the coalition partners want are things that the other partners totally reject. When one partner wins, the other partners lose. Trump's been good at holding together his coalition, but he's running up against some hard limits.

Here's what Naomi Klein told Cerise Castle from Capital & Main/The American Prospect:

The most serious vulnerability that Trump has is that a large part of his base really hates Silicon Valley and is not interested in being replaced by machines. So it’s a monumental bait-and-switch that Trump has done with this immediate alignment with the billionaire class in Silicon Valley, and if the left can’t exploit that, then we’re doing something wrong.

https://prospect.org/culture/2025-05-13-moment-of-unparalleled-peril-interview-naomi-klein/

Killing the CFPB's data broker rule is a pure transfer from the Trump base to Silicon Valley oligarchs, whose hunger for our private data know no bounds.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/05/15/asshole-to-appetite/#ssn-for-sale

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

#pluralistic #cfpb #surveillance #trumpisnm #data-brokers #privacy #commercial surveillance

164 notes · View notes

casper-spills · 5 months ago

Text

| 2025 New Year Predictions |

ᴘɪʟᴇ 1 ~ ᴘɪʟᴇ 2 ~ ᴘɪʟᴇ 3

✦Masterlist ✦Paid Readings ✦Support me through Kofi

𓆩♡𓆪 𝘿𝙄𝙎𝘾𝙊𝙐𝙉𝙏 20% 𝙊𝙁𝙁!! 𓆩♡𓆪

Unlimited discount for monthly members.

Memberships are only £1 a month with additional rewards!

Discaimer: Tarot reading is for entertainment purposes only and should never take the place of professional therapy or professional legal, medicinal or financial advice.

|KO-FI SHOP | MEMBERSHIPS|

☁︎ ᴘɪʟᴇ 1 ☁︎

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕

The High Priestess Upright

Keywords & Signs: North Node, Sagittarius, 3rd House, Gemini, Mercury, Moon, grey, white, alignment, broken mirror, sense of self, New Moon in Scorpio, blue, secret, library, silence, 2

Messages: 'Work through your fears' 'What needs to change?'

Some of you might already know that you want to study languages, technology or psychology. You might feel like it's your calling or your destiny to pursue your dream. Well this is your confirmation!

This year will be focused on your social development and learning. You will be learning more about yourself and others in terms of how people interact with eachother and what certain behaviours and words mean. You will begin to understand yourself and others more. You'll also improve your intuitive social skills, being able to read people like a book, and pick up on things you've never been able to before!

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆

Ten of Wands Reversed

Keywords & Signs: Capricorn, 7th House, Libra, Venus, North Node, fire, 10, black, gold, green, New Moon in Taurus, Anna, plan, foundation, home, beacon, sweatshop, workplace, physical labour

Messages: 'Prosperity lies ahead' 'Lay the foundations'

Traits of your current or potential partner: Positive: Mature, great teeth, striking physique, eccentric, inventive, unique, adventurous, outgoing, sociable Negative: Stress related skin issues, unpredictable, rebellious, moody, hypersensitive, erratic

If you are in a relationship, you could be lacking some fun and spontaneity in your life so perhaps this year you'll be offloading some of your stresses and responsibilities whilst your partner takes on more duties within the relationship. Alternately, you could be so overwhelmed and overloaded with responsibilities that the relationship is on the brink of collapse. It might feel like you're getting nowhere despite putting so much work into the relationship.

If you're not in a relationship, you may be making time for dating and allowing more fun into your life by offloading some of your burdens and stresses this year.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔

Queen of Wands Upright

Keywords & Signs: Pisces, Saturn, 3rd House, Gemini, Mercury, fire, 13, dance, yellow, yes, New Moon in Virgo, green, 3, scarf, blue, independance, social event

Messages: 'Just say yes' 'A time to give'

You will be managing your finances well and you'll be capable of making sound decisions in terms of investments and spending this year. You're being advised to make sure you don't get too carried away when you spend. Someone may come to you for financial help this year so make sure you're prepared!

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉

Seven of Wands Reversed

Keywords & Signs: Pisces, Neptune, 1st House, Aries, Mars, fire, orange, New Moon in Taurus, postpone, thunder, stairs, exhaustion, compete, 7

Messages: 'Wait. Say no.' 'Success is ahead'

This year you are being asked to pay attention to matters related to your feet, pituitary gland (hormone production) and your pineal gland (melatonin production).

You might be struggling to overcome an illness this year and you might struggle to find a treatment that is effective. You may start to lose confidence in your recovery but don't let this take away your will to fight. Remember that having the will to keep going is important for progress. It could be helpful for you to seek a second opinion and a different perspectives on alternative treatmeants.

𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜

Extended reading for pile 1 includes: ✦ Your spotify playlist ✦ Your pinterest moodboard ✦ What you should prioritize this year ✦ How to fulfill your potential this year ✦ How you can improve your relationship ✦ Who you'll be supporting financially

☁︎ ᴘɪʟᴇ 2 ☁︎

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕

Three of Wands Upright

Keywords & Signs: Mars, Aquarius, 7th House, Libra, Venus, yellow, fire, martini, 3, Mutable Moon, the crumbling, teal, beacon of light, opportunities, overseas, planning

Messages: 'Nothing is yet set in stone.' 'What are you clinging on to?'

This year will be focused on your relationships, your connections, and the work you're putting into them. You could be putting in a lot of time and work into your romantic relationships, your friendships, or work-related connections and this year all your hard work will finally be paid off. An opportunity will present itself to you and this is your sign to take it! You will see a lot of progress, growth, and expansion in your future endeavors as you move forward to a new chapter. You might be going on holiday this year or you could start working abroad/in a foreign country.

Alternatively, If you're in a long-distance relationship, you might have been saving up to go visit them this year. You may also enter a new chapter in this relationship. Perhaps you plan to make a move that can help this relationship become more sustainable, such as moving in together or starting a new job in a new location.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆

Four of Cups Upright

Keywords & Signs: Aquarius, Venus, 8th House, Libra, water, New Moon in Aries, council of light, Gods, Deities, red, meditation, contemplation, blue, tree shade, graveyard, peaceful spot, 4, bushes, shrubs

Messages: 'It's time to take action.' 'You are divinely guided.'

Traits of your current or potential partner: Positive: Unique facial features, half smile, inquisitive eyes, tall, feminine, attractive, great taste in art and music Negative: Detached, unapproachable, awkward, materialistic

If you are in a relationship, you might become complacent in your relationship, where you spend more time fantasizing about what you want it to be like rather than taking action. Alternatively, you may be underappreciating your partner and letting negative thoughts cloud your judgment. Consider what you could accomplish with your partner if you could put that energy into appreciating your relationship and making steps towards a more fulfilling life together.

If you're not in a relationship, you may feel that you regret past mistakes in love, and you're focused on what was missing in past relationships. This is preventing you from seeing new opportunities in love that are right in front of you! Allow yourself to see new people and trust the process. You have grown from your experiences, so don't dismiss potential partners! You may find love where you least expect it!

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔

The High Priestess Upright

Keywords & Signs: Mercury, Cancer, 2nd House, Taurus, Venus, New Moon in Capricorn, Mutable Moon, brown, blue, secret location, library, quiet location, 3, throne, Moon

Messages: 'Your hard work is paying off!' 'Nothing is yet set in stone.'

You might be the kind of person who has always been sensible with your finances. You handle your finances intuitively, and this year, you will continue to handle your money effectively. You understand the importance of trusting your gut feelings and the knowledge that comes from within, rather than solely relying on external advice.

When in doubt, consider hidden aspects of your financial situations. Look beyond the surface and explore underlying factors that may be influencing your financial health.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉

Nine of Wands Upright

Keywords & Signs: Mars, Scorpio, 8th House, fire, yellow, New Moon in Scorpio, Pleiades, double mission, blue, ocean, fly, competitive environment, barrier, wall, climb, ladder

Messages: 'Work through your fears.' 'Uplift your spirit.'

This year you are being asked to pay attention to matters related to your reproductive organs, genitals, prostate, colon, pubic bone, and your urinary tract.

You may struggle with your health this year which will take a lot of physical and emotional energy from you. This is your reminder to keep pushing forward. It might be frustrating to be dismissed by your doctors or being misdiagnosed but don't use this as an excuse to give up! You may have suffered a chronic illness or pain and have reocurring symptoms. This may also be related to old injuries. Make sure you're doing plenty of research and getting opinions from multiple doctors.

𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜

Extended reading for pile 2 includes: ✦ Your spotify playlist ✦ Your pinterest moodboard ✦ Your vacation ✦ How you can improve your relationship ✦ Who is your potential partner ✦ External financial influences

☁︎ ᴘɪʟᴇ 3 ☁︎

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕

Eight of Swords Reversed

Keywords & Signs: Libra, 12th House, North Node, Pisces, Neptune, Air, Full Moon in Libra, replenishment, purple, oasis, grey, firefly, 8, prison, therapy, rehabilitation

Messages: 'There will be a win-win outcome.' 'Retreat and rest.'

This year will be a very heavy one for you. I have a feeling that life has not treated you so well, especially in the last year. This year will be focused on your personal development, where you explore the deepest and darkest parts of yourself. You've struggled to see your potential and haven't been able to work towards your highest self, but now is the time to change that! This year presents you the opportunity to escape the things that have kept you in doubt. You will be facing your fears, fighting for yourself, and taking back control of your life! You will feel empowered and more hopeful this year as you begin to believe in yourself more!

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆

The World Reversed

Keywords & Signs: Gemini, 4th House, South Node, Cancer, Moon, New Moon in Libra, Council of Light, purple, chakras, earth, fire, air, water, guiding light, airport, flying, travelling, 21

Messages: 'You are divinely guided.' 'A new romantic cycle begins!'

Traits of your current or potential partner: Positive: Cheerful, expressive, athletic build, truth seeker, passionate, explorer, Negative: Restless, intense, stubborn, obsessive, inflexible, relentless

Some of you may be struggling to move on from a past relationship that ended without warning. You may have felt like the ending was abrupt and you didn't have much time to process the end of the relationship. Perhaps you could be looking for closure, so you are hoping this person will come back. However, you may never get closure from your previous partner, so you must find another way to make peace with the circumstances. You must make the conscious decision to heal and nurture yourself.

If you are in a relationship, it may feel like it's becoming stagnant this year. It may feel incomplete, as if something is missing or lacking in the relationship. For some reason, your relationship is just not meeting its fullest potential, and this could be due to unfinished business or other areas in your life distracting you from being able to fully appreciate each other. If one or both of you have just gotten out of a previous relationship, there could be unfinished business there. You must nurture the relationship and have open and honest conversations because if you don't address these issues, you may start to feel like the relationship is not going anywhere.

If you're not in a relationship, you may feel that your love life has fallen flat. It could be that you haven't been putting yourself out there enough to meet potential partners, or you just don't seem to be meeting any of the right people. Don't give up, and don't end up settling for just anyone! There's no rush to be in a relationship. Don't forget about who you are and what you are looking for in someone.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔

Ace of Swords Upright

Keywords & Signs: Capricorn, Neptune, 7th House, Libra, Venus, Full Moon in Leo, air, mirror, red pill or blue pill, waterfall, skyscraper, office, library, radio tower, editor's room, orange, blue, red, 1

Messages: 'Don't let pride get in your way.' 'Who or what is triggering you?'

This year your understanding of financial matters is sharpening, and you will be confident making significant decisions in regards to your finances. You will gain a new perspective that will help you see your finances more clearly, and you will develop practical skills that will lead to positive and impactful changes in your financial status! Additionally, it could be that a new connection is what is bringing this clarity to your finances, such as marriage, a contract, shared accounts, partnerships, etc. You have the power to stand your ground against all the odds and seize new opportunities!

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉

Seven of Swords Reversed

Keywords & Signs: Libra, Mercury, 6th House, air, leap, Waxing Moon, 8, Virgo, magenta, pink, secret location, casino, birds, flying, mountains

Messages: 'Take a leap of faith!' 'Things are moving quickly.'

This month you are being asked to pay attention to matters related to your kidneys, bladder, veins, sense of touch, insulin regulation, and lower back.

This year you may end up ignoring several warning signs in relation to your health which will not do you any favours. Be aware of the signals your body is sending you and take your pains seriously! If you continue to ignore these indicators, then it may lead to a much worse health issue.

𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜

Extended reading for pile 3 includes: ✦ Your spotify playlist ✦ Your pinterest moodboard ✦ What you should prioritize this year ✦ How to fulfill your potential this year ✦ How you can improve your relationship ✦ Your Career

☁︎ Thank you for your support! ☁︎

Dividers by @cafekitsune, @animatedglittergraphics-n-more

#tarot community #tarotblr #tarot cards #daily tarot #free tarot #tarot #tarot reader #tarot reading #tarot spread #tarot witch #tarotcommunity #tarot deck #divination #divination community #paid readings #pac readings #pac tarot #pick a card #casper spills

233 notes · View notes

the-glorious-evolution-fanart · 7 months ago

Text

The text of behind-the-scenes writing has confirmed what I was suspecting was going to happen since watching season 1: the writers absolutely did not understand the Machine Herald.

Let’s skip the terrible implication of their words that disabled people who are missing parts of their body or use prosthetics somehow „lack humanity“; the writers show they were only viewing Viktor through the concept of transformation, no matter what that meant. They were convinced that all Viktor needed to do to become the „Herald“ he’s famous for, was to go through some as gruesome or eerie transformation as possible, stripping himself of emotions in the process.

Let me be clear that this is completely wrong.

Obsessively removing parts of one’s own body in order to upgrade more and more with tech is not a motivation on its own, it is a consequence of some deeper problem. It is a manifestation of something that is hidden in the mental level.

And while at first S1 might have gone the way of a disabled character getting „addicted“ to becoming more and more able-bodied and even transcending abilities of an average human body (which is still kind of an iffy take when framed as strictly negative), the subsequent degradation and complete digression of Viktor’s character arc with the transformation instead being forced on him in Season 2 by Jayce’s misguided attempt to save him, highlights that the writers did indeed hold the aforementioned idea of „eerie transformation“ as the top/core thing that makes Viktor the „Herald“, instead of his motivations for a transformation.

Even season 1’s possible idea was stopped in its tracks because at the end of s1, Viktor is written making a clear choice: hurting others for one’s own benefit is crossing the line, and he resigned to dying. He completed his arc.

This created a problem for season 2, as Viktor was written by s1 as effectively being too moral of a character to do a transformation. Enter the forced/brainwashing effect of magic on Viktor, a band-aid to force the plotline the writers wanted for him. Altering his mind and convincing him that the way to help others is to strip them of all agency and emotions.

No matter how many times the writers say they wanted Viktor to „make a mistake out of a genuine but misguided desire to help“, viewers continuously voice what they see, what the writing actually portrays – a lack of agency of the character. If text is badly written, it fails at conveying what it intended to.

Going back to the Machine Herald and what I said about self-augmentation (at least in his case as a fictional character) as just a symptom of a different problem, it’s even explicitly confirmed in Viktor’s accompanying release text:

„People deal with grief in many ways, and Viktor did it by replacing his body parts with robotic limbs.“

I’m honestly shocked that I have to copy-paste these things so often and that professional writers yet again missed the point.

The Machine Herald was a very layered character. The self-augmentation is just the top layer which makes him cool. The deeper levels are what makes him compelling.

He went into self-augmentation using his own technology as a way to propel himself again to the top of his profession, both in terms of cutting-edge achievements and in terms of recognition. He had an impression that nothing short of shocking and utterly bizzare would be able to beat his previous stolen achievement and cement him at the very top of Zaun’s scientific community. This is also supported by how theatrical his behaviour is as the Machine Herald, explains why he has vanity items like a cape and why his hair is still out. He felt betrayed by his own mind for cursing him in naivety, jealousy and depression for who knows how long. He also had issues with self-image, smashing his own face on a framed photo that showed him standing proudly next to Blitzcrank. He tried to distance himself from his previous identity of a vulnerable, very human and very empathetic student who wanted to better society by aiding in the waste reclamation process. Blitzcrank was made for cleaning Zaun – and who is idealist enough in such a self-serving city-state to attempt something like that. This he shares with Ekko, and Ekko is very clearly a hero.

Viktor’s moral ambiguity was not supposed to come from the narrative trying to obfuscate if „removing free will“ is a bad thing – because it is, it will always be an evil thing. This free will point didn’t exist in his release lore, it’s entirely the addition of 2016. Universe bio. I also believe the story gets downgraded and loses its potency if it picks a side and makes Viktor „slide into villainy“ by „completely losing his humanity.“ His ambiguity originally came precisely from how his actions towards his own body make the readers feel. It was entirely up to the readers themselves to decide whether they saw self-augmentation as cool and badass, or as unjustified self-mutilation. It’s a type of interplay between the story and its readers. A character within the story itself, Jayce, made up his mind and held the opinion that it was not a good thing.

Viktor is a „mad scientist“ and although this trope can be very reductive, it also carries some truths. Viktor went mad. His self-augmentation was never going to be justified by sensible, lucid motives, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t have reasons. He was in so much pain and felt trapped, and yet despite that he found a way to build himself back up again piece by piece, and undergo such a tremendous transformation entirely relying on personal ingenuity and resilience. The key difference between his inside perspective and our (and other characters’) outer perspective, is that his reasons and pain are of mental nature which makes them way more hidden to us.

His story can develop in the direction „backwards“, him integrating back into society to an extent while maintaining this dislocated perspective of infinite self-upgrades, infinite scientific achievement – because he’s shown it already! He wants and has a need to interact with others! His acolytes, him trying to ally with other researchers, the need for recognition. Another thing awaiting the Machine Herald is reality’s cold shower that one genius still can’t solve systemic problems, and the question what he will do once his technology inevitably gets abused, but this time finally carrying his name.

And I believe all these layers are infinitely more interesting than an unfortunate story of a man who gets turned into a manipulated creature of limitless magical power who doesn’t even have control over his own decisions.

#viktor the machine herald #arcane critical #viktor league of legends #the machine herald

224 notes · View notes

probablyasocialecologist · 5 months ago

Text

A comprehensive new review by experts in the sustainability science field, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, is challenging the long-held assumption that economic growth is necessary for societal progress.

The review, led by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB) and titled "Post-growth: the science of wellbeing within planetary boundaries," explores the rapidly advancing field of post-growth research and presents a compelling case for prioritizing human well-being and ecological sustainability over endless economic expansion.

[...]

Key findings from the review include: The Limits to Growth: The review revisits the findings of the 1972 report "Limits to Growth," noting that the world is currently tracking the "Double Resources" scenario, where collapse is driven by pollution rather than resource scarcity. This aligns with current concerns about climate change and biodiversity loss. Decoupling is Insufficient: While relative decoupling of GDP from resource use is common, the review finds no evidence of sustained absolute and sufficient decoupling, and models suggest that it is unlikely even with optimistic assumptions about technology. Social Limits to Growth: The review finds that above a certain level of income, economic growth does not improve human well-being, and the costs of growth (e.g., pollution and social upheaval) may offset its benefits. There are diminishing returns for social outcomes such as health, education, and poverty reduction as GDP increases. Post-Growth Policies: The review highlights the development of ecological macroeconomic models that test policies for managing without growth. It discusses a range of policies to reduce growth dependencies and promote well-being, including universal basic services, working-time reductions, job guarantees, and carbon and wealth taxes. Well-being within Limits: The review emphasizes that high levels of well-being can be achieved at lower levels of resource use. It argues that focusing on public services, income equality, and democratic quality can meet human needs with much lower energy use. North-South Dynamics: The review acknowledges the unequal exchange between the Global North and the Global South, where richer countries appropriate resources and labor from poorer nations. It suggests that post-growth in high-income countries might benefit low-income countries by reducing this exploitation. However, the review notes that post-growth could also negatively affect low-income countries that are dependent on exports to high-income countries, unless low-income countries implement policy interventions towards monetary sovereignty, industrial policy and effective delinking from high-income economies.

17 January 2025

#growth #degrowth #planetary boundaries #inequality #decoupling

190 notes · View notes

n1pp · 5 months ago

Text

A Guide to Disconnecting With a Digital Detox Challenge

In our hyper-connected world, smartphones and other devices have become extensions of ourselves. Although convenient, there are times when it’s beneficial to disconnect and go on a digital detox challenge

While the internet has revolutionized the way we live, work, and play, it has also led to an increase in digital dependency, distracting us from paying attention, disrupting our sleep patterns, and affecting our mental health. A digital detox challenge offers a structured way to break free from digital dependency, re-evaluate our relationship with technology, and rediscover the joy of living in the present.

The Pitfalls of Hyper-Connectivity

In the age of digital abundance, hyper-connectivity and the incessant consumption of digital content have become pervasive, shaping behaviors and influencing mental health in profound ways. Although there are many benefits of being connected online, it’s also important to understand the issues and recognize the need for a balanced digital diet.

Hyper-connectivity refers to the state of being constantly connected to devices and the internet, making it virtually impossible to disconnect. While it offers unparalleled access to information and socialization, it also causes many challenges:

Information Overload: Constant exposure to a stream of information can overwhelm the brain, making it difficult to process information effectively and leading to decision fatigue.

Decreased Productivity: The myth of multitasking on digital platforms can actually hamper productivity, as the brain switches between tasks, reducing efficiency and increasing mistakes.

Emotional Exhaustion: The need to be always available and responsive on various communication platforms can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion.

Overconsumption of Content

The digital world offers an infinite stream of content, from news and entertainment to social media updates. Overconsumption of this content can have several negative impacts

Attention Span: Continuous scrolling and content consumption can reduce the ability to focus on a single task for extended periods, affecting learning and comprehension.

Echo Chambers: Algorithms designed to show users content that aligns with their views can create echo chambers, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and contributing to social polarization.

Addictive Behaviors: The design of many platforms, aimed at maximizing user engagement, can lead to addictive patterns of behavior, making it difficult for individuals to limit usage.

Influence of Social Media

While social media has transformed the way we connect and share with others, its overuse has been linked to several negative outcomes

Mental Health: Excessive social media use has been associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, particularly among adolescents and young adults.

Distorted Reality: Social media platforms often portray idealized versions of life, leading to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy or jealousy.

Sleep Disruption: The use of social media before bedtime can interfere with sleep quality, due to both the stimulating effects of screen light and the emotional engagement with content.

The Benefits of a Digital Detox

A digital detox involves a period during which a person refrains from using tech devices such as smartphones, computers, and social media platforms. The goal is to reduce stress, focus on social interactions in the physical world, and engage more deeply with the immediate environment.

Mental Health: Constant notifications and the pressure to be always "on" can lead to anxiety and stress. Disconnecting helps in reducing these symptoms, enhancing overall emotional well-being.

Enhanced Focus: Without the constant distractions of digital devices, you can focus better on tasks, leading to improved productivity and efficiency in both personal and professional endeavors.

Better Sleep: Screen time, especially before bed, can interfere with sleep quality. A digital detox can help normalize sleep patterns, leading to more restful and restorative sleep.

Improved Relations: Spending less time on devices allows more time for face-to-face interactions, strengthening relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

Increased Creativity: Stepping away from digital screens provides the mental space to think more deeply and creatively, fostering new ideas and solutions to problems.

Enhanced Wellness: Reducing screen time can encourage self-care and inspire a more healthy lifestyle, especially decreasing the risks associated with sedentary living.

More Gratitude: Disconnecting from the digital world helps in cultivating a greater appreciation for the little things in life, enhancing mindfulness and gratitude for the present moment.

Higher Self-Esteem: Social media can often lead to comparisons that affect self-esteem negatively. A detox can help in breaking this cycle, improving confidence and happiness.

Reduced Dependency: Taking regular breaks from digital devices helps in reducing dependency, making it easier to enjoy downtime without feeling the need to check in online.

Enhanced Privacy: Stepping back from online spaces can also protect personal privacy by reducing the amount of personal information shared on the internet, decreasing exposure to potential data breaches and privacy invasions.

Plan Your Digital Detox Challenge

SET CLEAR GOALS

Begin by defining what you want to achieve with your digital detox. Is it to reduce stress, improve sleep, or spend more time with loved ones? Having clear goals will help guide your process.

START SMALL

If the idea of completely disconnecting feels overwhelming, start small. Designate certain times of the day as tech-free, such as during meals or an hour before bed.

INFORM YOUR CIRCLE

Let your friends, family, and colleagues know about your digital detox challenge. This helps set expectations and reduces the anxiety of missing out.

REMOVE TEMPTATIONS

Uninstall social media apps or use tools to limit your screen time. The less accessible your devices are, the easier it will be to resist the temptation.

PLAN ALTERNATIVES

Identify activities to fill the time you would typically spend on devices. Whether it's reading a book or hosting a dinner party, find something that enriches you.

During the Digital Detox Challenge

EMBRACE BOREDOM

Boredom sparks creativity and self-reflection. Allow yourself to feel bored without reaching for your phone as an easy escape.

ENGAGE IN MINDFULNESS

Use this time to engage in activities that require your full attention and presence, such as meditation, cooking, or gardening.

CONNECT WITH NATURE

Spending time in nature can have a profound effect on your mental and physical well-being. Take walks, go for hikes, or simply spend time in a local park.

REFLECT AND JOURNAL

Use this period to reflect on your relationship with technology. Consider keeping a journal to document your experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

After the Digital Detox Challenge

EVALUATE YOUR EXPERIENCE

After completing your digital detox, take time to evaluate the experience. What did you learn? What habits do you want to change moving forward?

SET NEW BOUNDARIES

Based on your detox experience, set new boundaries for your digital device use. This might include designated tech-free times or days, limiting social media use, or turning off notifications.

ENHANCE YOUR ROUTINE

Make digital detoxing a part of your daily routine. Regularly unplugging, even if just for a few hours, can help maintain the benefits of your detox.

The challenges posed by hyper-connectivity, overconsumption of content, and excessive social media use highlight the importance of digital detoxes and mindful engagement with technology. By recognizing these issues and taking proactive steps to manage our digital consumption, we can mitigate the negative impacts on our mental health, productivity, and personal relationships.

174 notes · View notes

mochinomnoms · 1 year ago

Note

Just thinking about ocean things and how twst would be different to our world. Was watching a video of a guy finding hermit crabs using trash as their homes and remembered how I went to volunteer when I was younger to clean up the beach (I had to do volunteer hours for school) and how there was so much trash. Just... imagine going with the mer trio to the beach and it being so clean and going to a reef where everything is so healthy.

I can see MC commenting on how beautiful, untouched, just how clean the beach is. The mer trio would obviously be confused cause most beaches are like this. Even the tourist traps take care in preventing too much trash from getting into the ocean. Too much trash effects the environment plus people live there and think of the political ramifications if land dwellers dumped all their trash on the mer people (or maybe that may have happened in the past but doesn't anymore idk).

Imagine the look of horror on the mer faces when MC tells them about the floating trash island, melting glaciers, and coral bleaching. Oh God and the oil spills! Mer trio would be making sure MC never goes back there

Oh they're for sure horrified hearing about the state of the ocean on our world. It's an awful thing to imagine to them and even harder to comprehend! It's correct that the ocean in TWST is incredibly healthy and beautiful, mostly because of merfolk and land dwellers making an effort to keep merfolks' home undamaged and avoid a war. I imagine something still broke out many many years ago, especially as technology advanced and TWST entered the equivalent of the Industrial Revolution. Ideally, after a brief period of war, more magic was incorporated with technological advances (technomagic) to reduce the negative effects of industrialization on the environment. I headcanon that around this time Ignihyde would've been established as a dorm as it's students are known for incorporating technology with magic.

Moving on from that though, the Octotrio are especially inclined to keep you in their world, especially knowing that your world's oceans are dying. Why go back when you have a perfectly good world here (with them, but they might not mention that last part).

#mochi asks #twst #twisted wonderland #jade leech #floyd leech #azul ashengrotto #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #jade leech x reader #floyd leech x reader #azul ashengrotto x reader

414 notes · View notes

ludolka · 2 months ago

Text

So I was thinking about how Activity detected!Grian’s powers would manifest and I think I came up with a way that I really like

He was born a human, he shouldn’t exactly have supernatural powers, especially since he wasn’t turned by a werewolf or a vampire or the sorts. And as much as a god has chosen him as their vessel by accepting his soul, that doesn’t make him a god himself

He messes with cameras and technology, so that got me thinking. His powers are always there, they are just not typically seen by the human (and for the most part non-human) eye, not unless he wants them to at least, but cameras can pick up on it. Think of his powers as an invisible magnetic field/energy shield around him sort of. That’s also where his omnividience and “fifth sense” of knowing everything happening around him comes from

What I came up with is something I vaguely mentioned before. His powers best manifest like hardcore realistic hallucinations. When he wants to use his powers, his target sees him and the world like they are tripping on lsd, everything gets distorted. His form ripples and changes, showing parts of the ancient god, Xelqua’s form with wings and claws and sharp teeth and hundreds of eyes mixed with his. It can cause migraines, throwing up, nose bleeds and other physical symptoms. And it goes on for as long and as intensely as he pleases, meaning as long as he’s focused on his target, they could see him and this distorted world even when they close their eyes or look/turn away

And this has levels of course. If he does it as a defense or an attack, it’d be largely negative with awful visions and a lot of bad physical symptoms. I could even imagine someone clawing their eyes out to just make it stop if he’s pissed off enough at them. But if he just wants to show someone how his powers look, it’d be a lot more neutral. Sure, the world and his form are distorted, but it doesn’t appear like he’s attacking or approaching, just standing still and letting the other take it all in. For physical symptoms the most this would do is a mild headache and some nausea/dizziness. He is in control of his powers and their manifestation after all, he can control the intensity they appear to someone

But then again, he’s still just a human, not a god, so he can’t transform or have super strength or anything like that. He couldn’t win in a physical fight, he could just make his opponent see things that others don’t with intense staring and an initial eye contact. And he doesn’t alter reality, he just alters someone’s prescription of reality

His eyes also turn purple whenever he’s using his powers and that’s visible to everyone around him, not just his target or on cameras. Maybe his target’s eyes also turn purple while they are under his effect

#activity detected au #grian

60 notes · View notes

typewritingyip · 4 months ago

Text

The Arcturus Missions

Part Twenty Nine - Turbulence

Part Twenty Eight

Content Warning - Vomit, Violence, & Gore

———

The human olfactory system is remarkably sensitive, able to detect a wide range of odors. It is known to trigger memories and reproduce strong feelings.

Humans are able to detect volatile chemicals and distinguish different scents rapidly, ensuring the safety of the body.

Smell or the olfactory system helps decide what you eat, how things can taste, and warns the person of potential hazards; often in cases of fire or gas leaks.

Pilots have been seen to have enhanced senses after compatibility testing and implantation, especially in the olfactory system. Increasing sensitivity to smell, taste, and hazard awareness.

When overuse occurs it can have an increasing negative effect on the enhancements seen from implantation and drift technology.

—

New Kaon was under siege, more than just one side of the city was being attacked and Megatron’s troops were spread out around the boundary. For the moment they were keeping the Quintessons at bay but it wouldn’t last forever.

Command was bustling and mechs were rushing around, Hound was sat down while someone he didn’t know was doing repairs to his gun and clearing out the sand filled barrel.

Knockout comes in although wrinkling his nose upon g drawing close to Hound, “You still reek of rust, Hound. Are you sure you’re repairs are well?” glancing up, Hound shrugs a bit, “I don’t exactly think now is the time to worry of it.” Knockout scowled before walking across command to talk with a few mecha.

Sighing slowly, Hound rubs his neck slightly, frowning as his assistance suits’ glove comes away with discharge and blood. Standing back up, he moves through to the other side of command where Megatron was on comms. He sits down on a crate and closes his eyes for a moment.

That moment didn’t last long.

Megatron was on comms with Cybertron and yelling, for how often Hound heard people make jokes about Optimus and Megatron being disgustingly married, this certainly reminded him more of how his marriage ended.

“You cannot request for the space bridge to be opened, you are not the senate and hold no power over it!” Megatron’s fist collided with the console and the screen flickered, “The law states that in the event of an emergency during the war on one of the colony planets—“ With a growl, Megatron pointed, “New Kaon is not a colony! Nor are we requesting the help of the United Cybertronian Army!” His claws dragged down his face.

Optimus Prime was clearly growing angry himself, optics darkening slightly and scowl evident even behind the mask, “Megatron, you can’t expect me not to intervene when Cybertronian’s are in danger.” Megatron growled, “But we cannot risk the lives of those on Cybertron for your need to intervene!” He moves closer to the screen, “This has not been a war between our people, this is a war against an old enemy and one that I intend to win while you seem content to lose!” Optimus stood and there was an echo through the other side of the line.

”And what, exactly, of my actions makes it seem like I do not wish to save our people?” Megatron laughed, “Just as always Prime, you fail to recognize the need for necessary sacrifices.” Optimus scoffs, “Sometimes you, Megatron, are too willing to write off the loss Cybertronian lives as necessary evils when it is easier than finding a proper strategy.” Megatron’s fist slammed back into the comms station, the screen shorting briefly.

He tried to take a breath, “Prime, the ridiculousness of your strategy, of threatening Cybertron for even a second, for the small number of lives you may evacuate and the little reinforcement you may bring, reminds me of your predecessors! After all, you were the one to comm me, while I was defending my people. You assumed that I would need your help defending my own.” Optimus stared at him and Hound swore that the room grew cold.

With a slight nod, Optimus took a breath, “Lord Protector, your outburst was unwarranted and your comparison baseless, we agreed in order for this peace to work that we must communicate. Would you not have done the same? I do not believe you are incapable, old friend, however I have found when times are dire, a helping hand goes farther than you think.” Megatron rolled his optics, arms crossed.

“Prime, I thought you would have outgrown this naïveté by now. I cannot spend precious time coddling your emotions, I need to attend to my people.” He nodded slightly, taking another breath and Optimus started to speak up, “Lord Protector, do not speak to me as if I am sparkling, I believe you forget I am calling as your Prime and that there are vows of your station which you are expected to uphold!” Megatron grit his teeth, before glancing down at the comms station and ending the transmission.

—

Optimus Prime stood in his office, staring at his transmission screen before looking across the room at Soundwave, “I believe that the Lord Protector has just implied that I should pen his resignation and tear up the peace agreement.” Soundwave stared unblinking, “Soundwave: suggests Lord High Protector will see the error of his way. Optimus Prime: is known for his limitless mercy.”

Optimus growled, “Prepare my battle craft, alert Elita and my other commanders, if he will not abide by his vows, then I have no need to abide by his wishes and will join my people in battle. Prepare a public statement, alerting the citizens to my imminent departure. It is time that the Lord Protector be reminded that I am not a golden statute.” he starts out of the room, pausing at the doorway, “And Soundwave,”

”Yes: my Prime?” Optimus takes a breath, “I need the solvent sent for the removal of the primal filigree. It need not appear on the battlefield, I would hate to anger the medic in the destruction of his work.” He turned down the hall, pedsteps heavy, “Soundwave: wonders if this can be called peace.” The poor mech's head hit the table.

—

The space was eerily quiet without the Prime’s voice coming through the comm line, even the explosions outside seemed muted. Megatron was quick to act and turned over the comms station which he had already dented and scratched.

Hound shifted on his crate, desperately wishing to be anywhere else but the current order of remaining by Megatron’s side seemed to linger. He attempted to escape more than once and had been blocked by those in the other half of command. Likely their scapegoat.

Instead, he felt maybe speaking up would be a better idea of escape.

“Well, uh, sir if you don’t mind me saying—“ “I do mind.” Hound was quick to shut up, staring as Megatron paced before the mech sighed deeply, “Proceed.” Hound cleared his throat a bit, “Uh, sir. That seemed rather violent.” With a nod, Megatron turned to the command table and reactivated the map of New Kaon.

The pair of them stayed silent for a minute, Hound watching as Megatron moved slowly around the map, “The Prime and I have always been the opposite sides of the same coin. For millennia we were enemies, as Jazz put it, kick down drag out enemies.” Hound tried very hard not to wince, “We both rose everyday to paint the earth with the other's blood, to stop our troops from being frightened of the other.” He sighed slowly.

Leaning forward, Hound stared, “Then how did the pair of you end up so… close?” Megatron chuckled lightly, claws tapping against the table, “Over a century of peace negotiations. We found ourselves stressed and only knew how to relieve it in one way,” There was a moment of pause where Hound was forcibly reminded that in that way, their species were more similar than he’d like to admit.

“Through aggression, through battle and eventually our schedules found us at the same places at the same times. Communication that wasn’t yelling and forced calm became typical. When the position of Lord High Protector was offered, it was one that I could not refuse.” He paused, staring down at the table.

He cleared his throat painfully, “I believe your rifle should be repaired and that our presence is needed on the battlefield.” Megatron was quick to leave command, leaving Hound sitting there for a moment.

”I’m beginning to think divorce should be universal and not seemingly just an Earth thing.” He grumbled and stood.

The back of his neck burned and drained as the time in his suit dragged on, starting outside, he nearly ran into the mech with his gun before jogging to catch up with Megatron, “Sir, my orders?”

“Kill the damned things, as many of them as you can, as fast as you can. Without getting yourself killed in the process. Primus knows I’ll never hear the end of it from your unit.” Hound tried not to smile, nodding before looking back out to the battlefield.

Where seekers were firing on the enemy and dropping bombs, while grounders were doing their best as the Quintessons continued to flood from the crashed ship, “That’s never in the plan, sir.” Hound checks over his gun before heading out towards the battle at a run.

Before now, his air tanks had been filled with fresh non-recycled air. Though now he had been away from Iacon long enough and in a mildly toxic environment where the air needed to be cycled.

All the smell hit him at once, the smell of himself and of the spent bandages in his cockpit. Of the food that he had to leave behind or thrown across the room. The current smell of his implants draining and face bleeding, and suddenly it was too much.

Gagging was the worst part, as not much was in his stomach, but what was ended up covered the legs of his assistance suit, “Oh god.” That only made things worse. His suit continued to run and he knew he didn’t have time to clean up.

Once the nausea passed, he strapped on his oxygen mask and activated the smaller tasks embedded in his seat for emergencies, it would have to do till the battle was done.

—

Ironhide was alerted first, Soundwave sending the emergency alert since the Prime was on the move. Though their disaster of a mission wasn’t fully cleaned up yet, there was a difference between one scouting ship and a full on assault on a Cybertronian run city.

Sunstreaker was still listening to Bluestreak, raptured by the concept of weapons designed solely to not harm cybertronian’s but cause catastrophic damage to organics. Bluestreak sounded tired, but kept talking, trying to keep Sunstreaker entertained and happy. He knew that Sunny wasn’t hurt, but it was hard to face that fact.

It was only when Ironhide came running over did he fall silent, staring, “What’s wrong?” Sunny grabbed up his helmet and put it on, shuffling back over to his piloting chair, “I just got word from Soundwave, the Prime is heading to New Kaon. They're under siege.” Blue gawked, “But, but how?” Ironhide shook his head a bit while Sunstreaker was getting back into his assistance suit.

“I don’t know, but Soundwave is making adjustments. Most of us are going there other than Skyfire and his mechs, Elita and her crew are being spread out on Cybertron to monitor the situation there but it is Elita we’re talking about.” Bluestreak sighed deeply, “So Soundwave is going to be with Elita’s crew while she’s with the prime.” Ironhide nodded.

It was only a few more seconds before Sunstreaker was plugged back into his suit, “Go ahead and wake up Civi, even if he’s hurt we’ll probably need him.” Ironhide shakes his head sadly, frowning, “Yes sir.” Before Sunny could even brighten his shattered visor, Ironhide was off.

Adjusting his cameras and deactivating the broken ones, Sunstreaker breathes slowly, “So, we’re moving out?” Bluestreak stared, “You could stay—“ “No, no way in hell.” Pushing off the ground, Sunstreaker offered a hand up to Bluestreak, “Come on, we’ve got Quints to kill.” Blue tried to smile.

Pulling him up, Sunny put an arm around Blue’s shoulders, “This could be interesting, it’s hardly been a week and a half, yet Hound already needs our help. Seriously.” Bluestreak tried to smile, nodding a bit but still couldn’t be convinced.

Sunstreaker looks at him and sighs deeply, stopping and turning quickly, taking Bluestreaks’ shoulders, “Blue, I am alright. I’m not hurt and if I was, you’d be the first to know. We’ve gotta focus, we’re going into something that sounds deadly serious. If you can’t pull it together they’ll sit your ass out and I’m going in regardless of my current state. Or, you do pull yourself together and have each others backs.” Bluestreak stared, open mouthed for a moment.

The moment dragged before Bluestreak rests his hands on Sunstreaker’s arms, staring at him, “Alright, alright. If you’re truly okay.” Sunny smiled a bit, “Scouts honor.” Bluestreak frowned slightly, “But you're not a scout. You're a front-liner.” And Sunstreaker laughed.

Throwing his arm back around Bluestreak’s shoulder, Sunstreaker started back towards where Ironhide went, “Tell me about where we’re going.” And this time, Bluestreak smiled, nodding, “Well, New Kaon was one of the first major strongholds built during the last war not on Cybertron, it was sort of the moment we all began to realize that this would be going on for a while.”

While Bluestreak talked, Sunstreaker listened and started to help the others reload supplies onto the shuttle. He was thankful that other then for the occasional pep-talk, he didn’t always have to butt into the conversation and Blue was content to fill the silence so long as Sunny was listening.

Most of the mecha around had turned down their audials.

—

It only took around an hour of peace for Sideswipe to grow bored and leave the bar, though now memorizing the way back out. Walking toward the taller buildings in Iacon though they were at a longer distance than he thought they’d be.

The sun had been on the verge of setting before he entered the bar and now it was nearly completely dark. If he didn’t feel confident that he could take anyone on this planet in a fight, he’d have probably adjusted his bracers before the trek back to the apartment.

It took about an hour to find his way back, exhausted and starving when he got there, only to freeze upon entering the apartment.

Elite-One and Breakdown were standing in the middle of the room, talking, Sideswipe clears his throat a bit, “Hey, BD, you’re supposed to be resting.” It was the first time in a little over a week that the old man had been in his suit.

Breakdown nods slightly, movements a bit stiff, “Something has happened on one of the colonies. Elita is meant to be watching over Cybertron, but—“ “But I’m not an idiot and refuse to let my Prime go into battle alone.” She sighs a bit, “I was going to request that you join Skids in north Iacon but you weren’t here.” Her hands rest on her hips.

With a bit of a nod, Sideswipe moves into the room and closes the door, “Uh, yeah. I didn’t exactly want to break apart Jazz’s apartment.” He slowly leans against the nearby wall, “And it’s late. Breakdown and I should be getting some sleep.” She very clearly did not like that answer.

“Sideswipe, Breakdown is coming with me to New Kaon. You can either report to Paraxus and remain under Prowl’s command, or you can join your team in North Iacon. There are no other options.” Sideswipe’s jaw twitched and his fingers flexed slowly, “You know, I don’t take orders well.” And Elita smiled, “Oh, I know. So, which is it going to be? And I will say this, your choice is going to be a determining factor of your future.” She glanced at Breakdown, “Ensure he makes the right choice and meet me outside.” She started out of the apartment and Sideswipe turned, Breakdown was quick to grab his arm before he could swing.

His grip was almost tight enough to crush the plating on Sideswipe’s arm, “Sideswipe, you are not going to strike your commander.” Simon was fuming, “And why the hell not? She’s not even giving me a choice in going!” Breakdown sighed deeply, “It’s because she’s the one one from her unit going. If you went it would look bad. Prowl suggested you stay.” Taking a deep breath, Sideswipe looks to Breakdown before pinging his comm.

Both men turn on their internal camera and properly look at each other.

Sideswipe looked exhausted, broken down while Breakdown looked well rested and almost human, “Sideswipe, go to North Iacon. Get to know your team and prove everyone wrong. You are capable and better at killing Quintessons than most.” Breakdown’s hand rested on Sideswipes shoulder, “You can rest on the transport and get some sleep once you’re there. If you went to Paraxus they wouldn’t trust you and if you snuck off to New Kaon you’d never leave this apartment.” With a deep sigh, Sideswipe nodded, rubbing his face.

“Alright, alright. But tell me everything when you get back. Then I’ll tell you about the bar that plays 80’s music.” Breakdown paused and started to smile, “Earth music?” Smiling and nodding, “Yeah, you’ll love it.” They shared a tired smile, before Breakdown started past him, patting Sideswipe’s back, “North Iacon.” Sideswipe nods, “North Iacon.” He sighs and shakes his head as the door closes behind Breakdown.

Sideswipe leans his head back and groans before moving to grab up some food and drinks for the trip.

Breakdown starts down to the street, looking for Elita, and just about jumps out of his skin when she seems to appear, “Well?” Smiling a bit, he nods, “Sideswipe will be on his way to North Iacon.” She smiles and nods slowly, “Good, come on then, I expect the only way to prevent either the Prime’s or Lord High Protector’s moods from growing worse is being fast and bringing better news.” Breakdown nodded and tried not to smile, “So, uh, my good health?” “Is the better news.” Nodding again, they started towards Iacon central, for headquarters.

They walked in silence for the first few minutes, Breakdown kept glancing at Elita, “So, what is New Kaon like?” Biting back a smile, Elita shrugs a bit, “Hot, dusty, and under attack currently. Ask what you actually want to ask Breakdown.” Nodding a bit, Breakdown glances around and looks back, “Why are we going?” Sighing, Elita shakes her head, “To prevent another war from starting in the middle of this one.” Breakdown nodded slowly.

—

The ground was blowing up around him and Hound was breathing heavily, thankful for the oxygen mask at that moment. Sand was blowing everywhere and he crashed behind some cover, arm half blown off and leaking oil.

He was thankful that it wasn’t painful to him.

Still breathing heavily, it took him a moment way too long to realize Mirage was over him, holding his suit’s arm together, “Hound!” Blinking a bit, he tilts his head slightly, “What?” The poor mech looked terrified, “What do you mean what? You weren’t answering!” Taking another breath, “Oh, sorry.” Mirage shakes his head a bit.

“Your arm is coming off.” Hound tried not to smile, shaking his head a bit, “No, it’ll be alright. Doesn’t even hurt.” Mirage looked horrified, hands getting covered in oil, “Your kind have been monsters to their heroes.” Sighing slowly, Hound pulls back and almost smacks the head of his suit into nearby rocks, “Mirage, you don’t know them.” His good hand came up and shoved Mirage back.

Once the mech was off him, Hound grabbed up his gun and stood again, staring out at the battlefield, “If you can’t accept that my job is to fight and die for this cause, then I’d suggest just staying away.” He throws his mech over the rocks and heads back into the battle, gun coming up and firing. Blasting apart the nearest Quintesson.

Mirage stayed in the sand, rifle abandoned around fifty yards back, his hands were covered in oil.

There were some things that were hard to face and at this moment, it was hitting Mirage hard. Hound didn’t feel pain when he was hurt, neither did Jazz or any of the other humans. They’d been engineered to not feel pain.

They’d all had new plating put over their own, which likely was stamped with property labels. Their mission had been a suicide mission for data and all of them threw themselves at danger as if they had no fear.

No matter how much he cared for Hound, the mech couldn’t accept that there was a path forward. Sinking a bit in the sand, Mirage looks at the clearing sky, it was already starting to get dark again which meant Hound would be exhausted long before the battle was over.

His spark fluxed painfully and he couldn’t help but swear loudly, he loved the idiot and if he didn’t at least try to protect Hound he’d never forgive himself.

With another swear, Mirage gets up and goes invisible, taking off back towards his rifle.

Hound was at present ripping the limbs off a Quintesson, bad arm and gun pinned. His other arm wrapped around a tentacle and pulled with horrific noises, ripping the thing apart with too little effort. At least in the eyes of any Cybertronian.

These suits were designed to kill Quintessons, they didn’t care how or if it was gruesome.

Megatron’s ion cannon was booming in the distance, while Hound’s fingers dug into the flesh of the alien and tore, spraying green blood across the rocks and sand.

The alien exploded with a perfectly placed rifle blast, Hound glancing back and scanning the horizon for Mirage, though not seeing him he could tell where the mech was and gave a light salute. There was a brief flash of a rifle scope in the light and Hound smiled.

Turning back towards the enemy, he did something that probably would freak out most of the mecha around, taking his busted up arm and heating up his gun. Preventing it from firing, he resealed the broken tubing and then tugged the broken plating back into a moveable position. It screeched and grinded which was painful on Hound’s ears, but he needed both arms working for this fight. The adrenaline the only think keeping him away.

———

A/N:

I had this chapter done like, 2 hours ago, but I was out of the house and kept adding little things. 3.7k later here’s the chapter. I kinda wanted to reach 4k but it’s fine.

Thank you @daffodils-and-bonfires for your help with the megop dialogue. I really wanted this moment to make clear that they were commanders facing the first actual parts of this war since the dawn of their peace.

I’ve loved all the asks I’ve gotten the last few days, please consider giving them a read.

But, yeah. I hope you enjoy this chapter it was a lot of work lol.

Tags:

@lunarlei68 @whirlywhirlygig @loop-hole-319 @pixillandjester @alek-the-witch @not-a-moose-in-disguise @goddessofwind8water @neurologicalglitch @dersereblogger @pixel-transformers @mrcrayonofdoom @wireplaces @twilightfreefaller @original-blog-name-2 @devilangel657 @robbin-u @childofprimus @miniartistme @starwold @tea-enthusiasm @valeexpris606 @celticdoggo @bird599 @agentsquirrelsgotrobots @aquaioart @dimencreasatlas @thatwandercat @artdagz @seisha974 @starscreamloverfr @halenhusky309 @leethepiper @cat-cassette @blue-wrens @sirassban @cosmique-oddity @garbageenthusiast @osqindaxend @xervias @azulabutterfly @fryseem @spring-mc @echo-circuit @aghostsnail @wooblewooble @ask-glory-haddock-and-others @nonsscrapheap @magichats @iminahole247 @omgflyingderpywhale @pour1tin @thetrexartist @naaaafam @elegantmantaray @emichusai @waterlilykitty @diabolichare @ham4ponyo @osqindaxend @sunnyvibesanddoodlez @ratatatata248

As always, thank you to the incredible @keferon for this AU. It’s so fun.

#transformers #maccadam #tf mecha universe #tf mecha au #mecha pilot jazz au #mech pilot jazz au #the arcturus missions #hound #mirage #sunstreaker #Bluestreak #Ironhide #breakdown #sideswipe #elita one #optimus prime #megatron #soundwave

108 notes · View notes