#BBC Inside Science

[eannpatterson]

Commoditisation of civil nuclear power

A colleague and I published a paper last month that we hope will bring about a paradigm shift in the nuclear power industry. I was interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Inside Science on the day following its publication – its the first time one of my scientific papers has made that big a splash in the media!  You can listen to the programme on BBC Sounds at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001zdwv. In…

[14dyh]

list of my saved youtube videos that Hange would watch:

A/N: someone watch this nerdy stuff with me pls, i'll go insane. need a hange for myself :') currently watching these videos to feed my nerdy hange delusions :D [i marked my faves with an (*) hehe]

short videos (10-30 minutes)

The Nightmares of Eduardo Valdés-Hevia

The Creatures of Codex Inversus

Nietzsche's Most Dangerous Idea | The Übermensch

Don't fear intelligent machines. Work with them | Garry Kasparov

* Decomposing Bodies to Solve Cold Case Murders

Glow-in-the-dark sharks and other stunning sea creatures | David Gruber

* You Will Never Do Anything Remarkable

* The Cognitive Tradeoff Hypothesis

* Inspiring the next generation of female engineers | Debbie Sterling | TEDxPSU

The Disturbing Paintings of Hieronymus Bosch

Roko's Basilisk: The Most Terrifying Thought Experiment

The 5 Most Dangerous Chemicals on Earth

Depth Charge Explosion Soaks Dr. Tatiana In Water

Monster Surgeon: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black

The Biology of Giants Explained | The Science of Giants

I Made an Ecosystem With a Mini Pond Inside, Here’s How!

CSI Special Insects Unit: Forensic Entomology

not-so-short but under 1 hr (31-59 minutes)

* The unpredictable tale of The Dead Man's Story by J. Hain Friswell

Planets: The Search for a New World | Space Science | Episode 4 | Free Documentary

* Let's Visit the World of the Future [tw: might be a bit disturbing, it's an interesting scifi horror though]

The Mystery of Matter: “INTO THE ATOM” (Documentary)

* Australia's Deadliest Coast (Full Episode) | When Sharks Attack: There Will Be Blood

* How Leonardo da Vinci Changed the World

long videos (over 1 hr)

Demystifying the Higgs Boson with Leonard Susskind

* The complete FUN TO IMAGINE with Richard Feynman

The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962) Colorized | Sci-Fi Horror | Cult Classic | Full Movie

* AlphaGo - The Movie | Full award-winning documentary

Particle Fever - Documentary

* Exploring The Underwater World | 4K UHD | Blue Planet II | BBC Earth

What was the Earth like in the Age of Giant Prehistoric Creatures? | Documentary Earth History

[tansyuduri]

Merlin Loregasm Rewatch S1E6 (Part1)

Hi Everyone! Welcome to my rewatch of Merlin focusing on the lore. I am a giant nerd so pretty excited about this. We’re on A REMEDY TO CURE ALL ILLS

(Hoo boy theres gonna be a LOT of lore in this one! Let's go!)

Ok more examples on how medical knowledge in Camalot is HUGLY advanced despite still beliving in Humorism and four elements. Gaius originally blames Morgana's condition on inflammation of the brain perhaps caused by infection. Infection itself was not understood and tended to be blamed on bad air, god, planetary conjunction, or natural disasters (Mostly bad air and god if it was a widespread contagion though) Some folk healers DID know how to tend it with herbs! The idea that an infection could be inside or effect distant areas like the brain in this kinda way is pretty advanced. Again I chalk this up to the world having magic. Another tool to understand what is going on around them that real history did not.

Gaius: see if you can find me some fresh rosemary and Yarrow

Rosemary and Yarrow can be combined to help achy joints, inflamed muscles, nerve pain, wounds, bruises, swelling, inflammation, and sprains Rosemary also stimulates circulation and blood flow

The idea of a remedy to cure all ills was very much a thing. It was called a panacea and was around as an idea from Greek times and named after a Greek goddess of medicine. Elements and Humors ALSO came from greek times, Greeks were hugely influential in science. It was greatly sought by alchemists and people of learning. This is likely part of why Arthur was not like GTFO. (Even if he was not interested in the offer at first out of loyalty to Gauis) More on this in a sec

Arthur: He says he has a remedy to cure all ills

Gaius: Impossible

Arthur: For Morgana's sake surely we should at least hear him out. I mean what have we go to loose. Please father

Gaius: Probably some Charlatan hoping for a quick shilling

Arthur: I don't care if she is about to die what harm can it do!?

Two things to address here. First of all Gaius is not pulling the charlatan idea out of nowere Or the impossible. As much as a Panacrea was believed to exist. There was no proof of the concept. One might hear about it existing in distant lands or the like. But someone like Gaius might be skeptical of the concept after his MANY MANY years spent in medical practice. Its possible he tried and failed to create it himself too. FURTHERMORE selling a supposed Panacrea was a thing MANY MANY charlatans did. It was perfect for praying on desperate people.

Now onto Shilling, I belvie this is the only time a unit of money is mentioned specifically in Merlin. It originalted from an anglo saxon phrase that meant twentieth of a pound. It was intoduced as "Shilling" much later in history. So I belive it is being used here as a generalism for a small amount of money. I don't think there are actually shillings in the Merlin universe. BUT one never knows. There are a lot of other historicaly inacurate things. Its part of what makes the show so fun!

This checks out Alchemy was thought to be the way to create a Panacrea . It was mainly focused on finding a way to create enternal life and gold though the philosophers stone. (More in later eppisodes) But it was also the forerunner of modern chemistry thus a physician would use a LOT of the same equipment!

Okay in Medieval times this would normally be known as apoplexy. It came from, the greek word apoplexia meaning to be stuck down suddenly with violance, Apoplexy meant when a person was struck down for seemlingly no reason without conviousness or motion maintaining pulse and breathing and later came cover things like stokes or Cerebral Hemorrage. It was still though this was caused by Humoral issues. This would presist to near modern day. It was not until 1658 that Cerebral Hemorage was first identified as a thing diferant from other types of Apoplexy So again Medicine in BBC Merlin is WAY ahead of its time. I will chalk it up in these case once again to the existance of magic, but ALSO to the fact that autopsies were likley a thing! (I've said this many times but this is more evidence to my theory as autopsies were integral of seperating apoplexy into diferant things.)

Morgana uses the word Heaven here. While the word usualy has a conotation of christianity/jusdism/islam it can also mean pagan afterlives. Still I'm making a note in case it becomes important later.

Gaius: I wish to see the court records for the time of the great purge

Geoffery: what possible need could you have for those.

Gaius: I fear that the past may have come back to haunt us

Geoffery: all the mroe reason to keep the records hidden

Gaius: I know that neither of us wants to remember that time, but this is a matter of great urgency.

Geoffery: The record are sealed they cannot be oppened. Uther has forbidden it.

Okay we need to examine WHY Uther might have forbidden it. He has no trouble thinking about it. He has no issue mentioning it. The first episode is a celebration of it!

I mean the fact he was later tormented be seeing the souls of those he killed MIGHT hint he had some regrets about what he did? But he might just have been terrified to see them back? And compared to everything else where he seems to have no regrets?

SOOO perhaps It has to do with Ygraine's death and Arthur's birth. But they can't have recorded what they did right? Since that is a big secret? OR DID they somehow record it and Geoffery was actually one of the few in the know? Perhaps he never looked at the documents? WHY WOULD YOU RECORD IT?

If Nimueh was indeed court sorceress perhaps Uther doesnt want Arthur to be able to look at the records and see OH dad had a court sorceress that escaped just after I was born!

I'm KINDA a bit stumped here UNLESS

the line "I know neither of us wants to remember that time" Okay sure it could be Geoferry just doesnt want to remember all the people dying. BUT could it mean he was into magic too? Or had a loved one who was into magic? Was he actually IN on Arthurs birth too? Or told about it. DID THEY ACTUALLY RECORD THAT SHIT? WHY? I think they possably actually recorded it. It makes the most sence because storywise this could then be another hint at the mystery of Arthur's birth that is a bit of a focus this season and is being built up.

Okay Angels are not pagan at ALL. they are christian/jewish/muslim (and a few others) So we have a point towoerd at elast one of those being comon place in the merlin world. I know some fans debate camalot being some form of early christian which is why I am paying attention to all these little religion things.

My currant working theory is that there is a weirdly pagan or pagan-ajasent version of christianity that is left over from when the romans where in control. And has had a long time to blend with the traditional godess religion/culture in isolation of other christian sects. Thus a "New Religon" existing.

This is what he says giving over the records. Which okay? I mean they both likley already know what is inside. but I guess disobeying a direct order from Uther can be a death sentance? I feel like there is somthing I am missing.

I think him mentioning this is really intersting. BECAUSE the dreams are not gonna stop. He has no reason to think they will stop. So by implying they were a warning for her condition. So either he plans to bring the condition back, Or is counting on the fact he is not going to stay for too long. He can chalk them up to her recovering sure. but eventually she will recover. Just an intersting hint that he knows he will not be staying too long.

Gaius: I often wondered what happened to that poor young boy

Edwin: I told you we've never met before

Gaius: I didn't realize who you were until I check the records you used your mother's maiden name. You are Gregor and Jaden's Son

Edwin: They were freinds of yours.

Gaius: They were sorceres

Edwin: They practiced magic, so did a lot of people back them Gaius.

Gaius: Uther will be furrius when he finds out who you are

Edwin: Fine, Fine shall we tell him? lets go tell him. Lets tell him, Lets tell him everything ooh! I know we could also tell him about Merlin?

Gaius: merlin?"

Edwin: you didn't know he was a sorcerer? Tsk, ahhh I wonder what Uther will do. Problubly have him burned? Gaius: you would betray another sorccerer

Edwin: You did when you turned a blind eye and let my parents die at the hands of Uther. At least Merlin doesnt have a son that will try to rescue him from the flames? Okay first of all going back to my post on episode one I wonder if a last name means noble. If so its intersting because Uther did not reconize a noble family because a maiden name was used. Or hes not and last names are a fluke. Also although Gaius later reveals that his parents practiced dark magic he did not bring it up here. Or deny he was freinds with them. Possably because he knew it would not convince Edwin? And not everyone who practiced magic back then (A lot of people) could have used dark magic. This is the first time we realize that Gaius was essentully a colaborater. Its not a good look for him. Not only did he choose to let his freinds die to stick by Uther. HE IS STILL trying to protect Uther. But he is willing to give up Uther to protect Merlin. And is later revealed to have saved Alice. So some part of me wonders how close of freinds they could have been? One thing I wonder is if Gaius actually agreed with Uther on a level. Perhaps there were a lot of people abusing magic. (As hinted at in episode one) So he actually thinks magic is often bad and often corrupts. (To be clear I'm not excusing his behavior.) This is why he is so hesitant to let Morgana know about her magic. And he is so strict with Merlin and his. "Its not good or bad its how you use it." But a lot of people give into power and use it for bad? Is this his view?

I know a lot of people equate magic with being born diferant. I do too. Its part of why I relate to Merlin so much. But it seems like for some people in the merlin world it is less who they are and a means of Power for good or ill. (For others they are totally born with it) It does give people power others do not have (Just like being royalty does for example) I am a firm beliver of the idea that power reveals. And we see this a lot in Merlin, both in the choices Uther VRS Arthur make. and in the choices diferant sorcerers make. Back on topic I'm trying to understand why Gaius makes the choices he does. And I think the most likley thing is the man on some level ACTUALLY is afraid of magic and its capacity to currupt which he has seen a lot of and thus supports Uther one some level, perhaps this is even subconcious.

Again this is Tumblr so I need to make clear I DO NOT THINK HE IS IN THE RIGHT HERE. Gaius if this is true is missing HUGE Aspects he should take into consiteration. And the purge? the things Uther did? Just no!

This is intersting because there were not many developments in real medieval time. Another sigh there medical knowlage is very diferant in the Merlin World AND I'm cutting off here. Party because I accidenly posted partly because there is SO MUCH LORE! I will come with part 2 soon!

[noosphe-re]

Bohm: Now, the ordinary idea of matter is: it’s an object which exists external to other objects, passes through space continuously, goes from here to there, and connects up with other objects. Makes the whole that way. Now, to just give the idea of what I mean: I saw once on BBC television a device which I realized would be very useful for my purposes. It was made at the Royal Institution in London, and it consisted of two glass cylinders, concentric, one inside the other. The inner one was held fixed, and the outer one turned slowly, and you placed a very viscous fluid such as glycerin in between the two cylinders. Now, as you turn the outer cylinder, the glycerin on the outside is turning, the glycerin on the inside is fixed, and in between it’s moving at an intermediate rate. So if you took a small bit of glycerin it would slowly get drawn out into a thread. Is that clear?

Suzuki: No, you’ve got glycerin in your tube, in your cylinder, and then you put a drop of...

Bohm: The next stage is to put a drop of insoluble ink, which consists of particles of carbon, for example.

Suzuki: So you can see this drop suspended in the glycerin.

Bohm: And each particle of carbon is now carried along by the glycerin at the speed of the glycerin. And since the outer parts of the glycerin move faster, the particles of carbon are carried apart. Eventually they become so fine as to be invisible, right? Now, you then turn this machine around slowly, and the particles retrace their paths, and suddenly it forms a drop, again, of glycerin, right? And that actually happens. I saw this happening for the first time there when it was shown on the program.

Now, I propose now that this droplet has been folded into the glycerin, right? And it is then unfolded. Now I want to say that that sort of process helps to explain the behavior of particles. It’s only an analogy; we mustn’t take it too literally. But for example, suppose I put two droplets in, one next to or near the other, and I fold it up. Now, the particles from one droplet are going to sort of mix with the particles of the other, so they’re indistinguishable. Yet, if we turn the machine around, each particle seems to know where it must go and it goes backward to help form its own droplet again, right?

Suzuki: Now, what does that illustrate?

Bohm: Well, that illustrates a new order, because… see, if we put in a number of droplets in a row, you have an order, right? And we could pull them all up. The order seems to be absent, but it’s still present, because when you unfold it it’ll all come right out again. So I say there’s a non-manifest order. There’s an implicate, enfolded order, right?

Suzuki: Okay.

Bohm: I say that that notion of order is a different notion of order from the one which science has been using, which is the unfolded or explicate order, in which we say only things outside each other count and only external relationships of things outside each other are to be part of the fundamental laws of physics.

David Bohm, interviewed by David Suzuki, 1979 (video, transcript)

[asherloki]

helloooo :)

i was wondering if u could write somthing about anderson disrespecting reader when they join cases with sherlock, but always behind their backs

but then sherlock hears and he starts (trying) to beat him up, and anderson puts up a good fight, however sherlock still wins

he goes home to 221B and reader is shocked asking who hurt him and what he did, but he doesn’t give away anything, and simply tell them not to worry about it. whilst reader is patching up his wounds, john comes back and starts saying how cool, dangerous and reckless beating up anderson for reader was and they’re just flustered and shocked, saying thank you to sherlock (maybe a first kiss scene?)

reader also gives anderson a piece of their mind - not because he disrespected them, because he beat up sherlock :)

tysm and ur work is amazing!!!!

Detective's doll

Bbc Sherlock x reader

Word count:- 840

A/n:- listen guys, just one or two fic will come this month, once October is here I'll be doing Halloween fics! I've shared some prompts do check! Fandoms you know, otherwise check my masterlist.

"you think I can help you with this case?" I enquired to Sherlock not believing he asked my help suddenly for a case. I've been fond of him since I moved in. He can seem cold, unfriendly, some people may describe him as arrogant as well. I was no exception, however living with him taught he's actually pretty lonely. Especially since john watson was married. Sometimes when he's working or sitting with his microscope he looks as pure as a child who just needs a hug. I do want to hug him tight sometimes but he's not very fond of touches innit? So I never dared.

"that's why I asked you, look this case includes information about victorian literature and by seeing your side of the bookshelf " he said pointing to our bookshelf, his side was filled with books about chemistry, science, anatomy and mine was filled with victorian classic novels, mostly, "I think you can help us with this".

"okay then" I must admit I was over the moon. A real life adventure was calling me, how could I not be thrilled.

In evening we went to Scotland yard, I felt excited about being able to help these men. Especially Sherlock, he introduced me to lestrade and informed him that I'll be joining their quest. His agreement confirmed my involvement before I went with him to his office to get some information about the case, I thought Sherlock was following me however I turned around to find out he was going to a different direction, he was walking towards Andersen. Perhaps he had business with him, but one question still lingered, he doesn't quite like Andersen that much.

When I came back with a folder in my hand which contained some information put inside, not in an organised way, I looked around for Sherlock, it seemed like he was gone, and for some reason people or I must say other officers there stared at me. I wondered why, maybe because I don't usually visit their office. Though their furrowed brows told some different story.

After I got to Baker Street I found the flat's door already open,

"Sherlock?" I called, to make sure it was him who opened the door, and not some break in, "is it you in there?" I walked in showing some bravery, trying to make least noise possible to find Sherlock struggling with the first aid box.

"gosh" I went closer to him and I gasped as I found out he had a cut along his cheek bone, and some more wounds accompanying "what the... what happened?"

"nothing" replied the detective, still trying to get the box open. I noticed his knuckles were hurt too as they were all red, it was the reason for his struggle with the first aid box. They were hurting him as he tried to open it.

"fine don't tell me" the only thing I couldn't bring myself to like about him was his habit of keeping things hidden, "do me a favour and sit" I wonder if my eyes reflected all the concern I felt for him. It may have, for he stared at me for a few seconds then obeyed without any objection. I took some medicine in cotton to apply over his cut.

"ow" he pulled away as the medicine on the wound felt like burn.

"I know it might hurt but please.." as I said and he nodded in agreement, it appeared to how much I fancied this moment, me taking care of him, even though he was hurt, and that was the part I disliked. I continued to do my job until John Watson came bursting in,

"oh gosh you're here, you did amazing" he seemed overjoyed and I bet I could see all his 32 teeth the way he smiled.

"let's not talk about it" said Sherlock softly. My confusion rose at this point, does john know what happened?

"no wait" I forbid him to interfere, "what happened john?"

"wait you don't know?" he asked in a way as if I'm the one who should be knowing this before others, although he was well aware how secretive his friend can be.

"how's mary? Is pregnancy bothering her?" Sherlock interrupted again, with his terrible skill of small talk.

"shhh" I hushed him "speak up John".

"Sherlock beat up Andersen" He spoke finally.

"he did what?"

"yes, because..."

"you said enough" Sherlock forbid him again.

"no he hasn't" I said, "because?" I turned to John.

"because Andersen said shit about you" John's words left his mouth and hit me, one because Andersen said something bad about me? but I never were mean to him even for once, why would he do that? and two, Sherlock beat him for that? For me?

"it wasn't just.." Sherlock started to say something, he was lacking excuses so he stuttered until I spoke,

"really?"

"yes, Andersen is beaten up terribly by him" replied john, "and you shouldn't bother about what he said".

That only meant it was very mean, "I'd still like to know"

"dumb doll of the detective" said Sherlock, "that's what he told you, you're dumb, a doll who's is controlled by me"

I gasped at this not knowing what to say.

"an opportunist" followed by a few seconds of quietness, "he said more but..."

It felt terrible, no wonder other words were far more worse that Sherlock couldn't bring himself to speak.

"anyway" John said breaking the silence. "I better go home, Mary might need me."

Waving us he went and left us wondering about the situation. I turned to Sherlock as I was yet to understand all those cuts and wounds he endured, were all to protect my image? To protect me from words? He knew then how sensitive I am under the cover of a strong person, "you fought him for me?"

He nodded in response, followed by the heavy exhale.

"and why?"

"because you don't deserve disrespect, and obviously not from someone like Andersen." he replied.

I don't know why but that moment I didn't care if he likes being touched or not instead I wrapped my arms around his neck and placed my chin on his head, sniffing his hair and realising his shampoo has a decent smell, no wonder his curls were like a soft pillow. It forced me to lean my cheek too with a smile that appeared on my lips, "you didn't have to, but thanks"

"no problem" he said taking my hand, and caressing it, as if it was an assurance, a promise that my palm was safe in his hand.

Next day Sherlock, john and I went to Scotland yard where I found the sight of beaten up Andersen, oh how... terrible honestly. I felt bad how wounded he was but atleast he'll think twice before disrespecting me, or anyone. Sherlock made sure of that.

"you guys go inside, I'll be with you in a minute" I said walking to Andersen, although Sherlock pulled me a little by my wrist to say,

"listen" Sherlock said, "don't put up a fight I did it already"

"I won't" we exchanged smiles and I went to catch Andersen,

"Andersen!" I called.

He looked horrified yet fuming at me he said, "you? what do you want?"

With some strength in my voice I stated, as politely as possible yet stern, "next time if want to say something, make sure it's on my face, but if you dare again, my detective will kill you, I'm his doll afterall, he won't let you play with me like that" then I went a little closer and replied in a hushed voice, "I'm his to love, his to keep, his to adore." This may haven't scared him but infuriated him even more, so I stepped backwards with a smile, now that my threat did it's job and walked away, just one more time I turned around to wave him, a mocking wave to be more clear, "see ya".

[rainedragon]

Hi! Do you by chance know what's going on with this year's kei con? Seems like lots of hurdles! Know anyone else planning on still going?

Hello! I don't really have any special info, I'm not on staff, but I can share what I know. My understanding is that they were booked for the Ontario Science Centre.

On June 21st the Ontario Science Centre was closed. The Ontario Science Centre uses reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the roof. RAAC has extra air bubbles in it, making it lightweight and cheaper than regular concrete, but it's susceptible to cracking and water getting inside which can rust structural bars causing collapse. It was most popular between 1950-1990. Today, it has an estimated lifespan of about 30 years. The science center was built between 1966-1969, so it's well past that timeframe. After the UK examined a bunch of schools and found many of them to be structurally unsafe, the Science Centre was examined. The end result was that the engineers believed that the roof could collapse in the snow, and my understanding is to be safe, they closed it imediately. There is some political debate about this, but for our purposes, suffice it to say it's closed. They are refunding future events booked there, but of course, this means that Kei-con would have to find a new venue.

Researching and negotiating venue contracts for a con takes time, there are a lot of things that have to be priced out and looked at, room layout plans, AV, food rules, etc. This is a volenteer run event and it's been less than 2 weeks, which really isn't a ton of time when it comes to this type of planning. I'm pretty confident in the staff being able to figure out something else, I think it's just a matter of it taking a little time.

Press Release (Ontario Science Centre)

What is RAAC and why is it a safety risk? (BBC)

[astonishinglegends]

Ep 298: The Long Strange Trip of the Tromp Famil

"I thought getting out was the best idea at the time. But here, in hindsight, I probably should’ve stayed with them and tried to help."  -- Mitchell Tromp, the middle adult child of the family, to Sky News in September of 2016.

Description:

We all know family road trips can be fun, bonding experiences that generate fond memories, but they can also be filled with tension and frayed nerves—although perhaps not to the degree experienced by the Tromp family of Silvan, Australia. In August 2016, Mark and Jacoba Tromp and their adult children Riana, Mitchell, and Ella embarked on a perplexing journey of around 1000 miles that captivated the country. They abruptly left their home, abandoning their phones and credit cards. What followed was a five-day saga of mystery and confusion. The family’s erratic behavior, including apparent paranoia and separation, led to a nationwide search. The incident, dubbed the “Tech-Free Family Road Trip,” sparked widespread speculation about mental health, shared psychosis, and the pressures of modern life on their successful farm. During this family travel season, we work to dissect what happened and why. Was this bizarre odyssey a contagious emotional meltdown, or was there an actual threat to their safety as the parents initially thought?

Reference Links:

“Tromp family: The mystery of a tech-free road trip gone wrong” from BBC World News

“Bizarre tale of Tromp family road trip cloaked in mystery” from The Sydney Morning Herald

Folie à deux

“'Difficult period': Tromp father breaks silence over family's bizarre off-grid trip” from YahooNews.com

“Riana Tromp speaks about bizarre roadtrip in first interview” from News.com.au

“Tromp family’s idyllic life before road trip chaos” from News.com.au

“Eerie photos of the Tromps' abandoned home: What happened inside the walls of this pretty farmhouse that drove the family out of their minds at exactly the same time?” from DailyMail.com

Silvan, Victoria, Australia

Ep 233: What It Wasn't: Or "How I learned to stop dismissively categorizing potentially paranormal events as mass hysteria" from Astonishing Legends

Mass psychogenic illness

Morgellons

Dancing plague of 1518

Tanganyika laughter epidemic

TiffanyGomas.com

“Displacement” from Psychology Today

Ariel School UFO incident

“With X-Files hitting our screens, we take you through Australia’s scariest abductions” from News.com.au

The Knowles Family UFO Incident from Brian Dunning’s Skeptoid

Location:

Silvan, Victoria, Australia; the town where the Tromp family farm is located.

Suggested Listening:

The Why Files: Operation Podcast

Like many podcasts, the Why Files covers conspiracies, aliens, time travel, and ancient civilizations. Some people are very serious about this stuff. They believe every detail, even if the details don't quite add up. Others tear the stories apart. What fun is that? The Why Files is different. First, they explore the mystery, and then together, we separate fact from fiction and see what's left. Some legends can't be debunked. And those are their favorites. The Why Files is available on Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts. The X Files said the truth is out there, but the Why Files says the truth is right here. 

Suggested Merch:

CLICK HERE to purchase prints and merchandise from Star Wars’ first ship designer, Colin Cantwell, at ColinCantwell.com!

There are still nearly two dozen exclusive prints of his amazing work available for purchase. Head over to colincantwell.com, and use the Promo Code DROID for a 15% Holiday Discount! And here’s why it’s special — each purchase helps support the TSJ Foundation’s mission to inspire youth in STEAM fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.

Donate to the middleway conservancy!

Click HERE to donate and help keep the historic village that is the home of the wizard clip alive!

From the Astonishing Legends Network:

Find us on YouTube!

Click this text to find all Astonishing Legends episodes and more on our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Astonishinglegends

Join us on Patreon!

Click HERE or go to patreon.com/astonishinglegends to become one of our Patreon members and receive exclusive offerings, like our bonus Astonishing Junk Drawer episodes (posted every weekend the main show is dark) commercial-free episodes, and more!

SPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPECIAL SPONSORS:

FIND OTHER GREAT DEALS FROM OUR SHOW’S SPONSORS BY CLICKING HERE!

CREDITS:

Episode 298: The Long Strange Trip of the Tromp Family. Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess. Audio Editing by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound. Music and Sound Design by Allen Carrescia. Tess Pfeifle, Producer and Lead Researcher. Ed Voccola, Technical Producer. Research Support from The Astonishing Research Corps, or "A.R.C." for short. Copyright 2024 Astonishing Legends Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

[miiiilena]

Exploring Philosophy through Doctor Who

  ⃪ Welcome! 🍄 . ⵢ

"Doctor Who" is an iconic science fiction series that portrays the adventures of an eccentric protagonist who has the ability to change appearance whenever he's on the brink of death. He belongs to the Time Lords, a species from another planet. The series has a somewhat retro visual style with a strong British influence, especially in its humor. The Doctor always invites companions on his travels, which quickly turn into dangerous adventures. Together, they face frightening alien creatures and challenging situations. Broadcast by the BBC since 1963, the series remains relevant over the years due to its ability to reinvent itself, whether through new actors or innovative storylines. Currently, the role of the Doctor is played by actor Ncuti Gatwa, the first Black and openly gay actor to take on the role of the Doctor.

Now, speaking about philosophy, the philosopher Aristotle has a lot in common with "Doctor Who." Both have their followers, or companions, who help them in their journeys, and they face adversaries that threaten order and justice. Aristotle believed in a world governed by natural and rational laws, while "Doctor Who" explores multiple realities where the rules of the universe can change. Aristotle advocated for ethics based on virtue and happiness, while the Doctor follows a more flexible moral code that values the preservation of life and friendship above all else.

The series addresses philosophical concepts such as metaphysics. The TARDIS, the Doctor's iconic ship, is an example of an object that defies the laws of physics. It is bigger on the inside than on the outside and travels through time and space by manipulating the energy of the time vortex. This all fits into the idea of dimensional transcendence, where the internal space of the TARDIS exists in a distinct dimension from the external one. The TARDIS, beyond being a machine, possesses a certain personality of its own, and these elements make it an interesting link to Aristotelian metaphysics.

Another central philosophical theme is identity and memory. With each regeneration, the Doctor changes appearance, style, and even aspects of his personality but retains fundamental traits like his intelligence and sense of justice. This leads us to reflect on how the character deals with his own transformations and the changes in relationships with his companions and enemies. The Doctor's identity is constantly questioned by the characters around him, as he never reveals his true name and is known only as "The Doctor."

"Doctor Who" also explores the nature of time in a unique way. Time is treated as a dimension that can be manipulated but also has its rules, such as fixed points that cannot be altered and alternate timelines. These rules help avoid paradoxes and preserve the integrity of the web of time, a concept the Doctor explains as "wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff."

Ethics and morality are constantly tested in the series, with the Doctor frequently facing dilemmas involving saving lives, combating threats to the universe, or deciding between right and wrong. His enemies, like the Daleks, Cybermen, and the Master, have complex motivations and often see themselves as saviors or superior, challenging the Doctor to confront not just their actions but also the principles that drive them.

Death is a recurring theme, where the Doctor's regeneration offers a form of temporary immortality, contrasting with the mortality of his companions. The series deals with cloning, consciousness transfer, and immortality, questioning the value and consequences of living forever.

Beyond these themes, "Doctor Who" addresses aesthetics, consciousness, politics, and justice, always bringing deep reflections in a fun and accessible way. Throughout its seasons, the series not only entertains but also prompts viewers to reflect on universal philosophical questions.

Finishing! 🍄 = . ༅.

In the end, "Doctor Who" is much more than a sci-fi series full of adventures through time and space. It is a true dive into philosophical themes that make us think about who we are, what is right or wrong, and even how time works. With the Doctor and his companions, we realize that life is full of questions without easy answers, but that's part of the journey.

The cool thing about "Doctor Who" is that even after so long on air, the series continues to reinvent and surprise itself, showing that change can be positive and necessary. With its unique style and humor, it reminds us that no matter the challenge, what really matters is valuing life, friendships, and never losing curiosity.

So, whether facing Daleks, traveling in a TARDIS that’s bigger on the inside than on the outside, or breaking all the rules of time, "Doctor Who" teaches us that the important thing is to keep exploring and adapting. In the end, what truly matters is what we learn along the way and how we use it to make the universe a slightly better place.

[thegayhimbo]

Stranger Things Hawkins Horrors Review

If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out my other Stranger Things Reviews. Like, Reblog, and let me know what your thoughts are regarding the show or the upcoming season! :)

Stranger Things Comics/Graphic Novels:

Stranger Things Six

Stranger Things Halloween Special

Stranger Things The Other Side

Stranger Things Zombie Boys

Stranger Things The Bully

Stranger Things Winter Special

Stranger Things Tomb of Ybwen

Stranger Things Into The Fire

Stranger Things Science Camp

Stranger Things “The Game Master” and “Erica’s Quest”

Stranger Things and Dungeons and Dragons

Stranger Things Kamchatka

Stranger Things Erica The Great

Stranger Things “Creature Feature” and “Summer Special”

Stranger Things Tie-In Books:

Stranger Things Suspicious Minds

Stranger Things Runaway Max (Part 1 of 3)

Stranger Things Runaway Max (Part 2 of 3)

Stranger Things Runaway Max (Part 3 of 3)

Stranger Things Darkness On The Edge Of Town (Part 1 of 3)

Stranger Things Darkness On The Edge Of Town (Part 2 of 3)

Stranger Things Darkness On The Edge Of Town (Part 3 of 3)

Stranger Things Rebel Robin Book and Podcast (Part 1 of 2)

Stranger Things Rebel Robin Book and Podcast (Part 2 of 2)

Synopsis: Set between seasons 3 and 4, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Max, Erica, Nancy, Robin, and Steve are all trapped inside in the Video Rental Store after the power goes out on a dark and stormy night. With nothing better to do to pass the time, they begin telling each other scary stories and urban legends surrounding Hawkins......

Observations:

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!! 🎃☠️👻🍫

This'll be a shorter review than usual since this was a fast read, but man this book was a lot of fun! The premise itself (i.e. certain main characters from the show trapped in the same location interacting with one another) is worthy of an entire episode from the show, and it's disappointing that Netflix and the Duffer Brothers never thought to film a stand-alone Halloween or Christmas or Holiday Episode (similar to what BBC Sherlock did). Even if it didn't tie into the mythology of the show, just seeing certain characters converse with one another when they barely do on the show would have been something I (and plenty of other fans) would have sat through.

The premise of this book is similar to the short Halloween Special comic I reviewed several months ago (you can find the link to it above), except that was set before season 1 and only featured one scary story told by Will to his friends. By contrast, this book takes place in-between seasons 3 and 4 after Steve and Robin get the job at the Video Rental Store, the Byers Family and El have moved to Lenora (meaning they aren't in this book), and each of the characters here get to tell their creepy tales.

The structure for Hawkins Horrors is similar to horror anthology series like The Twilight Zone, Creepshow, and Tales from the Crypt. It also reminded me a little of the Goosebumps series R.L. Stine wrote in the 90s. The big difference is while Goosebumps was tailored towards kids and had elements of comedy to balance out the horror, the stories told by the characters in Hawkins Horrors get pretty dark and gruesome, and some of them even end on chilling notes. This is not a feel-good book.

Each of the stories are urban legends surrounding Hawkins that the characters either insist are true (even though it's implied they aren't), or at the very least have some details tweaked. What's neat is, if you pay close attention, some of the urban legends told are similar to other famous horror stories, and arguably paying homage to them. Robin and Steve's story about the monster under Lover's Lake is the premise of Stephen King's "The Raft." Erica's story is similar to the plot of Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window (right down to the protagonist in a wheelchair seeing something he shouldn't have) except the climax takes a horrifying turn and the ending is ambiguous about the protagonist's survival. Mike's story comes off as a combination of Child's Play and The Twilight Zone episode "Living Doll." Matthew J. Gilbert wrote this book, and it's pretty clear he's a major horror fan. I wouldn't be surprised if he took inspiration for some of these anthology stories from other famous ones, and brought the Stranger Things charm to them.

On top of that, the book acts as clever foreshadowing for certain events in relation to certain characters in season 4. Nancy's horror story takes place at Pennhurst Asylum, where she will later go with Robin to learn about Victor Creel and what happened to his family. Steve's story about the monster under Lover's Lake hints at how he'll eventually gets dragged through the lake into the Upside Down:

Dustin's story is centered around D&D, and even references the Hellfire Club and Eddie (though Eddie is just referred to as "The Dungeon Master" at this point). Even Erica's story, about the only sane person who tries to warn others about how dangerous someone else is, has parallels to her being the only one at the town hall meeting in season 4 who stands up to Jason and calls bullshit on his attempts to paint the Hellfire Club as a Satanic cult.........only to get dismissed when most of the adults in the room agree with Jason and turn into a lynch mob as a result.

Hawkins Horrors was released on May 3, 2022, a few weeks before the first volume of Season 4 was dropped. I would not be surprised if Netflix and the Duffer Brothers told Matthew J. Gilbert plot elements from season 4, and gave him permission to subtly reference (but not completely spoil) said plot points. Even though I saw the show before I read this book, I still enjoyed the foreshadowing. Well played! :)

The stories were entertaining, but I was more invested in the interactions between the characters. Two of my favorite moments are at the beginning of the book, and towards the end when Mike starts telling his tale. The first is this interaction when everyone shows up minutes before the Video Rental Store closes, much to the annoyance of Steve:

Then there's this fun bit where Mike trolls everyone while the storm is raging and the power is out 😂:

It's also pretty amusing when one character tries to tell their story, and the others either question if it actually happened, starts poking holes in it (much to the irritation of the character telling their story), or even calling out when, from their perspective, the tale has a lousy ending:

It's interactions like this that make the book enjoyable. I'm glad we get to have most of the characters hanging out as friends without there being a crisis from the Upside Down that they have to deal with.

Overall, this was an entertaining read, and a fast-paced book. High recommendations to check it out when you can!

And once again, Happy Halloween everyone!

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

On July 14, I'm giving the closing keynote for the fifteenth HACKERS ON PLANET EARTH, in QUEENS, NY. Happy Bastille Day! On July 20, I'm appearing in CHICAGO at Exile in Bookville.

#20yrsago BBC affirms Creative Archive in Charter Renewal plans https://web.archive.org/web/20050308195821/https://www.bbc.co.uk/thefuture/pdfs/bbc_bpv.pdf #20yrsago How Free Software won the hearts of hackers, capitalists, commies and academics https://web.archive.org/web/20040701094054/http://www.media-culture.org.au/0406/02_Coleman-Hill.html

#20yrsago Toaster oven casemod https://web.archive.org/web/20040701051006/https://www.snapstream.com/Community/Articles/tvtoaster/

#15yrsago Automated shakedown racket sends legal threats, demands cash https://torrentfreak.com/automated-legal-threats-turn-piracy-into-profit-090628/,/a>

#15yrsago Honduran coup is the first successful military coup d’etat in the region since the Cold War ended https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE55R24E20090628/

#10yrsago Aaron Swartz documentary, The Internet’s Own Boy, out today https://web.archive.org/web/20140628031422/http://www.takepart.com/internets-own-boy

#10yrsago Horror movies and the Haunted Mansion https://longforgottenhauntedmansion.blogspot.com/2014/06/creepy-old-flicks-part-three-uninvited.html

#5yrsago Felony Contempt of Business Model: Lexmark’s anti-competitive legacy https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/06/felony-contempt-business-model-lexmarks-anti-competitive-legacy

#5yrsago Three Halflings in a Trenchcoat: a homebrew fighter class for D&D https://www.reddit.com/r/DnD/comments/c6fdw4/oc_introducing_three_halflings_in_a_trenchcoat_a/

#5yrsago Microsoft is about to shut off its ebook DRM servers: “The books will stop working” https://memex.craphound.com/2019/06/28/microsoft-is-about-to-shut-off-its-ebook-drm-servers-the-books-will-stop-working/

#5yrsago Improving Q&As with peer-review https://memex.craphound.com/2019/06/28/improving-qas-with-peer-review/

#5yrsago Howto: stay civil while discussing the children in America’s concentration camps https://www.theonion.com/tips-for-staying-civil-while-debating-child-prisons-1827147411

#5yrsago Rage Inside the Machine: an insightful, brilliant critique of AI’s computer science, sociology, philosophy and economics https://memex.craphound.com/2019/06/28/rage-inside-the-machine-an-insightful-brilliant-critique-of-ais-computer-science-sociology-philosophy-and-economics-2/

Support me this summer on the Clarion Write-A-Thon and help raise money for the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop!

[notwiselybuttoowell]

Once again, I'm absolutely staggered by all the possiblities of seaweed if handled correctly

For World Ocean Day, Gaia Vince finds out how the planet’s seas could help us to generate clean power, capture CO2 and feed the world. Gaia is joined in the studio by science journalist and marine biologist Olive Heffernan. She dives into the controversy regarding the potential of mining in deep oceans and discusses whether the seas could become the location for Industrial Revolution 2.0.

We’re used to seeing seaweed wrapped around our sushi rolls but it’s so much more than that. As well as being a tasty addition to what we eat, seaweed plays a vital role in absorbing CO2. Gaia speaks to Vincent Doumeizel, a senior adviser on oceans to the UN Global Compact; he’s also the food programme director at the UK-based charity Lloyd’s Register Foundation. He’s confident that seaweed could enable us to sustainably feed a growing global population in the coming decades.

Phytoplankton – microscopic species of algae that exist on the surface of the sea – also absorb huge amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. Sir David King, founder and chair of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group and former chief scientific adviser to the UK Government has the radical idea that artificial whale poo could boost phytoplankton growth, leading to an increase in fish stocks and, consequently, improved biodiversity in the oceans. He tells Gaia about his project and the potential it has for carbon capture.

When we think of energy generation from the oceans, we tend to think of offshore technology such as wind turbines. But what about generating electricity using the water itself? Gaia speaks to Eco Wave Power’s Inna Braverman who reveals how her project harnesses the power of the waves by attaching to existing coastal structures such as piers and jetties, to provide a source of clean, renewable energy.

[samthegremlin]

okay so i asked ChatGPT to create a dialogue between a drunk bbc sherlock and a sober bbc dr watson bringing him back home and-

Certainly, here's an imagined dialogue where a sober BBC Dr. Watson brings back home a drunk BBC Sherlock Holmes:

Dr. Watson: unlocking the door Alright, Sherlock, we've made it back to 221B Baker Street. Lean on me, come on.

Sherlock Holmes: swaying slightly Watson, my dear fellow, you're a good man. Brilliant, really. Did I ever tell you that?

Dr. Watson: Many times, Sherlock. Now, let's get you inside before you start declaring your undying affection for the traffic signs.

Sherlock Holmes: Traffic signs? Pish posh. They're just... misunderstood symbols, Watson.

Dr. Watson: I'm sure they are, Sherlock. Just a few more steps. guides Holmes inside

Sherlock Holmes: flopping onto the sofa Ah, the legendary 221B. It's spinning. Is it always spinning?

Dr. Watson: Only when you've had a bit too much to drink, my friend. sighs Now, let's get your coat off. There we go.

Sherlock Holmes: You know, Watson, alcohol is like a... a fascinating chemical experiment on the brain. A most intriguing depressant.

Dr. Watson: smirking I'm well aware of its effects, Sherlock. Now, how about we combat that with a glass of water? hands Holmes a glass

Sherlock Holmes: takes a sip H₂O, the elixir of clarity amidst the chaos of inebriation.

Dr. Watson: rolling his eyes You do have a way with words, even when you're three sheets to the wind.

Sherlock Holmes: Watson, my dear Watson, you're like a... a reliable control variable in this bewildering experiment of life.

Dr. Watson: chuckles I'll take that as a compliment, I think. Now, are you feeling up to getting to bed?

Sherlock Holmes: Ah, sleep. The grand escape from the perplexities of existence. Lead the way, oh steady compass of sobriety.

Dr. Watson: helping Holmes to his feet Let's not wax poetic about it. Up you go.

Sherlock Holmes: stumbling a bit Stairs. Why did they have to be so... vertical?

Dr. Watson: Just a few more steps, Sherlock. There you are, in your room.

Sherlock Holmes: My dear Watson, you're the true marvel of modern science. A miracle worker, really.

Dr. Watson: smiling And you're a right mess. Now, into bed with you.

Sherlock Holmes: lying down Before I drift into the arms of Morpheus, Watson, remind me to deduce the molecular structure of ethanol someday.

Dr. Watson: pulling up the covers I'll make a note of it, Sherlock. Sleep well.

SWEET JESUS THIS BOT IS CREATIVE

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

https://www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-66981924.amp?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQGsAEggAID#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16963221914273&csi=0&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com

If I saw this on another site I would have thought it was satirical, but I don't think BBC News does Satire!

By: BBC News

Published: Oct 3, 2023

A degree in magic being offered in 2024 will be one of the first in the UK, the University of Exeter has said.

The "innovative" MA in Magic and Occult Science has been created following a "recent surge in interest in magic", the course leader said.

It would offering an opportunity to study the history and impact of witchcraft and magic around the world on society and science, bosses said.

The one-year programme starts in September 2024.

Academics with expertise in history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, sociology, psychology, drama, and religion will show the role of magic on the West and the East.

The university said it was one of the only postgraduate courses of its kind in the UK to combine the study of the history of magic with such a wide range of other subjects.

'Place of magic'

Prof Emily Selove, course leader, said: "A recent surge in interest in magic and the occult inside and outside of academia lies at the heart of the most urgent questions of our society.

"Decolonisation, the exploration of alternative epistemologies, feminism and anti-racism are at the core of this programme."

The course will be offered in the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies.

Prof Selove said: "This MA will allow people to re-examine the assumption that the West is the place of rationalism and science, while the rest of the world is a place of magic and superstition."

The university said the course could prepare students for careers in teaching, counselling, mentoring, heritage and museum work, work in libraries, tourism, arts organisations or the publishing industry, among other areas of work.

A choice of modules includes dragons in western literature and art, the legend of King Arthur, palaeography, Islamic thought, archaeological theory and practice and the depiction of women in the Middle Ages.

==

I mean, it could have been quite good, the history of magic; the effect on human imagination and storytelling; magic in literature and art; magic as metaphor for what we don't know, a stand-in for science; the evolution of societal perceptions of magic through the growth of the scientific method; the role of magic and revelation in early epistemological (truth claims) processes... this could have been a fascinating course.

Then they had to ruin it by stuffing it full of intersectional Gender Studies horseshit and making it ideologically corrupt and completely academically worthless. Except to piss off daddy, who's paying the bill.

This is the exact kind of luxury course that only bored, privileged, upper-middle class people with no real problems or ambition would take. If you take it, you have nothing better to do, and no ambition to better your future prospects. It's low-effort, academically shallow, fosters undeserved moral elitism, but still takes in tuition fees, so it's unsurprising that it exists.

You'd be getting loan forgiveness for it over my dead body, though.

[campchitaquamemories]

Gigi (CampChitaquaMemories)’s Giant Fic Rec Post

(Version Date: 7/1/23)

Since Twitter is actually, maybe for real this time, taking it's last gasping breaths, I'm moving this thread over here for archival purposes. Please note that this list is massive, and I will be making no effort to organize it by fandom, pairing, tropes, etc. There's just too much here to collate at the moment.

*Any of these fics could have become archive locked since this post was created. If you attempt to load a fic and get an "oops" page instead, that's almost certainly what happened. Copy the link instead and paste it into the address bar of a browser where you are already signed in to Ao3.

So, What About Those Fic Recs:

Re-Entry / Re-Entry: Journey of the Whills by flamethrower (Star Wars Prequel + Original Trilogy)

A Farm in Iowa by sheafrotherdon (Stargate: Atlantis)

Theft of Assets, Destruction of Property by helenish (Harry Potter)

Down to Agincourt by seperis (Supernatural)

Time After Time by spaceisgay (Star Trek: SNW)

Ain't No Grave (Can Keep My Body Down) by spitandvinegar (MCU)

Embers by Vathara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Dreaming To Reality by Mouko, Yuki (Digimon Adventure)

freedom's just another word / and the band's playing hail to the chief by synecdochic (Stargate: Atlantis)

The Desert Storm / Rise and Fall by Blue_Sunshine (Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy)

Infinite Coffee and Protection Detail by owlet (MCU)

Transposition (The Mathématique Remix Project) by kvikindi (Stargate: SG1 + Atlantis + Universe)

Hermione Granger's Hogwarts Crammer for Delinquents on the Run by waspabi (Harry Potter)

Dark Matter by mysterycyclone (MCU + DC)

step out into the sun by plutos (Star Wars: Sequel Trilogy)

The Abdication of Hou-Ting LIV or: How Wu Learned to Stop Being Foolish and Love the Detective by OurImpavidHeroine (Avatar: The Legend of Korra)

A Change in the Weather, by cacophanylights (Glee) (more chapters)

Under the Covers by ToAStranger (Stranger Things)

Of A Linear Circle by flamethrower (Harry Potter)

Another Life by LullabyKnell (Star Trek: AoS)

Way of the Sith by flamethrower (Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy)

paper cranes (upstairs, downstairs) by verity (Stargate: Atlantis)

Performance in a Leading Role by Mad_Lori (BBC Sherlock)

Responsible Science by lettered (MCU)

a turn of the earth by microcomets (Supernatural)

You Don't Have To (Say Yes) by luminousbeings (Star Trek: AoS)

I Sang In My Chains Like The Sea by [orphan_account] (The Hobbit / Pacific Rim)

The Dream of Having No Room by rickyisms (Check Please!)

Where the Heart Is by Nkala99 (The West Wing)

Unidentified by fiercelydreamed (Stargate: Atlantis)

More Things Than Are Dreamt Of by 1electricpirate (BBC Sherlock + Harry Potter)

build your wings on the way down by ShanaStoryteller (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Graduate Vulcan for Fun and Profit by lazulisong (Star Trek: AoS)

Linguistic Ambiguities in Vulcan Ethical Codes by elumish (Star Trek: AoS)

where the stars do not take sides by WitchofEndor (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Appoggiatura by ceeainthereforthat (Supernatural)

Where the Need is Greatest by Niitza (MCU)

Stately Homes of Wiltshire by waspabi (Harry Potter)

Spin Control by Trovia (The Hunger Games)

The miner's wife by MockingJayFlyingFree (The Hunger Games)

lay down your sweet and weary head by Elenothar (The Hobbit)

The 1,000 Hour Sleep by spqr (Star Trek: SNW)

A Walk on Part in the War by blue_morning (Supernatural)

Flyboys by aeriallon (MCU + Stargate: Atlantis)

we must unite inside her walls or we'll crumble from within by dirgewithoutmusic (Harry Potter)

Third Time's the Charm by acuteneurosis (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

those who form his fire-side by elumish (The West Wing + Stargate: Atlantis)

the inexhaustible silence of houses by Askance (Supernatural)

A Sign of The Morning by ToEdenandBackAgain (Stranger Things)

Good Idea by spqr (Star Wars: Original Trilogy + The Mandolorian)

mortgage on my body, lien on my soul by ceeainthereforthat (Supernatural)

Ghosts Love Elevators by the commodore_squid (MCU)

Rivals by Reiya (Yuri!!! on Ice)

RVR R011435, by Ferritin4 (Supernatural)

Seven-Year Itch by Idday (Check Please!)

dark horse by aeriallon (Harry Potter)

things happen (they do, they do, and they do) by sobsicles (Supernatural)

Astronomy In Reverse by pansley (MCU)

we are the raven and the ghost by Itar94 (Stargate: Atlantis + His Dark Materials)

Invictus by EllanaSan (The Hunger Games)

Swung by Serafim by flamethrower (Harry Potter)

Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations by elumish (Star Trek: AoS)

put your money where your mouth is 'verse by kototyph (Supernatural)

The Dawn Will Break Before You by thepartyresponsible (MCU + DC)

You're a Story (I Can Follow) by Page161of180 (The Magicians)

Something Like This by emmagrant01 (Check Please!)

wellspring by peacefrog (The Magicians)

No Going Back, No Before by spirkme (Star Trek: OS, AoS, SNW)

Ordinary Life by astolat, Speranza (Stargate: Atlantis)

And This, Your Living Kiss by opal_bullets (Supernatural)

Luminous We Are by AppoApples (Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy)

All the Best and Brightest Creatures by wordstrings (BBC Sherlock)

Never Grow A Wishbone by ShanaStoryteller (Harry Potter)

the most remarkable thing about you standing in the doorway is that it’s you by greatunironic (Stranger Things)

How Not to Fly by toomuchplor (Stargate: Atlantis)

Give Thanks to Broken Bones by thepartyresponsible (MCU + DC)

Here We Are, Two Strangers by CoffeeStars (Check Please!)

My Words Will Be Your Light by Page161of180 (The Magicians)

Calling Down the Lightning by dreamwaffles (Stargate: Atlantis)

A Murder of Witches by Maleficar (Hunger Games + Black Jewels)

[reasoningdaily]

There is growing evidence that simple, everyday changes to our lives can alter our brains and change how they work. Melissa Hogenboom put herself into a scanner to find out.

"It's surprisingly hard to think of nothing at all", is one of my first thoughts as I'm lying in the maw of a machine that is scanning my brain. I was told to focus on a black cross while the functional Magnetic Resonance Imagine (fMRI) machine does its noisy work. It also feels impossible to keep my eyes open. The hum of the scanner is somewhat hypnotic, and I worry a little bit that drifting off will affect how my brain appears on the resulting images.

As a science journalist I've always been fascinated by the workings of the mind, which is how I found myself inside a scanner at Royal Holloway, University of London, to have my brain examined before embarking on a six-week brain-altering course.

Simple mindfulness exercises can help keep our minds healthy, research shows (Credit: BBC)

Our brain has an incredible ability to adapt, learn and grow because by its nature, it is plastic – that is, it changes. This is called neuroplasticity, which simply means the brain's ability to adapt and evolve over time in structure and function. It was once thought to be limited to youth but we now know it's a constant force in shaping who we are. Every time we learn a new skill, our brain adapts.

Neuroscientists and psychologists are now finding that we have the power to control that to some extent.  And there's good reason to want to boost our brain – an increasing number of studies suggest it can play a role in delaying or preventing degenerative brain diseases.

So, with the help of Thorsten Barnhofer, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Surrey in the UK, that's what I set out to do. He's currently running a study on the effects of mindfulness in managing stress and difficult emotions, with a special focus on individuals with severe depression.

I was surprised that something as simple as mindfulness can play such a crucial role in keeping our minds healthy. Research has shown that mindfulness is a simple but powerful way to enhance several cognitive functions. It can improve attention, relieve pain and reduce stress. Research has found that after only a few months of mindfulness training, certain depression and anxiety symptoms can ease – though as with any complex mental health problem, this may of course vary depending on individual circumstances.

There's more to it. Mindfulness can change the brain. That's because when the stress hormone cortisol increases and remains high, "it can become toxic for your brain", says Barnhofer. Stress can also directly inhibit neuroplasticity, so managing it allows the brain to remain more plastic.

The question is, would this work in my brain? Over six weeks, Barnhofer modified a mindfulness research course for me to try out. For 30 minutes a day, either as one single session or two 15-minute sessions, I practiced a guided mindfulness meditation by listening to a recording. In addition, I had one weekly meditation session with Barnhofer, who guided me over Zoom. The full mindfulness course can be accessed online for free.

My instructions were to be as aware as possible to the present moment – and pay attention to things I might usually ignore, such as where my thoughts go, and what occupies my mind from moment to moment. He also encouraged me to be more mindful in daily life – say when cooking or running, to really focus on the moment, bringing my mind back to what I was doing, as well as noticing how often it wanders.

One simple mindfulness technique involves focusing on one's breath

What's fascinating about this area of research is that mindfulness, which appears to be such a simple process, can have a measurable effect. "What mindfulness does is it can buffer stress, you become aware of challenges and those more ruminative responses, a tendency to worry," explains Barnhofer.

While I'm perhaps not an ideal candidate – my stress levels, which were measured before and after the process, are generally low – I still felt a benefit. As soon as I started a session, it felt like the first minute or two were easy. I would focus on my breath, or parts of my body as instructed. But at any moment of silence I would find my mind going on time-travelling journeys. I'd think about a conversation with a friend from weeks ago, then flit within seconds to thinking about scheduling a dentist appointment, then next about an upcoming work deadline… and so on. In quick succession, I could see just how rapidly my mind shifted from thought to thought. Speed this up and it can become extremely exhausting.

"Mind wandering is something that of course might be helpful in many ways," says Barnhofer. "It might help us with creativity, but it's also something that can go awry. And this is where repetitive thinking comes in, where ruminative thinking comes in, where worry comes in. And those are the factors which increase stress once it's there."

When I started to notice this, it made more sense that this brilliant ability we all have to think ahead, to plan, to worry, can be debilitating if it goes into overdrive. In other words, revealing the workings of our own mind is a crucial first step of letting go of some of that busyness.

Thorsten Barnhofer, a professor of clinical psychology, explains how mindfulness can shape the brain (Credit: BBC)

For instance, evidence shows that both meditation and exercise boost plasticity. I didn't increase my normal levels of exercise, but I did to push myself to run faster – regularly running a 5k in my hilly local park in about 21 minutes. Knowing that this might help boost my brain too, kept me motivated. "Physical activity facilitates the procedure of plasticity," says Ori Ossmy, a lecturer in brain and cognitive development at Birkbeck, University of London in the UK. "If you combine it with cognitive tasks to improve skills you are interested in, you probably will be able to do this in an enhanced way."

This makes sense given how closely the health of our bodies and our brains are tied together, agrees Gillian Forrester, professor of comparative cognition at the University of Sussex in the UK. "Our physical health and mental health are absolutely tangled up together to create a quality of life," she says.

Physical health is tied to cognitive health, too. It's by studying infants that scientists like Forrester are learning to see the brain/body link in action.

In Birkbeck University's brand-new Baby Lab, Forrester showed me her latest project called Baby Grow. The study will monitor babies' development in their first 18 months, with the aim of spotting signs of cognitive disorders before they become apparent. And the reason it's crucial to do it so early? It's tied to neuroplasticity too. A child's brain is especially plastic in its early years of development – new neurological connections and networks are being created at a frenetic pace as they grow and learn about their environment. This means it's potentially much easier to apply interventions for those who need it during this highly plastic state. This is one of the reasons why Forrester believes it is so important to learn more about everyday processes that help mould the brain.

The same idea also comes into play when patients are recovering from serious brain injuries. I met with Angelo Quartarone, the scientific director of the Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, a centre for brain injuries in Sicily. He witnesses plasticity in action every day. "Even in the worst conditions the brain helps to repair itself in some way… With neurorehabilitation we can accelerate recovery," he says. His team uses varied methods of assisting rehabilitation, including robotics, virtual reality, and placing electrical currents on the brain. "A tiny amount of currents can interact with the same mechanisms which are engaged by neurorehabilitation techniques," he says. "So you have a double hit."

I was amazed to learn that one of his patients, who had lost power in their right limbs, was able to forge new neural connections by playing simulated computer games. This helped them to regain lost motor skills.

Learning a new skill – in this case, how to play a tambourine – is fun and helps the brain to continue to grow (Credit: BBC)

At the end of the six weeks, I was extremely curious to see if all this work had any effect on my brain. After another brain scan, and some trepidation about what might have happened inside my head in the intervening weeks, I visited Barnhofer at the University of Surrey to find out. He had been analysing and comparing my two brain scans long into the night.

There was a result: the structure of my brain had in fact changed. And there were a few measurable changes to be seen.

One half of my amygdala – an almond-shaped structure important for emotional processing – had reduced in volume on the right side. The change was minute but measurable. However, what's exciting is that this aligns with the scientific literature that shows mindfulness can reduce its size because it buffers stress seen in the amygdala. When we experience increased stress, the amygdala grows. I didn't feel particularly stressed to begin with, but even so, it was exciting to still see a change.

The other change was to my cingulate cortex, part of the limbic system that is involved in our behavioural and emotional resonses. It is also important for the default mode network, a region that becomes active when the mind wanders and ruminates. In my brain, it had slightly increased in size over the six weeks, indicating increased control of that area. Again, this chimes with published studies in the scientific literature.

It also resonates with what I had noticed during my sessions. Over time I found I was able to keep my mind more restful – I was better able to zone out busy thoughts.

It was quite, if you will excuse the pun, mind-bending to see these results to my brain on a big screen in front of me. Just by being mindful, I had managed to increase a part of my brain that prevents my mind wandering too much.

A final note of caution – it is important to acknowledge that any brain changes we had seen could also be random. The brain is constantly changing anyway. But nevertheless, the studies suggest that the whole experience was a worthwhile challenge – and a process many people could easily benefit from.

Of course, for the changes to be long lasting, it's clear I should keep pushing myself to do some of these "hacks".

Am I going to continue meditate every day? I'd really love to say: "Yes of course." That is, if life doesn't get in the way

[asherloki]

Can I request prompts 10 + 26 from the TS list with BBC Sherlock pleasee?? As fluffy as possible!💜

Rain and sunshine

Bbc Sherlock

A/n :- I'm doing these tropes fic now! Check them out! Here!

it's raining" I heard Sherlock's voice from behind as I stood under the shade of a book store. Yes it was raining and as usual I wasn't carrying an umbrella. I turned to him and replied with a big smile, "hey, what are you doing here?"

He returned a pretty smile back, "was inside this bookstore."

Sherlock and I have become friends since the day I visited my uncle's office, Greg lestrade, to tell him that he was invited to my house that evening, but anderson called me something stupid. He's my uncle's co worker and it was a work place, so I didn't want a scene, so I kept quiet. But then came he, Sherlock and answered anderson on my behalf that he'd never forget. Also after that I helped him with a case that required something to do with magic realism, a literary stuff that Sherlock knew I could help him with. And then we've met here and there and talked in phone, we get along quite well. A little secret between us, he also helps me deduce guys, whom I should date and whom I shouldn't. But strangely he never approved anyone. I didn't think much of it though. Back to the rainy day then.

"Looking for some book on anatomy of a human body?" I asked as he was a man of science I thought this is the appropriate book for him.

"To be honest, I forgot my umbrella so I was wandering around" he said and I couldn't help but giggle. So did he and then we both looked at the sky, there wasn't a sign for the rain to stop any sooner.

"Should we go inside and wander around?" I offered. Having him instead of being there alone was better. He nodded and we entered the book shop. It was such a sight every kind of book was there on the shelves. And the book store even looked quite classy. We both looked for books and I saw a book that I was wanting to buy for a long time,

"Wow it's here? I can't believe it". I exclaimed. Sherlock came closer and asked,

"You're going to buy it?"

"Of course I must ..." I turned the book and saw it was rather expensive for me so I put it back and said, "actually you know what, I have lots of unread books so maybe later." And went to another shelf. Whom was I trying to fool? He deduced what was the reason. As I looked for books, still thinking about the expensive one, I saw Sherlock paying for a book that was inside a brown paperbag.

"You got something?" I asked walking towards him.

"Oh uh... Just um... A book on anatomy." He replied nervously.

"I know, your thing." I replied.

"You got something there?" He asked taking the bag.

"Uh no, there was just a book on dirty pickup lines, I read a few and laughed that's all."

"I know something like that too."

"Do you? Tell one" I urged because I definitely wanted to hear the cold detective doing pickup lines.

"Give me your car keys so I can drive you crazy." He said with a straight face and then we both stared for a long minute before our laughter burst into the bookstore. We laughed and laughed until the receptionist asked us to lower the laughter.

I couldn't help but ask, "you? Where did you learn it?"

"Don't tell anyone but... John's texts to his girlfriends." He replied with a wink.

"You read those?"

"Perhaps."

"That's naughty."

"I know but too funny can't help myself ". He said as we're still trying to control the urge to laugh.

And the rain turned into light drizzle, so we both came out of that bookstore and stood under the shade of it's entrance.

"So I must head over to my home now?" I said .

"Hey um" he hesitated "this book is ... Actually is for you". Said he as held the bag out to me.

"What?"I was rather confused so I looked inside to see it's the same expensive book that I wanted to buy yet I had to put it down.

"It's expensive I can't take it..." I hesitated while he interrupted saying,

"Please, I insist, I'd be delighted if you accept this gift."

What can I say, how could I refuse him? So I took it from his hand.

"Oh Sherlock, thanks".

"You're welcome, and you know what?"

"What?" I stared at him, trying to figure out what his cheeky smile meant.

"Can I borrow a kiss? I promise I’ll give it back."

Again one of those pickup lines and I burst into laughing until he walked towards me and I felt his hand cupping my cheek and lips on mine. I couldn't think anything I kissed him back. I had to stand on my toes to reach a little closer to his height. After the kiss I looked into his eyes. And he in mine.

"Well..." I uttered finally.

"I didn't know John's pickup lines works" he said.

"Well they certainly does." we stood smiling to eachother. The drizzle ceased and a ray of sunlight hit the raindrops. London shone as bright as the sun.

"Tomorrow lunch? At that restaurant ?" He asked pointing to a fancy restaurant next to us".

I looked and nodded "sure".

His phone rang and it was John told him about a case that awaits for him. About a huge amount of stolen money of a millionaire and he suspects his brother. He heard and then hung up on John and said,

"I wanted to walk you home."

"Tomorrow perhaps."

"Tomorrow it is, see you".

"You too and listen save your dirtiest jokes for me you know".

"I will, perhaps John can teach me this time."

then he went to his adventure.

I walked to my home griping the book tightly, blushing all the way to it.