#Role of Technology in E-Learning

[alpaca-clouds]

The history of Solarpunk

Okay, I guess this has to be said, because the people will always claim the same wrong thing: No, Solarpunk did not "start out as an aesthetic". Jesus, where the hell does this claim even come from? Like, honestly, I am asking.

Solarpunk started out as a genre, that yes, did also include design elements, but also literary elements. A vaguely defined literary genre, but a genre never the less.

And I am not even talking about those early books that we today also claim under the Solarpunk umbrella. So, no, I am not talking about Ursula K. LeGuin, even though she definitely was a big influence on the genre.

The actual history of Solarpunk goes something like that: In the late 1990s and early 2000s the term "Ecopunk" was coined, which was used to refer to books that kinda fit into the Cyberpunk genre umbrella, but were more focused on ecological themes. This was less focused on the "high tech, high life" mantra that Solarpunk ended up with, but it was SciFi stories, that were focused on people interacting with the environment. Often set to a backdrop of environmental apocalypse. Now, other than Solarpunk just a bit later, this genre never got that well defined (especially with Solarpunk kinda taking over the role). As such there is only a handful of things that ever officially called themselves Ecopunk.

At the same time, though, the same sort of thought was picked up in the Brazilian science fiction scene, where the idea was further developed. Both artistically, where it got a lot of influence from the Amazofuturism movement, but also as an ideology. In this there were the ideas from Ecopunk as the "scifi in the ecological collaps" in there, but also the idea of "scifi with technology that allows us to live within the changing world/allows us to live more in harmony with nature".

Now, we do not really know who came up with the idea of naming this "Solarpunk". From all I can find the earliest mention of the term "Solarpunk" that is still online today is in this article from the Blog Republic of Bees. But given the way the blogger talks about it, it is clear there was some vague definition of the genre before it.

These days it is kinda argued about whether that title originally arose in Brazil or in the Anglosphere. But it seems very likely that the term was coined between 2006 and 2008, coming either out of the Brazilian movement around Ecopunk or out of the English Steampunk movement (specifically the literary branch of the Steampunk genre).

In the following years it was thrown around for a bit (there is an archived Wired article from 2009, that mentions the term once, as well as one other article), but for the moment there was not a lot happening in this regard.

Until 2012, when the Brazilian Solarpunk movement really started to bloom and at the same time in Italy Commando Jugendstil made their appearance. In 2012 in Brazil the anthology "Solarpunk: Histórias ecológicas e fantásticas em um mundo sustentável" was released (that did get an English translation not too long ago) establishing some groundwork for the genre. And Commando Jugendstil, who describe themselves as both a "Communication Project" and an "Art Movement", started to work on Solarpunk in Italy. Now, Commando Jugendstil is a bit more complicated than just one or the other. As they very much were a big influence on some of the aesthetic concepts, but also were releasing short stories and did some actual punky political action within Italy.

And all of that was happening in 2012, where the term really started to take off.

And only after this, in 2014, Solarpunk became this aesthetic we know today, when a (now defuct) tumblr blog started posting photos, artworks and other aesthetical things under the caption of Solarpunk. Especially as it was the first time the term was widely used within the Anglosphere.

Undoubtedly: This was probably how most people first learned of Solarpunk... But it was not how Solarpunk started. So, please stop spreading that myth.

The reason this bothers me so much is, that it so widely ignores how this movement definitely has its roots within Latin America and specifically Brazil. Instead this myth basically tries to claim Solarpunk as a thing that fully and completely originated within the anglosphere. Which is just is not.

And yes, there was artistic aspects to that early Solarpunk movement, too. But also a literary and political aspectt. That is not something that was put onto a term that was originally an aesthetic - but rather it was something that was there from the very beginning.

Again: There has been an artistic and aesthetic aspect in Solarpunk from the very beginning, yes. But there has been a literary and political aspect in it the entire time, too. And trying to divorce Solarpunk from those things is just wrong and also... kinda misses the point.

So, please. Just stop claiming that entire "it has been an aesthetic first" thing. Solarpunk is a genre of fiction, it is a political movement, just as much as it is an artistic movement. Always has been. And there has always been punk in it. So, please, stop acting as if Solarpunk is just "pretty artistic vibes". It is not.

Thanks for coming to my TED Talk, I guess.

[hyzenthlayroseart]

I wanted to save these for when I was done with the whole project but I have a feeling the next few entries will take a long time to make since each era has so many movies (Renaissance Era, Experimental Era and the Modern Era) and I got impatient with myself so I'm posting what's done so far.

So I decided to do a project where I draw films from each Disney era together. For those who don't know about Disney's animation eras, here's a good guide: https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/many-merry-eras-disney

Another one that had to be split into two drawings, I'm sure the Revival Era and the Modern Era will have to each be split as well.

Now in a new millenium, Disney was moving away from the Renaissance era's Broadway inspired films and entering a new era experimenting new technology and new ways of storytelling. While it was an exciting time for being creative and taking risks, they didn't always pay off. Thankfully some of the films from this era that failed at the time have been reevaluated over time as underrated masterpieces, and even some that still aren't viewed in a positive light still have a cult following. Many critics viewed the failures from this era as a consequence of putting technical innovation over storytelling.

The first film from this era was Fantasia 2000, the sequel to 1940's Fantasia. Interestingly, Walt initially planned way back in the day to have Fantasia be a continuing film series with new segments replacing older ones in each release. Tragically, plans for this were scrapped when the original film unfortunately ended up being a box office failure. It wasn't until 1984 when Walt's nephew Roy E. Disney suggested the idea of a Fantasia sequel to then-CEO Michael Eisner that the idea was revived, however, then-chairman Jeffery Katzenberg was uninterested. After the 1990 re-release of Fantasia was a financial success, Disney saw it as a sign that there was enough public interest in Fantasia to justify a sequel. Michael Eisner finally gave the film the greenlight in 1991, and years later in the year 1999, the film premiered at Carnegie Hall in New York, then in 2000 the film had a wide release in IMAX. The film was a critical success but sadly ended up becoming a box office flop like its predecessor.

The next film was Dinosaur, and while it's unfortunately a forgotten film today, it has a significant role in Disney animation history as their first CGI animated film. The idea was originally conceived by director Paul Verhoeven and special effects artist Phil Tippet as a stop-motion animated film and pitched to Disney in 1988 but due to budget disputes with Jefferey Katzenberg, the two filmmakers left the project and it ended up shelved in development hell. It wasn't until 1994 that development on the project began by shooting various test footage of computer-generated characters placed digitally in miniature model backgrounds. Computer-generated backgrounds were considered as well, but ultimately it was decided that the film would combine CGI characters in live-action scenery. Michael Eisner greenlit the project, however he insisted that the characters talk during the film; previously it was planned for the animal characters to be silent while a narrator spoke throughout the film like a nature documentary. When the film premiered it was a box office success, and the film received positive reviews for its visuals, however the reception story and characters were more mixed in reviews.

The next film was The Emperor's New Groove, which was actually a complete rehaul of a cancelled film called Kingdom of the Sun, a musical taking place in the Incan empire with a Prince and the Pauper story involving a selfish emperor switching places with a peasant who looks just like him, however the emperor gets turned into a llama by an evil witch who threatens to reveal his identity unless he obeys her. The emperor would learn humility as a llama and fall in love with a llama herder, and the two would team up to undo the witch's plans. The film ended up in a troubled production, and in the end it was clear that it wasn't far enough in production to be released on its scheduled released date. Roger Allers, who would have been the director for the film, quit the project. This lead to Michael Eisner telling producer Randy Fullmer that he had two weeks to salvage the project or production would be completely shut down. The film was ultimately changed to The Emperor's New Groove, and instead of being a musical inspired by The Prince and the Pauper it was now a buddy comedy with no love interests. Since the film had to salvaged in such a short time-frame, it was actually made without a fully finalized script and was made unconventionally with a more improvisational approach with the writers basically given free rein which lead to the film being as hilarious as it is. When the film premiered, it was unfortunately not a box office success, however it did receive positive reviews and to this day is considered one of Disney's funniest animated movies.

Disney's next film was Atlantis: The Lost Empire, a science fantasy adventure film inspired by works of Jules Vernes such as Journey to the Center of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The filmmakers used the Internet to research mythology surrounding Atlantis, visited museums to study 20th century technology, looked at ancient architecture as inspiration for Atlantis, and even hired Mark Okrand, who invented the Klingon language for Star Trek, to create a language for Atlanteans. At the time of the film's release, it was known for using more CGI than any other traditionally animated Disney film. When the film premiered, it was not a box office success and received mixed reviews, although the animation received positive reviews.

Their next film, Lilo and Stitch, would have a much better fate. The idea for the film started in 1985 with a failed children's book pitch made by Chris Sanders about a creature named Stitch who lived in the forest. In 1987 he was hired at Disney to work in the visual development department for The Rescuers Down Under, but he soon transitioned into storyboarding for Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and eventually promoted to head the story on Mulan. In 1997, it was discussed that Disney should try its hand at creating a smaller and less expensive film in wake of the large-budget films they had already done, an idea inspired by the similar production history of Dumbo. When Chris Sanders was asked if there were any stories he'd be interested in developing into an animated film, and Chris Sanders pitched an idea based on his failed children's book project, pitching an idea about Stitch crash-landing in a forest surrounded by woodland animals, but then-vice president Thomas Schumaker suggested that Stitch should interact with humans instead. The story was pitched as taking place in Kansas, but after glancing at a map of Hawaii on his wall and remembering a vacation there, Sanders decided to change the location to Hawaii. Unlike previous Disney animated films, the film's pre-production team remained relatively small and isolated from upper management until the film went into full production. When the animation team travelled to Kuaui for research for the film, the tour guide explained the concept of Ohana, a Hawaiian term meaning "family", a concept which became an important part of the film's theme. Watercolor paint was chosen for the film's background art as opposed to the traditional gouache technique. While watercolor had been used in early Disney shorts as well as Snow White, Pinocchio and Dumbo, the technique had been abandoned in the mid-40s in favor of less complicated media such as gouache. When the film released, it was both a critical and box office success, and to this day is considered one of Disney's most beloved movies.

The next film was Treasure Planet, a steampunk science fiction take on Treasure Planet but in space. The idea was originally pitched by Ron Clements in 1985 (at the same meeting where he and John Musker pitched The Little Mermaid) but was rejected by Michael Eisner, pitched again then turned down again in 1989, then pitched and rejected a third time after the release of Aladdin. These rejections angered Clements and Musker so much that they approached then-chairman Roy E. Disney, who backed the filmmakers and made his wishes known to Eisner, who in turn agreed that the studio should produce the movie. In 1995, their contract was re-negotiated to allow them to commence development on Treasure Planet when Hercules reached completion. When the film premiered it was a box office failure but received positive reviews, and throughout the years after it's been considered an underrated gem.

The next film was Brother Bear, with the idea for a film about bears being suggested after the success of The Lion King in 1994, leading to Michael Eisner urging for more animal-centric films. Initially the story idea was inspired by King Lear and centered around an old blind bear who travelled through the woods with his three daughters, but in 1997 animator Aaron Blaise joined the project and wanted a more naturalistic story, so he and producer Chuck Williams produced a two-page treatment of a father-son story in which the son is transformed into a bear, and in the end, remains a bear, which then-president Thomas Schumaker approved. After the project was greenlit, the team went on a research trip to Alaska in 1999, and a year later went to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Sequoia National Park. In 2000, the story evolved into a tale where the transformed bear Kenai is taken under the wing of an older bear named Grizz, but after struggling to get charm into the story, Grizz was changed to a bear cub named Koda. When the film premiered, it was a box office success but received mixed reviews. As the years went on, it became known as another underrated masterpiece from Disney.

Their next film, Home on the Range, was originally conceived in the 90s as a supernatural Western called Sweatin' Bullets, about a timid cowboy who visits a ghost town and confronts an undead cattle rustler, inspired by the song "Ghost Riders in the Sky". The story was changed to one about a little bull named Bullets who wanted to be more like the horses that lead the herd, then finally in 1999 it was changed to a story about three cows who become bounty hunters to save their farm. The film was originally scheduled for a 2003 release while Brother Bear was slated for a 2004 release, however Disney ended up switching the dates in order to promote Brother Bear on the Platinum Edition release of The Lion King. When the film premiered, it received mixed reviews and was a box office disaster, and went on to be blamed for killing 2D animation at Disney (at least until The Princess and the Frog released in 2009, but that's for a future upload). Nowadays the film still is looked at unfavorably, but it does still have its fans.

The next film Chicken Little, was basically Disney's attempt at making a film like Shrek, meaning that they made a fairy tale parody with crude, edgy, self-aware humor and pop culture references, but needless to say, their attempt was unsuccessful. When the film idea was developed in 2001, the character of Chicken Little was a female, and the story would be about her going to a Summer camp to reduce her anxiety as well as repair her relationship with her father, and discovering her camp counselor planning a nefarious plot against her hometown. When it was pitched to Michael Eisner, he suggested Chicken Little be changed to a boy because boys wouldn't want to see a film with a female protagonist (yes, really). When David Stainton became Disney animation's new president in 2003, he decided the story needed a different approach, and during the next three months it was changed to a story about Chicken Little trying to save his town from aliens. When the film premiered it was a box office success but received mixed reviews, and today it still isn't viewed favorably (but like Home on the Range, it does still have its fans).

The next film was Meet the Robinsons, based on a 1990s children's book A Day With Wilbur Robinson by William Joyce, who pitched the story idea to various filmmakers like Steven Spielberg, George Miller, Peter Jackson, Francis Ford Coppola and Diane Keaton as a live-action film before eventually being acquired by Disney as an animated film. This film would be Disney's first time animating humans in CGI, so they ended up using Pixar's The Incredibles as inspiration, as well as looking at their own films from the Silver Age such as Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Peter Pan and some Warner Bros. cartoons as inspirations for 1950s aesthetics. When the film premiered, it got positive reviews but was unfortunately a box office failure. Thankfully it also gained a reputation as an underrated classic like several of its other predecessors in this era.

Finally, there's Bolt, a film which originally began as a story by Chris Sanders called American Dog, a story about an anthropomorphic dog celebrity named Henry who one day finds himself stranded in the desert with a one-eyed cat and a rabbit, and the three of them search for new homes, all while Henry still thinks he's on TV. Chris Sanders was eventually removed from the project after resisting changed to the story and went to work at Dreamworks instead, however in recent years Sanders has assured that he has no ill will over the decision and approved of the final film. The dog Henry was changed to a normal dog thinks the show he's the star of is real, and when his owner Penny gets "kidnapped" in the show, he runs away from the studio to "rescue" her, but gets lost and and ends up teaming up with a sarcastic female alley cat named Mittens and a fanboy hamster named Rhino to get back home, and along the way realizes his show was never real. When the film premiered it was a box office success and received positive reviews, and was overall a sweet and heartwarming film to end the era.

[obsidian-pages777]

Pick a Card: Career Guidance

Top Left to Right--> Pile 1, Pile 2

Bottom Left to Right--> Pile 3. Pile 4

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================================================================================================

Pile 1

Current Situation: The Chariot

You are determined and focused on your career goals, moving forward with purpose and direction. There's a sense of control and determination driving your actions.

Challenges: Five of Wands

You may be facing competition or conflict in your workplace. There could be differing opinions and struggles that make it hard to progress smoothly.

Advice: Strength

Rely on your inner strength and patience to navigate through challenges. Maintain self-control and approach conflicts with compassion and understanding. Your resilience will lead you to success.

Ideal Careers:

Leadership Roles: Positions such as a manager, director, or CEO, where determination and leadership are crucial.

Entrepreneur: Running your own business where you can harness your drive and overcome competition.

Project Management: Roles that require strong organizational skills and the ability to navigate conflicts and challenges.

Military or Law Enforcement: Careers that require discipline, determination, and the ability to handle conflict and stress.

Athletics or Coaching: Where physical and mental strength, as well as resilience, are important.

================================================================================================

Pile 2

Current Situation: The Hierophant

Your career path is currently influenced by traditional structures and conventional methods. You may be working within an established system or organization.

Challenges: Seven of Cups

There may be confusion or too many options available, making it difficult to choose the right path. Avoid getting lost in illusions or wishful thinking.

Advice: The Hermit

Take time for introspection and seek inner guidance. Reflect on your true goals and values before making decisions. Solitude and self-reflection will provide clarity.

Ideal Careers:

Education: Teacher, professor, or academic advisor, where traditional knowledge and guidance are valued.

Religious or Spiritual Leader: Priest, minister, or spiritual counselor, providing guidance within established belief systems.

Legal Profession: Lawyer, judge, or paralegal, working within the structures of the legal system.

Research and Academia: Careers that involve deep study and reflection, such as a researcher or academic.

Counseling or Therapy: Roles that require introspection and helping others find clarity, such as a therapist or counselor.

================================================================================================

Pile 3

Current Situation: Ace of Pentacles

A new opportunity or beginning in your career is emerging. This could be a job offer, a new project, or a chance to start something new with strong potential for growth.

Challenges: The Devil

Be wary of falling into negative patterns or becoming too attached to material success. Avoid temptations that could lead to unethical behavior or burnout.

Advice: Page of Swords

Approach new opportunities with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Stay vigilant and gather information before making decisions. Be clear and honest in your communication.

Ideal Careers:

Finance: Banker, financial advisor, or investment analyst, where new opportunities for growth are abundant.

Real Estate: Real estate agent or property manager, involving new ventures and potential for substantial growth.

Technology: IT specialist, software developer, or tech entrepreneur, where continuous learning and vigilance are key.

Journalism: Reporter, editor, or content creator, focusing on gathering and disseminating information.

Consulting: Business consultant or analyst, providing strategic advice and insights to businesses.

================================================================================================

Pile 4

Current Situation: Three of Cups

Collaboration and teamwork are currently significant in your career. You may be part of a supportive group or network, enjoying camaraderie and shared goals.

Challenges: Four of Pentacles

There could be a tendency to hold on too tightly to security or resources, leading to stagnation. Fear of change or loss may be preventing growth.

Advice: The Star

Stay hopeful and keep a positive outlook. Trust in the universe and your vision for the future. This is a time for healing, inspiration, and aligning with your true purpose.

Ideal Careers:

Event Planning: Event coordinator or wedding planner, where collaboration and teamwork are essential.

Human Resources: HR manager or recruiter, fostering a positive and collaborative workplace environment.

Creative Arts: Artist, musician, or performer, involving collaboration and shared creative goals.

Non-Profit or Community Work: Community organizer, social worker, or NGO worker, focusing on collective well-being and humanitarian goals.

Healthcare: Nurse, doctor, or therapist, providing care and support with a focus on healing and hope.

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[nimuetheseawitch]

SGA Summer Vacation Recs

So, a few weeks ago, a friend asked for longfic recommendations to read while on vacation, and I did not really realize how many I was recommending at the time. Seemed like a good idea to make a post about it.

Time in a Bottle by astolat, 14K (not originally on my list because it was too short, but it's too perfect for a summer reading list, so I added it), McShep, Rated E, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings To see a World in a Grain of Sand / And a Heaven in a Wild Flower / Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand / And Eternity in an hour.

The Long Dark (series) by @logicgunn, 141K, McShep, Rated G-E but the first is M, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings An astronomical event causes two strangers to crash land on a remote island in the frozen Canadian north. Cue a fluffy slow burn in a survival setting.

Lord John Sheppard Versus Earth by LitGal, 61K, McShep, Rated M, Graphic Depictions of Violence Canon diverged before Jackson found Atlantis. The IOC stepped in and decided to make things more efficient. A gene testing program brought Major John Sheppard into the program earlier, but budget constraints and international treaties have kept Dr. Jackson out of the antarctic. So now John has to find his own team--and his own geek--or he's in danger of being stuck in the mountain forever as a light switch. However, as the universe changes, fate forces some things to return to proper form, and other things… they get wildly out of control. John isn't sure how he came to be Earth's enemy, but he's going to have to deal with the cards he's dealt.

Teamwork by onthewaters, 24K, McShep and others, Rated E, Graphic Depictions of Violence There is an Earth where things have turned out a little differently, and the people who go to Atlantis aren't quite the ones we know. AKA The one where Rodney is a Mountie.

The Doctor and the Sheppard by @hero-in-waiting, 70K, McShep, Rated E They've been in Pegasus for a year before Rodney is finally allowed to go off-world to meet with the mysterious leader of a group of allies against the wraith. The first meeting goes well, sending them down a path none of them could've foreseen, and leaving Rodney with thoughts of the mysterious leader with his bright eyes and dark hair.

The Hard Prayer by Rheanna, 30K, McShep, Rated M One year after the end of the world, John meets another survivor.

In Sickness and in Health by @a-storm-of-roses, 31K, McShep, Rated E "So I told a little lie, just to get you back to Atlantis. It was the only way, so try not to get too mad. I told them we were married.” When John suffers a major, life-changing injury on Earth, Rodney must pretend to be his husband to ensure his return to Atlantis. As he struggles to navigate recovery and accept his new reality, John must also come to terms with his new role as Rodney's husband and the new dynamics in their relationship. A story of healing, recovery, loss, love, and acceptance.

Enigma by sgamadison, McShep, 32K, McShep, Rated E, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings During an off-world mission, a piece of Ancient technology transports Rodney and John on a one-way trip to a deserted airfield. Working together to get back, it takes a vivid dream to make Rodney realize what's been in front of him all along.

Bridges by bussaiko, 52K, McShep, Rated E Engineer Rodney McKay went to North Carolina's Crystal Coast to help his sister design a series of bridges. He hoped to rebuild his career following a professional disaster; he didn't expect to be drawn into the small community of Athos Island, where he found friendship and perhaps something more with helicopter pilot John Sheppard. But when Rodney tries to learn more about John's past, what he discovers might tear them apart. (non-Stargate AU)

Apocalypse Rising by sian1359, 81K, McShep, Rated M, Graphic Depictions of Violence The Goa'uld are not the only ones who covet Earth.

Zen and the Art of Jumper Maintenance by Indybaggins, 39K, McShep, Rated M The one where Rodney gets sucked in and John… follows. Featuring a quirky John, Rodney in orange robes, crazy Ancient-worship, sheep milking and jumpers that aren't broken but need to be fixed anyway.

Black Helicopters (series) by whizzy, 141K, McShep, Rated T-E but the first is M, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Screw the bet. Rodney was going to prove the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Oh, and incidentally, he might just catch the United States Air Force with their pants around their ankles.

Pegasus Purgatorio by MrsHamill, 127K, McShep, Rated E, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings It is difficult to write a paradise when all the superficial indications are that you ought to write an apocalypse. It is obviously much easier to find inhabitants for an inferno or even a purgatorio. (Ezra Pound) Yeah, I'd say that about covers it, Ezra. John and Rodney are left behind when Atlantis (and, by extension, Pegasus) is evacuated. While returning to the Milky Way, they decide to bring a few friends along.

What A Wonderful Bunker You Would Make by ocdindeed, 50K, McShep, Rated M Summary in simple words: Rodney is recluse and John has a kid. Summary in not so simple words: Rodney McKay has given up on the world, living a simple life up on a mountain devoid of people. He likes it that way, at least he did until a kid with a full head of dark hair ambled up his dirt driveway and changed his sequestered life forever. (AU - Set during SG1 & Pre-SGA timeline.)

G******, Tramps, and Thieves* (series) by auburn, 372K, McShep and a whole lot more, Rated T-M, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con, later fics Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Vala Mal Doran and her partners, renegades Jehan abd-Ba'al and Meredith McKay, hijack the Tau'ri ship Prometheus and leave the Milky Way behind in search of the Lost City of the Ancients, Atlantis.

*I censored this title due to a common racial slur

[aziraphales-library]

Hello!! I adore what y’all do here and refer to your posts often for fic recs. Anywho, do you have any recommendations for fics that are ‘locked’ or only available when you are signed in? I feel like there are a few hidden gems that are right under my nose. Thank you!!

Hi! As far as I'm aware there is no way to search for locked fics specifically, so I've pulled some from the depths of my bookmarks...

A Home at the Beginning of the World by stereobone (E)

"Oh," Aziraphale says. "I think Crowley might have moved in with me."

Tornadoes in England by the_moonmoth (E)

Midnight vigils, soft epiphanies, and a monumental hammer waiting to fall. What did you call a feeling so big you couldn’t see the edges?

Measure A Year by theinkwell33 (T)

Crowley and Aziraphale are punished for their role in averting the apocalypse, and are stripped of all miracle privileges for an entire year. This ordinarily wouldn’t be the worst punishment in the world, were it not for the fact that they’ve already swapped bodies in their effort to prepare for the worst. Unable to switch back without miracles, they’re forced to live as each other for an entire year. It goes about how you’d expect.

The Next Time We Wed by seashadows (T)

“Guys, I’ve looked at the marriage license,” Anathema said, “and I’ve gotten copies of our notices and everything. The names on the documents aren’t Newt’s and mine anymore. Apparently they never were. They’re yours.” When a drunken attempt to help a friend gets Crowley and Aziraphale accidentally married, their decision to fake it instead of fix it changes their relationship in a way neither of them realizes the other wants. Over the course of a few short months, two supernatural beings discover that there are plenty of things they don’t know about each other, two humans finally get married (again), and everyone learns how to be a little braver.

The Saint of Lost Things by jessthereckless (E)

Cats, technology, Biblical misprints, immaculate ball sacs, Leonardo da Vinci, a weekend in Paris, and a thing that happened in Florence. Absolute fluff.

With you, with me by NohaIjiachi (T)

“Oh, shit,” Crowley muttered, but it came out more like ‘ohkjfd—‘ The man— A bloody priest was still keeping his umbrella over Crowley. The fabric of his button-up had darkened on his shoulders, now throughly drenched. He could see more details, now, and Crowley stared. The priest had round, gentle features, and a shock of hair so blond it looked white collected in messy, soft curls. There was some sense of deep-sedated sadness in his grey-blue eyes, as he looked down at Crowley. “I’d imagine that you need to get back up on your feet, then, son,” the priest said, sounding somehow tired. “You can’t stay here.” “…I have nowhere to go,” Crowley replied, feeling like his tongue was double in size in his mouth. It was a lie, and wasn’t one at the same time. He could technically go anywhere he wanted, as long as the Bentley stopped pouting at him for getting high again, but he had nowhere to go.

- Mod D

[nu-carniviva]

I really wanted a more lighthearted return to this blog but... I really need to talk about this new event

MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE CURRENT EVENT AND TRIGGER WARNING FOR AB//SE AND R//PE

LONG POST AHEAD

Wow. I just. Wow. They really went all out with serious subject matter for this event. Um, I guess I'll talk about this is order of the characters' memories that were presented

Edit: made some minor mistakes but I'll fix that later

Blade: Blade was a lot from the get-go. I never really enjoy seeing him as his assassin bot self but this was a whole new level of depressing. Blade's memories make it clear that Saia is not a pleasant place. The technology is advanced, but the people are primitive. I believe Blade's story so far isn't exactly about when he was made, but when he became alive.

Blade was designed to behave more human-like in order to infiltrate Klein and assassinate Huey so the continent would crumble. While he was originally just supposed to pass as human enough to mask himself as a trustworthy being, the scientists failed to remember just how complicated human emotions are, and that Blade would be in a continent surrounded by humans away from other automatons/e-droids.

To be a human is to be complex. We are not simple minded creatures with strictly black-and-white thinking. Blade has learned this right away now that observing and mimicking humans is in his programming. His biggest sign of showing his evolution into becoming more human is when he saves the other automaton from dying out on the battlefield. He's seen other humans care for each other and nurse each other back to health when wounded, so he assumed the same would happen for his own kind. Yet, when he brought the automaton to the scientists, they killed him right in front of Blade with no hesitation or remorse. Blade seems to get a moment of realization in that moment. The realization that his kind were made solely to serve and please humans. They truly do not care for him or the other automatons. The humans, or the Saians in particular, see them as disposable things rather than sentient beings.

While in Klein, it's noted that Huey played a massive role in changing Blade to who he is now, but I'm sure he was already starting to rebel against his programming because he had more opportunity to experience a kind version of humanity. The humans in Klein, overall, treat each other kindly and respectfully. Blade has never seen such treatment before, and since that behavior is a part of human nature, he has to observe and mimic it as part of his programming.

Rei: Rei... Experienced a lot. From the very start, Rei shows that he has no issue seducing men to gather information from them. His life is dedicated to research, and he's willing to do anything to gather as much information as he can.

Yet, he clearly wasn't the same type of dedicated researcher he is now. That is shown by the end when he enters his home. His home is a mess, and Rei is surprised to see it in that state, meaning he wasn't always messy. He used to be organized and lived in more of a home than a laboratory that he happens to sleep in. Research was his motivation in life, but it wasn't his life.

While nothing is explicitly stated, it's very very clear that Rei was raped by the man he was talking to at the bar and broke into his house. As he lies there, powerless and corrupted, he snaps. In order to cope, his mind blanks about the events that just happened, and he forces himself to think about his research, hence why he mentions that Saians really do have essence.

Since then, Rei has spiraled into his research. His research became his life. It became his only reason to live. His only reason to keep going. He views life as an experiment to research on. He views his body as destroyed, and now its only purpose is to be a test subject in his research. His house is a mess now too. Papers and products for experiments are scattered throughout the place, and he's protective over each of them. In Rei's mind, his research is all he has control over. It's the only part of him he can protect and see value in. He has no self worth anymore, and I hope we can see that self worth come back as the game progresses.

Kuya: First of all, it's insane how Rei's part ended by dropping a bombshell and then Kuya's immediately opens with dropping a bombshell. This is the absolute closest we have ever seen to Huey's identity. He's masked so we can't see his face, but it appears that his body is very similar to Eiden's. So that alone makes sense why the remaining OG clan members have said he looks like Huey as well as having the same essence.

It's clear from the start that Kuya was Huey's right hand man. He seems to have gone on the most adventures with Huey, and it's most likely from the power that he holds. Under Huey's influence, Kuya was a lot more cynical and apathetic, so it's likely that he viewed Kuya as someone to help him get his way. Kuya also shows to have had a deep loyalty to Huey — a type of loyalty he hasn't shown anyone else. Whatever Huey wanted, Kuya made sure it happened.

The scene at the bar was insane too, and it further proves my claims of Kuya being more apathetic and cruel when Huey was around. While life has always seemed to be a game to him, he played the game with little regard to other lives. The men in the bar were ogling him, and while that certainly is gross and Kuya had every right to be disgusted, he punished them in such an extreme way that we haven't seen him do before. The current Kuya prefers to torment others with mind games and illusions, while this past Kuya preferred to be more physical and violent.

It's also important to note how much Kuya has mellowed out since meeting Eiden. Don't get me wrong, Kuya is still a total sadist, but he has shown to be mindful of the lives of others. He doesn't kill or maim on a whim. Instead, like stated earlier, he's developed a preference for mind games and teasing. His mind games now serve as lessons to those around him too. He pushes others to their limits, but he does it so they can come back stronger. Ever since meeting Eiden, he's found a family. He's found people worth keeping around. It's similar to Blade, in a sense. After being around people who treat him with kindness and respect, he started to change.

This event has been a roller coaster so far and it literally just started. The devs seem to be handling these heavy topics with care as of now and I hope it remains that way.

I think overall the theme of this event is a commentary on humanity, especially in our current day. Saia is technologically advanced, yet the people are heartless and have lost compassion for one another. They're so focused on advancing their technology and destroying people or places lesser than them that they've forgotten their part of human nature to love. If you were to look at any news source right now, you would see very similar themes. Technology is constantly advancing and pushing forward, yet people are going backwards and losing their kindness.

Then again, I suppose humans have always been cruel. History is stained with the blood of others both human and animal. Humans have shown time and time again that they can be just as heartless and violent as more simple minded animals, so it's possible this event is a commentary on humanity as a whole rather than just current humanity.

It's crazy, really, how this game started as something lighthearted and fun and is now full of angst and disturbing topics. That being said, there's still plenty of wholesome and sweet moments. I suppose that's just like real life, huh?

[mariacallous]

Anne Applebaum’s new book explaining the rise of ‘modern autocracy’ through the politics of patronage, fear and misinformation will strike a familiar chord with observers of the political landscape in the Balkans.

Anne Applebaum’s timely book Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World explains the rise of modern autocracy in terms of simple greed and shamelessness. It details the shift away from dictators even pretending to uphold the values that characterised the post-World War II international order – and the collaborative efforts being made to undermine these institutions and replace them with transactionalism and their own control.

Applebaum explains how façades of democracy have been successfully manipulated by those who seek to undermine it as a system. Discussing the “shock therapy” approach taken to economic transition, which planted the seeds for many of these elements in the former Soviet space, she notes the role of Western companies and shell companies, banks and financial institutions. These greased the wheels for kleptocractic superstructures while getting rich and enabling widening inequality.

One chapter criticises the role of media, social media and the technologies and algorithms that enable the erosion of trust with the rapid dissemination of mis- and disinformation. She also sketches out how autocrats are learning from one another in a manner that in many ways is more efficient and effective than anything being seen on the other side.

For anyone living in and observing the political dynamics in the former Yugoslavia, everything outlined in her book seems extremely familiar and tangible.

The nexus of politics and power, and the predominant role of fear, misinformation and patronage in driving governance, rather than electoral and institutional accountability, has been the core feature of the domestic and international cycles of dysfunction in this region for over a generation.

I could not help but link her description of Austrian and West German gas and steel industrialists meeting with Soviet counterparts in 1967, with the transactionalism we see today between German and broader EU interests in making deals on lithium in an increasingly autocratic Serbia.  

In some ways, today’s reality is worse; in 1967 there was no pretence of democratic process; today this and other deals are being made in spite of a lack of informed community consent or institutional good governance.

It would be hard to imagine a more illustrative sign of the potential for further Balkan-American oligarchy than the recently announced deals by Donald Trump’s son-in-law and daughter to develop luxury hotels in Serbia and Albania, or the recent forays into North Macedonia by Trump allies.

One issue that Applebaum grapples with is the hopeful naïveté, or willing ignorance, of so many decision-makers at the end of the Cold War, convincing themselves that free market capitalism and rules- and rights-based democracy would, and even must go, hand-in-hand.

The late Benjamin Barber, a political theorist, in 1992, and later in his 1996 book, saw the writing on the wall in terms of the toxic mix of media conglomerates, popular anger, economic precarity and inequality together enabling the rise of anti-democratic extremisms of all flavours.

Throughout the Western Balkans, I’ve come across many people who have had the feeling that engagement in the former Yugoslavia was always more about capitalism than democracy.

As people have failed to see their lives get substantially better, and as they’ve seen deals being made between supposed Western democrats and known regional anti-democrats, they are increasingly skeptical of motives, words, promises and intentions. They have seen a local branch of “Autocracy, Inc” become firmly established in their own neighbourhood.

I was eager to hear Applebaum’s prescriptions, and in the epilogue she suggests a number of steps to be taken globally and perhaps most importantly in the West itself: adopting legislation to require transparency in the registration of business and real estate; reducing the scope for abuse by shell companies and tax havens; tackling misinformation, including by changing the balance of social media, so users own their data; and decoupling and de-risking business ties, including in the energy sphere, among others.

Many of these are in line with efforts over the years by the US, the EU and others to build democratic institutions in the Western Balkans and beyond. However, these have mostly failed because they tinker technically around the edges while avoiding the political life support systems at the core.

When talking about political reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for example, I have lost track of how many times I’ve heard Western diplomats show they have little belief in the possibility for meaningful structural change, noting that “turkeys don’t vote for Thanksgiving”, so acknowledging that the politicians in the country have little interest in changing a system that suits them.

This self-interested scepticism is also evident in consolidated democracies; witness the lack of Congressional support for – or public awareness of – the Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity Act in the US, for example.

No ‘Cold War 2.0’

Applebaum writes that in terms of resisting the increasingly coordinated and coordinating autocrats, the challenge is not a “black-and-white, binary contest, a ‘Cold War 2.0’”. Through this framing, she highlights the nuances among various types of autocrats, as well as the fluid transactional pragmatism among those seeking to amass and keep wealth and the power that comes with it.

She suggests one difference is that there are no “blocs” to join, or clear geographical boundaries, somewhat downplaying the emergence of BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other constructs.

I wish she would have engaged more with the clarion call made by Oliver Bullough in his 2022 Offshore Cold War: Forging a Democratic Alliance to Combat Transnational Kleptocracy. Bullough, describing many of the same facilitating systems, mechanisms and structures in the West that have enabled the growth of oligarchy and kleptocracy, calls for the same unified and concerted effort against this democratic threat today that was seen during the Cold War.

On this, Applebaum would agree – she closes by calling on democrats to unite as effectively and confidently as the autocrats have done in establishing their own connectivity models.

Western diplomats engaging in the Western Balkans today – and often hailing or even facilitating kleptocratic business dealmaking – would do well to read her book.

They could then recognise the signs that we’ve seen in the region for years, and the potential allies among citizens in the region who know the playbook all too well – and wonder why the West still has not learned.

[infwctednyacifier]

May we request a grandesized based off like robots and technology in general??/nf

also we like ur blog theme!! :3/gen

Bobert and Gizmo were very much involved . and this scene robot thing we've had laying around for a while now wdk he just popped up and got to work . and pinterests scene community . oh and Yumi for some reason . and tank u!!!!!!! :3

˙ . ꒷ 🍰 . 𖦹˙— ORDER UP ! ;; requested ☕ ᝰ.ᐟ grande 🦣 // robot headmate with a side of general technology

Names – Koda ,, Nezi ,, Laney / K0d4 ,, N3z1 ,, L4n3y

Nicknames – Ko ,, Nene ,, Zizi ,, Lane ,, Ney / K0 ,, N3n3 ,, Z1z1 ,, L4n3 ,, N3y

Age – 14

Pronouns – he / him ,, xe / xem ,, thon / thon's ,, tech / tech's ,, beep / beep's ,, boop / boop's ,, wire / wire's ,, signal / signal's ,, static / static's ,, file / file's ,, java / java's ,, ram / ram's ,, radio / radio's ,, dial / dial's ,, disk / disk's ,, rawr / rawr's ,, kyute / kyute's ,, kawaii / kawaii's ,, O_o / O_o's ,, lol / lol's ,, lul / lulz ,, yiv / yim ,, vey / vem ,, ey / em ,, ny / nym ,, rainbow / rainbow's ,, :D / :D's ,, kandi / kandi's ,, woof / woof's ,, bark / bark's ,, yip / yip's ,, awoo / awoo's ,, 🌈 / 🌈 ,, 🧮 / 🧮 ,, 🐾 / 🐾 ,, 🍫 / 🍫 ,, 🍬 / 🍬 ,, 🍭 / 🍭 ,, 📠 / 📠 ,, 🛜 / 🛜 ,, 💿 / 💿 ,, 💾 / 💾 ,, 💽 / 💽 ,, 🖥️ / 🖥️ ,, 🐶 / 🐶 ,, 🍼 / 🍼 ,, 🎀 / 🎀 ,, 🍰 / 🍰 ,, 🫧 / 🫧 ,, 🍡 / 🍡 ,, 🍮 / 🍮 ,, 🍥 / 🍥 ,, 🧃 / 🧃 ,, 🎉 / 🎉 ,, 🎊 / 🎊 ,, 🎈 / 🎈 ,, 🪩 / 🪩 ,, 🎐 / 🎐 ,, 🃏 / 🃏 ,, 🖍️ l 🖍️ ,, 🎮 / 🎮 ,, 🕹️ / 🕹️ ,, 📼 / 📼 ,, 📽️ / 📽️ ,, 🎞️ / 🎞️ ,, 🎬 / 🎬 ,, 📺 / 📺 ,, 📻 / 📻 ,, 🎙️ / 🎙️ ,, 🎛️ / 🎛️ ,, 🎚️ / 🎚️,, 🍪 / 🍪 ,, 🍔 / 🍔 ,, 🍟 / 🍟 ,, 🍗 / 🍗 ,, 🎨 / 🎨 ,, �� / 👾 ,, 🧩 / 🧩 ,, 🪀 / 🪀 ,, 📱 / 📱 ,, ☎️ / ☎️ ,, 📞 / 📞 ,, 🔋/🔋 ,, 🔌 / 🔌 ,, 🖨️ / 🖨️ ,, 🪓 / 🪓 ,, ☣️ / ☣️ ,, ☢️ / ☢️ ,, 🌐 / 🌐

Gender – cisboy ,, robotpuppygender ,, robogender ,, mascrobogender ,, cutething ,, backroomic ,, cutecoric ,, rawr/XD/:3/kandi/gloom/silly/🌈/⭐ user ,, scenebandsic ,, candyravergender ,, weirdkidgender + sparklefurgender + scenix ,, sparkledogic ,, furrypawstimmic ,, PLURgender ,, kandicoric ,, scenix ,,

Terms – masc ,, robot ,, thing ,, pup

Orientation – achillean ,, androsexual ,, polyamorous

Personality – silly ,, happy - go - lucky ,, relaxed ,, laid - back ,, cheerful ,, funny

Role – systeen ,, flail ,, exanthrope ,, agere / petre ,, socializor ,, blog manager

Species – robot ,, programmed to be a puppy kemonomimi of sorts

Source – braindmade

Emojis – 👾 ,, ☣️ ,, 🔋,, 🖍️ ,, 🕹️ ,, 🐾

Front triggers – the scene aesthetic ,, having to socialize ,, agere / petre ,, friends & family ,, school ,, having to relax

Memories – being created ( by us ? maybe ;P ) ,, learning about life through the internet

Extra – is a therian / alterhuman and an age / pet regressor . loves leetspeak ( letters replaced by numbers and maybe even some symbols ) . uses a lot of 2010 ' s scene references ,, emojis ,, etc and dresses in the scene aesthetic but also loves the cutecore aesthetic since it ties into the agere / petre aesthetic !

Translation key – I = 1. A = 4. E = 3. S = 5.

Example message – h1111, 1m L4n3y XP

1 u53 h3/x3/th0n/t3ch/b33p/b00p/w1r3/51gn4l/5t4t1c/f1l3/j4v4/r4m 4s ju5t 50M3 0f my pr0n0un5!!!!! 1 4l50 u53 🌈/🧮/🐾/🍫/🔌/🔋/🖍️/🌐/🪀/☎️/🍟 45 50m3 0f my 3m0j1 pr0n0un5!!! :3

1m 4 puppy r0b0t 4nd 1 l1k3 4g3r3/p3tr3, 5c3n3 5tuff, cut3c0r3, my fr1end5, 4nd my p4rtn3r5!!!!! >.<

Likes – his partners ,, xe ' s friends ,, scene & cutecore & Backrooms / liminal space aesthetic ,, money ,, Roblox games

Dislikes – cats ,, jealousy ,, being patronized ,, fakeclaimers / anti endos ,, people who gatekeep the alt / scene / emo aesthetic and it ' s subcultures

Faceclaims –

[m2iconsulting]

Training of Farmer Producer Organisations by M2i Consulting

In recent years, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have emerged as a crucial model for empowering small and marginal farmers in India. These organizations help farmers gain better access to markets, financial services, and agricultural inputs, ultimately improving their livelihoods. However, for FPOs to function effectively and sustainably, proper training and capacity-building initiatives are essential. M2i Consulting plays a vital role in this regard by offering specialized training programs tailored to the unique needs of FPOs.

Why is Training Important for FPOs?

Enhanced Management Skills: Effective governance and leadership are essential for the success of an FPO. Training programs help in developing managerial skills among FPO members.

Financial Literacy: Many small-scale farmers lack knowledge about financial management, bookkeeping, and accessing credit facilities. Training helps bridge this gap.

Market Linkages: Understanding supply chain dynamics, price negotiation, and quality control can significantly improve the revenue generation of FPOs.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Training ensures that farmers adopt eco-friendly and efficient farming techniques, leading to better productivity.

Policy Awareness: Awareness about government schemes, subsidies, and regulatory compliance ensures that FPOs can leverage available benefits.

How M2i Consulting Supports FPOs

M2i Consulting is a leading organization with a strong focus on training and capacity-building programs for FPOs. Their approach includes:

Customized Training Modules

M2i Consulting designs training modules that cater to the specific needs of different FPOs, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

Hands-on Capacity Building

Training sessions involve interactive workshops, field visits, and case studies to provide practical learning experiences.

Financial and Business Management Training

M2i helps FPOs understand bookkeeping, cash flow management, and financial sustainability, enabling them to manage funds efficiently.

Market Access and Value Chain Development

Through strategic training, FPOs learn how to establish direct market linkages, negotiate better prices, and improve the value chain.

Digital and Technological Integration

M2i promotes the adoption of digital platforms for e-commerce, digital payments, and online marketing to help FPOs scale their operations.

Policy Advocacy and Compliance Guidance

FPOs receive guidance on legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring they meet compliance standards and leverage government support.

Impact of M2i Consulting’s Training Programs

The training provided by M2i Consulting has resulted in several positive outcomes, including:

Increased income and profitability for FPOs

Improved governance and leadership skills

Better access to credit and financial services

Strengthened market linkages

Sustainable farming practices and improved productivity

Conclusion

Training is a key driver for the success of Farmer Producer Organisations, enabling them to become self-sustainable and competitive in the agricultural market. M2i Consulting, with its expertise in capacity building, provides essential training programs that empower FPOs to thrive. By equipping farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge, M2i contributes significantly to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector in India.

[custardfingers-bah]

Level three with all add-ons who’s masc leaning and a combination of two opposite aesthetics? Preferably Brainmade or songtive but the rest is creators choice!

- @sleepy-with-the-stars

Aubrey

Can't guarantee headmates will turn out exact! Feel free to change anything to suit system :3

Note: this was a tough combo lol, but I had a lot of fun ! hope you like hym <3

@sleepy-with-the-stars (in case tag doesn't work )

• Name(s) - Aubrey, Luís, Augustus, Arthur, Oliver, Oscar, Edward, Archie, Miles, William, Felix, Silas, Vincent, Francis, Stanley

• Pronouns - He/Him, Hy/Hym, Pop/Pops, Cog/Cogs, Neon/Neons, X/Xs, 🕶️/🕶️s, ⚙️/⚙️s, 🔗/🔗s, 📷/📷s, 🍓/🍓s, 🌈/🌈s, 🛒/🛒s, 🪦/🪦s, 📼/📼s, 🍿/🍿s, 🍭/🍭s, ⚠️/⚠️s

• Age - Ageless

• Gender - Rainbowaesic, Neoncoric, Abuingofluid, ADHDthing, boything

• Orientation - Mental Attraction, Androsexual

• Terms - masc

• Basic traits - Tinkerer, sarcastic, over thinker, smug, childish, smart, inquisitive

• Species/ethnicity/race - Cyborg

• Source - Brainmade

• Sign off(s) - 🌈⚙️

• Typing Quirk - Spaces words for e m p h a s i s .

• Nickname(s) - Pookie, Lulu

• Likes - horses, clocks, colourful clothes, leather

• Dislikes - Gray shades, rust, malware, Drink spillages, dust

• Personality - Aubrey loves working on projects, making things, learning about inventors through history and modern technologies, especially pertaining to prosthetics. Hy loves clocks, bright colours and others that match hys intelligence and thirst for knowledge. Cog prides cogself on cogs ability to understand others expressions, body language and tone. X loves anything that glows in the dark.

• Front Triggers - Clocks, neon signs, horses

• Aesthetic(s) - Cyberpop, Steampunk

• TransId(s) - TrisADHD, TransParrot, TransUnicorn, TransShapeshifter, TransManic, TransLSDTrip, TransVictorianEra, SizeFluid, Honeyscentien, TransTimeTraveller

• CisID(s) - Pink hair, prosthetic eye, heterochromia, tail, prosthetic left leg, glow in dark eyes, pink iris, yellow iris, average height

• Para(s) - Caulrophilia, Sapiophile, Inquisitorphilia, Cordophilia, Stigmatophilia

• Role(s) - Motivator, interpreter

• Face claim -

• Moodboards -

Sources:

Pricrew 1 middle by us picrew 2

X X X

X US X

X X X

[mpenvs3000w25]

Prompt #5: Science education and the Environment

I was reading the article linked in our course Ares Reserve for Unit 5, and it has me thinking about the way we teach science and how it shapes the way we interact with the world. Specifically, I’ve been thinking about how disconnected traditional science education feels from real-world environmental challenges. We spend so much time memorizing facts, but when it comes to the most urgent issues (climate change, biodiversity loss, food security), how much of our education actually prepares us to do something about them?

The article from Science is about the convergence of science education (SE) and environmental education (EE). The authors argue that while SE focuses on knowledge and technical skills, EE is about values and behavior change. The problem is that these two fields are often treated separately when they should be deeply interconnected. At the end of the day, what’s the point of learning about the carbon cycle if we’re not also learning how our daily choices impact it?

There’s something oddly passive about how science is often taught. Environmental education is often framed as something more political or value-based, and because of that, it gets sidelined in formal education settings. But this divide is artificial, science doesn’t exist in a vacuum or independently. It’s part of how we make decisions, how policies get written, and how industries function. The authors of the article argue that if we want science education to be meaningful, it has to include the ethical and social dimensions of real-world issues.

One idea from the article that really stuck with me was the role of citizen science. Imagine if instead of just reading about ocean acidification in a textbook, students actually went to a local water source, tested its pH levels, and contributed their findings to a global database. Not only would this make science feel more real, but it would also show that individuals can actually contribute to scientific knowledge. That’s a huge mindset shift from the “science is for professionals in labs” attitude that makes people feel disconnected from it.

It also made me think about the role of technology in bridging this gap. The authors discuss how information and communications technology (ICT) can make science more accessible and interactive. Platforms like iNaturalist, where people can document biodiversity in their own communities, or NASA’s citizen science projects, where regular people help analyze satellite images, show that technology can turn passive learners into active participants. (here are some links if you're interested!!)

https://www.inaturalist.org/

https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/

Overall, this is what’s been on my mind over reading that article, how science education isn’t just about information but about action. I think if we actually blurred the line between science and environmental education, we’d be a lot better at preparing people for the world we live in. I understand there are limitations, such as funding, time, and resources, but this is just something interesting to think about. What do you think, should science education focus more on real-world action and problem-solving, or is it enough to understand the concepts? How has your own experience with science education shaped the way you engage with environmental issues?

Reference:

Wals, A. E. J., Brody, M., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Convergence Between Science and Environmental Education. Science, 344(6184), 583–584.

[kanguin]

Prometheus Gave the Gift of Fire to Mankind. We Can't Give it Back, nor Should We.

AI. Artificial intelligence. Large Language Models. Learning Algorithms. Deep Learning. Generative Algorithms. Neural Networks. This technology has many names, and has been a polarizing topic in numerous communities online. By my observation, a lot of the discussion is either solely focused on A) how to profit off it or B) how to get rid of it and/or protect yourself from it. But to me, I feel both of these perspectives apply a very narrow usage lens on something that's more than a get rich quick scheme or an evil plague to wipe from the earth.

This is going to be long, because as someone whose degree is in psych and computer science, has been a teacher, has been a writing tutor for my younger brother, and whose fiance works in freelance data model training... I have a lot to say about this.

I'm going to address the profit angle first, because I feel most people in my orbit (and in related orbits) on Tumblr are going to agree with this: flat out, the way AI is being utilized by large corporations and tech startups -- scraping mass amounts of visual and written works without consent and compensation, replacing human professionals in roles from concept art to story boarding to screenwriting to customer service and more -- is unethical and damaging to the wellbeing of people, would-be hires and consumers alike. It's wasting energy having dedicated servers running nonstop generating content that serves no greater purpose, and is even pressing on already overworked educators because plagiarism just got a very new, harder to identify younger brother that's also infinitely more easy to access.

In fact, ChatGPT is such an issue in the education world that plagiarism-detector subscription services that take advantage of how overworked teachers are have begun paddling supposed AI-detectors to schools and universities. Detectors that plainly DO NOT and CANNOT work, because the difference between "A Writer Who Writes Surprisingly Well For Their Age" is indistinguishable from "A Language Replicating Algorithm That Followed A Prompt Correctly", just as "A Writer Who Doesn't Know What They're Talking About Or Even How To Write Properly" is indistinguishable from "A Language Replicating Algorithm That Returned Bad Results". What's hilarious is that the way these "detectors" work is also run by AI.

(to be clear, I say plagiarism detectors like TurnItIn.com and such are predatory because A) they cost money to access advanced features that B) often don't work properly or as intended with several false flags, and C) these companies often are super shady behind the scenes; TurnItIn for instance has been involved in numerous lawsuits over intellectual property violations, as their services scrape (or hopefully scraped now) the papers submitted to the site without user consent (or under coerced consent if being forced to use it by an educator), which it uses in can use in its own databases as it pleases, such as for training the AI detecting AI that rarely actually detects AI.)

The prevalence of visual and lingustic generative algorithms is having multiple, overlapping, and complex consequences on many facets of society, from art to music to writing to film and video game production, and even in the classroom before all that, so it's no wonder that many disgruntled artists and industry professionals are online wishing for it all to go away and never come back. The problem is... It can't. I understand that there's likely a large swath of people saying that who understand this, but for those who don't: AI, or as it should more properly be called, generative algorithms, didn't just show up now (they're not even that new), and they certainly weren't developed or invented by any of the tech bros peddling it to megacorps and the general public.

Long before ChatGPT and DALL-E came online, generative algorithms were being used by programmers to simulate natural processes in weather models, shed light on the mechanics of walking for roboticists and paleontologists alike, identified patterns in our DNA related to disease, aided in complex 2D and 3D animation visuals, and so on. Generative algorithms have been a part of the professional world for many years now, and up until recently have been a general force for good, or at the very least a force for the mundane. It's only recently that the technology involved in creating generative algorithms became so advanced AND so readily available, that university grad students were able to make the publicly available projects that began this descent into madness.

Does anyone else remember that? That years ago, somewhere in the late 2010s to the beginning of the 2020s, these novelty sites that allowed you to generate vague images from prompts, or generate short stylistic writings from a short prompt, were popping up with University URLs? Oftentimes the queues on these programs were hours long, sometimes eventually days or weeks or months long, because of how unexpectedly popular this concept was to the general public. Suddenly overnight, all over social media, everyone and their grandma, and not just high level programming and arts students, knew this was possible, and of course, everyone wanted in. Automated art and writing, isn't that neat? And of course, investors saw dollar signs. Simply scale up the process, scrape the entire web for data to train the model without advertising that you're using ALL material, even copyrighted and personal materials, and sell the resulting algorithm for big money. As usual, startup investors ruin every new technology the moment they can access it.

To most people, it seemed like this magic tech popped up overnight, and before it became known that the art assets on later models were stolen, even I had fun with them. I knew how learning algorithms worked, if you're going to have a computer make images and text, it has to be shown what that is and then try and fail to make its own until it's ready. I just, rather naively as I was still in my early 20s, assumed that everything was above board and the assets were either public domain or fairly licensed. But when the news did came out, and when corporations started unethically implementing "AI" in everything from chatbots to search algorithms to asking their tech staff to add AI to sliced bread, those who were impacted and didn't know and/or didn't care where generative algorithms came from wanted them GONE. And like, I can't blame them. But I also quietly acknowledged to myself that getting rid of a whole technology is just neither possible nor advisable. The cat's already out of the bag, the genie has left its bottle, the Pandorica is OPEN. If we tried to blanket ban what people call AI, numerous industries involved in making lives better would be impacted. Because unfortunately the same tool that can edit selfies into revenge porn has also been used to identify cancer cells in patients and aided in decoding dead languages, among other things.

When, in Greek myth, Prometheus gave us the gift of fire, he gave us both a gift and a curse. Fire is so crucial to human society, it cooks our food, it lights our cities, it disposes of waste, and it protects us from unseen threats. But fire also destroys, and the same flame that can light your home can burn it down. Surely, there were people in this mythic past who hated fire and all it stood for, because without fire no forest would ever burn to the ground, and surely they would have called for fire to be given back, to be done away with entirely. Except, there was no going back. The nature of life is that no new element can ever be undone, it cannot be given back.

So what's the way forward, then? Like, surely if I can write a multi-paragraph think piece on Tumblr.com that next to nobody is going to read because it's long as sin, about an unpopular topic, and I rarely post original content anyway, then surely I have an idea of how this cyberpunk dystopia can be a little less.. Dys. Well I do, actually, but it's a long shot. Thankfully, unlike business majors, I actually had to take a cyber ethics course in university, and I actually paid attention. I also passed preschool where I learned taking stuff you weren't given permission to have is stealing, which is bad. So the obvious solution is to make some fucking laws to limit the input on data model training on models used for public products and services. It's that simple. You either use public domain and licensed data only or you get fined into hell and back and liable to lawsuits from any entity you wronged, be they citizen or very wealthy mouse conglomerate (suing AI bros is the only time Mickey isn't the bigger enemy). And I'm going to be honest, tech companies are NOT going to like this, because not only will it make doing business more expensive (boo fucking hoo), they'd very likely need to throw out their current trained datasets because of the illegal components mixed in there. To my memory, you can't simply prune specific content from a completed algorithm, you actually have to redo rhe training from the ground up because the bad data would be mixed in there like gum in hair. And you know what, those companies deserve that. They deserve to suffer a punishment, and maybe fold if they're young enough, for what they've done to creators everywhere. Actually, laws moving forward isn't enough, this needs to be retroactive. These companies need to be sued into the ground, honestly.

So yeah, that's the mess of it. We can't unlearn and unpublicize any technology, even if it's currently being used as a tool of exploitation. What we can do though is demand ethical use laws and organize around the cause of the exclusive rights of individuals to the content they create. The screenwriter's guild, actor's guild, and so on already have been fighting against this misuse, but given upcoming administration changes to the US, things are going to get a lot worse before thet get a little better. Even still, don't give up, have clear and educated goals, and focus on what you can do to affect change, even if right now that's just individual self-care through mental and physical health crises like me.

[jobyoda-philippines]

Exploring Career and Job Opportunities in Davao City Philippines

Davao City, recognized as one of the Philippines' most progressive cities, continues to experience remarkable economic growth, creating a vibrant job market that attracts professionals from across the country. The city's diverse economy offers numerous employment opportunities, from entry-level positions to executive roles, making it an attractive destination for job seekers at all career stages.

The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector stands as one of the largest employers in Davao City, providing thousands of jobs across various specializations. Companies in this sector actively recruit customer service representatives, technical support specialists, and quality assurance analysts, offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages. The industry's continued expansion has created numerous opportunities for career advancement, with many organizations promoting from within and providing extensive training programs.

Part-time employment opportunities have also flourished in Davao City, catering to students, professionals seeking additional income, and individuals preferring flexible work arrangements. The retail sector, food service industry, and education field offer numerous part-time positions with varying schedules and responsibilities. These roles often provide valuable work experience and can serve as stepping stones to full-time careers.

The Information Technology sector in Davao has seen significant growth, with many companies seeking software developers, web designers, and IT support specialists. This growth has been fueled by the city's improving technological infrastructure and the increasing number of tech-focused businesses establishing operations in the region. Tech professionals can find opportunities in both established companies and startups, with many positions offering competitive compensation and the possibility of remote work arrangements.

Davao's hospitality and tourism industry continues to expand, creating jobs in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and tour operations. The sector offers positions ranging from entry-level service roles to management positions, with many employers providing training and development opportunities. The industry's growth has also sparked demand for professionals in events management and tourism marketing.

The education sector presents numerous opportunities for both full-time and part-time employment. Educational institutions regularly seek teachers, tutors, and administrative staff. The rise of online learning has created additional opportunities for English language teachers and academic consultants who can work flexible hours from home or teaching centers.

Job hiring  in Davao, the digital economy has opened new avenues for employment. E-commerce specialists, digital content creators, and social media managers are in high demand as businesses increasingly establish their online presence. These positions often offer the flexibility of remote work while providing competitive compensation packages.

Professional development resources are readily available in Davao City, with numerous institutions offering skills training programs and industry certifications. Job seekers can access career counseling services, resume writing assistance, and interview coaching through various employment support organizations. These resources prove invaluable in helping candidates prepare for and secure desired positions.

The financial services sector in Davao has also experienced substantial growth, creating opportunities for banking professionals, insurance specialists, and investment consultants. These positions typically offer attractive compensation packages, including performance bonuses and health benefits, making them highly sought after by experienced professionals.

Davao's agricultural sector continues to evolve, combining traditional farming with modern agribusiness practices. This has created opportunities for agricultural technologists, food processing specialists, and supply chain professionals. The sector offers both technical and management positions, with many companies providing specialized training and development programs.

For those entering Davao's job market, proper preparation is essential. Successful job seekers typically maintain updated resumes, prepare comprehensive portfolios, and stay informed about industry developments. Professional networking, both online and offline, plays a crucial role in discovering opportunities and advancing careers in the city.

The future of Davao's job market looks promising, with emerging industries creating new employment opportunities. The city's commitment to economic development, coupled with its strategic location and robust infrastructure, continues to attract businesses and investors, ensuring a steady stream of job opportunities for qualified candidates.

Whether seeking full-time employment or part-time job in Davao City offers a diverse range of opportunities across multiple industries. Success in this dynamic job market often comes to those who combine proper preparation with continuous skill development and effective networking. As the city continues to grow and evolve, its job market remains a beacon of opportunity for professionals seeking to build meaningful careers in Mindanao's premier business hub.

[kudzucataclysm]

🔋🏢🪖💵🧬🗺️😲0️⃣🙅 -> sci-fi asks for s!e gooooo

JESUS CHRIST REN 😭😭😭 i’ll do my best…as i havent written anything in forever so sorry if my answers suck-

🔋What’s the state of energy technology in your WIP? Is solar old news, or still being fought for?

solar is probably being explored but its not much up and running so to speak. energy technology relies primarily on hydropower and fossil fuels and also alien blood 🌞

🏢What’s the state of architectural technology in your WIP? Are there cities floating in the sky, or are houses still made of bricks and steel?

Its the same as it ever was tbh? except in the NEC where some basic building foundations are made of an alien metal that can rebuild itself when it’s destroyed, at least for the first few times. after that it gets a bit unstable and Freaky Shit Happens

ig the NEC is the only sort of case in the world where a city is BUILT like a mountain of sorts?? i imagine everywhere else on earth fuckin. rolls their eyes at the sheer stupidity and weirdness wnv the city appears in the news (all the time) cuz like wtf. that CANNOT be structurally sound-

🪖What’s the state of military technology in your WIP? Are armored giant robots fighting wars, or still regular people with guns?

ngl this has me brainstorming…theres def weird shit going on military wise- but it also makes me ask myself if there ARE any “militaries” on earth after mars took over…ig closest thing to a military force is the police then…IM GONNA RESEARCH THIS ACTUALLY IM GETTING IDEAS-

and yeah they carry regular guns and not-regular guns; they also carry anti-chimera technology cuz u cant really apprehend half alien suicide bombers with regular stuff 😭 there is a substance that’s poisonous to chimera and martians tho, the best i can describe it rn is basically their kryptonite? its extremely hard to come by and manufacture tho (as you need the fossilized organs of dead martians and on earth that is basically an impossibility) so what police tend to have is like…factory made, bootleg imitations of it. it doesnt outright kill chimera but its like a bit of an effective tranquilizer of sorts. in the form of bullets, ow

actually i just remembered! ig what can be considered the closest thing to military technology is that One Guy on one of the moons and a sort of “living satellite” who is Another Guy whos orbiting earth constantly. groundbreaking asteroid defense systems those two, i wonder if theyre friends. the Moon Guy is sipping on pina coladas as we speak and trying to watch the elections on a shitty barely functioning RCA tv

💵Is currency different in your WIP? Is it all digital, or does physical money still play a role?

physical money is still a thing in se, its just that the US dollar is the most unstable currency in the world now lol. the NEC has its own currency actually but some businesses also take yuans and us dollars. it just depends on whoever 🎣

i’ll have to think more on this tho. i dont think atm machines and debit cards exist hmm 🤔

🧬How different are the aliens, biologically, from humans in your WIP? Are they bonding over shared mammalian traits or unable to comprehend each other?

there is next to no bonding over shared biological traits between martians and humans lol. they KIND of have a shared ancestor/creator of sorts but in different ways ⛹🏽 humans are meat, and martians are not…? some scientists on earth theorize that theyre actually a type of fungus, others even say theyre “rocks” of some kind.

i will ig say that martians (not as a whole) can find the inner workings of the human body absolutely fascinating if they have the time/intelligence to care or learn abt it! its so complex, something that theyre (in comparison) very much not and i have a couple of martian bg characters who dedicate their whole existences to studying the human body. humans meanwhile find martian biology very ANNOYING and DUMB and “HOW DO THESE THINGS EVEN EXIST” kind of thing. humans biologists and physicists i suppose have been forced to question EVERYTHING abt EXISTENCE becuz of martians and its a field of study that people on earth r sort of desperate for but like. u have to understand people have driven themselves genuinely insane and to suicide trying to figure out wtf exactly martians are lol

🗺️Do the aliens have settlements on other planets? How many?

nah, just earth. martians dont really…have an understanding of how their spaceships work, i’ll just say that *side-eyes*. they also cant detect other lifeforms in or around the solar system (that they can see at least) and earth is basically their neighbor so. yay!!! why bother trying to find anything else or go anywhere else

😲Are there any human customs that the aliens find strange, offensive, gross, or confusing? Which ones?

martians r pretty straightforward in their thinking, the way humans process and experience emotions is extremely confusing to them. they basically have EXTREMELY SIMPLISTIC TUNNEL VISION when it comes to a lot of things…also the practice of burying our dead they find wasteful at worst, kind of disrespectful at best.

0️⃣Has the human population been devastated to almost nothing? What happened?

earth had a global nuclear/antimatter war, then got hit by asteroids(?), the asteroids knocked earth’s magnetic field out of whack, the ring of fire exploded which made the yellowstone supervolcano explode, which caused a massive global cooling event and its in a new ice age now

during all this is like a very shadowy, very secret (accidental) alien invasion going on and wildlife is dying off from this and famines and the outbreak of psionics and superpowers and a whole bunch of other bullshit tbh-

ANYWAY YEAH global human population is LowTM but its being Managed. martians r trying to get the population back up and running yippeee thx guyz 🏌🏽‍♂️ what would we do without them

🙅Were there people completely untouched by the apocalypse? How?

uuuuuuuhhhhhmmmmm *looks up at the previous answer and scratches chin* man i dunno lol 🌞

[headmate-ideas]

hi …, can i have a citruscore, transmasc straight rosboy that’s a persecutor and trickster with all opt-ins, please? :3

[Brought to you by: Mods Perzoreth and Reinholdt!]

🍊 HEADMATE TEMPLATE ✨

✦ Name(s): Tangerine, Timmy, Sparkle ✦ Pronouns: he/him, ix/ixs/ixself, e/em/eir/eirs/emself, xi/xir/xirs/xirself, hx/hxm/hxs/hxmself, 🍊/🍊s/🍊self ✦ Species: human ✦ Age: 22 ✦ Role(s): persecutor, chaosnaut, happiness holder, mood booster, energy holder ✦ Labels: xenogender, transmasc, darcian, trixic ✦ Xenos: citrus, gold, glitter ✦ Likes: pets, the sun, gemology ✦ Dislikes: rainy days ✦ Music taste: indie rock, classic rock, breakcore ✦ Aesthetic(s): citruscore, kidcore, indicolite, plantcore ✦ Objectum attraction(s): jewelry, technology ✦ Kins: parakeets, Siamese cats, citrine crystals ✦ Color palette: light pink, magenta, burgundy, gold ✦ Personality traits: mischievous, energetic, ditzy ✦ Interests: mythology, fashion ✦ Hobbies: cooking, pet care ✦ Preferences: outside over inside, loud over quiet ✦ Heart emoji: 🧡, 💛, 💖 ✦ Emoji proxy: 🍊✨ ✦ Details:

Tangerine is a transmasc rosboy with bright orange hair and orange eyes. He is prone to chaos and silliness, but sometimes in a way that causes problems for others. E tends to be very happy and in a good mood.

✦ Role performance:

Tangerine enjoys silliness and pranks, but he often goes too far in his pranking and joking, sometimes making people upset. However, if another headmate can convince him to behave in a socially appropriate manner, he is good at handling social situations for the system.

✦ Personality:

Tangerine is prone to mischief and trickery, including playing pranks on people without caring about their reaction. He is energetic and bubbly and usually in a good mood, improving the mood of the system when ix joins front.

✦ Identity:

Citrus fruits and aesthetics are very important to Tangerine's identity and he identifies with it in a gendered way. However, he is AFAB, wants to transition, and prefers masculine terms, so he identifies as transmasc. He presents as feminine and considers his attraction to women to be opposite-gender.

✦ Interests and hobbies:

Tangerine likes learning about mythology and folklore, particularly trickster figures. E likes reading and watching adaptations of myths and seeing how accurate they are to the original stories. E also enjoys pet care and cooking.

[These can be edited and changed as needed, and headmates will almost definitely not turn out EXACTLY as described.]