#The Social Effects of Programming

[inomc]

Writing computer instructions is known as programming. This field is both intricate and difficult, yet highly fulfilling.

The field of programming holds a substantial influence on society, as it possesses the capability to enhance various aspects of our lives. However, it also possesses the capacity to be employed for detrimental intentions.

[thiswaycomessomethingwicked]

everyone clap for me

I saw an incredibly brain dead take on activism and I didn't engage with the post

I'm just going to vague about it in the tags like a mature adult

[vargaslovinghours]

Y’all are being subjected to my Sims 2 tests, so there

The other set of Vargases came over for a visit and Scriabin picked up Shmee and started talking to Scriabin through him. Very normal, very usual

I downloaded some circle-glasses recolours and hghghh they look so good! Closer every day to his final details! Getting ever closer!

Edgar too! I made him a custom hair with a lighter undercut - I’m mostly happy with it, probably could’ve shifted it a shade closer to his skintone but the texturing was weird no matter what :P And his stripey shirt! I wish Body Shop didn’t have that hands-on-hips pose lol, it looks so much better in-game, but that’s all the better :)

I got some new clothes for Todd as well! As soon as I saw this ‘fit I was like “Oh that’s 100% Todd there he is.” Scriadad hug ♥ So cute

Foot-dancing together stopp it’s so cute!!

The way he looks at them stoppp <3 <3 They kept doing this right up til they left for home haha, Todd’s giggles are the cutest

Used SimPE to save him to the Body Shop, I now have infinite copies of The Boyyyy ♪

Moved him in with his “parents” as just shadow people basically, they’re not gonna matter in a bit as long as I remember how to get the Social Worker/Adoption process to work properly. Get her Todd!!

Wanna play? :D

Menacing :(

Look, Todd, your new dads are here! Initially I wasn’t sure who I wanted to adopt him, got lots of options; the first passes, the married couple with their own Todd, Johnny?? He definitely doesn’t have the facilities for a child lol But these are the ones that showed up on their own, so the married Vargases are the winners!

Scriabin cares more about him than his actual parents ;; A stranger off the street shows him more care! Not that it’s a high watermark

Look at him being a good dad!

Weh, he just wants friends ;; Poor baby

Best timeline, thank you

While we wait for CPS, let’s get some other interactions in! Nny is mean so he tended to prank the other two with a nose flick - mostly Edgar lol ♪ Now kiss

“Oh please don’t break all my bones~ :3” I love Todd looking up at them haha <3

Pffft, I think he was talking about the other Scriabin and just how attractive he is. Classic Scriabin. Alternatively, also funny to imagine him bragging himself up about how he’s just so handsome that Edgar can’t help but love him hahaha ♪

Allow me to tickle you with my KNIFE! >:D

Get a load of this guy lol

He ended up passing out at one point - I forgot which motives make CPS show up >.> - and completely 0%’d his comfort, but for some reason stargazing increased it?? It’s the same ground wh

Is two not enough to satisfy your butterfly bloodlust child?? He ended up with three, I had him release them before he was picked up by the Social Worker - success!

He rolled a new Want as soon as Todd was taken away - “Wants to see Ghost of Todd” Woah, dark! :0

And here he is on the married Vargases’ lot!! Success!! I did it right!! Heck yeah! :D Unfortunately they were uh, indisposed at the time. Good job guys pft

Goes right for Shmee, he really is Todd <3

[ivygorgon]

👮 Orange is the New Red, White, and Blue: Prison Reform NOW!

AN OPEN LETTER to THE PRESIDENT & U.S. CONGRESS; STATE GOVERNORS & LEGISLATURES

1 so far! Help us get to 5 signers!

I am writing to urge immediate action towards transforming our corrections system from one focused on punishment and control, to a model centered on human dignity and rehabilitation. The current punitive approach perpetuates cycles of incarceration, abuse, and societal disintegration, ultimately failing to rehabilitate individuals and reintegrate them into our communities.

Recent analyses of European prison systems, such as Norway's Halden Prison, demonstrate the effectiveness of a human dignity approach. At Halden, private rooms, communal living spaces, vocational training, and family contact are prioritized, resulting in lower rates of violence and recidivism. This approach not only fosters humane treatment but also proves to be cost-effective in the long term.

We must shift away from a system that dehumanizes individuals and perpetuates a cycle of incarceration and abuse. Instead, we must embrace a model that prioritizes rehabilitation, second chances, and societal reintegration. Comprehensive prison reform that centers on human dignity is not only morally imperative but also a crucial step towards creating a more just and equitable society.

It is time to end modern slave labor within the for-profit prison industrial complex and invest in rehabilitation-focused treatment. We have a responsibility to nurture emotionally intelligent individuals and provide real opportunities for those who have been failed by the system.

I urge you to support and advocate for legislation that embodies the principles of human dignity and rehabilitation. Let us work together to ensure that every individual receives a genuine second chance and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Justice for the American people! Together we can say NO to Modern Slave Labor in the USA! Let's make their second chance count! Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

Source:

📱 Text SIGN PNWJIS to 50409

🤯 Liked it? Text FOLLOW IVYGORGON to 50409

[bernardmarx]

anyone up that has AvPD (high five)

[greenthestral]

Crushing Poverty: Unleashing the Power of Goal 1 for a Prosperous World

Introduction

In an ideal world, every individual should have the opportunity to thrive, free from the grip of poverty. However, poverty remains a persistent and complex challenge that affects billions of people worldwide. Acknowledging this dire reality, the United Nations set forth a transformative agenda known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Among the 17 goals, Goal 1 stands as a beacon of hope, aiming to eradicate poverty in all its forms by 2030. In this article, we will explore the significance of Goal 1, delve into the multifaceted nature of poverty, discuss its impacts, and outline a roadmap to achieve a poverty-free world.

The Urgency of No Poverty

Poverty is not merely a statistic; it represents the daily struggle of countless individuals, families, and communities. The urgency to address this issue is paramount, as poverty engenders a host of other social, economic, and political problems. Poverty leads to increased social inequalities, limits access to basic human rights, perpetuates cycles of deprivation, and hampers sustainable development efforts. It is crucial to acknowledge that poverty is not an isolated problem but rather interconnected with several other SDGs, such as those related to hunger, health, education, and gender equality.

The Significance of Goal 1

Goal 1 serves as the foundation upon which the other SDGs can be achieved. By focusing on poverty eradication, societies can break free from the vicious cycle of deprivation and inequality, creating an environment conducive to sustainable development. Goal 1 encompasses three dimensions of poverty: extreme poverty (living on less than $1.90 a day), moderate poverty, and multidimensional poverty, which takes into account factors such as education, health, and standard of living.

Understanding Poverty

Defining Poverty

Poverty can be defined as a state of deprivation, where individuals lack access to resources and opportunities required for a decent standard of living. Beyond financial poverty, it encompasses various aspects, including inadequate education, limited access to healthcare, lack of clean water and sanitation, insufficient housing, and social exclusion. A comprehensive understanding of poverty requires recognizing its multidimensional nature, acknowledging the complexities that perpetuate its existence.

The Multi-Dimensional Nature of Poverty

Poverty extends far beyond monetary measures. It manifests in different forms, affecting diverse dimensions of human life. Access to quality education, healthcare, housing, clean water, sanitation, and basic infrastructure are crucial components that contribute to poverty alleviation. Additionally, social exclusion, discrimination, and gender inequality serve as barriers, exacerbating the effects of poverty and limiting opportunities for marginalized groups.

The Impacts of Poverty

Economic Consequences

Poverty has far-reaching economic consequences, creating a vicious cycle that hampers economic growth. Individuals living in poverty often lack access to education and skills training, limiting their employment prospects and perpetuating low-income jobs. Reduced productivity, limited market participation, and insufficient investment in human capital are key challenges that stem from poverty, inhibiting economic development at both individual and societal levels.

Social and Psychological Effects

Beyond economic implications, poverty takes a toll on the social fabric of societies. It breeds social inequalities, marginalizes individuals and communities, and leads to a lack of social cohesion. Poverty often results in increased crime rates, unequal access to justice, and limited political participation. Moreover, the psychological impact of poverty cannot be overlooked, as individuals experience heightened stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which further hinders their ability to break free from the poverty trap.

The Roadmap to No Poverty

Empowering Individuals

To effectively combat poverty, empowerment plays a pivotal role. Empowering individuals involves providing access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection systems. Equipping individuals with skills and knowledge empowers them to participate fully in the economy, enabling sustainable livelihoods and enhancing their overall well-being.

Enhancing Economic Opportunities

Promoting inclusive economic growth is crucial in eradicating poverty. This requires creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, job creation, and investment. Governments, in partnership with the private sector, can foster innovation and provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to stimulate economic development and reduce inequalities.

Creating Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty. It entails investing in infrastructure, promoting renewable energy, and adopting environmentally friendly practices. Embracing sustainable development principles ensures the conservation of natural resources, mitigates climate change, and creates opportunities for economic growth that benefits all segments of society.

Success Stories and Inspiring Initiatives

Microfinance Revolutionizing Lives

Microfinance has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against poverty. By providing small loans and financial services to the most vulnerable populations, microfinance institutions empower individuals to start businesses, improve their livelihoods, and escape poverty. The Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, founded by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, stands as a shining example of how microfinance can transform lives.

Conditional Cash Transfer Programs: Breaking the Cycle

Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs have gained traction worldwide as effective poverty reduction strategies. These programs provide direct cash transfers to low-income households, conditional upon certain behaviors such as sending children to school or attending healthcare appointments. By incentivizing education and healthcare utilization, CCT programs break intergenerational cycles of poverty, offering families a pathway towards a better future.

Education as the Key to Prosperity

Education is an indispensable tool for poverty eradication. Investing in quality education, particularly for marginalized communities, equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to break free from the chains of poverty. Accessible and inclusive education systems empower individuals to secure better employment opportunities, escape poverty, and contribute meaningfully to society.

The Role of Governments, NGOs, and Individuals

Government Policies and International Cooperation

Governments play a crucial role in implementing policies and creating an enabling environment to eradicate poverty. It requires effective governance, equitable resource allocation, and social protection systems. International cooperation, through partnerships and aid, is also vital in supporting countries' efforts to achieve Goal 1.

NGOs and Grassroots Movements

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and grassroots movements play a significant role in poverty reduction by filling gaps in service delivery, advocating for marginalized communities, and facilitating empowerment initiatives. Their on-the-ground presence and community-driven approaches help address the unique challenges faced by different communities.

Individual Actions: The Power of Small Steps

While governments and organizations have a crucial role to play, individuals can also make a difference in the fight against poverty. Small acts of kindness, volunteering, supporting local businesses, and advocating for social justice contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society. Collectively, these individual actions have the potential to create a ripple effect and drive meaningful change.

Conclusion

Goal 1: No Poverty serves as a rallying point for humanity to address the pervasive challenge of poverty. Understanding the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and its far-reaching impacts is essential for crafting effective strategies. By empowering individuals, enhancing economic opportunities, and fostering sustainable development, we can move closer to a world free from poverty. Success stories and inspiring initiatives, combined with the collective efforts of governments, NGOs, and individuals, offer hope for a future where no one is left behind. Let us unite and work tirelessly to achieve Goal 1 and build a prosperous world for all.

[oneofthosecrazycatladies]

Okay so we have this huge problem with forgetting about everything that’s happened by the time the next election rolls around so I’d like to keep a running list of things as they’re happening to help remind us when the 2026 midterms roll around. And please add to this if I’ve missed anything.

January 2025:

Donald Trump pardoned 1500 people who participated in the insurrection of January 6th, including those who violently assaulted and nearly killed police officers.

Donald Trump has declared that trans and non-binary people don’t exist.

Donald Trump is working towards firing everyone in the government who isn’t loyal to him.

Donald Trump has effectively fired everyone who he claims is an “illegal DEI hire” …whatever that means

Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization

Congress are trying to pass the Laken Riley Act to, effectively, round up every immigrant in the country, including LEGAL immigrants

Donald Trump removed caps on prescription drug prices.

Donald Trump wants to withhold federal aid to help combat the LA wildfires and help the thousands of people who have been displaced and lost their homes.

The Department of Justice has put a hold on all civil rights cases.

Donald Trump has cut off aid to Ukraine.

Laken Riley Act has been passed by Congress and is awaiting being signed into law by the President. Here’s the breakdown of the votes: House Senate

Donald Trump purged a dozen inspectors general from the federal government and intends to replace them all with people loyal to him.

Pete Hegseth has been confirmed as Secretary of Defense. Here’s the breakdown of how the Senate voted. Note, it was a 50-50 tie that JD Vance had to break.

Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Colombia after the Colombian government turned away two airplanes carrying migrants. Columbia has retaliated by imposing a 25% tariff of its own on US goods.

Donald Trump has also issued a travel ban for Colombian citizens and revoked visas from Colombian migrants coming to the US.

Donald Trump has now backed off the tariffs and other threats against Colombia. Note for future reference: this comes just hours after Trump made the threat in the first place and he and the Colombian president got into a big fight on social media.

Nearly 1,000 migrants were arrested mostly in Chicago on January 26th by ICE and ICE has been told to meet a quota of 75 migrant arrests every day.

Donald Trump rescinded an anti-discrimination executive order from Lyndon B. Johnson

Donald Trump signed an executive order banning trans people from serving in the military and also ordered that people who were discharged for refusing to get mandatory vaccines be reinstated.

Donald Trump has frozen all federal grants to institutions.

After pressure from state governments, activist groups, and the general public, the White House has rolled back some of the freezes on federal funding.

Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) has proposed a change to the 22nd Amendment to allow Donald Trump, specifically, to serve a third term.

Donald Trump is trying to fire all federal employees who don’t want to return to the office (work-from-home saves the federal government millions of taxpayer dollars in overhead). He also sent an email to federal employees saying that if they’re not loyal to him, they’ll be investigated.

Donald Trump has signed the Laken Riley Act into law.

Donald Trump has said he doesn’t think Palestinians should be allowed to return to Gaza but instead should be sent to Egypt and Jordan.

Native Americans have been targeted by ICE raids.

Donald Trump has ordered undocumented immigrants to be sent to Guantanamo Bay

Donald Trump signed an executive order to expand federal funding for school choice programs. [x]

Donald Trump signed an executive order saying that he will deport visa-holding students who protest against Israel. [x]

Donald Trump has blamed DEI for the plane crash that killed 67 people in Washington D. C. [x]

Donald Trump signed an executive order that schools should no longer teach about racism and discrimination. And that schools should only teach history that is “patriotic” [x]

Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna wants to add Donald Trump’s face to Mount Rushmore. [x]

Trump’s Department of Education has called book bans a hoax. [x]

The Department of Justice has barred certain news outlets from receiving information from the Pentagon. [x]

The Trump administration has fired multiple FBI officials who investigated the January 6th insurrection. [x]

February-May 2025

I’ll keep adding to this list as new things come up and, again, please feel free to add anything I’ve missed. I know that in this world of constant news it’s easy to forget, so let’s give our future selves a little help!

[seilon]

i’ve come to the bizarre realization that, despite being a film major focused on screenwriting, based on the classes ive already taken + am enrolled to take, im far more capable of completing a minor in religious studies than creative writing

[jantanow]

इग्नू को नेचर पॉजिटिव यूनिवर्सिटी बनाने में योगदान देने पर अमन हुए सम्मानित

बड़ौत (Badaut), 01 सितंबर 2024 (September 1, 2024) — जब बात पर्यावरण संरक्षण (environmental conservation) की होती है, तो अक्सर हमें बड़े नामों और संगठनों (organizations) का ध्यान आकर्षित करना पड़ता है। लेकिन, बागपत (Baghpat) के एक युवा (youth) ने यह साबित कर दिया है कि छोटे कदम (small steps) भी बड़े बदलाव (big changes) ला सकते हैं। इंदिरा गांधी राष्ट्रीय मुक्त विश्वविद्यालय (Indira Gandhi…

[ketchuppee]

During the 2008 recession, my aunt lost her job. Her, her partner, and my three cousins moved across the country to stay with us while they got back on their feet. My house turned from a family of four to a family of nine overnight, complete with three dogs and five cats between us.

It took a few years for them to get a place of their own, but after a few rentals and apartments, they now own a split level ranch in a town nearby. I’ve lost track of how many coworkers and friends have stayed with them when they were in a tight spot. A mother and son getting out of an abusive relationship, a divorcee trying to stay local for his kids while they work out a custody agreement, you name it. My aunt and uncle knew first hand what that kindness meant, and always find space for someone who needed it, the way my parents had for them.

That same aunt and uncle visited me in [redacted] city last year. They are prolific drinkers, so we spent most of the day bar hopping. As we wandered the city, any time we passed a homeless person, my uncle would pull out a fresh cigarette and ask them if they had a light. Regardless of if they had a lighter on hand or not, he offered them a few bucks in exchange, which he explained to me after was because he felt it would be easier for them to accept in exchange for a service, no matter how small.

I work for a company that produces a lot of fabric waste. Every few weeks, I bring two big black trash bags full of discarded material over to a woman who works down the hall. She distributes them to local churches, quilting clubs, and teachers who can use them for crafts. She’s currently in the process of working with our building to set up a recycling program for the smaller pieces of fabric that are harder to find use for.

One of my best friends gives monthly donations to four or five local organizations. She’s fortunate enough to have a tech job that gives her a good salary, and she knows that a recurring donation is more valuable to a non-profit because they can rely on that money month after month, and can plan ways to stretch that dollar for maximum impact. One of those organizations is a native plant trust, and once she’s out of her apartment complex and in a home with a yard, she has plans to convert it into a haven of local flora.

My partner works for a company that is working to help regulate crypto and hold the current bad actors in the space accountable for their actions. We unfortunately live in a time where technology develops far too fast for bureaucracy to keep up with, but just because people use a technology for ill gain doesn’t mean the technology itself is bad. The blockchain is something that she finds fascinating and powerful, and she is using her degree and her expertise to turn it into a tool for good.

I knew someone who always had a bag of treats in their purse, on the odd chance they came across a stray cat or dog, they had something to offer them.

I follow artists who post about every local election they know of, because they know their platform gives them more reach than the average person, and that they can leverage that platform to encourage people to vote in elections that get less attention, but in many ways have more impact on the direction our country is going to go.

All of this to say, there’s more than one way to do good in the world. Social media leads us to believe that the loudest, the most vocal, the most prolific poster is the most virtuous, but they are only a piece of the puzzle. (And if virtue for virtues sake is your end goal, you’ve already lost, but that’s a different post). Community is built of people leveraging their privileges to help those without them. We need people doing all of those things and more, because no individual can or should do all of it. You would be stretched too thin, your efforts valiant, but less effective in your ambition.

None of this is to encourage inaction. Identify your unique strengths, skills, and privileges, and put them to use. Determine what causes are important to you, and commit to doing what you can to help them. Collective action is how change is made, but don’t forget that we need diversity in actions taken.

[robertreich]

This "U.S. Crypto Reserve" could result in a direct wealth transfer of wealth from taxpayers to crypto industry donors and President Trump himself, who recently launched his own "memecoin" and plans to create a crypto exchange through his media company. Meanwhile, Social Security is the most effective anti-poverty program in the United States — keeping roughly 22 million Americans out of poverty every year. And it's apparently a "Ponzi scheme" according to the richest man in the world. Hello?

[booksinmythorax]

Some tips from a librarian for today and the future:

Go to the library. Get a card. Borrow things. Buying books is neat, but the books the fascists want to ban are still there, on the shelf, at your local library, and if they aren't, you can request them. While book bans can happen and are happening in public libraries, the vast majority of "successful" challenges are happening in school libraries. You can still get books from your public library, and getting the books from the library tells your library they should keep them on the shelf. Borrowing anything, walking in the door, and/or attending programs all help get your library more funding. Fighting censorship in this way is effective and costs you $0.

Pay attention to local government. Read your local newspaper, or the local-est paper you can find. (You wanna know who can probably help you read your local paper for free? Your local library.) Look up your representatives in your state and local governments, not just federal. Read their biographies online. Find out what they stand for.

When something divisive is happening in your local community (a book ban, a school board ruling on bathrooms or sports, a change in curriculum), show up. No, literally. Show up to the school board meeting, the library board meeting, the county commission meeting. If you can't show up, make a phone call. If you can't make a phone call, write an email. Your voice has the most effect on the local and state level.

Now, counterintuitively, is a really good time to get to know your neighbors. Do not self isolate out of suspicion. We are stronger together. If you need suggestions for ways to get to know those neighbors, your local library probably has groups you can join, or will start them if you ask nicely and promise to show up. Hand to the gods, a once-monthly book club or gardening club or crochet circle might be your difference between total despair and feeling maybe pretty okay.

Only talk about your personal identities and experiences if you think you will be physically safe doing so. Consider limiting your social media posting. Buy a paper diary. Talk to people in person or via secure direct message if you really want to grow relationships and make an impact. Educating others is great and important. It's also most effective when you have an existing personal relationship with the person involved in the conversation with you. Consider starting new accounts without your face or name if you choose to continue using social media.

Avoid talking about others' personal identities and experiences, particularly without their consent. Your friends, family members, children, and partners are not tools you should use to win an argument. Point to the lives of writers, activists, educators, and artists who are out if you need an illustrative example in a teaching moment with someone you know. Others' religious beliefs, immigration statuses, queer identities, and pregnancy statuses are nobody's fucking business but their own, unless they choose to tell others for their own reasons.

[cressidagrey]

Bribery remains effective

We are interrupting our regularly scheduled programming to celebrate Oscar's 4th career win!

Pairing: Oscar Piastri x Felicity Leong-Piastri (Original Character)

Summary: Oscar Piastri thought doing kindergarten drop-off for his daughter would be easy — until Bee negotiates like a Formula 1 strategist and declares that the chickens at home are better friends than her classmates.

(divider thanks to @saradika-graphics )

Oscar knelt beside Bee at the gate, one hand steadying the tiny bee-shaped backpack on her back, the other gently tucking a rogue curl into her cap. The air smelled like damp grass and crayons, and the sound of squealing toddlers echoed faintly from the building.

Bee was not impressed.

Normally, Felicity did the drop-off. Normally, Bee clung to her mama’s leg until she was gently convinced inside with the promise of a post-kindy snack and a story. 

But Oscar was home for the day…and so he had decided that letting his wife sleep in and doing the drop off would be a simple way to make her week easier. 

So here he was, still bleary-eyed, in his team hoodie, coffee in hand—as the designated parent.

The other parents stared at him, and Oscar wasn’t surprised at all. He was pretty sure that he still looked like half a teenager playing at being a dad. Oh well. They could believe whatever they wanted. 

Bee stared at the school gate like it had personally insulted her.

“I don’t want to go,” she said, in that tiny, serious voice of hers.

Oscar sighed, crouching to her level. “We talked about this. You’re just going to be here until lunch.”

“I know,” Bee muttered, arms crossed. “But it’s so loud, Papa. Everyone is shouting. And they don’t even wash their hands properly.”

Oscar tried not to smile. “You don’t have to shout. You just have to be kind. And listen to Miss Eleanor.”

Bee made a face. “Miss Eleanor made me sit on the carpet. It was sticky. Someone put raisins in their shoes.”

Oscar blinked. “…Why would someone put raisins in their—never mind. Look, I know it’s not your favourite, but Mama and I just want you to spend time with other kids your age. It’s good for you.”

“I’d rather be with the chickens.”

He chuckled. “The chickens don’t teach social skills, Bumblebee.”

“Yes they do,” Bee said seriously. “Vettel always shares the feed. And Lauda only pecks if someone’s rude first.”

Oscar rubbed his face. “You named chickens after F1 legends. That doesn’t count as a peer group.”

Bee scuffed her boot in the gravel. “I just don’t like it here.”

Oscar softened, brushing a thumb across her cheek. “I know, sweetheart. I didn’t like school much either. But sometimes we do hard things because they help us grow.”

Bee gave him a withering look. “I’m already growing, Papa. Mama said I grew out of my shoes last week.”

“…Technically not what I meant.”

She looked up at him, frowning. “Are you going to leave?”

Oscar nodded slowly. “Just for a bit. Mama or I will pick you up. She promised mochi if you were brave today.”

Bee’s eyes lit up, but then she narrowed them suspiciously. “With sprinkles?”

“Yes.”

“And chocolate milk?”

“With the bendy straw.”

She considered this. Very seriously.

“…Fine,” she said at last, with the air of a queen making a reluctant royal decree. “But tell Mama the carpet was sticky again and I still think the chickens are better friends.”

Oscar leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “Deal. Go be your brilliant self, okay?”

Bee nodded solemnly and allowed herself to be led inside by the cheerful classroom assistant, her boots squeaking slightly as she walked.

Oscar watched until the door shut behind her, then pulled out his phone and texted Felicity.

Drop-off complete. Still prefers chickens over humans. Also, she wants chocolate milk with the bendy straw.

A second later, Felicity replied:

My girl. Bribery remains effective.

Oscar smiled down at the message. 

***

The gravel crunched under Oscar’s tyres as he pulled into the drive of their home, the morning still misty with leftover rain and the gentle clucking of chickens from the coop drifting lazily through the air. He left the car with the windows cracked and the doors unlocked. No one around here stole things, and even if they did, they'd have to face Senna the Chicken first.

He toed off his sneakers at the back door, rubbed the sleep from his face, and called out, “Fliss?”

No answer—just the low hum of music coming from upstairs. The kind Felicity only played when she was home alone and getting things done. Oscar followed the sound of it, yawning as he went, and when he reached their bathroom door, it was fogged from steam and slightly ajar.

The shower was on.

He grinned.

The clothes she'd dropped on the floor were her pyjamas, an oversized cricket shirt of his from their school days, that by now was threadbare and thin, and  had a hole in one sleeve…and also had the name PIASTRI emblazoned over her back whenever she wore it. 

Oscar stripped off his hoodie and pants and quietly stepped inside the steamy bathroom, pushing the door open gently.

Felicity was already halfway through washing her hair, head tilted back under the stream of water, when she felt the shift of air behind her.

She didn’t jump.

��Morning,” she murmured, voice calm and lazy. “You’re late.”

“Bee negotiated hard,” Oscar said, stepping into the shower behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. “Full mochi package, plus the chocolate milk. With the bendy straw, or she said the deal was void.”

Felicity laughed, leaning back into him. “She’s terrifying.”

“She said the carpet was sticky again.”

“She always says that.”

Oscar nuzzled into the curve of her neck, pressing a kiss to her damp shoulder. “She also said she’d rather hang out with Vettel the chicken.”

“I mean,” Felicity said, turning slightly to look at him, “I get it.”

Oscar laughed softly, the sound muffled against her skin. “Hey… I was thinking.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

“About Silverstone,” he said, tightening his arms around her. 

Felicity stilled just slightly. “…Oscar.”

“I think you should bring her. For the weekend. She would love the paddock.”

Felicity sighed. “You know what that means, though. If we bring her to a Grand Prix—that Grand Prix—she’s going to start asking the karting question again. And we both know what happens after that.”

Oscar was quiet for a second, his breath warming her spine. “I know. I just… I think we’re kidding ourselves if we pretend she’s not already five steps ahead of us. She’s been watching the telemetry from my onboard and taking notes since last year.”

Felicity groaned. “I know. She told me last week your braking into Turn 4 was ‘too soft.’ Then she decided to write a better strategy for you.”

Oscar smiled against her shoulder. “She’s not wrong.”

Felicity turned around, suds still in her hair, eyes serious now. “Oz, I don’t want her to think she has to be anything just because she’s good at it.”

“I know,” he said, brushing her cheek. “And we won’t let it be like it was for you. No pressure. No proving anything to anyone. Just… if she wants to try karting, we let her. That’s all.”

Felicity studied him for a long moment. “And if she decides she wants to race?”

Oscar’s voice was steady. “Then we’ll make damn sure she’s not alone doing it.”

There was silence, except for the steady stream of water.

Felicity sighed, a little smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “She is going to ask for a kart for her birthday if we bring her to Silverstone.”

“Like Father, like daughter.”

“You’re unreal,” she muttered, shaking her head.

Oscar grinned, pulling her into him again. “So that’s a yes?”

Felicity groaned. “Fine. But you can explain it to our bank account when she wants a sim rig upgrade at seven.”

Oscar pressed a kiss to her wet forehead. “Deal.”

And just like that, she relaxed into him, the water still running, their quiet little world still intact—just with the inevitable reality that their tiny, terrifying genius was about to make her Silverstone debut… and probably ask for race gloves in size XXS.

Felicity was still smiling when Oscar leaned in again, water cascading down over both of them, warm and comforting. She had her hands flat against his chest, fingertips tracing the faint lines of his collarbones, her eyes searching his like she was looking at something she’d never quite get used to having.

He bent slightly, brushing his nose against hers. “I missed you this morning.”

“You were gone for thirty minutes,” she murmured.

“Too long.” His lips ghosted over her cheek, slow and tender. “You smell like my shampoo.”

“You used all of mine,” she countered.

“I regret nothing.”

She let out a breath of a laugh, but the sound caught slightly when his hands slid from her back down to the curve of her waist, thumbs tracing her hips with practiced ease. The tension that had been knotted in her spine slowly started to ease, the hum of the water drowning out everything else.

Oscar kissed her, finally—soft at first, a gentle press of lips that deepened as Felicity responded, curling her fingers into the damp hair at the back of his neck. The kind of kiss that wasn’t rushed or frantic, but warm and familiar, full of the kind of affection that only comes from building a life with someone.

Her back pressed to the cool tiles, the contrast against the heat of his mouth making her shiver. Oscar pulled back just a little, resting his forehead against hers.

“You know I’d do anything to protect her,” he whispered. “You too.”

“I know,” she said softly, voice barely audible over the sound of the water. “That’s why I said yes.”

His hand skimmed up the curve of her spine, drawing a quiet sigh from her lips. She tilted her face toward his again, their kiss deeper this time—slower, surer. They didn’t have to say much anymore. They knew each other’s rhythms. Knew exactly where to touch, where to pause, how to press close and just breathe in each other.

The steam wrapped around them like a cocoon. His hand cupped her cheek, the other still tracing the dip of her lower back, drawing her closer until there was no space left between them.

Oscar murmured something into the corner of her mouth—something about how beautiful she was when her eyes softened like this, how she always smelled like motor oil and vanilla, how he loved her more every time she argued with him about torque ratios.

She kissed the words off his lips.

The rest of the morning could wait. The mochi, the chickens, the race prep—all of it could wait.

Because right now, in the steam and the quiet, it was just the two of them. And the water, and the warmth, and the familiar ache of loving someone so deeply it made the whole world feel still.

And Oscar wasn’t going anywhere.

Felicity’s breath hitched as Oscar leaned in again, slower this time—his lips trailing from the corner of her mouth, down the curve of her jaw, to the spot just beneath her ear that made her knees weaken, even after all these years. She held onto his shoulders, grounding herself against the solidity of him, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her chest.

“I didn’t expect you back this fast,” she whispered, eyes fluttering shut.

Oscar’s voice was low and warm, his hands firm around her waist. “Bee marched in like a soldier on a mission. She barely looked back. Well, after she remembered to negotiate for mochi.”

Felicity laughed softly, the sound turning breathless as his lips grazed her collarbone. “Our terrifying little extortionist.”

“Our terrifying little genius,” Oscar corrected, pressing a kiss to the top of her shoulder. “She’s so much like you.”

“She’d probably rather be here with the chickens and engine parts.”

Oscar smiled against her skin. “She’ll be in her own garage by seven at this rate.”

Felicity ran her fingers down his chest, slow and deliberate, tracing the path of a water droplet down his sternum. “You say that like it doesn’t terrify you.”

“I am terrified,” Oscar admitted, his voice husky now. “But I’m also completely in awe of both of you.”

She looked up at him then, her eyes softer than usual, something unspoken lingering between them.

Oscar leaned in again, this time with more urgency—his mouth claiming hers in a kiss that said everything he hadn’t. One hand slid up to cradle the back of her head, the other gripping her waist as she leaned into him, letting him anchor her against the tile.

Felicity kissed him back, slow and deep and unhurried, like they had all the time in the world.

Because for now—they did.

The water pounded around them, hot and steady, fogging the glass, fogging the mirrors, wrapping them in the kind of intimacy that didn’t need candlelight or silk sheets. Just warm water, a quiet morning, and the one person who had always chosen her—again and again.

When Oscar finally pulled back, his forehead resting against hers, they were both breathless.

She smiled lazily, the curve of her mouth soft and familiar. “Are you trying to convince me to bring Bee to Silverstone or seduce me into saying yes?”

He grinned, brushing his nose against hers. “Can’t it be both?”

Felicity hummed. “You’re lucky you’re charming.”

Oscar kissed her again, slow and lingering.

“Luck,” he murmured against her lips, “has nothing to do with it.”

Felicity’s laugh was quiet and close, her lips brushing Oscar’s as she whispered, “Mm. Arrogant.”

“Confident,” he corrected with a grin, kissing her again before she could roll her eyes.

She didn’t stop him.

The water kept streaming down over them, warm and constant, soaking her hair, running in rivulets over his shoulders. Felicity’s fingers found their way into his damp curls, and she pulled him closer—like she could anchor herself there. Like maybe she needed to.

Oscar felt it in the way she held him. Not urgent, not rushed—just present. Wanting to be known, held, seen.

And he did. He always did.

His hands slid lower, framing the soft curve of her hips, the dip of her waist. Her skin was warm and slick beneath his palms, and she leaned into him, kissing him like she wasn’t afraid of being vulnerable anymore. Like she trusted him to carry her weight.

“Do you really want her at Silverstone?” she murmured, her breath catching as he kissed her neck again, just beneath her jaw.

“I want her to see me win,” Oscar said against her skin. “I want her to feel what it’s like to be part of this. To know she belongs here if she wants it.”

Felicity’s hands stilled where they’d been trailing down his back.

“She’ll start asking about karts.”

“I know.”

“She’ll want to race.”

Oscar leaned back just enough to look her in the eyes. His thumb brushed a bead of water from her cheek. “Then we get her a kart. And we let her have fun. Not pressure. Not expectations. Just fun. We’ll protect her from the rest.”

Felicity searched his face for a long, quiet moment.

And then she kissed him.

It was slower than before. Deeper. Like a thank-you. Like a surrender. Like she was choosing this life again—messy, chaotic, tender, filled with love and sharp edges and tiny rainboots on kindergarten mornings.

Oscar kissed her back with equal reverence, pulling her fully against him until the water, the steam, and the rest of the world faded away.

Eventually, the water started to cool.

They didn’t notice.

Not for a while.

***

Oscar could tell something was wrong the moment they stepped through the kindergarten gates.

Usually, Bee came barreling toward them like a sugar-powered rocket, her little boots stomping across the yard, curls bouncing, arms outstretched like she might take off. But not today.

Today, she was sitting alone on the edge of the sandbox, clutching her bee-shaped backpack in her lap like it was armor. Her cheeks were flushed—not the sun-kissed kind, but the blotchy, too-still kind. Her mouth was set in a small, tight line. Her curls were messier than usual, and there was a faint smudge of dirt on her elbow.

Felicity saw it too. She didn’t say anything. She just handed Oscar her bag and strode across the yard without hesitation.

“Hey, sweetheart,” she said softly, crouching beside Bee. “You okay?”

Bee didn’t answer right away. She just stared at the sand, her tiny fingers clenched tight around the strap of her bag.

Felicity’s chest ached.

Oscar arrived behind her, crouching too. “Bumblebee?”

Bee finally looked up at him, her lip wobbling. “Papa,” she whispered, and then, without warning, she lunged into his arms.

Oscar caught her easily, lifting her against his chest. She wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him like she was afraid the world might fall apart if she let go.

“What happened?” Felicity asked gently, brushing a damp curl off Bee’s forehead.

Bee didn’t answer at first. Her little voice was muffled in Oscar’s shoulder. “I don’t wanna come back.”

Oscar’s arms tightened around her. “Hey, hey. You don’t have to right now. It’s okay.”

“They were mean,” Bee choked out. “They said I was weird ‘cause I know stuff. One boy pushed me. I fell on my hands.”

Felicity’s face darkened with a fury only a mother could manage. She gently took Bee’s hands and turned them over—her palms were scraped, faint pink scratches just starting to sting.

Oscar looked like he might kill someone. “Who pushed you?”

“Oscar,” Felicity said quickly. “Not here.”

He closed his eyes, jaw tight. “Right.” He kissed Bee’s temple. “Did a teacher help?”

Bee sniffled. “Miss Eleanor said it was an accident. But he pushed me.”

Felicity looked at her husband. “We’ll speak to the school. Tonight.”

Oscar nodded. “Yeah. We’re not letting this slide.”

Bee’s grip on his hoodie tightened. “I just wanted to talk about the moon. They said that was boring.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” Felicity said softly. “It’s not boring. It’s amazing. You are amazing.”

Bee blinked up at her, bottom lip trembling. “Then why don’t they like me?”

Oscar felt something in his chest splinter.

Felicity stepped in close, wrapping both of them in her arms. “Because sometimes, people are mean to the ones they don’t understand. But that doesn’t mean you have to change.”

Bee buried her face in Oscar’s shoulder again, quiet now. Small.

Oscar looked at Felicity over her head. “No more kindergarten this week.”

Felicity nodded. “Agreed.”

“We’ll fix her hands, give her chocolate milk,” Oscar murmured, rubbing Bee’s back, “and tomorrow we can spend the day in the garage. Just us.”

Bee sniffed. “With the chickens?”

Oscar smiled. “With all the chickens.”

“And Mama?”

Felicity kissed her forehead. “Of course. I’ll even let you polish the headlamps.”

Bee perked up just a little at that, the tiniest glimmer of hope returning to her eyes.

Felicity smoothed her hair back. “Let’s go home, baby.”

Oscar stood, Bee still in his arms, holding on tight.

She didn’t let go the whole way to the car.

***

The kettle was humming on the stove. A mug sat on the counter, waiting for Bee’s chocolate milk. Felicity had already added the whipped cream and sprinkles, just the way she liked it. Bee sat on the kitchen island wrapped in one of Oscar’s oversized hoodies, sleeves dangling past her fingers, a chicken-patterned bandage on each scraped palm.

She was still sniffling occasionally, but the tears had stopped. Oscar leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching his daughter with a familiar ache in his chest.

He glanced at Felicity, who stood on the other side of Bee, gently brushing out her curls with careful fingers.

It was the right moment.

“Hey, Bumblebee,” Oscar said softly.

She looked up, lower lip still pouting slightly. “Yeah?”

Oscar came closer and tapped the tip of her nose. “How do you feel about coming to Silverstone?”

Bee blinked. “Like… the track?”

“Yeah,” Felicity said, setting the brush down. “Silverstone. We were thinking… maybe you’d come along.”

Bee’s eyes went wide. “Really?!”

Oscar grinned. “Really. You, me, and Mama. In the garage. With the team. You could wear a headset and everything.”

Bee stared at them both, her mouth slightly open. “But—Mama said it was too loud. And too busy. And there’s too many people.”

Felicity nodded slowly. “It is all those things. But… you’re a little older now. And you’ve been very brave lately.” She glanced meaningfully at Oscar. “And we thought maybe it was time.”

Bee’s whole face lit up like the sun had risen behind her eyes. “I get to come to the paddock?” she squeaked.

“Yes, you can come. You’ll be in the garage with me and Mama. You can watch the cars, take notes if you want—” Oscar said with a smile. 

Bee gasped. “Can I bring my whiteboard?”

Felicity smirked. “Only if you don’t correct Papa’s Boss in the middle of a briefing.”

Bee looked between them, her eyes glowing. “Wait, does this mean I get my kart now?”

Felicity groaned, eyes closing. “Called it.”

Oscar pretended to consider. “Maybe. We could go look at some after Silverstone.”

Bee gasped again, dramatic and joyful, and threw herself at Oscar with all the enthusiasm of a sugar-fueled missile.

“You’re the best papa ever!” she cried, hugging him tightly.

Felicity smiled behind her hand, watching the way Oscar wrapped his arms around their daughter like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“I love you so much,” Bee added. “But also, I need to design my helmet tonight. It has to be perfect.”

Oscar kissed her head. “Start sketching after dinner. You’ve got some time.”

Bee nodded furiously, then paused. “Can the chickens come too?”

Felicity didn’t miss a beat. “Absolutely not.”

Oscar grinned. “Maybe just a sticker of Senna on your backpack.”

Bee gasped. “YES.”

And just like that, the scraped palms and unkind words from the morning melted into distant memory—replaced with whiteboards, karting dreams, helmet designs, and the quiet, unshakeable safety of being seen.

[affinitystoryblog]

god...now that ive actually decided to get started on the actual comic of affinity i...i dont know what i want to do...

[pillowfort-social]

Generative AI Policy (February 9, 2024)

As of February 9, 2024, we are updating our Terms of Service to prohibit the following content:

Images created through the use of generative AI programs such as Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, and Dall-E.

This post explains what that means for you. We know it’s impossible to remove all images created by Generative AI on Pillowfort. The goal of this new policy, however, is to send a clear message that we are against the normalization of commercializing and distributing images created by Generative AI. Pillowfort stands in full support of all creatives who make Pillowfort their home. Disclaimer: The following policy was shaped in collaboration with Pillowfort Staff and international university researchers. We are aware that Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly evolving environment. This policy may require revisions in the future to adapt to the changing landscape of Generative AI. 

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Why is Generative AI Banned on Pillowfort?

Our Terms of Service already prohibits copyright violations, which includes reposting other people’s artwork to Pillowfort without the artist’s permission; and because of how Generative AI draws on a database of images and text that were taken without consent from artists or writers, all Generative AI content can be considered in violation of this rule. We also had an overwhelming response from our user base urging us to take action on prohibiting Generative AI on our platform.  

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How does Pillowfort define Generative AI?

As of February 9, 2024 we define Generative AI as online tools for producing material based on large data collection that is often gathered without consent or notification from the original creators.

Generative AI tools do not require skill on behalf of the user and effectively replace them in the creative process (ie - little direction or decision making taken directly from the user). Tools that assist creativity don't replace the user. This means the user can still improve their skills and refine over time. 

For example: If you ask a Generative AI tool to add a lighthouse to an image, the image of a lighthouse appears in a completed state. Whereas if you used an assistive drawing tool to add a lighthouse to an image, the user decides the tools used to contribute to the creation process and how to apply them. 

Examples of Tools Not Allowed on Pillowfort: Adobe Firefly* Dall-E GPT-4 Jasper Chat Lensa Midjourney Stable Diffusion Synthesia

Example of Tools Still Allowed on Pillowfort: 

AI Assistant Tools (ie: Google Translate, Grammarly) VTuber Tools (ie: Live3D, Restream, VRChat) Digital Audio Editors (ie: Audacity, Garage Band) Poser & Reference Tools (ie: Poser, Blender) Graphic & Image Editors (ie: Canva, Adobe Photoshop*, Procreate, Medibang, automatic filters from phone cameras)

*While Adobe software such as Adobe Photoshop is not considered Generative AI, Adobe Firefly is fully integrated in various Adobe software and falls under our definition of Generative AI. The use of Adobe Photoshop is allowed on Pillowfort. The creation of an image in Adobe Photoshop using Adobe Firefly would be prohibited on Pillowfort. 

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Can I use ethical generators? 

Due to the evolving nature of Generative AI, ethical generators are not an exception.

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Can I still talk about AI? 

Yes! Posts, Comments, and User Communities discussing AI are still allowed on Pillowfort.

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Can I link to or embed websites, articles, or social media posts containing Generative AI? 

Yes. We do ask that you properly tag your post as “AI” and “Artificial Intelligence.”

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Can I advertise the sale of digital or virtual goods containing Generative AI?

No. Offsite Advertising of the sale of goods (digital and physical) containing Generative AI on Pillowfort is prohibited.

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How can I tell if a software I use contains Generative AI?

A general rule of thumb as a first step is you can try testing the software by turning off internet access and seeing if the tool still works. If the software says it needs to be online there’s a chance it’s using Generative AI and needs to be explored further. 

You are also always welcome to contact us at moderation@pillowfort.social if you’re still unsure.

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How will this policy be enforced/detected?

Our Team has decided we are NOT using AI-based automated detection tools due to how often they provide false positives and other issues. We are applying a suite of methods sourced from international universities responding to moderating material potentially sourced from Generative AI instead.

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How do I report content containing Generative AI Material?

If you are concerned about post(s) featuring Generative AI material, please flag the post for our Site Moderation Team to conduct a thorough investigation. As a reminder, Pillowfort’s existing policy regarding callout posts applies here and harassment / brigading / etc will not be tolerated. 

Any questions or clarifications regarding our Generative AI Policy can be sent to moderation@pillowfort.social.

[rederiswrites]

Dear USAmericans: The current administration is levying unprecedented tariffs and doing everything in their power to kill Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid. In California alone, roughly half of farm workers are undocumented migrants. The destruction of USAID, among other programs that have been illegally halted, is seriously affecting US farmers. All of these things will have huge and unforseeable effects on the US economy and supply system.

Please, if you have the means at all, plant food. Learn how to grow food. We can't control a great many things, but those of us with access to dirt and sun can grow food.

First, learn what USDA growing zone you're in. This will let you figure out what sorts of plants grow well in your area.

Next, find a regional seed company near you. This will support smaller businesses and farmers better than buying seed from Walmart, and will also give you a selection of seeds appropriate to your climate.

Think about what vegetables and fruits you eat--it's useless growing things you won't eat. Look up the growing requirements on those vegetables (a quick web search is usually enough), and decide which of those you can grow. Some things, like beets, turnips, carrots, and potatoes, produce a lot of calories in a small space. Others, like parsley, basil, thyme, etc., let you add flavor to make eating stuff like beans and rice more pleasant. Think about what plants will fit the way you eat. Make lists. Hell, this is the most fun part.

Check out the Cooperative Extension (gov't funded research through land grant universities) branch near you for a wealth of regionally appropriate science-back gardening information.

Hit up your local library (support your library!!) for beginning gardening books. If you see something online that your library doesn't have, don't forget to submit a request.

Growing requirements vary greatly from plant to plant. The only way to know how to grow a particular plant is to look up information on that specific plant. Fortunately, the internet makes this easy.

Gardening is complicated, and building good soil takes time. You will likely have failures, but you don't grow 100% of the things you don't plant, so it's always worth the attempt. There's no time like the present to start.