zero-way-out · 2 years ago
Text
Headcanon: I was thinking about how on earth, food tends to be spicer the closer you are to the equator/the hotter the climate you are in.
(the leading theory as to why is the combination of peppers growing well in these climates and spices being antimicrobial which will keep food good for longer in hot climates)
So i think that vulcan food is incredibly spicy, and vulcans have incredible heat tolerance.
I love imagining that humans just assume that vulcan food is bland, like how vulcans themselves appear to humans. But under the surface just like vulcans themselves, their food is extreme.
278 notes · View notes
odo-apologist · 3 months ago
Text
Every ENT character is the most character ever. Archer is a bitch he plays a fundamental role in the creation of the Federation he brings his dog on away missions which once causes a diplomatic incident he likes water polo he commits war crimes he saw a gazelle giving birth and implements it into his rousing speeches he had a wet dream about his first officer that included his dog's funeral he had to carry the soul of the creator of the main tenets of Vulcan philosophy in his head he gives a lecture on Tycho Brahe while getting his ass beaten during an interrogation scene. T'Pol is strict in her Vulcan beliefs she doesn't believe in time travel even as she's presented with irrefutable evidence and remains somewhat skeptical after experiencing it firsthand she is the funniest person on Enterprise she is more emotional than average Vulcans to the point that she had to have memories erased for causing her too much distress she could canonically pick up any of her crewmates and carry them bridal style she has Vulcan HIV she has it cured by the woman that later watches Spock and Kirk roll around in the sand in Amok Time she is technically canonically trans she is a recovering drug addict. Trip is a perfect gentleman he undergoes incredible emotional losses his favorite movies are Frankenstein Bride of Frankenstein and Son of Frankenstein he gets pregnant five episodes in he dies in the worst episode of the entire series (and the entire franchise) only to have that death retconned in the following tie-in novels he ran around the ship in his underwear he leaves the ship for a couple weeks only to come back after one person had been kidnapped another thrown in jail and the engines are on the verge of destruction and reacts like :/. Malcolm is gay he has 50 ex-girlfriends he has only had one friend in his life his own sister barely knows anything about him he dies alone he likes pineapple even though he's allergic to it he gets spacesick he worked as an agent for a top secret organization he's afraid of drowning he whined about getting a cold he had a spike driven through his leg and didn't complain at all he has a psychosexual obsession with a man he thinks is after his job and grows to respect once they had a homoerotic fight scene before witnessing him die. Hoshi is a linguistic prodigy she's the greatest contributor to the universal translator she has a panic attack on one of her first missions she ran a gambling ring she has a black belt in aikido and broke her superior's arm she has never been to the principal's office in her life she is afraid to use the transporter she became an empress in an alternate universe she is the only one who gets laid on Risa making her the first human to do so she reacted to the threat of getting worms injected into her brain to make her reveal secret information by spitting in her interrogator's face. Travis is the sweetest man ever he loves rock climbing he gets injured whenever he tries to use those skills he's a fan of ghost stories he grew up on a small freighter he gets neglected by the narrative his counterpart helps Hoshi become empress he works out when he's horny he dies in a alternate future where Earth is destroyed he's a movie buff who would probably love the Criterion Collection he likes to chill in a part of the ship with zero gravity which he calls "the sweet spot." Phlox grins like the Cheshire Cat he breaks doctor patient confidentiality to help figure out Malcolm's favorite food he goes crazy when the rest of the crew have to sleep through part of space because of how social his species is he has three wives who in turn have three husbands he responds to the news of one of his wives propositioning a crew member by being like "cool! have fun :]" he once nearly vivisects Travis because he's being affected by radiation and gets obsessed with knowing why the guy has a simple headache he has a menagerie in the middle of his sickbay. And they're all my best friends.
227 notes · View notes
icantspellthings · 2 months ago
Text
Mirrorverse AU but like it's the Mirrorverse within an AU as in they're in the Terran empire, but they're not on the Enterprise.
Coffee shop AU where Spock puts poison in one of his adversarys coffee cup but Kirk the cute guy he has a crush on cidentally takes it instead. Spock will now have to either stop him from drinking the coffee or sneakily slip him the antidote, it's a meet cute(ugly) and someone does get poisoned.
Rival Academics AU, Spock is a renowned research scientist for the Terran Empire, McCoy perfected the Agony booth and various other tortured devices for the Empire. They have a one-sided rivalry because Spock keeps making improvements or writing critiques on McCoy papers. Spock thinks they're flirting in his Vulcan way because scientific debate and collaboration is how they flirt (see, he's improving on McCoys design! McCoy also used his advice on the next prototype, he also writes Spock highly emotional correspondent on a regualr basis, clearly they're in Lov- I mean in Logic) McCoy gets increasingly pissed off at every new paper Spock published. Until one day, they finally meet in person, and then (Sexual) tension explodes, McCoy stabs him with a poison hypo.
Idk it's just very fun to imagine, it's like cute AU but they're evil actually.
More AUs below
Academy AU where Bones and Jim met for the first time because Jim "accidentally" stabbed his roommate, and Bones gets assigned as Jims new roommate. Nobody messes with the Med track students because they know that medical officers can kill you in all sort of horrible new ways you can't even imagine. Bones likes Jim, so he's always helping Jim cover up his "accidents." Jim thinks that the doctor is an opportunist trying to curry favour from a future starship captain.
Flowershop/Tattoo Artist AU Spock owns a Flowershop, and Kirk owns the tattoo shop next to his. Spock is extremely annoyed by all the loud noises from the tattoo parlour and Kirks insecant flirting. So he hacks Kirks' medical files and starts sending over plants and foods that Kirk is deathly allergic to in hopes he will die. Kirk thinks Spock is flirting back, so he smells the flowers and stabs himself with an EpiPen. Misunderstanding ensues, many dead, many more experienced second-hand embarrassment.
Doctor and Patients AU Bones is an ER doctor on rotation that night. Spock and Kirk comes in all fucked up and bleeding, scratch marks, stab wounds etc. Bones fix them up and ask what the hell happened, but they're too embarrassed to tell him it was a sex thing, so Bones assumes it's typical terran empire stuff (murder and sabotage). Spock and Kirk become frequent visitor to the ER because they're enamoured by Bones, who is oddly gentle for an Imperial doctor. Hijinks happen that lands Kirk in the hospital for a long stay, and Bones offers to poison the people hurting Spock and Jim. They fall in love as Jim slowly recovers from the attempted mutiny. Angst and confusion as Bones is torn between Spock and Jim, not knowing they BOTH want him.
38 notes · View notes
hexavexen · 1 year ago
Text
Tumblr media
((I come to you post-vacation with a touched-up Hex reference. More updates soon, I've been itching to draw again!))
Short character summary below the cut!
ABOUT: Originally from the Nether, Hex and Vulcan fled to the overworld after the murder of Thoros where they have attempted to make a new life for themselves. Hex, enjoying his freedom, became a jovial miscreant, thief, and pest. He's primarily gotten up to hijinks but will occasionally find someone he comes to consider a friend. As time has worn on, however, Hex has become self-aware that he is not only the ghost of something, but that his true ability has been forcefully kept from him. Hex has the ability to use soul magic naturally and effortlessly, stripping the souls and power they contain from any being he slays. He continues to pursue everything that delights him while searching for clues to the cover-up of his origins. He fights with an enchanted sword, a crossbow, and soul energy. Aside from robbery and occasional acts of mass murder, he also enjoys fishing and gardening. Hex has a sweet tooth for all things sugary and his favorite food is blueberries. He carries a nether star (gifted to him by Steven, a friend) with him as a comfort item and has an attachment to the night sky. (He also enjoys flowers!)
PERSONALITY: Hex has a strong mischievous streak that leans to being antagonistic. He is deliberately rude and at times manipulative when not outright violent. He enjoys getting what he wants and focuses heavily on his goals (whether they be riches, rewards, or information). When he's in a good mood, however, Hex can show signs of kindness. He shows an extremely protective side around those who are nice to him. Hex enjoys pranks and mischief and at times can be a bit naïve about the world around him. As he's become more powerful, Hex has developed a bit of an ego and his lack of consideration for his magic's cruelty is certainly concerning. Hex is frequently mistaken for a kid or underestimated due to his fae proportions, something which really, REALLY infuriates him.
48 notes · View notes
anonymousewrites · 2 years ago
Text
Logos and Pathos (Book 2) Chapter Twenty-Three
Spock x Empath! Reader
Chapter Twenty-Three: Spock's Illness
Summary: The Pon Farr has arrived, and Spock's emotions are running stronger than ever before. While the Enterprise has been ordered to head the Altair VI, Spock needs to get to Vulcan. Or else...he'll die.
            Captain’s Log: The Enterprise is currently en route to Altair VI to act as representatives for the Federation at the inauguration ceremony of the planet’s new president. It should be a routine assignment, but we have to remain on schedule in order to make it to Altair VI on time.
            “I guess we’ll have to wear our formal uniforms, won’t we?” remarked (Y/N) to Spock as they checked out the communications coming in from Altair VI.
            Spock nodded sharply. “Yes.” He furrowed his brow and focused on his work. His skin felt hotter than usual, making him uncomfortable and on edge.
            (Y/N) cocked their head. They knew Spock better than most, and they saw that he was off. “Are you alright, Spock?”
            “Of course,” replied Spock.
            (Y/N)’s brow creased in worry. “Alright, if you’re sure, but if you need anything, just let me know, ‘kay?” They hand touched Spock’s arm in a comforting gesture.
            Spock’s skin suddenly burned on their touch. Too many emotions flooded his senses as they neared, and Spock stood quickly, dislodging their hand. (Y/N) blinked in surprise, looking up at him. “I…I need to check on something in my quarters,” said Spock, turning and leaving.
            “Alright…,” said (Y/N) hesitantly. That was weird.
l
            Spock shut the door of his quarters and immediately collapsed into the nearest chair. This couldn’t be happening. Not now. He shut his eyes and gripped his shoulder where (YN) had rested their hand. It still burned with the memory of their touch. His skin was still hot, racing with emotions he struggled to get a handle on. It was unmistakable. The Pon Farr had arrived.
            He needed to control it until he got to Vulcan. He’d avoid food, any visits to Sickbay that would betray his condition. Most of all, though, he couldn’t be near (Y/N). With emotions rushing through him almost uncontrollably, their presence, their touch, his feelings for them, everything would be too much. Spock would hold out until he was on Vulcan with T’Pring.
            His heart sank. He knew it wouldn’t be enough. T’Pring wouldn’t be enough. She was intelligent, efficient, and the model Vulcan, but she wasn’t (Y/N). Spock’s heart longed for them. Spock loved them. And all he could pine for was them.
            But Spock wouldn’t push them. He wouldn’t confess under the pressure of the Pon Farr. He wouldn’t push his emotions onto them. He wouldn’t do that to them. It wouldn’t be fair to (Y/N).
            So Spock would hide, keep to himself until he could handle the situation.
l
Three days later…
            “Hey, (L/N), Jim and I were just discussing something and we thought you could give us some input,” said Bones.
            (Y/N) paused in their walk down the corridor and turned back to the men. “What is it?” they asked.
            “Well, it’s Spock. Have you noticed anything strange about him recently?” said Kirk.
            “He’s become increasingly restive. If he were not a Vulcan, I’d almost say ‘nervous.’ Not to mention he’s avoiding food. I checked, and he hasn’t eaten in three days,” said Bones. “Jim thinks he’s just in a ‘contemplative phase,’ but I’m not sure.”
            “I’d agree with the Captain if it wasn’t for what happened three days ago,” admitted (Y/N). “Spock’s been evasive and short with people. I know he’s Vulcan, but Spock’s never been rude to people.”
            “He’s been avoiding you?” said Jim incredulously. He exchanged a worried glance with Bones. Now that was a bad sign. “Well, we can’t have that. (L/N), I vote you try to talk to him.”
            “Me? But sir, I’m the one he seems to be avoiding,” pointed out (Y/N).
            “Yeah, but you’re also the only person he’s likely to listen to when he’s acting strange,” said Bones. Oblivious.
            “Well…I can try,” murmured (Y/N), trying not to disappoint them.
            Bones and Kirk ushered (Y/N) towards Spock’s door. They glanced at them nervously, but the men urged them forward. (Y/N) cleared their throat and knocked on the door.
            There was a pause before Spock spoke from inside. “Who is it?” His tone was rushed and clipped.
            “(Y/N),” they replied.
            “I—I cannot come to the door,” said Spock, his voice strained.
            “Spock, we—I’m worried about you,” said (Y/N).
            “I am fine,” said Spock sharply. “Leave me be.”
            “I’m serious, Spock. We can all tell you’re not yourself. Something’s wrong, and we want to hel—”
            The door slid open, and an unusually frazzled-looking Spock was revealed. He stared at (Y/N), brows furrowed. “I do not need help.” His eyes rose to Kirk and Bones, who stood a few steps behind (Y/N). “And if I need it, I’ll ask for it. I don’t need people prying!” He took a deep breath and stared at Kirk. In a much more composed voice, Spock said, “Captain…I should like to request a leave of absence on my home planet. On our present course, you can divert to Vulcan with a loss of but 2.8 light-days.”
            “Spock, what is this about?” said (Y/N), pressing once more.
            Spock barely had the strength to keep his issues quiet at the kind look in their eyes. Oh, how he wanted to tell them everything spill how deeply it hurt for his very being to sing to be near them without being able to take them into his arms. But Spock wouldn’t push his rampant emotions onto them. It would be wrong in the moment; he was too out of control.
            “I…have made my request,” said Spock stiffly. “All that I require is that the Captain answer it, yes or no.”
            “Alright, Spock. I’ll give you an answer. But first I need to ask you a few questions, and you will give me answers,” said Kirk. “It’s that or nothing.”
            Spock’s jaw tensed. “Very well.” He let Kirk go inside, and then the door slid closed. Outside, Bones and (Y/N) exchanged worried and confused looks.
l
            “Did you have any luck?” asked (Y/N) as Kirk arrived back on the Bridge.
            He sighed. “He indicated it was a personal matter, that was all. We are diverting briefly to Vulcan, though. Clearly, Spock needs to get there. I won’t deny him it; he’s my friend. But I have sent him to Bones for medical observation in case something else is wrong.”
            “Alright.” (Y/N) nodded, but their concern for Spock didn’t abate. Something was wrong, and it was killing them not to know what. They wanted to help him.
            “Captain, something’s coming on the Starfleet channel,” reported Uhura. “Priority and urgent, sir. Message complete but recorded.”
            “Put it on audio over here, Lieutenant,” said Kirk.
            The computer buzzed. “To: Captain, USS Enterprise. From: Starfleet, Sector Nine. Inauguration ceremonies on Altair VI have been advanced seven solar days. You are ordered to altar your flight plan as filed to accommodate. By order of Komack, Admiral, Starfleet Command. Acknowledge.”
            (Y/N) thought worriedly about Spock. That would mean he couldn’t make it to Vulcan.
            “Lieutenant Uhura, acknowledge that message,” said Kirk.
            “Aye, aye, sir,” said Uhura.
            “Mr. Chekov, compute trajectory and speed necessary for compliance,” ordered Kirk.
            “We’ll have to head directly there at warp 6, sir,” said Chekov. “Insufficient time to stop at Vulcan.”
            “Head directly for Altair VI,” said Kirk.
l
             “Jim, you’ve got to get Spock to Vulcan,” said Bones, rushing onto the Bridge, his expression grim and urgent.
            “After we get to Altair VI and have the inauguration ceremony, I’ll get him there immediately,” said Kirk, standing.
            Bones gripped his arm and pulled him to the side near (Y/N). “No, Jim, now. If you don’t get him to Vulcan within a week, he’ll die! He’ll die, Jim.”
            “He’ll what?” asked (Y/N), horrified. “Why?”
            “I don’t know,” admitted Bones. “There’s a growing imbalance of body functions. As if, in our bodies, huge amounts of adrenaline were constantly being pumped into our bloodstreams. Now, I can’t trace it down in my bio-comps. Spock won’t tell me what it is. But if it isn’t stopped somehow, the physical and emotional pressures will simply kill him.”
            Why hasn’t he asked me to help? I could try to help control his emotions, thought (Y/N) desperately.
            “You say you’re convinced he knows what it is?” said Kirk.
            “He does,” confirmed Bones. “And he’s as tight-lipped about it as an Aldebaran Shellmouth.” Kirk headed towards the door. “No use to ask him, Jim. He won’t talk.”
            “Oh, I’ll make him,” said Kirk.
            (Y/N) and Bones exchanged worried looks.
l
            Kirk entered Spock’s quarters and stalked straight up to him. “Bones has given me his medical evaluation of your condition. He says you’re going to die unless something is done. What?” Spock looked down at his hands. “Is it something only your planet can do for you?” Spock didn’t answer and tried to return to his paperwork, but Kirk grabbed his wrist. “Spock!” He gasped as he felt the Vulcan shaking. “You’ve been called the best First Officer in the fleet. That’s an enormous asset to me. If I have to lose that First Officer, I want to know why.”
            Spock stood and began pacing with nervous energy. “It is a thing no outworlder may know…except those very few who have been involved. A Vulcan understands, but even we do not speak of it among ourselves. It is a deeply personal thing. Can you see that, Captain, and understand?”
            “No, I do not understand,” said Kirk. “Explain. Consider that an order.”
            “Captain, there are some things that transcend even the discipline of the service,” said Spock.
            “Would it help if I told you that I’ll treat this as totally confidential unless someone else has to become involved?” asked Kirk.
            Spock nodded curtly and steeled himself before continuing. “It has to do with…biology.”
            “What?” questioned Kirk.
            “Biology,” repeated Spock.
            “What kind of biology?” asked Kirk.
            “Vulcan biology.”
            “You mean the biology of Vulcans?” Spock nodded. “Biology as in…reproduction?” Spock nodded again. “Well…there’s no need to be embarrassed about it, Mr. Spock. It happens to the birds and the bees.”
            “The birds and the bees are not Vulcan, Captain,” said Spock. “If they were—if any creature as proudly logical as us were to have their logic…ripped from them as this time does to us…” He shook his head and crossed his arms. “How do you assume Vulcans choose their mates?”
            “I guess the rest of us assume that it’s done…quite logically,” said Kirk. But I know that’s not the truth, since you’re completely in love with (L/N), who is your complete opposite.
            “No,” said Spock quietly. “No, it is not.” Not only is my heart unguided by logic, but I am affected by this as well. “We shield it with ritual and custom shrouded in antiquity.” He sighed. “You humans have no conception. It strips our minds from us. It brings a madness which rips away our veneer of civilization. It is the Pon Farr. The time of mating. There are precedents in nature, Captain. The giant eel-birds of Regulus V. Once each eleven years, they must return to the caverns where they hatched. On your earth—salmon. They must return to that one stream where they were born….to spawn or die in trying.”
            “But you’re not a fish, Mr. Spock, you’re…” Kirk trailed off.
            “No…nor am I a man,” said Spock. “I’m a Vulcan. I had hoped I would be spared this, but the ancient drives are too strong. Eventually, they catch up to us, and we are driven by forces we cannot control to return home…and take a spouse…or die.”
            Kirk sucked in a breath. “That’s why you’re avoiding (L/N).” Spock’s head jerked up, surprised Kirk understood his reasoning. Kirk shrugged in response. “Spock, it’s kind of obvious you’re…in love with them.”
            “It…is?” asked Spock hesitantly.
            “Not to everyone. Don’t worry, your reputation is safe,” assured Kirk. “But Bones and I definitely know, and I think Scotty and Uhura know, too.”
            “Ah.” Spock shifted.
            Kirk’s gaze grew serious again. “But this ‘Pon Farr’ thing, it is why you’re avoiding (L/N), isn’t it?”
            “Yes,” admitted Spock.
            “Because you’re worried you’re going to…what? Hurt them? Spock, I doubt you can even fathom the idea of hurting (L/N),” said Kirk.
            “It is not that simple,” said Spock, crossing his arms uncomfortably. “The Pon Farr means I lack my normal control. While I would never hurt (Y/N), I…I could force my feelings onto them. And if I were to admit my…affections, it would be under duress, and (Y/N) wouldn’t accept them because there is always that possibility that I am simply acting on instinct, and even if they felt the same way towards me, they wouldn’t take advantage of my…condition like that.”
            Kirk nodded in agreement. “No, they’re too kind for that.” He crossed his arms. “But you should tell them what’s happening.”
            “If I tell them, they will ask to help regulate my emotions with their empathy,” said Spock. “And in my state…”
            “You’re worried you’ll confess your undying love for them in an undignified manner,” said Kirk, waving a hand. “I know, I know. But I still think you should tell them. If not for you, then for them. You should see how worried they are.”
            “I will…consider it,” said Spock.
            Kirk nodded. “Good.” He walked towards the door. “And Spock.” The Vulcan looked up. “I’ll get you to Vulcan. If you really can’t get any help from (L/N) and this is the only way, I’ll make sure you get there.”
            “Thank you, Captain,” said Spock. After the door slid closed again behind Kirk, Spock rested a hand on his forehead. The fever of Pon Farr was raging through him, bringing so many emotions to the surface that he desperately tried to control. If he didn’t get to Vulcan soon…Spock didn’t want to think of that possibility.
Taglist:
@a-ofzest
@grippleback-galaxy
@genderfluid-anime-goth
@groovy-lady
@im-making-an-effort
@unending-screaming
56 notes · View notes
anewstartrekfan · 11 months ago
Text
Spitballing Strange New Worlds s3 episode ideas, Spock edition:
(With Sam Kirk crashing the blog at the end)
Keep in mind I’ve only seen s2.
Assuming Christine is written out of the show for a little bit so the Doctor Korby romance can happen, maybe explain just how Spock was able to know that Rayna was going to die from being overwhelmed with emotions she was just experiencing for the first time in requiem for methuselah? I mean I assumed he was speaking from personal experience when I first saw it, but it could also be him diagnosing the situation based on what he was taught as a Vulcan.
So far strange new worlds (and from what I’ve heard Discovery too) has gone out of its way to show how Spock ended up in the mindset he was in about emotions and stuff. I think it would be cool if Spock either met someone else, or the events of episode 10 rekindle the Spock/Christine romance, Spock feels something entirely new, and then immediately regrets it when Chapel reveals she’s either engaged, in love with Korby, both, or some bad stuff dies down between him and whoever else he meets. This hypothetical relationship with a random alien doesn’t even have to be romantic.
Let’s say Spock gets caught on an alien world, meets a native, is stuck with them for a bit, and then in a life or death situation, the alien chooses to save Spock when we’d know that before meeting Spock, this character wouldn’t have done this, and somehow dies as a result. I’m thinking poison. Which would play into not only Spock’s actions in Requiem for Methuselah, but also Devil in the Dark. Wherein Spock at first wanted to try to reason with the Horta, but the second Jim was in danger he did a 180. It’s not that Spock would be against nonhuman entities learning human emotions. It’s that he would be far more cautious than Jim was.
“The joys of love made her human, and the agonies of love destroyed her.”
And while Spock is solidifying his stance to be more closed off, Other characters, Pike maybe? could finally open up to their friends. Maybe add some character development for Sam to explain why he’s so competitive with Kirk. Make it beyond daddy issues. Maybe make it mommy issues?
Oooo! I’ve suggested before that Jim and Sam’s mom maybe died on Tarsus IV. Maybe the reason Sam didn’t go on the command track like Jim was that becoming a xenoanthropologist would allow him to understand dead alien cultures discovered on various planets the federation may wish to occupy, or know how to communicate with living natives. And this would allow settlers/colonists to be warned about the local widelife like say, an exotic fungus that infects most of the food supply?
I work Tarsus IV into everything.
Since (in this hypothetical plot line) maybe there were native aliens to Tarsus iv, but because no one could communicate with them or even tried, the colonists weren’t able to be warned about the fungus. It would also be cool because of how it would naturally contrast Jim’s reaction to the massacre.
Jim wanted to be there when the disasters happened to save everyone.
Sam wanted to prevent the disasters from happening to save everyone.
Fun to spitball.
12 notes · View notes
a-modernmajorgeneral · 3 months ago
Text
Viewers turning in for the track and field events at the Summer Games in Paris next week might just do a double-take: Instead of the usual rust-colored reddish hue, the track is purple.
The new, eye-catching color will serve as the backdrop for runners competing at the Stade de France, the country’s largest stadium, located in the northern Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. The track is made by Mondo, a company based in Alba, Italy, that has made every track used at the Olympics since 1976.
The color was mainly an aesthetic choice, as purple, blue and green make up the palette for the competition venues at this year’s games. The design actually incorporates three separate colors: lavender for the track itself, darker purple for the service areas and gray for the exterior curves at each end.
Even the glue used to adhere the track to its asphalt base—2,800 pots in total—is purple, just in case any becomes visible.
“The big part of the job was to come up with a track that was different from what we had seen … to go a little bit outside the box,” says Alain Blondel, an Olympic decathlete who now serves as the sports manager for the Paris games, to Olympics.com’s Nicolas Kohlhuber.
This is the first time an Olympic track has been purple. But it’s not uncommon for athletics venues around the world to play around with color. For example, since 1986, Boise State University has famously eschewed the traditional green-colored turf for its football field, opting instead for a shocking shade of bright blue.
Color aside, the Paris track is unique for several other reasons. For one, it incorporates the shells of bivalve mollusks, like mussels and clams. Ahead of the games, track-maker Mondo began partnering with a mussel farming and fishing company called Nieddittas to give used shells a second life.
Staff at Nieddittas harvest, clean and prepare the shells—which are made primarily of calcium carbonate—so they can be ground into a powder that can be incorporated into the track material. The shells would have otherwise been headed to a landfill, so the process transforms waste into something useful. It also reduces the need for mining, which is how manufacturers usually obtain calcium carbonate.
All told, 50 percent of the Paris track comes from recycled materials, reports BBC’s Padraig Belton.
This innovative use of recycled natural materials aligns with the goals of the International Olympic Committee, which vowed to make the Summer Games in Paris the most sustainable Olympics yet. Other sustainability efforts include bike parking at many venues, more plant-based food options for spectators, 100 percent locally sourced renewable energy, a geothermal cooling system at the Olympic Village and aquatic center seats made from recycled plastic bottle caps, among many others.
The track’s design and materials may also help athletes perform their best. The Paris track has the same base as the one used at the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, with some minor modifications, per reporting by Reuters’ Manuel Ausloos and Vincent Daheron. At those games, athletes set three world records and 12 Olympic records—and officials expect even more records to fall next week in Paris.
“The first indications are that it will be a very, very good track,” Blondel told the Associated Press’ (AP) Jerome Pugmire in April. “If we see athletes with personal bests on the scoreboard, it means we did a good job.”
For this iteration of the track, Mondo researchers improved upon the new polymeric material first introduced in Tokyo. They also used computer algorithms to further refine the optimal shape and size of the air bubbles within the lower layer of the track, which help absorb and then rebound the energy from the runner’s foot striking the ground.
The vulcanized rubber provides good grip and resistance for Paralympic athletes who use wheelchairs and prosthetics. The track has also been specially designed to complement the latest generation of running shoes.
“For the track, we only see the aesthetics, but there is great work that goes into the underlayer,” says Alessandro Piceli, a research and development manager at Mondo, to the Guardian’s Sean Ingle.
Mondo leaders say the Paris track will be 2 percent faster than the one used in Tokyo, per the BBC. But, in 2020, runners also got a boost from hot temperatures and new shoe spike technology, per the Guardian. It remains to be seen how the track will affect athletes’ times, but its creators are confident we will see records fall in Paris.
“The athletes will find this track to be more reactive and better suited for their competition,” said Maurizio Stroppiana, vice president of Mondo’s sport division, to the AP’s Andrew Dampf and Luca Bruno in March.
3 notes · View notes
disappointmentthemusical · 3 months ago
Text
[I have a vague idea of how I'd like to expand this idea, but I simply do not have the patience to do that atm. so i'm posting what i have so far for ego reasons, and maybe one day it'll become an actual fic, versus a sub-2,000-word ficlet. idk. we'll see. if y'all have any thoughts/opinions on what should happen next, lmk, and maybe that'll get me to write it.]
Title: Big Bang
Though Spock was loath to admit to vexation, among all of his mother’s illogical Human traits, there existed one that was most likely to cause undue stress, travail and, often, embarrassment: Spontaneity. 
Vulcans by virtue of culture, in adherence to the teachings of Surak, did not engage in spontaneous action. In fact, much of a Vulcan’s early life development was spent mastering control over the id to avoid such things; even in thought processes, there was no such thing as sudden revelation because all thoughts followed traceable, logical steps from beginning to end. 
Amanda Grayson was not a Vulcan, however. And it seemed to Spock that she found humor that bordered on sadism in forcing her husband and son to participate in her impulses. It benefited her, then, that both Spock and Sarek were obedient, if not entirely indulgent, to her whims. 
As such, it was with little argument that their home was opened up to receive an orphaned Tarsus IV survivor for the purpose of rehabilitation and reintroduction into civilized society, which Amanda interpreted to mean “to provide love and care.” Neither Spock nor Sarek disagreed with this interpretation. If there were a creature in all the universe equipped with an abundance of love and care for others, it was Amanda Grayson. 
And so, 3.286 Standard weeks after the discovery of the fate of the Tarsus IV colony, Sarek, Amanda and Spock gathered on the recipient platform of the central port in Shi’Kahr to await their new ward. 
The massacre that was Tarsus IV was uncovered by a freight ship that, after an unanticipated meteor shower, was in need of repairs before continuing its route and happened upon the colony soon thereafter. The ship’s captain alerted Starfleet, and the Federation quickly took over. There was little known about the specifics of what occurred on Tarsus IV, only that within 3.256 Standard days of arrival, publicly accessible Federation reports began to use the descriptor “genocide.” 
Spock, even with his limited knowledge, could only agree that “genocide” must be the correct term. Of the 8,000 original settlers, only 135 remained, all under the age of 40 (and 65.185% of those under the age of 20). 
Sixty-two of the survivors were both minors, by Federation standards, and orphaned. Of those, 35 were found to have relatives with suitable homes to which to return. The names, ages and species of the remaining 27 children were compiled into a list and sent out to all Federation ambassadors, and within 4.846 Standard hours of receiving the list, Amanda replied with a query about the eldest of the three listed Human survivors: a 12-year-old male named James Tiberius Kirk. 
The Federation sent back a six-page report detailing Kirk’s physical and mental wellbeing, of which 1.342 pages were dedicated to allergens.
According to the Starfleet medical team tasked with Tarsus IV survivor intake and examinations, Kirk was both underweight and small for his age, and severely underweight for his height. He exhibited behaviors typical of those who experienced similar traumas: Food was a point of obsession. Additionally, he was both aggressive and skittish toward strangers – particularly adults, specifically males – though the medical team was unable to determine if this was entirely due to experiences on Tarsus IV or if existent behaviors were exacerbated. 
The report concluded with recommended therapies and trauma-informed parenting techniques to mitigate long-term mental fragility and deterioration. After a private conversation between Sarek and Amanda that lasted 0.564 Standard hours, an official request and application to foster James Tiberius Kirk was made. 
And thus, 1.429 weeks later, Kirk arrived on Vulcan.
As they awaited the shuttle bearing Kirk, Spock stifled the urge to frown. While he did not question his father’s logic – indulgence did not mean a loss of reason – he believed several factors of Sarek and Amanda’s argument were not met with the appropriate consideration, as those without a certain peerage could only recall their own experiences in a similar, but different, group versus the lived reality of those currently within it. Had they deigned to consult Spock, he was sure his parents would have been less quick to invite a Human to Vulcan. 
But, as it were, a Human was nonetheless coming. Perhaps, for the sake of everyone involved, Amanda might be taken up with the sudden desire to personally homeschool Kirk until he and the Vulcans in his age group were well outside the throes of puberty. 
Given the IQ he’d seen on Kirk’s medical report, however, Spock did not think it likely. 
He wondered briefly if he would be expected – by Amanda, Kirk and/or himself – to intervene, should Kirk receive similar treatment to that of Spock’s own from Vulcan schoolchildren, but then dismissed the thought as conjecture and therefore illogical. 
Kaiidth. What is, is – and what would be, would be. Spock, at that moment, was not obligated to Kirk and would not take any responsibility that did not exist. 
Exactly 35 Standard minutes and 47 seconds after Spock and his parents’ arrival, the shuttle docked in the port. The shuttle doors opened, and Spock could see that it was empty save for a single small figure dressed in oversized clothing that must have belonged to a Starfleet crew member, as the legs of the pants dragged against the floor as Kirk shuffled forward to meet his caretakers. 
Kirk stopped several feet away and swiped a hand over his bent shorn head. Every few seconds, he’d tilt his head just enough so that he could eye Sarek warily, before glaring and then cutting his eyes away. Spock could hear his heartbeat – 110 beats per Standard minute. 
Twenty-point-six-four-six Standard seconds passed in silence before Amanda stepped forward and bent her knees to bring herself to Kirk’s height. 
“Hello, James,” she greeted, smiling. “My name’s Amanda, and this is my Husband, Sarek, and our son, Spock. We’re very glad to meet you.” 
Kirk did not respond, continuing to stare at the ground. He brought his right hand to his mouth and began to chew on the fingernail of this thumb. 
“It’s about supper time, here,” Amanda continued, “and Spock and I thought it’d be nice to have a real Terran feast to celebrate your arrival – well, as close to Terran as we could get. Vulcans don’t eat meat, and the replicator didn’t have all the ingredients, so we had to supplement with some local alternatives, but I think it should still be pretty good. How does that sound?” 
This time, Kirk’s eyes – a bright, almost neon blue – flickered up to Amanda’s face before lowering once more, and the boy shrugged in clearly affected indifference. 
Once more, Amanda was undeterred by the non-answer. “It’ll be about a 45-minute drive back to the house from here, but when we get back, I can show you the sonic shower and your new room.” She leaned in and lowered her voice, as if to impart a secret (illogical, given Vulcan hearing). “Vulcans really like their privacy, so your door will have a lock on it, if you’d like to take a nap before dinner. You could also eat in your room, if you prefer.” 
At this, some of the tension lining Kirk’s body released, and he nodded his head slowly. 
“Jim,” he said quietly around the finger in his mouth. “My name’s Jim.” 
Amanda’s smile softened, and she returned Jim’s nod, offering her hand. “OK, Jim,” she said, quietly still, “you ready to go?” 
Slowly, as if afraid, Jim placed his noticeably smaller hand in Amanda’s, though he kept his eyes turned away as he was led closer to Spock and Sarek.
“I’ll go fetch the vee,” Sarek said, sparing a nod of greeting toward Jim that went unseen and walking off. 
Suppressing a sigh, Spock stepped forward and offered a ta’al before clasping his hands behind his back.
“Hello, James Tiberius Kirk. I am Spock. I am currently 14.734 Standard years of age and will be your senior when you inevitably join me at the learning center. I shall endeavor to make your transition here on Vulcan pleasant, should you require anything of me.” 
He had not expected acknowledgement of his greeting, though he did not show his surprise when Jim dropped his hand from his mouth to return Spock’s ta’al. When bright blue eyes looked up to meet his own for the first time, however, he could not help the way his jaw loosened. 
“Dif-tor heh smusma,” Jim said in near-perfect Golic. 
 And for a single moment – the exact amount of seconds and split seconds, Spock could not name, for this moment seemed, illogically, to stretch an eternity – there was only one thought in his mind, spontaneous in origin: 
James Tiberius Kirk was it.
6 notes · View notes
m-y--p-a-s-s-i-o-n-s · 1 year ago
Text
20 Questions for Fic Writers!
Thanks for the tag, @lizzy0305 <333
1. How many works do you have on AO3?
162
2. What’s your total AO3 word count?
622,263 - surprisingly low for how many fics I have, but a bunch are drabbles so I guess that checks.
3. What fandoms do you write for?
What fandoms don't I write for? XD
Supernatural. Sherlock. Star Trek. Teen Wolf. Marvel. Harry Potter. Merlin. James Bond. Lucifer. House MD. Primeval. Doctor Who. Venom. The Witcher. The Old Guard. Ted Lasso. Detroit Become Human. Good Omens. Our Flag Means Death. Hannibal.
Plus a few others.
4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?
Meant To Be - AOS Star Trek
5 Times Jim Forgot About Vulcan Hand Sensitivity & 1 Time He Didn't - AOS Star Trek
Making Love - Venom
Lunch Break - House MD
Truth Or Dare - Supernatural
5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?
I try to respond to every comment provided its not hate, I ignore hate. I want people to know that their comment is truly appreciated from the bottom of my heart. Comments are food for the writer's soul.
6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?
Probably either The Void (TOS Star Trek) or Forever (SPN) or most of my SPN Endverse fics.
7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?
Most of my fics have happy endings, I live for them! Hmmm trying to think of particularly fluffy ones though... The Prince and The Princess - (AOS Star Trek) What No Man Has Done Before - (AOS Star Trek X HP) Good News - (DBH) Afterlife - (TOS Star Trek)
8. Do you get hate on fics?
Not too much, but it happens every so often. Why people can't just exit a fic or not interact with it if they don't like it is beyond me.
9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?
Sure do. Um, explicit and M/M but the specifics vary depending on pairing and fic. Been getting more detailed and more adventurous with it over the years though.
10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?
Ohhhh boi have I ever written a crazy crossover XD
Convergence - where I brought many many fandoms (and even more ships) together in a story with an actual plot.
Its not my only crossover, but it's by far the craziest.
11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?
Not that I know of.
12. Have you ever had a fic translated?
Not that I'm aware of, but I have been asked if some can be translated before, just never heard from them again.
13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?
In a way with @lizzy0305 who started Fragments ages ago and then I finished it because we both knew she wasn't going to finish it.
and also Double Date with weegie8 a long long time ago.
14. What’s your all time favourite ship?
My OTP of OTPs is Spirk <3
15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?
Theres a johnlock fic that could be the first wip i never go back to.
and an SPN and a Stanner fic that both could stay wips forever, but honestly it just takes one spark in my brain and the right mood and I could finish any of these, so never say never.
16. What are your writing strengths?
Not sure really. My fluff is extra tooth rotting? XD Also once I get used to a character their voice is easy to channel I suppose.
17. What are your writing weaknesses?
Feels like everything when you're trying to write a damn fic XD um, maybe not putting in enough details into a scene.
18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?
I often use Vulcan language in Star Trek fics, I think it adds to it. However I get that it can be annoying to not understand a piece of likely important dialogue cause its in another language. It doesn't bother me though.
19. First fandom you wrote for?
Technically HP when I was teen, before I knew what fandom and fanfiction were. But when I was in the know it was Supernatural.
20. Favourite fic you’ve written?
How can I just pick one? I'll pick a multichapter and a one shot that I love.
The One That Got Away - TOS Star Trek
The Update - DBH
Tagging: @dayspring-askanison @heartshapedvows @doonarose
8 notes · View notes
youngpettyqueen · 8 months ago
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media
I currently cant draw and won't be able to for a while so in the meantime please take this gal I was brainstorming over the other day. she is, in case you couldnt tell, the result of all the thinking I was doing about non-Trill hosts to symbionts
details under the cut-
in case the text isnt very legible, it reads-
Lieutenant Ethyr Bel
Andorian (joined w/ symbiont)
She/Her
Security Officer (Enterprise-D)
First Lieutenant
Ethyr was perfectly content living a completely average life. she was never the most ambitious person, perfectly happy with just being noticed, given the occasional praise from bridge crew, that sort of thing. she made friends easily- her best friend was Vozra Bel, the two met at the academy and were joined at the hip, practically inseparable
then the crash happened. a routine mission went wrong, and Ethyr and Vozra were involved in a massive shuttle crash. both were injured, but Vozra was critical- she wasn't going to make it. but the symbiont inside her could, if it could be put into a host quick enough. Bel would never survive the long trip to the Trill homeworld. so... Ethyr volunteered. begged to have the symbiont put in her. she didnt care that it had never been done on record, that it might not even work, she had to try. even if all she did was buy the symbiont enough time to get to Trill, that would be enough
well... it worked. it was highly experimental, it was desperate, and it worked. Bel took to Ethyr. suddenly, Ethyr had entire lifetimes flooding into her head. suddenly, she could feel Bel inside of her, shifting and squirming around her guts. suddenly, Ethyr- unambitious, perfectly content Ethyr- was someone, and something, entirely new
calling it a difficult adjustment is an understatement. Ethyr easily takes Bel as her last name, but thats about the only easy thing there is about this. for months shes nauseous, debilitated by constant aches and pains as Bel moves around her body and gets used to it. the memories are overwhelming, they give her chronic headaches, sometimes getting as bad as migraines that keep her in bed for days. the brain fog is terrible. every morning she has to remember who she is. sometimes she forgets, and introduces herself with the wrong name, or doesnt answer to her own. sometimes she forgets shes Andorian. everything is a lot, all the time, and she does her best to manage it all. she doesnt regret her choice, and she'd do it again in a heartbeat, but still. its a lot
theres some silver linings, of course. one day she will adjust fully. until then, she has a newfound sense of connection because of her symbiont. she has these lives shes connected to, her past lives, who are there for her every step of the way. she has Vozra again, in her heart, in her memories, in her soul. she enjoys some of these new developments since becoming joined with Bel- she likes that she can play some instruments, now. that she enjoys spicy food. that she knows Vulcan martial arts, and is good at it. sure, its a lot, and its often overwhelming and debilitating, but there are still things to love. on the days where she can, shes always trying to find more things to love
anyways yes this is Ethyr and ive only had her for a few days but I love her dearly
3 notes · View notes
andro-dino · 2 years ago
Text
wooo currently on the road rn and I’m gonna be for a while so I’m gonna drop some miscellaneous hcs I’ve been thinking abt. feel free to gimme some hcs too I get the feeling I’m gonna be very bored for the next 20 hours
- in one of the wild fang episodes, I think Madoka mentions that Vulcan horuseus has a very unique fusion wheel and energy ring so I like to think that Nile designed them himself
- an idea I thought was neat is that the reason karura wears all those bandages is because he’s got a ton of burn scars that he’s covering up. At the time of canon, he’s memorized the exact patterns of the terrain and fire bursts around DNA’s base, but that must’ve taken a lot of trial and error to figure out, so I imagine he’s probably got a good couple scars to show for that
- sakyo at some point starts occasionally calling takanosuke “taka” and he tries to be casual about it but people start teasing him once they pick up on that
- on that note, I really like to think that even though sakyo tries to be super cool and intimidating even after he’s technically become friends with everyone, no one else really takes him that seriously and none of them hesitate to make fun of him
- I’ve talked abt this so much before and I will never stop talking abt it I love the main friend group of shogun steel (Zyro Shinobu ren and kite). They’re all incredibly silly together and I think even though they make fun of each other all the time, they’re very openly affectionate and comfortable with each other. Also, even thought they’re all very smart and capable people in their own respects by themselves, together, the collective iq instantly drops. All of them are constantly fighting for custody of the singular collective braincell they share
- on the note of shogun steel friend groups, I’ve talked abt this idea with shekel a bit and I love it dearly, dna/bttf all share an apartment post-canon. It goes about as well as you would expect. Very constant clashing personalities and arguments, balancing different food preferences while grocery shopping, all of them have different sleep cycles and half of them are basically nocturnal, genjuro’s the only one who even vaguely resembles a functional human being, it’s a mess and they wouldn’t trade it for anything.
- baihu is the one person who doesn’t have a designated sleeping spot. Technically he has his own little blanket and pillow den in one of the closets but mostly he just goes where he so pleases and no one has any power to stop him. Sometimes he sleeps on top of the kitchen cabinets, sometimes on the floor. Sometimes the others wake up with him sleeping on top of them, sometimes they (mostly spike. I think he’d be a heavy sleeper) wake up on the floor with him in their beds instead. I’m not convinced he hasn’t somehow slept on the roof at least once.
In light of the recent uptick in second gen characters n stuff, I’ve been thinking abt some ideas with some of the other characters.
- Zeo is very much in the camp of not wanting kids because he does not trust himself enough to raise another human being. He and the rest of team dungeon would already have their hands full enough as is with all of the new dungeon gym kids also.
- I don’t think King and Masamune would mind having kids though. They’d be surprisingly functional parents i think. Toby and Zeo would be good babysitters.
- Benkei I think would want kids of his own, but already feels fulfilled enough with all the shogun steel kiddos, and is probably also too busy running bull burger and the bey park to think about it.
- Axyl and Chao Xin settle for pets over human children. They have a ragdoll cat called Muddy Mittens (Axyl’s idea) and a chocolate lab named Tico (Chao Xin’s idea. He seems like a chocolate lab kind of guy yk?). Axyl also wanted pet rats but decided that would not be a good idea with Mud. Essi meanwhile is disgusted that her sibling has become a “no real kids just fur babies” adult.
16 notes · View notes
female-malice · 2 years ago
Text
21st century in the Star Trek Universe:
1970s–humanity invents genetic engineering
1980s–extreme advancements in biotechnology that change all life on Earth. Scientists decide to genetically engineer humans. This is a terrible idea.
1990s–Eugenics Wars. 30 million people die. Eventually, the genetically enhanced dictators are wiped out (almost). There is now a global ban on genetic engineering. Genetic engineering becomes a taboo for humanity for centuries to come.
2000s–global instability and inequality
2010s–ecological breakdown
2020s–global housing crisis and "sanctuary" camps
2050s–World War III. Starvation and fascist kangaroo courts.
2060s–The world is in total chaos. Meanwhile, egomaniacal billionaire Zefram Cochrane invents a warp-capable personal space ship. This makes humanity a warp-capable species which gives Vulcans permission to intervene and try to save humanity from themselves.
2150s–Humanity invents a food replicator. This is the technology that extinguishes humanity's territorial and aggressive behavior. This makes humanity capable of creating centuries of Utopia on Earth.
2160s–Rather than start the space empire their ancestors dreamed of, humanity decides all planets should flourish together. Humans and Vulcans start the Federation of Planets.
21st century in the Our Universe (maybe):
1970s–humanity invents genetic engineering
1980s–humble advancements in biotechnology. humanity starts genetically engineering staple crops to have better yields
1990s–further advancements in biotechnology. humanity starts solving crime with DNA evidence. The genetically engineered staple crops don't produce seeds so farmers globally become reliant on capitalist seed monopolies.
2000s–global instability and inequality. Oil Wars. Fossil fuels are destroying the world but Oil Wars are great for capitalism. Also biotechnology advancements create powerful antibiotics for human medical use.
2010s–ecological breakdown. Animal agriculture is destroying the world. Also, animal agriculture monopolies are making powerful human antibiotics ineffective by using them on cattle. Using human antibiotics in animal agriculture gives pathogens endless opportunity to evolve new resistant strains. Humanity ignores the silent threat of zoonotic diseases from animal trafficking.
On the bright side, humanity quietly starts replicating flavoring and rennet for giant food corporations. That's right. Humanity accesses food replication technology 140 years ahead of the Star Trek timeline. Humanity can replicate any food enzyme by brewing genetically engineered yeast. Global capitalist food monopolies do everything possible to keep this technology quiet.
2020s–Global housing crisis and refugee camps. Extreme natural disasters from climate change. A novel zoonotic pathogen Covid-19 sweeps across humanity. Energy wars are still ongoing. Egomaniacal billionaires build crappy unimpressive personal rockets to nowhere...
And then, maybe, hopefully, humanity remembers that we already invented food replication.
All we need to do is implement food replication/precision fermentation globally and dismantle the animal agriculture industry. And then we'll be well on our way to the utopian centuries that lie ahead!
8 notes · View notes
travelingtheusa · 3 months ago
Text
MICHIGAN
2024 Aug 17 (Sat) – We packed up and left Munising at 9:40 a.m.  There was a very thick fog in the area and it made driving slow.  After about 45 minutes, the fog cleared and the drive was better.  It drizzled on and off, raining heavily occasionally.  We arrived at Summer Breeze Campground in Iron Mountain at 11 a.m.  We went through a time change and are now here on central time.
      After set up, we took off for town to the WWII Glider Museum.  It turned out there are three venues all collocated – the glider museum, the Cornish Pumping Engine & Mine Museum, and a history museum.  We spoke with the manager about having a group tour next year.
      After the museum, we drove to the town of Vulcan to the Iron Mike Iron Mine.  We were given a name and number to call to arrange for a group tour.  When we were done, we found it was pouring outside so we spent a half hour wandering around the store and looking at the wide variety of minerals and gems.  Finally, it stopped raining, and we left.  We stopped at Walmart to pick up some groceries then returned to the campground. 
      The campground had an ice cream social scheduled for 7 p.m.  It started raining then and we waited until almost 7:30 before going over.  It was over.  The owner apologized profusely.  It was our fault.  We couldn’t be mad about it.
2024 Aug 16 (Fri) – We packed up and left Germfast at 11:30 after stopping at the dump station to empty our tanks.  It was raining pretty hard but it let up to a drizzle long enough for us to empty the tanks comfortably. 
      We arrived at the Munising Tourist Park in Christmas around 12:30 (it was only 47 miles to the new campground).  It’s a nice park but on grass with unpaved roads.  The rain this morning left a lot of puddles and mud to contend with.  Shortly after arrival, a fierce thunderstorm rolled through with loud cracks of lightning and pouring rain.
      When it let up, we drove into the town of Munising.  We checked out the Pictured Rocks Cruises and were told to wait until October before making the group reservation.  We stopped at Muldoons Famous Pasties (pronounced with a broad “a” like ah, not a sharp “a”).  It was OK but I don’t think this would become a favorite food.
      We stopped at a couple of campgrounds to gather information and returned to our campground.  We move on tomorrow.  More thunderstorms moved in this evening and poor Sheba spent the night cowering in the closet.
2024 Aug 15 (Thu) – We drove to Grand Marais today.  It was a cute but very small town on the lakeshore.  We walked the one block, and had lunch at The Breakwall.  We drove along the National Lakshore and stopped at the Log Drive overview.  It was a place along the sand dunes where loggers used slide the logs down to the water.  There was warning sign telling people that the slide down was only seconds long but the climb back up could be an hour.  There were people testing that out.  We believed the sign and did not test it.
2024 Aug 14 (Wed) – We continue to have a problem trying to find campgrounds.  Both for the caravan and for us as we travel around Michigan right now.  I called a couple of campgrounds and they were full.  Finally found some and made reservations. 
      The weather has turned cool.  We actually put the heat on yesterday morning and today.  At least the fireplace works.
      We packed up and took the 70-mile drive from Sault Ste. Marie to Big Cedar Campground in Germfask.  Way up north here it looks more and more like Alaska.  We can see the trees that look like they grow in permafrost and there are miles and miles of nothing.  The campground is one big circle.  The sites in the middle are pull throughs and the outer side are all back-ins.  It has a messy look to it and the sites are tight.
      Once set up, we took off for Newberry to check out their campground for the caravan.  The folks were very nice and accepted our request.  Then we drove to another campground and were turned away.  They would gladly make a reservation for June or September but they say they are booked solid for July and August.
      When driving down the road, Paul spotted an American Legion post.  We pulled in and spoke with the adjutant.  They are willing to put together a dinner for us next year.  On the way back to the campground, we stopped at a logging museum.  It was very interesting and even had a building devoted to the CCC.  Those young men transformed America.
      Finally, explorations done, we returned to our campground.  They have only one washer and two dryers (one of them out of order).  We did underwear and socks.
2024 Aug 13 (Tue) – We packed up and left Mackinaw City at 11 a.m.  We left late because today’s drive was only 50 miles.  We arrived at Soo Locks Campground in Sault Ste. Marie at 12:30 p.m.  After set up, we headed into town to check out various venues.  First stop was at the Soo Locks Tour Boat.  After gathering information about a group tour, we walked over to the office for the Valley Camp museum.  There is a combination ticket that can be bought or just to the ship.  There was a power plant next door and there was a group of people outside who looked like they were there to tour the plant.  Driving over, we got information to contact someone for a tour by our group next year.  Then it was lunch time, we walked to the Lockview Restaurant where we were going to have the group eat.  But it really does not have a good view of the locks, even though it is directly across the street from the Soo Locks.  Instead, we stopped in at the VFW Post and talked to the bar manager about having a lunch or dinner there.  She will have to bring the issue to the board.
      The town is a cute tourist town.  We walked up and down the sidewalk and bought some items.  We then drove to a liquor store to replenish our libations and a NAPA parts store for DEF for the truck.  And finally, it was a stop at the bank to get some cash.
      After we returned to the campground, we went into the office to meet with the manager, Laura.  We stayed here two years ago.  It was owned by the mother of the owner and she told us she accepted no email.  Everything was done by postal mail.  She died and the son now has the campground.  He and Laura are working on updating the policies at the campground, to include using email.  We locked in the campsites for next year’s caravan.
2024 Aug 12 (Mon) – We prepared to pull out this morning when we ran into a problem with the hitch.  Paul had to pull the connecting plate off and examine it.  With a hammer and a screwdriver, he delicately pinched here and banged there and got the plate back in shape.  He put it back on the truck and we were off at 10:30 a.m.  The drive was easy and we pulled into the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground in Mackinaw City at 2 p.m.
      After set up, we went into Mackinaw City to check out the ferry service.  We went to Shepler’s Ferry Service and met with Amy, who I have been emailing with.  We introduced ourselves and confirmed the details of our visit there next year.
      Then we went to the Dixie Saloon for lunch.  We thought we were going to an Irish pub but it turned out not to be one.  Oh, well.  The meal was good anyway.
      On the way back to the campground, we stopped at the TeePee Campground.  This campground is very nice but expensive.  We were hoping to find a less expensive campground in the area but there are none.  TeePee turned us down for next year citing loyalty to their yearly campers.
2024 Aug 11 (Sun) – We packed up and left Ypsilanti at 9:30 a.m.  It was an easy drive to Standish where we are camped in the Saganing Eagles Landing RV Park. It is a casino and RV park.  We pulled into the campground, parked on the side, and walked about ½ mile to the hotel to check in.  After check in, we went to the Players Club and signed up for a card and got 2 free gifts.  We also had a bite to eat in the restaurant.  When done, we caught a shuttle back to the campground.
2024 Aug 10 (Sat) – We packed up and left Marshall at 10 a.m. and headed out for Ypsilanti.  The drive was short and we arrived at the Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA at 1 p.m.  This place is closer to Detroit than Camp Turkeyville but not nearly as nice.  It has a chaotic, crowded look to it.  There are lots of trees to maneuver around and blowing dust is annoying.
      As soon as we were set up, we drove to Wayne County Fairgrounds to see about having the group stay there.  As soon as I asked about group camping, the woman behind the desk immediately shook her head and declared they do not accept groups.  It is too much work and they are too busy.  I tried to argue the point but she wouldn’t budge.  We’ll try to talk to someone in administration, otherwise we’ll have to stay at the KOA.
      We then drove into Detroit to look at the Parade Company.  It is a company with over 60 parade floats in a warehouse.  Turned out the place was very difficult to find.  It was located in a run down, dilapidated part of town with several shuttered businesses.  It looked like somebody’s joke of putting a business in a closed warehouse.  We took this place off the list.
      On the way back to the KOA, we stopped at Kroger to get some groceries.
2024 Aug 9 (Fri) – We drove out to the Gilmore Car Museum.  They claim to be the largest car museum in North America.  It is located on 90 acres and comprises several outbuildings.  We met with the operations manager to discuss a group tour next year, as well as a catered lunch.  He pointed out they have a campground so we walked over to look at it.  It is a grass field with some electric hookups – 2 50-amp, 4 30-amp, and 8 15-amp.  That’s not enough for a group of 20 so some will have to live on generators for 2 nights.
      We then drove over to Air Zoo.  It is a Smithsonian affiliated museum with every kind of aircraft from earliest invention up to space craft.  We added it to the itinerary.
2024 Aug 8 (Thu) – We packed up and left the MORryde plant in Elkhart, IN, after running out at 5:45 a.m. for breakfast.  It was tough to find a place open so early, but we did it.  Then we returned to sit around the lunge and wait for our rigs to be done.  At 8:30 a.m., they were done and we were back on the road again.  Check-in at Camp Turkeyville was 3 p.m. and their website says they will charge an early arrival fee of $25.  We stopped along the way for lunch and tried to drag our feet, but still arrived at the campground in Marshall at 2 p.m.
       We talked to the campground manager about bringing our caravan there next year.  She wound up waiving the $25 fee, for which we were really grateful.  We will stay two nights.
       After set up, we drove to Fort Custer.  It turned out to be a bust so we will not have the caravan go to it.  We came home and had leftovers for dinner.
0 notes
psatalk · 3 months ago
Text
Amcor Flexibles goes for Vetaphone corona equipment
Tumblr media
Amcor’s Gent production facility is a giant, housing gravure printing in up to nine colors, digital printing, solvent and water-based coating, lamination, coextrusion, both cast and film up to nine layers, and Vision Systems for conversion and extrusion. It all began back in 1925 with the production of cellophane, which was the first plastic material used for food packaging.  In 1950, the plant became the first to extrude in Europe, and by the 1960s Amcor Flexibles was making strides in the pharmaceutical, films & packaging, and chemical sectors, with the establishment of a strong R&D culture.
Throughout the 1990s, the Group expanded with numerous acquisitions, including Danisco, A&R, Rexam, and Tobepal, with extruded volumes being consolidated at Gent and the UK plant in Ilkeston.  2008 brought a major 17m Euros investment program at Gent with four new extrusion lines and the construction of a new production hall, while the acquisition of Alcan in 2010 saw conversion and extrusion separated at Gent and in 2019, with the addition of Bemis, the group became a major global leader in package print production.
Today, the Gent plant has a broad product range including peel and barrier packaging that serves all sectors.  PE, PP, PA, and PETg are extruded in up to nine layers and on the converting side, gravure and digital printing combine with lamination, coating, and slitting.  Both extrusion and converting sectors are monitored by Vison Systems to assure quality.
It was into this production environment that Vetaphone set about selling its surface treatment technology, as Dirk Den Haese, sales manager of Vetaphone Benelux explained, “The challenge of working with a large and diverse group like Amcor is knowing where to start! But I knew that the company valued its reputation for quality very highly, and that the accuracy of much of the packaging it produced was critical, so there was clearly no room for any weak link in the production chain.” 
Beginning in 1990, Vetaphone has supplied a diverse range of corona technology to the Belgian plant that ranges from 1400 to 2300 mm in web width and generators from 2 x 6kW for extrusion lines to 2 x 10kW for different lamination lines. For its food and pharmaceutical work, Amcor is using exclusively Vetaphone VP2 ceramic rollers to ensure no contamination from the silicone sleeves, vulcanized and aluminium backing rollers.
This has become a standard item for Amcor Flexibles in Gent, where the treaters have performed well, drawing praise for their low maintenance requirements and easy access, and reliable performance that provides the consistently even treatment essential for a quality end-product.
Speaking for Amcor, Andries Van Nieuwenhove, plant general manager at Amcor Flexibles Conversion Gent said, “It is key for us to have good partners who support us in our journey to be the reference supplier of specialty peelable and barrier laminates.”
Amcor is very proud of its customer engagement that takes a bespoke approach to the challenges of modern-day packaging. “From concept to prototype and onto production and recycling, the company works hard at being innovative,” according to commercial director Johan Van Wesemael.  “Using our in-house pilot line and all the analytical assets and expertise we have gathered we can speed up developments and through real-world testing deliver validated solutions.”
Proof of this attention to detail is the number of international quality recognition awards held by Amcor, including ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 50001, along with ISTA, Ecovadis, and BRC accreditations.  They are, in fact, no more than one would expect from such a major player in the market, but are now the basic requirements for the food, pharma, and industrial sectors that Amcor supplies on a regular and global basis.
To put that size into perspective, Amcor employs 42,500 people across 220 locations in 43 countries – its packaging products are used by more than 4000 brand owners – it holds 3700 patents, trademarks, and registered designs, spends over €100m on R&D each year, enjoying an annual sales turnover of US$14 billion.  As Dirk Den Haese concluded, “If Vetaphone technology is good enough for Amcor, by association it makes us a global leader too – and it’s something we are very proud of!  I estimate we have now installed more than €1m’s worth of our technology at the Gent plant, making Amcor one of our largest customers in the Benelux region.”
0 notes
audiofictionuk · 1 year ago
Text
New Fiction Podcasts - 24th July
The Aurore Reset New Audio Book! Aurore Chandler from 2002 has an identity crisis when they discover their future-self has taken a job with a fishy identical dimension fast food delivery company. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lookingforcowsaudiobooks RSS:https://anchor.fm/s/e586064c/podcast/rss
Tumblr media
Adventure's Edge New Audio RPG! Adventure's Edge is an actual play, TTRPG podcast set in the world of Tellus. In our first campaign, "Heroes of the Vale", a group of people come together to find a cure for a deadly disease, only to be thrust into a web of increasing danger as they try to live up to what it means to be a hero. Heroes of the Vale is a story-driven game with a mix of roleplaying and action. We are using the Pathfinder 1st edition rules, but anyone familiar with Dungeons & Dragons should have no problem understanding the mechanics of play, although no experience is required to enjoy our story. http://www.adventuresedgerpg.com RSS:https://anchor.fm/s/e27314e0/podcast/rss
Tumblr media
After the Gloaming New Audio Drama! In the soft glow of dusk, in the moment before night falls, stories exist. Gothic tales of the macabre, where the supernatural calls home, and the shadows dance. Hold tight and don't let go, for lost you may become, after the gloaming. https://shows.acast.com/after-the-gloaming RSS:https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/after-the-gloaming
Tumblr media
God Forsaken Station New Audio Drama! Embark on a journey into the enigmatic 'God Forsaken Station' aboard the Vulcan. Strange events, a haunted history, and a chilling premonition test The Crew as they confront the mysteries that lie ahead. Prepare for an immersive sci-fi audio drama that will keep you captivated till the very end. https://godforsakenstation.com/wp/ RSS:https://godforsakenstation.com/wp/feed/podcast
Remote New Audio Drama! After experiencing a traumatic loss, Betsy gains a remote viewing ability. As she raises her consciousness further, she uses her skill to find missing people, propelling her into a mysterious underworld. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/remotetheseries RSS:https://anchor.fm/s/e5d54568/podcast/rss
1 note · View note
thecelestiallegacies · 1 year ago
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Chapter 5: By the Seashore Part 1
Another festival made its way though, delicious food cooked under palm leaves and people coming together in merriment. He had been busy back in Del Sol Valley, but it seemed Sulani's parties had Vulcan feeling more jovial. The tasty kava quickly becoming his favorite drink. He learned about myths of the ancient sulani tribes, the heroic tapestries and gods as angry as the storms.
He was in a mood to try something new, and as he had many times before, he was bad at it. The fire dances the others had practiced were beautiful and fast paced, he loved the patters and the way the fire moved. He had to try it, and true to form, he quickly caught himself on fire. The others laughed but quickly helped him stomp it out. "The food is done!" someone shouted, and everyone threw their arms up in celebration. Vulcan, dazed from that extra cup of kava, took his seat at the picnic table and gladly devoured the plate full.
1 note · View note