#day 7 free space

[cuips-not-cute]

a smooch for @steddie-week day 7: free space

[agrippaspoleto]

Finnpoe Week #Day 7: Free space or better two Co-Generals enjoying some free time for once.

I hope you all had a nice weekend!

[hollie47]

Title: Safe From the Storm Author: Hollie47 Rating: G Word Count: 917 Pairing: Marie Batel/Una Chin-Riley Fandom: Star Trek Strange New Worlds

Read Here On AO3

This was written for Star Trek Femslash Week 2024 hosted by @startrekfemslashweek.

Day 7: Free Space

[baubeautyandthegeek]

A New Hope - Beverly Crusher/Deanna Troi

A/N: Day 7 Part 3 'free space' filled. One massive fluffy fic to end the week. Happy Trek Week.

Beverly would never admit to needing Deanna. She knew she didn’t have to, not out loud. She knew Deanna could read how she felt. Empathy had always been a skill Deanna insisted she didn’t use unless she had to, but Beverly also knew she couldn’t help picking up the feelings between them. It's only later, when Deanna invites her out to the home she’s made with her child, with Kestra, after Will chooses to see the stars with Jean-Luc again, that she dares to admit this is what she’s always wanted. Peace and Deanna’s company. She will never say it, but she knows this works for them all, nobody has to be alone and everyone is happier now.

[temporarypurple]

a late addition to @steddie-week day 7!

I wasn’t originally going to draw anything for #steddieweek2023 as I was busy with school plus was just burnt out but saw @bpillustrated day 1 of steddie week and it inspired this idea and I NEEDED to make it real

I’ve never drawn anything like this so it was HARD and it’s not perfect but I love it still!

Hope everyone enjoys <3

[medusapelagia]

Steddie Week Day 7: The Future

May 28: Free space / Free space / Freedom by Wham! 

Rating: Teen and Up Relationship: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson WT: light angst, angst with happy ending, alcohol WC: 1772

The apartment they are living in is nice.

Nothing fancy, just two bedrooms over a Chinese restaurant but the kitchen is big enough to host the kids during their D&D campaign.

Steve’s room it’s the tidy one. The one where they never sleep. Eddie needs his mess to sleep at night and Steve doesn’t complain so…

But tonight Eddie is fretting, pacing around Steve’s tidy room.

His love has gone to attend one of the stupid parties his mum always asks him to accompany her to.

He knows that she will show him around like a racehorse.

She will try to find a good girl for her perfect boy.

It’s not that Eddie is jealous, even if he must admit that deep inside he is, it’s the fact that every time Steve comes home after one of these stupid parties he is a mess.

He doesn’t want to disappoint his mother, he doesn’t want to cheat on Eddie, he doesn’t want to be a bad kid… and, in the end, he usually collapses crying in Eddie’s arm, saying that the next time his mom calls him he will not answer.

But he does. 

And so the story repeats itself.

It’s two o’clock in the morning when finally he hears the familiar sound of Steve’s car.

Eddie is watching a movie, he doesn’t even know what kind of movie he is watching, he just needs to pretend that he wasn't waiting for him.

He hears the keys fall to the ground followed by a strange laugh.

Oh god. He is drunk.

That’s bad.

He goes to the door and Steve almost falls in his arms.

“Did you have fun?” he asks, helping him to the sofa.

“Oh… so much fun! Do you know that all my parent’s friends have sons or daughters that attended an Ivy League University? Everyone… except me. And you know that they all have super important jobs? Everyone… except me. And you know that they all have kids? Everyone… except…”

Steve starts to cry.

He is very sensible on that matter.

Formally they are friends living together and legally they can’t adopt.

How could his mother put him through this? She should know how much that hurt Steve.

Or maybe she did it because she knows exactly how much that hurts Steve.

“Hey, sunshine, what do you say if we drink some water and go to bed? Mmh?”

Steve shakes his head.

“I’m a fucking failure, Eddie. I have done nothing right in my life. And you should leave me. I’m just a burden for you.”

God. 

He also has to deal with sad drunk Steve.

Eddie always hated Mrs. Harrington, but right now he hates her even more.

“You are not a fucking burden Steve. You are drunk and sad. Drink some water and come to bed, you’ll feel better tomorrow.”

He doesn’t know how he finally managed to make him drink the stupid water and go to bed, but he hugs Steve all night long, wiping away the tears that fall from his eye.

Fucking Mrs. Harrington.

How could she do something so vile?

Steve always wanted a family and she knew very well that she was going to break him talking about kids.

That was the first thing that she said to him when he told her that he and Eddie were dating. That he could date Eddie if he dated a nice girl as well “We need an heir to our fortune Stevie.”

That’s all that Steve has always been for them.

The heir to their fortune.

Not even a person.

Just a way to pass on their fortune.

And he was expected to do the same.

“Come on Steve. You already disappoint us in every possible way. Can’t you make me happy and give me a grandson?”

Grandson.

Not even a granddaughter.

A male heir to continue their stupid legacy.

When Steve opens his eyes they are still red from crying, and he is going to have a very bad day.

Eddie hopes that the headache that he is certainly going to have will not transform into a migraine.

“Hey, babe, it’s still soon. Don’t you want to sleep a little more?”

“Not tired…”

Eddie sighs.

He is tired. He is just so tired that he probably can't sleep anymore.

“Ok. What would you like to do? See a movie? Or I can read you something. Do you need an Advil?”

Steve shakes his head and Eddie sighs again, he is not going to ask for meds until it’s too late and they will not have an effect anymore.

That’s a present from Mr. Harrington, who taught him to be tough.

Sometimes Eddie thinks that he would have given everything to meet Steve when he was just a kid. He didn’t have a fairytale childhood but at least he had Wayne and not a couple of fucked up parents that treat him more like a fucking show dog than a kid.

“I was going to read a little bit. Do you mind if I read it out loud? It helps me get more in the story.”

Steve loves when he reads to him. He laughs at the different voices that he makes.

When the boy nods Eddie takes it as a win and starts to read the book he has on his nightstand.

He could have been reading the phone book for how much he cares, but he keeps reading until his boy falls asleep again. He looks at the clock. 

It’s six o’clock in the morning. In a couple of hours, Steve should be at Family Video. 

No fucking way.

He is going to call in sick for him and he doesn’t care if Keith is going to fire him. Steve needs at least a day to decompress.

****

When Steve wakes up the sun is high in the sky.

He looks at his alarm clock. It’s almost ten. He is late!

He gets up super quickly, screaming at Eddie “Why didn’t you wake me up?! I’m super late!”

“No, you are not.” The other boy answers with calm from their little kitchen. 

“I was supposed to be at Family Video at least half an hour ago!” Steve protests.

“Nope. You are sick. I already called Keith.”

“I’m not sick!”

“Yes, you are, baby. Now get in here and eat something. There is no point in arguing about that.”

In the kitchen, Eddie is waiting for him with a cup of tea and some plain toast.

“No coffee?”

“You are sick.”

“I’m not…”

Eddie smiles and gives him the cup of tea and Steve sips it, almost burning his tongue.

Steve is pretending that nothing happened last night, and that hurts Eddie even more. The fact that Steve doesn’t feel comfortable enough with Eddie to admit that last night was shit and he still feels unbalanced.

“Calm down. We have all the time in the world.”

“You have a job as well!”

“And I’m not going either.”

“Eddie, I don't understand what is going on…”

“Steve, my love, you had a horrible night and you need some time to get over it and I’m giving it to you.”

“But they could fire us.”

“So?”

“We need a job to pay for this apartment. Two jobs to be precise.”

“Listen to me, babe. Are you sure that your dream life was living in a small apartment over a Chinese restaurant while working at Family Video?”

“It’s not perfect but…”

“What would you like to do? If you could choose. What would you like to do?”

Steve looks at him puzzled “I don’t know…”

“Steve…”

“I’m too stupid anyway so...”

“Tell me.”

“I’d like to help people.”

“Cool.”

“Cool? Not stupid?”

“No. Cool. There are a lot of jobs that help people… there are social workers, doctors, nurses, policemen, fire fighters…”

“I was… I was thinking about becoming a physiotherapist. I mean… I learned a lot during your recovery, and I’m strong enough to pick up or move a person if needed and I have a good knowledge of injuries and the human body…”

“Great. You have everything already planned out. Why don’t you apply to some course…”

“No fucking university accepted me, Eddie. Do you really think that I’m going to take a fucking degree?!”

“I do. I think that you were too busy with interdimensional monsters to really put your mind on that shit. But now you can. We could move to Chicago. You could see Robin and find some courses. We could work in a stupid coffee shop and you will get your degree. What do you say?”

“What about Wayne? The Corroded Coffin? The kids? My family?”

“It’s Chicago Steve, not Australia. They could come to visit. And, to be honest, I think that Wayne and the kids will be more than happy if we move away after Jason’s show.”

“Why are you doing this Eddie?”

“Because I love you and I want you to be happy.”

“And this has nothing to do with last night, right?”

Well…

“I can stand it anymore, Steve. I can’t keep waiting for you worrying about how broken you will come back. I always wanted to move far away from this fucking town, but I stayed for you. Now Robin is in Chicago, the kids will be all over the Country in a couple of years and Jeff and Gar will leave at the end of the summer. And about your family… If I have to be honest, I really don’t want you to go back to them.”

“Eddie…”

“Listen to me Steve, give me a year. Just a year! If it doesn’t work out we will come back, for good, and I will not propose something so crazy again. But let's try it.”

“A year?” he asks unsure.

“A year. A year to prove to yourself that you are more than a disappointment or a burden. That you are a wonderful person and you could do something good with your life. Do it for you. And for me. A little bit for me because I can’t live in this bigot city anymore.”

Steve sips his tea for a moment, lost in his thoughts.

A year it’s not a long time after all. They are young. They could try. If he agrees.

When Steve gets up without saying anything Eddie looks at him worriedly.

“Steve?”

“Mmh?”

“What do you say?”

“I say that I have to call Robin. No more fucking apartments over restaurants.”

“So that’s a yes?”

Steve smiles at him “It’s a yes Eddie.”

[faaun]

a while ago i accidentally bent a g.pangolin electrode (those things are made of gold) the world was covered in conductive gel time is passing unreal lvls of quick they know my heart is yours

[startrekfemslashweek]

[kazureiweek]

A very happy Father's Day to Kazuki and Rei!

[sapphicsandscience]

DAY 7 - STAR TREK FEMSLASH WEEK 2023

Two

Beverly comes back from her first solo away mission with a certain surprise bundle for Kathryn and the rest of Voyager.

Well, mostly just Kathryn.

Read at AO3

[lucalicatteart]

Poll adventure (paventure? lol) Day 7: read the small story tidbit below the poll for more details, OR just vote based on initial impression

(✦ see past poll results + further information HERE (link) ✦)

The winning option of yesterday's poll was that the adventurer should go on a 5 day journey to find the Innkeeper's weird brother who studies animals, and show him the Suspicious Egg….

~

The next morning he wakes early, buzzing with renewed purpose, and also minor back pain from sleeping on old potato sacks.. After a meager breakfast of more free leftover scraps, the Innkeeper stops him before he leaves, giving him a few extra supplies for the long journey, as she can tell he doesn't have much. He packs up and sets out onto the road once again, crumpled sketchy map in hand...

He has a fairly uneventful journey for the first day - waving at the occasional other travelers as they pass, cleaning his boots in a nearby pond, stopping to eat some dumplings whilst watching the sunset, and finally setting up a small tent a short ways off the main path, resting with his cat by a dim campfire until they both fall asleep......

The second day, however, does not start as smoothly.. Only a few hours further down the road, he's met with a large barricade, guarded by a group of what seems like elven soldiers from one of the larger surrounding cities of the area. Practicing his confidence, he puts on his best "brave face" (which to others, appears more as some sort of pained wince, like he might have something in his eye), shakily striding right up to the authority figures he is definitely not afraid of.

"Halt, traveler! You cannot pass."

He sways slightly, struggling to keep his wobbly legs under control, "OH, y-yEAH, ssorry, I was-, hh, I was just walking, ~o-out for a stroooll~, haha, so I .. uh.. o-okay. That's.. okay. But, uh.. could, can.. euh.. C-can I ask why? like... why the, uh... blocking off.. of ... the um.. the-"

"Unfortunately, we are not at liberty to disclose any information on the nature of this current road closure. Our sole duty is to maintain security of the barrier."

"hhHeh, ye.. eAh, for sure, I-I get that.. Duty is.. really so... important in ... today's world.. gotta, um.. do the duties.. or, uh.. .. yeah, but.. so, uhhh... wh-Do you know.. maybe, uh... H-how long you'll, like... be here? guarding... and such...??"

"We'll be here as long as we need to be here."

"...O-okay.. but, like.. uh... any,,.... time estimate? hahahehhh?? like, uh.. a day, or... two, or um...??"

"This matter does not concern you, traveler. Move along."

"Aoh, yeahgh, I.. totally.. totally.. it, uh.. Well.. but it kind of does though,, right? B-because I do, in fact, actually have to go down that road at some p-point sssoo, um,... uh.. I-"

"I said move along."

The guard abruptly takes a step forward, causing The Adventurer to yelp as if he'd been hit, tripping over his own feet and scrambling off on hands and knees, lunging into bushes near the rocky roadside.. After exchanging a confused glance, the guards both shrug, resuming their stoic positions at the barrier.

The Adventurer watches from the uncomfortable safety of some berry brambles, surveying the area at a distance and desperately trying to work out how he can still get where he's trying to go. The map given to him by the Innkeeper is pretty straightforward, not showing alternate paths. Based on his primary map, he could maybe think of a few detours, but he's anxiously unfamiliar with the area... How should he proceed?

----

Additional Details - (I decided whenever he gets new items or goals or something, I'll list them at the end just to keep track)

items + to inventory (from the Innkeeper): 2 lunchboxes of vegetable dumplings, 2 canteens of water, a box of tea, one rope, 1 pouch of dried meat, 4 candles, a hand-drawn map

main goal: get to the abandoned castle ruins to see the rare animal specialist about the egg

[reasonsforhope]

As relentless rains pounded LA, the city’s “sponge” infrastructure helped gather 8.6 billion gallons of water—enough to sustain over 100,000 households for a year.

Earlier this month, the future fell on Los Angeles. A long band of moisture in the sky, known as an atmospheric river, dumped 9 inches of rain on the city over three days—over half of what the city typically gets in a year. It’s the kind of extreme rainfall that’ll get ever more extreme as the planet warms.

The city’s water managers, though, were ready and waiting. Like other urban areas around the world, in recent years LA has been transforming into a “sponge city,” replacing impermeable surfaces, like concrete, with permeable ones, like dirt and plants. It has also built out “spreading grounds,” where water accumulates and soaks into the earth.

With traditional dams and all that newfangled spongy infrastructure, between February 4 and 7 the metropolis captured 8.6 billion gallons of stormwater, enough to provide water to 106,000 households for a year. For the rainy season in total, LA has accumulated 14.7 billion gallons.

Long reliant on snowmelt and river water piped in from afar, LA is on a quest to produce as much water as it can locally. “There's going to be a lot more rain and a lot less snow, which is going to alter the way we capture snowmelt and the aqueduct water,” says Art Castro, manager of watershed management at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. “Dams and spreading grounds are the workhorses of local stormwater capture for either flood protection or water supply.”

Centuries of urban-planning dogma dictates using gutters, sewers, and other infrastructure to funnel rainwater out of a metropolis as quickly as possible to prevent flooding. Given the increasingly catastrophic urban flooding seen around the world, though, that clearly isn’t working anymore, so now planners are finding clever ways to capture stormwater, treating it as an asset instead of a liability. “The problem of urban hydrology is caused by a thousand small cuts,” says Michael Kiparsky, director of the Wheeler Water Institute at UC Berkeley. “No one driveway or roof in and of itself causes massive alteration of the hydrologic cycle. But combine millions of them in one area and it does. Maybe we can solve that problem with a thousand Band-Aids.”

Or in this case, sponges. The trick to making a city more absorbent is to add more gardens and other green spaces that allow water to percolate into underlying aquifers—porous subterranean materials that can hold water—which a city can then draw from in times of need. Engineers are also greening up medians and roadside areas to soak up the water that’d normally rush off streets, into sewers, and eventually out to sea...

To exploit all that free water falling from the sky, the LADWP has carved out big patches of brown in the concrete jungle. Stormwater is piped into these spreading grounds and accumulates in dirt basins. That allows it to slowly soak into the underlying aquifer, which acts as a sort of natural underground tank that can hold 28 billion gallons of water.

During a storm, the city is also gathering water in dams, some of which it diverts into the spreading grounds. “After the storm comes by, and it's a bright sunny day, you’ll still see water being released into a channel and diverted into the spreading grounds,” says Castro. That way, water moves from a reservoir where it’s exposed to sunlight and evaporation, into an aquifer where it’s banked safely underground.

On a smaller scale, LADWP has been experimenting with turning parks into mini spreading grounds, diverting stormwater there to soak into subterranean cisterns or chambers. It’s also deploying green spaces along roadways, which have the additional benefit of mitigating flooding in a neighborhood: The less concrete and the more dirt and plants, the more the built environment can soak up stormwater like the actual environment naturally does.

As an added benefit, deploying more of these green spaces, along with urban gardens, improves the mental health of residents. Plants here also “sweat,” cooling the area and beating back the urban heat island effect—the tendency for concrete to absorb solar energy and slowly release it at night. By reducing summer temperatures, you improve the physical health of residents. “The more trees, the more shade, the less heat island effect,” says Castro. “Sometimes when it’s 90 degrees in the middle of summer, it could get up to 110 underneath a bus stop.”

LA’s far from alone in going spongy. Pittsburgh is also deploying more rain gardens, and where they absolutely must have a hard surface—sidewalks, parking lots, etc.—they’re using special concrete bricks that allow water to seep through. And a growing number of municipalities are scrutinizing properties and charging owners fees if they have excessive impermeable surfaces like pavement, thus incentivizing the switch to permeable surfaces like plots of native plants or urban gardens for producing more food locally.

So the old way of stormwater management isn’t just increasingly dangerous and ineffective as the planet warms and storms get more intense—it stands in the way of a more beautiful, less sweltering, more sustainable urban landscape. LA, of all places, is showing the world there’s a better way.

-via Wired, February 19, 2024

[thistlecrimes]

Things I've learned from getting covid for the first time in 2023

I wear an N95 in public spaces and I've managed to dodge it for a long time, but I finally got covid for the first time (to my knowledge) in mid-late November 2023. It was a weird experience especially because I feel like it used to be something everyone was talking about and sharing info on, so getting it for the first time now (when people generally seem averse to talking about covid) I found I needed to seek out a lot of info because I wasn't sure what to do. I put so much effort into prevention, I knew less about what to do when you have it. I'm experiencing a rebound right now so I'm currently isolating. So, I'm making a post in the hopes that if you get covid (it's pretty goddamn hard to avoid right now) this info will be helpful for you. It's a couple things I already knew and several things I learned. One part of it is based on my experience in Minnesota but some other states may have similar programs.

--------

The World Health Organization states you should isolate for 10 days from first having symptoms plus 3 days after the end of symptoms.

--------

At the time of my writing this post, in Minnesota, we have a test to treat program where you can call, report the result of your rapid test (no photo necessary) and be prescribed paxlovid over the phone to pick up from your pharmacy or have delivered to you. It is free and you do not need to have insurance. I found it by googling "Minnesota Test to Treat Covid"

--------

Paxlovid decreases the risk of hospitalization and death, but it's also been shown to decrease the risk of Long Covid. Long Covid can occur even from mild or asymptomatic infections.

--------

Covid rebound commonly occurs 2-8 days after apparent recovery. While many people associate Paxlovid with covid rebound, researchers say there is no strong evidence that Paxlovid causes covid rebound, and rebounds occur in infections that were not treated with Paxlovid as well. I knew rebounds could happen but did not know it could take 8 days. I had mine on day 7 and was completely surprised by it.

--------

If you start experiencing new symptoms or test positive again, the CDC states that you should start your isolation period again at day zero. Covid rebound is still contagious. Personally I'd suggest wearing a high quality respirator around folks for an additional 8-9 days after you start to test negative in case of a rebound.

--------

Positive results on a rapid test can be very faint, but even a very faint line is positive result. Make sure to look at your rapid test result under strong lighting. Also, false negatives are not uncommon. If you have symptoms but test negative taking multiple tests and trying different brands if you have them are not bad ideas. My ihealth tests picked up my covid, my binax now tests did not.

--------

EDIT: I'd highly suggest spending time with friends online if you can, I previously had a link to the NAMI warmline directory in this post but I've since been informed that NAMI is very much funded by pharmaceutical companies and lobbies for policies that take autonomy away from disabled folks, so I've taken that off of here! Sorry, I had no idea, the People's CDC listed them as a resource so I just assumed they were legit! Feel free to reply/reblog this with other warmlines/support resources if you know of them! And please reblog this version!

--------

I know that there is so much we can't control as individuals right now, and that's frightening. All we can do is try our best to reduce harm and to care for each other. I hope this info will be able to help folks.

[seven-thewanderer]

I'm boutta discuss the most randomest of things

So yall know this meme right? (I linked that version cus it's my favorite)

I feel like there should be more roles in it, because theres:

2 Do-Do's (which actually stays throughout the whole thing, but the Meow-Meow's drown it out)

1 Boom-Boom-Uh (which also stays throughout the whole thing, but Day & Night 1 drowns it out)

Day & Night 1 (from "Day & Night" to "But surely finish last, last")

1 "What? What? What?" (yes, it's 3 What?'s, not 2, the 3rd one's just more faint. However, I slightly theorize there's a secret, quieter, 4th one. However, it seems like just 3 for now)

2 Day & Night 2's (from "Cus Day & Night" to "The lonely stoner seems to free his mind at- (night)")

2 Meow-Meow's

and then of course

Free Space (the person who has no line in the song, but is usually just minding their business & doing something else, or is disappointed in the others)

so, if they wanted to include everyone, then it should start from (basing it off of the video example I linked):

0:00 - 0:14 2 Do-Do's, 1 Boom-Boom-Uh, & Free Space, and 4 extra blank spaces (since Day & Night 1 turns to Day & Night 2, and "What? What? What?" also turns into Day & Night 2)

0:14 - 0:40 Day & Night 1 and "What? What? What?" join in (the Do-Do's, Boom-Boom-Uh, and Free Space are still there)

0:40 - 1:00 Day & Night 1 and "What? What? What?" turn into Day & Night 2's, as the 2 Meow-Meow's join in (the Do-Do's, Boom-Boom-Uh, and Free Space are still there, but as stated earlier, Day & Night 1 and "What? What? What?" are no longer heard, having been replaced by 2 Day & Night 2's)

1:00 Cuts off in the middle of Day & Night 2's singing "The lonely stoner seems to free his mind at night", cutting off right before the word "night"

but anyways that's all I wanted to say about this meme/trend, as I think I've been hyperfixated on it a bit too much...

[bloomzone]

that girl checklist for success and wellness

"There's no need to go fast fast fast, just take it slow even if time wants to fly by I don't care" -straykids (tortoise and the hare)

1. Create a productive morning routine:

- Start your day with a structured plan that maximizes productivity. This could include activities like exercise, meditation, and planning your day ahead.

2. Keep your space clean and tidy:

- Maintain an organized and clutter-free environment. A clean space can boost mental clarity and reduce stress.

3. Workout at least 3 days a week:

- Engage in physical exercise regularly to stay fit and healthy. Aim for at least three sessions per week.

4. Dress for your body type:

- Choose clothing that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident. Understanding your body shape can help in selecting the right outfits.

5. Work towards becoming financially stable:

- Develop good financial habits, such as budgeting, saving, and investing, to ensure long-term financial security.

6. Practice self-care:

- Take time to care for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This can include activities like skincare routines, baths, or hobbies that you enjoy.

7. Keep a daily planner:

- Use a planner to organize your tasks, appointments, and goals. This helps in managing time effectively and staying on top of responsibilities.

8. Consume inspiring content:

- Surround yourself with positive and motivating material, such as books, podcasts, or videos that encourage personal growth and positivity.

9. Prioritize yourself and your mental health:

- Ensure that you are taking steps to maintain your mental health. This can include therapy, relaxation techniques, and setting boundaries.

10. Positive self-talk:

- Practice affirmations and speak to yourself in a positive and encouraging manner. This helps build self-esteem and a positive mindset.

11. Adopt a journal practice:

- Regularly write in a journal to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Journaling can be therapeutic and provide clarity.

12. Eat healthy:

- Maintain a balanced diet that includes nutritious foods to support your overall health and well-being.

© bloomzone

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - June 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $Kaybarr1735! And if you tip me and give me a way to contact you, at the end of the month I'll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn't use each week!

1. Victory for Same-Sex Marriage in Thailand

“Thailand’s Senate voted 130-4 today to pass a same-sex marriage bill that the lower house had approved by an overwhelming majority in March. This makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia, and the second in Asia, to recognize same-sex relationships. […] The Thai Marriage Equality Act […] will come into force 120 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. It will stand as an example of LGBT rights progress across the Asia-Pacific region and the world.”

2. One of world’s rarest cats no longer endangered

“[The Iberian lynx’s] population grew from 62 mature individuals in 2001 to 648 in 2022. While young and mature lynx combined now have an estimated population of more than 2,000, the IUCN reports. The increase is largely thanks to conservation efforts that have focused on increasing the abundance of its main food source - the also endangered wild rabbit, known as European rabbit. Programmes to free hundreds of captive lynxes and restoring scrublands and forests have also played an important role in ensuring the lynx is no longer endangered.”

3. Planning parenthood for incarcerated men

“[M]any incarcerated young men missed [sex-ed] classroom lessons due to truancy or incarceration. Their lack of knowledge about sexual health puts them at a lifelong disadvantage. De La Cruz [a health educator] will guide [incarcerated youths] in lessons about anatomy and pregnancy, birth control and sexually transmitted infections. He also explores healthy relationships and the pitfalls of toxic masculinity. […] Workshops cover healthy relationships, gender and sexuality, and sex trafficking.”

4. Peru puts endemic fog oasis under protection

“Lomas are unique ecosystems relying on marine fog that host rare and endemic plants and animal species. […] The Peruvian government has formally granted conservation status to the 6,449-hectare (16,000-acre) desert oasis site[….] The site, the first of its kind to become protected after more than 15 years of scientific and advocacy efforts, will help scientists understand climatic and marine cycles in the area[, … and] will be protected for future research and exploration for at least three decades.”

5. Religious groups are protecting Pride events — upending the LGBTQ+ vs. faith narrative

“In some cases, de-escalation teams stand as a physical barrier between protesters and event attendees. In other instances, they try to talk with protesters. The goal is generally to keep everyone safe. Leigh was learning that sometimes this didn’t mean acting as security, but doing actual outreach. That might mean making time and space to listen to hate speech. It might mean offering food or water. […] After undergoing Zoom trainings this spring, the members of some 120 faith organizations will fan out across more than 50 Pride events in 16 states to de-escalate the actions of extremist anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups.”

6. 25 years of research shows how to restore damaged rainforest

“For the first time, results from 25 years of work to rehabilitate fire-damaged and heavily logged rainforest are now being presented. The study fills a knowledge gap about the long-term effects of restoration and may become an important guide for future efforts to restore damaged ecosystems.”

7. Audubon and Grassroots Carbon Announce First-of-its-Kind Partnership to Reward Landowners for Improving Habitats for Birds while Building Healthy Soils

“Participating landowners can profit from additional soil carbon storage created through their regenerative land management practices. These practices restore grasslands, improve bird habits, build soil health and drive nature-based soil organic carbon drawdown through the healthy soils of farms and ranches. […] Additionally, regenerative land management practices improve habitats for birds. […] This partnership exemplifies how sustainable practices can drive positive environmental change while providing tangible economic benefits for landowners.”

8. Circular food systems found to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, require much less agricultural land

“Redesigning the European food system will reduce agricultural land by 44% while dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 70%. This reduction is possible with the current consumption of animal protein. “Moreover, animals are recyclers in the system. They can recycle nutrients from human-inedible parts of the organic waste and by-products in the food system and convert them to valuable animal products," Simon says.”

9. Could Treating Injured Raptors Help Lift a Population? Researchers found the work of rehabbers can have long-lasting benefits

“[“Wildlife professionals”] tend to have a dismissive attitude toward addressing individual animal welfare,” [… but f]or most raptor species, they found, birds released after rehabilitation were about as likely to survive as wild birds. Those released birds can have even broader impacts on the population. Back in the wild, the birds mate and breed, raising hatchlings that grow up to mate and breed, too. When the researchers modeled the effects, they found most species would see at least some population-level benefits from returning raptors to the wild.”

10. Indigenous people in the Amazon are helping to build bridges & save primates

“Working together, the Reconecta Project and the Waimiri-Atroari Indigenous people build bridges that connect the forest canopy over the BR-174 road[….] In the first 10 months of monitoring, eight different species were documented — not only monkeys such as the golden-handed tamarin and the common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus), but also kinkajous (Potos flavus), mouse opossums (Marmosops sp.), and opossums (Didelphis sp.).”

Bonus: A rare maneless zebra was born in the UK

June 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)