#environmental revitalization

[dyanamic]

Revitalized River Seine: A Clean Slate for the Paris Olympics

The River Seine has been meticulously cleaned up just in time for the upcoming Olympics, ensuring a pristine and picturesque backdrop for the world-class event. The efforts to improve the water quality of the iconic river demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability and the well-being of both athletes and spectators. With its revitalized beauty and renewed vitality, the River Seine is poised to enhance the overall experience of the Olympics and showcase the city of Paris in its best light

[visit-new-york]

What are the key attractions within Brooklyn Bridge Park?

Nestled along the East River with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge as its backdrop, Brooklyn Bridge Park stands as a testament to urban revitalization and green space innovation. This sprawling oasis, spanning 85 acres along the Brooklyn waterfront, offers a harmonious blend of recreational spaces, natural beauty, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. As visitors stroll through its well-manicured lawns and engaging attractions, they are treated to an array of experiences that make Brooklyn Bridge Park a must-visit destination. Let's delve into the key attractions that contribute to the allure of this urban gem.

Brooklyn Bridge Promenade:

The park's crowning jewel, the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade, provides an unrivaled vantage point to marvel at the majesty of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. As day turns to night, the twinkling city lights create a breathtaking panorama. The promenade offers a serene escape from the city buzz, making it a favorite spot for joggers, cyclists, and leisurely strollers alike.

Pier 1: Harbor View Lawn:

Pier 1 welcomes visitors with the expansive Harbor View Lawn, a lush green space that hosts a variety of events, from outdoor movie nights to yoga classes. The unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline make it an ideal spot for picnics, relaxation, and taking in the maritime activity on the river.

Pier 2: Sports and Recreation Hub:

For the sports enthusiasts, Pier 2 is a haven of activity. Basketball and handball courts, roller skating rinks, and even a shuffleboard court cater to diverse interests. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking to enjoy a friendly game, Pier 2 is the place to break a sweat with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.

Jane's Carousel:

Nestled in a glass pavilion at the edge of the park, Jane's Carousel is a vintage treasure that adds a touch of nostalgia to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Dating back to 1922, this meticulously restored carousel offers enchanting rides for visitors of all ages. The combination of the beautifully carved horses and the sparkling views of the East River creates a magical experience.

Pier 6: Playgrounds and Picnic Areas:

Pier 6 is a family-friendly haven featuring playgrounds designed to spark the imagination of young adventurers. Water features, climbing structures, and ample seating make this area a hotspot for families. The nearby picnic areas are perfect for a leisurely lunch, providing a chance to recharge amid the park's natural beauty.

Environmental Education Center:

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem, the Environmental Education Center on Pier 1 offers interactive exhibits and educational programs. Visitors can learn about the diverse plant and animal life thriving in and around the park, fostering a sense of appreciation for the environment.

Conclusion:

Brooklyn Bridge Park is a testament to the transformative power of urban planning and community engagement. Its diverse attractions cater to a wide range of interests, making it a destination that resonates with both locals and tourists. As you explore the park's various offerings, you'll find a harmonious blend of recreation, culture, and natural beauty, making Brooklyn Bridge Park a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an enriching and picturesque urban escape.

[balkanradfem]

One of the points of Greta Thunberg's book about the Climate, was about female land ownership, and how we need an increase of it. That actually surprised me, not that I didn't think of it before, but because it was presented as one of the solutions.

Greta actually looked at what happens to the land when women reign over it, or when women even just have access to it and are allowed to work on it, and noticed that women almost always, naturally, regenerated the land. Women will go and plant trees on their land immediately, and feed their families with the produce it makes. Women will not even stop at planting trees on their land, they'll go and re-forest the surrounding areas too, sharing secrets of the trees with others who can benefit from the extra free food. Women will plant native species, bushes, flowers, gardens, revitalize the soil, add life to the dirt and the sand, and this is something that is recorded consistently and long term with the female land ownership, land is not only regenerated, but used for immediate benefit of all life on it. That includes humans, animals, bugs, bacteria, plants and the local environment in general.

Greta also points out that most of the land that women are working on, is currently not their own. They're most often lending their hands to the land owned by their husbands, brothers, uncles, relatives or landlords, and these m*n will sometimes decide to undo all that work, and build something environmentally destructive on it in order to make a personal profit.

This is why Greta implores that is important that women own more land, personally and with full power over what happens to it. Women having full control over land is nature's way of regeneration and prevention of climate change. Give land to the women to fight climate change.

[gaypuppiboi2]

In the year 2102, a dramatic transformation took place in the United States of America. This was not a sudden change, but the culmination of decades of cultural shifts, political realignments, and economic partnerships that gradually turned America into an Arab state.

It all began in the late 21st century, when the global balance of power started to shift. The Arab world, particularly the Gulf states, had long been wealthy from oil, but they had diversified their economies, becoming leaders in technology, renewable energy, and finance. Meanwhile, the United States was grappling with internal divisions, economic challenges, and the decline of its global influence. The rise of populism and isolationism in America had weakened its traditional alliances, making it more susceptible to foreign influence.

By the 2080s, a series of unprecedented economic crises hit the United States. A global recession, combined with environmental disasters and the depletion of natural resources, left the country in a vulnerable position. Seeking a way out, American leaders turned to the Arab world for help. A coalition of Gulf states, led by a visionary and charismatic leader, Emir Khalid bin Faisal, offered a lifeline: massive investments in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy, in exchange for political and cultural influence.

At first, the partnership seemed like a win-win. Arab investment revitalized American cities, brought new jobs, and led to the creation of a high-speed rail network that connected the entire continent. The Arab states also introduced new educational programs, focusing on science, technology, and engineering, which quickly became the gold standard in American schools. Arabic became a mandatory subject in schools, alongside English and Spanish, reflecting the deepening ties between the two regions.

As the years passed, the influence of the Arab world on American culture became more apparent. Mosques began to appear alongside churches and synagogues in cities and towns across the country. American architecture started to reflect Arab styles, with domes, arches, and intricate mosaics becoming common in public buildings. Traditional Arab clothing, like the thawb and abaya, became popular, especially in the hot and arid regions of the American Southwest.

Politically, the transformation was even more profound. The United States adopted a federal system similar to that of the Gulf states, with greater autonomy for individual regions. The new constitution, drafted with the assistance of Arab legal scholars, blended elements of Sharia law with the existing American legal framework. While the country remained officially secular, the influence of Islamic principles was evident in the legal system and public policies.

The American political landscape also changed. The two-party system was replaced by a multi-party system, with parties representing various ethnic and religious groups. The most powerful of these was the New Dawn Party, which advocated for closer ties with the Arab world and the adoption of Islamic values in public life. By the turn of the century, the New Dawn Party had become the dominant force in American politics, with Emir Khalid bin Faisal's descendants playing a significant role in its leadership.

Socially, the transformation was met with both resistance and acceptance. Some Americans embraced the new culture, seeing it as a way to rejuvenate a country that had been in decline. Others resisted, clinging to the old ways and traditions. There were protests and even violent clashes, but over time, the new order became the norm.

By 2102, the United States was, in many ways, unrecognizable from what it had been a century earlier. The American flag still flew over the White House, but the stars and stripes were now accompanied by a crescent moon, symbolizing the country's new identity. Washington, D.C., had been renamed Al-Washington, and the city was home to the Grand Mosque of America, one of the largest in the world.

The transformation of America into an Arab state was not just a change in political and cultural identity; it was a reflection of the changing world order. The Arab world, once seen as a region in need of Western aid and intervention, had become the new center of global power, with the United States as its most important ally and partner.

In this new world, America was no longer the land of the free and the home of the brave. It was the land of unity, where East met West, and where the crescent moon shone alongside the stars, lighting the way for a new era in human history.

[t4tstarrailing]

man, screwllum and boothill would have such interesting interactions.

think about it. boothill was raised as a rancher and, with being a rancher, you've gotta have a damn good understanding of your land and how your actions impact the environment. so he's probably got a knack for intuitively understanding environments and ecosystems due to that alone, along with a strong sense of environmental justice. he's probably got an eye for flora and wildlife, able to identify species almost immediately or at least what they're related to.

screwllum, on the other hand, fucking loves organic life forms. insects, animals, etc. he admires them greatly. he'd probably love to hear about boot's experiences with being a rancher, how it impacts the environment, the unique flora and wildlife on his planet. if boot does anything with controlled wildfires, he'd probably see about coordinating a group to help him work them

anyway, screwy inviting boothill for a conversation and boothill apologizing for yapping about his home planet's flora and wildlife. meanwhile, screwy is quiet while trying to figure out if he'd be able to find those planets or something similar, and maybe bring them back to life and make them flourish once more. maybe see if he can use his sway to revitalize boothill's home planet

[wingedcatgirl]

so this post is going around and it's total misinfo because he actually did "do this for" all those. they-very-much-did.jpg

credit to @stirdrawsandreblaws for calling out the lies and @keastaroni for putting the links together but i'm reposting rather than reblogging because they added it as a reblog and i do not want to interact with the op of that post (a quick glance at their blog suggests that they're kind of an asshole)

It is a very easy google search, 100% Roe v Wade (abortion access) - July 2022 Student loan debt - August 2022 Canceled 5 Billion dollars in student loan debt Jan 19th, 2024 COVID - Ten within first two days Covid Vaccination required for Federal Workers Promoting Covid safety in Domestic and international travel Climate issues - First day of his presidency Executive order to revitalize our commitment to environmental justice for all BLM - also first day of his presidency Executive order on advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities School Shootings - March 2023 Hawaii - August 2023 Remember to be cautious of what you see online, it's election year. Do your research and stay informed. Continue voicing for the causes that matter to you, let your representatives know what you want from them. Vote!! Resources for demanding cease-fire in Gaza

[ngdrb]

The accomplishments of Joe Biden during his presidency

Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, assumed office at a pivotal moment in history, facing a myriad of challenges ranging from a global pandemic to economic uncertainty and social unrest.

Throughout his presidency, President Biden has pursued an ambitious agenda aimed at addressing these pressing issues and advancing key policy priorities. In this essay, we will examine some of the notable accomplishments of Joe Biden during his time in office and the impact of his leadership on the nation.

One of the most significant accomplishments of President Biden during his presidency has been his administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon taking office, President Biden made the pandemic a top priority and swiftly implemented a national strategy to combat the spread of the virus and accelerate the vaccination campaign.

Under his leadership, the administration successfully exceeded its initial goal of administering 100 million vaccine doses within the first 100 days, ultimately surpassing 200 million doses. This aggressive vaccination effort has been instrumental in curbing the spread of the virus and has contributed to a significant reduction in COVID-19 cases and deaths across the country.

 In addition to his focus on public health, President Biden has made substantial strides in revitalizing the American economy in the wake of the pandemic. The administration's American Rescue Plan, a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package, provided much-needed financial assistance to individuals, families, and businesses impacted by the economic downturn. The plan included direct stimulus payments to Americans, extended unemployment benefits, support for small businesses, and funding for vaccine distribution and testing. 

President Biden's economic agenda has also centered on job creation and infrastructure investment, culminating in the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a historic legislation that allocates substantial funding for modernizing the nation's infrastructure, creating millions of jobs, and bolstering economic growth. Furthermore, President Biden has been a vocal advocate for advancing racial equity and social justice in the United States. His administration has taken concrete steps to address systemic inequalities and promote inclusivity, including the signing of executive orders to combat discrimination, promote fair housing, and strengthen tribal sovereignty. 

Additionally, President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. These actions underscore the administration's commitment to confronting the legacy of racism and fostering a more equitable society for all Americans.

 Moreover, President Biden has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating climate change and advancing environmental sustainability.

 His administration rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change, signaling a renewed dedication to global cooperation in addressing the climate crisis. In November 2021, President Biden convened a virtual Leaders Summit on Climate, bringing together world leaders to discuss ambitious measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the transition to clean energy. 

Additionally, the administration has unveiled a comprehensive plan to invest in clean energy infrastructure, promote energy efficiency, and prioritize environmental justice, aiming to position the United States as a global leader in the fight against climate change. 

In the realm of foreign policy, President Biden has sought to reassert American leadership on the world stage and rebuild alliances with international partners. His administration has prioritized diplomacy and multilateral engagement, working to address global challenges such as nuclear proliferation, cybersecurity threats, and human rights abuses. 

President Biden has reaffirmed the United States' commitment to NATO and other key alliances, signaling a departure from the isolationist policies of the previous administration. His approach to foreign affairs has emphasized the importance of collaboration and collective action in tackling shared global concerns, fostering a more cohesive and cooperative international order. Furthermore, 

President Biden has been a steadfast proponent of expanding access to affordable healthcare and strengthening the Affordable Care Act. His administration has taken steps to bolster the ACA, including increasing enrollment outreach, expanding coverage options, and lowering healthcare costs for millions of Americans. 

President Biden has also championed efforts to address mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders, recognizing the critical importance of mental and behavioral health in overall well-being. 

In conclusion, President Joe Biden has achieved a range of significant accomplishments during his tenure in office, from his swift and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic to his ambitious efforts to revitalize the economy, promote racial equity, combat climate change, and reinvigorate America's role in global affairs. 

His leadership has been marked by a steadfast commitment to addressing pressing domestic and international challenges and advancing a progressive policy agenda aimed at fostering a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous future for the nation. As his presidency continues to unfold, the enduring impact of his accomplishments is likely to shape the trajectory of the United States for years to come, leaving a lasting imprint on the fabric of American society and the global community.

[fatehbaz]

Recent Chicago peice reminded me of the way Chicago north suburbs use military bases to divide and segregate in a manner that similarly matches connects to colonial actions. You always compile interesting stuff thank you.

Thank you for the kindness and support. I'm gonna riff on this a little bit. I'm sorry, I don't mean to distract from what you specifically brought up here.

Yea, we can add federal military base sites to the list of significant "innovations" Chicago has made in race-based labor segregation in service of wealth extraction. (For anyone following along, the article/essay we're discussing explores racism and white anxiety in Chicago, the fear and "anticipation" of Black migration from the South during Reconstruction and the Great Migration, and how between 1880-ish and 1910-ish Chicago then became a center of surveillance and policing beliefs and practices in response to this racial anxiety, refined to such an extent that Chicago's police/surveillance practices were then "exported" and employed across the US and also in the colonial plantations of the Philippines under US military occupation. By Jolen Martinez, in 2024, "Plantation Anticipation: Apprehension in Chicago from Reconstruction America to the Plantocratic Philippines".)

So Chicago is a wealth funnel, right? The node. The center of transportation networks. Extracted wealth channeled by the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence River waterway, channeled by the Mississippi River corridor, channeled by the railroads acting as tendrils reaching out into westward into "the frontier". For the United States, Chicago was the gateway to "the West". Over the course of the past two centuries: Furs from trapped mammals in Canadian boreal forest shipped through the lakes to French benefactors, mined metals from the Iron Ranges shipped through the ports, timber from Minnesota shipped through the waterway, cattle from Texas rangeland shipped to massive Chicago meat processing facilities, corn products from the tallgrass prairie ecoregion shipped to Chicago. And people, too. People diminished. People seen as mere resources. People as labor. People shipped to Chicago to work the processing centers, the docks, the restauraunt dish-pits. And so Chicago becomes a hub of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. And because Chicago was a hub of labor unions and Black migration, it also becomes a hub of policing.

Chicago achieves the pinnacle of its spectacular reputation with its image as a glistening modernist metropolis after the construction of the railroad networks. But even before the city itself was formally established, the wetlands where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan were kinda located in this general region that acts as a sort of bridge for French wealth, being both near the inland terminus of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence route while simultaneously also sitting near a sort of terminus of the Mississippi River route (uniting French Canadian fur trade and Ontario/Quebec settlement with French "Caribbean" plantations and settlement via New Orleans).

I think about how suburbanization, and its attendant racial segregation, is especially blatant in something I kinda think of as "the southern Great Lakes industrial corridor and its economically, ecologically, culturally similar satellites" (Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Omaha, etc.). Some writing that I enjoy about this, which you might enjoy checking out if you haven't yet, is Phil Neel's work, particularly the book Hinterland (2018). Neel's book is largely about suburbs/suburbanization; the environmental construction of Midwestern cities as hubs of industrial extraction and racial segregation; and how these Chicago-esque traditions of designing physical space (whether it's residential, "rural", "urban", whatever) to best isolate/subdue people for extraction are now widespread and typical of US space in general. As another example, Neel discusses how the "revitalized urban core" of Seattle's utopian "infotech metropolis" of tech companies is actually dependent on the corridor extending southward towards and past Tacoma, "this logistics empire" of "warehouses, food processing facilities, container trucks, rail yards, and industrial parks" while "the poor have been priced out" and "can also be found staffing the airport and the rail yards [...], loading boxes in warehouses [...]." So that the power of such a major city does not end at the technical city limit boundary, but extends beyond into the "rural" hinterland. (You can see this when looking up an "urban megaregion map".) This is of course pretty obvious with the Great Lakes cities, if you consider all of the corn fields, the farms, the Rust Belt manufacturing sites, many of which use railroad and/or highway corridors to funnel that wealth ultimately to a place like Chicago. And Chicago, in many ways, was a sort of "pioneer" of these techniques of organizing space with racially-segregated labor compartmentalization.

So perhaps unsurprisingly, urban/neighborhood segregation is very ingrained/formalized in the Great Lakes cities. Chicago's Lake Michigan-based sibling Milwaukee is especially notorious (2018 research found Milwaukee had the most extreme Black-white segregation of any US city with a million or more people). Including banking, home-loan denial, insurance practices engineered specifically and efficiently to isolate/segregate/prey upon Black people (all kinds of academic research on on these practices). Redlining ("other side of the tracks"), especially 1930s-1940s, made use of the region's many railroad tracks as physical barriers and hostile environments.

And part of why I liked Martinez's take on it was that we can see more evidence that Chicago's techniques of organizing space/life did not just establish ways of being in the Midwest, but also established ways of being across the United States. And we can kinda see that this power is not just physical/material.

I think Chicago is interesting, especially in the time period of the research we're talking about (1880-1910), because this Gilded Age, Edwardian era, turn-of-the-century-opulence kinda moment is sort of singularly important for (European) empire-building. British imperial power being exercised in Southeast and South Asia. The Scramble for Africa. French Algeria. European power reaching outwards. But it also corresponds to United States empire-building both domestically and globally. 1889/1890: Wounded Knee and "the closing of the frontier", the West has been won, from sea to shining sea, now the US thinks it owns the continent or whatever. And the US didn't waste any time. Immediately, the US moves on to Cuba, to the Philippines, etc. And it's like, at first, to target Indigenous people and the Wild West, there are obvious physical/material reasons why Chicago (geographically, as a railroad and telegraph hub, as shipping hub, as the destination of Great Migration) is like a homebase or an epicenter for westward expansion and domestic empire-building. And with Martinez's writing, we can see Chicago is not geographically a convenient hub of colonization abroad in Central America or the Philippines (it's not close to those locations, the railroads of Chicago don't reach Manila, etc.). And yet in a very scary way Chicago still actually did function as a hub of empire-building across the globe due to Chicago's ideas, imaginaries, beliefs. Chicago's imagination itself. Chicago's racism, channeling the earlier racial hierarchy of the antebellum South, reached out across the planet. Chicago authority figures trained police and administrators from elsewhere. Chicago-style police data-collection and record-keeping inspired surveillance approaches across the United States. The ideologies, the "personality types", the filing cabinets, the "intelligence cards", were adopted elsewhere. What white Southerners believed and practiced in antebellum Louisiana, would carry over into Gilded Age Chicago, would influence twentieth century US domestic surveillance, and would then affect the rest of the planet. The beliefs, practices, the very emotions of white US residents could transform plantations in the Philippines. Disturbing.

[sea-of-ash]

I've had this tgcf pokemon au spinning wildly in my brain for ages but I've finally had the patience to sit down and draw out some stuff for it! Here's Xie Lian's trainer credentials/card, and a few quick sketches-- I really don't know what happened with Altaria but eventually I just gave up on trying to fix the face haha

Still hammering out the details, but this is what I have so far:

Xie Lian, a once-great Pokemon Champion, Dianxia, is now disgraced and living in poverty. After suffering a devastating loss in battle against a mysterious trainer who calls himself White No-Face, Xie Lian is accused of not truly caring for his pokemon; he falls out of public favor. He is currently living in wild areas and forests, only venturing into towns for essentials. Despite his past status as the most powerful trainer across the regions, he avoids battling at all costs.

Hua Cheng is an infamous dark type gym leader (and the not so secret leader of Team Crimson Rain, an 'evil' team dedicated to liberating pokemon that are being abused by their trainers. All pokemon are then given the choice to leave, or remain at Hua Cheng's gym, where they are offered shelter, safety, and friendship.) He is just as obsessed with Xie Lian as in canon, because of course he is-- and his reasons are much the same.

Backstory/Random Scraps

Xie Lian has caught and then lost a legendary pokemon in battle against White No-Face. The loss of this pokemon is what started his eventual descent into despair and tragedy, Understandably.

Hua Cheng's first meeting with Xie Lian is very similar to canon: in their younger years, Hua Cheng is ruthlessly attacked by a group of older trainers and their pokemon because of his eye. Xie Lian notices the commotion and intervenes. His intervention likely saves Hua Cheng's life, and after he rushes him to the pokemon center, he stays and comforts him despite Mu Qing and Feng Xin's protests.

Months later, Hua Cheng attempts to sneak into one of Xie Lian's public battles to watch. He is discovered by the same group of trainers. Despite the trainers' mocking surety that Xie Lian holds no fondness for such a runt, Xie Lian does in fact pause his very public, very important battle to intervene once again. Hua Cheng falls head over heels in love and devotes himself to Xie Lian, because He's Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian's starter is an Eevee, which eventually evolves into a Sylveon. Hua Cheng chooses an Eevee for himself to follow in Xie Lian's footsteps-- his Eevee ultimately evolves into an Umbreon.

Qi Rong, Xuan Ji, and Gu Zi act as a sort of 'team rocket' in this au, but like the regular team rocket, they don't pose much of a threat and are oddly helpful on the rare occasion.

Shi Wudu's partner is a Primarina, Mu Qing's is a Lucario, Feng Xin's is an Infernape. Mu Qing's Lucario and Feng Xin's Infernape can't exist in the same room for more than a few minutes at a time, or else they start beating on each other without mercy.

Jun Wu owns an Empoleon and a Hisuian Zoroark. He is the current pokemon champion, and goes by the title 'The Heavenly Emperor."

White No-Face battles with a Kyurem-- in battle, it absorbs Reshiram's genes to help implement White No-Face's desired 'world of truth.'

Xie Lian frequently wakes up with leaves in his hair due to sleeping in the forest.

Shi Wudu and Shi Qingxuan are the water and flying type gym leaders, respectively. Black Water Sinking Ships does factor into this, but that's an arc I haven't fully fleshed out yet... rest assured there will be pain :)

Yushi Huang is a world-famous pokemon conservationist and functions a little bit like Professor Sycamore from XY/XYZ. She's stupidly strong but prefers to dedicate her time to revitalizing environmental areas, making them more suitable for pokemon. She is also deep in the process of attempting to woo Ling Wen.

Ling Wen owns a Malamar. With Malamar's assistance, she is able to communicate with others via telepathy. She is the psychic type gym leader, but she rarely battles because she's constantly exhausted from having to deal with other people's messes. She might possibly be hatching a somewhat-evil plot with Malamar, but no one needs to know that.

[killervelveteenrabbit]

"The Ghost and Molly McGee", Ten Years After

Molly’s ongoing work to improve the economic, cultural, and mental well-being of Brighton has earned her the love and respect of everyone in town, a few write-ups in statewide and national publications… and a full scholarship to the University of Iowa’s civil and environmental engineering program. She’s returned to Brighton, working for City Hall as assistant city planner (with her dad as her boss, which isn’t awkward at all, really) while earning her master’s online.

Molly wasn’t alone while she attended UI—Libby was her dormmate all four years that she was there. She earned a scholarship of her own, majoring in English. She also returned to Brighton after graduating, becoming a part-time reporter for the town newspaper while helping run her mother’s bookstore. All of this is in addition to her literary career. Matias, her father, took a second look at the fantasy novel she wrote and realized it was publication-worthy. It wasn’t a best seller, but the royalties from this and two other books Libby has written since let her live comfortably and pursue her passions in life. Her latest project is a series of books helping small children understand and live with the effects of divorce.

Molly and Ollie hit a rough patch after an admittedly stupid argument during their senior year of high school, and their two-month breakup proved just as hard on their respective families as it was on each other. They got back together just in time for graduation from Brighton High, only to part ways as Molly went to UI and Oliver headed for Iowa State. But they carried out a successful medium-distance relationship (it was only a two-hour drive between the two campuses).

Ollie has parlayed his experience as a researcher for his parents’ MeTube videos into a career as a freelance researcher for an assortment of psychological and medical foundations. While he travels all over the Midwest and occasionally beyond, he’s based out of Brighton… specifically, the rental house he shares with Molly. Ollie and Molly are practically married already, but their parents are eager for them to make it official. The couple are waiting a while to save enough money to stage the dream wedding and after-party they always wanted without breaking the bank.

Several years ago, an ill-advised deal involving a shipment of counterfeit designer smartwatches and the Uzbek mafia landed Darryl in hotter water than usual. He’s lucky all he got away with was lockdown in juvie until his 21st birthday… which got commuted to two hundred hours of community service and time served due to an unexpected (and slightly suspicious) governor’s pardon. At any rate, the whole debacle soured Darryl on similar schemes. He’s kept his nose clean since then, barring a few school detentions. He takes business courses at a local community college with plans to transfer to a four-year institution this fall. His current side hustle involves promotions and advertising for assorted boutiques and under-21 nightclubs that have popped up in Brighton's revitalized downtown.

June lives away from home, majoring at Drake University. But she remains Darryl’s best friend, the only person outside his family who’s consistently been there for him after his schemes blew up in his face—figuratively and almost literally; she was the one who detected that leak in the ammonium nitrate storage tank Darryl stashed out near the water tower. They even dated for a while before mutually acknowledging the situation was “weird” and deciding they were better off as friends. On a related note, maybe Esther shouldn’t have paid out all that money to have her wedding dress remade.

Pete and Sharon are still happily married. Pete takes great pride in the improvements he’s helped make for his adopted hometown of Brighton, and he’s especially flattered that his daughter is following in his footsteps. The town’s successes have become Pete’s successes—in the last ten years, he’s fixed up the family home and bought his first non-used car. He’s even dusted off his vinyl for a few gigs at some of the new clubs downtown. Meanwhile, Sharon offers painting classes at the local community center and retirement home. These days, she primarily uses her Gig Pig account to set up painting parties in and around town, sometimes as far out as Perfektborg.

The Chens’ enlightenment about the true nature of ghosts has led them to step away from their “Ghost Chaser Chens” MeTube channel. Ruben has had far more luck marketing his brand of small-batch root beer, now available in grocery and convenience stores all over the state. Recently, Esther inspired Ruben to introduce a “spiked” version flavored with Habanero peppers. Reception has been mixed.

Grandma Nin and her friend Patty are the self-described “Bad Girls of Brighton Hills”, but their adventures have proven more constructive than mischievous. They’ve organized concerts at the bandshell, joined the Senior Construction Crew on home-repair projects for needy families, and hosted a weekly potluck dinner/board game session in the home’s cafeteria. These dinners always feature Patty’s homemade gumbo—Nin helped her fine-tune the recipe so now it’s actually edible.

The McGees look forward to David and Emmie’s annual visits, a chance to catch up with family and connect with their heritage. The Thai lessons Molly took on Triolingo have helped her feel slightly more at ease when the Suksais come to call. Also, Sharon has tried practicing some Thai dishes, with Pete’s assistance and (critically) while Nin isn’t in the vicinity.

A year after Davenport’s closed its doors, the family rolled the dice and started a supermarket specializing in organic groceries, local produce, and hard-to-find foreign brands… items Bizmart couldn’t or wouldn’t accommodate. The gamble paid off, and Davenport's Turnip Patch sells and ships to customers across the region—yes, even to Perfektborg. (Sharon and Nin are frequent visitors since they carry Thai specialties like jackfruit, pandan extract, and even durian.) Andrea maintains the store’s computer systems but pointedly avoids appearing in advertising. She’s back on her socials, but not as an influencer. Her “Girl Code” series on MeTube provides tips and tricks for entry-level coding enthusiasts. The videos feature occasional cameos by her girlfriend Alina, who’s also taken an interest in the subject.

Three months after Scratch cast off his Chairman’s robes, they settled upon the recently departed spirit of a retired manager of an IRS branch office. Since then, the Ghost Council has basked in bureaucratic bliss, leaving the denizens of Ghost World alone and happy. Not long after Todd left, Molly conducted a séance and told Geoff what happened to Scratch. He realizes it will be a while before he sees his friend again, but at least he has Jeff to keep him company.

Todd and Adia have photographed wild horse herds in Montana, kayaked off the Antarctic Peninsula, biked through Croatia, snorkeled with manta rays in Hawaii, and helped refurbish a centuries-old mosque in Brunei… and that’s just in the last year! Their adventures included a meditation retreat in India where Todd astrally projected his spirit out of his body for a few minutes. He “came back” talking about a young lady back in Brighton who showed him how to live even though he was already “dead”. On their next swing back to the United States, Molly is the first person they plan to visit.

[tashizweig]

just want to give a little shout out to Coral Island, which released the first full version of the game today. i've been playing this since the alpha release (thanks to the lovely tor adding me to her kickstarter pledge) and it's a lovely new take on a farming/town game that lets you revitalize a dying island town and the coral reefs around it. it has a strong environmental message to it that really makes it stand out from other games, and the art is so cute. it's very, very fun, and i can't recommend it enough.

[visit-new-york]

How did the idea for Brooklyn Bridge Park originated, and when was it established?

Brooklyn Bridge Park stands as a testament to urban revitalization and community-driven development, offering a picturesque oasis along the East River waterfront. The park's inception is rooted in a combination of civic activism, visionary planning, and the desire to transform a neglected industrial waterfront into a vibrant public space. In this article, we delve into the fascinating history of Brooklyn Bridge Park, exploring its origins and the journey that led to its establishment.

The Genesis of the Idea:

The idea for Brooklyn Bridge Park germinated in the 1980s, a time when the Brooklyn waterfront was marked by dilapidated piers and neglected industrial spaces. The seeds of change were sown when community activists, urban planners, and environmental advocates began envisioning a transformation of this underutilized waterfront into a dynamic green space for the public to enjoy.

One of the key catalysts for the park's creation was the collapse of the old Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) that ran along the waterfront. This incident forced a reevaluation of the use of the space, sparking conversations about creating a park that could serve as a recreational haven and a connector between various Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Community Engagement and Planning:

The idea gained momentum through extensive community engagement and collaboration. Local residents, environmental groups, and civic organizations joined forces to advocate for the creation of a waterfront park that would preserve open space, provide recreational opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life in Brooklyn.

In the early 2000s, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation (BBPDC) was established to oversee the planning and development of the park. An ambitious master plan was crafted, envisioning a park that seamlessly integrated natural landscapes, recreational facilities, and cultural spaces.

Establishment and Development:

Brooklyn Bridge Park officially broke ground in 2008, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. The park was developed in phases, with each section carefully designed to cater to a diverse range of interests and activities. The conversion of old industrial piers into recreational and cultural hubs became a hallmark of the park's development.

The park's features include sports fields, playgrounds, waterfront promenades, and even a floating pool. Piers 1 through 6 were successively opened to the public, with each phase adding new dimensions to the park's offerings. The adaptive reuse of historic structures, like the Empire Stores and the Tobacco Warehouse, added cultural depth to the park, connecting visitors with the rich history of the Brooklyn waterfront.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Today:

Brooklyn Bridge Park has become a cherished destination for locals and tourists alike. Its success lies not only in its stunning design and diverse amenities but also in its ability to foster a sense of community and connection. The park continues to evolve, with plans for additional sections and improvements that promise to enhance the visitor experience further.

Conclusion:

Brooklyn Bridge Park stands as a testament to the power of community vision and collaborative urban planning. From its humble beginnings as a dream to transform a neglected waterfront into a thriving public space, the park has become a symbol of Brooklyn's resilience and creativity. As it continues to grow and adapt to the changing needs of its community, Brooklyn Bridge Park remains a shining example of how thoughtful development can transform urban landscapes and enhance the quality of life for generations to come.

[cognitivejustice]

Revitalizing the ocean economy with transformative sustainability innovation in urban planning and architectural design

Image: © Haptic Architects, Oslo Works, and BOGL

A waterside scheme spanning 45,000 sqm with features including Fjordarium—an aquarium with underwater galleries capturing the fjord’s marine life and anticipating its future. The facility is part of a wider knowledge hub of workspaces for marine industry and ocean tech businesses. Haptic Architects and Oslo Works reimagine a disused parking lot as a global centre for sustainable oceanic practices.

Fjordarium featuring underwater galleries that peek into the marine life of the fjord

The Fjord area is designed as the educational centre of the scheme and will house the Fjordarium. This building will provide an immersive visitor experience by offering a window directly into the fjord. The Fjordarium will encompass various facilities such as a restaurant, bar, gallery, event space, research laboratories, workspaces, and teaching rooms above and below the water level.

In collaboration with the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), the design of the Fjordarium building has been created to safeguard marine biodiversity. The building, as per the design statement, will be engineered to withstand the fjord's waves and currents while maximising natural light penetration into the underwater areas. It will address the challenges and provide solutions for cleaning the heavily polluted fjord caused by agricultural waste. In partnership with We Are Human, the architects have conceived the Fjordarium as a destination that will seamlessly blend physical and virtual experiences. It will serve as a global learning platform, exploring the drivers of the new blue economy while promoting a shift towards environmental sustainability and a regenerative approach to oceans.

[magickkate]

Hey there, beginner witches! Let's immerse ourselves even deeper into the magical world of water, shall we? 💧✨ Here's an extended guide with some additional types of water and their enchanting properties:

Natural Water: This is water in it’s natural state, as found in nature, with nothing added or removed.

Tap Water: Tap water serves as a foundational element in witchcraft, readily available for a variety of magical purposes. Use it as a base for creating magical concoctions, such as potions or herbal infusions. Infuse tap water with your intentions through visualization and focused energy, making it a versatile tool for spells related to purification, healing, and manifestation. Tap into the elemental essence of water and imbue it with your own magical energy to amplify its potency in your practice.

Rain Water: Rain water is a precious gift from nature, imbued with cleansing and revitalizing energies. Collect rain water during storms, infusing it with the power of the elements. Use it for purification rituals to cleanse yourself, objects, or spaces of negative energy. Rain water can also be used to nourish plants, promote growth, and enhance fertility spells. Its connection to the natural world makes it an ideal tool for grounding and connecting with the earth's energy. Remember to collect rain water ethically and with gratitude for its magical properties.

Ocean Water: Ocean water holds immense power and mystery, making it a potent tool in witchcraft. Use it for spells and rituals related to purification, cleansing, and banishing negativity. Collect ocean water responsibly, being mindful of environmental impact, and use it to connect with the primal forces of the sea. Ocean water is also associated with transformation and emotional healing, making it ideal for rituals involving personal growth and renewal. Remember to honor the ocean's strength and beauty as you work with its magical energies.

Spring Water: Spring water is pure and rejuvenating, symbolizing renewal and vitality. Use it for rituals and spells aimed at healing, purification, and spiritual rebirth. Collect spring water from natural sources, such as springs or streams, infusing it with the energy of the earth. Spring water is also associated with abundance and prosperity, making it ideal for rituals involving growth, fertility, and manifestation. Its connection to the cycles of nature makes it a powerful tool for connecting with the earth's energy and harnessing its magical properties.

River Water: River water flows with the currents of change, symbolizing movement, and transformation. Use it for spells and rituals related to emotional healing, release, and transition. Collect river water responsibly, honoring the water's journey and the life it sustains. River water is also associated with purification and renewal, making it ideal for cleansing rituals and spiritual baths. Its connection to the natural world makes it a powerful tool for connecting with the flow of life and harnessing its transformative energy.

Snow or Ice Water: Snow or ice water is pure and crystalline, symbolizing clarity, purity, and new beginnings. Use it for spells and rituals aimed at purification, cleansing, and spiritual renewal. Collect snow or ice water mindfully, being mindful of its ephemeral nature and the environment. Snow or ice water is also associated with transformation and resilience, making it ideal for rituals involving personal growth and overcoming obstacles. Its connection to the winter season makes it a powerful tool for connecting with the cyclical nature of life and embracing change.

Charged Water: This type of water has been charged with the magical energies of the moon, the sun, and/or deities. With the exception of Holy Water, you can purchase these waters from metaphysical shops but crafting your own will infuse them with your own magic, making them more effective in your own spell work.

Sun Water: Sun water is a potent tool in witchcraft, brimming with solar energy and vitality. Use it for spells and rituals aimed at harnessing the power of the sun, such as spells for success, confidence, and abundance. Its radiant energy can also be used to cleanse and recharge crystals, tools, and sacred spaces, infusing them with solar blessings. Additionally, sun water is ideal for rituals celebrating growth, transformation, and personal empowerment. Remember to infuse your sun water with intention and visualize your desires as you bask in its warm, energizing glow

Consecrated Water: Consecrated water is imbued with sacred energy and intention, making it a powerful tool in witchcraft rituals and ceremonies. Use it to purify and bless ritual tools, sacred spaces, and yourself before spell work or rituals. Its sanctifying properties can also be used to create protective barriers or ward off negative energy. Additionally, consecrated water is often used in rites of passage, initiations, and dedication ceremonies to mark significant spiritual milestones. Remember to imbue your consecrated water with reverence and respect, honoring its sacred nature and the divine energies it embodies.

Holy Water: Holy water holds sacred significance in various spiritual traditions and can be incorporated into witchcraft rituals for purification, protection, and blessings. Use it to cleanse and consecrate ritual tools, sacred spaces, and altars, invoking divine blessings and protection. Its purifying properties can also be used to dispel negativity and ward off malevolent spirits or energies. Additionally, holy water can be used in rituals and spells for healing, reconciliation, and spiritual renewal. Remember to use holy water respectfully and with reverence, honoring its sacred origins and the divine energies it embodies.

Moon Water: Moon water is a magical elixir charged with the energy of the moon, making it a potent tool in witchcraft. Use it for spells and rituals aimed at harnessing lunar energies, such as divination, intuition, and psychic abilities. Its connection to the moon's cycles also makes it ideal for rituals celebrating new beginnings, manifestation, and transformation. Additionally, moon water can be used to enhance dreamwork, meditation, and spiritual practices during the lunar phases. Remember to collect moon water under the light of the moon and infuse it with your intentions, allowing its mystical properties to amplify your magical workings.

Salted Water: Salted water is a versatile tool in witchcraft, offering purifying and protective properties. Use it for cleansing and consecrating ritual tools, sacred spaces, and yourself before spell work or rituals. Its purifying properties can also be used to banish negativity, dispel malevolent energies, and create protective barriers or wards. Additionally, salted water can be incorporated into rituals and spells for grounding, stability, and psychic protection. Remember to use salted water mindfully, honoring its ancient symbolism and the elemental energies it embodies.

Infused Water: These type of water is freshwater that has been steeped with herbs, flowers, or fruit, becoming imbued with the magical properties of the plants. You can usually buy these waters ready-to-use at your local metaphysical shop, pharmacy, or health food store but you can easily craft them yourself as well, making them more effective in your own spell work. They can make up a part of a spell or be used to replace plain water when working magick.

Basil Water: Use it for purification and protection by sprinkling it around your space or adding it to a spray bottle for a cleansing mist. Incorporate basil water into rituals for clarity and mental focus, especially before divination or spiritual work. Its invigorating scent can help dispel negativity and promote positive energy flow. Additionally, basil water is associated with prosperity and abundance, making it ideal for rituals aimed at attracting wealth and success. Remember to infuse your basil water with intention and visualize your desired outcomes to enhance its magical potency.

Lavender Water: Lavender water is a magical elixir with a wide range of uses in witchcraft. Use it for cleansing and purifying your space by spraying it around or adding it to your cleaning supplies. Incorporate lavender water into rituals for relaxation and peace, particularly before meditation or sleep rituals. Its calming properties make it perfect for promoting tranquility and reducing stress. Additionally, lavender water can be used in rituals for love and romance, as it is associated with attracting affection and harmony. Remember to infuse your lavender water with your intentions and visualize your desired outcomes to amplify its magical effects.

Lemon Water: lemon water holds a myriad of magical uses in witchcraft, making it a versatile addition to your practice. Use it for cleansing and purification by sprinkling it around your space or adding it to a spray bottle for a refreshing mist. Incorporate lemon water into rituals for clarity and mental focus, particularly before meditation or divination work. Its vibrant energy can also be harnessed to attract positivity and abundance, making it ideal for prosperity spells. Additionally, lemon water is known for its uplifting and purifying properties, making it perfect for banishing negativity and enhancing spiritual clarity. Remember to infuse your lemon water with intention and visualize your desired outcomes to amplify its magical effects.

Mint Water: Mint water is a versatile tool in witchcraft, serving purposes ranging from purification to prosperity. Spritz it around your space for purification and protection against negativity, or add it to baths for healing and relaxation. Before meditation or spell work, use mint water to sharpen your focus and enhance mental clarity. Incorporate it into rituals to attract abundance and prosperity, or utilize its properties to aid in communication and uplift spirits. Remember to infuse the water with your intentions and visualize your desired outcomes as you work with mint's magical energies.

Parsley Water: Parsley water holds potent magical properties in witchcraft. Use it for purification rituals, sprinkling it around your space or incorporating it into cleansing baths to rid yourself of negative energy. Its fresh aroma can also aid in banishing negativity and promoting clarity of mind. Additionally, parsley water is associated with protection and can be used to create protective barriers around your home or sacred space. Remember to infuse your parsley water with intention and visualize your desired outcomes to maximize its magical effectiveness.

Rose Water: Rose water is a cherished tool in witchcraft, renowned for its enchanting properties. Use it for love spells and rituals to attract romance, deepen existing relationships, and promote self-love and acceptance. Its delicate scent can also enhance spiritual connections and aid in meditation and divination practices. Additionally, rose water is associated with beauty and can be used in glamour spells or rituals to boost confidence and radiate inner and outer beauty. Remember to infuse your rose water with intention and visualize your desires as you work with its magical energies.

Rosehip Water: Rosehip water is a powerful ingredient in witchcraft, offering a wealth of magical possibilities. Use it for healing rituals to promote physical and emotional well-being, harnessing its rejuvenating properties to support inner healing and renewal. Its connection to the element of water also makes rosehip water ideal for spells and rituals related to intuition, psychic abilities, and dreamwork. Additionally, rosehip water is associated with abundance and can be used in prosperity rituals to attract wealth and opportunities. Remember to infuse your rosehip water with intention and visualize your desired outcomes to amplify its magical effects.

Other:

Florida Water: Despite its name, this is not actually water. Florida Water was introduced in America in 1908 as an eau de cologne by New York city perfumer Robert I. Murray.2 It became a staple in Hoodoo, Santería, Voodoo, and Wicca faiths as well as in other Pagan traditions. You can purchase original-recipe Florida Water from most metaphysical shops or you can brew your own if you have a recipe from a reputable source. Florida Water is especially effective in clearing, cleansing and protection magic.

Remember, with each type of water, infuse your intentions deeply. Let your energy mingle with the essence of water, and witness the magic unfold in your practice. 🌟✨

Sources: Annwyn Avalon. Water Witchcraft: Magic and Lore from the Celtic Tradition. Newburyport, Massachusetts, Weiser Books, 2019. Dorsey, Lilith. Water Magic. Llewellyn Worldwide, 8 Oct. 2020.