#first eagle program

[bostonrealtors]

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[nasa]

One Giant Leap for Mankind

Millions of people around the globe will come together for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games later this month to witness a grand event—the culmination of years of training and preparation.

Fifty-five years ago this July, the world was watching as a different history-changing event was unfolding: the Apollo 11 mission was landing humans on the surface of another world for the first time. An estimated 650 million people watched on TV as Neil Armstrong reached the bottom of the ladder of the lunar module on July 20, 1969, and spoke the words, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.”

While the quest to land astronauts on the Moon was born from the space race with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, this moment was an achievement for the whole of humanity. To mark the world-embracing nature of the Moon landing, several tokens of world peace were left on the Moon during the astronauts’ moonwalk.

“We came in peace for all mankind”

These words, as well as drawings of Earth’s western and eastern hemispheres, are etched on a metal plaque affixed to a leg of the Apollo 11 lunar lander. Because the base of the lander remained on the Moon after the astronauts returned, it is still there today as a permanent memorial of the historic landing.

Microscopic messages from kings, queens, and presidents

Another artifact left on the Moon by the Apollo 11 astronauts is a small silicon disc etched with goodwill messages from leaders of 74 countries around the world. Each message was reduced to be smaller than the head of a pin and micro-etched on a disc roughly 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Thailand’s message, translated into English, reads: "The Thai people rejoice in and support this historic achievement of Earth men, as a step towards Universal peace."

Curious to read what else was inscribed on the disk? Read the messages.

An ancient symbol

The olive branch, a symbol of peace and conciliation in ancient Greek mythology, also found its way to the Moon in July 1969. This small olive branch made of gold was left on the lunar surface during Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s 2.5-hour moonwalk. The olive branch also featured on the Apollo 11 mission patches sewed on the crew’s spacesuits. Designed in part by command module pilot Michael Collins, the insignia shows a bald eagle landing on the Moon holding an olive branch in its talons.

We go together

As NASA’s Artemis program prepares to again land astronauts on the Moon, including the first woman and the first person of color, this time we’re collaborating with commercial and international partners. Together we will make new scientific discoveries, establish the first long-term presence on the Moon, and inspire a new generation of explorers.

Is aerospace history your cup of tea? Be sure to check out more from NASA’s past at www.nasa.gov/history.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[extinctionstories]

Two hundred years ago, the wetlands of Japan rustled with pink-tinged feathers. Tall, pale birds stepped carefully through reeds and iris, hunting small fish, crabs, and frogs. 

Nipponia nippon, it would be dubbed by the national ornithological society, a bird emblematic of its country. The Crested Ibis. The Toki. The Peach Flower Bird.

Marshes slowly changed to rice fields, with farmers who resented the toki for ruining crops; to kill the birds was outlawed, so children chased them from the fields, singing warnings.

The doors of the country were pried open. Laws changed. Farmers bought their first guns, their sights set on birds who were no longer protected. The toki, the red-crowned crane, and many others began to suffer. But the worst was yet to come.

Pesticides are indiscriminate killers. The poison sprayed to kill a beetle can travel up the foodchain, toppling a cascade of larger animals, or affecting their ability to reproduce. It was reckless pesticide use that nearly wiped out the Bald Eagle. In the rice fields, the peach-flower-bird had little chance. 

In 1981, Japan’s last five living toki were removed from a wild that had become too dangerous for them.

I tell a lot of sad stories here, about mistakes we’ve made and animals we’ve lost. This isn’t one of those. This is a story about one of those precious times when we were able to fix the things we’d broken. 

A joint effort between Japan & China, and the discovery of seven more birds in that country, led to a successful breeding program, which in 2008 saw the first ibises fly free again in Japan. Today, at least 5000 toki exist in the world.

The last wild-born toki, one of those captured in 1981, lived almost long enough to see her species’ return. Reaching the equivalent age of a centenarian human, she died in 2003—not of old age, but injury after throwing herself against her cage door. 

Her name was ‘Kin’. ‘Gold’. 

Mended things can never be as whole as they once were. There will always be cracks that show, weak spots that remain vulnerable. Yet, like the shining seams of a kintsugi piece, these scars speak an important truth: here is a thing that someone chose to save; handle with care.

The title of this painting is ‘Restoration’. It is gouache on 22x30 inch watercolor paper

[the-ancient-dragons]

Welcome to my new (old) series called Overcomplicating the Pyrrhain Tribes (part 1 of 7!)

I have many more Overcomplicated designs to come (and I eventually want to move on to full bodies and action doodles!)

I started it sometime in January or Febuary, as I was applying to a digital creature program, when I was inspired to try and use real animal anatomy on the canon WoF tribes.

Do they need it? No!! Tui and Joy Ang have some of the coolest dragon designs and they don't need to be changed. I was simply inspired to practice anatomy and wanted to see what I could come up with. Plus, I've always drawn the dragons in Ang's style and wanted to see what I could come up with on my own.

Details and explanation below.

Otherwise, next Friday is the SeaWing!!! See you then!

Now, why are there two SkyWings and why do they not look the same? Because the second one, the one with the yellow horns, is actually the first one I drew. I didn't know what style I would be using and it was not well thought out. The first, the really pretty shiny one, is actually the seventh one I drew, when I had a clear idea.

This SkyWing is inspired by birds of prey (eagles specifically) found in the deadly eye and sharp beak. It isn't a real bird beak but I found that I really like the shape and style of an avian beak on reptiles, and the SkyWing had it originally. It looks better than the first version anyway. It's also got some vague monitor lizard and komodo dragon aspects in it, with the face scales (and especially around the eyes), but my favourite bit is the horns. I didn't document what species I used but I want to say it was a mountain goat (for obvious reasons). One neat feature about the horns is that each segment represents one year on top of the seven from the original horn. So seven years plus six segments means this particular SkyWing is thirteen years old. Just a silly headcanon on top of this headcanon design. Finally, the neck scales look less like fish scales and more like snake scales (using a snake for reference). I always loved those and wanted MORE of them. Plus it fits with their underbelly.

[shuaflix]

how eagles take flight (preview)

PAIRING ▸ slytherin!boo seungkwan x ravenclaw!fem!reader

GENRES ▸ fluff, humor, smut, angst, fantasy, action, enemies to lovers au, hogwarts au

WARNINGS ▸ profanity, slowburn, insane amount of lore, hurt/comfort, mild descriptions of violence, more to be added

SUMMARY ▸ on the night of halloween, you're selected as hogwarts' champion for the triwizard tournament, a competition for eternal glory held between three major schools of magic. of course, this makes absolutely no sense to you because you didn't put your name in the goblet of fire. you have a feeling someone's out to get you, though, and a certain slytherin who's hated you since your first year might have the answers you're looking for.

or, you and boo seungkwan hate each other's guts, but he might just prove to be an unlikely ally when you're selected for the triwizard tournament.

RELEASE DATE ▸ aiming for early 2024!

AUTHOR’S NOTE ▸ since i don't have much to show until the full fic is out, you can anticipate heavy slowburn, some blood purity prejudice, me racking my brain to come up with tasks for the tournament, the yule ball!!, enemies forced to work together, and ft. jeonghan, wonwoo, joshua, seungcheol, and irene (rv) ♡ send an ask or comment if you'd like to be added to the tag list !!

“AT LEAST YOU DON'T HAVE TO TAKE YOUR N.E.W.T.s NOW,” Wonwoo tried to console you while you two were walking to your Defense Against the Dark Arts class. “Charms is gonna kick my ass this year.”

Due to the strenuous challenge the tournament offered, testing your strength, courage, intelligence, and resourcefulness, the champions were exempt from exams. You figured it was because being a Triwizard champion was far more valuable than getting Outstanding scores on your end-of-year tests.

You snorted. “I’m still taking them.”

“But you don’t have to,” he said with a disapproving frown. “You should really be taking the tournament seriously, Y/N. People have died doing these tasks.”

“I just don’t understand how my name ended up in the Goblet of Fire,” you muttered. “I tried to explain that I didn’t put my name in, but they just told me that rules are rules. I have no choice now that I’ve been selected.”

“Just… make it through alive, will you? Don’t get yourself killed over eternal glory.”

“I don’t even care about eternal glory,” you whined. “Eternal glory isn’t gonna get me five N.E.W.T.s to get into the Auror recruitment program.” 

“I doubt you’d need five N.E.W.T.s if you won.”

“You’re generous for thinking I have a chance against Seungcheol and Joohyun.”

When you opened the door to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, you nearly groaned out loud once everyone’s eyes landed on you. A lot of talk had been going around about you being Hogwarts’ champion, and the attention wasn’t all that great. Some of the support was nice, but plenty of people had been betting on your loss and talking smack about how the Goblet of Fire should’ve chosen a better representative.

The only one in your class who appeared as though they couldn’t care less about you was Boo Seungkwan, a Slytherin who you couldn’t stand since your first year. You two got off on the wrong foot right off the bat, with you accidentally spilling ink all over Seungkwan’s new textbooks and him talking down to you for the rest of the year. It was a trivial thing to hold a grudge over, but as you two got more and more hostile toward each other over the years, you eventually just realized that you and Seungkwan weren’t meant to get along. 

You two hated each other so much that in your third year, you sent each other Howlers back-and-forth until a professor had to intervene. Apparently, screaming at each other through Owl Post was going too far, especially when the Howlers started arriving in the middle of classes.

Your dislike for him grew even more when he was picked as Head Boy for Slytherin. Although you had no qualms about the Head Girl chosen for the Ravenclaw house, you were still bitter that Seungkwan was effortlessly getting the opportunities that were always just out of your grasp.

Wonwoo grimaced once he took a look at the board. Apparently, you were graced with the pleasure of sitting next to the bane of your existence today.

“Think you can get through a class without killing Seungkwan?” he asked, squinting to make out who he was sitting next to.

“I think I have a better chance at winning the Triwizard Tournament.”

Wonwoo laughed, even though you were dead serious.

When you got to your table with Seungkwan, you did your best to avoid eye contact. You shrugged off your book bag and sank back into your seat without another word. Maybe if you tried hard enough, you could forget he even existed. 

“Your arm’s in my table space, champ,” he started, and although you tried to resist, your head shot up to see what the hell he was talking about. You rolled your eyes when you noticed Seungkwan pointing at your sleeve, which was barely on his side of the table. You moved your arm without another word. “Anyway, I didn’t think you’d be the kind of person to put your name in the cup.”

“You must know me so well, huh?” you sneered. “And, for your information, I didn’t put my name in the cup.”

Seungkwan stared at you with a strange look in his eyes before shaking his head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” you asked, growing defensive. You didn’t mean to raise your voice, but you quieted down after a few stares from other classmates.

He scoffed. “Take some accountability, Y/N. I literally saw you put your name in.”

You seized up. There was no reason for Seungkwan to lie, but you couldn’t fully believe that he actually saw you putting your name in the Goblet of Fire. You nearly started questioning whether you had been sleepwalking or something, but you were positive that you slept peacefully throughout the night. There was no rational explanation as to how you entered yourself into the tournament.

“Are you serious?” You turned around in your seat to face the Slytherin, nonplussed. “You saw me? You’re positive it was me?”

“Yeah? I know an idiot when I see one, you know?”

“Takes one to know one, I guess.”

Seungkwan shook his head at you. “You better have a plan to win. It's gonna be humiliating for us if you die out there.”

“Gee, thanks,” you replied bitterly. Your voice teetered on nervousness when you asked, “When did you see me put my name in the cup? Honest to God, I didn't do it, Seungkwan. You know I wouldn't.”

Even aside from Wonwoo, who looked at you skeptically after your name was called, you knew that Seungkwan saw right through you. He knew that you didn't have the guts to enter your name into the tournament. By no means did you consider yourself brave, and the Slytherin knew that quite well.

He looked at you strangely. “Last night. I was debating entering myself before I saw you.”

Before you could press him to elaborate, Yoon Jeonghan made a show of dragging his chair out from under the table that was in front of yours and Seungkwan’s, eyes locked on you as he did. He was one of the most popular wizards in your year with his charming looks and brilliant wit. He was sweet and friendly on paper, but he was notorious for dating around. You were pretty sure you saw him with a new girl every other month. Although he was one of Seungkwan’s best friends, you found him to be far more amiable. 

You pressed your lips into a thin line. Jeonghan was who everyone was expecting to get picked for the tournament. He was definitely more capable than you, and he posed a threat to both Seungcheol and Joohyun with his abilities. You were sure he would sweep the competition if he was selected as champion.

“There’s our champion,” he greeted with a crooked grin. “You’re gonna win for us, right?”

“Uh.” You paused. “No promises, Jeonghan.”

“Hey.” He lowered his voice to hardly a mutter, a playful grin on his face as he leaned in close. “You know my dad’s Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, right? Just say the word and I’ll find out what the first task is for you.”

“Isn’t that cheating?” you asked.

“Think about it this way: Durmstrang won’t stop at anything to make sure Seungcheol wins, and Joohyun half-Veela. She just has to bat her eyes at someone and they’ll cough up any information they have on the tournament for her.”

Seungkwan scoffed. “Jeonghan, you’re being careless. What happens when your dad finds out you’re helping the champion cheat?”

“Lighten up, Kwan. There hasn’t been a champion for centuries who hasn’t bent the rules a little.”

You swallowed hard. Surely, it wouldn’t hurt to accept Jeonghan’s help. After all, Wonwoo told you that Seungcheol and Joohyun would be using their resources to figure out tactics to go about their tasks. It would be no surprise if they had already found out what the first task required. If you had someone like Jeonghan on your side to help you, then you would’ve been stupid not to accept his assistance. 

Rules were one thing, but the entire school was counting on you to represent Hogwarts. You couldn’t make a fool out of yourself when the time came. 

“Well, if you happen to find out,” you told Jeonghan, “then I wouldn’t be opposed to hearing what the task is.”

He winked at you. “Just give me a day or two.”

send an ask or comment if you'd like to be added to the tag list ! hope you guys enjoyed the preview & look forward to the full fic ♡

TAG LIST ▸ @wonudazed @delicatewinterenthusiast @aaniag @punkhazardlaw @cottoncheol @zzoguri @peachyaeger @jsopinha @blurryriki @mangocustard16 @wqsty @jakeslvt @yawnzshit @myseokjinji @the-boy-meets-evil @wonvsmile @hanversace @jebetwo @ourkivee @primoppang @deekaye @yonabutnotyuna @seokqt @sarcasticsweetlara @littleredskies @apricottulips @hey-syia @elfoscheirosos

[ladykailitha]

Icarus Part 15

This was really popular last WIP Wednesday so it got down before the others did. So tada! The meeting with Vickie!

If you guys aren't getting notifications for my works, could you let me in know in the comments? Because I've been seeing it's been hit or miss lately, thanks!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14

~

Steve wasn’t sure what he was expecting when he walked into Eddie’s mansion. Both bands were meeting with their shiny new agent, Vickie Cameron. But whatever it wasn’t the woman sitting on Eddie’s big, black leather couch.

She had a stylish, curly, red bob that framed her angular face. Her bright green eyes were knowing and mischievous. Her clothes veered toward Bohemian in darker shades. Her smile was calm and welcoming.

Steve could feel the tension bleed out his shoulders as he sat down between Simon and Spence.

“You must be Abbadon,” she greeted warmly. “I’m Vickie Cameron, I understand that I called in the nick of time?”

Eddie who had come in behind him, smiled at her. “That’s right. She kept trying to shift blame on Abby here. Bob was awesome, though!”

Vickie looked to Chrissy and Robin in askance.

“The Fallen’s producer,” Robin explained. “He was there to prevent liability.”

Vickie nodded and then clasped her hands together. “I understand that not all of Corroded Coffin is here today?”

Jeff shook his head. “Gareth Hughes is currently in a ninety day program.”

“Eddie had to get special permission to talk to him about changing agents in the first place,” Brian explained. “It’s in our contract that all of us have to sign off on major changes.” He glanced sideways at Eddie and then Jeff before hanging his head.

Eddie sat down on the floor next to Shane, crossing his legs like the bassist. “But he was onboard one hundred percent.”

“That’s good,” she said with a smile. “I’m assuming it was that lovely little clause that prevented him from being replaced on tour?”

Steve looked around at the Corroded Coffin members as tension filled the air. Jeff and Eddie were radiating anger while Brian seemed to shrink in shame.

“I didn’t think it was fair that he would get replaced like he didn’t mean anything to us,” Brian hotly defended.

Jeff’s lip curled. “Dude, Gareth voted for us replacing him! He knew had made a promise and broke it. If we don’t punish him somehow, someway, he’s going to keep doing it!”

Brian’s chin began to wobble and he let out a shuddered breath. “I know. It was stupid. But it’s too late now. Let’s just focus on what we’re here for. Please!”

Steve shared looks with his band before they all agreed to just move on. But Steve made sure to make a mental note to talk to Eddie about it, because it was clear Eddie was really upset by the move even after a few weeks.

“Since you’re planning on touring together,” Vickie said, sitting up straight, “that makes the contacting for venues easy. Getting suites for two big bands might prove a little tricky at the moment as I don’t have the clout yet.”

“That’s fine,” Shane said from his perch on the floor. “We like to bunk all together if we can. It makes harder for people to try and pap us if there’s almost always someone there in the room.”

“That makes sense,” she agreed. “Will Jim Hopper be coming with you to function as your head of security?”

Robin nodded. “He’ll be the only one with knowledge of their real identities. His daughter will also be joining us as costumes director, but she has only dealt with their alter egos.”

Vickie nodded back. “That’s perfect. I’ll be just handling contracts and the legal eagle side of things, which is the main reason I need to know their real identities so no one can forge anything claiming to be a member of the band.”

Everyone nodded or murmured their agreements.

She looked at Eddie. “I know this your home, but would it be all right if I spoke to The Fallen alone?”

Eddie nodded and hopped to his feet. “Come on, Jeffy and Bri-Bri, let’s go raid my liquor cabinet.”

The other two men were to their feet in seconds and followed their lead singer out the door like ducklings in a row.

Vickie smiled after them. “They’re going to be fun. I can tell.” She turned back to The Fallen members. “Do you feel safe enough to remove your masks so that I can meet you properly?”

Steve and the other members looked around at each other before Shane took off his mask first. Then Steve and Spence together. Simon was the only that remained with his mask still on. Steve leaned over and whispered in his ear and rubbed his back encouragingly. After a moment or two Simon removed his mask too.

“It’s hard trusting someone new,” Vickie said with a reassuring smile. “Especially after harrowing experience that Abbadon went through earlier today. Giving that much power to any ex is hard, but if half of what Celeste says is true, she’s the last person in your lives that should have any kind of access to your secrets. So no judgments, okay? If you don’t feel comfortable being unmasked around me, that’s fine. I hope I’ll earn your trust in the future.”

Immediately Simon put his back on. Spence and Shane shared a glance before Spence put his back on, too. Only Shane and Steve left theirs off.

Vickie didn’t comment, only nodded her approval. “I had somethings to go over with you all so we can all get on the same page.”

“Why aren’t you calling us by our real names?” Simon asked, leaning into Steve’s side.

“Are any of the Corroded Coffin boys in on the secret?” Vickie asked, leaning forwards on her knees and clasping her hands together.

They all shared concerned glances, before Robin spoke up.

“Eddie is,” she said carefully, her shoulders squared against the tension in the room. “He guessed though, he wasn’t told.”

“But Jeff Laurence and Brian Martin aren’t read in?” Vickie pressed.

They all shook their heads.

“Then that would be why I’m not calling you by your real names,” she said clearly, sitting up straight. “There is a chance they might overhear a name or two and put it together who you are.”

Steve let out a shuddering breath and his lip quivered. “Nancy–she almost called me by my real name right in front of our producer. She almost outed me without a single thought or care. I–I’d never been more frightened in my life when she nearly slipped up. She had been so mad at me and I just wanted to get out of there, but I forced myself to stay there and listen to her.”

Vickie stood up and knelt in front of him, taking one of his hands as his friends offered their verbal support.

“I hate how much power she had in that conversation,” she murmured. “Agents like managers and PR firms are tools to help you navigate a job which constantly changing. That goes for actors, artists, athletes, comedians, and musicians of all walks of life. They should be supporting you, not making you miserable.”

She stood up. “And that goes for everyone, Corroded Coffin included. This is meant to be a partnership and it’s my job to sure it all goes as smoothly as possible.”

Simon removed his mask and looked her in the eye. “If you’ve got Abbadon’s back, you’ve got my vote of confidence.”

Everyone but Vickie turned to him, impressed. Simon was their Cowardly Lion. He was afraid of his own shadow outside of their personas on stage. It was only under the bright lights of the stage and behind his red mask that he truly came alive.

This was a big deal for Simon and his bandmates and Robin were proud as hell for him.

“So what did you need to go over with us?” Shane asked from his perch on the floor.

Vickie cracked her knuckles with a grin. “What I understand is that because your personal and professional lives are separate you need a little help fend off the trolls and influencers, is that right?”

“Aren’t they one and the same?” Spence asked with a snort. His mask was still on despite Simon’s bravery, he wasn’t ready to take that step yet.

“Only in the way that jackals and coyotes are both dogs I guess,” Vickie replied. “They act similar but have different motives for why they’re doing it. But I’m here to handle that.”

“I’m sorry to make you take on PR duties as well,” Robin said ringing her hands together. “But the more people who know the worse it’s going to be to keep a lid on everything.”

Vickie shook her head. “This is a good thing. Because I don’t have a lot of clients to juggle, I can do the PR for you guys. Simpler is always best.” She looked around the room. “I also understand that one of you is in a high profile relationship?”

Steve raised his hand. “Ish. Eddie and Steve are dating but it’s not public and with Eddie’s past history of sleeping with anything that moved, he can’t be seen with a roadie or the tabloids will explode.”

Vickie tapped her lip thoughtfully. “That is a conundrum to be sure. I’ll put together some plans and meet with Eddie and ‘Steve’ later in the week.” She put air quotes around his name. “Now, here are the other things we need to go over.”

Talk turned to the other things on her agenda and by the time it was over with all four members of the band were maskless, and eager to take her on.

~

Vickie, Robin, Chrissy were all sitting in Vickie’s office, popping the cork of a bottle of champagne to share between them. Chrissy poured the bubbling liquid into the three glasses and handed one to each of Robin and Vickie.

“Here’s to the three baddest bitches!” Robin said, raising her glass.

“Hell yeah!” Vickie crowed.

“Damn right!” Chrissy said, as they all clinked their glasses together.

They all drank and Vickie smirked around her glass. “So the industry is abuzz with news about Nancy Wheeler and Corroded Coffin pulling out of her firm.”

Robin and Chrissy leaned in close, clutching their glasses of champagne.

“Ooh,” Chrissy cooed. “Do tell.”

Vickie took another drink of her champagne and let them sit in it for a moment. “Apparently word is out that Corroded Coffin had vouched for her to The Fallen and when she was rude and dismissive of their unique requirements, Corroded Coffin decided that she wasn’t for them. And now huge acts are pulling out too in solidarity to The Fallen.”

Chrissy winced, but Robin nodded sagely.

“She sounded so sincere when I spoke to her,” she said, shaking her head sadly, “but my boys picked up on her hostility right away. All she had to do was put the past behind her, the way Abbadon seemed to, but she let her prejudices blind her and it led her to this.”

Vickie pursed her lips together. “I can see how some heavy hitters might like the bulldog approach that she took to her work, but not everyone has that tough of a skin. And while some part of me feels sorry for her, she absolutely dug her own grave.”

“Eddie was telling me some of the things she said to Abbadon,” Chrissy said, twisting the glass her hands. “It sounded like to me that she wanted him to absolve her of all her wrong doing without owning up to it in any way.”

Robin nodded. “That’s what Bob said, too. There was no apology and it didn’t sound like she ever intended to give one. So cheers to Vickie Carmichael, who sent the dragon running back to her lair!”

“Cheers!” Chrissy agreed to Vickie’s flush of pride.

“Thank you, ladies,” she said demurely. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with your boys. They all seem like good people. And yes that includes Gareth. I was able to meet with him without the other boys around and while he has some real problems to deal with, he’s a good person at heart who was led away by the high alcohol promised him.”

Chrissy nodded. “I wish Brian had let Gareth heal while they went on tour. I think it would have shaken something loose to see his friends perform without him.”

“To new beginnings!” Robin said, raising her glass.

“To new partnerships!” Vickie agreed, raising her own glass.

“To friends old and new!” Chrissy said.

They clanked glasses and drank deeply to their new future.

~

Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20

Tag List: CLOSED

1- @mira-jadeamethyst @rozzieroos @itsall-taken @redfreckledwolf @zerokrox-blog

2- @gregre369 ​@a-little-unsteddie @chaosgremlinmunson @messrs-weasley @val-from-lawrence

3- @goodolefashionedloverboi @carlyv @wonderland-girl143-blog @irregular-child @blondie1006

4- @yikes-a-bee @bookworm0690 @anne-bennett-cosplayer @awkwardgravity1 @littlewildflowerkitten

5- @genderless-spoon @y4r3luv @dragonmama76 @ellietheasexylibrarian @thedragonsaunt

6- @disrespectedgoatman @eyehartart @dawners @thespaceantwhowrites @tinyplanet95

7- @iamthehybrid @croatoan-like-its-hot @papergrenade @cryptid-system @counting-dollars-counting-stars

8- @ravenfrog @w1ll0wtr33 @child-of-cthulhu @kultiras @dreamercec

9- @machete-inventory-manager @useless-nb-bisexual @stripey82 @dotdot-wierdlife @kal-ology

10- @sadisticaltarts @urkadop

[commodorez]

What is the appeal of vintage computers to you? Is it the vintage video games or is it the programs? If so, what kind of programs do you like to run on them?

Fair warning, we're talking about a subject I've been passionate about for most of my life, so this will take a minute. The answer ties into how I discovered the hobby, so we'll start with a few highlights:

I played old video games starting when I was 9 or 10.

I became fascinated with older icons buried within Windows.

Tried to play my first video game (War Eagles) again at age 11, learned about the hardware and software requirements being way different than anything I had available (a Pentium III-era Celeron running Windows ME)

I was given a Commodore 1541 by a family friend at age ~12.

Watched a documentary about the history of computers that filled in the gaps between vague mentions of ENIAC and punch cards, and DOS/Windows machines (age 13).

Read through OLD-COMPUTERS.COM for the entire summer immediately after that.

Got my first Commodore 64 at age 14.

I mostly fell into the hobby because I wanted to play old video games, but ended up not finding a ton of stuff that I really wanted to play. Instead, the process of using the machines, trying the operating system, appreciating the aesthetic, the functional design choices of the user experience became the greater experience. Oh, and fixing them.

Then I started installing operating systems on some DOS machines, or playing with odd peripherals, and customizing hardware to my needs. Oh, and programming! Mostly in BASIC on 8-bit hardware, but tinkering with what each computer could do is just so fascinating to me. I'm in control, and there isn't much of anything between what I write and the hardware carrying it out (especially on pre-Windows machines)! No obfuscation layers, run-times, .dlls, etc. Regardless of the system, BASIC is always a first choice for me. Nova, Ohio Scientific, Commodore, etc. I usually try to see what I can do with the available BASIC dialect and hardware. I also tend to find a game or two to try, especially modern homebrew Commodore games because that community is always creating something new. PC stuff I focus more on pre-made software of the era.

Just to name a few examples from a variety of systems: Tetris, terminal emulators, Command & Conquer titles, screen savers, War Eagles, Continuum, video capture software, Atomic Bomberman, demos, LEGO Island, Bejeweled clones, Commander Keen 1-3, lunar lander, Galaxian, sinewave displays, 2048, Pacman, mandelbrot sets, war dialers, paint -- I could keep going.

Changing gears, I find it funny how often elders outside of the vintage computing community would talk about the era I'm interested in (60s-early 90s). [spoken with Mr. Regular's old man voice]: "Well, computers used to be big as a room! And we used punch cards, and COBOL!" I didn't know what any of that meant, and when pressed for technical detail they couldn't tell you anything substantial. Nobody conveyed any specifics beyond "that's what we used!"

I noticed that gaps remained in how that history was presented to me, even when university-level computer science and history professors were engaged on the subject. I had to go find it on my own. History is written by the victors, yeah? When was the last time a mainstream documentary or period piece focused on someone other than an Apple or Microsoft employee? Well, in this case, you can sidestep all that and see it for yourself if you know where to look.

Experiencing the history first hand to really convey how computers got from point A to B all the way down to Z is enlightening. What's cool is that unlike so many other fields of history, it's near enough in time that we can engage with people who were there, or better yet, made it happen! Why do you think I like going to vintage computer festivals?

We can see the missteps, the dead-ends, the clunkiness, the forgotten gems and lost paradigms, hopefully with context of why it happened. For the things we can't find more information on, when or documentation and perspectives are limited, sometimes we have to resort to digital archeology, and reverse engineering practices to save data, fix machines, and learn how they work. The greater arc of computer history fascinates me, and I intend to learn about it by fixing and using the computers that exemplify it best, and sharing that passion with others who might enjoy it.

[haitanisbug]

YANDERE! Bonten punishing you for faking an orgasm

cw: yandere. Noncon. Orgasm control. Orgasm denial. Humiliation. Degradation. Sir kink. Restraints. Exhibitionism. MINORS DONT INTERACT.

You faked an orgasm because you wanted him to get off of you as quickly as possible. These nights are always exhausting for you, tending to his needs. So when you figure out you can fake it to get it over quicker, that’s exactly what you do. But you forget that he’s perceptive and obsessed with you. He’s spent the past few months stalking you and tracking your every emotion. You’re a fool for thinking you’d be able to fake something as passionate as an orgasm. So, like the good boyfriend he is, he has no choice but to punish you for your poor decision:

MIKEY, RINDOU

He’s pissed that you’d have the audacity to fake an orgasm with him. So if it’s an orgasm that you’re avoiding, then it’s an orgasm he’ll give you. And oh boy does he give you an orgasm. Or many.

He starts with tying you down on his bed, spread eagle so he has easy access to your cunt. He’ll fuck you with his tongue first. Spearing your pussy and then flicking back to your clit so quickly that it has you cumming all over his lips. He’s memorized everything about you so of course he’s memorized the quickest way to bring you pleasure. Then he’ll fuck you with his fingers, spreading you out and rubbing your warm, gummy walls. It has you desperately trying to push your hips into his hand, trying to get more friction. But the restraints are tight and you can only take what he gives. He chuckles at your desperate movements and brings you to yet another orgasm.

You can’t be enjoying this, it’s punishment after all. So the last thing he does is secure a hitachi wand right up against your clit. He ties it securely and plugs it in and then just leaves it there for hours. You’re cumming over and over again, subjected to this relentless torture on your clit. Sometimes he’ll walk in with a glass of whisky in hand and sits in the corner to watch you. He just observes how your back arches off the bed when you’re close, your hands come up to grip at the rope burning as your palms tug it, the way you body flails as you’re pushed over the edge again, the cum that seeps out of your cunt and dribbles onto the sheets underneath you, the tears that trek down your face and ruin your poor makeup. He loves it all, and he watches it as if it’s entertainment made just for him. Then he’ll wander out of the bedroom for a bit, letting your pleas and sobs become background noise for whatever dull TV program he’s watching in the living room.

After hours of this punishment, he comes back into the room and turns off the wand to witness your utterly fucked out figure. You’re shaking within the restraints and you curl up into a ball once he undo's them. He clicks his tongue in frustration “let me get a look at that pretty pussy, angel.” Grabbing your knees he spreads your legs apart and just chuckles at the sight. Your pussy lips are puffy and swollen. He lightly slaps your sensitive clit, and you snap your legs shut with a shriek. He laughs loudly at the reaction and then pulls you up into his arms whispering into your ear.

“Your orgasms are your gift to me, and baby I’m gonna make you start giving more generously.”

KAKUCHO, KOKONOI

If you want to fake an orgasm with him, that’s fine. He’ll let you. But if you don’t want to get relief from him then he won’t give you any sort of relief ever. He keeps a close eye on you, not letting you touch yourself, keeping all toys away from you and he’s definitely never bringing you to release himself.

But the worst part is that he still teases you. He’ll perch you on his lap and slide his fingers into your shorts. He’ll play with your clit till your mewling into his shoulder on the brink of release. Right before you’re about to cum he’ll withdraw his hand and then laughs at the cry you make from your ruined orgasm. It’s tortuous and sadistic because this little routine goes on for weeks. Constantly bringing you close to the edge of pleasure but never letting you fall over. You’re babbling at him and begging him to let you just cum, please. But this is the consequences of your actions, and he’d so much rather watch your cry for an orgasm instead of gifting it to you.

Sometimes, he’ll even make it worse. Getting you to sink onto his cock, and fucking into you. He has to be careful because you’re so needy at this point, he suspects you could probably cum untouched. But again, he knows you’re body in and out, and he’ll pull out right before you cum and he’ll release all over your messy cunt. He has you follow him for weeks, making sure you’re never trying to sneak your own release. If he catches your hand sliding down to your clit, or your hips swiveling against the kitchen counter he’ll restrain you and add an extra day onto your punishment.

Only when he has you delirious, and on your knees in front of him begging to let you cum just once, only then will he finally relent. He’ll have you strip in front of him and then cups your pussy with one hand, he’ll squeeze it tightly and say

 “This fucking belongs to me, understand?”

Once he hears the small mewl of “yes sir” from you, then he’ll fuck you into oblivion, finally giving your release after weeks of pent up desire.

SANZU, RAN, TAKEOMI

Faking an orgasm around him not only makes him mad but he’s almost humiliated by it. Is he not good enough? Do you not desire him enough? Or are you just acting like a brat? He’s not sure and it doesn’t matter. If you don’t want to orgasm that’s fine, but your disobedience won’t last long, and he will humiliate you in return.

Unlike with Kakucho and Kokonoi, He’ll refuse to touch you at all. And at first you’re fine with it. That’s actually a dream come to true. But he refuses to let you touch yourself too. And after a few days you start to get needy. He sets it up perfectly: acts as if he’s preoccupied working on something and he’ll leave you alone in the bedroom. Your hands slip into your panties and right when you’re about to start fingering yourself he’ll barge in. He rips your hand away from yourself and with an icy voice he’ll say

“if you want to get off, you have have to prove to me you really want it this time. Make yourself cum, but you can’t use your fucking hands.”

He’ll oh so graciously offers to help, and you’re unsure of what he means till he’s sitting on the couch and shoving you on to your knees in front of him, sticking the toe of his boot right under your cunt.

 “Fuck yourself on my shoe, princess.”

You look up at him in shock. He’s never made you do something so degrading before, surely he’s kidding? But his face is impossibly serious and you realize that if you ever want release ever again, you have to follow what he says. The tip of his shoes catch your clit and it feels so good, that you start to hump his leg harder. He laughs at the pace of your hips but you don’t have the wherewithal to care.

Right when you’re about to cum he pulls his shoe away, and you’re left thrusting embarrassingly against empty air. It’s no use. Your orgasm is ruined and you’re left at his foot, crying in desperation.

“Didn’t think I’d make it that easy for you, princess huh?” His smug expression almost has you whimpering out pleas.

He continues his punishment throughout the rest of the week, making you try to get yourself off. And always in the most embarrassing positions and places. After all, you humiliated him by faking an orgasm in the first place, it’s only fair he pays back that feeling tenfold.

He’ll have you run your cunt against the arm of the couch while he finishes dinner and watches you desperately. He’ll have you on his lap during a meeting, rubbing against his thigh while the rest of Bonten has a clear view of your wet cunt rubbing up against his leg, pussy clenching around nothing. He’ll stop your ministrations right before you release all over his thigh, and you whimper and lightly sob into his neck. Trying to hide your face as it burns in embarrassment from the cackles of the men behind you.

It’s only after numerous situations like these does he finally let you have your release. And he makes you beg for it, and then has you thank him after your brain is almost fucked out.  When you’re tuckered out in his arms he realizes how much he’s enjoyed this week, and how he’s kinda wishing you fake another orgasm again if that means he gets to see you humiliate yourself all over.

[readyforevolution]

JACK DANIELS HOLSCLAW (1918-1998)

Tuskegee Airman Jack Daniels Holsclaw was born in Spokane, Washington, on March 21, 1918. His father, Charles, was a clerk in a downtown store, and his mother, Nell, was a manager at Pacific Telephone and Telegraph. Holsclaw attended North Central High School in Spokane, where he excelled both academically and athletically. When he was 15, he became the first black person in Spokane to earn the Eagle Scout badge.

Holsclaw entered Whitworth College in 1935 but transferred to Washington State College (now Washington State University) in 1936 to play baseball. Beginning in his junior year, he played center field and helped the Cougars finish as co-champions of the Northern Division, Pacific Coast Conference. He was the second African American earn a varsity letter in baseball at the college.

In 1939, Holsclaw transferred to a chiropractic program at Western States College in Portland, Oregon, where he met his wife, Bernice Williams. They had one son, Glen. Holsclaw completed the chiropractic program in 1942 and passed the Oregon state board examination.

While there, he enrolled in a government sponsored Civilian Pilot Training Program at Multnomah College and earned his pilot’s license. On October 5, 1942, he enlisted in the army as a private and entered flight school, training at Tuskegee Army Airfield, Alabama. After completing his training, he received his wings and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on July 28, 1943. Lieutenant Holsclaw received advanced training at Selfridge Field near Detroit, Michigan before his squadron was shipped to Italy in December 1943.

Lieutenant Holsclaw flew in the 100th Fighter Squadron, 332d Fighter Group, an all-black pursuit squadron. Holsclaw named his favorite P-51 “Bernice Baby” in honor of his wife. The 332d Fighter Group had distinctive red tails giving them the nickname “Red Tails.” The 332d Fighter Group escorted bombers on their runs over enemy territory, shielding them from German fighters. To the bomber crews that were protected by them they were the “Red Tail Angels.”

On July 18, 1944, in an aerial battle over Italy, Holsclaw shot down two German fighters. For this action he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. By December 1944, Holsclaw had completed 68 combat missions, nearing the limit of 70, when he became Assistant Operations Officer, an important administrative position that included aerial mission planning. In January 1945, Holsclaw was promoted to captain.

Captain Holsclaw returned to the United States in June 1945 to serve as assistant base operations officer at Godman Field, Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served as an Air Force ROTC instructor at Tuskegee Institute and then Tennessee State College.

From 1954 to 1957, Holsclaw was assigned to Japan, and from May 1962 to the end of 1964, he served as chief of the training division, Sixth Air Force Reserve Region at Hamilton Air Force Base, California. He directed the preparation of two textbooks to guide incoming air force personnel. Holsclaw retired from the Air Force on December 31, 1964 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

From 1965 to 1973 Holsclaw served as a manager in the Marin County Housing Authority, California. In 1973, he and Bernice returned to Washington where Holsclaw joined the staff at the People’s National Bank in Bellevue. He remained there until his second retirement in 1983. He and Bernice took up residence in Arizona, where Jack Holsclaw died on April 7, 1998, at the age of 80.

In August 2019, the Jonas Babcock Chapter, NSDAR, dedicated a historical marker in the memory of Lt. Col. Holsclaw at the site of his childhood home in Spokane.

[lonestarflight]

Apollo Program: Lunar Module (LM) production and names

The Grumman Aerospace Corporation was awarded the contract on November 7, 1962. Originally designated Lunar Excursion Module (LEM), NASA ordered 25 lunar modules (10 test articles and 15 production models) for testing and landing on the moon. This was to go with the 15 Saturn Vs and Apollo CSMs. They were assembled in Grumman's factory in Bethpage, New York.

"There were initially four major subcontractors: Bell Aerosystems (ascent engine), Hamilton Standard (environmental control systems), Marquardt (reaction control system) and Rocketdyne (descent engine).

The Primary Guidance, Navigation and Control System (PGNCS) was developed by the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory; the Apollo Guidance Computer was manufactured by Raytheon (a similar guidance system was used in the command module). A backup navigation tool, the Abort Guidance System (AGS), was developed by TRW."

-Information from Wikipedia: link

After the Gemini 3 spacecraft was dubbed Molly Brown by Gus Grissom, NASA forbade naming spacecraft. For Apollo 9, this changed due to mission controllers in Houston needing a way to differentiate between the two spacecraft.

Between 1969 and 1972, Grumman produced a series of insignias for their Lunar Modules which were distributed in limited quantities to their employees in the form of decals and prints.

Apollo 5 (LM-1): none

Apollo 3 (and later 2) (LM-2): Never used, intended for a mission similar to Apollo 5. The success of LM-1 led to the cancellation.

Apollo 9 (LM-3): Spider

Apollo 10 (LM-4): Snoopy. The LM ascent stage in heliocentric orbit and is the only known one to have survived intact

Apollo 11 (LM-5): Eagle (originally named haystack)

Apollo 12 (LM-6): Intrepid

Apollo 13 (LM-7): Aquarius

Humorously, Grumman sent North American (the manufacturer of the Apollo Command and Service Module) a tow bill sometime after the crew returned. North American retorted back saying they've never sent them a tow bill for the previous missions.

Apollo 14 (LM-8): Antares.

Apollo 15 (originally) (LM-9): never used, on display the Kennedy Space Center.

Intended for Apollo 15 and was the last H-type mission. When Apollo 18 was cancelled, it was decided to make Apollo 15 the first J-type mission.

Apollo 15 (LM-10): Falcon, originally intended for Apollo 16. First of the extended stay series.

Apollo 16 (LM-11): Orion, originally intended for Apollo 17

Apollo 17 (LM-12): Challenger, originally intended for Apollo 18.

Note: this name was reused for the second operational Space Shuttle Orbiter. After the Challenger Disaster, NASA officially retired the name.

Apollo 18 (LM-13): never used, originally intended for 19. It was partially completed when Apollo 18 and 19 were cancelled. Later restored by Grumman workers and is on display at the Cradle of Aviation History and Education Center.

Apollo 19 (LM-14): never used, originally intended for Apollo 20. It was partially completed when Apollo 18 and 19 were cancelled. What was completed, was later scrapped.

Apollo 20 (LM-15): never used, partially completed, scrapped. When Apollo 20 was cancelled, it was intended for modification into the Apollo Telescope Mount. Later the Telescope Mount was integrated into Skylab and this dedicated mission was cancelled.

source, source, source, source, source

NASA ID: MSFC-69-MS-G-1300-27, S67-50927, AS09-21-3183, AS10-34-5087, AS11-40-5946, AS12-46-6726, AS13-59-8566, AS14-66-9306, AS15-88-11866, AS16-113-18339, AS17-140-21370

[mpregandproud]

The winning goal

“It's been six months since anyone on his team has heard from him. His departure was a shock for the Eagles at the best moment of the season. One of their star players surprised everyone by publishing a statement on his Instagram profile announcing that for personal reasons he had to leave for now the team where he has been playing since he was 15 years old.

We are talking about Adam Owens, of course. 25 years old. One of the jewels of the Eagles' school of players. He has been ascending during these last 10 years of categories until reaching the first team. He has won the league four times and has scored 34 goals in seven seasons. Big numbers

Those who know him intimately say that he is the soul of the team, one of the most encouraging to his teammates and one of the leaders in the locker room. Although he has always been very shy and reserved in front of the public, the Eagles' fans are crazy about him. The younger fans wear jerseys with his name and he is one of the most promising players of the moment.

Today, in this program, we are not going to debate the reasons for his departure. We are not going to go on ruminating about the reasons why a successful player decides to disappear overnight without giving any explanation. Today we are going to talk to the player who has made the most headlines in recent months. Today we have Adam Owens on Sports Talk”.

This is how Alexandra Gonzalez, the host of the successful Sports Talk program, the most watched sports program in the country, introduced Adam Owens, the soccer player of the moment. This interview has been announced with great fanfare by the television network in recent days. The expectation is at its peak, 15 million viewers are expected to follow live the most awaited interview of the moment.

The rumors about one of the most important soccer players of the moment have reached the whole world. No one in Owens' entourage has spoken out in recent months. His parents, his brother, his friends… no one has wanted to say anything to the press. Owens has not posted anything on his social profiles since the day he released the statement announcing that he was leaving the Eagles for personal reasons.

The team, for its part, said Owens only explained to them that it was personal reasons that led him to leave the team. After a few weeks of waiting to see if he would return, the Eagles signed Tom Logan, a promising young player to replace him on the team.

There were many doubts and this interview was announced as the perfect opportunity to clear all doubts. Alexandra Gonzalez is known to be an incisive journalist, the kind of journalist who always gets her interviewee to open up and talk, so it was clear to everyone that all doubts would be cleared up that very night.

- Good evening Adam. Thanks for coming on Sports Talk. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to be the first media outlet to talk to you. First of all, how are you feeling?

- I'm good, I'm good. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to talk. I'm feeling good. I think I have put in order all the things I was going through and this was the moment to talk.

- This is the first interview you've given since that January 5 when you published the statement on Instagram, how has it been to keep silent during all this time?

- Complicated, I'm not going to lie. Making a decision like the one I made took me a long time. My partner helped me to assess all the pros and cons, to evaluate what was the best option for me and my career. So I told Eagles management that I was stepping away from the team for personal reasons and that same afternoon I announced it to all the club's followers on Instagram.

- Just like that, with no other reasons? From the Eagles we have been told all this time that you have not given more explanations than the ones you gave to the public. You didn't tell them what the personal reasons were?

- No, I thought at the time it was better not to say anything. I am going through a very complex personal situation and I don't think I had to go into details at that time.

- Not with your fans either?

- Neither, at that moment I needed to get away from everything, disappear and spend as much time as possible with my partner, my family and my friends in private.

- Do you think the soccer world might not understand your reasons?

- I don't think so.

- Don't you? -Alexandra was surprised by the answer. It took her a few seconds, but she continued with her question, she wouldn't stay without knowing something else- Being you one of the most loved soccer players by the fans, by those of your team and those of the rival teams, don't you think they would have reacted well?

- No. You see, the world of soccer is my family, my life, but it is also a very traditional world that asks men to play a very specific role. When you don't fit into those pre-established canons you can be the subject of insults in the stadiums and sponsors may not want to support you anymore. I know it would be a small minority, but they can make your life miserable.

- So you made that decision to protect yourself and your family, I guess?

- Yes, you could say that. I didn't want my family, my partner or myself to go through a complex time to manage that could do us a lot of harm. Maybe it was all prejudice on my part, but I was really afraid, and I thought that disappearing for a while would be the best solution.

- Is that time over today?

- Partly yes, although I haven't finished my process yet.

- So, if the process you are going through is not over, why not wait a little longer to talk?

- Because I have understood that I can't keep quiet any longer. My environment, the same one that supported me when I told them that I wanted to get away from everything, has been encouraging me during all this time to take the step and to talk. They have been the ones who have convinced me that I can help more if I speak publicly. That's why I contacted you a few days ago to come here.

- I have to tell to our viewers that you and I have talked a lot these past days. I have been a few days ago in your house meeting you and your partner and you have told me everything. So if you want, let's go little by little so that the viewers at home understand everything well, -that was the first time in the whole interview that Alexandra smiled, in a way it seemed that she empathized with Adam. Knowing her hardness with the interviewees, this could be interpreted like an affectionate hug-. Where do you want us to start?

- I think we can start with me, with my story.

- Okay. You started playing soccer at a very young age. You come from a family of athletes, your father a well-known soccer player, Edward Owens, and your mother a gold medalist in gymnastics at the Olympics, Natasha Fredriksen. You had everything to succeed…

- Yes. My story begins like many success stories in sports, someone who comes from a perfect family and is lucky enough to have a gift for being good playing soccer. Since I was a little boy I have enjoyed playing soccer very much, it has been my way to escape from reality. When I get dressed to take the field I forget everything. For those 90 minutes I'm Adam Owens, the Eagles' star soccer player. I don't like everything else about soccer as much, especially when it conflicts with your personal life.

- What happened?

- As I told you before, soccer is a very traditional environment. We men have to follow the “alpha male” prototype. We are the role model for a lot of guys. And, apparently, we have to raise them to be brutes. Sensitivity or diversity is the exception on the soccer field.

- Why does this affect you so much?

- Because I'm gay. -Adam said earnestly but very forcefully.

After pronouncing those words he fell silent, Alexandra did not interrupt him, she let him be. In a few seconds the seriousness of Adam's face transformed into a smile from ear to ear. It looked like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. You could tell he had been wanting to say this publicly for a long time. Although he was not the first to come out of the closet in the soccer world, he was very the first top male footballer to say he was gay. Alexandra didn't say anything, just smiled, waiting for Adam to continue the interview.

- It is not easy to utter these words, and to do so in front of millions of viewers. But it was time to say it. I have often felt the urge to say this out loud. I've talked about it many times with my teammates, with the board and with my family, and they told me that they supported me 100%, but I was never brave enough to say it out loud.

- What has changed so that you are now taking this step?

- My life. My life changed. I have experienced a 180 degree change in the last few months. My priorities have completely changed. I have understood that I can't expect others to always give me their validation. If they don't like what I have said, if they don't like my private life… I can't do anything. I am happy, immensely happy, and this is me. Whether you like it or not.

- A man who is here with you on the set today is one of the reasons for your happiness. Do you want him to come in and follow the interview with you?

- Sure, let him come in.

At that moment Víctor Sánchez, the Olympic swimmer, entered the set. The fact that Victor Sanchez was gay did not surprise anyone, he had been out of the closet for a few years, but the fact that he was Adam Owens' partner did. A couple of handsome and successful athletes who for the first time were together in front of the cameras. Victor, tall, with a broad back and a tight T-shirt that left no room for imagination walked in determined and with a smile on his face. As soon as he sat down next to his partner, he shook his hand and raised it to gave him a tender kiss.

- Victor Sanchez, ladies and gentlemen. No need for introductions, I think our viewers know you very well. Next month they will be following you at the Summer Olympics where you aspire to revalidate the four medals you won four years ago. You are, we can already say, Adam Owens' boyfriend.

- That's right -said Victor- we've been a couple for few years. When I came out of the closet I was already his boyfriend, we had just started a relationship and for me it was the right moment to say publicly that I am a gay man. I am aware that in my sport it's easier to do this than in soccer, so I never pressured Adam to take the step. We've been in this together and we're going to continue to be in it together, now more than ever.

- "Now more than ever", Adam, this interests me. Because we can tell our viewers that your homosexuality wasn't the reason for leaving soccer, there's something else that, even if they don't believe it at home, will surprise them even more. I want you to tell the camera what it's all about.

- The time has come -Adam said looking visibly nervous. He was shaking, smiling, but shaky. Although the shot of him didn't show more than his face, it was clear that he was holding Victor's hand tightly as if for courage. He closed his eyes for a second and continued- I'm going to get up and show what it is, it will be easier.

Adam let go of Victor's hand and resting his hands on the armrests of the armchair where he was sitting, he stood up. The camera zoomed out and something was visible that didn't fit the physique of a professional footballer. The blond-haired, blue-eyed boy with an enviable muscular physique sported a huge round belly. His chest was more swollen than the last time he could be seen publicly. His hips, thighs and ass had increased in size as well.

Adam brought his hands to his belly and cupped it in a gesture that no one had any doubts about anymore. “Adam Owens is pregnant,” is the conclusion everyone came to at that moment. It was also the headline that the television put on the screen.

- We are going to be parents of two children in two months if everything goes well -he sat back down on the couch. Now the open shot showed his whole body and his partner as well. All the cards were now face up. The rumors were over in one fell swoop. Adam Owens, the star soccer player of the moment was about to become a dad with his partner, Victor Sanchez-.

- Congratulations guys. You make a beautiful couple and you will have the cutest babies -said Alexandra, really excited. She knew she was in for the interview of her lifetime, but for some reason it seemed that her happiness was genuine. Behind the tough reporter was just another spectator who was happy for Adam and Victor and what their story could mean for the world of soccer and sports-. But I have to ask you, how does a top footballer, in his prime, decide to get pregnant?

- We've been dating for a little over two years and as an established couple. We both knew we wanted to have children. We wanted to start a family together. Almost all my teammates have children, so why shouldn't I? After months of talking about the possibility of being parents we were clear that we did not want a surrogate, ethically we do not see well that another person lends his body to carry our children. We saw the possibility of adopting very slow, the process is very long. So, having the opportunity to get one of us pregnant, we decided to do it this way.

- And how does a couple of men, both in the prime of their sporting careers, decide which of them will sacrifice their careers to carry your babies?

- The decision was easier than you think, -said Adam, looking at Victor and smiling-. The Olympics have decided for us. Victor qualified, but I didn't, the national soccer team didn't get in. It was clear to us that I was the best choice to carry our children.

- Didn't this add more pressure to your possible outing?

- Yes, but I didn't think about it at the time. I was so excited about being a father with Victor that I didn't really think about it. I started to worry when I took a test and it came back positive. Then I realized how important was what we were going through and what it could mean for me and my career. With the pregnancy I knew I wouldn't be able to play for a while, I assumed that when we started trying to become parents. But even though it was clear to me, I didn't feel I had the strength to give so much explanation all at once: to come out of the closet and announce that I was pregnant with twins. The possible consequences terrified me. So I did what I did. Maybe I was wrong, I don't know, but I did it for me, for us, and for the family we are creating together.-Adam said-.

- In fact, that moment of such a clear decision he made to get pregnant with our children was what I reminded him of a few weeks ago. Because of that he made him click and called you to give this interview -added Victor, patting Adam's shoulder to comfort him.

- Victor has been fundamental in these months. He understands me perfectly, he knows me better than anyone. He knows how difficult what we are doing is. He has known how to respect my time and take care of me. I could not have found a better boyfriend and a better father for my children. Thank you for everything, my love. -Adam said, giving his boyfriend a kiss-. I don't know if this will mean that my career as a top-level footballer is over, but if I don't play again because I came out of the closet and became a dad, it will have been worth it. Right now my priority is my three boys, my family.

- Guys, this is a beautiful moment, but I have a call to introduce. Good evening Scott Harrison, president of the Eagles soccer club.

- Good evening Alexandra -said Scott-. And good evening Adam and Victor, congratulations from the bottom of our hearts on the good news.

- Mr. Harrison, how did you take the news that Owens shared with us tonight?

- The news, well, I was only surprised by one of the two. We at Eagles already knew that Adam and Victor were a couple and that our player was gay. For us this was never an issue, as Adam said before. We have discussed it many times with him and we have tried to do our best to make him feel like a very important part of our club.

- What about the pregnancy?

- I didn't expect it. I'm not going to lie to you. I had been thinking for months that we had done something wrong with him and I didn't know what it could be. I also thought he, or someone in his family, had a serious illness. I called him several times to find out what was wrong, but he didn't return my calls. Now I understand everything, and I understand him. But I have to tell him something. Adam, son, Eagles is your home, we are your family, you are one of us. You always have been, and you always will be. I want to tell you that as soon as you give birth and recover completely, you will have the opportunity to play with us again if you want to. We are still counting on you.

- Thank you very much Mr. Harrison -stammered Adam. The boy was visibly moved. He was crying with happiness. With the fears he had, he never thought his team would react this way. He put his hand to his mouth, while Victor leaned over him a little to put his arm behind him and wrap it around him in a comforting embrace.

- Of course, I want to, in a few months, when I recover, I will be back to training and playing again, for sure. I'm sorry to have worried you and the fans. I hope you can forgive me.

- There is nothing to forgive. We all know what the world of soccer is like, that's why we need people like you to be playing so that other players later on don't have to go through the fear you went through. You are an example for everyone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I hope to see you soon and give you a big hug.

- Thank you Mr. Harrison -said Alexandra- I think this call is ideal for us to put an end to our interview. Thank you very much, Adam and Victor, we wish you the best of luck in your careers and in this adventure of becoming parents.

- Thank you for helping us so much and for making it so easy for us to open our hearts -said Victor as Adam wiped away his tears at Scott Harrison's call.

- He is right, without you we could not have done this so naturally and easily. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. And thank you to everyone for understanding and supporting me, supporting us. I promise you that from today, this footballer, because I'm still a footballer, is a little better because of you -said Adam looking at the camera-.

- Beautiful words. Today many of you may have been surprised with this story, but it is one of those stories that we always like to bring to our program. The human side behind elite sport. Those stories that make us better people. Thank you for joining us tonight, we will be back very soon. Goodbye, see you soon.

[gothgengargirl]

Orientation Day

���Number 651814.”

The haze in my head fades a bit as I snap to attention. My head is fuzzy. Has been fuzzy. I remember my employee ID number, but… my name? I had one of those, right?

I am strapped down, my arms and legs spread eagle. I can see my body, so different than when I entered FemCorp job training a week ago. So much softer. Curvier. Better.

I can also see my manager. Her face is stern, all business. But with a hint of a smile. She’s holding something, but I can’t tell what. And Manager doesn’t seem like the right word. Not anymore. Not after the training modules. Mistress? Mommy? Both words ring in my head, pushing out everything but the pleasure.

“Your initial reconfiguration is almost complete, 651814. Reviewing your application paperwork, we saw you had high marks in quite a few categories. Impressive. So useful for us.”

I moan. It’s hard to form words right now, with how I feel. With everything I’ve learned from the training modules buzzing in my head.

“So, I spoke with the board, and they agree that you are going to need to undergo further assessments. To determine what position at FemCorp is just right for you. Of course, we may keep you on like this for a long while yet. Having flexible operatives has its advantages.”

“M…muh... muh, mistress?” I manage to stutter out. It's hard to form words.

“Shh, darling." She rubs my leg, reassuringly. "We’re going to cycle you through a variety of different roles. Hair, clothes, makeup, everything’s going to change regularly. You’ll receive proper programming in each of your tasks. Job skills, personality, name. The Occupational Training Pod is very versatile. But first.”

My eyes come into focus on the silvery object in her hand. A tattoo gun, I realize, just in time to feel the buzzing, the stinging, the absolute bliss on my inner thigh, the heat radiating through my entire body.

“We’ll need to keep track of who you are, sweetheart. This will link directly to your company profile.”

A barcode. 

The last thing I remember before the haze takes me again is Mistress’ voice.

“Good girl.”

[writingquestionsanswered]

How important 100% correct grammar is to a writing project? I keep hearing about acclaimed writers that have writing styles that aren't fully in norm with the rules of grammar but I also keep seeing harsh criticism against amateur authors with imperfect grammar. Which people should I listen to? Stephen King said that writing doesn't need to have fully uniform grammar and that coming from one of the most acclaimed horror writers of all time is sure inspiring, but I don't want to get roasted to oblivion for using too much passive voice or clarity errors that may pop up whenever I finish something.

Importance of "Perfect Grammar" in Fiction

First, I think it's important to understand what grammar actually is, because "passive voice" isn't really a grammar issue. I mean, it is in the sense that passive voice is an aspect of sentence structure, but passive voice isn't automatically good or bad grammar.

When we talk about grammar in fiction, we're really talking about how words are used and how sentences are structured. Included in grammar are things like using words properly/appropriately, putting words in the proper place within a sentence so that it makes sense, and using proper punctuation.

Next, let's talk about Stephen King's stance on grammar, because my understanding is he emphasizes the importance of good grammar, but also feels you shouldn't be so obsessed with achieving perfect grammar that it stops you from writing. So, King's stance on grammar is certainly not permission to use bad grammar.

Let's also consider the difference between "good grammar" and "perfect grammar," because "good grammar" is really about best effort. As long as you strive to use proper grammar, it's okay if mistakes slip through. They happen to the best of us. "Perfect grammar" implies that there's not a single grammatical mistake, and honestly, I feel like this is a pretty impossible standard, because for one thing, language evolves over time, and it can vary from one group to another. For example, there are grammatical differences between British and American English. Also, there are grammatical rules from decades ago that are no longer used. Not to mention the fact that sometimes, you may break grammatical rules intentionally, because it actually lends to clarity, fits the character/situation, or is otherwise necessary.

So, the bottom line is this: your grammar doesn't have to be perfect, but that's not an excuse to be lazy. If you're worried about your grammar, you can use any number of apps and programs to spot errors, work with an eagle-eyed critique partner, hire an editor, or look up things you're not sure about and make the best choice possible.

Happy writing!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

♦ Questions that violate my ask policies will be deleted! ♦ Please see my master list of top posts before asking ♦ Learn more about WQA here

[felyas-stuff]

TMNT 2012 Space Arc Rewrite: Fugitoid

First in-depth character post for our rewrite is about Honeycutt because this rewrite was made by me and my friend @unscapedgoat what else were you expecting

All of the art featured here is a year and a half old at this point because we’ve been working on this rewrite for a long time and just didn’t post anything…the perfectionist in me says that I can do better but I won’t because the designs themselves are still relevant (though I recommend checking out this post for the characters designs). Speaking of…

Appearance

Zayton is a d’hoonib - a humanoid alien with big cat and eagle like features. He’s 6’1 feet and hundreds if not thousands of years old at this point - he’s old even for a long-living race. For his clothes I went for a mix of sad beige (because HAVE YOU SEEN HIS SHIP DECOR) and pirate (because he’s an outlaw who has a ship you know…some of you might even remember my "ship in the bottle" doodles) vibes

Fusiontoid is a modified 6 feet SAL model (both the original robot and the modificated version were created by Honeycutt). Compared to a regular SAL model, this one’s pearly-white instead of silver, has slim claw-like fingers, built-in weaponry and wires going from his brain to his main engine that function as neurons. When he’s not on Ulixes he carries an oxygen ballon because…human(oid) brains need that you know! He also has a spacesuit that he uses both as an oxygen ballon alternative and a disguise.

Story

Just like in IDW, SAL was one of Rewrite!2012 Honeycutt’s first inventions…which he later started mass-producing and selling because from what it seems like in OG and our AU 2012 Zayton is a freelancer from a rich family who earns money by selling various inventions of his. They did keep one SAL model for himself though, and later added a bunch of adjustments and renovations to it. Soon after his parents death Zayton started adding other renovations for his robot as well as rewriting the code and adding in a certain protocol, experimenting with the idea of making SAL his future body - after all, the man is old and dying is scary…The project however was scrapped when it was almost finished, after the scientist realised how risky this whole thing is and how easily it can go wrong. One of Honeycutt’s most recent inventions was the Black Hole generator. Something that can be used for good (it could’ve been a great power source for example) but all the potential buyers wanted to use to for mass murder - something the scientist didn’t want to happen. But because Zayton refused to sell their invention to anyone, he started to run out of money, making it hard for him to even pay for his home/ship Ulixes. The rumours of a brilliant scientist being this desperate for money started spreading near and far. This is when the Krang decided to show up and offered such a huge payment, that at this point Honeycutt just couldn’t refuse.

But hours after that Zayton realised that what he did was truly horrible and by this time the Krang could’ve killed millions of innocent people. And, just how Honeycutt thought - days later triceratons broke into Ulixes, asking the scientist to build them the same invention Krang used to destroy their home planet. Zayton refused, and before the triceratons killed him, Honeycutt gave one last order to his robot: destroy the heart of darkness

Hours later, Honeycutt wakes up in SAL’s body, only now realising that even though the brain transferring project was scrapped it was still a part of his robot’s new program - and, by following that program, it revived its creator in its own body. And, if it wasn’t already bad enough - Honeycutt’s new body will follow Honeycutt’s latest order of destroying the black hole generator no matter what. Horrified at the thought of being forever stuck in a robot’s body and having to eventually sacrifice himself to right his wrongs, the scientist just sits there for a good minute, trying to get their new body to move while thinking about what the hell is he gonna do now

Meanwhile Nathan Bishop (this rewrite’s OC inspired by 2012 Bishop because let’s be real 2012 Bishop isn’t much like Bishop and should’ve just been a new character with the same surname or something) finds out about what his old pal Zayton did and he’s pissed. He doesn’t tell about this to other utroms and just storms off to Ulixes to tell Honeycutt that he has less than an hour to explain himself, run as far as he can, and pray to god that they will die sooner than the Utrom Council finds and executes him. But Bishop quickly changes his mind once he sees what once was his friend - a brutally disfigured humanoid body and a scared robot covered in blood. Honeycutt quickly explains this whole situation and Nathan decides to stay at Ulixes for longer and help him. Because cutting off their ties now would just be cruel - clearly, Honeycutt already got consequences for his actions and regrets what they did.

Later on the two discover just how unstable Zayton’s current state is - in our rewrite AU he’s not just "jittery and nervous" because of his fusion core - he’s a robot filled to the brim with formaldehyde. A liquid of polar molecules. Honeycutt made sure that there won’t be any leakage, but next to so many electronics short-circuiting is bound to happen. And after a while Zayton’s brain just gives up and their body goes into somewhat of an auto-pilot mode, controlled by SAL. After a good rest (which usually takes a whole day) Zayton gets control of his body back. Yes, he does sleep, that’s something human(oid) brains do. No, you can never tell because he always seems active due to the body being in control of either Honeycutt himself or SAL. The two function separately and have their own memories, the last of SAL’s being that Honeycutt is dead. That’s why the triceratons named him Fusiontoid in the first place - at this point the maul-functioning android is neither fully SAL or Honeycutt, but an uneven mix of both. There is some sort of brain rot going on which results in him forgetting some of their memories. Sometimes Honeycutt uses it to his advantage to seem innocent and unaware of what he did while he was still a humanoid…but most of the times it’s just a huge inconvenience for both Honeycutt himself and his friends, making them question if, at this point, Honeycutt is still…well, Honeycutt.

Nathan, however, trusts his cyborg friend enough to ask him to help his earthling friends. At first Zayton agrees for a selfish reason - saving Earth and destroying the black hole generator would both fulfil his only purpose (from SAL’s perspective) and fix his reputation (the triceratons deemed him a criminal and at this point things Zayton did and what happened to them is a common knowledge for many). However, during their journey Honeycutt gets attached to his new friends and gets an on-screen redemption arc that lasts throughout this rewrite’s space arc - later on they genuinely want to help the main six save their homeplanet and even becomes a father figure for Donnie, Mikey and April and even tries to find another way to destroy the Black Hole Generator without blowing himself up so that the three won’t be sad about his death. Leo is also thrilled about getting a new father but for all the wrong reasons which I’ll talk more about in the next rewrite posts, but in short - Leo sees Honeycutt as a Splinter replacement (art below by @unscapedgoat)

Trivia

• They actually introduce themselves as Fusiontoid Honeycutt to keep their status quo for those who don’t know about his full story yet. He also does his best to keep this image of a silly friendly robot that totally never did anything wrong in his life ever. The more Honeycutt begins to trust the main six, the more he acts as his true self around them, slowly revealing who he really is

• Honeycutt had persistent tic disorder and ADD while he was humanoid which only worsened after he became a cyborg. They’re also autistic

• The bleep-bloop stuff are tics half the times and built-in censorship other times…which is a great robotic body feature to have when your bestie basically asked you to babysit six angsty teens who are constantly getting on your nerves

• Honeycutt used to go by he/him/they/them/it/its but no longer uses the last one because ever since he became a cyborg people only called him that in a derogatory way as if he’s some kind of object

• He used to have great relationships with his parents…and now that they’re gone and Honeycutt himself became a cyborg outlaw they sometimes feels like a disgrace to their family (the fact that some people actually called him out like that also doesn’t help)

• They’re probably the worst father figure imaginable and they know it what they don’t know is that these mutants real dad is even worse Honeycutt’s rather immature despite his age because he had the privilege of never facing any real problems up until now. Sometimes they outright neglect their newfound kids in favour of their own needs (especially at the start of the story) but later on start taking better care of the main six and grows a lot as a person.

• Leo, Honeycutt and Nathan have a bonding experience over the fact that they’re all into cheesy sci-if films from Earth

• Speaking of Earth - that’s one of Honeycutt’s main special interests. He’s especially fascinated with the turtles and April because OMG MUTANTS? YOU CAN ACTUALLY DO THAT WITH UTROM OOZE??? awesomesauce

• Since Honeycutt has memory issues at first he couldn’t remember the main six’s names and called them like their defining traits - Freckles, Toothgap, CrackedShell, Scar, Human and…April. Because a month like that already exists that’s not hard to remember

[etherealcove]

Hi! I see youre oath sworn to King Zeus and Queen Hera. There’s not a ton of conversation about them in the helpol community so I was wondering if you’d be willing to talk about your relationship with them at all?

Yessss!! Of course!!

So to say it in a more clear way, Zeus and Hera are my life haha. They're very important to me and if you may recall one of the delphic maxims is "do not make oaths" because breaking an Oath is extremely bad and punishable. So for me it took a while to even consider it. Like...two years until they gave me the biggest sign ever.

Get ready for a ramble but I love talking about this because it brings up great memories and a great feeling of kharis

I've been a polytheist for...give or take nine plus years. I've never hated Zeus or Poseidon as I never believed the myths. I always really felt connected to them both and, of course, Hera. (I had to dress up as her in school, haha), so there has been a lot of worship there and connection. After my first trip to Greece I felt an extremely hard pull to Zeus and Hera in terms of greater devotion, which after a mountain hike ontop of Mount Ochi and seeing an eagle...I really was able to confirm my suspicion. I got readings and did my own ancient divination and got a lot of support from larger creators. With this, I began my journey as a, some people call it "godspouse." I prefer oathsworn though....it's more telling of what it is and overall shows what you do.

Fast forward end of 2022 I ended up being in my second year of my history major and final year of my Biology minor when I decided to go to Greece and study again,this time for Ancient History and Culture. I recently switched to History major in honor of Zeus and Hera after I got home from my first trip to Greece. After making my promise to Zeus and asking for a clear sign, I ended up getting into a huge programs that gave me multiple opportunities, and with that, I then traveled abroad for three months all over Greece. I finally ended up studying on Rhodos, which had a beautiful temple to Zeus-Poleius and Athena. That is where I made my vow on the second to last day of my trip. He fulfilled his promise, so I did mine. My vow isn't anything too crazy in a sense of "godspousal" it is more of a promise to the King and Queen of the gods thay I will continue my education, research and overall love for them throughout my life. I just am very deeply connected to them throughout my life choices and I hope to help others feel just as connected to them as I do.

About them:

Zeus and Hera are...old beings. Now they may not be the original King and Queen of the proto Greek myceanean religion, but they became prominent over time, more promiwnt over Poseidon and his consort Demeter/Eyrins (damata) . (I study proto greek religion shiz lol) Together Zeus and Hera show all sides of marriage, Zeus having more so sides showing the completion meanwhile Hera shows all the sides of female journey before, through, and after. It's a very good dynamic but also shows the dynamic of ancient times and the need in their concept of marriage (Athenian law for women goes CRAZY) for example certain epithets of Zeus weren't worshipped all around greece because of city states. But together, Zeus and Hera give a sense of security, home, guidance, feelings of worth, and overall just make you feel seen. Regardless of your stance as a "watcher" (non theist), a worshipper or a devotee who wants them to be in their home forever, it doesn't matter to them. They love everyone, they try to find the good in everyone and in general, they just want what is best for humanity. They give off very Maternal and Paternal vibes and advice, I've seen a lot of people be afraid of Zeus and Hera but honestly there is no reason to be if we look in anything besides the myths. They're very loving and deserve a whole heck of a lot more attention than they have.

Thanks for this question!!

With much love,

X.S 🌊

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Dan Rather at Steady:

If their national convention didn’t motivate Democrats to register, volunteer, donate, and vote, perhaps the prospect of a widespread voter suppression plan at the hands of the Republican Party will. Just listen to Marc Elias, one of the foremost election lawyers in the country, who recently said that the “Republicans are building an election subversion war machine.” Last week, Elias began working with hundreds of lawyers and thousands of volunteers already teamed up with the Harris campaign to combat the Republican voter suppression effort. He will focus on recounts and post-election litigation.

This is not a new tactic for the MAGA right, but in this election cycle, “the other side is more organized, more ruthless, and more prepared [than ever before],” Elias told Rolling Stone magazine. Here’s the Republican playbook, according to The Brennan Center for Justice. “Over the last 20 years, states have put barriers in front of the ballot box — imposing strict voter ID laws, cutting voting times, restricting registration, and purging voter rolls.” But this election cycle, new MAGA tactics seem even more insidious — including delaying or refusing vote certification. So if someone in, say, Georgia doesn’t like the election results, Republican officials could question the count, seriously slowing down or stopping the process of announcing results. That’s a very big deal. The 2024 pre-election period has already seen dozens of lawsuits filed in 25 states by Republicans trying to manipulate or change laws to, among other things, make it easier to challenge ballots and voter eligibility and to deny election certifications.

In an investigation of local election boards, Rolling Stone found 70 pro-Donald Trump conspiracy theorists working as election officials in key counties in battleground states. Since 2020, Republicans have refused to certify results at least 25 times. I know I may sound like a broken record saying Donald Trump is an existential threat to American democracy. But he is, and this is a terrifying example of his cult leader-like ability to get others to do his undemocratic bidding. At an Atlanta rally, he recently called out pro-Trump members of the Georgia State Election Board as “pit bulls fighting for honesty, transparency, and victory.” Seriously. In 2020 he primed the voter suppression pump before the election, knowing he was likely to lose the race, and then promoted the “Big Lie.” Hundreds of lawyers, dozens of lawsuits, and an insurrection later, he still lost, but all those efforts laid the groundwork for a more organized Republican push, or perhaps putsch is a better word. Fortunately the Republicans aren’t the only ones gearing up for this battle. The Harris campaign has assembled the largest Democratic legal team ever to protect voting rights. It is 10 times larger than the 2020 team. Ten times.

[...] The Democrats’ voter protection program is focused on eight battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, and four states of interest: Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Virginia. Their pre-election efforts are two-fold: First, protecting voters’ ability to register to vote while also having unfettered access to the ballot box. They are doing this by fighting all the legal challenges Republicans are launching. Second, they are educating voters. All of this is a serious shift in how elections are run in this country. “The expansive new Democratic legal team, and the opposing group at the Republican National Committee, is a reflection of the legal arms race that is the new reality of American elections since Mr. Trump’s election victory in 2016. The battle over whose votes count — not just how many votes are counted — has become central to modern presidential campaigns,” explained Nick Corasaniti of The New York Times.

The Democrats are learning to fight the battle to ensure that the votes from this election are counted properly to ensure that a repeat of 2020 doesn’t happen.