#sam bee

[asgardian--angels]

**URGENT** HELP SAVE THE USGS BEE LAB!

PLEASE circulate this as widely as possible, as soon as possible.

Hi all, you may not know me but I am a native bee researcher in the eastern US. People like me work to study and protect the 3600 species of native bees in North America, many of which are in severe decline.

We just received devastating news, that unfortunately was not surprising. The Trump administration's proposed 2026 budget is set to defund most of the ecological research happening at the USGS, and that includes zeroing out the budget for the USGS Native Bee Inventory & Monitoring Lab.

Don't know them? Maybe you've seen stunning photos like this:

These gorgeous and evocative focus-stacked photos of native bees on black backgrounds - all of which are public domain - come from the USGS Bee Lab (here's their Flickr). Through these, they've helped bring the beauty and importance of native bees to the public's attention. Hundreds if not thousands of news articles, videos, and publications use these photos.

But that is just one tiny slice of what the USGS Bee Lab does for pollinator conservation. Its primary role is much bigger; they provide technical support, research collaborations, and financial & grant partnerships to federal and state agencies, academic institutions and researchers, and much more, so we can study, manage, and protect North America's wild pollinators. They conduct research of their own that has led to species rediscoveries, and produce invaluable resources that have greatly advanced our understanding of wild bees and our approaches to studying and conserving them. They also provide the essential and irreplaceable service of bee identification. For those who don't know, identifying bees is hard. Sometimes Really Hard. And this lab is one of just a handful of places in the entire country who can identify some of the toughest groups of bees, and who sit on the forefront of breakthroughs on taxonomy and identification that the rest of us in this field rely on. Without this service, agencies and researchers trying to survey and monitor bees in order to track population declines, manage land, and get policy changed are stuck with a lot of nameless bees, severely limiting the usefulness of that data.

Tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of bee specimens pass through this lab annually, plus the thousands in permanent storage, from long-term monitoring efforts by state and federal agencies, and researchers like myself. They operate at a greater capacity than basically any other institution doing this kind of work. Few if any bee researchers in the eastern US, or even the country, have not benefitted from this lab's work, and those benefits are passed on to you through being able to protect pollinators and the services they provide both in agriculture and ecosystems.

This lab is headed up by scientist Sam Droege, who has dedicated decades of his life to this cause, and whom I consider not just a research partner but, humbly, a friend. I am utterly indebted to him for helping me get my start in this field, and for the support and kindness he has shown me and every other young professional who is passionate about pollinators. The Lab operates with an insanely small budget already, and a very limited staff, yet the impact they have is exponentially outsized. Losing the USGS Bee Lab would be a devastating blow to pollinator conservation in this country, at a time when native bee species are sitting on the precipice, and sustainable agriculture is non-negotiable for our future.

You can read more about the Bee Lab here. The Lab is not well-publicized, but it's a lifeline for the many dedicated people who work to try and protect pollinators and the environment at large.

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Sam Droege has sent out a request for help, and has encouraged us to post on social media. This is what he wants you to do to help us save the Bee Lab.

This is verbatim:

What is Happening: ·       The USGS Bee Lab is at risk of being permanently closed due to cuts in the 2026 Federal Budget and looming federal RIF’s ·       Specifically, the Ecosystem Mission Area (EMA) budget, which funds the USGS Bee Lab and the Eastern Ecological Science center has been zeroed out ·       Thousands of layoffs to hit Interior, National Parks imminently - Government Executive What you can do ·       Write to your representatives, the White House, and the Department of the Interior that they should restore the funding for the USGS Bee Lab ·       Send digital or physical letters, write emails, post to social media What you should be highlighting: ·       Personal anecdotes about how the Bee Lab has impacted you or your organization ·       How important the research the Bee Lab is conducting is to your state Contact Information: 1.      Representatives: Find Your Representative | house.gov 2.      Senators: U.S. Senate: Contacting U.S. Senators 3.      White House: Contact Us – The White House 4.      Interior: feedback@ios.doi.gov Send a copy of the letter to droegesam@gmail.com Pass this email around.  Post your response to social media

IT'S OK if you are not a scientist and have not directly interacted with the Bee Lab. Have you seen the lab's photos? Are you concerned about native pollinator declines? Are you aware of any pollinator conservation initiatives or policies in your own state - those almost certainly have drawn, directly or indirectly, from work the Lab has done. Speak about American food production and agriculture, how the Lab's research and collaborations are essential to safeguarding pollination services (this might help reach across the aisle).

Sam urges that these letters, emails, phone calls, etc, must happen quickly - within the next couple days. This information went out on May 8th and that is the day I am posting this. So please, don't wait.

If 'save the bees' has ever meant anything to you, this is the agency that is playing one of the biggest roles in this country in making that happen. Please, contact your representatives, and pass this call to action along however you can. Thank you.

[raileurta]

Therapy Humans

After being in a war for millions of years transformers gotta be really fucked up. So I imagine with humans being nice and soft and having therapists that we'll be therapy dog humans.

[fbfh]

did you know that Dean wakes up one morning and realizes he has a fucking bombshell of a wife/husband/spouse, a cozy (slightly rural) suburban house, and not one but three fucking daughters???? Did you know that he woke up one morning to toddler giggles and little kid bickering and baby babbling????? and your girls come charging in hushing their little giggles so they don't wake up mommy and daddy and so OBVIOUSLY he has to pretend to be asleep so he doesn't foil their plan. he focuses all his energy on keeping his face and body relaxed, keeping his breathing even. they're whispering and babbling and Dean peeks an eye open and looks at the love of his life and these three angels with their daddy's attitude and their mama's heart. they have your eyes and his smile. they're... the best parts of both of you, and there's something entirely new and beautiful in each of them too.

Bobby Dean is your oldest, and her 4th birthday is just around the corner. She's 3 and 3/4 right now, and won't let anyone forget it.

Your second is Jodi John, or JJ informally. She's fought her way half way through the terrible twos and is already getting a head start on the whole 3 going on 13 thing.

Mary Cass, or Cassie, is your youngest. She's just over a year old, and wants to do everything her big sisters do.

And Dean is looking at your little girls, and at you. He sees the way the morning sunlight dapples in through the window and illuminates their tangled hair and disney princess nightgowns. Your face is all puffy from sleep, and you still smell like the apple pie you made yesterday.

it's real, he realizes. that pipe dream that apple pie life.

you gave that to him. you did that. you turned his deepest, most unspoken desires into a reality like it was nothing. and every ounce of joy and love and peace he feels every moment of every day, he owes it all to you. You try to tell him on occasion when he gets all sentimental on you, he deserves it. he deserves every good thing he feels, and he's so great with the girls, he's a natural dad and you couldn't possibly dream of a better husband to do it with.

Because at his heart, Dean is a family man. He's your family man.

[swirlyblast]

YAYYY TEAM CHAOTIX WEEK!!! WOOOO

Day 1: Noir

I thought of Sam and Max: The Devil's Playhouse when I was coming up with ideas. I couldn't let the opportunity pass by...

[antrea]

[25.01.24] @ new york islanders

[shhhhimwatchingthis]

Need someone to make some sort of graph, alignment chart, visual whatever with Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont Spelling Bee, Taskmaster and Game Changer to visually depict gameshow's that have the premise 'psychological torture of comedians vs entertainment for the audience'

[mayapapaya33]

I still think a full scale Exandrian Spelling Bee is a great idea. Watching these guys react to Matt's fantasy spelling is hilarious every time. Set up three podiums, start with the main cast, bring some of the guest players in, crank up the difficulty with each round. This could absolutely be a beacon show, I would 100% watch it.

[dotti-artwork]

Silly girls

Ref: https://youtu.be/lOG_UtLxh58?si=ba4JMmNAu4OTxPQi

[thebusylilbee]

Marvel is dead to me etc etc but I just want to take a second to acknowledge that Bucky Barnes has now canonically said "I love you (buddy)" to Sam Wilson, winterfalcon girlies (gender neutral) keep winning as always 😎 I'm so glad the MCU ended with these two together repairing Sam's family boat and then we got this little 'a few years later' snippet that's not linked to any new release at all because the MCU is over and they are together forever and ever bless ❤

[reallyunluckyrunaway]

🐝✨An EleGanT CrEaTuRe✨🐝

[howlbear]

I know we all are after a dropout taskmaster, but can I also request a Guy Mont spelling bee too

[thejellyfishlounge]

Catstiel & co. (Coyotdean… samdeer… jack retriever… catlaire, etc)

[raileurta]

Humans are space cats

Finally finished the 200 followers poll fic. Here's the link to the ao3 version if you want but the fic will be under the cut.

The cold rain pelted gently on his hood; it has been a rather quiet week, Bumblebee thought. Things were going smoothly with human relations and a decepticon hasn't been spotted for a month. Even if they did find one he knew they wouldn’t harm humans. Honestly, why was he even doing a patrol in the first place? Pushing air through his vents Bee let out the equivalent to a Cybertronian sigh. As he was mulling things to do through his head he heard a muffled cry. It was barely louder than the rain but could tell it was coming from the alley on his left. Quietly driving into it he came upon a rather weird sight; a human was sitting in a box curled up hugging his knees face pressed into them in the rain not trying to keep himself dry. Bumblebee knew humans didn't like getting their coverings wet and they could get sick doing this so this worried him. The boy was wearing a simple gray T-shirt and a pair of black cotton shorts. This outfit was definitely not suitable for this weather, he could even see the human was shaking. He let out another small sob, tears running down his face. Bee didn't know what to do, a lot of humans were still scared of transformers and he didn't want to upset the boy further. Then to steal a human term a lightbulb went off in his helm. He remembered something about humans he learned from Ratchet a bit ago. Pulling out quietly he reluctantly left the human to drive to the nearest grocery store.

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Bumblebee pulled by the alleyway again and with his sensors he could tell that the human was still there. He then transformed and walked into the alley. The small organic looked up from his position startled by the noise of his loud footsteps. His eyes were puffy from his crying and tear steaks could be seen on his face. Bumblebee felt his spark ache in his chest plate. Slowly he crouched down to the ground and carefully set the “chocolate” down on the ground and pushed it towards the organic. From what he learned this was a fuel most of humanity universally loved and the chemicals in it helped calm them down. The boy looked at him skeptical then at the chocolate then turned his gaze back up to his helm again. Bumblebee let out a soothing buzz noise hoping it would relax the human more. They sat like that in the rain for a few seconds, neither of them moving a digit. Gradually the boy reached for the offering and pulled it towards his chest in a fearful burst: as if afraid the bot was going to change his mind and take it from him. Bumblebee suppressed a chuckle at the little human’s actions. The earthling inspected the chocolate looking it over to see if it had been tampered with; deeming it safe to eat he bit into it. Bumblebee watched as he ate the little treat, his cheeks adorably bulging with its contents. Once finished the boy looked up at him; he was holding another piece of chocolate. Instead of putting it on the ground he extended his hand down to the human’s height and waited for him. Shakily he walked over to me clearly hesitant. Now out of the box I could see he didn't even have any shoes on. His feet must be freezing. When the boy was in arms reach of the fuel I spoke:

“My designat- name is bumblebee. What is yours?’ Bee stated simply.

The human was startled at my voice, clearly not expecting the sudden sound.

“Sorry for scaring you, but please do not be frightened, I will not harm you.” Bumblebee said in his most soft voice he could produce.

He was so thankful that Ratchet managed to fix his voice box finally. Otherwise this would be so much more difficult.

The human still looked skeptical which was to be expected considering he's a stranger that was a giant robot that could kill him in a nanosecond. When he took the chocolate a soft voice rang.

“My name's Sam.”

Bumblebee was in awe at the voice he heard. It pleasantly strung at his audio receptors and sounded oh so sweet. A little sneeze broke him out of his cuteness induced distraction. He had to get Sam out of the rain before he became ill. He took a large towel out of his subspace that he bought from the store and draped it over the human’s figure. Sam I instantly snuggled into the new warmth.

“Sam why are you sitting in this alley with improper clothes?”

The human grimaced at his question.

“Do you have somewhere to go?

Sam didn't answer again, he just curled the towel around him tighter. Seeing as his questions were just making the boy more upset he decided to stop.

“If you are comfortable with it I can take you back to my base.”

Bumblebee internally slapped the back of his helm. Why did he say that?! Now Sam is probably thinking he's creepy. He should have offered to take him to a shelter or-

“Sure.”

The boy's answer spurred him out of his spiral. Not one to question good luck he transformed and opened the driver door. Sam stepped in and Bumblebee drove off.

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They arrived at home base after a couple minutes. Sam throughout the journey didn't say a single word. Bee didn't want to overwhelm him so he decided to let it be. Pulling into the garage he opened his left door. The human hopped outside and started to look around marveling at the large room. Transforming he walking towards the wash racks he made a head gesture for Sam to follow him, stumbling after the mech he rushed to keep up with him. It reminded Bee of a sparkling not quite used to their peds yet.

Arriving at the wash racks he looked around for something that Sam could bathe in; after a few seconds of looking he found a container that wasn't too big for the human. He turned on a nearby sink and filled it with warm water up to around Sam’s chest. Checking to make sure the temperature is not too hot. He then grabbed some car soap, the ingredients indicating nothing in it would hurt Sam. He would have to buy human shampoo if Sam was to stay here long term. Speaking of the boy he was exploring, currently trying to see on top of a stool.

Humans were so tiny heh.

Walking over to the human he bent down to him just like he has seen Optimus has done many times.

“Sam, I have prepared you a bath. May I pick you up to take you to it?”

“Yeah.” Sam said quietly.

Carefully he scooped up Sam in his hands making sure to be extra gentle carrying him. The earthling hand held onto his thumb to support himself and oooh he's so soft and warm. His hand barely being able to reach around his thumb to hold. It took a lot of his willpower to prevent himself from just snuggling the human to his face plate.

He put Sam next to the bath, and double checking to make sure he had everything he needed bumblebee reluctantly was about to leave. He knew about humans’ displeasure for being seen unclothed. Sam unexpectedly though apparently wasn't in the norm as he just took off his clothes and hopped in. He relaxed against the metal of his makeshift tub, letting the warm water ease his stress.

Bumblebee wasn't sure what to do. He's never met a human before that willingly disrobed themselves in front of him. He looked towards the soap and wondered to himself. Most Cybertronians wash each other to show affection and considering Sam's nudeness he wondered if he wouldn't mind being washed either. Also it's not like Sam could really use anything without help. He picked up the car soap and a cloth nearby. He made a questioning noise at Sam hoping he got what his intentions were. The boy looked up at him then at the items in his hands. A lot of emotions flickered over his face before landing on neutrality.

Sam made a small nod.

Dabbing some soap on a corner piece of the rag he gently started to rub the human’s head. Bumblebee would spend the next few minutes washing hi- the human. Making sure to get all of Sam's surface clean leaving the gentila area for him to wash himself. The mech knew how much of a no no area that it was for earthlings even among the most chill ones. Sam seemed surprised when he didn't wash him there. But Bee ignored that and started getting a towel for the human. It was one of the Cybertronian ones as the one he bought earlier was still wet. He helped Sam out of the tub and after dumping the water he wrapped the boy up. Despite being a hand towel it still managed to swallow the boy up looking very much “burritoed” as the humans would say. His processors were nearly overloading at the endearing sight in front of him; Sam just looked so cute. Continuing to resist the urge to snuggle the small human he asked Sam if he wanted anything. Shyly he asked if Bee still has any more chocolate on him. Luckily he had bought three candies so he still had one left. He took out the treat from his subspace and gave it to Sam; he happily took it from him. Offering his hand again the human quickly got on it. Bee brought up the little human burrito against his chest humming slightly as he walked over to the Autobot branded couch. He sat down and looked down at Sam. He was nibbling on the chocolate, a piece stuck on one of the boy’s cheeks. He lightly dusted it off with his pointer figure and when he did Sam grabbed his hand again. Bumblebee made no move to remove the boy’s grip from his finger. As they sat there slowly but surely a smile spread upon Sam's face. It was a tiny thing barely noticeable but it was there.

Primus help him, he was in love.

Throughout their whole time together Sam had not smiled, not once but he wished he did. He wanted to see the human’s happy face. Bee didn't know why become so attached to this human so quickly but he doesn't care; not if he could be the reason Sam smiled again. It was the most beautiful thing he has ever seen in his long long life. (And he's seen the allspark) Primus he wished he had lips so he could kiss Sam's forehead. Bee will settle on pressing the human against his face plate. As Sam snuggled into him he vowed then and there that he would protect Sam with his life.

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Forever.

[pixelrushiguess]

The crossover no one asked for. The Freelance Detectives meet the Freelance Police.

[transthatmasc]

For years Castiel mentions in passing how much he liked St. Valentine and is glad that he has his own day to be celebrated. So, when they finally start dating, Dean pulls out all the stops for their first Valentine’s Day. Flowers, a card, a box of chocolates with all the weird flavorings, and even a big shiny red balloon in the shape of a heart. Dean’s a little nervous— sue him, he’s never had a serious valentine before, let alone one who really liked Valentine’s Day— but he sucks it up and waits for Cas to come home with the champagne at the ready and his flowers in hand.

When Cas comes in though, his response is nothing like he imagined. Cas stares, brow furrowed, taking in all of the decor, “Dean, what is this?” Dean panics, but tries to be cool about it, “It’s Valentine’s Day, Cas. remember? You always said it was your favorite.” Much to Dean’s relief, Cas’s face lights up at the mention of Valentine and he starts staring intently at the flowers, but soon his brow is furrowed again. “Where are the bees?”

And that was how Dean learned that St. Valentine is the patron saint of bee keeping.

[cheerfulripley]

Not me pulling out a ten year old fic draft, and deciding to post it on 9/18/25.

Yes, it's a Cas POV fic. And yeah, I thought his birthday would be a good time for it 😌

Hope you like Ripley from 2014! She certainly has a way with words I kinds like more than my style now.

Anyways, hope you're excited! It's a s7 introspective piece explaining why Cas is Like That in that season