#sign of progress

[pratchettquotes]

Vetinari waved a languid hand. "Full carts congesting the street, Vimes, is a sign of progress," he declared. "Only in the figurative sense, sir," said Vimes.

Terry Pratchett, Thud!

[victoryrifle]

Red Dead Redemption 2 locations - a few houses in Saint Denis, Lemoyne, Bayou Nwa, 7-9am

[bitstitchbitch]

I had the opportunity to go to Bernie Sanders’ Fighting Oligarchy tour a few weeks ago, and the thing that has stuck with me was the way Sanders points out all the ways that we have improved at a society. Because even given recent backslides, we have so many more rights for so many more people than we did even twenty years ago.

things are awful in this country. And they are getting worse. But we haven’t lost everything yet. And the overall trend across human history, and even across US American history, is gradual, albeit often painstaking, progress.

we can wring our hands about what we should have done in the past, but that won’t change anything. What will create positive changing is refusing to lose hope and refusing to give in. Maybe we should have built grassroot community movements a decade ago, maybe we could have prevented all this pain and suffering, but we can’t control the past, we can only control the present. And it’s better to start building our movements today than to never build them at all.

Keep fighting. And start learning how to organize. There are people and communities out there in the past and in the present who have done and are doing what we need to do. It’s time to join them.

[thatbuddie]

[shanastoryteller]

THE 8TH CHAPTER OF THE GREAT PUZZLE IS UP!

[theside-b]

Don't worry Tharn, Phaya got your back!

Billy Patchanon and Babe Tanatat in THE SIGN (2023)

[yzegem]

Description of an encounter with a summerfolk, taken from a letter sent by the diplomat Isji Fan to his superior:

My lord of the eastern tributary province, I send you this letter as an update on the unsuccessful negotiations with Osdu da Lag, the summerfolk warlord of the Yukas valley, on the subject of granting safe passage to our merchants and peasants through this region.

We first sent a summerfolk envoy to his hidden hill fortress, who was treated with respect and arranged a date for our meeting.

The summerfolk of the lowlands and specially da Lag are known for their brutality against their enemies but hospitality with messengers, so I was only accompanied by two lance bearing local soldiers and a translator, as a way of not raising any tensions.

My translator was Enkida, a girl from Four Ports, knowledgeable of many languages spoken by men and summerfolk of the region alike and loyal to our cause.

We arrived in the set location at the arranged time and waited sitting on portable stools. The place was a rocky clearing of the forest next to a weak shallow creek, with dense vegetation all around us, wich made it hard to see beyond the tree line.

After nervous waiting for about half an hour the sudden sound of pebbles sliding over one another warned us of our visitor, who had until now managed to move it's massive body through the vegetation unnoticed.

He was tall even for one of his kind, his thin body a moving palm trunck, and his frizzy hair, styled into many knots and intertwined with feathers and beads made his head look even more like the foliage of said tree. He beared full red warpaint on his face and most shocking of all, he lacked the typical large cloak of his people and exposed his pitch black naked body.

Before we even said a word, he sat down in front of us, with his legs, as long as a laying man could span, spread surrounding our group.

This action, my lord, wich you could find common to do in front of your guests, is extremely rare among the summerfolk and gave us a clear message. See, those of his kind rarely sit down and prefer to eat, work, talk and even sleep standing up, as, given their stature, lifting their body quickly from the ground makes their head ache and even faint.

Da Lag was showing clear vulnerability, sitting naked and unarmed in front of us, still, I'm ashamed that my reaction was that of fright, my lord. He was not afraid of us one bit, and felt safe even immobile and unarmed.

[tomlivingspace]

man whatever it just kinda frustrates me that people will say "well it makes sense that the three would be upset with squirrelflight and leafpool BUT" but then proceed to explain that they shouldnt be upset with them. the problem is that when you find out a parent has been lying to you, you're not going to react reasonably. there's shit that doesnt seem like a big deal that completely ruptures a parental relationship because it feels like a betrayal. these are people who you are supposed to be able to have implicit trust in.

so I DONT KNOW it's just frustrating to me. and i'm not saying this in a "why is it always the DADS that are the bad parents" but rather that people are willing to explore complex relationships with a father figure but totally shut down the idea that a character could have a complex relationship with their mother. because motherhood does not automatically make someone flawless or even a good person. but at the same time, being a young mother and making a lot of mistakes and even having a fraught relationship with a child doesn't necessarily mean theyre a completely bad person.

[wolves-in-the-world]

the thing about eliot spencer as a character, right. the thing about him.

(and as always your mileage may vary on my analyses so if we disagree that's cool actually)

is that he is in fact a somewhat emotionally constipated idiot who is occasionally sensitive about his perceived masculinity and gets defensive about emotional intimacy around other men (largely hardison, who's much more comfortable expressing affection and embracing a softer kind of masculinity), but eliot displays enough emotional awareness and sensitivity and respect for women etc etc that anyone who's been subjected to that era of television will put on rose-tinted glasses without even looking twice.

(and he is, don't get me wrong, incredibly emotionally aware for a professionally punchy guy with enough trauma to sink the titanic. it still startles me to see.)

on top of which we have the layers and the accessories and the excellent hair with the secret braids and the way he barely has an ego and he's good with kids and protective of his team without taking it too far, and some of us never stood a fucking chance.

[astrologged]

Progressed Ascendant through the signs

The progressed Ascendant is an important point, representing your outward personality and the way you present yourself to the world. In the method of secondary progressions, your Ascendant moves through some of the signs over time. This movement reflects shifts in your approach to new situations and your evolving role in life.

Progressed Ascendant in Aries (0-30°)

Personality Shift: A dynamic, assertive, and energetic personality emerges. Focused on personal independence and courage. You'll become more proactive, adventurous, and willing to take the risks.

Appearance/First Impression: You'll appear more outgoing, energetic, or even impulsive. People will see you as a go-getter.

Progressed Ascendant in Taurus (30°-60°)

Personality Shift: You'll develop a more grounded, sensual, and patient approach with a focus on stability, beauty, and material comfort. Your demeanor will become more calm and practical.

Appearance/First Impression: People will view you as more stable, reliable, and earthy, with a love for the finer things in life.

Progressed Ascendant in Gemini (60°-90°)

Personality Shift: Your personality becomes more curious, communicative, and adaptable. You'll likely feel a strong desire for variety and intellectual stimulation. It’s a time for learning, connecting with others, and exploring new ideas. Try learning a new language.

Appearance/First Impression: You'll come across as witty, talkative, and youthful, with a quick mind.

Progressed Ascendant in Cancer (90°-120°)

Personality Shift: A nurturing, emotional, and introspective side becomes more prominent. You'll feel more protective and focused on family, home, and security, you'll be more of an introvert and your approach to life becomes more empathetic.

Appearance/First Impression: People see you as caring, compassionate, and family-oriented, possibly with a softer, more sensitive aura surrounding you.

Progressed Ascendant in Leo (120°-150°)

Personality Shift: You'll feel a greater need for self-expression, creativity, and recognition. There’s a strong drive to shine and to be noticed, which you will be, with an emphasis on leadership and pride. Confidence and charisma are amplified.

Appearance/First Impression: You appear regal, confident, and dramatic, often seeking the spotlight without even realizing it.

Progressed Ascendant in Virgo (150°-180°)

Personality Shift: You'll develop a more analytical, organized, and service-oriented approach to life. Focus is placed on improving yourself and others, with a greater attention to detail and efficiency.

Appearance/First Impression: You could come across as practical, reserved, and precise, perhaps with a preference for simplicity and cleanliness. Try not to be overly critical of others.

Progressed Ascendant in Libra (180°-210°)

Personality Shift: Harmony, balance, and relationships. You may become more diplomatic, charming, and cooperative. There’s a stronger need for social connection and a desire for peace. Libra rising is the most physically attractive placement (along with Libra sun and Taurus sun and rising).

Appearance/First Impression: You'll appear more attractive than before, balanced, and refined, with an emphasis on pleasing others.

Progressed Ascendant in Scorpio (210°-240°)

Personality Shift: Your personality becomes more intense, secretive, and transformative. You might realize that you’re drawn to deeper emotional experiences and power dynamics. A desire for privacy and personal control might emerge.

Appearance/First Impression: People may see you as magnetic, intense, and mysterious, often with a penetrating gaze. Your sex appeal is very high.

Progressed Ascendant in Sagittarius (240°-270°)

Personality Shift: Freedom, exploration, and optimism becomes central. Your outlook will become more expansive, philosophical, and adventurous. You might feel a desire to break out of limitations and explore new territories or learn a new language. Learning comes easy for you.

Appearance/First Impression: You'll appear open-minded, enthusiastic, and full of energy, often with a sense of humor and excitement. Always looking for new adventures.

Progressed Ascendant in Capricorn (270°-300°)

Personality Shift: You'll become more focused on responsibility, ambition, and structure. You'll definitely feel an increased desire for long-term goals, career success, and personal achievement.

Appearance/First Impression: People will see you as more serious, reserved, and disciplined, with a more professional or authoritative demeanor. Your facial expressions tend to look more serious.

Progressed Ascendant in Aquarius (300°-330°)

Personality Shift: is about individuality, innovation, and a progressive approach to life. You'll appear way more detached, with a forward-thinking attitude, and your personal expression becomes more unconventional.

Appearance/First Impression: You'll come across as eccentric, unconventional, or ahead of your time, with an interest in unique ideas and causes, and you're very stubborn about it.

Progressed Ascendant in Pisces (330°-360°)

Personality Shift: You'll become more sensitive, intuitive, and dreamy. You'll feel more connected to the emotional, spiritual, and artistic sides of life. A desire to escape from the harsh realities of life could become prominent.

Appearance/First Impression: You'll appear gentle, empathetic, and otherworldly, often giving off a sense of mystery or being "in your own world.". Try to stay grounded.

[the-introducer]

Arcane as that one scene from how to train your dragon 2

[aelswiths]

Aelswith (giving her lame ass husband heart eyes) & Alfred (trying to be impressive and cool) being so married in 2x01

[lefaystrent]

Say 'opt' five times in a row. It makes your mouth bounce with horse hooves.

[corvid-language-library]

I might not be good at reading longer passages in Japanese yet BUT I'm pretty good at reading signs these days, and when I get letters from my housing company I can pick out what it's related to even if I don't understand the full letter.

[galagonyaartist]

I made a little video about my work in progress, just so you guys can see what i use/how i make specific things. (Sorry for my hair)

I usually use every little trinket I can find (of course i sanitaze them first, and if its a thing like a makeup brush i just buy an entirely new for the process). If you guys want to see something like this in the future please tell me! :)

[anglerflsh]

you know what's really funny just yesterday my contemporary history course went over the elections that brought the rise of nazism in germany and the march on Rome and violence that lead to fascism in italy. I'm really enjoying the historian experience of feeling like Cassandra from The Iliad