#university of houston libraries

[garadinervi]

'for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf' by Ntozake Shange, «Playbill», Equinox Theatre, Houston, TX, November 19, 1977 [Marjorie Randal National Women's Conference Collection, Box 1, Folder 11, UH Libraries Exhibits, University of Houston, Houston, TX]

With: Deborah Arceneaux, Laura Booker, Jan Crain, Dannette Johnson, Barbara Marshall, Leslie Mays, and Brenda Sers

Direction: Bruce Bowen

[ohtobeleah]

Was It Over? // Jake Seresin

-> Chapter Two: [Chemo & Charisma]

Summary: Jake arrives in Rhode Island to accompany his three kids back to Houston Texas the next morning. He expects it to be slightly awkward, but something he doesn’t expect is to be cryptically seduced by you—his ex wife.

Chapter Warnings: Mentions of Cancer Diagnosis. Jake Seresin x F!reader. Separation. Marriage issues. Mentions of death. Minor smut (18+)

Word Count: 4.6k

Author Note: Thank you for all the love and support around this series so far. It truly has been an awesome experience getting to create this storyline with you all. I'm excited to see how you all react as the chapters come out. Your concepts, theories and reactions are truly making my December that much better.

Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist

Turbulence…it can mean anything from a few little bumps to a catastrophic weather system that could knock your flying tin can right out of the air. In Surgery they call it a complication, the surgeons hit a snag, a bump in the road. Turbulence. 

In your marriage, you called it Separation. One of the most unpredictable things about encountering turbulence is its aftermath. Everything’s been shaken up, undone, turned on its head. So you ask yourself time and time again, if you had the choice to avoid the plane crash, the turbulence altogether, would you take it? Would you play it safe and cancel the flight? Or would you get onboard and take your chances. 

“Dad!” Little Lucy Seresin was just the spitting image of you and your grandmother. She was every bit you except for those big emerald green eyes. “Dad—!” You could see Jake making his way towards you and your three children through the crowd, all standing around your legs waiting for their father. The one who gave all three of your children those piercing emerald eyes that held what seemed like all the secrets in the universe. “Mum! Dads here! Dads here!” 

“I see him sweetheart, there’s daddy.” You replied to your six year old, who, before you even had a chance to stop the only daughter of Jake Seresin, took off running across the crowded airport welcoming area towards her dad. You knew it had been far too long since Jake had been able to see his children, but you also knew it wasn't entirely his fault. The Navy was unpredictable as it was reliable. 

“Hiya Lulu!” Jake smiled as wild as he could as he dropped to his knee to embrace the six year old human he’d helped create. “Oh I missed you sweetheart.” That much was true, Jake Seresin missed his kids every day that passed him by. You watched on with six year old Lennox by your side and two year old Samuel on your hip as Jake picked his daughter up and carried her back over to where you stood patiently waiting. “Lenny, how you going man?” Jake beamed as he tousled his eldest son's hair. “Far out kid, you shoot up any more and you’ll be taller than your mother.” You smiled at the dig unintentionally, before you knew you were smiling Jake had seen the corners of your lips turn upright into an unmissable smile. 

“Mums says I’m growing like an inch a day because I eat all my green beans at dinner.” Jake took a moment to place Lucy back on solid ground before he came up back up to meet your gaze. It had been a few weeks since you had called Jake about your Christmas plans. He still wasn’t sure how to feel about them, deep down he wanted to tell you not to go. Deep down he was screaming at the top of his lungs for you to give him another chance, to come with him and the kids to his mothers for Christmas. But Jake knew better than to make a scene in front of the kids. But that didn't mean he couldn't be petty when he wanted to be just to get a rise out of you. 

“Is that so?” Jake beamed that signature Seresin grin you’d fallen for back in college when he was captain of the football team and you were just that meek library dweller. He made you feel so much more than just the shy history buff you’d been back then, Jake Seresin had taught you a lot of things about yourself in the time you’d been his best friend and wife, now ex. Nowadays however you often caught yourself wondering if he’d miss you if you didn’t make it through the battle you were facing. The battle you hadn’t told anyone about except your mum. The battle that took all your strength to keep a secret close to your chest. The battle that was draining you or all your strength and energy. The battle that late at night you wish you could just end early. 

Stage three A, triple positive grade three invasive doctoral carcinoma. Triple positive meaning that your specific cancer fed off oestrogen, progesterone and HER2 hormones. Lucky you right? Your first lumpectomy went rather well, but you were facing twelve weeks of chemotherapy treatment. Three oral tablets daily and two full days of IV sessions a week. 

However, you were taking measures into your own hands as of tomorrow and were scheduled to be back in hospital for double mastectomy. You didn't want to wait and see if the cancer would spread and wanted every single bit out. But Jake was none the wiser about your medical status and assumed that you were off to Canada with friends for a white Christmas in Banff Alberta. 

“Well—“ Jake carefully took little two year old Sammy from your grasp and placed his tied sleeping self on his own jean clad hip. “Mums are always right.” Jake quickly followed up as he looked down at Lenny. “There’s gonna be a ton of green beans at Grandma's house so you might overtake her quicker than anticipated buddy.” Jake gave the youngest of the three Seresin siblings a kiss on the cheek before he fully turned his attention to you. “Hey Hon—“ The way Jake stopped himself from finishing his sentence made your heart sink into the pit in your stomach. “Y/n, hey Y/n.” He corrected himself quickly as he picked up his duffel bag from the ground next to where he stood before you. “You look well.” 

Oh if only Jake truly knew what you had to do in order to look well. The countless hours you spent throwing your guts up in the middle of the night. The sleepless nights that turned into days. The loss of appetite that had you dropping weight faster than you could blink. Your diagnosis had been quick but your symptoms had been even quicker to take over your daily life.  You kicked yourself every day for not getting yourself to a doctor sooner. 

“Yeah, I’ve been doing alright—“ Things used to be so easy with Jake, now he was standing here before you in the middle of the airport bustling with people going to and from for the holiday season and you swore he looked like someone you didn’t even know. “The kiddos keep me busy, don’t you?” You asked Lucy as she reached out for your hand and looked at you like you were telling lies. 

“Mums been sick.” She told her father confidently, like you weren’t about to die then and there on the spot from embarrassment. Little Lucy had a bad habit of throwing you and Jake under the bus with one another. “She said it’s just a cold, but she’s been sick for like four whole weeks.” Lucy didn’t know any better than what you had always told her, that you had the flu. A long flu at that. As soon as you’d get the kids off to school you’d head right back to bed and sleep. The medication your doctors had you on was pretty brutal, and chemotherapy didn’t help although you’d only just started that kind of oral treatment. It packed a punch you couldn't handle.

“Oh?” Jake frowned as the five of you all made your way through the airport and out towards the car park. “Mum didn’t tell me she was sick, if I had known I would have come sooner.” Jake looked at you like he was trying to read the lines on your face. He could tell you were tied, more than normal—but despite that knowledge he’d never say it out loud. His grandmother would roll over in her damn grave if Jake ever dared to point out a woman’s under eye bags or her tired expression. So he went with ‘well’. 

“That’s why I didn’t tell you.” You didn’t mean for it to sound so harsh, but you knew by the hurt look on Jake’s face that it had struck an exposed nerve. He never wanted to separate. “What I meant was, I’m fine, Lulu here sees a runny nose and thinks it’s the end of days, I would have called you if I needed help.” 

“Fair, I mean—you can’t be that sick right? With your big trip to Banff planned and all.” Jake shrugged it off like his heart wasn’t breaking inside his chest. This was about to be his first Christmas separated from the women he loved more than life itself. Being in North Island made it easier to run from his problems, but the minute he got on that flight he was back inside his own head, rewinding and rethinking everything he ever did wrong to drive you away. 

“Right—“ You agreed softly beside the man you loved so deeply that it burned. “Yeah, I’m just so thankful you were so happy to take the kids with you to your mothers house this year.” To be perfectly honest you were expecting Jake to push back, ask more questions, be a little standoffish on the idea of you not being there for the kids on Christmas. But he never did, and you didn’t know what hurt more. 

“They’re my kids as much as they’re yours—kinda think it’s the least I can do considering you’ve had them all year round.” It was the tone you didn’t appreciate, the almost passive aggressive attitude that made you frown as you walked with Jake and your kids back to your car. 

“You can see the kids anytime you like.” You tried to keep your head level, but the way Jake had said it made you question his motives. “I’d never stop you, if you wanna have them more often I’m sure we can—“ 

“Wasn’t that a big part of the reason you wanted to separate?” Jake interrupted before you had a chance to finish what you were saying. You were about to say perhaps you could come up with a custody agreement. Something on paper that seemed fair to the both of you that took your work schedules into consideration as well as your living conditions, the kids schooling, holidays and extended family. You were happy to discuss it more, but this year that had passed the both of you by had gone in the blink of an eye. “You were stuck with the kids too much? Seems a little counter intuitive considering you’ve become their primary caregiver.” 

“Jake—“ You sighed with a longing he’d missed. “Not in front of the kids, alright?” You were trying your best, truly. But here he was in all his glory, the love of your life and father of your children, telling you that you made a mistake just in a different kind of font. “We can talk about it all when we get home.” 

“I’m not doing anything in front of the kids—“ Jake shrugged as he watched you unlock the car. “I’m just trying to understand why you can’t just admit why you really left.” Jake knew why you left, because of him. He knew he hadn’t done enough in your marriage to show you how much he loved you. He just wanted to hear you say it. That you didn’t love him anymore. He wanted you to tell him point blank that you had fallen out of love with him.

But you could never say that, because you never stopped loving him. 

“You know why—“ You had to bite the inside of your cheek and grit your teeth to stop yourself from yelling, Jake Seresin after all these years still managed to get under your skin with ease. “Again, not in front of the kids, let’s just get home.” 

“You seem frustrated.” Jake teased with that award winning grin, he knew exactly what he was doing. You always took the bait. 

“Yeah, you’ve been here for five minutes and I’m already over it.” If you had rolled your eyes any harder than you did you would have fallen over. 

“Little harsh—“ Jake chuckled as he placed Sammy into his booster seat, the little buckles that used to give him a hard time when the twins were younger were seamlessly clipped up in seconds. Jake made sure his youngest was safe and secure before he stood and turned his full undivided attention back to you. “I’ve missed you.” He said genuinely with a love so strong inside his heart you could nearly feel the warmth as he wrapped his arms around your shoulders and drew you in for a hug. “It’s good to see you, even if it’s just for one night before you go jet setting.” 

With little hesitation you melted into the man you had married all those years ago with ease. Jake was your home, your guiding light. This past year had been rough without him and you knew deep down it had been rough for him too. 

But sometimes love just wasn’t enough to save a marriage. 

“Yeah—yeah it’s good to see you.” Jake felt your arms wrap around his torso as you let your cheek rest on his shoulder. “I’ve missed you too.” Jake’s scent had alway brought comfort to you, the overwhelming warmth of cedarwood and notes of vanilla bourbon always calmed you, grounded you in reality. “I’m uh—“ You wanted to tell him the truth about what was going on, but you just couldn’t do that to him. You couldn’t ask that much of him. Not after everything you’d both been through over the last year. “I’m just happy you’re here for the kids.” 

“Mum! Lennox won’t let me have the window seat!” 

“I’m older than you!” Lennox argued back as Jake groaned into your neck. Oh how he’d missed you, missed the kids, missed his family. North Island was great but without the four of you? Something was always missing. A piece of Jake was always missing. 

“I’m not just here for the kids.” Jake pulled away at the sound of Lenny and Lucy arguing in the back seat over who was taking the middle seat. “But they’re a bonus, Honey.” He winked as he switched into dad mode and dropped his voice an octave or two. “Stop arguing, I’ll flip a coin.” 

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***

“Oh woah—“ Jake's eyes lit up as he walked through the front door of the home you’d recently finished moving into. He’d only ever seen it over FaceTime. “It’s bigger than it looked.” The little giggle you let out as you passed him by didn’t go unnoticed. Dirty bird, Jake thought to himself as his eyes lingered down to your ass as you walked ahead of him. 

“It’s enough for me and the kids with a spare room.” You replied as Jake continued to look around. Reminisce of cardboard boxes used in your move still remained scattered around the place. “The kids still wanted to put up the Christmas tree even though they aren’t gonna be here.” 

“Mama said Santa will know that we’re spending it with Grandma and Grandpa and will take all our presents there.” Lucy caught Jake's attention as she barreled into the living room where the Christmas tree stood tall and proud, decorated with mismatched decorations that you and Jake had collected over the years either from stores or the kids' school crafts. “She also said I could give this to you when you came to stay the night.” Lucy explained as she dropped to her knees and reached under the tree to where a perfectly wrapped gift labelled with Jake's name on it sat. “It’s from mum.” 

“Lucy May—“ You nearly hissed as you padded into the living room. “Don’t tell lie’s please.” You pointed, the deal had been you’d get Jake one present and one present only knowing he probably wouldn’t have gotten you anything, and that you’d tell him it was from the kids until he opened it. “You tell your dad who it’s from.” Jake knew by the smirk that crept across his daughter’s face he recognised as his own, that it was from you. Lucy didn’t have to say another word. But she did regardless. 

“It’s from me and Lenny.” She replied as Jake sat on the couch he used to sleep on during those nights the two of you couldn’t sleep in the same bed. Those nights where the two of you needed space and those nights where he thought he was doing the right thing by you and giving it to you. He sat on the couch that felt unfamiliar now and took the present his daughter gave him with grace. “Lenny! Dad’s opening our present!” 

“What present?” Lennox frowned as he walked into the living room trying to carry two year old Sam. “Oh! Mums present.” 

“Lennox!” You groaned aloud in utter defeat. 

All Jake could do was laugh to himself as he looked over at you. You were as beautiful as ever, his one and only love. How the fuck did things get so messy where you had to use your children as scapegoats. 

“It’s fine, it’s fine—I know it’s from the kids Honey.” Jake winked as you rolled your eyes and headed on into the kitchen where you were getting organised to cook dinner. You were starting to feel awfully tired–the oral chemotherapy was starting to make you feel sicker than you had been before you knew what was going on. A double edged sword really, you keep taking the pills? You get so sick you die. You stop taking the chemotherapy tablets? You get so sick you die. Either way you were dying or you convinced yourself you were. 

But Jake could never know that, your kids could never know that, so you went about your routine as normally as you could without making a fuss. 

“I might save this for when we get to Grandmas, I wouldn't wanna not have anything to open on Christmas morning Lulu.” Jake smiled as he brought her in for a hug between his legs. “I love you all so much.” 

“We love you too dad.” Lucy replied as she hugged Jake back. “Mum loves you too.” 

“Oh does she now?” Jake knew that putting all his faith in a six year old probably wasn't the best thing he could do, but right now as he held her in his arms, the little girl the two of you had created–he did. He trusted her to tell the truth you wouldn't, because you wouldn't lie and tell him you didn't love him either. “Guess I'll just have to take your word for it then, won't I?” 

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***

Jake Seresin had always been a good dad, you had never questioned him on his ability to go above and beyond for his children. That was something you never had to worry about. As you plated up dinner, the laughter of your three children coming from the living room made you smile to yourself. They were loved so fiercely. 

“Alright, let's get ready for dinner, yeah? Mums been cooking up a storm in here.” Jake rounded the corner with Sam hand in hand. “Smells so damn good in here.” You again smiled to yourself as Jake can to stand beside you at the kitchen counter, watching as you scooped some pasta bake onto five plates. 

“When's the last time you had a home cooked meal?” It was a simple question but Jake really had to think about it for a moment as he reached over to steal a cucumber slice from the chopped salad.

“Does food from the bar count?” He asked with a half cocked smile, knowing full well that Penny's burgers and fries wouldn’t be considered home cooked in your opinion. 

“No–” You grinned as Jake leaned in from behind you, trapping you between him and the counter with both arms encompassing you. “No, when's the last time it was a home cooked meal?” Jake didn't reply right away, he simply inhaled your scent slowly from behind you and took in the comforting scent of elderberry and juniper. He missed that all encompassing feeling, that safe and warming feeling of your presence. 

“Uh—probably the last time you cooked for me.” Jake noticed the moment you paused at his words, the revelation that you were having. “And it was probably pasta bake, with salad and pork chops, like what we’re having right now.” 

“It’s always your favourite—“ It was clear from the very beginning that both you and Jake were getting caught in the moment. But as his hands slowly make their way from the counter top to hips, you know you were too far gone to press the pause button. “Jacob—“ 

“I'm a simple man.” Jake cooed as he brought one of his hands up to move your hair from one side of your neck. “Lucy tells me you love me.” 

“She’s got a pretty wild imagination that daughter of ours.” You teased as Jake pressed his lips against your neck in a sweet gesture of gratitude for the woman who gave him three beautiful children. “You need to stop—“ You sighed into Jake's warm embrace as he pulled away and let his chin fall to your shoulder. “I don’t know where or what you've been in recently.” 

“I think she said her name was Vanessa.” Jake taunted as he held you tightly from behind. He felt you tense in his embrace at the very idea he’d been with someone other than you. But you couldn’t hold it against him, not now, the pair of you were separated. You held no claim on the man you had left in favour of putting yourself first. 

But that didn’t mean it still didn’t hurt. 

“Vanessa a name I should remember?” You asked with a little attitude in your tone Jake caught immediately. He couldn’t help but to smirk at the idea you were a little jealous of his very infrequent conquests. He loved you to the end of the world but this was such a frustrating situation to be in. What was a guy supposed to do? Be celebate in hopes his wife came running back? 

“Nope—“ Jake reassured you with another kiss to the neck. “I’m not ready to let you go, I thought maybe I could if I just leaned into the whole thing, whatever it is that we’re doing, but I’m just not ready to let you go.” 

“Have you?” Jake had to clear his throat when he asked. “Been with anyone, that is?” 

“Do you think between work, raising three kids with your DNA and missing you that I’d have time to get laid?” You knew what Jake would latch onto, the part where you said you missed him. You saw the light in his eye as you turned in his embrace to face him with a mischievous smile plastered across your face. 

“You miss me?” Yes. Yes you did. With all your might you missed him everyday and every night. But it didn’t change what the two of you became. 

“Don’t try your luck—“ You argued, shrugging Jake's query off like the answer was obvious. To him it was, you did miss him. Other sailors tend to recognise other sailors on the sea and Jake missed you tenfold. 

“Oh I’m feeling like the luckiest guy in the whole world right now.” You could feel Jake pressing himself against you, silently but not so subtly telling you exactly what this whole encounter was doing to him. 

“Really? Is that so?” You asked like you weren’t aware of the rock hard erection pressing against your pelvis. Jake just pressed his lips together in an attempt to hold off the crimson red from creeping up his neck and cheeks. But he wasn’t backing down from a challenge, especially when you were leaving all the right doors unlocked for him to walk right through. 

“So lucky that I couldn’t help but to notice the spare bed hasn’t even been made up?” 

“Oh so you assumed I’d be your personal chef and the maid tonight?” You countered as you looked around for your three small children, not wanting to expose them to such x-rated content before you slowly but surely sunk your hand into the sweatpants Jake had recently changed into. Damn those grey sweats and damn Jake for going commando. “You are perfectly capable of making your own bed.” 

The way your palm wrapped around his length sent sparks through Jake's body like nothing he’d ever felt before. Your touch was so beautiful and elegant, like you knew exactly what he needed and where he wanted it. 

“Or I could just sleep in yours, with you.” Jake nearly begged as your fist slid up and down his hardened length, feeling him twitch under your control. “Honey—“ He nearly moaned as he fell forward into you, letting his forehead rest against yours. “You’re killing me here.” 

“What don’t you get about the fact we’re separated?” You asked almost teasingly like you weren’t pumping him slowly as dinner cooled on the counter behind you while your kids played in the living room. 

“For as long as you have my last name, you’re my wife, end of story.” Butterflies, that’s how you’d describe the feeling inside you when Jake, your somewhat ex husband, told you you were still his. You never wanted to not be his, but you were sure that Vanessa maybe wondered if she’d ever be his too. 

“Oh you are so full of yourself.” You slowly but surely pulled your hand out from Jake’s sweats and watched him nearly deflate at the loss of sensation, but he never missed a beat, Jake was quick like that, he always had been. 

“You could be full of me too if you just let your guard down a little.” 

“Jake!!” You slapped his chest firmly as your kids all rushed in at the smell of food. 

“I’ll take my stuff upstairs shall I?” He grinned ear to ear, knowing by the way your jaw remained on the ground he had you hook, line and sinker. 

“Yeah, you can, to the spare room you idiot.” You watched as Jake fixed himself up and headed in the direction of the stairs. You were still so in love with this man. 

“Lenny! Where’s your mothers room?” Jake turned to your eldest son who always knew that the two of you were going to make it through whatever this rough patch was. He had friends who had divorced parents, and even at the young age of six, Lennox knew his parents didn’t hate each other. 

“Upstairs to the left, it’s the messy one.” You gave your son the stink eye as he beamed up at you. 

“Perfect.” Jake chuckled and sent you a wink. “I’ll be right back.” He was getting laid tonight and you both knew it. 

“I’m—“ You hardly had the energy to keep your whole hard to get act up, so with a sigh, you let your guard down for the man who held your heart in the palm of his hands. “You’re unbelievably.” 

“I’ve been told by the youth on base it’s called Rizz now.” Jake yelled back as he jogged up the wooden stairs, you could just barely hear him as his voice faded the higher he climbed. But nevertheless, you still heard him. 

“Well I can’t wait to get both you and your ‘rizz’ out of my house!” You shouted back, Lenny just laughed as he watched his Dad pull a funny face at your words from the top of the stairs. 

“You don’t mean that.” He smiled up at you. “You and dad love each other.” It made your heart skip a beat, but you had to remember that you were playing a dangerous game here. Letting Jake in now would only break his heart more. You had to do what was best for you, and that was to remain separate. At least while you were fighting for your life. 

“Maybe, but he’s still a pain in my ass Lenny.” 

***~****~****~***~***~***

Tags: @blindedbythelightt @starset21 @tayl0rhuynh @mamachasesmayhem @marvelogic @itsmytimetoodream @maverick-wingman @kodzukenmaaa @eternalsams @seitmai @nota-professional @jessicab1991 91 @hardballoonlove @senawashere @lafrone @fanficfandomlove ve @withahappyrefrain @dizzybee03 @maisie-rebloging-blog @goldenseresinretriever @a-reader-and-a-writer @sunlightmurdock @shelbycillian @memoriesat30 @accioprocrastination

[thethief1996]

Here's a list of upcoming events in support of Palestine:

ALBANY, NY (US) – Sun Oct 29, 12 pm, West Capitol Park, Washington Ave and S Swan St. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy4E2xxJT54/

ANTWERP, BELGIUM – Sun Oct 29, 3 pm, Sint-Jansplein. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy7z0ZnN1uT/

ATHENS, GREECE – Sun Oct 29, 11:30 am, Metro Evangelismos. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy8bhiMIoDh/

AUSTIN, TX (US) – Sun Oct 29, 3 pm, Texas Capitol. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyyrpZnJC3_/

BERLIN, GERMANY – Sun Oct 29, 2 pm, Sonnendeck im Westpark, Gleisdreieckpark

BERLIN, GERMANY – Sun Oct 29, 6 pm, Hermannplatz

BILBAO, BASQUE COUNTRY – Sun Oct 29, 6 pm, Bihotz Sakratutik. Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=716646197162773&set=pcb.716637363830323

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – Sun Oct 29, 12:30 pm, Barclays, High Street. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy8eCTNophn/

CAERNARFON, WALES – Sun Oct 29, Maes. Info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/303482486838722

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (US)– Sun Oct 29, 2 pm, Colorado Springs City Hall. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy36OhUPtP7/?img_index=5

DEN HAAG, NETHERLANDS – Sun Oct 29, 2 pm, Malieveld. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyzFb9pI5rX/?img_index=3

DENVER, CO (US) – Sun Oct 29, 2 pm, Colorado Capitol. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy58qQALzp4/

DERRY, IRELAND – Sun Oct 29, 3 pm, Free Derry Corner. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy79d9EsLxp/

DURANGO, CO (US) – Sun Oct 29, 4:30 pm, Buckley Park, 12th St and Main Ave. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy36OhUPtP7/?img_index=6

EDMONTON, CANADA – Sun Oct 29, 2 pm, Churchill Square, march to Violet Henry King Plaza. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6l5kEyKBp/?img_index=1

EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – Sun Oct 29, 6:15 pm, Silent March. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CywSp76ouui/?img_index=1

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (US) – Sun Oct 29, 3 pm, 299 East Broward Blvd (Federal Courthouse). Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy3sBHsJfzz/

GHENT, BELGIUM – Sun Oct 29, 4 pm, Stadshallen. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy7z0ZnN1uT/

GRANADA, SPAIN – Sun Oct 29, 1 pm, Jardines del Triunfo. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cys_3qPoXw0/?img_index=1

HOUSTON, TX (US) – Sun Oct 29, 2 pm, City Hall, 901 Bagby St. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6iXjigiN9/

LAS VEGAS, NV (US) – Sun Oct 29, 4 pm, 333 S Las Vegas Blvd. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy3edR_L_sE/

LEEUWARDEN, NETHERLANDS – Sun Oct 29, 4 pm, Stationsplein. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy8gvdBobZ8/

LISBON, PORTUGAL – Sun Oct 29, 3:30 pm, Martin Moniz Square.

LONDON, ON (CANADA) – Sun Oct 29, 12 pm, Western University. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy9CGDkOpCK/

MADRID, SPAIN – Sun Oct 29, 12 pm, Atocha. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6H79nqVGD/

MAO, SPAIN – Sun Oct 29, 6 pm, Pl. Esplanada. Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=716646140496112&set=pcb.716637363830323

MCALLEN, TX (US) – Sun Oct 29, 5 pm, Archer Park. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyzQ_WfRrkC/

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Sun Oct 29, 12 pm , State Library. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyxBu-GB068/?img_index=7

MEMPHIS, TN (US) – Sun Oct 29, 3 pm, FedEx Forum to Tom Lee Park. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy7O9BJuL32/

NASHVILLE, TN (US) – Sun Oct 29, 4:30 pm, Fred D Thompson Federal Bldg, 719 Church St. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy7llxyu8Tq/

NEWARK, NJ (US) – Sun Oct 29, 1:30 pm, 920 Broad St. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6OjhnuA3e/

NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND – Sun Oct 29, 1 pm, The Landing. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy3y_7RJ-7J/

NURNBERG GERMANY – Sun OCt 29, 3 pm, Kornmarkt

ORLANDO, FL (US) – Sun Oct 29, 5 pm, Orlando City Hall. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyzKXS5sl6f/

OTTAWA, CANADA – Sun Oct 29, 2 pm, Parliament Hill. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6bAGfRmGM/

PERRYSBURG, OH (US) – Sun Oct 29, 3 pm, 10576 Fremont Pike. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy7XWqSN6q7/

PHILADELPHIA, PA (US) – Sun Oct 29, 2 pm, City Hall West Side. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy045GWrQuk/

PISCATAWAY, NJ (US) – Sun Oct 29, 1:30 pm, MCMC, 1000 Hoes Lane, Drive for Palestine. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy4WRLHu3jccM1saN9BFQdHx1aGEMrbaPNE5wY0/

RALEIGH, NC (US) – Sun Oct 29, 4 pm, Moore Square, 201 S Blount. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy4IwhURhSO/

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – Sun Oct 29, 2 pm, Neue Mitte Lehen. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyxsStRMTyE/

SALINAS, CA (US) – Sun Oct 29, 12 noon, Boronda and North Main. Info: https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2023/10/23/18859834.php

SAN JOSE, CA (US) – Sun Oct 29, 1 pm, SJ Ciy Hall, 200 E Santa Clara St. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy4pO7Org29/

SANTA ROSA, CA (US) – Sun Oct 29, 11 am, Old Courthouse Square, Third Street.

SCRANTON, PA (US) – Sun Oct 29, 12 pm, Lackawanna County Courthouse

ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND (CANADA) – Sun Oct 29, 1:30 pm, Harbourside Park.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Sun Oct 29, 1 pm, Hyde Park North. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyxBu-GB068/?img_index=10

TORONTO, CANADA – Sun Oct 29, 2 pm, US Consulate, 360 University Ave. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy0-N2-JpO0/

VALENCIA, SPAIN – Sun Oct 29, 12 pm, Placa Reina. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy0KUQIq-jl/

WATERBURY, CT (US) – Sun Oct 29, 3 pm, City Hall. Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1715808265508048&set=a.124168471338710&type=3&mibextid=cr9u03

WORCESTER, MA (US) – Sun Oct 29, 3:30 pm, Worcester City Hall. Info: https://masspeaceaction.org/event/protest-with-justice-for-all-in-worcester-stand-with-palestine/

CLEVELAND, OH (US) – Mon Oct 30, 5 pm, 601 Lakeside E. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6D8RogwWT/

ESSEX, ENGLAND – Mon Oct 30, 6 pm, Square 2-5. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy81di8oy9N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

IRVINE, CA (US) – Mon Oct 30, 7 pm, Ring Road by Langston Library, UCI. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy17TjfJBFV/

LAS VEGAS, NV (US) – Mon Oct 30, 11 am, Free Speech Walkway, UNLV. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy3ae38rkGe/

MANHATTAN, KS (US) – Mon Oct 30, 6 pm, Triangle Park. Info: https://actionnetwork.org/events/palestinian-liberation-rally

TROY, NY (US) – Mon Oct 30,  5pm, Riverfront Park. Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=309545841705829&set=a.177000064960408

TUFTS UNIVERSITY (US) – Mon Oct 30, 11:45 am, Lower Campus Center. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy4OXa7LIty/?img_index=1

FORT WAYNE, IN (US) – Tues Oct 31, 5 pm, Allen County Courthouse. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/638151171839892/

[BIDEN WILL BE HERE!!!] MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Wed Nov 1. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy4n_chs1q_/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

SAINT PAUL, MN - Every Friday, 4-5 PM, Corner of Snelling and Summit Ave.

ABERDARE, WALES – Wed Nov 1, 5:30 pm, Library. Info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/303482486838722

OXFORD, ENGLAND – Wed Nov 1, 5 pm, Manzil Way to Bonn Square. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyv-w5wIK4_/

SEVILLA, SPAIN – Wed Nov 1, 7 pm, Plaza Virgen de los Reyes. Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=716671617160231&set=pcb.716637363830323

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – Wed Nov 1, 1 pm, Sheffield Town Hall. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy3H3HPsJPp/?img_index=1

ST PAUL, MN (US) – Fri Nov 3, 4 pm, Snelling and Summit Ave. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy4oFPTMVzq/

BERLIN, GERMANY – Sat Nov 4, 2 pm, Neptunbrunnen to Alexanderplatz. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy5tpQAsx0J/

BURLINGTON, VT (US) – Sat Nov 4, 1 pm, Battery Park. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy5_1OCuoWw/

ROME, ITALY – Sat Nov 4, Rome. Info TBA: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyndKUitnMU/

SANTIAGO, CHILE – Sat Nov 4, 11 am, desde el GAM. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy59hQiu411/

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Sat Nov 4, 1 pm, 32 Mugyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy5cGxOpSCA/

WASHINGTON, DC (USA) – Sat Nov 4, 2 pm, Freedom Plaza. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyiecRtr9-B/

ZARAGOZA, SPAIN – Sat Nov 4, 6 pm, Glorieta Sasera to Plaza del Pilar. Info: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=716671587160234&set=pcb.716637363830323

BARRY TOWN, WALES – Sun Nov 5, 12 pm, King Square. Info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/303482486838722

CAERNARFON, WALES – Sun Nov 5, 6:30 pm, Maes. Info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/303482486838722

STUTTGART, GERMANY – Sun Nov 5, 3 pm, Schlossplatz

VALLEKAS, SPAIN – Sun Nov 5, 12 pm, Metro Buenos Aires. Info: https://twitter.com/IUMadridRetiro/status/1718229817366044883/photo/4

Feel free to add more!

[lonestarbattleship]

USS HOUSTON (CA-30) and USS AUGUSTA (CA-31) on the Wusong river (Suzhou Creek) in Shanghai, China. Photographed during the Sino-Japanese Hostilities.

Date: February 1932

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Library: pe000035, fr208399, pe001214, fr202530

[forthosebefore]

Photograph of the regular monthly hands on the George Ranch. Five cowboys on horseback - four of them African-American cowboys - watch over a calf nestled in the grass in front of them. The rest of the herd of cattle can be seen in the background. The top of a windmill is visible near the center background. Bottom of photograph in border printed in black: "The Harper Leiper Company Photographers". Back of photograph written in black identifies cowboys: "Left to right Johnny Hudgins, Henry Klazer, Buster Jackson (Joe B. Forman), Frank Simpson - cook, Joe Bingum, Regular monthly hands". Also on back stamped in blue: "KE - 1293 The Harper Leiper Company Photographers (Photographers stamp) 1009 Isabella at Main Houston, Texas Refer to Neg. No 5734 [circled and written in blue ink] 3" Source: University of North Texas Libraries [Photograph of five cowboys on horseback - four of them African-American], photograph, [1940..1955]; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth7805/: accessed February 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting George Ranch Historical Park.

“Most cowboys in Fort Bend County were African American from the late 1800’s into the mid 1900’s. Buster was said to be the finest horseman anyone had ever seen.” Source: Rosenberg Today

Visit www.attawellsummer.com/forthosebefore to learn more about Black history.

Need a freelance graphic designer or illustrator? Send me an email.

[365daysoflesbians]

Joanne and Kay. Houston, Texas. 1977. These photos are of activists Joanne Murray and Kay Rorer at the 1977 National Women’s Conference in Houston, Texas. This event was a turning point in second-wave feminism in the United States. Controversial topics such as abortion and lesbian rights were debated during the convention. After a vote, lesbians rights were officially added to the national agenda for women's equality. Photographer: Tom Colburn Source: University of Houston Libraries / Queer Love in History 

[girlfriendsofthegalaxy]

tuesday again 6/6/2023

two things to frontload:

if you have good vibes to send off in service of me getting a livable apartment in the greater houston tx area i would be most grateful, bc the hunt ain't fuckin goin too fuckin great

go play ABZÛ

listening

soul bossa nova by quincy jones bc it popped up on my discover weekly. i can only assume spotify recced this to me for bossa nova reasons bc i have been categorically ignoring austin powers my entire life and intend to continue on in this fashion.

it is a bop tho.

-

reading

when i wrote the pinned post for this blog i settled on "a common throughline in Shit What I Like is understanding how and why systems work" bc i hadn't yet listened to Well There's Your Problem, a podcast with slides about engineering disasters and systemic failures, and "OSHA aficionado" is shorter but less snappy than "WTYPP fan". anyway when i think "chemical spill" i do not generally think "hand sanitizer spill", and when i think "how do i get rid of all this unsellable poorly made hand sanitizer made in the early days of the pandemic" i do not immediately leap to "well i'll just dump pallets in this parking lot and warehouse and surely it won't spill and/or explode bc hand sanitizer is a product that makes you safer".

ArtNaturals was, at that point, not on the [FDA warning] list. Its sanitizer, labeled with a tasteful, millennial-friendly design that said it was vegan and infused with jojoba oil, was marketed as “safe for kids” and “a great bulk hand sanitizer pack for parents and teachers.” At least two school districts on the West Coast had purchased the sanitizer to distribute to students, in addition to two Ivy League universities. Then, in March 2021, a year into sales, an independent lab in Connecticut called Valisure announced that it had found benzene in the company’s sanitizer. Benzene, a widely used industrial chemical derived from petroleum, can be absorbed through the skin and is known to be a risk factor for leukemia.

came across it bc my rss feed really wanted me to subscribe to longreads (no), but this one did catch my eye as i was checking to make sure the site still wasn't for me

-

watching

watching this was a unexpectedly funny experience bc i recognized one of the backing instrumentals as a previous tuesdaypost song, which kind of felt like solving a mystery book on chapter three bc u knew an obscure fact about eels. this documentary came out in nov 22 and the song was one of this past feb's tuesdaysongs so i can only assume the spike in popularity from the documentary propelled it onto my discover weekly playlist??? the internet is a series of algorithmic tubes &tc

this is a tremendous work, as a documentary/history/archival effort/piece of art. it made me tear up. there's a very lovely sequence about memory and legacy that got me thinking a lot again about how i would like to be remembered. ive rewritten this section four times, when usually i don't redraft the tuesdaypost much at all. boils down to: complex and weird topic to talk about as an orphan, i am reluctant to be any more emotionally vulnerable than i absolutely have to during this time of great cross-country change and moving upheaval.

i appreciated how this was not tearjerker webby bait, which would have made it feel very hollow and embittered me even more during a week i am already predisposed to hate humanity. instead, mr perjurer is simply very good at his job (being an ethical documentarian)

-

playing

one game i really loved and one game i really hated, so it goes.

despite religiously downloading the epic store free game of the week bc i have a reminder written in my planner, i never fucking remember to actually look at what i have in that library.

ABZÛ genuinely healed my heart during a very unpleasant weekend.

i don't use this as a recs platform except for this one time when i am cashing in all my chips. go play ABZÛ, it takes like an hour and a half.

all you need to know about it you can get from the cover art. it is not a hard game and it is not a horror game. i went in totally blind and the less you know about this game the better. i was delighted nearly every minute. every time i saw an ammonite i felt like i was seeing an old friend. there are SO many clever game design choices i want to talk about. message me after you play this. i said "of COURSE IT WAS AUSTIN FUCKING WINTORY ON THE SCORE" during the credits. what an absolutely goddamn perfect little jewel of a game.

AGAIN: go play ABZÛ.

i also played Call of the Sea, bc it was in my epic library and i wanted something fast and oceanic to continue the high of ABZÛ.

Call of the Sea did not continue the high of ABZÛ. i think this team carefully and thoughtfully sidestepped several of the usual issues is making something Lovecraftian but fell into the rest of the pits. eg i liked that they had Polynesian culture consultants, but from an interview it seemed like it was limited to a one-day crash course? i am deeply grateful this isn't a dead-wife game and the female protagonist has a great deal of agency, but she's still a rich white lady from boston trekking about the Tahitian islands commenting on primitive structures, which made me suck air in through my teeth at many points. there is an "ancient slave culture" thread that never actually resolves. i really wish it resolved. the game overall is in a very weird place, trapped between the norms and mores of the early 40s and the 2020s. you have Got to commit to one or the other.

the overall vibe is very polished for a first game. general vibes are Firewatch but puzzle-adventure. the lighting is a little too dynamic and was very distracting throughout. due to this studio's age (new) and odd location (spain) and how their debut game came out (took a year and a half to make, debuted on gamepass) i understand why this game exists the way it does from a marketing and industry standpoint and why they favored visual polish and art style over everything else. it's still annoying bc it is so close to an interesting game.

the twist particularly infuriated me as a chronically ill person, spoilers for the twist behind rot13

gur gjvfg vf gung Abenu gur cebgnt vf frpergyl n "Qnhtugre bs Pguhyuh", naq ure puebavp cebterffvat gb grezvany vyyarff vf op fur'f ba Rnegu naq abg va gur Urnirayl Ernyzf jvgu Pguhyh jurer fur orybatf. guvf frg bss fbzr fvyrag nynez oryyf gb zr nf n puebavpnyyl vyy crefba, op vg vf Fb fvzvyne gb gur Arj Ntr "vaqvtb puvyqera" pbaprcg. n terng qrny bs zrqvpny nohfr naq abezny nohfr fheebhaqf guvf pbaprcg. guvf ernyyl fbherq gur raqvat sbe zr

-

making

fallow week. if it isn't moving-related it isn't happening, and even then a lot of moving-related things are grinding on painfully slowly

[shirkers2018dirsanditan]

curious about your post about social workers because it's a comparison I have seen made before but I never understood it. I'm a social worker but not in the US or any english speaking country so maybe that's why I'm confused by it, is the general perception of a social worker in the US just like, someone who comes to take people's kids away from them or something? I do find this interesting because the police institutions tend to be similar across borders, but social work is so dependent on each nation's social institutions, laws, governments...

well no, but social workers are entangled in systems of policing in the US. its a major point of contention inside the field. there’s the child welfare, or family policing, system but there’s also, like, counseling and welfare services which can be caught up in the policing matrix. imo many public service workers are tangled in the policing matrix, infamously teachers, but also library staff. but it’s a massive problem in social work. i know the university of houston’s social work program has an expressly abolitionist focus

[iboatedhere]

“You are not failing him.”

“We’ve gone to the science center, the botanical garden, we’ve played mini golf, and visited the library. I’ve taken swimming and to the aquarium. I even took him to the firehouse and my dad took him out on a call. They rescued baby ducks from a storm drain.”

Grace hums. “Judd showed me the photos.”

“Jonah acted like he wasn’t impressed.”

“Maybe he’s not a fan of birds.”

“Baby ducks, Grace,” TK says. “Baby ducks.”

“Okay, you’re right, baby ducks are a universally beloved thing.” She watches Jonah and Charlie work their way across the monkey bars. “Kids need to spend time with kids their own age. I’m sure Charlie would get sick of me, too.”

“So you agree,” TK says, “Jonah is sick of me.”

Grace rolls her eyes and pushes his face away with her hand while TK grins around the straw. 

“I’m saying that anytime he wants to hang with Charlie, I am good with it.”

“I appreciate that,” TK says, “but she goes to daycare.”

“You can watch her, save me and Judd some money,” Grace jokes and TK shakes his head. 

“Nothing against her, but I don’t think so. I don’t think I can handle disappointing two kids.”

“First, you are not a disappointment, and second, I can ask and see if there’s room in Charlie’s daycare for one more.”

“I appreciate that, too, but the point of Jonah staying with me this summer is that he’s with me.”

“Yes, but he doesn’t need to be with you twenty four-seven. Children and parents need breaks from each other, sometimes. Especially at this age.”

“I hope that goes for brothers too, because obviously I am not ready to be a parent.”

Grace pats his shoulder and TK looks out over the park. People are jogging or walking their dogs. A few fields over, a group of high school age kids have begun a disorganized game of baseball. 

Grace hums as she watches them. “Has Jonah ever shown an interest in baseball?”

“I’ve taken him to a few Yankee games when I’ve visited,” TK says with a shrug. “I guess he liked it, but I really think he was more interested in the nachos and cotton candy.”

“That’s valid,” Grace says with a laugh. 

“I could take him to a game in Round Rock. If he likes that we can go into Houston.”

“Actually,” Grace says, digging through her bag. “I was thinking something like this.”

She pulls a flyer out of the bag and TK unfolds it. 

Austin Intramural Little League Registration. 

“Little league?” TK asks, “I don’t know, that seems a little….intense.”

“Don’t let the name fool you,” Grace says, “it’s very relaxed and laid back. It’s more about teaching kids the basics. Half the time the lessons dissolve and it’s just a dozen six and seven year olds running around a baseball diamond or sitting in the outfield looking for four leaf clovers or dandelions.”

TK laughs. “That sounds like fun.”

“It is,” Grace tells him. “We signed Charlie up a few weeks ago, and while Judd thinks she’s the future starting pitcher of the Astros, I’m just happy she’s out in the fresh air, getting some exercise. It tires her right out. But who knows, maybe this is Jonah’s calling.” She nudges TK with her elbow. “From what I’ve heard you’re no slouch on the field.”

“I’m all right,” TK admits, and Grace grins. 

“Well if anyone can draw some talent out of him it’s Carlos. He’s the coach,” Grace explains. “He used to play for the Astros, actually. He was a rookie when they won the World Series. He was poised to be a real star, but he hurt his shoulder a few years ago. Now he works in the athletic department at UT. He gets some of the college players to help out with practice. He’s real patient and kind…the kids love him. So do the mothers.”

TK frowns. “What does that mean?”

“It means he is very, very handsome. There’s a reason the dads drop their kids off and the mothers stay, and isn’t to keep an eye on their children.”

“And what about you?” TK asks, “are you staying for Charlie or for the eye candy?”

“A little bit of both,” Grace admits with a laugh. “Seriously, though, he’s great with the kids. I really think Jonah will enjoy himself.”

“I’ll ask Jonah,” TK says. “I feel like I’m going to have a hard time convincing him, though.”

“Let him know that it’s no pressure, he can come and check it out. He doesn’t even have to play. If he decides that he hates it, make it up to him by taking him out for ice cream.”

“A full proof plan,” TK says, and Grace smiles. 

“We’ll turn this summer around, don’t worry.”

[lonestarflight]

Grumman J2F Duck in flight, circa 1941.

University of Houston Library Digital Collections: ark:/84475/do63483m385

[fluorynn]

✧˚.❃ ↷¡ 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐌𝐄 ! ˊ-

✧˚ I have a distinct name, I suppose you could say, so I rather be called Nyrr for short — pulled from my actual name, lol!

✧˚ I like who I like — no preferable label to be sincere !

✧˚ I was born on the 18th of July ( I am to turn 19 this year ), raised and born in Houston Texas (…it be hectic out here sometimes — weather is incredibly bipolar ) though I am Hispanic due to both my parents being from Mexico 🇲🇽!!

✧˚ I am the eldest child in my family, so the responsibility can be a bit much at times, especially with the youngest children. I adore my family despite the many times we’ve clashed against one another — I’d do anything for them :)

✧˚ Truth be told, I never thought there was a loving fandom that writes for Avatar — until I came across Tumblr and was bewildered but full of anticipation to witness this! I’ve watched from the sidelines for awhile, but now I think I’ve gained a bit of familiarity with Avatar, and my writing skills — so I really hope you enjoy what I give! I love meeting new people — so please don’t hesitate in asking/mentioning anything within my ask box!

✧˚.❃ ↷ ¡ 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 / 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 !

.❃ hobbies of mine : writing — wether it be stories or thoughts or poetries or little notes, going to the library, reading, reading reading! drawing ( I would say I’m slightly above an average artist, lol ) clay ! Analyzing, deeply thinking of quotes, poetry.

.❃ music artists I listen to on a daily base : Hozier, Stephen Sanchez, Novo Amor, Noah Kahan, QUEEN, The Weeknd, Kevin Karl, Rebecca Sugar, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ricky Montgomery, SZA, Backstreet Boys, Ainslie Wills, Montell Fish, Morgan Clae, Aventura, Darell, Zach Bryan, Luke Combs

.❃ films / series I have on repeat that perhaps is not healthy but it’s okay : Avatar ( 1&2 OFC ), HTTYD (every film, every series of it — besides the reboots —) Lo Que La Vida Me Robo, Bridgerton, The Book of Life, Hamilton, Steven Universe ( the film and the sequel series included ) Kubo and the Two Strings ( such an underrated film ) every single MARVEL film ( Black Widow & Guardians of the Galaxy especially…UGH ) Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, War For the Planet of the Apes, Netflix’s YOU series, Strawberry Panic, Komi Can’t Communicate

.❃ Favorite emojis : 🪼, 🌌, 🌃, 🫧, 🌄, 🌆, 🌠, 🎆,🦕

.❃ Current favorite songs :

Gone, Gone, Gone [ Phillip Phillips ]

The Pool ( single ) [ Stephen Sanchez ]

Easy On My Eyes and Angel Face ( 2 albums ) [ Also Stephen Sanchez ] ( any song of Stephen Sanchez is the most purest, sweetest of words ever )

Abrazando a Ti [ Kevin Karl ] ( any song of his is so beautiful too— )

Like Real People Do [ Hozier ] ( he is LIVING POETRY GUYS, every breath uttered from this man is poetry )

Special [ SZA ] ( my beloved )

✧˚.❃ ↷ Tag System

*⁀➷ ŋყཞཞ’s replies¡! — 🎆 (replies to ask box!!)

ŋყཞཞ’ʂ recs¡! — 📖🪼 ( other amazing writer’s work!)

ŋყཞཞ’ʂ reblogs¡! — 🌌 ( reblogs!)

𝐍¥𝐑𝐑’𝐒 𝐏𝐄𝐍 !*ೃ༄ ( my writing!)

ŋყཞཞ rambles¡! — 🫧 ( just random rants, lol )

— 𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐎𝐙𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒 :

❝ 𝘋𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘴? ❞

— 𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚔

❝ 𝗪𝗲’𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘄𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗜 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆: 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗺𝗲. ❞

— 𝙸, 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚗 ( 𝙸𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚗 ), 𝚑𝚘𝚣𝚒𝚎𝚛

[gracehosborn]

15 Questions Tag

Thank you to @rachaellawrites for the tag!

Rules: As a little get to know you, answer the following 15 questions.

Tagging (with no pressure!): @luisfrost51 @therevwriter @gingerfrednutmeg @my-deer-friend @sunset-a-story @jamieanovels @alexander-the-ham-man @minutiaewriter

My answers will be under the cut!

1. Are you named after anyone?

Yep. My great-aunt Grace. According to family she was very sweet. Also served in World War II I believe.

2. When was the last time you cried?

Awhile ago. College and life can be hard.

3. Do you have kids?

Nope.

4. Do you use sarcasm?

Oh, absolutely.

5. What's the first thing you notice about people?

Their… vibe? Mood? I’m not sure how to describe this.

6. What's your eye colour?

Dark brown. Was born with bright blue eyes though, but alas the pigment was damaged as a result of many eye surgeries while I was still very young.

7. Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings!

8. Any special talents?

Not sure? I wouldn’t consider any of my talents very “special” but I’m sure if you asked someone they could name something.

9. Where were you born?

Houston, Texas.

10. What are your hobbies?

Writing, doing historical research.

11. Have you any pets?

Yep. Three dogs and a cat. It gets insane every once in awhile.

12. What sports do you play/have you played?

I did tap dance for a decade. Occasionally track running. Can’t play any contact sports due to my vision.

13. How tall are you?

Five feet and three quarters of an inch (I am very prideful over those three quarters 😂).

14. Favorite subject in school?

History! Science was a close second. I love learning about the wild shenanigans people got up to in the past and how those led us to where we are now. I also love learning about how the universe works. It’s just fascinating.

15. Dream job?

I have too many. My top three though would be:

Researcher/librarian at the Library of Congress

Working for the National Archives

Working as a researcher for a historic site. Particularly Hamilton Grange or a Revolutionary War battlefield.

[cosmicanger]

Alan Saret

Open O, 1985 - 2005

Various steel alloys

Alan Saret’s (b.1944, New York) practice includes sculpture, drawing, painting, architecture, geometry study, writing, language study, and music. He is best known for creating sculptures with flexible materials, composed of wire and other “non-art” mediums. After a three-year sojourn in India in early 1970s where he focused on the spiritual and metaphysical, Saret’s approach to spatiality shifted to three-dimensional wire networks that explore the domain between order and disorder—leading to penetrated constructions that seem to come alive. Drawings with clusters of pencils, called “Gang Drawings,” were first used to represent sheet wire and later developed into an independent art form. While this work was labeled “anti-form” to distinguish it from hard-edged minimalism, Saret stresses its organic qualities, describing it as natural form because of nature’s flexible use of geometry. Although seen by some as process art, these works use process to reveal spirit and to ensoul.

Alan Saret’s work can be found in collections including the Art Institute of Chicago; Brooklyn Museum, New York; Dallas Art Museum; Detroit Institute of Art; Fogg Museum, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; High Museum of Art, Atlanta; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, St. Louis; Minneapolis Institute of Art; MoMA PS1, New York; Morgan Library & Museum, New York; Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Museum of Modern Art, New York; National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC; Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton, New Jersey; Saint Louis Art Museum; Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; and Whitney Museum of American Art, New York.

[kuramirocket]

The air was polluted for three miles in any direction from the Asarco smelter plant, which was near the U.S.–Mexican border in El Paso, Texas.

After a 1970s CDC study showed that the mostly Mexican-American population of this Texas town had dangerously high blood lead levels, its buildings were demolished and its residents were booted.

The American Smelting and Refining Company owned a smelter in El Paso that, starting in 1910, refined hundreds of thousands of tons of lead and copper harvested from its mines in Mexico. It did so with the help of “an army of Mexican contract workers" according to a University of Houston associate professor of history.

Mexican workers who labored in Asarco mines began migrating north, lured by that new operation on the U.S. side of the border. Many settled on company land below the foothills of Mt. Cristo Rey. In the early years of the 20th century, Smeltertown lay outside El Paso city limits, a few miles from the city’s downtown.

By this time, Smeltertown had evolved from a small border town into an industrial hub for ASARCO. In 1900, Smeltertown had a population of 2,721. By 1920, the number grew to 3,119. Of this number, 95% were Mexican.

Smeltertown was designed by ASARCO to revolve all aspects of life around smelting. By creating a monopoly over labor in the town, the company could max their potential output for profit. To do this, managers needed an untainted focus on smelting at all hours of the day. Therefore, ASARCO strategically planned Smeltertown to invite and keep laborers.

The most enticing method in which ASARCO attracted foreign labor was company provided housing. Small tenement style apartments were constructed for all migrant employees. Located a short walk from the factory, it ensured that smelting was always on the minds of their workers. Homes lacked electricity, indoor plumbing, or furnished floors. These conditions were intentional. Not only did a lack of appliances keep costs cheap for ASARCO, it also kept laborers out of the comfort of their homes and therefore smelting more frequently.

A home in Smeltertown, April 27, 1957, University of Texas at El Paso Library Special Collections Department, Cassola Studio Photographs, PH 041

Racial Hierarchy

Smtertown was divided into an upper section, El Alto, where the Anglo managers lived, and a lower section, El Bajo, where the Mexican workers lived.

Migrants were easily exploited by Anglos in positions of power. St. John describes, “The borderlands labor market was segmented by race… working-class ethnic Mexicans who labored as cowboys, miners, and smelter workers earned lower wages and were denied better-paying jobs in favor of Anglo-Americans and European immigrants."

Poverty in Smeltertown could be extreme. Residents built and invested in their homes, but the company owned the land. As in other single-industry towns, Smeltertown’s residents fashioned their own way of life in the world the company made, one marked by inequality, racial segregation, and corporate paternalism.

This discrimination was most noticeable in the physical makeup of Smeltertown itself. Company owners and managers lived atop the hill in the gated Smelter Terrace, coined the "hidden oasis." These Anglos enjoyed paved driveways, green lawns, and swimming pools. A woman who grew up in Smeltertown notes, “I never went to Smelter Terrace, and I assume my mother did not either. There was no interaction between the workers and management children, I am now ashamed to say.”

On the contrary, blue collar immigrants lived at the bottom of the hill in adobe shacks that lacked running water and electricity. These row style living quarters were designed for single men working the smelting factory. Thus, when families followed along across the border, they were forced to squeeze into these tiny spaces. Children often slept on the dirt floors in order to fit everyone comfortably.

According to Daniel Solis, a former resident, “Smeltertown essentially was an eyesore for El Paso” an embarrassment to city officials and the company.

Sewage and water systems were built by the residents.

Daily Pollution Ignored by the City

The residents of Smeltertown also experienced the discomforts of living with ASARCO’s emissions on a daily basis. Sulfur dioxide, a major by-product of smelting, creates foul odors and can cause breathing problems and irritation of the eyes, throat and lungs. Daniel Solis recalls:

"In July and August … our folks would bring us into the house, because the smoke, the pollution, the sulfur, would settle into our community for about 2 or 3 hours every day in the mid-day when there was no breeze to take it away. When we would breathe that, we could not be outside because we were constantly coughing. So nobody can tell me that there was no ill effect on the majority of the folks that lived in Smeltertown."

Mary Romero writes that Smeltertown families tried early on to get the city to respond to problems of pollution.

Residents had organized in the 1950’s in an unsuccessful attempt to get the city to pave Smeltertown streets and thus control the dust problem. Several parents had sought medical attention for children born with brain damage and other illnesses; not one case, however, had been diagnosed as lead poisoning. Past attempts to label health problems as pollution-related illnesses had been unsuccessful.

Given the arduous work and poor living conditions, everyday lives of workers consisted of making the most of their situation.

ASARCO's company reign did not stop at housing. They constructed all resources necessary to function in Smeltertown in order to keep Mexicans from finding work elsewhere. Examine the list below to see all facets of life ASARCO controlled for their laborers.

Company Owned Estbalishments

Hospital

Supermarket

General Store

Jail

Post Office

A Closer Look: Company Store

The company store stocked items adapted to the needs of an isolated industrial community. Citizens could buy groceries, clothing, and even ship mail from the facility. The Smelter Store functioned by extending credit to workers that would eventually deduct from their weekly paycheck. ASARCO kept prices relatively high in comparison to their laborers' respective salaries in order to keep workers hungry for the money necessary to pay. Angel Luján, a former smelter explains, “it was like I owe my soul to the company store." Most laborers lived on a paycheck to paycheck basis due to this loan structure designed by ASARCO. To live a standard lifestyle in Smeltertown, Mexicans had to "sign away their paycheck and their lives" to the company.

“A Silent Poison”

In March 1971, a team of Epidemic Intelligence Service officers from the CDC arrived to investigate lead exposure connected to the Asarco smelter.

The El Paso City–County health commissioner, had called the CDC after his department discovered that Asarco was discharging large quantities of lead and other metallic wastes into the air. Between 1969 and 1971, the smelter’s stacks had spewed more than 1,000 tons of lead, 560 tons of zinc, 12 tons of cadmium, and 1.2 tons of arsenic into the atmosphere. Soil studies showed the highest concentrations of lead and other metals in surface soil closest to the smelter—essentially, in Smeltertown. 

Smeltertown children on the way to school in a horse-drawn wagon, El Paso, ca. 1900, El Paso Historical Society

Although the CDC team found no cases of overt lead poisoning, 43 percent of people in all age groups and 62 percent of children 10 and under living within one mile of the smelter had blood lead levels of at least 40 micrograms per deciliter. That’s eight times the level at which the CDC recommends a full-fledged public health response today.

The CDC team quickly followed up with a second study in Smeltertown in 1972, examining the health consequences of lead exposure in children. The CDC team administered IQ tests and a finger-tapping test of physical reflexes to the Smeltertown kids with elevated blood levels; a control group of children with blood lead levels below 40 micrograms per deciliter was also tested. The study found that children with elevated blood lead levels tested as many as seven points lower on the IQ test than the control group; they also showed much slower reaction times on the physical reflexes test.

Initially, the families reacted to the disclosures of lead contamination with great concern and cooperated with the research teams and doctors who came to test and treat the children. Some children were taken out of the community to be tested—the 4 year-old sister of Daniel Solis was taken to Chicago, although, as Daniel recounts, “She had never been to the airport, much less on an airplane.” Most of the children were treated at local hospitals, using chelation therapy, a drug regimen designed to remove heavy metals from the blood. The treatment is painful, and can be prolonged.

Daniel recalls that his young siblings were terrified of the painful injections.

This is what scientists now know: Lead in the air or in dust, paint, or fumes can work its way into the human body. In children, lead can permanently damage the brain and nervous system. It can slow a child’s growth and development. It can cause learning, hearing, speech, and behavior problems. Studies—the Smeltertown study being among the first—have linked early-childhood lead exposure to reduced IQ, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, juvenile delinquency, and criminal behavior, according to the CDC.

The consequences of early-childhood lead exposure can be moderated by educational enrichment, something that may not be readily available in poor communities with fewer opportunities and resources.

The pediatrician who led the CDC team stated, “I’m convinced one of the reasons our society has allowed it to go on is because the effects disproportionately fall on poor and minority children. In Smeltertown, people were almost universally immigrants from Mexico.”

During the trial, Ken Nelson, Director of Environmental Sciences for ASARCO, testified that lead contamination in Smeltertown had been “overlooked” by the company ASARCO officials said it had “never occurred” to them to include Smeltertown in the company’s air pollution monitoring system.

Asarco fought hard against the notion that the elevated blood lead levels in Smeltertown had anything to do with the smelter, or that lead exposure was harming children’s development.

The company claimed that elevated blood lead levels were caused by lead paint and gasoline emissions. It commissioned its own parallel study of the health effects in children and found no evidence of IQ loss. But the findings by the health department and the CDC team contradicted the company’s. The closer to the smelter the sample, the higher the concentrations of lead in the air, dust, and soil; human blood levels mimicked that pattern. And the CDC's team findings on the children’s IQ and physical reflexes were irrefutable.

It is worth noting that despite their groundbreaking nature, the study findings received little national attention at the time; A report by the New York Times in 1972 was the lone article that the newspaper wrote about Smeltertown.

As part of the settlement, the city and Asarco decided Smeltertown would be demolished, its residents forced to relocate. In October 1972, not two years after the lead studies began—eviction notices went out to all Smeltertown residents ordering them to clear out of their homes by January 1.

It should also be noted that the demolition of Smeltertown represented the least expensive solution for the city and ASARCO.

A statement by ASARCO’s physician that if Smeltertown had been allowed to remain, it would have required a greater commitments of funds and services than either the city or company was willing to provide.

The demolition of Smeltertown did not solve the problem of ASARCO’s emissions. Although the problem was first defined as a community health problem; it was later redefined as a problem specific to Smeltertown.

Restricting government action to Smeltertown fulfilled several objectives for various local interest groups. Business and industry were reassured that environmental policies would not threaten future growth. Pollution abatement would be placed second to economic stability, and therefore the chances of plant shutdowns or corporate flight were lessened … city and state officials were able to ignore contamination and possible health threats in other parts of Texas, New Mexico and Mexico.

Daniel Solis argues that the eradication of Smeltertown destroyed a significant part of Mexican-American history in El Paso. Like Romero, he points out that the solution chosen by the city and the company redirected attention away from the wider problems of contamination that was affecting children, workers and communities in the region.

The problems resulting from ASARCO’s emissions resurfaced continually over the years of ASARCO's operations in El Paso. Although the plant closed in 1999, the toxic contamination from ASARCO continued to be the focus of community struggles with the company, as community members pressed for information about the extent of contamination on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Everything that made up Smeltertown—every home and shop—would be bulldozed. Everything but the smelter itself, which would run for another 26 years.

Tight-Knit Comunidad

Mechanical department workers at Asarco, November 16, 1950

Outside of the work itself, laborers grew to establish unique cultural communities through their shared experiences. By mutually bonding over the challenges posed by the comany town, Esmeltianos banded together. Mexican migrants created their own binational "Mexican town" in Smeltertown.

Many Mexicans created their own Mexican establishments such as general stores, restaurants, and push cart vendors. Providing a wide labor market, El Paso inspired many Esmeltianos to extend their communities outside the company lines of Smeltertown. By 1930, various Mexican neighborhoods and establishments sprawled out in the El Bajo area, completely unaffiliated with ASARCO. One such example was the town YMCA, developed as a communal space for Mexican children to socialize and exercise. Efforts like these developed a deeper kinship in Smeltertown, away from the grave reality of smelting for a company. Instead, Mexicans claimed the borderlands as their own by branding cultural ties to the region.

Simple beautfication projects such as gardening gave citizens agency over the lives they lived in Smeltertown. Esmeltianos placed a large focus on simple tasks that emphasized aspects of life away from the company. Across the highway, many of the adobe shacks rented by the families were transformed with household money. They did not earn any home equity or even reimbursement for their efforts, just the pride in making a comfortable home for their families. In doing so, Smeltertown veered further and further away from the corporate grasp of ASARCO. Esmeltianos curated their community by naming streets and organizing sub barrios of El Bajo with Mexican influence. The combination of these efforts manifested into a town with a purpose far deeper than smelting.

What was originally intended to be a regimented camp strategized to produce maximum smelting output morphed into a binational community dense with culture. ASARCO may have owned Smeltertown, but it was its Mexican inhabitants that transformed the border town into a vibrant community.

Rubén Escandon has been collecting oral histories about the town for years from his own relatives and others as a member of the committee that protects Mt. Cristo Rey and the giant white cross Smeltertown residents erected at its peak.

“Everybody knew everybody,” says Escandon, who was born in 1965 in the satellite community of La Calavera, or Skull Canyon, near the Smelter Cemetery.

Gabe Flores, born and raised in Smeltertown in the 1940s and ’50s, remembers that the local señoras would pay him a few coins to walk hot lunches of caldo de res (beef stew), tacos, and fresh corn tortillas up the hill to the smelter men, who would be black with soot. When times were lean, Flores recalls, neighbors would borrow from each other: a little food, money, whatever was needed.

“It was all family,” he says. “Nobody was ashamed. Everybody was the same. Maybe they went through harder times and just realized they had to help each other. The fact that we would help each other, it bonded us together.”

Gloria Peña, an El Paso field nurse independently contracted to help with the lead testing in Smeltertown, recognized “the deep sense of loss” residents felt at the prospect of losing their community. “This is the beauty of our language because when you say ‘community’ it doesn’t have the same impact on us as if you say ‘comunidad.’ That is what Smeltertown had.”

A blood test being prepared for one of 500 children being tested for blood lead poisoning, March 30, 1973

Former resident, Cecilia Flores Marquez stated about her three children, “When they were young, no [they did not have health issues]. But they are having issues now.” Her youngest daughter became allergic to metal in her 30s, she says—something the doctors say could be related to the lead exposure.

There were no long-term studies of the former residents of Smeltertown to measure the health outcomes of their exposure to lead. Today former residents are left guessing whether this or that disability, defect, or illness could have been caused by lead. They have no way of knowing for sure.

Smeltertown after it closed down, January 5, 1973

Asarco would run its smelter for another quarter century after bulldozing Smeltertown. It was not until the decline of world copper prices in 1999 that the smelter halted production and the company mothballed the facility, keeping only a skeleton crew on board. Ten years later, the smelter sat silently on the bluff, atop a century’s worth of hardened black slag.

Asarco’s towering smokestacks finally came down in 2013. Today there is almost nothing left of the company or Smeltertown but the slag-coated hillside and the graves in the Smelter Cemetery.

Sources: (×) (×) (x)

[lonestarbattleship]

"USS Houston (CA-30) off San Diego, California, with President Franklin D. Roosevelt on board. She is flying an admiral's four-star flag at her foremast peak, and the Presidential flag at her mainmast peak."

Photographed on October 2, 1935.

Naval History and Heritage Command: NH 53582

University of Houston Library: uhlib_1981_001_do7201bn04n_0001_ac, uhlib_1981_001_do10924b80p_0001_ac, uhlib_1981_001_do0375dc01b_0001_ac, uhlib_1981_001_do0409j414g_0001_ac, uhlib_1981_001_do0409j414g_0001_ac, uhlib_1981_001_do0375dc01b_0001_ac, uhlib_1981_001_do7201bn04n_0001_ac, uhlib_1981_001_do10924b80p_0001_ac

[mrm101]

The Sample Return Capsule (SRC) will land today in the Utah Test and Training Range, south west of Utah City.

The OSIRIS Rex (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) will release the SRC capsule at 11:42 BST (the spacecraft itself will then fire its engine to avoid Earth at 12:02 BST to fly-by at a distance of 485mi so it can continue on another mission). The SRC capsule will enter the Earths atmosphere at 15:42 BST at 12km/sec (feature than an Apollo/Orion reentry from the Moon) and will experience a deceleration of some 32g.

11:42BST (04:42MDT) E-04:00:00 SRC release

12:02 (05:02) E-03:07:00 OSIRIS Rex divert TCM burn (flyby 485mi)

15:00 (08:00) LANDING COVERAGE NASA TV

15:42 (08:42) 14:38:28UT E-0 Entry Interface

E+00:00:51 Maximum heating

E+00:00:61 Maximum G (31.8G)

* At 110,000ft and mach 1.4 drogue chute mortor fires. ejecting the canister cover and expelling a tubular sabot containing the drogue chute.

* Sabot chute deploys pulling out bridle, lines and canopy of drogue chute

E+00:02:25 Drogue Chute Deploy

* Drogue chute inflates, sabot and its chute detach via break tie

* 10,000ft drogue chute detach pulling out 24ft diameter main parachute from its deployment bag

E+00:07:06 Main Chute Deploy

* Main chute inflatesE+00:13:05 Touchdown

Pyrotechnic cutter severs main parachute riser

The recovery team will arrive in four helicopters, first a Lockheed Martin safety engineer will approach the capsule and measure the capsules temperature remotely to ascertain if it is safe to approach, next the atmosphere will be sampled and the area around the capsule will be inspected for any potential hazards.

Them a team from the University of Arizona lead by Principle Investigator Dante Lauretta will cordoned off the area around the Sample Return Capsule (SRC) with flags to denote a keep-out zone and then conduct environmental sampling in that area to build up a library of anything, air, soil, organic matter etc, which could possibly have contaminate the asteroid samples during the landing and recovery.

Once the capsule, weighing 45kg (100 lb), is ready for transport it will be lifted by two people into a metal transport crate and wrapped in multiple layers of Teflon and a tarpaulin. Next the wrapped crate will be fitted with a cargo harness and secured to a lift cable.

This will be attached to a hired Bell Jet Ranger helicopter (in rehearsal's anyway), as a slung load and flown to a hanger at Hill Air Force Base (the range HQ) equipped with a clean room (tent like structure in this case).

There the capsule will be opened and the sample canister will be extracted. The day after both the sample canister and the capsule will be flown to NASA’s Johnson Spaceflight Centre in Houston for storage and from there the sample will be divided and distributed to science investigator teams around the world.

Coverage on NASA TV from 3pm BST (10:00am EDT)... (the picture of the capsule under a parachute is from the recovery rehearsal conducted on 23 August 2023 which was dropped from a helicopter fro the rehearsal)