#women in stem make the world go round

[pumpkinsouppe]

Apollo must def be gay bc I’d be going ‘erm hiya’ to Ema

[vintagetvstars]

Nichelle Nichols Vs. Yvonne Craig

Propaganda

Nichelle Nichols - (Star Trek) - She speaks for herself. Legendary, iconic, at the forefront of feminism and civil rights in the 60s, she is a triple threat who did so much more. She volunteered from 1977 to promote recruitment diversity within NASA, including some of the first female and ethnic minority astronauts. Martin Luther King Jr. compared her work on Star Trek as a 'vital role model' to the civil rights marches. She refused to be dismissed, fought for visibility and shone whilst doing so. As a woman in stem, and simply a woman she means the world and stars above to me.

Yvonne Craig - (Batman, Star Trek) - 7 year old me didn't know she was a lesbian but she sure knew she liked batgirl

Master Poll List of the Hot Vintage TV Ladies Bracket

Additional propaganda below the cut

Nichelle Nichols:

She is the original badass babe. She was a black woman in a leading role on TV in the 60s, a trailblazer for black actresses for years to come. She is so beautiful and so awesome.

she's fantastic. have you seen her? paved the way for black actresses on TV even while her lines and scenes were being cut and improvised the most iconic uhura line in the series. (sulu: "I'll save you, fair maiden!" uhura, pushing him away: "sorry, neither!") she's incredibly talented and it's a crime the show didn't give her more screen time (or make her sing more often because she also has a beautiful voice!)

“Sorry, neither” in response to “fair maiden” was ad libbed by her. There’s a lot more I could say but what else do you need??

A sci-fi icon!

She was such a trailblazer, and Uhura was such an important character for so many people to be able to see on TV. Apparently Mae Jemison (the first African American woman to go into space) cited her as a reason she wanted to become an astronaut. She was just an absolute legend!

The story of Martin Luther King telling her not to quit Star Trek gives me chills. Representation matters. “Thank you so much, Dr. King. I’m really going to miss my co-stars.” Dr. King's smile, Nichols recalled, vanished from his face. "He said, 'What are you talking about?'" the actress explained. "I told him. He said, 'You cannot,' and so help me, this man practically repeated verbatim what Gene said. He said, 'Don’t you see what this man is doing, who has written this? This is the future. He has established us as we should be seen. 300 years from now, we are here. We are marching. And this is the first step. When we see you, we see ourselves, and we see ourselves as intelligent and beautiful and proud.' He goes on and I’m looking at him and my knees are buckling. I said, 'I…, I…' And he said, 'You turn on your television and the news comes on and you see us marching and peaceful, you see the peaceful civil disobedience, and you see the dogs and see the fire hoses, and we all know they cannot destroy us because we are there in the 23rd Century.'"

She shared the first interracial kiss on Star Trek, helped propel real life African American women into space-related careers, and looks divine in a mini skirt.

HOW DID UHURA WALK BACKWARDS SO FAR??? WOW!

[stem-sister-scuffle]

STEM SISTER SCUFFLE: ROUND 3 MASHUP 2

Ms. Frizzle (The Magic School Bus) vs Winry Rockbell (Full Metal Alchemist)

Ms. Frizzle is a Science Teacher!

Winry Rockbell is an Automail Mechanic!

Why you should vote for each contestant:

Ms. Frizzle:

"*gestures at entire magic school bus series*"

"Embodies the true spirit of scientific discovery: barely-contained chaos."

"She is very knowledgeable about a wide variety of sciences, and uses that knowledge to further the educations of many people. Teachers deserve the world; they do so much for so little in return. (shout out to Mrs. Goates)"

"She loves science and loves teaching kids about science. I love her. Idk I saw she only had one submission and that made me sad so now im here submitting her"

"She is an icon and has cool earrings"

"SHE'S SO COOL!!! She's so smart and so fun and genuinely just an icon. ALSO she has a little lizard on her shoulder. I saw an ask abt the submissions for Ms. Frizzle and the sender was the only person who submitted her.. I couldn't let this go. ALSO one of my professors irl called herself the irl Frizzle and she's a doctor of biology so make of that what you will"

Winry Rockbell:

"The best automail mechanic in the whole of Amestris: need I say more? She’s also the only person who can really get Edward Elric to listen / scare him"

"She's super smart and is crazy about mechanics, but she's also so kind and compassionate! She helped deliver a baby, she cares really deeply for her friends and family! She truly rocks!"

"i’m a biomedical engineer so she is the best women in stem"

"she’s extremely skilled and dedicated to her craft, her work is very high quality (she’s also the personal mechanic for one of the protagonists) and she has a dedication to improving the lives of the people around her in any way she can (and she has so much autism swag about automail, it’s a joy to watch). i love her your honour"

"She's so good and so fun and she's trying her best. She makes sure the prosthetics work and they're super plot important!!!!!"

"She can build and repair robot limbs AND attach them to human nerves"

"She’s only 15 and is repairing magic-infused heavy machinery for fun"

"Spunky, kind, and smart as hell... one of the shounen manga girls of all time."

"At age fifteen she could build a whole metal arm in 3 days (pulling all nighters)! She geeks out over the work of other prosthetics engineers and earned herself an apprenticeship where the shop's costumers began to prefer her after only a few months! She's kind but takes no shit and narratively symbolizes the goodness of humanity. also she read medical textbooks as a kid (her parents were both doctors) and was able to apply that knowledge for successful impromptu midwifery years later!"

"She is practically a child engineering Genius! Designs and makes prosthetics. She takes her work very seriously and geeks out over other people's designs. She is such a beautifully written strong female character that holds her own in a fandom full of amazing strong female characters and a great role model. She's Hella cute"

"She is considered a prodigy in her field, and is known as the “Automail Otaku” because of her unending interest of any machines and tools in the building and repairing of automail. She is incredibly smart, sincere, and passionate. She works hard for what she wants, is full of optimism despite what she has suffered, and is very loyal to her friends."

"built a fully functioning prosthetic arm for her friend when she was TWELVE basically by herself and has been his regular mechanic since. also heavily dabbles in the medical side as well as the mechanical side (for example: she successfully delivered a baby single-handedly at fifteen having only ever read about the subject before). she is so skrunkly she’s an icon a legend and she is the moment"

"Listen any girl who can master mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and biology in order to build prosthetic limbs by the age of 12 is Impressive. She’s the one that got me onto an engineering career path I’m very biased"

[sciencegeniusgirlshowdown]

Welcome to Science Genius Girl Showdown, where your favorite she/her scientists go head to head to see who is the smartest* of them all!

*=SGGShowdown is not an accurate assessment of character intelligence.

Submit your Science Genius Girls here! Submissions will remain open until July 30th! Due to the high number of submissions received shortly upon making the blog, submissions will now be closing on July 20th! Submissions are now officially closed! Preliminaries are planned to be held over the next couple days, and the bracket itself is planned to be announced on July 22nd or 23rd!

Some rules, guidelines, and disclaimers before getting started!

The bracket is aimed to be announced on August 1st or 2nd! Due to the high number of submissions received shortly upon making the blog, the projected date for the bracket reveal is now July 22nd or 23rd!

Depending on how many unique submissions are made, this bracket may have 16, 32, or 64 participants! If more scientists are submitted past that, there's the potential that a second bracket may be held, though that's not guaranteed. Due to the high number of submissions received shortly upon making the blog, the bracket will now contain 128 participants! Rounds 1 and 2 will be split into 1A/1B and 2A/2B respectively. Starting with round 3 there will no longer be a split. This is to avoid mod getting overwhelmed with sorting through 64 polls worth of propaganda all at once, but I'm sorry for the inconvenience!

This bracket will generally work off of a weekly format, though exceptions may be made for special outliers.

While SGGShowdown understands that trashtalking is part of the bracket experience, please try to keep it respectful! Mod reserves the right to block voters for being too rowdy or disqualify participants if their supporters cause too much of a ruckus. This is mainly intended to be a celebration of girl scientists in media, so aim to keep the mood light!

Real people and OCs will not be accepted, and while no fandoms will be banned outright, mod reserves the right to exclude characters that they believe may cause unnecessary drama or they personally take issue with.

In order to have as much fandom diversity as possible, mod will be limiting the number of participants from a fandom to one (or two if there's enough submissions for the bracket to feature 64 participants.) Due to the high influx of submissions received shortly upon making the blog, this bracket will now feature a fandom cap of 3! If you'd like to submit multiple characters from a piece of media, you might have a better time getting the girls into the bracket if you submit them as a single participant! As an example, if you'd like to submit multiple girls from the same property that are all part of their school's science club, you could submit them as [School]'s Science Club rather than submitting them as five individuals. If multiple girls are submitted from the same property, 1 day preliminaries may be held to determine which will make it into the bracket proper.

While genius is right there in the name, science is far more the focus of this poll! As long as your girl's interest in science is one of her main character traits, she may be implemented even if she's not the brightest! Mod is an avid fan of failgirls, so there's no need to worry about your character being smart enough to be accepted!

In a similar vein, while mod supports smart girls from all walks of life, this is a poll about scientists first and foremost. Authors and literaries are fantastic, but we're specifically shooting for women in STEM here!

That being said, the science your girl specializes in does not necessarily have to be one that exists in the real world! If your girl is in a setting where magical or otherwise fantastical setting and her field of study centers around something unique to the setting, she may also be accepted! As long as they have the science girl vibe, they may be accepted!

SGGShowdown is the first tournament that mod has hosted, so I'd like to ask for your understanding if any missteps or mistakes are made along the way.

The askbox is open if you have any questions you'd like to ask me, though I will note that questions such as "How many submissions do you have for [character]?" or "Will [character] be making it into the bracket?" will be deleted. "How many submissions do you have for [fandom]?" will be permitted due to the cap, but please search to see if that question has already been addressed.

Here's some specific tags this blog intends to make use of!

"#SGGShowdown Polls" - A general tag used on every poll across the bracket's rounds.

"#SGGShowdown Round [Number]" - Used to indicate what round of the bracket a poll is a part of.

"#SGGShowdown [Participant] Propaganda" - Used so all the propaganda for a participant may be found in the same place.

"#SGGShowdown Fanart" - Used as a general tag for fanart that is either submitted or directly mentions the blog upon being posted. "#SGGShowdown [Participant] Fanart" will also be used so all the fanart for a participant may be found in the same place.

"#SGGShowdown Speaks" - A general tag used for all mod posts.

"#SGGShowdown Announcements" - Used for mod posts that are related to the state of the bracket itself, such as if the bracket will take a short hiatus or any future rule updates. This tag will also be used to give a warning if mod believes that any participant's supporters are flying a bit too close to the sun with their type of propaganda, so try to keep a close eye on it if you can!

"#SGGShowdown Off Topic" - Used for mod posts that aren't important announcements related to the bracket itself, such as jokes regarding submissions or answers to questions that aren't directly related to how the bracket is being ran.

#SGGShowdown Signal Boost" - Used for mod reblogs that are promoting other tournament blogs.

Finally, some tagging and inspirations in the hopes of spreading the word around! Don't feel like you have to reblog, of course!

@tournamentdirectory, @battle-couple-battle, @moon-swag-tourney, @meanpurplepoll, @obscuremilfoff/@obscuredilfoff, @toxic-mothers-tourney

[thedeepstate69]

VALO ANGST TIME HUHVOIHJVHPUH

Wrote most of these on my notes app whilst being tossed round a boat omw home

Bitemark (viper x chamber):

Viper being closed off and wary of Chamber only for him to gradually work his way into her heart.

The moment Viper starts to truly trust Chamber she finds out the things he's done and the friends he's taken from her.

Enemies to lover??? no. Enemies and lovers.

Most of my headcannons about them stem from my belief that Viper has issues w/ depression and her mental health (this can be seen in a lot of her voicelines)

Reyge (Reyna x Sage):

wrong time and wrong place. (also immovable object x unstoppable force)

Reyna's long since accepted that her life isn't her own anymore, any humanity she once had slowly being chipped away by the things she's had to do just to survive ("I have lied, beaten, killed to survive. I will kill again and again if it means one more day.").

Hates the part of herself that wants Sage, she feels so guilty about it viewing anything she does for herself as inherently selfish.

Sage wants to help Reyna but she doesn't know how to get through to her.

Cyberowl (Cypher x Sova):

Would sacrifice the world for someone they love x Would sacrifice the one they love for the world

Sova would do whatever it takes to save his earth even if that meant having to let someone he loves be taken from him

Cypher refuses to go through the pain he went through after loosing his family before

Rivals to lovers

Sova see's the worst parts of himself in Cypher (they are incredibly similar imo even though Sova would rather die then admit that)

Sage x Omen:

"it's rotten work" x "not if it's you"

Sage who's willing to do anything to help take away some of Omens pain and Omen who wouldn't wish his suffering onto anyone

Fadeshock (Fade x Neon):

If you show me your hands covered in thorns I will show you my palms ready to bleed.

two people with incredibly destructive abilities trying to find any semblance of control despite knowing that's an impossible ask (control. the gift so many yearn to give you. the one thing you will never have. - neons dossier)

Firewalker (Yoru x Phoenix):

(A lot of my thoughts about them are fully just from how I interpret the characters from the minimal info we're given as well as cultural backgrounds)

SO SO much internalised homophobia, mostly from Yoru but a little bit from Phoenix too.

With Yoru it's more so a cultural thing with Japan being a very conservative country and despite skinship being more accepted thats more so between two women rather then two men.

(Also w/ my headcannon of Yoru being trans being with another man even if it's what makes him happy makes him feel like 'less of a man')

He loves Phoenix but feels wrong about it, like it's something wrong that he's doing.

Phoenix doesn't have as much of a problem with internalised homophobia (mans went to drama school and has two mums come on now) but where he was raised there was a generally toxically masculine environment (fuckin peckham)

[inkofamethyst]

March 10, 2024

Sorry but like, I do think I need to live alone I'm so sorry.

I'm by myself in my apartment this week and besides the lack of peer pressure to wash my dishes regularly (and also I have to be really careful to not forget my keys), UGH it's so nice to be ALONE. My roommate is great, seriously, but whew.

I'm coming to learn that some of the most intelligent people are SUPER multi-faceted, and that it's not necessarily a sign of mixed priorities. I've met physics PhDs who were considered for Julliard admission, who would've become a professional musician if they hadn't stumbled into biology, biophysics majors who are also in basically pre-professional music programs.

And this isn't necessarily a totally new concept to me (the majority of students in my undergrad orchestra were stem majors I think), it's just not at all what I expected to find here. It's comforting, though.

One thing I'll say about my python course, the actual computer science of it all is only mildly interesting to me (and also it make my head spin right round baby right round). I feel so bad because now that the lecture hall only manages to bring in a quarter to a third of the class on any give day and I'm right in the line of sight of the prof (but in the back bc I wanted to try something new hehe) so on pure CS days I'm sure I must be giving the blankest stare possible. It's not that I don't care, it's just that I care less. And the class is mostly graded based on products produced and not pure CS knowledge, so I can get by (so far).

Anyway with how political THG is and how uncomfy Suzanne's message can be (I don't want to fully dilute it into a basic battle royale since I am using her world (this could also just be me overthinking, like, what does she care, she's rich)), I'm leaning away from submitting that for my final project. I think I might build it regardless for just my friends then spend some time reskinning it into a dnd-esque dungeon crawl or something. Idk, I'll get my friends to beta test and see what they think. (This might just be me overthinking though, like,,, the class must have over 200 kids,,,, there's no way the teaching staff is going to spend time running everyone's programs outside of watching the video submissions lol. They're probably far more concerned with the techniques I'm using in the backend than the content of the frontend.)

Is wearing bright red lipstick to Target attention-seeking behavior? Well, yes, but I got the attention I was seeking because a girl told me she thought it was my perfect shade :)

Today I'm thankful for girls supporting girls! Women supporting women!! I've encountered an uptick in small tiktok accounts posting ootds and I LOVE being the first or one of the first comments to cheer them on, and I always give them a detail that caught my eye. I'm really loving seeing fashion from real people in my media. Also also! Lots of young women are talking openly about finances and how to get ahead and what intro positions really look like, and it's just lovely.

[ksfoxwald]

Fire and Hemlock Readalong: Chapter 3

This chapter seems pretty straightforward, mostly just filling in the setting - both the real world and the imaginary one - but there are a few tricky bits.

Polly sits and reads Tom's story until Nina calls her over to the window, and Polly thinks "Funny... real life trumps mad-up things every time." But of course the distinction between the two is not as simple as that, especially with Tom's curse; which I'm only just realizing on this read-through, was actually cast at the funeral. It makes sense, after all. Tom didn't start making things up until he met Polly, and the curse was specifically aimed to separate them.

Seb thinks Polly knows more than she does. "You didn't eat and you didn't drink, and you worked the Nowhere vases round first." Not eating or drinking is a usual Faerie rule, but I do wonder what the vases do.

We also get Fairyland rules in Polly being very careful not to promise anything to Seb, and tricking him into thinking she did. Here we see Polly acting as Odysseus - not necessarily the big fighting kind of hero, but a sly, tricky hero. We also see her gift for "knowing" things by instinct - she has her big book of Heroes, but she hasn't started reading Tom's books yet, where he starts deliberately giving her clues. (He's a bit like Calcifer that way, isn't he?)

In the end, Polly defies the Leroys and posts a letter to Tom "thinking she was probably quite heroic." But being a hero means many different things, which shift throughout the story and as Polly grows up. Right now, it is simply doing something brave, something you were told not to by people who are clearly villains and thus must be defied, and doing so by one's own skills and cleverness.

I have to backtrack for a moment, though, because here we have the first appearance Hero the girl-pretending-to-be-a-boy. Part of that stems from Polly's juvenile assumption that all heroes are boys, something Diana wrote about struggling with as a child. But the exact sentence in the previous chapter is "Thinking of Laurel...for some reason caused Polly to say "When I come to work as your assistant, I'm going to pretend to be a boy.'" And that seems to imply a bit of internalized misogyny, that Polly sees women in stories as dull, cruel, manipulative - see her conception of Edna as well.

(I am of course also very into a trans!Polly reading, but these things are of course not necessarily separate)

[vallaurent]

KISSING BOOTH - LUCY & VAL

where Val and Lucy get to know each other, share a kiss and plan a date

Lucy Bell She was gorgeous enough to send Lucy shy. So, even though it was the whole point of the booth, Lucy stole a flower from the school garden to offer in exchange. "I didn't find a vase out to go with it, but I think it would be super pretty in your hair, too."

Val Laurent Val is surprised by the flower offered to her by a really pretty woman she's certain she's not seen around, then she laughs, flushing just a little. "Oh my God. I didn't expect that. That's really darn sweet of ya, darlin'." Regarding the other woman with a smile, Val leans forward a little. "Mind puttin' it in my hair for me?" She tilts her head a little. "I'm Val, by the way. I think ya know that, though. You're... Lucy? Right? Ya work at the school?"

Lucy Bell Her nod is brief, trying not to look like a bobble head. "Right. Yes, the school." A beat pause and she added, "Nice to meet you, Val." Obviously, Lucy was going to take the chance given, and stepped closer. "Sure, but - let me know if I jab you with the stem?" Internally, Lucy cringed, because of course Val would say something. Careful as lab measuring, Lucy wove the flower through Val's hair above one ear; holding some of the curls away from her face. "That's about done it," she smiled, taking a polite step back. "It's a good color for you. I'd have matched your eyes if I could, but, um, options are limited."

Val Laurent I'll let ya know." Val smiles easily. Though, based on how gentle Lucy is, she doesn't really have to worry about it, carefully weaving the flower between her curls. Val strikes a bit of a pose, leaning her chin on her hand as Lucy steps back. "Hard to find dark brown flowers 'round here, ain't it?" She smiles up at Lucy, regarding her for a moment, clearly taking in her face. "Some blue flowers would look good on ya. Maybe a flower crown of forget-me-nots." She chuckles, softly. "Ain't matching your eyes either, though. ." In her life, she'd met plenty of people, and she is starting to get the sense that Lucy is feeling a bit... nervous. Maybe it is the whole concept of a kissing booth, not everybody is used to that. After a second, Val reaches out and grasps Lucy's hand. "You been to the gardens here, sweetie?"

Lucy Bell "Not unless you find wilt incredibly endearing." The posing was so cute, and then to be followed by a compliment. Impulse was to immediately find a way to make a crown of flowers, but she remained where she stood. "I didn't think women like you'd still exist. The world has a way of stomping on the best hearts." The touch was expected and not. The booth was for contact, for shit's sake. Still, she blushed. "No, or I probably would have stolen something better."

Val Laurent "Women like me?" Val laughed, feeling herself flush quite a bit more. Had that been why Lucy was so nervous? "You even stole the flower for me? Oh my-" Val smiled brightly at her, clasping Lucy's hands together, and squeezing them between hers. "Ya really are tryin' to swoop me off my feet here, arentcha? Makin' a girl like me swoon for ya." Val tilted her head, feeling the flower in her hair shift, the petals tickling her skin. "I really gotta show ya the garden. It's really pretty, Mayra plants a lot of flowers and takes care of 'em. The snowdrops should be bloomin' right 'bout now. If lookin' at pretty flowers is you're kinda thing?"

Lucy Bell Shyly smiling, Lucy ducked her head. "I've always been this way around beautiful women. Like suddenly I'm a knight trying to earn the favor of a princess." She looked back up, in spite of her blush. Snowdrops were a familiar flower, and Lucy cast about for anything she could recall. "Did you know the Victorians gave them as symbols of hope? Brighter days after dark times." Val didn't have to try hard to sell Lucy on the concept, but- "Sure. But aren't you meant to stay here for... other visitors?"

Val Laurent "They did? I didn't know that. Brighter days after dark times." She repeated the words, having to smile at the symbolism. Brighter times after the ranch. She wondered if it was similar like that for Lucy too. "Ah, sweetheart, don't worry. Fleet's gonna be here soon to take over the next shift." Still holding Lucy's hands in hers, Val smiled, this time a little more playful. "But if ya want, we can spend the time 'til then with what this booth's technically for."

Lucy Bell Her nod was too enthusiastic, probably. "Victorians supposedly spoke with flowers, fans, gloves. All kinds'a ways to circumvent societal norms." She'd been looking at their hands again. Or - her hand, where the imperfect wound waited under fresh bandage. Her head snapped up, eyes wider. "Oh! We could. I got distracted." An awkward little laugh and Lucy rubbed one thumb over the back of Val's fingers. "But I'd still like to visit the garden with you. If you wanted."

Val Laurent "Really? Ya know, the soonest chance I get I'm gonna ask you all 'bout it." Lucy seemed to know a lot. She was a teacher, so she had to, but it made Val curious. Though, she could spend their entire garden trip asking some questions. Now, she was occupied. A small laugh escaped her, because the fact she got distracted was adorable. "Of course." Val smiled, before letting go of Lucy's hands to instead cup her face, pull her a little closer. "It's a date, my knight. Ya know -" Val leaned in a little herself, getting closer and closer. "- you really are amazing at winnin' the favor of princesses."

Lucy Bell Sitting up straighter, Lucy immediately agreed. "Ask me whatever you like. If I don't know, I'll make up a great lie." And then she forgot words. All she could do was give a half-laugh and try not to melt entirely. She closed the space between them with a reverent gentility, brushing her cheek against Val's before daring to kiss her lips.

Val Laurent The kiss made Val feel warm and she couldn't help but softly sigh into it after the first few seconds. Lucy was gentle, careful, appreciative like the moment was something truly special. Val returned in kind, soft and affectionate, trailing her thumb over Lucy's flushed cheeks and closing her eyes, slowly forgetting the booth and what was around them. Focusing her full attention on Lucy, and their kiss.

Lucy Bell She stepped in closer, right hand drifting to Val's hair, careful not to disrupt the flower. "You're so soft," Lucy sighed against Val lips, awed that it was possible. Forgetting her self-consciousness, Lucy ran the back of her left hand along Val's elegant throat, forth and back in indulgent pleasure of the skin there. "Like rose petals."

Val Laurent Val smiled, feeling a pleasant prickle where Lucy's hand brushed up against her throat. It'd been a while since she'd kisses anyone like that, all soft and sweet and affectionate. "You're a sweet-talker. You really know how to make a gal feel special." Her voice was soft and low, ghosting over Lucy's lips. Her heard was beating quicker, thrumming up against Lucy's hand. "You can touch me more, sweetheart." And then she kissed Lucy again. Smart, funny, witty, a sweet talker, and interested in her. She was a lucky girl.

Lucy Bell Her laugh was breathless against Val's lips. "You should always feel special. The world's really failed if you don't." Her thumb swept along Val's jaw, trying to memorize every inch of skin there.The offer gave Lucy pause, though she left her hands where they were. "Oh, that's... How do you like pizza?" She stopped, grimaced and tried again. "I mean. I want to know more about you. Feels like I haven't done enough yet for-" Lucy trailed off again. She trailed a single finger along the Val's neckline, exhaling slowly. "Such kindness."

Val Laurent The question caught her off guard, similar to how the flower had, but then she couldn't help but laugh, soft and a little breathless. "I like pizza. Do you? Never met a person who didn't." Val didn't want to push her. It felt strangely... Delicate. It wasn't unfamiliar ground, but it didn't feel entirely solid. So, Val just pressed a soft but quick kiss to Lucy's lips. "It's been more than enough, darlin'. Much more than enough. But- gettin' to know each other sounds real nice." Val felt goosebumps on the back of her neck as Lucy's finger trailed there. "Wanna stop for now? And go to the gardens first?"

Lucy Bell It was automatic to chase the departing contact, but Lucy behaved. "Pizza? Yes. Want to stop? Absolutely not," her whispered answer was chased closely by a laugh. Lucy rolled a single of Val's curls between finger and thumb. "But seeing you was like..." Lucy struggled to come up with a description that wasn't painfully hackneyed. "Like seeing a Middlemist’s Red in a field of daisies. Something so rare you'd assumed it extinct." Trying not to lose herself in such eyes, Lucy flashed a lopsided, helpless smile. "Who wouldn't be awestruck? Who wouldn't want to ensure they make the right impression?" She collected Val's fine hands, leaving a kiss on the back of each. "Pick the day and time. I'll think of better questions. You can tell me then if I'm still worthy."

Val Laurent She found her cheeks once again growing a tinge darker. Truth was, Val wasn't quite used to the compliments. Not like this, anyways. So absolutely genuine. And from such a beautiful, perfectly nice woman too. "You really got a way with words. Jesus, sweetie, you're really makin' me feel like the most special girl in the world." Her breath hitched just a little when Lucy grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles, so gently, and it made Val kiss her lips again, just as gently as that. "Does in two hours work for ya? That's when I get off, plus another hour. Is that enough time?" Val laughed, shifting her hands so she could hold Lucy's in her own. They were soft and warm, and Val enveloped them with her own, softly squeezing them. "I think you're pretty secure in the worthy part. Ya just gotta be you. And tell me about what the different flowers mean. And how ya like your pizza. And victorian symbolism, and what your favorite color is. Maybe we can find a flower like that."

Lucy Bell The reward of Val's blush, her smile, her words - and the feather-lightest kiss - Lucy might have gone to jelly if she hadn't been so focused. "Good," she murmured, still busy memorizing Val's features. The breathless laugh came from a now-ducked head. "Good list." Lucy wasn't certain being herself would impress, but there was really only one way to know. The squeeze made her wince, but she'd have bitten through her tongue before saying anything. Instead, Lucy returned the gesture before releasing Val. "Two hours." A silly little salute and she left the community center vestibule behind to prepare

[televisionenjoyer]

women in stem

MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND!!!!

[maybesimon]

spoilers for barbenheimer

is this how dutch sounds to you guys???? wtf???

women and christopher nolan: the madonna-whore complex played straight. (like, bonus point, you tried, for having 1 female scientist there and then her having two scenes: one where its like 'im a Women in STEM' and two where 'oh reproductive systems'. its not as if he had that much to work with i guess (i don't know, can't imagine there were many female scientists at los alamos)).

also, the dutch was just gibberish. i couldn't understand a word, which is a funny experience in a theatre full of dutch people?

interesting how he can keep the tension even tho like, everyone knows that the bomb did actually go. very very strange to imagine that there was a world before the nuclear bomb, there was a time, not so long ago where we didn't even know about quantum....

very unsure about how i should actually feel about the guy and everything. very frustrated by people who keep saying that 'we need to think about what we're unleashing on the world' with new technology. it doesn't matter what we think, if power/money wants it built, its going to get built (if not for this war, then for the next), and if we don't do it, someone else will. if it's possible, it is necessary (if its for war). i hate it so much and i don't want to be part of it. we can think about it forever, it doesn't fucking mean shit if you cannot withhold the labor that is necessary to build it (and there will always be fools with more arrogance than sense to make it, and there the devil gets you because if you build it, at least you can keep some control, or control over the next round... right! right? (cue the scene where the army's driving away with the bombs. like you stupid fucker what did you expect? you build a bomb that kills thousands and give it to them and throw you away... dumb assholes all of them. they didn't even attack a military target. it wasn't even on the nazi's which, imo would be justified, or the arms race was).

argh, anyway. then i took a train for an hour to have dinner and watch barbie with two friends, and it was funny and we had laughs and i didn't even think about the atomic bomb. barbie was like, the friendzone boy gets to implement patriarchy, and it hits all the relevant topics and such. its Not That Deep but it was funny. but i didn't really like the central climactic de-programijng part (even though it worked well with the themes&tones of the movie), i don't think that the Problem of Womanhood is that women are expected to be everything all at once! its that there are systematical and structural barriers for both men and women, and we didn't get there in the end (not even in perfect Barbie land). but thats a small note that i just didn't really like, i thought the tone was really well dome.

anyway, these were my thoughts and im going to read American Prometheus

[makers-muse]

How Female Mentors Make a Difference in Girls’ Coding Journeys 

When 11-year-old Aisha first joined her school’s coding club, she felt out of place. Surrounded mostly by boys, she hesitated to ask questions or share her ideas. That all changed when the club brought in a female mentor someone who had once been in Aisha’s shoes. This mentor, a software engineer named Priya, not only taught coding skills but also became a role model. Priya’s presence in Aisha’s life turned a timid girl into a confident coder, eager to explore and create. Aisha’s story is not unique; countless girls have found their path in technology, thanks to the guidance of female mentors. 

The Importance of Female Mentors in Coding 

Women remain underrepresented in the tech industry, comprising just around 28% of the workforce in the United States. This lack of representation can create barriers for young girls interested in coding. Female mentors play a critical role in breaking down these barriers by offering relatable role models who can inspire and empower the next generation. 

Girls who have female mentors are more likely to pursue careers in STEM fields. A study by Microsoft revealed that 72% of girls with an interest in STEM feel more motivated to pursue the field when they have a female role model in STEM. This connection is vital, especially in coding, where confidence and encouragement can significantly impact a girl’s willingness to engage with the subject. 

Building Confidence Through Representation 

One of the most significant effects of female mentorship is the increase in confidence it fosters. When girls see women thriving in tech, they start to believe they can succeed as well. This representation helps dismantle the stereotype that coding is “for boys.” 

For instance, programs like Girls Who Code have shown that girls who participate are 16 times more likely to pursue computer science. The program’s success is partly due to its emphasis on female mentors who guide and support the participants. These mentors don’t just teach coding; they share personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs, making the journey feel more accessible and achievable for girls. 

Encouraging Problem-Solving and Creativity 

Female mentors in coding also foster an environment where problem-solving and creativity are encouraged. They help girls approach coding not just as a technical skill but as a tool for innovation and expression. This holistic approach is crucial in developing well-rounded coders who can think critically and creatively. 

Research from the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) shows that girls with female mentors are more likely to persist in computer science courses and pursue technology-related degrees. The reason? Female mentors often encourage girls to tackle complex problems, think outside the box, and apply coding in real-world scenarios that matter to them. 

Creating a Supportive Community 

Mentorship goes beyond just one-on-one interactions. Female mentors help create a supportive community where girls can share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Feeling a sense of belonging is vital for keeping girls engaged in coding programs. A study by the AnitaB.org Institute found that 78% of women who participate in female-focused mentoring programs stay in their tech careers long-term. 

These communities provide a safe space for girls to express themselves, ask questions, and learn from each other. They also help girls build a network of peers and professionals who can support them throughout their coding journeys. 

The Ripple Effect of Female Mentorship 

The impact of female mentors in coding doesn’t stop with the girls they directly mentor. These girls often go on to become mentors themselves, creating a ripple effect that spreads through the tech industry. By empowering one girl, female mentors are indirectly supporting the next generation of coders, creating a cycle of mentorship that continually strengthens the presence of women in tech. 

Empower the Next Generation 

The role of female mentors in coding is incredibly significant and cannot be emphasized enough They provide the inspiration, confidence, and support that girls need to thrive in the tech world. If you’re a woman in tech, consider becoming a mentor. Your guidance could be the key to unlocking a girl’s potential in coding. 

Join us at Makers Muse to become a mentor and inspire the next generation of female coders. Your guidance and encouragement can have a profound and lasting impact. Sign up today and be part of shaping the future of technology! 

Do you have questions regarding our STEM program?

Contact us anytime.

Take your first step into the magical world of coding for kids

[vintagetvstars]

Nichelle Nichols Vs. Carolyn Jones

Propaganda

Nichelle Nichols - (Star Trek) - She speaks for herself. Legendary, iconic, at the forefront of feminism and civil rights in the 60s, she is a triple threat who did so much more. She volunteered from 1977 to promote recruitment diversity within NASA, including some of the first female and ethnic minority astronauts. Martin Luther King Jr. compared her work on Star Trek as a 'vital role model' to the civil rights marches. She refused to be dismissed, fought for visibility and shone whilst doing so. As a woman in stem, and simply a woman she means the world and stars above to me.

Carolyn Jones - (The Addams Family) - The OG goth queen! Admit it, you're still not sure if you're in love with Morticia Addams, or if you want her to adopt you? Maybe both?

Master Poll List of the Hot Vintage TV Ladies Bracket

Additional propaganda below the cut

Nichelle Nichols:

She is the original badass babe. She was a black woman in a leading role on TV in the 60s, a trailblazer for black actresses for years to come. She is so beautiful and so awesome.

she's fantastic. have you seen her? paved the way for black actresses on TV even while her lines and scenes were being cut and improvised the most iconic uhura line in the series. (sulu: "I'll save you, fair maiden!" uhura, pushing him away: "sorry, neither!") she's incredibly talented and it's a crime the show didn't give her more screen time (or make her sing more often because she also has a beautiful voice!)

“Sorry, neither” in response to “fair maiden” was ad libbed by her. There’s a lot more I could say but what else do you need??

A sci-fi icon!

She was such a trailblazer, and Uhura was such an important character for so many people to be able to see on TV. Apparently Mae Jemison (the first African American woman to go into space) cited her as a reason she wanted to become an astronaut. She was just an absolute legend!

The story of Martin Luther King telling her not to quit Star Trek gives me chills. Representation matters. “Thank you so much, Dr. King. I’m really going to miss my co-stars.” Dr. King's smile, Nichols recalled, vanished from his face. "He said, 'What are you talking about?'" the actress explained. "I told him. He said, 'You cannot,' and so help me, this man practically repeated verbatim what Gene said. He said, 'Don’t you see what this man is doing, who has written this? This is the future. He has established us as we should be seen. 300 years from now, we are here. We are marching. And this is the first step. When we see you, we see ourselves, and we see ourselves as intelligent and beautiful and proud.' He goes on and I’m looking at him and my knees are buckling. I said, 'I…, I…' And he said, 'You turn on your television and the news comes on and you see us marching and peaceful, you see the peaceful civil disobedience, and you see the dogs and see the fire hoses, and we all know they cannot destroy us because we are there in the 23rd Century.'"

She shared the first interracial kiss on Star Trek, helped propel real life African American women into space-related careers, and looks divine in a mini skirt.

HOW DID UHURA WALK BACKWARDS SO FAR??? WOW!

Carolyn Jones:

[stem-sister-scuffle]

STEM SISTER SCUFFLE: ROUND 1 MASHUP 12

Professor Aurea Juniper (Pokémon) vs Asami Sato (The Legend Of Korra)

Professor Aurea Juniper is a Pokémon Zoologist/Researcher!

Asami Sato is an Inventor, Mechanical Enginner and Architect!

Why you should vote for each contestant:

Professor Aurea Juniper:

"she is the first pokemon professor to be a woman in a mainline game and she is 100% more well put-together than any of the male professors that came before or after her and she keeps helping save the world. or at least the pokemon usa. pokemerica."

"We NEED to support the first female professor <3."

"Because I’m love her, your honor. Also, she was the very first female pokemon professor, which is super cool."

"First female Pokémon professor and she deserves the world <3"

"Juniper is the first female Pokemon Professor in the Pokemon games.

She's very involved in the plot of Black and White. She gifts the protagonist and their childhood friends their Pokemon. She also regularly calls them to give them tips and tricks throughout their journey. She shows up a few times to also give the protagonist useful items. She even meets the protagonist before they go off to Victor Road to challenge the last gauntlet of bosses.

Juniper is friends with another professor, Fennel. She helps Fennel with her own research by recommending the player go to visit Fennel to search for Dream Mist.

Juniper later takes Bianca under her wing when Bianca decides to quite Pokemon battling, instead having an interest in doing Pokemon research. Bianca becomes Juniper's research assistant in Black 2 and White 2.

She's a girlboss and one of the more interesting Professors in the Pokemon franchise

The creator of Pokemon Ken Sugimori requested to change Juniper into a woman when early concepts had her as a mn. Sugimori also considers Juniper to be a New Yorker type; in his words, ""a real career woman""."

"She encourages other women in STEM, specifically Bianca from Pokemon who becomes her research assistant. Think she's pretty. Sorry I'm just gay"

Asami Sato:

"According to her wiki page: Asami is considered a "genius technologist and inventor". A practical thinker and highly capable engineer, she is able to repair and construct vehicles with limited resources, such as when she improvised a makeshift sand-sailer using materials from a destroyed airship.Her skill in engineering extends to major projects, as she was involved in developing the Future Industries airship. Asami is also a skilled Pai Sho player, proving herself to be a good methodical strategist and can pick locks with her hair pins, able to free Tenzin through this method in the Northern Air Temple. Due to her mother's influence and her time at Future Industries, Asami is a capable architect, capable of designing large amounts of houses in a short period of time. She enjoys working as engineer, architect, and inventor.” She’s bisexual, dating the most powerful woman in their world and she fought her evil CEO dad and won"

"She is beautiful"

"I'm gonna be real i should be taking a map right now not submitting STEM girlies but trust me she's made some cool shit. also she's pretty. and canonically bisexual"

"She's pretty and bi. Her eyes i could stare into for hours."

"She fights with a glove charged with electricity. She has a fucking raw moment where she accepts a glove from her dad and then turns around and shocks him with it to free her friends because her dad is causing horrors. Also has the great line of “I know these roads better than you - I built some of them”. Also she makes a flying robot suit. Being a femme bi woman in STEM >>>>>"

"She is literally a GENIUS and has saved her friends time and time again with her intelligence! She is also the only one in her group without supernatural abilities and uses her engineering skills to make weapons to help her in fights!! She is canonically bisexual!!"

[tallmantall]

James Donaldson on Mental Health - June is Men's Mental Health Month and its importance is sparking conversation

by Tyonna Baxter SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) — June is Men’s Mental Health Month and it’s sparking conversations on the importance of breaking that silence. Mental health is a crucial, but often overlooked issue. Often men do not seek help when they are struggling, and there are many reasons for that. One is the pressure men face to “man up” or “tough it out.” June is Men's Mental Health Month and it's importance is sparking conversation. They are also less likely to be diagnosed because of this. “Men are human and human beings need to talk and they need a safe space to do it,“ said Dr.Erin Leonard, a psychotherapist and owner at Recore Counseling. A study by Mental Health America found six million American men suffer from depression every year and three million struggle with anxiety. Suicide is the 7th leading cause of deaths among men. Asking for help may be hard, but going without treatment can negatively impact not only personal health but the relationships with those around you. Experts say men are less likely to seek needed help than women. “Socialized to be brave and put on a brave face and keep your feelings to yourself and not be too sensitive because that’s associated sometimes with being weak and a lot of that has changed,” said Leonard. As far as where mental health issues stem from, experts say it varies. It could be rooted from childhood, isolation, genetics, traumatic events, drug and alcohol abuse and more. While effects may be different for everyone, Leonard says the big signs that it's time to seek help are changes in mood, appetite and sleep, loss of joy, and low energy. Mental health problems will not just disappear, and officials are pushing men to seek counseling, especially if they find themselves stuck in a depressive state. “It’s a good place to go to sort out what they need to change, how they need to change it what are healthier ways to get themselves to a better place mental health wise and emotionally,” said Leonard. In addition to therapy, Leonard says there are many other ways to cope, and release built up feelings such as exercise, meditation, bettering your diet, and getting regular sleep. If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. You can call 911 or call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. #James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub Read the full article

[brooklynsummers]

Black trans woman/singer-songwriter trying to sell my music to raise money for safer apartment

I'm a black transgender woman and singer-songwriter trying my best to promote and sell what I believe is the best song I've ever written, performed and recorded. I also mixed and mastered it myself. It's called "Be W/U" and I'm hoping to raise enough money to move into a safer apartment in a more trans-friendly area that's about 25 miles away. I've been alone for the past 4 years stemming from family rejection and I've just been displaced living in motels and hotels and once in a homeless shelter for trans women in Los Angeles. Last year I finally moved into my very first apartment and it's been very painful, to say the least. I've been harassed and bullied by the upstairs neighbors constantly and though I've complained to the landlord countless times, they've done absolutely nothing to help me. I've gotten chased out of the grocery store twice by transphobic lunatics and I had to quit my job after being attacked by a mother/daughter duo after correcting the mother, who intentionally kept misgendering me very sarcastically. I had to end up running in the back of the store and locking myself in the bathroom. To add insult to injury, my manager refused to ban them from coming back in the store. This area is not a trans-friendly area and my manager let me know just how much he cared by refusing to ban these people so they could have just came back in at any time for a round 2. This is not a trans friendly area and I was afraid to press charges. I'm already 3000 miles away from home and it's scary enough trying to just co-exist. I ended up quitting, scared to go back in the store. My manager just did not care about making sure his employee was safe. I was super offended when he told me he wasn't gonna ban them. It's been difficult to find another job and the past few interviews I had ended abruptly after they would inquire if I've used another name in the past 10 years. That would force me to have to reveal to them I had an old name but I now have a new legal name and gender change because I'm actually a transgender woman. That would cut the interviews short and I never received any call backs. The past few years have been painful, but God has kept me safe this whole time. My trans sister was murdered last August and I've still been trying to cope with that. She was the only friend I had. I was sexually assaulted and diagnosed with PTSD as a result and I've been trying to cope with that too. There are no trans support groups in this area and I'm beyond fed up with being here. It's been difficult finding another job so I figured I would try to see if I might can sell my song and raise the money to leave. It's a long shot but I need to raise $10,000 to move to a better area in this LGBT community not too far from here, get an apartment and pay at least 4 months rent in advance, which will give me plenty of time to acquire a job where I'm working around more people who can relate to me. I don't drink, smoke or do any drugs, I don't hang out and I never go outside after dark. I'm not sexually active in any kind of way and have no desire to be, so there's been nothing to "numb the pain" sort of speak. Holidays and birthdays have all been very lonely and depressing so I also plan to get a puppy and a cat so I won't be so alone. I'm sure that would do wonders to help my mental health. I'm just really hoping I can have your support. Please share this, click the link and listen to my song, donate and help me to finally live and work in peace. I believe in this song. I think it showcases my singing and writing skills and my skills as an engineer, all self-taught. Thank you for reading this. God bless you.

Cashapp:$earlyberries

Venmo:Brooklyn-Summers-1

[steppingstonesphotography]

Exploring Excellence: The Top Universities in Atlanta

Atlanta, a vibrant and dynamic city known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and thriving business scene, is also home to some of the finest educational institutions in the United States. Aspiring students looking to pursue higher education in this bustling southern metropolis are met with a plethora of options. In this blog post, we will delve into the academic landscape of Atlanta and highlight the best universities that stand out for their academic excellence, diverse programs, and contributions to research and innovation.

Emory University: Topping the list is Emory University, a prestigious institution renowned for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to research. Located in the Druid Hills neighborhood, Emory consistently ranks among the top national universities. With a strong emphasis on liberal arts education, Emory offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, attracting students from around the globe. The university's state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative research opportunities contribute to its reputation as a leader in higher education.

Georgia Institute of Technology: Known for its focus on technology and engineering, the Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, is a powerhouse in STEM education. Situated in Midtown Atlanta, this public research university boasts a strong faculty, cutting-edge research centers, and a commitment to innovation. Georgia Tech is particularly renowned for its engineering, computing, and business programs, making it a go-to choice for students aspiring to make significant contributions to the world of science and technology. Georgia State University: Nestled in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia State University stands out for its urban campus and diverse student body. The university offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, health, and the arts. With a focus on experiential learning and community engagement, Georgia State prepares students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Morehouse College: A historic institution with a legacy of academic excellence, Morehouse College is a private, all-male liberal arts college located in Atlanta. Known for its commitment to nurturing leaders and fostering a sense of community, Morehouse has produced notable alumni such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The college offers a range of programs in the humanities, social sciences, and business, maintaining a tradition of shaping well-rounded individuals who contribute to society. Spelman College: For women seeking a transformative educational experience, Spelman College stands as a beacon of excellence. This private liberal arts college, affiliated with the historically Black Atlanta University Center, focuses on empowering women of African descent. With a strong emphasis on the humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields, Spelman prepares its graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.

Welcome to the enchanting world of Stepping Stones Photography, where moments become timeless treasures. As your premier Atlanta wedding photographer, we embark on a visual journey with you, capturing the essence of your love story with artistry and precision.

At Stepping Stones Photography, we believe in crafting more than just images; we sculpt narratives that resonate with the heartbeat of Atlanta's vibrant wedding scene. Our lens dances with the city's spirit, weaving a tapestry of emotions and celebrations. Just like the city itself, our work reflects the dynamic energy, diversity, and sophistication that Atlanta weddings embody.

Our portfolio, a mosaic of joy and authenticity, is a testament to the seamless blend of modern aesthetics and classic romance. Navigating the bustling streets and lush landscapes of Atlanta, our skilled photographers transform each moment into a masterpiece, etching the chapters of your special day in the city's collective memory.

Stepping Stones Photography is more than a service; it's a promise to encapsulate the magic, the laughter, and the unspoken promises exchanged on your wedding day. As Atlanta's trusted storytellers, we are honored to be the architects of your visual legacy, stepping stone by stepping stone. Capture the essence, cherish the memories, with Stepping Stones Photography – where love meets art.

Stepping Stones Photography 4545 River Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339, United States https://www.steppingstonesphoto.xyz https://www.google.com/maps?cid=12328612037725780066