Fossil Friday
Jun. 20th, 2025 06:35 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
purplecat
Dilophosaurus. Image stolen from Great Dinosaur Discoveries by Darren Naish, though wikipedia is using a very similiar image under a Creative Commons licence.
purplecatDilophosaurus. Image stolen from Great Dinosaur Discoveries by Darren Naish, though wikipedia is using a very similiar image under a Creative Commons licence.
Kirk vs Kirk (ft. Pride)
Jun. 20th, 2025 10:24 amanghraineI tragically can't find the post again, but a few days ago, I ran over one of the most perfect AOS Kirk vs TOS Kirk summations I've seen on Tumblr, re: Pride. I'm extemporizing because I don't remember the phrasing at all, but the overall tenor was:
Okay, the difference between them is not that one Kirk is bi and the other isn't, they are both extremely bi. But if AOS Kirk was at Pride, he'd be wearing a slutty crop top while in the actual parade, and goes out drinking to the local gay bar after it's over. TOS Kirk supportively goes to the parade, gets a headache an hour in, and leaves to watch an all-male Shakespeare in the Park production of Hamlet.
And truly, I'm not sure I've read a better analysis to date :P
Okay, the difference between them is not that one Kirk is bi and the other isn't, they are both extremely bi. But if AOS Kirk was at Pride, he'd be wearing a slutty crop top while in the actual parade, and goes out drinking to the local gay bar after it's over. TOS Kirk supportively goes to the parade, gets a headache an hour in, and leaves to watch an all-male Shakespeare in the Park production of Hamlet.
And truly, I'm not sure I've read a better analysis to date :P
Yawns
Jun. 20th, 2025 04:41 pm![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
kottke_org_feedIf you’re like most people, you probably started yawning as soon as you read the title of this post and saw the video’s thumbnail. And then yawned like two or three times watching it. That’s because a) yawning is contagious, and b) that video is chock-a-block with clips of people and animals yawning.
Yawning is so weird. It’s even a strange word. Yaaaaawwwwwnnnn. And like I mentioned, it’s contagious. In fact, it’s so contagious that even reading or overhearing someone talking about yawning can cause you to yawn. Why the hell do we do this weird thing? Perhaps to cool our brains.
(via the kid should see this)
Tags: video
💬 Join the discussion on kottke.org →
Shroud, by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Jun. 20th, 2025 10:18 amrachelmanija
While on a commercial expedition, an unexpected accident causes Mai, an engineer, and Juna, an HR person, to crash-land on a pitch-black planet called Shroud. They can't get out of their escape pod because the air is corrosive and unbreathable, and they can't call for help. Their only hope is to use the pod's walker system to trek all the way across the planet... which turns out to be absolutely teeming with extremely weird life, none of which can see, all of which communicates via electromagnetic signals, most of which constructs exoskeletons for itself with organic materials, and some of which is extremely large.
As readers, we learn very early on that at least some of the life on Shroud is intelligent. But Juna and Mai don't know that, the intelligent Shroud beings don't know that humans are intelligent, and human and Shroud life is so different that it makes perfect sense that they can't tell. As Juna and Mai make their probably-doomed expedition across Shroud, they're accompanied by curious Shroud beings, frequently attacked by other Shroud creatures, face some of the most daunting terrain imaginable, and slowly begin to learn the truth about Shroud. But even if they succeed in rescuing themselves, the predatory capitalist company that sent them on their expedition on the first place is determined to strip Shroud for materials, and doesn't care if its indigenous life is intelligent or not.
This is possibly the best first contact novel I've ever read. It's the flip side of Alien Clay, which was 70% depressing capitalist dystopia and 30% cool aliens. Shroud is 10% depressing capitalist dystopia and 90% cool aliens - or rather, 90% cool aliens and humans interacting with cool aliens. It's a marvelous alien travelogue, it has so many jaw-dropping moments, and it's very thematically unified and neatly plotted. The climax is absolutely killer.
The characterization is sketchy but sufficient. The ending is a little abrupt, but you can easily extrapolate what happens from there, and it's VERY satisfying. As far as I know this is a standalone, but I would certainly enjoy a sequel if Tchaikovsky decided to write one.
My absolute favorite moment, which was something you can only do in science fiction, is a great big spoiler. ( Read more... )
Abandoned Observatory of the Pioneer Palace in Chisinau, Moldova
Jun. 20th, 2025 01:00 pmatlasobscura_feed
Before falling into disrepair, this observatory was part of Chișinău’s Pioneer Palace—a Soviet-era center that ran free after-school programs. Back then, curious students came to learn about the cosmos, guided by dedicated professors. For many youths, it was a first look through a real telescope. The facility stayed open into the early 1990s, even after Moldova gained independence, but eventually closed as public support faded.
Today, the now-abandoned astronomy dome still stands, perched atop a decaying, vandalized building. Gaps in the dome’s metal shell offer sweeping views of the city. Inside, at the structure’s center, a pedestal covered in graffiti marks where a telescope once stood. A rusted circular track at the base of the dome still hints at the mechanism that once allowed it to rotate.
Not many people come up here these days, but those who do tend to leave their mark. Urban explorers, the occasional YouTuber, and groups of local teenagers looking for a place to hang out all pass through. For former Pioneers, returning to the dome might stir memories—red scarves, stargazing sessions, and a different time.
(no subject)
Jun. 20th, 2025 12:54 pmconuly posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
agonyauntDEAR ABBY: I am a mother of six and a grandma to four. We are a close family and enjoy each other's company. My mom is nearly 80. For reasons I could never understand, she didn't enjoy my children when they were growing up and didn't connect deeply with them. She once commented to me that she was bored with women her age because they were "obsessed" with their grandchildren and she wanted deeper conversations.
Mom moved away and would mostly visit just for holidays and birthdays. When the children tried to share things that were going on in their lives, she wasn't interested, and we eventually stopped inviting her to sports events and recitals because she seemed annoyed to be there.
Now that her grands have almost reached adulthood, my mother wants to connect with them. She texts them often and sometimes invites them to visit. They respond politely, and a couple have gone to visit her, but none seem interested in a deeper relationship. This bothers her, and she has been asking me to pressure them to visit her and include her in their lives more. But to them, she is a distant relative. They don't feel close to her.
What is my responsibility now? I wish they had a closer relationship with my mom, but I feel awkward telling busy young adults they must plan trips to visit someone who didn't try to establish relationships with them when they were young. Any advice? -- TORN DAUGHTER IN WASHINGTON
( Read more... )
Mom moved away and would mostly visit just for holidays and birthdays. When the children tried to share things that were going on in their lives, she wasn't interested, and we eventually stopped inviting her to sports events and recitals because she seemed annoyed to be there.
Now that her grands have almost reached adulthood, my mother wants to connect with them. She texts them often and sometimes invites them to visit. They respond politely, and a couple have gone to visit her, but none seem interested in a deeper relationship. This bothers her, and she has been asking me to pressure them to visit her and include her in their lives more. But to them, she is a distant relative. They don't feel close to her.
What is my responsibility now? I wish they had a closer relationship with my mom, but I feel awkward telling busy young adults they must plan trips to visit someone who didn't try to establish relationships with them when they were young. Any advice? -- TORN DAUGHTER IN WASHINGTON
( Read more... )
Desert Training Center in Chiriaco Summit, California
Jun. 20th, 2025 12:00 pmatlasobscura_feed
In 1942 the Second World War was in full swing, the United States having joined the conflict. Since North Africa lies at the northern edge of the Sahara Desert, combat would occur under desert conditions, which in turn implied that the soldiers must be trained for such conditions. Thus General George S. Patton, Jr., then commander of Fort Benning in Georgia, was ordered by Lt. General Lesley McNair, commander of Army Ground Forces, to locate, establish, and command a center for training in desert warfare.
Patton recognized that the Mojave Desert not only would it make a good training ground for North Africa, it also had good rail access, which would be critical for moving thousands of soldiers and their equipment.
What became the Desert Training Center (DTC) ultimately stretched across an enormous swath of the Mojave, including most of eastern California, the southern tip of Nevada, and extending east of the Colorado River into Arizona. The area included about a dozen camps over its existence, as well as some support facilities such as rail terminals. The camps consisted of tent cities with no permanent buildings. There were few permanent structures of any kind, some religious chapels and airstrips being the most important exceptions. Moreover, the Palen maneuver area, around Palen Pass in the central part of the Mojave, was the site of large-scale troop maneuvers, where both armor and infantry units engaged in simulated combat.
Because of their lack of permanent structures, little is left of the camps today. Grid patterns of dirt roads can be seen on air and satellite photos, but on the ground are often washed out and impassible. The most prominent features on the ground are lines of rocks, extending along paths and roads, and encircling bushes and what were probably the sites of flagpoles.
Patton only commanded the DTC for three months before being transferred to plan the North Africa invasion itself. The camps remained in operation for almost two years, being shut down in May 1944 after they'd served their purpose. Almost one million soldiers were trained over that two-year period, but less than half served in North Africa, the rest being posted to other theaters.
(no subject)
Jun. 20th, 2025 12:48 pmconuly posting in agonyauntDEAR ABBY: In the four years my husband and I have been married, his distaste for the LGBTQ community has grown into a passion. He calls it immoral and unnatural. I've never tried to change his opinion, but because I don't enthusiastically agree with him, he is convinced I'm going to hell. He uses nearly every conversation as an opportunity to share his feelings on this issue. Any response I volunteer goes unheard.
Shortly after our wedding, my father revealed he is gay. Thankfully, my husband can be kind to him while disapproving of his sexuality. I'm not sure Dad knows the extent of my husband's negative feelings. (They live in different states, so they rarely see each other.)
My problem is, my father recently became engaged to his partner, and I'm not sure how to tell my husband. I'm not asking him to agree with my dad's life, but I don't want him to steal my joy over this event or make me feel guilty for going to their wedding. I will certainly be going alone. Advice, Abby? -- ALLY IN MICHIGAN
( Read more... )
Shortly after our wedding, my father revealed he is gay. Thankfully, my husband can be kind to him while disapproving of his sexuality. I'm not sure Dad knows the extent of my husband's negative feelings. (They live in different states, so they rarely see each other.)
My problem is, my father recently became engaged to his partner, and I'm not sure how to tell my husband. I'm not asking him to agree with my dad's life, but I don't want him to steal my joy over this event or make me feel guilty for going to their wedding. I will certainly be going alone. Advice, Abby? -- ALLY IN MICHIGAN
( Read more... )
Reminder: About 3 days until work reveals!
Jun. 20th, 2025 01:36 pmchacusha posting in latetreatbonanzaHi everyone! Here's one last reminder before the Mid-Year Bonanza 2025 collection reveals: The work deadline/collection opening is coming up soon, on 23 June 23:59 PDT, in just over 3 days (here's a countdown if you need it). As the collection is opening late on Monday, this weekend might be a good chance to finalize any works you have sitting in the collection and make sure they're ready to go!
After the collection reveals, there will be a 1-week anonymous period, during which time people can still slip some (late) late treats into the collection. However, the collection will be closed for new works at 30 June 23:59 PDT, so be sure to get your treats in by then, or you'll need to wait until our next round!
Useful links:
Schedule & sign-up post
Mid-Year Bonanza 2025 AO3 Collection
Searchable sign-up spreadsheet
Event rules & FAQ
After the collection reveals, there will be a 1-week anonymous period, during which time people can still slip some (late) late treats into the collection. However, the collection will be closed for new works at 30 June 23:59 PDT, so be sure to get your treats in by then, or you'll need to wait until our next round!
Useful links:
Schedule & sign-up post
Mid-Year Bonanza 2025 AO3 Collection
Searchable sign-up spreadsheet
Event rules & FAQ
Well, this is annoying
Jun. 20th, 2025 04:41 pmoursinI think I mentioned (did I?) that my research position at Former Workplace was terminated some while ago due to Internal Upheavals.
Well, thinks I, I still have research connection with Esteemed Academic Institution where I did my PhD and professional qualification, providing me with a) access to a research library and b) an institutional email address.
This connection was renewed some 5 years ago and comes up for renewal in the autumn, and being a forethoughtful hedjog I thought I would start mentioning this to person I know best in the department with which I am associated.
And, dammit, they have gone and changed the rules.
Some years ago (in fact before my last renewal but I guess institutional processes move slowly) there was a massive hoohah when somebody who also had some honorary connection with Esteemed Academic Institution turned out to be using it to bring EAI into disrepute by making it seem as though it had given official imprimatur to rather dodgy intellectual activities they were up to. Plus, there was a certain degree of mystery, or at least, lack of institutional memory, as to how person had even obtained this honorary position in the first place. (Or at least, nobody was copping to knowing.)
So, they are tightening up the rules so that you have to have much more of a formal position - e.g. be doing a collaborative project with somebody in the department - to be assigned honorary research status. So alas, am no longer eligible.
*Mutters obscenities*
Am wondering whether I can find friends in other institutions who might provide some similar position according me library access....
(no subject)
Jun. 20th, 2025 11:45 amconuly posting in agonyauntDEAR ABBY: I was sexually abused as a child. Because of this, as an adult woman, I have issues around being touched. I have had therapy, and I am doing much better, but I'm still uncomfortable with physical contact. I simply request that people ask me before they touch me, and I usually agree.
The issue is my mother-in-law. She refuses to ask before touching me and often pulls me into unwanted hugs or comes up behind me. I have explained to her about my history, so she knows why I want her to ask me first, but she brushes it off and says she isn't going to hurt me. One time she said, "What? Do you think I'm going to attack you?" No, I don't think she is going to attack me. This issue is about me, not her, but she doesn't understand that.
My husband throws up his hands and refuses to get involved, as he hates being put in the middle. How can I make her understand that I need her to ask before putting her hands on me? -- PROTECTIVE IN ILLINOIS
( Read more... )
The issue is my mother-in-law. She refuses to ask before touching me and often pulls me into unwanted hugs or comes up behind me. I have explained to her about my history, so she knows why I want her to ask me first, but she brushes it off and says she isn't going to hurt me. One time she said, "What? Do you think I'm going to attack you?" No, I don't think she is going to attack me. This issue is about me, not her, but she doesn't understand that.
My husband throws up his hands and refuses to get involved, as he hates being put in the middle. How can I make her understand that I need her to ask before putting her hands on me? -- PROTECTIVE IN ILLINOIS
( Read more... )
fic: Rookie of the Year
Jun. 20th, 2025 12:09 pmneveralarchA couple weeks ago I got hit by a wild porn concept involving a magic sex ritual initiation for hockey players. And I wrote 15k of it in 5 days. So, you know. This is happening to us all now. Check the tags and notes for content warnings!
Rookie of the Year
Chapter 1 of 3
Original work
Rating: adult
Characters: first pick NHL rookie/his entire team, background rookie/his college girlfriend
Wordcount: 5,500ish this chapter
"It's an orgy," said Lindsey, on the phone.
"It's not an orgy," said Trey, frustrated. "It's team bonding. The vets welcoming the rookies to the team. It's this big honor."
"A big honor that you had to get an STI test for," said Lindsey, flatly.
"There's not gonna be any girls there," said Trey, soothingly. "It's just the team. It's really secret, actually, I'm not supposed to be telling you about it at all. You just go to the party, you get welcomed in, and then, uh, that's it. That's mostly it."
Lindsey didn't say anything. Trey had to pull his phone away for a second to make sure she hadn't hung up.
"I think," he said, when the silence had stretched on to the point of misery. "I mean, I don't know, but I think there's some magic involved. Like, there's rumors."
"Rumors," said Lindsey.
Trey hesitated, but he'd been the one to call. He'd opened this can of worms, and now he was gonna lie in it. "Guys' dicks get shorter."
Read it on the AO3!
Rookie of the Year
Chapter 1 of 3
Original work
Rating: adult
Characters: first pick NHL rookie/his entire team, background rookie/his college girlfriend
Wordcount: 5,500ish this chapter
"It's an orgy," said Lindsey, on the phone.
"It's not an orgy," said Trey, frustrated. "It's team bonding. The vets welcoming the rookies to the team. It's this big honor."
"A big honor that you had to get an STI test for," said Lindsey, flatly.
"There's not gonna be any girls there," said Trey, soothingly. "It's just the team. It's really secret, actually, I'm not supposed to be telling you about it at all. You just go to the party, you get welcomed in, and then, uh, that's it. That's mostly it."
Lindsey didn't say anything. Trey had to pull his phone away for a second to make sure she hadn't hung up.
"I think," he said, when the silence had stretched on to the point of misery. "I mean, I don't know, but I think there's some magic involved. Like, there's rumors."
"Rumors," said Lindsey.
Trey hesitated, but he'd been the one to call. He'd opened this can of worms, and now he was gonna lie in it. "Guys' dicks get shorter."
Read it on the AO3!
Every Kind of Craft now open!
Jun. 20th, 2025 11:06 amyourlibrarian posting in crafts_for_kids
Do you make crafts? Do you like to look at crafts? Would you like to get (or give) advice about crafts? All crafts are welcome. Share photos, stories about projects in progress, and connect with other crafty folks.
You are welcome to make your own posts, and this community will also do a monthly call for people to share what they are working on, or what they've seen which may be inspiring them. Images of projects old or new, completed or in progress are welcome, as are questions, tutorials and advice.
If you have any questions, ask them here!
Today’s weather report styled like The Weather Channel in the 90s: WeatherStar...
Jun. 20th, 2025 03:47 pmkottke_org_feedToday’s weather report styled like The Weather Channel in the 90s: WeatherStar 4000+.
💬 Join the discussion on kottke.org →
New to me
Jun. 20th, 2025 12:01 pmjames_davis_nicoll
This is a painting by Édouard Frédéric Wilhelm Richter, who I had never heard of. As well, it's an example of "orientalist" painting, which I had also never heard of. Seems to be depictions of the east (starting at the middle east), as imagined by a painter whose online bio does not mention having ever visited the east.
Some interesting detail work in the expanded version.
Assisted Dying
Jun. 20th, 2025 04:08 pmwatervolePleased to say that MP (Vikki Slade, Liberal) voted in favour of the bill, as she'd promised when I wrote to her about it.
(Our previous MP, Conservative, - but not necessarily representative of the rest of the party - did not always vote to match what his letters implied.)
My heath is fine at present (expect when I get sciatica or break something), but I'm terrified of dementia (the bill doesn't cover that, but hopefully it may one day extend to it, such that if wishes are expressed in a proper power of Attorney while a person is still of sound mind).
I wrote my POA several years ago, and made my wishes clear. If I ever can't recognise my family, then that person is no longer a person I wish to be. And I certainly don't want my family to live with that kind of pain or to spend their time caring (or paying for care for) someone who can't appreciate it.
I want my money to go to my grandchildren and not on end of life care for me.DCU: not far from the apples by susiecarter
Jun. 20th, 2025 09:33 amsinesofinsanity posting in fancakeFandom: DC, technically the Justice League (2017) movie, but can reasonably fit with most DC timelines
Pairings/Characters: Martha Kent, Atlanna
Rating: T
Length: 2,909 words
Creator Links: susiecarter
Theme: Female Relationships, Female Friendship, Gen, Minor Characters, Superpowers
Summary: There's a very unusual woman on the train, when Martha boards just outside Metropolis.
Reccer's Notes: I love depictions of Martha Kent where she is no-nonsense and kind, but ultimately human. She is out of her depth in the superhero shenanigans but perfectly suited to handle any and all human things before and after. I love how she immediately clocks Atlanna as "strange and possibly dangerous" and so decides to strike up a conversation. It's lovely to see these two women bond over their sons even before they really know who each other is. Also Alfred cameos at the end which is always fun.
Fanwork Links: not far from the apples on AO3
Pairings/Characters: Martha Kent, Atlanna
Rating: T
Length: 2,909 words
Creator Links: susiecarter
Theme: Female Relationships, Female Friendship, Gen, Minor Characters, Superpowers
Summary: There's a very unusual woman on the train, when Martha boards just outside Metropolis.
Reccer's Notes: I love depictions of Martha Kent where she is no-nonsense and kind, but ultimately human. She is out of her depth in the superhero shenanigans but perfectly suited to handle any and all human things before and after. I love how she immediately clocks Atlanna as "strange and possibly dangerous" and so decides to strike up a conversation. It's lovely to see these two women bond over their sons even before they really know who each other is. Also Alfred cameos at the end which is always fun.
Fanwork Links: not far from the apples on AO3
You Sure You’re In The Mood For Another Wes Anderson Film With...
Jun. 20th, 2025 03:21 pmkottke_org_feedYou Sure You’re In The Mood For Another Wes Anderson Film With Everything That’s Going On? “Tom Hanks and Bryan Cranston rattling off my signature droll dialogue — enticing or not?”
Decisions and opportunity in America are no longer cheap. “Life is an...
Jun. 20th, 2025 02:52 pmkottke_org_feedDecisions and opportunity in America are no longer cheap. “Life is an open world game. It rewards you for exploring. And capitalism cannot fucking stand that. It wants you on rails.”