Activism
Jul. 24th, 2025 10:24 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithThe future of antisemitism
We can't get confused about what constitutes anti-Jewish prejudice.
[---8<---]
That's why we have to face a painful paradox: when it comes to the continuing agony of Gaza, Israel's most fervent defenders are the ones muddying the water. They seek to define criticism of the actions of Israel as anti-Jewish prejudice.
( Read more... )
We can't get confused about what constitutes anti-Jewish prejudice.
[---8<---]
That's why we have to face a painful paradox: when it comes to the continuing agony of Gaza, Israel's most fervent defenders are the ones muddying the water. They seek to define criticism of the actions of Israel as anti-Jewish prejudice.
( Read more... )
France Recognizes Palestine
Jul. 24th, 2025 07:12 pmysabetwordsmithFrance will recognize Palestine as a state, President Macron says
PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that France will recognize Palestine as a state, in a bold diplomatic move amid snowballing global anger over people starving in Gaza. Israel denounced the decision.
Macron said in a post on X that he will formalize the decision at the United Nations General Assembly in September. “The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved,” he wrote.
Today, France is a hero. France is taking a stance that a lot of bigger, richer, meaner countries are going to hate. That's punching up. \o/ Let's put more pressure on Israel to stop the genocide.
( Read more... )
PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that France will recognize Palestine as a state, in a bold diplomatic move amid snowballing global anger over people starving in Gaza. Israel denounced the decision.
Macron said in a post on X that he will formalize the decision at the United Nations General Assembly in September. “The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved,” he wrote.
Today, France is a hero. France is taking a stance that a lot of bigger, richer, meaner countries are going to hate. That's punching up. \o/ Let's put more pressure on Israel to stop the genocide.
( Read more... )
Aroace Spectrum
Jul. 24th, 2025 04:13 pmysabetwordsmithIndividualism is Killing The (Online) Aspec Community
But whilst I know I’ve changed in my queer journey, the communities I’ve been involved in have not. When I was a baby ace, I needed to know aspec 101, distinguish your aro from your ace from your agender, what the cake memes were for, what the split attraction model is and so on. But 5 years on, half a decade mind you, the online community that was once my intro and a place that helped me learn more about myself now feels like a burden, a constant reminder of pain and like being a teenager again in Catholic secondary school; not standing the people I’m with and wanting to just go home.
[---8<---]
Most people tolerate asexuality, but they don’t support asexuality. That's not the same. They think asexuality is valid but they don’t support it. They only support asexuality if it’s palatable to their own sexuality. In an attempt to push back on the very real infantilisation of asexuality (looking at you ‘but we can’t have kink at pride because of the aces’ discourse), but we’ve (not me!) walked back into compulsory sexuality and basing support of asexuality based on how well asexuals perform the sexual script, instead of supporting it in its own right.
( Read more... )
But whilst I know I’ve changed in my queer journey, the communities I’ve been involved in have not. When I was a baby ace, I needed to know aspec 101, distinguish your aro from your ace from your agender, what the cake memes were for, what the split attraction model is and so on. But 5 years on, half a decade mind you, the online community that was once my intro and a place that helped me learn more about myself now feels like a burden, a constant reminder of pain and like being a teenager again in Catholic secondary school; not standing the people I’m with and wanting to just go home.
[---8<---]
Most people tolerate asexuality, but they don’t support asexuality. That's not the same. They think asexuality is valid but they don’t support it. They only support asexuality if it’s palatable to their own sexuality. In an attempt to push back on the very real infantilisation of asexuality (looking at you ‘but we can’t have kink at pride because of the aces’ discourse), but we’ve (not me!) walked back into compulsory sexuality and basing support of asexuality based on how well asexuals perform the sexual script, instead of supporting it in its own right.
( Read more... )
New Crowdfunding Project: Scholarly Pursuits: A Queer Cozy Academia Anthology
Jul. 24th, 2025 02:11 pmysabetwordsmithduckprintspress will be launching a new project tomorrow. The swag release is on their Dreamwidth blog.Scholarly Pursuits: A Queer Cozy Academia Anthology
A collection of 22 delightfully queer, charmingly cozy stories that put a fluffy LGBTQIA+ spin on the dark academia genre.
For reference, "cozy academia" seems to lean toward "light academia" in mood, but doesn't necessarily exclude the deeper colors of "dark academia," and is basically the "comfy/cozy" aesthetic or subgenre with an academic setting. So if you want queer romance and culture without the gaybashing and other stress of local-America, this is probably an excellent bet. And if you are going to romanticize something, there are a lot worse things to admire than academia, which has long been a refuge for queers, nerds, and freaks of all flavors.
As a bonus, this is exactly the kind of content that lots of people want not to exist, so buy a queer book and poke a bigot in the eye! If you know of librarians defending queer books, tip them to this campaign.
Birdfeeding
Jul. 24th, 2025 02:07 pmysabetwordsmithToday is sweltering again, 86°F with a heat index of 98°F. :P So I have to break up yard tasks into smaller sections.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
EDIT 7/24/25 -- I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 7/24/25 -- I refilled birdfeeders.
EDIT 7/24/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 7/24/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 7/24/25 -- I picked 4 red cherry tomatoes. :D
I watered the new picnic table garden.
EDIT 7/24/25 -- I potted up 12 sweet cherry seeds.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
EDIT 7/24/25 -- I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 7/24/25 -- I refilled birdfeeders.
EDIT 7/24/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 7/24/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 7/24/25 -- I picked 4 red cherry tomatoes. :D
I watered the new picnic table garden.
EDIT 7/24/25 -- I potted up 12 sweet cherry seeds.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
Hobbies: Hairstyling
Jul. 24th, 2025 12:49 amysabetwordsmithFolks have mentioned an interest in questions and conversations that make them think. So I've decided to offer more of those. This batch features hobbies.
Hairstyling is a hobby that includes cutting, braiding, and related accessories such as wigs or hair jewelry. It all depends on what you what looks you wish to create. Like makeup, it varies a great deal depending on your human canvas -- African or other curly hair textures require different techniques than straight or wavy hair.
On Dreamwidth, consider communities like![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
daily_gyaru, edgoreyanfashion, first_nations_freaks, justcreate, sw_costumes, andthefreaksclub.
( Read more... )
Hairstyling is a hobby that includes cutting, braiding, and related accessories such as wigs or hair jewelry. It all depends on what you what looks you wish to create. Like makeup, it varies a great deal depending on your human canvas -- African or other curly hair textures require different techniques than straight or wavy hair.
On Dreamwidth, consider communities like
daily_gyaru, edgoreyanfashion, first_nations_freaks, justcreate, sw_costumes, andthefreaksclub.( Read more... )
Poem: "Fed from So Many Sources"
Jul. 23rd, 2025 10:09 pmysabetwordsmithThis poem is spillover from the July 15, 2025 Bonus Fishbowl. It was inspired by prompts from janetmiles, chanter1944, and discussions with dialecticdreamer. It has been sponsored by janetmiles. This poem also fills the "Immigrant" square in my 7-1-25 card for the Western Bingo fest. It belongs to the series Frankenstein's Family and follows (several months later) the poems "Signs of Their Trespass" and "Incompetence, Sloppy Thinking, and Laziness" so read those first or this won't make much sense. It is the third in the triptych after "Strong, Competent, Capable" and "The Future by Consequence, the Past by Redemption."
Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to read the warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes unplanned and unmarried pregnancy, domestic abuse, partner loss, awkwardness, poor support back home, reference to other illegitimate children, severe personality changes, past family tragedies, complicated grief, scrapes and bruises, messy medical details, confusion, uncertainty, and other challenges. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
( Read more... )
janetmiles, chanter1944, and discussions with dialecticdreamer. It has been sponsored by janetmiles. This poem also fills the "Immigrant" square in my 7-1-25 card for the Western Bingo fest. It belongs to the series Frankenstein's Family and follows (several months later) the poems "Signs of Their Trespass" and "Incompetence, Sloppy Thinking, and Laziness" so read those first or this won't make much sense. It is the third in the triptych after "Strong, Competent, Capable" and "The Future by Consequence, the Past by Redemption."Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to read the warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes unplanned and unmarried pregnancy, domestic abuse, partner loss, awkwardness, poor support back home, reference to other illegitimate children, severe personality changes, past family tragedies, complicated grief, scrapes and bruises, messy medical details, confusion, uncertainty, and other challenges. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
( Read more... )
Poem: "The Future by Consequence, the Past by Redemption"
Jul. 23rd, 2025 08:45 pmysabetwordsmithThis poem is spillover from the July 15, 2025 Bonus Fishbowl. It was inspired by prompts from janetmiles, chanter1944, and discussions with dialecticdreamer. It has been sponsored by janetmiles. This poem also fills the "Redemption Story" square in my 7-1-25 card for the Western Bingo fest. It belongs to the series Frankenstein's Family and follows (several months later) the poems "Signs of Their Trespass" and "Incompetence, Sloppy Thinking, and Laziness" so read those first or this won't make much sense. It is the second in the triptych between "Strong, Competent, Capable" and "Fed from So Many Sources."
Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to read the warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes disappointment, worry, reference to minor character death, unpleasant social duties, loss of a friend, alarming personality changes, trouble caused by loss of horses, signs of hunger, reference to domestic abuse, legal issues, confusion, desperate hope, and other mayhem. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
( Read more... )
janetmiles, chanter1944, and discussions with dialecticdreamer. It has been sponsored by janetmiles. This poem also fills the "Redemption Story" square in my 7-1-25 card for the Western Bingo fest. It belongs to the series Frankenstein's Family and follows (several months later) the poems "Signs of Their Trespass" and "Incompetence, Sloppy Thinking, and Laziness" so read those first or this won't make much sense. It is the second in the triptych between "Strong, Competent, Capable" and "Fed from So Many Sources."Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to read the warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes disappointment, worry, reference to minor character death, unpleasant social duties, loss of a friend, alarming personality changes, trouble caused by loss of horses, signs of hunger, reference to domestic abuse, legal issues, confusion, desperate hope, and other mayhem. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
( Read more... )
Tags:
Poem: "Strong, Competent, Capable"
Jul. 23rd, 2025 07:44 pmysabetwordsmithThis poem is spillover from the July 15, 2025 Bonus Fishbowl. It was inspired by prompts from janetmiles, chanter1944, and discussions with dialecticdreamer. It has been sponsored by janetmiles. This poem also fills the "Sunrise / Sunset" square in my 7-1-25 card for the Western Bingo fest. It belongs to the series Frankenstein's Family and follows (several months later) the poems "Signs of Their Trespass" and "Incompetence, Sloppy Thinking, and Laziness" so read those first or this won't make much sense. It is the first in the triptych followed by "The Future by Consequence, the Past by Redemption" and "Fed from So Many Sources."
Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics, including canon-typical levels of violence. Highlight to read the warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes a fruitless hunt, irrational behavior, legally risky action in effort to protect people, unplanned and unmarried pregnancy, domestic abuse, verbal abuse, death threats, pregnant woman fleeing from danger, rude language, minor character death due to terminal stupidity and testosterone poisoning, begging for mercy, uncertainty, and other mayhem. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward. Readers with a history of domestic unrest may wish to think twice about this one, but skipping it would leave a major gap.
( Read more... )
janetmiles, chanter1944, and discussions with dialecticdreamer. It has been sponsored by janetmiles. This poem also fills the "Sunrise / Sunset" square in my 7-1-25 card for the Western Bingo fest. It belongs to the series Frankenstein's Family and follows (several months later) the poems "Signs of Their Trespass" and "Incompetence, Sloppy Thinking, and Laziness" so read those first or this won't make much sense. It is the first in the triptych followed by "The Future by Consequence, the Past by Redemption" and "Fed from So Many Sources."Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics, including canon-typical levels of violence. Highlight to read the warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes a fruitless hunt, irrational behavior, legally risky action in effort to protect people, unplanned and unmarried pregnancy, domestic abuse, verbal abuse, death threats, pregnant woman fleeing from danger, rude language, minor character death due to terminal stupidity and testosterone poisoning, begging for mercy, uncertainty, and other mayhem. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward. Readers with a history of domestic unrest may wish to think twice about this one, but skipping it would leave a major gap.
( Read more... )
Housing
Jul. 23rd, 2025 04:15 pmysabetwordsmithWhat Happens When Housing Prices Go Down (because they are)?
There’s a theory about housing that has taken hold with a kind of religious fervor: If you want to make housing more affordable, just build more of it. Supply and demand. Simple economics.
( Read more... )
There’s a theory about housing that has taken hold with a kind of religious fervor: If you want to make housing more affordable, just build more of it. Supply and demand. Simple economics.
( Read more... )
Poetry Fishbowl Update
Jul. 23rd, 2025 05:03 pmysabetwordsmithjanetmiles has sponsored the triptych. I will post these as soon as feasible. That means if you're waiting on your bonus fishbowl prompt to get written ... it's going to take longer."Strong, Competent, Capable"
A pregnant woman seeks refuge in Victor's valley, aided by two former poachers.
"The Future by Consequence, the Past by Redemption"
Victor speaks with the former poachers about their presence in his valley.
"Fed from So Many Sources"
Igor takes care of Amalia and discusses future options.
Crafts
Jul. 23rd, 2025 04:09 pmysabetwordsmithAs a general rule, grid-based patterns are transposable across all crafts that use them, such as cross-stitch, beading, knitting, and the newer diamond art. But badly_knitted pointed out that knitting stitches are slightly rectangular, so not all grid-based patterns will work for it unless designed for knitting. But every grid pattern I've seen for knitting has been square!
https://blog.tincanknits.com/2014/06/06/how-to-read-a-knitting-chart/
https://www.fibersprite.com/blog/how-to-modify-colorwork-patterns
This seems like a poor choice in terms of pattern construction. :(
However, it also occurs to me that knit stitches have a limited range of ratio, because they are near-square. The ratio might vary a little based on yarn thickness, but you don't see very tall and skinny stitches. So it should be possible to calculate what that ratio typically is (or perhaps 2-3 versions based on yarn thickness) and then how that affects a pattern. Changing a simple pattern would then be easier, and while changing a complex one might not, you could still calculate how much extra to add in order to cover the intended area (such as a sweater front). I don't have the math skill to do this, but I can see that it is doable.
badly_knitted pointed out that knitting stitches are slightly rectangular, so not all grid-based patterns will work for it unless designed for knitting. But every grid pattern I've seen for knitting has been square!https://blog.tincanknits.com/2014/06/06/how-to-read-a-knitting-chart/
https://www.fibersprite.com/blog/how-to-modify-colorwork-patterns
This seems like a poor choice in terms of pattern construction. :(
However, it also occurs to me that knit stitches have a limited range of ratio, because they are near-square. The ratio might vary a little based on yarn thickness, but you don't see very tall and skinny stitches. So it should be possible to calculate what that ratio typically is (or perhaps 2-3 versions based on yarn thickness) and then how that affects a pattern. Changing a simple pattern would then be easier, and while changing a complex one might not, you could still calculate how much extra to add in order to cover the intended area (such as a sweater front). I don't have the math skill to do this, but I can see that it is doable.
Climate Change
Jul. 23rd, 2025 02:24 pmysabetwordsmithSnowless winter? Arctic field team finds flowers and meltwater instead
New commentary reveals a dramatic and concerning shift in the Arctic winter.
Scientists in Svalbard were shocked to find rain and greenery instead of snow during Arctic winter fieldwork. The event highlights not just warming—but a full seasonal shift with major consequences for ecosystems, climate feedback, and research feasibility.
Here in central Illinois, it rained on Christmas last year. We would've had a white Christmas, except for climate change. That was just sad.
New commentary reveals a dramatic and concerning shift in the Arctic winter.
Scientists in Svalbard were shocked to find rain and greenery instead of snow during Arctic winter fieldwork. The event highlights not just warming—but a full seasonal shift with major consequences for ecosystems, climate feedback, and research feasibility.
Here in central Illinois, it rained on Christmas last year. We would've had a white Christmas, except for climate change. That was just sad.
Birdfeeding
Jul. 23rd, 2025 02:13 pmysabetwordsmithToday is partly cloudy and sweltering.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, plus a mourning dove.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 7/23/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
I've seen a fox squirrel and a pair of mourning doves at the hopper feeder.
EDIT 7/23/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 7/23/25 -- I checked on the gardens.
Even this late, it's still miserably hot out. :P
I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, plus a mourning dove.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 7/23/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
I've seen a fox squirrel and a pair of mourning doves at the hopper feeder.
EDIT 7/23/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 7/23/25 -- I checked on the gardens.
Even this late, it's still miserably hot out. :P
I am done for the night.
Hard Things
Jul. 23rd, 2025 01:02 amysabetwordsmithLife is full of things which are hard or tedious or otherwise unpleasant that need doing anyhow. They help make the world go 'round, they improve skills, and they boost your sense of self-respect. But doing them still kinda sucks. It's all the more difficult to do those things when nobody appreciates it. Happily, blogging allows us to share our accomplishments and pat each other on the back.
What are some of the hard things you've done recently? What are some hard things you haven't gotten to yet, but need to do? Is there anything your online friends could do to make your hard things a little easier?
What are some of the hard things you've done recently? What are some hard things you haven't gotten to yet, but need to do? Is there anything your online friends could do to make your hard things a little easier?
Nanotechnology
Jul. 22nd, 2025 04:03 pmysabetwordsmithGoodbye plastic? Scientists create new supermaterial that outperforms metals and glass
New method aligns bacterial cellulose nanofibrils, enabling high-strength multifunctional bionanocomposites.
Scientists at Rice University and the University of Houston have created a powerful new material by guiding bacteria to grow cellulose in aligned patterns, resulting in sheets with the strength of metals and the flexibility of plastic—without the pollution. Using a spinning bioreactor, they’ve turned Earth’s purest biopolymer into a high-performance alternative to plastic, capable of carrying heat, integrating advanced nanomaterials, and transforming packaging, electronics, and even energy storage.
I am amused to see someone exploring the non-glamous applications of nanotechnology. Yes, this can work. Any time you're growing something, you have to make sure it can't get loose and cause problems, but organisms really do excel at making useful materials. Remember, conventional plastic comes from petrochemicals, which started out as ancient plants.
New method aligns bacterial cellulose nanofibrils, enabling high-strength multifunctional bionanocomposites.
Scientists at Rice University and the University of Houston have created a powerful new material by guiding bacteria to grow cellulose in aligned patterns, resulting in sheets with the strength of metals and the flexibility of plastic—without the pollution. Using a spinning bioreactor, they’ve turned Earth’s purest biopolymer into a high-performance alternative to plastic, capable of carrying heat, integrating advanced nanomaterials, and transforming packaging, electronics, and even energy storage.
I am amused to see someone exploring the non-glamous applications of nanotechnology. Yes, this can work. Any time you're growing something, you have to make sure it can't get loose and cause problems, but organisms really do excel at making useful materials. Remember, conventional plastic comes from petrochemicals, which started out as ancient plants.