World Book Day
Apr. 23rd, 2025 12:10 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithThe official theme for World Book Day 2025 is:
"Read Your Way: Diverse Books for Every Mind"
This theme emphasizes the importance of inclusion and diversity in reading. It encourages readers to explore different voices, perspectives, and cultures through literature, promoting empathy and global understanding.
( Read more... )
"Read Your Way: Diverse Books for Every Mind"
This theme emphasizes the importance of inclusion and diversity in reading. It encourages readers to explore different voices, perspectives, and cultures through literature, promoting empathy and global understanding.
( Read more... )
Good News
Apr. 23rd, 2025 12:09 amysabetwordsmithGood news includes all the things which make us happy or otherwise feel good. It can be personal or public. We never know when something wonderful will happen, and when it does, most people want to share it with someone. It's disappointing when nobody is there to appreciate it. Happily, blogging allows us to share our joys and pat each other on the back.
What good news have you had recently? Are you anticipating any more? Have you found a cute picture or a video that makes you smile? Is there anything your online friends could do to make your life a little happier?
What good news have you had recently? Are you anticipating any more? Have you found a cute picture or a video that makes you smile? Is there anything your online friends could do to make your life a little happier?
Insect Apocalypse
Apr. 22nd, 2025 10:29 pmysabetwordsmithInsects are disappearing due to agriculture -- and many other drivers, new research reveals
New paper highlights 500+ interconnected drivers behind global insect decline.
Insects are disappearing at an alarming rate worldwide, but why? Agricultural intensification tops the list of proposed reasons, but there are many other, interconnected drivers that have an impact, according to new research.
( Read more... )
New paper highlights 500+ interconnected drivers behind global insect decline.
Insects are disappearing at an alarming rate worldwide, but why? Agricultural intensification tops the list of proposed reasons, but there are many other, interconnected drivers that have an impact, according to new research.
( Read more... )
Birdfeeding
Apr. 22nd, 2025 02:17 pmysabetwordsmithToday is mostly sunny and warm with a light breeze, a beautiful spring day. :D
I fed the birds. I've seen several sparrows and house finches, two brown-headed cowbirds, a mourning dove, and two fox squirrels.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/22/25 -- We went out shopping. I picked out roughly 5 flats of plants at DeBuhr's. We found a garden hose, nozzle, and reel plus a gas can at Home Depot. Also at Home Depot I spotted a modular garage storage system that looks very promising. It has mounting rails for shelves and a wide variety of hooks. That ought to combine well with a pegboard.
EDIT 4/22/25 -- I planted a 'Sugar Snack' cherry tomato and a 'Yellow Pear' tomato in the large pots by the septic garden, each with 4 marigolds around it.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen several sparrows and house finches, two brown-headed cowbirds, a mourning dove, and two fox squirrels.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/22/25 -- We went out shopping. I picked out roughly 5 flats of plants at DeBuhr's. We found a garden hose, nozzle, and reel plus a gas can at Home Depot. Also at Home Depot I spotted a modular garage storage system that looks very promising. It has mounting rails for shelves and a wide variety of hooks. That ought to combine well with a pegboard.
EDIT 4/22/25 -- I planted a 'Sugar Snack' cherry tomato and a 'Yellow Pear' tomato in the large pots by the septic garden, each with 4 marigolds around it.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
Palestinian Speculative Fiction Reading List
Apr. 22nd, 2025 12:49 amysabetwordsmithThe following is a growing reading list for the ReadPalestinianSpecFic challenge. This is a work in progress to create a list of all available Palestinian speculative fiction.
Photos: Cookie Jar Terrarium Part 1: Setup
Apr. 21st, 2025 10:35 pmysabetwordsmithRecently I bought a little fern, so I'm making a new terrarium. You can also see the previous Antique Jar Terrarium.
( Read more... )
( Read more... )
Monday Update 4-21-25
Apr. 21st, 2025 01:36 pmysabetwordsmithThese are some posts from the later part of last week in case you missed them:
Birdfeeding
Spring Friending Meme
Intro to the Web Revival #1: What is the Web Revival?
Books with Queer Autistic Characters for Autism Awareness Month
Today's Adventures
Birdfeeding
Philosophical Questions: Immigrants
Creative Jam
Vocabulary: Ladramhaiola
Join the Fictionfolk Webring
Safety
Read "The Greater Good"
Birdfeeding
Safety
Food
Where are the trans people toilets?
Jug Crafts for Gardening
Frugal Friday
Never Forget
Follow Friday 4-18-25: Graphics
Reality Imitating Art
Navajo Peaches
Birdfeeding
Anosognosia
Hobbies: Creative Writing
Gilda and Meek and the Un-Iverse
Success!
Transgender
Birdfeeding
Cuddle Party
"Not a Destination, But a Process" has 127 comments. "The Democratic Armada of the Caribbean" has 75 comments. Joann Fabrics going out of business has 56 comments.
Watch for Three Weeks for Dreamwidth coming April 25-May 15. People will celebrate the anniversary of the platform by posting things only on Dreamwidth and doing other blog activities. Think ahead about what you'll want to post while the traffic is higher.
"Babes in the Pineywoods" belongs to the Big One. It belongs to the Big One thread of Polychrome Heroics. Bo-Art and Creamjeans talk with the Black Doctor.
The weather has been variable and wet here. It rained last night Seen at the birdfeeders this week: a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, a flock of grackles, a flock of brown-headed cowbirds, several blue jays, several starlings, two mourning doves, a male cardinal, a brown thrasher, a robin, and Nipple Squirrel. I've heard red-winged blackbirds and woodpeckers. Squills, pear, forsythia, and serviceberry are done. Currently blooming: daffodils, violets, blue grape hyacinths, tulips, dandelions, trilliums, snowbells, crabapples, lilacs, bleeding heart, redbud, columbine. Peonies have flower buds.
Birdfeeding
Spring Friending Meme
Intro to the Web Revival #1: What is the Web Revival?
Books with Queer Autistic Characters for Autism Awareness Month
Today's Adventures
Birdfeeding
Philosophical Questions: Immigrants
Creative Jam
Vocabulary: Ladramhaiola
Join the Fictionfolk Webring
Safety
Read "The Greater Good"
Birdfeeding
Safety
Food
Where are the trans people toilets?
Jug Crafts for Gardening
Frugal Friday
Never Forget
Follow Friday 4-18-25: Graphics
Reality Imitating Art
Navajo Peaches
Birdfeeding
Anosognosia
Hobbies: Creative Writing
Gilda and Meek and the Un-Iverse
Success!
Transgender
Birdfeeding
Cuddle Party
"Not a Destination, But a Process" has 127 comments. "The Democratic Armada of the Caribbean" has 75 comments. Joann Fabrics going out of business has 56 comments.
Watch for Three Weeks for Dreamwidth coming April 25-May 15. People will celebrate the anniversary of the platform by posting things only on Dreamwidth and doing other blog activities. Think ahead about what you'll want to post while the traffic is higher.
"Babes in the Pineywoods" belongs to the Big One. It belongs to the Big One thread of Polychrome Heroics. Bo-Art and Creamjeans talk with the Black Doctor.
The weather has been variable and wet here. It rained last night Seen at the birdfeeders this week: a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, a flock of grackles, a flock of brown-headed cowbirds, several blue jays, several starlings, two mourning doves, a male cardinal, a brown thrasher, a robin, and Nipple Squirrel. I've heard red-winged blackbirds and woodpeckers. Squills, pear, forsythia, and serviceberry are done. Currently blooming: daffodils, violets, blue grape hyacinths, tulips, dandelions, trilliums, snowbells, crabapples, lilacs, bleeding heart, redbud, columbine. Peonies have flower buds.
Birdfeeding
Apr. 21st, 2025 01:32 pmysabetwordsmithToday is cloudy, breezy, and cool. It rained for hours last night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches, plus a brown-headed cowbird.
I put out water for the birds.
The single yellow violet (which might be a hairy yellow violet) that I planted in the forest garden has seeded a whole new plant! :D 3q3q3q!!!! I am so excited.
We measured from the spigot to the old picnic table and the new picnic table. We'll need to acquire a 75-foot hose.
EDIT 4/21/25 -- The plumbers have come and gone. We have a working outside spigot! \o/ It has low water pressure for reasons that are not feasible to fix, but at least water comes out of it.
We dug up the old hoses. The yellow ones were in pieces so we threw those away. The green is still attached to a different spigot that it won't come off. But at least the yellows are gone. Progress.
I started working on a new cookie jar terrarium for the potted fern, but other things intervened so I haven't gotten very far yet.
I've seen the tufted titmouse! :D I haven't seen him in weeks, so I'm glad he's still around.
EDIT 4/21/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 4/21/25 -- I picked up more sticks for the firepit.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches, plus a brown-headed cowbird.
I put out water for the birds.
The single yellow violet (which might be a hairy yellow violet) that I planted in the forest garden has seeded a whole new plant! :D 3q3q3q!!!! I am so excited.
We measured from the spigot to the old picnic table and the new picnic table. We'll need to acquire a 75-foot hose.
EDIT 4/21/25 -- The plumbers have come and gone. We have a working outside spigot! \o/ It has low water pressure for reasons that are not feasible to fix, but at least water comes out of it.
We dug up the old hoses. The yellow ones were in pieces so we threw those away. The green is still attached to a different spigot that it won't come off. But at least the yellows are gone. Progress.
I started working on a new cookie jar terrarium for the potted fern, but other things intervened so I haven't gotten very far yet.
I've seen the tufted titmouse! :D I haven't seen him in weeks, so I'm glad he's still around.
EDIT 4/21/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 4/21/25 -- I picked up more sticks for the firepit.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
Voter Suppression
Apr. 21st, 2025 01:28 pmysabetwordsmithIndivisible reports that these Democratic senators in particular need to hear from their constituents right now to oppose HR22, a bill which would disinfranchise millions of people, mostly women, from voting.
Birdfeeding
Apr. 20th, 2025 02:12 pmysabetwordsmithToday is mostly sunny, humid, and warm. It rained off and on yesterday and last night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches, plus a fox squirrel.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/20/25 -- I walked around the yard taking pictures.
EDIT 4/20/25 -- We had a friend over to help with yardening and picked up sticks from the house yard.
I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches, plus a fox squirrel.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/20/25 -- I walked around the yard taking pictures.
EDIT 4/20/25 -- We had a friend over to help with yardening and picked up sticks from the house yard.
I am done for the night.
Spring Friending Meme
Apr. 20th, 2025 01:30 pmysabetwordsmith![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
icons is hosting a Spring Friending Meme. Fill out the form and/or read other people's entries to find new friends.Intro to the Web Revival #1: What is the Web Revival?
Apr. 20th, 2025 12:21 pmysabetwordsmithIntro to the Web Revival #1: What is the Web Revival?
The Web Revival is about reclaiming the technology in our lives and asking what we really want from the tools we use, and the digital experiences we share. The Web Revival often references the early Internet, but it's not about recreating a bygone web; the Web Revival is about reviving the spirit of openness and fresh excitement that surrounded the Web in its earliest days. The Web Revival is not one single movement, but a loose collection of ideas and groups that fall under many names.
I heartily approve of this movement. I can't code, but I can boost the signal. So if you're involved in Web Revival, feel free to share your favorite links or other resources. Because we deserve better than enshittification.
Do you want to code your own website, or support others who do? Check out the FujoGuide.
The Web Revival is about reclaiming the technology in our lives and asking what we really want from the tools we use, and the digital experiences we share. The Web Revival often references the early Internet, but it's not about recreating a bygone web; the Web Revival is about reviving the spirit of openness and fresh excitement that surrounded the Web in its earliest days. The Web Revival is not one single movement, but a loose collection of ideas and groups that fall under many names.
I heartily approve of this movement. I can't code, but I can boost the signal. So if you're involved in Web Revival, feel free to share your favorite links or other resources. Because we deserve better than enshittification.
Do you want to code your own website, or support others who do? Check out the FujoGuide.
Books with Queer Autistic Characters for Autism Awareness Month
Apr. 20th, 2025 12:10 pmysabetwordsmithApril is Autism Awareness month, and we’re here to share (more) of our favorite queer autistic or autistic-coded characters! Last year we shared six books; three of those are back this year, and we’ve got 5 more.
Birdfeeding
Apr. 19th, 2025 12:21 pmysabetwordsmithToday is cloudy, rainy, and cool. It started raining yesterday evening and is still going.
I fed the birds. Not much activity today.
EDIT 4/19/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
It is not currently raining.
EDIT 4/19/25 -- I took out one of the big self-watering pots from Family Dollar. I filled the bottom half with American Countryside composted manure and the top half with American Countryside potting soil. Then I planted a 'Mr. Stripey' heirloom tomato. I put the pot on the new picnic table.
.
I fed the birds. Not much activity today.
EDIT 4/19/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
It is not currently raining.
EDIT 4/19/25 -- I took out one of the big self-watering pots from Family Dollar. I filled the bottom half with American Countryside composted manure and the top half with American Countryside potting soil. Then I planted a 'Mr. Stripey' heirloom tomato. I put the pot on the new picnic table.
.
Philosophical Questions: Immigrants
Apr. 19th, 2025 01:01 amysabetwordsmithPeople have expressed interest in deep topics, so this list focuses on philosophical questions.
Is it just and right to deny entry to a country when doing so probably means death for the immigrant and their family?
No. People should have freedom of movement, and not need the permission of one owner to leave the cage they were born in and another owner's permission to enter a different cage. Safety is also a human right.
And this is going to kill a lot of people, because climate refugees aren't even recognized as real refugees with rights, but humans are creating millions of them.
Is it just and right to deny entry to a country when doing so probably means death for the immigrant and their family?
No. People should have freedom of movement, and not need the permission of one owner to leave the cage they were born in and another owner's permission to enter a different cage. Safety is also a human right.
And this is going to kill a lot of people, because climate refugees aren't even recognized as real refugees with rights, but humans are creating millions of them.