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TV report
Jul. 5th, 2025 11:20 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sasha_featherMy eyes are bothering me lately; anything close-focus is hard. Really challenging as most of my hobbies involve close focus. I have a lot of pain in my mouth and face so concentrating is also difficult.
TV seems to be the way to go but I feel like I've run out of shows.
Enjoying: Murderbot. Also loved The Pitt, and the Old Guard 2. Task Master and DropOut (Game changer, etc), continue to delight.
Other things I've watched:
Mr Robot. Gave up after one season. It's grim and humorless. I liked some of the actors a lot but the aesthetic was so gray on gray, and a high preference for very thin bodies and baggy eyes, like heroin-addict chic. For a thriller it's weirdly slow.
The storied life of AJ Fikry: A cromulent romance / drama on Netflix. Cute if not particularly memorable. It's about people who love reading and live on an island only accessible by ferry. Has multiple characters of color.
I watched 2 episodes of "Nobody Wants This", a rom-com with Kristen Bell. Her character falls in love with a rabbi. The characters felt really thinly drawn and so I did not care about them. There was just no there there, as they say.
The Last Breath: a drama about a survival story involving deep-sea construction workers (based on a true story). I liked this pretty well but think it would have worked better with some documentary-style explanations of what was happening.
Clean Slate: on Amazon Prime, a sitcom about a trans woman reconnecting with her father. I dropped this because I could not see what was happening! There seemed to be a gray film over everything! I might try it again later as it had some good humor and characters.
I tried season three of the Bear but it was unpleasant.
I played Dragon Age: Inquisition through twice, which was very restful for my brain actually. I think it would be a good idea to invest further in video games, which help me pass the time when I'm ill. I don't know much about gaming systems. I'd love to play Dragon Age Veilguard and some other newer games but how to decide on what kind of system to get? They are expensive. I got the Xbox 360 used and have absolutely loved having it.
What are you enjoying watching or playing?
TV seems to be the way to go but I feel like I've run out of shows.
Enjoying: Murderbot. Also loved The Pitt, and the Old Guard 2. Task Master and DropOut (Game changer, etc), continue to delight.
Other things I've watched:
Mr Robot. Gave up after one season. It's grim and humorless. I liked some of the actors a lot but the aesthetic was so gray on gray, and a high preference for very thin bodies and baggy eyes, like heroin-addict chic. For a thriller it's weirdly slow.
The storied life of AJ Fikry: A cromulent romance / drama on Netflix. Cute if not particularly memorable. It's about people who love reading and live on an island only accessible by ferry. Has multiple characters of color.
I watched 2 episodes of "Nobody Wants This", a rom-com with Kristen Bell. Her character falls in love with a rabbi. The characters felt really thinly drawn and so I did not care about them. There was just no there there, as they say.
The Last Breath: a drama about a survival story involving deep-sea construction workers (based on a true story). I liked this pretty well but think it would have worked better with some documentary-style explanations of what was happening.
Clean Slate: on Amazon Prime, a sitcom about a trans woman reconnecting with her father. I dropped this because I could not see what was happening! There seemed to be a gray film over everything! I might try it again later as it had some good humor and characters.
I tried season three of the Bear but it was unpleasant.
I played Dragon Age: Inquisition through twice, which was very restful for my brain actually. I think it would be a good idea to invest further in video games, which help me pass the time when I'm ill. I don't know much about gaming systems. I'd love to play Dragon Age Veilguard and some other newer games but how to decide on what kind of system to get? They are expensive. I got the Xbox 360 used and have absolutely loved having it.
What are you enjoying watching or playing?
Today's Smoothie
Jul. 5th, 2025 10:39 pmysabetwordsmithToday we made a smoothie with:
1 cup orange juice
1 cup Brown Cow vanilla yogurt
1 banana
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup ice
The result is bright pink and on the thin side. It tastes mostly of orange. It's okay, but not as good as the tropical version from earlier.
1 cup orange juice
1 cup Brown Cow vanilla yogurt
1 banana
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup ice
The result is bright pink and on the thin side. It tastes mostly of orange. It's okay, but not as good as the tropical version from earlier.
Early Humans
Jul. 5th, 2025 05:19 pmysabetwordsmith125,000-year-old ‘fat factory’ run by Neanderthals discovered in Germany
Stone Age humans living by a lake in what’s now Germany systematically processed animal carcasses for fatty nutrients — essentially running what scientists describe as a “fat factory” to boil bones on a vast scale, according to new research.
Note that another thing you can make with animal fat is pemmican: a stable, high-energy trail food made with fat, powdered meat, and a carbohydrate such as berries. Since it's not something you'd make in a hot climate like Africa (where humans evolved) but rather in a cold climate (such as northern Europe), I'm suddenly wondering if it is in fact a Neanderthal or Denisovan recipe.
Stone Age humans living by a lake in what’s now Germany systematically processed animal carcasses for fatty nutrients — essentially running what scientists describe as a “fat factory” to boil bones on a vast scale, according to new research.
Note that another thing you can make with animal fat is pemmican: a stable, high-energy trail food made with fat, powdered meat, and a carbohydrate such as berries. Since it's not something you'd make in a hot climate like Africa (where humans evolved) but rather in a cold climate (such as northern Europe), I'm suddenly wondering if it is in fact a Neanderthal or Denisovan recipe.
Birdfeeding
Jul. 5th, 2025 03:12 pmysabetwordsmithToday is partly sunny and hot.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, plus some brown birds that might be female blackbirds.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/5/25 -- I refilled the thistle feeder.
I picked up the concrete paver that we used for fireworks last night, along with scraps of paper and cardboard left behind.
Volunteer sunflowers are blooming under the fly-through feeder.
EDIT 4/5/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 4/5/25 -- I picked a handful of blackberries in the prairie garden.
EDIT 4/5/25 -- I watered the telephone pole garden and some of the savanna seedlings. A sunflower in the telephone pole garden is close to blooming. :D
EDIT 4/5/25 -- I pulled some weeds from the septic garden.
Fireflies are out. Cicadas are singing.
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, plus some brown birds that might be female blackbirds.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/5/25 -- I refilled the thistle feeder.
I picked up the concrete paver that we used for fireworks last night, along with scraps of paper and cardboard left behind.
Volunteer sunflowers are blooming under the fly-through feeder.
EDIT 4/5/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 4/5/25 -- I picked a handful of blackberries in the prairie garden.
EDIT 4/5/25 -- I watered the telephone pole garden and some of the savanna seedlings. A sunflower in the telephone pole garden is close to blooming. :D
EDIT 4/5/25 -- I pulled some weeds from the septic garden.
Fireflies are out. Cicadas are singing.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
Poem: "Legs of Grass, Feet of Flowers"
Jul. 5th, 2025 02:21 pmysabetwordsmithThis poem was written for the Sunshine Revival Challenge 2: Tunnel of Love. It also fills the "buffalo" square in my 7-1-25 card for the Western Bingo Fest.
( Read more... )
( Read more... )
Tags:
Sunshine Revival Challenge 2: Tunnel of Love
Jul. 5th, 2025 12:56 pmysabetwordsmithSunshine Revival Challenge 2: Tunnel of Love
Journaling: The romance of summer! What do you love? Write about anything you feel sentimental about or that gets your heart pumping.
Creative: Write a love poem to anyone or anything you like
See "Poem: Legs of Grass, Feet of Flowers."
Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
( Read more... )
Journaling: The romance of summer! What do you love? Write about anything you feel sentimental about or that gets your heart pumping.
Creative: Write a love poem to anyone or anything you like
See "Poem: Legs of Grass, Feet of Flowers."
Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
( Read more... )
Sunshine revival Challenge: Love
Jul. 5th, 2025 10:15 amauthor_by_night The romance of summer! What do you love? Write about anything you feel sentimental about or that gets your heart pumping.
I posted about this on tumblr, but I've said in the past that I don't really care about romantic storylines. Except I've come to realize, that's not true at all. There have been a lot of pairings I've loved, both in canon and in fanfiction. (Sometimes more in one than the other.)
Since this is meant to be a positive entry, I'll focus on what I love in my romantic pairings. I love seeing two people working together - perhaps in the sense that they're coworkers or have intersecting jobs, perhaps in the sense that they have a common mission, be it something major or minor. I love when the story is less about whether or not they'll be together, and more about what happens once they are. I love seeing them connect with one another's friends and family. I love seeing them help each other be their best selves. I love when conflict isn't about whether or not they "truly" love each other, but how new information or a miscommunication has - temporarily - rocked the boat. I love physicality. The way they hug and kiss, the way they move together, in a natural tandem.
Don't get me wrong - I'm here for some UST and other things you often see. I love a little drama. :P I just prefer all of that as the starting point, and I lose interest if it drags out for too long. I love even more when none of that happens, and the couple just... comes into being.
I posted about this on tumblr, but I've said in the past that I don't really care about romantic storylines. Except I've come to realize, that's not true at all. There have been a lot of pairings I've loved, both in canon and in fanfiction. (Sometimes more in one than the other.)
Since this is meant to be a positive entry, I'll focus on what I love in my romantic pairings. I love seeing two people working together - perhaps in the sense that they're coworkers or have intersecting jobs, perhaps in the sense that they have a common mission, be it something major or minor. I love when the story is less about whether or not they'll be together, and more about what happens once they are. I love seeing them connect with one another's friends and family. I love seeing them help each other be their best selves. I love when conflict isn't about whether or not they "truly" love each other, but how new information or a miscommunication has - temporarily - rocked the boat. I love physicality. The way they hug and kiss, the way they move together, in a natural tandem.
Don't get me wrong - I'm here for some UST and other things you often see. I love a little drama. :P I just prefer all of that as the starting point, and I lose interest if it drags out for too long. I love even more when none of that happens, and the couple just... comes into being.
Random Doctor Who Picture
Jul. 5th, 2025 08:42 ampurplecat
I've no memory of reading this at all. The back makes it sound both interesting and memorable - a retired brigadier stumbling upon shenanigans from WW2 recruiting the sixth Doctor for help. Richards and Cole are both solid Doctor Who authors who I rate but none of it stirs a memory.
Philosophical Questions: Government
Jul. 5th, 2025 12:14 amysabetwordsmithPeople have expressed interest in deep topics, so this list focuses on philosophical questions.
What should the role of a government be, what boundaries and limitations should it have?
( Read more... )
What should the role of a government be, what boundaries and limitations should it have?
( Read more... )
Fireworks
Jul. 4th, 2025 09:13 pmysabetwordsmithTonight we did our home fireworks show. :D These are the things we bought from JT Fireworks Sales in Charleston...
( Read more... )
( Read more... )
Writing About Fireworks
Jul. 4th, 2025 03:09 pmysabetwordsmithIn honor of the Fourth of July, here are a few tidbits to enjoy.
Today's Adventures 6/28/25 -- We bought fireworks for our home show, and we watched the show in Tolono.
Fireworks 7/4/25 -- Read about our home show tonight.
( Read more... )
Today's Adventures 6/28/25 -- We bought fireworks for our home show, and we watched the show in Tolono.
Fireworks 7/4/25 -- Read about our home show tonight.
( Read more... )
Birdfeeding
Jul. 4th, 2025 02:50 pmysabetwordsmithToday is mostly sunny and hot.
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 7/4/25 -- I checked the south lot and put topsoil in a few low spots, prior to our fireworks show tonight.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- I picked up a trough pot that fell off the old picnic table, restored the curry plant and purple basil as best I could, then watered them and a few other things in the house yard.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- I sowed 6 pots with mulberry seeds. Half are from a particularly pleasing mulberry sapling near the west end of the old fishpond, the other half from a mulberry that was left on the porch step as if a gift.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- I watered the telephone pole garden and a few seedlings in the savanna.
My partner Doug mowed the ritual meadow and prairie paths.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- I picked a handful of herbs to make a skillet scramble for supper.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- I picked a handful of blackberries in the prairie garden. There are plenty left; I ran out of heat tolerance long before I ran out of berries. :D
Cicadas are singing.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- I picked a handful of blackberries in the prairie garden. Still more left, but I'll have to hunt those another day, because it is still hot and the sun is about to set.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- We did our home fireworks show. :D I'm sure it confused the bats and the fireflies.
As it is now dark, 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 7/4/25 -- I checked the south lot and put topsoil in a few low spots, prior to our fireworks show tonight.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- I picked up a trough pot that fell off the old picnic table, restored the curry plant and purple basil as best I could, then watered them and a few other things in the house yard.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- I sowed 6 pots with mulberry seeds. Half are from a particularly pleasing mulberry sapling near the west end of the old fishpond, the other half from a mulberry that was left on the porch step as if a gift.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- I watered the telephone pole garden and a few seedlings in the savanna.
My partner Doug mowed the ritual meadow and prairie paths.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- I picked a handful of herbs to make a skillet scramble for supper.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- I picked a handful of blackberries in the prairie garden. There are plenty left; I ran out of heat tolerance long before I ran out of berries. :D
Cicadas are singing.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- I picked a handful of blackberries in the prairie garden. Still more left, but I'll have to hunt those another day, because it is still hot and the sun is about to set.
EDIT 7/4/25 -- We did our home fireworks show. :D I'm sure it confused the bats and the fireflies.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
Blazing the Trail: Celebrating Indigenous Fire Stewardship
Jul. 3rd, 2025 04:43 pmysabetwordsmithFireSmart Canada is pleased to release Blazing the Trail: Celebrating Indigenous Fire
Stewardship, a beautiful, bound publication that recognizes the contributions to wildfire
prevention of Indigenous communities in Canada.
( Read more... )
Stewardship, a beautiful, bound publication that recognizes the contributions to wildfire
prevention of Indigenous communities in Canada.
( Read more... )
Tags:
Birdfeeding
Jul. 3rd, 2025 02:49 pmysabetwordsmithToday is partly sunny and hot.
I fed the birds. I refilled the thistle feeder. I've seen a large mixed flock of sparrows and house finches plus a male cardinal.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 7/3/25 -- I took a few more pictures around the yard, mostly flowers at the end of the driveway.
EDIT 7/3/25 -- I dug up three pots of wild senna and one of purple echinacea that had seeded themselves in the savanna, hopefully to transplant them elsewhere if they survive.
I've seen a pair of mourning doves and a gray catbird. I also saw a very large bird, possibly a vulture or eagle, flying over the field to the west.
EDIT 7/3/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 7/3/25 -- We hooked up the new, flat water hose. The "non-kinking" label is a complete lie; it is the most prone to kinking of any hose I've ever used. Straightening it out enough to work is a bitch. However, it is extremely lightweight and completely flexible, so those are pluses. Also the multifunction water wand is by far the best nozzles I've ever used. I favor with "shower" and "flat" functions the most. The new picnic table garden and septic garden have been thoroughly watered.
EDIT 7/3/25 -- I watered the old picnic table garden and the plants in the house yard.
The corn is tasseling. The pollen hangs heavy on the wind with a sweet, dusty, buttery, golden smell.
Fireflies are coming out.
I saw a skunk in the house yard. I've seen a squirrel at the hopper feeder.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I refilled the thistle feeder. I've seen a large mixed flock of sparrows and house finches plus a male cardinal.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 7/3/25 -- I took a few more pictures around the yard, mostly flowers at the end of the driveway.
EDIT 7/3/25 -- I dug up three pots of wild senna and one of purple echinacea that had seeded themselves in the savanna, hopefully to transplant them elsewhere if they survive.
I've seen a pair of mourning doves and a gray catbird. I also saw a very large bird, possibly a vulture or eagle, flying over the field to the west.
EDIT 7/3/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 7/3/25 -- We hooked up the new, flat water hose. The "non-kinking" label is a complete lie; it is the most prone to kinking of any hose I've ever used. Straightening it out enough to work is a bitch. However, it is extremely lightweight and completely flexible, so those are pluses. Also the multifunction water wand is by far the best nozzles I've ever used. I favor with "shower" and "flat" functions the most. The new picnic table garden and septic garden have been thoroughly watered.
EDIT 7/3/25 -- I watered the old picnic table garden and the plants in the house yard.
The corn is tasseling. The pollen hangs heavy on the wind with a sweet, dusty, buttery, golden smell.
Fireflies are coming out.
I saw a skunk in the house yard. I've seen a squirrel at the hopper feeder.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
Climate Change
Jul. 3rd, 2025 02:45 pmysabetwordsmithWhen rainforests died, the planet caught fire: New clues from Earth’s greatest extinction
When Siberian volcanoes kicked off the Great Dying, the real climate villain turned out to be the rainforests themselves: once they collapsed, Earth’s biggest carbon sponge vanished, COâ‚‚ rocketed, and a five-million-year heatwave followed. Fossils from China and clever climate models now link that botanical wipe-out to runaway warming, hinting that losing today’s tropical forests could lock us in a furnace we can’t easily cool.
I pointed this out decades ago and nobody listened. Now here we are. But hey, someone could roll up this newspaper and beat Brazil with it.
When Siberian volcanoes kicked off the Great Dying, the real climate villain turned out to be the rainforests themselves: once they collapsed, Earth’s biggest carbon sponge vanished, COâ‚‚ rocketed, and a five-million-year heatwave followed. Fossils from China and clever climate models now link that botanical wipe-out to runaway warming, hinting that losing today’s tropical forests could lock us in a furnace we can’t easily cool.
I pointed this out decades ago and nobody listened. Now here we are. But hey, someone could roll up this newspaper and beat Brazil with it.