#i am an environmental educator

[inkskinned]

the thing is there's like, a point of oversaturation for everything, and it's why so many things get dropped after a few minutes. and we act like millennials or gen z kids "have short attention spans" but... that's not quite it. it's more like - we did like it. you just ruined it.

capitalism sees product A having moderate success, and then everything has to come out with their "own version" of product A (which is often exactly the same). and they dump extreme amounts of money and environmental waste into each horrible simulacrum they trot out each season.

now it's not just tiktokkers making videos; it's that instagram and even fucking tumblr both think you want live feeds and video-first programming. and it helps them, because videos are easier to sneak native ads into. the books coming out all have to have 78 buzzwords in them for SEO, or otherwise they don't get published. they are making a live-action remake of moana. i haven't googled it, but there's probably another marvel or starwars something coming out, no matter when you're reading this post.

and we are like "hi, this clone of project A completely misses the point of the original. it is soulless and colorless and miserable." and the company nods and says "yes totally. here is a different clone, but special." and we look at clone 2 and we say "nope, this one is still flat and bad, y'all" and they're like "no, totally, we hear you," and then they make another clone but this time it's, like, a joyless prequel. and by the time they've successfully rolled out "clone 89", the market is incredibly oversaturated, and the consumer is blamed because the company isn't turning a profit.

and like - take even something digital like the tumblr "live streaming" function i just mentioned. that has to take up server space and some amount of carbon footprint; just so this brokenass blue hellsite can roll out a feature that literally none of its userbase actually wants. the thing that's the kicker here: even something that doesn't have a physical production plant still impacts the environment.

and it all just feels like it's rolling out of control because like, you watch companies pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into a remake of a remake of something nobody wants anymore and you're like, not able to afford eggs anymore. and you tell the company that really what you want is a good story about survival and they say "okay so you mean a YA white protagonist has some kind of 'spicy' love triangle" and you're like - hey man i think you're misunderstanding the point of storytelling but they've already printed 76 versions of "city of blood and magic" and "queen of diamond rule" and spent literally millions of dollars on the movie "Candy Crush Killer: Coming to Eat You".

it's like being stuck in a room with a clown that keeps telling the same joke over and over but it's worse every time. and that would be fine but he keeps fucking charging you 6.99. and you keep being like "no, i know it made me laugh the first time, but that's because it was different and new" and the clown is just aggressively sitting there saying "well! plenty of people like my jokes! the reason you're bored of this is because maybe there's something wrong with you!"

#this was much longer i had to cut it down for legibility #but i do want to say i am aware this post doesnt touch on human rights violations as a result of fast fashion #that is because it deserves its own post with a completely different tone #i am an environmental educator #so that's what i know the most about. it wouldn't be appropriate of me to mention off-hand the real and legitimate suffering #that people are going through #without doing my research and providing real ways to help #this is a vent post about a thing i'm watching happen; not a call to action. it would be INCREDIBLY demeaning #to all those affected by the fast fashion industry to pretend that a post like this could speak to their suffering #unfortunately one of the horrible things about latestage capitalism as an activist is that SO many things are linked to this #and i WANT to talk about all of them but it would be a book in its own right. in fact there ARE books about each level of this #and i encourage you to seek them out and read them!!! i am not an expert on that i am just a person on tumblr doing my favorite activity #(complaining) #and it's like - this is the individual versus the industry problem again right because im blaming myself #for being an expert on environmental disaster (which is fucking important) but not knowing EVERYTHING about fast fashion #i'm blaming myself for not covering the many layers of this incredibly complicated problem im pointing out #rather than being like. yeah so actually the fault here lies with the billion dollar industries actually. #my failure to be able to condense an incredibly immense problem that is BOOK-LENGTH into a single text post that i post for free #is not in ANY fucking way the same amount of harm as. you know. the ACTUAL COMPANIES doing this ACTUAL THING for ACTUAL MONEY. #anyway im gonna go donate money while i'm thinking about it. maybe you can too. we can both just agree - well i fuckin tried didn't i #which is more than their CEOs can say

[quaranmine]

well, i've scraped together enough time to practice the presentation in full twice (~38 mins straight of speaking) and most of my talking points are written down, so I hope I'm good? but earlier I literally put Lord Huron on to trick my brain into calming down

#worried because #a) i have researched the audience but i am still slightly unsure the level of knowledge they have going in #b) worried the audience will ask too many questions specific to their programs that idk how to answer bc i have a diff program #i.e. we don't operate off of the exact same regulations so i won't be able to tell you everything you need to know? #bc i can only tell you the environmental regulations. not the health or education ones #also c) looking like and idiot or speaking too fast or not being able to answer questions etc etc #sigh.

[uncharismatic-fauna]

PSA

Hey y'all. Jack here, and I've got something important to say.

The first and only point of this blog has always been to share appreciation for the many wonderful animals we share our planet with. Outside of conservation, I keep posts free of politics or world events, because I figure most people get enough of that already, and I wanted to keep the focus on environmental education. However, I do need to make this post, because I am a human being and I can't pretend otherwise.

The genocide in Palestine cannot be ignored. The Israeli government is committing an unspeakable evil against Palestine, and the fact that they claim to be doing it on behalf of the Jewish people makes me ashamed to call myself a Jew. But that is all the more reason why I need to speak out, and why I encourage all of you to do so as well.

Educate yourselves: Decolonise Palestine is a good place to start. Take action: This is a US-centric document with plenty of ways to get involved. Reach out to your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers-- Palestinian and Jewish alike. Do not be silent.

Lastly, if you are Jewish and you need a place to vent/work through the shame, grief, and horror of what Israel is doing, my ask box is open. Now more than ever is a time for solidarity, and to fully support Palestine we need to be able to lean on each other. Hate will not be tolerated, and any anti-semetic, islamophobic, or anti-Palestinian replies, asks, or messages will be blocked.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. We will now return to our regularly scheduled Uncharismatic Fauna.

Free Palestine 🇵🇸

#jack speaks #israel/palestine #free palestine

[bemusedlybespectacled]

I'm not really a lawyer or lawyer adjacent so I don't always get what's going on when things happen in court with famous idiots, but I really enjoy reading your breakdowns of them. So please feel free to gush about your IRL Blorbo as much as you want! It's entertaining and (for me) educational. 🍿

Bruh he's just such a good lawyer, though, oh my God.

Also his wife is an environmental law attorney (basically a prosecutor against companies that flout environmental regulations), he has a garden intentionally designed to feel like Skyrim (including dragon skulls and a Viking shield just lying around), and owns two geckos and a "big chungus of a lizard."

But seriously, the dude is so good at what he does. And I don't think he's even 40 yet? But like, holy Jesus, the guy has such a fantastic understanding of the rules of evidence, he's got a fucking mental rolodex of citations to the rules of professional conduct that he can just pull out on the fly, apparently, and he does it all while also, like, subtly trolling?

Like, okay, the bit in the Perry Mason Moment where he asks Jones if he knows what perjury is? And he says it in this tone of voice that makes it seem like he's concerned about Jones possibly perjuring himself and is just trying to make sure Jones is aware of his options before lying on the stand?

I am 100% certain that that's actually a reference to when Dan Bidondi, Jone's "field reporter" who participated in the harassment of the families and is also incredibly racist, harassed one of the town officials by repeatedly yelling "do you know what perjury is?" and that he was "going to jail, criminal."

And the reason I think that is because he did something similar on the first day of trial:

That bit where he's like "will you talk to me?" The one part of the trial that wasn't filmed was jury selection, and apparently Reynal asked every single potential juror "will you talk to me?" before he asked any other questions. (I think it was supposed to build rapport? But apparently it came off as very odd) He's not actually asking Reynal "will you talk to me?" as a legitimate question, he's just making a reference to what had happened the day before, which is why Reynal flips him off.

Also his written motions are always hilarious to read. Even before I knew who he was, one of my coworkers at my old job (who got me in to Knowledge Fight) would show me his filings and they were always so wonderfully sarcastic. Seriously, look at this:

BECAUSE. HE DOES NOT. POSSESS. THE POWERS. OF PROPHECY. I AM CRYING.

anyway yeah i'm totally normal about him shhhhhh

#askbox #personal #sonneillonv #bb is a lawyer #mark bankston #knowledge fight

[cowboyjen68]

Hi wanting your advice! I am a baby gay, I am only 21 and am finding it really hard to date women. The girls that I like don’t seem to like me back, it’s a whole different universe. Dating is draining my energy and making my self esteem really bad. What should I do?

Dating as a young woman means you are likely dating other young women ( or similar in age and experience as you). This means you are all struggling with the same things: trying to figure out what you like in a woman AND worrying that you will not find someone you find attractive who also finds you attractive. You are not alone.

If you are using dating apps try a different approach. Volunteer for something that interests you where other lesbians and bi woman might be present. LGBT non profits like Pride groups or PFLAG, animal rescues, or environmental groups. This lets you expand your pool outside of the app which tends to have so many choices people make the mistake of dismissing a lot in favor of the "perfect" (which, by the way, doesn't exist). Everyone on the app is vying for attention with quirky sayings and witty bio's, it is very distracting and exhausting for both parties if they are serious about finding a compatible companion.

Attend lesbian centric events like non profit fundraisers, educational(academic) readings by women, women authors and music events with women talent. Poetry and casual coffee shop discussions, films or classes that appeal to women (think clay, art, etc). If you attend an event and see a woman of interest, speak to her. Ask if she is dating or single and can you take her out. The thrill of the ask and response is sometimes rewarded with a yes. But no does not mean you can't strike up a friendship. And the more people you know the larger your dating pool becomes. Everyone knows a lesbian.

Start a book club or discussion group at your local library. Check the meet up app for lesbian events or groups.

Get to a woman's festival or gathering if that is your thing, Think a few hundred woman of many different backgrounds, ages, ideas and body shapes. You can't go wrong even if you only make friends.

Check FB for Lesbian groups in your area. Many meet up in real person a few times a year.

Look at finding a compatible dating pool as a bonus to all the other activities in your life that you are enjoying. You will feel less drained and more enriched which builds the confidence to just ASK when you see an interesting woman in the wild. "No" is not a reflection on you. Not everyone is looking to date you or anyone else.

If you start to realize that your worth is not in the answer but in the enjoyment you are getting from life and experiences then asking becomes easier.

#submission #dating #lesbian #young love #romance

[alpaca-clouds]

Travel is good, tourism isn't

I said in the blog yesterday, that I think travel is good, but tourism isn't. So, let me explain this. And I will put this here first: I am going to explain it on the example of Japan, because I know the most about what is happening there in terms of travel and tourism - and what issues arise from it.

See, I do think travelling to foreign places (whatever that means for you) is a good thing. Experiencing other cultures and interacting people who due to their culture have a very different outlook on life and the world is a good thing. Not only to move away from a certain worldview (which for white people tends to be an eurocentric one, and for Americans an US-centric one), it also fosters empathy to other people.

And I think of this dramatic thing especially when it comes to Americans travelling, who due to their lacking education system often do know jack shit about the rest of the world.

However: I do both think that the thing we right now call tourism does not really help, but actually does hinder this - and is harmful in many other ways.

Right now, foreign tourists are no longer allowed in Gion, the Geisha quarter of Kyoto. The reason for it is, that too many of them were fucking disrespectful. Some made photos of the Geisha without asking, some even touched the kimono and the hair of the Geisha. Some even got angry and started arguing, when people told them to not do this.

Especially when it comes to Kyoto I can think of a variet of other examples. People have carved their names into temples. People touched things that are not supposed to be touched (like idols). People otherwise behaved inappropriately, for example towards kannushi and mikos. Folks have bathed their feet in pools meant for ritual cleansing. There are a lot of examples of this.

And I think part of this goes back to two things. For one again eurocentrism and the way, that a lot of especially white folks to not perceive other cultures as real. But also, and maybe more importantly, the mindset that: "I have paid $1500 for this trip and I get to very well do what I want." The different culture in this mindset gets treated like a themepark, not as a place filled with real people, rather than performers there to enhance the tourist's experience.

Meanwhile the tourists generally are not really interested to interact with the other culture further than that. Which is also, why they tend to flock to the same few places, to all go make their own photo of the same place that a million people have photographed before - as compared to going exploring in a foreign place.

And in some cases - like Kyoto - this also leads to the fact that the local people often get pushed out of the places they actually live in.

A lot of people will often say: "Yeah, but it is great for their economy." Which... leaving my capitalism-hating-ideation aside for a moment... Well, actually it is not good and COVID showed us. Because it makes the economy totally depedent on tourism. In places that are heavily dependent on tourism, the sudden complete anihilation of tourism with the pandemic pushed those places further into a crisis than anywhere else. Heck, keeping it with Kyoto: Given a lot of folks had jobs related to the tourism industry and there were in fact not many other jobs, a lot of people found themselves forced to move away from Kyoto during the pandemic.

So while the entire "but economy" thing will seem true on a short term, it actually is not on the long term.

And that is without going into the environmental impact that comes from a lot of people flocking to certain places. This is shown especially in areas, where folks go for "nature", destroying nature while they do so. Because nature just cannot handle thousands upon thousands of people travelling through.

So, what do I mean with "travel, instead of tourism"? Well, frankly: Yes, you still go to other places. But - to keep with Japan - instead of going to Kyoto you might go to Morigushi or Beppo, and instead of touring from one temple and shrine to the next, you will just interact with the places and explore them. To actually experience them, rather than some preconscieved notion of what it is supposed to be. And you interact with the people.

And you learn. Because we all just need to learn about different people, different cultures and different places. Rather than just consuming them.

#travel #tourism #anti tourism #anti capitalism #fuck capitalism #eurocentrism #solarpunk #lunarpunk #philosophy #japan #kyoto #gion district

[anarchy-is-organization]

The Climate Change Survival Network

Are you worried about the future given the state of the environment? Many of us are, but we're paralyzed by our inability to make a difference as individuals. It's a kind of slow torture to be aware that our lifestyles are contrary to our values, but we are not the ones who decided that we should have a world founded on ecocide.

Last year, my fear of environmental catastrophe reached new heights, but when I tried to find an existing organization to join, all I found were conferences you had to pay to attend and ineffectual NGOs. So I decided to make my own network.

The Climate Change Survival Network is intended to serve as a hub for education and organization. All services are provided free of charge.

Below are a list of ways you can get involved with the site.

Become a Contributor. The site currently hosts articles written by me, but I am happy to accept articles or videos from others. They do not have to be unique to the site. Topics of interest include the environment, the politics of climate change, and practical knowledge/survival skills.

Organize or Join a Learning Group. CCSN provides a place to set up lessons on any given number of subjects. If you know how to sew, you could teach others; if you have experience creating a well, you could share that with others. Lessons can be online or in-person, knowledge-based or experiential. To organize, you do not have to be an expert. All members of a group can bring their own research to the lesson and everyone can teach each other. Pre-existing educational opportunities can be posted. The only requirement is that the groups must be held for free.

Make a Mutual Aid Post or Donate. The site will be hosting mutual aid posts. If you are in need of help, feel free to reach out. You can also post giveaways and other offers of aid on the site.

CCSN is still in its infancy at the moment. I work full time, but I am going to be dedicating myself to improving the site in the coming year. Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with suggestions and comments. I will get back to emails as soon as possible.

#climate change

[ladyshinga]

i think actually my most isolating-feeling 'tism aspect is that i keep caring about shit after the neurotypicals get bored. god forbid i still talk about covid in 2024. god forbid i won't shut up about how machine-generated plagiarism images are bad actually (and the voices thing, jesus), god forbid i still talk about political things that aren't shiny and new anymore. and this isn't me going "how dare my friends not still post about this stuff", it's how they react when I do. it's being told i'm dramatic, overblowing things, that this is "just how things are now, deal with it", like... neurotypicals roast us for hating change, but they refuse to even NOTICE change, they don't QUESTION change. covid SHOULD have changed the world, it SHOULD have led to more people believing in science, masking in public, vaccinating. It didn't because they shrug it off with "well this is how the world is now", and won't adapt. people get pissy about spotting machine images, "well why does it matter? this is the world now, cope with it, AI art is the new world" but won't learn how it works. won't educate themselves on the environmental issues with AI, won't even try to understand how it works. just look at the world and shrug and go "so? doesn't mean i ever have to change how i treat people or how i live my day to day"

like, how am I the one resistant to "change"? i feel like the only one still screaming about the changes we desperately need, and tired of being told i'm dramatic and overreacting and "clinging to the past"

[hook-line-and-sinker]

Marine Biology Hyperfixation recommendations!!!!

Big-Brain-Reading:🌐

1. twilightzone.whoi.edu | specifically the creature feature section is great

2. seasky.org | looks like a 90s html website 10/10

3. deepseanews.com | lots of environmental eduction as well very epic

Epic-YT-People:📷

1.MBRI (Montenery Bay Aquarium YT Channel)

Top tier educational Videos + 2 hour squid and shrimp lofi

2. Odd animal specimens | Some marine bio stuff + generally interesting Biology

3. Lindsey Nicole | Quite some marine bio stuff + worlds coolest Creator ever probably

Big-brain-watching: 🎬

1. Chasing Coral

Covering the destruction of coral reefs by humans

2. Puff: Wonder of the reef

Epic Pufferfish shenanigans

3. My Octopus teacher

Guy follows an octopus around

All on Netflix (in my country if u cant find it im sowwy)

Additional: ✂️

Ever tried Origami? Suck at it? Hey me too :D I managed some of these ones so feel free to try as well :)

1. Squid 🦑

2. Crab 🦀

3. Shell 🐚

4. Turtle 🐢

5. Jellyfish 🪼

I was gonna make a video games section but tbh i played Subnautica for 30 minutes and absolutely shit myself because deep water scary i am scared.

Happy hyperfixating

#sea creatures #marine creatures #marine biology #ocean life #marine life #squid #fish #hyperfixation #movie recommendation #video recommendation

[grey-sorcery]

Suggested Reading

*- Highly suggested for beginners

What is Witchcraft?* Fundamentals of Energy Work* Spell Design* Basics of Warding* Basics of Binding Basics of Banishing Introduction to Gnosis* Spell Dictation Anchors Paths of Least Resistance* Conceptualization Vs. Visualization* Research Tips* Threshold Theory

Introduction

When first stepping onto the long winding path of witchcraft and mystical understanding it can be very intimidating, especially when it comes to casting your first few spells. The catch is that designing and casting spells is the only way to advance forward in your practice. It's a case of knowledge Vs. experience. Sadly, there isn’t much in the way of educational media on the topic of spell design, magic theory, and casting processes. This causes most practitioners to turn to Wiccan or Ceremonial sources for their initial research, neither of which are viable foundations for a well-rounded, effective and efficient craft. 

Trinity of Spellcasting

Intent, Headspace/Focus, Passion are the cornerstones of spellcasting. These elements create the network or threshold in which spells pass through to their target. These concepts are also the root of what constitutes a spell. Intent is the designation of the target for the spell. Headspace is the sight in which the spell is aimed. Passion is the fuel that fires the spell towards the target. Without pure intent, the spell will apply broadly, lowering its potency and lead to potential unwanted side effects.  Without a honed headspace, the spell will flicker out or lead to unpredictable results. A lack of Passion will cause a spell to be weak, ineffective, or latent. 

Spellcasting Process

Before casting a spell, there are some preparations to be made, especially when first starting out.

Decide on what spellcasting method you’d like to use.

Find and gather any representations, correspondences, and environmental boons for your spell. (Enviromental boons being things like candles, music, incense, or a physically clean space.) If you are using incantations, be sure to memorize them to the best of your ability.

Set aside time and energy for casting. Try to ensure that you will not be interrupted.

Cleanse all tools and components that are going to be used.

Enter into a state of gnosis or trance.

Prepare your subtle body and energetically prepare all tools and representations.

Take your actions for casting, being sure to consciously do energy work as you do.

Calm or center yourself and do a physical movement that helps take you out of the headspace. (Ex. snapping, clapping, jumping, ringing a bell, etc)

Cleanse yourself, tools, representations, and the space.

Beginner Friendly Spellcasting Methods

Here are some methods for casting. They can be used in any combination, if desired. I often use all three in my spells.

Sympathetic Casting: Method of casting through items, herbs, crystals, taglocks, etc that are representative of your target, headspace, passion, and correspondences. These items create a mental network of concepts in order to cast. 

Energetic Casting: Utilizing energy work to build constructs that contain all necessary components for a spell and then delivering it to the target.

Gestures: Using gestures to program the naturally existing energy into the components for a spell before delivering it to the target.

Intent, Desire, & Goals

Intent and desire are very different concepts. Intent is an inner truth, while desire is something that is wanted. Goals are an expectation of an outcome. For example, I am vehemently against capitalism and the notion of another’s loss for my benefit. Because of this inner truth, I struggle immensely with casting money magic, no matter how strong my desire is. No matter how clear my goal is.

Headspace, Aesthetics, & Visualization

Witchcraft and spellwork cannot be reliant on visualization and aesthetics. They are useful tools for constructing a strong headspace; but, using them alone will result in a spell not working, being ineffective, unpredictable, and/or weak. Using aesthetics to build yourself up will result in your spells working much better. Visualization isn’t energy work, but a tool to aid in planning and casting a spell, much like a wand. Aesthetics are an environmental boon. It helps build confidence, and assurance. 

Focus, Trance, & Gnosis

Focus is the purpose of the headspace. The combination of the two is called a state of gnosis. When spellcasting, trances and states of gnosis can be extremely useful practices. Trances may be induced with *substances, music, self-hypnosis, etc. Trance makes it easier to be of one mind about the spell you’re casting. Gnosis is a meditation-like state in which one embodies the very concepts that make up a spell. In a state of gnosis you become the working, allowing the mind to become of a singular essence. *-I am not suggesting using substances, nor condoning it. Merely stating that it is possible and is used by some practitioners.

Passion, Channeling, & Mental Health

When casting, it is in good practice and easy to get swept up in whatever emotions are involved in your spell. Emotions are channeled from the caster into the essence of the spell, empowering it. Depending on the working, this can be unhealthy or even dangerous if not done within reason and self-awareness. Channeling certain emotions can lead to triggering trauma responses or even cause trauma. Remain mindful of yourself and what emotions, memories, and/or actions may lead to worsening or feeding into mental-illness. 

The Importance of Keeping a Spell Log, Critical Thinking & Objectivity

Especially when taking your first steps, keeping a log of your workings will allow you to remain objective and aware of your past casting. If a spell backfires, or has unwanted results, having a detailed log of your workings can make the canceling process much easier. Keeping a log will also aid in studying your craft as objectively as possible. Recording an estimation of when the spell should take effect, the specific goal, and qualifications of success will allow you to judge whether a spell was successful or not. When a spell isn’t successful it becomes a learning opportunity. Figuring out which components worked, what processes could be improved, etc. will help advance your craft rapidly if you cast regularly. When doing these studies, you are conceptualizing aspects of magical theory, or a critical approach to magic. 

To read more about me, my content, my services, or to support me on Patreon click here!

#beginner witch #witchcraft101 #spellwork #spellcraft #baby witch tips #baby witch #witchcraft basics #witchcraftguide #informational post #Gspell

[typhlonectes]

We finally reached 30,000 followers!

Hey y’all, I just wanted to say thank you so much for following the blog. I’ve had a big influx of followers lately, so I thought I’d re-introduce myself.

HI, I’m Paxon. I’m a wildlife biologist, and I work as a naturalist at a nature center in Houston, TX, USA. I’m cis-male, gay, and interested in a variety of leftist political philosophies. Trans-inclusionary intersectional feminist, vegetarian, ANTIFA, anti-racist, Latinx.

This is a science-natural history-wildlife-conservation-biodiversity blog (with some politics, philosophy, Pokémon, anime, poetry, punk, art, cats, gay stuff, naked guys, and other personal interests).  :3

____________________________________________________________

I’ve worked in wildlife science and environmental education since I was 17 years old (I’m 45 btw). My field experience includes:

bird surveys, 

small mammal surveys, 

deer counts, 

amphibian call counts, 

bayou fish surveys, 

reptile and amphibian surveys, 

insect surveys, 

Loggerhead sea turtle monitoring in Viginia Beach,

Piping Plover monitoring on Long Island, NY, 

shark surveys in Florida Bay, 

King Eider monitoring on the Arctic tundra of Alaska, 

Bluebird and Prothonotary Warbler nest box surveys, 

wetland plant monitoring, 

prairie and bayou restoration projects.

I’ve worked as a guide and naturalist here in Texas, Corkscrew Swamp in Florida, and at Sacha Lodge in the rainforest of Eastern Ecuador, near Yasuni. #SachaRuna 

I AM AN AVID BIRDWATCHER, and spend a lot of time hiking. My nature and outdoor interests include: herpetology, entomology (especially native bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles), malacology, native wildflowers, native wildscape/pollinator gardening, marine biology, and hiking.

I identify animals for people for a living, so if you have any nature questions, or would like me to ID animals for you, I’m here...

https://typhlonectes.tumblr.com/ask

I’m also here if you just wanna chat, say hi, or talk about something else.

Ciao, and thank you for following, I love you,

Paxon

#me #paxon #nature #science

[damnknoxandothernonsense]

knox’s teacher AU

David is a principal.

He scares all of the students because of his scheer size and general scariness of him. However, the moment a student comes up to him with an issue, he is doing everything in his power to help them. He is secretly a softy. His office is actually quite comforting.

additionally, Angel is the secretary that everyone likes, they have candy in a bowl for anyone that comes in. David acts like he is irritated with them, but they are secretly engaged (they wear the ring on a necklace). The students keep trying to set them up.

Asher is the Physical Education teacher.

He is specifically the one that everyone likes. Class with him isn’t a competition. It is a matter of not sitting on the sidelines. He makes it a safe space for all people of all types. Asher goes and argues the fact that “benchmark testing” in gym is beyond idiotic and has no measurement on how much a kid improves. He refuses to do any tests related to that. preac

Milo is the tech ed teacher.

He without a doubt refuses to go by “Mr. Greer”. He specifically tells the kids to call him Milo. David isn’t pleased with that, but when Milo says that “Mr. Greer” sounds like his dad. David doesn’t argue after that point. He lets the kids have creative liberty over their projects when they get to a certain point in their skills.

Lasko is an English teacher.

Lasko teaches specifically creative writing. He has lamps all over his room because he understands that LED lights trigger headaches. He has one of the aesthetic, cozy rooms. He constantly has kids in there hanging out and making themselves at home. He has a drawer full of a variety of drinks and snacks for his kids. He wants them all to be aware that he is a safe space.

Huxley is an Environmental/Biology teacher.

Hux is the kind of science teacher that is able to explain the different concepts in understandable ways. Rather than explaining it in the long winded terminology, he does projects and experiments to better cement his lessons in the classroom. He isn’t judgemental and has the most easy going personality. Every school in the area has tried to get him to transfer at some point. Not a single one has been successful.

Gavin is the health/anatomy teacher.

Okay, everyone knew that this was happening. However, he is honestly the best to fulfill this role. He would be able to handle it without making it uncomfortable. Gavin goes over consent, in fact it is the first topic discussed within his class. He teaches inclusive sex ed courses, as well as actual sex ed and offers ways to be safe. He is blunt about it, but he still makes jokes about things to lighten the mood. I wish I had him for sex ed instead

Damien is a math teacher

He likes definite answers. He likes certainty that comes along with math. There is rarely more than one right answer while everyone is scared of him at first, they realize that he is a lot like David. They seem so harsh at first and rough, but once they open up they are just big softies. He focuses more on the impact he has on his students and providing a positive role model rather than following the curriculum. Makes deals with his students for movie days for good grades on exams.

Guy is a theater teacher.

Tell me where i am wrong with this? I dare you to tell me I am wrong. He is the most qualified to be licensed drama queen and teach his students how to do it. He is not a theater kid, he is a kid in theater. There is a difference. He also plays the most fun acting games, not the uncomfortable cringy games that makes everyone hate acting classes. I would love him. He would have fun projects too, he would make options because not everyone wants to be in theater. He would also be super open and just tell his class every little detail. He would always have a coffee too.

Geordi is the on-campus therapist.

Offers so many actually helpful things not just “have you tried drinking water?”. Offers a safe space for students, allowing them to speak out without any sort of judgment. Would offer hugs if the kid is okay with it, because you can’t tell me that he wouldn’t be so comforting. He is close to the students’ age and is able to relate to them all with some of the experiences and actually gives good advice, is willing to sit down with parents/teachers to sort issues out. Checks in on students, plans fun events.

Elliot is an art teacher.

He loves clay and making non traditional things. He teaches the basics, but then he loves to see what the kids create. He does not grade based off of skill, but instead on how much effort they put into their projects. He also loves a good laugh with projects, and has students pick the music. At the end of the year, he presents the spotify wrapped so they are aware of the really interesting music taste that they all have. He is like a big brother to most of the kids.

Sam is the school nurse.

First of all, he has a room dedicated to those students that are sleep deprived. Would take so many classes to make sure he is up to date on different medical information as well as different signs for bad situations. Has protection in his office to give out in order to prevent teenage pregnancy. Has so many things for periods too because he understands how much those things are and he knows that not everyone comes prepared. He always looks so cozy. No judgment passed.

Vincent is history teacher.

He makes it interesting, like he sticks to the curriculum, going over the basics and vital information because he has to. However, he also has “Weird History Wednesdays” where he teaches events in history that are really weird. Makes it into a game, where he groups up the students and they have to guess what happens next. The prize is opting out of an homework assignment. He spends hours setting up teams. Has an organized spreadsheet. Yes this is based off of Puppet History. Don’t judge me.

Avior is the physics and astrology teacher:

He loves space, would take field trips to the nearby observatory. He would be the teacher that even the “outcasts” because he is able to make it such a fun environment. Refuses to give individual tests, instead gives group projects and group tests. He makes sure that everyone participates and ensures that it is a safespace. He teaches classes on the stories on the different constellations as well to break it up from the more serious class work.

if you want to read more of what I’ve written, you can find my masterlist here!

if you want to ask for something to be written, you can find my guidelines here!

#knox's writing #redactedverse #redacted headcanons #redacted audio #redacted asmr #redacted vincent #vincent solaire #sam collins #redacted david #redacted damien #redacted asher #redacted lasko #redacted davey #redacted milo #redacted milo greer #milo greer #David shaw #redacted geordi #redacted Asher #redacted huxley #redacted gavin #redacted #redacted guy #redacted elliot #redacted avior

[becausegoodheroesdeservekidneys]

Hey, I just came across your blog and get the feeling that you're involved in the environmental and education sector. It's something I've been wanting to get into, but there's so much out there that I don't know where to start. Do you have any good resources on career paths and short/MSc courses?

I am! It's a big ole' sector, that is true; from our course we've had people head off into fields as disparate as land management, flood defence, sustainable fashion, environmental law, recycling firms, research science, environmental engineering, government work, sustainability advisory for companies, environmental activism, wildlife conservation, renewable energies... the list goes on.

If you feel comfortable shooting me a private message off anon and telling me the sort of things you've done so far (undergrad degree topic, for example) and roughly where you are in the world, I can probably be more specific. But my generic advice is that for the best shot you need two things, to whit:

A qualification to at least undergrad level in an environment-related subject

At least a year's experience (but volunteering while you study is 100% valid and volunteering opportunities are plentiful)

So an MSc could work very well for point one. If you have a specific idea about which way to run you can pick a course that will let you specialise; for example, University of South Wales offers one in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology. If you're wanting a broader course that will give you the foundation you need while keeping you more employable to a wider variety of fields, on the other hand, UWTSD have Environmental Conservation and Management. I think both of those can be done part time over two years, too - the UWTSD one definitely can, so if you're working at the same time (or even just... want a more leisurely pace), that makes things easier.

For point two, you really can find volunteering opportunities very easily. Pick a few in different fields and have fun.

ALSO, if you're UK based, I can tell you right now that we are in desperate need of botanists and bat workers. For botany, practice is key, but ecology firms across the land will run little evening courses to teach you ID for certain plant families, like grasses or winter trees or what have you.

For bat work, you attend an ecology firm's evening class on how to survey bats, then you go with them as a volunteer surveyor to start working towards 100 hours of bat surveys. After a while, especially if you're also working towards an official MSc, they will take you on as a seasonal ecologist (April-September), which is paid work. Once you have 100 hours under your belt, you can get your bat license. This makes you VERY MUCH more likely to then get a Junior Ecologist job somewhere. Particularly considering that ecology firms love offering graduate schemes.

Oh, and GIS. Your MSc will teach you it, if you go down that route, but if you don't, download QGIS and follow some of the many tutorials online - it's all free, but it's vital these days across the sector. Well; unless you go into law or fashion, I guess.

Anyway, I hope this helps!

#asks #environment!

[australianwomensnews]

Teenage girls know a lot more about democracy and what makes it tick than teenage boys, but when it comes to political ambition the boys win hands down.

A global study of 82,000 teenagers from 22 countries showed that almost without exception girls had a greater engagement with and understanding of government, equality, public trust, voting and representation, than their male peers.

But boys were more likely to say they were interested in becoming a politician

“Australian girls are outperforming boys on knowledge, attitudes and values that support a greater competency when it comes to participation in civic life,” said Rachel Parker, from the Australian Council of Educational Research, who worked on the study.

“One of the few areas where boys outperform girls in the study is the intention to be politically active.”

The report, Education for Citizenship in Times of Global Challenge, found that girls were far more knowledgeable about how parliament works, globalisation, independence of statutory authorities and voting and representation.

Girls were also far more likely than boys to support gender equality and equal rights for migrants and cultural groups to access education, employment and political participation.

They were more engaged with big issues such as environmental protection and more likely to participate in civic activities.

However, girls were less likely to report expecting to join a political party or a trade union or stand as a candidate in an election.

The study did not dig into the reasons why, but previous research identified parental influence and societal expectations as feeding gender norms relating to political ambition, as well as widely held perceptions that politics is a man’s world.

Indeed, 40 per cent of boys thought men are better suited to being political leaders than women, while 25 per cent agreed with the statement that women should stay out of politics.

Ella Curran, 18, harboured an ambition to become a politician when she was in Year 9, but a school excursion to Canberra cured her of that notion.

“I started to think more realistically about the sort of lifestyle I wanted for myself. And we did a legal studies excursion to Parliament House and watched question time,” she told AFR Weekend.

“I felt it was so aggressive and personal in the insults that were being thrown about that I just thought it was not the sort of workplace I could feel comfortable in,” said Ms Curran, a first-year arts and philosophy student at the University of Sydney.

“I’m just not prepared to face that kind of abuse or have my appearance or relationship status mocked in public rather than focus on what I am actually doing.”

Ms Curran’s two great passions are climate change and gender equality.

“I’m concerned about climate change, particularly Australia’s response to that because we are one of the worst countries in the world for our emissions,” she said.

Lulu Hamilton, 16, who counts women’s rights and climate change as her two greatest passions, also harboured a fleeting ambition to become a politician when she was younger but abandoned it without any fanfare.

“I thought it was the best platform to make change because if I could have power, I could make my goals become a reality,” Ms Hamilton said.

Having spent the first 12 years of her life in China, seeing democracy in action, including the free exchange of information and ideas, was a head-spinning affair.

“It was such a jarring difference. I never would have spoken to my friends in China about climate change, gender or politics. Even our textbooks had stuff whited out because the Chinese government didn’t want us to read about Tibet and Taiwan. We had very limited access to media.”

As for a future in politics? That’s out of the question.

“I feel the negatives outweigh the positives.”

#auspol #women in politics #radical feminist #feminist #women's education