#si: switchboard

[selfshipstuff]

switchboard sketch from October 4th, 2021

deadass can't find the reference photo i used but i Know i used one. thats what i get for waiting too long to post ig

#mine #si: why are you me? i'm me #si: switchboard #sketches n stuff

[sunsolarcompanyau]

What is a Hybrid Solar System?

A hybrid solar system combines traditional grid-tied solar panels with backup home batteries to store excess energy. It also uses solar inverters, switches and charge controllers.

Choosing a solar hybrid system helps you minimize your dependence on the electricity grid while still enjoying the benefits of net metering and utility rates. It also lets you strategically manage time-of-use electricity rates to maximize your savings.

First Solar

A hybrid solar system is a great option for homeowners who want to keep their power on even when the grid goes down. These systems connect to the public utility grid and allow homeowners to harness energy from the sun, store it in their battery for use when the grid is down, and then tap into the electricity from the grid when their own stored energy runs out.

First Solar is leading the way in advanced thin film Cadmium Telluride (CadTel) photovoltaic technology with a fully integrated manufacturing process under one roof that does not rely on Chinese crystalline silicon (c-Si) supply chains. Their CadTel solar modules deliver superior lifetime energy, lower LCOE and a better environmental performance than conventional c-Si PV panels.

With a focus on responsible supply chain management and transparency, First Solar has a history of setting benchmarks in recycling, and upholds a strong commitment to our people and the environment. First Solar and GE’s Power Conversion business have developed a 4-MW ProSolar 1,500-volt power station that combines First Solar’s thin-film CadTel PV modules with GE’s new AC front-end inverter/transformer.

Panasonic

A hybrid solar system is the perfect solution for homes that are prone to power outages caused by weather events or technical errors. The system ensures that you will always have a continuous supply of electricity in the event of a grid failure by pulling from your own solar battery storage.

These systems are able to export power back to the grid, use your backup batteries for self-consumption and also utilize an engine generator for times when the sun isn’t out. They are a great option for those who want to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and also increase the reliability of their energy supply.

Founded by Konosuke Matsushita in 1927, Panasonic has become one of the largest electronics companies in the world and is known for its consumer electronics, appliances, and audio-visual equipment. The company produces air conditioners, televisions, video cameras, microwave ovens, home appliances, rice cookers, radios, refrigerators and portable personal computers (Panasonic laptops). It has also entered into partnerships to manufacture products under the brands GE, RCA, Sylvania, Magnavox and Montgomery Ward.

Solar Panels

Generally, hybrid solar system Nerang consist of four main components: solar panels, a solar inverter, a switchboard and a battery storage. Solar panels are the most visible part of a hybrid system, usually mounted on roofs or in yards. They are often enclosed in a frame for protection from the elements, as well as to keep debris away from the connections inside.

Once your solar panel systems produces more energy than you need, the excess is sent to a battery through a hybrid inverter. The solar battery will store the energy until you need it. This can be particularly helpful during high household energy use periods like warm summer months.

If you go completely off-grid, it requires a lot of careful planning and consumption management to ensure that your backup battery does not run out of power. Alternatively, you can install a grid-tied solar system with battery backup to make the most of utility net metering and avoid relying on fossil fuels in the event of a power outage.

Battery Storage

Typically, a solar system consists of panels, an inverter and batteries. These are all used to harness the sun’s energy and convert it into alternating current (AC) electricity for your household appliances. When there’s excess energy, it can either be sent back to the grid through an energy meter or saved in your battery if you have a hybrid system or – as is the case with standard grid-tied systems – consumed during off-peak times when electricity prices are lower.

A hybrid solar system also allows you to stay connected to the power grid if needed, which is particularly important when you live in an area where frequent outages are common. In addition, if your utility company doesn’t offer retail rate net metering, a hybrid solar system can help you maximize your savings by storing energy in batteries and using it at peak usage times when your electricity rates are highest This is known as time-of-use (TOU) pricing.

#hybrid solar system

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

NASA Adds Giant New Dish to Communicate With Deep Space Missions Part of an ongoing project to grow the capacity of the Deep Space Network, which acts as a kind of interplanetary switchboard, the new antenna is the network’s 14th. There’s a powerful new member of NASA’s family of giant antennas that enable engineers and scientists on Earth to communicate with the growing number of spacecraft exploring our solar system. Called Deep Space Station 53, or DSS-53, the 111-foot (34-meter) antenna is part of NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN). It’s now operational at the network’s facility outside Madrid, one of three such ground stations around the globe. The Madrid station is managed on NASA’s behalf by Spain’s Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (National Institute of Aerospace Technology). To mark the antenna’s debut, King Felipe VI of Spain attended the March 16 inauguration ceremony alongside NASA officials and dignitaries from Spain and the U.S. “NASA is honored and humbled to have the king acknowledge this important milestone by joining us at the Madrid station. His inauguration of the Deep Space Station 53 antenna highlights the critical and historical collaboration between the Kingdom of Spain and the United States that, through the Deep Space Network, will continue to enable humankind’s exploration of the heavens for many years to come,” said Badri A. Younes, deputy associate administrator for Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California for SCaN, the DSN allows missions to track, send commands to, and receive scientific data from faraway spacecraft. Now with 14 operational antennas, the network supports about 40 missions and is expected to support another 40 that will launch in the coming years. Growing the Network With so many missions to support currently and in the future, NASA began a project to expand the DSN more than a decade ago. DSS-53 is the fourth among six new beam waveguide antennas that the agency is adding to the network. When the project is complete, each ground station – Madrid, along with one in Canberra, Australia, and the Goldstone facility near Barstow, California – will have a total of four such antennas. The DSN’s three ground stations are spaced almost evenly around the globe so the network never loses sight of missions as Earth turns. Construction of NASA’s DSS-53 antenna at the Deep Space Network’s Madrid complex is shown from November 2018 to March 2020. A nearly two-year commissioning process followed – including installation of electronics and testing – before the antenna became operational in late February 2022. Together, the new antennas are capable of backing up each site’s 230-foot (70-meter) antenna. They also mean increased capacity to receive information on Earth – like images of the mysterious asteroid Psyche that the mission of the same name will acquire, or data from the forthcoming Europa Clipper mission revealing whether Jupiter’s icy moon has the capability to support life as we know it. “This new antenna adds about 8% more capacity to the network. What it’s going to mean is 8% more science, and that’s really significant,” said JPL’s Bradford Arnold, the DSN project manager. Download free posters of the Deep Space Network DSS-53 will act as a “workhorse” antenna capable of communicating on the frequencies most commonly used by NASA spacecraft. Its construction began in 2016. A complicated two-year commissioning period included a weekslong process when engineers and technicians adjusted each of the dish’s some 300 reflector panels, often as little as a quarter-turn of a screw, to optimize performance. The new antenna follows DSS-56 coming online in Spain in early 2021, making the Madrid facility the first to have completed its build-out as part of NASA’s antenna-enhancement effort. The fifth new antenna in the effort, DSS-23, is expected to go online at Goldstone in 2025. The sixth antenna will be at the Canberra facility. More About the Deep Space Network The forerunner to the Deep Space Network was established in 1958 when JPL was contracted by the U.S. Army to deploy portable radio tracking stations in California, Nigeria, and Singapore to receive telemetry of the first successful U.S. satellite, Explorer 1. Shortly after JPL was transferred to NASA later that year, the newly formed U.S. civilian space program established the Deep Space Network to communicate with all deep space missions. It has been in continuous operation since 1963 and remains the backbone of deep space communications for NASA and international missions, supporting historic events such as the Apollo Moon landings and checking in on our interstellar explorers, Voyager 1 and 2.

#space #science #Astronomy #physics #news #nasa

[hxney-lemcn]

Seven Stages (Pt. 3)

Word Count: 1.2k

Pairing: Five Hargreeves x reader

Fandom: The Umbrella Academy

Warning: Swearing, season 2 spoilers

Main Master List | TUA Master List

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five

╔═.✾. ═════════════

“Authorities are asking for help identifying several persons of interest at Dealey Plaza at the time of assassination. The FBI believes they may have been acting in concert with the alleged shooter, Lee Harvey Oswald. Vanya Hargreeves, wanted in connection with the deaths of several FBI agents inside federal building at Dealey Plaza. A Cubin exile known only as Diego, who recently escaped from the Holbrook Sanitorium. A bare-knuckle boxer with suspected mafia ties who fights under the alias “King Kong”. Allison Chestnut, a negro radical responsible for instigating and organizing the recent riots at Stadler’s lunch counter. And finally, Klaus, a controversial cult leader and known tax evader. The FBI is asking the public to be on look out for this unidentified boy and girl who they believe is being held hostage by the suspected terrorist network...” 

“Well, it’s true,” Five spoke up, stealing my attention which was previously on the tv. “I do feel like I’m being held hostage most days.” I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help but slightly agree.

“God I hate that photo,” Diego muttered.

“They’re saying I instigated the riot?” Allison asked incredulously. “That’s unbelievable.”

“Look, the good news is that we restored the timeline,” Luther pointed out.

“We did stop doomsday,” I chimed in.

“Yeah, a bunch of real goddamn heroes,” Diego scoffed. “We let Kennedy die.” Again with this bullshit. 

“Yeah, and now we’re the most wanted people in the world,” Allison added. Can’t we at least celebrate one victory? Five worked so hard to stop everyone from dying and they don’t even give him the time of day. She went on about how we need to hide but I knew we needed to do something else.

“Hiding isn’t gonna change anything,” I said crossing my arms. “The Commission will follow us wherever and whenever we go.” 

“She’s right,” Diego agreed. “They’ll never stop.”

“I’m sorry, since when are you an expert on the Commission?” Five asked sarcastically.

“Since I got back from there,” Diego replied.

“What?” I asked not believing it.

“Yeah, they headhunted me,” Diego replied. “Offered me a job. Full time with benefits which I had to turn down.”

Five gave him the most sarcastic look before saying, “They headhunted you...the village idiot?”

“What?” Diego asked standing up straighter. “Am I not allowed to be headhunted? Only the almighty Five and his girlfriend are allowed to be in demand?” My eyes widened and I felt my cheeks flush red. I opened my mouth to argue but Five beat me to it.

“Diego, you’re not commission material, all right?” Five stated. “Got an obstinate nature to ya.” 

“Who do you think it was that figured out that Vanya was the one that causes doomsday and stopped it?” Diego asks rhetorically. “Me.”

“Hey!” Klaus calls out in defiance. 

“I figured it all out on the infinite switchboard,” Diego continues.

“You were on the infinite switchboard?” I asked surprised.

“Hell yeah,” Diego confirmed. “I made that machine my bitch.” Okay, not being able to listen on I sat down on the stairs in front of Allison. Everyone started to get in on the arguing so I zoned out. Why didn’t Five deny me being his girlfriend? Did he just ignore the comment? Or did he possibly feel the same? Wait did I just think feel the same? No way do I like that asshole...

“I’m leaving,” Vanya speaks up catching my attention. 

“What?” Allison asks, her protective sister side showing. “To go where?” 

“Sissy’s farm,” Vanya answered. “Something’s wrong with Harlan, and I need to help him.”

“Vanya, we need to stick together, okay?” Luther replies. “Now more than ever.”

“That’s why I’m telling you this,” Vanya continues. “What ever is going on with Harlan, I think I might’ve caused it.”

“How?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“He drowned, and, uh, somehow I was able to bring him back to life,” She explained. “And now it’s like we’re connected.”

“W-what does that m-mean?” Luther stuttered confused.

“I don’t know, I can’t explain,” Vanya sighed. “But I know that he need my help. I need your help too. I’m scared. And for the first time in my life I don’t want to do it alone. I want my family by my side.” 

Everyone seemed to look away and I felt my stomach drop. I may have been a time assassin my entire life but damn I wasn’t this heartless. 

“Look, I’m sorry,” Diego spoke up walking closer to Vanya. “We have other priorities right now.”

“Diego’s right,” Five agreed. “For once. We need to make our stand here and now.” You know what, if no one else is gonna go I might as well. I may not be her family but I can tell she’s going to go with or without them and I don’t want her to go alone. 

I stood up but before I could say anything Five stopped me. He shook his head and right then I was about to do something I might regret. 

“Okay,” Vanya said dejectedly. “I guess I’ll see you when I see you.” Five walked away and dragged me with him.

“What the fuck was that about!” I shouted feeling my anger rise. “If none of you assholes are gonna go with her I am!”

“We need to focus on getting back to 2019,” Five countered calmly. 

“She’s your sister!” I exclaimed. “Doomsday is over! We have a little time.” He looked me in the eye and his eyebrows furrowed. It looked like he was mulling over his options. He nodded in agreement and reluctantly agreed. A small smile formed over my face knowing that he’s a major softie for his family. “Let’s go then!” I exclaimed grabbing his hand and dragging him behind me. 

Allison and Diego seemed to have the same idea as us because they were already out the door. Luther looked at us, surprised that we were following. Five wiggled out of my grip and walked slightly ahead of me, opening the passenger door showing Klaus sitting there. 

“Five, you...” Vanya trailed off. “You don’t have to...”

“I know,” He smirked. “You owe me one sis.” I smacked his arm and he rolled his eyes playfully. Turning to Klaus he spoke, “Children ride in the back.”

“Okay,” Klaus agreed willfully and crawled into the back making me smile. Five sat in the passenger seat and I realized there wasn’t going to be any room for me. I stood there awkwardly and Five seemed to notice and raised an eyebrow at me with a smirk. 

“I can find another ride,” I smiled awkwardly. I mean can you blame me? This is like a family bonding moment and I’m just...here.

“No you don’t,” Five countered grabbing my wrist. 

“You’re apart of this family now whether you like it or not,” Klaus chimed in with a giggle. 

“But there’s no more room-” I got cut off by Five placing me next to him. We barely had any room and half my leg was on his. I felt embarrassed and felt my cheeks slightly heat up. 

“Guy’s,” Vanya said with a happy smile. “I don’t know what to say.” I was so happy that the Hargreeves realized how important family is. The trunk opened and Luther climbed into the trunk and I had to stare forward to not laugh at how the car barely supported his weight. 

“Anyone makes a fat joke and I’m outta here,” Luther said which made it even harder not to laugh. I mean I had to cover my mouth with my hand to stop myself from snorting. Vanya pulled out, the exhaust pipe dragging on the ground the entire ride. 

╚═════════════.✾. ═

#tua #the umbrella academy #five #five hargreeves #fivehargreeves #xreader #x reader #five x reader #five hargreeves x reader #fivehargreevesxreader #five imagine #five hargreeves imagine #tua x reader #the umbrella academy x reader

[falcor-thee-luck-dragon]

What a Time to be Alive - Diego Hargreeves x reader

Chapter 10- The End of Something Part 1

Summary: After the painful battle to get Vanya back, you then watched as Diego attempted to save the president. Failing in the process. Now here you are, facing the forces of evil, just trying to find a way home.

Tagged: @white-wolf-buckaroo @2cuteforyourlies @la-vie-en-amour1 @fandomoverlord221 @thatfandombitcch

You sit on the bottom steps inside of Elliot’s place, listening to the tv reporter drawl on and on about the dealings and names of you and the other Hargreeves. Raising your eyebrows when he called you, a former bartender who had a reputation for purposefully injuring customers. Yeah, when they were harassing random people who just wanted to have a good time in peace, you think angrily to yourself.

You sit back, listening in amusement to the six of them bicker about letting Kennedy die, being wanted criminals, and where all of you should go. Klaus adding input about some weird place with friendly but strange people. And Five promptly turning it down, explaining how the Commission will never stop hunting all of you down, no matter where we all go. Diego cutting in with his own understanding of how they will, in fact do just that. Five giving him a confused face, “I’m sorry, since when are you an expert on the Commission?” Questions Five, intently staring at Diego.

“Since I got back from there.” He answers turning to look at Five’s even more bewildered face, giving Diego a short, “What?”

“Yeah, they headhunted me and Y/N, she wasn’t there for the briefing, but they offered us a job. Full time with benefits, which I had to turn down.” He explains casually to Five.

Five’s eyebrows raise in suspicion, “They headhunted you, the village idiot.” Five quips, chuckling in puzzled amusement.

Diego looks at him, offended by his smaller brothers disbelief in him achieving something for once, “What, am I not allowed to be headhunted? Only the almighty Five needs to be in demand?” Diego growls at him, annoyed that Five seriously can’t fathom him in charge of anything.

Five shakes his head, “Diego, you’re not Commission material, all right? Got an obstinate nature to ya.” He says matter-of-factly, earning an offended look from Diego.

Five then points out, turning to you, “Now, Y/N on the other hand. I can see why they would recruit her. She’s got a strong will in the face of danger, and never compromises a well thought out plan. Also she can’t die, so that’s a loaded benefit.” He adds, nodding to you, then looking up smartly at Diego. You turn to Diego, giving him a wink with a delighted smirk. He rolls his eyes, presumably at the both of you.

“Who do you think it was that figured out Vanya was the one that causes doomsday and stopped it? Me. That’s who.” Diego snaps.

“Hey!” Klaus says in defense of Vanya, a hand sassily on his slender hip.

“I figured it all out on the Infinite Switchboard.” He says while smiling and leaning in closer to a confused Five. “You were on the Infine Switchboard?” Five questions.

“Hell yeah. I made that machine my bitch.” He says smiling excitedly while looking at you first and then the others. “Y’all need to recognize I got shit going on y’all don’t even know about.” He snaps back, starting to sound like he’s spent too much time in Texas.

Allison’s head snaps up from her own seated position higher up on the staircase, “Oh, sorry. You’ve got things going on?” She asks him, wide eyed.

“This isn’t helpful.” Mutters Luther while looking at the ground, tired of everyone’s nonsense.

Vanya silently turns to walk up the stairs, passing by a laughing Klaus, amused by Five and Diego’s heated squabbling about the Commission.

You get up off the bottom steps, stepping between Diego and Five, walking yourself over to where Luther is standing. As Diego continues to sass Five, “Look, I met the Résistence in their secret lair. All right? I went through orientation and I passed and stopped doomsday.” Huh, did he now? If you weren’t to busy blacking out from getting electrocuted then maybe you could have joined him. Oh, well.

——

You and the others start bickering back and forth about where to go or what to do next. Calling each other out for stupid shit and just genuinely being disagreeable. You hear the sound of keys jingle and the familiar pattern of Vanya’s footsteps, as she runs down the stairs opposite of the rest of you. All standing in your various spots around the middle of the room, you look up at her. She makes eye contact with you for a split second, a worried expression clear on her bright features. “I’m leaving.” She says quickly, looking to each of you expectantly.

“What? To go where?” Announces Allison loudly, confused as to why her sister suddenly wants to leave their temporarily only safe place.

“Sissy’s farm. Something’s wrong with Harlan, and I need to help him.” She replies, anxiously.

Luther speaks up, stepping in closer to your tiny group of 5, all staring at Vanya wondering why of all times would she need to visit someone right now, “Vanya, we need to stick together, okay? Now more then ever.” He assures her. You can’t disagree there.

She steps up closer to the rest of you a pleading look in her eyes, “That’s why I’m telling you this. Whatever’s going on with Harlan, I think I might have caused it” she tells you all, jeesh no wonder she looks so worried.

You shake your head, furrowing your brows, “How’s that even possible?” You ask her.

Sighing she continues her explanation, “He drowned, and, uh, somehow I was able to bring him back to life. And now it’s like we’re connected.” Her face a greater mix of fear and uncertainty.

“Wh... What does that even mean?” Wonders Luther, equally as perplexed as the rest of you.

“I don’t know. I can’t explain, but... I know that he needs my help.” She pauses for a moment before sighing softly, “I need your help, too. I’m scared. And for the first time in my life, I don’t wanna do it alone. I want my family by my side.” She ends with, looking pleadingly at the rest of you, hoping that she won’t get turned down again.

Diego walks up to Vanya, “Look, I’m sorry. We have other priorities right now.” He tells her softly, not trying to be unkind about her request.

“Diego’s right. For once.” Five adds, looking sadly at Vanya. “We need to make our stand here and now.” He whispers.

She looks to each of you dismally for a brief second, as she mutters a small, “Okay. I guess I’ll see you when I see you.” Turning to walk out the door, without another word. The rest of you stand in somber silence. You suddenly look up at Klaus, making eye contact. He nods at you with a small smile, before turning and walking out the door after Vanya.

You quickly walk over to the door about to follow after Klaus when you turn to face the rest of the Hargreeves, “Well come on, we’re Team Zero. Remember?” Smiling at them, giving Diego a quick wink. You then swiftly walk out the door, heading straight for Vanya’s car.

Opening up the side door and shuffling your way to the middle seat, as Diego trails in after you, Allison opening up the left door and jumping in next to you as well. “Got room for three more?” Allison asks her, a big grin on her face.

Vanya looks at the three of you in confusion, “What about the Commission?”

“Well, might as well do some good before we die horribly.” Says Diego as you lightly punch his shoulder, Klaus giving a small “Whoo-hoo.” from the front seat. Five randomly appears next to Klaus, opening his door and briefly scaring him in the process. “Five, you... you don’t have to..” Vanya starts, incredibly surprised that everyone suddenly decided they wanted to join her. “I know. You owe me one, sis.” He smiles at her, suddenly turning to face Klaus, “Children ride in the back.” In his I’m-not-gonna-ask-again voice. “Okay.” Klaus answers by turning around and walking over the seat. Shoving his way, in between you and Allison.

“Move over fatass.” You jokingly growl at Diego, who does his best to scoot as close to the door as he can. Giving you almost no room, that now your right arm and shoulder are pressed tightly against Diego’s chest. You look up at him, trying to hold in a smile, he breaks by giving you a toothy grin in return. “Come here often?” He asks you, smirking. “Hilarious.” You deadpan.

“Guys, I don’t know what to say.” Vanya says astonished, while looking back at her packed car. The back hatch is suddenly pulled open, as Luther begrudgingly does his best to fit into the tiny cargo area. “If anyone makes a fat joke, I’m outta here.” He pauses for a second as all of you smile at him. “Y/N, don’t even look in my direction.” He sarcastically warns you, knowing too well how you’re not one to hold back on anything you find funny. Diego wraps his arm around you, trying to get more comfortable for the 15 minute ride to Sissy’s farm.

——

You look up out the window, noticing how the sky seems to be turning grey. Snow falls gently down into the grass as Vanya pulls into the driveway, “What the hell.” You mutter.

All of you hastily get out of the car Diego being the first to question the huge anomaly, “You think whatever’s going on inside is causing the cold front?” Wonders Diego, to no one in particular.

“Well, the correlation is high.” Answers Five, shutting the door behind him and looking up at the cyclone of energy coming out of the barn roof.

“I’m gonna go out on a limb here, and say it is.” You add, getting an amused glance from Diego.

Abruptly a blonde woman holding up a gun and looking very terrified runs out of the barn and straight to the seven of you. Vanya reacts quickly, seeming to know what to do. As she runs to the woman raising her arms up, “Sissy! Sissy!” She calls to her. Trying to divert, Sissy, from shooting anyone.

“Get back! All of you, just get the hell back!” She screams, holding up her shotgun higher.

“Sissy! Hey! Hey! What’s wrong?” Vanya asks her calmly.

Sissy glances at the rest of you for a quick second before she speaks to Vanya, “Carl.”

“What did he do to you?” Vanya rasps out, terrified as to what she might say next.

Sissy shakes her head, breathing shakily, “He’s... He’s dead. Harlan tossed him aside like a rag doll, same way you sent those policemen flyin’. What did you do to him?” She demands.

“No..” Vanya tries to explain, Sissy cutting her off sharply, “What the hell you do to my son?”

Diego begins to step forward, you’re right next to him so you place yourself between him and Sissy before he can say anything else, just incase she decided to use that gun, “We don’t have time for this.” You tell her honestly.

She whips her shotgun in both you and Diego’s direction, barrel aimed right for your head. “Where you think you two’re goin?” She hisses, ready to strike at a moments notice.

Diego puts his hand on your left forearm, stopping you from snatching the gun out of her trembling hands, “To help your son.” He tells her.

“Look, Sissy, I found my family. These are my brothers, my sister, and Y/N, who I’ve know since I was a child.” She rapidly clarifies to Sissy, who doesn’t really know who any of you are.

A snap of crackling energy is heard through the cold air, she turns to the rest of you with furrowed brows. Luther gives her a tight lipped smile, awkwardly waving at her in a friendly manner, “Ma’am.”

She looks back to Vanya, “Where you lyin’ to me the whole time?” She says hurt. “Of course not. Look I didn’t know who I was. But I do now.” She pauses for a moment to glance at the rest of you, “And we are not the monsters that they say we are. We did not kill the president. We are not terrorists. We’re not here to hurt anyone.” Vanya reasons with her, trying to help her understand a little bit better. “Then....who are you?” Sissy doubts, a baffled expression clear on her face. “The only one who can help Harlan.” Vanya tells her confidently.

——

All of you follow behind Sissy and Vanya, as they lead you into the incredibly loud and windy barn. Vanya screams for Harlan to focus on her and calm down. You watch as this Harlan kid is suspended in the air, arching is back in an odd convulsion. You smirk as an annoyingly humorous intrusive thought pops into your head, “This is more like Harlan and the no good, terrible, very bad, day.” You shut your eyes and shake your head coming back to your senses, now is not the time for this, Y/N, you internally yell at yourself.

Your ears unexpectedly pick up the familiar whooshing sound of someone teleporting. Five’s right here, so who was that? You follow the sound, walking towards the other barn door that leads to the back field. Klaus noticing this, he follows your lead curiously. Your eagle eye vision spots two people, one you’d rather not ever see again. “Uh, Y/N?” Wonders Klaus, you ignore him, staring daggers at Lila and an eccentrically dressed silver haired woman. “Okay, um guys!” Shouts Klaus, catching the attention of Diego, Allison, Five, and Luther.

“Ah, shit.” Diego says walking up next to you, having also caught site of Lila.

“Who are they?” Marvels Klaus, is face scrunched up in confusion at the random people who just bleeped into the field.

Five answers that question without hesitation, “One’s the Handler, and the other’s Y/N and Diego’s friend.” Giving a sour face, not pleased with the surprise visit by either of them.

“Lila. That fucking bitch.” You growl, Klaus looking back at you in awe, astonished that the both of you managed to make a friend. Only for them to turn out to be working for the Commission.

“You know what? It doesn’t matter. They both look angry.” Luther adds bluntly.

“Yeah.” Adds Klaus.

“Y/N has that effect on people.” Allison says quickly, not in a joking way either. You turn to her in mock offense, “Okay. I can’t really argue with that.”

“I’m gonna find out what they want. You guys stay with Vanya and the kid.” Five tells the five of you rushed.

“I’m coming with you.” Diego replies, you cutting in after him, “Me too, I got beef with Kill Bill over there.” You look at Five nodding in Lila and the Handler’s direction. He gives you the flash of a smile in acknowledgment. Both you and Diego turn to follow Five out the door.

——

“I love the smell of that fresh country air, don’t you darling.” States the Handler at Lila, looking at you up and down in curiosity.

“Makes me want to vomit.” Lila replies bluntly, standing as still as a statue while avoiding your gaze.

“What do you want.” Snaps Five, studying the Handler for any suspicious movement.

“What about me?” Diego asks Lila, dreading the possible consequences for fleeing the Commission without her knowledge.

“You’re not even worth my wrath.” She retorts sharply back at him.

You tilt your head in an annoyed manner whilst clenching your fists, “Unfortunately you’re worth mine.” You hiss angrily before continuing, “You electrocute me to death and then take Diego with you, without another real explanation? If we weren’t here to make negotiations I’d gut you before you’d even be able to scream.” The Handler gives you a surprised laugh, “Easy.” She states, glancing to the side at Lila. Who looks at you with a poker face, desperately trying to conceal her slight fear. Ever grateful for the current circumstances, involving more then just her and you.

“We’re on official business.” Explains the Handler to Five.

“And what business is that?” He snaps back with restrained anger.

“As the head of the Commission, I’ve decided to eliminate the criminals responsible for the assassination of the former board of directors.” She says matter-of-factly, smiling sweetly at the three of you.

“Yeah right. We didn’t kill the board.” Replies Diego before Five interrupts him from speaking further, “Uh, actually, Diego, that’s not entirely accurate.” He says pursing his lips.

The Handler turns to Five with a smirk, “You didn’t tell them? Oh, Five.” She says while giving him a fake pout.

You lean in close to Five, “Five what the fuck didn’t you tell us?” You whisper, great what did the little shit forget to mention now?

He gives you a hard look, “What I had to do to get my family home. Until somebody reneged on our deal.” He ends, glaring at the Handler.

You stand back, folding your arms as you listen to Five and the Handler argue back and forth about their deal going sour. Then how shit the Commission has gotten, Diego adding in his own input much to the Handlers surprised offense. Then Lila speaks up, angry at Five for something he did. Done with everyone’s rambling, you turn to the Handler when she sets the black briefcase down. “Enough. The point is, all of you are going to die today. Hmm?” She states, so sure of herself.

“Oh, really now?” You raise an eyebrow at her before continuing, “There’s eight of us, and two of you. If you haven’t noticed.” Telling her bluntly, ready just to finally be done with all this shit.

She gives you a knowing smile, “You know, you’re right. Let’s change that.” With a snap of her fingers, an army of Commission assassins zap into the field, ready to kill.

You, Diego, and Five look on in shock and a healthy amount of fear, “So, what do we do now?” Diego whispers to the two of you.

“Well, we got two choices: fight and die now, or run and die later. Either way, we’re food for worms.” Five replies nervously.

“Preference.” Diego questions.

“Wouldn’t mind a few more minutes breathing through the old windpipes.” Retorts Five.

“I can’t get captured, and turned into a weapon for the Commission.” You panic, turning to them with pure dread in your eyes.

“All right. Let’s get this over with, shall we?” Says the Handler while checking her watch. A moment later she pulls out a red silk handkerchief, dangling it in the air.

“Come on!” Yells Five as he, You, and Diego start booking it back to the barn. Fuck.

“And why are we all wearing black? Like who’s funeral is it?” You randomly blurt out.

“Ours if we don’t run faster!” Diego shouts back at you.

#the umbrella academy #diego hargreeves #diego hargreeves x reader #diego hargreeves x you #the umbrella academy x reader #the umbrella academy x you #number two #falcor the luck dragon stories #what a time to be alive fic #five hargreeves

[handeaux]

Remember When The Air Force Practiced Nuclear War Over Cincinnati?

Unless you’re an air show regular, you don’t hear many sonic booms these days. The occasional military flight gets over-enthusiastic and sometimes a meteor smacks the atmosphere just so, but such incidents are pretty scarce.

Time was, sonic booms were a regular and frequent occurrence in Cincinnati. From the mid-1950s well into the 1960s Cincinnatians were amazed, then annoyed, by this novel phenomenon.

Although Cincinnatians read about sonic booms since the early 1950s, the first local booms were recorded in 1955 when an F-104 Starfighter squadron out of Dayton’s Wright-Patterson Air Force Base engaged in maneuvers south of Wilmington. For the next five years, occasional Starfighter sorties caused residents to light up the switchboards at newspapers and police departments.

The first sonic boom in Hamilton County was blamed on a B-58 Hustler supersonic bomber being flown from Wright-Pat to Ft. Worth, Texas by a civilian test pilot. That boom, on 2 August 1957, cracked a plaster ceiling in one of the northern suburbs and resulted in widespread panic. The Cincinnati Enquirer [6 August 1957] was not amused:

“Telephone lines of fire departments, police, newspapers, radio stations and the like were jammed with calls. It was an illumination illustration of what might happen if the scare had some basis, and those lines were needed for emergency purposes.”

Problem was, sonic booms were so new and so different – five to 10 times louder than thunder – that people had no reference. Walter McCrosky didn’t. He was caretaker of an Oakley apartment building. When he heard a sonic boom on 4 December 1958, he was convinced it originated inside his building and called the fire department. When they found nothing amiss, he refused to believe the sound was caused by an airplane 30 miles away.

So many sonic booms and complaints about damage allegedly caused by sonic booms piled up that the local newspapers published contact information for Air Force officials handling damage payments. On 22 October 1959, the Enquirer printed advice from the Internal Revenue Service allowing deductions for damage to property as the result of sonic booms.

None other than Al Schottelkotte, then a columnist for the Enquirer, announced 4 May 1960 that Cincinnati need no longer endure sonic booms because the F-104 squadron based at Wright-Patterson had been cut in an Air Force budget move.

The respite was short-lived, because the Air Force revealed in 1962 that it was going to bomb Cincinnati a couple nights each week for the next year. Air Force logistics, it turned out, had painted a big tactical “X” on Cincinnati.

The Air Force set aside a limited number of corridors for attack training, and two of the corridors ran through Cincinnati airspace. One started in New York and ended in Missouri; the other started in North Carolina and ended in Minneapolis after going through Milwaukee.

Lying along these practice corridors were four Nike missile emplacements at Oxford, Wilmington and Felicity, Ohio and at Dillsboro, Indiana. Each had state-of-the-art radar systems capable of evaluating the accuracy of supersonic bombardiers. Within the “Cincinnati Target Complex” were several locations boasting brilliant radar profiles. These spots became the “bullseyes” onto which the bombers aimed their practice bombs: Addyston, Mason, Middletown, Maysville, Connersville, South Dayton and the Greater Cincinnati Airport.

Although the Air Force gave the heads-up so Cincinnati could prepare for a rash of sonic booms, practice runs were also mandated for the sub-sonic B-52s and B-47s that formed the backbone of the United States nuclear deterrent strategy. Consequently, the local media were disappointed when the first practice run produced no sonic booms at all. “Boom Over City Goes Pf-t” whined the Enquirer [17 July 1962]:

“Hey, what happened to that boom? Cincinnatians expecting to hear the air-ripping thunder of B-58 Hustler bombers over the city last night were disappointed. Only one of the jet bombers flew over – and it made no sonic boom.”

In short order, the air Force fell into a pattern with two booms sounding almost every night between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and another set around 11:00 p.m. Those late night booms generated the most complaints about interrupted sleep, awakened children and disturbed pets. Despite the grumbles, the aerial maneuvers inspired patriotism at the Enquirer [27 July 1962]:

“The ‘sound of freedom’ boomed loud and clear over the Cincinnati area last night in two window-rattling installments, sending jarred citizens to their telephones. The booms sounded at 8:18 p.m. and again at 8:28 p.m. as two B-58 Hustler bombers passed over the city on practice runs from Asheville, N.C. to Milwaukee.”

Perhaps the most profound impact of the 1962 assault on Cincinnati occurred at the Camp Myron Kahn Boy Scout facility near Camden, Ohio. Cheviot Boy Scout Troop 601 occupied the camp for a week that summer. One night, the scouts enacted a ritual in which several boys, dressed as Indians, ran into the council ring and chanted an incantation before a stack of wood. One boy intoned, “Let there be fire!” just as a sonic boom cracked the sky and just as a hidden scoutmaster ignited the bonfire. According to the Cincinnati Post’s Si Cornell [9 August 1962]:

“The little Indian chief seemed amazed at the extent of his mystical powers.”

#sonic booms #nuclear war #air force #f-104 #b-58

[godstaff]

Clark shows Selene and Aster his parents hologram message

Author’s note: In my fantasy about SM/WW, their children are 12 years apart, being Selene the eldest. This makes sense given the family incredible long life span. In only a century the difference will be insignificant, and the parents will still be able to procreate, so they are not in any rush to have all the children in a short period of time. This also makes difficult for the parents to organize activities the children could perform together in their early years, specially those of educational nature. Please take note when Aster goes through an educational moment or first experience, Selene most probably had it twelve years ago.

Clark (entering the Control Room of the Fortress with 9 years old Aster): Here we are: this is the heart of the Fortress. You can access every part of the complex from here.

“Until today, you couldn’t use this place because it only responds to commands in Kryptonese, written or verbal. Aunts Karen and Kari told me you past the last exam yesterday, and your pronunciation and writing are flawless, so here is your reward: you’ll learn the secrets of this little piece of Krypton on Earth and the history of my planet of origin, which is also half of yours and your sister’s origin too.

Aster: Why did the aunties have to teach me. Couldn’t you?

Clark: I could, but they are the better teachers, because both lived on Krypton until they were 14 years old. They actually spoke Kryptonese on Krypton, they’ve learned it in school. It was their native language. In fact, They were the ones who corrected my Kryptonese. I studied it here, at the Fortress since I was 16 and I thought I’ve nailed it, but to hear it from someone who spoke it on a daily basis, day after day, is very different.

Aster: Is was like...say...going to France and hear French people talk?

Clark: Pretty much. The first was aunt Kari. She was very strict as a teacher. 

Aster: I know. Believe me.

Clark: She kept calling me “baby cousin”.  

Aster: Why?

Clark: Because the last time she saw me on Krypton, I was a baby. She said I spoke it with a heavy Kansas accent, and that’s why the central computer had problems understanding my verbal commands. It seems they didn’t have a Kansas on Krypton.

Aster: And Mom? How did she learn?

Clark: Aunt Karen came to this Earth five years later than Kari, and she was seven years older than her, already. She became your mother’s BFF and when she discovered Mom and me were dating, she insisted on her learning the language. She didn’t tell her why, Diana found out here, at the fortress.

“Your Mom has a natural predisposition to learn other languages, she speaks Kryptonese better than I myself. I believe it has to do with her empathy gift, which allows her to speak with members of the animal kingdom.

“She taught me ancient Greek, She said: “If I’ve learnt your dead tongue, you’ll learn mine.” Although that’s not entirely truth: it’s the language spoken on Themyscira, so it’s still in use. That’s why she insisted on you two speaking it as well. The day little Lena talked to Grandmamá in her own tongue, she almost faded.

“Now, Ast, this is the crystal switchboard. The green one in the center is the one who allows the others to work. It can’t be removed or the whole computer won’t work. It also has the capacity to recreate this Fortress in case something bad happens. I had to replicate it and hide those copies around the World for the same reason.

“The computer has many functions, but today we’ll focus on the archives of Krypton: its culture, its history, etc.

“There’s so much information, that it will probably take you 12 years to go through all its content.Your sis is almost ending her journey , and I brought her here when she was your age. (Clark switched a screen on) There she is now, in the projection room, still studying.

“When you feel comfortable operating the switchboard and learn its commands, you’ll be capable of accessing the info from every part of the Fortress.

Aster: Any part? Like my bedroom?

Clark: Yes, like your bedroom. Here (Clark gave his son a transparent tablet) this is your terminal. From here you control almost every app of the Fortress.

Aster: Almost?

Clark: Yes. there are a few you can only access from the crystal switchboard. Mostly those which have to do with the autonomous systems, like energy managing, repairs, ventilation, etc. Your terminal will warn you if something is not right, but you can only modify or repair it from here.

Aster: I see.

Clark: Good. Now, we begin your journey. You will have two very special guests to guide you: Jor-El and Lara, my biological parents. These are interactive A.I., they will answer all your questions and walk you through every procedure. There are holo-projector all around the Fortress. Once Jor and Lara greet you, your biosignature will be stored in the main frame, so the computer will recognize you.

(Clark pushes one crystal down its tube) Your journey, like mine, beguins with these words (a life like figure of Jor-El appeared on the main holographic projector):

Source: http://www.kryptonian.info/doyle/translations/jor-els-blessing.html

#Superman/Wonder Woman #power couple #superwonder family

[laurellynnleake]

Fight To Protect Immigrants! - Resource & Organization Masterlist (updated: 6/22/18)

If you need help and/or want to help others trapped in the brutal US immigration system, let me get you started! Regardless of your time and abilities, you can help in countless ways big and small. Head to Informed Immigrant to find local/national/global orgs supporting undocumented immigrants - you can donate money/time/transportation, join protest actions, register voters, cook dinners, watch kids, and simply provide emotional support to people!

I’ve gathered together some useful links and resources here - please help me spread ‘em around, and add any of your own links and info too (and let me know if you donate/contact reps and I’ll draw you some art).

Calling Scripts: 

Check out Celeste Pewter’s twitter for up-to-date call scripts and resources for contacting your reps and fighting for human rights (@ her or use #Icalledmyreps after you call to get a boost and/or share info). She eventually transcribes most scripts here, but can take several days, so while these links below go to images on twitter I’ve also included captions under the cut.

Tips for calling your electeds

Calling Senate/House for Feinstein/Nadler’s Keep Families Together Act post EO (6/22), and for Texans near the border (6/13)

Call scripts pushing for House/Senators to investigate DHS’s Zero Tolerance Policy (6/22), and for contacting the DOJ/DHS to protest the Zero Tolerence Policy post executive order (6/20)

Call scripts for governors to refuse to send the National Guard to the border (6/22) and calling for Sec Nielson’s resignation (6/18)

Calling Congress re: Kids already separated, and rumors of military lawyers (06/22)

Calling governors, federal reps, and state attorney’s about joining the multi-state lawsuit (6/22)

General Guides for Contacting Reps:

Find My Reps

Resistbot (emails and faxes reps for you)

5calls

Herd on the Hill a FB group of dedicated volunteers who will print out your letters, and deliver them.

How to Call Your Reps When You Have Social Anxiety

Legislative & Organizing Resources:

Join a local protest at FamiliesBelong.org. Donate here.

ACLU Know Your Rights pocket guides includes ICE Visits (ICE Visitas), If Questioned About Imm. Status (Que Hacer Si Le Preguntan Acerca de su Estatus Migratorio), and What To Do If Stopped By Police (Qué Debe Hacer Si la Policía/Agentes de Inmigración/FBI) in English and en Español, as well as guides for protests.

Know Your Rights Handouts: If ICE Raids a Home/Employer/Public Space (AILA) in Español, Chinese, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, & Punjabi

Indivisible’s Immigration News Resources

Indivisible’s Immigrant Ally Toolkit

Tisp for attending protests and rallies and advice for white allies

Look up ICE detention centers here

Internet security: FB centric, basic computer security, more elaborate

Organizations to Join/Support:

Use the Informed Immigrant to find groups near you, find legal aid, and join the fight!  

Pueblos Sin Fronteras provides humanitarian aid to migrants and refugees. Donate here.

Al Otro Lado is a bi-national, direct legal services organization serving indigent deportees/migrants/refugees in Tijuana, Mexico. Donate here.

The Florence Project provides free legal services to adults and unaccompanied children in imm. custody in Arizona. Donate here.

Border Angels serves San Diego County’s immigrant population through various migrant outreach programs such as Day Laborer outreach, a free legal assistance program, and more. Donate here.

RAICES provides free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees in Texas. Donate here.

The Immigrant Children’s Assistance Project is an American Bar Association project currently helping unaccompanied children in South Texas w/ knowing their rights. Donate here.

United We Dream is the largest immigrant-youth led group in the USA, and their site provides news, event info, as well as guides and toolkits for fighting the system, protecting LGBTQ immigrants, and taking care of your mental health. Donate here.

The Black Alliance for Just Immigration “educates and engages African American and black immigrant communities to organize and advocate for racial, social, and economic justice.” Donate here.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is one of the largest civil rights and advocacy organizations dedicated to fighting against discrimination against Muslims. Click here to donate to the national organization or a specific campaign, or click here to find your local CAIR chapter (which needs your support as much/even more).

CUNY CLEAR provides representation and rights training to Muslim communities targeted by law enforcement. Donate here.

Families for Freedom fights on behalf of families facing deportation. “We are immigrant prisoners (detainees), former immigrant prisoners, their loved ones, or individuals at risk of deportation.” Donate here.

The Immigrant Defense Project uses impact litigation, advocacy, and public education to fight to stop mass deportations and an unjust immigration system. Donate here.

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is a national resource center that helps train immigration lawyers and advocates on the local, state and federal level. Donate here.

The International Rescue Committee works to provide aid to people affected by humanitarian crises. You can donate to specifically support U.S. refugee resettlement programs re: Trump’s Muslim Ban here, and see other ways to get involved (volunteering/calling reps) here.

The International Refugee Assistance Project works to organize lawyers and law students to fight for the human and legal rights of refugees through legal aid and policy advocacy. For legal help click here, and to donate click here.

Make the Road New York uses policy advocacy, organizing, education, and survival services (including workforce training and adult education) to improve the lives of immigrants—in particular Latino and working class communities—in NYC. Donate here, get involved here.

Mariposas Sin Fronteras works with LGBTQ people detained in immigration facilities and works to get vulnerable detainees out on bond. Donate here.

MPower Change does grassroots organizing, campaigning, and storytelling to empower Muslim communities in the USA. Donate here.

National Immigration Law Center works for the rights of low-income immigrants through impact legislation, policy analysis and advocacy, communications, and education programs. Donate here.

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project offers legal services directly to immigrants with its network of 350 pro-bono attorneys. Donate here.

Remember, one person alone can’t do everything, so please take care of yourself and each other - but if we all do a little, we can make a difference together!

Captions for the Pewter call scripts under the cut, as well as a list of pro-bono legal aid and therapist volunteers organized by Joanna Rothkopf.

Tips for calling your electeds, especially if you’re leaving a VM

If you’re leaving a voicemail, make sure you clearly state your name and where you are calling from. (Zip, etc.)

Make sure you have a concrete ask, or specify a specific opinion. Imagine a staffer asking: “What’s the best outcome/resolution for you?” and frame your comment that way. E.g. If you want them to specifically oppose an amendment, say that, and explain why.

Always clarify if you would like a response, and leave a way for the office to reach you. (Phone number, email, etc.)

If you have another issue, bring it up on the phone at the time. Always personalize your comments.

For Cruz/Cornyn constituents on the TX detention facilities: (06/18, tweaked by OP)

You: Hi, my name is [name]. I am calling from [zıp code]. You: I am calling today to ask [Cruz/Cornyn] take a stand... 

Opposing the detention facilities for young people in Texas, and

To also oppose the DHS’s overall zero tolerance policy.

You: The horrific conditions being experienced by these children are absolutely unacceptable, and betray the values of our state.

You: <Insert optional comments here>

You: Furthermore, I am also calling on [Cruz/Cornyn] to support their colleague Senator Feinstein’s Keep Families Together Act. President Trump has clearly and repeatedly stated he would support a bill to keep families together, so I expect [Cruz/Cornyn] to follow the GOP agenda.

Call the capitol switchboard: [phone] #ICALLEDMYREPS @CELESTE PEWTER

Talking points for Texas residents re: local/state electeds re: the detention facilities (06/13)

What did the city/county/state know about these proposals to hold children in warehouses, with limited access to fresh air? Does local city/county/state official condone these practices?

If yes: does [official] understand that these kids are in conditions that are comparable to what certain criminals experience in jail?

If no: great. How will [elected] address this with their federal counterparts? I do not support facilities like these, and want [elected] to exert all possible pressure with their federal counterparts.

Will [elected] come out with a public statement condemning these facilities?

Call the capitol switchboard: [phone] #ICALLEDMYREPS @CELESTEPEWTER

For House/Senators re: DHS’s Zero tolerance policy (opening investigations) Talking points post-Trump executive order (6/20)

The Executive Order would only create family detention centers which would continue to lead to expanded camps.

The executive order doesn't offer recourse for reuniting already- separated families The EO gives wide discretion to DHS Secretary Nielsen

Crossing the border will be deemed a criminal violation, vs. a civil one (which will lead to parents being charged criminally; and children likely being taken)

The EO doesn't address asylum seekers, and will still prohibit anyone seeking asylum under domestic violence/gang violence from seeking asylum

The House bill (Border Security and Immigration Reform Act) will also not fully address these concerns.

Call the capitol switchboard: [phone] #ICALLEDMYREPS @CELESTE PEWTER

Talking points re: the DOJ/DHS following Trump's Executive Order signing (6/20)

Ask the DOJ/DHS stop lying about the origins of zero tolerance policy - it's well documented it's a Trump Administration policy

Stop using Flores to justify this policy.

Stop saying it's about the wall. Democrats have actually offered funding for the wall before (during the DACA debate) and the GOP/Trump Administration passed. This is NOT about the wall

Per news reports this morning, DHS thought the zero tolerance policy would deter border crossings. According to public documents sited by outlets like the Hill, crossings have actually gone up, including crossings by unaccompanied minor children

The Executive order doesn't have a recourse for how families will be reunited. How will the DOJ/DHS address this?

Stop insisting this is up to Congress to act - this is a DHS/DOJ created problem

Call your SENATORS post-Trump's executive order signing re: family separation (06/22)

You: Hi, my name is [name]. I am calling from [zip code} You: I am calling to ask Senators to continue to do everything in their legislative power to address the DHS/DOJ's zero tolerance policy. You: This week's executive order does not adequately solve the problem of family separation; it just creates family detention centers, and doesn't address the overarching problem. You: We also need clarity on how this executive order helps the children who have already been separated. The administration is claiming 500 kids have been reunited. When will we get proof? When is this rumored staging ground in Texas supposed to be complete?

Dem Senators: Finally, I'd like to call on [Senator] to continue to express support for Feinstein's Keep Families Together Act. GOP Senators: I am calling on [Senator] to support Feinstein's Keep Families Together. You: <Additional comments>

Call the capitol switchboard: [phone] #ICALLEDMYREPS @CELESTE PEWTER

Call both chambers re: asking for Secretary Nielsen's resignation (06/18)

You: Hi, my name is [name]. I am calling from [zip code]. You: I am calling on [elected] to issue a public statement to ask for Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen's resignation. Not only has she been complicit in helping the Trump Administration institute their new zero tolerance policy, she has lied repeatedly to the public on the policy, and what it does and doesn't do. You: I am calling on [elected] to follow in congressional colleague Senator Kamala Harris's footsteps, and call for Secretary Nielsen's resignation immediately. You: <insert optional comment>

Call the capitol switchboard: [phone] #ICALLEDMYREPS @CELESTE PEWTER

Call your GOVERNORS and ask them to direct the national guard to NOT send resources to the border (06/18)

You: Hi, my name is [name]. I am calling from [zip code].

You: I am calling to ask [GOVERNOR] to please follow Governor Baker of Massachusetts, by instructing the national guard to not deploy to the US-Mexico border. The National Guard cannot and should not be used to further assist in enforcing the Zero Tolerance policy being enacted by the Trump Administration.

You: I am also calling on [GOVERNOR] to commit to signing an executive order similar to Governor Hickenlooper of Colorado, prohibiting any state resources from being used to asssist the Trump Administration's efforts to enforce the zero tolerance policy. I understand it's largely ceremonial, but I want [GOVERNOR] to commit to taking a stand.

You: <insert optional comments here>

Find your governor's contact info here: https://openstates.org #ICALLEDMYREPS @CELESTE PEWTER

Talking points re: JAG corps allegedly being assigned to try cases at the border (06/22)

JAG lawyers have different rules to follow than civilian lawyers. How can we be sure they'll follow proper procedure when trying cases? How will any appeals process on behalf of the defendant be impacted (if applicable) given that military and civilian appeals are different?

WHY are we letting DHS/HHS utilize DOD resources, for something that is strictly in DHS/HHS territory? What is the justification?

Should we not be concerned we're allowing military personnel to handle civilian affairs? This is conflating multiple departments and cross issues.

Call the capitol switchboard: [phone] #ICALLEDMYREPS @CELESTE PEWTER

Call your GOVERNORS and ask them to continue issuing directives to NOT support border efforts + support their requests for clarity on children in their respective states (06/22)

You: Hi, my name is [name]. I am calling from [zip code]

You: I am calling to ask [GOVERNOR] to continue to refuse to utilize any state resources that would help the federal government's zero tolerance policy. [GOVERNOR] should commit to signing an executive order similar to Governor Hickenlooper of Colorado.

If there are children in your state: I am also calling on [Governor] to continue to be vocal on the need to get accurate numbers on how many children are in our state, and where these facilities are. I ask [Governor] to do everything in their power to tour these facilities. Accountability is needed. You: <insert optional comments here>

Find your governor's contact info here: https://openstates.org #ICALLEDMYREPS @CELESTE PEWTER

Call your local electeds to request a resolution condemning the zero tolerance policy/family separation (6/22)

You: Hi, my name is [name]. I am calling from [address/zip code].

You: I am calling to ask [MAYOR/CITY COUNCILMEMBER] to please endorse a resolution that makes clear [CITY] does not condone the Trump Administration's current immigration practices, including family separation, family detention centers, and the refusal to provide asylum to those who are seeking it under domestic violence and gang violence.

You: Yesterday's federal executive order does little to solve the problem. Families are still separated, and the executive order only opens up the pathway to family detention centers.

You: I am calling on [MAYOR/CITY COUNCILMEMBER] to show what our city stands for, and take a stand. You: <insert optional comment here>

#ICALLEDMYREPS @CELESTE PEWTER

Call your Attorneys general, and ask them to join the multi-state lawsuit. (06/22)

You: Hi, my name is [name]. I am calling from [zip code].

You: I am calling on [AG] to join the other state attorneys generals who are planning on suing the Trump Administration to compel reunification for the 2.3K children separated from their families.

You: As Maryland's AG Frosh confirmed in an interview: the executive order does not adequately address the problems that have resulted in family separation; including how to reunite the families, and the government appears to not have a concrete plan.

You: Please sign onto the lawsuit and compel the administration to act.

You: <insert optional comment>

Find your AG: http://www.naag.org/naag/attorneys- general/whos-my-ag.php

Attorneys:

Ted Colquett, Birmingham, AL -  [email protected], [phone]

Morgan Petriello, Los Angeles, CA - [email protected], [phone]

Elleni Kalouris, Chicago suburbs, IL - [email protected]

Therapists:

Muni Olia, Philadelphia, PA - Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist - [email protected]

Ruth Durack, MSW, Peoria, IL - Social Worker - [email protected]

Lauren Fallon, LCSW, IL - Social Worker - [email protected]

Jennifer Goldstein, Chicago, IL - Therapist - [email protected]

Gloria Jetter, LMSW, New York, NY - Social Worker - [email protected]

Note: These attorneys and therapists/psychiatrists were shared via Jezebel, and have not been vetted by the website; their inclusion on the list is by request.If you are an attorney or therapist who would like to offer your services to immigrants and refugees pro-bono, email Joanna Rothkopf with your contact information at [email protected]. The descriptions I found for many of these resources are also courtesy of Rothkopf and Pewter.

Please consider boosting this post, @phonescripts​, @justsomeantifas​, and @nativenews​! 

#keepfamiliestogether #immigrant rights #undocumented immigrants #resist trump #protest resources #long post #l3 host post

[julio-viernes]

The Human Switchboard fue un trío de Akron, Ohio, formado por Myma Marcarian (voz, farfisa), Robert Pfeifer (guitarras) y Ron Metz (batería). Publicaron un EP en 1977, dos singles 78-79, un LP en directo en 1980, uno de estudio en 81 y una casete Roir en 82. Se separaron en 1985 tras grabar unas demos para Polydor que se archivaron. No volvieron a juntarse nunca más. Fue uno de los mejores grupos de la ciudad. Su único LP de estudio está bastante bien porque lo sacó Faulty Records, si lo llega a hacer una multi lo desgracia seguro con alguna producción equivocada- rebajada. Es gracioso, en la canción titular “Who's Landing in My Hangar?” parece como si la Marcarian se fuera a arrancar con la melodía de “Dancing In the Dark” de Bruce Springsteen en cualquier momento. No vaya a ser que “el jefe” la escuchara y se le quedara grabado en el coco el dibujo farfisero...

#the human switchboard #bruce springsteen

[vaibhavilatane]

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[selfshipstuff]

Central City Picture News

June 2, 2015

"HAPPY PRIDE, CENTRAL CITY" SAY LOCAL HEROES

Pictured above, the Flash (left) and Switchboard (right) carry the bisexual flag and share a fist-bump.

Some commotion arose yesterday morning when Central City's most famed heroes sped through the downtown area despite a seeming lack of conflict. The confusion quickly abated, however [...]

Witnesses report that there had been a small pride celebration nearby, and that both Switchboard and Flash had been invited to attend via Twitter. The host of the event, who wished to remain anonymous, is quoted as saying, "I honestly couldn't believe it when they actually showed up. A friend tweeted [the invitation] as a joke, but it's not like anyone was going to turn them away."

Another attendee alleges that the flag the two heroes carried was their own. Upon questioning, Switchboard confirmed, and proceeded to tell the on-scene reporter their story.

"I've known I was [bisexual] since I was twelve," they said. "It's never really been in question for me since then." Switchboard is also transgender non-binary, and has been open about this fact since their debut; when asked, they told our source that they have identified as nonbinary since they were 16 years old.

"It used to be really scary for me," they revealed, clarifying, "Being something nobody really knows about. It's still nerve-wracking and frustrating sometimes, but things are getting better with time."

The hero says their hope is that being out and visible as a queer person and superhero will have a positive effect on public opinion and recognition, and in particular, on the youth and future generations. When asked for details on their partner, the Flash, Switchboard declined to comment.

Around this time, both heroes seemed to receive some kind of alert, and departed. Eyewitnesses, both civilian and police, place the two at the scene of a bank robbery shortly afterward, with no pride flag in sight. Unfortunately, both departed before our reporters could arrive on the scene.

Last night, CCPN cub reporter Iris West managed to schedule a brief interview with the Flash regarding his appearance at the pride celebration earlier that day. The hero confirmed his attendance, and stated that he is also bisexual, although he declined to share details. He is quoted as saying, "We really just wanted to get out there and show that we're there for the community," presumably referring to himself and his heroing partner, Switchboard.

Rumors of a romantic relationship between the two continue to thrive despite multiple statements to the contrary from both Switchboard and the Flash. As surely as the queer community will be celebrating the addition of the city's other hero to their ranks, this reporter speculates that rumors will reach an all-time high after the respective heroes' coming-out.

#si: switchboard #mine #sketches n stuff #i actually don't think i have a tag for barry. hm #also this is my first time drawing him.and that cowl is SO annoying btw so like huge props and condolences to anyone who does so regularly #anyway this is a little different from my usual and it's... not the turtledove intro #but it's pride month and i wanted to do smth lol #no worries tho turtledove is still in drafts

[trustyourpartner]

so a while back i tripped over and then fell in love with @cafecliche‘s yuri on ice fics, and then while i was checking out her tumblr i found out that she co-writes the bridge podcast with @alextriestousetheinternet, and i was like “oceanic eldritch horror alternate history with lesbians? sign me up!” and binge-listened to it all in like two days. and then i started writing this. at this point it’s probably going to waste away in my wips folder because i have so many other projects i’m working on, but i thought i’d let the stuff i have written see the light of day? so. enjoy.

The labels are nearly worn off of the switchboard at this point, by decades of fingers sliding over the words on their lazy way to the keys and buttons and knobs, but Viktor doesn't need the labels to boot up the broadcasting system. He could do this in his sleep by now; undoubtedly has, at some point over the last several years, during one of the periods when the coffeemaker was acting up, or maybe on a particularly gloomy day where the iron gray sky bled into the sea, turning the world outside the window into one huge dome of half-light, broken only by the long line of the highway stretching over the waves.

He waits for the static to clear from his headset, then takes a swig of water from the bottle on the floor and switches the microphone on.

"Good afternoon, travelers," he says. The chipper tone isn't even ironic, at this point; just a reflex. "This is Viktor broadcasting from Watchtower Eight, your halfway marker on the journey across the Transcontinental Bridge. It's just a few minutes until the top of the hour, but I think we can get a head start on our traffic report. Current Bridge conditions are the same as usual, which means—" here he leans forward to glance out the window again, just to be sure "—no traffic near Watchtower Eight. So all of you nonexistent drivers will have a pleasant cruise across this particular bit of the Atlantic."

A bright chime bursts out of the tinny intercom speakers on the console, and the light labeled Inter-Tower Channel flashes green. Viktor flips the switch that connects his personal headset to the public frequency.

"Fucking moron," is Yuri Plisetsky's greeting, somewhat obscured by the normal static from the line. "There is literally never any traffic, Viktor. You don't have to do your annoying-ass reports."

"Good to hear from you too, Yura," Viktor says. "How are things over at Eleven?"

"Dead. There is nothing here. Oh, no, actually, a seagull brained itself on the signal beam this morning, and I got sent up to chuck its body into the sea. It's the most exciting thing that's happened in months."

Which probably isn't true, Viktor thinks, but he'd believe that it's the most exciting thing that can be broadcast on the airwaves. The intercom chimes again, and a new voice chimes in.

"Maybe the seagull was just bored out of its head," the new voice—Viktor has to think for a second to place it as Leo, from Watchtower One, all the way back on the American coast—says. "The ones back here just try to steal my lunch."

"And how is the ground traffic on your end, Leo?" Viktor asks, so that he can at least sort of pretend to be doing his job.

"Two skateboarders practicing their grinds on the guardrail," Leo reports. "For the record, this is inadvisable. It's a long drop, kiddos."

"'Kiddos'," Yuri scoffs. "How old are you again, Iglesia?"

"Older than you!" Leo says.

"Ah well," Viktor says. "I'm afraid that's it for our afternoon traffic report. So, listeners who may or may not exist, I'm afraid I'll take my leave for now. Lunch won't make itself!"

He leaves Yuri and Leo to their bickering and ends his broadcast. The equipment makes a shuddery, wheezy sound when he powers it down, but Viktor's not terribly worried about it. He's fairly sure everything in this Watchtower could survive a war. It might have already. He doesn't know about that, but he does know better than to ask. He's been threatened more than once for snooping in the Archives, and not by his supervisor, but by strange people who called his personal cell phone and whispered reprimands that sent shivers up his spine. Never mind the fact that he hadn't charged his cell phone in years, or that he didn't get reception in the middle of the Atlantic.

The spiral staircase that leads down to the main floor is situated in the gap between the broadcasting room and the guest cabins. The steps rattle under Viktor's feet. He passes Georgi on the second floor, tinkering with something in the ceiling—hopefully the vents, because none of the crew cabins have been getting decent air circulation in months. Viktor ignores him and continues down to the first floor, turning into the kitchen. Yakov is sitting at the table with a cup of coffee and a dour expression.

"Vitya," he says, "how many times do I need to tell you to do your damn job?"

Viktor waves him off with a lazy sweep of his hand. "There's nobody to make traffic," he says, "and nobody to hear the traffic report. Quit being such a fusspot, old man."

Yakov harrumphs into his coffee, but doesn't respond; this is an argument he and Viktor have had dozens of times over the last few years. "As long as you do your other job," he says.

"Yes, calm down, I'm going to feed Makka now," he says. "Where's the bucket?"

"It's outside the containment area," Yakov says. "Georgi filled it earlier. Honestly, Vitya, that stuff reeks."

"Makkachin likes it!" Viktor says. "I'll get going. I'm sure he can smell his food already."

He takes the stairs down two at a time: past the Archives in Submare One, the storage rooms in Submare Two, all the way down to Submare Three. This far below the water, the walls creak and groan with the shifting waves. There are no portholes—best not to think about what's outside, Yakov had said, on Viktor's first day—but even so Viktor's bones ache with the knowledge that the sunlight is dim down here. The rivets hold steady, but Viktor can still imagine them shaking loose, the walls buckling inward, crushing the Watchtower like a tin can.

Viktor shakes it off when he reaches the vault door in Submare Three. He taps in the twelve-digit code on the keypad with one hand and picks up the bucket of severed fish heads with the other. When the lock beeps, he presses his thumb and all of his fingers against the scanner in turn; only then do the hydraulics hiss as the door unlocks with an ominous clunk. Despite the thickness of the steel, the door opens easily at Viktor's touch.

The vault door opens up into the containment area: a huge circular room that takes up nearly all of the lowest level of the Watchtower. Despite this, the only floor is a narrow metal walkway around the edge, just over a foot wide. The rest of the chamber is open water: deep, dark, and washing back and forth in small waves, despite the fact that there are no direct water lines between it and the ocean outside.

"Makkachin!" Viktor trills. "Where's my good boy? Did you miss me?"

He drops the bucket and claps his hands over his ears: just in time, as a hellish SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEE echoes through the chamber. The water boils. Three long, brown tentacles, each nearly as thick as Viktor's thigh and easily long enough to brush the towering ceiling, burst through from below, the suckers pulsing. One of the tentacles begins slithering over the walkway by Viktor's feet, slinking, searching.

"I've got your dinner here, boy," Viktor says, and reaches into the bucket. He picks up a fish head and tosses it, watching as one of the other tentacles snaps down lightning-quick to snatch it out of the air and drag it below the water. "Is it nummies?" Viktor asks. "Nummy fish for the good Makkachin?"

The resulting chainsaw-on-chalkboard noise doesn't make Viktor's ears bleed, thankfully. The seeking tentacle near his feet winds around his leg, slick mottled brown, and Viktor leans down to give it a gentle pat.

"I missed you too, buddy," Viktor says. "Open wide, okay? Food incoming!"

He throws the rest of the bucket's contents out into the water and sits on the edge of the walkway while Makkachin's tentacles pull the fish bits into the depths. He's just tall enough that he can point his toes and tap the surface of the water with the soles of his shoes, so he does. During his first month at the Watchtower he taught himself Morse code in a fit of over-enthusiasm, so he uses it now, tapping and swishing the water, a secret message just for him and Makka: tap-swish-tap-tap-swish-swish-swish-swish-tap-tap.

Makkachin probably doesn't know Morse code. So maybe it's just a message for Viktor. Fitting.

"I'm sorry it's so lonely down here," he says. "I don't mean to stay upstairs so long. I'll come visit more often."

Makkachin gurgles.

"Yeah, just me and you, buddy," Viktor says, and reaches out absently to scratch a passing tentacle.

--

Before he’d been a Watchtower crewman, Viktor Nikiforov had been a legend.

He’d been on the top of the figure skating world for nearly a decade. His undefeated streak spanned five years: five years of gold at the Grand Prix, at Nationals, at Euros, at Worlds. Multiple world records tucked under his belt. Two Olympic titles. Russia’s hero, they called him; a god among men. Undefeated, unattainable, untouchable. His shadow from atop the podium was monstrous in the flashes of the cameras.

He’d just won his fifth Worlds gold in Boston when the kennel called. His dog—Makkachin—had just died. In his sleep, the woman said. Surely he hadn’t been in any pain. A gentle death for a gentle dog.

Viktor hadn’t seen Makkachin for nearly three days before he’d actually left.

So he’d told his coach that he was going to rent a car and drive back to Europe. Time to clear his head, he’d said, and the coach had agreed. The Transcontinental Bridge still had a lingering reputation as a tourist attraction, albeit one that Viktor had experienced before. Even half-abandoned it was a marvel of engineering. There were hotels, restaurants, museums, little Bridge-side towns with kitschy mom-and-pop shops. Viktor had ignored these; for just under a full day of driving it had been only him and the ocean. He’d driven and driven and then stopped for the night at Checkpoint Eight, the Transcontinental Hotel: the pride of the Bridge, a glittering palace over the sea with a glass ballroom, fresh-turned silk sheets on every bed, and a string quartet that turned sea shanties into sweeping waltzes for guests to float along to under the stars.

He’d emailed the Russian Skating Federation his resignation notice the next morning. By that afternoon he’d unpacked his single carry-on in one of the empty crew cabins in Watchtower Eight, his handful of spare shirts and underwear tucked neatly inside the chipboard drawers, the concrete walls bare, the fresh cotton sheets scratching his bare skin.

And…well. Why would Viktor ever leave?

--

“Good afternoon, Bridge travelers,” Viktor says. “It’s another slow day here by Watchtower Eight, and so, your traffic report: there is no traffic. I’m sure if you questionably-extant listeners wait for a few minutes, one of my colleagues from elsewhere on the Bridge will chime in with commentary.”

Viktor waits for a beat, then repeats himself in Russian and in French, just because he can.

The intercom beeps, and Christophe’s voice comes through, amused and slurred—likely hungover, or maybe just being Chris. “Your accent is horrendous,” he says by way of greeting.

“Good afternoon, Christophe,” Viktor says. “How are things?”

“Oh, fine, fine,” Chris says. “Light traffic down here at Fifteen, come stop by the Gold Doubloon casino for a fun night of games and revelry, gamble responsibly: don’t wager anything you aren’t willing to lose, don’t play for anything you aren’t willing to live with, et cetera. Word on the wire is that there’s a big closure down by Checkpoint Nine—do you know anything about that?”

“Hmm? No.” Viktor absently shuffles the stack of letters from mainland headquarters. He should probably read them at some point.

“Ah, there’s a little Bridge-side town that’s closed its access road. The Travel Agency sent out a notice that the road won’t reopen, so drivers should plan their stops around it, what’s it called…Hatsetsu?”

Viktor frowns. The name tickles at the edge of his memory, but nothing concrete comes to mind. Possibly he just remembers driving past the sign, if it’s really so close to his own domain. “Any idea how the residents are going to get around?”

“Well, that’s just the thing,” Chris says. His voice is low, now, conspiratorial, as though they weren’t having this discussion over public airwaves. They could be huddled around a campfire, sharing ghost stories. “You didn’t hear this from me, but a little birdy”—meaning, Viktor thinks, Phichit—“says the town’s abandoned. Everyone vanished overnight. Poof.”

Before he can respond, someone else on the Inter-Tower line squeaks out a small “Ah.” This is followed by a gust of air and a smacking sound. Viktor thinks, suddenly, of a small child clapping a hand over their own mouth, afraid to be caught listening.

“Hello?” he says.

“Oh,” the new voice says, strangely muffled, and then clearer: “Oh. Uh. This is Watchtower Nine—sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Nine!” Chris says. “I don’t recognize your voice.”

“Oh, yes,” the man says. “I’m new. I just started here.”

Viktor smiles. It’s been a while since any of the towers have gotten new crewmen. “What’s your name?” he asks, propping his chin on the desk.

“I’m…I’m Yuuri Katsuki,” the voice says. “It’s nice to, uh, meet you?”

“Welcome to the Bridge, Yuuri,” Viktor says.

Yuuri—laughs? It’s hard to tell over the crackling line. “I’ve lived here all my life,” he says, “but thank you.”

“Your whole life, huh?” Chris says. “Very interesting. Not many Bridge natives come to work at the Watchtowers. What brought you to us?”

Yuuri is silent for a few heartbeats too many. “…change of scenery,” he says finally.

“Well, we’re a good bunch,” Viktor says, over Chris’s questioning noise. “And Chris will only bite if you ask nicely.”

“It takes more than a bite to scare me away,” Yuuri says.

Despite the static noises, Chris’s purr of “Is that so?” comes through crystal clear.

And Viktor makes possibly the most disgusting noise he has ever made in his life, like a pig with a cold, directly into the microphone. He hears another few sets of tinny laughter, probably other Watchtower radio hosts lurking on the line, and over that Yuuri sputtering, “No! I didn’t—not like that!”

“Welcome!” Sara says through the ruckus. “Once Chris has hit on you, you’re really part of the family.”

Viktor’s own laughter trails off a bit at that. He doesn’t know Sara well—mostly snippets of information passed from Mila or Yuri in conversation—but he knows enough to think about the reason she’s on the Bridge at all, running from home and a brother who refused to let her out of his sight. She’d come because she’d had nowhere else, and then she’d stayed.

Family might be too strong a word for what they are, a collection of outcasts strung across thousands of miles. Viktor already knows he will never see most of these peoples’ faces. But after all, it’s not as though he has anyone else.

“Vitya!” Yakov’s shout echoes up the stairs.

“Oh, dear,” Viktor says. “My supervisor’s calling—I have to go. It’s been a pleasure, Yuuri.”

“Ah—likewise, Viktor,” Yuuri says. Viktor indulges himself in a lazy smile as he powers down the equipment.

It’s not until after he’s fed Makkachin that he realizes nobody ever told Yuuri his name.

--

Here was a secret that Viktor had sworn he would take to his grave long before he came to the Bridge: the podium was his least favorite place to be.

The rest of it had a certain thrill to it. The routines, of course; the costumes, extravagant and beautiful and designed to make him irresistible and ever-so-slightly inhuman; the plane rides to faraway countries, the sponsors and the fancy dinners. The hotels with silk sheets and crystal chandeliers that glinted like little chips of stolen starlight.

The podium, though—somewhere along the way it became a pedestal, or a display shelf. He looked good and he worked hard to stay there until he thought maybe his feet would fuse to the top spot and he’d be frozen there forever, the rest of the skating world clawing at his ankles, tearing at each other for a chance to send him crashing down.

He was Viktor Nikiforov, the legend. The singular. There was no room at the top for anyone else.

Perhaps the move to sea level did some good. But now here he was, sitting at the top of the Watchtower, just him and the radio and the empty road.

#callie writes #the bridge #yuri on ice #CUT BC I WROTE...WAY MORE THAN I THOUGHT I DID #oh well

[sidpah]

Sutra of the Magick Kingdom Part 3 – Turmoil and Socialization

1.

I crave for everything to be as it once was when I ate to gluttonous satisfaction and felt neither sickness nor guilt, when vacation meant retreat from responsibility. When each realization of waking proved a wonder to still be here in the land of contentment and autonomous youth.  There’re no more vacations. There’s only one life – one consistent set of factors transposed over a colorfully lurid backdrop.  I cannot escape my karma.  

“Discontent is the first necessity of progress,” said Edison.  “If necessity is the mother of invention, discontent is the father of progress,” said David Rockefeller. But it needn’t be this kind of progress. Rather the mother of spiritual yearning.  All things are in their right place and all people need just what they have. The symptoms are themselves, cure for our ills. If we can only recognize them. These are my most valuable souvenirs...  

2.

It was merely my suppressed aspirations for romance and a fairy tale future, a myopic life with dream wife who had no personality or will distinct from my own.  A half-mill dream mansion with studio in which to record my award-winning compositions for happily ever after.  In this fantasy I never age, there are no bills, no illnesses, no injuries, no quarrels, no politics or society, none of the simple but sad growing apart that real people always do.  No accidental pregnancies, no prostate cancer, wrinkles or colostomy bags. Just the certainty that it was my fate. That these years were simply preparation for the spectacle.  

Part of the Magic was music. The internal metronome wound down, gears stripped silent by theory and repetition. There’s no more music left in me. It’s all just muscle memory and fading echoes. Repeating fragments of melody, humming lonely cadenzas to hear themselves one last time.  To reminisce the years when they were fresh and vital. To prove to themselves their own waning validity. Rather than humor them, put an end to this roving mind!  Put an end to this callused body!

The essence of each microbeing is the same as the macro comprised of the myriad micros.  

3.

Fast rides, puffy steam train smoke, hangliding toes snapping twigs off tops of animated trees. Arms so full of fluid they split where the seams would be. Parents touching their vacant ghost.  Digging for reassurance; bleeding the anemic hole. Finding a response I don’t know to look for.  Dead-burden cleaving them in two, faces splitting at cheekbone and temple to reveal sad withered mask.

I misread the girl’s love for her frail big sister. Her joy in relieving an ounce of her parents’ load. The joy in her mitzvah. The near car crash, side-swipe, airplane falling through bible-belt homestead roof. Does she wonder why she escaped? Does her big sis wonder why she’s the one confined to her battery chair? Why her sister walks on skinny little candycane legs? Did one nearly drown in the amniotic bath? The sea of vacant wonder?  

Amphibious mermaids, pulling rabid souls under the skin of American streets, grilled on American barbeques, shredded on American teeth, digested in American acid, American nitrates reborn as footlong tumors, thick as 70s porno cock, undigested in capped, false-front porcelain dental work paid for by America’s favorite guilty pleasure – the new American pastime – jerking-off in a dark basement wishing you were the specimen of male virility glorified on your strident television set.  Scarred starlets bowing to your immensity in all its muttony prowess. You are god to her dakini – you are sultan to her concubine – you are slave master to her field-working back striped with discipline. A lasting record of her misconduct.  

White spires or antennae of blinking scepters in the murk, ladders to an A-Frame heaven. The baby sleeps under canopy and rolls herself to her vacant room.  The pageant docked for the evening…

Against the pale reflections of battalions, cadets and generals presenting arms and flashing with pinpoint spotlight accuracy at the switchboard operator’s command, socks brown and thick with sloppy mud.  Ears filled with foghorns blasting brain pulp from the inside out. Helmet cracks down its seam and falls impotent on the tarmac.  

Castle covered in chameleon skin shimmering with pixie dust spells an adolescent dream.  These families remind me of fatherly arms around meager shoulders. “I think most of the ones in that category are unbalanced anyway.” Balance is a mirage. Static crackles and EMTs on the verge of their own private heart attacks unclasp chains and plastic pressure straps.  I have my broom and smiling Hispanic gentleman on a rolling wastebasket wiling away the evening passing pleasantries with strangers.  

Two rolling tongues nearly entwined in empty hallways.  I’m taking sides again.  I don’t care about being right. I care only about the other person, the antagonistic person, being debased.  Being shot down and struck impotent.  

Why does every corridor of recollection bring me to conflict and confrontation when those are the things I despise most? The picturesque scenery is epic, finding myself contemplating the explosion of a distant hotel, filling the horizon with dust and severed heads – Air pressure due to the acceleration of an incoming monorail blew out every window and imploded each unfortunate eardrum deafening the best technicians in the world.

4.

A nondescript woman stalks a small vending machine… No one’s around to see her… coin relinquished to slot – Ratchet grinds – Belly swells… Candy-coated babies emerge?

 5.

I dropped a penny.  Stamped down to end its roll but glared up at me tails. Shit luck.  Better to turn it around before it gets maleficent. Picked up the bad-luck coin and rubbed it between thumb and forefinger, sinking all my negative evil energy into the copper face. Then to cast a pure spell, I transmuted all that negativity into good luck, and left the penny on a counter heads-up for someone in need of a miracle.  As so many of us here are. Who would hope to find such an oasis in a hospital?

6.        

Today I became a brethren Muslim simply by donning a new hat. Funny the power of accessories. No hat and everyone mistakes me for Jew. Add a kufi and even Muslims bow to me with reverent “Salaam.”

7.

Only for a second could he understand his own inner monologue. Adding conscious subtext is like typing a story on canvas and then painting over it in hopes of subliminally catching the observer’s imagination.

These curls and slashes are positively meaningless. Not only to any non-English speaking personality, but even to many of the “White Picket Fence” persuasion. For the droll dripping structure is the antithesis of clear iconoclasty. It’s anarchy due to the love of personal back-story. No one else could tell your story but you can interpret it like me and you, and all who encounter the fleeting tale. Drop anchor and battle in its delicious warmth. Cinnamon flatbread warmth. Toasted almonds tossed with sugar and cardamom.

 8.

Riding bus – near window – vacancy on my right. Thirty, forty bodies file in, very few stand out in my eye. Consider rising to give a broken couple my seat, and with it, a fleeting chance at togetherness, when a young thing in black dress, both low and high at the correct ends, slides in at my side. With a flutter I’m not proud of, I opt to stay my ground and enjoy the ride.

Not ten seconds later, the good Samaritan she turns out to be, drifts to the rear to make room for a large mass of woman, a great gristly bursting mountain of human skin. My hopes dashed even before they’d fully formed. I sulk, squishing against the glass, hoping the bus driver is on amphetamines.

A few minutes into the ride the woman resurrects the age-old ice-cracker – “Where are you from?” By accent, I’m informed she’s not a local. I respond congenially and return the serve. “Wales” she answers. Her hubby emerges from the shadow of the rear stairwell. He introduces himself with a similar tongue.

In truth, it was a wonderful conversation I likely never would have managed with the pretty thing who was kind enough to do that which I wasn’t. Her and I would have shared little more than awkward silence in the intermittent lamp-lit dark. Trying not to touch one another’s arm, lest it be misconstrued, or lay our hands on the same inch of seat, and not breathe too loudly or throatily or fart or sneeze or snort or let our stomachs groan. Or maybe only I would worry about those things while she remained entirely unaware of the horny specter to her left.

#poetry #poems #Buddhism #surrealism #Zen #philosophy #hospital #vacation #literature #writing #memoir

[justmyluckff]

Chapter 43:Discover

*2 months later* Amber and I have been hanging tough since she reached out to me. She still hasn’t had a conversation with our father and I would like her to because I’m certain his days are limited.

“Do you like this mini skirt riri?” Amber places a skirt up to her thick waist. Me and Amber are looking for outfits for her up and coming birthday bash. This will be her first public appearance in months.

“It’s cute sis go try it on.”

“I’m big as fuck though. I may not be able to fit this.”

Amber frowns and places it back on the rack. She’s been getting bigger lately. I guess the time away from the limelight gave her healthy weight.

“Try it on babe you might fill out nicely in it.”

“I don’t care let’s go get something to eat I’m starving.”

She forcefully grabs my arm dragging me out of the department store. Talk about agressive

“What do you want to eat fat mama?” I tease her rubbing her belly.

“I want some Chinese food let’s go to my house and order it.” I nod my head agreeing with that notion.

In no time we were stuffing our faces with egg rolls and sesame chicken.

“Oh my god this is so good.” Amber moans as she bites into her rice.

“Slow down fat ass.” I tease her

“This is so go--” She stops mid sentence and vomit erupts from her mouth. She places her hand towards her mouth to try to stop it.

“Are you ok Amber?”

“I’m not sure maybe I have a stomach virus or something?”

“MMmhuh.” I say lowly

She runs to the restroom to clean herself off. I go to the cabinet to get carpet cleaner and wet wash cloths. I attempt to scrub and scrub, I’m able to get the vomit up but it left a mark. She'll have to call Stanley steamer or something..

“I don’t know what came over me.”

Amber walks back into her living room I look at her suspiciously mentally placing two and two together. She’s been gaining weight constantly, being a fat ass and extra moody lately.

“Are you pregnant?” I blurt out looking at her sideways

“How would I be pregnant?”

“Amber you think I’m stupid? Place two and two together.”

“I can’t be pregnant I just can’t. I haven’t had sex with anyone.” I lie through my teeth

A while ago me and Chris had a slip up which led to me keeping my distance from him once again. I’m scared.

“Amber I know about you and Chris. I’m no fool.”

I just stand there staring into space I don’t know what I’m going to do if I’m with child. We are still working on us. I’m just uncertain

“Fuck I’ll take a test to prove to you I’m not pregnant.”

“Ok hold on for a second.”

She walks to her purse and pulls out three or four tests.

“Who the hell carries shit like that around?” I stare at her wide eyed

“You never know sis?”

I snatch the boxes out of her hand in nervousness. In my route to the bathroom she begins to follow me.

“No you stay here. I don't need any more pressure.” I shoo her away with my hands.

She disregards my wishes following me down the hall anyway.

“Ill just wait out here.”

I lock the door to ensure she wouldn't barge in on me. I release a cool breath in the air praying for the results I want. This will change my life forever.

I peed on each stick one by one hoping that my outcome would be negative yet each one read the same thing “Pregnant”

I feel like that hopeless eighteen year old all over again, yes the circumstances are different now but I’m not sure if we’re ready for a child.

“Do you need some help in there?” Rita calls out to me I unlock the door and she races to hug me.

“I’m going to be an auntie I knew it.” She cheers

“This isn’t good Ri.” I say somberly with my head low.

“Girl that man loves you. This isn’t like it used to be. Don’t get too caught up in your own thoughts. Sometimes your mind wanders and you make up scenarios don’t exist.”

“ I just need some time to myself to think about this. I’ll call you later.”

“Fine I know where I’m not wanted. Just remember to tell your baby daddy .”

I begin to bawl my eyes out once I’m alone. I know he will be a great father that’s not the question we just have been too unstable for so long.

“This time she’s really out my life. I know I gotta get her back. Just need one night to hit it right but I can’t her alone nooooo.”

I’m laying down one of the tracks I want to put on my next album I haven’t thought of a title or anything yet. This specific song makes me think about Amber and the way she pushes and pulls me.

Mijo walks in the room causing me to the leave the booth.

“What’s up brodie?”

“Nothing much Brown I’m just exhausted. Tianna is always busy and I’ve been trying to sit down and talk to here.”

“She’s in medical school nigga. She graduated undergrad early and now she’s in med school. I’m sure things aren’t easy for her. She’s in school and working at the hospital.”

“Well damn its fuck how I feel huh?”

I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just thinking he needs to look at both sides. What Tianna does isn’t easy

“Nah I didn’t mean it like that. Just remember love is about compromise and it wont be easy. You guys are engaged. You are an a&r for Cbe. You’re always scouting talent. Just sit down and talk and incorporate each other in you two work schedules.”

“Damn where is Chris and what have you done with my brother?” He jokes

“Man I’m damn near 25 and I’ve made enough mistakes in love I've learned my lesson.”

“Is that right lover boy? SO what’s going on with you and little bit?”

“We haven’t spoken she’s running from me. We had sex one night and I told her I was ready to try us again. Of course she said no because she enjoys running from me.”

I really love Amber Giselle Thomas but the back and forth drives me insane.

“Think about all the things you two have been through bro. It’s understandable why her guard is constantly up. She went through that shit with you just to end up in an abusive relationship. She was humiliated publicly. She’s been through so much think about her whole life.”

I sigh taking in his wisdom he’s right, but one thing I feel gets swept under the rug is since the beginning I made my life all about her and never released a complaint from my mouth. So it annoys me when she questions my love for her. My phone is ringing near the switchboards,

I walk over to answer and to my surprise it’s a picture of Rita on the screen. The whole sister bombshell freaked me out a little Originally it was a weird thing to get past but we all are in different spaces. Rita is a great friend and we talk casually.

“Hey yellow mellow do you have some time to talk?”

“Yes what’s up Rita bot?” I tease her

“I don’t know how to tell you this but fuck it. My big sister is too damn stubborn. She’s pregnant Chris and I’m certain it’s yours. I know she’s hard headed so i’m telling you.”

“Damn are you serious? How you know?”

“I was there with her when she took several tests. I just don’t want what happened last time to take place again out of fear.”

I cringe at the thought of her aborting my child and breaking my heart once again. I refuse to feel that pain again.

“Damn Imma call you back.” I quickly end the call in frustration.

“Why the long face Chris?”

“Apparently Amber is pregnant and Rita was worried. I can’t go through what I did last time man. I’ll kill my fucking self.”

[sayitaliano]

In ufficio - vocabs

Ufficio = office In ufficio = at the office A lavoro = at work Lavorare = to work Avere un lavoro, avere una occupazione = to have a job Impiegato = employed Disoccupato = unemployed Collega = colleague / coworker Capo = boss Presidente = president Direttore = senior manager Stipendio = salary Scrivania = desktop Stampante = printer Cartucce = cartridges Inchiostro = ink Computer = computer Mouse = mouse Email = email Telefono = phone Interno = extension (number of another office) Fogli, carta = papers Matite = pencils Penne = pens Cancelleria = writing materials, stationery // Chancellor’s office Amministrazione / segreteria = administrative office Direzione = senior manager office Centralino = switchboard Documentazione cartacea = paper documentation Fotocopia = photocopy, copy

A chi tocca? = Who’s next? Deve prendere il numero = You have to pick your turn Mi sta suonando il telefono, scusi un attimo = The phone is ringing, can you excuse me for a second? In cosa posso essere utile? = How can I help you? Cosa posso fare per lei? = What can I do for you?  Può aspettare un attimo? = Can you hold on a minute? Le passo il mio collega = I’ll put you through my coworker Il capo non c’è, se vuole può lasciare un messaggio = THe boss isn’t here, if you want you can leave a message. Mi spiace, ma il direttore è impegnato ora. = I’m sorry, the senior manager is busy atm. Mi dispiace, è in riunione / a pranzo / in ferie. = I'm sorry but he's in a meeting / at lunch / on holiday. Quando posso trovare il signor Rossi? = When will I be able to speak with Mr. Rossi? E’ urgente = It’s urgent  Gli manderò un’email per ricordargli l’appuntamento = I’ll send him an email to remind him of the appointment Riproverò più tardi = I’ll try again later  Può lasciarmi i suoi dati? = Can you leave me your data/infos? Mi scusi, non ho capito, potrebbe ripetere per favore? = I’m sorry I didn’t understand, can you repeat please? Può fare lo spelling del suo cognome? = Can you spell your surname?Grazie per aver chiamato = Thanks for calling Grazie per l’aiuto = Thanks for the help Potrebbe richiamarmi appena possibile/al più presto? = Could you please call me back as soon as possible? Mi scusi se l’ho fatta aspettare = I’m sorry I kept you waiting Mi spiace ma non sto bene e non sono in grado di venire a lavorare oggi = I’m sorry I'm afraid I'm not well and won't be able to come in today Il signor Rossi è in malattia oggi = Mr. Rossi is off sick today La signora Bianchi è in maternità = Miss Bianchi is on maternity leave A che ora inizia la riunione? = What time does the meeting start?  L'amministrazione è al secondo piano = The administrative office is on the second floor.  Può rivolgersi al centralino = You can call the switchboard (meaning: telephone operator) Il signor Rossi si trova al primo piano, nel secondo ufficio sulla destra = Mr Rossi is on the first floor, second office on the right Vado a pranzo, ci vediamo tra un’ora = I’m going out for lunch, I’ll see you/I’ll be back in one hour  Dopo pranzo sono libero = I’ll be free after lunch Sei licenziato/a! = You’re fired!  Lei ha rassegnato le dimissioni/si è licenziata = She resigned Posso vedere la documentazione? = Can I see the records?  Dov’è la fotocopiatrice? Devo fare delle fotocopie = Where is the photocopier? I need to do some photocopying  Ti ho lasciato il file sulla scrivania = I left the file on your desk  Il mio computer non funziona al momento = My computer isn’t working rn Internet non funziona = Internet is down La stampante non funziona = The printer isn’t working  Non riesco ad accedere alle mie email / a vedere le mie email = I can’t access my emails

#parole words #According to the job some things might change but I tried to write about a general office #let me know if you need something specific btw

[marionannberry]

Day 29 of #nanomemoir2018 and #nanothatwrimo - the end is so close and I’ve hit my 50k word mark. I have a lot more words to #write and I am continuing on. 💫 Today’s questions/prompts: • What did your story teach you? • Favourite line you wrote. Great questions! 💫 This picture of the Lake is from when the ice was melting in the Spring and early Summer. When I worked at the luxury hotel I experienced how to be more patient. The ice will melt when it is ready. Much like the ice, I too would melt into the season of when I was ready to write about my hotel life experiences. There is no turning back now. I am fully on board with #creativity and #writing! Hurrah! 💫 Favourite line I wrote: I can’t really pick one line. I use my sassy alter-ego, Sis to banter with at times. This part was when I didn’t get a job within the #hotel I was working for. I wanted to transfer from the switchboard to hotel reservations department. ✨ “I didn’t get the job because my verbiage wasn’t professional enough. I was crushed. Sis: Verbiage? Marion Ann: You know, terms for other words. Sis: you didn’t mess anything up. Marion Ann: maybe it was when I said I may have pissed-off a guest by politely telling them there were no tables left at 7pm in the dining room. Sis: you we’re being honest. Marion Ann: too honest.” ✨ I learned a lot from my experiences and even more as I write them into my second memoir about working in luxury hotels and resorts in the #canadianrockies I am so #grateful for these beautiful moments and sharing them with you. If you would like to read my first memoir head to my bio and the link will take you to my debut memoir, Behind The Kitchen Doors. ~ The Summers. Thank you for your support. 💕 Wishing you all a great day. - - - #memoir #writersofinstagram #nanowrimo - @brandywhenry @novelplottingandpeonies @nanowrimo @melrobbinslive @goaldiggerpodcast https://www.instagram.com/p/BqxoviphpSH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1b33up5kq4ss7

#nanomemoir2018 #nanothatwrimo #write #creativity #writing #hotel #canadianrockies #grateful #memoir #writersofinstagram #nanowrimo