May 3, 2026
May. 3rd, 2026 08:02 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lizzybuffy20083. Have you ever traced any of your family tree?
No, it is not something I am really interested in.
No, it is not something I am really interested in.
lizzybuffy2008
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Cooking
May. 3rd, 2026 12:25 amysabetwordsmithThis year during Three Weeks for Dreamwidth, I'm writing about reading as a way of becoming an expert in a given subject. Read Part 1: Introduction to Becoming an Expert, Part 2: Architecture, Part 3: Dance, Part 4: Music, Part 5: Painting, Part 6: Poetry, Part 7: Sculpture, Part 8: Conflict Resolution.
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth Part 9: Cooking
Cooking is a skillset for preparing food to be eaten. It refers to heat, but not all food necessarily heated -- think salads, ice cream, and so on. Aspects include a variety of kitchen skills such as knife work and making sauces, cooking methods such as steaming or grilling, and specific appliances such as a crockpot or microwave oven. Everyone needs to eat, so it's best for each person to have at least some cooking skill. All cultures have their own foodways. Here on Dreamwidth, check out![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thecookbook, creative_cooks, fresh_haul, recipecommunity, veg_life, and vegansofdreamwidth.
( Read more... )
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth Part 9: Cooking
Cooking is a skillset for preparing food to be eaten. It refers to heat, but not all food necessarily heated -- think salads, ice cream, and so on. Aspects include a variety of kitchen skills such as knife work and making sauces, cooking methods such as steaming or grilling, and specific appliances such as a crockpot or microwave oven. Everyone needs to eat, so it's best for each person to have at least some cooking skill. All cultures have their own foodways. Here on Dreamwidth, check out
thecookbook, creative_cooks, fresh_haul, recipecommunity, veg_life, and vegansofdreamwidth.( Read more... )
Science
May. 2nd, 2026 11:43 pmysabetwordsmithThe “big one” might not come alone: Double West Coast earthquake threat
Two of the most dangerous fault systems on the U.S. West Coast may be more connected than scientists once thought. New research suggests the Cascadia subduction zone and the San Andreas fault can “sync up,” triggering earthquakes within minutes or hours of each other. This rare “synchronization” could dramatically increase the scale of a major West Coast disaster. Instead of one massive quake, multiple regions could be hit at nearly the same time.
( Read more... )
Two of the most dangerous fault systems on the U.S. West Coast may be more connected than scientists once thought. New research suggests the Cascadia subduction zone and the San Andreas fault can “sync up,” triggering earthquakes within minutes or hours of each other. This rare “synchronization” could dramatically increase the scale of a major West Coast disaster. Instead of one massive quake, multiple regions could be hit at nearly the same time.
( Read more... )
Climate Change
May. 2nd, 2026 09:24 pmysabetwordsmithReducing air pollution has triggered something worse that scientists didn't predict
Scientists have determined that “marine cloud reflectivity,” caused by cleaner air, has dropped by roughly 2.8 percent per decade across the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific.
Together, those regions span about one-seventh of the planet’s surface, making even small changes in brightness significant on a global scale.
A solution-caused problem. O_O Well, that sucks.
Scientists have determined that “marine cloud reflectivity,” caused by cleaner air, has dropped by roughly 2.8 percent per decade across the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific.
Together, those regions span about one-seventh of the planet’s surface, making even small changes in brightness significant on a global scale.
A solution-caused problem. O_O Well, that sucks.
state of the Riella
May. 2nd, 2026 06:01 pmautobotscoutriellaMade it to both the first farmer's market of the year and early voting this morning, which was really nice. I always end up spending way too much money, but the variety of croissant-adjacent things I end up bringing home is usually worth it. (Our farmer's market has a lot of bakeries along with the veggie stands.)
I'm still working my way through Hades, but I've gotten the first ending and am in the fun "fulfilling prophecies and befriending random gods" stage, so it feels a little bit less intense. (And I got all the side character quests sorted out, which was extremely satisfying. We can fix these tragedies, after all!) I don't expect to write fic for it, but I've definitely been reading some.
Writing...has not been going great, for a lot of reasons, but it seems to be improving. It's MerMay, so I'm tempted to poke at Currents (the mershark!Daryan AU) a little bit and see if maybe that'll get my brain up and running again, especially now that the weather's getting nice. (Why is it easier to write fun mermaid stuff when it's warm outside? Who knows, but it sure works for me.)
I'm still working my way through Hades, but I've gotten the first ending and am in the fun "fulfilling prophecies and befriending random gods" stage, so it feels a little bit less intense. (And I got all the side character quests sorted out, which was extremely satisfying. We can fix these tragedies, after all!) I don't expect to write fic for it, but I've definitely been reading some.
Writing...has not been going great, for a lot of reasons, but it seems to be improving. It's MerMay, so I'm tempted to poke at Currents (the mershark!Daryan AU) a little bit and see if maybe that'll get my brain up and running again, especially now that the weather's getting nice. (Why is it easier to write fun mermaid stuff when it's warm outside? Who knows, but it sure works for me.)
May 1 & 2, 2026
May. 2nd, 2026 07:54 amlizzybuffy2008MAY:
1. Have you ever contributed to something being crowdfunded? Was there an incentive to do so?
I have: I contributed to a start up social media site and an exercise band company.
2. Have you heard of the ‘Language of Flowers’, published in 1884? Victorian Britain and America were caught up in the concept in the 19th Century. Do you know the secret meaning of any flowers?
I have heard of it, but know nothing about it out.
3. Have you ever traced any of your family tree?
4. Today is a holiday in many countries, either to celebrate Labour Day or May Day. If you have a day off today, what are your plans?
5. Do you like rhubarb?
6. Have you ever completed a cryptic crossword, or do you stick to the easy ones?
7. Do you take your phone everywhere, or sometimes leave it at home and not worry about it?
8. Henry Dunant was born today in 1828 – he was the co-founder of the Red Cross. Have you ever learned first aid? Could you resuscitate someone?
9. In 1896, the first horseless carriage show in London featured ten models. Do you own a car? What kind of car is it?
10. Are there some colours you would never wear or use in your home?
11. When was the last time you took a photo?
12. It’s the International Day of Plant Health! Healthy plants mean a healthy planet! Have you ever planted something and watched it grow? Do you look after your houseplants or your garden plants diligently?
13. It’s Top Gun Day! Ever seen it (and/or the sequel)?
14. Have you ever seen a ‘mockumentary’ film or TV show? The term was coined when the 1984 “This is Spinal Tap” film was released, and notable examples on TV include “The Office”.
15. Bees are responsible for pollinating many of the plants we eat (a current estimate is that they are responsible for every three bites of food we eat). Have you seen any bees this year?
16. Henry Fonda was born today in 1905 – have you seen any of his films?
17. It’s World Telecommunications Day – have you ever learned something new online?
18. There are hundreds of different shapes of pasta – Farfalle (butterflies), Campanelle (little bell flowers), Orecchiette (little ears), Rigatoni (ridged), amongst others. Which is your favourite pasta shape to have with a sauce?
19. How’s your gut microbiome? Your gut is linked to your immune system, so eating a large variety of plants each week (at least 30), and eating fermented foods regularly (such as live yoghurt, kefir, fresh sauerkraut and kimchi) is said to have a huge impact on your gut health and therefore your weight and immune system. Do you make an effort to do that every week?
20. It’s International Customer Support Day. When was the last time you had to contact customer support? Were they able to help you?
21. It’s International Tea Day – do you like a cup of tea every now and again? What type of tea do you drink?
22. Today Vivid Sydney starts in Sydney, Australia (and continues until 13th June). Iconic landmarks and urban spaces glow with stunning light installations and 3D projections, captivating both locals and tourists with a vibrant playground of lights, music, and creativity. Have you ever seen a city light show similar to this?
23. When is the last time you ate fresh pineapple – did you prepare it yourself?
24. If you had a pet dog, what name would you give it? What’s the weirdest dog name you’ve heard?
25. It’s estimated that gaming now holds around an 11% share of the global entertainment market. Have you ever played an electronic game (on your phone, computer or a game console)?
26. When you look up into the sky, can you identify any of the cloud formations, such as Cumulonimbus, Cirrus or Stratus?
27. Have you ever tried box breathing? It is an effective way to calm yourself if you are feeling panicky or overwhelmed. You can find the instructions on this page.
28. Do you have a favourite cologne or perfume?
29. When was the last time it rained where you live?
30. What is your favourite way to eat vegetables?
31. Have you ever been in a self-driving car? Would you want to try it?
1. Have you ever contributed to something being crowdfunded? Was there an incentive to do so?
I have: I contributed to a start up social media site and an exercise band company.
2. Have you heard of the ‘Language of Flowers’, published in 1884? Victorian Britain and America were caught up in the concept in the 19th Century. Do you know the secret meaning of any flowers?
I have heard of it, but know nothing about it out.
3. Have you ever traced any of your family tree?
4. Today is a holiday in many countries, either to celebrate Labour Day or May Day. If you have a day off today, what are your plans?
5. Do you like rhubarb?
6. Have you ever completed a cryptic crossword, or do you stick to the easy ones?
7. Do you take your phone everywhere, or sometimes leave it at home and not worry about it?
8. Henry Dunant was born today in 1828 – he was the co-founder of the Red Cross. Have you ever learned first aid? Could you resuscitate someone?
9. In 1896, the first horseless carriage show in London featured ten models. Do you own a car? What kind of car is it?
10. Are there some colours you would never wear or use in your home?
11. When was the last time you took a photo?
12. It’s the International Day of Plant Health! Healthy plants mean a healthy planet! Have you ever planted something and watched it grow? Do you look after your houseplants or your garden plants diligently?
13. It’s Top Gun Day! Ever seen it (and/or the sequel)?
14. Have you ever seen a ‘mockumentary’ film or TV show? The term was coined when the 1984 “This is Spinal Tap” film was released, and notable examples on TV include “The Office”.
15. Bees are responsible for pollinating many of the plants we eat (a current estimate is that they are responsible for every three bites of food we eat). Have you seen any bees this year?
16. Henry Fonda was born today in 1905 – have you seen any of his films?
17. It’s World Telecommunications Day – have you ever learned something new online?
18. There are hundreds of different shapes of pasta – Farfalle (butterflies), Campanelle (little bell flowers), Orecchiette (little ears), Rigatoni (ridged), amongst others. Which is your favourite pasta shape to have with a sauce?
19. How’s your gut microbiome? Your gut is linked to your immune system, so eating a large variety of plants each week (at least 30), and eating fermented foods regularly (such as live yoghurt, kefir, fresh sauerkraut and kimchi) is said to have a huge impact on your gut health and therefore your weight and immune system. Do you make an effort to do that every week?
20. It’s International Customer Support Day. When was the last time you had to contact customer support? Were they able to help you?
21. It’s International Tea Day – do you like a cup of tea every now and again? What type of tea do you drink?
22. Today Vivid Sydney starts in Sydney, Australia (and continues until 13th June). Iconic landmarks and urban spaces glow with stunning light installations and 3D projections, captivating both locals and tourists with a vibrant playground of lights, music, and creativity. Have you ever seen a city light show similar to this?
23. When is the last time you ate fresh pineapple – did you prepare it yourself?
24. If you had a pet dog, what name would you give it? What’s the weirdest dog name you’ve heard?
25. It’s estimated that gaming now holds around an 11% share of the global entertainment market. Have you ever played an electronic game (on your phone, computer or a game console)?
26. When you look up into the sky, can you identify any of the cloud formations, such as Cumulonimbus, Cirrus or Stratus?
27. Have you ever tried box breathing? It is an effective way to calm yourself if you are feeling panicky or overwhelmed. You can find the instructions on this page.
28. Do you have a favourite cologne or perfume?
29. When was the last time it rained where you live?
30. What is your favourite way to eat vegetables?
31. Have you ever been in a self-driving car? Would you want to try it?
Birdfeeding
May. 2nd, 2026 10:58 amysabetwordsmithToday is sunny and chilly.
I fed the birds. I've seen a large flock of sparrows and house finches, a male cardinal, and a fox squirrel.
EDIT 5/2/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 5/2/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a large flock of sparrows and house finches, a male cardinal, and a fox squirrel.
EDIT 5/2/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 5/2/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I am done for the night.
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Conflict Resolution
May. 2nd, 2026 12:37 amysabetwordsmithThis year during Three Weeks for Dreamwidth, I'm writing about reading as a way of becoming an expert in a given subject. Read Part 1: Introduction to Becoming an Expert, Part 2: Architecture, Part 3: Dance, Part 4: Music, Part 5: Painting, Part 6: Poetry, Part 7: Sculpture.
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth Part 8: Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is a skillset for peacefully sorting out disagreements between people. Individual aspects include body language, communication skills, cooperative decision-making, coping skills, emotional awareness, mediation, negotiation, and problem-solving. The goal is to find a win-win solution, or if that is not possible, at least something that everyone can live with. Sometimes you may identify a need for additional resources, reorganzing things, or other stuff that could take a while to accomplish. Conflict resolution is effective when it diffuses the tension of the moment and identifies at least one practical step toward reducing or avoiding future conflicts over the same issue. It's okay if that takes multiple rounds to fix fully. All people experience conflicts sometimes, but different cultures handle this in different ways. Dreamwidth has no conflict resolution communities per se, but you might explorecommon_nature, goals_on_dw, or thankfulthursday for a few of its subskills.
( Read more... )
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth Part 8: Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is a skillset for peacefully sorting out disagreements between people. Individual aspects include body language, communication skills, cooperative decision-making, coping skills, emotional awareness, mediation, negotiation, and problem-solving. The goal is to find a win-win solution, or if that is not possible, at least something that everyone can live with. Sometimes you may identify a need for additional resources, reorganzing things, or other stuff that could take a while to accomplish. Conflict resolution is effective when it diffuses the tension of the moment and identifies at least one practical step toward reducing or avoiding future conflicts over the same issue. It's okay if that takes multiple rounds to fix fully. All people experience conflicts sometimes, but different cultures handle this in different ways. Dreamwidth has no conflict resolution communities per se, but you might explore
common_nature, goals_on_dw, or thankfulthursday for a few of its subskills.( Read more... )
Philosophical Questions: Government
May. 2nd, 2026 12:28 amysabetwordsmithPeople have expressed interest in deep topics, so this list focuses on philosophical questions.
Should governments make laws to protect people from hurting themselves?
( Read more... )
Should governments make laws to protect people from hurting themselves?
( Read more... )
A Day Away
May. 1st, 2026 11:32 pmysabetwordsmithA Day Away Spring/Summer 2026 is now up at the Effingham Magazines page. :D 3q3q3q!!! If you live in or plan to visit central Illinois, this is the best guide to events and attractions within daytrip distance of Effingham.
Greek Myth Fest Bingo Card 5-1-26
May. 1st, 2026 10:55 pmysabetwordsmithHere is my card for the Greek Myth Fest Bingo over in allbingo. The fest runs from May 1-31. (See all my 2026 bingo cards.)
If you'd like to sponsor a particular square, especially if you have an idea for what character, series, or situation it would fit -- talk to me and we'll work something out. I've had a few requests for this and the results have been awesome so far. This is a good opportunity for those of you with favorites that don't always mesh well with the themes of my monthly projects. I may still post some of the fills for free, because I'm using this to attract new readers; but if it brings in money, that means I can do more of it. That's part of why I'm crossing some of the bingo prompts with other projects, such as the Poetry Fishbowl.
Underlined prompts have been filled.
GREEK MYTH FEST BINGO CARD
allbingo. The fest runs from May 1-31. (See all my 2026 bingo cards.) If you'd like to sponsor a particular square, especially if you have an idea for what character, series, or situation it would fit -- talk to me and we'll work something out. I've had a few requests for this and the results have been awesome so far. This is a good opportunity for those of you with favorites that don't always mesh well with the themes of my monthly projects. I may still post some of the fills for free, because I'm using this to attract new readers; but if it brings in money, that means I can do more of it. That's part of why I'm crossing some of the bingo prompts with other projects, such as the Poetry Fishbowl.
Underlined prompts have been filled.
GREEK MYTH FEST BINGO CARD
| loss | journey | destruction | music | fruit |
| metamorphosis | underworld | quest | nature | silver |
| recognition | centaur | WILD CARD | escape | building |
| rescue | hero | gods | identity | wait |
| monster | minotaur | chosen | magic | family |
Never agreeing to do totally insane hours again
May. 4th, 2026 10:01 pmconulyAfter this week. Because after this week, we should have paid off the gas and electric bills, yay!
But yeah, one or two weeks of crunch is one thing, a string of them is something very different.
****************
( Read more... )
But yeah, one or two weeks of crunch is one thing, a string of them is something very different.
( Read more... )
HAPPY BANDCAMP FRIDAY!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
May. 1st, 2026 01:59 pmhaunted_cherriesGUYS
BANDCAMP FRIDAY IS UPON US 👀🎉🎉🎉🎉
Want some cool recommendations to see if anything I’m listening to catches your eye?
PSPSPSPPSPS 🥰 >>>> https://bandcamp.com/haunted-cherries
Personal faves that I’ve had on full album repeat lately:
www.deepdive.com: loved it so much that I have the physical CD for it! Pretty dope if you like that old school vaporwave-style stuff!
I know you’re hurting, everyone is hurting, everyone is trying, you have got to try (Joshua Idehen): Another one that I bought the physical CD for! The album in its entirety is MAGNIFICENT, but “Mum Does the Washing” is a MUST!! Great if you like soulful lyrics with a mix of spoken word!
Marvellus (slowerpace 音楽): one that I forgot to buy during the last round of Bandcamp Friday and I WON’T MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN >:D
Hope you enjoy and score some good finds!! GET CHANCE AND LUCK!! ^ o^)/
BANDCAMP FRIDAY IS UPON US 👀🎉🎉🎉🎉
Want some cool recommendations to see if anything I’m listening to catches your eye?
PSPSPSPPSPS 🥰 >>>> https://bandcamp.com/haunted-cherries
Personal faves that I’ve had on full album repeat lately:
www.deepdive.com: loved it so much that I have the physical CD for it! Pretty dope if you like that old school vaporwave-style stuff!
I know you’re hurting, everyone is hurting, everyone is trying, you have got to try (Joshua Idehen): Another one that I bought the physical CD for! The album in its entirety is MAGNIFICENT, but “Mum Does the Washing” is a MUST!! Great if you like soulful lyrics with a mix of spoken word!
Marvellus (slowerpace 音楽): one that I forgot to buy during the last round of Bandcamp Friday and I WON’T MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN >:D
Hope you enjoy and score some good finds!! GET CHANCE AND LUCK!! ^ o^)/
Birdfeeding
May. 1st, 2026 12:33 pmysabetwordsmithToday is cloudy and cool.
I fed the birds. I've heard a squirrel barking but haven't seen it.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 5/1/26 -- I did a bit of work around patio.
I took some pictures around the yard. Columbine, alliums, poppy, wood hyacinth, and others are blooming.
EDIT 5/1/26 -- I did some brush trimming around the patio.
I've seen a male cardinal and a fox squirrel at the hopper feeder.
I am done for the night.
EDIT 5/1/26 -- We went to a May Day event, and when we got home, my Cold Stream Farm order had arrived.
I fed the birds. I've heard a squirrel barking but haven't seen it.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 5/1/26 -- I did a bit of work around patio.
I took some pictures around the yard. Columbine, alliums, poppy, wood hyacinth, and others are blooming.
EDIT 5/1/26 -- I did some brush trimming around the patio.
I've seen a male cardinal and a fox squirrel at the hopper feeder.
I am done for the night.
EDIT 5/1/26 -- We went to a May Day event, and when we got home, my Cold Stream Farm order had arrived.
Paraphrased comments in the phone game team chat
May. 3rd, 2026 08:58 amconulyAll my responses were silent because they really weren't appropriate for the context, which is that somebody in the thread has a seriously ill relative.
Supportive poster: It's so great that so many of us will come out to support each other with prayer, we're so blessed that this team is so kind, I shall natter on religiously for a really inordinately long comment.
Me: She's being kind and supportive. This is not the time. Don't make it awkward, Connie!
Same supportive poster: Uh, I mean, of course, there are plenty of non-religious people and even atheists who are also really good and kind people too!
Me: God damn it, lady, you just made it awkward! Fuck you so much! Think before you post the first thing, then you won't find yourself making it awkward later!
Supportive poster: It's so great that so many of us will come out to support each other with prayer, we're so blessed that this team is so kind, I shall natter on religiously for a really inordinately long comment.
Me: She's being kind and supportive. This is not the time. Don't make it awkward, Connie!
Same supportive poster: Uh, I mean, of course, there are plenty of non-religious people and even atheists who are also really good and kind people too!
Me: God damn it, lady, you just made it awkward! Fuck you so much! Think before you post the first thing, then you won't find yourself making it awkward later!