2025 November Magpie (not Monday)
Nov. 12th, 2025 10:10 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dialecticdreamerWelcome to the November of 2025 Magpie Monday!
Yes, it’s Wednesday. Yes, I’m “running late.” I’m very sorry about that. Life keeps kicking me in the shins, on Mondays! So, I’m turning that recurring nonsense into an actual theme!
( Read more... )
Yes, it’s Wednesday. Yes, I’m “running late.” I’m very sorry about that. Life keeps kicking me in the shins, on Mondays! So, I’m turning that recurring nonsense into an actual theme!
( Read more... )
(no subject)
Nov. 12th, 2025 12:56 pmshadowhiveSo it’s been almost a week since the last post, so it’s probably time for another even though I’ve not done anything too exciting.
First off nintendo have decided that this is gonna be a random announcement week. There is confirmation of a new Zelda Lego set coming next year, which judging by the video seems to be the Ganon fight from Ocarina of time (with a new Zelda!). I’m so glad they’re finally doing another one, I’m honestly surprised it’s took them this long.
The other two announcements are more annoying in the sense I can’t see what they are on time. There’s a thing about the Mario film (today) which seems to be info on it so likely a trailer and tomorrow there’s a new Pokopia trailer which I’m so hyped to see but again I’ll miss it. (Today causa heading out for the gig, tomorrow cause of the last opticians appointment).
But anyway, the weekend was largely uneventful, mostly cause of being wiped energy wise. However the IT blu ray came so I’m all set to watch that whenever. But mostly I was just flop, though I have done Pokémon ZA some more, mostly sidequest stuff though I have progressed on the main quest and finally met Corbeau who is really hot (though shorter than I expected).
Monday was the trip to the vets cause of Naryu’s ears and it seems they’re (finally!) all sorted so she was at last able to have the first of her jabs. That’s good, though it was a different vet this time and his unfamiliarity was clear.
I picked up the empire Stranger Things from sainsburys, along with some of the big Doritos bags cause they were on offer then came back, flopped and did more ZA.
In the night I watched the latest Once Upon A Time In Space, which has been this interesting thing about astronaut and others who have worked in the space programme. It’s been really interesting so far with them talking about their experiences openly, both the food and the bad. (And the first ep was so sad cause there was one guy talking about his brother who sadly died when the shuttle blew up) This one made me sad about Mir, even though it was getting rundown at this point (and last weeks had incidents happening there). It’s just a shame it was scuppered due to politics.
Then I watched IT Welcome To Derry. This week was a more ‘tame’ ep in comparison to the first two, but it was still really great. (And damn who is letting these kids out unsupervised so often!) And yay Taniel (Joshua Odjick) got lines this time! And I saw he’s in the next time trailer so I’m excited for next week’s.
On Sunday I watched the next ep of Wednesday, leaving one ep left. Instead of waiting a week I decided to watch it last night. So what did I think of Wednesday season 2? (Under a cut for spoilers, and likely rambles)
( Read more... )
I’m heading out in a few hours (around 2) for the James Marriott gig tonight, yipee! I would usually head out later cause being in Birmingham for a gig means I can’t do too much (and I’d rather go to my usual cinema than the odeon for stuff) but I wanna try for the Stranger Things cafe so fingers crossed I can this time. Then it’ll just be a matter of killing time (which again hard cause I can neither take anything to do or get anything I see, unless it’s small).
First off nintendo have decided that this is gonna be a random announcement week. There is confirmation of a new Zelda Lego set coming next year, which judging by the video seems to be the Ganon fight from Ocarina of time (with a new Zelda!). I’m so glad they’re finally doing another one, I’m honestly surprised it’s took them this long.
The other two announcements are more annoying in the sense I can’t see what they are on time. There’s a thing about the Mario film (today) which seems to be info on it so likely a trailer and tomorrow there’s a new Pokopia trailer which I’m so hyped to see but again I’ll miss it. (Today causa heading out for the gig, tomorrow cause of the last opticians appointment).
But anyway, the weekend was largely uneventful, mostly cause of being wiped energy wise. However the IT blu ray came so I’m all set to watch that whenever. But mostly I was just flop, though I have done Pokémon ZA some more, mostly sidequest stuff though I have progressed on the main quest and finally met Corbeau who is really hot (though shorter than I expected).
Monday was the trip to the vets cause of Naryu’s ears and it seems they’re (finally!) all sorted so she was at last able to have the first of her jabs. That’s good, though it was a different vet this time and his unfamiliarity was clear.
I picked up the empire Stranger Things from sainsburys, along with some of the big Doritos bags cause they were on offer then came back, flopped and did more ZA.
In the night I watched the latest Once Upon A Time In Space, which has been this interesting thing about astronaut and others who have worked in the space programme. It’s been really interesting so far with them talking about their experiences openly, both the food and the bad. (And the first ep was so sad cause there was one guy talking about his brother who sadly died when the shuttle blew up) This one made me sad about Mir, even though it was getting rundown at this point (and last weeks had incidents happening there). It’s just a shame it was scuppered due to politics.
Then I watched IT Welcome To Derry. This week was a more ‘tame’ ep in comparison to the first two, but it was still really great. (And damn who is letting these kids out unsupervised so often!) And yay Taniel (Joshua Odjick) got lines this time! And I saw he’s in the next time trailer so I’m excited for next week’s.
On Sunday I watched the next ep of Wednesday, leaving one ep left. Instead of waiting a week I decided to watch it last night. So what did I think of Wednesday season 2? (Under a cut for spoilers, and likely rambles)
( Read more... )
I’m heading out in a few hours (around 2) for the James Marriott gig tonight, yipee! I would usually head out later cause being in Birmingham for a gig means I can’t do too much (and I’d rather go to my usual cinema than the odeon for stuff) but I wanna try for the Stranger Things cafe so fingers crossed I can this time. Then it’ll just be a matter of killing time (which again hard cause I can neither take anything to do or get anything I see, unless it’s small).
Cuddle Party
Nov. 12th, 2025 01:42 amysabetwordsmithEveryone needs contact comfort sometimes. Not everyone has ample opportunities for this in facetime. So here is a chance for a cuddle party in cyberspace. Virtual cuddling can help people feel better.
We have a cuddle room that comes with fort cushions, fort frames, sheets for draping, and a weighted blanket. A nest full of colorful egg pillows sits in one corner. There is a basket of grooming brushes, hairbrushes, and styling combs. A bin holds textured pillows. There is a big basket of craft supplies along with art markers, coloring pages, and blank paper. The kitchen has a popcorn machine. Labels are available to mark dietary needs, recipe ingredients, and level of spiciness. Here is the bathroom, open to everyone. There is a lawn tent and an outdoor hot tub. Bathers should post a sign for nude or clothed activity. Come snuggle up!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, along with various other harvest festivals and feasts. :D Load up the table! I am putting out Delectable Turkey of Gratitude, Buddha's Hand Salad, Mashed Yams with Halva, Persimmon Crumble, and apple cider.
( Read more... )
We have a cuddle room that comes with fort cushions, fort frames, sheets for draping, and a weighted blanket. A nest full of colorful egg pillows sits in one corner. There is a basket of grooming brushes, hairbrushes, and styling combs. A bin holds textured pillows. There is a big basket of craft supplies along with art markers, coloring pages, and blank paper. The kitchen has a popcorn machine. Labels are available to mark dietary needs, recipe ingredients, and level of spiciness. Here is the bathroom, open to everyone. There is a lawn tent and an outdoor hot tub. Bathers should post a sign for nude or clothed activity. Come snuggle up!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, along with various other harvest festivals and feasts. :D Load up the table! I am putting out Delectable Turkey of Gratitude, Buddha's Hand Salad, Mashed Yams with Halva, Persimmon Crumble, and apple cider.
( Read more... )
Aurora
Nov. 11th, 2025 11:03 pmysabetwordsmithSolar flares are causing auroras to appear in the northern half of the continental USA.
We caught a great show here in central Illinois. :D There was a large bright green blob to the northwest, a paler green streak just south of that, a larger red area just north of it, and some pink off toward the northeast. It's the most distinctive aurora we've seen -- previous examples tended to be solid sheets and less bright.
We caught a great show here in central Illinois. :D There was a large bright green blob to the northwest, a paler green streak just south of that, a larger red area just north of it, and some pink off toward the northeast. It's the most distinctive aurora we've seen -- previous examples tended to be solid sheets and less bright.
What is this crap!?
Nov. 12th, 2025 11:45 pmconulyDemocrats rebel after 8 senators cut a deal to end the shutdown without ACA funds
Bunch of weak-willed cowards.
Bunch of weak-willed cowards.
Today is my grandmother's birthday
Nov. 11th, 2025 04:30 pmconulyShe was inordinately pleased to have been born on the anniversary of the Armistice, not that it kept her country from being invaded again when she was a young woman.
**********************
( Read more... )
( Read more... )
#43 Night Guest, Right Guest? (part 1 of 1, complete)
Nov. 11th, 2025 10:29 pmdialecticdreamerNight Guest, Right Guest?
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1189
[Sunday, May 10, 2020, night]
:: Declan pleads his case among the Teagues. Part of the Edison’s Mirror universe. ::
Declan scanned the enormous pallet made on the living room floor next to one cluster of couches and armchairs. “Wha--” He froze, swallowing the last sound of the word, staring at Ed’s impressive scowl.
‘Sit down,” Vic suggested. He turned to the preteen. “Ed, can you eat a few bites? I was thinking of a peanut butter cookie sandwich, and I’d love company.”
“I’ll make some tea,” Aidan offered. “Declan, would you like some? It’s raspberry leaf.”
Declan kept looking around the living room. “Sure. Yeah. Thanks.” He spun in a slow circle. “What’s going on with the three of you?”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1189
[Sunday, May 10, 2020, night]
:: Declan pleads his case among the Teagues. Part of the Edison’s Mirror universe. ::
Declan scanned the enormous pallet made on the living room floor next to one cluster of couches and armchairs. “Wha--” He froze, swallowing the last sound of the word, staring at Ed’s impressive scowl.
‘Sit down,” Vic suggested. He turned to the preteen. “Ed, can you eat a few bites? I was thinking of a peanut butter cookie sandwich, and I’d love company.”
“I’ll make some tea,” Aidan offered. “Declan, would you like some? It’s raspberry leaf.”
Declan kept looking around the living room. “Sure. Yeah. Thanks.” He spun in a slow circle. “What’s going on with the three of you?”
( Read more... )
Space Exploration
Nov. 11th, 2025 06:20 pmysabetwordsmithThis picture of a horse in a spacesuit snagged my attention. There are a lot of things wrong with the picture, but one in particular I wanted to talk about because it's so relevant to science fiction. That horse would be almost blind. Humans see mostly forward with binocular vision. Horses see mostly sideways with monocular vision; they have a narrow blind spot in back, another right in front of them, and a little wedge of binocular vision. This is why you always approach a horse from the side, where they can see you easily, and why they often turn their head to look at you sideways if you are in front of them.
So a spacesuit helmet for a prey species with eyes to the side should have its reinforcement as a strip from front to back, with a faceplate on either side, rather than a small window only in the front. When you design spacesuits for aliens, keep in mind how their sensory organs work, and try to avoid just mimicking equipment designed for humans.
So a spacesuit helmet for a prey species with eyes to the side should have its reinforcement as a strip from front to back, with a faceplate on either side, rather than a small window only in the front. When you design spacesuits for aliens, keep in mind how their sensory organs work, and try to avoid just mimicking equipment designed for humans.
Wildlife
Nov. 11th, 2025 02:01 pmysabetwordsmithKiller whales perfect a ruthless trick to hunt great white sharks
Orcas in Mexico are flipping young great whites for their livers — a chilling display of intelligence and adaptation.
In the Gulf of California, a pod of orcas known as Moctezuma’s pod has developed a chillingly precise technique for hunting young great white sharks — flipping them upside down to paralyze and extract their nutrient-rich livers. The behavior, filmed and documented by marine biologists, reveals a level of intelligence and social learning that suggests cultural transmission of hunting tactics among orcas.
Orcas in Mexico are flipping young great whites for their livers — a chilling display of intelligence and adaptation.
In the Gulf of California, a pod of orcas known as Moctezuma’s pod has developed a chillingly precise technique for hunting young great white sharks — flipping them upside down to paralyze and extract their nutrient-rich livers. The behavior, filmed and documented by marine biologists, reveals a level of intelligence and social learning that suggests cultural transmission of hunting tactics among orcas.
Birdfeeding
Nov. 11th, 2025 01:22 pmysabetwordsmithToday is cloudy and cold.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 11/11/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 11/11/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
I've seen a young fox squirrel at the hopper feeder
EDIT 11/11/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 11/11/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 11/11/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
I've seen a young fox squirrel at the hopper feeder
EDIT 11/11/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
Cyberspace Theory
Nov. 11th, 2025 12:35 pmysabetwordsmithPlausible: Privacy focused Google Analytics alternative
Even though the purpose of Plausible Analytics is to track the usage of a website, this can still be done without collecting any personal data or personally identifiable information (PII), without using cookies and while respecting the privacy of your website visitors.
By using Plausible Analytics, all the site measurement is carried out absolutely anonymously. Cookies are not set and no personal data is collected. All data is in aggregate only. The website owner gets some actionable data to help them learn and improve, while the visitor keeps having a nice and enjoyable experience.
I stumbled across this today. Here is the kind of thing that websites could be doing instead of violating people's boundaries, using their property without permission, and teaching dangerously wrong interpretations of "consent." If you have your own website where you control the software, you might look into it.
Even though the purpose of Plausible Analytics is to track the usage of a website, this can still be done without collecting any personal data or personally identifiable information (PII), without using cookies and while respecting the privacy of your website visitors.
By using Plausible Analytics, all the site measurement is carried out absolutely anonymously. Cookies are not set and no personal data is collected. All data is in aggregate only. The website owner gets some actionable data to help them learn and improve, while the visitor keeps having a nice and enjoyable experience.
I stumbled across this today. Here is the kind of thing that websites could be doing instead of violating people's boundaries, using their property without permission, and teaching dangerously wrong interpretations of "consent." If you have your own website where you control the software, you might look into it.
Vocabulary: Apastron
Nov. 11th, 2025 11:48 amysabetwordsmithFrom prettygoodword:
apastron (uh-PAS-truhn, uh-PAS-tron) - n., the point of greatest separation between a celestial object and the star it orbits.
Many dictionaries specify that the celestial object is another star in a binary system, but the more general definition is correct. Contrast with periastron, the point of closest approach. Coined on the model of aphelion from Ancient Greek roots ap(o)-, away/apart (the form of ad- before vowels & h) + ắstron, star (ultimately from PIE root *h₂stḗr, burn/glow).
This sounds useful for my nerd friends. :D
prettygoodword:apastron (uh-PAS-truhn, uh-PAS-tron) - n., the point of greatest separation between a celestial object and the star it orbits.
Many dictionaries specify that the celestial object is another star in a binary system, but the more general definition is correct. Contrast with periastron, the point of closest approach. Coined on the model of aphelion from Ancient Greek roots ap(o)-, away/apart (the form of ad- before vowels & h) + ắstron, star (ultimately from PIE root *h₂stḗr, burn/glow).
This sounds useful for my nerd friends. :D
Brr! Suddenly got cold!
Nov. 9th, 2025 11:55 amconulyMy pipe fix needs retooling. I'm not thrilled, but also not surprised. I need to start putting aside cash every week to get it repaired properly, but for now I'll buy more plumber's putty.
In other news, I have to do all of my laundry - boo! - and my new glasses are working nicely now that I'm used to them. I'm in the stage of owning glasses where I vow I'll be super careful not to let gunk build up between the frames and the lenses. We'll see how long that lasts! Wish me luck!
*************************
( Read more... )
In other news, I have to do all of my laundry - boo! - and my new glasses are working nicely now that I'm used to them. I'm in the stage of owning glasses where I vow I'll be super careful not to let gunk build up between the frames and the lenses. We'll see how long that lasts! Wish me luck!
( Read more... )
Felix Crow by Kay Ryan
Nov. 10th, 2025 12:09 pmconulyCrow school
is basic and
short as a rule—
just the rudiments
of quid pro crow
for most students.
Then each lives out
his unenlightened
span, adding his
bit of blight
to the collected
history of pushing out
the sweeter species;
briefly swaggering the
swagger of his
aggravating ancestors
down my street.
And every time
I like him
when we meet.
****
Link
is basic and
short as a rule—
just the rudiments
of quid pro crow
for most students.
Then each lives out
his unenlightened
span, adding his
bit of blight
to the collected
history of pushing out
the sweeter species;
briefly swaggering the
swagger of his
aggravating ancestors
down my street.
And every time
I like him
when we meet.
Link
This past week...
Nov. 11th, 2025 05:32 amarthur_p_dentLate, yes. But not entirely surprising - broken habits are always hard for me to get going again. So for this week I'll take late as a partial win.
Last week was pretty good overall. Work was extremely boring though, which can be really annoying. The weather has turned (wind, rain, and cold), so walks at lunch haven't been as frequent. We even got some wet snow on the weekend, so if we're getting into that kind of weather now I'll have to find some warmer things to wear.
I mostly succeeded in getting to the gym on the days I planned to. Friday I skipped due toothache-related poor sleep. Fortunately it didn't continue through the weekend, but I am scheduled for a root canal today. Much of the week I was fairly stiff, but that's mostly passed. I haven't been running as much though, so I need to figure out how to add more of that into my routine.
Curling started up on Friday. This year I'm in a new league in a different location (long story). There are a few people I know from previous years but mostly new faces. So far I haven't felt as out of place as I normally do in new situations - hopefully that continues. Also, the ice conditions are much better than what I'm used to, so maybe my game will show some signs of improvement (not yet, but maybe soon).
After some deliberation, I signed up for my second spring half-marathon. The first one is local (only about 30 minutes away), so no overnight travel. For the second one I'll need to travel, so I'm making it a long weekend trip for the two of us. Details are still in the works but I think we'll have a great time.
And that catches things up for this week. I hope you have a good week to come, and I'll see you again soon. =]
Last week was pretty good overall. Work was extremely boring though, which can be really annoying. The weather has turned (wind, rain, and cold), so walks at lunch haven't been as frequent. We even got some wet snow on the weekend, so if we're getting into that kind of weather now I'll have to find some warmer things to wear.
I mostly succeeded in getting to the gym on the days I planned to. Friday I skipped due toothache-related poor sleep. Fortunately it didn't continue through the weekend, but I am scheduled for a root canal today. Much of the week I was fairly stiff, but that's mostly passed. I haven't been running as much though, so I need to figure out how to add more of that into my routine.
Curling started up on Friday. This year I'm in a new league in a different location (long story). There are a few people I know from previous years but mostly new faces. So far I haven't felt as out of place as I normally do in new situations - hopefully that continues. Also, the ice conditions are much better than what I'm used to, so maybe my game will show some signs of improvement (not yet, but maybe soon).
After some deliberation, I signed up for my second spring half-marathon. The first one is local (only about 30 minutes away), so no overnight travel. For the second one I'll need to travel, so I'm making it a long weekend trip for the two of us. Details are still in the works but I think we'll have a great time.
And that catches things up for this week. I hope you have a good week to come, and I'll see you again soon. =]
