May the Fourth Be With You
Monday, May 4th, 2026 01:40 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithToday is Star Wars Day. May the Fourth be with you! Here are some ideas to celebrate it.
ysabetwordsmith
Monday Update 5-4-26
Monday, May 4th, 2026 12:10 amysabetwordsmithThese are some posts from the later part of last week in case you missed them:
Science
Books
Safety
Birdfeeding
Science
Today's Adventures
Climate Change
Birdfeeding
Philosophical Questions: Government
A Day Away
Greek Myth Fest Bingo Card 5-1-26
Today's Adventures
Friday Five
Birdfeeding
Follow Friday 5-1-26: Movies
Bingo
New Year's Resolutions Check In
Community Thursdays
Birdfeeding
Poetry Fishbowl Report for April 7, 2026
Today's Adventures
Birdfeeding
Gaming
Cuddle Party
Poem: "Walnut Park" has 42 comments. Early Humans has 22 comments. Philosophical Questions: Pregnancy has 67 comments. Safety has 78 comments.
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth is running April 25-May 15. People aim to make a new post each day, or participate in various activities to celebrate the platform.
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Introduction to Becoming an Expert
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Architecture
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Dance
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Music
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Painting
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Poetry
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Sculpture
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Conflict Resolution
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Cooking
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Coping Skills
Censorship
"No Faster or Firmer Friendships" has 50 new verses. It belongs to Polychrome Heroics and needs $35 to be complete. Josué reads a funny poem to Maria-Vera.
The weather has been variable here. We got some rain the other day. Seen at the birdfeeders this week: a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, a pair of cardinals, a brown thrasher, and a fox squirrel. I heard a bluejay screaming but didn't see it. Currently blooming: violets, pansies, violas, sweet alyssum, bleeding heart, alliums, marigolds, honeysuckle, raspberies, snapdragons, lantana, million bells, blue lobelia, petunias, portulaca, nemesia, wild chives, star of Bethlehem, wood hyacinths, columbine. Flower buds: peonies, irises. Green fruit: mulberries.
Science
Books
Safety
Birdfeeding
Science
Today's Adventures
Climate Change
Birdfeeding
Philosophical Questions: Government
A Day Away
Greek Myth Fest Bingo Card 5-1-26
Today's Adventures
Friday Five
Birdfeeding
Follow Friday 5-1-26: Movies
Bingo
New Year's Resolutions Check In
Community Thursdays
Birdfeeding
Poetry Fishbowl Report for April 7, 2026
Today's Adventures
Birdfeeding
Gaming
Cuddle Party
Poem: "Walnut Park" has 42 comments. Early Humans has 22 comments. Philosophical Questions: Pregnancy has 67 comments. Safety has 78 comments.
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth is running April 25-May 15. People aim to make a new post each day, or participate in various activities to celebrate the platform.
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Introduction to Becoming an Expert
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Architecture
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Dance
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Music
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Painting
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Poetry
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Sculpture
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Conflict Resolution
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Cooking
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Coping Skills
Censorship
"No Faster or Firmer Friendships" has 50 new verses. It belongs to Polychrome Heroics and needs $35 to be complete. Josué reads a funny poem to Maria-Vera.
The weather has been variable here. We got some rain the other day. Seen at the birdfeeders this week: a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, a pair of cardinals, a brown thrasher, and a fox squirrel. I heard a bluejay screaming but didn't see it. Currently blooming: violets, pansies, violas, sweet alyssum, bleeding heart, alliums, marigolds, honeysuckle, raspberies, snapdragons, lantana, million bells, blue lobelia, petunias, portulaca, nemesia, wild chives, star of Bethlehem, wood hyacinths, columbine. Flower buds: peonies, irises. Green fruit: mulberries.
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Coping Skills
Monday, May 4th, 2026 12:01 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, Part 9: Cooking.
Coping skills make up a toolkit for dealing with stress and challenges. Broad categories include distraction, grounding, emotional relief, self-love, thought challenge, and higher self. Different methods suit different kinds of difficulty. It is important to develop a wide variety of coping skills so that you have something to suit most issues you encounter. Here on Dreamwidth, consider![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
awesomeers, birdfeeding, bloomandawaken, books, cherishchanges, gardening, goals_on_dw, journalsandplanners, recipecommunity, or thankfulthursday
( Read more... )
Coping skills make up a toolkit for dealing with stress and challenges. Broad categories include distraction, grounding, emotional relief, self-love, thought challenge, and higher self. Different methods suit different kinds of difficulty. It is important to develop a wide variety of coping skills so that you have something to suit most issues you encounter. Here on Dreamwidth, consider
awesomeers, birdfeeding, bloomandawaken, books, cherishchanges, gardening, goals_on_dw, journalsandplanners, recipecommunity, or thankfulthursday( Read more... )
Science
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 11:21 pmysabetwordsmithNew tree genus discovered that is related to tomatoes and potatoes
Scientists have identified a rare Andean forest tree related to tomatoes and potatoes as a plant group never named before.
The discovery redraws part of the nightshade family and ties the tree to plant chemicals with medical power.
Scientists have identified a rare Andean forest tree related to tomatoes and potatoes as a plant group never named before.
The discovery redraws part of the nightshade family and ties the tree to plant chemicals with medical power.
Censorship
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 09:39 pmysabetwordsmithThis year I've spotted multiple events and venues doing Three Weeks for Dreamwidth that are also banning Harry Potter and generative AI content. If someone wants to do this in their own event or venue, that's their choice. But when they do it in a way that makes it seem like a parameter of Three Weeks for Dreamwidth as a whole, that is not true and not okay. The one core activity of Three Weeks for Dreamwidth is blogging every day, on ANY topic.
( Read more... )
( Read more... )
Lunch Lurch (part 2 of 4)
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 09:55 pmdialecticdreamerLunch Lurch
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 4
Word count (story only): 1045
[Midday of Friday, 10 November of 2017]
:: During Jules’ lunch break, he receives an urgent call. His decision will cost him, no matter which choice he makes. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics Universe.
Back to part one
On to part thee
“Hey, what are you in the mood for?” A teenager stood near the breakfast bar crowded with bundles of silverware, trays, and mugs. “We’re working at max capacity right now, so I’ll set up your tray then brave the quick movements near the stove, then bring back your meal. Like a lunch counter without written order tags or receipts,” she joked.
“Oh. That makes--” Jules paused as the teen shimmered in place. She now held a tray, silverware, a glass of water, a small plate with two wedges of lemon, and a pair of folded cloth napkins. “Whoah. That’s a speedster skill I’ve never seen before! I’m Jules, by the way.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 2 of 4
Word count (story only): 1045
[Midday of Friday, 10 November of 2017]
:: During Jules’ lunch break, he receives an urgent call. His decision will cost him, no matter which choice he makes. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics Universe.
Back to part one
On to part thee
“Hey, what are you in the mood for?” A teenager stood near the breakfast bar crowded with bundles of silverware, trays, and mugs. “We’re working at max capacity right now, so I’ll set up your tray then brave the quick movements near the stove, then bring back your meal. Like a lunch counter without written order tags or receipts,” she joked.
“Oh. That makes--” Jules paused as the teen shimmered in place. She now held a tray, silverware, a glass of water, a small plate with two wedges of lemon, and a pair of folded cloth napkins. “Whoah. That’s a speedster skill I’ve never seen before! I’m Jules, by the way.”
( Read more... )
Safety
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 02:07 pmysabetwordsmithWhy the U.S. struggles to track heat deaths and protect people from extreme temperatures
A new analysis has revealed that the United States cannot reliably count heat deaths or identify who must act when temperatures turn dangerous.
That failure can turn a clear forecast into a patchy response, leaving protection to depend on local records, budgets, and authority.
TL;DR -- People don't give a shit.
However, there are things that any individual, organization, or town can do about this even in the absence of effective government or societal action.
( Read more... )
A new analysis has revealed that the United States cannot reliably count heat deaths or identify who must act when temperatures turn dangerous.
That failure can turn a clear forecast into a patchy response, leaving protection to depend on local records, budgets, and authority.
TL;DR -- People don't give a shit.
However, there are things that any individual, organization, or town can do about this even in the absence of effective government or societal action.
( Read more... )
Birdfeeding
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 01:42 pmysabetwordsmithToday is partly sunny, windy, and cool.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 5/3/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 5/3/26 -- I planted the lantana in a pot and the lady's mantle in the strip herb garden.
EDIT 5/3/26 -- I planted the ice plant in the mauve pot and put it on the old picnic table.
The weather has turned cloudy with howling wind. >_<
EDIT 5/3/26 -- I planted the hoary vervain in the wildflower garden.
I've seen a fox squirrel at the hopper feeder.
EDIT 5/3/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
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 5/3/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 5/3/26 -- I planted the lantana in a pot and the lady's mantle in the strip herb garden.
EDIT 5/3/26 -- I planted the ice plant in the mauve pot and put it on the old picnic table.
The weather has turned cloudy with howling wind. >_<
EDIT 5/3/26 -- I planted the hoary vervain in the wildflower garden.
I've seen a fox squirrel at the hopper feeder.
EDIT 5/3/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I am done for the night.
Comfort Corner
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 11:47 amfuzzyredThe carpet is thick, soft and cream coloured, while the walls are a yellow bronze colour. In the corner along one wall there is a large sofa, able to seat 4 or 5 people comfortably. Along the other corner wall there is a smaller sofa for 2 or 3 people. In the middle of the furniture, there is a low, round coffee table, perfect for colouring at or for other craft activities.
There is a scratching post and a cat tree for climbing, which are both along the wall opposite the couch. A few fluffy beds have also been put out, in varying sizes, in case any one prefers the floor. There is also a large sturdy perch and a marked off area that says "Landing Pad" in case any winged friends want to visit.
There is now a blue chaise chair in the nook as well, which has been placed near the couch and is good for both sitting and spreading out lengthwise. There are also two armchairs; one an oversized, deep gray leather chair, the other a square fabric armchair in deep blue with light purple swirls on it.
There are two baskets off to the side. One contains fuzzy blankets, a variety of fuzzy and textured pillows, and a collection of stuffed animals while the other contains a variety of art supplies, ranging from colouring pages and blank paper to crayons and coloured pencils, and more besides.
There is a scratching post and a cat tree for climbing, which are both along the wall opposite the couch. A few fluffy beds have also been put out, in varying sizes, in case any one prefers the floor. There is also a large sturdy perch and a marked off area that says "Landing Pad" in case any winged friends want to visit.
There is now a blue chaise chair in the nook as well, which has been placed near the couch and is good for both sitting and spreading out lengthwise. There are also two armchairs; one an oversized, deep gray leather chair, the other a square fabric armchair in deep blue with light purple swirls on it.
There are two baskets off to the side. One contains fuzzy blankets, a variety of fuzzy and textured pillows, and a collection of stuffed animals while the other contains a variety of art supplies, ranging from colouring pages and blank paper to crayons and coloured pencils, and more besides.
Three Weeks for Dreamwidth: Cooking
Sunday, 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 outthecookbook, 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
Saturday, 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... )
Lunch Lurch (part 1 of 4)
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 10:35 pmdialecticdreamerLunch Lurch
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 4
Word count (story only):
[Midday of Friday, 10 November of 2017]
:: During Jules’ lunch break, he receives an urgent call. His decision will cost him, no matter which choice he makes. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics Universe.
“Hey, Jules, do you want coffee with that, or some herbal tea?” a strange woman with blonde hair offered as she slid past him in the archway between the kitchen and the dining area. The dining area was too small to seat everyone, so people slipped in and out of the kitchen to get their food.
Jules shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. I can’t tell what spices are in the food yet.” He frowned. “Have we been introduced?”
She shook her head. “Nah. I got in less than an hour ago. I heard that you’re a friendly guy, though.” She slowed down, her breath warm on the back of his neck.
Jules took a step forward, and as far to the side as the tight conditions allowed. “Excuse me. Thanks for the offer but I can get my own drink.”
The stranger muttered something under her breath and glided away with soundless, precise steps.
The two people in front of him collected enough food for a family of six to have a full meal. Each. Jules blinked, focusing on the square of lofty cornbread on one tray.
:: Author note-Sorry. Headache is just below migraine level but it’s not improved all day. Falling asleep sitting up won’t improve matters any.::
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 4
Word count (story only):
[Midday of Friday, 10 November of 2017]
:: During Jules’ lunch break, he receives an urgent call. His decision will cost him, no matter which choice he makes. Part of the Lodestar arc in the Polychrome Heroics Universe.
“Hey, Jules, do you want coffee with that, or some herbal tea?” a strange woman with blonde hair offered as she slid past him in the archway between the kitchen and the dining area. The dining area was too small to seat everyone, so people slipped in and out of the kitchen to get their food.
Jules shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. I can’t tell what spices are in the food yet.” He frowned. “Have we been introduced?”
She shook her head. “Nah. I got in less than an hour ago. I heard that you’re a friendly guy, though.” She slowed down, her breath warm on the back of his neck.
Jules took a step forward, and as far to the side as the tight conditions allowed. “Excuse me. Thanks for the offer but I can get my own drink.”
The stranger muttered something under her breath and glided away with soundless, precise steps.
The two people in front of him collected enough food for a family of six to have a full meal. Each. Jules blinked, focusing on the square of lofty cornbread on one tray.
:: Author note-Sorry. Headache is just below migraine level but it’s not improved all day. Falling asleep sitting up won’t improve matters any.::
Climate Change
Saturday, 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.
Birdfeeding
Saturday, 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
Saturday, 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
Saturday, 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
Friday, 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.
