Pokemon Embroidery Hoops made by IggyStarpup

I am so gonna try making this for my bro next birthday. Wish me luck!

The director of cybersecurity from the Electronic Freedom Foundation is offering to help women who have been threatened with compromise of their devices.

I better see EVERYBODY reblogging this

oh my god.

let me share a memory with y’all. it’s from i guess 1978 or thereabouts. it’s high summer. i don’t remember where my mom was driving me, in our avocado green chevette, i just know there was a traffic jam that turned 35w northbound into a parking lot from horizon to horizon.

picture it – wait, you don’t have to use your imagination, this happened all the damn time back then.

every one of those damn cars was burning leaded gasoline. there were no emissions regulations. there were no safety regulations. there were just thousands and thousands of detroit steel shoeboxes belching visible smoke as they idled, engines loud and hot, here and there a radiator giving up in the heat, a cloud of burning oil rising.

i, a smeet of five or six, was choking on toxic smog.

i reckon it was about a half hour into the traffic jam that i first threw up. i remember a blinding headache, i remember being confused, i remember dry heaving with my arms and head hanging out the window, the green metal of the car burning my hands and my chin. i don’t remember passing out, but i’m told i lost consciousness before mom was able to get to an off-ramp, because there were no emergency lanes on the highways back then.

i lived. and life went on. what were we going to do, complain? if i’d died, the cause of death probably would’ve been recorded as heatstroke, not carbon monoxide poisoning.

i know i’m probably preaching to the choir here on tumblr. but i really wish i could tell that story to the people who think deregulation is no big deal. i wish they’d put themselves in my mom’s shoes.

or even just look at some old pictures, then look out the window.

ever notice how cityscapes used to have that orange tint and hazy aura? yeah, that’s poison gas.

remember how the mississippi river used to be a stinking soup of baby-shit yellow sludge covered with disturbingly stiff rafts of light orange foam?

i can’t even find pictures of the sludge and foam, i guess they didn’t end up on the internet. the smell was indescribable. that oily shimmer. the reek of dead things. people didn’t boat on the river for pleasure; it smelled too bad, it was too ugly, and you could get super super sick if you touched the water.

and now look at it.

i still wouldn’t want to drink it, but if i fell in i wouldn’t bolt for the shower in a panic, you know?

if the thieving billionaires get their way, we can kiss those sailboats goodbye, and learn the smell of toxic foam once more. the ultra-rich won’t even feel the extra money, they’ve already got more than they could ever touch, they just stash it in offshore accounts to rot, but the rest of us will return to a time of neverending nausea and weird cancers. a time when every elementary school class had at least one kind who’d been born with no fingers or their heart outside their body, and this was just… the way things were.

i’m sorry. i didn’t mean to longpost. it’s just. god. y’all have no idea how CLEAN everything is now, compared to when i was a kid. and these rich old men are counting on that, on people not knowing or not remembering how bad it was before regulation, not realizing how much we need these protections until it’s too late.

I enforce federal worker health and safety and pollution regulations. 

When I was learning my trade, when my classmates and I were having a chuckle over the “well duh” level of specificity written into the Code of Federal Regulations (try “no hazardous material shall be stored in crew berthing” on for size), I will never forget the silence that followed when our instructor spoke these words:

“Your regulations are written in blood.”

These regulations were not written on a whim. They were written because someone thought they could cut costs by storing however many more pounds of a radioactive, toxic, carcinogenic, or whatever else material in the same rooms where the human beings they paid to transport those materials slept, and then did that, because no one was telling them not to. 

They were written because people died. Horrifically. Because unregulated capitalism values profit over human life and suffering. 

Can I say it again, for those not paying attention? 

Unregulated capitalism values profit over human life and suffering.

Please note the recalls etc. we’re already seeing with the current US government going after those regulations, and please see Doug Ford up here trying to weaken our water safety regulations again - the last time that happened, under another Conservative government, Walkerton happened and people died. Some died quickly, some lived for years with debilitating illnesses and then died.

Natsu x Lucy Fanfiction Gems

A continued list of my favorite stories that keep piling up.

Notes:

-More current updated ones are at the top of the list

-Only one story per author

-Sexual content in some stories

-Stories from FF.net are first, followed by the stories from A03

Happy Reading!

-FF.net stories-

Bound in Blood (M) by xambedo

When tragedy unseals a demon beneath the soil of Fairy Hills, Lucy Heartfilia is offered a choice: remain and be buried alive, or bargain to save her classmates. Seven years later, Natsu is here to collect, but he’s about to get more than he bargained for. / NaLu / Romance - Supernatural - Humour

Capturing Her Damaged Heart (M) by mushi0131

A deadly disease plagues the world. People are dying, the dead are rising. The infection spreads too fast to stop. Everyone tries their best to survive in this post-apocalyptic world, but things get messy for Natsu when he finds a blonde woman on one of his missions. Natsu takes it upon himself to help her, protect her, and accidentally fall in love with her? Zombie Apocalypse AU.

Til Death Do Us Part (M) by superfreakerz

Immortal/Reincarnation AU. There are immortals and there are those who reincarnate, though it’s best to keep these things hidden. Lucy is attending college and meets Natsu, a mischievous boy with pink hair, a devilish smile, and a body that never ages.

Dauntless (M) by HungryPeanut

The Royal Military College was founded a few centuries ago and the traditional laws that were instaured at the time still remained. One of those laws stipulating clearly that only male students were allowed to apply for the formation. But here Lucy was, standing among the other recruits in the ranks, dressed as a man.

Do it for him, Do it for her (T) by schmad20

Lucy goes on with her mission, “without” any one else. She wants to help her client and while doing that she’ll prove to others what she’s capable of! She’s doing it for herself…and for him… While she’s off on her mission, Natsu is waiting restlessly at home. Waiting for her to come home. He knows how much this means to her… So he’s doing it for her…

Walk through the fire (T) by elssiie

Strategist and priestess Lucy Heartfilia gets caught up in the turmoil of war. Torn between duty and love she must decide whether to follow her heart or mind because the destiny of two nations rests on her shoulders.

Implexium Vitae (M) by notjustanyfangrl

It is said that some people have old souls, reborn every couple centuries to find their loved ones again and continue on their never ending journey. But what happens to these intersecting lives when one is immortal and the other is ripped from them? Vampire AU.

Falling into Home (T) by selenityshiroi

Post-canon. Lucy finds it difficult to let certain horrors from the war go but, fortunately, her team mates are having the same struggle and they can work past it together.

Her Master (M) by Letting go of Fate

Neither of them remembered how it all started. How their innocent friendship twisted into something like this. She loved it. He craved it. He was her Master and she, his pet.

Stars that Bite (T) by MizzyPlatinum

AU in which Lucy feeds off of blood and refuses to drink Natsu’s, but what happens when Natsu finds out that he’s the only one she refuses to feed from? NaLu. OneShot. Fluff. Blood trigger.

Dark Side of You (M) by Binky1987

Post Manga/Anime, therefore sort of AU. The progress of Lucy and Natsu’s relationship, five years after the war. When finally their relationship is becoming defined, the world turns ugly and they have to choose a side. With Lucy’s life on the line the choice is clear, the world be damned because you can’t take his things and live to tell about it.

One Week of Danger (T) by Cervella

“Okay, Miss Mystic.” Lucy stood up and held the magazine which she would flush down the drain later above her head. Plue imitated her totally heroic pose and she was dead serious when she yelled,“In the next week I will prove that your horoscope is completely wrong!”

Desire In Strawberries (M) by  shelbyshoe

Natsu and Lucy are swept away by a festival held by their wealthy client, Lady Nakahara. There is more than mystery and the scent of strawberries in the air as they find themselves intimately closer to one another. What they thought was a friendly feast turns into something more as the puzzling night goes on.

Letter’s To Mom (T) by  ElementalMiko12

Going back to the place they first met after Lucy reveals an unkept promise she made to her mother; Natsu takes her to keep that promise… In the process Lucy’s deceased mother decides to keep a promise of her own she made long ago. (Complete)

The Simplest Gift (A Valentine’s Day Special) (T) by ladyoflitany A Valentine’s Day one shot, involving Natsu, Lucy unspoken feelings and Valentine’s gifts. Throw in a meddling Mira, Natsu misunderstanding the idea of Valentine’s and Lucy’s missing fan mail and problems and Hilarity ensue…

Brightside (K+) by stopnatsu Natsu loves Lucy. Lucy is on a date. Natsu gets roaring drunk and drama ensues. Oneshot. Angst/fluffy. (May or may not be heavily inspired by Mr. Brightside by The Killers).

The Lacrima Wish (T) by  LucyLacrima

In the midst of a battle with Natsu, Lucy stumbles upon a cursed tree and something is released. She is given the opportunity to make one wish, with no limitations, and is given a Lacrima. The Lacrima allows her to see the repercussions of each potential wish. She tests different futures while watching her guild’s future unfold.

Thirty Days of Misadventures (T) by MagiLiv Imagine waking one morning in one world, sleeping, then waking in another. Different lives, different scenarios- together, Natsu and Lucy venture through the trials of laughter, anger, sadness and love.

A Big Problem (T) by  Jayalek

How is Lucy supposed to live her life normally when an overgrown lizard won’t leave her alone? Of all the things to be obsessed with her, it just had to be a dragon who won’t give her some peace and quiet. NALU! Dragonized!Natsu

Just Kiss! (T) by WhiteRose123

Even when Lucy is feeling at her worst, Natsu is always there to try to cheer her up. NaLu. Oneshot.

Strawberry Heaven (K+) by PrinceCharmingsPrincess

Oneshot: A NaLu lost moment… Ranges after the Games.

It started with a kiss (M) by Eugenee

Natsu comes home from a mission to find the guild in full swing and in the middle is his worst nightmare… a drunk Lucy.

Priorities (K+) by PEANUT v1.2

“Moving forward is what Fairy Tail mages do, isn’t it?” Lucy says to Natsu. Yesterday he would have agreed immediately, but that was before catastrophe struck. How can he move forward after his mistake? Nalu friendship/romance oneshot.

Switched (T) by SyberSweetHeart

Once again the lives of Fairy Tail mages are interrupted- but the problem is Lucy and Natsu have switched bodies! Oh boy, this is bound to cause problems…

Exceedingly Adorable (K+) by Sweet Little Demon

A magical mishap happens in the middle of a battle, leaving Lucy fluffier and more adorable than ever. Humor, Fluff, adorableness, cuddliness, master planning and envy guaranteed.

Are You My Daddy? (T) by BlackLynx17 It was just a normal day at Fairy Tail… that is until a little girl is carried in claiming to be Lucy’s daughter. The only thing she remembers about her Father is that he’s strong and has a fairy on his body, that narrows it down to every male in Fairy Tail… hold on she said strong, maybe about half the males then. What’s Fairy Tail to do now?

-A03 stories-

Flame’s Desire (M) by Rougescribe

As the last of her tribe, Lucy barely escapes the grasp of slavers and falls into the hands of a man as wild as the flames that destroyed her clan. She’s been given a second chance with her life, but why does her savior awaken a fire in her blood she’s never known before?

Of Dragons and Gods (T) by Gemini888

Lucy Heartfilia: Fairy Tail’s resident Celestial Spirit Mage who is currently in love with the Guild’s own Fire Dragon Slayer.

Natsu Dragneel: One of Fairy Tail’s aces; a powerhouse Mage that is more than conflicted and confused about his feelings for Lucy.

Suberashi: A ancient, powerful, and fabled Guild straight from legends. Only, now, it’s no longer fabled, nor does ‘just a children’s fairy tale’ quite fit the reality of their sudden presence.

With Natsu unintentionally hurting Lucy emotionally and with Suberashi’s sudden interest in her, will she leave Fairy Tail and accept their offer to give her the powers of a 'God.’

A Fever in the Night (G) by starmini

Coming back from a mission, Lucy collapses in the the middle of a forest with a dangerously high fever. Natsu sends Happy to bring back help, as he desperately tries to keep her alive.

Heaven Sent: A Fairy Tail Fairy Tale (G) by joliemariella

Natsu Dragneel is the infamous 'Dragon Prince’ who rules Fiore with the assistance of his carefully chosen council. His life is changed forever, though, when his dear friend Happy, is struck by an incurable disease. Desperate, he turns to the ancient fairy tales that tell of the Celestial Maidens, whose robes hold the power to do anything a determined man might set his mind to…

Starcrossed (G) by wisdomofme

Bonus Prompt 1 of FT Angst Week: Ever After/ Perfect Disaster Once upon a time there lived a star that had seen it all, and boy who could see the stars… Who would’ve thought that their paths would cross?

what’s the big deal? (Explicit) by julamei

Natsu’s sexual awakening is… clumsy and awkward, obviously. The poor boy has purposefully remained ignorant of these more mundane, human miracles. that is, until something happens he can’t ignore and things between him and Lucy being to grow. Here is my headcannon on their journey around the bases (hopefully this reflects more our own experiences than just our need for fulfillment for these characters).

Hunter (M) by Freyjabee  (No longer available?)

Natsu and Lucy follow some dangerous hunters into a city housing sin. While one is desperate to leave, the other can’t help but stay.

A Lesson for Natsu (M) by aeotae

Despite the injustice of it all, the men of Fairy Tail endeavor to prepare Natsu for his new manly duty as Lucy’s boyfriend.

I have a lot more so let me know if anyone wants more recommendations.

Dear college bound friends,

Please do not start your essay with “Music has always been a big part of my life.” I get it. It’s the start of every. single, fricken, essay. And I know I probably made the same mistakes when I was writing mine. 

Love, 

A College Admissions Counselor

Can I start it with “dude bro. Music is the bomb digity.” ?

Honestly, you wouldn’t be the first person. I had a student start an essay with “Ball is life” and they got a scholarship so…

I am incredibly curious as to why a college admissions officer has a tumblr

Shouldn’t we be worried that a college admission officer HAS a tumblr??

If you write a strong character, let them fail.

If you write a selfless hero, let them get mad at people.

If you write a cold-heated villain, let them cry.

If you write a brokenhearted victim, let them smile again.

If you write a bold leader, let them seek guidance.

If you write a confident genius, let them be wrong, or get stumped once in a while.

If you write a fighter or a warrior, let them lose a battle, but let them win the war.

If you write a character who loses everything, let them find something.

If you write a reluctant hero, give them a reason to join the fight.

If you write a gentle-hearted character who never stops smiling, let that smile fade and tears fall in shadows.

If you write a no one, make them a someone.

If you write a sibling, let them fight and bicker, but know that at the end of the day they’ll always have each other’s back.

If you write a character, make them more than just a character; give them depth, give them flaws and secrets, and give them life.

Useful Writing Resources

This is an extensive list of resources for every problem you could come across while writing/planning/editing your novel. Use it well;)

{ *** } Indicate a Highly Reccommended Resource

Planning/outlining Your Work

Writing Your Work

Characters

Editing

Setting

Miscellaneous Resources You Can Use In Between

Writing Sketchy/Medical/Law

Writers’ Block Help/ Productivity

Info You Need To Know & Words You Didn’t Think Of

Using Feedback And Reviews

For all the writers out there. Please reblog this!

You’re a detective who can see the crime that has happened through dreams. However, despite the fact that you always know what really happened, you still have to find legitimate evidence and argue it in court. And if you tell people about the dreams, they’ll label you as insane.

My Badass Queen

This Edo NaLu Nerd and Gangster AU

I hope you like this!

Wedding Dress

Inspired by this song and commercial.

Fantasy Guide to Addressing Nobility

It can be hard to remember how to properly address your noble or royal characters when writing a fantasy court. Here is a quick guide:

1. King/Queen:

Usually addressed as either “Your Grace” or “Your Majesty”. Consort (married to a ruler and not reigning in their own right) can be addressed the same. Sire or Madam can be used also.

2. Prince/Princess:

They are addressed as “Your Highness”. They are NEVER addressed the same as a King or Queen

3. Duke/Duchess:

These are addressed with “Your Grace”. This was a common term also used by royalty before Henry VIII got to big for his codpiece.

4. Earl (Count)/Countess:

Are almost never referred as the “Earl of Narnia” but “Lord Narnia”.

5. Lord/Lady:

An easy one. They are called “My Lord” or “My Lady”.

6. Emperor/Empress:

These may be equal to a King/Queen for status but the have a grander title. They are only addressed as “Your Imperial Highness/Majesty”

I hope this helps when writing your court or fantasy novel.

100+ Writing Prompts — ( Meme )

As promised you guys can now send me prompts for my Novel OCs (you can find them here.). Feel free to slip in some Fairy Tail ships if you want. I’ll get to them whenever I can. :)

Couples receive “parent points”, which they can use to purchase their children. Most parents wait for a few thousand, but you chose to buy the cheaper, 100 point child.

Shane knows what it’s like to be a 100 point child. He knows how it feels to see potential parents–potential families–come through the facilities doors, faces bright with excitement. He knows how it feels to see them reading the little plaques on the nursery doors, scanning the lists there for the right bits of knowledge and etiquette and grace that they want their baby to have.

He knows how it feels to see their faces pinch outside the window before they hurry to the next room.

Shane grew up in a 100 point nursery. They had torn, ratty, books and no teachers, and when snack time came, the tray was pushed through a slat in the door. They were called “unruly” and “damaged” and “stupid.” A lot of the other kids threw tantrums and broke furniture (and sometimes other kids). A lot of the other kids went quiet after the first few years when they realized they’d never be adopted until they were old enough (or pretty enough) to be useful. A lot of the kids cried and didn’t stop until they got taken away or were aged out.

Shane’s grown up a lot since aging out. He put himself through school, got himself a job, shed his 100 points like the torn clothes he’d left the facility in. He’s powerful now, successful, and he’s grown out of the twisted nose, big ears, and gap-toothed smile that had made him one of the less attractive 100 point babies. Or maybe he’s grown into them. Who’s to say?

It’s taken him a long time to get enough Parent Points to do what he wants. Being a man is, for once, somewhat hindering as most of society equates “parental” with “maternal.” He’s lost count of how many social workers have politely hid expressions of surprise when he told them he wanted to adopt stag, that he’s willing to take the classes, get the grades, make the oaths to get even one Parent Point.

Keep reading

shane loves all his 100 point children more than anything else in the world

I legitimately just started crying. So beautiful, thank you for sharing this!!!!

One of my favorite prompt responses. I love the art that comes with it!

I have to reblog this. Its just that good

It’s said that certain traits of a lot of monsters- long teeth, long thin bodies, dark eyes, pale skin- is so universal that it could almost point to the same, primordial monster. Draw what the First Monster looked like, or what it did to scare our ancestors so badly.

People are afraid of the sea. They still are.

The First Monsters were actually quite tame. Perhaps the real monster was human imagination.

This needs a story!!!