Book Bans
Jun. 22nd, 2025 12:03 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithOregon has passed a bill to protect school libraries from book bans.
Another win for freedom to read legislation on the West Coast this week, as Oregon’s state House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1098 on Monday, a bill that will protect access to books in school libraries. It’s great news: books can no longer be banned solely because they discuss sexuality, religion, or other topics, nor can books be removed because they are written by someone from a protected class. SB 1098 now goes to the governor, who is expected to sign it into law.
I'm delighted to see laws against book bans spreading. To promote this, point out that it will save lots of time and therefore money that is currently wasted dealing with attempt after attempt to tell other people what books they can't read. Most people love saving time and money, and will thus support the effort even if they don't care about books or freedom.
Another win for freedom to read legislation on the West Coast this week, as Oregon’s state House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1098 on Monday, a bill that will protect access to books in school libraries. It’s great news: books can no longer be banned solely because they discuss sexuality, religion, or other topics, nor can books be removed because they are written by someone from a protected class. SB 1098 now goes to the governor, who is expected to sign it into law.
I'm delighted to see laws against book bans spreading. To promote this, point out that it will save lots of time and therefore money that is currently wasted dealing with attempt after attempt to tell other people what books they can't read. Most people love saving time and money, and will thus support the effort even if they don't care about books or freedom.
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Philosophical Questions: Harm
Jun. 21st, 2025 11:56 pmysabetwordsmithPeople have expressed interest in deep topics, so this list focuses on philosophical questions.
How far should governments go to prevent its citizens from causing harm to themselves?
( Read more... )
How far should governments go to prevent its citizens from causing harm to themselves?
( Read more... )
Write Every Day Day 21
Jun. 22nd, 2025 12:48 amcornerofmadness
Still struggling to finish the last Yahtzee story. 969 more words on it
Let me know what day you’re reporting in for. If I've missed you on the tally let me know. Feel free to jump in at any time.
Day twenty -one
china_shop, badly_knitted, goddess47, sylvanwitch, cornerofmadness, nafs, trobadora, cmk418( other days )
Tentative Schedule for 2025 Round
Jun. 21st, 2025 09:04 pmglassesofjustice posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
sedoretuexWe have a tentative schedule outlined below.
Schedule:
There will be a few rule changes, and those will be communicated in more detail shortly. Briefly, we're planning to incorporate safety fandoms and increase the number of required minimum requests and offers. This will hopefully ameliorate the PH issues we had in the first round.
We're also planning to allow participants to match on worldbuilding meta but are still working out the logistics.
Schedule:
- July 1, 2025 - July 12, 2025: Nomination Period
- July 13: Tagset Cleanup
- July 14 - July 27, 2025: Sign-up Period
- July 28, 2025: 16 hour grace period for unmatchable participants - reply to mods inquiries by 1pm PDT | 4pm EDT on July 28th. Assignments will be sent out no later than July 29, 2025.
- September 29, 2025: Fanworks due
- October 13, 2025: Archive goes live (Archive opening may be delayed to ensure everyone has a gift)
- October 20, 2025: Creators revealed!
There will be a few rule changes, and those will be communicated in more detail shortly. Briefly, we're planning to incorporate safety fandoms and increase the number of required minimum requests and offers. This will hopefully ameliorate the PH issues we had in the first round.
We're also planning to allow participants to match on worldbuilding meta but are still working out the logistics.
US Politics: John McCain finally gets his wish
Jun. 21st, 2025 11:38 pmpetraIf only the US gave more of a shit about separation of powers, which gives Congress the power to declare war. Congress.
Seems pretty straightforward to me as a thing the Constitution says POTUS can't fucking do.
I hope you didn't find out about the unprovoked attack on Iran by the US from a Destiel news meme.
Seems pretty straightforward to me as a thing the Constitution says POTUS can't fucking do.
I hope you didn't find out about the unprovoked attack on Iran by the US from a Destiel news meme.
Daily Happiness
Jun. 21st, 2025 08:44 pmtorachan1. Finished another puzzle today.
2. Finally got Carla's Switch 2 set up on the TV so now we can play Mario Kart World together. It's gonna take me a minute to get used to the split screen view, though.
3. Chloe is curious.
2. Finally got Carla's Switch 2 set up on the TV so now we can play Mario Kart World together. It's gonna take me a minute to get used to the split screen view, though.
3. Chloe is curious.
Searching, Searching (part 1 of 1, complete)
Jun. 21st, 2025 11:11 pmdialecticdreamerSearching, Searching
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1369
[Wednesday, 2 August, 2017]
:: The search expands beyond the zoo into the park. The search from the kidnapper’s SUV also expands. Part of the Unfair Trades story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Peter Rybokov nodded as the zoo manager tapped her finger on the areas of the map confirmed to be empty, and the patrons were all collected at the outdoor cafe, currently being entertained by a staff member who made balloon animals, “binoculars” and “butterfly nets” to encourage the little ones to participate in the play safari.
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1369
[Wednesday, 2 August, 2017]
:: The search expands beyond the zoo into the park. The search from the kidnapper’s SUV also expands. Part of the Unfair Trades story arc in the Polychrome Heroics universe. ::
Peter Rybokov nodded as the zoo manager tapped her finger on the areas of the map confirmed to be empty, and the patrons were all collected at the outdoor cafe, currently being entertained by a staff member who made balloon animals, “binoculars” and “butterfly nets” to encourage the little ones to participate in the play safari.
( Read more... )
First weekend since March it hadn't rained
Jun. 21st, 2025 09:25 pmcornerofmadnessAnd it hit the 90s so I hit the pool with my brother and SiL so it was a total do nothing day.
And my neighbor here is blowing off fireworks like he's not soft and squishy and full of blood...
I need more hours in a day. Or maybe not waste the hours I have. or maybe write my deadlines down right.
Since I have little to say today let me share another author for Pride If you like SF/F and LGBT works check out my friend, J. Scott Coatsworth He's been very nice about my stuff as Jana and he writes in my genres so he deserves a shout out.
And my neighbor here is blowing off fireworks like he's not soft and squishy and full of blood...
I need more hours in a day. Or maybe not waste the hours I have. or maybe write my deadlines down right.
Since I have little to say today let me share another author for Pride If you like SF/F and LGBT works check out my friend, J. Scott Coatsworth He's been very nice about my stuff as Jana and he writes in my genres so he deserves a shout out.
Well, it just keeps on getting better and better, doesn't it
Jun. 25th, 2025 09:51 pmconulyUS strikes 3 Iranian sites, joining Israeli air campaign against nuclear program
Can't say I'm too surprised, but I can say I'm disappointed.
Can't say I'm too surprised, but I can say I'm disappointed.
How do we sleep while our beds are burning?
Jun. 21st, 2025 09:02 pmsovayFor whatever it is worth to history, I wish to register that I do not like finding out that we are suddenly at war with Iran. I do not need any more specters of annihilation, nuclear or otherwise. I get enough stress from my regular life.
(These Crusader fantasists. My entire lifetime. Their Armageddon wet dreams. Why will the sand not eat them alone.)
(These Crusader fantasists. My entire lifetime. Their Armageddon wet dreams. Why will the sand not eat them alone.)
Recommendation: sandbox environment by shamoosh (Murderbot books)
Jun. 21st, 2025 08:54 pmpetraI devoured [Bad username or site: shamoosh @ archiveofourownorg]'s sandbox environment series, which is grade-A Murderbot/ART set post-System Collapse. I love the way they both need and achieve intimacy. The SecUnit voice is perfection; the ART is scheming and satisfactorily aware of so many things. The technology usage is excellent.
And SecUnit bluescreens over being asked to choose its own clothing.
Come for the great characterizations! Stay for the hysterically funny plot beats!
And SecUnit bluescreens over being asked to choose its own clothing.
Come for the great characterizations! Stay for the hysterically funny plot beats!
Guardian Readalong: Vol. 3, Chapters 13 & 14
Jun. 22nd, 2025 01:09 pmchina_shop posting in sid_guardian
Hi, and welcome to this week's installment of the Guardian novel readalong!
Here are last week's chapters, and you can find all previous discussions in the schedule posts (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4), or via the !readalong tag.
This week's chapters:
Chapter 13: Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan untangle the truth about the past. Zhao Yunlan recaps the whole saga back to Shen Wei to verify his understanding. Shen Wei recounts his promise to guard the Seal and stay away from Kunlun, and he confesses that he orchestrated all the visions and other events (including Zhao Yunlan seeing him drawing his heart blood) so that Zhao Yunlan would stay with him and they could die (ie, cease to exist) together. Back at the flat, they start making out, then stop to talk about the blood-drinking. They decide to live together like mortals for the next few decades.
Chapter 14: Guo Changcheng and Chu Shuzhi stake out a motorway off-ramp in the freezing cold and search a number of buses to look for a ghost's missing daughter. Chu Shuzhi calls Daqing to ask about Guo Changcheng's flame-coloured merits. Chu Shuzhi slaps a talisman on Changcheng to check he's human. Changcheng finds the missing girl, and Chu Shuzhi arrests the kidnapper.
The corresponding chapters in the Chinese version on JJWXC and the fan translation are chapters [tbc].
Excerpts:
( 1) Primordial Wei looked for Kunlun before they met )
( 2) Wei's deal with Shennong )
( 3) Negotiating the blood drinking )
( 4) Chu Shuzhi and Daqing on the phone )
( 5) Changcheng takes being 'killed' surprisingly calmly )
Questions:
Do you understand the primordial past backstory now? Who comes off worst in this real version of events? How do you feel about Shen Wei going to these lengths to deceive Zhao Yunlan and guilt-trip him into staying with him? What does it mean that Zhao Yunlan called Shen Wei his husband, rather than wife? Would you prefer to be on a stakeout with Guo Changcheng or Chu Shuzhi? Do you have any thoughts about how moments in these chapters affected or were remixed in the drama adaptation?
(As usual, these are all just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like! You don't have to be keeping up with the readalong!)
Our schedule for this round -- please sign up to host a post if you can!
(no subject)
Jun. 21st, 2025 06:01 pmlycomingstThere’s substantial rain here. Which is an adjustment for a former Califorian because it won’t usually rain again there until October. Can’t get over the mountains south. It means I don’t have to water the plants or pull any weeds today. The weeds will wait for me.
I’ve decided to watch my dvd collection instead of letting it just sit there. They’re arranged alphabetically so an Agatha Christie collection of stories was first. Filmed in the 1980s. I’m undecided whether to keep it or pass it on to the library. Otoh I’m over familiar with the stories, yet it’s filled with actors I like.
I’ve moved on to Agents of Shield. I never watched this much past the first season. It was so intense for me what with betrayals all around. But I love me some Coulson. And I forgot Ruth Negga is in it, So satisfying. I’m going to work my way through.
I’ve decided to watch my dvd collection instead of letting it just sit there. They’re arranged alphabetically so an Agatha Christie collection of stories was first. Filmed in the 1980s. I’m undecided whether to keep it or pass it on to the library. Otoh I’m over familiar with the stories, yet it’s filled with actors I like.
I’ve moved on to Agents of Shield. I never watched this much past the first season. It was so intense for me what with betrayals all around. But I love me some Coulson. And I forgot Ruth Negga is in it, So satisfying. I’m going to work my way through.
Weekly Reading
Jun. 21st, 2025 04:36 pmtorachanCurrently Reading
A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge
74%. I have liked the other books in this series and this one is not putting me off the whole thing but it is definitely not a favorite. The whole plot revolves around this guy blackmailing the MC and threatening her family, and the only reason he can do so is because they don't know who he really is and has insinuated himself into their home as he grandfather's doctor. If she would just tell them the truth then he might still threaten her and her family, but he wouldn't be able to sneak around in their home. But she's too embarrassed to tell them that she's being blackmailed and determined to fix things herself. It's really, really frustrating to read.
The Mystery of Locked Rooms
9%. Middle grade book about a group of friends who love escape rooms. When the MC's mom gets an eviction notice, the MC and her friends decide to explore an old abandoned fun house that's said to hold a hidden treasure. Just started it but seems good so far.
Horrorstör
27%.
Riding the Rails
No progress.
How Jesus Became God: The Exaltation of a Jewish Preacher from Galilee
57%.
Recently Finished
Break in Case of Emergency
This was less about the MC's relationship with her estranged father and much more about her suicidal tendencies than I'd realized from the blurb. I did like it, though.
The Fourth Girl
I didn't end up enjoying this as much as I'd anticipated from the premise. There were too many unanswered questions at the end. One of the characters even says something like "I guess there are some things we'll never know" and I'm fine with the characters not knowing, but as the reader, I want to know! Especially when the book uses multiple outsider POVs to reveal stuff the main characters are unaware of, but then still leaves a bunch of questions.
Bokura no Hentai vol. 7-10
This really was a great series. I'm surprised I'd never heard of it before but I'm glad I stumbled across it.
A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge
74%. I have liked the other books in this series and this one is not putting me off the whole thing but it is definitely not a favorite. The whole plot revolves around this guy blackmailing the MC and threatening her family, and the only reason he can do so is because they don't know who he really is and has insinuated himself into their home as he grandfather's doctor. If she would just tell them the truth then he might still threaten her and her family, but he wouldn't be able to sneak around in their home. But she's too embarrassed to tell them that she's being blackmailed and determined to fix things herself. It's really, really frustrating to read.
The Mystery of Locked Rooms
9%. Middle grade book about a group of friends who love escape rooms. When the MC's mom gets an eviction notice, the MC and her friends decide to explore an old abandoned fun house that's said to hold a hidden treasure. Just started it but seems good so far.
Horrorstör
27%.
Riding the Rails
No progress.
How Jesus Became God: The Exaltation of a Jewish Preacher from Galilee
57%.
Recently Finished
Break in Case of Emergency
This was less about the MC's relationship with her estranged father and much more about her suicidal tendencies than I'd realized from the blurb. I did like it, though.
The Fourth Girl
I didn't end up enjoying this as much as I'd anticipated from the premise. There were too many unanswered questions at the end. One of the characters even says something like "I guess there are some things we'll never know" and I'm fine with the characters not knowing, but as the reader, I want to know! Especially when the book uses multiple outsider POVs to reveal stuff the main characters are unaware of, but then still leaves a bunch of questions.
Bokura no Hentai vol. 7-10
This really was a great series. I'm surprised I'd never heard of it before but I'm glad I stumbled across it.