#mdar

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Dance with death my detective!!

I don't think I've ever messed with any other character this much in my life as a closeted illness whump enthusiast before... X'D

Just look at him. It's too easy... 😅 (I made all these edits)

Literally every illness whump lover has that one specific male character that they like to mess around with/torment the most. I see a lot of people focus on Voltron, Yuri on Ice, Merlin, LOTR, Marvel, BSD or even Danganronpa. But for me? I think this small amnesiac detective wins. There is just TOO MUCH bait in this game to NOT see him as physically weak and frail. (aka a perfect specimen)

RAINCODE CHAPTER 0 SPOILERS (kinda)

At long last—after literal years of pleas from activists, advocates, Councilmembers, and folks living outside, not to mention the sweep of the Jungle—an update to the MDAR has been released. You can see it here. 

The draft rules are based on the recommendations of a task force that Mayor Ed Murray hastily convened back in September, largely to try to thwart the proposed legislation coming down the pike from the ACLU and Columbia Legal. 

From the draft rules:

Compared to the existing rules, the new rules:

—Identify specific criteria for prioritizing the removal of encampments; —Require the offer of a shelter alternative in order to remove many encampments; —Require the City to deliver materials it stores from encampments to their owners; and —Streamline the process for removing encampments that obstruct the intended use of publicfacilities like sidewalks and parks.

That third bullet point is really crucial; previously, when personal belongings were swept, they were locked up at City Hall or thrown away, which was extremely disruptive and awful for the folks living in encampments. This would require that belongings be returned. 

Additionally, the draft rules require a that the sweep be conducted on a specific date, which might make it easier for folks to plan.

However, some components are missing—for example, the current rules require a notification be posting, but don’t stipulate in which language, or at what grade level the language should be. This is a massive accessibility issue. 

And while the offer of services is an improvement, there’s still the issue of the fact that the services being offered may not work for everyone. Without enough actual housing (of all kinds—transitional, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive, or market rate), the choice between a tent somewhere else and a mat on the floor with 200 other people isn’t great. 

There’s also a public commentary period. If you’re interested, you can reach out. 

Image: Letter about proposed rules. Directs readers to send emails to [email protected] if you have comments about sweeps. They’ re due Feb. 15 at 5pm. 

Bees are important. The State of Massachusetts knows that.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has an Apiary Program to support honey beekeepers and others working to recognize the important role of bees in agriculture in the Commonwealth. MDAR manages two state apiaries (Amherst and Danvers), inspects bee hives, connects local sellers of honey to local buyers,  and promotes Massachusetts beekeeping. Here’s their brochure, if you want to know more, visit their website or give them a buzz on their message line at (617) 626-1801.