The Xaidreadian Notebook

But to actually understand art, you have to contextualize it beyond assuming it’s just what the artist felt like making at the moment and it’s somehow coming from their deepest soul, or you’ll badly misinterpret most art you come across.

Don't do this. Tone doesn't translate well in text, and if you don't have a rapport with that author, they are not going to interpret, 'You're a fucking bitch' as, 'Author I hate you for being so talented and making me feel so keenly.' They're going to interpret it as you being an asshole. You can shit talk with your friends because you have an established relationship with them and can distinguish between playful banter and genuine anger. You do not have this with a stranger, no matter how much you like their fics. You will have a much more pleasant time in fandom and not get cockblocked from interacting with your favorite writers if you remember this.

Happy Trilobite Tuesday! For more than a century, the predominantly Eastern European genus Platylichas was recognized almost exclusively from scattered, disassociated parts. However, recent discoveries during the 21st century have uncovered complete Upper Ordovician specimens—like the example pictured here, which measures 2.8 in (7.1 cm) in length.

Irkutsk (Eastern Siberia) on vintage postcards from 1970s

George Washington Wilson - The Kilt Rock and Waterfall, Loch Staffin, Skye, 1860-1880

u/Fine-Dog-9874

"The Factory Newspaper. Editorial Office" by Yevgeny Rodin (1979)

Pictured: Sheogorath as a dragon, from TES: Legends.

grug dont have to change!

~Ashley

May 18, 2026 - Brown-cheeked Bulbul (Alophoixus bres) Found on the islands of Java and Bali in Indonesia, these bulbuls live in forests. They eat insects and some fruit, usually foraging alone or in pairs and often joining mixed-species flocks. Breeding in most months, they build cup-shaped nests in low vegetation where females usually lay two eggs. They are classified as Endangered by the IUCN as their population is declining rapidly due to trapping for the bird trade.

Video of Vernon and Irene Castle demonstrating a proper dip (without grotesque attitudes!) starting at 1:09 in the 1915 film The Whirl of Life