#2019 senior session

[mysunshinetemptress]

I Hate Her

Leah Williamson x reader Warnings: None

You had played as a centre back since you were six years old and asked to play on the Under 10s boys team. Your dream had been set from then, you wanted to play professional you wanted to play for England.

You sign your first academy contract for Manchester United a year later but continue to play for your local team wanting to practice and play as much as you could in hopes of someday making the England team.

You get a call up to your first youth England squad at 13, to say your excited is an understatement only you spend the entire camp on the bench as Leah Williamson is picked over you to start, the Arsenal academy player, future Arsenal player. Leah stared at you as she walked past the bench "Maybe they'll choose you next time." You decide then and there that you hate her.

United don’t have a women’s team and so you sign with Blackburn Rovers just before your 17th birthday. You love it Blackburn have given you everything you’ve wanted your their starting Centre Back, they see how hard you work and it pays off in the England Youth camps, you make your debut against Spain, Leah’s sick for the debut and you can’t help but repeat that in your head, that’s why your being picked not because ur better.

United form a Women’s team to take part in the championship in 2018 which is perfect for your because your contract with Blackburn Rovers ends and your free to sign with your childhood club in the summer.

It’s Leah’s turn to hate you when instead of joining the U23s camp you get called up to the Senior squad for a camp. You, your on a championship team that only got formed this season, you who has only been chosen over her a handful of times and now Phil Neville thinks your better then her, hardly.

Joining the senior squad felt surreal. Familiar faces like Lucy Bronze and Steph Houghton greeted you with genuine warmth. During training sessions, you pushed yourself to the absolute limit, determined to prove your place wasn't a lucky break. The coaches, Phil Neville included, seemed impressed. They challenged you , tested your tactical awareness, your ability to lead the defense under pressure. It wasn't easy, but you held your own, fueled by that quiet fire within.

One evening, Neville called you into his office. Your heart hammered a frantic rhythm against your ribs. Were you getting sent home? But no, his words were unexpected. "You've got something special, kid," he said, a glint in his eye. "A raw talent, a hunger I haven't seen in a while. We're planning a friendly against Germany next month. Be ready."

News of your potential debut spread like wildfire. Back home, your family erupted in cheers. Blackburn fans were ecstatic, their underdog defender on the cusp of playing on the biggest stage. But the media frenzy was a different story. Headlines screamed "Unproven youngster" and "Neville's gamble." The narrative remained the same - you were the fluke, the temporary blip in Leah's meteoric rise.

That night, staring at the ceiling of your hotel room, a fierce determination took hold. This wasn't just about proving yourself to the coaches or the media. This was about proving it to Leah, to everyone who doubted you. This was about carving your own path, a path that wouldn't be defined by being "better" than Leah Williamson, but by becoming the best damn defender England had ever seen.

You come on against Germany in the 89th minute, you know then and there that u are going to have to fight for your life every time you want to make it on to the pitch for England either over Leah or along side her you will have to fight.

And fight you do.

The following months were a whirlwind. You were in and out of the senior squad, each call-up a hard-fought battle. Leah was a constant shadow, a relentless competitor. You pushed each other to new heights, your growth fueled by the desire to outshine the other.

The 2019 World Cup was on the horizon, and the competition for places was fiercer than ever. You were on the cusp, but the final squad selection was a knife-edge. Days turned into nights as you waited for the dreaded or the desired call. When it finally came, your heart pounded with a mix of joy and disbelief. You were in. But so was Leah.

The World Cup was a dream realized, a tournament that would define careers. You played your part,even it was for less minutes then you would have liked (It was still more than what Leah had been given.) solid in defense, a calm presence in the face of adversity. England's journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a heart-stopping final game for third place against Sweden.

The bronze medal match was a bitter pill to swallow. A valiant effort, but ultimately falling short. The weight of the loss hung heavy in the dressing room, a stark contrast to the jubilant scenes from the other side.

You had cursed at yourself in the eleventh minute as Asllani out ran you and sloted the ball past Telford, Steph had come over tapping your back whispering that it was ok it was one goal as Alex and Lucy followed both squeezing your arms as you all walked to reseat, you quickly turn to telford letting out a small sorry, to which she shakes her head sending you a thumbs up before you turn as Ellen White starts the game back up.

You hoped that Asllani's goal would be your one and only but Jakobsson makes a run in the twenty second minute and this time you make sure you catch her running in front of the swedish player you slide infront trying to cut her off but she breaks left and you can do nothing but sit on the ground and watch as she rolls it into the back left corner. You fall back hands covering your face. It's Lucys turn to pick you up "Your trying your best, you corrected your last mistake by being on it more." You shook your head "Yeah but she still scored." Lucy sighed knowing she wasn't going to break through the doubt that was bubbling in your head instead she pulled you into a hug and headed back into position, as you once again turned to Telford who before you could even open your mouth was already shouting at you "It's ok kid, you tried." you dropped your head nodding just as the ref blew the whistle to restart the game.

You came off at half-time for Rachel Daly, you had refused to speak to anyone, you had refused to join in on the celbrations in the thirty-first minute as Fran Kirby scorded but now as you walked down the tunnel you tried to shake all those feeling, you had played in your first World Cup, you had played 45 minutes in a tough match, you were good enough for Phil Neville to think you belonged there.

Those thoughts came crashing down as Leah walked past you hitting into you harshly.

Leah's harsh collision sent a jolt of pain through your already bruised ego. You stumbled backward, your breath catching in your throat. Her eyes, cold and calculating, held a mixture of contempt and something else, a flicker of something you couldn't quite decipher.

You spun around, your face flushed. "What the hell was that for?" you demanded, your voice laced with disbelief.

Leah's eyes narrowed, her expression a mix of defiance and something else you couldn't quite decipher. "You were out of position," she snapped, her voice barely above a whisper in the echoing tunnel. "Two goals down, and you're daydreaming."

The accusation stung, but you refused to back down. "I was trying to cover," you retorted, your voice rising. "It's not like I wanted them to score."

A tense silence fell between you, the only sound the distant cheers of the crowd filtering down the tunnel. You could feel the heat rising to your cheeks, a familiar sensation of being under scrutiny.

"I wouldn't have let them through." You walk towards her your finger poking her chest "Yet he didn't even give you the chance, he chose me over you."

[alotofpockets]

Crazier things - What if we're still meant to be? | Katie McCabe x Reader

Where you reconnect with your ex-situationship years later

Woso masterlist | Words: 3k | Part 2

Listen to the song this story was inspired by:

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The flight from Barcelona to London was one you had taken plenty of times, but this time it was different. Usually it was to visit your family, or for national team training, but this time around you were moving back home. 

After playing for Barcelona for four seasons, and winning plenty of silverware, you were moving back to the club that you had called home since you were only ten years old. You had come up through the ranks of the Arsenal Academy and had played for the senior team for three years, before making the move to Barcelona.

Your headphones played a random playlist you had downloaded on Spotify, as the plane got ready for take off. Once in the air, a song started playing that brought up a million memories. Memories about the girl that you had not been able to get out of your head since the day you left for Barcelona. You were going to be stuck in the air for a while, so for the first time this week, you allow your mind to wander back to those days.

– 2018 –

The new season was approaching fast. It was your second season with the senior team, and you were no longer the Academy signing. You had made a name for yourself within the team last year, and you were determined to only keep growing in the upcoming season. 

Since there would be some new players joining the team, the team captains had planned a teambuilding session the week before pre-season would officially start. Amongst the new signings, there was another face that was new to you. 

Well, she wasn’t entirely new, she had been playing at the club for a couple of years, and you had watched her play when you were still at the Academy, but the two of you had never met before as she had been on loan last season. Katie was only two years older than you were, but she was definitely a player you looked up to. So, it was safe to say that you were excited to get to play with her this season. 

You met your teammates in the bar that they had rented out, where you’d all compete in a trivia game set-up by the captains. At first you were fully zoned in on the trivia questions, but after a couple of drinks, you only had eyes for Katie. She was sitting a few tables over, but your eyes kept meeting, and each time the intensity grew.

A couple drinks later, you were fully drunk. Something the captains probably didn’t have in mind, but they picked a bar, so you felt like it was alright. As did Katie who had followed you into the bathroom, and didn’t waste any time kissing you once the door closed behind you.

The rest of the night was a blur. You didn’t know how you got home, but Katie had been laying next to you when you woke up. 

Your head was pounding, so you got up and let Katie sleep. Took some medicine and set some ready on the counter for her, while you started on breakfast. 

“What did they put in those drinks?” Katie said as she walked in clutching her hand to her head. “No clue, but take these.” You gesture to the medicine, and set down a plate of food in front of her. 

Neither one of you brought up what had happened, not that either of you had much memory of it to go by. You just moved on like nothing happened.

The next time however, you did remember. It was after the first match that you lost and Katie’s frustrations were high. “Can I come over?” She didn’t mention her intentions in the question, but you knew what she was aiming for. “Yeah.”

– 2019 –

Everyone on the team thought you and Katie were dating. The two of you were attached at the hip, they rarely saw either one of you without the other. You were more touchy with each other than with anyone else, and they would even catch the two of you making out on nights out.

The two of you weren’t together though. You had never talked about what you were. Friends with benefits? Something more? It just was. Thinking back on it now, you would classify it as a situationship. You were young and carefree, and didn’t really care. Until you did.

“Wanna get away this weekend?” Katie looked up from where her head lay in your lap. You would have a bit of time off, and hadn’t made any plans yet, so you agreed. That weekend everything changed.

Katie rented a place for just the two of you that weekend, away from the busy football lives you lived. The trip brought a new level of domesticity with it. Sharing a bed was more than normal for the two of you by now, but the walks around town where she would hold your hand, cooking together, laying cuddled up on the couch while watching a movie.

When you got back from your trip, you found yourself craving the way everything had been on your trip. Thinking back of the memories you shared, you think you had fallen for her earlier than you allowed yourself to admit. 

– 2020 –

You had tried to turn off your feelings for Katie for a couple of months now, but that turned out to be harder than you had imagined. 

Each time her lips were on yours, or you shared the bed, you wished that she was yours. In your mind that was never going to happen though. The two of you had been casual from the start, why would that change now?

You thought long and hard over what your options were, until a different option came onto your path. It had made sense in the moment, so you went ahead with it. Now all you had to do was tell Katie.

“I’m a little nervous to tell you.” You said when she sat on the couch with you. “Well, there is something I want to tell you as well, so maybe we should say it at the same time?” You tried to convince her that that would probably not be a good idea, but Katie was determined, it would make both of you less nervous, so you went along with it.

“Okay after one?” You nodded and she started counting down, “Three, two, one.”

“I am transferring to Barcelona.” “I think I am in love with you.”

You both looked shocked at the other’s confession.

In this moment everything that you wanted could happen, if you had told her that you loved her as well. But you didn’t. You were too scared, and stayed quiet. 

“I think I’m gonna go.” Katie said barely above a whisper. Your whole body was screaming at you to get up and stop her, but you were glued to the couch.

You didn’t see Katie anymore before you left for Barcelona. It wouldn’t be fair to her, you thought.

– Present day –

The seatbelt lights turned on, letting you know that you would soon be landing in London. Thoughts of Katie still clouded your mind. 

You had spent every day of your life regretting not telling her how you felt. She was a part of you that was always missing. The move back to Arsenal wasn’t about Katie, though you hoped you’d be able to apologise for the hurt you had caused her.

At Barca you had become a better player, but a part of you always missed home. You won trophy after trophy with the team, and some personal awards as well. But you wanted to be able to win trophies with the team that was your home. So, you made the decision to transfer back to Arsenal.

When you got off the plane you were greeted by a couple of familiar faces, Leah, Beth, and Kim were standing with a ‘Welcome home Gooner’ banner and big smiles on their faces. They had been your teammates before, and of course Leah and Beth both played for England with you. Still hugging them now felt different than those the past times you’ve seen them. This time it felt like coming home. 

You looked around to see if another familiar face would be around, but were only met with the faces of the strangers around you. “She didn’t come.” Leah said softly, knowing little parts of what had happened all those years ago. You nodded in understanding, of course she wouldn’t come. The girls led you to the car, and drove to a nearby restaurant to catch up.

At the restaurant you try your best to push the thoughts of Katie aside as you’re catching up with your friends, but that turned out to be harder than you thought. It was great being with your friends again, and talking with them was definitely calming down your nerves, but still seeing her again clouded your mind.

Would she still be angry? Was she happy without you? You never got closure after that day on your couch, and that was entirely your fault, so you didn’t blame her if she would never forgive you.

“Earth to y/n.” Beth says, waving her hand in front of your face. “Are you alright? You keep zoning out.” You’re pulled out of your thoughts, “Yeah, sorry, I was just thinking.” 

Beth raises her eyebrows in question, but Leah shakes her head after exchanging a glance with Kim. Beth knows that whatever it was, it was best not to push it after the warning looks Leah and Kim sent her way.

They had just started up the conversation again when your phone vibrated on the table. You look down at the sound that interrupted the story Beth was telling, and your breath catches in your throat.

Katie.

Your heart races as you quickly excuse yourself, and step outside to take the call. 

“Hello?” You’re not sure what to say, so a simple hello would have to do. It stayed silent on the other side of the line, but just as you were about to check to see if she had hung up, you heard her voice. It was soft and hesitant, yet the familiarity of it made your chest ache.

“Hey, I heard you were back.” From how she said it, you couldn’t tell how she was feeling about it. “Yeah, I am. Landed about an hour ago.” Since you didn’t know the intention of her call, you left it up to her. You were the one that left, the one that had hurt her, so you wanted to make sure that whatever happened next, was on her terms.

Katie stayed quiet for another moment, before she shared the reason for her call. “Can we meet?” This time around you were the one staying quiet for a moment. The question hung in the air, heavy with everything that had been left unsaid between the two of you.

“Yeah,” You said softly, “I think that’s a good idea.”

When you walked back into the restaurant your mind was occupied with what you would say to Katie and what she would say to you when you would meet up later that day. Leah noticed you weren’t fully there with them anymore. She narrowed her eyes and shot you a questioning look. 

“Are you alright?” She tried to say to just you, but the table was small enough for Kim and Beth to pick up on it too. You looked at all three of them and then back down to your plate, “Yeah, just it was Katie.”

“What did she say?” Leah tried to push you to open up gently. “She wants to meet.” You felt a tightness in your chest thinking about what would happen when you would. You failed to notice Kim telling Beth off for wanting to ask more questions. They all knew bits and pieces of what had happened between you and Katie, but only the two of you knew the depth of it all.

Kim puts a reassuring hand on your shoulder, “Take it one step at a time. You’re back home now, and that means facing some things in the past, that includes Katie. Not to go all captain on you, but it’s probably best if you face that part before pre-season starts.” You knew she was right and nodded, “Yeah, I will meet her tonight.”

The girls dropped you off at your new apartment. Your family had helped you with getting the whole apartment ready for you, including picking up the car you bought. You settled in the apartment, and started thinking of what you would say to Katie. 

Time passed quickly and before you knew it, it was time to head over to the coffee shop where Katie texted you the address of. You remembered the place, you had gone there often before, even with Katie. 

You found her in the far corner, sipping on her drink and staring out the window. She looked the same, yet different. She looked more mature now, but still that hint of cheekiness you had always loved was present.

She looked around and her eyes softened. It gave you the courage to move towards her. “Hey.” You said softly, sitting down across from her. “Hey.” She replied, her voice just as soft. There was a tension between the two of you, that made a silence fall over the both of you.

One of the waiters came over to take your drink order, and something about that made it all seem so familiar. The two of you stayed silent until your coffee order was placed in front of you.

Katie was the one to break the silence. “You left.” Her tone was laced with a hint of sadness, but not anger. “You left without saying goodbye.” 

Her words hit you hard, but it was true. “I know. I’m sorry. I thought it would be easier for both of us.”

She locks her eyes to yours, “Was it?” You looked down at your cup, not able to look her in the eyes. “No,” You whispered. “It wasn’t easier. Not at all.” A silence fell over you again. The bustling noises of the coffee shop, surrounding you. 

“I spent a long time wondering why you didn’t say anything back that day.” She tried making eye contact with you again. “The day I told you how I felt.” You lift your eyes up to meet hers. Your heart ached.

“I was scared, Katie. I didn’t know how to handle what I was feeling. I signed the contract to escape my feelings, and then you spoke the words I was feeling too and I froze. I’ve regretted not telling you how I felt every single day since.”

Deep down Katie had known that you had felt the same way, but this was the first time she had heard you say it outloud. “Do you still feel the same?”

Unlike four years ago, you were quick to respond. “Yes. Yes I do.” You got nervous at admitting that. “I know a lot of time has passed, and we’re different people now. I don’t know if it’s fair of me to say this now, but I still love you, Katie. I always have.”

Her eyes softened at your confession, as if she had been seeking this information the whole time. Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out. A moment passed, until finally she spoke.

“What if we’re still meant to be?” Her words hung in the air. She asked the question that had kept you awake more often than you’d like to admit. “Crazier things have happened, right?” she added, a hint of hope in her eyes.

You remember the words of your old coach. Take the shot, even if you’re afraid to miss. Your coach may have meant to apply it to football only, but it was a good life motto. “Then we’re crazy not to try, right?” 

Katie was fiddling with her Claddagh ring. “I think I’ve been waiting for this moment.” She confesses. “For you to come back, I mean. I tried to move on, to forget, but it was always you.”

You reach out your hand and place it over hers. “I don’t know what the future holds, but if there is even the smallest chance that we are meant to be, I want to take it. I don’t want to live with regrets anymore.”

Katie puts her other hand down on top of yours. “The last time around, we kind of skipped a lot of steps. If we’re gonna try this again, can we please start from the beginning and take things slow?” Her tone was laced with a new found nervousness. You agreed fully though, you wanted to try this the healthy way. “I wouldn’t want it any other way. Let’s do it the right way this time around.” 

You spend some more time catching up, now that the big conversation was out of the way. When it was time to leave, the two of you stood outside of the coffee shop, ready to say goodbye. 

“Can I hug you?” You asked softly. Katie answered by putting her arms around your neck, and your hands quickly fell to her back. The feeling of her in your arms was so familiar. Her smell was the same as back then, and it brought you back to that all too familiar feeling.

When you stepped out of the hug, you met her eyes which were watery. “I promise to make it all up to you. I’ll be better this time around.” She nodded, “Me too.” 

You gave her another quick hug, “I’ll see you at practice tomorrow.” She nodded, “Yeah, I will see you tomorrow.”

Continue reading part 2

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[leennaan]

Alessia Russo// Take on the world pt1

Warnings: fluff, mentions of anxiety, sickness-corona, it gets a bit angsty at the end, English isn’t my first language so there could be some grammar and spelling mistakes, it got pretty long so I hope you don’t mind

This story is based on the song „Take on the world“ by You me at six. The song gets a bigger role in the next part so if you haven’t heard it before go check it out🙃

The first time that you had met Alessia was in 2019 when you started your Freshman Year at UNC.

Alessia being a Junior and also Captain of the Tar Heels soon took you under her wing.

The two of you became inseparable in a really short time.

The team started to tease you endlessly but you didn’t mind it.

Lotte was the one that made you realize that you felt a bit more than just friendship for Alessia. She came to you after a really intense practice and basically told you to make a move already. And you did. After you ignored her for a week because you got to much into your own head.

Alessia noticed your absence and forced you to speak to her. It was the best thing that she could’ve done.

„Y/N what happend? Did I do something wrong?“ She had cornered you after the last training session of the week.

You just shook your head, painfully aware of how close she was.

„Just say the word. Whatever it is. I can see, see the pain in your eyes. I care for you. You know.“

„I’m sorry. I just… it just got all too much and than Lotte got me thinking… and you are my best friend I don’t want to lose you…“

„Hey hey breath. Look in my eyes, I will never desert you.“

And you did. Her blue eyes were filled with concern and something else. Something that was reflected in your own. She was just as scared as you.

In that moment you remembered something that your father had said to you when you were younger.

„You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.“

So your took your chance, be damned the consequences.

You leaned in and kissed her, slowly and with out much pressure, prepared for her stepping back or even pushing you away but she didn’t.

Alessia tensed for just a second before she realized what had happened.

She was the one to deepen the kiss, pulling you towards her.

The both of you couldn’t help the smile that broke out on your faces, that ultimately made you both stop the kiss.

„You have no idea how long I wanted to do that.“ Said the blonde when you looked at each other again.

She pulled you into a bone crushing hug. Oh how you loved Alessias hugs.

„If I didn’t make myself clear. I really really like you Lessi.“ You whispered in her ear still scared that she was somehow only messing with you.

„I really like you too. Y/n I would love for you to be my girlfriend, i care so much for you.“

Instead of giving her a verbal answer you just leaned in again and kissed her . This time the blonde striker kissed right back. It felt so right. It wasn’t your first kiss, but it felt so much better than any other kiss you had before.

Lotte would later tease the both of you that she was the reason the two of you had got together but she would shut up when the two of you started to kiss each other in front of her.

„Alright alright I stop, I don’t need to see the two of you shoving each other’s tongue down the other’s throat. O what have I done.“ Lotte shook her head disgusted but the smile on her face betrayed her. You could see how happy the defender was for you and her best friend.

Your first year at college was one of the best years of your life.

You felt like you were on cloud nine. Alessia and you were stronger than ever, wether it be on the field or off.

Alessia scored the goals, you gave the assists.

So when the new year came you were exited for what was coming.

2020 started as good as 2019 had ended. Alessia and you had both been called up for the senior team for the first time.

It was the highlight of your young career, something that you hade dreamed of since you were a little kid. But boy were you nervous and you weren’t the only one.

The day before you were meant to travel to base camp was spent with Alessia.

The whole day you could feel how nervous she was.

At lunch with your friends she zoned out every few minutes, her leg bouncing up and down until you laid your hand on her leg in silent support.

But that didn’t stop her from biting her lip.

You didn’t comment on it, just silently supporting her. You knew that she was in her own head and that it wouldn’t help her to draw attention to her fidgety nervous self.

You were glad when Alessia asked you to sleep at hers and Lottes because you knew she wouldn’t be able to fall asleep otherwise and also because it would help you too.

She pulled you close once the two of you had settled in bed, silently rubbing her hand up and down your back. It was not only helping her but you too. The both of you relaxing for the first time today.

“Silence the voices, that haunt you inside.” You whispered in the blondes ear and you couldn’t see her smile slightly. Glad that the both out you knew each other so well.

“You deserve to be called up, you deserve this place. You don’t have to be great, hell you don’t even have to be anything. It’s our first camp, they don’t have any expectations. Just show them what you are made of, what you train for every day. And most importantly just be you.”

You smiled proudly at Alessia and kissed her forehead.

When she looked up into your eyes she could only see trust and love.

The national camps went better than expected for you as well as for Alessia.

But shortly after the international break everything became a lot messier.

In early March you watched the news at one training, seeing how the whole world started to shut down.

You could see the uncertainty in a lot of your international teammates.

Lotte and Lessi also looking on in concern, especially when pictures from the hospitals in Italy were showed.

You could see the worry in Alessias eyes, so you pulled her into your arms, squeezing her tight.

The next evening you walked with Lotte to her dorm after class.

When Lotte opened her dorm room you saw Lessi sitting on her bed, talking on her phone, tears silently running down her cheeks.

You immediately walked over to her, pulling her into you and silently supporting her.

“Yeah mum, I… look into flights… I try to be home as soon as possible.”

She said and your heart sank.

Lotte had come over as well and had sat down on your Girlfriends bed.

Alessia ended the call and sunk into your arms.

“My Nonno got covid, he was admitted to the hospital yesterday but my Nonna said that they don’t have enough rooms anymore so he ha sto stay in the corridor.

My Mother is scared for him, the situation in Italy is escalating so quickly. She wants me home before we are not allowed to travel home anymore.” She said and you watched as more tears streamed down her face.

“My mother called me this morning. She wants me back home too.” Said Lotte and pulled her best friend into her own arms.

You remained quiet.

Of course you understood that Alessias and Lottes parents wanted them home. The virus was spreading quicker than anyone had anticipated.

But you couldn’t help but feel a bit selfish. You didn’t want them to go back to England, to leave you here in America, but most of all you were scared what that would mean for yours and Lessis relationship, but you loved her and you knew that it was the best for her to go back.

„I don’t want to leave. I know I am selfish and that it’s best to go home and be with my family but I don’t want to leave you.“ Alessia was close to tears again when she looked at you, her lip quivering.

„I know Baby, I don’t want you to leave either, but it is the right decision.“

You noticed that Lotte had slipped out of the room to give you some space and you were grateful.

You kissed her soft lips, trying to convey your own feelings, your love for her.

„Love, I think over the last few months was fortunate to get to know you and I would say that I sometimes know you better than you know yourself.“ You were glad when Less chuckled.

„Do you remember what you said to me that day, we got together? Look in my eyes, I will never desert you. I say the same to you now. I know it will not be easy, but you just need to say the word and we will take on the world together, okay?!“

The smile on Alessias face was all you needed for you to know that whatever may happen in the future the two of you would be alright. You knew that even around 6.500 kilometers wouldn’t destroy what Alessia and you had.

Still you were not prepared for the day were Alessia and Lotte actually left.

It was one week after that fateful evening. Lotte and Alessia had talked with your coaches and teachers and they weren’t the only international students that were leaving campus.

The Virus had only spread and even your own family became increasingly worried. So you too were thinking about leaving campus to go back to your family in New York.

With the pressure of international flights being canceled left and right, the English girls had booked the next possible flight. So with in 5 days they had packed their thinks and were now standing with you at the airport, luggage by there side.

All three of you had tears streaming down your faces. No one knew what the next few days, weeks or even months would bring.

„I will miss you guys! Just promise that whatever happens we stay in contact, okay?!“

Alessia was hugging you her face hidden in your hair, hands grabbing your shirt as if she could take you with her.

„I love you so much! No matter what ok? We will call and face time and we will back in no time.“ Your heart shattered hearing her broken voice. And you couldn’t help but just nod. You pulled Lotte into your hug, you would miss the brown haired defender almost as much as Alessia. She had become one of your closest friends over the last year.

„I am just one phone call away. No matter the time difference. Just call me whenever alright? You too Lotte! You don’t know how much the two of you mean to me.“

„You too Y/n. We will see each other soon.“

With one last hug you said goodbye to Lotte before pulling Lessi into you for one last time.

„I‘ll miss you so much!“ You whispered and kissed her hard. A promise of Love and forever.

„Remember, we will face the world together ok? We will be alright.“

Alessia was looking into your eyes with so much love that you could only smile before kissing her one last time.

With a heavy heart you watched as the two girls left for security. One last wave from the two and they were gone.

Gone for an unknown amount of time

—————

Pt 2 is already in the works so stay tuned 😀

[ateez-himari]

FORMER LEADER MEETS MAKNAE

At the request of former B.A.P leader, Bang Yongguk, a conversation sparks with one of the industry's most artistic idols.

May 21, 2024 (1:28PM)

Third generation rapper Bang Yongguk uploaded an unexpected video to his YouTube channel, around a month following his new album, in which he documented a meeting with ATEEZ's youngest member and songwriter, Himari. In contrast to what many believed when seeing the title it was in fact not their first time interacting with one another as they had filmed a dance challenge in the summer of last year. On that day however it was arranged by the senior artist due to his curiosity regarding the vocalist's impressive credits as well as her unique artistic expression, claiming that he viewed her as one of the industry's rare aces.

Despite B.A.P's unfortunate disbandment in 2019 following a lawsuit against their company, it was expressed multiple times throughout the years that she held a great respect for him and found great inspiration in the way that he pursued his own creativity. It was through one of those passionate ramblings that the rapper caught wind of the maknae's name, the young woman immediately catching his attention with her often emotional additions in b-sides.

'There was something about the way you wrote certain feelings, the strict work ethic that you showed in videos and the realness in your personality that made me curious. You're also producing quite a lot for someone this young so I wanted to meet you, to see who was the girl everyone started talking about, good or bad comments alike.'

In the beginning of their conversation he mentioned that listening to the single 'Pray', made in collaboration with Agust D, was especially painful due to the vulnerability being expressed through such raw lyrics that seemed poured directly from their hearts. However it was her solo track 'Shadow' in the group's most recent album that made the heaviest impression not only for the heartbreaking side of the story but also the interesting production techniques she had used, each being carefully crafted to fit a specific narration.

Throughout the two hour long video netizens were able to witness a connection slowly form between these two artists, with the eldest having prepared some activities such as a short painting session as well as cooking dinner to break the ice. Despite the maknae's initial nervousness towards being alone with one of her favorite rappers , conversation seemed to flow rather easily due to her senior's attentive listening and their time together ended with a warm hug along with a promise to meet again in the near future.

The conversation topics ranged from lighthearted ones such as small anecdotes from their respective lives or the senior's endless curiosity regarding his junior's creative mind to much darker themes such as mental health, but in the end both seemed so at ease with one another's presence that there was never a dull moment.

'You seem like you make friends very easily' Yongguk had remarked. 'Your personality is very warm, even though when you first arrive at my home you seemed very nervous...I think I saw your hands shaking a little bit.'

The last few minutes revealed that he had requested she leave the painting done during their short activity, proceeding to frame it in his living room, claiming that it added life into the house and would ensure he is always reminded of this encounter. The vocalist on the other hand excitedly showed off a polaroid already placed in her phone case to the camera, the image simply being the two posing cutely yet meaning much more to her as the rapper had been an idol of hers for a very long time.

Other artists from older generations have expressed a desire to meet the rapidly rising songwriter, with legendary rapper G-Dragon sharing songs produced by her through Instagram stories with encouraging phrases in which he often conveyed support.

'The songs she created for Taemin had something that seperated them from other albums coming out at the time, so I really want to work with her one day.' Taeyang (BIGBANG)

'We've talked briefly a few times and it always seemed like she had so many things to share, so I'd like to hear them. She's also one of the few people who truly excels in every aspect of the industry.' Moonbyul (MAMAMOO)

'Your sister [to Yoongi] takes after you for a lot of things it seems, both with the outspoken lyrics and never ending creativity. How old was she when she started working with Taemin...18? She's still young but already so influential. You should bring her with you next time so we can meet.' IU

'She's worked with us...twice I think, on 'Reason' and 'NO LIMIT'. I didn't see her a lot because of schedules but when I listened to the drafts she made I was really impressed by what she created alone. She's improved a lot since then so I'd like to meet up for an album again.' Joohoney (MONSTA X)

While the maknae is sparking quite the conversations amongst the industry's most notable names, ATEEZ as a whole have been rapidly climbing their way to the top lately, with media outlets granting them the title of 'Powerhouse of K-Pop'. Netizens are already bracing themselves for the upcoming comeback on May 31st, which promises to shake the charts once more as they challenge themselves to work even harder.

Share This Post

[boxboxblog]

Driver Profiles: Max Verstappen

Hello, I will be starting a series where I focus on one driver on the current (as of Oct 2024) grid and give an overview over their career and driving styles. I will be going in championship points order. Enjoy!

Name: Max Emilian Verstappen

Age: 27

Nationality: Dutch (grew up in Belgium)

Years in F1: 9 (Toro Rosso 2015-May 2016, Red Bull May 2016-Present)

Number: 1 (as reigning champion) and 33

WDCs: 2021, 2022, and 2023

Driving Style: Aggressive, and fearless, Verstappen is known for his strong understanding and control of his car. Famously, drivers have stated that when Verstappen is behind them, its not about if he will overtake it is about when. He is also know for his late-braking on corners and the absolute trust he seems to have with the car to keep him safe, enabling him to take bold manuvers. Other drivers who have been in the same car as him have described his style of car as being highly reactive and 'sharp' in response to movement. This gives us a glimpse of how Verstappen races, as his preferred car shows he has precise handling and pushes to the limit. He does not drive well when he feels the car is not responding precisely to his instructions.

History: Son of F1 driver Jos Verstappen, Verstappen grew up in the public eye. He started karting when he was four and started competing when he was just seven years old. He dominated his national karting stages between 2005 and 2009, winning his home provinces championship, VAS championship, the Rotax Max Challenge, the Belgian Cadet Championship, and more. He was known to be a prodigy from a young age, and reportedly during races his father would tweak something about the cart to help him learn how changes feel. This helped develop a strong intuition for his future F1 cars.

(Verstappen, around 2010)

In 2010 he entered into the international karting scene, and finished second at his first KF3 World Cup after Alex Albon, but won the WSK World Series. In 2011, Verstappen won the WSK Euro Series. In the following year, Verstappen won the WSK Master Series in the KF2 class, and the South Garda Winter Cup in the KF2 class. He was the youngest driver taking part in the World Championship in KF1 class and finished eighth. In 2012 He finished second at the World Cup in the KF2 class. 2013 was his biggest year however, having progressed to the senior level KZ and KF categories. He was fifteen when he won three CIK-FIA championships in a single season: two European Championships and a World Championship, an unprecedented feat. He went only to only lose one of seven championships that year.

(Verstappen when he started single-seaters)

He debuted in single seaters in 2014, driving for the Florida Winter Series. He went on to drive in F3 that year for Van Amersfoort Racing, and at age 16 placed third in his first real single seater championship.

When he was seventeen, he drew the attention of F1, and drove his first F1 car during a practice session for Toro Rosso. In 2014 he officially joined the Red Bull Junior Program, and was signed for Toro Rosso's 2015 season. He became the youngest person to ever start an F1 Grand Prix at seventeen. He had an extremely successful first season, becoming the youngest person to score points, and regularly finishing in the top 10.

(Verstappen in his first year with Toro Rosso)

In 2016, Verstappen started out in Toro Rosso but by May he had been pulled up to replace Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat due to Kvyats poor performance. His first race with Red Bull was the Spanish GP, and astoundingly it was Verstappen's first win as well. This would set the tone for Verstappen's career going forward.

He had increasingly successful seasons as time went on, already fighting for the championship by 2019. But it was in 2021 that he won his first WDC, in a controversial race held in Abu Dhabi. After that Verstappen dominated F1, winning both 2022 and 2023. In 2023 he had perhaps the most dominant season aa driver ever had, and amazingly won almost every single race. In 2024, he started the season strong but midway his car seemed to lose its pace. While Verstappen is still winning the championship, it is possible there could be a major title fight in the last few races.

Key Races:

2016 Spanish GP - His first win and first race with Red Bull.

2016 Brazilian GP - A race in the wet, it is considered one of the best drive sin modern F1. He dropped down the order after a pit mistake, but through intense rain and dangerous conditions was able to take a podium place. Hailed as one of the most masterful rain races anyone has ever seen

2019 Austrian GP - Famous for a late-race move on Charles Leclerc that is often seen as controversial, this was his first win in 2019. It highlighted his uncompromising attitude toward racing and pure aggression.

2021 Monaco GP - Considered the turn around in Verstappen's 2021 season, he drove a flawless race and took the championship lead

2021 Abu Dhabi - Another controversial race, with Verstappen finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton and clinching his first WDC. Controversial due to safety car in last few laps.

Any 2023 Race but Singapore, Baku, and Jeddah - Verstappen won 19 out of 22 race this season, an excessively dominant display. he lost only to his teammate Sergio Perez and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz

Singapore 2024 GP- After winning the beginning of the season, and then not winning for the past seven races, a P2 finish at Singapore was needed. His highest finish since Spa, Verstappen had been struggling with the car but pulled out a lovely performance.

Alright that's it for Verstappen. Next post will be on Lando Norris.

Cheers,

-B

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

By Eli Lake and Danielle Shapiro

Since the October 7 massacre, a small “charity” based in Canada has been ubiquitous on elite college campuses, celebrating the bloodbath at public rallies and seminars. The group is called Samidoun, and it claims to be an NGO advocating on behalf of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.

On Tuesday, the U.S. and Canadian governments put an end to that charade. 

Samidoun is not a charity at all. Rather, it’s a group “that serves as an international fundraiser for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist organization,” according to a press release issued Tuesday by the Treasury Department. The government describes it as a “sham.”

For anyone who has followed the history of Palestinian terrorism, PFLP is a name you’re no doubt familiar with. It was founded in 1967 as a Marxist revolutionary group, and was supported during the Cold War by China and the Soviet Union. In 1976, the PFLP teamed up with West Germany’s Baader-Meinhof group to hijack a flight from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Entebbe, Uganda, separating Jewish and non-Jewish passenger hostages. Eventually, Israeli commandos freed the hostages. The episode was turned into the movie 7 Days in Entebbe.

For most of the 1990s and 2000s, PFLP was largely an afterthought for both Israelis and Palestinians (though it did murder an Israeli tourism minister in 2001). That began to change in 2019, when the PFLP killed a 17-year-old girl in the West Bank with a roadside bomb that also injured her father and brother. Since then, the government of Israel has pressed its allies to designate Samidoun as a terrorist front for the PFLP. The designations from Canada and the U.S. on Tuesday are the culmination of that effort. 

One place where that designation will have an effect is elite campuses, where Samidoun has long established itself as a partner—and funder—for anti-Israel student initiatives. Just in the past year, Samidoun has co-sponsored a divestment rally at Princeton, taught an “Abolish Imperialism” lecture at Harvard Law School and, most infamously, led a “Palestinian Resistance 101” teach-in at Columbia University that resulted in the suspension of multiple student organizers who used the event to “promote the use of terror or violence.” 

As far back as 2017, Princeton’s Palestine club shared links from Samidoun’s media page and encouraged students to work with the group on initiatives to free a Palestinian activist who had assaulted an Israeli soldier. In 2022, Princeton’s Palestine club again partnered with Samidoun to lead a “Palestinian Prisoner Letter-Writing Session” on campus. This long and close relationship between Princeton students and faculty and Samidoun has been replicated at top universities across the country.

Matthew Levitt, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a former FBI analyst and deputy assistant secretary of the Treasury Department, told The Free Press that the U.S. and Canadian governments have debated over the last year about designating Samidoun a terrorist group. Their reservation was due to the fact that Western governments do not sanction organizations based just on violent and hateful speech. “They have been saying horrible and nasty things,” Levitt said. “We don’t designate people for saying nasty things.” 

What turned the tide, according to Levitt, was that Israel had accumulated mounds of evidence that Samidoun was, in effect, a fundraising arm for the PFLP. Some of this information has been available for some time. For example, Israel’s Ministry of Strategic Affairs and Public Diplomacy released a report in 2019 that detailed Samidoun’s role in raising money for the PFLP. That report claims that PFLP operatives transferred money from Lebanon to a man named Khaled Barakat when he was living in Europe. On Tuesday, Barakat was also designated as a foreign terrorist financier. His wife, Charlotte Kates, is Samidoun’s “international coordinator.” 

In 2022, the Netherlands barred Kates and Barakat from entering the country where they had planned to land and then drive to a pro-Palestine march in Belgium. More recently, Germany designated Samidoun as a terrorist organization in November 2023. 

Even though PFLP has not captured the headlines of better-known groups like Hamas or Hezbollah, it remains deadly. Although it was not involved in the original planning for October 7, the terrorist group joined the massacre once it was underway. NGO Monitor has published PFLP statements and Telegram posts that show its participation in the 2023 attack, joining after the first wave of Hamas operatives.

[shini-moomi]

Call of Duty Modern Warfare Oc Information

「CAUTION: AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY」

GENERAL INFO

NAME: Noemi Rayne G. Trinidad

AGE: 28 (2019), 31 (2022), 32 (2023)

GENDER: Female

SEXUALITY: Heterosexual

D.O.B.: October 23, 1991

P.O.B.: Davao City, Philippines

BLOOD TYPE: A+

NATIONALITY: Filipino

ALIAS(ES): "Soro", Noemi, Emi, Mimi, Ma’am/Captain (By Gaz), Capt. (By Soap), Capitana (By Rudy), Mi vida/Querida/Capitana (By Alejandro), Captain Trinidad/Sweetheart (By Graves)

OCCUPATION: Captain from the Philippine Light Reaction Regiment (Formerly, retired), Currently an associate member of Task Force 141

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Filipino, English, Russian, Spanish, and German

AFFILIATIONS: Armed Forces of the Philippines (formerly), Philippine Scout Rangers (formerly), Philippine Light Reaction Regiment (formerly), Task Force 141, CIA, Los Vaqueros

APPEARANCE

HEIGHT: 5'9½" (176.5 cm)

WEIGHT: 148.3 lbs (67.3 kg)

HAIR COLOR: Black

HAIRSTYLE: Styled Bob cut (?)

EYE COLOR: Dark brown

SKIN COLOR: Light Beige

BODY TYPE: Slim and Lean

FACE CLAIM: Jane de Leon

VOICE CLAIM: Ada Wong from Resident Evil 2 Remake (VA: Jolene Andersen)

RELATIONSHIPS

Gerardo-Trinidad Family

SIBLING: 1

STATUS: Youngest daughter of the family

Ramon O. Trinidad (Father)

Paulina G. Trinidad (Mother)

Leonardo Eric G. Trinidad (Brother)

Estrellita Agnes G. Azoulay (Aunt)

Task Force 141

Capt. John Price (Ally)

Sgt. Johnny "Soap" Mactavish (Ally)

Lt. Simon "Ghost" Riley (Ally)

Sgt. Kyle "Gaz" Garrick (Ally)

Los Vaqueros

Col. Alejandro Vargas (Love interest)

SGM. Rudolfo "Rudy" Parra (Ally)

CIA

Kate Laswell (Ally)

Shadow Company

Cmdr. Philip Graves (Complicated ally)

Light Reaction Regiment (fomerly)

Capt. Arnulfo Gadaza (Former ally and mentor, deceased)

PERSONALITY

Noemi is a relaxed yet dutiful woman. She is a skilled marksman, spy, and tactician during her years in the military. Outside from work, Noemi can be seen as a laid-back person who is likely to spend time with her family and friends. Unlike her aunt Estrellita, she doesn't get easily irritated unless if she is in a bad situation that needs to have a solution ASAP. She tends to get a bit stressed when the problem escalates worse than before but she is not the type of person to give up that easily. Despite her relaxed persona, she was considered as brutal when it comes to taking down her enemies in cold blood with a single and precise kill with her chosen weapon but she won't let her emotions get the best of her judgment.

BIOGRAPHY

Born and raised in a military family, Noemi dreams to be a soldier just like her father, but it's not just about getting into the ranks and being recognized by everyone for being part of the military. At a young age, Noemi was one of the smartest students on her school despite being called to the guidance office from getting into trouble with her bullies. Her father, Ramon, was her inspiration to be a soldier. But her father didn't want her to pursue that dream, instead he wants her to be a nurse. Both her parents disagreed with Noemi becoming a soldier, even her own aunt Estrellita didn't liked the idea of her being sent to the battlefield as they feared that she will end up dead or get PTSD just like her two uncles from her father's side who tends to experience PTSD and are undergoing therapy sessions. Noemi disregarded these and continued her studies until she finished high school and proceeds to enter a military academy. At first she struggles the harsh treatment from her seniors as secretly gets beaten up away from prying eyes and yet, she persevered until she reaches the finish line. Graduation.

After graduating from the military academy, she joins the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a year before joining the Philippine Scout Rangers. During the 6-month rigorous training, Noemi struggled from the first 3 months of her training but she continues to strive hard until she finishes the training, receiving the Philippine Scout Ranger Qualification Badge. In 2013, she was sent to Zamboanga to deal with the Moro rebels with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant together with her fellow soldiers during the crisis. Through out the twenty days of combat, Noemi was finally enlightened and realized why her family didn't want her to be a soldier like her father. The gruesome scenes of seeing her allies KIA or wounded was etched onto her memory. Around 2015, she met Captain Arnulfo Gadaza from the Philippine Light Reaction Regiment as he suggested her to join the LRR. Curious, she joins the LRR and was trained by American soldiers as their trainers. Both Arnul and Noemi formed a bond together inside the camp as they mostly spend time with each other by walking around the area, talking with one another. Everything changed when she and Arnul got in a situation with the terrorists during the Battle of Marawi in 2016 to 2017. Arnul was shot on the neck by a sniper, causing Noemi to panick and drag his body somewhere safe.

Devastated and angered from the loss of her friend and mentor, Noemi took matters into her own hands. She killed any terrorists she could lay eyes on with he use of her sniper and used stealth to take down her enemies that are closed by. This made her earn the nickname "Soro" which means fox in Filipino. She was portrayed as a fox who sneaks her way to hunt down her target. After the battle, she was now promoted to Captain until in 2018, she retires from the regiment to take her mind off from the horrors that she have dealt with for all these years. In 2019, she receives a call from Estrellita about becoming an associate to Task Force 141 under Kate Laswell's request since Estrellita is a former CIA Agent. Noemi was reluctant from the offer as she is worried for her mental health and also for her family. With no other choice, she accepts the offer and went ahead to meet Laswell. As of now, she is an associate member of TF141 as she continues to serve on the task force together with the other members.

[kccinstitutes]

Glimpses of Academic Procession - Graduation Ceremony, KCC ILHE Batch 2019

On October 28, 2023, the KCC Institute of Legal & Higher Education in Greater Noida held its Convocation for the graduating class of 2019-2022. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the graduates eagerly awaited the moment when they would officially receive their degrees. The event commenced with a formal academic procession featuring distinguished guests, academic faculty, and the graduating students making their grand entrance.

The chief guest for the occasion was Padma shri Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor of GGSIPU. He delivered an inspiring convocation address, imparting valuable life lessons and insights to the graduating class of BBA, BCOM(H), BCA and BAJMC.

Graduates were bestowed with their degrees and accompanied by warm congratulations and well-wishes in presence of distinguished representatives from various sectors of the industry, as well as esteemed members of the academic council of KCCILHE.

Shri Pankaj Rai, Managing Director , Quality Austria Central Asia Private Limited

Dr. Lovneesh Chanana, Sr. Vice President & Regional Head for Government Affairs (Asia Pacific and Japan)

Advocate Shri Rajeev Tyagi, Member and Advisor, TAC, Ministry of Telecommunication, GOI.

Prof Vijita Singh Aggarwal, Director, International Affairs, GGSIPU

Professor (Dr.) Amrapal Singh Dean, USLLS.

Shri Sunil Mirza, GM (North India) Hindu Group of Publications.

Shri Atul Tripathi sir, Data Scientist

Shri Buba F Keinteh, Financial Attache Gambia Embassy.

Shri Pradip Bagchi, Senior Editor, Times of India.

Shri Vivek Narayan Sharma ,Advocate & Ex Joint Secretary, Supreme Court of India.

Biswajit Bhattacharya, Lead Client Partner, Automative Industry Leader India South Asia, IBM India Private limited.

Shri Dhruba Jyoti Pati , Director India Today Media Institute.

Shri Anil Singh, Manager, The Hindu City

Ceremony ended with pledging honor to our country by singing the national anthem. Subsequently, the celebration continued with a delightful lunch, memorable photo sessions, and the exchange of heartfelt messages among the attendees. The graduation ceremony concluded on a note of jubilation, leaving the graduates inspired to strive for greatness in their future endeavors.

[nebulasaurus]

You have fine taste with Kyo being on your list 😺

Kyo Sohma is absolutely my all time favorite anime/manga character, ever. EVER.

When I was 14 in (2003) I was coerced into joining an anime club by my senior. At the time, I had read Marmalade Boy and Cardcaptor Sakura. I hadn't even slipped my toes into anything else yet. My first anime club session they were watching the first episode of Fruits Basket where Kyo comes smashing through the ceiling, all dumb and stuff.

(I know the gif is from the 2019 anime but still)

As soon as I saw him I was Engrossed. I wanted to see more, read more, and know all about him. After that day I begged my mother to let me get the first few manga available from TokyoPop. Then I followed the manga obsessively. When I got Internet access I followed scanlations of the chapters and eventually had them all by the time the 23rd volume released in 2007.

Fruits Basket introduced me to the world of angst, drama, and romance, and holds a very special place in my heart. I loved Kyo so much as a kid that my friends teased me saying I would marry a ginger one day.

(which, unrelatedly, I did. Which is hilarious.)

Me and my husband also got matching Fruits Basket tattoos, because he loves it too (although he only saw the 2019 version.)

I still own the original TokyoPop release of the manga, and I keep it stored in a air tight bin away from the grubby hands of my children, at least until I can display it properly.

I recommend Fruits Basket to everyone to read or watch, because it's so special to me and I will talk about it for days if you let me.

[cola-losers]

Eddsworld means a lot to me, I was 11 and at the time my mom enrolled me to some charter school that was having a summer tutoring session or something but anyways we were having computer class and it was free time. Youtube was blocked so i was dumbfounded on what to do, I asked the kid next to me "Hey how are you watching videos?"

And thus, baby Cola here learned of Newgrounds. Now my adhd ass probably forgot I wanted to watch videos when I saw that this site had games! And one such game was Bang, Boom, Splat which was newly added. Yup, my first taste of eddworld was a silly game hehe

We didn't have internet at home so it became my thing where during free time computer in class I would play or watch eddsworld (or play/watch anime on GaiaOnline among other stuff)

Eddsworld helped my grades I'd finish class work early just to have free time lol

We didn't have internet a lot growing up so I couldn't keep up but Eddsworld and Middle/Highschool kept eddsworld in my life. I was a Freshmen when Edd passed away, I was a senior when Legacy was wrapping up

I didn't make this blog until 2019 when I left a toxic friend group that would belittle my interests (among other things)

Anyways to you Mr Gould, for making a wonderful series so dear to me. Happy Birthday 💚

[hueylengyong15]

The top five Amusement Parks that I planned to go to in the future:

Escape Theme Park in Paradigm Mall:

Two years ago, before the start of my Senior year, we wanted to plan a trip to Escape after finishing our final year exams. However, this idea failed because the other students from another campus had booked a trip earlier to enjoy the last day of the second term.

I was sad that we could not go on a field trip with our class due to the online classes that were conducted by the teachers in Canada. It was also a bummer as we were getting bored in class, we would always use our laptops to entertain ourselves.

I did not go to Escape last year because I had to finish many assignments and do the final exam before the deadline that my lecturer gave me. This made me super stressed out because I wanted to go out with my friends instead of being stuck at home doing nothing after finishing my assignment.

2. Genting Skyworlds:

This was another outdoor theme park outside of Selangor that I had not been there since almost fifteen years ago, ever since my first trip to Genting Highlands back in March of 2009. I initially wanted to plan another trip to my childhood place since they have Bluesky movie franchises such as Rio, Epic, and other attractions related to films and television shows.

In June of 2022, we wanted to go on a day trip to Genting, but some rides did not open yet due to the soft opening and some plans in the future. The date was pushed back to this year due to many assignments this year.

Before the second-semester break ends, I hope there won't be a long queue when I try out the attractions as planned. As for the indoor theme park, next time when one of the lecturers hosts a field trip, we could all have fun after the final exam ends.

3. Super Nintendo World in Osaka, Japan: As I heard about this place on Facebook, I researched their website online on what attractions would be there for me to try one day when I go on a holiday break to Japan. When I saw some pictures on the website, I found out that there was a real-life Mario Kart for me to ride on.

I heard this park would have a meet and greet session with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach once you enter the park. As mentioned by the staff members, this place allows you to take pictures which allows me to keep them in my photo album or have them printed out in the souvenir shop. I also wanted to try all of the food at Nintendo World, so I could show my friends what I enjoyed the most.

4. Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast: This waterpark has five different themed areas ranging from Shipwreck Reef to Penawar Falls. In 2017, I asked my parents to bring me there to this place during the summer break after the exams were over. However, my dad said it was too far for us to go because we had to stay at the hotel overnight and this wasn't the right time for him to go out with me because he had work to do in the office then.

I dreamed of trying the Kraken's Revenge Water coaster as I have never ridden on a rollercoaster on the water before. Presumably, next year if the last day of the semester is over, then we could all take a trip there and have some fun in the sun to take away all of the assignment stress in all of our classes.

5. Lotte World:

I haven’t been to this popular indoor theme park since 2019 when I went on a short holiday to Seoul during my winter break, I wanted to try all the rides that were suitable for me to make memories of having a fun trip for me and my family to go there.

One of the attractions that I rode was the Conquistador, a pirate ship from Spain that rotates at a 360-degree angle which is similar to the Tomahawk ride from Sunway Lagoon where there were two cars instead of a single car. As I got on the ride, I yelled, "This was the best ride that I have ever ridden in my life!"

Another ride that I visited was the Fly Venture, a VR ride that featured 4D animation. When I entered the area, I was very impressed that they had a steampunk-themed attraction and a flying theater which made me feel that I was flying on an airplane in the sky. Overall, this attraction was the best theater ride in the world, and one day, I would try this five times over and over again.

I also tried the other rides such as the Balloon Race, Camelot Carousel, Desperado interactive shooting game, and many other rides which I rode by myself before the park closed for the night.

When I went to Lotte World, I tried my luck to get a prize from the hammer game. However, I won a free lollipop, and my parents told me I did not need every toy from the amusement park because I had too many toys on my bed as it would be too crowded for me.

The park has a variety of food and beverages ranging from Korean to Western cuisine. Although the food was not that expensive, I managed to get Spaghetti Carbonara and their castle pizza from TGI Friday's Lakeview restaurant which was okay compared to the food from the Malaysian TGI Friday's.

I wanted to plan a trip for myself including my old school friends when we have time. When I get a job after graduating from college, I will go for an internship first to see if they can accept me working there. Once this idea is done, I can start my first day at work and earn some money for my basic necessities before I can go on holiday alone or with some good friends.

I hope some of our plans work out this year and next year. If not, it's okay, there's always next time when things don't work out the way we plan with our friends.

[sys128]

May 2023 is here!

Well, it is the start of a new month again, after having been so used to the fact that the previous one was in session. So, what is going to be in store for this month? One thing I did know for sure is that it started with rain! Cool, I like the rain. But that can happen on any old spring or summer day… The more I thought about it, the more I noticed what was going to happen this month. It is actually going to be decently eventful! It is not that surprising considering that I am going to be graduating soon.

This is the part of the year where more fun things happen, such as going on field trips and congratulating your fellow colleagues at school how well of a job they did on school work for the year, or on how much they TRIED to do work; depends. When this is mixed with graduation, then things can get VERY interesting. The first things I have to endure this month are my AP exams for Calculus and English. I could have taken the one on computer science, but by the time I found out that the computer science test was even a thing, it was already FAR too late. I have my tests on the 8th and the 9th of the month. From what I am hearing about AP exams, it sounds like it feels like purgatory in there. You are not permitted to tell the time at all, so you never truly know how much time you have left on a test before moving on to the next thing. And some of these tests can stretch on for multiple hours, so you better not be falling asleep during that period of time. Overall, I think I am gonna turn out okay by the end of exams, but not without some minor internal-clock and MAJOR boredom problems throughout.

But AP exams are likely to be the worst part about the month of May, because I am going to be rewarded with a bunch of cool stuff, just for being either a senior or smart at one point. I have an honors ceremony to attend on the 10th, where I am receiving… something related to college. I am not gonna expect it to be much, but something like a full-ride scholarship only happens with the top-dogs or whatever, and I am not THAT good. Probably like, a $2,000 scholarship tops.

There are three field trips that I am going to be attending by the end of the school year, and two of which are in May. They are both not terribly big but they are good enough to give free time away from any responsibility, and give some memories afterward. I’m all for that kind of thing. The first one is physics related, some sort of university-level physics lab not terribly far from here. This will happen on the 15th. The second field trip is a visit to a tech college, which is funny enough, one that I have already been accepted into and going to attend once I have the funds. This would mark the third time I visited that exact college too. The first was in 2019, and the second was early 2022, I think? I just know it happened twice before. This trip will occur on the 25th. The third field trip will leak into June, but I don’t care. I wanna talk about it still. This one is only occurring because I am a senior and I get to get spoiled by the school district administration… only joking. For real, though, this is a trip up north to a waterpark. These kinds of trips seem pretty common, actually. I was surprised to know that a bunch of people I know on Discord are also getting these same kinds of trips. This will occur on June 1st.

Back to the inside of school, the rest of the seems-fun stuff that will happen during this month is either not that big or expected, just some more interesting units, including a swim unit in my Phy Ed class, and a surprise in Calculus. I still am kinda peeved at my teachers for keeping it a secret. :/ Of course, there is also the graduation procedure, the rehearsal, the ceremony; seen it, done that – well, not yet, technically.

Other than that, yea, that is pretty much how my month is gonna go. The summer might either suck or be pretty chill. It depends on how I am gonna get the money I need to go to college. My mom wants me to work retail, but nah, I wanna be in a position where I can say “Screw that” and do something more enjoyable than retail. Thankfully, options are opening up, with the side effect of being done online, because my productivity is horrible online unless I have a drum and bass playlist in the background with minimal distractions. One of my friends wants to collaborate with me to make some stock videos like geometric animations and stuff like that and split the profits. It sounds like kind of a neat idea, but we would need to research good price-points and stuff, because they can’t be too cheap or too pricy. In case that doesn’t work out and I absolutely HAVE to do retail, then I want it to be something remotely tech related, even if it is still at a desk for a few hours to make sure a site doesn’t go down, because I don’t want to dabble into something that I am ultimately not interested in, such as fast food. My experience with fast food so far has been pretty rubbish. Managers can make or break the entire thing. This not only goes to fast food places, but also to retail stores. My parents also know that from experience. But I am only gonna be an 18-year-old who just got out of high school, and there isn’t gonna be anything like that. But there is one more option I could endeavor, which is just apply for more scholarships, which I was technically supposed to do this entire year, but I just didn’t for some reason, and got caught up still doing kid things.

That is for future me to get stressed out on. For now though, I should just try to enjoy the fact that I am living through what could potentially be the best month of 2023 thus far. In before this all ages horribly, things do a complete 180, and I go through some mental turmoil.

[beardedmrbean]

Walmart is pushing ahead with its in-store health clinics and said Thursday it plans to open 28 more including 18 in Texas’ two largest metro areas.

Dallas-Fort Worth will get 10 Walmart Health clinics in 2024 and eight are planned for the Houston area also next year. Six will open in Phoenix and four in Kansas City, Missouri.

Walmart hasn’t yet said which stores will get the new clinics, but soon it plans to begin recruiting for 300 health care jobs in D-FW and 240 in Houston.

Walmart, Walgreens and CVS have all been moving into the patient care business in recent years by partnering with other companies and making acquisitions. Amazon closed its deal in February to buy primary care provide One Medical, which has opened three free-standing clinics in Dallas. VillageMD, which is majority owned by Walgreens, has opened dozens of clinics in D-FW, many in areas where healthcare facilities are scarce. Store pharmacies have been key links in dispensing all kinds of vaccinations over the years, including since the pandemic started, and now retailers want more of the primary and urgent care business.

“Everyone is doing their own thing, but for us, we’ve got a lot of stores in Texas and a lot of associates in Texas and a lot of customers in Texas and they trust us,” said Dr. David Carmouche, senior vice president at Walmart Health. “We think they want affordable basic health care from us.”

Walmart has 176,000 employees in Texas and operates 592 Walmart, Neighborhood Markets and Sam’s Clubs.

The largest U.S. retailer formed its Walmart Health division in 2019 after trying smaller primary care clinics in about 1,500 square feet of store space. Four of those are in Texas at Walmarts in Garland, Royse City, Tyler and Palestine and they have been rebranded as Walmart Health. Those facilities opened in 2014 as the retailer was exploring the idea of patient care in stores.

Walmart Health clinics offer both primary and urgent care services and average about 5,750 square feet. On-site labs, X-ray and EKG machines and treatment for behavioral health, dental, hearing and other services are part of each location.

So far locations are in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and Florida and Walmart said it expects to have 75 operating in the U.S. by the end of 2024.

Walmart Health clinics take insurance but also list prices for people who don’t. Sick or injury visits are $100, annual check-up for children is $90, a Lipid panel lab test is $29 and a pap smear is $50 to $70.

Price transparency is part of the program, Dr. Carmouche said. Dental crowns are priced at $750 and root canals are $600 to $850.

Walmart’s own employees are a key population using the facilities, he said. “Our general philosophy is that we want to keep health care affordable. Where we can pass along value to consumers we will, and we’ll price responsibly so that we can continue to grow new centers.”

[ausetkmt]

Opinion | What Comes Next for the War on Drugs? The Beginning of the End. - The New York Times

There are three bills floating through Congress right now that could not only save lives and money but also help to finally dismantle the nation’s failed war on drugs. The Medicaid Re-entry Act, EQUAL (Eliminating a Quantifiably Unjust Application of the Law) Act and the MAT (Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment) Act all have bipartisan support and could be passed during the lame duck session of Congress. Lawmakers should act on them without delay.

The MAT Act would eliminate the special Drug Enforcement Administration waiver that doctors must apply for in order to prescribe buprenorphine (a medication that helps reduce the craving for opioids). It would enable community health aides to dispense this medication as long as it’s prescribed by a doctor through telemedicine. And it would give the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration responsibility to start a national campaign to educate health care practitioners about medications for opioid use disorder. Reams of data have shown and addiction specialists agree that these medications offer some of the best options for preventing overdoses and helping people into recovery. But a 2019 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine found that fewer than 20 percent of people who could benefit have access to them.

There are several reasons for that, including stigma and a lack of understanding about how medications for opioid use disorder work. The biggest problem is that so few doctors are willing to treat addiction in the first place. Dropping the D.E.A. waiver will not be enough to alleviate that shortage; lawmakers will also have to find ways to ensure that addiction treatment enjoys the same robust reimbursement rates as other chronic conditions. But eliminating the waiver would still be a crucial step in the right direction. The prescription drugs that caused the current epidemic should not be easier to access than the medications that could help alleviate it.

The MAT Act, which was written by Representative Paul Tonko of New York, boasts some 248 co-sponsors and has already passed the House as part of a broader mental health package.

The Medicaid Re-entry Act would allow states to reactivate Medicaid for inmates up to one month before their scheduled release from prison. Those benefits are normally suspended (or in some states terminated) during incarceration because current law prohibits jail and prison inmates from receiving federal health insurance. Reinstating them after incarceration takes time and resources that people who have just been released from jail or prison don’t necessarily have. The resulting disruptions in medical care can be dire: America’s prison population suffers disproportionately from a range of serious ailments, including mental illness, heart disease and opioid use disorder. Among other risks, they are 50 to 150 times as likely to die of an overdose in the first two weeks after their release.

Closing the post-incarceration treatment gap would go a long way toward reducing such deaths. The Rhode Island Department of Corrections reduced its post-incarceration overdose fatalities by 60 percent by ensuring that inmates could access methadone and buprenorphine both during incarceration and after release, without disruption. “It was basically a slam dunk,” says Keith Humphreys, an addiction expert at Stanford University and a former senior adviser to President Barack Obama on drug policy. “Instead of sending them off with a brochure, you connect them to treatment.”

Reinstating Medicaid before release would be another, even more robust way to accomplish the same goal. Several states have already applied for federal waivers that would allow them to do so on a trial basis. The Biden administration should approve those waivers without delay. But Congress should also pass the Medicaid Re-entry Act so that the benefit of seamless care isn’t determined by where an inmate is incarcerated.

The bill, which was also written by Mr. Tonko, has bipartisan backing in both chambers and support from a wide range of groups, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Sheriffs Association. Experts on addiction believe it could save both lives and money. “It would open up a world of possibilities for taking care of people who are newly released,” Mr. Humphreys says. “There is really no reason not to do it.”

The EQUAL Act would eliminate the federal sentencing disparity between drug offenses involving crack cocaine and powder cocaine. That disparity was created by a 1986 law that equated 50 grams of crack with 5,000 grams of powder cocaine and subjected possession of either to a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The law was based on the now disproved idea that crack cocaine is far more addictive than powder cocaine. It resulted in disproportionately harsher penalties and far more prison time for drug offenders in communities of color: While two-thirds of people who smoke crack are white, 80 percent of people who have been convicted of crack offenses are Black.

In 2010, Congress reduced the crack-to-powder ratio from 100:1 to 18:1. The EQUAL Act would finally eliminate it altogether. If passed, approximately 7,600 people who are serving excessive crack-related sentences could be released an average of six years earlier, according to an estimate from the U.S. Sentencing Commission. That comes out to some 46,500 fewer prison years.

EQUAL, which was written by Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who was recently elected leader of the House Democrats, passed the House last year with overwhelming bipartisan support. We urge the Senate to pass it. Lawmakers should get this long overdue bill across the finish line now, before House investigations and other political battles take priority in the next session.

The nation’s five-decade war on drugs has been a dismal failure. Overdose deaths have reached — and then surpassed — extreme levels in recent years, and the number of people who are still in prison for drug offenses remains stubbornly and egregiously high. Still, it is hard to agree on what comes next. What has been shown to work is not always politically feasible, and what’s politically popular often doesn’t make for sound public health. MAT, EQUAL and the Medicaid Re-entry Acts meet both requirements. Congress should pass all three now.

[tailwindpets]

Why Dog Knee Braces Are the Unsung Champions of Joint Health

Meet Daisy, a joyful Golden Retriever who loves her daily runs through the backyard. But recently, you’ve noticed a troubling sign—she’s been limping. What started as a slight hobble after her play sessions has turned into a daily struggle. A visit to the vet brings back the dreaded news: Daisy has a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Like many dog owners, the thought of surgery fills you with concern—not just about the cost but about the long, painful recovery process. So, you wonder: Is there another way to help Daisy without putting her through surgery?

Enter the unsung hero of joint health: the dog knee brace.

Dog Knee Braces: A Hidden Gem in Joint Health

While surgery is often the first recommendation for dogs with ligament injuries, an option that’s gaining momentum among dog owners is dog braces. These braces offer a safe, effective alternative that can significantly improve your dog’s mobility, reduce pain, and even delay or prevent the need for surgery.

Most websites that mention knee braces for dogs focus on the basics—how they support injured joints. However, there’s much more to these devices than meets the eye. Let’s dive into the lesser-known benefits of dog knee braces and why they’re becoming a trusted tool in canine joint care.

The Growing Problem of Canine Joint Injuries

According to a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 1 in 5 dogs will develop some form of joint disease in their lifetime. This number rises significantly in active or large breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds. Among these joint issues, ACL injuries are one of the most common, with an estimated 85% of large breed dogs likely to experience a ligament tear at some point.

The traditional solution for these injuries is surgery. However, not all dogs are ideal candidates for surgical intervention. Factors such as age, existing health conditions, or financial limitations make surgery difficult or even impossible for some dog owners. This is where dog knee braces step in as the perfect alternative.

Beyond Pain Relief: The Unseen Benefits of Dog Knee Braces

While dog knee braces are known for stabilizing the knee and reducing pain, they offer several lesser-known benefits:

Preventing Further Injury – After an initial ACL tear, dogs often compensate by putting more weight on their other leg, increasing the risk of injury to that leg. Wearing a brace can reduce this risk by supporting the injured knee, thus preventing additional strain on the other leg.

Improved Muscle Retention – Post-injury, many dogs experience muscle atrophy because they favor their uninjured leg. Bracing helps dogs stay active by providing support, which helps them maintain muscle tone during recovery. A study from the University of Wisconsin showed that dogs wearing knee braces retained 30% more muscle mass compared to those without braces.

Faster Post-Surgery Recovery – For dogs that do undergo surgery, using a knee brace for dogs post-surgery can enhance recovery by stabilizing the knee joint and allowing gradual, controlled movement. This reduces the likelihood of re-injury during the delicate healing phase.

A Non-Invasive Solution for Senior Dogs – Older dogs or those with pre-existing health issues may not be strong candidates for surgery due to anesthesia risks or prolonged recovery times. For these dogs, a dog knee brace can offer a non-invasive, comfortable way to manage joint health, allowing them to enjoy their golden years with less pain.

The Science Behind Dog Knee Braces

When your dog wears a knee brace, it provides external support by transferring some of the weight-bearing responsibilities to the brace itself. This alleviates the stress on the injured or weakened ligament, allowing your dog to walk, run, and even play with less pain.

In a 2019 study conducted by the Animal Orthopedic Clinic in California, researchers found that 87% of dogs with CCL injuries showed significant improvement in mobility within eight weeks of using a custom-fitted dog knee brace. The study also indicated that the dogs experienced a 40% reduction in pain based on their movement and behavior.

Moreover, the brace’s ability to limit excessive motion in the joint prevents further damage, while still allowing controlled movement—something that is crucial for healing.

Debunking Common Myths About Dog Knee Braces

Despite the many benefits, there are a few misconceptions about dog braces that need to be addressed:

Myth #1: Braces are Uncomfortable for Dogs – Many dog owners worry that a brace will be cumbersome or restrictive. However, modern braces are designed to be lightweight and comfortable. In fact, most dogs adapt to them quickly and even seem to enjoy the added support during walks.

Myth #2: Braces Are Only for Post-Injury Support – While braces are fantastic for helping dogs recover from injury, they also serve a preventative role. If your dog is an active runner, hiker, or jumper, using a brace during high-activity periods can prevent injury, especially in breeds prone to joint problems.

Daisy’s Comeback: A Brighter Future Thanks to a Knee Brace

Let’s go back to Daisy. After much thought, you decide to try a custom-fitted dog knee brace before jumping into surgery. The transformation is remarkable. Within weeks, Daisy’s limp improves, and her joyful spirit returns. She’s back to chasing squirrels and playing fetch, all while avoiding the risks of surgery and the long, uncomfortable recovery process.

Conclusion: Embracing a Brighter, Pain-Free Future

In the world of canine health, dog knee braces may not always be the first solution that comes to mind—but they’re quickly becoming one of the most effective tools for joint health. Whether your dog is recovering from an injury, undergoing surgery, or you want to take preventative measures, a knee brace for dogs offers a practical, affordable, and non-invasive solution.

So, the next time you notice your furry friend limping, consider this unsung champion of joint health. It could be the key to giving your dog a pain-free, active life once again.

Sources:

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Joint Disease in Dogs

University of Wisconsin Study – Muscle Retention and Knee Braces

Animal Orthopedic Clinic (California) – Dog Knee Brace Effectiveness Study

[grapheneai]

In our ongoing “Team Leader Stories” series, we meet Sandeep Katti, our esteemed CIO who joined GrapheneAI back in 2019. A beacon of adaptability and leadership, Sandeep’s journey from the intricacies of defense projects to the uncharted territories of Artificial Intelligence at GrapheneAI is nothing short of an epic adventure. Sandeep’s career trajectory began not amidst lines of code on a computer screen but with the intricacies of complex machinery. His earlier work involved defense projects, where he honed his skills in designing technology for tanks and missiles. However, limitations on accessing cutting-edge technology and the inherent restrictions of the industry nudged him to seek new frontiers.

Arriving at GrapheneAI with no background in Artificial Intelligence, Sandeep expected a three-month buffer to settle in. Instead, he was thrust into the spotlight within a week of joining. With just seven days to conjure an Artificial Intelligence roadmap, Sandeep’s jaw dropped faster than a lead balloon. He had to figure out stuff on the fly and break with convention (or accepted wisdom) to achieve goals, such as building a team with no seniors, only freshers.

But here’s the twist – at GrapheneAI, challenges are met head-on with a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality. The company’s culture was enabling, expecting the team to meet outsized goals in insanely short times. Frequent brainstorming and zig-zags were the norm to achieve small goals quickly. This environment was perfect for those who thrive on challenges. Overcoming one hurdle puts you on the doorstep of a bigger one, a mindset GrapheneAI fosters and rewards.

Cue the impromptu brainstorming session that birthed the elusive roadmap in a power-packed hour. Sandeep stood tall, navigating the uncharted waters of particle physics meets artificial intelligence with gusto.

Natural Language Processing (NLP) ignited a fire within Sandeep. It was a domain ripe with innovation and untapped potential, a stark contrast to the confines of his previous ventures. But here’s where the plot thickens – in a field as nascent as Artificial Intelligence, finding seasoned professionals was like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Sandeep’s solution? Build a team from the ground up, a motley crew of bright college graduates and eager interns united in their thirst for knowledge.

Together, they shared a learning adventure, overcoming steep learning curves and unforeseen challenges. Success, however, brought a new dilemma: retaining talent. Enter the COVID-19 pandemic – a curveball that tested the team’s resolve. But Sandeep wasn’t one to back down. He fostered a culture of continuous learning and development, even in the virtual realm, propelling his team to new heights. Post-pandemic, the investment in talent paid dividends, with team members blossoming into highly productive contributors.

Sandeep Katti’s journey is a testament to his resilience, innovation, and unwavering leadership. From defense blueprints to the forefront of Artificial Intelligence, he has embraced challenges with open arms, proving that success knows no bounds in the ever-evolving world of GrapheneAI.

So, did he survive? Thrive? You bet! Sandeep laughs about it now, of course, until the next roadmap inevitably arrives. Welcome to the whirlwind world of GrapheneAI, where challenges are met with a healthy dose of ingenuity and, of course, a good sense of humor.