#All Festival Photo Editor

[minarisplaything]

Gala Gal ft. Blackpink Rosé

pairing: Rosé x male reader rating: Explicit wordcount: 2.8k prompt: a young journalist gets a chance of a lifetime with Rosé at a recent event.

Being a writer for a celebrity magazine has its advantages, such as getting to attend grand events like the Cannes Film Festival, or in this case, the MET Gala. Now you might think, where's the fun or excitement in that? A bunch of rich people dressed in overpriced clothing and posing on the red carpet while you have to ask them redundant questions that no one truly cares about outside a small niche of fans.

That is a reasonable question to ask, and a fair point to make. Hell, there are times when you wonder to yourself just how legitimate of a job this is. You certainly hear that question from your parents enough. But the answer to all of those questions comes from the woman currently walking towards you.

"Thank you for your time," you say to the current girl in front of you.

You have been interviewing some girl who is apparently 'the next Olivia Rodrigo,' which is a wild title to have, but you digress. As you bid her good-bye, a sudden chorus of "Rosé! Rosé over here!" erupts from the group of photographers, followed by a series of flashing light bulbs.

Your eyes flick over to the red carpet area near you to see none other than the 26-year-old starlet, Roseanne Park. Otherwise known as Rosé from Blackpink.

You have never crossed paths with her at any events you have covered; which you just toss up to bad luck or god punishing you for some crime you can’t remember. Either way, it seems like you will finally be getting your chance. Judging from this distance, she is just as beautiful as she appears in all her photos.

Her blonde hair is flowing down her back while loose bangs frame her face as she smiles for the camera. She is wearing a black dress that is form-fitting at the top, held together by two thin straps, and flares outwards at the waist. Frankly, she looks stunning. It is a classy dress that still manages to spark arousal in you. Though, you will keep that last part to yourself.

It is only a few moments later that you have to compose yourself as the press woman directs Rosé towards your vicinity. Adjusting your stance, and growing erection, you cough and put on a friendly smile as she walks over.

"Hi, I'm with Eros Magazine," you introduce yourself, managing to remain composed.

"Rosie, it’s nice to meet you," she says sweetly. She is even more beautiful up close, and that smile is practically paralyzing. Given that you don't trust your tongue at the moment, you decide to keep it simple.

"So how are you tonight?" you question, knowing how many times she must have answered it already.

"I'm great! It's a little cold tonight, but I'm excited to be here," she starts in her accented voice. "I love the Museum of Arts and supporting a good cause is always great. There are so many beautiful dresses and people here. So it's all feeling great right now!" she says, remaining smiling and bubbly throughout her answer.

For your part, you merely nod your head and smile, holding the recorder up to get every word. You go through the litany of typical red carpet questions: what projects are you working on, how's the music coming; all the typical things you could hand in to your editor when a story is due. You can see the press woman getting antsy though. Typical. Figuring you only have one or two questions left, you decide to venture out a bit.

"So, you're going to be going on tour again soon, that must be exciting..."

"It is! You're actually the first one to bring that up all night," she says, a hint of surprise in her voice.

"I do like to do my homework beforehand," you joke with a grin before continuing, "That being said, how do you manage to have fun and unwind? Even at these events, you have to keep a certain image, right?"

Rosé is quiet at first, and for a moment, she glances around as if to check that the coast is clear before she answers, "Oh, you know the girls and I find out ways to have fun. And this is actually my third year at the Gala, so I’ve found the little tricks and ways to have some fun."

There is something about the way she looks at you as she speaks that screams there is more than meets the eye to her words. Maybe it is the coy tone to her voice or the glint in her eye as she smiles. Whatever it is, you suddenly find yourself wondering exactly what ‘some fun' entails.

"By the way," Rosé says, interrupting your thoughts, "Eros Magazine...as in the Greek word for erotic love?"

Again she fixes you with that mischievous grin.

"Uh — yeah. Nice catch," you stammer, causing her to giggle.

"I like it" she says, a look you can’t read in her eye. Before you can ask anything further, the press woman begins to nudge her on to the next reporter. "It was nice meeting you."

"You too, have a good one," you reply, watching her intently as she walks away.

If that is your first and last interaction with the K-pop star, then you can say it has been interesting if nothing else. You get the feeling there is more to that little minx than meets the eye, you are only disappointed that you’d likely never get the chance to delve a bit further.

Covering the event means that you gain access to the party but hardly anyone does any real reporting. After all, these kinds of events are meant for the rich and famous.  To cement their status as celebrities, they then sneak off inside to where they can have their fun. For the most part, you reporters stay together, talk, and drink the free liquor that is available.

You expect your night will be spent at the bar, winding your time down until it reaches an acceptable time to call it a night. But first things first, if you are going to be here on the company dime, you might as well get your money's worth.

"I've been looking for you all night!"

You are in the middle of ordering yet another drink when a familiar accented voice reaches your ears. Turning in your stool, you lay your eyes on Roseanne Park for the second time tonight, only this time there is something a little more...loose to her demeanor. You get an explanation when you spot the glass in her hands and briefly wonder how many she had at this point.

"Me? You must be confused," you say, both amused, curious, and a bit confused, "I don't think anyone at this party has said I’m wanted."

"Well, you are!" she says, smiling as she moves towards you, "And now that I've found you, I have something to show you."

"Don't you have famous friends to entertain?" you question more than protest as she places her drink on the bar and takes your hand.

You catch a glimpse of a hint of a pout on her features, "Don’t worry, they’re occupied." Again, there is that suggestion that something more is going on. Of course, there is the very realistic possibility that your mind is just running away with crazy, erotic theories. But that potential doesn’t stop you from being any more turned on by the thought. Coupled with the fact that Rosé is dragging you through a gala to god-knows-where and you are practically dreaming. In that moment, she could take you to hell for all you care.

"You're going to love it, trust me," she assures, looking back at you as she continues leading.

"Oh, I’m sure," you reply. Your mind is racing with things from a blow job to taking her from behind, so needless to say, you are a bit disappointed when she stops at your destination.

"A photo booth?" you ask, a bit amused at how silly it seems.

Rosé is either undeterred or doesn’t register your lack of enthusiasm as she simply nods, still smiling and pulling you into the booth.

“It's fun! Come on," the blonde insists, pulling you by the hand into the photo booth. Judging by the size of it, the booth is clearly an afterthought to the gala planners, or maybe it just isn’t meant for two people at the same time to occupy it. You do your best to squeeze yourself in so she can close the curtain behind you. To your surprise, Rosé neatly slides onto your lap, her perfect, tight ass sitting right on top of where your hard-on has been growing for the last couple of minutes.

"Alright, so it takes six photos then prints them out there," she points to the deposit box under the screen. She either doesn't feel the bulge pressing firmly against her ass, or she is very good at playing naive.

"Okay," you nod, as if you are bothering to pay any attention to the pictures. 

As she shimmies on your lap to get into a better position, you decide to be bold and snake your arm around her slim waist, only to receive no complaints from the pop star. A countdown shows up on the screen, and when it says CHEESE, Rosé throws her arms around you, smiling openly as you try and fail not to look too bewildered. The screen replays your photo, and you can’t help but laugh at your own expense.

"Not bad," you grin, as the counter starts for the second photo.

"Not bad, but I think we can do better!" she says with a determined look on her face. When the screen says CHEESE again, Rosé suddenly leans over and licks the side of your face. You are so surprised you don't know how you react until the photo replays.

"Oh my god! That's great!" Rosé laughs.

You take the next few photos in the same fashion, going for ridiculous and silly in each one. After every photo, Rosé would shift her weight on your lap, rubbing against your erection each time. You are certain that she has to be well aware of what she is doing, and by the time the countdown for the last photo appears, you have made up your mind.

When the screen flashes, you turn Rosé's head to you and push your lips flush against hers. To your surprise, it takes less than half a second for her to respond, her hands moving up to cup your face. You kiss passionately like that until the simple need for air breaks you apart.

"I was starting to think all my work was for nothing," she says, a devilish grin on her face.

You raise an eyebrow at her; apparently, all your theories have just been confirmed. "You planned all this then?"

"I told you we know how to have our fun at these things," she comments, twirling a strand of hair in her finger.

"We?"

Mischief gleams in her gaze for a moment, “Maybe later. I know you’re a reporter, but you shouldn’t ask too many questions.”

She places a delicate finger to your lips as she gets up off your lap. The low ceiling of the booth doesn't allow her to stand up fully, but she doesn't have to as she crouches and reaches under her dress and begins pulling down her panties. "Fuck...these things are definitely ruined. I practically soaked them."

Her comment is more to herself than you, but your cock only grows harder at the revelation. You watch as she slides her thong down past her ankles, and her eyes fall to your crotch. With nimble fingers, she works on your button and zipper, springing free your aching cock.

 "Oh wow..." she mutters, eyeing it with an animalistic hunger. "I would love to wrap my lips around that..."

"You're more than welcomed to," you groan, starting to get that sense of teasing with the amount of anticipation that is building. You are tempted to just force her head onto your cock, but you stop short when she speaks.

"Later. We don't have a lot of time."

Your disappointment at that statement is short-lived as she stands again and turns around. Rosé lifts her skirt and hovers over your lap. Grabbing hold of your member, you let out a groan as she positions it at her entrance, rubbing it for a second in her dripping juices. Unable to hold out, you thrust your hips slightly upward, causing your tip to pierce her folds.

"Mmm, somebody's anxious," she purrs, her accent coming out thick.

"Can you fucking blame me?" you say through gritted teeth, reaching out to grab her waist. Before you can yank her down, she beats you to it and spears herself on your rod. "Oh fuck," you let out, feeling how tight her petite body is.

"God, you feel fucking amazing," you mutter into her shoulder.

"Ah~...and you're...much bigger than you look," she says, clearly trying to adjust to the size she just filled herself with in one go. Apparently, the discomfort isn't so bad as she soon begins lifting and dropping herself on your cock slowly. "Try not—ooh— to get too loud," she moans out, her ass rocking against you.

"Speak for yourself," you grunt, your hands gripping her waist firmly as you start to move your hips to match the movement of hers.

You can't wrap your head around the fact that you're fucking a member of one of the most famous girl groups in the world in a photobooth at a gala with hundreds of celebrities. Thankfully, you don't need to wrap your head around it, as long as you keep fucking her. With that in mind, you take control of the pace, gripping her waist and forcing yourself up into her. Each time you spear her pussy, it's like another piece of heaven. Her pussy is squeezing you like there's no tomorrow, only increasing the pleasure you get with each thrust.

"Shit, yes, yes! Fuck me," Rosé chants in a loud whisper as she puts her hand on the console to steady herself as you thrust up into her.

"God, you're fucking tight," you moan, continuing to pound her Australian pussy. "Someone could look in here at any second."

"Oooh, I know," she lets out a shuddering breath.

"You're getting off on that, aren't you?" you continue the dirty talk, sliding a strap off her shoulder so you can push her top down to fondle her pert breast.

"Yes, yes! It fucking turns me on," Rosé pants.

For a moment, you fear she has given you away, but you're too far gone to truly care at this point. Her hands slide down the console, and you're only aware of what happens when the shutter of the camera makes you look up. Looking over Rosé's shoulder as she bounces up and down, you see your photo displayed, Rosé's mouth opened in pleasure.

Grinning to yourself, you increase the speed of your thrusts, determined to get her orgasm face by the last photo.

"OH!" she squeals, surprised by your sudden turn of action. "Oh fuck, right there. Keep going," she pants, her hand covering yours and holding it firmly against her breast.

You squeeze firmly, shoving every inch of your meat deep into her snatch. Her lithe body arches back into you. She's panting heavily, each thrust causing her to take a sharp breath. You turn her head towards you and kiss her, her hand gripping the back of your head. It's sloppy and passionate, perfectly fitting the current heated moment that is occurring.

"I'm close. I'm so fucking close," Rosé chants, continuing to grip your head as she moves her hips to yours.

A few moments later, you have to cover her mouth with your hand as she shrieks her orgasm. Her walls clench around you as she comes, her juices flooding your cock.

"I'm going to cum," you warn, knowing you aren't going to last through her orgasm.

"Mmmph," Rosé says, until you remove your hand, "In me! Cum inside me!"

You don't take a second to question it, instead thrusting your hips upward, your cock pushing into her one last time as you empty rope after rope of your seed into her womb. You continue unloading into the star for what seems like eternity until you both finally collapse in the booth. Her body heaves on top of yours as she tries to catch her breath.

"I don't think I've ever cum that hard before," you pant, causing the Blackpink singer to giggle.

"Don't speak too soon," she says, leaning back and kissing you softly on the lips. Thinking of what she could have planned only causes your cock to twitch inside her with anticipation.

One thing is for certain: this girl certainly knows how to have fun.

BUY ME A COFFEE - if you enjoy my stories considering buying me a coffee! always appreciated, never required.

[bakuhatsufallinlove]

Clarification regarding MHA’s final chapter being published in a double issue

Weekly Shonen Jump’s annual publishing schedule plans for 52 issues. However, it might confuse you to know that those numbers begin in December, not January. For example, Issue #1 of the 2024 run was actually published in December of 2023, following 2023’s Issue #52 which was published in November.

WSJ also accounts for holiday breaks in this scheduling. Since 2016, they have released at least four “double issues” per year in accordance with Japanese holidays: Christmas, New Years, Golden Week, and Obon Festival, which fall in December, January, April, and August respectively.

As a result, you get back-to-back double issues in late December/early January, then a double issue in the last week of April and the first week of August.

Despite what you might think, double issues do not contain twice the amount of content.

Indeed, they occasionally have a couple extra color pages or two-page spreads than usual, but the main thing that is special about them is the “JUMP cast photo” covers. Weekly covers may highlight 2-3 characters from a couple series, or go for a bigger “splash page” look incorporating different series and more characters.

But double issues, without fail, cram absolutely everybody in there—the protagonist from nearly every series currently running in the magazine gets a spot on the cover, often with each of them matching in theme, as with this Christmas-themed one from the 2019 serialization:

And this year’s own Year of the Dragon New Years cover!

Obon’s double issue tends to have the summer theme, obviously, as we can see here with 2020 and 2022:

I even researched the last few times a series ended in the Obon double issue, and that would be Act-Age in 2020 and Nisekoi in 2016. From some light reading, Nisekoi typically had 16-17 pages per chapter, while the final chapter had 24. Act-Age, on the other hand, pretty consistently had 19-21, and its finale had 20 pages.

I researched how many pages MHA typically has for the Obon issue.

I also researched these numbers for the Golden Week double issue and it was similar, don’t question me, okay, I’m a freak.

These aren't noteworthy numbers; My Hero Academia has always varied between 15-21 pages, ebbing and flowing. Horikoshi said shortly after the Uraraka vs. Toga finale that his editor arranged for each chapter to be 15 pages because that was the number he could consistently complete, since sudden deviation or incomplete pages can cause serious stress to the rest of the publishing staff who have to arrange new chapters from around twenty different series every week.

From this information alone, we have no reason to believe the final chapter of MHA will contain double the typical number of pages.

However, we do have some tankōbon math to do here.

Volume 41 is being released a few days before the final chapter. We don’t have official confirmation, but most of the recent volumes have had 12 chapters and ended on a cliffhanger. In light of this, I suspect volume 41 will cover 411 through chapter 422, thus beginning the final volume, volume 42, on chapter 423.

The longest MHA tankōbon release has been 216 pages long, while the shortest is 184 pages.

We know we will get five more chapters from now, ending on chapter 430.

Every tankoban has at least 4 pages of table of contents and copyright, so the math works out this way:

4 pages + 45 pages with chapters 423, 424, and 425 = 49 pages Longest outcome: 216 – 49 = 167 167 divided into 5 new chapters: 33.40 average pages per chapter Shortest outcome: 184 – 49 = 135 135 divided into 5 new chapters: 27 average pages per chapter

This average is quite shocking to think about and begs the question, “what the fuck is UP, Horikoshi-sensei!?”

The recent trend of 15 pages per chapter for all eight chapters plus the four for table of contents/copyright would yield only 124 pages, which is definitely too few for release. I think there is a strong possibility we will get that upper range of his page count average, 20-21, until the end, which would yield about 154.

I said 184 was the shortest, but technically volume 7 had a unique release with 169 pages plus a drama CD and booklet, which makes me wonder if the final volume might have some sort of special content?? Or possibly volume 41 will end at 421, making it 11 chapters long while volume 42 is 9??

This answers some questions while raising a whole bunch more. I can't wait to find out~!!! <3

Note: I gathered most of the precise numbers-and-dates information referenced in this post—and my Jump GIGA post—from a fan-made Jump Database. Special thanks to the very dedicated people who maintain it.

[jokeroutsubs]

📝[ENG Translation] Joker Out exclusively for Style.

Before their performance at Sziget, Joker Out spoke exclusively to Style.Over.Net about what this means to them and when we can expect new music.

Article written by Meta Vrazic, published on 22.08.2024 on the Style.Over. Net website.

Translation by @kurooscoffee, review by a member of JokerOutSubs, proofread by @flowerlotus8

What do Tom Odell, Sam Smith, Bebe Rexha, and Kylie Minogue have in common?

All of these music giants shared the stage last week with the Slovenian band Joker Out at one of the biggest European festivals, Sziget.

Before their performance, they spoke exclusively to Style.Over.Net about what this means to them and when we can expect new music.

Photo: Vita Orehek

You're performing at Sziget, which means you're sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the music industry. What does this mean for you?

Bojan: For us, this is a dream come true. Today (editor's note: on the day of the concert), we'll reach or even surpass our hidden hopes and dreams that every band starting out at 15 years old has.

Kris: I'd like to add that, in my opinion, it doesn't matter that much who is on stage before or after me. I focus more on which other performers have played on this stage at this time. In 2018, I listened to one of my favourite bands, The Kooks, at this exact time at Sziget. Lewis Capaldi also had his first performance at this time, and yesterday, Tom Odell got this slot. To me, it's an incredible achievement that we can compare ourselves with such names, especially in our region.

So you would equate yourselves with these artists? Do you see yourselves as equals?

Bojan: Yes, we're on par with Lewis Capaldi (laughs). No, we don't see ourselves as equals, but I would emphasise that this festival has 60 stages and over a thousand performers. So, being on the main stage at such a time is quite an amazing feeling.

Photo: Vita Orehek

In a recent interview, you mentioned differences between Slovenian and European stages. So, I have to ask – do you have a shower here?

Jure: Yes, I saw a shower. We'll definitely shower after the show since we're heading straight into a van and back to the studio.

So, you won't have a chance to walk around Sziget? When did you even arrive?

Jure: We left Hamburg at 7 AM, arrived at 11 AM, had a coffee, did a soundcheck, now we're talking to the media, then it's the concert, and back. It's pretty packed.

Photo: Vita Orehek

You've already performed for various audiences in many countries. Which audience is more demanding, Slovenian or international?

Bojan: Slovenian, for sure, because it's our home crowd. Other artists we've talked to also say that the home audience is always more demanding.

In Slovenia, we're omnipresent, both musically and in the media, so there are certain expectations. Some might even come to our shows hoping our performace would suck, so they can justify not liking us. Meanwhile, in other countries, they don't understand what we're saying, so they come just to let loose, dance, and have a good time.

International audiences sing incredibly well. If you closed your eyes during the concert and just listened, you'd think you were in Slovenia.

Kris: I'd add that someone willing to listen to music in another language is by default more open-minded and less demanding.

What's tougher: Sziget or Eurovision?

Jure: Eurovision, because we had no experience, and the pressure was much greater. We prepared for it for six months, whereas for a concert, you have a day or maybe even just a few hours.

Bojan: At Eurovision, it doesn't matter how good you are or what kind of performance you have. If you mess up in those three minutes, you're done. There are so many people there who don't care about your story or how precise you are—if you make a mistake, it's over. Whereas at a concert, you're there to have fun, and even mistakes are welcome as they make the experience more enjoyable.

Photo: Vita Orehek

How do you prepare for concerts? Do you have any special rituals?

Bojan: Not really. About 30 minutes before the concert, we completely calm down, practice a little, and then we all shout our motto together.

We've all heard stories about stars with very specific backstage food and drink requests. Do you have any special requests? What must be there for you?

Jure: Ginger shots, sour candies, vitamin water, towels...

Bojan: A mirror! It sounds bizarre, but there's often no mirror backstage, and before you go on stage, you can't check that everything's in place. So now we've specifically added a mirror to our list.

Is there even any stage fright still present before the concerts?

All: Yes, definitely.

Kris: Sometimes it happens about 20 minutes before the performance, depending on the day you're having.

Photo: Vita Orehek

And who's the most nervous?

Jure: Lately, it's been Bojan.

You now have songs in three different languages. What does this mean for your target audience? What is your target audience like, actually?

Bojan: We aim to have a good time. To play and enjoy ourselves, this music comes from us – and we haven't changed much during this time. Of course, we always try to find something new and different, depending on where the wind takes us.

I mainly think that you don't need to take this too seriously. If everyone checks their playlist and looks at the music they listen to, it's probably not all the same and monotonous. Why shouldn't it be the same for performers?

Have you ever felt that you aren't taken seriously because of the “boyband” label?

Bojan: We get this most often precisely in Slovenia. When we did interviews abroad, serious journalists approached us with a great deal of respect. They often even came to our concerts before the interview and expressed their enthusiasm and respect—you can feel that they take you seriously. Still, this doesn't bother us in Slovenia either, because, in reality, we are a “boyband.”

Photo: Vita Orehek

Do you ever get tired of any of your songs?

Kris: I always enjoy all our songs, but during a one-month tour in Europe, we involved the audience during the song 'Umazane misli'. And sometimes, while waiting for the audience, it drags on and gets a bit boring.

Bojan: Well, I had a great time even during those moments.

Of course, we need to check in on how the new album is coming along. When will it see the light of day?

Bojan: The album is expected to be “on time,” and you can expect it at the end of October. So far, things are moving well; we occasionally hit a “bump” that throws us off rhythm, but we're satisfied. We're doing well and holding up great.

[copperbadge]

Every year I gather up photos I took over the previous 12 months and make a photobook that I have printed by Shutterfly. It's mostly events in my life -- travel, festivals, landmark moments, etc. I've been behind in making them, but currently I'm working on one book that will encompass 2021 and 2022, and I decided that between the two years I'd put all the photos of the cryptids.

Believe it or not this is my cats, 2021-2022, after I went through and picked out the top 10% or so. No single event or living being including myself gets as much photobook real estate as the fluffbutts, but then they are more photogenic than I am.

[ID: Four screengrabs of a photobook editor's two-page spread; in total there are eight pages of images, which are full to bursting with photos of Dearborn the tortie and Polk the tabby. A few images have been blurred because they contained names or faces of humans. It's almost too much to take in visually at once.]

[theroyalsims]

BREAKING: "YES, I'VE BEEN IN LOVE... ONCE" - ANYA OPENS UP AND GRACES COVER OF SOGUE MAGAZINE'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Strike a pose! Covergirl Crown Princess Anya`stuns on the cover of Brindleton Sogue's special 150th anniversary issue.

The issue has been kept hush-hush until its release today. The swanky publication is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary, and what better way to mark such a milestone than to have the future Queen grace the cover... again. This is the second time that HRH has featured on the cover of the posh magazine.

The voluminous issue also includes wonderful new photos of the Crown Princess, taken in various picturesque locations around Brindleton. Her Royal Highness also very noticeably let down her natural curls and wore very few pieces of jewellery and minimal make-up for the feature. Crown Princess Anya's "stripped bare" hair and make-up are in stark contrast with the dramatic ballgowns she wore for the shoot.

Perhaps more importantly, however, Her Royal Highness sat down with the magazine's editor-in-chief for a very intimate conversation. The interview is said to be Anya's most honest and candid interview to date, and that's saying a lot, considering that the royals very rarely agree to be interviewed. The Crown Princess answered questions on her family, her work, and finding love. Snippets of the article are reproduced and translated below:

Your Royal Highness, for what seems like years now, there have been speculations on certain, shall we say, disagreements between you and some members of the Family. The... discord... has caused multiple speculations, and some would even argue that it has affected the public's trust on the monarchy. How are things now within the Family?

At the core of it all, we are a family - much like yours and everyone else's. Perhaps what sets my family apart is the fact that we live under constant scrutiny, and with that, the tiniest things are magnified to the point of being ridiculous.

Yes, there have been arguments, and yes there have been fights but at the end of the day, we all take a step back and remind ourselves that we are a family, and much importantly, we owe it to the people to ensure that the monarchy is in safe hands. We're good. We're solid. We're very much a team. I love my parents, and I love my siblings. It's not always as dramatic as everyone sets it out to be.

So I suppose it's safe to say that all is well with The Harvelles?

What exactly is "well?" *laughs* They seem very happy with their lives, and I'm quite content with mine. I wish them, to use your word, "well." Really, I do. They have a lovely little daughter, and I'm quite certain I'm the least of their worries. I'm sure they'd rather spend time with each other that concern themselves with what other people are saying about my relationship with them.

Speaking of, YRH, have you seen your niece? Have you met her?

Of course... during the odd family gatherings and dinners, when we all come over to the big house. I find it quite entertaining how everyone's painting me out to be the evil aunt. I think she's a darling little girl. And of course, I've met her, yes.

You're to take on a very massive challenge next year, vying for gold at the World Sports Festival. How are the preparations going?

I'd like to think it's going quite swimmingly, and I hope my coach doesn't disagree. *laughs* I won't be taking a leave of absence for training; I don't think the current workload allows it, but I do make sure to free up some time to get on the saddle. I love horses, and I've been riding since I was a child, so my training - gruelling as it may be on certain days - isn't really that much of a hardship for me. I enjoy it, really.

I also love training with the rest of the Brindleton Team. I've made lots of new friends and I'm very proud to see so many gifted young athletes represent our country.

It's been a while since you last completed professionally, what made you decide to compete again?

It's alway been a dream to bag the gold at the Festival and bring it home to Brindleton. So for me, it's now or never. I'm not getting any younger, and I realised that if I want to try and achieve that dream, I should get my act together and get back on the horse, figuratively and literally.

Since you brought it up, I hope you don't mind my asking, YRH, but there has been much speculation about your, shall I say, lack of prospects, and those write-ups came right after your birthday. Does that affect you in anyway?

When did I bring this up? *laughs* Ah, yes. I've heard about that. Mostly, I laugh it off. I know I'm no spring chicken *laughs* but these things... they can't be rushed, you know? Do I wish people would stop talking about my private life? Yes. Do I expect them to? No.

I know my place and I am very much aware that it's part of the job. This role, this life I'm born into... it's...well, I know what it entails. Let's just leave it at that.

Since I'm being so bold, I'll take my chances - have you ever been in love?

My, my. That is bold. They warned me about you. *laughs* Yes. Of course. Yes, I've been in love... once. But it was ages ago. It feels like a lifetime ago. It was beautiful and glorious, and most importantly, it was mine, ours. But you know, life happens, things change. You grow up. It is, however, something I look back very fondly on. I feel lucky to have experienced that.

And now? Are you looking for love?

No. Not actively anyway. I'd love to, but I can't afford to. And I promise you not every man who crosses my path fancies me. *laughs*

No, I... I believe things will fall into place when it's supposed to. Gosh, I sound like such a sap. *laughs* No... it's just that... I had it once... and you know, I grew up surrounded by love, by two people who are very much in love. So if it's not like what my mum and dad has, I don't want it.

That's fair enough.

Isn't it? I feel like that's a very small and reasonable demand. *laughs*

Finally, Your Royal Highness, What do you think shall be seen as your greatest legacy Crown Princess of Brindleton?

I really don't know. That's a very difficult question to answer, but if I were to free to hope, I hope it's my work with the youth. It's very important that we give our children, our teenagers - girls, especially - a fair and equal chance in life. And I'd like to think I've made an impact on that regard. I am very passionate about supporting children's well-being with a focus on their mental health, especially our teens because it's a very crucial point in one's life.

Don't you just love how Anya and her siblings call the palace "the big house"? And for once, it's refreshing to not speculate about something that our royals did or did not do! Case in point: Anya HAS met her niece, contrary to the ongoing rumour that she has been snubbing poor little Lady Ella.

However, we can't help but wonder who exactly was The Crown Princess' one true love? Could it be Mario? Or Dr. Greg? Maybe even tennis pro Sterling? But then again, she did mention that it was a while back... so it couldn't possible be her footballer ex. Curiouser and curiouser... Leave it to Anya to actually share her secrets and yet leave us wanting more!

The issue has been selling incredibly fast, and major retailers have already reportedly sold out. And it's no wonder! It's so rare that we get to hear directly from our royals (especially notoriously tight-lipped Anya), so this issue is, indeed, a must-have and a must-read for all royal fans out there!

[libraford]

I'm sorry this may be dumb but... what art artist grants? Are they just like academic grants where you write a proposal and someone pays you to make art?

Most metropolitan areas have an arts council, whose purpose is to encourage artists to create, thrive, and connect. Some councils set up grant programs to provide funding to artists in the area. You can get some money to work on your art.

They require you to say exactly how much you need, and there is a limit to how much you can make from the grant. In the case of the one I'm applying to, the limit is $500 and I have to outline exactly what I would use $500 for. I have to submit an artist's resume, a proposal, a budget, and a portfolio.

The council then looks at your proposal, and decides whether you get the grant. If you get the grant, that money is yours so long as you are using it specifically for your art. I've never gotten one before, so I'm not sure if its a check or if there's an account opened with limited use or what.

So like... in the example I'm doing here- I'm applying for a grant for photography. The amount is not nearly enough for a new camera, so forget it. But $500 would mean that I can:

expand my memory for my camera and for my computer

buy editing software thats more efficient in decrease my turnaround time because my ambitious ass has been doing one photo at a time on freeware and a batch editor would slice that work time into absolute fractions.

Upgrade my website so that I can host video and host more albums for client download.

pay for admission to more festivals for me to cover, since I can't always guarantee that they'll let a press person in for free.

Social media management software, because tagging people to make sure they get to see their own photos is time consuming.

In my artist's statement/proposal, I have to make a case for why my photography is art instead of 'journalism,' because they are the Arts Council and they have to make the distinction. Sucks, but here we are. I know how I want to spin it, I know what I'm about.

An artist's resume outlines all the things you've done as an artist. So if you were an arts student, yes. Did you have an internship- put it in. Have you sold pieces? Is your art hanging somewhere? Have you been in any shows? Stuff like that.

Not every city has opportunities like this, but some bigger cities will extend their jurisdiction to adjacent towns and townships.

Anyways.

The general spirit of the thing is- if you want some money to make art with and you qualify, the worst thing that can happen is they say no.

[bizarrequazar]

GJ and ZZH Updates — February 18-24

previous week || all posts || following week

This is part of a weekly series collecting updates from and relating to Gong Jun and Zhang Zhehan.

This post is not wholly comprehensive and is intended as an overview, links provided lead to further details. Dates are in accordance with China Standard Time, the organization is chronological. My own biases on some things are reflected here. Anything I include that is not concretely known is indicated as such, and you’re welcome to do your own research and draw your own conclusions as you see fit. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or additions. :)

[Glossary of names and terms] [Masterlist of my posts about the situation with Zhang Zhehan]

02-18 → Nothing of note.

02-19 → The Instagram posted a photo of "Zhang Zhehan" at the scam concert with an overlay of "Zhang Mama's" face.

02-20 → Nothing of note.

02-21 → The Instagram posted another London vlog.

02-22 → Third anniversary of Word of Honor's premiere.

→ The Instagram posted a video of "Zhang Zhehan" that I did not subject myself to watching.

→ Danny, the professional basketball player involved in the the 2021 girlfriend smears against Zhang Zhehan (see [here] [here] and the Shenzhen Gang section of [this post]) and the Zhang Sanjian scam ([here]), has lost a social media partnership and will potentially be blacklisted by the Chinese Basketball Association after slandering other players on his podcast. Sources: [1] [2]

02-23 → Addition 03-04: The cram school that included slander against Zhang Zhehan in their test prep books after 813 are facing scam claims and resulting refund requests of 40 million RMB.

02-24 → Gong Jun posted six photos of himself in a restaurant. Caption: "Happy Lantern Festival!!!" His studio reposted this with the added caption, "The Lantern Festival, winter is over @ Gong Jun Simon wishes everyone a happy Lantern Festival~ Come and have a bowl of tangyuan, and be happy!" Fan Observations: Some fans managed to sleuth out what restaurant he was at, and discovered that the photos were taken in their Wenzhou (温州) room.

→ The Instagram posted a video of the scam concert.

Additional Reading: → A late addition to last week: Tumblr user @moniquill posted an article about a group of anti-Indigenous extremist Wikipedia editors. Among the editors listed is OnCamera, the editor who has also been maintaining the misinformation on Zhang Zhehan's Wikipedia page since 2021. (previously discussed under 2023-02-07, original exposé by Flora [here].)

previous week || all posts || following week

This post was last edited 2024-03-04.

[museemagazine]

Our architectural photography pieces will leave you in a dreamy state of mind...come enter into Italy for a piece of heaven, featuring an exquisite night-time architectural powerplant landmark photo called 'Inside the Tower in Tuscany, Italy' by Italian photographer Fabio Sartori. -Writing and Photo Editing by our very own Photo Editor @ari.adams.photo Ari Adams, Musée Magazine Congratulations to Fabio for making it into THE ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2022 SHORTLIST! APA 2022 Interiors Shortlist: Inside the Tower, Geothermal Power Plant, in Monterotondo Marittimo, Tuscany, Italy by photographer Fabio Sartori. Now in its tenth year, the Architectural Photography Awards committee released its 2022 shortlist of photographs on October 31st. Highlighting four photographs in each of six categories, the images overwhelmingly emphasize the ultra-modernized world that we live in and are headed further towards. Consisting of a total of six categories, the first five categories—Exteriors, Interiors, Sense of Place, Buildings in Use, and Mobile—focus on bridges as an overarching theme as interpreted by the photographers. Meanwhile, the Portfolio category focuses on transportation hubs, featuring images that focus heavily on modernist airports and train stations in Turkey and China. All of the shortlisted images will be exhibited in Lisbon, Portugal at the World Architecture Festival from November 30th - December 2nd, after which the winners of this year’s awards will be announced.

[twofrontteethstillcrooked]

Starlight: 9 Oct. Suptober

"Ready?" Cas asked.

"Lead the way," Dean said, jamming his hands in his jacket pockets to keep them away from Cas's.

deancas ust, post-Tombstone au

Dean buried his face in the pillow and regained consciousness simultaneously. The pillow absorbed most of his groan.

"It's almost four twenty," Cas said, his hand on Dean's upper arm, near where he'd once left a palm-shaped scorch mark.

The arm there still itched sometimes, and when Dean would place his own hand on it it would tingle like a numbness leaving, like something was sparkling beneath the skin. 

His bedroom was mostly dark, save the pumpkin glow of a small nightlight on the other side of the dresser. Cas was sitting on Dean's mattress in his trench coat, the folds of which caught all sorts of shadows. 

"The temperature is–"

"If you say sixty nine, that's gonna be primo." Dean winked, though it mostly landed on the pillow too. 

"It's thirty eight degrees," Cas said, an edge of humor in his tone, "so you'll need to put on real shoes and a jacket."

"Roger that." Dean pushed himself into a seated position, half tangled in a blanket, and yawned. He started to stretch but stopped when it seemed like too much work. His forehead landed against Cas's shoulder. He yawned again and wiggled his toes until they felt more attached to his body.

"Okay," he said, "I'm getting up."

Cas stood first and though he didn't need to – he didn't, because Dean was an adult with sufficient balance, strength, and coordination – he held out his hands. Dean put his hands in Cas's and levered himself out of the bed. They stood there with Dean blearily yawning for a third time. 

For some reason, his treacherous mind chose to point out an obvious, if momentarily forgotten fact: Cas had been dead a couple of weeks ago. Dean clamped his eyes shut and swallowed the thought that burned like his eyes did.

Cas didn't seem to notice what Dean's brain was putting Dean through. He did note, after a long minute, that "The totality starts in three minutes." 

His comment was more effective than if he'd doused Dean with a bucket of ice water. Dean dropped Cas's hands and rushed to pull his jacket off the back of the desk chair. His fuzzy candy corn patterned socks made his boots seem a size too small, but oh well; he shoved his feet in and tied the boots up whipfast. He'd left a knitted hat in Frankenstein green, recently purchased at the annual Lebanon harvest festival, on the desk and popped that on his head, even though he'd been told it made him look, in Claire's opinion, like a worm.

It was warm, so who fucking cared.

"Ready?" Cas asked.

"Lead the way," Dean said, jamming his hands in his jacket pockets to keep them away from Cas's.

They hustled their way up the grassy knoll behind the bunker, breaths puffing silvery around them in the November air. At the highest point, furthest from any of the town's lights, they stopped. Dean, breathing hard, looked straight up and immediately got a little dizzy. He steadied himself by Cas's elbow, thankful as the world stopped spinning. 

The moon had turned to blood. 

"Oh," Dean said, awe punching the sound out of him. "Fuck off, it's red."

"You didn't see the photos in the article Sam sent a link to?"

"Well, yeah, but photos – I mean, anyone can make anything look like anything in a photo editor," Dean said, such an expert on the topic. He pointed. "It's like a big glowing tomato."

Cas's smile stayed in his voice as he said, "There must be a larger than normal amount of dust in earth's atmosphere. I've read it's been a dry autumn in many places. Some lunar eclipses aren't quite this crimson."

"That's not quite as poetic an explanation as people probably had in the past, huh." Dean glanced over at Cas and smiled. "You seen a lot of these?"

"Not many from this vantage." Cas looked away, something bashful crossing his expression. "Ancient Chinese believed the moon was being devoured by a celestial dragon during eclipses. They'd set off cannons to scare it away." He shrugged at Dean's small chuckle. "It was loud."

"I bet." Dean swayed closer, so his hip and arm rested against Cas's, and looked up again, anchored. "I can't believe how many stars we can see. Amazing how much darker it is out here than it is–" He broke off. 

It'd been over three decades since he and his dad had leaned out of a window in Lawrence and studied starlight, a million flickering pinpoints millions of years away, ago, still visible to Dean's young eyes despite the street light on the corner, the porch light shining onto the lawn Dean was never old enough to mow. No good reason for his throat to close off. He remembered the scent of John's cologne, something like pine trees and campfire smoke; in the next bedroom, Sammy had started crying and was soon hushed, Mary's lilting voice carrying through the wall as she sang, "Twinkle, twinkle…"

"Dean," Cas said. His hand had slipped into Dean's, squeezing softly. "We can go back inside, if you want."

Dean, startled, stared into Cas's eyes until he found an answer there to a question he'd never been brave enough to ask. He felt like crying, sure, but he definitely didn't feel like going back inside yet. The sky had just cracked open. He was already home. 

"No," he said, squeezing Cas's hand in return. "I'm awake now."

[cornus27florida]

Do you suppose King Jack ever tried to send photos of his kids to his parents in Camouflage Kingdom? Or do they simply not bother?

The Fun Thing about Camouflage Kingdom in the canon is.. A kingdom that truly looks that can't be easily find LMAO

On the day of the island's Ceramics Festival, a 20-year-old Leelathae was going out to feed stray vermin on the island. Meanwhile, the then-Prince Jack of the Pastel Kingdom was on a mission to return a relic. However, he had taken a wrong turn, and was getting close to the Braided Island.  -> return relic to the camouflage kingdom - but he gets lost and somehow stumbled to Leelathae

Do you suppose King Jack ever tried to send photos of his kids to his parents in Camouflage Kingdom? Hmm maybe? Jack has tedency to send portraits randomly and freely, with the ultimate example is the whole incident of our CPC with real CPC as Jack truly sent Gwen's portrait to the real CPC which make our CPC in panic if they're exposed somehow. For reason behing Jack to send photos of his kids are uncertain but I think as Jack is kind-hearted person, he won't send it with malice (like for example: all of the Pastel kids excluding Gwen are the standard of beauty and literally show what "the alchemy of beauty" wish for : birds, flowers, sparkle thus making Jack sent a revenge note like "Look at your grandchildren, they are the embodiment of your idealism")

Why I say this? Because based on newest free ep we know that Jack never care about his parents obsession as quote:

Mother, Father... I admit that I never really understood your obsession with judging appearances. But now that I look closely,... I think I finally see what you mean now. So for once, I shall partake and urge you, Mother... that it's time you looked in the mirror yourself. ...Because I've never seen you look so hideous -> this means, even if Jack knows about the treasure of his kingdom - he will never obsessed with it unlike his parents and 'family' and he truly believes all of his kids are beautiful espc Gwennie Pie as the carbon copy of his wife

Or do they simply not bother? -> who "they"??? Jack, and his family together with Lilyth? Or Helena-Jesse and those POS of the 'royal family' that deep rooted with eugenics?

I am not sure about this so please give reply or anything about what you mean.. I prefer for sentence to be clear and not ambiguous for referring anything - as I am the most active wiki editor for the CPC fandom lmao. Reference, and who are characters that being referred for - very important

The Kingdom's self-claimed treasure based on Helena and Jesse is "the alchemy of beauty". An eugenics idealism to keep 'breeding' one heir of them to another with the most beautiful spouse they're could thinking so their progeny will be more beautiful. When the previous rulers (before Jack's) finds the spouse choice of their crown prince sole heir is someone that they're deem as ugly - they're try the hardest to breaks the relationship of Leelathae (Lilyth)/Jack. -> the nutshell of Lilyth's Diary content

[emailsfromanactor]

About the Authors of Emails from an Actor

From Letters from an Actor:

William Redfield made his first appearance on the stage in 1936 at the age of nine and has been acting ever since. He has appeared in a wide variety of roles in productions from Our Town to Out of This World, from Junior Miss to A Man for All Seasons. He has also been in a number of motion pictures, the latest of which is Fantastic Voyage. He is a charter member of The Actors Studio. Mr. Redfield is married and has two children. He lives in New York City.

We'll get to know Redfield very well through his writing, and he was well-known enough that he has a Wikipedia page as well as IMDB and IBDB pages with long lists of credits. That Our Town mentioned was the original 1938 production, in which he played Si Crowell. He also did a lot of radio work, including 80 episodes of CBS Radio Mystery Theater, many of which can be heard here and here. And here are some film clips:

Redfield died in 1976 at the age of 49.

From John Gielgud Directs Richard Burton in Hamlet:

Richard L. Sterne is an actor by profession, and his credits as a young actor are indeed impressive. A graduate of Northwestern Uni­versity, Mr. Sterne appeared on Broadway in John Gielgud’s produc­tion of Hamlet starring Richard Burton, obtaining first-hand the material for this book. He toured with the National Repertory Thea­tre under the directorship of Eva LeGallienne, appearing in Liliom and She Stoops to Conquer. Mr. Sterne also appeared with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where he played Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, as well as other roles in Love’s Labours Lost and Henry the Fifth. He was narrator of the film Good Night, Socrates, which won first prize in the Venice Film Festival in 1963. Acting, however, is only one of Richard Sterne’s talents. A musician-composer, he was musical director for the Champlain Shakespeare Festival in Vermont in 1965, and composed some of the music used in Gielgud’s production of Hamlet. Mr. Sterne is now living in New York City with his wife, actress Joann Rose, and was recently in Euripides’ The Bacchants at Lin­coln Center.

We'll barely get to know Sterne through his book at all, which is a shame. He seems like an interesting person - I mean, he hid under a platform for six hours to secretly record two of the biggest stars in the world! Ah well. It's also hard to find information about his post-book life. He's on IMDB and IBDB, but apparently he hasn't done much screen or Broadway work. I did find a page for him on Backstage, with a recent headshot and Off-Broadway and regional credits. Looks like he was acting as recently as February 2020, alternating in the non-singing role of the Coroner in Porgy and Bess at the Metropolitan Opera. In 1982-83 he worked with Eva LeGallienne again in her Broadway revival of Alice in Wonderland, starring Kate Burton - Richard Burton's daughter - as Alice. Here's a photo from that!

He's on the left under that big mask. So here's a photo where you can actually see his face, from a 1982 production of Henry IV, Part 1:

Sterne was interviewed for an article about The Motive and the Cue in April 2023, and as far as I know, he's still alive.

And about the editor, who is not an actor but will always be a theatre kid at heart: Hi, I'm @bewareofitalics, I've decided I'm okay with being perceived! When I'm not sending emails from 1964, I do things like write fanfic, document the Twelfth Night productions I've seen live, make deliberately terrible fandom valentines (I have Emails-relevant plans for this year :D), and recommend (or not) random obscure musicals. As far as I know, I am also still alive.

[twwpress]

Weekly Press Briefing #86: February 11th - 17th

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from February 11 – February 17. Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing!

Challenges/Prompts:

Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote or know of one we’re missing? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

@thefinestmuffin and @JessBakesCakes are hosting the 3rd Annual Josh/Donna Rom-Com Fest. The fest revealed on February 14, but prompts and claims are still open and fics can still be added to the collection. Details here.

This Week in Canon:

Welcome back to This Week in Canon, where we revisit moments in The West Wing that occurred on these dates during the show’s run.

Season 1, Episode 15: Celestial Navigation aired on February 16, 2000.

Season 2, Episode 14: The War At Home aired on February 14, 2001.

Season 4, Episode 15: Inauguration: Over There aired on February 12, 2003.

Season 6, Episode 15: Freedonia aired on February 16, 2005.

Photos/Videos:

Here’s what was posted from February 11 - February 17:

Amy Landecker posted a screenshot of Josh Lyman in sunglasses. 

Amy Landecker posted photos of her and Brad’s dog Angie, including photos of each of them with the dog. 

Bradley Whitford posted a photo of his wife Amy with one of their dogs, along with a sweet Valentine’s Day message. 

Dulé Hill posted a photo from the TCAs where he was talking about his upcoming show “The Express Way with Dulé Hill”, a four part docu-series airing on PBS beginning April 23. 

Dulé Hill posted photos of himself and his wife Jazmyn continuing their Valentine’s Day oyster tradition. 

Janel Moloney posted a photo of her beagle Ollie eyeing her son’s birthday breakfast. 

Josh Malina posted a photo of himself donating platelets.

Josh Malina posted a cast photo from the 1992 National Tour of A Few Good Men. 

Marlee Matlin posted a photo of herself at the Academy Nominee Luncheon (she is a Governor). 

Mary McCormack posted photos of her daughter Rose playing live at the Whisky a Go Go as part of a benefit for HEARTbeats. 

Melissa Fitzgerald posted a photo of herself with her pup for Valentine’s Day. 

Richard Schiff posted a photo of himself with his wife Sheila for Valentine’s Day. 

Rob Lowe posted a photo of himself and his wife on bicycles in celebration of Valentine’s Day. 

Rob Lowe posted photos of himself at Santa Barbara International Film Festival with Robert Downey Jr. and Cillian Murphy. 

Donna Moss Daily: February 11 | February 12 | February 13 | February 14 | February 15 | February 16 | February 17

Daily Josh Lyman: February 11 | February 12 | February 13 | February 14 | February 15 | February 16 | February 17

No Context BWhit: February 11 | February 12 | February 13 | February 14 | February 15 | February 17

@twwarchive: February 11 | February 12 | February 13 | February 14 | February 15 | February 16 | February 17

@twwgifs: February 11 | February 14

Editors’ Choice: 

This week, we’re bringing you some of our favorite fics that touch on what could have been: here are a few of our favorite canon divergence fics!

i want your complications too by thefinestmuffins for JessBakesCakes | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Amy Gardner/John Tandy | In progress | What could have happened between Josh and Donna during Dead Irish Writers if Josh and Amy had never really gotten off the ground? Canon-divergent from 100,000 Airplanes. In Whatever Way You Need by TemperanceCain | Rated T | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete | C.J. has a problem. Margaret offers a solution. before i forget by jazzjo | Rated G | C.J. Cregg, Talmidge Cregg | Complete | standing at the fork in the road, c.j. chooses her father and ohio, at least for now. or,  a love letter to my grandmother let my love fix you up (when you’re coming undone) by JessBakesCakes for hufflepuffhermione | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | The Gaza Arc reimagined: what if Sam flew to Germany to make sure his friends didn't miss their third chance? love is not a victory march by epigraphs | Rated G | C.J. Cregg/Simon Donovan | Complete | On a bench in Times Square, surrounded by lights and sounds and sights and people, she lets herself fall apart. The Deepest of Needs by deandratb for broken_hearted_bard | Rated T | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete | His proposal is a failure, his job is only getting harder. At least his best friend isn't going anywhere. Begins the night after “7A WF 83429.”

This week's fics coming in the reblog!

[pillowfort-social]

Site Update - 12/15/2022

Hi Pillowfolks!

Our developers just pushed another update to the site. We’re still investigating reports of users unable to password reset or update their e-mail in user settings. If you are experiencing either of these bugs contact our CS Team at info [at] pillowfort.social use the contact form on the About Us further assistance. Please include your PF username and e-mail address. This information helps our CS Team locate your account.

We are still on track for the release of the premium features suite at the beginning of 2023. More details soon. Stay tuned for more updates. Have a safe and calm rest of your week!

NEW Features

*NEW* Holiday Frames - Our Founder Julia Baritz was feeling festive and designed a new set of frames to celebrate the holiday season. Head over to your Account Settings to check them out. (Note: the avatar frame selection widget now displays the default user avatar inside each frame as an example to make it more apparent how the frame will look when applied. The widget now also scrolls vertically.

Claimed Registration Key Notice - We’re taking the guesswork out of figuring out if a registration key has already been claimed or not. If someone tries to use a registration link that has already been used, the page will display an error message.

“IntroduceYourself” Community - Beginning today, all newly registered users will be added to the IntroduceYourself Community upon completing registration, to help new users find people to follow.

Bug Fixes/Misc Improvements

Alt text has been fixed for images added via the rich text editor.  (Note: In our continued effort to improve accessibility on Pillowfort, we plan to add the ability to add alt text to images using the photo grid uploader as well in a future update.)

Fixed a bug where banning a user from a Community via the community flag system didn’t work as intended.

The Community Flags Page will no longer refresh after every flag decision submission, so managing Community Flags will be much faster & more efficient now. Submitting a decision on a flag will also auto-dismiss any copies of that flagged item in the flag queue.

The checkbox for whether to delete existing reblogs of a post when changing its privacy level was accidentally removed during the recent UI update. It has now been restored.

Updated the Rules, Watch, Unwatch, and Join button icons in Community headers to be more relevant to their function.

Changed the icon for showing a user’s blog sidebar on mobile to be more relevant.

Improved the wording on Notifications for Replies.

Fixed a bug where some users were unable to successfully save changes to their account settings.

Fixed a bug where the NSFW toggle on the Community settings page didn’t reflect the proper value. 

[krispyweiss]

Sound Bites Presents: The Best of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2023

Editor’s Note: the 2023 edition of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass ended one week ago today. Having returned to backward Oiho after a glorious three days in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the blog recounts his favorite sets of the festival. Read Sound Bites’ full coverage here, here and here; and see more photos here, here and here.

Rickie Lee Jones - Horseshoe Hill stage, Sept. 29; Banjo stage, Sept. 30: Given 45 minutes for her festival-opening reading from “Last Chance Texaco” and another hour for music the following day, when she played the titular song from her 2021 memoir, Jones got more stage time than any other performer. And she put it to good use. After sound-checking with a snippet of “The Horses,” a high-spirited Jones read excerpts about her time as a 14-year-old hitchhiker in California and how her admiration of the hippie ideal eventually turned into contempt. She closed the session by playing a solo-acoustic version of “The Moon is Made of Gold,” a song written by her father.

The following afternoon, Jones and her band played to a ginormous crowd - “I haven’t seen so many people in front of me for so long,” she said, clearly enjoying the moment. Crooning at the mic on “One More for the Road;” playing guitar on a New Orleanian rearrangement of “Danny’s All Star Joint;” sitting at the piano for “We Belong Together;” and playing banjo on an untitled work-in-progress she had unveiled two nights earlier on guitar at the benefit for Camp Winnarainbow, Jones was effervescent and as appreciative of her audience as they were of her. Sound Bites obviously doesn’t know Jones, yet it made him so happy to see her so happy over the three days of performances he and Mrs. Sound Bites witnessed. Rickie Lee, gold.

Tommy Emmanuel - Arrow stage, Oct. 1 - Allotted a criminally stingy 50 minutes, Emmanuel was the only solo-acoustic act to make an audience stop talking and simply gasp at what they were hearing and seeing. That’s because he is a band unto himself and he introduced his phantom accompanists while playing bassline, percussion, rhythm and lead simultaneously on his acoustic guitar. “Sixteen Tons” and “Nine-Pound Hammer” found Emmanuel singing; “Imagine” was instrumental save for the audience and the guitarist’s famous, inhuman “Beatles Medley” closed the set, which should’ve run an hour.

Eilen Jewell - Rooster stage, Oct. 1 - Playing songs from her pre- and post-pandemic albums, Gypsy and Get Behind the Wheel, respectively, Jewell was positively enthralling during her 45-minute midday set, which wrapped with a near carbon-copy of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Green River,” allowing secret-sauce guitarist Jerry Miller to shine.

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram - Towers of Gold stage, Sept. 29 - At 24, Ingram sounds like he’s been playing guitar for 50 years already. This up-and-coming bluesman is going to be a huge star and he spent his 50 minutes demonstrating why he may very well be thought of in 2073 in the same way Buddy Guy is today.

The Travelin’ McCourys - Banjo stage, Oct. 1 - With Punch Brother Noam Pikelny filling in for Rob McCoury on banjo, the sons of Del played some of the least-Hardly Strictly music of the entire festival, as a large swath of the audience bounced along in unison while the band smoked a bluegrass “Scarlet Begonias” in the park the Grateful Dead filled with music so many times in the days of yore. “Seems appropriate,” Ronnie McCoury said.

Doc Watson Tribute - Horseshoe Hill stage, Oct. 1 - Joined at various points by Andrew Marlin, Valerie June and Jon Langford, Mitch Greenhill, Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman offered an intimate set that included “Summertime,” “Handsome Molly” and “Tom Dooley” among others. It all ended with the life-affirming experience of a couple of hundred people singing “Keep on the Sunny Side” under a canopy of trees in a light afternoon fog.

Bettye LaVette - Rooster stage, Sept. 30 - At 77, LaVette remains a powerful performer, stalking the stage and employing her raspy voice to great effect. Bob Dylan may have written “Things Have Changed,” but LaVette owns it.

Irma Thomas - Rooster stage, Sept. 30 - Thomas, 82, played HSB’s most-rambunctious set, closing Saturday with a barnburner that reached its apex with “I Done Got Over It” -> “Iko Iko” -> “Hey Pocky Way” -> “I Done Got Over It.”

Honorable mention: The McCrary Sisters - Rooster stage, Sept. 30 - Rather than a full performance, which they merited, the McCrarys played a handful of five- to 15-minute spots that included uplifting renditions of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” and “Amazing Grace.”

10/8/23

[nerdsworld]

Mission Impossible:Dead Reckoning Part I | Review 🖋️

⛔⛔⛔ Possible Spoilers ⛔⛔⛔

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Early Screening

Saturday

07.08.2023

Guest Writer

C.Armstrong 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿

Note of Gratitude:

This is our movie reviewer's last submission and I would like to thank him for sharing his thoughts with all of us throughout the years.

Covering Comic Conventions:

4th Annual Khem Comic Book Festival 4/2018

5th Annual Urban Action Showcase & Expo 9/24/2018

Star War's 501st in Brooklyn Spring 2017

Black Label Comic Con June 2021

Corwin Armstrong will be kicking off his own content,podcast/blogging and bringing his creative thoughts to the masses.

KhemFest Anime Festival 2018 🎭

On Location:Black Label Comicon

Working exclusively for Black Label Comicon 👍🏾

You can check his Black Label Comicon video interviews,with comic creators from that event at http://www.blacklabelcomicon.com 🦸🏾‍♂️🧛🏾‍♂️🥷🏾

Contact Corwin Armstrong on his Facebook page for information REGARDING photographs and videos from this event.

*Nerd's World DOES NOT HAVE or RECEIVED Any Photos or Videos Regarding This Convention!!*

Corwin Armstrong was volunteering directly with Black Label Comic Con,please contact Founder Eric Cooper for inquiries!

00.10 seconds

C.Armstrong interviewing Black Label Comiccon Creators for Eric Cooper,Owner and Founder.

Thank you,

July 26,2023

Founder/Editor-in-Chief Nerd's World NYC 👾

L.George

[alexstorm]

Mod do you think he’s THAT sympathetic and kind to not leave someone just because she won’t have anywhere to live for a while? She has her family and friends. It wouldn’t be his problem if she doesn’t want to “go south” (lol). And she can find another sugar daddy pretty quickly. I think she’s just convenient enough. Apparently she doesn’t want a traditional family like Taylor did, he hasn’t moved her in after 5 years whereas Taylor moved in like after 5 months, and she’s always free and on call. It sounds so pathetic, but unfortunately it is what it seems it is. I also kinda agree with the other anon saying that he probably thought she was his fantasy and maybe now he thinks that he can never really be successful at finding the right one so he doesn’t even try anymore. Remember that infamous “spit kink” interview? He said Miles fulfills his fantasies. So I guess he really kinda looked for a gf who could fulfill his fantasies and who better than a 70s Birkin/Alexa wannabe? She even started wearing vintage clothes (btw they’re always ugly and honestly no one back in the day wore ugly outfits like that, don’t know how she manages to dress up this bad and her stylist friend doesn’t help her either) maybe he even felt like he could help her build a career (hate to say it, but like Serge helped Jane, EW) he was there for her career at the beginning (going to that performance she had at a restaurant, making her MVs, bringing his designer and editor for her album cover) but he probably found out that she has no ambition or work ethic so he stopped and lost interest. He has said he is a hard-working person himself and we can see that. She’s quite the opposite. Also we don’t know about the inner circle dynamics, all of them are either married/have kids or have partners. Maybe he doesn’t want to look like this single dude lol. I remember in 2018 in LA times interview the journalist mentioned that all of them are married with kids except him, and he said that he’s “never felt more marooned before”. I think it really says a lot about him and his thoughts. Maybe he felt like with the band he’s finally found the friends he always wanted and now that they all have their own family stuff going on he feels left out but also apparently doesn’t want a family of his own (according to himself saying in interviews a few years ago he doesn’t feel ready yet) so he has to have this decorative girlfriend. I don’t think he feels guilty about leaving her. He didn’t feel that when he dumped Arielle or Taylor. And you have to forgive me for bringing up TS because I know you don’t like her lol but she has a song named Getaway Car and it’s basically about how sometimes you’re looking for a way out of a relationship, and another relationship becomes a “getaway car”. I agree with you that he probably saw her as this “getaway car” but the reason she’s stayed this long is the convenience. If I were them I’d listen to Getaway Car and learn my lesson lol. I’m sure we don’t even know 10% of him and what goes on in his mind. People stay in toxic relationship (or even go back to them after leaving) for many reasons. I also think that this is not even what Lou imagined it’d turn out to be. She wanted the full treatment his exes got, including attending public events, spontaneously documented romantic moments by paparazzi, posting him on her ig, having songs written about her, appearing in MVs, getting shoutouts during live performances, fashion show front rows together, maybe she even dreamed of having her photo as an album cover or something and that’s why she desperately, and unsuccessfully, tried it with that concert poster. He ended up never publicly acknowledging her and only sent her to events like Beatles documentary premiere or Celine fashion show with his friends and their partners. He didn’t even attend that La Creme Music Festival last year where she performed. He’s not there when she’d want him to be but she is (/should be) there when he wants her. C’est tragique.

Pooh ok, a lot to unpack here.

First of all, I don't think this is about Alex being sympathetic but simply him being averse to conflict. Dumping her like this would cause a lot of conflict and problems in the future. He knew the other girlfriends had a back-up plan/friends. It seems like Louise has nothing. Just because he broke up/cheated on other girlfriends doesn't mean he didn't feel bad about it. Have we all forgotten 2018? That was not a man who was happy about his cheating and now being with the side chick.

Secondly, some of you guys still haven't gotten used to that English humour, eh? That Miles/Alex interview was clearly them joking around. All he was looking for was an Alexa cosplayer. He just got lucky she was also French.

Re: him looking like the only single guy in this group is what we were talking about with his low self esteem. He needs to work on that in therapy. What does he care how it looks to the outside as long as he's happy about his life? To me this sounds like someone who would like to be single without being judged for it but feels like he needs someone by his side as to not stick out. If he doesn't want to go to therapy for that then he should get more single friends. Instead he settled for Louise looking equally miserable as before.

Not gonna comment on Swifty and that particular song as it has been brought up before. Aren't there people with different tastes in music here as well? Help!