#BANK EXCELLENCE AWARDS

[belle-ayitian]

2023 NAACP Image Awards | Red Carpet

[fans4wga]

Strike Support Declining - Here's how you can continue to support the writers

Since the WGA strike started on May 2, the public has shown immense support for the writers—sending food, snacks, drinks, and encouragement from across the world all the way to Los Angeles, New York, and other picketing locations.

But loud and vocal strike support—in the news and in public spaces—is notably declining the longer the strike goes on. So we're bringing you a few ways to show writers, studios, and fellow fans: we're still here, and we still stand with the WGA.

1. Post on Twitter (and other social media sites)

You might think social media noise won't be noticed by the studios, but it CAN encourage individual WGA members—and slowly but surely put pressure on the studios to make a fair deal.

If you follow WGA members such as Adam Conover (Adam Ruins Everything), John Rogers (Leverage, Librarians), Gennifer Hutchison (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul), Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Lost, The Witcher) [and many many more you can find through their following lists], tell them you support them! Hashtag #IStandWithTheWGA #DoTheWriteThing and tell them that you and your fandom are prepared to support them as long as the strike lasts; that they deserve to have their demands met and you're with them all the way. Boost morale however and whenever you can!

Likewise, actively push back against misinformation/disinformation. See a TikTok claiming that all Hollywood writers are filthy rich and we shouldn't vocally support them? Correct it with well-sourced citations from the WGA, published news articles, and stories from those affected (like the time a writer on FX's The Bear attended the an awards show with his bank account balance in the negative, only to then win an award for Best Comedy Series—proving that good writers on award-winning shows still cannot make a living!)

Remember you can always link to Adam Conover's excellent explanation of WGA demands versus studio refusals, tweeted here.

2. Donate or boost fundraisers

You might be surprised to learn that the picketing locations are not always parties! Sometimes themed pickets are fun, and fandoms and celebrities occasionally are able to fundraise for a food truck or ice cream truck at picketing locations. However, that is the EXCEPTION and not the norm. Writers are asking for food & drinks at many locations.

There are many funds to donate to, and it can be overwhelming to pick one! But one that could use your support RIGHT NOW is the CBS Radford picket line:

-If you're in LA, you can bring food and snacks directly to that picket line (or get food deliveries sent there, with instructions to be given to the strike captain on duty.) Strike locations are available on the WGA West website and are updated there.

-Or there's a pizza fund for the strike locations (unfortunately Venmo is a US-only donation option)

-If you're not in LA, donate to the Entertainment Community Fund to support TV and film workers affected by the strike.

-More tips on donating to the strike in this great article!

-Lots of fandoms are organizing donations on their own, for instance the Our Flag Means Death fundraiser on Paypal (updated 30 July 2023 with new link) (available internationally). Check to see if your fandom has started a fundraiser... or start one yourself to show your support! We're happy to give tips on organizing your fandom!

As always, please boost this post and any and all well-sourced information that comes from the WGA or its members. We're happy to fact-check anything you send our way too.

[talokanda-forever]

I am SO very proud of my people.

Yeah, this is long but these thoughts hit me hard this morning and I gotta let it out.

Angela Bassett did it. When I first saw the throne room scene where she stripped Okoye of her titles, I knew she was giving us an award-winning performance. Some will see this end result of her claiming her Golden Globe as black excellence...and it is. But black excellence is displayed by the hard work and commitment that began 2+ years ago when a heartbroken cast and crew worked through the devastation of losing Chadwick. That is who my people are...we persevere. The excellence is in creators and artists who dig deep to build worlds that ring true on the screen. So that those communities who are starving for true representation can take pride in what they are consuming; instead of feeding us the same old caricatures that some think should satisfy the call for inclusion and representation.

I think about the brilliance of Ryan Coogler. How he puts in the work, how he listens, how he INCORPORATES the feedback he receives, how he is a true CO-LLAB-O-RA-TOR. He didn't create the Talokanil salute, others did. But some would have brushed it aside because it wasn't their idea. He listened when Tenoch told him he didn't look Mayan and took the time to incorporate Tenoch's heritage into his script (we need that extended cut, y'all!). And I think about how during the filming of this very production, Ryan was subjected to racial profiling when he attempted to withdraw money from his own bank account. Cops called out and handcuffed (don’t get me started). Still, they continued. Through a pandemic, they stayed on course. Through Letitia's injury, they plowed through. THAT IS BLACK EXCELLENCE AND THAT IS WHAT WE DO.

Movies like this hit different for POC... they just do. On some level, they go beyond entertainment for us. Someone who has not suffered the exhaustion of getting beat up by society just for existing may not understand. It is a fucking breath of fresh air to look up at the screen and see cultures that have been shit upon--and in some cases exterminated--presented with the utmost respect. We hold them high as banners of pride. We don't want to go to the movies only to get beat up again by images that only denegrate vs uplifting our people.

I love the MCU. I've been there since the first available screening of IRON MAN. Can't tell you how many midnight showings I've attended. I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel a little (ok, a lot) more special that the first major acting award for an MCU film was from the BLACK PANTHER franchise.

Wakanda Forever! Líik'ik Talokan!

[mydaddywiki]

Edward Asner

Physique: Stocky Build/Heavyset Height: 5"7" (1.70 m)

Eddie Asner (November 15, 1929 – August 29, 2021), professionally known as Edward Asner, was an American actor and former president of the Screen Actors Guild. He is best remembered for portraying Lou Grant during the 1970s and early 1980s, on both The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off series Lou Grant, making him one of the few television actors to portray the same character in both a comedy and a drama. He is the most awarded male performer in Emmy history with seven wins, five of them for playing Grant. Asner died on August 29, 2021 at the age of 91.

A television legend, seven time Emmy winner and bear icon, it wasn't until 1993 when I saw him in a rerun of a TV movie called The Family Man that I first took notice of him. He was stout, hairy, masculine and so fuckin sexy. In my mind everything a man should be and an excellent addition to my spank bank. And over the years, Asner's prolific and much honored acting career demonstrates a consummate ability to transcend the line between one of U.S. television's most acclaimed and most controversial actors to unlikely sex symbol.

And I'm sure Asner had been clued into his own furry attractiveness by more than one admirer and was probably comfortable with the idea of being lusted after by other men.

With that being said, He was married twice and had four children, two daughters and a son from his first marriage; and a son from a relationship with Carol Jean Vogelman. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, appearing in plays put on for the troops as they toured around Europe. Asner has established himself as one of the most legendary actors alive over the course of his sixty-year career, all while serving in eclectic leadership roles and campaigning for charitable causes.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Ironside (1967–1969) - Shirtless sauna scene. The Wrestler (1974) - Shirtless sauna scene. The Family Man (1979) - Shirtless bed scene. Lou Grant (1977–1982) - Shirtless bed scenes. OHara’s Wife (1982) - Shirtless scene. Anatomy of an Illness (1984) - Shirtless scenes. Mad About You (1996–1997) - Shirtless bath scene. Out of the Woods (2005) - Shirtless scenes. Just Friends (2011) - Shirtless bed scene.

[xuqijie]

dear karina — naive hwang hyunjin

when people hear the name, park y/n, all they ever think about is your dating scandals with men. what if, all this time, you were in love with a woman?

a/n: finally fixed the drafts!! hope everyone is doing well 🫶

you watch as the two emcees step up onto stage. the commercial break’s over and they’re about to announce the grand prize. you feel a hand squeeze yours. the grip is tight with worry and you glance over, smiling softly at the furrowed brows plastered on your co-star’s face.

“and tonight’s daesang goes to,” lee dohyun opens the envelope, “kim sejeong for spring day.” the applause is deafening as the idol-actress stands up, a look of shock passing her face rather quickly before her eyes crinkle into a smile. as she passes your aisle, you mouth out, ‘congrats.’ it fills you with pride that your previous co-star had managed to snag the grand prize of the year.

her outfit is wonderful tonight. a rose gold based dress with jewels that lined the edges, and if anyone deserved the daesang, it would be kim sejeong. she looks exceptionally pretty with the glow on her face, yet you wonder if your current co-star would look the same.

you mutter out, “you’ll win it next year, won’t you,” before standing up to clap for your friend.

“yeah,” yu jimin says absentmindedly.

a laugh leaves your lips.

“i can still win the top excellence award, right?”

you decide to humour her.

“of course, dear.”

“and you’ll cheer even harder for me, right?” there’s a fire in jimin’s eyes and you giggle softly, intertwining your fingers with hers again and bringing them up into a fighting pose.

“yes, karina.”

jimin nods firmly and sejeong gives her speech. even though it isn’t your girlfriend standing on stage right now, and even though your supposedly drama of the decade only wins one award that night(best supporting actor by kang daniel), you can’t help but feel the happiest you’ve ever been.

maybe it’s the fact that you’re standing in an auditorium with hundreds of your idols. maybe it’s because you finally feel like you belong there. but it’s probably because of the hand that’s in yours and the warmth that it provides.

it’s an indescribable feeling, your heart is racing a mile, and your head is about to explode. your hands are shaking, trembling as the music bank trophy gets passed to you.

“oh my god,” you whisper, eyes gleaming. your band members sniffle through their tears while you examine the trophy. the melody of your debut song starts playing and through their tears, your members sing. it’s a rendition filled with voice cracks, giggles and tears but you enjoy every second of it.

as the idols leave the stage, you spot some of those that you’ve trained with before. 

“y/nnie, good job,” ryujin sends you a thumbs up and you grin back, waving to the rest of the itzy members that do the same.

aespa trails behind itzy and you stutter for a second. their visuals were jaw-dropping and you definitely understand now why netizens said they were basically ai. your awed state changes when one of the members makes eye contact with you. you send a smile.

she frowns and whispers to ryujin before shooting you a withering look.

“what the hell…” you mumble out, your previously happy persona disappearing. your members seem to notice and they drag you to the centre of the stage, away from the crowd of idols.

“c’mon y/n!” jisoo, one of your members, squeals in excitement, “we got our first win today!” you smile softly but all you can focus on is the glare that yu jimin had.

k-pop rookies are getting braver: a thread.

your name trends on twitter the next day, along with karina’s. it would be another celebratory day if not for the fact you were in hot water because of what had happened during the music show.

someone had tweeted out a video of your interaction with the aespa member and in short terms, people were not happy with the way your smile fell.

why is it my fault though? you think as your manager gives you a lecture on how facial expressions could ruin your career. your members sit behind you, worried glances thrown across the room before your manager finally says.

“they want to cover this up,” his tone is solemn, “with a bigger scandal. one that people might support.”

“so what is it?” 

a pause, then, “a dating scandal, with hwang hyunjin.”

“fuck,” mia blurts out.

you agree with your main vocal. fuck.

as your manager gives more details, you stare into space. a dating scandal with hyunjin? his fans would kill you! what on earth were they thinking? and your friendship with his members would be weird, you couldn’t lose your honorary aussie membership!

“the news will get released on friday. you two will go out and get photographed by dispatch before jyp and starship releases a statement, okay? the most fans will do is, well, send death threats. but it’ll be okay. this is better than having to deal with that aespa fiasco,” he reassures you before leaving the room and you glance at your members.

“sorry for uh, getting you guys into this.”

“no, we’re a team. we’ll be here whenever you need us. at least we’re getting some news coverage,” hyerim shrugs. 

“all thanks to me,” you say dryly. 

“all thanks to you,” jisoo repeats.

you meet hyunjin in some tteokbokki stall late at night. he’s dressed in a simple jacket and jeans, he still looks handsome but you would never say that out loud in fear of his fans.

“hello hyunjin,” you greet, “i’m y/n.”

hyunjin doesn’t have a boyish charm and he reminds you of the hallway crush girls had in high school. his gaze is familiar, reminding you of yeji’s. 

“sorry we met so late, i had a schedule.”

“no it’s fine.”

you exchange awkward looks before laughing. “this is really weird, we never talked when i was still at jyp.”

hyunjin eases back into his seat, somewhat more relaxed than before and he shakes his head.

“yeah, i remember seeing you talking to felix, you looked a little intimidating back then,” hyunjin says.

“intimidating?” you raise an eyebrow.

hyunjin pops a rice cake into his mouth, “yeah. i wanted to talk to you since we’re the same age and…” he looks a little embarrassed now and you grin.

“…i don’t have a lot of friends,” he finishes shyly. 

you burst into laughter.

“i’ll invite you into the 00’ liner group chat.”

“that would be greatly appreciated.”

 all your worries of this fake relationship ruining your friendship with other idols disappear. 

“this wasn’t as bad as i thought it would be,” hyunjin says as you exit the shop. it’s almost midnight and you barely even remember the reason for your meetup.

“this was nice,” you agree, “you’re nice to talk to.”

hyunjin chuckles and rubs the back of his neck, “yeah?” 

“mhm. i wouldn’t mind doing more of this.”

“i don’t mind either,” he smiles and you think, huh, maybe this could be good.

@dispatch_korea hwang hyunjin and park y/n are dating — both companies give their statements

the two are meeting with good feelings, please continue supporting hyunjin and y/n. — jype

fans react like you assumed they would. outrage, distaste, some tweet at you, saying that they wish you the best. 

“wow, they really went crazy on you,” mia gasps, scrolling through the different social media platforms. you groan. your manager had restricted you from going online or outside for these couple of days until the news dies down again.

“yeah, definitely stay off social media right now,” hyerim instructs. you nod.

your phone beeps and you glance over. a text from hyunjin. before you can reach it, jisoo leans over and smirks, pulling your phone out of your grasp to exclaim, “how’re you feeling? everything okay? damn, is this fake or real? how did he even get your number?”

you roll your eyes.

“he’s just worried. we were both at jyp, so chan probably gave him my number.”

your group mates send you a look. a look that says, ‘are you being for real?’

you meet up with hyunjin a few more times and it’s actually going good. he seems happy when he’s with you and your chemistry is great. you’ve been texting him for a few weeks now and his comeback is coming soon.

“give me a spoiler,” you whine. hyunjin smiles at you.

“no way, jyp’s gonna kill me.”

“he wouldn’t kill a former trainee, that’s like family violence,” you joke.

hyunjin pauses and stares at you. “so is this incest?”

you gape widely at him, “what?!” he laughs so hard that he nearly falls off his chair and you can’t help but join in too. you catch a glance of the phone on the table and a message lights up the lock screen.

the silhouette’s familiar, the side profile looks so distinctive that you widen your eyes and gulp.

“oh,” hyunjin follows your eyes and smiles, “that’s a portrait i painted, pretty good right?”

“yeah.”

hyunjin grins. 

“i had a great muse.”

you nod, the more you stare at his lock screen, the more it reminds you of karina. and it’s ironic, that she’s the whole reason you’re in this situation in the first place. 

after a few minutes of silence, hyunjin gazes at you with worry.

“are you okay?”

you frown.

“i… i have to go.”

“ah.”

@dispatch_korea rookie couple hwang hyunjin and park y/n have reportedly broken up 

the two have split up due to schedule differences, reported by an insider close to both parties. netizens share their differing opinions online. some wonder if the relationship had started before former jyp trainee y/n left the company. some speculate if it was a public stunt. 

however, we hope that the two are doing well and wish for the best in their future endeavors.

TAGLIST ! @hyukasverse @elyds @yoontoonwhs @txtbrainrot @cfvgbhndun-new-blog @awkwardtoafault @myothegreat @jisooftme @j-wyoung @angelwonie @adajoemaya @nasyu-kookies

[scotianostra]

Scottish physician Patrick Manson was born in Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire on October 3rd 1844, he is regarded as founder of the field of Tropical Medicine.

Patrick Manson was a son of Alexander Manson and Elizabeth Livingstone Blaikie, his dad was the manager of the local Linen Bank, and Laird of Fingask. His mother was distant relative of the famed Christian missionary-explorer David Livingstone.

He developed a childhood passion in natural history, fishing, shooting, carpentry, mechanics and cricket. Among his Presbyterian-Christian family, he showed excellent memory for memorising church sermons at the age of 5 years. In 1857 his family moved to Aberdeen, where he started his formal education at Aberdeen’s Gymnasium School and continued at West End Academy.

Aged 13 1859 he was apprenticed to Blaikie Brothers “Iron masters” however struck down by a form of tuberculosis he had to leave this job, the ironworks loss would be medicines gain, a year later he entered Aberdeen University where he completed medicine course in 1865 however aged only nineteen and was underage for graduation, so he visited hospitals, museums and medical schools in London. Finally of age he formally graduated in October 1865, and was appointed Medical Officer at Durham Lunatic Asylum.

The following year he gained his Master of Surgery and his Medical Doctorate.

Immediately after qualifying Manson travelled to Formosa (now Taiwan) to take up a post as a medical officer to the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs. In 1871 he transferred to Amoy, on the Chinese coast, and 13 years later he moved to Hong Kong, where he practiced from 1883 to 1889. Manson developed an early interest in tropical diseases, and in particular in the role of parasites in their transmission. His initial studies were on filaria, a small parasitic worm that causes elephantiasis: and he was able to show that mosquitoes had a key role in transmitting the worms and spreading the disease.

Manson’s discovery helped inform the work of Sir Ronald Ross, who was studying the transmission of malaria in India at the time. While in Hong Kong, Manson helped found the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese, which later formed the nucleus of the University of Hong Kong. He was also the first person to import dairy cattle from Scotland to Hong Kong, starting a dairy industry there supplying hygienic milk affordable by pregnant women, children and patients.

Manson moved to London in 1889 and in 1897 was appointed to the post of Chief Medical Officer to the Colonial Office. Amongst his early initiatives was the foundation of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, which opened in 1899. He was elected to the Royal Society in 1900, knighted in 1903 and in the following year awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science by the University of Oxford. In 1907 he became the first president of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine, and retired from the colonial office in 191

Retiring in 1912 to fish in Ireland Manson returned to London at the beginning of the First World War. Despite crippling attacks of gout he continued to take a lively interest in medical education.

He died in London in 1922 at the age of 78 and is buried at Allenvale Cemetery in Aberdeen.

[simmingwithabs]

day one: neo soul/boho

day two: black panther

day three: 70s

day five: afro futuristic

day six: hoochie mama

day seven: grunge

day eight: 00s

day nine: dark academia

day ten: streetwear

day eleven: bougie

day twelve: vixen

day thirteen: alternative

day fourteen: anything (I picked haute couture)

day fifteen: black sitcom (miss Hilary Banks from Prince of Bel Air)

day sixteen: 90s (inspired by Nia Long)

day seventeen: coquette

day eighteen: royal

day nineteen: city girl

day twenty: old hollywood

day twenty-two: black icon (Rihanna at the iHeartRadio Awards 2015)

day twenty three: church

day twenty-four: model

day twenty-five: carnival

day twenty seven: old money

day twenty-eight: cottagecore

day twenty-nine: preppy

hello everyone, this is my very, very late BHM CAS challenge post. it took me all of a week and half to complete this with Sims nightmare - ish updates and my game constantly crashing leading me to redo most of the outfits, which was very much a big struggle.

I'd like to give credit to @tetesimsT and @sisisimss for starting this challenge, giving us the chance to shine during a month dedicated to black excellence.

thank you to creators such as @serenity-cc, @sentate, @dreamgirl, @jius-sims, @sheabuttyr, @arethabee, @aharris00britney, @simstrouble, @gorillax3-cc, @seoulsoul-sims, @greenllamas, @charonlee, @christopher067 and many more for their incredible work with their beautiful custom content.!

also would like to thank @helgatisha for the in cas poses, I love them!

love to send a shout out to my friends @simmervlogs, @victoriaplays, for all the love and support. I appreciate you guys so much.

[caspianlegalcenter]

Caspian Legal Center - Law Firm in Azerbaijan

Caspian Legal Center is one of the best law firms in Azerbaijan, located in the heart of Baku, established by professional lawyers and tax consultants. Our experts have extended experience at local large companies, law firms and public bodies such as the Ministry of Taxes, Central Bank and the Ministry of Economy. For more information about our team, visit People. We provide a wide range of legal, tax, accounting and immigration services and related Azerbaijani law consultancy. Alongside its trusted professionalism, our services are practical and prompt for very reasonable fees compared with other ranked law firms in Baku. We are proud to inform that our Legal Practice and Tax Practice have been ranked and recognized by various international ranking agencies and institutions separately, including Legal 500, IFLR 1000, Chambers & Partners, International Tax Review “Tax Firm of the Year” Award in CIS, ITR World Transfer Pricing and ITR World Tax. For more, visit About. As one of the top law firms in Azerbaijan, we have extended experience in business formation and legal entity set-up, corporate and commercial deals, contracts and transactions, immigration, employment, litigation, as well as excellence tax consultancy and accounting services competing with other international firms in Azerbaijan. For more, visit Services. We are an internationally ranked law firm in Azerbaijan, providing mentioned consulting services in very diverse industries, including oil and gas (particularly related to PSA-Product Sharing Agreements and Host Government Agreements), energy and natural resources, oil-gas, renewable energy, finance and banking, ICT, construction, hospitality, industrial manufacturing and machinery, agriculture and F&B; industry, education, professional services and retail industry. CLC is among the very few law firms in Azerbaijan which supports large foreign businesses, including several GLOBAL FORTUNE 500 companies, and other large multinational enterprises from about 40 countries representing diverse industries and well-known local companies. Last but not least, being distinct from law firms in Azerbaijan, we provide one-stop-shop practical support with our tax and accounting team, as complementary to legal services. Accounting implementation of tax services brings added value to our practice-based tax advisory.

[ursafootprints]

*eagerly holds up microphone ;D

1, 3, 12, 13, 17, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30

Sldkfjsdf 💖💖💖 THANK YOU FRIEND you're the sean evans to my weeping-while-answering-questions interviewee

1, 12, 24 have all been answered!

3. What’s something you learned about yourself as a writer? Oh, gosh. That I can finish something longer than five chapters? That banking all my oneshot ideas is a great way to focus on a main project but means I will be extremely scattered from having too many WIPs in the aftermath? I feel like I'm much less thoughtful/self-aware about this kind of stuff than a lot of other authors, lmao.

13. What fic was the easiest to write? Cheating because it was by far the shortest, but it happens here every day (and its soon-to-be-posted Part 2, as they were actually originally written as a one-shot, haha.) I finished each scene in one sitting of CLAMP-fuelled brainworms.

For the ones that are on more equal ground wordcount-wise, Pyrite was the easiest! I had a pretty solid idea of what I wanted out of it and didn't struggle overly much with any of the individual elements.

17. What were your go-to writing snacks? Salt & vinegar chips are my favorite snack, but I don't snack while I write! I don't wanna get chipfingers on my keyboard.

22. Share an excerpt from your favorite scene I can't actually pick a favorite from the last two chapters of YNYD (Peter's talks with May? Tony and Peter's final date night before Peter moves for MIT?? the final scene?!), so instead, from Pyrite:

"I accepted that I had no fucking clue what Dad would let you get away with all the way back when you were three and I didn't revert to being an only child after you drew all over his Shelby Cobra with a screwdriver," he said, rolling his eyes at the memory. It's not like he'd at all wanted his baby brother to get slapped into next Tuesday, but— "For all I know you could blow Norman Osborn right in front of him and he'd just compliment your technique." "Tony!" Peter squawked with a peal of horrified laughter, twisting up out of Tony's lap to shove at his shoulder in protest. "'Hmm, excellent work, son,'" Tony intoned in a well-practiced imitation of their father, catching Peter's wrists. "'See how he's working the shaft, Anthony? Now this is how a worthy Stark successor sucks cock.'" "Oh my god," Peter wailed as he struggled against Tony's grip to try and shut him up, beet red and laughing.

Despite being wholly inappropriate, Tony was actually just being a big brother rather than trying to flirt with Peter here, and so this part actually struck me as being weirdly charming as a look into what their sibling relationship could've been like if not for… everything.

26. If you had to choose one, what was THE most satisfying writing moment of your year? Oh finishing YNYD for sure. I've never written anything near that long or complex before (my next-longest work is only 37k vs YNYD's 166k,) much less finished it, and it felt like a massive accomplishment.

If we're talking something more specific to the writing process, coming up with the idea of using Hanahaki as the premise for the wicked love sequel was also super satisfying! I was pretty content with the idea of just letting the first part stand alone as a full-on tragedy, but I did keep rolling the idea of "but what would their relationship look like after that" around in my mind just out of sheer fascination with it.

I didn't think my answer at the time ("they'd get therapy but Tony wouldn't really ever open up to talk about it and things would never really be the same I guess???") would be that interesting to write or read, but landing on "Tony would be forced to talk about it because his son got Hanahaki" was immediately exciting!

27. Did you do anything special to celebrate finishing a fic? I live in a constant state of buying myself a little treat, so I probably did that, but otherwise not really actually!

29. If this were an awards show, who would you thank? Lolll oh god. You and @shivanessa for sure for all the lovely gifts and for being such thoughtful and supportive readers and friends, my sibling for listening to me ramble about my fics, Rome for letting me bounce ideas off of them and being a wonderful friend and cheerleader, allllllll of my regular commenters…!! You guys are what makes being in fandom so fun 💖💖💖

30. What’s something that you want to write in 2024? Lmaoooooooooo

People were sharing their WIPs lists in the Super Starkers server a while back so I threw one together and, well…

…We'll see what happens!!

[cportmerch]

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[isbashirah]

my undergraduate journey: from the faculty of math, to becoming a multi-award-winning poet

becoming an alum, and reflecting on the situation in Gaza

This summer, I finally became an alum of the University of Waterloo. Looking back at the long and winding path it took to get me here, it’s interesting to see how things fell into place. I recall, the seemingly never-ending slurry of coursework that demanded so much time and attention. The late nights I would stay up attempting to complete assignments in the early hours of the morning. I remember the quiet lull of those weeks after the end of the final-exam period. I remember the nights when things didn’t seem like they would work out. When they still did. And when they didn’t. And how all of it somehow lead me, twice, to the Department of English Language and Literature Awards.

When I first set out to write this article for mathNEWS, I wanted to write about my journey as an undergraduate student, that started out in the honours math program, and the circumstances that lead me, like many, to transfer out of the Faculty of Math altogether.

Teachers and family members had high expectations of me. I think they thought I’d be making bank in finance or something of the like by now. Instead, I’ve become a poet. I reflect on these unfulfilled expectations, and the potential I had, that I chose to let go of, in order to pursue the path I’m on right now.

People warned me that I’d probably struggle to find employment without a STEM degree, especially as a person existing at the intersection of several marginalized communities. I knew I didn’t belong in Math, so when I decided to leave, I also committed myself to the pursuit of excellence. Academic achievement felt like a form of survival. I reflect on the obstacles I face now, emerging as a new grad in the midst of this tumultuous economy.

Sometimes my friends ask me what it feels like, having had my creative work recognized with awards. More than anything, the experience highlighted for me what was missing. Winning these awards, for me, was kind of like high school graduation. It’s another line to add to my resume. I know it might put me ahead a little bit, but none of my everyday problems have really been resolved. The glamour of the awards paled quickly. All that was left were the same everyday problems as I had before. My family, still fragmented, and myself, still lacking in many areas.

I never really intended to become a good poet, or even to improve on what skills I naturally possessed. I turned to writing because it gave me a space to discuss the problems I didn’t feel like I had the space to discuss otherwise. I turned to writing because I felt lonely, and I needed a healthy distraction. I enjoyed writing workshops, because amongst strangers, it was a space where I could just exist, unburdened by the past, or the future.

I have a hard time writing about these accomplishments now; I feel compelled to write about the students in Gaza. The students who will never graduate. The students whose universities have been destroyed, and the many students who have died. The artists, and the engineers. I think of the potential that is lost with civilians who die in war, and those who live on with less opportunities available for their flourishing.

I think about the Gaza House encampment, and encampments at other Canadian universities. The students who put their careers on the line, and put parts of their lives on hold, to speak out against war crimes, and advocate for those who cannot be heard. Those who are under the rubble. I can’t bring myself to further discuss my achievements while the situation in Gaza continues to escalate. I ask, why am I the one that gets to achieve? Right now, the opportunity to achieve is privilege in itself.

I think about my grandmother, with her limited literacy, who survived the Great Partition of India. My grandmother who never received a formal education and lives to see her children and grandchildren go on to become doctors, accountants, software engineers, and poets.

I think of the Palestinian olive trees. How it can take them years to grow before they start bearing fruit. I think of the olive trees that have been violently uprooted under the occupation, and the Al Badawi tree, a Palestinian olive tree that is estimated to be over two thousand years old.

Then I think of the longest night of the year, and the cold winter seasons, how the Al Badawi tree has lived through those long nights and seasonal shifts, into and out of cold and darkness, at least two thousand times.

When civilians die in war, especially children, they are robbed, not only of the opportunity to see what the world has to offer, but the ability to be a part of something larger than themselves. A family. A community. I am not Palestinian, I cannot speak for people in Gaza, but I still think about how I can serve them. As a creative, much of my work is deeply personal, but I believe that creatives have a duty to serve their communities, by creating and holding space for others when they need it. A space to just feel, and be in community with others.

Do you need space to talk about what’s going on in Palestine? I invite you to continue the conversation with me in the comments below.

Warmly,

I. S. Bashirah

This article was originally published on July 26th, 2024, in Volume 155, Issue 6 of mathNEWS.

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I. S. Bashirah is a multi-award-winning poet and recent alumna of the University of Waterloo. She was awarded the English Society Creative Writing Award for Poetry, as well as an Honourable Mention for the Albert Shaw Poetry Award, at the University of Waterloo Department of English Language and Literature Awards Ceremony in 2023. In 2024, she was also awarded the Albert Shaw Poetry Prize.

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Please note: this Tumblr blog exists as an extension of my Substack newsletter. If you would like to keep up with my work, and see my newest posts, they will be up on Substack first.

[lcv3lies]

YOUNGLUV.COM 𓂋 ᧔ enhaha ᧓

SYNOPSIS ✶ seol yn, member of NEWJEANS runs a popular fan account for ENHYPEN member sim jaeyun. what happens when yn attracts his fellow member, park sunghoon, who’s had a crush on her after seeing her for the first time in a cafe?

PARK SUNGHOON ( iceprince ) 🐧 021208

— istj , korean , visual , dancer , vocalist

introverted ex mubank mc. ranked 6th on survival show i-land. a hopeless romantic, falls quick and hard!! sees yn for the first time and is instantly in love. he used to be a professional figure skater, which earned him the nickname “ice prince.” he was chosen to be a music bank host alongside with jang wonyoung, and had his last broadcast september 2. 2022.

YANG JUNGWON ( leaderwon ) 🐈‍⬛ 040209

— istj, korean , leader , vocalist , dancer , rapper.

leader jungwon!! ranked 1st in i-land. has an obsession with his pet dog maeumi and will post him whenever and wherever he can! knows taekwondo. jungwon is definitely an all rounder!

LEE HEESEUNG ( hybeprincefrfr ) 🦌 011015

— istp , korean , center , vocalist , dancer , rapper

ranked 5th on i-land, vocal king heeseung will captivate you with his amazing voice. has an addiction to ramyeon and will eat it anytime he can with jake. is friends with tons of idols in the industry, and is a fan of newjeans!

PARK JONGSEONG ( jongseong ) 🦅 020420

— intp , korean - american , vocalist , dancer , rapper

ranked second in i-land. born in seattle, but lived to korea at age 9. jay is an amazing cook and takes so much pride in it. he also loves fashion. he always looks very expensive and put together, definitely sporting something luxury on him somewhere. he also always smells really really good?

SIM JAEYUN ( jayla4lyfe ) 🦮 021115

— istj , korean - australian , vocalist , dancer , rapper

born in south korea , jake was raised in australia. he loves playing sports , especially soccer and was known in school to be really smart, excelling in math. only training for 9 months, jakes talent was known to many as he ranked 3rd on i-land. part of aussie line, and he is friends with stray kid’s members bang chan and felix. he knows newjeans has two australian members, and once greeted their whole group at an award show.

KIM SUNOO ( slaynoo ) 🦊 030624

— enfp , korean , vocalist , visual , dancer

sunoo is definitely sunshine! always smiling and laughing and lofts the groups mood up whenever necessary . he’s super sassy and his remarks and faces often go viral. ranked 8th in final episode, he was the producers choice to debut. mint chocolate defender till the end of earth! goes absolutely insane when taking selfies (he’s very photogenic) and has no storage.

NISHIMURA RIKI ( giantmaknae ) 🐆 051009

— entj , japanese , maknae , dancer , rapper

ranked 4th on i-land, he was a fan favorite due to his amazing dance and performance skills, and for his persistent determination throughout the show at such a young age. this maknae is extremely tall, standing at 183cm and is considered the best dancer not only by the fans but also the members. loves his members dearly and would do anything for them.

ENHYPEN ( 엔하이픈) is the final 7 members of the survival show I-LAND under BE:LIFT Lab, a joint label created by HYBE and CJ E&M entertainment the group consists of heeseung, jay, jake, sunghoon, sunoo, jungwon, and ni-ki. ENHYPEN is a mix of an en dash and a hyphen that connects different words to create new meaning, members of ENHYPEN will connect, discover each other, and grow together. ENHYPEN debuted on November 30th, 2020 with their mini-album “BORDER: DAY ONE” and title track “Given-Taken”.

taglist (open ! cmt or ask to be added , bold can’t b tagged)

@ihrthni @luvhyun3 @urszn @jencthy @https-skzology @l0ve-joy @luvistqrzzz @astrae4 @noiacha @ 15yroldwholikesrockstars @sanriiolino

[republicsecurity]

At the Enforcers Academy

[The scene opens with dramatic music playing in the background as the camera zooms in on a sleek, futuristic building adorned with the emblem of the Enforcers Academy. The narrator's voice booms over the visuals.]

Narrator: "Welcome to the Enforcers Academy, where discipline meets destiny, and excellence is forged in black. Are you tired of uncertainty? Worried about your child's future? Look no further."

[Cut to a classroom filled with students in black armour suits, their heads cleanly shaved, diligently studying at their desks.]

Narrator: "At the Enforcers Academy, we instill values that last a lifetime. Discipline, obedience, and unwavering loyalty are the cornerstones of our curriculum. Our students emerge as pillars of society, ready to uphold law and order."

[Switch to a montage of students engaging in rigorous training exercises, displaying feats of strength and skill under the watchful eye of stern instructors.]

Narrator: "But it's not just about physical prowess. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty ensure that your child receives a top-notch education in criminology, forensic science, and tactical strategy."

[Cut to a proud parent watching their child receive an award on graduation day, tears of joy streaming down their face.]

Narrator: "And for you, dear parents, peace of mind is priceless. Rest assured that your child is in capable hands, preparing to embark on a noble career serving and protecting the community."

[Narrator, with a reassuring tone]: "But that's not all! At the Enforcers Academy, we understand the importance of easing the financial burden on parents. That's why we offer generous scholarships and financial aid packages to eligible students. Your child's future shouldn't be dictated by your bank account."

[Cut to a scene showing parents reviewing financial documents with academy administrators, nodding approvingly as they discuss scholarship opportunities.]

Narrator: "And rest assured, your child will be in good hands around the clock. Our dedicated team of Conscripts, instructors, and support staff ensure a safe and structured environment 24/7. From dawn till dusk, and beyond, we're here to guide and mentor your child every step of the way."

[Switch to footage of students engaging in various activities under supervision, from academic study sessions to physical training exercises.]

Narrator: "Plus, as an added bonus, our unique program prepares students for their own Conscript Service, ensuring a seamless transition into adulthood. With our comprehensive training regimen, your child will be ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead."

[The screen transitions to a heartwarming scene of parents hugging their child goodbye at the academy gates, knowing they're leaving them in capable hands.]

Narrator: "Invest in your child's future today. Enroll them in the Enforcers Academy and watch them thrive. Because at the Enforcers Academy, excellence is not just an aspiration – it's a way of life."

[The Enforcers Academy logo flashes once again on the screen, accompanied by the tagline: "Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders, Today." The commercial concludes with a sense of reassurance and optimism for both parents and students alike.]

[moltara]

hi niko! so about neopets, i made an account on grundo's cafe a bit ago but there's so much stuff on the website i got overwhelmed o.o i never played the og neopets when i was younger so is there any like set system to how this works? if i adopt a pet do i have to check in on them everyday? any beginner tips? thank u in advance because i'm so clueless -w-

hiii!! here's a guide of some basic neopets tips!

if you don't feel like feeding them food every day i highly suggest checking them into the neolodge! this ensures your pet remains fully fed without you needing to do anything B) grundos also sends you a neomail reminder when your pet checks out, so you can check them back in!

grundos, for some reason, also makes it so your pet gets sad way faster than neopets. every couple weeks you may need to play with your pet repeatedly using a toy for a little while until they're "Delighted!" unless you don't mind seeing their sad artwork on your profile lol

neopets also has activities you can do for free (or a small fee) every day to get rewards and np - these are called "dailies"

grundo's is an excellent neoclone to start with because your dailies are all listed as icons in the column at the far right of the page! after you complete a daily, the icon will vanish to indicate you've done it for the day, then reappear once they reset (12am NST for most of them)

"timelies" are activities that can be re-done after a certain amt of time has passed (ranging from every 30 minutes for the healing springs to every 12 hours for coltzan's shrine)

i typically do not do ALL the dailies listed every day, but i have a small list i like to check because they have a pretty good chance of yielding high value items or relics that can be redeemed at grundo's warehouse for credits

dailies i make a point to do every day include:

collecting my bank interest

wise old king (i click "randomize", the choices don't actually matter it's all just a randomized outcome)

grumpy old king (you can do this twice per day, also just randomize this one too)

fruit machine (the odds are much better than actual neopets and you can score a paintbrush if you get three of a kind for certain fruits)

tombola

magical discarded blue plushie of prosperity

island music (for two reasons: if the song lyrics presented have the word "Kyrii" in them, i think you get awarded an exclusive avatar + and also bc there's a small chance that you can receive a free relic from this daily)

lab ray (if you've got it)

coltzan's shrine (every 12 hours, but i usually treat it as a daily bc i forget to do it again later on)

healing springs (you can do this one every 30 mins)

grundos is also excellent about awarding valuable items to reduce inflation. this makes it so you can easily earn money!

check out the games and find one you like, because if you reach a certain threshold with your score 3 times a day, you can receive a randomized rare item! (usually i get a codestone, but i've also received neggs, piles of beads which sell for a good chunk of change, and also notably, paintbrushes and morphing potions!)

when selling items, be sure to price check on the shop wizard and trading post before listing a price. if the item isn't found on shop wizard, it's too expensive for your store! (items in your shop can be sold at a maximum of 99,999 np, any more than that and you must sell them in an auction or trading post lot)

if you have any other more specific questions or need more advice feel free to dm me or add me on discord! (miravariable is my handle, just lemme know who you are first!)