#Baltimore strut

[chickenbutts-posts]

Embarrassing

Is there some sort of support group for black people that can't dance....asking for a friend..

[hunnybae]

is this The Baltimore Orioles or...

The Cheetah Girls 🤔

i see no difference

[slyandthefamilybook]

okay because I'm seeing some misinfo, here's the story on the Key Bridge collapse

What was the Key Bridge?

The Francis Scott Key Bridge (also called the Key Bridge, the Beltway Bridge, and the Outer Harbor Crossing) was steel-arch continuous-through-truss bridge spanning the Patapsco River south of the Baltimore Harbor. The bridge took 5 years to build and cost an estimated $145 million ($735 million in today's dollars). The full bridge project (including approaches) was 10.9 miles long, but the stretch over the Patapsco was 1.6 miles long and 4 lanes wide, and comprised a length of I-695, the Baltimore Beltway. It traveled between Hawkins Point and Dundalk, and in addition to the I-895 Harbor Tunnel was the primary way for Marylanders to cross from the Eastern Shore to the West. The bridge carried an estimated 11.5 million vehicles per year. There is a lane for ships to pass under the Key Bridge with enough clearance.

Was it structurally sound?

The bridge received its latest inspection in 2022 and received a 6/9 score, which is considered "fair" by federal standards. There was a concern with one of its columns, which was downgraded from a health index of 77.8 to 65.9, but it is not clear yet if this was one of the columns struck by the ship. In 1980 the bridge was struck by a different cargo ship which destroyed a concrete support structure, but the bridge itself was unharmed. There is as of yet no evidence that the bridge collapsed because of poor condition. Experts say the lesson to be learned is about the size and weight of modern cargo ships, and that the bridge was not to blame. Engineers have noted, however, that the bridge's piers lacked protective devices such as fenders.

What was the ship?

The MV Dali is a container ship flying the Singapore flag. It is owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and operated by Synergy Marine Group Ltd. The ship is currently being chartered by Maersk, a Dutch shipping company. It was built in 2015 by Hyundai. The ship is 980 feet long and 157 feet wide. The ship's gross tonnage (its internal volume) is 95,128 tons (190,256,000 pounds). Its deadweight (the weight of cargo it can carry) is 116,851 tons (233,702,000 pounds). The ship was carrying 3,000 containers. The engine is a MAN-B&W 9S90ME putting out 41,480 kilowatts (55,626 horsepower).

Over its lifetime the Dali has been inspected 27 times, and only 2 faults were ever found. On June 27, 2023 the Dali was held in port in Chile due to an issue with the propulsion system. According to an inspector the pressure gauges on the heating system were "unreadable". The fault was fixed before the ship left port.

The Dali is crewed by 22 Indian nationals including 2 maritime pilots.

What happened?

The Dali arrived at the Port of Baltimore on March 23, 2024. At 12:44 AM on March 26, 2024 the Dali left port, beginning its journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka. At 01:26 AM the ship suffered a "complete blackout" and began to drift out of the shipping lane. It is not yet known what caused the electrical failure. The backup generator did not power the propulsion system. At around 01:26 AM the crew of the Dali sent a mayday distress call to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) informing them of the loss of power and that a collision with the Key Bridge was possible. The anchors were dropped as an emergency measure to attempt to slow or stop the vessel. At the request of one of the pilots traffic flow over the bridge was immediately halted. Black smoke was seen coming from the Dali, which experts believe was the result of the crew managing to restart the power system to regain some maneuvering capability.

At 01:28 AM the Dali, traveling at 8 knots (considered to be a fast speed) collided with a support strut beneath the Key Bridge's metal truss at the southwest end of the bridge. A Baltimore resident said he heard the collision and that it "felt like an earthquake". Emergency teams began receiving 911 calls at 01:30 AM, and the Baltimore Police Department were alerted at 01:35 AM. One of the officers present radioed that he was going to go onto the bridge to alert the construction crew as soon as a second officer arrived, but the bridge collapsed seconds later.

What was the damage?

The Key Bridge has completely collapsed. The metal truss relies on structural tension from the bridge itself to maintain its rigidity. As soon as one of the support columns was destroyed, the rest of the bridge quickly followed.

The damage to the Dali is reported as minimal. The ship was impaled by the bridge's structure above the waterline, but has maintained watertight integrity. The crew has not reported any water contamination from its 1.8 million gallons of marine fuel. 13 containers carrying potentially hazardous material were damaged, and are being inspected by a team of Coast Guard divers. At least 5 vehicles including 3 passenger cars and a cement mixer were detected underwater, but authorities do not believe they were occupied

Who was hurt?

The crew of the Dali reports no casualties, except one crewmember who was hospitalized for minor injuries. There was a crew of 8 construction workers on the Key Bridge filling in potholes. 2 were immediately pulled from the water by rescue crews, with 1 being rushed to emergency care and the other reporting minor injuries and refusing treatment. The hospitalized worker has since been discharged. 1 of those rescued was Mexican. The remaining 6 remain missing. Of those 6, 2 have been identified:

Miguel Luna from El Salvador

Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval from Honduras

Of the remaining 4, 2 are Guatemalan nationals. Neither have been identified, but the Guatemalan Foreign Affairs Ministry has stated that they were a 26-year-old from San Luis, Petén, and a 35-year-old from Camotán, Chiquimula. The other 2 are presumed to be Mexican.

Rescue Efforts

The Coast Guard was immediately deployed for search-and-rescue operations. Military Blackhawk helicopters were seen over the river. Rescue efforts were ended at 07:30 PM on March 26, 2024 due to darkness, fog, and cold temperatures. Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath said "Based on the length of time that we've gone in the search, the extensive search efforts that we put into it, the water temperature -- at this point, we do not believe that we're going to find any of these individuals still alive". Recovery operations resumed at 07:30 AM on March 27, 2024 with all 6 workers presumed dead.

No divers have yet entered the water underneath the bridge. Supervisory Special Agent Brian Hudson of the FBI's Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team said "the debris field is pretty sizable and I know that’s why they’re hesitant to send divers down because some of the debris is still shifting, the heavy weight of the rocks". The FBI has deployed Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) equipped with cameras and SONAR.

Aftermath

At 05:08 AM on March 26, 2024 Transportation Secretary Pete Buttegiege posted on X (formerly Twitter):

"I’ve spoken with Gov. Moore and Mayor Scott to offer USDOT’s support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge. Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response."

At 07:30 AM on March 27, 2024 President of the Maryland State Senate Bill Ferguson posted on X (formerly Twitter):

"Over 15,000 in the Balt region rely on daily operations at Port of Baltimore to put food on the table. Today, with Del. @LukeClippinger and colleagues representing Port, we are drafting an emergency bill to provide for income replacement for workers impacted by this travesty."

At around 09:40 AM on March 26, 2024 Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott declared a State of Emergency to take effect at 10:30 AM March 26, 2024, and to last 30 days. Baltimore's Emergency Operations Plan was put into effect.

More than 1,000 personnel from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have been deployed to assist with clearing the debris and rebuilding efforts. President Joe Biden has pledged that the federal government will pay for the entire reconstruction of the bridge.

Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recovered the Dali's data recorder, and will be inspecting both the Key Bridge and the Dali to determine the cause of the crash and the collapse. She says the investigation could take up to 2 years to complete.

Was it intentional?

According to William DelBagno, head of the FBI's Baltimore field office: "There is no specific or credible information to suggest there are ties to terrorism in this incident".

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said: "There are no indications this was an intentional act".

At least 3 people have been killed in accidents related to ships operated by Synergy in the past 6 years. In 2018 a person on board a Synergy ship in Australia was killed in an accident relating to the vessel's personnel elevator. In 2019 an officer aboard a Synergy vessel in Singapore fell overboard while performing maintenance. In 2023 at least one sailor was killed when a Synergy ship collided with a dredging ship in the Philippines. In the first two cases safety inspectors noted that proper safety procedures had not been adhered to.

Sources

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

[the-crystal-one]

Nicest Kids in Town!

Chapter 2

~Baltimore 1960~

It wasn't uncommon for Sandra to be in the detention room. Not because she was a bad student, never that. Mr.Ichbad had a small reputation for sending most of his students to detention halls for numerous reasons, chewing gum, laughing to loud,(being black and proud) blasting music from their stereos and last but not least, not being in your seat before the bell rung.

As Sandra approached the detention doors, she could hear the tunes seeping through the door. Like a light switch, her cheek bones rose and she pushed the door handle, revealing her brother and some other kids she knew. "Now I know y'all don't have detention this early in the day, y'all should be ashamed of ya'selfs." She fake scolded them all as she trekked to the front desk and folded her hands, breaking out in laughter.

Seaweed smiled, holding his hand out to her, "Aw now you know the man is always tryin' to get me down girl." Sandra grabbed his hand and pulled herself up, beginning to dance with him. "Mr.Stubbs what have you done this time to get yo'self 'down' by the man?" She smirked at him and moved her body, like water, with the music.

Her brother's hand flew to his chest and he feigned innocence, "Me?! Nah, I didn't do nothing-" A girl with her curlers still in popped up behind her, "He was playin' his stereo and gettin' fresh with Ms.Malene." Curlers walked away, beginning to take her hair down.

Seaweed smacked his lips and twirled his sister around to distract her from the situation at hand. "Let's focus on things that actually matter...Your Hair!" He softly pulled on one of Sandra's curls. She gasped and smacked his hand. "Boy I know what I'm doin'! How about you worry about one of these little girls you're around here chasing." He pushed her shoulder and went back to dancing. Sandra joined him and hummed along with the beat of the music.

~Timeskip through the day~ Sandra had finally slicked her hair back, leaving the back of her afro out to appease her and her mother. In the time that it took her to do that, a short chubby white girl, had entered the room. She looked a bit frazzled but that was usual when non black people entered the detention room. As Seaweed spun to the music, she crept around the crowd of people. Sandra brushed her off as nothing and began to glide her hands down her front half, following her brother's move.

"Can I help you?" Derek, a lightskinned brotha in the corner of the class asked the girl, turning his neck down to look at her. She watched the two siblings in awe, "That moves swish!" Derek broke out into a smile and turned his head back to Seaweed and Saucy. "Got that right."

"The man can diet me on a diet of detention, so long as he don't starve me of my tunes baby!" Seaweed turned to the girl and Saucy did the same, gliding over to her. Tracey look at the brown skinned woman and smiled. "Does this dance have a name?" Sandra nodded and shimmied around the small woman, "Mhmmm, he calls it 'The Peyton Place after midnight'." She lightly shook the girl with tall black hair.

"I use to uh, attract the opposite sex." Seaweed shimmed and began strutting towards the girl and his sister. "Wow, that is so groovy." The teenager watched as the boy spin slowly and hold his hand out to her. "You're really good!" She kept awing over him, Saucy on the other side of her couldn't take it anymore because she could see her big headed brother's ego boost with every compliment. "Why thank you." She smiled and pondered for a second, "So would it be something like this?" He looked over at his sister and pulled her over, beginning his dance again, but this time, the chubby girl joined in. "Hey I know where I've seen you two before!" Saucy and Seaweed looked over at each other as smiles grew on their faces, "Oh yeah?" Seaweed's movements didn't halt for a moment. Saucy on the other hand took the chance to catch her breath and lean against a desk, "Where?"

Tracey's smile grew twenty sizes as she began fawning over the two "stars", "On Corny's show on negro day! Negro day is the best I wish everyday were negro day!" Saucy couldn't contain her roaring laughter. Seaweed and Tracey began to circle one another, "At our house, it is." The room followed suit in Saucy's action and burst out in chuckles and giggles.

As the laughter continued, Tracey stood, looking up at Seaweed and then at Saucy, "Hey...Show me another one?" Seaweed's arm draped over his older sister (by a couple of months) shoulder, "Oh you wanna see another one?" Saucy's hip poked out and she looked to her brother, "Oh I think she wants to see another one."

"Well," Seaweed began, "Here's a little somethin' signified to say, 'Hello, My name is Seaweed J. ," He pulled Tracey closer with an invisible rope. "Stubbs." The room oh'd and awe'd. Saucy sat back giggled at the current actions and sat up on a desk, swinging her feet to and fro. "What's your's girl?" She called out. "I'm Tray! Cee! Turn! Blad!" The entire room erupted in joy and shock, "You betta get it white girl!"

"Well Tracey, you got it goin' on girl, and before she forgets, the elegant, the lovely, the wonderful," Saucy rolled her eyes as her brother drew out her introduction out, "The always amazing, Sandra "Saucy" Stubbs." The room once again went up in arms, probably disturbing the already peeved teachers.

She waved them all off, "Anyhow, Tracey baby, you one of us now." She gave her a wink and the girl smirked to her. "You're goin' this program already in progress!" Her hips rotated and that caused Sandra to hop off of the desk, bumping Tracey with her own hips.

"Let's go." Seaweed spoke to Tracey as Derek cranked the music back up. Everyone gave themselves space and started dancing, loud and proud.

Unbeknownst to them all, peeking through the glass of the window were two, rather nosey, white boys. Very entrapped by the small teenager, gyrating around without a care in the world.

As the door slowly creaked open, Sandra straightened herself out and cleared her throat.

Seaweed on the other hand didn't notice, "So how you likin' detention?" Tracey's hips moved fluidly, "I'm a bad bad girl who needs to be punished!" She smacked herself on the rear end. Sandra nudged her sibling and nodded towards the door, making him cover his mouth to laugh. Tracey turned her head to the door to see Link Larken and another male staring right back at her.

A beat went by.

"Hey you know...Corny's hosting the hop tomorrow, if he saw you dancing like that he'd put you in the show." The two Black children stood between the other white ones, watching this painfully awkward moment, just before the bell rung Tracy nodded her head, brushing past Link.

"Sorry little darlin', hope I didn't dent your do." He stalked out of the detention room and Saucy looked at Tracey. "Well, you have a good time, we'll see you...eventually." She grabbed her brother's hand and yanked him out of the classroom. ~Chapter 3~

[vanana-r0tat3]

another post because i have illness of the brain BATIM/BATDR characters and songs that remind me of them!! theres ah. quite a lot oops.. idk if some of these are ooc but idc 🕺

here's a playlist if youd like to listen to all the songs in the order ive listed

Joey Drew: The Main Character - Will Wood Mr. Big Shot - Anarbor Ruler of Everything - Tally Hall Fear & Delight - The Correspondents (go watch the music video btw its like a baby sensory video for people with autism /hj) What I Want - The Living Tombstone Dead Inside - Younger Hunger Art is Dead - Bo Burnham Sin Triangle - Sidney Gish Young Stars - The Struts Ghost - Nelward Everybody Likes You - Lemon Demon Season 2 Episode 3 - Glass Animals Pools - Glass Animals Money On My Mind - UPSAHL Wrecking Ball - Mother Mother Jesus Don't Like That I'm Gay but Satans Cool With it - Lil Boodang

Other characters below the cut :)

Henry Stein: Rules - The Hoosiers Community Gardens - The Scary Jokes All the Dying - Mother Mother Make the Grade - Jack Conte Black Swan - The Struts Stress - UPSAHL Clockwork - Palaye Royale Don't Panic - Coldplay Nightmare - Set It Off Frying Pan - Mother Mother

Sammy Lawrence: Homunculus - Trickle God's Whisper - Raury Your body, My temple - Will Wood Touch Tone Telephone - Lemon Demon SPLIT! - Jhariah This Is Love - Air Traffic Controller UP TO SNUFF! (I'm On Fire) - atsuover People I Don't Like - UPSAHL What Good Am I - Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards Hospital - The Used phony - kafu (Will Stetson Cover) (my bf suggested this one!)

Audrey: Could Have Been Me - The Struts Mr. Maker - Crimson Apple Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land - MARINA Imposter Syndrome - Sidney Gish

The Ink Demon: still feel. - half•alive Cabinet man - Lemon Demon It's All So Incredibly Loud - Glass Animals Punching Bag - Palaye Royale Gestapo - Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards Terrible Ride - The Queenstons Boogieman - Sock.clip (YES I KNOW THIS IS AN FNF SONG FIGHT ME) Monster - Bassetfilms (yes yes another fnf song LISTEN lemon demon/monster fits for the ink demon leave me alone im right) What You Do - The Queenstons Bad Blood - Creature Feature Inside of You, In Spite of You - ThouShaltNot

Buddy Lewek: Soda - Nothing But Thieves No Love in LA - Palaye Royale Radio - Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards Let Me Down Slowly - Alec Benjamin Why Worry - Set It Off Fine, Great - ModernBaseball

Malice/Twisted Alice: Snuff Out the Light - Eartha Kitt Miss Baltimore Crabs - Hairspray OST Kill Your Darling - Cloudy June

Henry & Joey: You're All Scotch No Soda - Sarah and the Safe Word Lost Kitten - Metric The Ol' Switcheroo - The Struts I Know You Better Than That - Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards Sick On Seventh Street - Sarah and the Safe Word You'll Be Gone - Yonkagor Pork Soda - Glass Animals One Big Beautiful Sound - Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards Fallacy - Yonkagor Your Love (Déjà Vu) - Glass Animals Skeleton Song - Kate Nash Oleander - Mother Mother Drink - Destroy Boys No Children - The Maintain Goats

[moonlight26posts-blog]

In Baltimore City, MD: Friendly, affectionate, gentle Rottweiler who plays well with dogs is seeking placement - BARCS, Baltimore MD

- Sweetheart in Need -

Bene Gesserit- 1 year, altered female, 69lbs

Meet Bene Gesserit!

This 1-year-old, nearly 70lb gentle giant walks well on the leash and has the cutest wiggle butt strut. She's a smart girl who already knows “sit,” but sometimes it takes her a few times until she decides to reveal it to you. She is a gorgeous girl that exudes a smiley, happy, friendly, gentle demeanor, making her delightful and easygoing.

When tested off-leash in the shelter's play yard, Bene Gesserit has play well with other dogs. She's high-energy and full contact, but also disengages well when necessary.

BARCS is out of space and Bene Gesserit is available immediately for rescue pick-up.

Please let us know if your organization can help!

Thank you,

The BARCS Rescue Team

Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS) ​New Address! 2490 Giles Rd, Baltimore, MD 21225 rescue@barcs.org| (410) 396-4695

Rescue pick-up hours: Monday-Friday: 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m

Adoption hours: Monday-Friday: 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, Inc. (BARCS) | 2490 Giles Rd, Baltimore, MD 21225

[thewarriorspecial]

Dress Up (CH2 - Different Light)

*Archive Edition* Previously only linked to AO3, full work now available under the cut.

Read on AO3

Rating: Explicit | Guy Gardner/Kyle Rayner, Hal Jordan, John Stewart

Additional Tags (All chapters listed): Established Relationship, hand wavy timeline, Lace Panties, Spanking, Lingerie, Oral Sex, Angst, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Character dealing with/avoiding their PTSD, Rimming, Drinking, Canon-Typical Violence, Blood, Bloody Kisses, Polyamory

The last outfit worked out so well, Kyle decides to to try another. He decides to pop into Warrior’s on a busy night and hang out just out of Guy’s reach. He's starting to be honest with himself about the reason he craves these distractions.

Kyle walked into Warriors and it was packed. Guy’s first thought was thank God, finally some help. The second was being annoyed that Kyle had the nerve to strut in here all dressed up, looking that good when Guy didn’t have a free hand to do anything about it. He threw the towel he was holding over his shoulder and stared his lover down.

Kyle was rocking his Hot Topic chic, and on anyone else it would probably look stupid. He had stolen Guy’s Warrior jacket and slung it over his favorite Nine Inch Nails shirt. He had on his Way Too Tight jeans and knee-high, lace-up boots. He’d done the thing with his hair that made it look sex-wrecked on purpose. He had on eyeliner too which made his cat eyes even more enticing. He dropped himself onto a bar stool, tossing his hair and licking his teeth.

“Whadda ya think ya doin’?” 

“Visiting.” Kyle lifted himself onto the bar, rummaging through the bottles until he found what he wanted. He sat back, opening the bottle and taking a long pull without grimacing. Kyle was the only person Guy had ever met who had the same vices, for better or worse. “Wanna watch me make this bottle disappear?” Kyle flattened his tongue and ran it up the neck of the bottle.

“Cut it out. It ain’t cute. M’already gettin’ killed ‘ere.” Guy snatched the bottle away, taking a swig. He was already about 3 shots away from his Baltimore accent becoming unintelligible. When Guy was drunk he sounded like he was trying to talk around a mouthful of marbles, overcompensating by steamrolling the vowels. “How ‘bout a lil’ help, sweetheart?”

“Stress relief?” Kyle fisted the bottle neck suggestively.

“Kyle,” Guy sighed, one irritated syllable. 

“I thought you liked taking your clothes off of me,” Kyle pouted.

“Kyle.” Two syllables now, a warning. “Ya hide from me, ya throw yaself at me. What’s going on with—“

“I’ll help you,” Kyle said, hopping over the bar. As he bent to grab glasses he rubbed his backside against Guy’s groin, “As long as you promise to help me later.” He started mixing drinks and running orders so Guy could run the kitchen. He could feel Guy’s eyes on him through the night as the hours dragged on.

__

They found a brief moment of respite. The customers were well into their drinks and conversations. The ticket printer had finally stopped screeching out orders for the moment. Guy leaned on the prep counter, breathing a little heavy but he had that satisfied smile on his face—a real one. This kind of work takes him back, keeps him humble.

Kyle held his arms out. “Hey stranger,” he said as Guy gave him a tight embrace.

“Ay yaself.”

Guy was relieved to finally get a chance to touch Kyle. Having him so close yet so far away was torture. He leaned back and took a languid look at his lovely partner.

“See something you like?”

“Yeah, everything.” Guy looked at the timers and tried to plan a way to drag his partner behind the walk-in without neglecting the friers. He rubbed Kyle’s back idly and his hands wandered under the hem of Kyle’s shirt. Instead of warm skin his fingers skidded over ribbons and straps and…lace. “What’s all this? This for me?”

Kyle put his arms around Guy’s neck, stroking his hair, “Who else?”

Someone hotter, Guy doesn’t say. He tilts his head, leaning into Kyle’s touch. He lets his lips part as an invitation but Kyle doesn’t rise up on his toes to kiss him anymore. So he studies Kyle’s face instead. There was a slight tremor in his breath but his gaze was steady. Guy could look into those green eyes forever. They’re a little dilated even in the florescent light of the kitchen. He’s horny, maybe a little nervous. If Guy wasn’t so drunk and insecure at this point he would’ve bent Kyle over the prep table already. He ran his hands over Kyle’s hips, giving his ass a gentle squeeze. He still hoped for the kiss he was too apprehensive to take for himself.

“Ah, ah,” Kyle tutted, removing the rogue hands, “That’s for later.”

“Aw, c’mon. Lemme see,” Guy tugged at the shirt again and Kyle smacked his hands.

“Oh, I will. Let’s finish this shift so you can take me home,” Kyle smiled. He looked over his shoulder and added, “Bring cash.”

Guy slid Dukes of Hazard style over the counter and manned the stove with renewed fervor.

__

They spent the flight home wrapped around each other, the path from the bar to their balcony memorized. Seeing them floating by, oblivious to the comings and goings of Oa, was a familiar sight by now. They landed and Guy pushed Kyle though the balcony door as Kyle shedded the jacket and threw it over the couch.

“So what’s the occasion?” Guy asked, still trying to get his hands at whatever Kyle was hiding under his clothes.

“Did you bring the money?”

“Baby I got ya money, don’cha worry,” Guy sang as he pulled stacks of rubber-banded bills out of his uniform vest.

“Good,” Kyle’s eyes went wide at the fistful of cash Guy produced. “I hope you have enough for me.”

“What’s mine is yours, baby, you know that. What do ya need this much money for?”

“I wanna play a game. I’m gonna try and run you broke. And, I wanna see how sleazy you can really be.”

“Well, ya got the right Guy for that,” Guy pointed at himself with both thumbs, “Ya not gonna murder me are ya, Jigsaw?”

“Go get changed,” Kyle said, slapping Guy’s ass as he headed to his old-bedroom-now-studio. “Unless you pick up strippers in your GL duds.”

“Pick up str—Oh!” Guy cackled and rubbed his hands together, “This is gonna be fun.” 

Guy strutted to their bedroom and hit the light. The room was awash in deep red, which Guy perceived as low light with heavy contrast. A construct couch and stripper pole glittered in the dim light. A stereo sat on the dresser softly playing music that was mostly bass. Two glasses, a bucket of ice, and a few liquor bottles sat next to the stereo. Kyle had really put the details into this one. He either did his research or had actually taken himself to a strip joint. 

Guy walked to the back of the room and dug about 15 years deep into the closet. Sleazy, he could do sleazy. He ran circles around sleazy while he fucked its sisters—raunchy, cheap, and trashy. Thankful he was such a pack rat, he shuffled through hideous clashing colors, leopard print, and mink. He got caught up with some of his old favorites, tossing a feather boa around his neck and a pimp hat on his head. He found a handheld Brick Breaker game and a canister of Pogs too. There really was way too much stuff in here. 

He found himself torn between the Jackie Treehorn getup or the white t-shirt and jeans from when he and Kyle first met. He ended up deciding on the simple jeans and t-shirt because it would be so disarming. Sleaze was in intention. Sleaze was in the heart. After he changed, he poured himself a drink and man-spread on the couch.

On the other side of the wall, Kyle paced in his studio. Guy was right—he was running hot and cold. They went from normal to nothing to struggling to routine and now he was freaking out. He missed the beginning when everything was easy, when routine was comfort. He needed distance from what had happened. If he got lost in his thoughts, he’d remember. It all came rushing to the front of his mind so fast. Only the sound of his own blood pumping in the dead silence of space. The metallic burning smell like the aftershock of a firework that permeated the vast emptiness between the stars. And all the blood. Guy’s blood, floating from his body like ribbons underwater. No sound. Only one heartbeat. No other sound. 

He leaned back to crack his back and took a deep breath. If he could find a way to talk about it, Guy would be right there with a hug and a joke but he just…couldn’t. He didn’t want to take the medicine, it made his mind crawl. It numbed everything, not just the pain. 

I can do this, he thought. We’re gonna have fun. This will be fun and everything will feel normal and then we can talk. I will talk to him. Later. I will. 

Kyle smoothed his hands over his shirt, thinking about the way Guy had been looking at him all night. He was gonna lose his mind when he saw what was underneath. No one had ever looked at him with that bare, pure desire. Not that openly. It made him feel anxious and heated all at once and he craved it. It made him insatiable. He felt undone.

He looked at his reflection in the mirror that sat atop his old dresser. He felt pretty confidant and liked how he looked. He wouldn’t say he was beautiful or gorgeous or any of the things Guy seemed to see. You really couldn’t toss a beachball in SoCal without hitting like, eight dudes that looked exactly like me, he thought. Kyle was just an art geek. Guy was a football star—tall and broad with those big blue eyes and a bright smile. Cut like a Greek statue to boot. He was honest and brave, gentle with children and animals, and spoke like a poet when you got him alone. 

Kyle smiled at himself. It was just Guy in there. On his worst behavior by request. Get in there and have some fun.

__

When Kyle entered he was still dressed, sadly. He acknowledged Guy with a quick glance and a small upturn of his lips. In the intense light he looked like one of his own charcoal drawings come to life. He walked over to the stereo and put on Head Like A Hole. He strode confidently to the pole and with his back to Guy, began to sway to the beat, shooting heated glances over his shoulder.

Guy couldn’t decide if Kyle was just nervous or if he genuinely had no plan. Or rhythm. He hid his smile behind his drink and threw a few ones at Kyle to encourage him. Seeing the money, Kyle put his back against the pole and slid down to his knees. He crawled towards the crumpled bills, picking them up and stuffing them in his pants. He looked Guy up and down again, struggling to suppress a warm smile. He bit his lip, trying to hold the disinterested, mysterious persona. 

Setting down his drink, Guy pulled out a five. He held it up and wagged his eyebrows. He set the bill on his knee, inviting Kyle to come and get it. Kyle crawled to Guy’s lap, slowly sliding his hands up Guy’s legs and grabbing the bill as he went. 

“Let’s see some skin, sweetheart,” Guy leered as Kyle stood up.

“Let’s see some money,” Kyle’s voice was low and breathy. Guy brandished another five, sitting up and sliding it down Kyle’s chest. He slid his hands under Kyle’s t-shirt, hooking his fingers in the top of Kyle’s jeans. As he shoved the bill in, he popped the button at the top of Kyle’s fly. 

Kyle bit his lip and tried not to shiver. More industrial rock flowed from the stereo. He swayed to the beat again, sliding his hands over his stomach, gradually showing more and more as he raised his shirt up.

“Ya look good, baby,” Guy murmured as he snapped the band on a stack of tens, “Let’s see those tits.” He started to whip bills at Kyle with a practiced flick of the wrist. 

Kyle quickly worked his shirt off, spinning it over his head and flinging it into the darkness. He let the money rain over him. Guy already had him feeling dirty and he loved it. Underneath his shirt, Kyle had been hiding lacy lingerie. A fitted, lace crop-top with heart cutouts on the front and back covered his pecs. At his waist was the top of a matching lace garter that disappeared underneath his pants. 

Guy let out a low whistle, “Take it off, gorgeous.”

With the sound of velcro separating, Kyle pulled the pants apart at the outside seams, pulling them out of the tops of his boots and revealing the rest of his black lace secret. The garter belt held up thigh high stockings that disappeared into the boots, and it rested atop a lace g-string. Everything had tiny heart cutouts that matched the crop top. The outfit was soft and feminine in appearance but well made to fit and support a man’s body. Guy licked his lips in stunned silence. What was it Smart Robin had called this feeling? Bi-panic?

Kyle turned and walked towards the pole. With one hand on the pole, he made a leisurely circle, then hooked his knee on it a did a little spin. Guy showered him with much appreciative whistling and money throwing. Kyle wondered how much was on the floor. It was too dark to really see. Seeing Guy’s enthusiasm, he did a slow fan kick and another spin. He heard Guy muttering curses and saw him adjust himself in his pants. Kyle leapt halfway up the pole and used the momentum to turn himself upside-down for a few turns. When he dismounted he dropped into a split. He smiled at Guy’s rapt, open-mouthed expression.

Kyle decided he needed a little break and walked over to the dresser, leaning and pouring himself a drink. Guy got up to follow him. 

“What’s ya name, sweetness?” Guy rumbled when he finally looked up from Kyle’s chest. He sidled up close enough that Kyle could feel his body heat. 

“Uh,” Shit. Kyle hadn’t thought of a cool stripper name. He wasn’t really sure that they were going to talk, “Sugar,” he said quickly, riffing off of Guy’s pet name and feeling stupid.

“Is that because you taste so good?” Guy chuckled darkly. Kyle could feel the heat rushing to his face and was glad for the dim lighting. “How ‘bout I buy you a drink?”

“Sure.”

“Ya new?”

“Yeah. Just started.”

“I can tell,” Guy said, making Kyle frown. “Nah, don’t worry, hon. It’s ok. You don’t have to be good when you’re this hot.”

“I do just fine,” Kyle said, irritated.

“Sure, baby. You’ll get there. I don’t usually go for the newbies, but I’ll make an exception for you. How much for a private dance?”

Kyle’s jaw tensed. I’ll show him. “Fifty,” he spat.

“Cheap. Works for me,” Guy said and Kyle bristled. Guy reached behind his back, producing another stack of bills from his waistband. He laid one down next to Kyle’s glass. Then he counted five more of them out, folded them over, and slid them down Kyle’s thigh and into the top of his stocking. “Play something nice and slow for us, yeah?”

Kyle was white-knuckling the edge of their makeshift bar, equal parts furious and aroused. Goddam that man. Guy flopped back onto the couch, smirking and patting his lap. Kyle glared for a moment more, then turned to the stereo and set up a few songs. 

Bass filled the room and Kyle approached, swaying and unhurried. Guy’s eyes had begun to glow softly in the dim room. He looked dangerous and it made Kyle’s heart pound. “No touching,” Kyle hissed as he took Guy’s wrists and planted his hands off to the sides of his lap. 

“Ya say that now,” Guy said and Kyle glared. “You’ll give it up. They all do. Do you know who I am?” Guy’s eyes glowed more brightly. “Climb on up into Warrior’s lap, Sugar.” Guy knew how weak Kyle still was for that memory. 

Kyle resisted the urge to clap his hand over his customer’s mouth; that thing was a lethal weapon. He dragged one leg over Guy’s lap and leaned on his shoulders to lift himself into a comfortable seat. 

Having Guy’s full, wanton attention was more unnerving than he could’ve imagined. He wondered what it was like to have that much confidence; an ego so big he’d have to move into outer space to have enough breathing room. It was hot though, being the center of attention for a man who only did what he wanted, how he wanted, if he wanted.

He ran his hands through Guy’s hair, softly grazing his fingertips down his neck, over his shoulders, down his chest. He leaned back, placing his palms on Guy’s knees to balance. He closed his eyes and relaxed into the beat of the music as he rolled his hips into Guy’s lap. He could easily feel Guy’s rapidly growing erection through the thin fabric of his lingerie. He dug his fingers into the muscle of Guy’s enormous thighs, conscious of how far open his own knees were spread to straddle his big man’s lap. Guy’s body was about seventy percent shoulders and forty percent thighs. Kyle sighed to himself as he pictured his big sex machine naked. 

Kyle loved their size difference, how Guy could make him feel small and surrounded. Between that and Guys big meaty hands it felt like he was living his guilty pleasure yaoi manga fantasies. Do not laugh about yaoi hands right now, Rayner. Get your head in the game, Kyle thought as he pressed his lips together to suppress a smile. He blew out a shaky breath as he fought off thoughts of giant green construct hands.

“Breathin’ heavy for me already?” Guy’s voice brought Kyle back to the moment. Kyle’s eyes opened and he took in the faintly glowing tattoos that had appeared on Guy’s—Warrior’s—face and arms. Kyle’s pulse raced. His crush on Guy the moment they met had been immediate and overwhelming. Images of Guy shirtless and later tattooed had filled his dreams and fantasies since then. 

Kyle was suddenly aware of Guys hands traveling lightly up his ribs, thumbs brushing so gently against his nipples making him jump. 

“Hey!” Kyle gasped, “No touching!”

“If you say so.” Guy held up his hands in mock surrender before returning them to his sides. 

Kyle wanted that touch and it killed him to enforce the rules of their game. How the fuck was Guy not out of money yet? On cue, Guy pulled another bill from his pocket. He dragged it down Kyle’s abs and over the lacy panties, making lazy circles around Kyle’s bulge. Kyle groaned as he realized Guy had completely flipped the power balance and that was perfectly fine with him. Guy brazenly began rubbing Kyle’s cock over the underwear with nothing but the bill separating them. 

“N-no touching,” Kyle breathed as he leaned into Guy’s big, warm hand. Guy’s fingers were creeping around the edges of the panties, teasing Kyle’s shaft and sending his blood thrumming in his ears. 

“You’re right. Rules are rules,” Guy said, tucking the money into Kyle’s garter belt, “And I don’t want either of us getting kicked out.” He pulled another bill out of his pocket, trailing the movement over Kyle’s thigh making him shiver. Biting the bill between his teeth he asked, “How ‘bout a kiss instead?”

“Keep your hands down,” Kyle desperately tried to put any kind of authority in his voice. He leaned forward, putting his hands on Guy’s shoulders again. Their chests pressed together as he leaned in. He brushed their lips together as he ducked in close to take the bill from Guy’s mouth with his own. 

Guy’s hand clenched suddenly in Kyle’s hair. Kyle let out a startled sound, dropping the bill and Guy smashed their mouths together in a rough kiss. Kyle’s body clamped down around Guy’s as he kissed back savagely. 

“Wait, hey!” Kyle hissed, shoving his arms between them and clamping a hand over Guy’s mouth. “No touching, goddamnit!” He could feel Guy’s laugh rumble into his palm. Guy grabbed two greedy handfuls of Kyle’s ass and Kyle’s hands flew to his wrists to stop him.

“Ya want me kid, I can feel it,” Guy said.

“Still costs extra.”

“Name ya price.”

“You can’t afford it.”

“Bet. I’d sell my soul for you, hell, I’ll sell my fucking bar for you, baby.”

“A thousand,” Kyle panted, “A thousand and I’ll let you take me home.”

“Done.” Guy reached into the back of his waistband again and Kyle began digging behind his shoulders, trying to pull his shirt up and see where he was hiding all this money. Guy’s hand wrapped around the back of Kyle’s head and he shoved a banded stack of cash into Kyle’s mouth. Kyle made an indignant sound, and then another as he was hauled over Guy’s shoulder. Guy slapped Kyle’s vulnerable ass as he stood up. Kyle banged his fists playfully against Guy’s back as he grumbled something that sounded suspiciously like fucking barbarian.

Guy dumped Kyle unceremoniously in the center of the room. “Get on ya knees, slut,” he growled as he unzipped his jeans. 

Kyle opened his mouth to say something angry and was immediately distracted by Guy pulling his thick cock out. Kyle bit his lip as he stared, his retort and the rack of cash both forgotten.

“C’mere,” Guy said softly this time. Kyle crawled towards him until he was at Guy’s feet. He ran his hands up Guy’s legs as he rose up on his knees. He tugged Guy’s jeans down, focused on the prize in front of him. “Look at me,” Guy whispered, fingers trailing under Kyle’s chin. 

Kyle looked up into Guy’s desperate gray-blue eyes. He took Guy’s length in his hand and gave it a long, slow lick from bottom to top. He loved blowing Guy. It was the one thing he could do where Guy would be selfish and just take. He locked eyes with Guy and proceeded to give him a thousand dollar blowjob.

__

They laid tangled together naked, quietly panting into each other’s skin. Kyle’s legs ached from riding Guy’s big body so enthusiastically. He ran his fingers idly through the soft hair on Guy’s belly. He looked up at Guy’s chin from where he was tucked against the bigger man’s side. Guy’s arm was flung over his face and his whole body was sticky with sweat. 

“We didn’t even make it to the bed this time,” Kyle laughed.

Guy moved his arm to look down and smile, “I’ve always wanted to fuck on a pile of money.”

“Where did all that money come from, anyways?”

“Well…okay, don’t get mad. Cuz lemme tell ya, I really mean I’d sell the whole bar for you to hit me with the Hyuk Guk 9000.”

“The what?” Kyle chortled.

“The Super Sucker. The Gaginator. That thing you do where you’re sucking and swallowing at the same time.”

Kyle buried his face in Guy’s chest as he laughed hysterically. 

“So, yeah. No disrespect to the master here. But this,” Guy reached behind his back, pretending to dig in his ass, “This is just…Monopoly money.” He let a fistful of bills rain down. Kyle put his hand out to catch a few and then they just, disappeared. 

“Oh, you jerk! You dickhead!”

“You wanted sleazy.” Guy shrugged.

“That’s fucked.”

“Exactly. Ow!” Guy chuckled as Kyle punched him in the arm. “Hey. Hey. You’re worth every penny of the real thing. Sorry your man’s a broke chud.” 

“You’re not a chud,” Kyle smiled. “I just can’t believe I let you neg me and rip me off. You get me so distracted,” he said, pushing himself up to straddle Guy again. 

Guy clicked his tongue and looked away. 

“I mean it,” Kyle said grabbing Guy’s chin, bringing his gaze back. Kyle ran his hands up and down Guy’s big shoulders and biceps. “You’re a beast. You’re insanely hot. I get so worked up just looking at you.”

Guy looked away again, smiling this time, “Thank you,” he said softly. He grabbed Kyle’s hips, feeling his body responding again already. “So, you gonna tell me what all this is about?”

“What do you mean?” Kyle asked, smile faltering.

“Look, all this has been really hot and really fun. I’m here for it anytime you want it, especially when you wanna get freaky.”

“So? What’s the problem then?”

“Baby,” Guy ran his thumbs along Kyle’s hipbones, “You barely let me touch you for months.”

Kyle sighed and started to stand up.

“No.” Guy held him firmly in place. “Don’t run from me, I’m not gonna push. I just wanna know when you’re gonna talk to me.”

“Not yet,” Kyle whispered, laying his hands over the vicious scar on Guy’s abdomen, “I can’t. I’m sorry.”

“Okay.” Guy let that hang in the quiet for a span. “C’mere,” he bade, gently tugging Kyle to lay at his side again. Kyle went willingly, tucking himself into his spot, resting his head over Guy’s heart. “You hear that?” Guy asked, gently pressing Kyle’s head into his chest. “That’s yours.”

“I can’t lose anyone else, Guy. I can’t lose you. I can’t. I’m digging two holes this time.”

“I’m not going anywhere. Nothing’s gonna take me from you.” Guy kissed the top of Kyle’s head and he squeezed him close. “Nothing.”

[xc23]

Tuesday

Diane and I popped out of our sleeping bags around 6am so we could go back down the Cottonwood Trail to see a few birds that we couldn’t find on Monday. We spotted yellow warblers, a Baltimore Oriole, spotted towhee, eastern kingbird, and a ton of robins! We also saw a few mule deer and rabbits! Then the mosquitoes drove us back to camp.

Bunny rabbit!

Once back, we quickly ate breakfast and packed our gear so that we would be on time for our Cretaceous Fossil Tour. The three hour walk took us into the restricted part of the park to see a fossil rich area. Along the way, the paleontologist who led the tour described the geology of the area and what made it so fossil rich. At our ultimate destination we were able to see fossils that were exposed to the elements thanks to erosion. 77 known Centrosaurus had been discovered in that area and it is believed that 10 times that number died in a single event and remain to be discovered.

Hot sun across the badlands.

Not only did we see an old dig site but but we were able to walk around and see and touch fossils that were just sitting on the ground. It almost looked like every stone we saw was a fossil!

Fossilized pine cone.

Leg bone that Diane picked up.

Centrosaurus horn.

Dig site.

More fossils.

Everywhere fossils!!!

On the tour we also met a couple from the UK that was hitting all the dinosaur hotspots. He was a retired geologist and was checking off his bucket list of places to see. There was also a woman who was traveling with her wife, campervaning their way to the Yukon and the NW Territories from Phoenix. We had visited many of the same places as she had been over the years.

After we left the park we decided to hotel it rather than camp. I had a lot of prep work to do for the upcoming bike ride. It also gave us a chance to see Calgary. We ended up eating downtown in a touristy area near the business district. There were quite a few places to eat and drink although all the retail shops had closed by 6pm.

Stevens Street Mall.

Space Needle downtown.

We ate at a placed called Barbarella. The food and drinks were quite good. The people watching was fun as well. There was quite a bit of strutting and preening going on.

All-in-all, a good day in Canada!

[techqrt-support]

Angel Reese updates | Angel Reese basketball journey

Gather ‘round, sports fans and comedy enthusiasts! It’s time to dive into the life of Angel Reese, the basketball sensation who’s got more moves than a chess grandmaster on a caffeine binge. Prepare for a tale so inspiring, it’ll make you want to dunk on your boss (Disclaimer: please don’t actually do this, HR frowns upon workplace slam dunks).

Baltimore’s Gift to Basketball (Sorry, Crab Cakes!)

Picture this: It’s 2002 in Baltimore. While most babies are busy mastering the art of drooling, little Angel Reese is already planning her basketball domination. Legend has it, her first word was “rebound,” and her pacifier was shaped like a miniature basketball. Okay, I made that up, but wouldn’t it be adorable?

Growing up, Angel quickly realized she had a talent for basketball that was more rare than a unicorn riding a rainbow. While the rest of us were tripping over our own shoelaces, she was already breaking ankles on the court. It’s enough to make you feel bad about yourself, but don’t worry — we can’t all be basketball prodigies. Some of us have to be the comic relief!

LSU: Where Tigers Roar and Angel Soars

In 2022, Angel transferred to Louisiana State University, turning Baton Rouge into her personal playground faster than you can say “gumbo.” She earned the nickname “Bayou Barbie,” which is ironic because:

She’s got more fire than a hot sauce factory

Her skills are anything but plastic

Unlike Barbie, she doesn’t need Ken — she’s got championships instead!

Now, I tried to channel my inner Bayou Barbie at my local YMCA game. Let’s just say, my “fierce catwalk” down the court resulted in more tripping than strutting, and my trash talk sounded more like a motivational speech gone wrong. “You can’t guard me… but please be gentle, I bruise easily!”. Want to know more about Angel Reese biography and highlights?

The National Championship: Cinderella Story Meets WWE Smackdown(Angel Reese achievements)

2023 was the year Angel led the LSU Tigers to their first national championship in women’s basketball. It was like watching a mashup of “Hoosiers” and “The Avengers,” with Angel as the basketball-wielding superhero we didn’t know we needed.

During the championship game, Angel famously taunted Iowa’s Caitlin Clark with John Cena’s “You can’t see me” gesture. The crowd went wild! The internet exploded! My grandmother called to ask if John Cena was now playing women’s basketball! It was CHAOS!

Inspired by this, I tried to bring some of that spicy energy to my office. Pro tip: Doing the “You can’t see me” gesture during a performance review doesn’t make you invisible to your boss. Who knew?

Off the Court: The Queen of Everything(Angel Reese updates)

When she’s not busy making opponents question their career choices, Angel is:

A social media empress (her Instagram game is stronger than my coffee on Monday morning)

A fashion icon (making the rest of us look like we got dressed in a tornado)

A vocal advocate for social justice (using her platform more effectively than I use my gym membership)

She’s not just changing the game; she’s rewriting the whole dang rulebook of life. And here I am, still trying to figure out how to fold a fitted sheet.

The Angel Reese Effect: Emotions, Dreams, and Lots of Memes(Angel Reese interview)

Angel Reese isn’t just a basketball player; she’s a movement. She’s the embodiment of confidence, skill, and unapologetic self-expression. She makes you believe that you, too, can conquer the world — or at least finally beat your dad at one-on-one.

Her journey from Baltimore to basketball royalty is more emotional than watching all the Pixar movies back-to-back. It’s a story of perseverance, passion, and the power of believing in yourself (and having a mean jump shot doesn’t hurt either).

So, the next time life’s got you down, just think: What would Angel Reese do? Square up, set your sights on your goals, and remember — even if you miss, you’ll probably get the rebound. And if not, there’s always interpretive dance as a backup career. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience here!

[wonderdave]

🌟 Hello Friends and Fans of Wonder Dave! Join in for some exciting comedy shows and events coming up! Whether you're in the mood for laughter, literature, or a lively mix of performance arts, there's something for everyone. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

🌈 Safe Words Comedy Showcase 🗓 When: Wednesday, March 22nd, 7 PM 📍 Where: The SF Eagle Bar, San Francisco 🎟 Tickets & Info: Get your tickets here 📸 Follow: @safewordscomedy Enjoy a night filled with humor that's as queer as it is funny! This month's headliner is Jalisa Robinson, fresh off her performance at the Netflix is a Joke Festival. Also featuring Justin Lucas and Ted Donatelli and Dylan McKeever.

🧠 Mental Health Comedy Hour at Strut

🗓 When: Tuesday, May 28th, 7 PM 📍 Where: Strut, 470 Castro St., San Francisco 🎟 Register for Free: Join us at Strut 📸 Follow: @mhcomedyhour We're not ok and that's ok! Join co-hosts Wonder Dave and Kristee Ono, along with stage manager Nurse Lola, for a night embracing mental health. Featuring special guest all the way from Baltimore Maryland Violet Gray, known for her unique blend of nerd and observational comedy, along with local favorite Rea Kapur.

📚 Literary Speak Easy 🗓 When: Thursday, May 30th, 7 PM 📍 Where: Martuni's, 4 Valencia St., San Francisco 🎟 Facebook Event: RSVP Here Join me, Wonder Dave, as I guest host an evening of spoken word and literary delights. Featured readers include Maria Diploudis, Tanea Lunsford Lynx, June Martin, Elisa Salasin, and Mateo Valdez.

🎭 Ruckus Revival Rainbow Riot 🗓 When: Wednesday, June 13th, Doors at 7 PM, Show at 8 PM 📍 Where: Continental Club, Oakland 🎟 Tickets & Info: Join the Riot 📸 Follow: @theruckusrevival Hosted by Wonder Dave, enjoy a queer evening of circus, aerial, burlesque, and comedy! Celebrate Pride month with a show that's been called "The Fight Club of Underground Art" by the Huffington Post.

🎤 Hysteria Comedy Open Mic

🗓 When: May 29th and June 12th, 7 PM 📍 Where: SF Eagle, San Francisco 📸 Follow: @hysteriacomedy This month is the rare 5th Wednesday we means we’ve got 2 Hysteria Open Mics on the way. Join us for an open mic night focused on empowering women and queer voices in comedy. Free entry. Enjoy the Queer Comedy Stars of tomorrow TODAY!

Looking forward to seeing you at one of these amazing events.

Excelsior! -Wonder Dave

[yhwhrulz]

Worthy Brief - May 3, 2024

Are you on empty?

Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

I've heard so many believers ask, "How can I get more of the Holy Spirit?" As if the Holy Spirit is some kind of power or force that we can control or wield. What we should really be asking is, "How can the Holy Spirit have more of me?"

We cannot control this power from on high. If we could, then we could be led to pride and strut around as if we're some kind of "Super Christian".

But if we recognize that the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person -- and that this Person is actually willing to live in us, we'd greatly be humbled! We must be very honored that the Spirit of God would inhabit these corrupt vessels of ours and more importantly that He would even consider using us!

it's only when we empty ourselves that we truly become filled! Let's empty ourselves of our selfish ambitions and desires today and allow ourselves to become broken before the Lord. We need to be truly filled with God's Power if we're going to impact the world for Him!

Have a great weekend! Shabbat Shalom!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka (Jerusalem), Obadiah and Elianna (Dallas, TX) (Baltimore, Maryland)

Editor's Note: Watch a recently uploaded sermon -- Passover, Marriage & the Kingdom of God - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHszB_iEwfE&feature=youtu.be

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. - https://t.me/worthywatch/ Be sure to check it out!

Editor's Note: We are planning our summer Tour so if you would like us to minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information.

[echantedtoon]

Kayla x Damian P1

Silver glistened in the light as she looked at it. Her blue eyes looked lower. A golden plate was wielded to the bottom. It read: 2nd Place Kayla "Second place isn't so bad.~" She looked over at the owner of the voice....and froze. A small red animal was floating there. Red and black eyes were staring right at her. Gulping, her ears went back and she took a few cautious steps away. "Uh.....thanks...Damian." "No problem.~ Though it did sound a little weird. Singing a duet by your self." "I know......Poor Zill has to take care of his aunt. Second place isn't bad though." "But, it's not first~," a new voice sang out. Both turned to see another female. "Baltimore?," Damian asked raising an eyebrow. Ignoring him, she strut over until she stood right in front of the young kangaroo. Smirking down at her. She glanced at between Kayla and the silver trophy in her arms. A sneer on her face. "I think we both know who the real winner is." "Silver or gold...who cares? Colors don't matter." "Maybe. Maybe not.....But the judges thought I was better. Why else would I be in first place?" "If Zill was here, we would've won." ".....No. I'll give you that. But, that only just proves my point." "Which is?" "We both sang solo. And I was proven better. You need someone else to make you look good. You're nothing without your boyfriend." Silence. Damian, who was silently watching the whole thing, looked between the two. Kayla let a single tear run down her cheek. Baltimore smiled triumphetly. She always used this technique to squash competition. She opened her mouth to say something else....but was stopped when a furry, red arm was shoved between them. "Ok. B-tchy-more. Back off. You made your point. Now buzz off." "What are you? Some red monkey? Anyways, it's none of your business." "It is my business if you try to put her down. So what if she didn't get first place?" He pointed at the silver trophy. "She made it to the top three finalists. And she did that all by herself. Besides....we both know you only won because your cousin was one of the judges." "Why you little..." "I'd be careful if I were you. I'm not always a nice demon." He made the upsidedown cross on his forehead glow to prove his point. Sputtering in anger, she backed off. "Wise choice. Now go pick on someone else." She glared at both of them before huffing and walking away. He watched her go before turning around."......You alright?" "Y-Yeah......I'm alright........Thanks for that." He shrugged." It's no problem. I do it for Addi and Sahara all the time." "Well....I owe you one." He leaned down. "You can pay me back right now. How about joining me for lunch?" ".......I don't know." He appeared behind her and placed both hands on her shoulders. "Aw, c'mon. It'll be fun. Besides....you owe me a favor." "Well....ok." She allowed his to guide her out of the studio and away from the awkward scene.

[sharrina]

Yeah.

[kstarlitchaotics]

They were just amazing ❤

[sass-and-suspenders]

Inquiry

GIF from plutoandpersephone

Pairing: Dr. Frederick Chilton x Reader

Author’s Note: In vain I have struggled …with the formatting of this story. Did I use html? Yes. Does it show up correctly when I preview it? Yes. Will it show up correctly when it’s posted? Knowing this website, probably not. I’m posting despite the (possibly) faulty formatting because I will snap like a stale rubber band if I have to fiddle around with it for a minute longer. That said, I hope you enjoy because this was fun to write (but not to format)

Frederick Chilton’s heart was beating far too quickly for something as mundane as writing an email. Normally, he could compose a message in a matter of minutes with little concern for how the recipient would react to his autocratic demands.

This time, however, you were on the receiving end.

And Frederick deeply cared what you thought.

It would have been easier if this was for a work-related matter. As the hospital administrator, Frederick often sent you updates about policy changes or questions regarding your patients. He wrote these emails effortlessly, addressing you like any other member of his staff while ignoring how his heart fluttered whenever your name appeared in his inbox. With the small exception of inquiries about your weekend (something Frederick never did with other employees), his correspondence to you remained strictly professional.

Until now.

It had taken months, but Frederick finally worked up the nerve to ask you on a date. It was non-traditional, asking someone out via email, but Frederick considered asking over the phone or in-person too risky; the chance of rejection was already high, he didn’t need to add to it by stumbling over his words or blushing in your presence like an imbecile. An email allowed Frederick time to organize his thoughts and select the right words to convey just how much you meant to him.

Writing may have been the safest medium, but it wasn’t the fastest. Fifteen minutes had elapsed and Frederick was still struggling with the salutation: ‘My dearest’ seemed too intimate, ‘Good afternoon’ too formal, ‘Ciao’ too pretentious, ‘Ahoy’ too …nautical.

Frederick fiddled with his pen and leaned back in his chair, refusing to acknowledge that he was out of his depth. His love life was preternaturally dormant, yes, but he was a man of science, not to mention a patron of the arts -he could write a simple email. He was just overthinking it, attaching too much significance to every word as if selecting the wrong one would result in rejection.

Sighing, Frederick left his desk to fetch some alcohol, a time-honoured cure for writer’s block. As he poured the amber liquid from the decanter, Frederick reassured himself of his literary prowess: he’d written a myriad of scientific articles, many of which won awards, and there was growing interest in a manuscript he was working on about the Chesapeake Ripper.

He sat back down at his desk with bolstered confidence and a glass of brandy. The opening still eluded him but, rather than dwell on it further, Frederick used a placeholder and began to work on the body of the email.

As he wrote, Frederick likened himself to a suitor in a Jane Austen novel confessing his fervent desire to his beloved. He only hoped that his prose would convince you to give him a chance since, considering the weather in Baltimore, he wouldn’t be strutting out of a lake anytime soon.

Inspired by this little reverie, Frederick soon finished. He took another sip of brandy before looking over what he had written.

To:

From: frederick.chilton@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Inquiry

[Insert salutation]

Ever since we met, I have ardently admired you. Your warmth, beauty, and quick wit are just some of the ways you brighten my day whenever I am graced with your presence. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to dinner?

I await your reply with hopeful anticipation.

Yours,

Frederick

Satisfied, Frederick turned his attention to the greeting, lightly tapping his pen against his lips as he thought. It took a few moments, but Frederick finally settled on ‘Dear’, a classic opening. After switching out the salutation placeholder for ‘Dear’ followed by your name, Frederick read over the email one last time. He took a large drink of brandy before selecting your email address and pressing send.

Contrary to his belief, the beating in his chest didn’t slow once the email was dispatched. What if you rejected him? How would he bear to see you at work every day? Worse, what if you never responded, leaving him to perpetually wonder whether it was a silent rejection or a lost email?

The familiar ping of an email notification snapped Frederick out of his self-made purgatory. He took a few deep breaths, a half-hearted attempt to quell his rapid heartbeat, as he wondered whether it was a good sign that you responded so quickly. His eyes flicked to his inbox: there, sitting atop of messages from psychiatry journals and irksome colleagues, was a reply.

Only it wasn’t from you.

Frederick’s brow furrowed. Why was a nurse replying to the email he sent you? It didn’t take long after opening the email to realize his mistake: choosing the hospital’s listserv rather than your email address, effectively sending out his declaration of love to the entire hospital. He let out an almost inaudible whimper, knowing it was too late to retract the message.

Apparently, he could control the content of the message, but not its audience.

To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: angela.ramirez@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Inquiry

Ask them out in-person, you insecure little weenie!

Frederick hastily deleted the email, but two more popped up in its place like some sort of electronic hydra. It didn't take long for the wolves to respond, and Frederick could only stare at the screen in horror as the replies began pouring in. He swore he could hear laughter in the hallway and began debating whether he should move out of the country or just the state. Depending on how widespread knowledge of his blunder became it may even be wise to leave the continent. Vienna was supposed to be nice this time of year.

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: phillipa.canter@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Inquiry

Girl, you can do better!

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: jackson.doyle@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: valentine.anderson@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

Please remove me from this list. Thanks

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: kevin.fishburne@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

EVERYONE STOP REPLYING ALL!

 Sent from my iPhone

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: gillian.coverly@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

‘Ardently’? Who does Chilton think he is, Mr. Darcy?

 Gillian Coverly, M.D.

Psychiatry Resident, BSHCI

gillian.coverly@bshci.com

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: jonas.dhavernas@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

More like Mr. Collins, am I right? LOL

 Jonas Dhavernas

Security Services | 555-3193 ext. 0315

Frederick harrumphed (he was definitely not a Mr. Collins) and made a mental note to schedule those two for the night shift for the foreseeable future. However, his indignation quickly gave way to woe as he continued to scroll through the other emails in his inbox.

To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: luis.torres@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

lol desperate much

 Luis Torres, PhD

Director of Forensic Psychiatry

(Tel.) 555-3193 ext. 0583 | (Cell) 555-2391 | (Fax) 555-8942

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: hettienne.moreno@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: ralph.chlumsky@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

I’d like to remind everyone that this listserv is for work-related emails only.

Please be professional.

 Ralph Chlumsky, Patient Care Manager

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: kevin.fishburne@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

SERIOUSLY STOP SENDING EMAILS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Sent from my iPhone

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: bryan.dancy@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: judith.mulrooney@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

As a member of HR, I would like to remind you that you are not obligated to say yes to a date just because Dr. Chilton is your superior.

Please let me know if you would like to file a complaint against him for harassment

Sincerely,

 Judith Mulrooney

Senior Human Resources Manager

(Tel.) 555-3193 ext. 3598

 Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’M POSSIBLE!’ – Audrey Hepburn

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com  

From: it.admin@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

Can everyone please stop replying all? Our servers can’t handle the load and might crash if this continues.

Thanks,

Your friendly neighborhood IT Department

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: dennis.abrams@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: alfredo.rohl@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

 Hi, can anyone give me a lift to work tomorrow? I’m in Federal Hill

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: ellen.ostrowski @bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

Everyone please stop replying all! It’s not that hard, and IT said our server will crash if we keep on doing it!

 Warmest regards,

 Ellen Ostrowski

Administrative Assistant for Dr. Bryan Dancy

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: shawna.neill@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

Ellen, your “everyone stop replying all message” was also a reply all!

Ugh, I work with IDIOTS!

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: ellen.ostrowski@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

Don’t get all high and mighty with me, Shawna, you also used reply all! Frankly, your use of reply all when the server is unstable is just what I’d expect from a lunch thief.

Warmest regards,

 Ellen Ostrowski

Administrative Assistant for Dr. Bryan Dancy

 To: bshci.listserv@bshci.com

From: shawna.neill@bshci.com

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

FOR THE LAST TIME I DID NOT STEAL YOUR LUNCH!

 A groan escaped Frederick’s lips. How could this have happened? He wasn’t a tech genius, but he kept au courant with the latest gadgets and even implemented smart technology throughout his house. Of course, there had been small mishaps in the past, like when his iPhone autocorrected his last name to ‘Chicken’ and he couldn’t stop it, but nothing of this magnitude. As much as he wanted to blame his snarky colleagues for his misery, he had only himself to blame.

His iPhone was right: he was a chicken.

Frederick was in the middle of researching jobs in Austria, the dramatic part of his brain having overpowered the rational part, when your name appeared in his inbox. His eyes flicked to the now empty glass of brandy on his right before clicking on your reply.

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry

I would love to, Frederick. How about Friday?

-Your Elizabeth Bennet

P.S. Judith, no need to get HR involved

Frederick blinked, not quite believing it. Despite his cowardice, and the mortification which ensued, you’d said yes. A smile slowly spread across his face, unaffected by the multitude of emails flooding his inbox in reaction to your answer.

He was still smiling when the hospital’s servers crashed a few moments later.

Tag list: @madpanda75​ @obsessionprofessional​ @madkingcrowley​ @im-like-reallythirsty​ @burningg-red​ @nikkijmorgan​ @misssirenlove​ @zoeykaytesmom​ @mommakat32​ @thatesqcrush​ @southern-magnolia​ @evee87​

[razorsadness]

from Safety Pin Girl #17, c. late spring 2002

[text ID under cut]

Belmont Avenue is my favorite fucking street in the whole world.  I’d compare it to South Street in Philadelphia or Fells Point in Baltimore or Georgetown in D.C., except I think Belmont is even fucking cooler than all of those.

When you get off the L at the Belmont red/brown/purple line stop (not the blue line stop – that one is much farther west), you’ll always see all kinds of people.  Fucking yuppies, hippies, men with seashells sticking through their ears, emo kids, gutter punks (and suburban kids with $80 bondage pants spare-changing and pretending to be gutter punks), people muttering to themselves, skinheads, people speaking a variety of different languages, tortured artist-looking types.

Right near the el station there’s a weird church that always has people handing out fliers on “how to be saved” to the folks emerging from the surrounding bars and tattoo parlors, tobacco and sex shops.  Sure, Jesus loves me, but in a strictly platonic way, and so I’d much rather just buy myself a new pair of handcuffs and some flavored condoms, thank you.

I love lazily wandering Belmont, especially in the summer when there are swarms of people milling around at all hours of the day and night.  Sure, you have to deal with the yuppies who hang out at the Starbucks or one of the overpriced bars, but in the summer I don’t even care cos the freaks outnumber them.  They made my favorite coffee shop into another trendy shoe store, but they still can’t kill my love for this street.  If you wander around Belmont in the summer you can watch the tattooed skinheads and the punks with Technicolor day-glo liberty spikes and the glorious drag queens who strut their stuff.  You can watch the fights break out at the Punkin’ Donuts, despite the “attendants” that patrol their parking lot.

I like to wander all the way east on Belmont in the wee hours of the morning, until I hit the park by the lake, where I can sit drinking 40 ozs until I am tipsy and the sky is purplish-gray.  Then I head back west to Clarke’s, the 24-hour diner where I can get breakfast and watch the summer sky turn rose.