#Car FM player

[goshyesvintageads]

Motorola Inc, 1971

[withwritersblock]

More Hearts Than Mine-His Brother Interrupts Their Vacation

~More Hearts Than Mine by Ingrid Andress~ Author's Note: Not requested but have had this idea for a while and since the 4 nations tournament has concluded (Mackinnon mvp hell yeah) anyways enjoy :) Summary: Quinn crashes Luke's romantic getaway to the lakehouse Warnings: implied smut Word Count: 4,502 Luke Hughes x fm!reader

She sat in the passenger seat staring outside the window, seeing it snow slightly on the ground. There was soft country music playing in the car, Luke was humming along to the song as he was running his hand along her thigh in a slow teasing manner.

“You know, Lu, most NHL players travel somewhere tropical during breaks like this,” she offered as she rested her hand on top of his hand. He chuckled while shaking his head. 

“You only had four days, so my love, we got an easy getaway to the lake house–in the snow,” he explained while squeezing her thigh for a second. “After you graduate, we can take a trip to any island you want,” he explained, glancing towards her. Their eyes connected for a second as she smiled softly.

“I’m just messing with you,” she said as she interlocked their fingers, “I’m happy to get away from our life for a few days,” she explained. Luke raised their interlocked hands towards his face, he pressed a delicate kiss to the back of her hand. 

“It’ll be fun, we have the hottub and the fireplace and all the cuddling in the world,” he offered softly. He stopped at a stop sign and turned right down the road to lead towards the lake house.

“It’s snowing outside and you want to go in the hottub?” she asked while giggling. He tossed his head back.

“You brought your swimsuit, didn’t you?” he asked while laughing. She rolled her eyes dramatically. “It’s like the best way to be in a hottub,” he explained as he looked towards her for a moment. 

They sat quietly for a few seconds as he continued to drive cautiously down the street in the snow. It wasn’t heavy but it was still enough for him to be extra careful while driving. 

“How’s Jack settling in?” she asked.

“He said it’s been fun so far. He wishes Quinn was there but what can you do,” he explained while shaking his head slightly. 

“Have you spoken to him?” 

“Texted a little, he’s been in a mood with everything he’s dealing with,” he explained, “I didn’t want to make it worse,”

Her lips fell into a small pout, “Like you could ever make anything worse,” she offered quietly. He smiled softly as he turned into the driveway of the house. Swiftly, putting the rental car into park. Quickly, he unbuckled his seatbelt and shifted his body towards her.

“I’ll give him a call later today,” he mumbled as he tilted his head against the headrest. She smiled towards him as she unbuckled her own seatbelt and reached towards him. Y/N rested her hand against his cheek, rubbing her thumb against the apple of his cheek.

“Good,” she mumbled as she leaned towards him, pressing her lips against his for a few seconds. 

“Ready?” he asked quietly. She nodded before pecking his lips one more time before she reached towards the passenger door. Luke grinned as he followed in pursuit. He jogged towards the backseat and pulled out the one shared suitcase they had brought. They were only planning on going into town once or twice while they were here. 

Luke’s plans didn’t really include clothes but she forced him to birng enough for the days that they were at the lake house. 

“Here, baby,” Luke let out as he held up the keys in his hand. She nodded as he tossed the keys towards her. She caught it effortlessly as she cautiously walked towards the front door towards the lakehouse. Luke took the suitcase from the backseat and kept it in the air as he slammed the door shut. He kept his car keys in his hand as he locked the car and followed after her. 

She was already inside, it was so cold outside she didn’t want to stay outside any longer than she had to. Luke dropped the suitcase to the ground for only a second as he pushed open the door. He stepped inside, letting out a sudden huff of air as he rested the suitcase near the door.

“Lukey?” she called out. He hummed as a reply while he twisted the lock on the door. “Where’s the bathroom again? I want to shower the airport smell off of my body,” she mumbled as she stepped out of the kitchen area. 

Luke bit his bottom lip as he fought off a grin. He kicked his shoes off as he began to walk towards her. “Come on, I’ll show you,” he said as he held out his hand towards her. She rolled her eyes playfully as she rested her hand into his. He led the charge as a giggle fell from her lips.

“You’ll show me?” she asked teasingly. He spun around as he began to walk backwards, he nodded slowly. She smirked as she watched him awkwardly bump into the closed door of the bathroom. He gasped as a chuckle fell from his lips. 

Quickly, he pushed the door open. Luke pulled her inside as she giggled again. He kicked the door shut behind them. Reaching towards her waist, he pressed her body against the countertop. Her hands rested on the base of his neck before he leaned towards her desperately kissing her lips. 

She hummed against his lips as he toyed with the ends of her hoodie covering her frame. She parted her lips, allowing his tongue to slip into her mouth. He kept the pace slow for a while, his hands running along her sides, slowly. 

Y/N took a hold of his hoodie, tugging it high off of his frame. He stepped back, taking the ends of his hoodie. Quickly, he pulled it over his head and tossed it to the floor. She followed in pursuit and took a hold of her own hoodie and tossed it to the floor. 

A smirk formed to his lips before he leaned towards her again. Luke rested his hands on either side of the countertop as he pressed his lips against hers urgently. Delicately, she ran her hands down his chest. Letting her hands glide along each curve of his muscles. 

He began to toy with her waistband of her sweatpants. Slowly, he began to tug them off of her frame. She sped up the process, kicking the sweats away from her frame. He smirked as his hands glided along the exposed skin of her hips.

“Come on, baby,” he muttered as he pulled her towards the shower. They both quickly pulled off the rest of their clothes, giggles falling from each of their lips. He turned on the shower quickly, it was almost instant that the hot water began to pour out. He guided her into the shower, their lips connecting instantly.

After a few seconds, she tilted her head back, letting the water hit her face. Luke instantly pressed his lips against the center of her neck. Her hands glided along his upper back as he pressed her back against the wall of the shower. A gasp left her lips as the cold wall sent a shock to her frame. He smirked as he trailed his lips up her neck onto her jawline and before he kissed her lips urgently. 

~~~

Luke sat in the center of the couch, Y/N’s legs were draped over his lap. Absent-mindedly, he was caressing the skin of her thighs. She was holding a pillow tightly to her chest as she was starting to doze in and out of sleep. Her eyes slowly flickered open as she shifted her gaze towards the TV.

“Baby, let’s head to bed,” Luke mumbled as he delicately tapped his hand against the tops of her thighs.

“No, no, ‘s okay,” she muttered as she waved her hand slightly towards Luke. He tilted his head to the side, watching her eyes flutter close again. He chuckled softly as he slowly pulled her legs off of his body.”What are you doing, love?” she muttered, her eyes still shut. 

“We are going to bed,” he explained as he reached down and took a hold of the pillow resting on her chest. She frowned while crossing her arms over her chest. He rested his hand onto the arm of the couch as he leaned down. He took a hold of her chin, tilting her head up. “My bed is so much more comfortable,” he mumbled.

“But I’m comfortable here,” she mumbled, a pout on her lips. Luke leaned down and pressed his against hers for a few seconds. 

“My bed is better and you know it,” he mumbled against her lips. Slowly, her lips curled up into a small smile. She raised her hand up and ran her thumb across his cheek. He kissed her softly, “Come on baby,” he leaned back slowly. She let out a deep breath, reluctantly following in pursuit. 

“Fine,” she let out as she began walking down the hallway that led towards his bedroom down the hall. He looped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest. She let out a soft chuckle as they stumbled further down the hallway.

Delicately, he pressed his lips against her cheek as they rounded the corner into his bedroom. She slipped away from his grasp and instantly climbed onto the mattress, curling up under the comforter.

He laughed as he watched her practically disappear beneath the blanket. He shut the door and out of habit twisted the lock. Practically leaping over her body and onto the other side of the bed. He laid on top of comfort, tilting his head to the side to see her hair being the only thing sticking out from under the blanket. 

He took a hold of the comforter and pulled it away from her face. “Hey,” he let out softly. She let out a breathy laugh as she watched him slowly climb under the comforter. She pressed her lips together as she watched him shuffle awkwardly. 

“You were right,” she mumbled, “This is so much better.” 

He grinned as he looped his arm around her waist. He began to run his hand along her back as he purposely bumped his nose against hers. “Did you just admit that I was right?” he whispered teasingly. 

“Savor it, it won’t happen again,” she whispered as she glided her manicured finger along his jawline. He chuckled before he dragged his tongue across his bottom lip. She pursed her lips forward as she fought off a grin. 

“I’m gonna savor this,” he muttered before he leaned towards her, pressing his lips against hers. She giggled into the kiss. She ran her fingers through his hair, tugging the curls. He pulled away slowly, watching her lips curl upward slightly. 

“You’re so cheesy,” she mumbled. 

“And that’s why you love me,” he muttered teasingly as he bit his bottom lip with a grin forming to his lips. 

“I guess so,”

“You guess so?” he asked teasingly as he took a hold of her thigh and pulled her as close as she could lay on top of him. She giggled as she rested her head onto his chest. Their legs quickly entangled as he pressed his lips to the top of her head. 

“I love you, Lukey,” she mumbled as she slowly began to trail her finger tip along his chest. 

~~~

She was sitting on the couch, her computer sitting in her lap as she was working on her essay that was due in a week and a half. It needed to be at least ten pages and she was on page three. She promised Luke that she would take a break and not work on it. But Luke was out getting them breakfast, so she decided that she would work on it for a while.

There was soft music playing through one of the speakers resting on the kitchen counter, keeping her mind active. She wasn’t paying attention when the front door was pushed open, she was too focused on the music and her laptop. 

“Baby!” Luke sing-songed loudly as he practically skipped into the house. She jolted slightly, slamming her computer shut and placing it onto the coffee table. She spun her head around, watching Luke happily walk towards the kitchen. “You better not be working on that essay,” he called out.

She chuckled as she stood up from the couch, following after him. “I wasn’t,” she said while she entered the kitchen. She watched him pull out the takeout containers. 

“So if I open your laptop it won’t show your essay you promised to take a break from?” he asked as he tipped the takeout bag upside down, letting the plastic utensils and syrup cups fall out. 

She leaned down and rested her arms onto the counter, she scanned his frame. He slid the takeout container towards her as he smirked towards her. “I barely wrote a paragraph,” she mumbled. He hummed dramatically as a reply as he flipped open his container. His eyes lit up instantly at the sight of his meal. 

“Supposed to be taking a break, remember?” he offered as he began to add butter to his dramatic stack of pancakes. 

She chuckled softly as she walked around the kitchen island. Resting her hand onto his arm, she leaned towards him. Y/N delicately pressed her lips to his cheek. “I know, I know,” she mumbled against his cheek.

Looking down towards her, he smiled softly towards her. He pressed his hand against her lower back for a second. He leaned towards her pressing his lips against hers softly. He pecked her lips a few more times before she slipped away from him. She rounded the kitchen island again towards her own food. 

“Have you spoken to Jack?” she asked after she began to cut into her own pancakes. Luke nodded with a mouthful of food. 

“Called him on my drive back. He’s having a blast,” he explained after he swallowed his food.

“I didn’t know Jack knew what that was like,” she offered teasingly. Luke tossed his head back laughing. 

After another thirty minutes, they both finished their food and cleaned up the kitchen swiftly. She was laying on her back on the couch, staring towards the TV screen. Luke was sprailed out on top of her. His head rested on her chest as he glided his hands up and down her frame in the process. 

Her fingers ran through his curls, teasingly tugging the pieces every so often. His hand was gliding along her skin, sneaking it up her shirt. “Do you wanna try the hot tub tonight?” he asked softly as his thumb continuously grazed her skin. 

Her lips curled upward and before she could answer there was a loud knock against the door. Luke jolted up, hovering over her frame. “Did you order something?” he asked. She shook her head as stared towards the front door. There was another loud knock. 

Luke climbed off of the couch, glancing towards the door before looking back towards the couch. “Stay here,” he muttered as he walked toward the door. She sat up slightly, leaning back on her elbows. 

Luke took a deep breath as he walked up towards the door. He glanced behind him, looking towards Y/N for a second. Delicately, he pressed his hand against the door and looked into the peephole. “Oh for fuck sake,” he let out as he took a hold of the door handle. He pulled the door open.

“Hey Lukey!” Quinn said nonchalantly as he stepped into the house, rolling a suitcase behind him. “Y/N,” Quinn expressed, glancing towards her on the couch.

Luke pressed his lips together as he kept the door open, watching Quinn step into the house. Y/N instantly sat up, her entire body felt like it was on fire. Suddenly feeling very exposed. Despite her frame being completely covered.

“Wh–what are you doing here?” Luke asked as he shut the door. Quinn stood happily in the center of the living room. He had a wide teasing grin on his lips. Quinn looked towards Y/N, nodding towards her before meeting Luke’s gaze.

“I heard you two were having a little getaway together and I am not ready to be an uncle so I decided to join you two!” he offered teasingly. 

Luke and Y/N shared awkward glances. 

“I’m just kidding, I got off the plane and called Dad and told him what I was doing and he then told me that you two were already here. So I didn’t mean to crash but since I was already in town. Here I am!” he explained, the grin still on his lips. “But I’m not kidding about the uncle thing,” he expressed as he pointed his finger towards Luke and then towards Y/N.

“What’s wrong with your place in Vancouver?” Luke asked as he rested his hands onto his hips. 

“If they say I’m healthy I may get to play in the tournament so I thought I would stay here while they decide that,” Quinn explained. He nodded towards them as he started walking down the hallway towards his room. “Pretend I’m not here!” he called out from the hallway. 

Quickly, she climbed off of the couch and darted towards Luke. “It’ll be fine–fun even! How often do you see Quinn? Like never,” she offered. Luke nodded slowly as he stared completely passed Y/N’s head. “Luke?” she mumbled. He didn’t respond, disassociating by staring past her head.

She took a deep breath as she smacked her hand against his chest, “Plans have changed but you never see him, now is your chance,” she explained. He forced his gaze to meet her eye. He nodded again.

“You’re right,” he mumbled. He took a deep breath, “There’s leftovers from the breakfast place we love in the fridge if you want it!” he yelled out towards Quinn. 

“Oh hell yeah!” he called back. 

Instantly, Luke wrapped his arms around her waist. He leaned down and rested his forehead onto her shoulder. She rested her hand onto the base of his neck, running her hand along his neck.

“So much for a romantic getaway,” he mumbled before he tilted his head to the side, pressing his lips against her neck. 

“Such a drama queen,” she expressed teasingly. He smirked as he pressed his lips against the side of her neck again. Swiftly, he tightened his grip along her waist. He lifted her up in the air. She giggled while she wrapped her arms around his neck. 

Slowly, she wrapped her legs around his waist. He trailed his lips from her neck towards her jawline, peppering her jawline. 

“If you guys are gonna do that, can you keep it in Lukey's bedroom please?” Quinn said as he walked out of the hallway. He walked past them towards the kitchen.

She tilted her head back, looking down towards Luke. He clenched his jaw as his eyes widened slightly. “You’ll be fine,” she mumbled teasingly before she leaned towards him, pecking his lips for a second. Y/N tapped her hands against his shoulder, “Go catch up,”

Slowly, she glided down his frame, her hands ran along his chest. He tilted his head back, biting his bottom lip. “I’m gonna go shower,” she let out, raising her eyebrows towards him.

Luke tilted his head back, a pout fell on his lips. He reached towards her, begging for her to drag him along. She ignored his grabby hands as she continued to walk down the hallway towards the bathroom. Luke let out a sigh as he walked into the kitchen. Quinn was staring towards the microwave watching the take out container spin inside.

“I’m happy to see you, I promise man, but you kind of ruined all of my plans,” Luke explained as he stepped into the kitchen. Quinn spun his head around, a laugh leaving his lips in the process.

“Yeah and what were those plans then?” Quinn said teasingly. Luke tilted his head from side to side for a few seconds. His cheeks flushed red while he pursed his lips forward.

“She only had a few days she could take off so this was our only option,” Luke explained while crossing his arms over his chest. 

“Why didn’t you guys do a stay-cation at her apartment?” Quinn asked as the microwave beeped. He spun around and pulled out the container. 

Luke’s posture straightened as he pulled his lips between his teeth for a moment. He never intended to keep it a secret from Quinn for this long. It was only supposed to last until his rookie season was done and then until Quinn was done with playoffs. Luke tilted his head back and forth as he took a deep breath.

“Her apartment is also my apartment,” he explained while awkwardly shifting his gaze towards the floor. Quinn dropped the takeout container onto the counter. He spun around, his mouth fell open.

“Since when?” Quinn asked with an awkward laugh leaving his lips.

“Oh man, it’s–it’s been about–uhm–”

“Spit it out, Lukey,” Quinn said while crossing his arms over his chest. Quinn fought off a grin on his lips while watching Luke shift awwkardly in front of him.

“Since March last year,” he let out while nodding. 

“Do Mom and Dad know?” he asked. Luke nodded. “Oh, so you just forgot to tell me,”

“You didn’t like the idea of me having a girlfriend in my rookie season. So I didn’t know how you would react. I didn’t mean to never tell you. It was just never brought up before,” he explained while avoiding Quinn’s eye.

“I mean you love her, right?” Quinn asked. 

“More than anything,” Luke let out genuinely. 

“I’ll pretend to not be offended,” Quinn offered teasingly. He leaped towards Luke, pulling him down in a headlock. “Look at you, all in love and shit,” Quinn continued while laughing. Luke nearly fell over while laughing. 

“Oh shut up,” Luke let out while pulling away from Quinn. Quinn spun around and took a hold of his take out container. He walked towards a different counter and rested the container on it. “So, you’re not mad I didn’t tell you?”

“Nah, I should’ve known. You two are legit attached at the hip. Where is she anyway?” he asked as he shoved a forkful of pancakes in his mouth.

~~~

It was pitch black out as the three of them were in the hot tub. The TV was set up beside them playing the USA vs. Finland game and it was well into the third period. They spent most of the second and third period in the steaming water.

Quinn’s gaze was constantly on his phone, he was texting the entire game. He would submerge most of his body under the water, letting the heat help heal his body; at least think it would help. He pulled his phone towards his ear, talking quietly into the phone.

Luke and Y/N were snuggled beside one another. His arm was wrapped around her shoulder as he pulled her closer. His other hand was slowly gliding along the inside of her thigh.

He leaned towards her, pressing his lips against her cheek. “You okay?” he asked barely above a whisper. She hummed as she rested her head onto his shoulder. He tilted his head against hers.

“You’re right, this is perfect hot tub weather,” she whispered. He chuckled softly, as he looked towards the TV. “I’m just scared to get out,”

“It’ll suck for like thirty seconds but you’ll feel so good later,” he explained as he glided his fingertips down her arm. 

She lifted her head up, meeting his gaze, “Oh really?” she asked barely above a whisper. Luke nodded dramatically as a smile formed on his lips. He raised his hand up as he took a hold of her chin. He leaned towards her, pressing his lips against hers delicately.

“Guys really?” Quinn said with a chuckle. He pulled the phone away from his ear for a second. 

Luke pulled back, keeping his hand on her chin. He clenched his jaw as he glided his thumb along her bottom lip. “Do you wanna get out soon?” he asked still in a hushed tone.

“Let’s finish the game and then go,” she mumbled. 

“They’re up by three goals,” he offered, while raising his eyebrows and fighting off a smirk on his lips. She smiled softly as she tilted her head to the side. “Fine,” he muttered before he pecked her lips.

“Alright, I’ll call you later,” Quinn expressed before he set the phone back down. Quinn had a small smile on his lips as he kept his gaze towards the water. Luke and Y/N stared towards Quinn expectantly. After several seconds, he lifted his head up to look towards their direction. Quinn’s eyes widened as his cheeks flushed red. “What?” 

“Who was that?” Luke asked teasingly as he absentmindedly drew shapes along her shoulder.

Quinn pursed his lips forward and shook his head. “No one,” he let out.

“You’re blushing,” Y/N let out teasingly. He splashed some water towards them as a grin formed on his lips. “What’s her name?” she continued.

Quinn tilted his head back, “I’m getting out now,” he let out as he started climbing out of the hot tub. “You two enjoy yourselves,” he said as he fought off a wide grin. Y/N tossed her head back and laughed as she leaned her head against Luke’s shoulder. 

“I will not be answering any questions,” he expressed as he wrapped a towel around himself. His teeth shattered as he jogged towards the door to the house. “Don’t have sex in my hot tub!” he called out before he snuck inside.

Luke tightened his grip around Y/N while laughing. “Well if I had known that would’ve scared him off, I would’ve said something sooner,” he offered teasingly. She rolled her eyes playfully. 

Luke took a hold of her thigh and pulled her onto his lap. She helped him in the process as she rested her hands on the base of his neck. “I didn’t mean to scare him off,” she mumbled. 

“His fault for answering the call and blushing like an idiot,” he offered while tilting his head to the side. She squinted her eyes slightly as she pursed her lips forward. 

“You blush like an idiot all of the time,” she offered teasingly as she dragged her thumbs along the sides of his neck. He smiled widely as she leaned forward resting her forehead onto his shoulder. 

“I do not,” he let out while laughing.

Quinn stood near the window watching his youngest brother smile and grin like an idiot. Quinn has never seen his little brother smile like that. Not even when he was a little kid. This was the first time he’s ever seen him look so happy. He began to walk away towards the hallway towards his bedroom.

[some-triangles]

SOUNDS OF 2024

My ferret wife and I were driving down 82nd listening to KINK FM 102. If you are not familiar this is a radio station that specializes in a particular vocal type - it's a voice that transcends genre, ranging from alt rock to white blues to what I can only describe as the Mumford zone - but the key point is that you will not understand a word the singer is singing. Think Hootie, or Eddie Vedder. Crunched through car speakers it's a sort of audio spackle that tickles the brain with the occasional half-recognizable phrase.

Every six or seven songs, though, they play a classic from the 80s or 90s. On this day we got lucky and it was Major Tom by Peter Schilling. You don't think you know this song, but you do. It's the one where the chorus goes like

Prior to this moment I'd occasionally gotten the "earth below us" bit stuck in my head without having any idea where it came from. Making the connection activated something in my brain and, consequently, in the youtube algorithm, and for the rest of the year all I cared about was Neue Deutsche Welle.

I fell in love with the singer from Trio - no longer with us, sadly. This is a band that you will know from their international hit Da Da Da Ich Liebe Du Nicht Du Liebes Mich Nicht Aha Aha Aha. If you're my age you'll remember this tune from Pepsi commercials, but like Chumbawamba, Trio were a weird art punk band with a fluke chart topper rather than your standard one-hit wonder.

Stephan Remmler was so fucking handsome, you guys. And his tragic Weimar cabaret clown of a drummer. And his mysterious, weirdly femme guitarist.

So I went on a dive. As a whole there is more cod reggae (kraut reggae?) in the NDW catalog than I'm comfortable with but other than that it's a true flowering of DIY weirdness. Start with 99 Luftballons and just keep going... the wall should never have fallen, you guys. RIP to the gulag archipelago but global culture never recovered from glasnost.

Anyway that's what I was listening to this year, except also Kendrick vs Drake happened and suddenly hip hop is good again. You don't need me to tell you about this - there are ten million youtube essays you can watch. I'd just like to encourage everyone to keep an eye on Tyler the Creator moving up as a dark horse candidate for commercial AND artistic success of next year. And that's the really miraculous thing about Kendrick - I can't remember the last time an album I really liked had five songs in the top 10 at once. Because it's never fucking happened before!

Music nerds bouncing off GNX are cheating themselves out of a rare opportunity to like something popular. (Maybe that's why they're bouncing, actually.) But it's undeniable stuff.

Painfully beautiful, and this isn't even what he's supposed to be best at. Pop music is fun and interesting and deep again. You can't relax for a second - even now that Drake has been chased out of rap into the right wing influencer sphere and courtroom trolling, Things are still happening. Christmas day, Tyler smokes Kendrick on his own beat:

And where's Vince Staples? Surely he's got a statement album coming. I haven't even gotten a chance to listen to scHoolboy Q's Blue Lips enough times for the ink to sink in. I've always been a west coast guy where rap is concerned, mainstream or indie, and I've been eating so good...

It's been a great year for me and music, basically. A lot of this has been due to picking up crumbs from Ferret Wife's Kendrick obsession and various other treats she's brought me. From a creative standpoint I've made nothing ambitious but steadily cranking out jingles and silly parodies has made me a better player and singer than I've ever been, and surely there's a sensitive guitar man album in me waiting to come out.

In the meantime please enjoy my contribution to this year's Exit 605 Christmas Album.

[littlehen]

I bought a car! It's a daft and impractical car, but it's cute and I think it will suit my needs! There are some pictures under the cut.

It's a 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge in mint. Later models of the car have a bit more chrome on show, but I like the friendly look of this one. (In 2015 they came out with a 'Vintage' special edition that has 1950s-looking hubcaps and the old Fiat logo. I found one of these on Autotrader and considered it, but it had about six previous owners and a high mileage = not worth it for pretty hubcaps.) This one has an unusually low mileage of 25K and I'm only the third owner.

I also love the fact that it has an FM radio and CD player, the newer versions have a touchscreen system which I really don't think I'd get on with. I want to have knobs to twiddle with so I don't have to take my eyes off the road.

I've been looking for a car for months, I've done a lot of research into sensible small cars. My dad has a Hyundai i10 which he loves, and I liked the look of the Volkswagen Up! (which is super-practical with the best safety record, and the front grille looks like a smiley face) or the Citroen C1 (my colleague has a red one which looks like a little ladybird). I never considered the Fiat 500 because it doesn't have back passenger doors and the reviews on its practicality are very mixed. But this week I mentioned that I'd seen a lot of them on the roads, and my dad got very excited. He said, 'You've been driving a sensible middle-aged car around for a couple of years now and I think it's time you had something fun.' He loves vintage cars, when I was growing up we had a Citroen 2CV which we all loved like it was a pet; actually at one point we had two of them, blue and red, and my brother learned to drive in the red one. Eventually Dad reluctantly had to sell it because it was getting harder and more expensive to find parts, and harder to find a specialist mechanic who could repair it. It's great to have a vintage car if you're the sort of person who likes fiddling under the bonnet at weekends, but if that's not your hobby then it's not sustainable. And my mum was always worried about the safety aspect (no airbags in a 2CV).

But he always looks longingly at retro cars, so when I mentioned in passing that I thought Fiat 500s were cute, he was so enthused that I find two days later I have somehow found a suitable one and bought it.

You might remember that I had a very limiting driving phobia for many years. While I was learning to drive, I was already stressed with fitting it around my MA studies and my job; then I was involved in a serious car accident; then my mum died (not car-related, but devastating. And actually a bit related, because on the day she died I was due to go on a driving lesson but I cancelled it because my mum seemed unwell. I remember my instructor texting me later that day to check if everything was okay and being shocked when I told her what happened. And also one of my test fails was about three weeks afterwards, when I was still loopy with fresh grief and not really safe to get behind a wheel, but of course when I failed the test, I told myself I had 'let her down'... anyway so that's all a bit mixed up for me, emotionally.) I just pushed and squashed all those emotions down until I managed to get through my practical test and pass. I was able to drive independently for a few weeks, but then my left leg starting shaking uncontrollably all the time, so I wasn't able to control the clutch at all. I started avoiding driving, and when I did drive, I started to have panic attacks at junctions. It was like all that anxiety I'd been keeping a lid on just leaked out at the seams. I gave up altogether and didn't drive for seven years. I could walk to work, and there were buses and taxis and I could get a lift for everything else.

Then in 2022, my dad fell off a ladder and broke his ribs. He was in agony and I needed to go to the pharmacy to pick up his pain meds. I sat there trying to figure out how long it would take me to walk to the pharmacy (I didn't want to leave him alone for long) or whether I could cycle (was my bike even in working order?) and then I thought, I could drive... My dad had kept me insured on his car for a long time in the hope that I would start driving again. The pharmacy wasn't far and the roads were quiet. So I bravely drove the five minutes to the pharmacy, and I was shaking like a leaf, but I managed to collect the pain meds and get back okay. I needed to keep on driving regularly after that, as my dad wasn't allowed to drive until he was off the Tramadol, and I built up my confidence slowly. I think I would never have got over the phobia for myself, but I was pushed to do it because someone else needed me. And because I could drive, I was able to get a better-paid job a little further way. (I could still technically walk to work but driving makes more sense.) My leg doesn't shake any more, but that doesn't matter anyway in the automatic car I've been driving because there's no clutch. Now I mainly just go between home and work, and sometimes the shops, and I'd say I'm a pretty safe driver.

My previous car has been my dad's dark grey 2006 Citroen Xsara Picasso. It boasts unique features such as: a broken radio, no air conditioning, and a driver's side window that you can't wind down. It also guzzles petrol, road tax costs £300 per year because it's so fuel inefficient (to compare, the Hyundai i10 costs £20 per year to tax) so it costs a fortune to run. Also it has a long wheel-base and lots of blind spots, which makes it difficult to park. If I go into a car park and can't see two or three spaces free, I know I won't have enough room to manoeuvre in. So obviously the Fiat 500 is going to be an upgrade in all those ways, as well as being much prettier. When I saw it on the forecourt I said, 'this is such a silly car' and it made me grin.

I suppose all this is to say, it feels like a big day. To go from being too scared to get behind the wheel, to having enough confidence (and savings) to take an unfamiliar car for a test drive and buy it. I'm proud of me!

The dealership will deliver it tomorrow and then we need to sort out insurance and then I can start practising in it!

PS. For years these were my headphones, I loved them and I always got complimented on them because they were so pretty, they were almost like jewellery, like functional jewellery. Then they broke and Skullcandy have stopped making them because apparently wired headphones are illegal now. I miss them. I've just realised how much the Fiat reminds me of them:

[nitw]

my new mp3 player has fm radio and i can't believe this is how i find out that my favorite rock channel that i used to listen to in my dad's car have ads now :/

[protoslacker]

Myron Cope

I strongly agreed with Amanda Marcotte's Salon piece, House of hate: Republicans in Congress turn MAGA harassment campaign against trans colleague. Marcotte points out that bullying isolates the victim, because people don't want the mob turning on them. But she emphasizes that truth and power in "There's safety in numbers." Standing with victims of bullying is standing for them.

I was reminded of Myron Cope a Pittsburgh sports journalist who died in 2008. I have very little interest in sports. But in the olden days, if cars had radios in them at all they were most often AM radios, Certainly the pickup truck I drove had no FM capacity. So on my commutes I listened to Myron Cope On Sports.

Myron Cope was a mensch and so many people in Pittsburgh loved him. On his regular talk show he did old school journalism. He got the names of high school players and coaches and filled-in with information so his audience could picture a person who fit those names. It wasn't just stats and wins and losses. Most of the time the portraits were very complimentary.

For me, someone who hardly followed sports at all, a big reason I loved him was he called out gay bashing and bigorty on his show. I feel sure that Myron Cope made many others step up for gay people and against violence against us. It's probably not something that lots of people remember about Myron Cope, but I think almost everyone would say of him that he stood with the underdogs. It's a reason his memory is a blessing to me.

The Wikipedia article is pretty good: Myron Cope.

[hirocimacruiser]

Finally got myself a brochure for the Autech Zagato Stelvio based on the F31 Nissan Leopard with bodies shipped to Italy for Zagato to fit the custom bodywork.

"This car was born as it was meant to be. His boundless passion for car building and never-ending challenges have brought the far-flung distances of Milan and Chigasaki closer together. Zagato is a prestigious carrozzeria representing Italy that has produced many famous cars. Autech Japan is proud of its outstanding technology. Here, the biggest dream ever comes to fruition. Its form has a double bubble (two cups) roof shape, a traditional Zagato technique, and has a delicate, detailed beauty that can only be expressed by handcrafting. Its timeless and overwhelming presence will never fail to give endless excitement to all who see it.

The engine and chassis are wrapped in the most beautiful and exciting form. It must naturally have its own outstanding performance. V6 3 liter twin cam turbo engine carefully and thoroughly tuned by Autech Japan. Its overwhelming power performance is a true luxury that can only be afforded to ultra-luxury Gran Turismos. Only the finest materials have been carefully selected for this high-performance interior. Made with high-quality genuine leather and carefully selected wood materials, it exudes a sophisticated atmosphere that can only be achieved by handcrafting. "Stelvio" was developed with the aim of being the best in everything. Limited production of only 200 units."

■EQUIPMENT

●Fully automatic air conditioner

●Power drivers seat

●Auto light system

Projector headlamp

●Audio system (cassette deck/CD player/AM/FM electronic tuner/BOSE speaker system)

●ASCD (Auto Speed ​​Control Mechanism)

■Body color & interior color

Italian Red / beige

dark blue metallic / beige

dark gray metallic / beige

silver metallic / black

black metallic / black

Stelvio

The name of the highest mountain pass in Europe, at 2757m above sea level, heading towards the Alps. This mountain pass, part of the Ortres Mountains, is famous for its steep slopes and more than 50 unimaginably tight curves. It is the setting for many famous races, including the "CORSA ALLO STELVIO".

[b3thesda-b3tch]

Fallout 4 Bobblehead Locations

Concord/Lexington Area - NW

Perception bobblehead - Museum of Freedom: On a desk next to a broken terminal in the back of the room where the player character first meets Preston Garvey.

Repair bobblehead - Corvega assembly plant: On the very end of the top exterior gantry (blue balloon), southwest roof section of the plant building on top of a wooden box.

Saugus/Salem Area - NE

Explosives bobblehead - Saugus Ironworks: In the blast furnace, on the second level catwalk behind Slag's spawn, sitting on top of a control panel attached to the wall to the left of a steamer trunk.

Charisma bobblehead - Parsons State Insane Asylum: On Jack Cabot's office desk, close to the elevator, administration area.

Sneak bobblehead - Dunwich Borers: On a small metal table by a lantern, right next to the metal post terminal area #4.

Barter bobblehead - Longneck Lukowski's Cannery: Inside the metal catwalk hut, northwest upper area of the main cannery room.

Science bobblehead - Malden Middle School (Vault 75): On the desk overlooking the subterranean "training" area, within the science labs.

Central West Area (North of Natick)

Energy - Fort Hagen Command Center: In the command center, southwest kitchens, on a small table between two fridges. (Accessible only during/after the main quest Reunions).

Boston Area - Central

Lock picking bobblehead - Pickman Gallery: Last tunnel chamber where one can see Pickman; On the ground between brick pillars and a bin fireplace.

Strength bobblehead - Mass Fusion building: On the head of the metal wall statue/sculpture five levels above the lobby desk.

Speech bobblehead - Park Street station (Vault 114): In the overseer's office on the desk. Found when rescuing Nick Valentine after he goes missing.

Intelligence bobblehead - Boston Public Library: On the computer bank, mechanical room, northwest corner of the library.

Melee bobblehead - Trinity Tower: On a table in the cage where Rex Goodman and Strong are being held.

Medicine bobblehead - Vault 81: In Curie's office, southeast corner of the Vault.

Quincy Area - SE

Unarmed bobblehead - Atom Cats garage: On the hood of the rusty car in the main warehouse.

Endurance bobblehead - Poseidon Energy: On the metal desk with a magazine, near steamer trunk, central metal catwalk.

Agility bobblehead - Wreck of the FMS Northern Star: On the edge of the bow of the ship, wooden platform.

Luck bobblehead - Spectacle Island: In the 2nd deck pilot house of a green tugboat located at the southern end of Spectacle Island, on a locker shelf near the steamer trunk.

South Central Area

Small guns bobblehead - Gunners plaza: On the broadcast desk in the on-air room, first floor, west side of the building.

Big guns bobblehead - Vault 95: In the living quarters area, northern most room, on a radio.

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

This 1970 Pontiac GTO convertible was first delivered to the A.C. Morris Garage of Summersville, West Virginia, and during prior ownership it underwent a body-off rotisserie refurbishment that was completed in 2006. The car is claimed to be one of just 241 examples that were ordered with 455ci V8 and an optional automatic transmission for the model year, and it is finished in Burgundy over red vinyl upholstery. Other equipment includes a four-barrel carburetor, a Ram Air hood, a power-operated convertible top, power steering, front disc brakes, and a 12-bolt rear end housing a Safe-T-Track limited-slip differential. Acquired by the selling dealer in 2013 out of Arizona, this GTO convertible is offered in Missouri with refurbishment photos, manufacturer’s literature, build sheets, a reproduction window sticker, documentation from Pontiac Historical Services, correspondence with the GM Heritage center, and a clean Missouri title.

The car was finished from the factory in Burgundy, and the body was stripped, mounted to a rotisserie jig, and repainted during the refurbishment, at which time a replacement convertible top was installed. Features include a color-matched Endura front bumper, a chrome rear bumper, a Ram Air hood, and quad exhaust outlets with polished finishers.

Rally II 14″ wheels are mounted with 215/70 Firestone Wide-Oval tires. Braking is provided by power-assisted front discs and rear drums, and the car was optioned with power steering when new.

The cabin has been retrimmed with red vinyl upholstery (2254) as well as color-coordinated carpets and interior trim. Equipment includes front bucket seats and a rear bench, a woodgrain steering wheel, an AM/FM radio, and an 8-track player. A pre-delivery-style instruction tag is attached to the steering column, and Pontiac-branded rubber floor mats line the front and rear footwells.

The turned metal and woodtone trim-accented cluster houses Rally instrumentation consisting of a 140-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and a combination gauge. The five-digit odometer shows under 96k miles, approximately 50 of which have been driven by the seller. True mileage is unknown.

The optional 455ci V8 features a four-barrel carburetor and a Ram Air hood, and it produced a factory-rated 360 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque when new. The engine stamping shown within the gallery ends in 0P121234, which matches the final eight digits of the car’s serial number. Additional identification numbers are presented in the gallery.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through an optional Turbo Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission and a 12-bolt rear end housing a Safe-T-Track limited-slip differential. Additional photos are provided in the gallery to illustrate the underside, drivetrain, and suspension components.

Photos showing various stages of the refurbishment are depicted above.

Additional items accompanying the car include manufacturer’s literature, build sheets, a reproduction window sticker, documentation from Pontiac Historical Services, and 2012 correspondence with the GM Heritage center confirming the car’s specifications and equipment, photos of which are provided in the gallery.

[withwritersblock]

Oh! Darling pt. 2

~Oh! Darling by The Beatles~

Author's Note: someone had asked for a part two and this is the best I could do teheh Summary: The months after the loss in game 7 Warnings: swearing? Word Count: 2,754 Quinn Hughes x fm!reader

Masterlist

The buzzer went off and his entire body felt overwhelmingly heavy. The last three months of his life have been the most exhausting. The sound of the Oilers players cheering and screaming as they skated towards one another. Quinn kneels onto the ice, his eyes filling with tears. He was never emotional but his body was exhausted. His mind was full of dread and right now all he wanted to see was his little girl. 

Brock skated beside him, resting his hand onto his shoulder as Quinn hung his head low. “We gotta hit the handshake,” Brock mumbled. Quinn nodded as he reluctantly got onto his feet. He nearly collapsed as he skated forward. Brock took a hold of Quinn’s arm, helping him up. 

He tilted his head back, looking up to the stands. Watching thousands of disappointed fans leave the stands. He clenched his jaw as he led the line. He pressed his lips together as he tilted the helmet back. He made eye contact with Connor, a soft smile formed to his lips. “You’re killer man,” Connor muttered out.

“Thanks, Go get ‘em,” Quinn forced out. He mumbled as he continued down the line, taking the praises of the team that just beat them. Embarrassed them. He craved to know the feeling of the other side. It only added fuel to the fire under his belt. He was captain, he needed to carry this anger onto the next season. Pre-season was already on his mind. 

He started the skate towards the dressing room, his eyes were on his skates as he continued down the tunnel. The words of the coaches were silent as his mind was foggy. He was mad at himself and feeling his chest ache as he continued down the tunnel. He walked towards his stall, tossing his helmet into it. He continued to rip off the rest of his gear, frustration oozing from his body.

No one else says anything when they enter the locker room as they all begin to take off their gear. Quinn sat down staring towards the floor as he clenched his jaw. 

“Quinn, need you for an interview,” One of the interns offered as he stepped into the locker room. Quinn lifted his gaze, meeting the eye of the young twenty year old. Quinn nodded.

“Yeah, yeah, okay,” Quinn stood up as he blindly followed the young kid towards the interview room.

He was quickly covered in cameras and tiny microphones. He took in a sharp breath as he stared blankly towards the collection of microphones. They were firing questions towards him and he was able to answer them but he couldn’t tell anyone what he actually said. He answered with his media training answers for tough losses. This was his toughest one yet. 

He walked out of the locker room, showered and ready to head home. He lifted his gaze to see Y/N standing beside Jack. His eyes widened as he met his younger brother’s gaze. “Jack,” he mumbled as he jogged towards them. “You’re supposed to be in Michigan,” he mumbled as he hugged Jack. He pulled away before he engulfed Y/N in a hug. 

“Game sevens are tough man, I’m sorry it didn’t go the other way,” he muttered out. Quinn took in a sharp breath as he pressed his lips together.

“Yeah, me too.” Quinn expressed as he planted his lips to Y/N’s cheek. “Come on, Ellie has to meet Uncle Jack,” he mumbled as he began walking towards his car at the opposite end of the parking garage.

~~~

It was late but the adrenaline from the game was overwhelming. Quinn wouldn’t be able to sleep, Jack slept his whole five hour flight. Y/N definitely could sleep but she wanted to be supportive of Quinn. Jack, Quinn, and Y/N all slowly entered Ellie’s nursery as quietly as they could.

She was a very heavy sleeper for a baby, which always caused worry for Quin and Y/N. Always paranoid that she wasn’t actually sleeping, which always led to Quinn wide awake at three in the morning holding his tiny fragile little girl in his arms. He loved hearing the sound of her faint breathing, knowing that she was safe and healthy was all that mattered. 

“Sit,” Quinn demanded for his little brother on the rocking chair beside the crib. Jack hesitantly sat down in the rocking chair, careful for it to not hit the wall behind him. He nervously glanced around the nursery. 

“Are you sure? What if she wakes up?” Jack asked in a hushed tone. Quinn rolled his eyes as he leaned down into the crib, carefully cradling the small little girl.

“She’ll be fine,” Quinn mumbled as he walked towards Jack. Jack straightened up, holding his arms out as if a football was about to be placed in his hands. Quinn tried to stop the laughter rising in his throat. “Look at my arms, do that,” he mumbled towards Jack. He quickly listened, adjusting his grasp as Quinn slowly handed Ellie over to Jack. 

“Oh my god, oh my god,” Jack mumbled as he stared towards the sleeping baby in his arms, his niece. His first niece. She was so small, much smaller than he had expected. “So tiny,” he mumbled out. Y/N inched towards Quinn, snuggling up to him watching Jack interact with his niece for the first time. 

“Careful with her head,” Quinn let out. Jack nodded as he adjusted, slowly supporting her tiny head more. 

“You better not tell Lukey, I cried, alright, I’m supposed to be the tough one,” he mumbled out, sniffling as he rocked slowly. Quinn chuckled softly as he shifted his gaze towards Y/N. She was already looking towards him with so much admiration. 

“I’m proud of you,” she mouthed towards Quinn, he smiled softly as he leaned towards her, pressing his lips against hers for a brief second. “I’m going to head to bed, I love you,” she whispered towards Quinn. He nodded as he let her slip away from his grasp.

Quinn quickly kneeled down beside the rocking chair, as he kept his gaze on his sleepy little girl. “Dude, she’s your kid, this is crazy,” Jack let out as he licked his lips nervously. Quinn smiled widely as he looked towards the tuffle of hair on her head. It was becoming thicker as the last few months have progressed. 

“Isn’t she amazing?” he let out as he continued to look over at her. Jack could simply nod. “She makes me forget about every bad thing that’s happened. Like how could I be sad when I have a daughter,  who’s the sweetest little thing in the world,” Quinn expressed as he slowly ran his fingers across her tiny head. 

Jack lifted his gaze, watching his brother admire the baby girl. He knew his brother would be a good dad, but he never expected that to happen during a prime time in his career. He was good at handling both sides of his life. 

“Still can’t believe you’re a dad,” Jack let out, “My brother, who used to hit me over the head with a hockey stick is a dad,” 

Quinn tilted his head back laughing quietly, “I did not,” he muttered. Jack lifted his head with his mouth open. 

~Two weeks later~

Quinn was lying on the couch with Ellie napping on his chest. He was watching the cooking show on the screen as he was soothingly running his hand up and down the tiny back of his daughter. 

“I know you’re asleep but the second those little hands can hold things you’re going to help me cook,” he whispered. His phone started vibrating in his pocket. His eyes widened as he quickly dug his phone out as quietly as he could. He pulled the phone towards his ear. “Lukey, the doors unlocked,” he whispered.

“Why are you whispering?” Luke asked, he sounded slightly winded as he was probably climbing the eight flights of stairs towards the apartment. Luke had a minor fear of elevators, especially ones that last more than four flights. 

“Ellie is asleep on my chest in the living room so be very quiet please,” Quinn mumbled. He delicately placed the phone down on the coffee table as he hung up the phone. He slowly started to sit up with his hand holding the back of her head and her tiny upper back. He still held her against his chest as he sat up slowly, she squirmed as she slowly woke up.

“Shoot,” he mumbled as she slowly babbled. “Your Momma is going to be so mad I cut your nap short,” he whispered as he slowly pulled her face away from his chest, smiling towards her. 

Luke stumbled into the room, tripping over his own foot in the process, “Shit-shoot my bad,” he let out louder than he intended. Luke’s eyes widened as he slowly shut the door behind him, “Oh shit did I wake her-oh shoot, I’m sorry,” Luke panicky whispered.

Quinn stood up from the couch as he maneuvered the little girl to his side, her tiny eyes looked towards Luke, looking him up and down. “You’re good, I woke her because I tried to sit up,” Quinn said while laughing, “Get over here Lukey,” Quinn took a couple of steps towards Luke. Luke awkwardly rubbed his hands together as he stared towards his niece for the first time. 

Luke pouted his lips as he felt his eyes tear up. “Wow,” he let out. Quinn smiled as he walked towards his youngest brother. 

“Do you want to hold her?” Quinn asked, a small smile on his lips. Luke’s eyes widened as he shook his head.

“No, I’m clumsy, I’ll drop her-she’s too cute to be dropped,” he mutters, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“Go sit,” Quinn ushered Luke over with his free hand. Luke let out a nervous sigh as he walked towards the couch. 

“What if I drop her?” Luke mumbled as he walked towards the couch and awkwardly sat down. Quinn rolled his eyes as he sat down beside Luke.

“If you drop her, I got these dad reflexes now; I can save her,” Quinn expressed as he jerked his head back and forth as he let out a teasing huff of air. Luke rolled his eyes playfully. 

“Where’s Y/N?” Luke asked as he awkwardly stared towards Quinn.

“She’s out with Riley for the morning. Over the last couple weeks, I’ve spent most of the day with Ellie. Y/N was crazy busy with her while the playoffs were going on, so she’s getting a bit of a break,” he explained while he handed Ellie over to Luke. He held her nervously as he awkwardly held her forward. “She’s not a bomb, Luke,” Quinn said laughing. 

“I don’t want to hurt her,” he let out as he nervously brought her closer to his chest. He laid her in his arms awkwardly as he met her tiny little gaze. He pouted his lips as he looked over his niece.

“Like you could hurt her, Gentle Giant,” Quinn offered as he patted Luke on his shoulder. “Look at that, you’re a natural,” 

“She’s got a lot of hair,” Luke observed as he shifted his head around looking at his niece from all different directions. Quinn nodded. 

“Apparently Y/N was the same when she was a baby,” Quinn mumbled as he rested his hand on the back of the couch. Luke teared up as he swallowed hard. 

“God, she was so tiny in the photos and videos. She’s so big now,” Luke expressed, as he sniffled. “She better be in Michigan every summer from now on. No more boys only trips, she’s gotta be there,” he mumbled, his voice cracking slightly. 

“So you can prove you’re the cool uncle?” Quinn teased.

“One hundred percent,” Luke muttered out. Quinn started reaching for Ellie. Luke furrowed his eyebrows, protectively holding her closer, “I’m not done,” he let out. Quinn chuckled as he rolled his eyes.

“I gotta grab her a bottle,” Quinn explained. 

“Then you grab one and I’ll just stay here with my niece,” Luke sing-songed. Quinn rolled his eyes playfully as he stood up from the couch dramatically. 

~September~

“Alright baby girl, you got your hat on, check, adorable blue dress, check, stroller, check,” Quinn spoke dramatically as he bounced back and forth, trying to entertain Ellie for a few minutes while he waited for Y/N to finish getting ready. He leaned forward, pulled the stroller to give Ellie more of a sun visor. 

Quinn adjusted the hat on his head as he turned his head to watch Y/N walk out of the bedroom, a t-shirt and shorts to her frame. “Let’s get this family run started, shall we?” Quinn said excitedly as he rested his hands on Y/N’s hips, guiding her backwards towards the stroller. 

“Do we have to?” she groaned out as she rested her hands on the base of his neck. 

“We used to go on runs every morning before you went to work, baby, I’m just bringing it back now that Ellie can join us,” he leaned towards her, kissing her lips briefly. 

“Quinn, my love, that was over a year and a whole pregnancy ago,” she said as she played with the short ends of his hair. He did a big chop before pre-season started. “There is no way I can keep up with you,” she mumbled. He smiled softly. 

“Which is why I’m pushing the stroller and we are going to go at your pace,” he explained as he tightened his grip around her waist. She pouted her lips as she tilted her head back. “Baby, you used to drag me out of bed to go on these runs.”

“I know but now I like the comfort of our bed, now that our beautiful baby girl sleeps through the night I want to spend time in that bed,” she pouted her lips as she scanned his features. 

“Once you get out there, feel the fresh air, you’ll love it,” Quinn explained as he leaned towards her kissing her lips. She held his head in place as she returned the kiss slowly. He pulled away, pecking her lips a few times. 

“You’re really convincing,” she mumbled against his lips.

“All I know is that you will be taking El on a run daily after today,” he muttered. She rolled her eyes as she walked toward their apartment door, pulling it open. 

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” she muttered as she motioned for him to get the stroller and start to push Ellie. 

He paused at the door, leaning towards her pecking her lips, “I know,” he said as he stepped out of the apartment. She rolled her eyes as she followed after them. 

Once they stepped foot outside, it was evident that Y/N was excited. The fresh air and the path that her and Quinn used to always go on directly in front of her. Quinn leaned in front of the stroller, smiling towards Ellie. She giggled as Quinn’s head popped in her view sideways. 

“You’re going to look ridiculous pushing that,” Y/N pointed towards him and the stroller. He rolled his eyes as he gripped the handles tightly. 

“Oh like this?” he let out as he began jogging, leaving Y/N stranded for only a moment. She chuckled as she jogged after him. She soon matched his pace, breathing heavily. 

“Yep, ridiculous,” she teased as she met his gaze for only a second before she glanced into the stroller to see a smiling Ellie. “Our baby girl is loving it, so I can’t complain,” she let out through a huff of air.

“Want me to slow down?” he asked. She shook her head.

“It’s been a while since I felt like this,” she let out as she took a deep breath. Quinn met her gaze while raising his eyebrows. 

“Oh yeah? I think I remember the last time you were breathing this heavy,” he smirked.

“Watch yourself, Quinny,” she said as smirked, taking in a deep breath.

“I think it was the night-” he began. She rolled her eyes as she quickened her pace to get past him. “Oh come on,” he let out while laughing.

“Try to keep up!” she hollered after him as she spun around, running backwards. Her gaze looked down towards Ellie. She was slowly drifting off to sleep.

[mariacallous]

For over half a year, Russian companies have been facing difficulties in processing payments with China. Fearing secondary sanctions, banks are refusing to transfer funds, leaving importers unable to bring goods into the country. Vladimir Putin raised this issue during his visit to Beijing in May, but the situation doesn’t seem to have improved. Meduza investigated how Russian businesses are trying to circumvent these trade restrictions and how these challenges are impacting the Russian economy.

On December 22, 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order allowing sanctions to be imposed on banks from third countries if they are caught aiding the Russian military-industrial complex. Once blacklisted, these companies would be banned from holding correspondent accounts in American banks, meaning they’d be unable to conduct any dollar transactions. Following this order, dozens of Chinese financial organizations refused to accept transfers from Russia — not only in U.S. dollars but also in Chinese yuan.

On June 12 of this year, Washington tightened its demands. Previously, transactions involving five sectors of the Russian economy — technology, defense, construction, aerospace, and manufacturing — were under scrutiny. Now, the U.S. Treasury has expanded the definition of the military-industrial complex to include all companies previously sanctioned under Executive Order No. 14024. This means that the number of Russian entities that foreign banks must avoid to maintain access to dollar transactions has significantly increased. According to Castellum.AI, there are more than 4,000 such organizations.

Biden’s executive order — neither in its new nor old versions — has yet to be enforced against banks from third countries. So far, representatives of the U.S. administration have only issued verbal warnings: Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed “serious concern” about the supply of machines and microelectronics to Russia, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen publicly mentioned the sanctions risk during her visit to China in early April.

This was enough to trigger significant shifts in trade between Russia and China. By the end of 2023, trade turnover had increased by 26 percent to a record $240 billion. However, in April 2024, China’s customs authority reported a 15 percent reduction in deliveries of cars, equipment, and other machinery. Bloomberg noted that exports to Russia fell for the first time in two years, linking this to sanctions risks. Chinese exports to Russia also fell in May, and Russian customs confirmed the continued decline of imports from Asia. Russia’s Central Bank acknowledged that it had become generally more difficult for Russian banks to open correspondent accounts abroad, even in “friendly” currencies, and directly linked this to “sanctions the United States adopted in December 2023.”

The issue was also discussed at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Industry players reported that money transfers from Russia to China could take as long as three months, and even then might end up being returned to the sender. Businesses complained that they couldn’t even pay for theater decorations or children’s displays. Pavel Brun, the head of MasterProf, said his company hasn’t been able to arrange the supply of plumbing fixtures. “It’s like walking through a minefield,” he told Business FM.

Finding a workaround

Some hopes were pinned on Vladimir Putin’s mid-May visit to China. However, although Putin mentioned that the payment issue was discussed, he didn’t provide any specifics, and business owners confirmed that the difficulties in making payments persisted even after the delegation returned to Moscow.

A source in the trade industry told Reuters that the typical way Russian businessmen solve this problem is by going “from bank to bank, opening current accounts.” “If their payment doesn’t go through, they go to the next one,” the source explained. In response, Chinese financial institutions have started imposing additional requirements, such as asking for an office lease agreement in the province where the bank is located. “While this would have seemed like a harsh requirement before, we have no choice now,” business owners commented to Kommersant FM.

One of the most promising options was to open an account at the Chinese branch of the Russian bank VTB. The demand for this was so high that businesses were often left waiting as long as a year to open an account. VTB Bank CEO Andrey Kostin promised to more than double the staff to speed up this service. However, in its broadened interpretation of Russia’s military-industrial complex, the U.S. Treasury directly named VTB as one of the banned entities for transactions. This will likely complicate the bank’s operations.

As an alternative, businesses have started using banks in third countries as intermediaries, sending money through companies in Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the U.A.E., and other “friendly” jurisdictions, rather than directly from Russia, according to Reuters sources. This scheme can prove costly: intermediaries may charge a commission of several thousand dollars per transaction, they don’t guarantee success, and the sender will have trouble getting the money back if the payment fails. Goods may also be confiscated in the intermediary countries. Nevertheless, half of the payments are currently processed this way.

Some companies have started using cryptocurrency to make payments to China, specifically the stablecoin Tether, which is pegged to the U.S. dollar, reports Bloomberg. Instead of waiting months, payments are processed in 5-15 seconds, and without the hefty commissions intermediaries charge. However, there are risks for Chinese partners: since 2021, the local regulator has deemed all cryptocurrency transactions illegal. To circumvent these issues, an even more unorthodox solution has been devised: Russian steel companies are now bartering metal for any goods that Chinese businesses are willing to offer. This way, no cross-border financial transactions are needed at all. Both Russian customs and the Industry and Trade Ministry have noted the growing popularity of this bartering system.

If businesses still need to make monetary payments, they often turn to small rural banks in northeastern China. According to Reuters, these banks, located along the Russian border, are willing to accept transfers and have less stringent compliance requirements. However, due to high demand, even these banks have waiting lists to open an account that stretch for several months.

The System for Transfer of Financial Messages (SPFS) — Russia’s SWIFT analogue for domestic and international transactions — could potentially help. However, VTB has complained that too few foreign companies are currently connected to it. Additionally, the system was developed by the Central Bank, which deters non-residents from using it due to sanctions risks. And with good reason: Bloomberg pointed out that the E.U. and the G7 could jointly impose sanctions for connecting to the system.

Ripple effects

Paradoxically, the current payment issues are having a positive impact on the Russian economy. The inability to transfer money has hit imports, thereby reducing the demand for foreign currency. This supports the ruble exchange rate, as noted in the Central Bank in official reports. The bank doesn’t believe this factor will have a significant impact on GDP.

However, as Sofia Donets, the chief economist at Tinkoff Investments, told RBC, these problems will ultimately lead to additional costs for sellers. The Moscow-based investment company Tsifra Broker concurs that prices for many goods could rise if timely shipments can’t be ensured. Categories making up the largest share of Chinese exports to Russia are at risk: equipment, land transport vehicles, electrical machinery, and electrical equipment.

Currently, importers are complaining that fraudsters are trying to exploit the situation: they write to Russian entrepreneurs posing as Chinese partners and notify them of a change in banking details. There’s been at least one known case where a business ended up sending money to an account, only to find that they couldn’t reach the sender afterward and were left without the paid-for goods.

Some market participants believe that resolving the payment crisis will depend on how much banks can earn from conducting such operations. For instance, Anatoly Semenov, director of the Parallel Import Association, points out that so long as the markets of countries unfriendly to Russia are of interest to Chinese businesses, they won’t openly violate the sanctions regime and risk their investments. Banks in Turkey and the U.A.E. are also refusing transactions with Russia. Against this backdrop, The Bell estimates that imports from some countries have dropped by a third this year.

[sapphire-weapon]

Do you have any headcanons on how Leon listens to music? Like is he a playlist person? Does he tend to put a song or two on repeat for a while? Does he only listen to albums in chronological order and feels like it’s a cardinal sin to listen to them on shuffle?

In the aughts, he absolutely had a 5-disc CD player and would put that on shuffle.

In current day, Leon still listens to FM radio in his car. He'll occasionally pay for satellite radio but usually forgets to renew it and doesn't really care.

He does have a master playlist, but he's the kind of person who will put an entire album on a playlist instead of picking out particular songs he wants. But he'll still shuffle everything. Outside of that master playlist, he only has very particular ones for specific things -- like a workout playlist and practical things like that.

[kizyoto]

70's Teens

Boys sported long hair, and girls embraced the freedom to wear pants. Classrooms were often open and painted in vibrant colors like orange. Books were protected with brown paper bags, gaining a suede feel over months of use.

In terms of fashion, the era featured baggy clothes, platform shoes, Hang Ten T-shirts, and Earth Shoes. Army and jean jackets were everywhere, as were jumper dresses and H.I.S. jeans and shirts.

Television offerings for teens were limited, but the music scene was phenomenal, spanning soft rock, hard rock, soul, funk, disco, and punk. Stereos, often with eight-track tape players, were a staple at home and in cars. Albums like Led Zeppelin II, The Dark Side of the Moon, Frampton Comes Alive!, and Born to Run became anthems. Artists like Alice Cooper, Stevie Wonder, Yes, Joni Mitchell, and the Rolling Stones were iconic. Album-oriented FM stations played entire sides of classics like Quadrophenia and Thick as a Brick. Concerts grew to arena size, featuring dances like the hustle, the bump, and the bus stop.

Minibikes, roller skates, clackers, mood rings, and Pet Rocks were popular accessories. ID bracelets symbolized relationships. Car culture persisted, with a shift to fuel-efficient vehicles after the 1973 oil embargo. Yet, the roar of a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with "Radar Love" blaring remained unmatched.

Social cliques divided into hard partiers, weekend warriors, and straight arrows. Beverages like Miller Lite and Boone's Farm were enjoyed, and pot smokers, though discreet, were pervasive. Drive-in movies thrived, featuring hits like American Graffiti, Jaws, Animal House, Carrie, Halloween, and the first Star Wars.

[retrostevieee]

The radio options of the third generation Ford Mondeo (2001-2007)

Hello Mondeo fans! Welcome to another Mondeo Fan Club post. Today we will be focusing on the many radio options which were available in the Mk3 (2001-2007) Mondeo. This post will focus (not to be confused with the Ford Focus!) on both CD/radio and CD/radio/navigation units, divided into two categories.

CD/Radio Units

We will start with the pre-facelift Ford 6000CD. This is one of the most basic units. It has 6 preset buttons (with removable 2, 3, 4 and 5 buttons to prevent car radio theft), and a volume dial on the left hand side. A small rectangular display shows station and track information. This unit can play CDs, and receive AM and FM stations. It is also compatible with an optional 6-CD changer, mounted elsewhere.

Next up is the Ford 6006E. Similar to the 6000CD, but with a built-in 6-CD changer. This model also has a rectangular display and left-side volume dial, but does not have removal buttons.

In the facelift Mk3, Ford kindly offered the facelift Ford 6000CD. This model was updated and made to look more visually appealing. This model has a higher mounted display which is shorter but wider, and a centre-mounted volume dial. In later models, this unit could support Bluetooth connections and AUX Input. Unfortunately, not all units have this. To find out if yours supports these features. Please press either the button labelled "PHONE" or "AUX". If pressing either of these stops the audio and displays "MUTE" on the screen, your car does not support these features and is simply an AM/FM/CD receiver.

Now we're getting into the fancy stuff. On higher end models, such as the Titanium and Ghia, you could get a Sony CD/MP3 unit. This model features a glossy design, rectangular screen and centre-mounted volume dial. This unit can play CDs, receive AM/FM stations, and supports AUX and MP3 players. Even by today's standards, this unit is known for its excellent sound quality.

CD/Radio/Navigation Units

Some Mk3 Mondeo owners may find themselves with a satellite navigation unit pre-installed in their car. This section of the post will cover each one.

The Blaupunkt TravelPilot DX unit seems particularly rare in the UK. It offers AM/FM radio, a CD player, and a navigation system with voice instructions. This unit provides navigation in the form of arrows on-screen, and does not display maps due to the technical limitations of the time. A rectangular display sits in the middle, with volume and scrolling dials located at the bottom left and right of the unit.

Pre-facelift Mk3s could also receive the 9000 VNR navigation system. This advanced unit offered colour map navigation, a CD player, an AM/FM tuner, and radio-based traffic updates. Fancy.

Next up is the Blaupunkt TravelPilot EX. This unit in particular I have a lot of memories with! Like its sibling, it can only provide arrow-based navigation due to the limited screen size. This unit features a CD player, 6-CD changer support, an AM/FM tuner, radio traffic updates and Bluetooth phone support. If you are planning on fitting one of these to your car, please ensure it is the correct unit for your car - the Mondeo units are a slightly different shape to the ones used in other models of Fords! Unfortunately the TravelPilot EX appears to be getting rarer now in the UK. It can be identified by its rectangular centre screen, with a volume dial to the left of the display, and a scrolling dial to the right. There are many variations of the TravelPilot EX, which would deserve its own post altogether, which I may make in the future.

Finally, we have a very advanced unit commonly found in ST220 models - the Denso Nav, also known as the Visteon. This unit is very easy to identify with the following features:

A large, centre-mounted touch screen colour display with map view for navigation.

Integrated climate and AC controls which can be controlled via buttons on both sides of the screen, or via the touch screen.

A centre volume dial located underneath the screen.

The Denso unit has various features, such as an AM/FM tuner, colour map-based navigation, integrated AC controls and a colourful display. Some units support Bluetooth phone connection, but not all do - some will simply mute the radio when pressing the PHONE button.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I am not a technician - simply an enthusiast of Mondeos! However, I will answer some questions anyone may have.

"What is my radio code?"

This varies depending on your car. There should be a piece of paper located in your glovebox or with your owners manual which tells you the code. If not, you can contact a car audio specialist, download the Ford Radio Codes app, or use a code unlocking service online. If in doubt, contact your nearest dealership!

"I want to connect my mobile phone, but trying to do so simply mutes the radio?"

As stated before, some units do not contain Bluetooth modules. Trying to press the phone button will simply mute the radio. As tempting as this seems, don't mute your radio to take a call - please wait until you find somewhere safe to stop! A safe and enjoyable drive is more important than a telephone call.

"Why is my radio not working?"

The earliest Mk3 Mondeos are now 22 years old! Thankfully, specialists out there will be willing to repair your radio for you. If not, you can purchase a used unit from a local scrapyard, or online.

In conclusion...

If you've stuck around to the end, thank you very much for reading my post which I've spent nearly 40 minutes writing. Please let me know if you enjoyed this - I'd love to meet more Mondeo enthusiasts!

[apdistractions]

I owned a very much watered down version of it - Nissan Sunny 1.6 3rd hand in 1995 (it is still the best car I ever owned! (it had a cassette player and FM radio! and electric everything, ran like a dream and felt so calming to sit and drive in) Looked nothing like this though!

Nissan Cocoon Concept, 1991

[withwritersblock]

Think Later

~think later by Tate McRae~

Author's Note: Requested! I love this song so mf much Summary: Jack and Luke's sister is in town to visit when she finds a different Devil's player more interesting Warnings: implied smut, a very brief mention of toxic relationships Word Count: 1,585 Nico Hischer vs. Hughes fm!reader

Jack pulled his gear from his shoulders, letting out a huff of air. The team had beaten the Bruins in a 4-2 win. Where he scored two goals. He was excited to get out of the locker room because his older sister was in town. Her flight landed an hour before the game started, she barely had to time to go to Jack’s apartment and drop her bag off. 

“You guys going to Jerry’s?” Nico asked. It was bar and restaurant that the team liked to go to after they won games. Or even after horrible losses. Jack shot a look towards Luke across the room. Luke took a deep breath.

“Our sister is in town, she might want to just go home,” Jack offered. Nico perked upward, a smirk toyed to his lips. 

It was safe to say, he has crushed on Y/N since the first time he met her. It was during Jack’s rookie season, she stayed with Jack for a few weeks. Jack was struggling emotionally for a lot of his rookie year, and having his older sister in town was simply enough to help him get through it. 

“Don’t even think about it,” Jack pointed towards Nico. The locker room was pretty empty at this point, most of the guys had showered and left already. Luke furrowed his eyebrows harshly as he whipped his head around. 

“I wasn’t-” Nico started but Luke interrupted.

“She just got out of a relationship,” Luke let out as he walked towards Nico. 

“I said I wasn’t thinking about it,” Nico defended as he ran his fingers through his hair, “I’m gonna hit the showers,” Nico continued as he had a small smirk on his lips. 

It took another twenty minutes before both Jack and Luke left the locker room to see their older sister Y/N waiting for them. Luke smiled widely as he quickly made his way towards her. She gladly opened her arms for her youngest brother. 

She was technically the oldest. She was older than Quinn by twelve minutes. A fact she constantly reminded Quinn of. She was the only Hughes kid that lacked any interest in hockey, other than her brothers playing. She was a theatre kid, which was a complete one-eighty to what her parents childhoods were like. Her brothers were always more than supported. 

She felt teary-eyed as she engulfed her younger brother in a tight hug. This was the first time she saw Luke play in person in the Devils jersey. Her ex-boyfriend was a really difficult guy and wouldn’t let her travel on her own. He never wanted to spend the money to travel, so she never went to see the games. She was tightly wrapped her arms around his neck tightly. 

“Good job, Lukey Boy,” she let out as she pulled away meeting his eye. He smiled softly as he blinked away his own tears in his eye. She moved away from Luke towards Jack. “What a game, J,” she mumbled as she hugged him tightly. 

“Thanks, how are you feeling? Up for Jerry’s?” he said as he pulled away, his eyes slightly teary. She nodded dramatically. 

“Oh god, my rich brothers buying me drinks all night? How could I say no?” she asked as she stared walking towards the parking garage, blindly hoping they’d show her where Luke’s car was.

~~ 

They stepped into Jerry’s to see the entire bar was the team and their partners. The three of them walked towards the bar. Nico was sitting alone, nursing a beer as he kept his gaze on the TV screen replaying their game. It was in the middle of the first period. Jack patted on his shoulder, pulling his attention towards him. 

“Nico, you remember our sister, Y/N!” he let out loudly, over the noise of the bar. Nico met Jack’s eye for a second before he turned his gaze towards Y/N. Her eyes widened slightly as she met his gaze. The smirk on her lips quickly went away as fast as it appeared. Jack gave him a visual warning, a small head shake. “I’m gonna get us drinks, Lukey what do you want?” Jack shifted his attention towards Luke. 

“Nico, it’s nice to meet you again,” she offered as she stood beside him, close enough their arms could touch at any moment. He turned his gaze towards her, his heart beating hard against his chest.

“You too, Y/N,” he licked his lip as he shifted his gaze towards Jack and Luke behind her. 

“What do you want?” Jack asked smacking his hand against her back. She jolted suddenly, looking towards the bartender.

“Tequila soda extra lime, please,” she expressed. The bartender nodded as he began to work.

“Are you sure? Tequila may not-”

“Jack,” she scolded. He nodded reluctantly as he leaned against the bartop. Over his entire life, he knew to never argue with his older sister. She was feisty and could easily ruin him. She turned her gaze back towards Nico.

He never once looked away from her features. He couldn’t focus, he couldn’t breath as she was so stunning. She knew it too. The second she met Nico’s gaze, she pursed her lips forward. She tried to not smile. 

“Bold choice,” Nico muttered as he lowered his gaze towards her lips. They were glossed with a red color. She shrugged slightly. 

“Boring choice,” she pointed towards the beer in his hand. Nico dropped his head, a chuckle leaving his lips. “Trying to act all tough in front of your teammates?”

“I don’t need to try, I am,” he never wavered eye contact as he brought his beer towards his lips. He took a small sip. 

The bartender slid the tequila soda towards her. She smiled politely towards the bartender as she brought the glass towards her lips. Taking a sip, it tasted perfect.

“At least my drink has flavor,” she mumbled as she took another sip. Jack and Luke got their beers and were long gone, didn’t want to stay to witness Nico hit on their sister. Or even worse, their sister play along.

“It has flavor,” he defended, taking a sip of the beer. Cringing at the taste, her eyes widened as she chuckled. He smiled, “Didn’t say good flavor,”  

She leaned towards him, sliding her glass over, “Go ahead, try it,” she expressed. He clenched his jaw as he reluctantly placed his beer down. He hesitantly took a hold of the short glass. “Come on it’s so good,” she offered as she delicately rested her hand onto his forearm. He smirked towards her as he took a small sip. He quickly pulled his face away, his face scrunch together.

“Oh that’s awful,” he barely got out. 

“Oh come on!” she groaned out as she pulled the glass towards her, “You’re joking,” she let out. He shook his head, quickly pulling beer towards his lips.

“No, that was horrible,”

It had been an hour since she showed up to the bar, and it was pretty obvious that her and Nico were into one another. Jack would show up between them every so often, trying to shut down whatever was happening but it wasn’t working. 

“You know, I’m not supposed to be talking to you,” Nico let out as he tilted his head to the side. He scraped at the label of his beer bottle. She squinted her eyes slightly.

“Why’s that?” she pulled her lip gloss from her front pocket and slowly started applying it to her lips. 

“Jack doesn’t want me involved with you,” he let out. She rolled her eyes dramatically. 

“He can’t control who I talk to, or who I get involved with,” she explained confidently. She shoved her lip gloss back into her pocket as she hopped off the stool. She seductively ran her hand across his arm, slowly gripping his bicep. 

“I live across the street,” he mumbled as he lowered his gaze towards her lips. She nodded as she slowly ran her hand down his arm again, interlocking her fingers with his. 

“I just got out of a bad relationship,” she explained, meeting his gaze, “Bad in more ways than one,” she let out. Hoping he caught on. He nodded as he cleared his throat. 

“Come on,” he mumbled as he stood up from his stool, guiding her towards the bar exit. Y/N’s met Luke’s gaze from across the bar.

He tried to hold in his laughter as he watched Nico drag Y/N out of the bar. Luke smacked his hand against Jack’s arm. Jack and Dawson both shifted their gaze towards Luke. “Caps hooking up with our sister,” he let out, subtly pointing towards Y/N stepping out of the bar. He started laughing. Dawson tried to keep his laughter inside as he saw Jack’s angry expression.

“That motherfuc-”

Nico continued guiding Y/N across the street towards his apartment complex. They stepped into the lobby, he nodded towards the receptionist as he walked towards the elevator. He pressed the up button multiple times. 

“Think once is enough,” she whispered. He rolled his eyes playfully as the doors opened. He took a hold of her waist, pulling her inside. 

“Once is never enough,” he muttered as he pressed the button to his floor. He quickly guided her towards the back of the elevator, devouring her lips in the process.

“Oh my god,” she mumbled against his lips as she ran her fingers through the ends of his hair.