#I hope everyone check out artists for gaza

[jamieedlund]

Thesis wip Legends and fairytales

and June's sketchdump! 🤗

lots of young Aaravos stuffs on my mind amongst other things and one of the brainrot I find fun is instead of being afraid or embracing his ""darkness"" the first time he used dark magic, baby Aaravos just...intimidated it into submission. Because I guess dark magic has a different affect on gods I mean startouched elves??? I also think what makes a person insanely strong is not the fact that they give in to their darkness (like all dark mages) or completely reject their own selfishness and view the world as only black and white (the philosophy the show trying to pedal, which I extremelyyy despise) but someone who acknowledged that they have their inner demons; is willing to face them and accept that it is part of them without giving into its every whims. Which they won't do for Aaravos ever I'm sure but isn't that a neat fun thing to think about. Like man rolled a nat 20 on intimidation and proceeded to devoured his own darkness like hah you're part of me now lol I'm a god.

Aaravos reading his TOS, which I stole from that one bit from brennan's genie rules (make some noise episode 4) I wish I had time to draw this as an animation-

Devastation is when the both of them hit you with the 'we're finishing each other sentences because the answer was so painfully obvious' bit. I just thought it would give everyone chills if animated.

things I constantly think about part 103927 and wish was being said in ss4 if they had just let Callum actually squared up and went after Soren so he can have an epic mage duel with Claudia and Terri in which he actually managed to outwitted all of them and got Soren back.

More brainrot about the adventures they could have had together, this one in particular in which they're going into a king's harem to investigate the death of the women there. It's inspire by the plot for the latest mononoke anime about the "Ooku" - aka it's just a - place where women are gathered to breed with the shogun...the real history of it is- very fascinating and cruel. In the blank dialogue pages I couldn't find the right word to express Callum's worries. Basically he already knew humanity can be ugly, he grew up with that ugliness for most of his life and he's worried that he won't like what he finds here. I think it's a perfect plotline to explore both of their characters on so many personal levels.

aand that's all I got! I've been participating in a fundraising event called Artists for Gaza this month so I barely have a lot of brainrot sketches that looks decent enough to post. I'll leave a link to their carrd below if you're interested in checking them out. I wanted to do my part to help Palestine despite dying on my thesis and trust me I am dying-

As always, thank you so much for sharing and supporting my work. I will get to all of my asks when my thesis is over. Check out Artists for Gaza >>here<<

[jjunhui]

✨ two years as a content creator ✨

i still can't believe it’s been two years since i posted my first gifset on my old account! it’s been such an incredible journey—filled with growth, creativity, and so much support from all of you. i’m endlessly thankful to everyone, especially those who followed me over to this new account. your support has meant the world to me, especially my mutuals who have been there every step of the way.

to celebrate, i’ve decided to do something special—an album giveaway! i’ll be gifting the winner a seventeen album of their choice, with all the inclusions. i want to be transparent that the album will be secondhand but in wonderful condition—this is important to me as i’m committed to boycotting hybe due to their support of and collaboration with zionists. i hope you understand and still feel excited to participate!

to enter, reblog this post and fill this out (it's very brief!)

also, while you're here, check this blog out! we are raising money for gaza and a donation of any amount gets you a gifset and an entry into a svt merch raffle!

thank you all so much for being here and for making this space feel like home. i’m excited to give something back to you ♡ now i want to thank my wonderful mutuals, under the cut because it turned out to be insanely long lol. if you click it... i warned you!

@wonwooridul lee: you are an incredibly talented gfx artist, and i truly can’t thank you enough for all the help you’ve given me since we connected. you’ve always been so generous with your time and knowledge, and your guidance has been nothing short of transformative for me. your tutorial changed everything about how i approach my content, and i feel like i owe so much of my growth to you. beyond just your talent, you’ve been a source of support and encouragement, always helping me whenever i needed it. i’m so grateful to have you as a friend and mutual—you’re such a wonderful person, and i genuinely feel lucky to know you.

@chwedout mary: you have been one of the sweetest souls i’ve met here, and definitely one of my favorite vernon stans! i can always feel the passion and dedication you put into your work. i love seeing your creations pop up on my dash; they never fail to make me smile and remind me why i love this place so much. your warmth and kindness are such a huge part of what makes this community feel like home, and i just want to thank you for being exactly who you are. you make this place better simply by being here.

@ashmp3 teo: i didn’t think it was possible to find someone as delusional about jeonghan as i am, and then i met you—and you somehow managed to outdo me by 1000% (and i say that with nothing but affection). your tags on my posts never fail to make me laugh out loud, and i genuinely look forward to them every single time. you’re not only hilarious but also incredibly gorgeous and so effortlessly fashionable; i honestly feel like if i saw you in public, i’d probably die soooo <3. you bring such a unique and fun energy to everything you do, and i’m so glad to have you in my life.

@jinhogae al: i still remember the day you followed me and i was so excited. you have always been one of the coolest mutuals, and i feel so grateful to know you. your talent is truly unparalleled—your sets are always breathtaking, filled with such beauty and creativity that i find myself in awe every time. you bring so much color and life to my dash with your content, and i genuinely feel honored to be able to call you a mutual. thank you for always inspiring me with your work and for being such an amazing person.

@scouped max: even though we’ve only known each other for a little over a year, it feels like so much longer, and i truly value our friendship. i often find myself thinking about you and wondering how you’re doing. you have a heart of gold and are so incredibly talented, and i’m grateful for every laugh and conversation we had last year. you brought so much light to my life during that time, and i really hope we can talk more often this year because i miss you a lot. you’re someone who means a lot to me, and i’m so thankful to have you as a mutual.

@minkwan flora: your gifs are always so beautiful and stunning that i can’t help but admire them every single time i see them. there’s such a delicacy and grace to your work that makes it stand out, and it always adds something special to my dash. you’re also one of the sweetest people i’ve met here, and i’m so grateful that our paths crossed. you make this place so much brighter with your kindness and your incredible talent, and i’m really lucky to know you.

@booskwan theo: i remember seeing you around before we were mutuals and thinking you were so cool, and now that we are, i’m even more thrilled. it’s been amazing getting to know you better and having you as a part of the caratsforchange team. your kindness and enthusiasm are so genuine, and i love seeing your positivity on the dash. you’ve brought such great energy to the team and to my feed.

@bellamyblakru ashley: we might not talk as often as i’d like, but every time i see you on my dash, it’s a little burst of happiness. you’re always so nice and funny, and i love how your presence brightens this place up. even in the smallest interactions, you have this way of making people feel good, and that’s something special. i hope we can get to know each other more because i truly enjoy having you as a mutual.

@bei-b kim: you are so incredibly sweet, and i love your compilation sets—they always bring a smile to my face. you’re another vital part of our team, and i feel really lucky to have you contributing your wonderful energy to everything we do. your content is always creative and fun, and i love seeing the different ways you express yourself. i’m so grateful for your presence, both in the community and as a mutual.

@fairyhaos yena: you are genuinely one of the sweetest people on this entire site, and i mean that wholeheartedly. your talent is absolutely immense, and it’s such a joy to see your elusive (hehe) gifs pop up in my feed. you have this unique ability to bring a breath of fresh air into any space you’re in, and your positivity and kindness are truly infectious. i’m so grateful to have you as a mutual.

@wnjunhui mery: you’ve been such a wonderful part of my journey, especially with the fun times we had in the server last year. your help and kindness have always been appreciated, and you’re definitely one of my favorite huihui. i love how you bring positivity and support to everything you do, and i’m so grateful to have you as a mutual. thank you for always being there and for making this site brighter with your presence.

@wonboos v: your tags are always a highlight for me, and i genuinely look forward to them whenever i post something. you’re super funny, and your sense of humor adds such a great vibe to everything you do. i’m really happy that we’re mutuals because your presence makes this place a little more fun and lighthearted. thanks for always being you and making me smile with your hilarious comments!

@soonhoonsol chey: you’ve been one of my favorites for such a long time, and i genuinely cherish your presence here we’ve built over the years. you’re such a sweetheart, and seeing you around always adds warmth and joy to my day. thank you for being such a kind and wonderful mutual <3

@seungkwan-s heather: you are truly one of the sweetest and most pleasant people i’ve had the pleasure of knowing. you're an OG mutual lol <3 you’ve been a constant source of support and kindness, and i’ve always appreciated your presence. thank you for being such a wonderful part of this community and for adding so much positivity to everything you do.

@zyx jackie: you’re such a wonderful person to have on my dash! your sweetness and humor always come through, and your edits are so pretty they genuinely give me whiplash. i love how much personality and flair you bring to your content—it’s always a joy to see what you come up with next. i’m so glad we’re mutuals, and i hope we stay that way for a long time!

@kimsmingyu ali: i genuinely miss seeing you around more often. you’re one of my oldest mutuals and also one of the most beloved. you’ve been there since the beginning. i hope to see you around more because your presence is one that i truly cherish.

@jeonsupershy kashi: you’re my favorite wonwoo enthusiast, hands down! i love seeing how much passion you have for him and for creating. you’re always so kind, and your love for seventeen brings a smile to my face every time. it’s mutuals like you who make this place feel like home <3

@woozification emily: you’re one of the nicest and most genuine people i’ve had the pleasure of knowing here. you’ve been a mutual of mine since day one, and your support has meant the world to me. you’ve always been so kind and encouraging, and i’m so grateful to have you as one of my oldest mutuals. thank you for being such a wonderful friend and for sticking by me all this time.

@aceofvernons xan: i could tease you forever about your vernon obsession, but i won’t (just this once). i’ve so enjoyed getting to know you as both a mutual and a friend, and you’ve come to mean a lot to me. your humor and personality are unmatched, and i always look forward to seeing what you have to say. thanks for being such a light in this community!

@ajusnice ace: you’re definitely one of my coolest mutuals, and every time i see a shua pic, i instantly think of you and smile because i know you’d go crazy over it lol <3 i’ve enjoyed all the fun we had last year, and i hope you’re doing well always. you’ve been so helpful and supportive, and i genuinely appreciate all the little things you’ve done to make this place feel more welcoming.

@meowonhao nana: i’m so glad to see you back and posting more often! your kindness and joy are contagious, and every time you appear, it’s like a little ray of sunshine on my dash. i love having you around, and i hope to see even more of you.

@ishikawayukis belle: i have to admit, when you followed me, i was shocked and immediately messaged my friend to tell her. you’re genuinely one of the coolest people on this site, and your content is always so beautiful and inspiring. thank you for being so kind to me!

@twiceland shri: you are the absolute sweetest, and i remember how kind you were to me when i came back from my hiatus. it’s always a fun time talking with you, and you have such a great spirit. i’m so happy to have you as a mutual and to share this space with someone as lovely as you.

@galatariel zaynab: i always have to mention it—you were my first mutual, and there’s something so special about that to me. you’re the sweetest, the smartest, and always so helpful. there’s never a dull moment when you’re around, and you’ve been a constant source of support and joy. i’m so grateful for everything you bring to this community, and i cherish our friendship deeply. thank you for being such an amazing and integral part of my journey.

@choiyeonjuns vivi: you’re one of the kindest souls around, always looking for ways to cheer others up. your beautiful gifs and thoughtful interactions never go unnoticed. i’m so grateful for your positivity and the way you brighten everyone’s day with your content!

@junmail c: another fellow huihui and absolutely the best! i always enjoy seeing you around and interacting with you. your presence adds so much to this community, and your warmth and enthusiasm are truly appreciated.

@leetaehwan kass: you’ve always been so kind to me, even when i might have been spamming your tag! you’re a wonderful person, and your kindness doesn’t go unnoticed. thank you for always being supportive and for being such a great mutual.

@baekhyunnybyun bex: you’re another person who’s incredibly forgiving when i spam your tag, and i can’t thank you enough for that! your heart is one of the kindest, and your edits are absolutely gorgeous. you bring so much beauty and positivity to this hellsite, and i’m so grateful to have you as a mutual.

@facethesuns emily: you’re one of my absolute favorites, and your content is always stunning. your tags are some of the funniest and most enjoyable, and you’re such a joy to interact with. i’m so glad we connected, and i cherish every interaction we have. thank you for being such a bright spot in my dash.

@kiimtaehyung shreya: you’re a gem, and i loved all our conversations in the server last year. you always bring fun and entertainment wherever you go, and i’m so grateful to have you as a mutual. i look forward to more laughs and great times with you in the future!

@jeonwon-wonwoo maddie: you’re the sweetest, and i genuinely miss you you bring so much warmth and kindness into this community, and i truly value our friendship. you’re missed and cherished more than you know. ♡ @taeraenomuyeppeo anna: you are incredibly talented, and your creations never cease to amaze me. your creativity and skill shine through in everything you do, and it’s always a pleasure to see your posts and creations. i genuinely admire your talent and the way you bring such excellence to this site. thank you for sharing your amazing work with us and for being a fantastic mutual.

i’m sorry if i missed anyone here—it absolutely doesn’t mean that i don’t appreciate you. every single follower and mutual means the world to me, and i’m so grateful for each of you. your support and presence are what make this community so special. thank you for being a part of this journey with me!

[who-do-i-know-this-man]

Hey everyone! I was contacted by some people doing another charity event that I felt people here may want to know about. It's themed around "Alien Stage" and I'll admit I have no idea what Alien Stage is, but that feels on brand. Anyway here's a few words from the person running the event on what they are doing, as well as some info on what Alien Stage is (I'll also put a tldr at the end if you don't feel like reading all that):

Hello everyone, consider this reverse propaganda for the two ALIEN STAGE characters who will be appearing in this competition eventually! What is ALIEN STAGE? It's an on-going series of animations by co-creators VIVINOS and QMENG (who are girlfriends in real life!) with original songs and characters set in a world where aliens have taken over the human species. Humanity has long lost its freedom, with many humans living their lives as "pet-humans" under alien rule. In this world, the hit show ALIEN STAGE is extremely popular among aliens, where humans participate in a singing competition death match, with the winner gaining honor and fame. Follow the stories of Mizi, Sua, Ivan, Till, Hyuna, and Luka and how they try to survive in this world. You can watch everything on Youtube. Here's a playlist that has the videos, additional animations, and official covers of the songs here in order here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYikmsPVq_c&list=PLTQmA93CedVCAo-3W30j3VPiRL9EyYN0d It takes about 30 minutes to watch the playlist! As the series is ongoing, many fans are always trying to decipher the lore and come up with new series everyday, especially since we get posts from the creators weekly! It's very easy to get into, and I hope this has piqued your interest to check it out! Now onto the next step! On Twitter, I've been moderating an Alien Stage "Gotcha for Gaza." Artists and writers all volunteer to fulfill art or writing requests as long as someone makes at least a $5 donation to a listed charity such as the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. If you're now a fan of Alien Stage (or currently a fan), please consider donating and making a request as many of our artists and writers are eager to create something! Our carrd which has all the necessary information is here: https://alnstgforgaza.carrd.co/ The donation form is here: https://forms.gle/R2wNZMYj746HQBDX7 As @who-do-know-this-man is also fundraising for the PCRF, we have decided to do a little collaboration where donations can apply to both campaigns! Not interested in fulfilling a request, but want to support? 1. Donate to @who-do-i-know-this-man's campaign anyways, and then send the receipt to our Google Form. There, you can say that you're donating free prompts that anyone else can claim! Having more prompts for us to fulfill allows us spread the word more online! 2. Spread the word, so other Alien Stage fans can hear about it!

So tldr: If you donate 5 dollars to a charity helping gaza (including through my tiltify campaign) you can send a screenshot of the receipt to them and get a fan art request! The fan art must be Alien Stage related but if you don't care much for Alien Stage you can give a free fan art request to someone who wants it.

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

06/17/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; TellTaleTVAwards; Cast & Crew Sightings; David Jenkins; Taika Waititi; Vico Ortiz; Con O'Neill; Guz Khan; Samba Schutte; Lindsey Cantrell; Zine Fundraisers; Articles; Fan Spotlight; Cast Cards; Our Flag Means Fanfiction; NeverLeft Podcast; Love Notes; Daily Darby/Today's Taika;

== Tell Tale TV Awards ==

You did it!!! Congrats everyone! Thank you so much for voting over the past weeks! Both OFMD and Rhys won!

Source: Tell Tale TV Awards

== Cast & Crew Sightings ==

== David Jenkins ==

June 17th is the anniversary of Flight of the Conchords episode 1! Dad was sending some love out to Bret, Jemaine, and of course our captain Rhys.

Source: David Jenkins Twitter

== Taika Waititi ==

Taika and Rita are in another silly tiktok video-- good news, you dont need a login to see it, just mark yourself as guest!

Source: RIta Ora's TikTok

== Vico Ortiz ==

This Friday, Vico is back with Them Fatale PRIDE edition. June 21st at the First Congregational Church of LA. Doors open at 6 PM and show starts at 7:30! In the area? Stop on by! Tickets available here.

Source: Vico Ortiz' Instagram Story

== Con O'Neill ==

Con's got some new merch up on Stands! Please visit ShopStands for some awesome OFMD Shirts, and pins, and to help a good cause!

Source: Con O'Neill's Instagram

== Guz Khan ==

For those of our Muslim friends celebrating the end of Ramadan, Guz is sending out a loving Eid Mubarak <3

Source: Guz Khan's Instagram

== Samba Schutte ==

Samba is also sending out a lovely Eid Mubarak! As well as sending some more family photos with Aria and the little one.

Source: Samba Schutte's Instagram Stories

== Lindsey Cantrell ==

Our fabulous Set Designer Lindsey Cantrell has been working on this short film Watching Walter, if you're so inclined, please check it out when it's out! CW: Holocaust/Nazi's/Violence

Source: Lindsey Cantrell's Instagram

== Zine Fundraisers ==

There's a new OFMD Fan-Led fundraiser to benefit Gaza out! Please follow @ofmdaction on tumblr for more information! Artist and Writer sign ups are now live! Carrd | Twitter | AO3 Collection | Daily Click for UNRWA

Source: OFMDAction Tumblr

== Articles ==

Source: Adopt Our Crew's Twitter

== Fan Spotlight ==

== Cast Cards ==

Some fun new cast cards from @melvisik today! "As fate would have it (did not plan this, it just happened in sequence) OFMD writer Simone Nathan" had her second season of Kid Sister just drop in the last few days! The previous night's cast card was Don A! aka "Swampy Town Folk"!

Source: @melvisik's Twitter

== Our Flag Means Fanfiction ==

New episode of Our Flag Means Fanfiction! This time a mini-sode read by Baby Kraken Podfics! Listen on your favorite platform here!https://linktr.ee/ofmff

Source: Our Flag Means Fanfiction Instagram

== Never Left Podcast ==

"This week is discussing Violence in OFMD! "Episode 22 is OUT! This week we’re continuing our discussion on physical and emotional violence!" CW: Gun and knife violence Listen on your favorite platforms here: https://linktr.ee/neverleftpodcast

Source: NeverLeftPodcast's Instagram

== Love Notes ==

Hey there Lovelies! I hope the week hasn't started too crazy or you! I know sometimes it's hard to see our impact, but take a look at those Tell-Tale TV results! Sure, it's a silly TV awards, but it 100% happened because you all were steadfast in voting! Just remember that while all our efforts don't always come to fruition in the way we want, you do make an impact <3

Img Source: PositivelyPresent Tumblr

== Daily Darby / Today's Taika ==

Today's theme is Flight of the Conchords since it's the 17 year anniversary of the first episode airing!

Gifs courtesy of the absolute legends @celluloidbroomcloset and @fandomsmeantheworldtome <3

[beautifulpersonpeach]

sorry about bringing a sensitive situation to your blog again Bpp but I can't keep quiet. The way people are acting makes me very uncomfortable. All you said was that even tho you think a BTS boycott is misguided people can decide for themselves and that everyone will do what they want, you listed the Gaza charity you're donating to but someone is calling you brainless zionist for that?? When 'propalestine armys' are already saying BTS should be held accountable for 'making them feel unsafe'?

BTS???!!!???

It's reminding me of when people attacked you for 'not holding Jungkook responsible for sportswashing' during the Olympics. People came to your blog, a jikook blog, and were attacking you for not allowing them to call Jungkook a murderer!

If people want to boycott they should boycott without trying to solicit support and then attacking people, calling them zionists when they say they disagree with their method!! It's driving me crazy seeing what's happening. I'm from the US. I've marched in protests, written and called my representative, I skipped buying a new microwave and TV system I've been saving for because a portion of my income now goes to Palestine charities, I talk about Gaza everywhere, but 'armys' on twitter are calling me a zionist because I don't think it makes sense to punish j-hope for Scooter Braun. For V's new song I saw people checking the catering team to see if someone there was a zionist! They're doing background checks on the CATERING TEAM.

What will these people do if nothing changes by the time Jin comes back? How will they escalate things? They are getting more and more angry and already attacking the members Bpp you saw it yourself.

Please talk about this. I know you're avoiding this topic but please talk about this. I feel I'm going crazy Bpp. The hate is getting so much the thought of Jin coming back to this mess scares the fuck out of me. What are your genuine uncensored thoughts about this? What is the worst case scenario? I'm thinking of leaving the fandom until Jin comes back because this is too much!

*

Ask 2: BPP, the ask about the boycotts, what did you mean by focus on tannies is misguided? Its a hard topic so I understand if you want to avoid it but I'd appreciate if you can you explain why.

***

"It's reminding me of when people attacked you for 'not holding Jungkook responsible for sportswashing' during the Olympics."

I think you mean World Cup, lol.

Anyway, me not talking about it is less about me avoiding the topic, and more because I've talked about this before and really hate repeating myself. As I said back then, the way I see it, what's at the root of this issue is people demanding Collective Responsibility. I've talked about this on my blog for a long time.

I talked about it when ARMYs where saying Jungkook should be held accountable for Qatar's hate crimes;

I talked about it when someone sent me an ask about Black multis calling to boycott BTS during the Black Lives Matter movement;

I talked about it when people asked me why I still support BTS even though they work with Supreme Boi;

I talked about it when people asked me why I didn't boycott Jimin even though he worked with Bobby Jung;

I talked about it when people where saying BTS should be held accountable for ARMYs actions as a fandom;

I talked about it when I said I don't hold Taemin responsible for Shawols attacking Yeonjun and other idols who covered his songs.

...I've been talking about this for a long time on my blog. About how the issue at its root is using BTS and/or k-pop idols as a proxy to punish people actually responsible because it's simply easier to use BTS and/or idols k-pop stans already feel they have control over. There's really no point talking about this, because what's happening here is a bigger phenomenon than just Palestinian ARMYs wanting to hold HYBE and/or BTS accountable. It happens with artists and their fans generally, outside k-pop as well.

Like I said all those other times, Collective Responsibility (CR) perhaps isn't a phrase we've all heard before, but it's an impulse a lot of people have. It is also considered by ethicists to be demonstrably and fundamentally immoral, because it is punishing someone not directly responsible for the beliefs and actions of another person, as though they are responsible. It's an expression of Association Fallacy (AF), the worst examples of which show up in our society as genocides and holocausts. Also, a consequence of AF is that it leads to purity tests, because then anyone connected to the guilty party becomes fair game. It's how people can rationalize scrutinizing the catering team hired for a music video by a k-pop group to use as evidence of a Zionist infiltration conspiracy.

This is something particular to me, and it is that I strongly believe in holding the people actually responsible, responsible. Because once you start using proxies or expanding that locus of responsibility, an impartial application ropes in more people including those who actually aren't responsible, and so it demands people being selective about who they think should be scapegoated. And 9 times out of 10, people choose targets they feel they already have influence or control over. It's simply human nature.

Because we are talking about ARMYs, HYBE and BTS, I'll give three examples specific to the fandom.

One.

Last year when October 7th happened, myself and a few ARMY friends were talking about the fall out and predicted that what's happened since, would happen. But the focus of our discussion was led by some friends who are American. America is the largest funder of Israel. If we were to draw a tree map of who contributes the most to Israel's military complex among BTS, HYBE, and the fandom, it would be US ARMYs by virtue of their tax dollars, discretionary spending on brands like McDonalds and Remax (notice Starbucks is mentioned in that article exactly zero times), and university tuitions and academic membership fees as some of the largest funders of Israel are American universities. My friend, let's call her M, said last year that if the focus is to have an impact on the situation in Israel, the largest focus would have to be American-centric and on established institutions. These were the arguments she gave our group when people were calling for boycotts of Golden.

Fast-forward to Winter 2024, Israel's campaign in Gaza has escalated to a full on genocide, people are more angry, more restless, and more hungry for retribution. Calls for boycotts are louder. I don't want to single this person out so I won't mention them, but to drive home my example, I've noticed one of the ARMYs calling for boycotts of BTS is a UC Berkley professor - a university that has long documented direct ties to the Israeli government, as well as research in the West Bank, and she's a professor in a department that receives Israeli funding... UC Berkeley in general has been in the news as a focus point of Israeli-Palestinian clashes over the last 10 years and especially this year.

Now, personally I have no issues with this person as like I've said, just because she's associated with a guilty party paying for the government's actions in occupied territories, doesn't mean she is responsible. However, the minute you expand the locus of responsibility, to use the logic of proponents of the BTS boycott, the question then becomes why this person is able to compartmentalize their receipt of Israeli funding via their salary and their continued fee paying to a university with long ties to Israel, why they are demonstrably still patronizing several brands on the BDS list, but they are focusing their attentions on Scooter Braun and using BTS as the tool to do so. Granted, it would be far more difficult to divest themselves from a portion of their salary even though it comes from Israel, or to stop using many of the American brands on the BDS list. BTS on the other hand, although they contribute significantly less to Israel's campaign of violence, is a Korean band that simply constitutes a hobby for this person. BTS and HYBE are far easier ways for this person to express their hate of Israel via Scooter Braun, all they have to do is not spend their Israel-American funded salary on this hobby, and so this is where this UC Berkeley professor expends most of her efforts - leading the HYBE Divest from Zionism movement.

In contrast to my next two examples, we don't yet have a conclusion to this latest BTS boycott campaign.

Two.

In Spring 2020, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement took off in the US and quickly became a worldwide campaign. Around the same time, Yoongi released D-2 and one of the tracks included a sample of Jim Jones' speech. Jim Jones was a psychotic cult leader responsible for the massacre of ~1,000 people at Jonestown, people he lured there under the pretense of a racial utopia where White, Black, and people of all races would be equal. Because of this promise, his followers were overwhelmingly Black. It is one of the worst mass deaths in US history, and it was the result of a sick White man hijacking the Civil Rights Movement. Still, Jim Jones' speech has been sampled in many works over the years, such as: Pretty Picture by The Used (an American band) which used the same sample speech as Yoongi, and Jonestown by Post Malone which had been released two years before Yoongi's song, also referenced Jim Jones. Both times these artists have referenced this atrocity without backlash or issue, and those are just two examples out of a very long list. That particular song by Yoongi had also been completed in 2019.

However, with the backdrop of the BLM movement, all it did was raise emotions to a nuclear pitch in a k-pop fandom where even the smallest issues become huge scandals. K-pop stans demanded a boycott of BTS and this included some Black multis and ARMYs. When BigHit released the statement and apology that it was a producer who had put it in, regrettably, Black multis strengthened their call for a boycott demanding that it would continue until Yoongi himself took responsibility, named the producer, and fired him. BigHit was declared a racist institution and every incident of Black erasure since then (such as Weverse articles) revives that assertion.

The fandom before Dynamite was far less fragmented than it is now, and so the response from the fandom was to rally behind Yoongi, and match BTS's US$1 million donation to the BLM movement. Several Black multis who didn't get their demands 'left' the fandom, and some became unabashed antis. Many of those Black k-pop fans support groups that worked with unapologetic racist white and Korean people during that time and since, groups they've not made the same demands of.

That was the conclusion of that BTS boycott campaign.

Three.

Many artists were dragged when it was revealed they would perform at the 2022 World Cup, because they were deemed as complicit in Qatar's human rights violations. They cited the Qatari government's history of hate crimes against LGBT+ people and minorities, and also the construction of the main stadium where thousands of migrant workers died due to inhumane working conditions. Some artists took that criticism to heart and dropped out. When it was announced that Jungkook would be singing Dreamers at the World Cup, people called for him to drop out and some fans called for boycotts of BTS until that happened.

Notably, many of these people didn't extend their calls to any of the teams actually participating in the World Cup. Many k-pop stans who called for Jungkook to drop out, themselves watched the World Cup. Several multi stans decided this was the final straw in what changed their perception of Jungkook as a good person, and in their support of BTS more generally, and unstanned.

Most ARMYs settled for 'condemning' Jungkook or expressing disappointment for HYBE's sportwashing, but again, it was interesting to see many of the same people happy and rooting for Son Heung-min. The response of the fandom to that boycott campaign was largely to ignore it, I suspect many people don't even know people called for boycotts.

That was the conclusion of that BTS boycott campaign.

**

Collective Responsibility is something some people are instinctively critical about, being careful of where to assign blame. It's why the only Korean company listed in the official BDS boycott list, is HD Hyundai, a company that sold machinery used demolish homes in Palestine; while a company like Samsung that invests in Israel and has an R&D center in Israel isn't on the BDS list, because there is yet to be a direct link between the work of that subsidiary and the loss of life in Gaza. Now, people are free to boycott Samsung if they want, but others are just as free to find the basis tenuous at best.

I keep saying people are free to do what they want, and it's perfectly natural and more than understandable if someone cannot stomach the idea of Scooter Braun working with BTS and decides to unstan them as a result - which, just like the other BTS boycott campaigns, is what I suspect will be the end result of this latest boycott if HYBE does not meet their demands to remove Scooter Braun this year. The music industry is filled with undesirables, and so long as BTS are in the music industry, they will work with them directly and indirectly. Everyone decides for themselves what they can tolerate - for example some people couldn't tolerate buying Angel by Jimin because a convicted rapist was featured on the song and they didn't want him to get their money, but they could tolerate buying and streaming Filter though it was also made with a convicted sex offender.

Personally, I was angry the Angel feature happened because it was one of Jimin's first solo American projects, one of his first introductions to the American public as a solo artist, and I felt he could've had a much better feature than someone many Americans already found distasteful. I believe I've been explicit about my dislike of Scooter Braun on my blog and about how I feel he is not the best partner for HYBE in the US. My views on his belief in the two-state solution and sentiments about Israel which he bases on being descended from Holocaust survivors, while admittedly complicated, only add to my dislike of him.

Still, I don't hold BTS responsible for him, and so I think any act to boycott BTS on his account is misguided. But this boycott campaign is what to expect from k-pop stans. It's happened before and will happen again because people feel the way they feel, at the end of the day. And because there's already a latent expectation in k-pop fandoms that you're entitled to a safe space in k-pop, and that companies cater to you. It's the flip side of the parasocial contract and how this industry has built insane levels of fan loyalty. It's why many of the people calling for BTS boycotts and HYBE divestment, aren't doing so for UMG, Atlantic Records, Warner Music, and a handful of other American labels and their artists who have more established ties to Israel than Scooter Braun.

As to my views on how HYBE could respond, I'm waiting till after the GSM on the 29th to form an opinion.

I hope this answered your questions and concerns, Anons. I'd genuinely prefer to not talk about this again.

[merwynsartblog]

HI HELLO!! WELCOME TO THE CLUSTERFUCK OF MY ACC!!/silly

My name is Merwyn, and I go by any pronouns! (Bigender)

If you are a person who kins then hi! Im kevin from spooky month, Kirby, Garcello from fnf, Luigi from super mario, And Zuke from nsr!

Im a 18 year old artist who is just trying to do his own things! I usually listen to other rambles or doodle and draw!

Just please know im a shyish individual!! I don't like too much conflict!! But that being said i will be aggressive if you are a ass to me or not reasonable. Treat others like how you wanna be treated.

ALSO Sorta lose age limit. 14+. I will bump it up when im older but i post gore, body horror, suggestive stuff, and nonsexual nudity here!! Be careful

Basic dni i feel like people should know wtf the basic dni is + No zionist in this damn blog. We support Palestinian here + if you support the your boyfriend game (the one w/ peter) + support vizipop/likes them or supports hazbin hotel/ helluva boss. (if your one of those fans who knows the flaws and stuff idm it then)

I dont want you anywhere near me.

Also im a system!! They might post sometimes but not alot!

ANYWAYS i own a few blogs!! Check em out if you want!

- @candymaildelivery (serious rp blog. Not a askblog or a casual rp blog.)

- @wornoutworkersaskblog My oc marco x wagegang rp/askblog!!

AND!! I HAVE TAGS!!

#Merwyn art (My art!!)

#Merwyn rambles (me rambling about ocs)

#Merwyn posts (Random posts)

#Merwyn reblogs (reblogs)

#Merwyn polls (my polls!)

#The silly rambles (Friends rambling to me! it happens alot so if u dont wanna be spammed you might wanna not follow)

#Merwyn answers (Random small questions i get sometimes)

Credit for the user boxes

ANYWAYS UH.. thank yall for reading!!

Edit! I will be adding gofundmes and stuff for Palestine families and stuff like that!

Under readmore is a list of palastine stuff! Please donate if you can! 🍉🇵🇸

(VV i cant link anymore so we gotta work with what we got)

Gofundme 1

gofundme 2

gofundme 3

gofundme 4

[puregaalee]

PureGaaLee's WIP Your Heart 2023: Event Wrap

Hello, PGL followers and event participants. I am going to start this event wrap on a somber and necessarily serious note.

If you were keeping track of the event dates, then you know this event wrap was originally scheduled to be released mid October when the WIPYHO officially ended. That did not happen due to the increased and on-going assault on Gaza, Palestine by the settler-colony known as Israel. With the genocide still currently unfolding, my attention and priorities have not been on fandom--and I know I am not alone in that.

I wanted to post-pone making this event wrap-up because of what's happening, but now that it's been nearly two months since the end of the event, I did not want to keep participants waiting. So I apologize for the wait, but I hope people are not only understanding, but also paying close attention to the escalation in ethnic cleansing taking place and doing what they can for Palestinians whether that's sharing posts, donating, or going to protests.

Thank you to everyone for bearing with me and thank you so much for your participation in this event. Below the cut is the official event-wrap up. Please make sure to check out all the wonderful pieces by the author/artist duos who made this event possible.

And please keep Palestine in your hearts.

WIPYHO Ao3 Collection

The Ball, the Boxing Match, and the Bedchamber by a_gay_poster/@ghoste-catte with art by @romanticdeity [NSFW]:   When gentleman pugilist Rock Lee makes the acquaintance of a prince in a most unexpected way, he does not anticipate how much his life will change. Nor does he anticipate the dangerous feelings the prince will inspire.

Born Under Punches by urieskooki/@urieskooki with art by @bayheart: Team Gai have been sent on a mission to track down the Akatsuki member who's been whisking away jinchūriki with terrifying efficiency. When a clue left behind at the site of the Ichibi’s capture leads them to Amegakure, Lee must put aside any distractions to do one thing: complete the mission - even if those distractions include rescuing his missing team and the mysterious boy he keeps running into around the city.

The Grapes of Debauchery by solas_oiche with art by @bayheart [NSFW]: Lee gets drunk. Shenanigans ensue. How does it always end up being Gaara’s problem in the end?

Kept Under Lock and Key by bananahwormz/@bananahwormz with art by @arecu21: Gaara discovered his proclivity for the same sex at some point in his teen or young adult life, but it wasn't something he paid much attention to or cared much about compared to all his other priorities. Sometimes he would confuse friendships for crushes, but due to either what he would later discover to be a fear of rejection or a fear of himself, he vowed to never act on these emotions. Believing himself to be alone in the way he loves and who he loves, he lets infatuation come over him and run its course before finally letting go every time and making his peace. As his paramours marry the women of their dreams, proving his theories correct, his need—no, WANT—for romantic companionship becomes easier to tame. But one bachelor seems hard-set to challenge his precepts, whether intentionally or not. How and why is Papa Lee still single? And would he ever consider…

My Home is Your Home by Luna_Lee/@sagemoderocklee with art by Roarsh/@roarshackle Gaara's new apartment isn't much, but in his mind it's perfect. It might be tiny, but it has what he needs: a bedroom, a living room, a bathroom, a teeny tiny kitchen, and a rather attractive neighbor. But it also has something that wasn't mentioned in the lease.

Not a Place of Honor by ghostinthestalls/@ghost-in-the-stalls with art by @pannaflara: Rock Lee is a soldier in the Konoha military, sent down to unearth the greatest - and possibly also the worst - discovery in human history.

Not God, Not Us, But Something Else by ghostinthestalls/@ghost-in-the-stalls with art by @reject-tiefling: The Lovelink Program from Anteros Co. is finally up and running - much to Rock Lee's distaste, and his friends' excitement. Love takes hard work (two things Lee is very passionate about!), but everyone has their moments of self-doubt. Pushing through years and layers of it is hard enough already in the face of a corporation telling him they can make it all easier for a small fee. Complicating things further is the unsettling man from his dreams who Lee has now begun to see in his waking life. What does it mean to properly love a person, specially curated just for you?

Sing a Song of Sleeptide by solas_oiche with art by kairn_orz: Five times that Lee and Gaara share each other’s beds, and one time they share their own.

Triple Time by gidget_goes/@gidget-goes with art by @slap-my-hand: Even a centuries-old war or the bitterest of winter storms won’t dull the lavish gleam of Konoha’s royal court. For Gaara and his siblings, though, the glitz of the aristocracy is just a cover. They’ve been sent North by their father on a deadly mission: to retrieve an ancient artefact, powerful enough to end the war – and the nation of Konoha – for good. But when he begins to fall for a kindhearted serving boy, Gaara finds his loyalties are thrown into disarray. Soon enough, he’s questioning his whole quest for victory. Will he remain true to his father, and fight for crown and glory? Or will new bonds and old dreams push him to strive for peace? And can he manage to convince his family that love is greater than any old treasure? (Probably not. It is a pretty baller artefact.)

[ntls-24722]

Hi

I hope you read my story and help if you can 🙏❤️

I’m eman khader from Gaza

I’m really need your help to help my mother for medical treatment 💔😔😔

My mother's situation is getting worse day by day, I hope to help me for her

If you can’t donate please reblog 🚨🚨

I would be very grateful if you could make a reblogging for me

Please help me 🙏🙏

My campaign verified by

@90-ghost

https://gofund.me/4c9ebb8b

HELP EMAN AND HER MOTHER EVACUATE KHAN YUNIS

Vetted by 90-ghost

Eman's mother has had blood pressure and heart problems for years, and in Khan Yunis, the doctors are exhausted and are working with inadequate tools. Please help both of them survive.

$1,750/$40,000

If you send me a screenshot of your donation I'll give you art for it. If you're not a fan of my artstyle, or you want writing commissions, check out this directory of talented artists.

[dividedindiversity]

hi! wanted to submit a couple of songs for the eu competition. these are quite famous and problably not as interesting as more niche ones, but i still think they are amazing:

Danger Dan - Das ist alles von der Kunstfreiheit gedeckt (he's a cool german rapper who loves critisising the government and the police. i love his sense of irony)

Ren - Seven Sins (i know he sings in english, but technically he's welsch? and welsch is genetically closer to Breton language in France than to English, so... come on. and this particular song even starts with a verse in welsch, therefore i suggest it and not the more political ones. it's my favourite though: i adore the way he intricately merges his personal chronic pain with political and social problems. it just resonates deeply with me and i find it beautiful)

also, just in case: do you think you could accept songs of oppositional russian singers that had to leave the country because of the political beliefs they expressed in their art? russia is obviously not a part of eu, but it used to compete in eurovision - and most of the singers have emigrated to the countries of eu specifically. i will totally understand if you'd rather not allow their songs to participate. it's just that i know and deeply love so many of them - russian resistance culture is old and poetic; our literature has always been the main way of opposition, as all the other ones are closed. i guess i simply wish to contribute something from my homeland, if i'm permitted to. again, i don't have high hopes and will absolutely accept your reasoning should you refuse.

(hopefully i'm doing this right - was i supposed to give more/less information, provide the links? i'm sorry if so)

anyway, have a nice day! this competition is a great idea and i'm looking forward to it.

First of all, I want to be very clear about this: this answer is *nothing against the person who sent this ask*. I'm assuming they didn't check what all the artists they mention were up to in the past week.

I won't be including any submissions by Danger Dan or anyone else from Antilopengang. Yes, the song mentioned is a banger. However, Antilopengang has long been at least somewhat Antideutsch, and 5 days ago brought out the song 'Oktober in Europa'. The text of the song is mostly about the increase in antisemitism in Germany and Europe in general lately, a very justified and important complaint, and about antisemitism in the left in particular, which is something often dismissed and ignored and should be talked about more. However, some of the parts of the song that are specifically about the war in Gaza give the impression that the singers consider concern for the well-being of Palestinians to be antisemitism. That conflation muddies an otherwise good message. Which isn't surprising considering their antideutsch position, just disappointing. For this reason, it would be weird to include their songs in a bracket that calls for a boycott of Eurovision. I get the impression they wouldn't want to be.

To answer the question about Russian artists- sure, just make a case for their inclusion! But I ask everyone in *general* to please check the artists you submit- I happen to know this about Antilopengang but I don't know about *most* artists.

[akwardlyuncool]

Class Favorites: #FreePalestine

Like I mentioned at the start of Akward Class Favorites 2023, I didn't feel right just jumping in with things without talking about at least 1 of the travesties that is happening at the moment and has been taking place for many years, and that's the occupation of Palestine. Y'all already know where I stand and it's with the Palestinian people for their freedom and liberation. Now that being said, this post isn't to educate you on the more than 75 year brutal occupation that they've been facing, but rather to highlight some of the people and resources I've been using to educate myself and to generally stay aware of what's happening day to day, while also just staying in the mix.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of everyone and everything I've been consuming, so it's only a start. If this is your first look, here's to starting (that being said we're over a 100 days into the current wave, so you got some catching up to do,)and if you are aware and maybe want more ways to stay in the know, that works too. It's all love here. Also I am not perfect or the model, again I'm just trying to stay aware myself.

____________________________________________________________________

Let's Start With Books:

I'm currently reading Freedom Is A Constant Struggle by Angela Y. Davis. It's about how Ferguson and Palestine are connected and really how tied struggles for liberation are across the globe and why we should care. She also speaks to the prison industrial complex and how that is tied from our government to what what they're doing over there, it's all connected. I haven't finished it yet because I'm annotating my copy and that is work in an of itself, but I can say that I am enjoying it and recommend it to anyone who needs more reasons to care about Palestine, than simply because it's a human rights issue.

I've read two children's books: What The Kite Saw by Anne Laurel Carter and These Olive Trees by Anya Ghanameh. Not gonna lie you might cry reading both of these because they are both set in the illegal occupation of Palestine, however both feel like they are rooted with some hope.

The last book is a graphic novel that I haven't actually started yet, but checked out from the library recently, so it's on my to-read list. It's called Power Born of Dreams: My Story is Palestine by Mohammad Saba'aneh. It's about his time in an Israeli prison and what he believes freedom and hope look like for Palestinian people.

Content Creators, Journalist and Social Media That You Can Follow:

This is truly just a handful of things, I follow many more than this. If you go on to follow any of these people or accounts, be respectful of their time and the fact that they are human.

Al Jazeera English - Media News Company

(Instagram and Twitter)

Meriamawadatalk (Meriam Awada "She/Her/Hers") - Artist and Content Creator

(Instagram)

PraxisRedacted/PupposePraxis - Palestine Coverage

(Telegram with Meriam Awada)

Sbeih.jpeg (Subhi) - Content Creator

(TikTok)

Motaz_Azaiza (Motaz Azaiza "He/Him") - Photography Journalist on the ground in Gaza

(Twitter and Facebook)

Wizard_bisan1 (Bisan) - Filmmaker, Traveler and a Dreamer/On The Ground Journalist in Gaza)

(Twitter)

Jenanmatari (Jenan Matari "She/Her") - Palestinian Writer and Cultural Creator

(Instagram)

JVPLive (Jewish Voice For Peace) - Jews organizing towards Palestinian liberation and Judaism beyond Zionism.

(Instagram)

Websites and a Google Doc Full of Useful Information:

DecolonizePalestine.com

USCPR.org

Palestine Resources (Google Doc compiled by Madeline Pendleton)

BDSMovement.net (Information on the most impactful companies to boycott.)

[itsyagergzero]

Intro

Hey, I’m Kris (they/it/xe) and I am a 18 y/o multifandom writer and artist. I’m also autistic and have adhd, so be patient as I do struggle with conversations and such. I’m also an activist and share a lot of activist content on my feed, and I am hoping to become an activist as a full time job someday.

I use caps a lot, I’m never mad just VERY EXCITED!!!

Also I do have an 18+ account so 18+ followers, feel free to ask for it! Just dm me 🙂‍↕️

My art fight

Me n my friend’s trans/nonbinary Discord server

My Doctor Who Discord server

Free Spirited Doctor AU Masterpost

FOLLOW MY GIRLFRIEND (@lostglassguitars)!!!

Current Hyperfixiations

GF N HER OCS <33, Apex Legends, Dead by Daylight, Alien Franchise, Death Note, Spider-Man, Resident Evil, Fallout 4 (especially my ocs), Doctor Who (mostly the 13th), Skyrim, ULTRAKILL, and more!

Normal Interests

Detroit: Become Human, Sims 4, Rogue Company, Overwatch, Star Wars (specifically Captain Phasma content), Century: Age of Ashes, Destiny 2 (specifically Eris Morn), No Straight Roads, Titanfall 2, Charmed (90s), and more

I edit, draw, write, and info dump a ton, and I am always open to asks.

I try my best to make sure the links I promote are vetted, but lmk if I make a mistake!

Some Campaigns to Support!

There’s always more people to support, so I cannot add everyone here but please check these people out!

For more people to support, check out my #palestine tag!

Read my carrd for my BYF/DNI list and a more in-depth interest list, along with my other socials!

[tvmblrsillyman]

Hello . I hope you doing well . Im Ahmed Alhabil . With my Parents , wife and my 2 kids living in Ga*za . I have make this go fund me link to fund my family to evacuate from Ga*za to the safe place .

Can you please help as much as you can . Press all buttons on my wall ,

And donate any amount to safe life ..

I will appreciate your help❤️

you can creat video to help us ❤️.

I beg you to visit my page, view it, and donate via the link in the bio💔

🍉Dont forget 100$ USA=1100kron Norwegian 🍉

Sorry for the late response. I will reblog your post now and queue it later in the morning and afternoon to make up for lost time. I will share your post here along with your campaign link too. I am sorry that I cannot donate right now. But I will do what I can to share, along with offering my artist skills for donations from others directly to you.

I'm also sorry to hear what happened to your children. Hearing about immune deficiency is quite worrying from what I understand about the disease, and even worse within a war zone.

Everyone else, please consider checking out their campaign, and donate if you're able to. I'll even open this offer art if you want something out of this. If you can't, then at least reblog his post.

Ahmed's campaign is vetted by several people, so please do not hesitate.

[the-record-columns]

June 19, 2019: Columns

The ‘World’s Hottest Pepper’

By KEN WELBORN

Record Publisher

We are blessed in Wilkes to have Farmers' Markets so readily available to us.  

On Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., a group of vendors gather in front of the YMCA on Hwy. 268 in Wilkesboro. Then, on Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. -5:30 p.m., and Saturday mornings 7:30 a.m. until noon, the Farmers' Market in North Wilkesboro is held at the Yadkin Valley Marketplace on the CBD Loop in Downtown North Wilkesboro.  As more and more fruits and vegetables come in, each week they should just continue to get better and better as the season progresses.

Today I want to mention a couple of purchases I made on Tuesday afternoon of last week at the North Wilkesboro Market.  As I perused the various tables, I stopped and bought a bag of peaches from Tom Lowe with the Brushy Mountain Orchard at the crest of Kilby Gap on Hwy 16 South. While there we also spent a few minutes remembering his wonderful parents, the late Jane and Caney Lowe.

As I moved on down the line, I stopped to speak to Earth and Creations owner Brenda Dembowski of Roaring River, who sells an assortment of goodies, all handmade with locally grown fruits and vegetables.  As we talked, I noticed a few jars of chow chow, and, knowing that I had a pot of pinto beans about ready for dinner, I inquired about the chow chow. As I picked up a pint jar, Brenda smiled and asked, "Do you like your chow chow hot?'

"The hotter the better," I answered.

She went on to say that this stuff was really hot, and I went on to tell her that, in effect, I was tougher than woodpecker lips when it came to spicy foods and she assured me I had better be.

By now I had read the label and it  said "Carolina Reaper," and when I inquired about that, Brenda said it was one of the hottest peppers ever.

Now, I will confess that a very limited number of folks are aware of the ONE time I ordered something so hot I could only eat half of it.  I really think I was set up, and I did eat the rest of it the next day, so nothing was wasted.  However, with that episode in mind, I must confess that I began my dinner that evening with a bit of apprehension that I may have again let my mouth overload by butt, as the saying goes.

Well, the Carolina Reaper Chow Chow was as advertised, hot, really hot; but good -it was the perfect thing to go with a good ole' pot pinto beans.  As of this writing, I have eaten about half the jar, and can assure you I will not waste a bit of it.  My curiosity got the best of me and I checked out this pepper and found that it is listed in the Guinness Book of World  Records as the "World's Hottest Pepper," and by a long shot, at that. Actually, the fist time I typed Carolina Reaper onto the search bar a product called Blair's Ultra Death Sauce popped up.

Turns out that the pepper was developed by a man named "Smokin'" Ed Currie who owns the PuckerButt Pepper Company (no kidding) in Fort Mill, S.C. It has often been described as the initial bite actually being sweet and then turning into molten lava. It has been used to spice up any number of dishes, giving heat without changing the flavor of the original dish.

It is really becoming downright popular, and I've got to say, that Carolina Reaper Chow Chow is some good stuff.

Netanyahu Draws Strength from the Bible

By EARL COX

Special to The Record

Few people know that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu readily admits that he draws his strength from the Bible.  Some years back Netanyahu was interviewed on CNN.  Here's an excerpt: “You live in the center of a hostile world. Are you ever able to relax?” To which the Prime Minister replied: “Yes, Sir, I am. Every Saturday on our Sabbath, I have a day off. So every Saturday, I take an hour and a half to read the Bible. I draw enormous strength as well as relaxation from this quiet time.” 

As Christians, we are greatly encouraged by this admission. It is great to know that the Prime Minister of Israel faithfully spends time in the Bible, since we believe it is vitally important to understand Israel — past, present and future. The divine influence of the God of Israel is the key to the history of the Jewish people and their nation, Israel. 

The interview started off with the question, “Why can’t you and the Palestinian Arabs get together?” The Prime Minister answered, “The basic problem is their failure to recognize our Jewish state.” He continued, “I am prepared to make peace with the Palestinians as we did with Egypt and with Jordan. I am prepared to have a demilitarized Palestinian state existing next to Israel. And I am prepared to meet with the Palestinians without any pre-conditions.”

The interviewer added, “So you do favor having a Palestinian state?” Netanyahu answered, “Yes, but not a state that will keep firing rockets and missiles into our land. It will have to be a demilitarized, peaceful state. And of course, they will have to recognize our state.”

When asked if he would sit down and negotiate with Hamas, Netanyahu replied: “I will sit down with anyone who will recognize our state. As you know, Hamas has refused to do that. They are true terrorists who even terrorize their own people in Gaza.” He added, “I want the world to look at what we have done in the past few years to help the Palestinians in the West Bank. We have helped them in so many ways economically.”

The interviewer went on to state that Israel’s image around the world is constantly under attack and that has to be troublesome to Israel. Netanyahu stressed that there is a big difference between the world’s perceptions and reality, saying, “Israel has suffered oppression ever since its independence, and we have never had one day of real peace, yet the world continues to see us as oppressors.” He then added, “But we are a people of peace. We have always wanted peace with our neighbors, and we still do. The truth is, they do not seem to want peace with us.”

Next came the question, “How much do you fear Iran’s intentions to destroy you?” The Prime Minister replied,  “We have learned from history to take seriously their calls to destroy the Jewish State."

Netanyahu was then asked, “Would you attack Iran?” He replied, “We will always reserve the right to defend ourselves. We will always keep all options on the table.” He went on to say, “Iran is the greatest threat to humanity today. It is important to the whole world that we do not allow the most dangerous weapons in the world fall into the hands of, or be manufactured by,  the most dangerous people in the world.... We cannot trust Iran to be peaceful.”

“In your lifetime," the interviewer asked, "do you think you will see peace in the Middle East?” The Prime Minister answered: “I will say yes, with conviction. Not in all of the Middle East, but I think we will have peace with the Palestinians.” He stressed, “It will take a lot of courage. We are ready now, and we hope that the Palestinians will soon also respond with the same courage.”  

With Trump's "Deal of the Century" soon to be unveiled, the world will have a chance to see if the Palestinians are viable partners at the negotiating table or if Israel will again "go it alone" as they did back in 2005 with the Gaza Disengagement. 

 Up the Mountain

By CARL WHITE

Life in the Carolinas

It was a perfect time to visit the mountains. It always seems to be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the foothills and even more so compared to the Sand Hills and Low Country.

Clear skies with a few clouds for a bit of contrast were above, and a winding county road was my path up the mountain to visit the quaint little town of Sparta.

When driving, I often listen to podcasts or CD’s that artists have sent or given me after or before an interview. On this day, I was enjoying the music of the group The Arcadian Wild, and as I grew closer to my destination, I noticed an increased sense of calm.

As I became mindful of this reality, the song Millstatt played with lyrics, “This must be where God comes to rest.” It was one of those moments when you feel yourself smiling, and life seems to balance out a bit.

Based on the never-ending request list, I’m not sure if God has a lot of time for much resting; however, I am confident that the rest of us are indeed most likely better off when we take time to rest, refuel and reflect. It may not be that way for everyone, but it is for me.

Soon I found myself on Main Street in Sparta. Sparta is one of those mountain towns that you are glad you found. If you like the idea of quaint streets, good people, great food options and a slower pace, then Sparta is a place for you to visit.

On this trip, I visited several of the shops in town including a charming used bookstore that always seems to have a good deal on something I can add to my Carolinas reference book. And with the Backwoods Beans Coffee Shop right down the street, it’s easy to be satisfied.

I cannot stress enough the importance of slowing down when visiting small towns in the Carolinas. When we slow down, we reap the benefits of uncovering great treasures of all sorts and delightful interactions with locals and visitors alike.  

It was great visiting with Bob Bamberg, the current editor of the Alleghany News. They have been around since 1889, and they are still publishing a newspaper today. They have seen it all, or at least most of it.

A visit to the Visitors Center and Chamber of Commerce was enjoyable. I learned a lot from Executive Director Katee Hettleman, who also introduced me to “Gertie,” the artistic interactive alpaca. Sparta is known for its Fiber enthusiasts, so much so that they now host the annual Blue Ridge Fiber Fest that attracts attendees from multiple states.

There are several events throughout the year in Sparta, so if your travels bring you to this mountain town on event days, you will get a nice bonus for your travel journal.

Good news for the people of Sparta and us guests. Within a year or so, their new Street Scape program should be finished. It’s always nice to see history preserved and protected for the future.

I look forward to my next visit up the mountain, and you never know who might be taking their rest at higher elevations.

[juanandonly0427-blog]

My favorite lyrics from New School Rap Artists.

So I run a radio show at my college with one a co-host named C-Bo called “Chillin with C-Bo”. I started out as a guest on the show, but I soon became something more. Now C-Bo is leaving the country for a while, so it’s up to me to run the show.

If you ever wanna listen, I’m on from 11:30 AM- 2:30 Pm EST, on Tuesdays. I’ll provide a link to the online site below.

But enough self promotion! 

One thing I promised C-Bo was that I would stick to his style of music for the show to maintain consistency, as well as sprinkle a little bit of my own flavor. 

The problem, however, was I wasn’t into the type of music C-Bo was into; New School Rap. I have been hesitant to dive into this genre because I was afraid that it would ruin the flavor of rap and hip hop I had acquired from before 2010 (you know, your basic nostalgia).

But As I began to really listen to artists like Chance the Rapper, Logic, Childish Gambino, and Kendrick Lamar, I fell in love. But not with the beat, or the tempo, or even the voices/flow of the artists. I fell in love with the lyrics. What I love most about rap and hip-hop is that it gives artists a chance to formulate great lyrical content. Other genres of music have become so cheesy and typical with the words, that it gets to the point where they all sound the same.

But in rap, each song is so different.

Nas wrote a song from the point of view of a gun.

Eminem wrote a song about a crazed fan that lost his mind trying to get his attention.

NWA created songs that helped bring a spark into the souls of Compton residents, making them feel like they aren’t all the criminals and gang-bangers everyone sees them as.

Hell, Mackelmore wrote a song about how to shop at a thrift shop!

Today’s modern day rap has taken a bit of a blow in terms of lyrical content, however.

With so many songs about money, drinking, smoking, making money, cursing out the police, and gang banging,  along with the rise of Mumble rap and songs that are just repeating the same 3 lines over and over to a loud beat, it’s hard to find good, thought provoking lyrics in today’s rap.

Luckily, I found a few.

If you wanna know what songs these lyrics came from, they’ll be in Parenthesis at the end of each one. 

So here are some of my favorite lyrics from some of today’s New School Rap Artists;

Kendrick Lamar

“I can dig rapping... but a rapper with a ghost writer; what the fuck happened? (Oh no!) I swore I wouldn't tell! But most of you share bars like you got the bottom bunk in a two man cell! (A two man cell?) Something's in the water.(Something's in the water) And if I got a brown nose for some gold, then I'd rather be a bum than a motherfuckin' baller!” (King Kunta)

“I'm so fucking sick and tired of the Photoshop. Show me something natural like afro on Richard Pryor. Show me something natural like ass with some stretch marks.” (HUMBLE)

“I know murder, conviction, burners, boosters, burglars, ballers, dead, redemption, scholars, fathers dead with kids,  and I wish I was fed forgiveness Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, soldier's DNA.” (DNA)

“I done been through a whole lot; trials and tribulations, but I know God! Satan wanna put me in a bow-tie, praying that the holy water don't go dry, yeah yeah! As I look around me, so many motherfuckers wanna down me! But enemigo never drown! In front of a dirty double-mirror, they found me. And, I love myself!” (i)

“If I told you that a flower bloomed in a dark room, would you trust it?” (Poetic Justice ft. Drake)

“Everybody gon' respect the shooter, but the one in front of the gun lives forever” (Money Trees)

“Seen a light-skinned n***a with his brains blown out. At the same burger stand, where *censored* hang out. Now this is not a tape recorder saying that he did it. But ever since that day, I was looking at him different. That was back when I was nine. Joey packed the nine. Pack to stand on every porch is fine. We adapt to crime...” (m.A.A.d. city)

“’Okay... Now open your mind up and listen to me, Kendrick! I'm in your conscience, if you do not hear me, then you will be history, Kendrick! I know that you're nauseous right now, and I'm hopin' to lead you to victory, Kendrick!’ If I take another one down, I'm a drown in some poison abusin' my limit” (Swimming Pools [Drank])

Logic

“Not perceived by the things I believe or the color of my skin, or the fact I'm attracted to her, maybe him, or the fact I'm a single mother living all alone, looking for a man and a home to call my own. But I already have one; the only man I'ma ever need is my son, my son, my son, my son, son, say!” (Black SpiderMan)

“All this other shit I'm talkin' 'bout they think they know it. I've been praying for somebody to save me, no one's heroic. And my life don't even matter. I know it I know it, I know I'm hurting deep down but can't show it. I never had a place to call my own, I never had a home. Ain't nobody callin' my phone. Where you been? Where you at? What's on your mind? They say every life precious, but nobody care about mine.” (1-800-273-8255)

“Everybody gonna die, gonna go one day, maybe it'll happen on a Monday. Drop into work and get hit by a Hyundai, fuck it, let it all go one day” (Fade Away)

“Man, I never knew livin' out a dream meant livin' out a suitcase! I've been working at a new pace! So much money on the road, I ain't even had a minute, not a single second chilling in my new place! Motherfuckers getting two-faced! ‘Cause a brother finally eating, not to mention everybody gettin' two plates!” (Run it)

“Masta deep down inside of me, the plantation deep down inside of me. Everybody fuck like sodomy, because one or the other what it gotta be. Tell me, why my momma gotta lie to me, unity for everyone that lied to me. Peace on earth, what I try to be; I just wanna spread the message of equality” (Take It Back)

“I been knockin doors down like a Jehovah witness, God as my witness, I'm with this, but on the real I think I need another witness!” (Everybody)

Drake

“You know the truth, this not pretend, I'm not your friend, not your guy, I'm not your buddy, show no lovin', and I might go DeMarcus Cousins; out in public!” (6 Man)

“Please, check 'em for a wire or earpiece. Please, please do not let these n***as near me. Please, think before you come for the great one. Please, who's a real n***a and who ain't one? Please.” (Back to Back)

“Oh, Lord! Who else sounded like this? They ain't make me what I am, they just found me like this, I was ready. Fuck that, I've been ready, since my dad used to tell me he was comin' to the house to get me. He ain't show. Valuable lesson, man, I had to grow up! That's why I never ask for help; I'll do it for you n***as and do it for myself!” (0-100/The Catch Up)

“I done kept it real from the jump. Living at my mama's house we'd argue every mornin' n***a, I was trying to get it on my own; working all night, traffic on the way home, and my uncle calling me like, ‘Where ya at?’ I gave you the keys told ya bring it right back, N***a.” (Started from the Bottom)

Chance the Rapper

“Man my daughter couldn't have a better mother. If she ever find another, he better love her! Man I swear my life is perfect, I could merch it! If I die I'll prolly cry at my own service...” (All We Got)

“JJ, Mikey, Lil Derek and them, 79th street was America then. Ice cream truck and the beauty supply, blockbuster movies and Harold's again. We still catching lightening bugs when the plague hit the backyard. Had to come in at dark cause the big shawty's act hard.” (Summer Friends)

“Jesus black life ain't matter, I know I talked to his daddy, said you the man of the house now, look out for your family.” (Blessings)

“Damn man, I don't even need a radio, and my new shit sound like a rodeo Got the old folks dancing the Do-si-do, so they fuck around, sign me to OVO. Oh, I just might share my next one with Keef, got the industry in disbelief, they be asking for beef!” (Angels)

“Way back then when everything we read was real, and everything we said rhymed. Wide eyed kids being kids. When did you stop? What did you do to your hair? Where did you go to end up right back here? When did you start to forget how to fly?” (Same Drugs)

“Hope there never come a day where we be better as friends. We in a marathon we could build a marriage on. Arguments as parents digging deeper than a baritone. I've been getting blocked just trying to make songs with friends, labels told me to my face that they own my friends.” (Finish Line/Drown)

Childish Gambino

“I got more tail than that PetCo, you faker than some Sweet'N Low. Yeah, you got some silverware, but really are you eating though? Are you eating though? N***a, are you eating though? Breakfast, lunch and dinner's for beginners, you ain't even know.” (IV. Sweatpants)

“All I do is make the stuff I would've liked, reference things I wanna watch, reference girls I wanna bite, now I'm firefly like a burning kite. And you's a fake fuck like a fleshlight” (Fire Fly)

“Can we hear the N-word one day and not get upset? Can we try something new and not be suspect?” (You See Me)

“My shit be Jackson, Jordan, Bolton, Keaton, Tyson: 5 Mikes. Donald Glover, no relation, always workin', no vacation. They couldn't feel me, no vacation. Murder versus the only motive was motivation...” (Bonfire)

“Got no patience, cause I'm not a doctor. Girl why is you lying, girl why you Mufasa? Yeah, mi casa su casa, gotta strip it like Gaza. Got so high off volcanoes, now the flow is so lava.” (3005)

So, that’s my list. I might have left out some better verses by theses artists, as well as some better artists. That’s mainly cuz these are the only new school rappers i’ve been hearing as of late. If you got any suggestions of artists/songs, please lmk!!! Thanks for reading!!!

[joannrochaus]

How Brad Paisley and his wife are changing lives: The secret of significance

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Keith Urban won Entertainer of the Year at last night’s Academy of Country Music Awards. Thomas Rhett and Kacey Musgraves won Male and Female Artist of the Year.

But, in my opinion, the most significant achievement in country music came earlier in the week.

Brad Paisley and his wife, Kimberly, broke ground on a Nashville grocery store that is unlike any I know. Customers will walk through the aisles selecting fruit, vegetables, cereal, and other groceries. Then they will check out at the register.

However, no money will change hands.

The Paisleys partnered with Belmont University, a Christian university and Brad’s alma mater, building the store next to the school’s ministry center. They hope to serve three thousand impoverished people a year.

Their Christian faith is on clear display in a way that will impact lives far beyond Nashville.

“All healthy things grow”

Many years ago, I attended a church growth conference led by Rick Warren at Saddleback Church in California. His approach was not at all what I expected.

How @BradPaisley and his wife are changing lives: The secret of significance: https://t.co/b8YiYNmLAb pic.twitter.com/VbLGC9crdz

— Jim Denison (@JimDenison) April 8, 2019

I assumed Rick would talk about his church’s leadership structure, ministry organization, and marketing strategy. Instead, he spent most of the conference discussing the importance of spiritual health—for himself, his leadership team, and their members.

He explained his passionate focus on spirituality this way: “All healthy things grow.”

Plant a tree in your backyard, water and fertilize it, protect it from bugs and other adversaries, and it will grow. It’s designed that way by God.

If we’re looking for a way to impact our world for Christ, a strategy that will help our churches and personal ministries be more effective in our secularized culture, let’s take Rick’s advice. Let’s focus on our spiritual health. And then let’s watch healthy things grow as we impact our culture with God’s love.

Headed south at noon

I’m reading through the book of Acts in my personal Bible study and was greatly encouraged this weekend by a story we don’t discuss much.

In Acts 8, an angel directs Philip to the road “south” from Jerusalem to Gaza (v. 26). The Greek word for “south” can also mean “noon,” the more likely translation in my opinion.

Everyone knew that the road to Gaza led south. God sent Philip to that road at noon, during the heat of the day, a time when hardly anyone traveled it. It was a “desert” road, sparse and forbidding.

We often wonder at the time why God sends us where he does.

He “went on his way rejoicing”

But our Father usually shows us: “And he arose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship” (v. 27). This man would be our treasury secretary today with his signature on our currency. His conversion would carry the gospel to the highest reaches of Ethiopian culture and influence.

The Lord had already gone ahead of Philip, as he goes before us. The Ethiopian had been reading from Isaiah 53, the best text in the entire Old Testament to use in presenting the atoning death and love of the Lord Jesus.

When we follow God, he always goes before us.

Then the man asked Philip to explain the text, making it easy for him to share “the good news about Jesus” (v. 35). The eunuch believed, was baptized, and “went on his way rejoicing” (v. 39). Early tradition identifies him as the first Christian missionary to Ethiopia.

All this because Philip allowed the Holy Spirit to lead him where he had no plans to go.

When we follow God, he always goes before us. He will prepare the heart of every person he intends us to reach with his gospel. Then he will give us the words to say and the works to share.

Where God is most at work in the world

Where God is most at work around the world, the common denominator is that his people are dependent on his Spirit—usually because they have no other option.

I’ve witnessed Cuban Christians praying fervently for the power of the Spirit and then testifying to their faith with incredible courage and passion. I know Spirit-empowered former Muslims who risk their lives to tell Muslims about Jesus. The Charismatic movement is transforming churches across Central and South America.

As we watch reports of declining church attendance and Christian commitment in America, is our prosperity impeding our dependence on the Holy Spirit? Is self-sufficiency grieving the Spirit and hindering his power?

If all healthy things grow, how is our health?

“The Spirit longs to reveal how near he is to you”

We can expect the enemy to do anything to keep us from being submitted daily to the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). He knows how foundational this relationship is to us and those we influence.

“The Spirit longs to reveal how near he is to you.”

—Craig Denison

By contrast, the Holy Spirit urgently wants an intimate, transformational relationship with us. Craig Denison writes in First15: “The Spirit longs to reveal how near he is to you. He longs to make you more aware of his manifest presence. He longs to lead you, speak to you, fill you, satisfy you, heal you, set you free, and empower you. He longs for your heart to find freedom and security in him. He longs to be your best friend, companion, and teacher.”

So, Satan wants you to depend on yourself today. God wants you to depend on his Spirit.

The deciding vote is yours.

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