#I took SO many pics but these r the 2 that won

[teddybearsims]

Jude for Dazed - May 2024 Issue x

[a-wandering-ghoulette]

Ghost: Tobias finally revealed himself! From MyRock n°57; March/April issue; a FR->EN translation.

Enjoy a 2 page exclusiv interview fully translated from french to english; 3 full-page pics by Amanda Demme and a bitter live report of Zénith de Paris ritual (under the cut at the end of the post)! Note that I’m not perfectly bilingual so any of you who have a better english lvl than me are free to correct any mistake I could have done!

Tobias, master of the Forge

(Translation Note: Yes, we are french and we like dumb puns. So yass, he leads this band, thx)

Few hours before his appearance at Zénith de Paris, Tobias Forge has opened his lodge’s door to us. Decontracted and unmasked, the autoproclamed Ghost’s spokesperson frankly discuss about the band news and about his sudden notoriety.

Interview by Thomas Mafrouche; photos by Amanda Demme.

“In the colllective mind, doing metal is wearing black and shouting in a mic. People believe it’s easy when it’s a music requiring a lot of work and precision.” Tobias Forge

The last time we saw you at Zénith de Paris it was for Slayer and Mastodon’s opening. Tonight, you are the headline and your show is full. You must feel very proud! Tobias Forge: Oh I’m fulfilled! It’s fantastic! I’m very happy with what is happening. Not for the success, but because it allows me to finally have the means to do shows of the scope I always wanted. I always wished Ghost to be big, that our concerts dazzle! There’s nothing which annoyed me more than when you look small on a stage. It’s the case during some opening, or festivals prestations, when we have to play during day time... Ghost isn’t a band built for small stages. It’s a full experience, the spectator must imperatively get what’s coming! But, it’s a monstrous organisation, with a lot of logistical problems to solve beforehand. The more people there are involved in this adventure, the more risks there are for the machine to derailed. But, well, it’s the challenge to achieve when you bring a choir of 40 nuns on stage (laugh). In the end, what matter is that the spectator enjoy it, that they spend a good and phenomenous evening with us.

It is said that you are scrupulous about each detail, even the lights. Is that true? T.F.: Yes... I’m a “control freak”, I must admit it. (laughs) But this hunger for perfection, it’s also what brought me here tonight. This thirst for controling everything, it also came from the fact I’ve often been right by the past, but I was often dismissed... I have long tried to fight against this facet and to let people speak. And in these cases, it often narrowly avoided a catastrophe. So now I assume it. It pisses me off to have become a control maniac, but I’m used to it now, because it’s what’s best for Ghost, and thus, for the public...

Influenced by Candlemass & Metallica

To open your concerts for this tour, you have chosen your fellow countrymen from Candlemass. You’re fan, we guess? T.F.: I’ve been listening to them since I’m eight! They are my heroes! Their album Tales of Creation is one of my cult record! A decade ago, I had the chance to meet them and today we became very good friends. We are often seeing each others, our wifes and children are getting along pretty well too. Candlemass, it’s family! Their music had a direct impact on my way to compose. Plus, there’s all the imagery! I’m not talking about costumes, but the typography and the biblical visuals which always had greatly influenced me. I’ll even confess you something: The first album of Ghost, Opus Eponymous, was written for Messiah Marcolin’s voice [2nd singer of Candlemass, Redaction Note]. At the time, I didn’t wanted to be the singer of Ghost. Then I asked him to join us, but he had declined the invitation, saying he was busy with another project. So, when time has come to sing, I did it with his head voice. Last year, musicians from Candlemass also supported me on stage during Polar Music Prize’s ceremony [Swedish equivalent of Victoires de la Musique, but with guitars, RN (T.N: ouch, it’s a nice shot in our national music award ceremony face, since they never reward rock/metal artists... So yeah, national sized Grammy’s ceremony)]. We covered “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, in front of Sweden’s King and Queen. Robert Trujillo an Lars Ulrich were there as well. It’s an unforgatable memory! My wife and I, we even had dinner with one of Sweden’s princesses, after the ceremony.

Would the princess of Sweden be a metalhead?! T.F.: I won’t go this far, no (laughs). But she was very sociable, we even toasted. It was exquisite!

“Now, I will represent Ghost unmasked. Tobias Forge will be the official interlocutor, the same way George Lucas was the unique spokesman of Star Wars.” Tobias Forge

Speaking of Metallica, you’ll open for them at Stade de France, on May 12th. There, as well, it’s consecration! T.F.: It’s crazy! I’m going to tell you a funny anecdote. I’m not passionate about football, but it turns out that I was in Paris in 1998, during the World Cup. I wasn’t at Stade de France, but I saw pictures in the city, on big screens. And, at this moment, when I saw the final, that you amazingly won, I told myself that one day, I will play in Stade de France as well. It took me 21 years, but this day finally has come! this is proof that you have to believe in your dreams!

Metallica, it’s an institution for many people. For you as well? T.F.: There isn’t a superlativ strong enough to say how much I love these guys! Especially since they became friends. It’s an honour to have been chosen to support them on stage. Notably because they’re one of the reasons  which pushed me to do music.

Which is your favorite album? T.F.: Ouch, that’s not easy! From a strictly personnal point of view, I would say Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. But from a professional one, as a composer, musician and producer, it’s clearly the Black Album. It’s their best record, the most complete. Reaching this level of perfection, it’s any musician’s dream. Everything is here, the writing is bold, with a lot of character, and the producing is impeccable. I know it’s a record which make polemic amongst purists, but objectively, it’s one of these albums which had contributed to forge the metal we know today. In the colllective mind, doing metal is wearing black and shouting in a mic. People believe it’s easy, when it’s a music requiring a lot of work and precision. The Black Album, it’s the result of a huge amount of work, it’s months and months of work!

Papa Emeritus vs Darth Vader

The Black Album is also the record of notoriety, the one which propulsed Metallica with the general/mainstream public. This exposure, it’s something you’re living since the release of Prequelle. Recently, your appearance in the TV show Quotidien created a conflict amongst fans. To have a guitar solo cut during a live stream, is it the price to pay when a metal band enter the great mediatical circus? T.F.: Of course, it’s a sacrifice to do. Let’s say that, with Ghost, our relations with medias hasn’t always been good. I long refused to play their game. For a long time, these mainstream televisions had asked for interviewing Papa Emeritus. I always opposed them a categorical no. You can’t interview Papa Emeritus, the same way you can’t interview Darth Vader. You can meet James Earl Jones, who borrow him his voice, or the actor David Prowse. But Darth Vader, nobody can speak to him. It’s the same for Papa Emeritus. Today, in order to reach the next level, it’s time to play the game, but in our way. Since I can’t relate on Papa Emeritus to do the job, I accepted to do this interview unmasked. The problem is that journalists hadn’t the necessary keys in hands to understand Ghost. Of course, I’m not talking about you, because rock press know very well what we are and who we are. You tell me about Candlemass, about Metallica... It’s something else. You, you know your subject. Mainstream medias, them, what’s interesting them is to make the buzz, it’s to have a bone to gnaw. Sometimes, I wonder why I accepted to do such mediatical things... It’s not like I needed them, moreover my concerts are full! But, well, I decided that now, I will represent Ghost unmasked. Tobias Forge will be the official interlocutor, the same way George Lucas was the unique spokesman of Star Wars. The person you have in front of you today, it’s kind of Ghost’s director.

Otherwise, what are the future projects for Ghost? T.F.: There will be a release before the end of the year, but it will not be an EP of covers like we often did so far. It will be something else, but it’s not done and I can’t tell you about it yet. But I recorded some things... The rest of the year, I will spend it  on the road, it will be very long, with, notably, dates in South America. I scheduled to go in studio early next year, to realease an album in 2020. You have to strike while the iron is hot!

(Under the cut you’ll find a semi-bitter live report. Take this line as a trigger warning maybe...?)

Tobias Forge at Zénith?

It took 4 albums, 2 EP and a lawsuit before Tobias Forge, Ghost’s mastermind, offer to the french public an indoor show worthy of the name. The rendez vous is written down for early february, at Zénith de Paris.

Live report by: Roseline Artal.

6 000 persons

Concert: 3/5

Public: 3/5

We was told the show in the capital is full of capacity, but some stands are inaccessible and guarded by vigils. It’s certainly to allow everybody to be dazzled that the band decided to not fill  the venue at its maximum capacity, but it’s a shame for those who would have liked to be part of the lucky ones. After a Cigale and an Olympia much comparable to festivals prestations, Ghost decided to put every efforts here. Finally! Candlemass, coming from Sweden, open the ball, remaining on the very front of the stage. Songs flow, some blunders can be heard, notably when the singer Johan Längqvist mix up “A Sorcerer’s Pledge” and “Solitude”, but the crowd seems to appreciate. They rise their fists up in the air when needed, some heads are banging here and there, and we notice a semblance of circle pit down in the front right. However, it’s hard to remain enthusiastic very long in front of the relatively flat performance. Musicians are playing the game and are having fun, which is something at least. 

A cathedral stage It’s almost 9 p.m when lights turn off and the black curtains disappear, reaveling the magnificent stained glasses awning over imposing stairs. Such ornated, the Zénith stage is standing out! It’s with “Ashes”, perfect for an appetizer, Ghost offert themselves to their audience, but it’s “Ritual” which receive all suffrages on this show begining. As for “Devil Church”, it end on a duel between guitarists. When “Miasma” first notes resonnate, one question is on everybody lips: “Will Papa Nihil show himself?”. And the answer is yes, for our greatest pleasure.  “Jigolo Har Megiddo” is beautifully interpreted acoustically, allowing us to rest down our ears for a short time. Indeed, the sound is unbearable, at least without appropriated protections. Fortunatelly, the view isn’t unpleasant, thanks to a Tobias Forge of many personnalities as funny as worrying.

Papa Emeritus as a mafiosi (well, it’s obviously a confusion between Papa and Cardinal from the reporter here, I’ll correct it for the rest of this paragraphe, T.N) It’s well and truly the last album which is highlighted tonight, which is appreciated by fans. They are indeed ready to sing in unison and turn on there phone on “Life Eternal”, while Cardinal Copia play the romantic mafiosi, all in white dressed, thus marking an end to the first act. 15 minutes of break are offered, without a reason being given. Indeed, when the entract ends, the setting hadn’t change and musicians are wearing the same costumes. What if Tobias Forge became the new Axl Rose with his manic to leave the stage for ages with no valid reason? We’re picky, but these minutes could have been used to play other titles, such as the amazing “Elizabeth” which has disapeared from the setlist for years now... Nothing better than “Year Zero” sing by everyone and the cover of Rocky Erikson’s “If You Have Ghost” in order to put us in a good mood. However, the band found a way to ruin it all by dragging the members presentation out for long minutes. What a shame. “Dance Macabre” and “Square Hammer”, which we all keep loving during live, reconcil us with the swedes, then, without surprise, we’re leaving on “Monstrance Clock”, an ode to femal pleasure. When the lights turn back on, we can’t help but thinking this show was both a success and a disappointment notably due to useless dead calm. 

[shiftyskip]

My Grandpa’s Diary- Pete Rakiewicz

Keep in mind this is boring. My grandpa didn’t do much during the World War. He didn’t jump out of an airplane, drop bombs, or kill anyone. He owned a monkey named Cheetah (because she cheated at cards) and killed time. But war isn’t always insteresting, sometimes it’s boring one side.

But I found his diary and it’s one of the only things of his other than his wartime harmonica than I have left of him. I thought I’d share it with you.

4/7/45 Saturday

It's been one full year on this island today (Oh, Brother)

Orientation at 1300 hours. Played poker, won about seven bucks. Took a shower, shaved, washed items of clothes, & brushed teeth - all in 20 min. Wrote a 3-pager to Pugs. Listened to Hit Parade. No. 1 song, Accentuate the Positive, was sung by Lawrence Tibbetts & it was murder no end! Sold ½ case of beer for Four Checks. Hit the hay at lights out.

4/8/45 Sunday

Went to church & communion, made Easter duty, last service of Father Neagle. Rec'd letters from Janie & Marion & 2 from Pugs. Wrote to Janie & Marion. Had tough time getting a vehicle from motor pool. Drove down to hospital to see Bearman, stayed 10 min, returned to area in time to see movie "And Now Tomorrow" starring Alan Ladd & Loretta Young. Did some bookkeeping. Hit the hay just before lights out.

4/9/45 Monday

Read Time, Look, Pic, Yank magazines. Forgot Novena & class in practical electricity. Rec'd letters from Johnny & Pugs. Wrote Pugs a 3-pager. Drank one beer just before lights out. Insect made noise like a riveting machine, spent 15 min. tracking it down with flash-light, threw pest out the door. Hit the hay no earlier than 2330 hours.

4/10/45Tuesday

Read new Time magazine. Watched part of basketball game - then the lights all over the place dimmed out - generator trouble. Saw movie "Ministry of Fear" with Ray Milland & Marjorie Reynolds - she sure is a sharp looker. That's against my motto 'cause I don't go for blondes. Wrote to Johnny. Hit the hay at 2230.

4/11/45 Wednesday

BUSY DAY - BUSY DAY

Used rake on movie area. Grenade range - expended but one, which took up rest of morning. Miller, our driver, nearly got done away with thru his own carelessness of course. He pulled ring, released lever, prepared to throw it while it was sizzling. Lucky for him he didn't hold it long enough to explode.Socked the new punching bag till my arms nearly fell off. Put together the parts & pieces of a grenade to keep as a souvenir.

4/11/45

Saw good movie "Hollywood Canteen" with millions of stars & Joan Leslie & Bob Hutton. She's awfully nice-looking -- my ideal of a girl friend. Was part of a general discussion session which was held after the movie in the mess hall. C.O. gave main points on TDRR&R & rotation. Questions asked were answered to the best of his ability. My choice was TDRR&R, the technical army name which in all respects is just a furlough with immediate return to same overseas outfit. Hit the hay at 2310 hours.

4/12/45 Thursday

Mess hall inspected by a General (Gilbreath) was not to his liking. Later, Bn, C.O. looked it over and also found it the same way. Fixed water barrels. Sprayed oil to kill grass around our barracks. Went to movie, saw"Greenwich Village" (Don Ameche - Vivian Blaine), "The Fighting Lady" story of a carrier narrated by Lt. Bob Taylor, U.S.N.R. a short on the birth of a B-29 Superfort. Wrote 3-pager to Pugs. Hit the hay at 2310 hours.

4/13/45 Friday

Last nights movie took in more than three hours. During the night, a detail worked on mess hall so it could pass the inspection tomorrow. Col. Trower is expected to be the inspector. Cleaned our barracks also for the inspection & we better pass 'cause I sure don't like working on Sunday. Punched the bag again till the arms nearly fell off. Finished Lesson 12 in bkkg. It's ready for mailing. Had a slight storm, rain came in sudden burst came in buckets and just sudden it stopped. Wonderful place for fishes in this place. Saw movie "Mark of the Whistler", Richard Dix. It was sort of a stinkeroo, just as bad as Lawrence Tibbett's singing. Wrote a two-pager to Bob's folks in answer to the letter of theirs that I received today. Have yet to write to the kid bro. Hit the hay at 2240 hours.

4/14/45 Saturday

Read "Valley of Silent Men" novel - pretty good.

Author James Oliver Curwood. Orientation 1300 hours. Passed inspection. which is a mystery to me. Paid in advance for Monday's beer. 6 bucks. Indulged in poker, came out a little ahead. Saw movie "Dark Waters" Merle Oberon, Franchot Tone - Fair. Missed Hit Parade. Listened to records in orderly room instead. Hit the hay sometime after 2300 hours.

4/15/45 Sunday

Yesterday received two letters one each from Pugs and Mom. Mom said she mailed radio & extra tubes to me, April 4. Dick may go home on leave (I hope so). Went to church, new priest, Father Kuhn.

Played softball, won 9-8 in extra inning. I stunk. Had three ice creams at P.X. Bought two Park lighters. Indulged in poker, came out a little ahead. Washed clothes. Didn't shave 'cause my face was a bit sunburned from this morning's softball game. Intended to take pictures but time flew too fast. Saw "Winged Victory" - fair. Should write a letter to Mom & to Pug but I'm too tired. Hit the hay at 2230 hours.

4/16/45 Monday

Stood memorial parade in honor of president's death. Had most of morning off, in which time I had my picture taken 3 times. Wrote to Dick, to Mom & a three-pager to Pugs. Had ice cream & cokes at P.X. Missed half of Novena. Saw movie "Rainbow Island" Dorothy Lamour & Eddie Bracken - fair. Hit the hay right at lights out.

4/17/45 Tuesday

Bought four tubes of Ipana, my favorite tooth paste, yes, yes. Watched basketball game. Bn won. It's about time the M.P.'s got beat. Saw movie "One Body Too Many" with Jack Haley, Jean Parker - fair. Wrote to Frank Powers. Hit the hay at 2130 hours.

4/18/45 Wednesday

For dinner we fried ourselves a steak with french fried potatoes & onions. Toasted my bread a bit and everything went swell with the beer I had stacked away. Didn't get any ice cream -- the line at the P.X. was from here to Madison Ave. Group was alerted last week, been packing ever since. Saw movie "I'll Remember April", Gloria Jean growed-up to nice proportions - fair. Played pinochle. Hit the hay at 2245 hours.

4/19/45 Thursday

Third time this week we had fresh sunny-side-up eggs. Had two bits worth of ice cream & coke. Sprayed oil to kill grass around barracks. Received letter each from Pugs, Mom, & Treble. Wrote a three-pager to Pugs. Gave five beers to Joe Bucher for nix on account of two of his buddies came to see him. Hit the hay no earlier than 2200 hours.

4/20/45 Friday

Wrote to Trebie. Saw movie "Keys of the Kingdom" Gregory Peck, Thomas Mitchell. Good, something on the order of "Going My Way." Had a bull session of memories on things we remembered most from back home. Hit the hay at lights out but didn't start chasing forty winks until about 2340 hours. Two pictures were good from the two rolls that were taken Sunday & Monday. (Give me strength)

4/21/45 Saturday

Read Reader's Digest. Orientation 1300 hours. Played softball against the officers, trimmed 'em alive. For myself I got one good double & a fielder's choice. Score 12-2. Washed a stack of clothes. No movie tonight for a change. Indulged in poker, was going O.K. till Kraft sat beside me. Then I lost 7 bucks. Forgot to listen to Hit Parade. Hit the hay at lights out.

4/22/45 Sunday

Went to church - 0830. Straightened my junk. Borrowed camera from Biff because we were doubtful about Bob's. Took pictures, one whole roll. Wrote to Bob's aunt & uncle in answer to letters of theirs I received yesterday. Heard Sammy Kayes's program. Turned in shoes for salvage. Got a serum shot in left arm. Hit the hay just at lights out.

4/29/45 Sunday

Co. now packing boxes. Special details only went out to work. Worked fifteen & one-half hours on Tuesday. Sprayed D.D.T. on clothes. Bought turtle-shell necklace for seven bucks - it's for Pugs. We were all set to move but the ship isn't docked as yet. Church service was given by a missionary, performed in our chapel. Been playing poker all along and I either won or came out even. Hope it continues to my benefit. All during the week we had it pretty easy - except MON. & Tues. when we tried to get ready for moving.

5/6/45 Sunday

Received letters from Janie, Bob, Moe, Bob's folks and Helen. Answered all except three of four from Pugs. Turned in roll of film to be developed next Tuesday. Saw quite a lot of movies - among them "Kismet" & "Murder My Sweet" - both were good. Received picture from Sailor Dick - he's changed a bit already. Also got a letter from Mom. It has to be answered today, Sunday. Haven't received radio as yet -- but I guess it's due in this week. Had training lectures all last week with afternoons off. Calisthenics gave me sore muscles - cadence exercise for twenty minutes all last week, Due to see "Guest in the House" tonight. Reveille was changed from 5:30 to 6:30 - good deal. Movie was changed to "Here Comes the Waves". Golly, that Bing can sing! Answered Mom's letter.

5/7/45 Monday

Played poker, lost a few bucks, then won to get back to my original thirty-five. Saw "Guest In the House" starring Ann Baxter, Ralph Bellamy - good picture, she did a nice bit of acting. Had more of same stuff of last week. Forgot to mention we had from seven to ten shots in the last ten days.

5/9/45 Wednesday

Packed all our stuff & equipment, emptied the barracks. The band played solid for us right in front of our company. Went to see three-fourths of "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn". Then we were called to the company area. Piled 100 fellows, duffel bags, packs etc. into cattle truck. Left at nine o'clock, boarded the Bluem Fontaine, a Dutch (?) ship, at ten.

5/10/45 Thursday

Docked at Tulagi in the morning. At sea sometime in the P.M. In the next two weeks we had air raid drills, exercises, long lines for P.X. & chow & you had to be a contortionist to find a decent place to park your carcass. Chow wasn't any too good. The hold was next to hell. I had five days of K.P. & it was murder.

5/24/45 Thurs.

Docked at Batangas, P.I. in anchorage. Hit the shore in "Ducks". Flips greeted us with joy. I caught a blister-rash which caused me a lot of agony. Made friends with Jon, Mary & Eusabio. Invited to a chicken dinner. It was good. The first three days we slept in pup tents - with centipedes crawling over our stomachs. Then we changed to pyramidals. The first thing I noticed was that most of the kids had jungle ulcers all over their legs. Then we moved to the Guadalupe ruins on the outskirts of Manila. It was another hill-camp almost like Guadalcanal.

6/4/45 to 7/16/45

Stayed in camp most of the time, saw quite o bit of movies. That lasted about 5 to 6 weeks. Then Ronnie introduced me to Lydia and you couldn't find me in camp. Her brother taught me basic tango and rhumba. Rec'd my radio in good condition. It came 7-7-45 or thereabouts. Also about this time, I rec'd the photo album from Pugs, filled it with pictures I had on hand.

[starryseo]

high schooler!donghyuck

SECOND ! PART ! WHOOP!!

high schooler haechan gives me life tbqh

donghyuck !!!!

my precious bb give this boy love pls

ok so i think we all know hes the class clown + trouble maker

but whos complaining??? the dude's funny as heck

hes the type of kid that starts pointless arguments with the teacher

but everyone loves it bc 1) entertainment !! 2) no learning !!!!!!

also that one kid that keeps clicking a pen during a test/ quiet study

like

stop

he finds it irritating himself, but if it annoys mark then it's worth it

ok so remember that aforementioned rap performance thing from mark's imagine??

u bet your butt hyuck was there !! life of the damn party he was

he took over the mc's mic when it was his turn to come on and made everyone call him Haechan

he even got the crowd to chant it whilst he was rapping lmao u go boi

11/10 he dropped the mic at the end of the performance

he probs also bribed chenle + jisung to stand at the front of the crowd and throw roses after he performed

ok so,,, least fav subject: science

hes gotten one too many detentions bc he never pays attention

hes probs also tried sabotaging the lesson in multiple ways so that the teacher cant teach properly or so he can escape

pretending he was ill so he could go to the med room

sitting on the papers that the teacher was meant to hand out to every1 whilst the teacher wasnt looking lmao

constantly asking questions so the teacher would have to pause the video playing

or complaining about the volume/ quality of the video

he doesnt hate doing experiments tho bc at least he can move around the class and talk to the other dreamies in that class

aka he gets jaemin to do the work and record it in his book too as he goes and ruins mark's experiment in 1748734 different ways

literally sCrEaMS when the bell rings and he's the first one outTA THERE !!!

@lunch time, he always steals food from the other dreamies like

"omg jisung is that a cockroach??????"

*casually steals his crisps, watching jisung scream/ cry*

jeno was gonna expose hyuck but he was offered some crisps by hyuck for his silence

ofc jeno agreed

ok so your meeting:

you were walking past the music classrooms bc you got held back after school for a quick talk

and you hear a noise

so you stop, thinking someone was playing the bass

like who doesnt stop to listen to ppl playing instruments????

anyways,,,, after a while youre just like tf? bc this doesnt sound musical at all

so you go into the class aaaaand

lo and behold

hyuck is sleeping on the floor of the class, his jacket's on top of the keyboard as a makeshift pillow

and you recognise him who doesnt tbfh but also bc renjun is always telling you abt the shiz he does to the others

so you pop open your chat with renjun and snap a pic of hyuck who's got drool and messy as heck hair

"quality blackmail material ;)" and you hit send

you nudge him until he wakes up at hes literally a lost puppy

like ..... uh? who..... are you?

complete opposite to the haechan you watched on stage rip

but its kinda cute pfft

anyways you tell him that he fell asleep and you, being a kindred soul, woke him up

hes just like o ok thank u byEEEEE

the next day w0000

as soon as he sees you at lunch he is fuL L SPEED RU N NIN G @ YOU

youre actually terrified, like contemplating whether to run away or not

but you staaaaay yay !

but holy heck hes mad

hyuck: >:(

you: uh hi?

hyuck: you sent the guys a pic of me!!!!! wht did i ever do to you?!?!?!

you: o whoops? i guess my hand slipped? :')

ever since then hes been trying to get revenge

but you obviously wont let him win

so whatever he throws at you, you throw back

basically y'all start a huGE lil' sabotage war

started off with mindless hiding the others homework/ stealing their food

but then it turns into full on getting mark to distract hyuck

as renjun and jeno sneak you into hyuck's house so you could stick up multiple printed off copies of that Sleeping Hyuck™ picture that started this war off

as payback, he got chenle and jisung to ask you to help them out with their homework

meanwhile, he snuck into your locker and stuck up lots of pictures of himself in there with hearts and everything on them

he used duct tape and permanent glue and whatever else he could so getting the pictures down would be vvvv hard

eventually as y'all done this, and you learned the others weakness, you also got closer !!!

like sometime during the debacle, phone numbers were exchanged and you guys have a love/ hate relationship

the other dreamies have 2 bets going on:

one: who will confess first, hyuck or y/n?

two: how long will it take for them to start dating?

ok so

one day you told renjun that you had this killer plan to just end the whole war between you + hyuck

so you told him to make sure no one came to hyuck's house bc you wanted to prank him when he was alone

and on that fated day he was waiting for you to spam him about the success of your plan as you usually did

but you didnt??? like he waited for h o u r s (like 2 but watevs)

and you didnt message him at all

so he got reaaaaaally curious and he told the other dreamies and they all decided to go check out what was going on

and there was utter silence @ hyuck's house so they snuck in

they expected one of you to be screaming

so the silence could only mean one of you had killed the other as the Ultimate Revenge™ 

they made another bet on who was dead

they went inside as quietly as they could

and guess !! what they !!!! saw !!!!!!!

you and hyuck just chilling 2gether on the sofa watching a film

bUT

PLOT TWIST

jk

holding !!!! hanDS !!!!!!!

chenle was the first to scream omf

yall got so sh00k hyuck literally pushed you to the ground to "hide" you

"they already saw us, duMBASS"

all was silent after that

until jaemin starts screaming "omg!! i won the second bet!!!!!!!! pay up sucKERS!!!"

[richard-is-bored]

Alright let's hear your answers to all the usual asks

Spotify, SoundCloud, or Pandora? Youtube

is your room messy or clean? Bit of both

what color are your eyes? Blue

do you like your name? why? Yes, cause not many ppl have it anymore i never got confused with anyone else

what is your relationship status? Single

describe your personality in 3 words or less Fun, Quirky, Odd

what color hair do you have? Brown

what kind of car do you drive? color? None

where do you shop? Wal-mart, Toys R Us and comic book stores

how would you describe your style? Huh....I dunno....that’s a tough one

favorite social media account This or my Facebook

what size bed do you have? Twin

any siblings? 3 Sisters

if you can live anywhere in the world where would it be? why? Where i live now cause i fucking love Canada

favorite snapchat filter? That stupid hot dog

favorite makeup brand(s) None

how many times a week do you shower?  Depends how much i’ve sweat through out the week

favorite tv show? Toss up between Gotham and The Walking Dead

shoe size? 9 1/2

how tall are you? 5′6 maybe 5′7

sandals or sneakers? Boots

do you go to the gym? No

describe your dream date Any

how much money do you have in your wallet at the moment? Literally fucking nothing

what color socks are you wearing? None

how many pillows do you sleep with? Two

do you have a job? what do you do? No

how many friends do you have? A few

whats the worst thing you have ever done? Depends, some things might seem worse to others than some

whats your favorite candle scent? Vanilla

3 favorite boy names Shit idk

3 favorite girl names Alice, Nicole, Jessica

favorite actor? Robert Englund

favorite actress? Hmm....Ya know i’m not really sure

who is your celebrity crush? Elizabeth Olsen

favorite movie? Star Wars Episode VI Return of the Jedi

do you read a lot? whats your favorite book? I read a fair bit and I’d say it’s “The Invisible Man”

money or brains? Like...which do i want or which do i prefer in a person?....

do you have a nickname? what is it? Ozzy, cause of my Ozzy Osbourn-esque sunglasses

how many times have you been to the hospital? For actual injury, twice, for visiting people, too many fucking times

top 10 favorite songs Oh fuck....There’s so many good ones tho!

do you take any medications daily? No

what is your skin type? (oily, dry, etc) I’m not really sure

what is your biggest fear? Many things

how many kids do you want? 2, a boy and a girl

whats your go to hair style? Short

what type of house do you live in? (big, small, etc) Medium sized house

who is your role model? Robert Englund

what was the last compliment you received? Someone complimenting one of my photo’s on Instagram

what was the last text you sent? “Where you at?”

how old were you when you found out santa wasn’t real? Like 8 maybe...

what is your dream car? A 1970′s Cadillac

opinion on smoking? No, gross

do you go to college? No

what is your dream job? Photographer

would you rather live in rural areas or the suburbs? Suburbs

do you take shampoo and conditioner bottles from hotels?No

do you have freckles? A few here and there

do you smile for pictures? I try

how many pictures do you have on your phone? Too fucking many

have you ever peed in the woods? Yes

do you still watch cartoons? Fuck yes

do you prefer chicken nuggets from Wendy’s or McDonalds? Mcdonalds

Favorite dipping sauce? BBQ or Sweet & Sour

what do you wear to bed? Boxers

have you ever won a spelling bee? No

what are your hobbies? Collecting and Photography

can you draw? A stick figure maybe...

do you play an instrument? I’ve tried many, can’t play ‘em for shit tho

what was the last concert you saw? Black Sabbath in 2013

tea or coffee? Coffee

Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts? Starbucks cause we don’t have cuckin’ donuts here

do you want to get married? Yes

what is your crush’s first and last initial? Fuck if i know

are you going to change your last name when you get married? Lmao no

what color looks best on you? Black

do you miss anyone right now? Hank Hill

do you sleep with your door open or closed? I have no closet doors lol

do you believe in ghosts? No cause i’m not retarded

what is your biggest pet peeve? Fucking too many to count

last person you called? Idk

favorite ice cream flavor? Mint

regular oreos or golden oreos? Regular

chocolate or rainbow sprinkles? Neither

what shirt are you wearing? Black Punisher t-shirt

what is your phone background? A pic of Jason i took

are you outgoing or shy? Shy a f

do you like it when people play with your hair? Idk

do you like your neighbors? They’re alright

do you wash your face? at night? in the morning? Morning

have you ever been high? Yes

have you ever been drunk? Yes

last thing you ate? Pepperoni sticks

favorite lyrics right now? I’m not sure

summer or winter? Fall

day or night? Night

dark, milk, or white chocolate? Milk

favorite month? October, there’s my Birthday, Thanksgiving and Halloween

what is your zodiac sign Libra

who was the last person you cried in front of? My dad

[mistina60]

Misty Catches Up on her Comics! (NEW AND IMPROVED)

New 52 Stormwatch and Young Avengers (Disclaimer: This is a repost of a post from December 2013, but I have completely overhauled over the past week in July 2017. I hope you enjoy.) All screen caps are from my copies of the featured comics. :D Spoilers (and angry swearing and happy fangirling) in the looonnnggg illustrated post below the cut:

Yesterday I was tidying up my room and found a stack of new comics I haven't read yet so... I read them. XD I started by catching up on DC Comics’ New 52: Stormwatch. When I first heard that there would be a ‘New 52′ reboot I was scared that my favorite characters, Apollo and Midnighter, and—more importantly—their CANON RELATIONSHIP would be ruined a third time (ruined for me personally, not officially... I don’t think.) But from what I have read up until now I was surprisingly pleased with it, with two exceptions:

1) Almost every other issue you have to get a crossover issue from another series. It’s so frustrating and an obvious money-grubbing ploy on DC’s part. HOWEVER, the Red Lanterns (New 52 #9) crossover issue was worth getting just for this single page:

2) And Midnighter's ridiculous chin spike:

Why is this guy sporting a spike on his chin? I mean, if he looks down he maims himself—possibly kills himself—and since his specialty is hand to hand combat he is 100% going look down. He also has the special ability to process every possible combat scenario so he can essentially predict every single move his opponent will make and knows how to counter every one of those moves perfectly, so how does he not see the danger this thing poses to himself? Also, it likes to wander off sometimes, apparently. For example, in issue #6:

"Continuity error is a mood killer," Mistina says, as if it's supposed to be funny. I know it’s not just me because Apollo makes fun of it in the comic. It’s freaking CANON! ... The ridiculousness of the chin spike, not its meandering ways. ^^;; Speaking of, how is Midngihter supposed to kiss Apollo with that on his chin—

”Mexico. My left arm broken, my right with three bullets and two knife wounds.” ”I’d lost two pints of blood and even I wasn’t healing fast enough.” ”The one with crazy eyes was going to cut my throat.” ”And he would have...”

+ I TAKE IT BACK! I TAKE IT BACK!

+   Where was I going with this? Oh yeah! So I picked up where I left off so I started with issue 13 and OH MY GOD I have officially fallen in love new Apollo and Midnighter!!!

These are only a small sample of them being so disgustingly adorable AND bamfs as of issue #13+, but they are like this in each and every issue of this story arc!!!

(tangent mini rant: Where was ALL OF THIS casual Apollo/Midnighter relationship interaction in Midnighter’s solo run? From platonic to romantic, from bad ass to schmoopy, where were they? Midnighter was the first openly gay super hero to get his own solo series yet they completely omitted his husband from the story lines?! The exceptions being the two—TWO?!—teeny tiny appearances and one ALTERNATE UNIVERSE (translation: NOT CANON) romance issue.

This was strike two, for me. In case anyone was counting. What was strike one? Keep reading to find out. :P)

I am incredibly frustrated that the Engineer went psycho (Not bad enough that she was so overtly sexualized. No. Gotta make her even an more two dimensional—irony—psychotic super villain too. -_-;;) and this story arc definitely needed more of Hawksmoor and Jenny... But look at how this story arc ends!!!!

<3 <3 <3 Now that I’m completely in love for new 52 Apollo and Midnighter I reach for the next issue and find...

”Stormwatch is... Dead?” No... They wouldn’t...

"Reset?” No, that can’t mean what I think it means... Right?

SONOFAFUCKFUCKFUCKINGBITCHASSHOLESWITHNOSOULSFUCKFUCKFUCK!!!

THEY REBOOTED THE FUCKING REBOOT WITHIN THE FUCKING REBOOT!!!

*tries to give it a chance but the art really really sucks*

*bangs head against wall*

Three strikes and you're out, DC!

And I gave you oh so many chances seeing as I only counted Stormwatch and not the new 52 being inconsistent and not much of a reboot overall, the comic pages contest fiasco, the constant rebooting of the movies, etc.

Why do I keep coming back when I know they're just going to obliterate my heart?

T_T

Save me, Young Avengers!

I was skeptical about the new run for Young Avengers too, though for different reasons. Mainly the new hairstyles for Billy and Teddy I saw in in preview pics:

It's way too teen idol for me. Reminds me of Bieber or One Direction or... Point is, I was worried they were going to push a very common, more flamboyant, gay stereotype on me like DC Comics did in the Authority starting around issue #29.

(mini tangent rant: Midnighter should never ever ever wear white. Ever. I mean, yay for first gay wedding in comic book history but I found the execution to be forced and bland, like a textbook homosexual nuclear family if such a book ever existed. Point is, Apollo and Midnighter's relationship was effortless until their creator moved onto a new project. This was strike one, for me.  >.<)

Getting the issues I spied the title and I got really scared:

I was like 'Fuck no!' but I really love Young Avengers and so I read on. It took me a while to warm up to this story arc but it has most definitely won me over. :) 

With its very creative and diverse styles in the comic’s paneling... 

Amazingly drawn facial expressions... 

^ Teen Loki is so based on the actor who portrayed him in the films, Tom Hiddleston. XD

^ this eye roll is amazing! The woman is creepy though... ^^;;

The perfect amount and well placed bits of humor to break up the drama. For example, we have our boys showing off their geeky side...

...an Asgardian cameo where they shrug off a UNIVERSAL catastrophe of INTER-DIMENSIONAL proportions  simply as the “follies of youth”...

...a dramatic reveal that Billy is THE MESSIAH by these cute little aliens. XD (Hey. I warned you there'd be spoilers. XP)

SO. MUCH. BILLYXTEDDY!!!

I love how Teddy is Prince Charming but in this story arc he's the one who needs to be rescued over and over and over...

And, finally, the cherry on top...

“You know, she's sent tempting visions before. Trying to get me to leave the circle. Tried you too, but couldn't get the details right. How are you here?” “Loki's magic. He got it back when he confessed. He was manipulating us all along, it seems.“ “So you think he was lying about us?“ “I don't care if he was lying. We’re not.”

“Oh, Ugh. Is love really going to save us all?“ ”Of course it is. Anyone who thinks otherwise gets stomped into paste.”

God Bless America (Chavez) and God Bless TRUE GAY LOVE SAVING THE UNIVERSE!!! MARVEL IS NUMBER 1!

MARVEL IS NUMBER 1!

MARVEL IS NUMBER 1!!!!

<3 <3 <3

[demitgibbs]

Q&A: Stephen Lang’s ‘Colors of This Life’

If you’ve been out and about at LGBT events throughout South Florida in the last 10-plus years, chances are you’ve encountered Stephen R. Lang. Known as the “Mad Paparazzi,” “that bald guy,” and “Mark’s List,” Lang has photographed our vibrant nightlife since 2005.

Born and raised in Saugerties, N.Y., Lang moved to South Florida in winter 2001. He “fell into” photography when his roommate at the time, local icon Misty Eyez, asked him to take pictures of her on nights out. That led to a gig with online nightlife publication Mark’s List (now a part of Hotspots Media), where he earned the name “Mad Paparazzi” while photographing LGBT events all over South Florida.

Lang, a self-taught photographer of immense talent, started out using disposable cameras and eventually worked himself up to a Nikon D5200. The more he honed his skills, his lens was drawn to other colorful aspects of South Florida he encountered while out. He began shooting more and more “scenes” around town and started taking photos — be it a set of crumbling steps or a lady in an eye-catching hat — just for art’s sake.

It’s been an exciting year for Lang – he started his own company, SRL Media, and has won an award for his work and dedication to The Smart Ride.

And now his work will be featured in his (long overdue) first art show, The Colors of This Life, which will be on exhibit from Aug. 11 through Sept. 7 at Claudia Castillo Art Studio in Wilton Manors. The opening reception is on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Lang, a very good friend and former co-worker, to talk about his photography.

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Tell me about when you first picked up a camera and started shooting pics?

I mean, who hasn’t had a camera, but slightly professionally was when I was living with Misty Eyez. She said, ‘Let’s go out’ and asked me to take her picture and then she asked me to be her personal photographer.

Wow. So, you fell into it?

Literally fell into it.

Then how did you get involved in Mark’s List?

I met Mark in 2005. He asked, ‘Hey, do you want to go work with me?’ I knew of him because of Misty – she was working with him and Mizz Cori doing this movie thing –“Misty Eyez & Mizz Cori At The Movies.” I met him at Java Boys when he was interviewing Misty and Mizz Cori.

What was that like? You just immediately fell into nightlife pictures?

Yes – I was going places and being seen. I ended up making a lot of connections that help me to this day, and I am very grateful. I used to cry when people would turn me down for photos at China White because people didn’t know who I was or what I was doing. The first time I did a [photo] gallery and saw my name I was verklempt. It was awesome. I’ve been given so many opportunities to capture things.

What inspired you to start doing art photography?

Insanity. I was going crazy, and I had to find something wonderful to do. It was a pressure release — when you start finding things that make you happy…just for your own enjoyment. Then you start seeing patterns, then you start looking more and you go on adventures to look for things.

I was going to write a book called “Mad Paparazzi Live” or something along those lines, so I started taking pictures of weird, wacky things going on and was going to write a diary sort of thing. It never happened, so I just started taking pictures.

An example of weird or wacky?

In 2013, I went into the men’s room at an event– it was a girl party at Score in their new location and this girl had literally turned around and used the men’s urinal and I took a picture.

What photographers do you look up to/inspire you? What inspires you in general?

Herb Ritts’ ‘90s black and white stuff. Vivian Meir — she was an amazing street photographer who no one really knew about ‘til after she died. There was a movie about her that was up for an Academy award. I like architecture. I like inanimate objects. People can be difficult. I like light, shapes, patterns, and colors right now.

What kind of pieces will be at your show?

The theme of this show is called “Colors of this Life” and it’s based on my past life hypnosis. I found out that my last life was very bleak, and everything was in black and white and everything I wanted to do was in color. So, there’s a pop of color in all of the pieces.

What is this show focusing on? What should people expect?

Colors. Just colors. Just fun, whimsical colors.

Are you excited for your first show? I am!

I am flabbergasted! I still can’t believe this is happening! Do you understand? It’s a little scary in a thrilling, white knuckling way.

How did it happen?

I’m known Claudia (Castillo) for 4 or 5 years. She always did Art Walk and then got a gallery and we’ve been friendly ever since.  She asked for me to show. I want to say thank you to her for this opportunity.

And you’ll be showing your work at another show soon. At the Pride Center. Tell me about that.

It’s a show called “Finding Happiness” on Thursday, Sept. 27. I’ll be showing all different pieces. I’m using Pink’s “Perfect” song as a theme and doing new pieces connecting Pink and the song.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming photographers?

As much as it will kill you, volunteer for as many gigs as you can. Go to as many things as you can. You have to practice. Get out there and if you want to be a part of something, you have to be a part of it.

Stephen Lang’s Colors of This Life art exhibit will be on display through Sept. 7 at Claudia Castillo Gallery, 2215 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. His opening reception will be on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/15/qa-stephen-langs-colors-of-this-life/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/177059904075

[newagesispage]

                                                            JULY       2018

 PAGE  RIB

***** Pete Davidson has gotten himself engaged to Arianna Grande. He has new tattoos to prove his love.

***** The first wall was raised for the old Conklin’s barn dinner theatre in Goodfield, Illinois. After a struggle to raise money after the old barn was destroyed and a fight with the insurance company, the day has finally come. The new structure which is part of a whole new complex will open in 2019. I can’t wait!!!

***** Vikings QB, Kirk Cousins is still driving his great old van and proud of it.

***** Check out Rotten apples, a website that is a database for consumers to learn if those involved in movies or TV have allegations against them.

***** The Daily show had a good idea. Every time that Scary Clown 45 does his daily dose of fucking everything up, call Fox news.  Calling your congressmen and protesting will have to continue, of course but it seems he mostly listens to Fox. Perhaps if they get tired of listening to us bitch, they will try to get their boss/fan to change a few things. 1-888-369-4762.** How far down will he and his cult drag this country?

***** A personal note: I heard a comedian the other day talking about jerks in all parts of our lives. Whether it be church, work, school, concerts, an AA meeting or whatever there is always an asshole in the mix to ruin stuff. This really resonated with me because I have seen a situation lately that perfectly illustrates this. A local store has a department with 3 managers. Manager #1 keeps hiring in his friends that mostly create their own schedules and do not often break a sweat. Manager #2 has been there a while and things run pretty smooth and fair when they run the day. Manager #3 is new to the position and often seems like they do not know what the fuck is going on and it was recently learned that this one has been backstabbing #2 so much that # 2 was fired. Now, we can’t know, of course, the reason for the firing but it just shows that a perfectly nice place to work and shop with a company one can believe in can go all wrong because of one or two bad apples. Manager #2 who is also battling illness (so does not often have the strength to fight back) has lost a career and many employees who respect them are now stuck working with people they know will run the place into the ground or having to find another job. I have seen a few similar situations thru the years and of course, asshole in chief in D.C. is like the all time perfect example of this but why can’t we weed out the jerks?  

***** Days alert: Is Paul leaving? What? They need to bring in a good mate for him. He is arguably the most honest person in town and he deserves the best. Let Will and Sonny have each other and find a better match for Paul but don’t let him go. I mean Sonny treats Paul like he isn’t even in the room half the time and they were going to marry?!  But, yes.. Chris Sean (Paul) is going and Bryan R. Dattilo (Lucas) may go soon too. Marci Miller (Abby) is out and will be replaced by the old Abby, Kate Mansin. Arianne Zucker (Nicole) will be back. Will she have a baby for Eric? Olivia Rose Keegar (Claire) has released a single titled ‘Just my type.’** Are they really gonna do a Ben and Ciara thing?** Sephen Nichols (Patch) is out as well as Greg Rikkaart (Leo). Farah Fath (Mimi Lockhart) is back. Sheila, Shawn and Belle will show up soon.  Kyle Lowder who used to play Brady will return as another character. There is a rumor that Allison Sweeney (Sami) will swing in for a bit and will she be pregnant with Rafe’s baby? I am betting so since Hope just mentioned something about Raif not having any kids.

***** Antarctic ice loss has tripled in just a decade.

***** The Philadelphia Eagles were cancelled at the White House because most of them would not come. Philly’s mayor countered with:” Trump is not a true patriot but a fragile egomaniac obsessed with crowd size and afraid of the embarrassment of throwing a party to which no one wants to attend.”  The night before, Fox news showed pics of Eagles kneeling when in fact they were praying as they always do. Nobody said there was anything wrong with that before so the players would like to know what is wrong with praying? This particular team never took a knee all season as protest. And what about the 10 players who wanted to go to the White house and worked hard to get there?** Scary Clown says he won’t even invite the NBA champs.

***** Illinois ratified the ERA. Just 1 more state and 36 years after the deadline to adopt legislation we may get there.

***** So, I see Domino’s latest stunt is fixing the roads? Somebody has to work on the infrastructure so it might as well be them.

***** The MtV awards best dressed to me were Alison Brie and Kristen Bell. While the chaos engulfed our country, the young people at the awards (the so called Hollywood elite), spoke out for real super heroes, acceptance for all and an end to bullying.

***** Should we be giving Dennis Rodman airtime to show how stupid he is? I hear the argument  over and over lately that someone was nice to them so they must be ok. This could be said of Trump, Kim Jung Un or a serial killer. How fucking selfish can people be?  The ignorant seem to be incapable of seeing the horror right in front of them as they pick and choose facts.

***** Why have I seen a rash of first cousins as lover’s jokes? Why is it ok to make fun of this?

***** Artifacts were found in Springfield, Il. which came from the 1908 race riots. First found in 2014 when work was being done on an underpass, officials hope to soon have them on display. After working to preserve the items, they are looking to the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress.

***** Is there a new serial killer in Massachusetts?

***** The Koch brothers are apparently waging war all over the country against Mass Transit. They use paid activists to push similar thinking voters to vote it down. It is funny that these big government haters don’t mind that the Koch Brothers have made a well thought out data service to help control their voters.

***** The Tony’s were pretty rockin’ this year. Robert DeNiro got everybody going with a Fuck Trump sentiment. Most awards went to The Band’s Visit, Harry Potter and the cursed child and Angels in America. Once on an Island won best revival and other winners were Glenda Jackson and Nathan Lane (who I love but was really pulling for Michael Cera and Brian Tyree Henry). Tony Shalhoub, Laurie Metcalf and Andrew Garfield also took home awards.  The most beautiful moment was from the students of Stoneman Douglas and their teacher who was honored.** A Trump supporter went to A Bronx tale: The musical after the DeNiro incident which is codirected by Mr. D. The supporter held up a Trump 2020 sign. My son chuckled, “At least he bought a ticket.”

***** IHOP has become IHOB. They think they are Red Robin. More $ in burgers than pancakes, I guess.

***** Stephen Colbert sang the National anthem at a Mets game.** Trump is taking swipes at the late night hosts now. Conan, Colbert and Fallon teamed up to do a funny about that.

***** So some people think that Roseanne’s racist remarks and Samantha Bee’s ‘cunt’ comment are the same? Both should lose their show? NO.. big difference.  Other countries do not get our outrage.. The word ‘cunt’ is not as big a deal in Canada and Great Britain. If there is fall out shouldn’t standards and practices at TBS be in trouble for letting the ‘feckless cunt’ comment go to broadcast? I mean Roseanne did this on her twitter on her own. Trump cult members think they can all go to twitter and spout their racist, hateful rhetoric and get away with it. If one is going to be successful in the mainstream world, they may not get away with that like Scary Clown. Anyway, Go Samantha Bee!!**BTW,  Love the letter that Michael Moore put out about Trump and Roseanne, it is worth a read.** ABC will let the others serve out their contracts after a settlement with Roseanne when they bring us The Conners.

***** Jim Carrey and Showtime will give us ‘Kidding’ on Sept. 9. The dark comedy will cast Carrey as Mr. Pickles, a children’s host who is falling apart. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind’s Michel Gondry will direst and the cast will include Catherine Keener, Judy Greer and Frank Langella.

***** Michael Myers, Jamie Lee Curtis and Halloween are back and wipes out all the sequels.

***** George Clooney received the lifetime achievement award from the American Film Institute.

***** Illinois man, Jay Smith claims he may have coyotes, wild dogs, a mix or hybrid or a unique unknown species in the woods around his home. The U.S. Dept. of agriculture and Chicago’s field museum are now interested in the 40 or so creatures. Smith describes them as bigger than wolves with dark coats. You can see for yourself on youtube : Kanahoe wolves of forgottonia.

***** Atlanta has been renewed for season 3, of course!!

***** Reese Witherspoon will soon be back in the Legally Blonde world for the third time.

***** I truly love to hear Louie Anderson laugh.

***** The President is Missing, a novel by James Patterson and Bill Clinton is #1.

***** Terry Crews talked to the Senate about sexual assault.

***** Secret Service is temporarily keeping an eye on Sarah Sanders and more staff members may get their own agents.

***** The Environmental media association Benefit gala honored Elizabeth Olsen, Ray Halbritter, Mike Sullivan and Jane Fonda who danced on stage with the musical guest Snoop Dogg.

***** Redmond O’Neal was arrested on June 8 for assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threat, brandishing a knife, battery and attempted murder.  Police say he went on a violent spree in Southern California.

***** Watch for Shock and Awe from Rob Reiner in July. People have been floating his name for President and U know the opposition would immediately call him meathead. I say embrace it, Meathead for President!!!!!!!**I Love that Reiner calls out Trump with’ the art of the lie.’

***** The much anticipated Old man and the gun will be out in September. The comedy filmed in Texas stars Robert Redford, sissy Spacek, Casey Affleck, Danny Glover and Tom Waits. I can’t fucking wait!

***** Look for the new film, An Actor Prepares with Jeremy Irons, Mamie Gummer, Larry Pine and Jack Huston.

*****The special council has piled more charges onto Paul Manafort. It was after this that he went back to court for violating the terms of his house arrest and his bail was revoked. The 40 charges now include witness tampering. All charges were about incidents before the Presidential campaign.

***** We have to know that people are not really paying attention when Scary Clown and Gulliani babble on incoherently on national television and their supporters do not seem to care or they really don’t get it. These voters seem to think that it is easier to stay with the devil you know and just refuse to bend. ** Ivanka keeps gathering more new trademarks in China and refuses to answer questions about it as the trade talk rages on.** Why do people keep trying to normalize all this behavior?

***** So.. Supposedly Trump told a friend that porn is not allowed in the White House and it his biggest complaint. Some reporters submitted this as an official question to the White House. It seems the subject has never really come up so no one has thought to ask before. So far there has been no response. ** Word is that Scary Clown rips up papers after he reads or uses them. The problem is that Presidential papers have to be preserved for history so 2 people work just to tape those papers back together.  They were fired this month.

***** Sexual misconduct controversy abounds in Illinois under Mike Madigan with Tim Mapes under the microscope.

***** Justify won the Belmont Stakes and is just the 13th horse in history to win the Triple crown.

***** Senator Jeff Merkley is telling us that immigrants are being held in small cages in Texas. Is this our country? Is this really happening?

***** Recording academy President, Neil Portnow will step down from his post next year.

***** Mystery Science Theatre 3000 will tour in the fall. Joel Hodgson, Jonah Ray, Tom Servo and Crow will begin riffing live on October 9 in Portland, Maine.

***** I wanna be in New Orleans for Voodoo fest on October 26-28. The lineup rocks with Marilyn Manson, Janelle Monae, Zeds dead, Elle King, Mumford and Sons, Arctic Monkeys and Childish Gambino.

***** Next year Brian De Palma is going to start filming ‘Predator’ about the Weinstein scandal.

***** Convicted drug trafficker Alice Johnson was pardoned by Scary Clown.  Who’s next?

***** Trump called Canadian PM Trudeau, meek, mild and weak. ** True to form, Trump showed up late at the G7 for his meeting on women’s empowerment.** Rep. Steve Schmidt said that ‘Trump beclowned himself.”** Trump quote: “Kim Jong Un is a great guy” and “ North Korea is no longer a nuclear threat.” I don’t think he will ever hear the end of it over those statements. Saying it does not make it so. I wrote this and then I heard Chuck Schumer say it. ** Big evidence of wrong doing in the Trump charity organization. He is now being sued by the attorney General for persistent illegal conduct.** Trump now says he wants to withdraw from the World Trade Organization. He is being such a good little boy by helping Putin check things off his list. Destroy NATO, Destroy EU, Destroy the UN, Eliminate U.S. leadership. ** As June ends, there are new reports that North Korea has ramped up its Nuclear production.

***** This whole mess with 2,000 kids being taken from their parents at the border is an outrage. I can’t help but think of our ‘well meaning’ Christian folk trying to convert the Native Americans back in the day. They tried hard to make the natives dress like the white man, pray like the white man and go to our schools. As well as leverage for scary clown’s wall, are they trying to fill these children’s heads with their own propaganda while they are in foster care or residing in the white man’s warehouse? **When will the loyalists realize that a wall cannot be built? Private citizens own some of that land. There are bodies of water on the border. No matter how much the racists wish for it, it just can’t be done.** There is something about the way he grins crazily when he is called out on something. It seems like he is so proud of his lies and the way he conducts himself so unethically. I am reminded of Manson and the way he would light up when asked about his crimes or when he was shown footage from other family members talking about him. This is such a fast moving story that some are equating to the way the Jewish and the Japanese were treated in the past. ** It is obvious that no planning went into any of this new policy. It is wonderful that so many reporters are watching the facilities they know about and staying at the border. It takes time to get the facts and it isn’t easy when the administration is being so secretive. The lawsuits have started. Can we get Sessions, Nielsen, Pence and Trump on child neglect??** People of all nations will not want to be here soon and we will be left with the racists and bullies. Do we leave or do we fight?  If everybody left the Trumpers alone in this country what would they have to complain about? They have no empathy, it is like they thrive on others suffering. ** Multiple on air personalities cried at the stories of the children as their emotions came to the surface. I think many of us feel helpless as that sinking feeling we all had on election night has come to the point we all feared.** The Red Cross has not even been allowed in to these FOR PROFIT facilities. Protesters are staying on the case of Krisjen Nielsen. The administration and their defenders have been so flippant about the whole thing especially Corey (womp, womp) Lewandowski.** It costs the government over twice as much to house the kids without their parents.** Melania visited the kids and wore a jacket which read ‘I really don’t care, Do you?’ This started a whole new mess. I thought of those Turpin monster parents. Why on earth does anyone want to put kids in cages?  Does it make someone powerful to torture children?

***** June ended with about 700 protests for the kids in cages. Family’s Belong Together marches were overflowing in the heat with inspiring messages and a lot of heart. I was so proud to be there.

***** New York has sued the federal government over zero tolerance.**The U.S. has withdrawn from the UN human rights body. Many do agree with this one for they feel there is not equal punishment for nations when it comes to human rights.** A lawsuit was filed on April 23 alleging kids were held down and injected to render them helpless and keep them calm.**It seems that we should leave the immigrants alone and enforce swift, harsh penalties for those who hire undocumented workers. These employees aren’t paying their fair share on these employees.**The Pentagon has been asked to prepare housing for 20,000 immigrants.** I mean, this is not a simple subject but basically if you come in illegally, you go back. If you seek asylum, you should not be separated from your child or be in detention. More judges would help get this backlog caught up and ankle bracelets had seemed to be helping the situation. Take some of this ‘traveling to Mar a Lago $’ and hire more judges. And let’s help stabilize these regimes so folks will feel safer in their own countries. Some are even saying they should abolish I.C.E.. Some of those speaking out with that thought are I.C.E. agents themselves. I.C.E. spokesperson James Schwab has been speaking out. He claims he resigned because although he was asked to spin for both administrations, the current administration asked him to outright lie. Thank you James! ** Immigrants add 63 billion to the economy.** A federal judge has declared the kids must be reunited with their parents in 30 days, for younger kids it is 14 days.** Justin Trudeau tells refugees they are welcome in Canada.

*****  Ok.. Read the next item before this one!!!... So Stuttering John AKA John Melendez has a podcast and he claims he called air force one and he got thru.  He pretended to be Sen Bob Menendez and Trump told him he would have a Supreme Court pick in 2 weeks. While people wondered if this was true, Trump announced he would have his pick on July 9.

***** The Supreme Court upheld the travel ban including Venezuela, North Korea, Syria, Iran, Somalia and Libya. They (5-4) claim it is not a Muslim ban and allows for them to get off the list. This reverses the lower court’s rulings but at least it is the third incarnation as the first two were struck down. Even though the Supreme court said the President has the authority it did put it somewhat in check. Still wrong.  0 people have been killed in our country by a person from one of these countries.** The Supreme Court also tells us you don’t have to pay your union dues. ** Justice Kennedy is set to retire. Trump’s private banker at Deutsche bank for 12 years is Justice Kennedy’s son. JS

***** The country gets more liberal and the power in the country gets more conservative. WTF?** Rod Rosenstein seemed very confident in his questioning this week. This is good news for the country!

***** Sean Spicer is putting together a talk show.

***** The Trump administration is backing insurance companies to eliminate the pre- existing condition protection.

***** The 2019 Hollywood walk of fame will add Robert DeNiro, Anne Hathaway, Michael Buble, Tyler Perry and the trio of Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton.

***** Sara Netanyahu has been indicted on fraud charges.

***** Take a listen to the Ear hustle podcast and get the dirt inside prison.

***** Studied show that 97% of rapists never go to jail.

***** Women can drive in Saudi Arabia but arrests are up for women who protest there.

***** Jerry Springer is finally done with his show.

***** The republicans govern without shame. The democrats shame without governing.  –Bill Maher

***** From what I see it seems that America to the Conservatives means guns and Christianity should be included in our governments and our schools.  They seem to like everyone to take care of themselves financially except in extreme cases and outsiders should not be a part of this country. America to the liberals seems like the same rights for all like health care, ruling our own bodies and that love is love. They believe in high taxes and programs to help others.

***** Jeff Sessions of the United Methodist church has been charged under church law with violating paragraph 270.3: child abuse, immorality, racial discrimination and dissemination of doctrines contrary to the standards of doctrine of the United Methodist church. In the 50 years of the church as a denomination, no case can be found that has gotten this far.

***** It seems that there was always a bit of a separation between Fox news and the rest of the company. This latest border mess has crumbled that particular wall. Artists who have at one time or another  worked for Fox Studios are speaking out. Modern Family creator Steve Levitan, director Payl Fieg and Seth Mcfarlane are among them.

***** If we don’t make peace with our wounds, we’ll be tempted to despise the wounded.  – Father Gregory Boyle

***** No one is illegal on stolen land.   Thanks Kim

*****  Trump is not much on tradition. The man cancels the congressional picnic for lack of time but is gung ho for rallies and fund raisers .A scrawl on Fox news dressed down CNN and MSNBC for not airing the latest Trump rally. Who the fuck wants to see that nightmare?

***** Peter Fonda’s emotions got the better of him and he tweeted: WE SHOULD RIP BARRON FROM HIS MOTHERS ARMS AND PUT HIM IN A CAGE WITH A PEDOPHILE AND SEE IF HIS MOTHER WILL STAND UP AGAINST THE GIANT ASSHOLE. He deleted it but the damage was done. He apologized to the family.**Sarah Sanders was asked to leave a restaurant** Maxine Waters is asking people to call out Trump workers when they see them. This is getting ridic but I think the right thinking people of this country are feeling trapped and desperate. Civility is hard keep in check when our country is being taken over by racists, thieves and bullies. We must try to do this right though. We must get this right!

***** Scary Clown 45 claims that crime in Germany is so high, perhaps because of the refugees? In fact, crime is at a 30 year low? Similarly, a report commissioned by Scary’s own administration shows how much immigrants put into our economy but since the numbers were good, they buried that report.** A story claimed that WH staffers show the President only what he wants to see and that John Kelly tells people to just let him keep going as he is and if it leads to impeachment then our country will be through this horrific time.** His rallies and speeches get crazier if that is possible. Does he travel with an audience?** Trump claims that the Dems want immigrants because they see them as potential voters. Genius, years of red tape and possibly letting gang members (his words) in just for a vote! ** He will say anything to divert attention from himself and his cohorts using this country as their personal piggy bank and taking our rights away.** The UN has declared that the policy of separating children from parents at the border, “may amount to torture.”

***** White house.gov has an agenda for a complete reorganizing of the Federal government full of privatization, major cuts and consolidated power.

***** I-95 in Maine has been getting shut down so border patrol can check your citizenship. WTF?

***** OK.. This is a very unimportant note and I try to never watch commercials but I love the new Progressive ad where the dude is turning into his dad. So cute!

***** I wish that there was a little more backbone on the Sunday morn political shows. I mean the weekend of the big outrage at the border, there were big Trump loving infomercials, why are Bannon and Kelly Ann even invited on these shows?  I have no earthly idea how anyone could have an ounce of respect for any of them.

***** A NY Times story finds that Scary clown 45’s prison cutbacks have been so severe that teachers, secretaries and nurses have had to act as prison guards. ** Economists estimate that Iowa soybean farmers alone could lose up to $624,000,000 as a result of the tariffs. **Harley Davidson has moved some of their work to Bangkok because of the trade war.

***** Thank you James Corden for the Carpool Karaoke with Paul McCartney. It is the first time in a while that I let go of all the worry over this country et al and really got engrossed in something sweet and fun.

***** Disabled vets are being docked on their disability checks for an insurance they were forced into that they and their families can’t even redeem.

***** Kevin Vernardo has started his own circus.

***** Vince Vaughn was arrested June 19 for DUI and resisting arrest.

***** The BET awards winners include D J Khaled, Black Panther, Migos and Sza. Best dressed to me were Meek Mill, Remy Ma, Trevor Jackson, Storm Reid and Janelle Monae.

***** Mystery Race day theatre with Michael Waltrip????

***** John Legend tweeted a Fuck You to Paul Ryan!

***** The electoral college must go!

***** March 2019: Tim Burton will bring us Dumbo with Michael Keaton, Colin Farrell, Alan Arkin and Danny Devito.

***** Stan Lee has gotten a restraining order against his business manager claiming elder abuse.

***** A 94 year old Elgin woman put up a large sign in her yard that read ’Impeach Trump now!’ The city told her that it exceeded the size limit for signs in the city ordinance. She put up a smaller sign claiming that she just wants to draw attention to his foreign policy, trade policy and domestic policy. The woman, Myra Becker said that he’s a disaster. “I’m on a walker and there are all the things I can’t do but I can put up a sign.

***** Larry Kudlow had a heart attack.

***** The new season of Comedians in cars getting coffee includes Dave Chapelle, Alec Baldwin, Dana Carvey, Ellen DeGeneres, Zach Galifianakis, Jerry Lewis, Kate McKinnin, Tracy Morgan, Hassan Minaj, John Mulaney and Brian Regan.

***** So John Cena is really a pig! There was a clip of the man telling his girlfriend that he would make the sacrifice of giving her a child. This was a regular clip from a show she does so at least he owns his pig status, I guess. Sure, it is a ‘reality’ show that is supposedly all scripted but I don’t think that would matter to me if I was that kid.  I guess all their money will help. Good luck kid!

***** Boundaries will star Christopher Plummer, Peter Fonda and Vera Farmiga.

***** Mike Pence was invited to the big gay dance party in Ohio that was in the street just outside his hotel.  

*****  Brockmire continues to make me laugh out loud. A great line: Orange juice is a glass of vodka wasted.  How will sobriety play in the next season?

***** Trump staffers seem to have trouble unwinding and having personal lives since most of D.C. wants nothing to do with them. Recently it was revealed that they have found a bar called Rebellion where they feel welcome. Oh what clever clogs.  I imagine that since this has been revealed , it won’t be fun there for long.

***** Better Call Saul season 4 will have a mysterious Breaking Bad character that was never seen named Lalo. A couple more characters will be introduced when the show returns August 6.

***** The Traverse city film fest will honor Jane Fonda with Lifetime achievement.

***** Acura is sure using a lot of vintage Stones in their advertising as of late.** BTW The Stones have a new boxed set of all their original material albums from 1971 on. It is all cleaned up and lookin’ pretty!!

***** The new Whtney doc about Whitney Houston has some honest revelations . In a posthumous Me Too moment, it is revealed that she was molested by her cousin Dee Dee Warwick.

***** Maryland was home to the latest shooting. The AP has declared they will help the Capital Gazette continue to publish until they get back on their feet. Now that is what this country should be about.

***** The table in the Vietnamese noodle shop where Obama and Bourdain dined has been put under glass. Fans have come to the shop to pay tribute.

***** Mia Farrow proposes we move to saying ‘succumbed’ to suicide instead of ‘committed’ suicide because depression is an illness. The legacy of suicide is cruel enough for all involved. The national suicide prevention hotline number is 1-800-273-8255.

***** R.I.P. Glenn Snoddy, Alan Bean, Joe Jackson, Ella Brennan, Dwight Clark, Kate Spade, Alan O’Neill, Danny Kirwan, Eunice Gayson, Murray Frumson, Koko, Jackson Odell, Gena Turgel, Jerry Maren (last of the lollipop guild) , DJ Fontana, Neal Boyd,  Matt ‘guitar’ Murphy, Nick Knox, Jimmy Wopo, Charles Krauthammer, Vinnie Paul, Richard Harrison, Richard Valeriani, victims of the Maryland newspaper shooting,  Anthony Bourdain, Steve Soto, Willie Lee Rose, Richard Allan Greenberg and Eva Kirchgessner.

[fy-kimkai]

In ur opinion what days did jongin look the best? I want to go though some pics of his best looks

well it was difficult but....!

this is super long, so beware! theres about 125 some days here so... here you go! in chronological order, under the cut~

(also, if you’re looking for the events listed below or other content like photoshoots, here is our directories listings, with subpages for events since 2012 and more!)

120331

120621

120713

120908

121125

130131

130315

130414

130515

130614

130728

130831

131114 (one of my favourite days ever because shinee made fun of exo’s twilight vcr and jongin started crying when shinee won and wouldn’t let go of taemin TT)

131201

140105

140208

140415 (this hair in the overdose mv is what initially made me stan tbh, this is also one of my absolute favourites)

140716

141203

141226 (i love overdose)

141214 (i just had to include it its so funny. canadian kim jongin)

150321 (p-r-e-double t-y pretty boy)

150410

150413

150414

150523

150524

150611 (one of the most iconic days in kim jongin history. also fun fact thats not even his sweater, it’s jongdae’s.)

150614 (love this day a lot)

150621

150704

150723 (this is right around when i got into exo, so one of my first ever jongin pics i saved sdfdfdfg)

150831 (this is one of my favourite pics ever)

150905

150912 (one of my absolute favourite concerts, watch cold bell’s playboy fancam from this day you will thank me)

150913 (god tier. an all time favourite.)

151009

151010 (best day ever. just everything about it was the best. pink hair, embarrassed by suho, g.soul cover, you name it)

151011

151018 (also another major favourite, also another one of jongdae’s sweaters)

151120

151227 (exoshinee mama/lucifer performance as an added bonus)

160114 (i’m baekhyun cheering for him while he cried)

160204

160218

160311

160319 (all of exo’lution dot was the best because of the bear onesie)

160421

160424

160528 (he spoiled monster choreo this day and everyone thought it was gonna be a demonic concept comeback)

160604 (there are some pictures of taemin in this tag left over from our april fools prank last year)

160608

160621

160704

160715 / 160718

160812

161005

161008

161011

161022 (my favourite hair colour and also coincidentally jongin’s favourite hair colour according to fan accounts from his birthday party)

161101 (again this was his best hair ever)

161110 (everything from gray hair era)

161116 (i mean everything)

161118 (the day the photographer collapsed after seeing jongin)

161119 (wow i lvoe this hair)

161122

161125 (return of the previously shown jacket)

161129 

161202

161204

161208 (SOFT)

161226

161231 (me as taem)

170114

170119

170222

170224

170227

170315

170319

170413

170506

170515

170718 (iconic comeback)

170724

170726

170729

170811 (take a wild guess as to who my second favourite idol is)

170826

170902

170906

170914

170915

170919

170926

171101

171102

171130

171201

171202 (loveeee this day)

171229

171231

aaaaaaand since it hasn’t been that many days since 2018 started, the top looks for this year will just have to wait! i know this was A LOT, way more than anon probably wanted, but i couldn’t help myself ^^

we don’t usually answer these kinds of asks since they take forever (this took me... a solid 2 hours, you’re welcome), but i was having a bad day and this cheered me up a bit, so i hope this makes someone elses day brighter too! ♡ʕ·ᴥ·ʔ - admin @jqngin

[omegastryker]

Ch. 9 - Flashback Stars (How Jordan met his friend Tyler)

Time: 2:40 pm.

After exercising. Jordan got dropped off at Mariner Park and Ride, where his motocross bike was parked at.. Prior to heading downtown to Seattle, he got a text on his phone. "I'm sure you know who this is. Can't wait to see you. I heard that you've been wanting to reach out to me.

The text continues ...

"Will be waiting at Westlake's ST 512 bus drop off."

Jordan wonder's who the text came from. Something clicked in his mind, surely it was no doubt the person he saw in videos and pictures. But to come to this city, muchless this state? He wondered. So, he drove to Seattle with his motocross bike. Sure enough, when he came to midpoint to Seattle. A black car was following him. So he took the exit which ST 512 takes into Seattle.

Sure enough, Jordan used half of his money to pay for parking. The tall young adult also came out. Jordan felt a tap on the shoulder. "Remember me?" said the guy wearing a mint-green TS hat. "Yeah. All those wins. They must be bored." said Jordan, Tyler laughed and agreed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you in Insta. I just didn't know who you were." It was understandable. Though, Jordan befriended him. And Tyler also opened up to him as well.

Along the way, the tall hockey player made some friends. Signing autographs. While Jordan took him on a tour on Seattle. It was busy. Not because of some controversial march or something like that. But rather throngs of hockey fans started to gather near Westlake Mall. It was like kids in a candy store. But for the first time, they got to see what only Jordan saw in videos.

Jordan introduced him to the community. And in an instant, they became fans too. He got to see Seattle vs Everett. Seattle's Thunderbirds vs Everett's Silvertips. And got to meet the players. Saying that they heard a lot of him and the Stars. They had their picture taken.

Tyler enjoyed his time with the fans and Jordan. "This was great, you and your mom offering hospitality. Even ministering to me. Not sure about your family's friend" This prompted Jordan to defend him and as an end result he left. Not because he was mad, but because their family's friend hurt his newfound friend. Not only that, he was hurt too, emotionally. By judging him out-right. "What gives you the right to judge him?" said his mom. Which she defended Jordan's newfound friend: Tyler. We are trying to witness to him. But here u come, being "holier than thou".

Due to his alternate job he got at winco. Having saved up $1500+. He slept at a downtown hotel with his friend. Jordan also showed the place where he hangs out. Which is Alderwood, Everett and sometimes Westfield Southcenter. People were very welcoming. They also took pics with him and Jordan.

It was then that he eventually became photographer. On one of the days during Stars' visit to the state. Jordan and him had a bonfire with the rest of the players. Just having a great time. Having a laugh.

During their break. They got to see Thunderbirds take on the Silvertips at downtown Everett's Angel of the Winds arena. As one would have it, the arena was packed to max capacity.

This was Stars best day. Having won so many times. They thought they would fly to western Washington to celebrate. But it was controlled, and not that rated R-type of celebration. Along the way, they met and befriend Jordan's friends too.

[epchapman89]

The Tale Of The Cold Brew Place

“Justin, barista camp? You’re going to a fucking barista camp?!”

I rolled my eyes and chuckled as I continued to pack my weekend bag. This was the type of reaction I was used to receiving from friends and family who weren’t into coffee. Especially my Black friends and family.

“Yes, I’m going to a barista camp,” I replied mockingly. “And not just any one, either. It’s for the BGA Level 3. You have to be recommended and invited to attend. This shit’s exclusive. I’m going to leave as one of the highest qualified baristas in the world!”

My best friend, Damien, laid back further into my couch and shook his head.

“Look, I’m all about encouraging Black excellence—even in coffee—but why you gotta do all that out in the middle of the woods? Bro, we’re in the South. I don’t care if you can draw Kehinde Wiley portraits on a latte. The Chattahoochee National Forest is out there, and let’s be real—white coffee people scare me.”

I threw my head back in laughter, tossing in the last of my clean, customized coffee wares and zipped up the bag.

“Why, because they’re ‘too nice’?”

“EXACTLY! And they like cold brew way too damn much!”

Damien stood, straightened up, and smiled creepily at me. He started to reenact a barista behind a bar. “‘Would you like a cold brew flight today? They’re the same coffee processed in different ways! This one tastes like juniper berries, this one has more notes of elderflower and black currant, and this one right here…”—he stopped to throw in a condescending chuckle—“this one is extra special. It was grown so high up, the beans were touched by the light of God up in Heaven and they say you see the Golden Gates when you drink it.’”

We both burst into a fit of laughter. Damien was a trip, but he wasn’t wrong either. He spent many hours hanging out at the coffee shop I worked at in Atlanta, always watching and poking fun at the culture that came with it. But Damien was my biggest supporter, and in an industry where I was usually the only Black face in a sea of white, I appreciated him hyping me up and keeping me grounded.

A car horn honked a couple of times outside of my window.

“Alright, bro. That’s Karen, so I gotta go.” Damien and I dapped each other up and I started to leave.

“Be safe out there!! Don’t trust nobody. Especially people who drink cold brew.”

————

“Are you excited for Barista Camp?” Karen was the Director of Education at my coffee shop. She took a sip of her cold brew and smiled over at me in the passenger seat.

We were about halfway through the three-hour drive to the northern part of Georgia from Atlanta. We spent most of the time talking about our shop dynamics and things we’d like to see improve. Karen had been working at our shop for ten years, having trained many baristas who went on to do great things in coffee.

I was shocked when she told me she recommended me for this Barista Camp that was exclusively for those seeking to be Level 3-certified. The BGA had been working on the Level 3 certification for years, but most of us thought it would never end up happening. I worked multiple jobs to pay to get my Level 1 and 2’s before I landed this job. When I got the official invitation and our boss offered to cover the costs, I felt like all my hard work had finally paid off.

“Yeah, it’s cool,” I shrugged, trying to mask my actual excitement. “Since you know the organizers, anything I should expect? You know… besides probably being the only Black guy there?”

“Oh, come on,” Karen shot me one of those looks.

“I’m just saying! We don’t have to act like it’s not true!” I threw my hands up in the air and my hand knocked the cold brew out of hers, spilling it everywhere. “I’m so sorr- OH SHIT!”

The car veered off into the opposite lane as she let go of the steering wheel to grab the cup. In an instant I grabbed the wheel and swerved as hard as I could, lurching the car back into our lane, just as an oncoming truck went roaring past. Karen slammed brakes slammed and we sat silently, breathing heavily in a state of shock.

“You good?” I asked. She unfastened her seatbelt and stepped out of the car to examine her pants. A few seconds passed before she started laughing. I guess the adrenaline and caffeine was starting to settle.

I hopped out too and chuckled a little with her. I looked both ways down the empty two-lane highway. Tall, lush trees lined the road for miles and the sun was starting to descend.

“That was wild!” Karen exclaimed.

“Yeah, I guess…” I started to say, and then I noticed the lights flashing red and blue. My voice trailed as a cop pulled up behind our car.

“Is everything alright here, folks?” A tall, white sheriff stepped out of his vehicle and walked over to us suspiciously. He gave Karen a glance but turned most of his attention towards me. Middle of nowhere Georgia? Of course.

“Yeah, everything’s fine, officer. Just spilled coffee on myself while driving and needed to stop, is all,” Karen replied with a calm laugh. I just stood silently. The sheriff’s eyes did not move from me.

“Where you two headed?” He pointed at the road ahead of us.

“Oh, we’re going to a barista camp,” Karen told the officer. I was fine with her taking the lead on this one.

“Barista camp, huh?” The sheriff’s eyes narrowed a bit. “You like coffee, son?”

I nodded, still quiet, but felt uncomfortable with the amount of attention I was receiving.

“Yup! We’re huge coffee nerds, and we kind of have to get going if there’s nothing else…?” Karen stepped slightly within the sheriff’s line of sight to garner his attention. He tipped his hat to her before giving me one last look, then left. I sighed in relief.

“That was awkward,” I said.

“Oh, whatever,” said Karen. She tossed me the keys. “You drive the rest of the way.”

————

After what seemed like forever, driving deeper and deeper into the woods, we pulled up to a massive house tucked away along the edge of the forest. It was freshly painted pale grey and had a wraparound porch. We were miles off the main road, and all you could hear were birds and the wind rustling through the trees.

A man and a woman stepped out from inside the house and waved to us. Karen almost didn’t let me finish parking before jumping out to run and greet them on the porch. I approached the group while they hugged each other.

“And you must be the barista Karen says will be the next best thing in coffee!” The man was not much taller than me. He donned a short beard and glasses. His La Marzocco-branded five panel hat was brand new and his plaid shirt was tucked just a little too perfectly into his jeans.

“I’m Justin,” I said reaching for a hand shake.

“Oh, we don’t have to be so formal! We’re all homies here,” He laughed with a wink. “I’m Dave.” The world’s worst attempt at a dap was made between us, but I brushed it off and laughed along with him. “And this right here is Molly.” Dave reached back to introduce his partner, a small woman in a grey “NASTY WOMAN” t-shirt and tattoos on both arms.

“We’re really happy to have you here, Justin,” said Molly.

“Molly and Dave own one of the best coffee companies in the US and mentored me when I was first starting out. They’re the reason why we even have a Level 3,” Karen spoke proudly. “And they built this entire camp facility just for the test!”

Everyone smiled at each other. You could feel the history between them, and I was about to be a part of it.

———

The entire property was a wonderland for coffee pros. There was a room lined with state-of-the-art sample roasters, and another filled with white powder-coated Linea Minis with light wood accents. The nicest grinders on the market—EK-43’s, Mythos 2’s, Lux D’s—they were all here. The cupping lab was separate from the house and doubled as a classroom in the backyard in an all-glass enclosure.

I walked around the property alone, taking photos with my phone and posing for Snapchats I sent back to Damien.

“Did you see the roaster’s cabin yet?” A deep voice with a slight Australian accent came out of nowhere, startling me. I turned to see one of the biggest faces in coffee smiling smugly. Jarrydd Reeves was a career barista competitor, having won both the Australian and United States Barista Championship across several seasons. Jarrydd (two r’s, two d’s and a y) was a good-looking Australian white guy, cocky and brash, who moved from Melbourne a few years ago to Portland to conquer America. Jarrydd’s resume included brief stints at some of the best coffee shops in the world, but he’d never to win the big one—he was many things, after many years trying, but he was not a World Barista Champion.  And so he continued to compete every year, and the entire industry seemed to shift in whatever direction he set through those routines.

“Ha, what’s that?” I snapped another pic of the cupping lab.

“It’s Justin, right?” he asked me. I nodded. “C’mon, I’ll show you.”

We walked about a hundred feet down a dirt path deeper into the woods. Talking with Jarrydd was more like a monologue: he spoke mostly about himself, his thoughts on coffee, and plans he had for competition in the upcoming season. He was an instructor at the camp, too.

“You know, distribution tools really are a game-changer,” Jarrydd said to me. “Espresso is just so much better. I’m talking 26% extraction, bruv!”

“Eh, I don’t think they make that much of a difference,” I said shrugging. Jarrydd grabbed my shoulder tight to stop me. I looked down at his hand then back at him. He was shaking his head.

“Dog—I can call you that, right?—have you ever tested an espresso with a refractometer with and without a distribution tool. The consistency, dog. The consistency. Do you even know what a refractometer is?”

“Yeah, dog,” I said while removing his hand from my shoulder and rolling my eyes.

We approached a small cabin with smoke exiting the chimney. Chaff fell gently from above and the air smelled like warm cookies and popcorn. Someone was roasting.

Jarrydd opened the door into the cabin. A deep red, 25-lb San Franciscan sat in the middle of the one-room cabin while coffee beans turned in the cooling tray. A fresh batch of green was going inside the roaster. Cupping bowls and spoons were neatly set up on a small, round table on the other side of the room. A poster of the Counter Culture flavor wheel was up on the wall. Underneath it were a palette of green coffee bags with the Ninety Plus Coffee logo on every single one.

“Isn’t this tight?” Jarrydd exclaimed, stepping over to the other side of the roaster to where I couldn’t see him. I took a few photos and posted a video to social media. “Yo, come meet the roaster!”

Jarrydd was standing by a desk situated in the corner behind the roaster where sat a clean-shaven, skinny Black man wearing a “Filter Coffee, Not People” t-shirt. He hunched over a laptop analyzing roast curves. I was relieved to see him.

“Hello, my name is Adrian,” said the man standing up. His voice was monotone, but polite. He probably had been in here roasting for hours.

“Wassup, man. It’s real good to meet you.” My tone was seeping with subtext. I went to bump fists but he grabbed it instead. “Oh, haha….” I went in for a handshake instead.

“Adrian’s been roasting for Molly and Dave for a real long time. He’s one of the good ones!” Jarrydd hugged Adrian’s shoulders and smiled. Adrian returned the smile but something felt off.

“This is a cool setup you’ve got here,” I said looking around. “Mind if I snap a pic?”

“Yeah, totally!” Jarrydd chimed in answering for him. I let out an annoyed sigh while Adrian positioned himself next to the cooling tray. The auto-flash went off.

“Oh shit, one more. I didn’t mean to use fl-“ I looked up and Adrian’s entire demeanor changed. He leaned over the roaster as if he were in pain, his eyes wide open searching the ground then up at me. It looked like he’d woken up and realized I was there for the first time.

“Get out,” Adrian said, voice cracking. Jarrydd grabbed both his shoulders and tried to push him back into the chair next to the roaster but Adrian was slightly stronger. “GET OUT!” He yelled this time, struggling with Jarrydd and lunging toward me.

I stumbled back as Adrian started to fight Jarrydd and scream. Jarrydd raised his voice this time and told me to leave and I listened. Running out of the cabin, I fumbled for my phone to send the photo to Damien.

“Is everything okay?”

I physically jumped hearing and seeing Molly suddenly appear in front of me. I dropped my phone and cracked the screen. Fuck.

“Uh— yeah. Everything’s cool…” I shook my head and sighed picking up my broken phone. I could make out the message notification from Damien but couldn’t get it open to see it. Molly stepped next to me and linked her arm with mine. She slowly started to walk me forward, back towards the house.

“I’ve been wanting to speak with you since you got here, Justin,” She started. “Let’s go inside and chat…over a coffee, of course”

——

Molly’s back was turned to me as she finished brewing a December Dripper for two. The brew smelled like berries and dark chocolate.

“I just love coffee from Ethiopia, don’t you?” She said turned around, placing a steaming mug on the table next to me. We sat on deep brown Eames chairs directly across from each other. “You know, Africa is the motherland for coffee,” A smile crept across her face as she began speaking. Her eyes did not leave mine and I started to become really uncomfortable. “And here at our camp, we go out of our way to show our appreciation. Diversity in all ways is very important to us.”

Molly bent her head down into her white notNeutral cup and took a loud, long cupping slurp from it. Suddenly, I felt paralyzed. My brain screamed for me to get up and run, but I couldn’t. All I could do was stare wide-eyed back at Molly as she cradled her coffee cup. The tattoos on her arm—long branches of coffee fruit and portraits of Black and brown women picking them—started to move and taunt me. My heart rate skyrocketed. I couldn’t do anything.

Tilting her head to the side, Molly gave me a look of concern that turned sinister. She knelt down in front of me, still holding her cup, and held my right cheek.

“We’re going to help you become one of the greatest coffee professionals ever, Justin. With our help, you can get there.”

Dave, Jarrydd, and Karen stepped into my line and sight and crowded Molly, all staring at me. I noticed a glass bottle of cold brew in Karen’s hand. Molly took another loud slurp from her cup and the space around me disappeared. I sunk back into a dark abyss, the scene of everyone around me fading away quickly. I screamed. I cried. I tried to reach for something but there was nothing.

——

I stirred the bloom and took a large sniff of the bright, citrus aromatics of the coffee sitting in the large vat in front of me. Kenyan coffees really do make the best cold brew, I thought to myself. I stepped off the small ladder and unhooked my apron, revealing my “Coffee Is The New Black” t-shirt.

Adrian wheeled a bucket of freshly roasted coffee into the space. “UGANDA” was written in large letters on the side—no additional information. I maneuvered around the maze of nitro kegs to retrieve the beans from him. We exchanged nods and he retreated back to his roaster’s cabin. My cabin was new. Cases of brown glass bottles with white scripted letters printed on them sat alongside a wall, waiting to be filled with my delicious cold brew. It was outfitted with two white EKK’s, a top-notch RO water system, and a state of the art bottling system.

I became the cold brew guy.

Michelle Johnson (@thechocbarista) is the publisher of The Chocolate Barista, and the marketing director at Barista Hustle. Read more Michelle Johnson on Sprudge.

The post The Tale Of The Cold Brew Place appeared first on Sprudge.

seen 1st on http://sprudge.com

[yahoo-cagewriter-blog]

Paulie Malignaggi leaves Las Vegas, angry at Conor McGregor in sparring dispute

UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor has gotten into a beef with sparring partner Paulie Malignaggi about images that were released of their sessions. (Getty Images)

It’s hardly a shock that the fight that was put together via social media is blowing up on social media.

Former boxing world champion Paulie Malignaggi, who had been in Las Vegas sparring with Conor McGregor to help prepare the UFC lightweight champion for his Aug. 26 fight at T-Mobile Arena with Floyd Mayweather, flew home to New York on Friday.

Malignaggi was angry at photos that McGregor released of their sparring at the UFC Performance Institute that seemed to show McGregor knocking Malignaggi down.

Another handy 12 rounds today. We are prepared to destroy Floyd. Pick whatever size gloves you want as well little man. I fight with 4oz. I don't give a fuck about the size of the glove. I am coming sprinting at you with bricks. Know that. Brittle hands.

A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma) on Aug 2, 2017 at 4:27am PDT

It is a similar complaint to one that boxer Chris van Heerden made about McGregor when van Heerden accused McGregor of selectively editing their sparring footage to create the impression he was doing better than he was.

Malignaggi, who is 36-8 with seven knockouts in a boxing career in which he won the IBF super lightweight title and the WBA welterweight crown, will be part of the Showtime broadcast crew for the pay-per-view event.

Malignaggi, who announced after a March loss that he would retire only to later say he planned to continue to box, was none too happy with McGregor’s post and took to Instagram himself.

A post shared by Paul Malignaggi (@paulmalignaggi) on Aug 3, 2017 at 8:07pm PDT

He also vented on Twitter, telling a very specific story about what happened between him and McGregor in the ring and what, exactly, he was upset about after the whole ordeal.

Its not nice 2 paint a pic that isn't true, this was a pushdown in sparring, post the whole video rounds 1 through 12 UNEDITED https://t.co/R82BLiMMVm

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

I came to help this camp out, not to be exploited, now your gonna get the truth though. Post FULL UNEDITED VIDEO FROM TUES night #Ethics

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

I came to help this camp out, not to be exploited, now your gonna get the truth though. Post FULL UNEDITED VIDEO FROM TUES night #Ethics

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

I actually beat his ass, 24 hrsoff a flight 2 lol, which is why Im saying post the vid, I try not 2 be petty but seems it's late 4 that now. https://t.co/vSE2Iw4ffM

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

I did interview BECAUSE of the pics, I'm not ur average sparring partner u post pics with me media will hound me, I've said stop with pics. https://t.co/9c85977PQ5

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

Only his personal photographers allowed in the gym. Don't just invent you're own reality of things because it's how u wish it to be buddy. https://t.co/OsnN2AkL56

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

Nah I pretty much talked shit that whole sparring session while I beat the breaks off him, the push down was his frustration from it. https://t.co/m0IDBP0pB2

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

Very good observation there, good way to educate the Conor groupies and casuals. Cortez reaction is a big hint. https://t.co/mnAN6ZU9U3

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

The pics cause the media to rush me for answers, unlike u I'm not an irrelevant nobody, pics of me cause a media rush I can't avoid, get it? https://t.co/fIPwsJiJMd

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

Maybe but I didn't Pay for anything, a video exists, UFC PI has 24 hr cameras, when the fight is over will they release UNEDITED film? https://t.co/U4sPatwsIn

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

Ur kidding with that question right? Like no way u r this stupid. Conor's people n ONLY Conors people allowed in gym, his photogs only. https://t.co/5uawAV2NoC

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

Hate to say it but it's clear when I look back at my time there that there was an agenda from the start, too many clues. https://t.co/dxjLvu3Oyt

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

I did but I didn't get paid anyway. Now go back and be a good Lil groupie and tweet about your Conor fantasies and stories. https://t.co/iojI1r3dMW

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

That kind of sparring is normal for boxers on a high level, I boxed many yrs so it's normal but to put a weird spin on things is unethical. https://t.co/rcUKRnakaN

— Paul Malignaggi (@PaulMalignaggi) August 4, 2017

  In the grand scheme of things, it all means nothing. A sparring session isn’t a fight, and McGregor is considerably larger than Malignaggi. What it will do, though, is draw even more interest to a card that is expected to set pay-per-view, live gate and total gross revenue records.

Malignaggi will get a bit more notoriety out of it — though probably not all the kind he wishes it was — and McGregor will rake in a few more bucks based on the extra pay-per-view units this “controversy” helps move.

[stories4english]

btr

okay i might get jumbled up but the episode starts out at a Knight familia reunion jo is invited along and she is so happes because "wow im family?? WOW!!!!"

but turns out kendall only invited her along because the knight family always has 2-person team competitions but kendall has aged out the competition. jo hasn't tho. and there's so many people around with different last names other than knight that no one's gonna know if she enteres(also she looks just like them so no one will suspect a thing) kendall really wants to win a trophy but he and katie(rememebr this is two-people teams) always lose to their cousins ____ and _____(forgot their names)

jo gets mad at kendall for tricking her but agrees to join the competition with katie despite katie not wanting to compete either and kendall decides that everyone must start a-training for the race!!! then we switch over to logan and camille playing go-fish or something

logan tells camille about how kendall's at a family reunion and camille's like "oh yeah mine's coming up soon" and logan is like "ok" and camille's like "when was the last time you had yours?" and logan is like "lol never" and camille is like "???? but what about your FAMILY" and logan is liek "eh"

so camille asks "wait so your mom never had a reunion" and he's like "nah she isn't close with her family" and then logan is like "oh oh I just got a new board game we could play instead" so he gets up and leaves and camille realizes that she's never heard anything about logan's DAD. carlos walks in and camille asks about logan's dad but carlos has no clue where he is and camille's like "WHAT!? but you've known logan for years!!!"

and I forgot the next conversation but basically camille and carlos don sherlock and watson hats and decde to figure out the mystery of logan's dad and leaves the apartment right when logan comes back with the board game and logan is like "??? camille where r u"

camille and carlos past by james and lucy who are sitting in the palm woods lobby. james is like "wanna kiss?" and lucy is like "james. i'm an upstanding tax-paying young adult. I do not 'kiss' or 'make-out' in public areas." then james is like "ok. wanna go back to my place and kiss?" then lucy is like "OH MY GOD NO" and james is like "wow dont have to yell i was just playing." then lucy is like "no, not that. my mom's here!" and yeah her mom is there and is like "aww lucille ily i missed u so much i decided to visit." and lucy is embarressed and james is like "lol"

and after a somewhat pleasant conversation where mrs. stone is introduced to james, james suddenly screams in terror and lucy is like "dude screaming randomly is not a good first impression" but james is like "no, not that THAT!" and he points and turns out his mom is there as well

mrs. diamond sees james and runs over and talks about how she misses him and - OH WAIT MRS. DIAMOND KNOWS MRS. STONE OOPS. turns out mrs. diamond tried to cut down some nature preserve in order to build one of her new deluxe stores and mrs. stone was one of the main people who made sure that didn't happen

mrs. diamond and mrs. stone are like "YOU TWO ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DATE EACH OTHER" and drag them away back at the family reunion jo and katie just finished some strenuous exercise to prepare for the competition and they are like "omg we are tired kendall can we stop" and Kendall's like "but we have to beat ____ and _____!! this is our last chance!" and they whine because they haven't had freaking lunch yet and after awhile kendall is liek "fine, let's break for lunch but right when they start getting food ____ and ____ come over and torment them by pointing out how many gold medals they've won at the Knight family reunions while the only actual people with a "Knight" surname haven't won any. Maybe...maybe they aren't true "Knight"'s after all... This gets Kendall MAD and Jo and Katie are like "FINE we'll skip lunch to practice some more uggghhh" (oh yeah see in the episode Knight's are descended from the first Knight but Kendall, Katie, and Mrs. Knight are the only ones with this last name. everyone else has different ones) then we go back to logan in apartment 2J trying to look for camille. he's flipping over couch cushions and everything

mrs. diamond barges in, dragging james inside as well. mrs. diamond is liek "you can not go near that tree-hugging hippie, understand?" and james is like "i've never seen lucy hug a tree." but mrs. diamond is like "DO NOT GO NEAR HER!" and walks down a hallway james runs over to logan and is like "dude u gotta help me. lucy's mom is here too and apparently they know each other and hate each other and won't let lucy and i date" and logan's like "just wait until both parents leave. I have bigger issues. ive lost camille." and james is like "but logan i havent been kissed in 4 days. FOUR DAYS. im dying. please help me." and logan is like "what am i supposed to do?" and james tells him to use that smart brain of his to figure out a way to let lucy and james see each other so they can kiss

and logan is like "ok fine. it's not like i was gonna find camille anyways - she's a world class champ at hide and seek." and they leave the apartment together camille and carlos pop out from behind the couch carlos brings out a scrapbook saying that it holds a lot of pictures from when they were young they look at the pictures and see tons of pics of the boys and also pics of adults as well and camille is like "...wait how do we know which adult is logan's dad?" and carlos is like "I have no idea." wait carlos is like "I have no idea. OK well I have to go to work now" and camille is like "WAIT you can't go to work! who's gonna be my watson!?" and carlos is like "Umm hey! gustavo has records of us at his office maybe he has something with info about logan's dad" and camille is like "ooh great idea let's go"

and gustavo is like "Carlos, I didn't tell you you could bring your girlfriend. and wasn't she dating james?" and kelly's like "i thought she was dating logan." and gustavo's like "oh who knows you guys break up with your girlfriends like all the time i don't care just make sure she doesn't destroy anything out here." and gustavo, kelly, and carlos go inside the recording booth camille puts back on her sherlock hat(which they took off before entering rocque records btw) and sneaks into the office then we go back to lucy and mrs. stone. Lucy is all like "mom. we are all strong, independent women - except for james - let's just talk this out." and mrs. stone is like "NO! That MONSTER tried to cut down the nature preserve for a MAKEUP SHOP! you will NOT associate with anyone as evil as that!" we flip over to the outside of the apartment. logan has a gift basket entitled "from mrs. diamond to mrs. stone" and he says that all girls liked gift baskets so this might help smooth things over. he leaves the gift basket on the floor and knocks on the door and he and james run around the corner mrs. stone finds the gift basket and james and logan are excite

but then mrs. stone gets mad because the gift basket contained muffins and she freaking hates muffins and lucy is like "come on mom i doubt mrs. diamond knew that you are exaggerating" but her mom is like "NO! She must've known I hated them so she gave them under the guise of a 'let's be friends' gift."

logan and james get all sad cuz their plan failed and wonder what to do next when mrs. diamond walks by. she asks the boys why she heard screaming and they tell her what happened and she's like "Oh darn, I wanted to be the one to give her the muffin basket" and she holds up a muffin basket of her own. she then praises james for seekign revenge for his mommy and leaves ok back at the knight reunion and it's competition time. it's a team obstacle race with all the lame obstacle race obstacles you can think of. all the competiters look happy and smiley except for jo and katie who are really dirty because they spent all day practicing they run the race and they win kendall is very excite katie and jo go up to collect the trophy and they decide to deliver a speech congradulating kendall for helping them achieve the award they invite kendall on the stage. he gets tons o' applause and he is very happ. then Jo grabs and kisses Kendall on the lips. remember they all think jo is a family member. everyone is SHOCKED and DISGUSTED at the KISSING COUSINS kendall gets le boo'd off stage jo and katie laugh camille leaves gustavo's office in ruins. there's even smoke coming out of it. carlos comes out of the recording both and she tells him that she found nothing so they leave. Kelly and Gustavo watches them leave and Kelly is like "wait where did Camille get that hat?" Gustavo then screams because HIS OFFICE IS RUINED at the palm woods Lucy is standing in Jo's balcony that overlooks the pool and James is standing below it. Lucy's like "oh my god James why did your mom have to try and tear down a forest where I live!? We wouldn't be in this mess otherwise!" And James is like "what the heck it isn't my fault your mom is a tree-hugging hippie" And Lucy is like "do you even know what a tree-hugger is or are you just repeating what your mom says??" And Logan is like "huh. this reminds me of a very twisted version of romeo and juliet." Lucy and James argue until their moms walk in. They yell at their children to stay away from one another when the bar on Jo's balcony FREAKING BREAKS and Lucy FALLS DOWN AND HITS JAMES AND THEY BOTH FALL DOWN and their moms are like OH NO R BABIES and they get all sad and they realize that they might not agree on a lot of things but they do agree on one thing: their kids r the #1 most importante thing in their lives and if they want to date each other than so be it so the moms bond and walk away logan is like "wow, romeo and juliet, you guys did great. how did you fake a fall like that?" and lucy and james are like "we didn't....call 911....." camille and logan walk into the lobby and are mad because they couldn't figure out any info on logan's dad they see lucy and james being carried out by the ER on stretchers and get even madder because they apparently just missed something really cool logan walks into the lobby and is like "Oh hey I found you camille - why are you two wearing sherlock and watson hats?" they tell him what they were doing and logan's like "well you could've just asked me" turns out logan does have a dad but he just travels a lot and carlos is like "ooh yeah I forgot about that somehow." and camille is like "really? that's super anti-climatic I can't believe I wasted all day on this." logan is like "lol you should just ask next time. I'm going to the hospital to see james and lucy; wanna come?" camille and carlos are like "nah we'll go there next time" and logan leaves kendall, katie, jo(and mrs. knight who was there but doesn't really do much of anything) walk in and kendall talks about how he learned his lesson and that he shouldn't trick jo or force anyone into doing things they don't want to blah blah blah camille and carlos ask them how the reunion was like and katie's like "It was great. Kendall kissed his cousin!" and then they walk off, much to camille and carlos's confusion and kendall's embarrassment camille then wonders about why she never heard of kendall's dad carlos is like "idk i forget" camille and carlos then don their sherlock and watson hats once more and decide to go investigating!

[survivor-marianas-trench]

“I TOOK A PHOTO WITH AN ONCOMING TRAIN!!!” - EPISODE 2

Me not being first boot??? *NUT BUTTON MEME* Amanda slaying and staying??? *NUT BUTTON MEME* Carson going and me, Liana, Christine, Lily, and Sam still being here even though we aren't officially aligned???? *NUT BUTTON MEME*

Ahhh me and kait did that i didnt expect it, im not sure how everything worked ut but it was wild whew, so many votes, im wary of kait cause she mightve lied to me but im hoping i can trust her

i only sent 1 pic for immunity so then i get lowest and i have chance of getting to cave or exile or whatever the heck and then hopefully i get idol and win the whole game woohoo

Well, that was a messy af tribal but it worked! I mean after the hell I went through, voting rob, then voting Amanda, then voting daisy only to find out I was too late and had to stick with rob! Like wtf. And for daisy to go home on a 3-2-1-1-1 with 2 null votes.  Like ok. And now we have a selfie olympics!!! Currently I'm sitting pretty with a 30% advantage in the challenge and 84 photos of things with the beginning letter for M or T!!!! I really would like to win this and stay immune for as long as humanly possibly lol. These tribals are messy right now because loyalties are just being formed Speaking of loyalties!! AMANDA!! I already love her #ThanksAHud! And I'm so glad that we are buddies! I'm just hoping that things work out for the both of us

That vote was a mess it seemed on Rob and Kait's tribe. Glad they stayed and Christine survived too. I'm not surprised Kait's tribe already voted for her, meanwhile the rest of us are sitting over here like: https://68.media.tumblr.com/894a6591ab3e2d171e8fec5d31ecbaeb/tumblr_omkup57QeN1r1gu3po1_400.gif

So Darian wins immunity.... https://media2.giphy.com/media/Rhhr8D5mKSX7O/200.webp#6 but I am also like  https://media0.giphy.com/media/IqO3mXbMLztHa/200.webp#4 See, I love Darian, but the issue is, I'm not sure if i can trust him, so he sort of needs to go soon,  but I see him sort of clean sweeping these immunities and that makes me a little worried honestly. I don't know what to expect this time around, and I am about to start sweating.... https://media0.giphy.com/media/VB5WwlZIt8eRy/200.webp#1

I'm a mess *takes a shot of vodka* I had 125 photos and forgot to turn them in. I TOOK A PHOTO WITH AN ONCOMING TRAIN! 

This feeling around camp has been so strange and I'm not sure if it's because I won or just because every tribal isn't gonna be the same. I had more people talking to me for the first tribal like right after results were posted and serious game talk with the whole tribe. Yesterday night only Sam, Lily, Christine and Dan messaged me but we didn't even talk game. (Well I guess that's about the same amount of people, but like the conversations were less in depth like they were the first time.) I just feel aimless in this game and I don't really have a good strategy. I'm not even sure I want to make it far because it always gets ugly once you get far enough. Lily just solidified our alliance of 4 (Dan, me, Sam, and her) and I think it'll be easy enough to ride it out with them for a while. I'm wary because I don't have anyone I'm really close to (because these are people I usually don't play with!) so I kinda feel like I'm on the bottom. Lily and Dan seem to closest and I know in the past Sam will have multiple close allies and not necessarily stay loyal to one overall. Kelsey freaking randomly disappeared again! If anything I'd trust him a bunch because he's new and I can influence him more easily probably into giving me information and voting with me, but I can't do that with this weird continued activity/inactivity. Might he actually be a catfish? We will never know. Also!! Silly Gabby and Jonny having too much fun in One World last night. I knew Jonny was in Rakiura but that's basically it. Now I know they know each other irl probably thanks for the tea y'all!! (ricky, goodness, you have too many friends in this game since I'm pretty sure you know sara irl too with all these Washington/barista coincidences!)

Moments later...

Oh! Yeah I forgot to mention that I'm trying to get the tea about the loser place since unfortunately I did not lose. I'm not close to Veronica (as in I have not talked to her since Day 1) so I have low chances of finding out from her, but I talked to Billy last night and asked him to ask Chrissa about it. Though he said earlier how he's not close to Chrissa so I'll probably end up asking her myself! :/ Since I don't plan on going to loser place, I need to make friends with everyone who goes so they can give me all of their idols/advantages...or at least agree with me on how to use them!!

I want Sam gone!!!

Why was I stupid enough to pick the thing that makes me inelegible to compete in challenges? I'm an idiot. 

so i don't know how to vote this round and no one is talking! like are you guys serious omg 

Sorta feeling indifferent about the challenge I tried super hard! But either way congrats to all that won! Someone had like 100ish I think I saw? Oh hellll no girl doing the most. Nervous for trible tonight it'll be my first! I don't think I'm going home though, I talked to Jordan and he said hunter because he didn't submit anything for the challenge and is pretty quiet. I don't even know the kid but as long as it's not me ya know! TBH if it had been my decision I would have voted Julia. The girl has "I love being beautiful" or some shit like that as her fucking quote on skype like ew girl your hella extra. 

i like kait and amanda

I'm just like so over Sam so I'm trying to get him out as revenge for Eddie. Fake ass. If I can't get him out in Emathia, might as well get him out here.

20 minutes later...

My allies are Rhea, Kait, and Darian (even if he did vote for me). I like Emma but I know she's probably upset about the first vote. Sam and Steven, you can go. I can try and bring in Andie and Amanda close to me, but it will be fishy to do it now. That's on my tribe. I like Jenn too, and Sam, and Shea <3. You never know in this game, I might go out, but I think my position in the tribe may increase? I can see it. I love Rhea so much. She's the purest cinnamon roll I've ever met. <3 100%

OKAY! So now that I actually have time, I've been talking to people on my tribe a lot more. I've been talking to Billy, Chrissa, Jonny and Gabby and they all are reasonable people. Whilst talking with them we talked about how Hunter is pretty inactive in the game and that we could look at him as a potential first boot from the tribe. The whole twist of us being in One World and only have individual immunity has kind of flipped the entire game on it's head. Usually, weaker members of the tribe are targeted because they're a liability but weaker players don't really matter as much this season because tribal immunity exists. Which means that people that are stronger in challenges may start to be targeted to give those weaker people a better chance at winning individual. Honestly, good job Ricky and Monty because I've never seen this before and it's kind of fun. 

Well I didn't win the last challenge... My document glitched and I lost most of my pictures, but the fact that I would have won still keeps me going!

Kait is the best duo every she cuts the shit and gets right to the point and we murder everyone together its so fun. That being said I can't wait until i get to a point where i can work with my loves Luke and Dan. Also im going out and ACTUALLY having a social life so this is all the updates youre getting from me tonight! Wooooo

i cant believe i worked to get a self vote when i already had one like the FUCK why do bad things happen to slightly nice people 

I literally don't know what's happening bc I've been gone all day bc it's spring break, but I know I'm not going so BLESS

Well. Officially in an alliance with dan, Sam, and Liana. I love it. We are called the game changers but I wonder if everyone is doing that right now. Veronica should be going tonight, but I question if it should be shea. But I think Veronica is a good vote right now and shea would be better for the following vote. I don't know honestly if either goes it doesn't matter too much to me. I love this whole tribe but someone has to go. 

I confess to shovin a whole bag a jellybeans up my ass.

so basically this round i lost immunity again but idc bc i know these ho's and they not gonna do anything... I hope. So basically the plan was for veronica to throw immunity and get last so she could go on the reward and scout it out for steven and i bc us 3 r in a alliance. she did but she got a self vote. basically everyone wanted to vote veronica but bc of sheas fight with carson we r voting shea. i feel bad bc i like shea but i cant lose veronica this early. i put my neck out on the line so if i get sent home ill be sad but ill def understand why

ALLL RIGHT so this round i haven't done much/heard anything BUT IM WATCHING BAYKOR WILSON PLAY MUSIC AT JONNY FAIRPLAYS BIRTHDAY PARTY AND THE DEAD GRANDMA IS HERE 

My drunk ass needs to write a confessional in the next hour oops!! I hope that Veronica goes but apparently it's either Veronica or Shea. I just really hope it's not me. My tribe is quiet as fuck so I have no clue what's really hoping. Here's hoping my drunk ass makes it through 

i'm dead @ finding the idol. my goal is to idol liana out i think that'd be a boppin time, but for now i just wanna like continue not really doing a whole lot and let rob keep being out there on everyone's radar while i just say that no one talks to me so i can get more tea from them bc they think i'm in their back pocket. voting sam tonight.............i'm poppin' bottles! nah idrc about him leaving, he never talks to me and it's always like really forced when i go out of my way every fucking time to start a conversation with him. it's just really frustrating like i hate this tribe so much. social game says hello, freaks! i kinda hate having the idol because it's so much pressure to like play it at the right time and premerge is so delicate, especially with so many people and with me not really having a TIGHT alliance i just whew.

I think I'm going :( no ones socializing with me. Billy is just a cop out, says he doesn't want to throw out a name. Pssstt

My, my, my. What a LOVELY week this has been. So currently, our tribe is back at it again with dat council swag. I didn't do well in immunity, like I knew I would. However, if anyone can win, I'm very glad Miss Moana SNATCHED the title. Last tribal council, I flopped. I was inactive and that's unacceptable so this week I'm really pushing myself to be a deciding factor force like Ariana Grande deciding to snatch weaves when she breathes. With my reputation currently, I don't think people really assume that I even have it in me to be strategic. Little do THEY know...they are wrong. AHAHAHAHAHAHHAA. Now, Seamus has informed me that the vote is Shea. However, Seamus is a GOOBER. Shea and I have really become close and the fact that Seamus literally pms me to vote Shea BEFORE asking me how I am shows his inner Kesha: his True Colours. I don't really like the fact that Seamus is just treating me like a free vote because I know what his intention. I already can smell that he wants to drag me as a cute, innocent vote until he makes the merge with his best friends and takes me out. THAT'S going to be a no zone. Although that is the persona I'm going for, I feel like Seamus already has suuuuch a big plan for getting to the end and...I'm not a part of that. And if you're going to count me out, henny, count on getting to stepping. Or something exotic like that, tee hee~! I feel really nervous for Shea. I told her that Seamus was wanting to eliminate her and she immediately almost spoiled everything. She's an emotional player and that's the kind of I want to keep around. Those are the ones who never see through my fakeness and the kind that are targeted before good ol' sweetheart me. The only other option is Veronica so for this week, I'm going to try and flip a few people to do so. The last vote was so unified that it's quite scary actually...if things keep going the way they are, I have no doubt that eventually it'll be my log chopped by the axe. My advantage for this week's vote is that no one really has a reason NOT to trust me. With Veronica, they KNOW she's a scrappy player. And I believe I can use that to my advantage. Y'all don't know me, y'all don't know what I've been through! And NO ONE is going to believe that cutesy little Arianator weeabo is pulling strings. I learned from my past Tumblr competitions that playing aggressively gets out fast. I know now playing passively gets you treated like a child. Here...everything has to be subtle. Small little touches, here and there. And if you do enough of that, maybe the trickle of water can erode the rock. That's what I'm hoping to do here. If somehow, we can do the impossible, not only will I establish myself as a real C.O.M.P.E.T.I.T.O.R in this tribe, but I'll have pulled off a blindside that's really shocking and game changing. Maybe it's a bit too early to be calling shots...but I've got to do something. I think people already have caught on to the fact that something's afoot and the alarms are already blaring. I'm past the point of no return, so even if I wanted to, I can't allow myself to have regrets! I carry the name of a queen of BBCAN and a king of The Vampire Diaries. I'm here to slash throats, save my family and wear ugg boots. And hopefully...this is the start of something legendary~! Wish me luck, darlings! Certainly sincerely, Canada's Self-Proclaimed Favourite; Kelsey Mikaelson! <3

ALRIGHT...So I'm really hoping Shea goes this tribal cause like....He can't be chill for one second in this game.  Literally the plan was to get Veronica out but once he hears his name he quits? C'mon now.. Don't even get me started on Kelsey telling him his name was thrown out cause like!?!? We're doing that so no one gets in trouble here why are you doing this!?!? I just don't understand Kelsey like I really wanted to like her but...She's on thin ice at this point. I just hope this isn't a ploy and something goes wrong but I guess we'll see!

So like wtf is happening, cause I don't have a clue. I'm loyal to Emma and I guess maybe Rhea. Idk Rhea just talks to me sometimes but right now that is good enough for me. Right I'm just waiting for a tribe swap so we can stop going to tribal every round

[walkonwalkonwithhopeinyourheart]

Xabi Alonso on what Liverpool means for him: "I’m still a fan, first and foremost, and so is my son. It’s part of my life. ‘Once a Red, always a Red’ is more than a sentence – it’s something real. That spell is something huge in my life." via /r/LiverpoolFC

Xabi Alonso on what Liverpool means for him: "I’m still a fan, first and foremost, and so is my son. It’s part of my life. ‘Once a Red, always a Red’ is more than a sentence – it’s something real. That spell is something huge in my life."

The quote is from Xabi Alonso's interview with the magazine FourFourTwo in July 2017 issue.

I'm a subscriber of the magazine and given to that, I thought it'd be nice to share this with you guys.

Here's some pics & PDF from the mag about this Q&A session.

So this is it. After 18 years, more than 800 matches, 13 major trophies and a billion effortlessly tidy passes, it’s time for Xabi Alonso to hit the road.

“It was a decision I thought long and hard about for a while,” Alonso tells FFT from the Bayern Munich training ground he’s called home for the past three years. “I’d reached the point where it felt right. “You never know how you will feel after that last game, as football becomes your life. But I just feel happy with everything I’ve experienced, with all of the clubs I’ve played for, with every game I’ve played. Of course, there is a part of me that feels sad it’s all over, but everything must end one day and I’d rather fi nish at the top.”

He has certainly done that. In the days before FFT’s visit, Die Roten clinched their fourth Bundesliga title in as many years. The Spaniard was a key figure in the most recent three wins, which came hot on the heels of helping Real Madrid finally win ‘La Decima’ and, prior to that, scoring the crucial third goal in Liverpool’s famous comeback in Istanbul. And then there’s an international career that brought him one World Cup and two European Championship medals.

Perhaps his biggest achievement, however, is less tangible – near universal respect and popularity. His easy-on-the-eye playing style, combined with a humble, gentlemanly disposition have helped to make the 35-year-old a contemporary cult hero.

He’s hung up his boots for the final time alongside another icon and World Cup winner: Bayern team-mate Philipp Lahm. “It is an honour to finish by his side,” the Spaniard proudly says. “It was just meant to be – it’s like we’re the last rock stars.”

Now, if only there was something really cool he could do next…

What will you do on the fi rst morning following your retirement?

What a question! [Laughs] I don’t know if this is for the first morning, but I can’t wait to take my motorbike out for a spin – it’s written into most players’ contracts that you can’t ride them. I’ve got a motorbike but I’ve never been able to ride it! To be honest, I’m looking at doing things that become impossible in a footballer’s life. I’ve gone 18 years without having a proper weekend with my family where you try new things. Being a footballer is great, but you’re tied down to what you can and can’t do. We’ll go and relax in San Sebastian and Madrid.

You spent a few summers in Ireland in your teens, learning English and playing a bit of gaelic football. Any desire to go back one day?

[Laughs] Wow, it’s such a long time since I was there – I’ve probably forgotten how to play. I’ll definitely go back to Ireland, though. I love the country and all of the Irish people. Do I follow a team? No, I just played to enjoy myself with friends. But I will go back there one day.

When you used to play on the beach in San Sebastian with Mikel Arteta, did you ever think you would achieve so much?

No chance. We loved football, but we played every sport when we were kids. We’re still great friends. I’d never dreamed of becoming a footballer – that was something I saw as being so impossible that it wasn’t even a dream – so I consider myself very lucky.

Your father Periko played for Barcelona, won two La Liga titles with Real Sociedad and represented Spain at the 1982 World Cup, and your brother Mikel was also a pro with Sociedad. How much football is there within the Alonso household?

[Laughs] A lot! More than anything, since we were tiny, me and my brother had the figure of our father in our life. We played with him every week and went to as many of his training sessions as we could, just like my son Jontxu does with me now. It was a fundamental part of life.

You came through the youth ranks at Sociedad and then spent a season on loan with Eibar when you turned 18. Is it true that you first learned about the deal by reading it in a newspaper?

Yes, that’s absolutely true. I was only 18; I had made my first-team debut in the Copa del Rey, but I was still part of the reserves. I didn’t really know or understand the football world at that stage because I was so young, so my dad was sorting things out for me. He spoke with the club, thought it was a good option and went ahead.

I read about it in the paper and rang my dad straight away. He asked me, ‘What do you think?’ I replied, ‘I think it’s a great idea!’ Up until then, I had always shared a dressing room with people my age, but at Eibar there were 35-year-olds. It was a dressing room full of men, not boys. That helped me to learn a lot about what it meant to be a footballer.

You were recalled after only half a season by Sociedad’s new manager, John Toshack, who had replaced Javier Clemente. What impact did the former Liverpool striker have on your career?

He was fundamental. I was only 19 at the time, but he treated me as if I was a 28-year-old. When he came in, he took me to one side straight away and said: “Listen, I think you can become a very important player for this team, so I’m going to give you the responsibility to play your own game.” I took the opportunity and played well. I’ll never forget all of the early help that he gave me.

Did you feel any pressure in going back to play for Sociedad, who were really struggling at the time and trying to avoid the drop?

The team was certainly in a difficult moment, but I just tried to play my very best and help the team to get out of trouble. Thankfully, everything went well and we eventually finished 13th [in 2001-02].

Was it hard to leave for Liverpool in the summer of 2004, aged 22?

It was at the time, because Sociedad had been my home, but it was also the time to progress and try some new things. I’ve loved every stage of my career and it just felt the right time to take on a fresh challenge, in a new country and to fight for an historic football club.

Let’s talk about Istanbul and the 2005 Champions League Final...

[Smiles] Everything happened. At half-time it was the worst scenario. We had to score three goals against Alessandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini, Jaap Stam and Cafu! Some of the guys said, “We need to fight.” Others were saying, ‘How can we be so bad today?’ The rest is history, as we made the most incredible comeback. Miracles can happen in football.

What were you thinking before taking the penalty to make it 3-3?

I didn’t know what to think. It was my fi rst penalty as a professional! Seriously, I had never taken one before. I look at pictures of me about to take the penalty and all I can see is my face wracked with tension and responsibility. It’s so obvious! Were it not for that rebound, then my story at Liverpool might have been very different! [Laughs] It was pretty stressful.

Rafa [Benitez] told me before the final that if we won a penalty, I’d take it, as Steven Gerrard had missed one against Spurs. What did I say? Nothing. I had to take it! There wasn’t any other way.

How did you celebrate afterwards?

In every possible way you can imagine! [Laughs] There was a sense of euphoria, both at the hotel in Istanbul after the match and in Liverpool. It was crazy – the celebrations and the way we won it. Twelve years have now passed since that match, but it’s still very alive in the minds of anyone who was part of it. Winning the World Cup is the ultimate, but the Champions League is a close second.

Which was tougher to take: losing the 2007 Champions League final to Milan in Athens, or missing out on the 2008-09 Premier League title when Liverpool were pipped by Manchester United?

[Immediately] Oh, the Premier League title, without a doubt. We had won the Champions League against Milan two years earlier, and one of the biggest regrets in my career is that we didn’t manage to win the Premier League title with that Liverpool team. We were so close, but there were other great teams in the league as well.

We thought it was possible when we beat Fulham 1-0 with a late goal from Yossi Benayoun. But the next day, Manchester United came from behind to beat Aston Villa with that goal from Federico Macheda. Then at the end of April, we won 3-1 away at Hull and I scored. We got on the plane back home and Spurs were 2-0 up at United, but by the time we had landed, they had lost 5-2! It just wasn’t meant to be.

Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher, Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres: that’s some spine to a team…

Definitely – we had a great team, from back to front. It was a great spine. All of those players have unforgettable memories of the years we had together at Liverpool. The fans remember us – Stevie and Carra, obviously, but also us foreigners – which makes me so proud.

Would it be fair to say that you had your ups and downs with Rafael Benitez by the time you left to join Real Madrid?

Many things have been written about this [Benitez was supposedly annoyed that Alonso missed a Champions League game against Inter to attend the birth of his daughter] but there was no tension between us at that time, really. There was always respect between us. Look, he wanted to sell me and I accepted his decision. That’s it.

What does Liverpool mean to you?

I’m still a fan, first and foremost, and so is my son. It’s part of my life. ‘Once a Red, always a Red’ is more than a sentence – it’s something real. That spell is something huge in my life. The bond I have with the club is very strong: maybe not with the players, because Lucas is now the only player still there, but in terms of the feeling, that will never leave me. It’s the same with every club I’ve played for in my career.

You were close to joining Real Madrid when Liverpool bought you. Did it feel like destiny to play for Los Blancos?

I don’t know about destiny, but there had been interest in me from the club. It seemed like there had always been a chance of signing for Madrid in my career, you know? So when it came to leaving Liverpool, they were in for me again. To have Real Madrid interested in signing you is the greatest honour in football. I think it was the right move.

Describe Jose Mourinho in one word.

[Thinks long and hard] Motivator. He’s all emotion, all heart, but also a very intelligent man and coach. He needs intelligent players, too, to carry out his plans and interpret them on the pitch.

What did he change at Real Madrid, especially with regards to the rivalry with Barcelona and Pep Guardiola?

You’re always going to have that clash between Real Madrid and Barça. They are two giants who’ve always collided. At the time, Barcelona had Pep and we had Jose – two figures used to winning. Those years were intense for all of us, from players to fans. Every match was like a final. There was the Copa del Rey final, the Champions League semi-final and also the results that settled La Liga.

You’re one of a few who’ve played for both. How do they compare?

Pep is just as passionate, but analyses things and loves tactical detail. He’s emotional, too, but it’s a different emotion. The way they play football, and how they get their team to play, is also very different.

How did you feel when you were booked in the semi-final of the 2013-14 Champions League and knew that you’d miss the final?

I was gutted. I’d fought so much for La Decima during the season, so it was tough knowing I’d be banned. I told myself, ‘Xabi, tonight is your final.’ Winning 4-0 at the Allianz Arena was incredible. In the final itself it was hard, but I watched as a supporter. I suffered a lot that evening. It’s so much harder watching a game than it is to play.

In that case, do you see yourself becoming a coach in the future?

It’s different, because at least you have some control over what is happening. I don’t know what I’ll do, but I’m not ruling anything out. Is Carlo Ancelotti the perfect coach to oversee your fi nal season? In the world of football, Carlo is one of the best people I’ve come across. He has got a great heart and he knows how to win over his players. Throughout our time together he has never treated me with anything other than the utmost respect and care.

Who have you enjoyed playing alongside the most?

It’s impossible to decide. I’ve played with so many and have loved every second of it. Stevie G, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Arjen Robben, Philipp Lahm – they’re all greats.

Your final three seasons brought three Bundesliga titles...

It’s the perfect end. I came here to experience a different kind of football at a massive club like Bayern and it’s been glorious. It is hard to say no to Pep when he asks you to come and play for his team. There’s so much quality in Germany, and it’s hard to win any league. I am extremely proud to finish in this way.

Many teams tried to copy tiki-taka but few succeeded. Why’s that?

I don’t like the word ‘tiki-taka’. Look, that was the only way to bring together all of the best players that Spain had at the time. We were very competitive and we conceded very few goals. People talk about us playing 10,000 passes for the sake of it, but we had no other way to play. We didn’t have really quick players to run in behind, but we did have players with excellent technique who could pass the ball.

Nigel de Jong’s ‘tackle’ in the final: what did you think at the time?

I didn’t think anything, as I was on the floor with no idea what hadhappened – I had to watch a replay on the TV screen! All I felt was extreme pain in my chest. My body was shaking, but this was the World Cup final – there was no way I was going off. I played for as long as I could, but I couldn’t carry on into extra time. It felt like my body had been torn apart and then not put back together properly.

Did you break anything?

There were a couple of stud marks but nothing else, as the impact was right on my ribcage. After Andres [Iniesta] won it for us, people were spraying water everywhere and I had to make them stop, as even that was hurting me! I had to say, “Leave me with this pain!”

Which is more important for a footballer: feet or brain?

God, the brain, without a doubt. It’s all about what you do with your head. If you have the brain to understand the game, and know what to do in every moment and how to do it, then you’ve got it, and the rest will just follow.

Do you see yourself staying in the game after your retirement and passing that knowledge on, somehow?

I think so. First I need a little time away from the game, to disconnect. I’ve spent so long inside the football bubble – pretty much 20 years – that I fancy getting out for a bit. Once I’ve done that, I don’t know how or where, but I’ll be back.

Submitted June 12, 2017 at 03:54PM by Dalitis via reddit http://ift.tt/2rTzg9B