#Jordan Family Band

[clotpolesonly]

i would also like to humbly suggest:

-author (fiction or nonfiction, he fucking loves telling stories)

-poet (collects beautiful phrases)

-shakespearean actor

-catalogue model for fancy italian leather shoes

why did declan continue with black market magic shit he shouldve been a museum tour guide explaining art to children and the elderly

[herpsandbirds]

Peters’ Banded Skink (Scincopus fasciatus), family Scincidae, found in rocky areas of the southern Sahara in North Africa

photographs:  Daniel Heuclin, Nathan Jordan, Barry Mansell, Welsh Morphology

* For @crayonsquadlilac

[fictionalmenxyn]

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲

Pairing: dealer!rafe x reader

Warnings: mentions of drugs (weed, molly and vaping), language, pda

꧁꧂

It was thriving, Topper once again throwing another banger of a party. It was living it up in his family’s home. The lights, the music the overall vibe. The boys and you all agreed that this summer would be like no other. Living this summer like it’s your last.

You wore your favourite black tube top with your white halter top underneath along with your short white tube skirt and a pair of military black Jordan 4s. Along with some jewellery. Looking like the perfect girl in the world tonight. Well, to Rafe anyways.

You thrived, this was your element. While you danced with your friends. Rafe sat with Topper and Kelce. Towards the backyard on those outdoor couches.

Rafe could see you through the crowd. To him you were like a beacon of light. Your presence brining out a side of him he’d never get with anyone else.

He and the guys have done a few deals through the night. Making bank as they usually did.

You walked over to the guys after having just refilled your drink. You called out “hey guys!” The boys let out a low whistle. Rafe grinned, moving his hand to your hips as you stood between his legs. He looked up at you “how’re you doing, pretty?” You smiled and nodded “good, good… how’s the dealing?” Topper added “alright, bit as much as we th-”

You stuck your hand out to Rafe “hand some over, I’ll help ya out.” You sipped out of your red solo cup. Rafe grinned and the other two widen their eyes. Kelce said “nah we can’t get you to deal…” you shrugged “it’s fine, I can do it.” Rafe looked up at you. “Make sure you come straight back here, yeah? And if anyone gives you shit call me, got it?”

You nod, as he reached into his backpack he had on the ground next to the couch. He pulled out a couple bags of weed and molly. Rafe added “oh and if anyone wants vapes, tell them to come to the backyard and look for us.” You nodded.

Leaning down you pecked Rafe’s lips. Putting the weed and molly packets into your handbag. As you turn around to walk off, Rafe smacks your ass. You roll your eyes at his usual action.

Later on in the night you return. Walking over. Topper noticed you first “how’d it go?”

You grinned both evilly and proudly. You opened your handbag, taking your vape and phone out first. You put that on the couch next to Rafe. Then you tipped your handbag upside down and dump a load of cash onto Rafe’s lap.

Rafe’s eyes widen “fuck, doll, that’s a fuck ton of cash…” Rafe started to count the cash as you spoke “they gave me extra, I didn’t even ask, guess I’m just lucky.” You shrug casually.

Rafe looked up to you “you made three ‘kay?? I didn’t even give you that much stuff to sell…” Kelce lets out a low whistle “damn, maybe she is a good luck charm.”

You told Rafe “oh also I’m pretty sure I got you three some regular customers. I didn’t give them your actual contacts, so I gave them your number accounts on Snapchat, that okay?”

Rafe smirked, the other two nodded eagerly. Rafe put the money into elastic bands and put the cash into the backpack. He patted his lap “c’mere, babe.” You sat in his lap.

He gently grabbed your jaw, making you look at him. His other hand placed on your hip, lowly.

He smirked and moved so his lips were close to you. He praised “good job, baby, might have you do it more often. So proud, my little dealer.” He pecked your lips. He added “also got cherry papers and vape juice for my cherry lady.” He playfully winks at you as you thank him.

He kisses you, not giving a fuck who sees. At the end of the day he’d actually prefer that, showing that you’re his. His cherry lady.

As you two both kiss, Kelce joked “get a room you two.” Rafe didn’t even look in Kelce’s direction when he playfully flipped him off. Keeping his half-lidded eyes on you and your lips as he spoke to him “shut up, bro, go find a girl and get laid.” Rafe went straight back to kissing you.

Topper chuckles “dude you can’t keep your hands off of her.” Rafe pulled away but stayed close to your face. He side eyed Topper “dude, will you two quit complaining. Go catch a ride or some shit, let us be.” Rafe looked you up and down and whispered to you “look so good, ma, should take you home tonight… let you do what you want, hm? You’d like that, huh? You’ve been such a good girl f’me… helping me sell and shit…”

His hand on your hip moved to your ass, gently massaging it. You chuckle softly “oh yeah? You’d seriously let me do that?” He hummed “yeah, proud of ya, let you do whatever you want, you make it, you get it..”

Rafe pulled out his vape from his shorts pocket. Taking a hit and moving his lips near yours. Blowing the smoke into your mouth as you take it back. You then blow the smoke back out. Rafe loved doing that with you. Smoke kisses were one of his things that got him going. And knowing his girl who was the hottest person in his eyes could do such things with him? Made him weak to the core.

You move and whisper in his ear, knowing it would get him riled up. You whisper “wanna go now and I’ll show you?” He smirked and whispered back “yeah, fuck… god, wanna do so much to you. Let’s get outta here, hm?”

You nodded, standing up, Rafe stood after you. Tugging your skirt down a little as he noticed two guys looking at your ass. Topper playfully rolled his eyes and said sarcastically “bye then you two, leaving Kelce and I to go fuck… damn, what friend you two are.” You smirked. Looking over to Topper you said “Brooke is waiting for you upstairs, she told me to tell you.”

Topper’s eyes almost popped out of his hair “wait, for real???” You nodded “don’t keep her waiting. Topper practically leaped out of his seat and heading into the house. Just as he did that a girl approached Kelce.

So technically you two were ditching them. Rafe took your hand in his as he guided you through the crowded house and out to the front.

You were both in for a long night, a very very enjoyable one.

꧁꧂

(If u want for dealer!rafe, reqs are open)

[6rookie-writer0110]

Eyes on the ground

Reader/Son x Clark Kent & Lois Lane

Request - I wanted to ask if it was possible for you to write a AU of sorts. A crossover between Scarlet Witch and Superman & Lois. Where Clark and Lois have a third son and turns out that he's he's krypton's Scarlet Witch/Warlock. MC is younger than the twins.

Lois and Clark are in the kitchen talking alone. They see you playing catch with your brothers outside.

“Do you think any of them will get powers?” Lois asked.

“Maybe… I’m not sure. They don't show any signs and nothing strange has happened for now” Clark said.

“They are too young. I just want them to have a normal childhood” Lois said.

“I understand. Let's not worry about that for now” Clark said.

They see you are playing rough with your brothers. It was Jon's idea to play football in the backyard. You wanted to show off and prove that you are strong enough to play rough. Jon threw the ball at Jordan but you caught the ball, then you and Jon started to wrestle for the ball. Lois and Clark left the kitchen and went to stop you and your brothers playing rough.

“Boys enough” Clark yelled.

He grabbed the football then you and your brothers, then you started to breathe hard.

“We were playing,” Jordan said.

“We told you three many times not to play rough,” Lois said.

“It’s football. I'm strong they can't beat me” You said.

You start to flex your biceps and your brothers roll their eyes.

“Y/N, you can't play rough every time you play football,” Lois said.

“I’m not a baby,” You whined.

You hate it when they treat you like a baby, you want to prove to them that you're not a baby.

“Go inside the house all of you,” Clark said.

“Not fair. I was having fun” You said frustrated.

You kicked the football so hard that you broke the kitchen window. Jordan and Jon gasped and you didn't expect to break the window.

“In the house now!” Lois yelled.

“Sorry,” You said.

You and everyone else go inside the house. Your father made you clean up the mess while he watched over you. He starts to give you the speech and you really don't want to listen to the speech but you don't say anything.

In the family, you're the youngest, and your parents are more protective of you. You always try to prove that you are not a baby and don't need protection. Clark and Lois love their boys but you are a bit wild because you like to explore.

———-

Jordan and Jon want pizza for dinner. They asked their parents but they said no, then Jordan got an idea.

“Y/N, go ask mom and dad for pizza for dinner,” Jordan said.

“You and Jon already asked and they said no,” You said.

He puts his arm around your shoulders.

“They will say yes to you because you are the rainbow child,” Jordan said.

“Don’t call me that” You said.

“It’s true, Y/N. You know mom had miscarriages before she had you. Go ask for pizza” Jon said.

“Okay, but they will say no,” You said.

They follow you downstairs, but they are in the hallway listening. You are in the living room, while Lois and Clark are sitting down on the couch.

“Mom, dad can we have pizza for dinner?” You asked

“Okay, sure. I will order the pizza, Y/N do you want to come with me?” Clark said.

“Yeah,” You said.

Jordan and Jon are happy that they will eat pizza for dinner. You leave the house with your dad and get in the truck, he lets you pick the radio station. He listens to you talk about your favorite band.

After buying pizza and before going home, he stopped the truck.

“Why we stopped?” You asked.

“I’m going to show you how to drive” Clark smiled.

“That is cool!” You smiled big.

You and your dad switched seats. You are feeling so excited that your cheeks are hurting from smiling. He starts to tell you what to do and you follow his instructions. You are starting to drive the truck slowly

“You are doing great, Y/N,” Clark said.

“Wow, this is fun” You giggled.

You go a little fast and he tells you how to stop the car and go again. Then he made you change seats now he is driving home, and you tell him how fun it was to drive.

✬ ✫ ✯ ✫

Tal-Rho sent his army to attack the town. Everyone is starting to panic and trying to get out of town. Clark went to fight Tal-Rho somewhere. Your mom made you and your brothers get ready to head to the army base in town. You and your family head to the truck but Tal-Rho’s army arrives.

“Stay away from us,” Lois said.

“Mom,” You said.

You are feeling scared and they are feeling scared also.

“Stay away from us!” You yelled.

You run towards the person to punch them, but they push you hard towards the ground. You want to prove that you are strong but the person was going to attack Jon but Jon stepped in and got hurt, the enemy used heat vision to hurt your brother. Jon fell to the ground and he was bleeding fast you ran towards him.

“Jon!” You cried out.

You touch his stomach and you see the blood on your hand. Your heart is racing faster and you start to cry.

“Jon, I’m sorry! I-I didn't want you to get hurt. I'm sorry!” You cried out.

Lois and everyone noticed a magic aura surrounding your body.

“Mom, what is going on?” Jordan asked.

“What are you doing to him!?” Lois yelled at them.

“We are not doing that to him,” He said.

Your eyes changed colors then you yelled, then a powerful magic blast and you hit the enemies. They passed out and your magic from your hands went to your brother’s body and he is starting to get healed. Jon looks at you then the magic disappears. Lois helped you and Jon stand up then she hugged you and your brother.

“What just happened?” Jordan asked.

“We will figure that out later, now we have to go,” Lois said.

Your mom took you and your brothers to the army base in town. Your brothers are looking at you strangely and they start to ask questions, but you don't know how to answer them.

Clark arrived at the base with the suit on. You and your brothers don't know yet that your father is Superman. Everyone knows that you are a huge fan of Superman. You have some posters and action figures in your bedroom. You run towards him and you are smiling

“I’m a big fan” You smiled.

“Oh… um thanks for being a fan” Clark smiled.

“I can't believe I'm really meeting you” You happily said.

“Superman we need to talk,” Sam said.

He followed your grandfather to a private area and Lois is there. They start to talk about what is going on.

“What do you mean, Y/N has powers?” Clark asked.

“Not the same powers as you. It seemed powers like John Constantine, would have but his powers actually appeared all over his body. Jon was hurt but he saved him” Lois said.

“How did he even get magic?” Clark asked.

“I have no idea, I thought you would know. Go change, the boys need you right now” Lois said.

“It will be okay,” Clark said.

Clark hugged his wife and kissed her on the lips. Clark tells Sam, what Tal-Rho wants to do. They talked for a while then Clark changed clothes then went to see you and your brothers. You start to tell him what happened and Clark asks questions about the powers, but you don't know what to say. Then Clark went to talk with Jon and he hugged his son tightly.

——-

You are lying in your bed and your dad walked in. He sits on the edge of the bed and before he can say a word, you said something first.

“Are you and mom going to send me away?” You asked.

“What makes you think that we would send you away?” Clark asked.

You sit up and you struggle to say something at first, but he waits for you to say something.

“Because I have powers and it's my fault that Jon got hurt,” You said in a low voice.

“Y/N, we love you and we will never send you away. You are our son and we will never abandon you. And it's not your fault that Jon got hurt. He doesn't blame you, Y/N. This is new to us and we will get through this together” Clark smiled.

“Thanks, dad” You said.

Your dad hugged you tight and you believe what he said to you.

“Go to sleep, it's late,” Clark said.

“I’m not tired,” You said.

“Nice, try. Y/N, go to sleep it's written on your face that you are tired” Clark said

“Goodnight,” You said.

“Goodnight, Y/N,” Clark said.

You lie down and you watch your dad turn off the light and leave. You close your eyes and you start to fall asleep.

✬ ✫ ✯ ✫

Clark just told you and your brothers that he is Superman. He picked up a truck, Jon and Jordan were in shock but not you.

“Y/N, you don't seem impressed,” Lois said.

“I saw dad, use his powers before and I saw his suit in the closet. The glasses are not a good disguise” You said.

“How come you didn't say anything?” Jordan asked.

“You and Jon wouldn't believe me. One time, I saw dad use his ice breath to put out the fire in the barn. I don't want to wear my underwear on the outside, no offense dad” You said.

“Y/N, I’m not asking you to wear your underwear on the outside. So that means, I have magic and I have the same powers as you?” You said.

“So, cool I have the same powers like dad” Jon grinned.

“Do I have powers?” Jordan asked

“We don't know yet,” Lois said.

“Sorry, I’m late I had to deal with something in hell,” John Constantine said.

He appeared through a magic portal. Clark introduced John to you and your brothers. Then John lights his cigarette and he stares at you.

“Why is he here?” You asked.

“He has magic and he will people with it. We don't know anything about magic and we thought that he could help you” Clark said.

“He is old and smells bad,” You said.

“Y/N, don't say that. That is rude” Lois said.

Your brothers couldn't help to laugh.

“And you still wet the bed,” John said.

“Whatever, old man,” You said.

“You two be nice. And try not to go hard on my son” Clark said.

“I can't promise anything. Let's get started” John said

Your family watches John use his magic. You try to use your magic but nothing is coming out of your hands. But he laughed then he hit you with your magic and you fell to the ground.

“John! I told you not to be hard on my son!” Clark yelled.

John used his magic to stop your parents from interfering.

“I know what I'm doing!” John yelled.

“Don’t hurt them!” You yelled.

You are walking forward towards him. Then a powerful magic arua starts to come out of your hands. Then everyone witnessed a dark magic book appear in front of you. It turned to the page on what magic to use

“How did you make that book come to you?” John asked.

You read the magic words and used the magic to hurt John. But he was quick to block your magic with his magic. You tried again but he blocked it again. Then he stopped and he tried to get the book but the book moved closer to you.

“Boy, you do have any idea what book you have!?” John said very loud.

“No. It's my first time seeing it” You said.

“That book is called Darkhold and it's connected to you. Study that book from start to end. contained spells, formulas, and information on how to create machines to harness energy from other dimensions, Study the book” John said.

“Wow, that is a lot,” You said.

You hold the book and you won't let him read it. John explained what kind of magic you have to your parents. Lois isn't happy about you having chaos magic and she doesn't want you to have magic. But she won't stop loving you and Clark will feel the same way. Later, John teaches you how to summon your magic and how to control it.

———-

You haven't been studying the Darkhold magic book. You are playing catch with your brothers in the barn. You and Jon are trying to help Jordan activate his powers. Jordan tried to pick the tractor but he couldn't do it.

“I guess i don't have super strength,” Jordan said

“Try throwing the football far?” You said.

“I can try,” Jordan said.

Jon laughed because he knew that Jordan couldn't throw the football.

“I can throw a football,” Jordan said

“Yeah, right. But go ahead and you will miss” Jon laughed.

You throw the football at your brother but with force. He didn't catch the ball and the ball went through the wall.

“Mom and dad are going to ground you forever,” Jon said.

“Why you didn't catch the ball!?” You yelled.

“You didn't throw it straight!” Jordan yelled.

You tried to use your magic to fix the hole, but you opened a portal for a few seconds but it closed.

“What was that!?” Jon yelled

“I don't know, I’m still figuring out my powers,” You said.

Again you used your magic and you fixed the hole. You are smiling about it because you won't get in trouble. But you started to play with your brothers again, they kept throwing the ball at each other so you wouldn't catch it. But you used your magic to catch the ball and you are happy about it.

“That’s cheating,” Jon said.

“You are just slow” You teased

They started to chase you and you started to run fast. Lois and Clark are outside talking and you run toward them, but Jon uses his speed to catch up to you. He tried to get the ball but you won't let go, then Clark and Lois made him let go. He got in trouble but not you and they made you and your brothers go back inside the house.

[blushingreid]

Temporary Parents

Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

A/N: hi bbs, it’s been so so long & I’m sorry :( Here’s a longer fic that’s been in the drafts for YEARS NOW LMAOOOOO (disclaimer: this was written before my like 3 yr hiatus, no proof read, just straight posted for y'alls enjoyment) Giving some type of dad vibes I think might've been a request, but enjoy & slide me some feedback ! <3

Gun drawn, Spencer cautiously entered the house and into the child’s bedroom. Y/n followed closely behind, her gun out, ready for any outcome. Hearing a shuffle coming from the closet, y/n grasped Spencer’s bicep to get his attention before silently signaling to the closet. Spencer slowly approached the closet and whipped the door open.

“FBI! Put your hands up!”

Regret instantly hit Spencer as he holstered his gun when he saw a crying child crawl out of the closet. It was Jayden, Jordan Richard’s five-year-old son. 

Y/n holstered her gun and approached him, arms outstretched. “Hey there, you don’t have to be scared anymore, we’re the good guys,” she quietly explained as she motioned for Jayden to come closer to her.

He hesitated and looked between y/n and Spencer before running into y/n’s arms. After they left the house, Y/n brought him to the ambulance in the driveway to get checked out, while the team talked about the next steps.

They had been called to a small town in Virginia to investigate a series of families murdered with the same m.o. The team had gone to arrest the unsub, Jordan Richard, well the person they originally thought was the unsub. What they didn’t expect was for the alleged unsub and his family to have been the next victims. This meant the real unsub was still out there and the team was back to square one.

The only miracle was that the unsub had gotten sloppy and overconfident that he had just assumed that “missing” Jayden must’ve been sleeping over someone else’s house. Now this child would be the unsub’s demise.

Y/n was about to go join the team when Jayden grabbed her hand, silently pleading for her not to leave them. She gave him a small smile and sat down next to him in the ambulance.

“He’s lucky. There are no signs of any physical abuse,” the EMT said while placing a small band-aid on Jayden’s finger.

“Y/l/n, we need to take Jayden to headquarters and see if he can remember anything that can help us,” Hotch said before getting into one of the SUVs.

Y/n explained to Jayden the plan to head back to headquarters for the day. He didn’t seem to entirely understand the plan, except that he would get to spend the day with y/n, so he nodded and followed her into the SUV.

When they finally arrived at the bullpen, y/n led Jayden into one of the lounges. JJ came in to drop off some drawing supplies and snacks to help him feel more comfortable. The two of them spent the rest of the day attempting to get Jayden to open up about anything he might remember from last night. To everyone’s disappointment, Jayden was still too traumatized and only responded with nods and shakes of his head. Penelope had tried to find out if Jayden has any other family near, but she couldn’t find any. The social worker permitted Jayden to stay with y/n and Spencer, given that he’s a key witness and potentially still in danger. Actually, he wouldn’t let go of y/n’s leg when the social worker tried to take him for the night, so the social worker permitted him to stay with them until the case was solved. 

Once the three of them arrived at Spencer and y/n’s shared apartment, Spencer quickly went to childproof the guest bedroom. After tucking him in, y/n slid into bed next to Spencer, his arms instantly wrapping around her. 

“You know you always wanted kids,... so here you go,” y/n joked.

“I guess you could say this is our trial period for parenting,” Spencer laughed and placed a kiss goodnight to y/n’s forehead.

The multiple late nights and early mornings for this case, had tired them out so much that soon they were bother knocked out for the night. So knocked out, that neither felt Jayden crawl into bed with them. 

The next morning, y/n rolled over in bed to find that it was empty. She didn’t plan to leave her comfortable bed, until she heard Spencer scream. Running out of bed, she stopped once she saw Spencer covered in some type of food, Jayden no where to be seen. 

“Spence what happened to you?” Y/n laughed, walking into the kitchen.

“JAYDEN THREW HIS YOGURT AT ME!”

“What’d you do to get him to do that?” She teased, looking around the apartment for Jayden. Y/n eventually found him watching tv in the guest room.

“Absolutely nothing. All I did was join him at the table and the next thing I knew he launched his yogurt at me. This is my favorite sweater too,” Spencer pouted, trying to wipe off the yogurt.

“It could be because the first time you met, you had a gun pointed at him. He could still feel threatened by you,” y/n sighed before grabbing Spencer a new shirt.

“By the end of this case, I swear to you, Jayden and I are gonna be best friends,” Spencer promised. 

Y/n didn’t doubt it one bit. She knew Spencer would be the best dad in the world. 

The next two days had gone quick, Spencer and y/n stayed with Jayden to keep him safe and were there once he was comfortable enough to give them more information about that night. 

Y/n had left Spencer and Jayden alone in the apartment, while her and Emily checked out some leads. She hoped, the two of them wouldn’t tear apart the apartment by the time she got back. They’d seemed to be getting along together the past two days.

After checking out the leads, y/n headed back to her apartment to check on Spencer and Jayden before heading back to headquarters. She mentally braced herself for whatever she would be walking into as she unlocked the apartment door. To her surprise, she heard Jayden and Spencer laughing together. As she entered the apartment, she saw Spencer and Jayden running and ducking behind furniture with nerf guns. She giggled at the scene in front of her.

Suddenly, she was hit in the forehead by a foam dart. Y/n looked in the direction the dart came from to see a guilty Spencer emerge from behind the kitchen counter.

“Sorry love, I thought you were Jayden,” Spencer said as he jogged to the door to greet her with a kiss.

“I see you two have been keeping yourselves entertained,” y/n laughed as she went to go sit on the couch. Spencer followed, wrapping an arm around her. 

Jayden finally emerged from their bedroom, nerf gun in one hand and a piece of paper in his other. He ran and jumped onto the couch in between Spencer and y/n. Y/n examined the paper Jayden had handed her. It seemed to be a drawing of a logo.

“This looks familiar Spence, like a company logo,” y/n said as she handed the drawing to him.

“T-th-the scary m-man,” Jayden said, pointing to a mean stick figure he’d drawn on the bottom corner of the paper.

“Is this how you know the man who hurt your family?” Y/n softly asked. Jayden quickly nodded his head before jumping off the couch and running into the other room.

“This might just be what we need to finally catch the unsub,” y/n exclaimed as she gave Spencer a quick kiss and ran out the door to tell the team.

Spencer wanted to be there with y/n and the rest of the team when they went to go arrest the unsub, but he knew he had to stay and keep Jayden safe. A small part of him was actually happy he stayed, that way he’d be able to spend more time with Jayden before a foster family takes him.

“Ok kid, how do we convince my wife to start trying for our own kid?”

[jokeroutsubs]

[📝ENG TRANSLATION] The most personal conversation with Nace Jordan of Joker Out: "I wanted to justify being in the band"

Original article written by Alma Rahne for Metropolitan, published 14.11.2024. English translation by @weolucbasu, review by IG 10_anja, proofread by @flowerlotus8

Full article under the cut 👇

Prior to the release of the long-awaited Joker Out's third studio album we had a chat with their member, the bassist Nace Jordan. For him this is an especially huge milestone in his career, as this is the first album after he joined the band in 2022 after the previous bassist Martin Jurkovič left.

When Nace Jordan joined Joker Out two years ago, he probably didn't think he'd experience such a rich musical journey. During this time he performed at Eurovision, their song 'Carpe Diem' won the hearts of foreign audiences like a magnet. This was followed by a long European tour, creating new musical material in London and later in Hamburg. The boys also had a rich festival summer.

(Ph: Primož Lukežič)

The year and a half since it all began with the Eurovision song 'Carpe Diem' and up until today, has been rounded off with a new studio album 'Souvenir Pop' by Nace Jordan, Bojan Cvjetićanin, Kris Guštin, Jan Peteh and Jure Maček. The album will be released on the 15th of November. On it there are a collection of 10 songs in Slovene, English and Serbian.

"From every trip each of us usually takes some kind of memorabilia or a so-called 'souvenir'. That's basically what 'Souvenir Pop' represents," clarifies this time's guest, Nace with whom we talked about the creation of new material and his musical beginnings. We also found out after who his new family member got his name from, what food he eats and for how many years he hasn't been drinking alcohol.

(Ph: Mark Pirc)

Rocker bassist, who doesn't drink alcohol

Nace Jordan grew up in Kranj. Perhaps he was a newbie for most two years ago, but before joining Joker Out Nace had already professionally worked with music for over 10 years. He collaborated with most Slovene performers, including Jan Plestenjak, Samuel Lucas, Katarina Mala... and as he tells he "at least once in his life accompanied all the main Slovene musicians on an instrument."

When he turned 18, he went on a cruise ship where he gained invaluable experience. He always stood up for those who were weaker in school, even if that meant he got the short end of the stick. Likeable and almost always in a good mood, he admits that he also has a bad day sometimes.

(Ph: Nace Jordan's private archive)

"I'm definitely a positive person, but I also have days when I'm the complete opposite of myself and on those days, nothing is good enough, nothing is okay, everything sucks. Actually, the way I'm on stage I'm also privately. When I'm in a bad mood you notice it quickly, because I can't hide it. Which maybe isn't always the best." (smiles)

(Ph: Profimedia)

Alongside music, he's also enthusiastic about cooking, where he transfers his creative approach onto how preparing dishes. He especially likes dishes with polenta and he explores recipes without gluten. A few years ago he even applied to a goulash cooking competition in Kranj with a friend, where they won. He still keeps the medal and the pot at home. Even though he has gotten used to gluten-free food, he explains, with a sparkle in his eyes that he sometimes misses a really "good, freshly baked donut".

During our conversation, Nace confides in us that he hasn't been drinking alcohol for 10 years. If anyone encourages him, to drink something stronger, he playfully declines: "When you have a baby, I will drink to their health." And he stays true to this. He maybe drinks once or twice per year, at a really special opportunity or dinner.

He joined the group without any greater expectations

His integration into the group happened at the speed of light. "When me and Bojan (Cvjetićanin) got together for a drink, he mentioned that Martin is leaving the group and they're looking for a new member. According to him, I was the most appropriate for that and they wanted to meet up with me at their place (practice space), so we could play something together. This was actually before the concert in Križanke (9th September 2022). In the beginning, I was careful, because I've been in situations where I came into a band and we didn't get along. Being in a group isn't easy. Back then I told Bojan: "Let's get together and get a feel for each other." Prior to that, I didn't know the other members. I entered slightly reserved, without any greater expectations," he describes the beginning of his collaboration with the other members of Joker Out.

(Ph: Aleksandra Saša Prelesnik)

"Then we played together a bit. After Križanke, we didn't see each other for a bit, because Kris went to travel in Peru. When he returned, we started practicing again, because we had a performance waiting for us. Martin decided he wouldn't play anymore, I had not yet been an official member of the band, but I did go and play with them." And the rest is, as we like to say, history.

"I wanted to justify being in the band"

The new third album of Joker Out, 'Souvenir Pop' is especially dear to Nace, as it is, as previously mentioned, his first album that he created together with the rest of the band members.

"Maybe I slept a bit worse the final nights when we were finishing up the album. Maybe because of that I was slightly more nervous, because I wanted to justify being in the band and the fact that some new good songs were made. For example, the single 'Carpe Diem', which was accepted greatly, as well as 'Šta bih ja' and 'Bluza', which are amazing songs to me. I also want the same for the other songs on the album. More or less, I felt some kind of pressure that this album has to be really good."

The new album of course has a whiff of foreign countries, as we find songs in two other languages besides Slovene: English and Serbian. But for sure, this album will not have an identical sound as the previous two albums.

(Ph: Vita Orehek)

"I think that everything that Bojan sings and we play is Joker Out. You can't escape that. But for sure, it doesn't sound the same as the previous albums. We all played those songs so often that you want something different in a while to make the concert more interesting. The song 'Carpe Diem' already doesn't sound the same as the previous album to my ears. Maybe the new album sounds more closely like a combination of 'Carpe Diem', 'Šta bih ja' and 'Everybody's Waiting'. That's the genre we're moving in. But there are definitely some surprises on the album, which caused some doubt in me during the middle stage, where I was wondering if this even fits on the album. But now that I listen to the album as a whole, I actually really like it," he says and is satisfied with the final product.

The order of the songs on the album is placed into a story. "I think that Kris described it very well in an interview. The first part of the album takes place right after Eurovision, this hype (circus, noise), confidence, this kind of power, surreality. The second part of the album represents the time after you've taken a step back and summarised all of this. At the same time, some dark things can come out during that time. The second half is a bit more dark and I think we nicely captured the transition into this," he clarifies.

Album cover taken between the sheets

If their last album covers were in colour, this one is black and white. On it, the boys pose in between the sheets. The picture was taken on the morning of the Eurovision final.

"Maybe none of us is perfect in this picture, but we all agreed that this picture isn't just some visual image, but it also has some kind of energy, which tells us exactly what was happening then. You look at this picture and you see some kind of energy between us, a bit of nervousness..." describes Nace.

Album cover of their new album 'Souvenir Pop'. (Ph: Joker Out archive)

The bassist likes it, if the songs jump from genre to genre on albums. "So you don't get bored, when you listen to it as a whole." Each song carries its own story and a kind of emotional charge. Between the new songs you can find ones that especially touched him.

"The first one that really touched me is for sure 'Carpe Diem', it's our first song together after all. Then the seventh song on the album ('Lips'), because is contains the most of me. Already the idea for it was created on a laptop in bed and not at the place with the band. The creative process alone connected me with it, it for sure is one of the most different, striking songs. When you'll listen to it, you'll see what I mean. The ninth song ('Sonce') is a ballad. When I listen to it, it doesn't matter how I'm feeling at that moment, it always touches me. With that song I like: the topic of the song, the lyrics itself and how Bojan serves it. When I played it to my mum, she got teary-eyed."

(Ph: Nace Jordan's private archive)

They experimented with different instruments on this album. Nace first and foremost plays bass, but recently he also bought a Wurlitzer piano (a type of piano which you plug into electricity). "It's a very dear instrument to me and I finally got to buy it. The same week I bought it, I put it into a new song," excitedly tells the 30-year old, who, for the album, alongside the bass also recorded another guitar, marracas and other pianos and programmed the drums, where there are no acoustic drums.

He often takes on the role of an older brother

In the group Nace takes place of someone who takes care of all the studio things. "I already did this in the past and I felt at home with it. When we were finishing up the album, I took care that the album was be finished on time. The last three weeks before the album was finished, I shared our Producer's Žare Pak's biorhythm which means I was up from 4pm until 10 am." (smiles)

As he is the oldest, turning 30 this year, he often takes on the role of an older brother. With his responsibility and mature approach he takes care of the other members: "Boys, today let's maybe hold back a bit, we have a long weekend ahead of us. Sometimes they make fun of me because of it, but the following day at least one of them is probably grateful." (smiles)

"We encourage each other"

It doesn't happen often that members of a band are also privately good friends. We can say that this certainly isn't true when it comes to Joker Out. As friends they support each other at all moments, go on holiday together, spend their free time together, hang out during social evenings, which creates a unique energy amongst them, which can be felt by the audience at every concert. This friendhsip gives their music additional depth and energy, because of which their fans feel as though they are a part of their story.

(Ph: Damon Baker)

The dynamic between members naturally changes and develops through time. Together they experience new challenges, creative processes and personal transitions, which effects their relationships. Slowly, special bonds are created between them because of this - with some they connect on a deeper emotional level, with some more in a business sense.

"When I feel bad or I want to talk about deeper matters with someone that person will certainly be Bojan. Because he really knows how to get close to a person in that moment and give them good advice. With Kris we are both more business orientated and we have almost daily conversations about what we have to do and what we have to improve. Because of this we often go and grab a coffee and we see each other the most. With Jure you will never just be sitting down, but you have to do another activity as well. A love for keyboards connects me and Jan, we talk the most about music. Jan also often inspires me with his manner of playing," say Nace, who with Jan forms a fantastic guitar duo on stage.

(Ph: Vita Orehek)

Their collaboration is energetic, synchronised and soaked with the right amount of improvisation, which concert goers already feel during the first chords. Their connection is expressed through music, as they can easily communicate through looks alone while playing and improve their performance. This authentic relaxed chemistry between then is something so natural that they have also moved this to the audience.

(Ph: Profimedia)

He takes care of his stamina at night

The Jokers are famous for their dynamic performances, where stamina comes in handy. "It's definitely easier, if you have some stamina. I try to keep it up. Sometimes a bit better, sometimes a bit worse. When I come on stage, I want to support what I'm doing with movement, with my body and to someone in the audience, who is looking at you and wants your attention, I try to give it back tenfold. I try to put myself into the shoes of a fan because I know exactly what I would like. We provide each other with energy, so it's very important that we're in a good mood during our performances. We encourage each other, support each other."

Recently he spends a lot of time at the piano, which relaxes him. As a true Gorenjska local he also loves mountains, but he's recently been running out of spare time. "I like going to the hills very much, but I sadly go so rarely that I'm almost embarassed to say. The walking really relaxes me. I would also like to fish more. Me and Bojan are very amateur fishermen, but that's our common interest."

He mentions that he also likes to run and swim. "I am the funniest runner in the world, because I run between 11pm and midnight. I often look behind me and also run faster. (laughter) Getting out of the door is the most difficult. I admit, it's sometimes torture, but the satisfaction after I'm finished is then that much greater. Running also helps my mental health a lot."

(Ph: Vita Orehek)

New family member - dachshund Pino

A few months ago, Nace's life was enriched by a new family member, an adorable dachshund named Pino. He was named after the amazing English bassist with Italian roots, Pino Palladino, who performed with Adele, Paul Young, The Who, Nine Inch Nails and others. At first, Pino was a bit shy, but he quickly won his heart over.

"In the beginning I always needed a sitter for him. Now we've progressed so far that he can be home alone a bit longer. It's definitely some kind of additional responsibilty, but he made my life better. When I come home he is very honestly happy to see me. Nothing can replace this feeling. Everyone who has a dog knows this well. He also won a right to the bed, he sleeps with me. I spoiled him a bit much," he honestly admits while laughing.

In the past months Nace's life is being made better by the dachshund Pino. (Ph: Nace Jordan's private archive)

Even though taking care of a dog is an additional responsibilty, Nace is grateful for his new furry friend and the feeling of unconditional love, which can only be understood by those, who have a dog.

For the ending, we were interested in what has been the greatest lecture he has learned in the past year, "Oof, great question. I don't now if I've learned it, but I'm still trying. At the moment when something wasn't going my way, I always wanted to do anything to solve it. Now, I've realised that it's much better to take a step back and look at things from a different perspective and then return."

[s33th1ngg]

Hello!

(porn blogs get the fuck out)

Movies I like: The Phantom of The Opera, A Clockwork Orange, American Psycho, Fight Club, Psycho, Buffalo 66, Alice in Wonderland, The Babysitter, Ginger Snaps, Jennifer's Body, Coraline, Cabaret, 5 Broken Cameras, Good Will Hunting, Lolita, The Virgin Suicides, X trilogy, Heathers, Priscilla, Promising Young Woman, Last Night in Soho, The Love Witch, The Bikeriders, The Menu, Ready or Not, IT, Nightcrawler, Les Misérables, Silver Linings Playbook, Gone Girl, My Skinny Sister, Speak, Mysterious Skin, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Thirteen, Black Swan, 500 Days of Summer, The Substance, Hot Fuzz, Scary Movie, Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind, Zero Day, Prozac Nation, Girl Interrupted, Gia, But I'm a Cheerleader, Matilda, Tesis, Léon: The Professional, The Craft, Addams Family, Possession, Christiane F, The Silence of The Lambs, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Donnie Darko, The Truman Show, Edward Scissorhands

Shows I like: Killing Eve, The End of The Fucking World, Fleabag, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Skins, Shameless, Family Guy, American Dad, Bojack Horseman, Arcane, Dexter, You, GLOW, Orange Is the New Black, Russian Doll, The Queen's Gambit, American Horror Story, Scream Queens, Baby Reindeer, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Ever After High

Artists/Bands/Soundtracks I like: Lana Del Rey, Boy Fantasy, Deftones, Slipknot, Picture Me Broken, Flyleaf, Kittie, Lady Gaga, Nirvana, Hole, Melissa Auf der Maur, Dazey and the Scouts, Unloved, Bikini Kill, Christian Death, The Phantom Of The Opera, Love Never Dies, Cabaret, Psycho, Lolita, Totono, Saya no Uta, Killing Eve, Heathers

Youtube channels I like: Jordan Theresa, Not Even Emily, Shanspear, Nikki Carreon, Kennie JD, Cinema Therapy, Kat Blaque, Nick Crowley, Eleanor Neale, Lindsay Ellis, Final Girl Studios

Stuff on my list: Palo Alto, Metropolis, The Shining, Carrie, The Crow, Helter Skelter, American Beauty, Paris Texas

You can send me stuff you like + opinions, always happy to see ^_^

[rhysdarbinizedarby]

Rhys Darby returns to New Zealand for two huge milestones - Spy

Rhys Darby is back in New Zealand.

Why is Kiwi comedy star Rhys Darby back in New Zealand?

Rhys Darby is returning from his base in Los Angeles for a double celebration over the next few weeks - his 50th birthday and a special event to mark his 25 years working as a stand-up comic.

“I’m home for my 50th birthday celebrations,” he reveals to Spy.

Darby hits the big milestone on March 21 and says he, his wife and manager Rosie are planning on a shared party with their family and friends.

A week later, Darby will be in proud parent mode as his eldest son Finn’s band, Great Big Cow, will be performing at The Whammy Bar on Karangahape Rd on March 27.

“So, as a cool dad, I’ll be there of course, with my band manager suit on,” he says.

There will be fun and laughter to have on Waiheke Island the following week too. Popular island spot Wild Estate Vineyard in Onetangi has secured Darby for an exclusive one-off New Zealand show with an intimate audience of only 200 tickets.

Punters can be sure Darby’s will be giving the native birds on the island a squawk for their money with his famous bird calls from his 2021 TV stand-up show Mystic Time Bird.

“The show is called ‘25 Years’ - it is a celebration of my stand-up career,” say Darby.

“I’ve hand-picked the best material from my five comedy specials, and I’ve also added some new stuff,” he divulges. “It’s all killer, so the audience can expect me having a blast, and so I’m sure they will too.”

Wild Estate has become the go-to live venue on Waiheke for comedy and live gigs; last month, the Jordan Luck Band rocked the vineyard, and comedians Nick Rado, Tony Lyall, Paul Douglas and Ruby Esther have all had successful stand-up nights there too.

Darby has been home several times over the last few years, whether to film with his mate Taika Waititi in West Auckland for the second season of their hit HBO Max show Our Flag Means Death in late 2022, or his Kiwi road trip with David Hasselhoff called Hoff the Beaten Track last spring.

Darby finished the year with aplomb, hosting the 51st International Emmy Awards in New York in November.

The production company for his road trip show, Stripe Studios, made headlines last month with the New Zealand Herald’s Media Insider column, penned by Shayne Currie, reporting Stripe for unpaid bills. The production company also filmed a travel-style show with US comedian Iliza Shlesinger. Currie reported the Netflix comedy star is applying to have Stripe Studios (Comedy) Ltd liquidated. Stuff followed up this story, reporting Hasselhoff was also owed money from the production company.

Darby politely had no comment on the state of his and The Hoff’s road trip show, but sources say Darby played a big part in getting as many of its Kiwi crew as he could paid by Stripe.

However, Darby did share that Hollywood has been rather wet and dull so far this year. “I have a few top-secret TV and film projects in development, which I am really looking forward to.”

“What I can reveal is: I’ve been involved in Mukpuddy’s awesome adaptation of Badjelly the Witch,” he says.

“I think it’s going to be so so good!”

Source: NZ Herald

[borgialucrezia]

Lowkey if Juan had an arc about his time in Spain, how would you write it?? I hadn’t thought about the resemblance between Lucrezia and his wife before this blog and now my eyes are OPEN. Do you think she would catch on?? I also find it interesting considering the contrast between Lucrezia and Sancia, who Juan maybe didn’t love but was at least physically attracted to. Like how much it manifests in his subconscious as the family becomes more entrenched in the papacy (and by extension the more he is torn from the siblings he wants to cling to) is insane

"Neil [Jordan] was always keen on Juan coming back different and secure and grounded. That’s how I wanted to play it when he came back. I think the shock of Lucrezia actually manning up and trying to kill him had a huge effect as well. He’s growing and maturing. He definitely was becoming an adult. Certainly there are moments in the second season where he manipulates other people in a similar the way they’ve been manipulating him. The scene between Jeremy and myself with the dagger is a last ditch frantic attempt at trying to win him over. It’s kinda successful in a weird way. He’s just a bit useless at that point" — DAVID OAKES

knowing the intent behind his development while he was in spain, i would have definitely focused on his experiences, challenges, and growth. i feel that if the show had given more screen time to juan during his time in spain, his downward spiral would have been even more sorrowful than it already is. it would've allowed more people to understand and empathize with his character, making his untimely fate more poignant. considering he has always been one of the most intriguing morally ambiguous characters and such a tragic figure throughout the show, exploring his time in spain could have added depth.

i imagine him spending a lot of his time there thinking and self-reflecting on what went wrong between him and lucrezia, his baby sister whom he's fond of and with whom he is his best self. she loved him until yesterday. and in losing her love for him, he loses a chunk of his capacity for kindness. after she tried to kill him, everything slowly hits him:

the peasant he murdered wasn't some random guy who wanted to take advantage of his 'angelic sister'; he was his sister's lover. his sister tried to murder him back. and that manic episode juan had after the realization that his face is just like, 'my beloved lucrezia tried to kill me…'—a kind of shock of knowing she hated him and facing up to it.

then his father threatens him with peasanthood if he doesn't shape up and get married, and subsequently exiles him to spain, leaving him to cry shamefully and out of frustration because he doesn't quite comprehend why everyone is angry at him, since he believes what he has done is to protect his sister and family in general lol.

what takes the cake for him is cesare and lucrezia solidifying their relationship by banding against him. the fact that seeing her aligning herself with their brother (who already hated him for not measuring up to the family's expectations and sees him only as a hindrance) against him is really what has provoked juan to act like an arrogant narcissist towards lucrezia. he spitefully refuses to admit he has wronged her (even though we saw him earlier feeling remorse and trying to make amends), instead, he bickers with her.

at juan's departure to spain family dinner, he makes a speech of gratitude to their mother, who, he says, held the family together through all their early hardships in rome, despite the romans' harsh treatment of her. it's basically a speech about how their blood binds them and they should all stick together instead of fighting. this is one of the main reasons i'm fond of his character because, despite his troublesome nature, he has self-awareness about their hurt and his self-destructive nature driven by pettiness. during the speech, he appears genuinely serious, devoid of snarkiness, conveying hurt caused by their internal conflicts. he's too complex yet heartfelt about his feelings for his family and always has their best interest at heart, even when having misguided notions to protect them.

*a moment of silence for the most fucked up dysfunctional incestuous siblings ever*

"I felt in the second season I got to play every aspect of Juan’s character. Some of which I would have liked to explore further, but he kind of had a finite life expectancy (laughs). Opposite François, it was nice to watch Cesare do something, which he probably shouldn’t have done. You can kind of justify most of what he does but as soon as you get that final sequence you realize that Cesare is doing something purely for his personal jealousy. I always wanted to play that. You’ve got this boy. And he is a boy at that stage still. He’s confessing that he’s always been quite miserable and been quite harsh on himself. He’s given them every opportunity to change their mind and see him for what he is. The ability (for Juan) to come back from Spain and be everything that everyone didn’t expect me to be. You get this noble character, who comes back and you think he’s been made into a better character. There’s a strength of character to Juan that everyone doesn’t give (him) quite enough credit for. I think he would have actually won Forlì if it weren’t for his brother. He finally gets things in order. He finally starts to work well. He gets a whole siege together and it’s working. Then it all turns around because of Cesare. And he gets shot in the leg (laughs). How many times must he try to get something right before someone ruins it for him (laughs). He has the worst luck. He never gets a good break. A lot of the times it's his own fault – he’s a bit of a douchebag. But every now and then when he gets it right, he still gets it in the end. He does a successful siege. He loses. He apologizes to his brother and gives his heart to him. And he still gets stabbed and thrown off a bridge (laughs)." — DAVID OAKES

*self-indulgently posting juan/lucrezia for shipping biases purposes*

in his triumphant return to the vatican from spain, he bears gifts to the family members whom he hurt and felt betrayed by, as a way to win back their respect. his father was so happy to see his younger son back that he even forgot about their last confrontation, which had also affected juan, besides his sister telling him he should ask for her forgiveness for 'being himself' and toying with his fear by threatening to visit him in spain to try to kill him there. keeping her cunning wrath in mind, he presents her with a beautiful, rare panther in a gilded, heart-shaped cage. the gift not only symbolizes his love for her but also reflects his perception of her. the panther represents her feistiness and beauty, while the gilded cage signifies her entrapment within their father's ambitions. the image of the panther biting her also symbolizes their eternal disconnection, despite his efforts to earn her respect and reconcile with her. he attempts to bridge the gap, but he never quite succeeds.

and this sequence is so special to me because of his maturity, as he stopped drinking and sleeping around in brothels. like he genuinely wants to impress his family since he had enough of being the screw-up who tries not to mess up, etc. i think cesare's betrayal of him at forlì has shaken him to his core and made him return to his old habits, and it doesn't help knowing that he has a disease rotting him while alive. considering how juan was aware that cesare tried to seize him from his position at first, but didn't expect that he'd even attempt to indirectly kill him to get the position that juan has, since he never even took his quarrel with cesare seriously and would never betray him despite everything. when juan tried to make rodrigo believe him about cesare's scheming, yet rodrigo refused to believe juan and implied giving his position to cesare, that's when he grabbed the knife and truly threatened to kill himself and guilt-trip rodrigo into keeping it...

wait i just realized this is getting too long (and a bit off-topic) oops! to answer your question, i don't think lucrezia would ever realize that juan has chosen a wife who bears a striking resemblance to her. for those who don't know or haven't noticed, it wasn't the real maria's portrait used in the show, but rather a picture of someone who resembles holliday grainger's features (curly blond hair, full lips, and chubby cheeks) as some sort of subtext of juan's feelings for lucrezia. i don't think juan even realizes that he has incestuous feelings for lucrezia, unlike cesare who already knows but is repressed about them. lucrezia didn't even suspect juan's drunken, stalkerish behavior, his anger-driven jealousy, and his obsession over her purity, all of which could stem from incestuous feelings lol.

like any privileged, womanizing youth in a patriarchal system, he enjoyed his carnal relationship with sancia, struck by her beauty. she asserts her dominance in the relationship with her fearless personality and seductive charm. it was exciting for her too as marrying into the family didn't stop her from living her life and having an affair. that being said, there was no romance between them, and it was rather obvious that none of the three siblings had managed to find a romantic relationship that would actually work...

it's sad that cesare, lucrezia, and juan are unaware that they're cursed with being incestuously involved with each other, either emotionally or physically. these taboo feelings stem from the dysfunctional and unhealthy dynamics that have driven them to extremes with each other, leaving them feeling trapped in their father's vicious cycle of ambitions. while lucrezia and cesare realize this and act on it, leading to the collapse of everything around them, juan only realizes it when it's too late, through an opium-induced moment of clarity. however, his siblings will always see him as someone who antagonizes them, when in reality it's quite the opposite. there are so many misunderstandings, misconceptions, etc. peak doomed siblings kind of tragedy tbh

[jordanianroyals]

King Abdullah II, Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan attended the national event marking the Silver Jubilee, held on the 25th Accession to the Throne Day on 9 June 2024.

Upon Their Majesties’ arrival to the event venue surrounded by the Red Motorcade, the national anthem was played and Royal Jordanian Air Force fighter jets conducted a fly-past.

Around 9,000 Jordanians attended the event, including members of the Royal family, senior officials and officers, and diplomats from Arab and foreign countries.

The event highlighted Jordan’s achievements throughout a quarter of a century, through a military parade by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security agencies, showcasing the latest developments in these national institutions, reflecting the high professionalism and commitment of its personnel.

Around 3,200 personnel from all military and security formations and units marched before the stands.

The military parade also showcased various JAF vehicles, including tanks, cannons, and other weapons recently introduced to service, as well as defence machinery manufactured by the Jordan Design and Development Bureau, along with air shows by the Royal Jordanian Air Force, and free falling paratroopers.

The JAF musical band also performed at the event.

During the event, His Majesty and the attendees saluted border guards and anti-terrorism troops, as well as cadres who participated in airdrops to Gaza and worked at the field hospitals in the strip, in recognition of their efforts, and their role in safeguarding Jordan’s stability.

The event also featured cultural and folklore segments representing all governorates performed by over 1000 young men and women, with 12 floats representing each governorate.

A group of young Jordanians performed the Silver Jubilee anthem and another national song composed for the occasion.

[androxys]

Comic Ages: Quick Breakdowns of the Dark and Modern Ages

Yesterday I wrote a quick writeup of the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Ages of Comics. Savvy readers may have noticed that those ages ended at 1986, and yet comics have continued to be published. So what Age are we in now? That's what this writeup discusses!

The Dark Age (1986-2016)

After Crisis on Infinite Earths ended in 1986, DC got to make a whole new continuity! The comics that came at this point in time form the foundation of a lot of the characters and stories that we know today. For a good bit of time, we called The Dark Age the Modern Age, because at that point it was modern! But now that we’re nearly forty years removed from Crisis and comics are still being published, there was a fair question about just how “Modern” it was. I’m using the verbiage that DC seems to be endorsing themself—I learned the phrase “The Dark Age” from 2022’s Batman—The Ultimate Guide reference book. Calling this period a Dark Age is not an indictment about the quality of work in this period, rather, it’s to reflect the doubling down on darker, grimmer stories. Crisis ended in 1986, followed almost immediately by Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns, two stories very interested in deconstructing the figure of a hero with a cynical eye. While these stories were not in the main DC canon, they would reverberate on the tone of what was to come.

Within the main DC canon, huge shakeups were occurring. There were no more multiple Earths; instead, there was a single New Earth that incorporated the histories of several Earths. The Justice Society had fought in WWII and retired in the 50s, but were still around and able to mentor the younger generation of heroes. There was only ever the one Superman and Batman figure, though DC would later figure out a way to have a Wonder Woman both in the present and among the Justice Society. Many of DC’s biggest heroes were getting revamps to introduce their new continuity: The Man of Steel miniseries detailed Superman’s new origin and once again established him as the sole survivor of Krypton. The Batman: Year One story that ran thorough Batman #403-407 detailed the early history of this Caped Crusader, revamping Jim Gordon and Selina Kyle in the process. Wonder Woman saw her title relaunched with a new #1, with George Perez taking the helm of a sprawling epic that redefined the character. The darker tone of the Dark Age continued to manifest. The Killing Joke was published in 1988, depicting the shooting of Barbara Gordon by the Joker, followed quickly by Jason Todd’s murder in A Death in the Family. Major comic events of the early 90s involved the villain Bane breaking Batman’s back and the monster Doomsday killing Superman.

In the mid 90s, DC was forced to reconcile with the truth that while Crisis had mostly succeeded in tidying things up, things were once again getting messy. To solve this, DC published the Zero Hour event, officially titled Zero Hour: Crisis in Time! (DC really loves to slap the “Crisis” title on anything load-bearing) Zero Hour, published in 1994, featured the Silver Age hero Hal Jordan becoming the villain Parallax and trying to undo time. Heroes banded together to stop him, though the timeline was slightly altered. This introduced many soft retcons—retroactive continuity fixes—that aimed to make things make a bit more sense. The jury still seems to be out on if it succeeded. 

By the early 2000s, DC decided that it was ready for a sequel to Crisis on Infinite Earths, which they helpfully named Infinite Crisis. This event saw the return of several characters from the original Crisis, and more crucially, the return of a multiverse to DC Comics. This multiverse would be refined such that rather than an infinite multiverse of infinite Earths, there were now 52 parallel worlds. Some of the new worlds were established as callbacks to previously depicted alternate Earths, while some were new. Other major events within the Dark Age were Final Crisis, which saw the “death” of Bruce Wayne by Darkseid, and Blackest Night, which saw deceased heroes and villains resurrected as zombies by Black Lantern rings to feast on the emotions of the living.

In 2011, DC decided it was time for another major revamp. They wanted the characters younger and less burdened, and decided to launch The New 52 and end the era of post-Crisis New Earth. This was done with the Flashpoint story, which featured Barry Allen, the Flash, attempting to go back in time and prevent the death of his mother. While well intentioned, this event created a wildly branching timeline that he then had to set right. Though he mostly succeeded, the world Barry returned to was not quite the same. The post-Flashpoint world was dubbed “Prime Earth,” and was… controversial. Much of the post-Flashpoint continuity seemed to harken back to previous Ages–as mentioned, the characters in general were younger. Barbara Gordon, the Silver and Bronze Age Batgirl, was returned to the Batgirl role while her two New Earth successors were written out of continuity. Barry Allen was made the primary Flash of the DC Universe, with the Golden Age’s Jay Garrick and the Bronze/Dark Age’s Wally West removed. 

In 2015, DC would publish the “Convergence” event, which featured an extant Brainiac capturing specific slices from several timelines and pitting them against each other. This included seeing the pre-Crisis Teen Titans operating at the same time as the post-Crisis, pre-Zero Hour Suicide Squad, or the post-Zero Hour but pre-Flashpoint Batgirl. It was messy! But importantly, it showed DC acknowledging their older characters and characterizations, and restoring some of the multiverse that came before.

The Dark Age would eventually come full circle, with the Doomsday Clock event heralding the end of the Dark Age and beginning what we call (for now) the Modern Age. Doomsday Clock was a direct sequel to Watchmen, the iconic comic that helped set the tone for the Dark Age in 1986. Doomsday Clock suggested that part of the reason the New 52 was so different than the pre-Flashpoint New Earth was because Doctor Manhattan, the massively powerful Watchmen character, had removed several years from the timeline to observe how the world would change. Batman and the Flash discovered this meddling during “The Button” storyline, and DC subsequently began its Rebirth initiative.

The Modern Age (2016-Present)

It’s fickle to decide precisely when the Modern Age begins. DC Comics themselves states that the Dark Age ended in 2011, with Flashpoint, though I disagree. Many of the initial New 52 storylines hold on to the darker tone, though there is evidence that around 2014, DC began to pivot away. The DCYou initiative, for example, focused on refreshing some characters to a younger, more upbeat characterization–such as Barbara Gordon in her Batgirl of Burnside era–or by introducing new comics altogether–such as the more lighthearted Gotham Academy series. You may disagree with me on precisely where these eras begin and end, however, and that’s okay.

In 2016, DC began its Rebirth event that sought to reconcile some of the pre-Flashpoint elements into the Prime Earth continuity. This was spearheaded by the return of Wally West, and continued to gradually fold back in pre-Flashpoint elements into the Prime Earth timeline. The events of 2020's Dark Nights and Dark Nights: Death Metal finalized it, placing characters in a sort of super-state of having access to all of the memories of all previous versions of themselves, while still ostensibly having only lived the one life. It’s complicated, but it crucially gave writers the opportunity to have characters make reference to past events that happened on New Earth, canonizing them for the Prime Earth continuity.

The end of the Dark Nights saga resulted in DC’s Future State and Infinite Frontier projects in 2021. Future State’s premise was showing possible futures for various DC characters, and then Infinite Frontier launched characters on possible paths. The emphasis was on this being a new starting point for many characters, both old and new. Jon Kent, the son of Superman, had his own title launched during this time, and Yara Flor, a new Wonder Woman, got a miniseries. On the Nightwing title, a new creative team took over to steer the character out of the “Ric Grayson” amnesia arc, restoring Nightwing to his traditional hero status.

In 2022, DC would publish Dark Crisis, later rebranded Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths (see what I mean about them just reusing the same words for emphasis?) which saw many classic DC villains from across different eras brought together by a powerful force. This continued to delve into the DC Multiverse and establish that everything was metaphorically on the table, leading to the Dawn of DC initiative. Similarly to Infinite Frontier, Dawn of DC was about fresh starts, new beginnings, and updates so that new readers could jump in. The Justice League was disbanded in the wake of Dark Crisis, leading the Titans to become the preeminent Superhero team. The Superman title was relaunched at #1, and many books got new creative teams.

It’s always easier to retrospectively talk about something that has concluded rather than to actively analyze something ongoing. However, I think so far it’s fair to say that DC is attempting to use the Modern Age to craft a more expansive, perpetually new universe. Old characters are getting new attention, new characters are being created, and the depth and breadth of DC’s publication is getting highlighted. The current Modern Age has seen DC focus on expanding its Young Adult graphic novels since 2019, and DC announced in 2024 that they would be bringing back the Elseworlds imprint to tell alternate universe stories. DC has committed to telling more diverse stories in the Modern Age, which I think is crystalized in the various “Celebration” issues published. DC’s annual Pride anthology started in 2021, and subsequent celebration anthologies have featured Asian American and Black heroes and creators. While we don’t know when the current Modern Age will end (I’m already hedging my bets on this eventually being called the “Rebirth Age”) I do think the future is bright.

[herpsandbirds]

Hello! Do you have any fun critters from Ecuador (especially birds, but really any interesting critters)?

Animales de Ecuador:

As you may know, I worked and lived in Ecuador for a year, and it was one of the best times of my life. Here are some animals that I got to know while I was there...

Many-banded Araçari (Pteroglossus pluricinctus), HE SCREMMM!!!, family Ramphastidae, order Piciformes

photograph by Jeff Dyck

Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta), family Anhimidae, order Anseriformes, found in central and northern South America

Mainly herbivorous waterfowl, in the same order as ducks and geese, but in a different family.

Screamers prefer to walk/wade through their habitats, instead of swimming. They can swim, but are not as proficient as ducks and geese.

Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) aka “Stink Turkey”, family Opisthocomidae, order Opisthocomiformes

The only living member of the bird order Opisthocomiformes.

This leaf-eating bird uses foregut fermentation, in its enlarged crop, to help break down its food. (The ferementation is where the smell comes from, which gives it the name “Pavo Apestoso”)

They live in vegetation at the edges of lakes, streams, and rivers.

The young have 2 small claws on the fronts of the wingsthat help them climb through vegetation.

photograph by Angus Pritchard & Brodie Hopkins Media

Northern Caiman Lizard (Dracaena guianensis), family Teiidae, found across NW and north central South America

Aquatic, feeds on large snails

photograph by Bill Hallier, Nathan Jordan, BryGuy Reptiles

Amazon Basin Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus batesii), family Boidae

This species was once considered to be a population of the Emerald Tree Boa, Corallus caninus, but was made a distinct species in 2009.

photograph by Elson Meneses-Pelayo

Variable Clown Tree Frog (Dendropsophus triangulum) “giraffe morph”, family Hylidae

photograph by Cristian Torica

[princecharmingwinks]

Sterek Fic Rec - February 2023. Goodness, this month has been busy. But it is still Feb here so I’m taking it! Please enjoy the below :)

I Can Give You the Constellations by skoosiepants (1/1 | 9K | Teen)

“I’m just going to pretend this isn’t happening. I’m going to close my eyes, and when I open them again, I’ll be back on Atlantis, sleeping in my tiny bunk, eating reconstituted potatoes and putting googly eyes on rocks to freak out Jared.”

Or—

How Captain Derek Hale and Dr. Stiles Stilinski keep managing to save each other’s lives…in space!

5 Times Stiles Said I Love You and 1 Time He Meant It by literaryoblivion (1/1 | 3K | Teen)

Five times Stiles told Derek he loved him, and one time he meant it. (I mean title's pretty self-explanatory right?)

My Friend Thinks You're Cute by fairytalesandfolklore (1/1 | 2K | Teen)

A Sterek College AU And that's when Stiles sees him, standing in the middle of the crowd, swathed in a black leather jacket, eyes alight as he flashes Stiles the most dazzlingly perfect smile. Derek The Music Major. The guy Stiles has had a massive crush on ever since they shared a class together in Stiles's freshman year. The guy who went on to graduate later that spring and leave town to go on tour with his band. The guy who composed such beautiful music that it made Stiles fall even more stupidly in love with him when he happened upon one of his live performances on YouTube the following summer. The guy who wrote the lyrics to the song he’s currently up on stage singing motherfucking karaoke to. Derek Hale, Beacon Hills sweetheart, local legend, and international rising star.

you can wear my sweater (if i can have your heart) by elisela (1/1 | 12K | Teen)

“It’s fine,” Stiles says, but he stops at the bottom of the porch when Derek closes a hand around his elbow. His scent is evening out, mellowing from humiliation to embarrassment, and his heart skips a few beats when Derek touches him. “Really, I misread everything. Jordan said—” he stops, again, and Derek has to stop himself from asking because what Jordan said isn’t the most pressing issue.

“I thought you were joking,” he says, keeping Stiles’ arm still even as he starts to pull away. “Whatever Jordan said, he didn’t tell me. You’ve been teasing me for weeks, I didn’t think this was any different.”

Stiles turns to face him, and this time when he pulls his arm back, Derek lets go. “I’ve been asking you out for weeks,” he says, a thin trace of amusement through the resignation in his voice. “It’s fine, dude, just a misunderstanding. I’ll stop.”

We belong to the light (we belong to the thunder) by GreyHaven (1/1 | 3K | Explicit)

Stiles doesn't want to hurt Derek. Except when he really really does. And who better to hurt than a werewolf who will heal from anything he dishes out?

Not all treasure is silver and gold by princecharmingwinks (10/10 | 26K | Mature | Yes, this is mine!)

Captain Derek Hale is on a mission and he needs a fearless crew. His betrothed has been kidnapped, his family lives in exile and he harbours a dangerous secret. Enter Lady Erica Reyes, the perfect Quartermaster to join the crew. Erica has her own reasons for needing to escape her seaside town. An abusive father with a suggested 'arrangement' has forced her to create her own future.

A Derek and Erica friendship on the high seas, all in the name of love and family. Because not all treasure is silver and gold.

how to court a werewolf by graveltotempo (1/1 | 6K | General)

Stiles accidentally begins a courtship with Derek. Wary at first, the werewolf accepts, and Stiles ticks off all the boxes of a traditional Hale werewolf courting - oblivious to the whole thing.

Because of course he is.

Peter thinks the entire thing is hilarious.

Cora thinks that they deserve each other.

(spoiler alert: they do)

you could be the one that i love by whenwordsmakesense (1/1 | 2K | Teen)

It’s a good time in Beacon Hills.

Stiles thinks so, right until the moment he’s on his fifth bite of burger and his dad’s staring down his own.

“You know, son, one day you are gonna have to make your boyfriend meet me.”

Stiles chokes on his burger.

Dessert's on Me by halcyon1993 (1/1 | 4K | Explicit)

Derek comes home to find Stiles baking in nothing but an apron.

Re-edited 2nd February 2022.

Soulsick by theroguesgambit (1/1 | 3K | Teen)

Derek loathes this idiot of a soulmate, whoever they are. For not coming to Stiles’ call, for being too useless do just to this one simple thing, for failing Stiles, proving how utterly unworthy they are before they’ve ever met him. -- Stiles is cursed with a disease that will eventually destroy his soul unless his soulmate helps strengthen it. The pack performs a ritual to call his soulmate to his side. But days pass and no one appears...

Maybe they're already here?

princecharmingwinks special mention (Derek has some extremely hot lines in this! hot damn! And I love him so protective and Stiles is so smitten)

so now you've got the best of me (come on and take the rest of me) by mangotangos (1/1 | 18K | Explicit)

"It doesn't matter how hot Derek is, how Stiles barely comes up to his shoulders or how Derek's hands could probably fit really snugly around his waist. None of it matters, because he's basically a glorified babysitter for the foreseeable future and Stiles wants him out. Operation annoy Deputy Derek Hale into leaving begins now."

~or, the one where Stiles' dad hires Deputy Derek to be Stiles' bodyguard, Stiles hates him on principle and then 2 seconds later falls in lust (and love) and tries to seduce him into bed with his sexual prowess.

It was my birthday this month and it feels appropriate that I slipped in my big big pirate fic ;) See you all next week!

[cookiesupplier]

Every Rose Has Its Thorns - Part Forty

pairing: Ricky Olson x ofc x Chris 'Motionless' Cerulli

warnings/tropes: slow burn, soulmates, strangers to enemies to lovers, betrayal, angst, fluff, smut, language, online bullying, panic attacks, stalking, mental health issues, conspiracy theories.

summary: In a world where soulmates inexplicably receive a tattoo that will match that of their soulmate the moment they turn eighteen years old, being famous and covered in very visible tattoos can make finding your true soulmate a questionable fate. For everyone involved.

author’s note: Unbeta'd as usual, enjoy!

To read from the beginning, check out the Masterlist Here!

tags: @tearfallpixie @cncohshit @jordynyingling0219 @faceless-mirror

@nyxthedestroyerofworlds @wild-child-7747 @witchyweeb34 @black-damask1999

@jilliemiw86 @ilovesamkiszka @lyschko666 @lacktoesandtoddlerants

@bngurngheart @collapsedglasshouses @laurpartyprogram @sunsshinesunny

@malerieee @talialovesmiw @shilohrosechicken @thatchickwiththecamera @tamtam-elizabeth

Tag List is Open, please let me know if you would like to be added to it or in general.

Talia had spent most of the morning with Ava. She promised her that Vinny was supportive of them spending some time together today after how the night before had gone, even if they had already been talking so late into the night. They’d decided that they had wanted to go out after being so cooped up, and went window shopping, just like they always used to, while Vinny decided to randomly jump online for a surprise streaming session. The fact that he’d pushed them both out of the door, assuring them that his subscribers would probably just love a surprise stream, eased Talia’s worry that he might be upset about her stealing more time with Ava. 

Really, Talia just didn’t want to be that demanding friend, especially when she was already living in his house, and the thought that she might be verging on outstaying her welcome? It filled her with utter dread. Of course, the moment she was talking to Ava about the possibility of her considering whether it was time for her to go home, she shut her down immediately. Talia had tried to explain she thought she needed to sort things out back there for a little bit, but Ava hadn’t wanted to hear a word about it. She had been insistent that Talia still had so much she still needed to sort out with Ricky, not to mention whatever this was that was happening with Chris. Putting it off was not going to help anything. When Talia had looked at her quickly then, worried that her best friend was attempting to fish for more information about what was going on there. She had been clear the night before she was going to tell her, but not without talking to Chris about that. She knew how Ava could be wanting to know, but Ava knew how she was as well, especially considering her own situation. 

Relationships, soulmates, they weren’t easy, for anyone, at any time, well, Kyle and Jordan didn’t count, they were the lucky few. While it wasn’t a leap to guess this did involve Chris potentially in a relationship sense, Talia had far from even admitted that this had anything to do with this having something to do with Chris’ soulmate. She didn’t know if Vinny has or hasn’t said anything to her about Chris’ soulmate situation. After all it was only the band and his family that knew, and he said as much, he hadn’t mentioned Ava when Chris had told her. 

So they’d gone shopping. Well, they’d gone window shopping, hanging around the stores, and just having fun. It was something they used to do all the time, really just making time to hang out together out and about. Things had gotten in the way, life had got in the way, and it felt good that they could actually take the time to spend together now. It was late afternoon, when they’d gone back to Vinny’s and were finishing up watching a movie together, when Talia got a call from Ricky and Chris. The guys were asking her to come over, when they mentioned that they had an update from Chris contacts, and didn’t want to say anything else over the phone, it had gotten her attention. Oh, oh, that felt a bit weird, so of course, she agreed. She needed to know what they’d found out now.

Leaving Ava to Vinny, chuckling to herself when she got into Ava’s rental car after Vinny laughed about how he was finally getting his girlfriend back after she stole her for the whole day, how dare she.. It was nice to know he was joking. Talia would readily admit, people made her nervous sometimes, especially jokes like that from Vinny. Vinny’s opinion mattered, because Ava mattered, and the thought of ruining that balance between them was definitely a worry, too much, and she wasn’t sure how it would turn out. She was never going to be that friend that would make Ava choose. Knowing everything was fine with him was making it easier, or at least Ava assuring her it was. 

Not that it mattered right now, she was happy that Vinny seemed okay for the moment with Ava. What she was curious about was what Chris seemed to have found out and hadn’t wanted to tell her over the phone. That was what she was wondering as she drove over Chris place, picking up something for dinner on the way, she told them she would, even if it was a little early. She’d offered not wanting to worry about it like last night and if it was anything like yesterday, as fun as it had been, she didn’t think she could handle another night of strawberry covered chocolates. Though, she had a feeling if Rick was going to offer to make dessert again, he wasn’t going to risk those brownies not working a second time. Or worse, would he do the strawberries on purpose.. No, no, it was better she offered to take care of dinner tonight.

So that was how Talia turned up at Chris’ house with a few pizzas in hand. She picked up the meat lovers for Ricky, she knew it was a safe choice for him, vegan mediterranean for Chris because she knew he loved it. She picked up a vegan deluxe for herself as it was something she could share, and it was something they could all eat if they wanted. If she made sure that Ricky’s pizza was the extra spicy version, then that was for her to know after Chris chilli story last night, maybe she was looking forward to seeing his face while he was eating it. The first bite wasn’t that bad, she knew that much, it was as you continued to eat it, that was when the heat really hit, but all the same, that was how she turned up, pizza, garlic bread, drinks.. Dinner all ready.

Almost as soon as she rang the bell the door swung open and Chris was right there, just like last time, so it made her curious what was happening. He looked, well, she wasn’t sure if he was just nervous, excited, what was that look in his eyes as he seemed to want to vibrate out of his skin? Between Chris and Rick, who seemed to pop out of nowhere the next second to usher her into the house, both of them taking the small stack of pizza and food from her arms as they brought her in. There was a strange energy vibrating as she looked between the two of them right then, a tingle running down her spine as they ushered her into the house.

It was starting to get to be a familiar feeling, sitting around the couches together, talking. Only this time, Ricky felt different. Instead of wound up and tense as a coil as he had been the last few times, he had hope. After all the mistakes, the missteps he’d been making with Talia, after how horribly he’d treated her, he knew he needed to make it up to her. Ricky had hope. He felt a bit more relaxed. That wasn’t to say he wasn’t sitting there, a little wound up, but tonight, at least, it was for a different reason. 

So as they were eating dinner, Rick let Chris take the reins for explaining everything with Micah. He started going over everything with the message board, and the freaky first phone call, then the weird spy craft moment that Rick had,

“Are you going to get to the point of the story any time soon, Chris?”

Ricky chuckled as he asked after he swallowed a bite of his pizza, glancing at Talia, the spicy sauce dancing on his tongue as he did. He knew what she’d done with his pizza, the smirk on her lips told the story what she was waiting for, he wasn’t going to give it to her. This was nothing compared to Chris’ chilli, nothing. Cheeky, though, very cheeky. He did wink to her though, he’d give her this one.

“If you want to take over, Ricky, be my guest.”

Smirking, as his attention returned to Chris.

“No, go ahead, he’ll get to the important part eventually, Sweetheart, I swear.”

Taking another bite of his pizza, it actually wasn’t bad. He was going to have to ask Talia later if it was a specific change she made to the order, or just a different pizza she’d bought to the ones he’d usually go with. After, of course, no doubt getting ribbed about admitting to enjoying it, he knew that was coming if he asked her at all. Maybe he could find a way around that, who could say. 

Finally, Chris got to the part about Micah explaining to them about the dangers about the testing with the other scientists. Ricky was done with his pizza by this point, even if he hadn’t been, he’d have dropped it to focus on Talia. He was worried how she might take this part, she had enough trouble with doctors, he didn’t want her to have to agonise over what might happen to her, to any of them.

“Sweetheart, don’t you worry for one second that we’re going to let anything happen, we’ve already talked it out. Chris has already deleted his contacts on the message boards, Micah himself pointed out that he should cut off all contact with the research departments, including himself.”

When Talia looked over to him the moment Ricky spoke, he knew she needed the assurances, even though he could see how strong she was trying to be. He couldn’t even imagine the thoughts going through her head right now, and if he was honest, he didn’t really want to.

“The only contact to anyone, in any way, is this burner phone number. Admittedly, to Micah, but it is only this burner phone, nothing else.”

Chris held up the phone Micah had called them on earlier.

“Micah has emphasised he will only call if he finds out someone else in the department has my name, or my contact info somehow. They should never have it though, JellyBean, I assure you. I did everything anonymously. Micah is literally the only person that knew anything about me personally, and yesterday was the very first time he spoke to a single soul other than me.”

Ricky watched as Chris reached for her hand, he wanted to reach for her too, but he remembered the night before. Even then, all it took was the slightest brush between them and for the flare of sensation linking their tattoos to burst through and overcome them, even with Chris in the kitchen. Not to mention trying to sleep last night, all he could think about was watching them both eat those damn strawberries. He honestly didn’t know if they had been the worst, or best, idea ever. Still, he’d gotten a dessert made in the end, so neither of them had been able to say a single thing, he’d met Talia’s challenge, hands down.

“So,”

Talia looked towards them both as she spoke softly,

“What it comes down to is that we now all have two soulmates, and we can’t tell anyone?”

“At least no one we don’t trust with our lives. Essentially.”

Some might say that was a bit much when Ricky said it like that, but he didn’t see it that way. While yes, if the wrong person heard about this, it could go sideways really fast, and none of them was going to stand for that. He knew all of them had very tight-knit circles, though. Talia because of the painful past that she had, and for Chris and Ricky, their professional work, and their unfortunate history with stalkers, it came with the territory. 

“Where do you two think we should go from here?”

Talia’s voice was quiet, glancing between them both nervously, and Ricky had a feeling he knew exactly what the problem was. He had made his stance clear on soulmates before, well, after Grace, crystal clear. He didn’t want one, not with Talia, and even when Chris started showing signs, he obviously pushed him towards her instead.

Here, this was why he was a little wound up this time, not because he was having to keep his distance from Talia, and Chris, with the tattoos, but because of what he planned to say.

“Well, we go on a date.”

Soon as he said it though, he felt both pairs of eyes looking at him, Talia and Chris both turning to him, and he raised an eyebrow at him as Chris voiced what they were obviously thinking,

“Who are you talking to, Rick?”

Smiling, really, they were really asking him that, he just gave them a look, wasn’t it obvious?

“Both of you, idiots.”

Dividers by @saradika-graphics

[pretensesoup]

Dionysus in Wisconsin

Fall, 1969. Ulysses Lenkov is a grad student in the Department of Magic Studies at UW-Madison. When a local seer warns him something dangerous is coming, his investigation leads him to Sam Sterling, an archivist and community theater nerd who's standing directly in the path of an arriving god. Soon the two are helping each other through demon attacks, discovering the unsavory history of Sam's family, and racing to find a solution that doesn't lead to heartbreak and death. But as the year draws to a close, they'll face a deadly showdown as they try to save Sam—and the city itself. It's the first in a series, but there's no cliffhanger and it has a HEA.

You might like Dionysus in Wisconsin...

If you are a former Gifted kid who had an obsession with mythology and enjoy m/m romance with a touch of gritty noir and heady magic

If you love the way certain words feel in your mouth

If you were a theater kid or ever wanted your best friend to be a sentient library

If you're a diehard KJ Charles or Cat Sebastian or Jordan L. Hawk stan

If you ever want someone to get their urban fantasy in your romance novel

If you think a historical novel set in the 60s without any homophobia might be fun

If you have undiagnosed or late diagnosed ADHD and you wish you could simultaneously be a traveling bard and the inventor of time travel

If you really like band T-shirts and getting caught in the rain.

If you--just, you know what, go get it. Stop waiting.

Amazon link! Universal links!

The paperback is real pretty too, just so you know:

[jokeroutsubs]

🎈🍰Nace Birthday Special🍰🎈

Nace Jordan's interview for Suzy magazine, published 14.06.2024. English translation by drumbeat and @beeoftheanxieties, proof read by TWT klamstrakur.

📝ENG Translation: Joker Out's Nace Jordan: 60 Kilograms to Happiness

Twenty-nine-year-old Nace Jordan is considered one of the most emotional, thoughtful, and responsible Slovenian musicians.

CAPTION: He’s spreading tolerance and respect to everyone.

He was the last one to join the group of four highly admired young men, but that doesn't mean he's the fifth or the spare wheel. His inspiring story makes him a great role model for teenagers, showing that working on yourself is worthwhile, because you never know when an extraordinary opportunity will come your way. After making a major change in his lifestyle, he got rid of past burdens to focus on a bright, melodic future. With the loving support of his girlfriend, the first signs of a family are already visible. They've been joined by Pino, an adorable dachshund, who brought new responsibilities and lots of joy.

CAPTION: Joker Out gained a first-class member with Nace.

INTERVIEWER: How quickly did you feel accepted as fully fledged member, considering you were not a co-founder of Joker Out?

Nace: Initially it might have appeared as if I instantly took on the role of bass guitarist with confidence, although deep down I was quite confused. The guys already had their banter, even a kind of a jargon I didn't feel familiar with. They are after all five years younger than me, almost a different generation. But they have welcomed me in a very embracing way, we have started to develop a communal story and we have become a unit. Even after we had recorded 'Carpe Diem' and I was offered a permanent place in the band, I was still haunted by the feeling that I might not be perceived easily as a part of the band by the most devoted fans.

Was Eurovision your ultimate test?

Sort of. I was told I aced it, and as a fill-in member, it made me happy when the decision to welcome me into the family was final. The whole idea was to first try and see how compatible we were, without any pressure or expectations. On stage, it was obvious that we were a perfect match. But I tended to hold back when it came to the bigger decisions. Bojan is, after all, the frontman, the dominant one, so I didn't want to interfere with the pre-established dynamics. It was only after the Eurovision euphoria was over that a new era began and with it the most precious gift - the appreciation of the entire group. They are exceptional young individuals, extremely talented, and they wanted someone who could feel their vibe and bring them together, not tear them apart.

This opportunity has come as a reward for your challenging personal journey, a tremendous transformation of body and spirit. How has this affected your self-image?

I am still trying to work on myself. I have lost 60 kilos and broken free from the shackles of a troubled adolescence, when the slightest deviation from the average is frowned upon. It is unimaginable that you can lose so many kilograms, one whole person. It was gradual. After the first ten, you are overcome with excitement. Your reflection in the mirror gets nicer by the week, you gain confidence in yourself and see that it is not difficult to follow your goal. I gained an unstoppable will to keep going, and the most extraordinary things started to happen. I got to play in the backing band of the popular show ' V petek zvečer' ('Friday Night'), and then realised a childhood dream when I managed to join a band as skillful as the Jokers. A time came when I walked around with a huge smile on my face and I hoped that it would not fade from my face for a long time to come. At the same time, I was driven to give it my best shot, because I simply couldn't let this opportunity slip away.

You have used the dark times of COVID for something bright, inspirational. When did you decide you were tired of living in a bigger body?

The stomach pains were the first indicator that I had to roll up my sleeves and work on myself. I had always been chubbier, but I got saved by my height because the kilograms were evenly spread. I was able to exercise, go hiking, [and] be active in water sports, particularly wakeboarding. I wasn't immune to the looks of naysayers, that someone with so much weight could move so capably. I had reached a point where I no longer felt comfortable. I didn't like myself, the walks were getting more and more exhausting, I didn't have a girlfriend for a while, which was a big motivation to change my lifestyle. At the beginning, I was embarrassed to work out in front of others. Would they be thinking, 'What is this fatso doing here now'? So at home I would climb up and down the stairs from the basement to the attic. For half a year, every evening. First for 15 minutes, then I progressed to 45. It seemed like a waste to ruin this effort with unhealthy food, so I changed my diet. I eliminated all the guilty pleasures and after the first 20 lost, I decided I was ready to train outdoors. By running. It might not have been the smartest idea because of my knees, but it all worked out well in the end. Something that I resented for a long time became my norm. To this day, I still enjoy putting on my running shoes to clear my mind. Whenever my mind is in a frenzy, running saves me.

Humans are really odd, shallow creatures. We can't see what's underneath the excess weight. It was only after you have transformed that the requests for more collaborations started coming in. How did you manage to heal these emotional scars from the entertainment business, where the physical appearance still takes precedence over the heart?

That's the hardest part, not to lose faith in yourself. You question your self worth because of the labels the public has stuck on you. Of course, the medical aspect of excess weight is the first signal for a radical change. The results would be significantly better, if people around us were more sparse with negative comments and dismissive attitudes towards anything that is not to their liking. I must confess that I have never felt better than I did after saying goodbye to cigarettes, alcohol, and, for a period, even meat. Imagine you are carrying a 60 kilogram backpack. And then you put it down. A different world opens up.

In all this, music has been your most faithful companion and supporter. Would it have been possible to go through all this without it?

The power of art is amazing. The bass guitar is my lifelong love. Even if I was a butcher or a carpenter, I would play and create for myself. We are used to these kind of stories in the movies, where after a difficult ordeal you find yourself in the midst of your teenage dreams. After the third concert with the Jokers, a girl came up to me and confided that she was contemplating suicide, but our songs had saved her. She thanked us for taking the time for our fans and talking to them. Their honesty is a sign that you are part of something great. The power of music goes beyond the limits of our imagination. There are countless similar confessions. This realisation is also therapeutic for us. You receive confirmation that you are doing something right.

Have you ever wondered why you play music at all?

Many times. The doubts of who will listen to my work, or now our work, are a constant in the career of a professional musician. But if you put your heart first, you quickly get the confirmation that we are not just pretty boys on stage, but individuals with depth and a message.

As a teenager, what motivated you to follow your aspirations?

I wanted to be like my cousin. He is five years older than me and he had his own band. He introduced me to foreign bands, like Led Zeppelin. It sounded rather innocent, but it was the start of a profound passion. Recently, Jan, the guitarist, and I were talking about the role models who have defined us. I told him that there must be an aspiring young teenager in Slovenia who looks up to him and has begun strumming the strings because of him. I am convinced that we have brought a breath of fresh air to the local scene and given a boost to young bands who are not yet established. It is very healthy to encourage others, to be each other's support and competition. I didn't feel that before.

When did you first feel that the stage was your everything?

We had a kind of talent show at the school camp. I wanted to sing the ballad 'Behind Blue Eyes' by The Who, but the teacher wouldn't let me because it wasn't an appropriate song. I cried with sadness, so she mellowed down. I took advantage of her faith, put on my sunglasses and a headscarf. That's when something stirred inside of me. Finally, now that we are touring Europe and are excited to discover how the power of music brings people together, I am calmed. Even as a kid I stood my ground and I am grateful to my stubbornness for getting me this far.

You have a strong bond with your mother. How does she keep track of your exceptional progress?

She is proud to say that she is my biggest 'fan'. She was happiest at Eurovision, which she has always followed. It was the first time she was able to experience it live, she and Bojan's mum cheered loudly and I have to admit that it's the greatest thing to be able to make the most important woman in your life happy. It has only strengthened our bond. We have a trusting, friend-like relationship, but first and foremost she is my mum, with all the worries and all the loving helpfulness. I was not a typical child and she had to endure all my whims. She was constantly encouraging me to take up a sport, but I preferred to stay at home and draw. She tolerated my struggles at school because she knew I wasn't like the others and allowed me to develop to my full potential. My younger sister is also responsible for making me who I am. Her kind words are a balm for a wounded soul.

Have you always wanted to be a musician?

As a child, I had two things in mind - to be a zoo manager, because I love animals, and to be a singer, even though I later swapped the microphone for a guitar. Sculpting fascinated me. In short, expression through art.

Your love for animals has lasted. You have a three-month-old dachshund named Pino in your lap.

Finally! I've been longing for a puppy for so many years, and dachshunds are one of my favourite breeds. If music hadn't drawn me in, I would certainly be a vet. One summer break I was helping out at a wildlife sanctuary instead of playing with my friends. It was a wonderful experience.

You are away from home a lot. How do you maintain your long-distance relationship with your girlfriend?

Some people reassure us that technology helps because we can see each other through the camera. But it is not the same. It's important that all my loved ones and dear ones, meaning my girlfriend, my mum, my family, and my friends, believe in our work and are willing to sacrifice time with me so that I can follow my dreams. But we are in constant contact with each other and we let each other know how much we love each other all the time.

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