#The Travel Marketing Awards

[travellingnews]

Πραγματοποιήθηκε η Τελετή Απονομής των Travel Marketing Awards

Την Πέμπτη 20 Ιουλίου, σπραγματοποιήθηκε η Τελετή Απονομής των Travel Marketing Awards, τα οποία διοργανώθηκαν από την Boussias Events, με στόχο να επιβραβεύσουν τις σημαντικές προόδους στο Travel Marketing και να αναδείξουν τις αντίστοιχες καλύτερες υποψηφιότητες από επιχειρήσεις του κλάδου. Περισσότερα από 150 υψηλόβαθμα στελέχη επιχειρήσεων, εκπρόσωποι Φορέων, Πανεπιστημίων, Επαγγελματίες…

[kanachtun]

Այս բարձր գնահատականը մեզ ոգևորում է և պարտավորեցնում շատ ավելի լավ աշխատել🤗

Սիրով սպասում ենք մարդկանց, ում համար կարևոր է խաղաղ ու բնությանը ներդաշնակ հանգիստը🌄🌿

@bookingcom-blog

[blackownersseekingsuccess]

Remembering Bayard Rustin: The Unsung Hero of the Civil Rights Movement

written by Levi Wise Kenneth Catoe Jr.

August 1, 2024 - Growing up as a Black boy in Paterson, NJ, and attending Roman and Irish Catholic Parochial schools, Black history was not very familiar to me. I grew up in a religious Southern Baptist family and participated in the church choir. In this context, Martin Luther King, Jr., was all that I knew about Black history until I became a teenage Madonna fanatic. Ironically, Madonna made me aware of Black activists and radicals such as Nina Simone, Jean-Michel Basquiat, James Baldwin, and Bayard Rustin. Bayard Rustin was an African American activist who believed in civil disobedience. Rustin felt that Black people should deliberately break unjust laws but do it non-violently to bring about change and this would play a key role in the Civil Rights movement. He also advocated for LGBTQ rights. Rustin moved to Harlem in 1937 and began studying at City College of New York. It’s interesting to note that at the time CCNY was an all-male college once regarded as ‘Jewish Harvard’ which did not accept Black men—Rustin was an unusual exception. While Rustin was at CCNY he became involved in efforts to defend and free the Scottsboro Boys, nine young black men in Alabama who were accused of raping two white women. Activism for Rustin was something that came naturally. He later became a mentor to Martin Luther King.

Rustin is one of my all-time idols. I have been enamored of him since I learned about him, so I was excited to attend an event dedicated to his life and legacy at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, “Between the Lines: Bayard Rustin, A Legacy of Protest and Politics.” The event was a conversation between Michael G. Long and Jafari Allen, who edited the book of the same name. Their exchange sparked many revelations and I left the event more aware than when I entered. I felt so much pity for the life that Rustin had to live, including the attack on his character that was rallied against him by other Black people and the distance that Martin Luther King placed between himself and Rustin out of fear of people assuming that he was also gay. I also learned that it was Coretta Scott King who introduced King to Rustin. Scott-King met Rustin during her college years as a fellow activist who practiced civil disobedience. She would ultimately introduce her husband King to civil disobedience tactics. Rustin recalled that his first time meeting King he was strapped with a handgun and that he never traveled without his gun. It was Rustin who told King that if he represented civil disobedience he would have to be willing to put away his firearm, which eventually he did. Nevertheless, this raises the question, who was King really? The “I Have A Dream” pacifist or the “Beyond Vietnam” radical? We will never truly know.

All in all what I did learn was that according to Rustin, King had no idea how to organize an event. Instead, it was Rustin who developed the blueprint for King’s early Civil Rights movement, at least until the day that King removed Rustin from his inner circle.

Nevertheless, Rustin returned to organize the March on Washington, despite everything leveled against him by Adam Clayton Powel and Roy Wilkins. Someone noted during the discussion that “it’s funny how karma works given the fact that nobody remembers Wilkins's legacy in comparison to the sudden interest in Rustin.'' If I remember correctly, the comment was made by the moderator, NYU professor Dr. Jarafi Allen, based on the fact that the venue was standing room only, or that the Hollywood lens is now fixated on Rustin’s story, with an Academy Award-nominated movie based upon his life currently in theaters. Wilkins has not received the same interest from Hollywood, perhaps indicating that he is less marketable in the mainstream. Meanwhile, Rustin’s role as an activist for the LGTBQ community is also important for newer generations. Until recently, this legacy and all that he accomplished was invisible, but he has since become a symbol of the “others” and most notably the “forgotten others”. While in his lifetime he was shunned, rallied against, and betrayed by those that he benefitted, history has allowed his legacy the final word.

[ahoycaptainautumn]

Fated Mates Part 3

Synopsis: you, a vengeful vampire slayer, cross paths with the devious and handsome Astarion. Instead of a stake through the heart, Astarion finds something he thought impossible for vampire spawn. A mate.

Astarion learns more on vampiric mates while you do odd jobs in town. Scraping up enough money your merry gang gets to rest well tonight. Though there’s only one problem, there’s only one bed.

It took another two days before your merry band finally made it to the first town. More hours of Gale’s snores and sleep talking of magical items. Or the way Karlach randomly set fire to something now twice in her sleep. Wyll played some tune non stop on a ukulele you swear just to annoy you. Not to mention the bickering and fighting when they were awake. After getting no sleep you demanded to the group that you would all pitch in and do some odd jobs to afford a stay at a tavern for a night. Anything to give you a chance at relaxation and a soft mattress. Everyone agreed to meet at the town square at the beginning of sundown. The hours before that were up to each entirely.

You first went into the town square in hopes of finding someone to offer you an easy quest for a fee. Perusing the marketplace you find a dressmaker eager to find someone for help.

“My my my! You’re perfect for the job! I was just in need of some help, thank the Gods! I need you to run to this store and grab the fabric on hold for Marteen, then meet me at my shop after the market closes.” He hands you a wrinkled piece of paper with the name of the shop on it. You nod your thanks and head out to said shop.

Astarion immediately abandoned the idea of doing some side quest and instead goes to find the local bookkeeper. The town was quaint in size but he hoped large enough to have some of a selection on what he was looking for. 200 years as a vampire and still his knowledge of vampirism was slim to none. Most of it from passing mouths. Fellow spawn were more than likely in his similar predicament and just as naive to the ways of the vampire world. Anyone higher on the food chain wasn’t keen on educating. Here and there in his travels for prey he heard whispers of things. Knowledge of vampire mates was mostly rumor, common gossip with no real evidence. Astarion had only met one other vampire to have met his mate. At the time the bond seemed weak to him. A cause for a future exploitation. A bother. He never believed himself to be plagued with such nonsense and had not thought to ask more of it. Astarion made his way up the old brick library steps and into the establishment. Years of neglect were evident in every crevice of the place. Spiderwebs littered every corner and shelves of books were caked with years of dust. Astarion tried his best to hide his disgust and made his way to the front desk. An old human woman sat slouched in her chair dozing off. Astarion cleared his throat, waking the woman. She fixed her overly large glasses before squinting up at Astarion. He gives his most award winning smile in return.

“How can I help you stranger?” She croaks.

“I was wondering if you had anything on a special type of creature? A vampire perhaps?” Astarion asks nicely. Her bushy brows furrow in confusion.

“Sorry, things of that nature need special clearance given by the governor. Something about too many impressionable kids trying to bite one another.” She waves her hand away as she finishes talking. She goes to turn away from him as Astarions hand darts across the desk. His thumb and forefinger caress the old woman’s chin as he gently turns her head back to him. Astarion leans close, breath mingling with the librarians. With his best bedroom eyes Astarion pleads once again.

“Please dear? I swear I shan’t be more than a moment.” The woman’s face lights up beet red as she flusters under his touch.

“I mean- I- well I mean- if if if you really won’t be more than a second than I guess it’s okay.” She stutters out.

“Perfect. Just point me in the direction, love.” Astarion purrs. The woman scuffles from behind her desk and grabs a set of keys from her pocket. Astarion follows as she leads him further into the library towards an old vault door. With a turn of a key she guides him to the shelving labeled V.

“Please don’t be long, my boss will be around any moment!” She giggles behind her wrinkled hand. Her blush still evident as she walks away. Astarions face drops back to a resting neutral once she’s out of sight and he makes his way through the novels. There are only a few books pertaining to vampires. His fingers slide over titles of “How to Properly Slay a Vampire” and “Vampire Bites for Medical Use”. None contain anything about mates. A growl of frustration leaves him before he’s manically ripping through books across the shelves. Books and scrolls fly through the air before Astarions rage stops in its tracks. Mid throw Astarion reads the title of the small book in his hand. “Mates in Five Different Species: Fate Driven Partnership”. Astarion just about rips the book open before he hears the patter of the woman’s footsteps coming closer. He rushes out the door and slams it behind him. The woman jumps at his sudden movements just outside the chambers.

“You have been so lovely, thank you. I must go, good day!” Astarion shouts over his shoulder before dashing outside. The woman’s shriek at his mess is the last he hears as he makes for the door and rounds the corner. Finding a secluded alleyway, Astarion makes himself comfortable on top of a wooden crate and cracks open the book.

Vampiric Mates:

Vampire mating is a rarity within the species. Only about an average of 31% of vampires have mates. Of that 31% only 3% of their mates were non-vampire in manner. Courtship of mates in vampires comes within three stages: sight, taste, consummation. The beginnings of the mating correspond with the first mutual stare between the partners. Mating is then felt in its entirety with a touch of either lips or genitalia. Finally, the mate bond is accepted for eternity with consummation of the partnership.

Astarions eyebrows shoot up as he reads. He had already completed two damned steps without even realizing.

Though the “feeling” of a mate may differ slightly from vampire to vampire, similarities are shown throughout each recorded mating. Feelings of a something similar to a cord “tightening” is usually the most common sign. Feelings of falling, fainting or loss of emotions momentarily have also been recorded. It is believed to be innate to each vampire to recognize a mate once seen.

Astarion thinks back to the shared bargain kiss you had made a few nights earlier. The feeling of a band wrapping and tightening in his core. The way he felt his stomach drop. He had thought himself nauseous from not drinking enough but in reality he knew he was denying it. Denying the feeling he felt with that first look. Something so ingrained biologically he couldn’t shoo it away. He flips to the section labeled “Vampire Mates: Other Species Mate”.

Mates of a vampire not already afflicted with vampirism upon meeting may be at a disadvantage. Though similar feelings may be present they will not be as strong as they are for the vampire mate. The mate also may not feel the same feelings of possessiveness and aching as the vampire mate will. Non vampire mates may not inherently realize what has happened without further education.

Astarion reads the last sentence several times over. You didn’t even know. He could continue on this little adventure and you would never be the wiser of what was unfolding between the two of you. A large part of Astarion was glad, gleeful even, to not have to worry about this further. But a small, quiet and forgotten part of his brain felt remorse at the thought. Astarion was about to continue to read through the entire section before he noticed the beginnings of the sunset. Realizing he would be meeting back with your party shortly, Astarion leaps from his seat on the crate and moves through the alleyways. He knows if he shows up empty handed you won’t let him hear the end of it. He knows your still deciding on whether or not you want to plant your stake right into his heart anyhow. Moving through side streets and back alleys Astarion moves with grace between drunks and gamblers. Swift and nimble, his hands dip into their pockets and empty them of any useful change. With a bit of money to his name, Astarion takes a main road back to the square. Though an image to his right stops him in his tracks, you.

A bit earlier -

Fabrics in hand, you huff down the street to Marteens shop. The fabric store was on the very outskirts of town. Nothing more than an old witch with a spindle, calling it a shop was a bit excessive. Though the lady was kind enough, you spent far too much time to get there as well as listen to the old woman gab as she got your order together. You finally step up to Marteen’s Dress Shop and softly knock on the door. Large floor to ceiling windows show the interior from the front. Mannequins dressed in beautiful floor length gowns adorn the left and right side. A small podium sits in the middle awaiting a blushing bride to try on her future gown. Marteen opens the door and beams at you.

“Please come in, come in!” He waves you in. He helps unload the several bits of fabric from your grasp. Luxurious rolls of dark blood red fabric, black lace, and golden trimmings leave your hands. You help bring everything else into the shop. Marteen unloads the rolls onto a long table next to the front podium. You stand next to him admiring the cloths.

“It really is beautiful.” You whisper, more to the fabrics than the man. He smiles at you as he grabs a mostly made dress from his back room. The same fabric is made into a long gown in his arms. A tight black bodice corsets the top as gold accents the sides. Crimson fabric layers on top of eachother at the bottom as it bellows out into a sweep gown.

“Before you go, could I ask you one more job? I’ll throw in a few extra coin!” Marteen asks.

“Sure, what can I get you next?” You ask.

“This dress, it’s for my daughter. It’s nearly complete save the sleeves and a bit of patching in the back. You look about her size, mind being my model? I’d ask her, but it’s a bit of a surprise.” You really hadn’t expected that. It had been a very very long time since you worn something so exquisite. Back before your parents had been murdered. Back when your father threw elegant balls for nothing more than to fill the manor with good company and better wine. Back before life became what it is. You shake the thought before they take hold.

“Sure why not.” You shrug.

Cinched into the velvet fabric feels like a dream against your skin. Marteen expertly sewed beautiful bell bottom sleeves with black lace endings onto each arm. Gold is hemmed in the sides to accentuate your curves. Flowing black ribbon ties in the bodice tightly. Marteen smiles broadly, proud of himself. You do a small twirl at his command and watch the fabric flow with your movements. You can’t help the giggle that takes over you as you sway.

“It’s perfect! Absolutely perfect!” Marteen glows.

“It is! It’s absolutely perfe-“ your words die half way through your throat when through the front glass you see a gawking Astarion. Shame and anger sweep over your momentary glee. You clench your hands and jaw as you stare him down. A smug look takes over his face as he watches you. Marteen comes and looks over your shoulder.

“Oh, is that your betrothed?” He asks innocently. You can’t help the sarcastic laugh that leaves your lips.

“As if! Never in a million lifetimes.” You reply coldly, eyes narrowing. Marteen gives you a puzzled look.

“By the way he looks at you in that dress, I would have thought otherwise.” Marteen tosses over his shoulder.

—

Astarion had good intentions, brilliant and easy intentions. Seduce you, con you, but never fall for you. To overcome the illness of being mated. He was determined, arrogant even in his belief that this mating was nothing more than a silly joke from the universe. He could get over a few fleeting feelings, he had endured much worse in centuries of slavery and solitude. But those resolutions all but melt away at the sight of you. He watches you twirl in a dress fit for a vampiric queen. Blood red accentuating your body, long fabric flowing with your movements. An easy smile gracing your lips. That familiar coil in his chest begged his attention once again. An ache fills his long canines to sink into the soft nape of your neck. All he could do was stare at your form, the way your lips looked so mesmerizing in that easy smile. An animalistic urge shook him with the thought that that smile should be for him, not some gown maker. The thought vanished as quickly as it comes as you find his stare and match it with a look that could kill. Gods, this was going to be harder than he thought.

-

Redressed, you collect your payment and meet Astarion out in the front of the shop. He gives you a fake saddened look.

“Here I was out doing honest work and you’re trying on gowns. Really, (y/n) you outta be ashamed.” He tuts at you. You wag your finger in his face.

“I was doing work blood sucker! Besides, there isn’t a way in the 9 realms of hell you did any honest work.” You accuse him. At your words Astarion pulls the money he had collected from his pocket. Your finger stops mid wag as you look at the coins in his hand.

“Now now now, nothing to say little killer? What will the others think when I tell them?” Astarion muses. He starts to make his way towards the center of town. It takes you a moment to catch up with him.

“You are not to tell them anything! Do you hear me, or so help me-“ you threaten.

“Or what, drive a stake through my heart? Last time you tried that you ended up kissing me. Really you need to learn better threats.” Astarion teases. You swear you see red. You just about open your mouth before Astarions face comes smack dab in front of yours.

“Besides dear, we both know you need me more than you want to kill me.” He whispers to you. You stare him down fighting the urge to hit him with all your strength. All it does is make his cocky smile grow bigger. An awkward throat clearing brings the two of you apart as Gale stands in front of you.

“Hmm well if you’re all done with your lover's quarrel, we were going to put our money together.” You want to argue that a lovers quarrel was very very far from the truth but you instead take role. Counting the money together you think you have enough for all of you to grab a bunk for the night. You had spotted an inn earlier and lead the group towards it.

-

The inn was one of the larger buildings in the area. It hosted a tavern on its first floor, home to beer drinking and dinner. The next two stories were dedicated to rentals. Thankfully, there was just enough space for two to a room with a small bed for each. Everyone argued who was going to bunk with you. Given your earlier appearances everyone had already voted you and Astarion to a room. You just about lost your head in front of the kind old inn woman.

“Come on, the lovers can share a romantic evening together!” Karlach teased.

“There is no lovers and there will be no romance!” You seethe.

“Honestly, I mean Gods knows I can do better.” Astarion chimes in.

“Now what is that suppose to mean-“ you turn your attention to the white haired Vampire. He raises his hands in mock defense.

“Aw the lovers are fighting again.” Shadowheart replies. The old woman behind the desk gives a small chuckle.

“Oh deary, I completely understand. You two need a special room. Here darling, on the house. Last door on the right.” The woman gives a set of keys over to you. You thank her for her understanding and set off in the direction she gave you. Astarion is on your heels as you ascend to the rental rooms on the third floor. The rest get together with their designated partner for the night and set off to their rooms for the night. You set the key to the lock and turn it.

“I hope you know I’ll be getting the largest bed, beauty sleep needed and all.” Astarion quips. You don’t have the function to respond as you peer into the room. The room is massive. There’s a beautiful fainting couch overlooking large windows peering into the valley below. Velvet curtains hang in the windows. A fire roars off to the left corner in a stone fireplace. A plush bear rug lines the middle of the space. And right there, dead center, is only one large king bed.

Part one here

Part four here

[marysandbox]

Dress - Taylor Swift x Reader

Summary: The one where "Dress" was written for you. [Requested]

Warnings: (+18), smut (it's flagged and can be skipped), fluff, secret relationship, implicit forms of media homophobia, mentions of past relationships. | Words: 2.724

A/N-> I found this request from last year on my drive, I believe it was a writing challenge. It was my first time writing for Taylor, and since it wasn't the focus of my main blog, I ended up forgetting about this one. Now that I have this secondary blog, I haven't found any reason not to share this little one.

General Masterlist |

-&-

Sighing softly, you let go of her hand.

Taylor remained close to you, however.

"It'll be quick." She assured, forcing a smile. "A few hours, we'll go home, okay?"

It was your turn to smile, your gaze roaming the entire figure in front of you, watching the new dress hug all the right places.

"You look beautiful, dear. Did I mention?" You deflect from her previous sentence, and despite the soft redness in her cheeks, her stare is amused.

"Once or twice."

"Then I need to improve on that number." You spoke, bringing your face closer to her ear. "You're breathtaking, Tay." You whispered, enjoying the way her skin shivered.

But the place was beginning to fill up. The other contestants and performers were arriving incrementally, and even though you were hidden from view by the cameras now, it was still too risky to be so close and so non-platonically in public.

Resisting the urge to kiss her cheek, you pulled away and cleared your throat softly. "After you, Miss Swift."

She rolled her eyes at the formality, a smile playing on her lips.

Taylor left first, or rather, entered, the great hall where the awards ceremony would be taking place this year.

You as an independent artist were going to sit a few tables away from her.

The challenge was to keep your eyes off your girlfriend when she looked so stunning.

The evening passed slowly, most probably because all you could do was watch the concerts and speeches and try to cheer yourself up a bit with the expensive food and bad drink.

Your only wish was to be able to keep your hand intertwined with hers and kiss her, even if only on the cheek, as married men could do around the room.

For your happiness, at least you can look at her. Her album won one of the awards that night.

She came on stage, to wave and to express her thanks, and you can't even control your own expression.

Would the photographers in the room be able to tell that your eyes shine brighter than the lights when you look at her?

Would Taylor be able to see you from that distance?

You know she can. Because she meets your gaze from the stage and smiles in a way that you know is just for you.

And when the night is over, she has autographs to sign, and hands to shake, and you are beginning to regret not drinking when one of the boys in a band tries to get her number from her managers.

–//–

It has been like this for some time.

Maybe days, or months? Sometimes you feel that it has been going on for years. Maybe all your life.

When you didn't know her, what was it like to go to LA?

Not to be around her, visiting galleries and parks in a poor disguise, or rushing out of rehearsals to spend time in her apartment under the sheets.

Soon spring is coming, and you need to get back to England for the awards.

Taylor invites you to accompany her to the Grammys when you're back.

At this point, even with all the precautions, the media recognizes that you two are close.

“Best friends” is written on the cover of gossip magazines. Her marketing team won't let her comment.

You are at her house again, before you travel, and she is wearing a sweatshirt that is yours, that she took from the bags you are not done with.

"I'm going to need that in the London cold, Tay." You mutter as you approach to hand her the drink you said you were going to prepare for you two.

She lifts her gaze from the little notebook, confused for a moment until she recognizes that you were talking about the clothes. Then she just smiles "Buy another, this one is mine until you get back."

You laugh softly, shaking your head as you sit down in the armchair across from her.

There is a forgotten movie on the television, and your cell phone is vibrating with the new appointments on your calendar, but you are looking at the woman in front of you. The blonde strands fall down at the sides of her face, her legs crossed on the bed as she scribbles some things down.

"Is it for Reputation?" You ask about the verses she suddenly, in the middle of the movie session, got the idea to write. She covers the paper immediately with her hand.

"Don't peek!" She warns with an expression of false seriousness, pushing the closed notebook further into her lap, her other hand holding her mug of chocolate.

"Never." You assure. "I can't wait to hear, though."

Her cheeks flush, and she smiles. You won't disturb her in her writing, and you think you can just watch her work and you'll be happy.

–//–

Most of the time, you hate journalists.

That's one of the times.

"We heard that you and Taylor Swift have become very close since the 2014 Grammy party." The man with the mustaches began, and from the tone, you knew it couldn't be a good thing. The dozens of cameras and microphones beside him in the stands kept you from turning your back. "We wanted an opinion, don't you think it's funny that Swift always writes of her relationships and people keep dating her?"

That was so mean. Unnecessarily mean.

You licked your lips, frowning, trying to remain calm.

Even the artist answering questions next to you grimaced, although she didn't stop her own interview to comment.

Your manager always said, "Take a deep breath, don't let it get to you. Everything can get around in a joking tone, so if you want to punch someone, the best alternative is to ironize what was said to you."

"Look buddy, have you met her?" you started in the least angry way you could manage. " Tay is by far, the most incredible, inspiring, hard-working, and intense woman I have ever met. I think everyone who meets her has the same impression, and when you have a chance to be, whether it's a footnote or a song, you take a chance. Because anything is worth it to have a little piece of paradise that is being loved by a woman like her."

The man was embarrassed by his question, and unresponsive. His best was to smile. Some of the others began to comment on the sweetness of your answer, but you were dismissing further questions to get into the event.

Before the party was even over, all the way to another continent, Taylor would be teary-eyed with the cut of this little interview circulating on the internet and on her cell phone screen.

You came back to the United States two weeks after you left.

It was like longing torture, to be honest.

Your cell phone had unread notifications because you were in airplane mode the whole trip.

You called Taylor as soon as you picked up your bags.

"Hey, baby sorry for the delay, I forgot my cell phone was off "You spoke as soon as she answered.

"No worries." She said. "Where are you? The car will be right out."

The Grammys were tonight, but you hadn't even taken off your travel clothes.

"Yeah, I think I'll miss my ride." You say checking your watch. "Can I meet you at the party?"

"Of course, darling." She spoke a moment later, almost hesitantly. You didn't catch why. "I love you, see you later."

"I love you too."

You were late. Very late.

Not only did it take forever to get a cab, but you lost your keys somewhere in your suitcase and it took an hour and a half for a locksmith to service you at that time.

When you finally arrived, through the back because the red carpet was closed, the awards ceremony had already begun.

Your gaze searched among the people immediately, and Taylor was in one of the front seats.

Yours was between the ninth and tenth row. You could barely make out her figure from that distance.

The way you missed her was almost painful.

And the speeches and applause continued, and you were exchanging sweet messages with her across the room.

She didn't win anything that night, a younger girl took many victories.

Everything seemed to happen automatically, until the party and she was close enough for you to hold.

You hugged her tight, fuck the photographers and the rest of the world for a few seconds. She hugged you back just as hard, her hands wrapped around your neck.

One or two people noticed the excitement and one of the managers clarified something about you being traveling, a long time apart.

But you didn't follow this.

You just focused on the bright blue eyes in front of you, without saying anything, and you already knew.

You were talking about going out and missing each other, and it was hard to hear each other in that crowded room, with the music so loud.

So Taylor was leaning into your ear, and it just seemed like friends trying to hear each other better.

"Can we go to my apartment after here, please?" She almost begged, her fingers haunting your wrist a moment before she pulled away, with the most innocent expression in the world.

And you were swallowing dryly, shifting your gaze from her lips to her eyes and forcing a not the least bit affected smile, as if she had just made a comment about the food. 

It was your turn to lean in so, seeming to continue the conversation. "I can't wait to get that dress off you, baby."

She sighed, almost inaudible. But you felt it against your neck, her breath uncompensated.

Then you both were pulling away, and smiling gently, keeping up appearances.

–//– ~smut scene~ –//– 

You let your hands wander down, tongues together sliding against each other, the soft moans being the only sound in the room.

Taylor was pulling you by the tie, stumbling around the apartment to the bedroom, but you two kept stopping all the way. Pressed against each other, breathing together.

"I need this off." You warned breathlessly about her tight clothes, the kisses running down her collarbone as she melted against you.

It seemed to become the most complicated thing to remove when you had her throwing her hips towards you, her body so warm.

So with a frustrated grunt, you grabbed the fabric and ripped it off. She let out a low moan, the cold air against her skin being quickly replaced by the sensation of your hands running over her entire body.

"God, Tay, I missed you so much, baby." You declared kissing your way to her breasts. 

"I missed you too." She returns equally breathless, her eyes closing tightly as she feels your lips around her nipples, stimulating her eagerly.

Her legs are giving out. You can tell, and waste no time in grabbing her by the waist, looking for the first surface you can find.

Your hand pushes some objects out of the way, books, and picture frames. You place her on the top of a cabinet, seated, and her legs encircle your waist as your mouth returns to hers.

Taylor gasps against your lips, kissing you in the same overwhelming intensity, her hips splaying forward, trying to ease the sensation between her legs.

You smile at this, slowing the kiss as you slide your hands down her thighs.

Her panties are ruined. She is dripping, you can feel it through the fabric.

Taylor chokes as she feels your thumb against her clit, and moans hoarsely when you begin to press.

"Is that good, baby?" you tease when she can no longer kiss you back, her hands on your shoulders and her eyes ajar staring at you.

She looks so beautiful. Her darkened eyes, her flushed cheeks, and her lips were puffy from kissing hard.

You smile at her, as your fingers push the fabric of her panties aside and you slip into her without warning, which elicits a moan from both of you.

It is always as amazing as the first time. She is hot and slippery, and you sigh. "Fuck, I need to taste you."

She whimpers and barely has time to complain about the lack of contact when you remove your fingers, because her complaint dies in her throat and turns into a suffering moan when you get on your knees in front of her, and sink your face against her nub without warning.

"Jesus!" She exclaims affected as she feels your tongue, eating her with desire, and all she can do is close her eyes tightly, trying not to cum immediately.

You moan against her pussy, her taste is intoxicating. Your own panties stick to the wave of arousal you feel as you eat her out.

You move your tongue with precision and speed, sinking between her folds, stimulating her as deliciously as possible.

She becomes a mess of whimpers and loud moans, and digs her nails into your scalp hair, forcing your face against her before spilling onto your tongue.

"Fuck." She whimpers excitedly, trying to recover from her orgasm as you drink all her liquids and continue to overstimulate her. "Babe, please."

"Give me one more sweetheart." You ask as you pull away for a moment, moving your fingers to open her more. "I know you can."

She nodded breathlessly, already ready for another one anyway. And you weren't going to stop anytime soon.

– ~end of smut~ –

You sleep until late.

When you awaken, there is a small breakfast tray in the corner of the bed, and a blonde woman in the armchair, a notebook in her hands.

"Are you watching me sleep?" You ask in a husky voice, as you open your eyes. She blushes, shifting her gaze back to the pages, making you smile. "Creepy."

She laughs softly, and one of the sheets she has crumpled into a little ball, she throws at you.

You stretch, sitting up properly. 

"I wrote a song about you." She declares in silence many moments later, when you are already passing jam on your toast.

You raise a brow, a playful smile, "Yeah? Are you going to tell me what it is called?"

She bites back a smile, denying with her head. You give a chuckle. "Not even the album?"

Taylor leaves the notebook on the armchair, and crawls back to the bed, keeping her gaze on you until you are close enough.

"What's the fun in saying, if you can guess?" She whispers against your lips, and you feel the jam drip against your fingers, but you don't even mind, moving forward to capture her lips.

She smiles against your mouth, and you forget about the food, wrap your hands around her face, and kiss her until she is flushed and breathless beneath you.

"Not even a hint?" You try later in a brisk tone. She laughs, shaking her head. "You know what, Tay? It doesn't really matter." You murmur as you lie down next to her, tracing her features with your fingers. She raises her eyebrow in curiosity.

"Why do you say that?"

"Because I'm staying long enough." You reply. "I will stay until all the love songs make you think of me."

She blushes, but has a challenging smile, "You are so cocky."

You laugh, nodding. "All of them. From Taylor Swift 2006 to 1989."

She laughs softly. "You want me to think about you with all of my ex-boyfriend' songs?"

You nod trying not to laugh too. "You'll think about how none of them compared to me."

She giggles, moving closer to kiss you several times on the cheek, over and over again, until you are laughing too.

A long moment after, you calm down, and she has her face resting on your chest, your hands on her waist and hair, and you notice the mood has changed.

You don't push, Tay talks when she wants to. And it doesn't take long for her to kiss your skin and then whisper, "You're going to be my best song."

Smiling weakly, you kissed her forehead. "I just hope to be the happy ones."

Taylor sinks her face against your neck, entwining her legs in yours. "You are."

[summerlinenss]

out of curiosity, if Max doesn’t release its metrics, then what metrics are you actually using to make these statements about the show’s popularity? what does “it’s currently in the 99.7th percentile of the comedy genre, meaning it’s in higher demand than 99.7% of all comedy series in the u.s.” even mean? How are you measuring what’s “in demand” - by who? Where? It’s bold to claim that this show was wildly popular (despite the fact that I never hear about it outside of tumblr, tho that’s a personal anecdote) but cancelled just for being queer, so I would be really interested to know where you’re getting all these numbers from. Thanks!

hey anon! first of all i am so sorry for the delayed response. i started typing something up and then i got distracted with something else and totally forgot about this in my drafts.

sure, i have no problem citing sources. i probably should’ve linked some in my original post, that’s absolutely fair.

this ended up way longer than i planned so bear with me, but a quick overview of what i’ll be going over:

1) what are the stats/where did they come from?

2) how is the show so popular?

3) was it really cancelled for being queer?

(also just a disclaimer that this will contain spoilers for the show)

1) first, the numbers

you’re right that hbo doesn’t release metrics to the public. in fact, ceo casey bloys tried to justify the cancellation to the hollywood reporter by saying “the numbers weren’t there,” despite refusing to say what exactly those numbers were or where they came from.

however, there are websites dedicated to researching/analyzing the data of different media. one of those is parrot analytics, who focus on industry insights like audience demand, competitive analysis, and content valuations. they’re trusted as a reliable source by forbes, the new york times, reuters, the wall street journal, and more.

this is what we can learn from them about our flag means death from a basic google search (note that all of this data is relevant to the last 30 days as of january 26 2024):

audience demand for our flag means death is now 33.6x greater than the average tv series in the united states. as explained in the “about demand distribution” section, this means it’s one of only 0.2% of all u.s. shows to fall in the “exceptional” performance range compared to the “average” demand benchmark of 64.1%.

the change in demand for ofmd in the u.s. has increased by 7.5% compared to the average tv series.

ofmd now actually ranks at the 99.8th percentile in the comedy genre in the u.s. i’m not a math person, but in basic terms, this is like a scale of measuring and comparing performances to create an average score. essentially, ofmd is performing at the very top of all comedy series in the u.s.

ofmd has 100% home market travelability. as it says above, the market of origin is always 100%, so in fairness i included the graph of international markets for comparison. some of these aren't super high, however (as explained by parrot analytics themselves) one of the key issues with the international market is accessibility to content, which has been an ongoing struggle for international fans. many people (i guess fittingly) have resorted to pirating ofmd because they don’t have access to max or affiliate streaming services in their country.

there are more stats i could have and wanted to go more in-depth into but it would make this even longer than it already is, so i’ll just leave some links you can check out if you’re interested and move on:

• comparison of ofmd's success to shows like ted lasso, euphoria, and peacemaker

• ofmd's placement as #1 most in-demand breakout series in the u.s. for 8 weeks

• ofmd's impressive 94% critics score and 95% audience score on rotten tomatoes

• how ofmd evolved from sleeper hit to a flagship series at max

• a list of ofmd's past and present award nominations/wins

• praise and recognition from news/entertainment sites: the atlantic (2022); the new york times (2023); tv guide (2023); vulture (2023); forbes (2023); the los angeles times (2022); vanity fair (2023)

2) so why haven’t you (or others) really heard of the show outside of tumblr despite all this success? likely because max did a terrible job marketing it.

ofmd first aired on hbo max (pre-merger before it was “max”) in march 2022. the entire season aired over one month, every thursday at 12am pst. season 2 followed a similar release schedule in october 2023.

season 1’s marketing was almost non-existent, pretty much relying on taika waititi’s name being attached. there was one teaser and one full-length trailer, as well as a few clips on youtube of taika and rhys darby answering pirate-themed trivia, all painting the show as a “silly pirate workplace/buddy comedy.” but hbo max didn’t put any real effort in because they didn’t care. david zaslav and the other higher-ups had no faith in the show and expected it to fail.

most people weren’t aware it was actually a romance due to the poor marketing, and although there were many romantically charged scenes between them, many were still wary to believe it wasn’t queerbaiting until ed & stede confessed their feelings and kissed.

showrunner david jenkins has said in interviews that he had no idea how deeply queerbaiting had hurt audiences and impacted their ability to trust what’s on screen without feeling like they’re being ridiculed, despite the fact that he was calling it a love story the whole time. it wasn’t until people realized they weren’t being queerbaited and that it was a funny, sincere show with a compelling plot that word-of-mouth began to spread. by the time the season 1 finale aired, there was a decent-sized fandom that continued to grow as it received more praise.

it was a fight to even get the show renewed for season 2, and david jenkins and the cast have majorly credited that renewal to the unexpected and massive fan response to the show, which basically forced hbo’s hand.

max didn’t bother trying to properly promote the series until season 2, when they begrudgingly accepted that it was one of their most profitable and successful shows. ofmd had huge billboards in times square, downtown los angeles, and on the side of hbo headquarters. they started accurately marketing the show as not just a workplace comedy at sea, but a heartfelt romcom. max began selling long-demanded merch (which became best sellers) and spent money on an FYC campaign.

i will emphasize, whether they liked it or not, they knew ofmd was their new moneymaker (especially with the recent end of succession, which was obviously a cash cow for hbo).

photo credit: @/bookishtheo

3) now if it was that successful, was it really cancelled just for being queer?

i mean, i can’t say that definitively. no one can. there are several potential factors at play that we may never know, and there have been a lot of rumours and speculation (many of which i don’t feel comfortable discussing in case they aren’t true) since the cancellation.

but do i believe the fact that it’s a queer romcom was one of those factors, especially since max has a history of cancelling and scrapping its most diverse projects? absolutely.

first and foremost, i can’t stress enough that this isn’t just a show with a few characters thrown in for token representation. ofmd is built on a diverse, intersectional cast and narratives, including:

• lgbtq+ representation: 5 main couples are explicitly queer (including mlm, wlw, nblm, and nblw relationships). multiple characters are implied to be poly, and there’s a polycule forming in season 2 that was hinted to be developed more in season 3. beyond relationships, it’s confirmed that (similarly to the way wwdits depicts all vampires as being pansexual) all of the pirates are somewhere on the queer spectrum.

• bipoc representation: the majority of the main cast are people of colour. this includes david fane, joel fry, leslie jones, samson kayo, vico ortiz, anapela polataivao, madeleine sami, samba schutte, ruibo qian, and taika waititi, as well as many guest actors (like rachel house, simone kessell, and maaka pohatu) and extras.

• disability representation: multiple characters have physical disabilities, most notably amputated/prosthetic limbs and visual impairment. a lot (actually most) of the characters also deal with mental health issues, particularly coping with severe trauma and suicidal ideation/behaviour.

• the show has been praised for addressing difficult and serious themes like toxic masculinity, colonialism, and self-discovery, all while still managing to be a witty comedy and not come across as “preachy.”

• the diversity also extends off-screen, with a team of directors, writers, and additional crew comprised of numerous bipoc, women, queer people, and trans/non-binary people.

my point isn’t just the quantity of representation, but the quality. they take great care and respect into every marginalized group depicted on-screen. the actors would often be consulted about their characters’ costumes, hair, tattoos, and the kind of language they use. it’s not a world where discrimination magically doesn’t exist, they just have zero tolerance for it. if a character does something homophobic or racist, you can guarantee they’ll quickly (and often violently) be punished.

so okay, sure, it’s got great representation. what does that have to do max cancelling it?

because they’ve been interfering with production from the start.

i already mentioned the marketing issues so i won’t get into that. it was also revealed in interviews with david jenkins after season 2 that hbo cut their budget by 40%, which is why they had to do everything they could to save money. this included letting go of some of the original cast (and even still having episodes where some of them don’t appear at all) and moving the entire production to AoNZ. the budget cuts also meant two less episodes, so they had to rush to fit an entire season’s worth of plot into eight half-hour long episodes.

but one of the biggest frustrations is hbo’s (alleged) censorship of the show. samba schutte revealed that the entire plot of episode 2x06 was completely different in the original script. before it was rewritten as “calypso’s birthday,” the episode took place during lucius & pete’s wedding and focused on the crew getting sick of the sexual tension between ed & stede and trying to get them to hook up (this aligned with lucius & pete getting engaged and ed & stede deciding to take things slow in the previous episode).

vico ortiz and writer jes tom have also commented that many scenes between jim, oluwande, and archie establishing them as a polycule were cut, including one of the three of them emerging from a bedroom in their underwear. jes has mentioned other elements of season 2 that had to be cut out or rewritten, like the implication of other poly dynamics between the crew and more sexually explicit scenarios and jokes.

considering that ofmd is an extremely sex-positive show that isn’t afraid to be raunchy or taboo, it’s clear that either higher-ups at hbo forced them to cut these things out or they had no choice but to cut them out due to tight budget/time restraints.

in addition to this, a recent article citing an “anonymous insider” has alleged that hbo was uncomfortable with and was unsure how to market the “shock violence” in the show (the same network that aired game of thrones), which david jenkins outright called out as being bullshit. ofmd is rated TV-MA and the posters and trailers all show the audience that it contains violent content. there is literally nothing more graphic in ofmd than any other pirate show — it’s probably a lot tamer than most of them, actually.

violence on the show is most frequently used in a comedic context, in the sense that it’s not meant to be seen as scary or taken seriously. the few instances of serious graphic imagery on the show are meant to invoke a mood shift, like ed’s transformation into the kraken or ned low’s murder. it should also be noted that some of the most graphic deaths are reserved for bigots, like ed snapping the neck of a colonizer who was ridiculing stede’s love letter.

it’s also most often used in a sexual context — not sexual violence, but violence as a sexual metaphor. more specifically the act of stabbing as a metaphor for penetration, as seen with both ed & stede and anne & mary. bearing all this in mind, it seems like the real issue here isn’t executives struggling to market explicit violence to a mainstream audience, but rather explicit gay content.

as much as we joke and affectionately call it the “gay pirate show,” ofmd has always been nothing more than an opportunity for rainbow capitalism for hbo (e.g. the fact that they waited three months to announce season 2 just so they could do it on the first day of pride month). like other cancelled queer media, ofmd was a way for hbo executives to show how “inclusive” and “accepting” they are when it was convenient (aka profitable) for them, but they never actually respected the show or us as a community.

it’s impossible to be certain of what the exact reasoning for cancellation was, especially when they won’t give us a clear answer themselves. and maybe it had nothing to do with ofmd being a queer romcom at all. maybe that’s all a horrible coincidence. but for hbo/max to axe a critically acclaimed and beautifully inclusive show that’s successful by every metric, with an extremely devoted fanbase, especially after casey bloys just had the nerve to ask “gay twitter” to hype up the gilded age? it doesn’t exactly put them in the best light regardless.

in summary, i’ll leave you with this editorial, which details how the campaign to save ofmd isn’t just about one show, but a fight to save the future of all queer art.

[sgiandubh]

When clueless, silence is golden

I was just browsing around while looking for something completely different and stumbled upon this quintessential Mordorian POV:

Disclosing a username is crass and I usually never do this, unless really necessary and relevant. So spare me the ad hominem argument you usually fumble around with, Disgruntled Tumblrettes. Yet, for all its intellectual paucity, this is interesting dissection material, since clearly this person hasn't got the slightest idea of what she is so confidently talking about.

First scenario at play: The Tasting Alliance, 'a company no one has ever heard of', booked and paid for the suite.

Not necessarily booked, nor necessarily paid, madam. In the real business world you are so clueless about, these arrangements are seldom - if ever - monetized. It's rather all about barter.

That company no one ever heard about - except, perhaps, #silly and totally irrelevant Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2023/04/13/the-tasting-alliance-and-reserve-bar-are-set-to-launch-top-shelf/?sh=b45f7085f6f1) - is the parent company of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), largely acknowledged as at least one of, if not the world's leading spirits award contest. Google is your friend, you should try it some time:

The operative info here is that this evaluation comes from the Beverage Trade Network, a professional portal for spirit dealers. Having determined this, Tasting Alliance's IG number of followers is completely irrelevant, since we are talking about two very different targets, here. Its real leverage and weight on the global market does not really need the boost of an aggressive social media presence and the kind of events it hosts are not your favorite junior hockey league or elementary school cake and bake sale.

Let's look a bit further. It takes one click to get on the Tasting Alliance's website (https://thetastingalliance.com/). Granted, not all the information you need to understand its business model is right there and I had to go dig a bit (not without some help - merci encore!) to even get a grip on how these wheels are really turning.

The way they sell themselves is sober and confident. And completely disinterested in social media impact, to be honest:

So, in lieu of glitz and sequined bras, we have a success story in its own right, which started in Frisco in 1980, then continued in 2000, with the addition of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Further expansion followed in 2018, with the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and 2019, when Dias Blue set a firm foot on the emerging Asian market, with the Singapore World Spirits Competition.

I doubt an explanatory drawing is needed as to the why of this expansion choice: it's all about baijiu, the old/new Chinese sorghum spirit and the everlasting love of the Far East for anything fermented. Lao-lao, the unspeakable Laotian homemade rice whisky, comes immediately to the mind of this blogger: the last bottle I saw, somewhere along the unexploded ordnance ridden Route 13, had a plump snake inside, as a naïve Viagra of sorts. Took a mouthful and thought I was going to die - but when spending the night in a longhouse with the Tai Lü people, you can't afford a faux-pas, can you? /end of travel memories intermezzo

By all my estimations, The Tasting Alliance is very profitable business. Let's unpack ( for current fees, see source: https://callingallcontestants.com/contest/2023-san-francisco-world-spirits-competition/):

Considering the 500 USD fee /entry (550, in 2023) in the competition and the fact that in 2022 there were approximately 5000 entries in the Frisco spirits' competition, we have a very rough turnover estimation of 500x5000= 2.5 million USD. That figure is just for one of the spirits competitions, mind you, and does not take into account what the winners probably pay for the right to mention their medals on their bottles (I am yet to see them on the SS gin bottles, btw), nor the multiple sidekick profit (e-shop sales, consulting and/or other distribution deals, etc). So, at the end of the day, I would comfortably multiply that base by 4, assuming a similar scale for all the other events they organize, which takes the yearly turnover at around 10 million USD and keeping in mind this is very probably a conservative estimation. I also assume costs are negligible, taking into account the discretion with which major players traditionally operate on that particular niche. Real expenses are probably limited to the activity of a handful of offices, sparingly and intelligently staffed. Advertisement is probably bartered and social media, well... you just saw the effort, haven't you?

But then there's the brand's real power on that market and this is the right time to talk about influence and impact. Perhaps this recent (2021) Men's Journal article will help us see better: https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/inside-the-san-francisco-world-spirits-competition

With a bit of luck, this could happen:

Sounds familiar? Of course and I bet that was S's strategy. If you imagined him doing the same exhausting booze tour every year (groping on top and seriously cringe on the sides), I think you might want to reconsider. I told you Sassenach Summer was a sandbox for more serious things to come and until now I have no reasons to change my mind. He did it for a reason and, mind you, that reason is not that the booze did or does not sell. It does. Restaurants start to feature it. Podcasts are being produced. The press starts to mention it (that recent New York Times article is evidence enough). This is not Lucky Luciano dealing in bootleg alcohol during the Prohibition and making obscene money over a fortnight. This is a serious business project that was delayed by COVID. That's all. And it takes time and patience and consistence. We know he has all those aplenty.

We also have the totally inane take on production costs for that podcast. It suddenly made me remember again my media expert past. It is with complete and educated confidence that I tell you: a potential 5K USD extra cost for renting that damn suite for the day is peanuts, even for a two-minute clip (let alone, in reality, a podcast interview, and I stand corrected if wrong), if such costs are covered by The Tasting Alliance. But my money is on a barter with The Shutters on the Beach, which would be, again, common business practice.

Second scenario: 'Shutters comped the room for free promo (...) for an actor most people haven't heard of.' You can throw timelines down my throat as many times as you wish and tell me he already stayed there several times and yell and screech, but here is what I think. Shutters didn't comp that suite for S, an actor most people haven't heard of, a decent, hard working start-up entrepreneur. If so (I doubt it), it would be logical to think Shutters comped that suite for The Tasting Alliance, which has a long documented history of partnerships with hotels that host their competitions:

So Shutters might have comped that room for a major player of the alcohol lobby world, happy that S, a returning client, picked them out of several possible options, because it was convenient. I don't believe for a second he stayed there.

This guy knows what he's doing and C's gin success completely depends and I bet will rely on that relentless networking effort. If anything, the Keepers of the Quaich recent development is only confirmation of all the above. But that's another story - very soon on this page.

IYKYK. The rest is uneducated cackle. But Mordor people were never the brightest bulbs in the fandom's chandelier, were they?

[mimiwrites2000]

Attack On… Podcast!

Archive of Our Own

As the Attack on Titan series comes to an end after ten years, the cast is reunited in hosting a podcast, talking about their times on the set of the filming, their friendships, and all in-between.

And well, shenanigans are inevitable.

Attack on Titan acting AU, as the cast host a podcast, and interview the rest of the cast.

Episode 01

Armin: On that day, mankind received a grim reminder. We lived in fear of the Titans and were disgraced to live in these cages we called walls.

Eren: Wow, you made me travel back so many years, that was so long ago.

Armin: I know… I just love saying it, it's a cool way to start a series–

Eren: Welcome! everyone to the Attack on Titan podcast! Where we share our experiences, stories, and behind the scenes from the set of, Attack on Titan.

Armin: indeed indeed, and we are totally doing this because we want to, not because the production company is forcing us into it–

Eren: Armin–

Armin: and the marketing these days is crazy but here we are! And we are glad to have you around, we don't know how frequent these podcasts would be, but, yeah, anyway, Eren.

Eren: Y-yes? What?

Armin: How are you?

Eren: … you don't know how podcasts work, do you?

Armin: nope.

Eren: Oh Gosh–

Armin: Sooooo for our first segment, we will be reading some of your tweets from Twitter–

Eren: X, it's called X.

Armin: not in my house, so anyway, the first tweet here says, how hard was it to act with all the green screens and dots and all those effects things, while not being able to see any of those effects in real life?

Eren: Good question, I think that, being part of a project for… ten years, you just become part of the set, you know?

Armin: yeah we don't really have to imagine these effects or try to deal with things that we don't see, it's like we are there, it's like we lived those moments, we also had a really great VFX team and artists who gave very clear instructions, and they provided us with draft samples of how these effects would look like, and… well, considering the rumbling, it was quite… not easy.

Eren: you did a great job with that monologue though.

Armin: well, thank you, and do I have to mention it took me over 34 takes?

Eren: oh yeah we got to a point where we were literally reciting his speech with him.

Armin: but they ended up using the first take, which made me proud but equally pissed off.

Eren: they used the first take?

Armin: yup, and yes, you all could've been spared from memorizing that speech.

Eren mocking: get up! You useless piece of shit!

Armin laughing: Oh God.

Eren: you asshole! I-don't-know what other profanities but some sad other hate-speech things!

Armin: oh well…

Eren: no but good job, it was phenomenal, it'll get you many awards. Now for our second question, how much physical exercise do you guys do to stay in shape? I both love and hate this question, because I've never been in such good shape, but at the same time, I don't want to be reminded by all the exercises and diets we used to do…

Armin: yeah, especially you, I mean, I don't have many shirtless scenes soooo…

Eren: Oh you do have one.

Armin: no I don't.

Eren: Oh yes you do! He does! They cut the scene out! 

Armin: hey no! I do not have a shirtless scene!

Eren: yeah sure, pretty sure we'll talk about that scene at one point

Armin: sooooo next question.

Eren: It'll come up, it'll come up.

Armin: so, this question says, favorite drinks? Coffee–

Eren: Rum!

Armin: ok another question, oh this is a good one, so this question says, if you have one thing to change about your characters in the finale, what would you change?

Eren: hmmm, well, for me, personally, I wouldn't change anything about the finale, it was perfect, but, I wouldn't mind more insight into their futures.

Armin: yeah I was going to say the same thing and I think it's because I'm just not over the fact that it's over, we've lived with these characters for over ten years, we can't just let go.

Eren: Yeah, yeah, exactly.

Armin: Well, I mean, it's like, it's weird, you know?

Eren: Yeah I know, but I also would've loved to have more romantic scenes–

Armin: oh there he goes.

Eren: oh come on! Are you complaining about having more romantic scenes? 

Armin: alright yes of course after all that pain and sadness, more romance would've been great, but at the same time, it had the perfect amount of romance.

Eren: You're just saying this because-

Armin: Eren don't–

Eren: –you don't want anyone to question that shirtless scene.

Armin: OK SO, we are done with questions for today, that's it, I don't know how they end podcasts, I don't know what I'm supposed to say here, but I guess follow us to get updates, we will have guests in the following episodes, let us know what you would like to hear, and yes goodnight! 

Eren: Coward! 

Armin: bye bye!

note:

If you saw misspelled words, then no you didn’t

Hope you enjoyed this! This is just a tiny fun thing I’m working on for jokes and laughs while I work on other serious projects

But… anyone wants to record these…? Let me know

[annaholak]

Proof of Life and General Life Update

Long time no see, so I thought I'd start with some updates about what's been happening in my life.

• My studio space went from this:

to this:

So yay for that!

• Spent Christmas in Nafpaktos (I hadn't travelled anywhere outside the wider Athens area since 2016, so that was a nice change of scenery):

• Cupid Cafe got nominated for an EBGE Award (more on this in a separate post):

• I turned my Mystical Witchtober into a zine:

• Tabled at Athens Comicdom Con in May:

• Made an account on Cara:

• Went on an actual Summer Vacation TM to the Peloponnese:

• Tabled at The Blind Eye Art Space's season opening Art Market:

And that's about it I think.

[nelapanela94]

Nelaaaa!!! BB TODAY I AM HERE FOR SOME NELA X LEVI HEADCANONSJDJD .. tell me the little stufff toooooooo 🤍

Hi lovely. This one was so fun to write. <3 thank you for the request and please let me live in my delulu world 🌎

Levi and I currently live in Marley (What's left) in a coastal town where the streets finish at the beach.

Levi, though he doesn't admit it, is still afraid of the elevator. He just can't trust it. It jars him when it quivers right before stopping, and he hates it's tight and stuffy. He prefers swallowing the pain in his leg to risking getting stuck and climbs the stairs up to the third floor. And it is worse when the chains start to screech pleading for maintenance. In his defense, he claims it is a great exercise. He takes his time and says hi to the brats who live in the second floor. Sometimes he brings them desserts from the tea shop.

Levi loves sea food, specially shrimps. That is why I took some cooking classes with Niccolo. Steamed, stir-fried, tempura, in pastas, salads, rice and ceviche, I had to learn every preparation. Though we usually eat at home, we love trying new restaurants in town. From fancy to fast food. Once I tried to cajole Levi to a street food stall but he refused, questioning their cleaning procedures.

Levi owns a tea shop downtown that has been awarded twice by the city's chamber of commerce for excellence, quality and service. He was interviewed and his photo appeared in the newspaper, with Gabi and Falco thumbing up behind him. We still have the clippings of the articles, and Levi had the stars framed. He spends all day drinking tea, doing accounts, making payments to suppliers, bossing everyone around, the latter his favorite. When he loses his patience, he jabs the staff with his walking stick on the back of their knees. He also likes to go on Sundays to the spice market where herbs and spices from all corners of the world are found. He takes them home and experiments with them to develop new blends. Although sometimes we have purged by accident.

Meanwhile, I work at the post office right across the street and in my break time we had lunch together in his office and take naps.

We spend hours in the cleaning supplies aisle because Levi can't decide between lavender, cinnamon and apple or citronella. In any case, he decides on all three. One day after work, he brought home a wooden barrel with a crank handle. He explained that it was for washing clothes, although it took me a while to understand how it was operated. He acquired it at a home novelty fair after the inventor convinced him by promising to make our lives easier. I thought it was a scam, but he made it work! It really saves us time and I don't have to ruin my manicure anymore.

On my last birthday, Levi got me a gramophone. We love dancing in the living room despite our clumsy feet, and we’re often off the beat. But who cares, with a drop of wine sprinkling the mix, we hardly notice it. I’ve been collecting discs from thrift stores and garage sales, cramming our place, so Levi felt compelled to build a box to store them safely.

As you might guess, Levi is little fond of PDA. He only feels confortable holding hands, however, from time to time I’d steal a kiss to tease him. He grunts and mellows right after, blushing like a teenage boy kissing his crush for the first time. In private, on the other hand, he’s embarrassingly clingy (don’t ever mention it). When we’re reading in the sofa, he’d snuggle on my chest and loves it when I drop kisses on his head and coddle him. He loves hugs from the back and unexpected kisses on the cheek. Levi is milk with sugar but needs to keep a reputation.

We love traveling. For our honey moon, we visited a tropical island in hizuru. Roasted on the beach all day. He’s still wary of the sea water, can’t stand the slimy animals brushing his legs. But he enjoyed the scenery, the food, drinks and long loving sexy sessions in our suite with ocean view. We’ve been to other places, even though the voyage makes us seasick. We’ve seen temples, museums, archeological sites, lavender fields, all captured in photo albums.

Levi and I live a slow, tranquil life after the war. I think that we deserve that respite. <3

[accio-victuuri]

I’m sharing this here cause i have seen it going around with people i follow on Wb and the things they say is so true! I’ve been seeing this movie blogger since Hidden Blade came out and they have always been fair with their evaluation of Yibo. The whole post is on their account 鬽影縫匠 and i’m only putting here ones that directly pertain to WYB. 🤍 I found myself nodding along while reading their thoughts and i know a lot of people who follow me on here will too.

I almost laughed out loud at a blog post about the “Nomination List for Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Rooster Award". I chose two representative blog posts to share my views on "Best Supporting Actor" and several candidates:

[ Blog Post One ] Wang Yibo and Li Xuejian appeared in the nominations at the same time. This is the most magical joke in Chinese movies...

This is a highly offensive and targeted blog post, and the meaning between the lines is that "Wang Yibo is not worthy of being on the same list as Li Xuejian" , as for why, I didn’t say it, anyway, it’s just not worthy... Looking at the bright side, this blogger may feel that Wang Yibo is young and has a short acting career, and it’s not enough to compete with a drama actor like Li Xuejian, but he ignored an important question: This is not a PK between Wang Yibo and Mr. Li Xuejian, but Mr. Ye in "Hidden Blade" and Ji Chang in "Fengshen Part 1" competing on the same stage. The two characters, Mr. Ye and Ji Chang, play an important role in their respective works. They have their own lives and personalities. Who can portray the character more closely and whose performance is more convincing? Who plays a more critical role, and whose role is more important. Putting them on the same candidate list is not only not a joke, but also the embodiment of the Golden Rooster Award's spirit of "only recognizing the work and not holding any prejudices." If you still think this nomination is a joke, then examine whether there is a mountain of prejudice in your heart.

[Blog post 2] It seems that in the future, when making movies, you need to bring a lot of traffic, not only to earn box office, but also to be nominated...

This is a view that seems to concern the country and the people, but is actually dirty to the core. This prejudice is more serious than the previous one, and can even be said to have affected the development of Chinese films. This must be cleared up. Let’s not talk about the Golden Rooster Awards, which have professional judges who strictly control the threshold. Let’s talk about “traffic”: When we talk about “traffic”, what exactly are we talking about? It’s nothing more than the huge fan appeal that he brings with him, and the real money that this appeal can turn into. This is an actor’s own attribute, and he can’t get rid of it, because of his background. They are still actors. They cannot call others actors when we need box office to revitalize the Chinese film market. When we are done throwing it away, we call them "traffic" and spit twice. Such moral quality is worrying. Besides, since 10-15, "traffic has harmed movies" After that, most of today's young actors work very hard and fight hard. Those "traffic" who cried when their hands were broken have long been eliminated.

We must look at today's young actors from a developmental perspective. Chinese movies need fresh blood and call for the emergence of young actors. Don’t let public opinion stop the future of Chinese cinema. Taking a step back, today's veteran actors were once handsome men and beauties when they were young, but there was no such thing as "traffic" at that time. Today's young actors may have a higher starting point, but the path that the veteran actors have traveled has led them to leave, and it will be more difficult for them. The pressure they have to face is many times that of the veteran actors back then. Relax, the film industry is a field of survival of the fittest, and those who are not good will eventually be eliminated. Let us take a longer view and see who will be at the top ten years from now.

[About the nomination list] Except for Jinba’s performance (Back to Tibet), which I didn’t have the opportunity to see, I have watched all the other four’s works, and all of them more than twice. I was deeply impressed by each actor’s performance. The supporting actor award is a difficult one to judge in this year's Golden Rooster... Personally, I prefer Mr. Ye played by Wang Yibo and Qin Hui played by Lei Jiayin. Since Mr. Ye is Wang Yibo's first important big screen role, the scenes are sufficient and unexpected. The degree of completion, through his portrayal and interpretation, Mr. Ye is a completely gripping and fresh character

[artmialma]

Cordelia Loring Brooks graduated from Harvard University in the Class of 1889, when women had not long been admitted there. In 1932, she was awarded a traveling scholarship by the Boston Museum of Fine Art.

One of her paintings was accepted for the annual exhibition of the Paris Salon, a huge honor during any period. Her paintings are vanishingly rare on the market

[drogba-prospect]

TOÜSSAINT'S OVERSOULS MANUAL

Spirit Unity Syncretism Oversoul with Technology, Education, Art, Books, Medicine, Fitness, and Food (TEABMFF) "Issä Spirit Unity Book Real Estate Dictionary Oversoul"

Expansive Mood (Disinhibition, Sensory Overload, XYY)

Posttraumatic Growth Ecstasy Spiritual Healing

Ecstasy Spiritual Healing Water Recovery

Is̈sa Patroness Oversoul (XYY and Schizoaffective Morning Star-Sun-Neptune Ruling Planets Spirit ESTJ Androgynous Type) (Art Financing/Sports Biologist)

Piërre Patroness Oversoul (XYY, MSTN, ACTN3, Mercury-Mars-Sun Ruling Planets Spirit ISTP Type) (Sensory Play)

Yves̈ Patroness Oversoul (XYY, Expansive Mood-Sensory Overload Morning Star-Mars-Sun ESTP Androgynous Spirit Type) (Virtuoso)

Chaärms Patroness (Oblong Face, Novelty-Seeking, Financial Worshipping Disorders, Poker Brain, Chess Decision Template, Insulin Sensitivity, Low Agreeableness with High Conscientious, Asperger's with Savant Skills, Disinhibited Bipolar 2, Grey Matter Brain, Borderline Personality Disorder; Morning Star-Neptune-Mars-Sun-Moon ISFP MBTI Leo Female Lucifer's Wife Ballerina)

GENOME EDITING

Type III (scores 14–20) sometimes mild burn, tans uniformly (golden honey or olive), Wavy Abbreviation: Surfer Black Hair, Grey Eyes (Green or Blue depending on Mood)

PRINCIPALITIES-EROTES ANGELS OF WAR AESTHETIC THEORY

Language

Principalities: Euphonic Arabic Script Art History Language; Association with Marriage, Sensory Play, Finance, Science, Auditory Aesthetics, Sassafras & Resveratrol, Impure Aesthetic Poetry, Romance Studies, Blue Zone Gastronomy, and Graffiti-Gambling Vulgar Euphonic Slang (Art Financing-Grassroots Language)

Psychology

Keystone Habits

Intrapreneurship Joint Venture Sales Pitch

Opportunity Cost with Intrapreneurship for Joint Venture Contract Meetings. The Eisenhower Matrix is best for addressing problems within companies; with these problems, use the Blue Ocean Strategy to create new markets.

International Events

Rugby World Cup, Davis Cup, Bocuse D’or, Laureus World Sports Awards

Athletics

Capture the Flag, Coup de Pied, Yoruba Jiu-jitsu, Volleyball, Artistic Cycling, Artistic Gymnastics, Rugby

Athletic Platform

Lacoste All-Court: Collagen Athlete (Elastic Force), Baseliner + Serve and Volley, Tennisology (Sports Biology), Stylistic Biomechanics, Tennis Anatomy, Toussaint Cosmetic Surgery (Lipodissolve-Full Body Etching with Hyaluronic Acid Fillers), et Grassroots for Paris Fashion Week

Music

Toussaint Bass: Shakespeare Impure Aesthetics Lyrics and Ballards Vocals-Mozart Effect Composition Melodic EDM; (Layered 808 Progression with Saw Pedal and Syncopated Percussion)

Central African Bathing

3 Shower Sebum Loss Prevention: Soap Moisturizer Bar with First Shower and Second & Third No Soap with Coco Butter-Musk Aftershave Balm Dry Off

Ibiza Tourism Grey-collar Game Theory Network

Ginseng Travel-health Parametric Insurance and Construction Trust Fund

Biogeometry Cosmetic Surgery

Full Body Etching-Lipodissolve and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers.

Medicine

Hydrolyzed Collagen-safrole Oil, Dextromethorphan, Cycloparaphenylene

Biomathematics

Biogeometry, Biomechanics

Decadence

marked by excessive self-indulgence and moral decay

“a decadent life of excessive money and no sense of responsibility”

Subjective

Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions

Precarious Balance

Precariously: If something is happening or positioned precariously, it's in danger. A glass could be precariously balanced on the edge of a table. If something is on the verge of danger, then the word precariously fits.

Semblance

Semblance is generally used to suggest a contrast between outward appearance and inner reality.

Phantasmagorical

Having a fantastic or deceptive appearance

adjective. having a fantastic or deceptive appearance, as something in a dream or created by the imagination. having the appearance of an optical illusion, especially one produced by a magic lantern.

Law of Polarity in Relationships

In any successful relationship that has an intimate connection and sexual attraction, there is polarity. What does this mean exactly? Polarity in relationships is the spark that occurs between two opposing energies: masculine and feminine. Gender does not affect whether you have masculine or feminine energy.

Second Reflection

Burden Aesthetics with Intentions

The Second Reflection lays hold of the Technical Procedures

TOÜSSAINT'S RIVER IN CASABLANCA FOR CASABLANCA MERINO SHEEP FARM AND CHINO CLOTH

The civilization of ancient Egypt was indebted to the Nile River and its dependable seasonal flooding. The river's predictability and fertile soil allowed the Egyptians to build an empire on the basis of great agricultural wealth; Egyptian Cotton Canvas and Poplin Shirt.

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE (MEDITERRANEAN GASTRONOMY COLLECTIVE)

(Competitive Sensory Play) Armed robbery is typically motivated by the desire to obtain money, which is then often used to purchase drugs; however, some armed robbers engage in the crime with the intention of boosting their status within their peer group. Whatever the motivation, the act is classified as a violent crime, because armed robberies can result in injury and sometimes death to victims.

(Agreggator Model) Some common kinds of robbers include first offenders, persistent thieves and hustlers, drug addicts, habitual robbers, and skillful planners.

(Graffiti Art Galleries) Raiding is a military tactic or operational warfare mission which has a specific purpose. Raiders do not capture and hold a location, but quickly retreat to a previously defended position before enemy forces can respond in a coordinated manner or formulate a counter-attack. A raiding group may consist of combatants specially trained in this tactic, such as commandos, or as a special mission assigned to any regular troops. Raids are often a standard tactic in irregular warfare, employed by warriors, guerrilla fighters, or other irregular military forces. Some raids are large, for example, the Sullivan Expedition.

The purposes of a raid may include: to capture specific key persons; to gather intelligence.

(First Masterpiece) Principalities English: Euphonic Art History Language; Association with Sensory Play, Finance, Science, Auditory Aesthetics, Impure Aesthetic Poetry, Ecstasy & Wine, Romance Studies, Blue Zone Gastronomy, and Graffiti-Gambling Vulgar Euphonic Slang (Art Financing).

TOÜSSAINT'S BULLET CHESS INFLUENCED ART CURATORS (FARMLAND RENTAL PROPERTIES)

Preparation: The first step in creating such a good repertoire is to understand that memorization comes in a distant second to an appreciation of the ideas behind your opening moves

Prophylaxis*: In the game of chess, prophylaxis or a prophylactic move is a move that stops the opponent from taking action in a certain area for fear of some type of reprisal. Prophylactic moves are aimed at not just improving one's position but preventing the opponent from improving their own. 

Pre-Move: This is when you make your move *before* the opponent has taken their turn; Helps with Time, Creates psychological pressure

Tactical Vision: Tactics are maneuvers that take advantage of short-term opportunities. They can support your strategy and/or destroy your opponent's plan and ideas; Tactical and combinational themes must be mastered

Opening Game: A chess opening is the group of initial moves of a chess game. In addition to referring to specific move sequences, the opening is the first phase of a chess game, 

Middle Game: The middlegame in chess is the portion of the game in between the opening and the endgame, though there is no clear line between the opening and middlegame or between the middlegame and endgame. The theory on the middlegame is less developed than the opening or endgame.

Development: It is important to develop your whole Army. Note the word whole. Some players get a few pieces out and launch an attack. The necessity for quick development depends on the type of Center that exists. For example, if the center is closed, development is not necessarily a priority because the enemy pieces won't be able to break into your position. However, if the center is open, development takes on a great significance

Initiative**: The side that forces its ideas on a reacting opponent; Is making believable threats or responding to threats

Dynamic Advantage: A dynamic Advantage centers around temporary items like development, initiative, and more active pieces. Make sure you make use of this Dynamic Plus before the opponent catches up in development, the initiative runs dry, or you're active pieces are exchanged

Compensation: If you give up something (space, structural weakness, squares, material) and get nothing in return you are in trouble. However, if you give up the same imbalances (space, structural weakness, squares, material) in exchange for different types of imbalance you are said to have compensation for whatever it is you gave up

Material Advantage: A material advantage goes to the player who has more and/or stronger pieces.

End Game: In chess and chess-like games, the endgame is the stage of the game when a few pieces are left on the board. The line between middlegame and endgame is often not clear and may occur gradually or with the quick exchange of a few pairs of pieces. 

TOÜSSAINT'S PHARMACOECONOMICS

A pharmacopoeia, pharmacopeia, or pharmacopoea (from the obsolete typography pharmacopœia, meaning "drug-making"), in its modern technical sense, is a book containing directions for the identification of compound medicines, and published by the authority of a government or a medical or pharmaceutical society. Descriptions of preparations are called monographs. In a broader sense it is a reference work for pharmaceutical drug specifications. Although older writings exist which deal with herbal medicine, the major initial work in the field is considered to be the Edwin Smith Papyrus in Egypt, Pliny's pharmacopoeia. Pharmacoeconomics refers to the scientific discipline that compares the value of one pharmaceutical drug or drug therapy to another. It is a sub-discipline of health economics. A pharmacoeconomic study evaluates the cost (expressed in monetary terms) and effects (expressed in terms of monetary value, efficacy or enhanced quality of life) of a pharmaceutical product. Pharmacoeconomic studies serve to guide optimal healthcare resource allocation, in a standardized and scientifically grounded manner.

Cost-of-illness analysis (COI)

Cost-benefit analysis (CBA)

Budget-impact analysis (BIA)

Cost-utility analysis (CUA)

Cost-consequence analysis (CCA)

Cost-comparison analysis

Cost-minimization analysis (CMA)

Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA)

TOÜSSAINT'S WATER FILTERING SYSTEM

Activated Charcoal, Colloidal Oatmeal, and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)

LITERATURE ARTS BIBLE

The Manifesto of Futurism (Italian: Manifesto del Futurismo) is a manifesto written by the Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti and published in 1909.[1] Marinetti expresses an artistic philosophy called Futurism that was a rejection of the past and a celebration of speed, machinery, violence, youth and industry. It also advocated the modernization and cultural rejuvenation of Italy. 

Institut Paul Bocuse Gastronomique: The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Culinary Excellence; Founded in 1990 by the great French chef for whom it is named, Institut Paul Bocuse is one of the world's leading culinary schools. Located just outside Lyon, the French gastronomic capital, it operates with advisory boards that include leading chefs from around the world (e.g., Daniel Boulud, Yannick Alleno, Juan Mari Arzak, Normand Laprise, Thomas Keller). With more than 1,800 photographs illustrating 250 essential kitchen techniques, this 720-page, slipcased volume addresses both motivated self-instructors and trained chefs who may occasionally want to refresh their knowledge of classic technique.

Négritude: Naissance et expansion du concept a documentary by Nathalie Fave and Jean-Baptiste Fave, first minutes online, with the interventions of Amadou Lamine Sall, Racine Senghor, Lylian Kesteloot, Jean-Louis Roy, Jacqueline Lemoine, Gérard Chenêt, Victor Emmanuel Cabrita, Nafissatou Dia Diouf, Amadou Ly, Youssoufa Bâ, Raphaël Ndiaye, Alioune Badara Bèye, Hamidou Dia, Georges Courrèges, Baba Diop; Maison Africaine de la Poésie Internationale. Shot in Sénégal in 2005, 56' (DVD)

Coffee and Cigarette Documentary This 11-vignette film focuses on the human interactions that happen while partaking in the everyday indulgence of coffee and cigarettes. Featuring well-known actors and other artists as themselves or some version thereof, the film highlights the nuances and subtle hostilities that can be a part of seemingly normal conversations. Bill Murray waits on the Wu-Tang Clan, Iggy Pop and Tom Waits get on each others' nerves and Jack and Meg White of the White Stripes discuss Nikola Tesla.

A creed, also known as a confession of faith, a symbol, or a statement of faith, is a statement of the shared beliefs of a community (often a religious community) in a form which is structured by subjects which summarize its core tenets. 

PRINCIPALITIES TOÜSSAINT'S MINK MILE VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE CREDO MASCULINITÉ 

Rejection of Past Africa for Romance Studies and Greco-Grigori Science 

Principalities Settlement on Mercury through Space Chakra

A Lion's, Kangaroo's, & Cheetah's Hearts and a pair of Eagle Eyes are added to Spirits

Virgo Births and Planet Realignment

Mutable Leo, Aries, Sagittarius Sensing Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Patronesses and Planet Realignment; 3 Per Zodiac Sign (Sensory Play Male ISTP, ESTP Androgynous Virtuoso Intrapreneur, ESTJ Androgynous Insurance Agent)

Chinos and Dufflebag Dress Code

Digimon: The Movie is the influence for TK and Kari Digiworld Shamanism (Technology Aesthetic for Patronesses)

Dark Arts-Martial Arts Army Civilian

Principalities-Erotes Aesthetic Theory

Construction Trust Fund Insurance Business Model

Real Estate Identification 

Cash is a Liability in Capitalism

Distorted Sensory Play for Wings Development

Spirit Unity Syncretism Oversoul with Technology, Education, Art, Books, Medicine, Fitness, and Food (TEABMFF)

Sociobiology (Socioeconomic Status Theory of Development; Sociocultural Theory of Development; Sociopolitical Theory of Development)

Gymnastic Rings

Olfactory Arts

Grey-collar Working Class Game Theory Network

GABA Hegemonic Masculinity Settlement Colonization

Psychology

Age 16 Group Home Passage of Living Like Your Father Is Dead To Become A Man (Exposure Therapy)

Gambling and Bankroll Magement

Gastronomy

Collagen Sports Science

Vice Script

Yoruban Jiu-jitsu

Military Equipment

Fertility

Why Principalities English has a Vulgar Euphonic Accent And Is Classified As An Art History Language (Written by Poets, and is Spoken by Kinaesthetic Learners)

Wine Casual Dress Code (Chino and Duffle Bag)

Keystone Habits

Wolves

Authors Of Scientific Theory

Heritage Assets

Mastering Dynamic Plank, Reverse Plank, and Hollow Hold

Bioeconomy (BioTechnology Central Hedge Fund-Game Theory Offshore Master’s Exchange Program)

Offshore Aquaculture Predators

Guerilla Fitness Routine

Orthtropics (Jaw Contouring, Mewing, and Masseter Silicone Chewing)

Bengal Cat Owners

Collagen-sassafras Oil BioGeometry Cosmetics Diploma

Nutritional Biochemistry Rations and Take-out

Media Studies

3 Sleep Cycle Naps Twice a Day

Aftershave Balm as a Body Lotion Replacement

30's is the most Important Decade in a Man's Life

Mineral Water Hair Cosmetics

Pearl Mouth Jewellery

Impure Aesthetics Poetry Theory

Sexual Healing Guide

Our Version of Shango's Heavens Belongs to Angels of War (Eros, Gadreel, and Issä)

Toussaint's Physique: Force-Velocity Systematic Calisthenics Contrast Superset Lower Half Influenced V-taper (Plyometrics for Cardio)

Pan-fried & Grilled Crab Cooking Competition Show for Shango

Shakespeare Adaptation Thrillers Screenplay

Vulgar Poetry and Graffiti Graphic Design

Having a Favourite Element on the Periodic Table.

How Eros gave us Dionysus as a Wine and Ecstasy Deity through Pothos for an Energy Drink Microeconomy

Tennis Streetwear during Youth and Wine Country Casual at the age of 18

Economic & Finance Exploratory Schools (5-18)

Mediterranean Games Economy International Event Insurance Business Model

Using Dark Arts for Venus and Mars as Ruling Planets

Andrology Research Video Essays and Online Articles

Toussaint-Nike-Jennifer Psychology Parenthood

Stacked Leucine Bedtime Drink for Hormone Release Recovery and Fertility Nude Sleep

Sensing Myers Briggs Type Indicator Sensory Play Art Schools for Information Processing

Replace Packaged Food with Smoothie Frequency and Nut Bottom Yogurts

Random Acts of Long Distance Food Poetry

The Davis Cup is French Settlement

2 Am Bedtime for After Hours Sensory Play

Coffee Pastry Sheets for Breakfast Pastries

Winter Point Break Gastronomy

Cigarillos-Ecstasy Expansive Mood Oversoul

FRANÇAFRIQUE HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN + RESVERATROL AND GINSENG + CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID + L-CARNITINE MICROECONOMICS ENERGY DRINK ECONOMY

Travel-health Insurance Sales Agent (Policy, Service, Premium Bought Farmland and Interest Gathering Assets)

Graffiti Cinematography Art Galleries

Acid Garden Streetwear Trade Shows

Sports Performance Center

Coup de Pied Courts (Grassroots)

Video Game Design

Graffiti Graphic Design Sister Company

Collagen Supplement Store with Research Insitute

Economic Forecasting Pool-Live Betting Board Game

Rental Property Farmland and Penthouse Artist Residency Grocery Store

Ibiza Primate Structure

Audio Engineer Red Bull Academy

Ecstasy Concentrate Pedology BioTech Research Institute

Fougere Skincare Manufacturing

Beach Festivals

Bape Corporate Education Art Schools

Gastronomy Tours

Create an Ecstasy Expansive Mood Oversoul for Art through Spirit-Type Syncretism

Opportunity Costs Theory: Opportunity costs represent the potential benefits that an individual, investor, or business misses out on when choosing one alternative over another. Because opportunity costs are unseen by definition, they can be easily overlooked.

LAYERED HANAEL CHAINS OF TOÜSSAINT-GADREEL

The Star of David

Virgin Mary Pendant

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE BIBLE DE COELESTI HIERARCHIA

De Coelesti Hierarchia (Greek: Περὶ τῆς Οὐρανίας Ἱεραρχίας, "On the Celestial Hierarchy") is a Pseudo-Dionysian work on angelology, written in Greek and dated to ca. AD the 5th century; it exerted great influence on scholasticism and treats at great length the hierarchies of angels.

MALAGASY PRINCIPALITIES LANDSCAPING & GARDENING EXPO

Funding 

LMVH Distribution 

Layout 

Model off of an Amusement Park

Product

Horticulture is the art of cultivating plants in gardens to produce food and medicinal ingredients, or for comfort and ornamental purposes. Horticulturists are agriculturists who grow flowers, fruits and nuts, vegetables and herbs, as well as ornamental trees and lawns 

Sports Performance Facility 

Indoor Garden 

Wedding Host 

Photography Garden 

Food Court 

Restaurants: Upscale 

Farmer's Market 

Coffee Shops 

Cannabis Fields 

Rum Production Centre 

Corporate Meeting: Christmas and New Year's Parties 

Investor meeting spot

Diplomatic Events 

Shopping Centre 

Outdoor Concert Venue 

Theatre Arts 

Business School 

Member Banks Headquarters 

ISSF Olympic skeet: Qualifiers, Membership 

Running Trails: Street Art Stairs 

Ballet Academy

Diamond Bourse

Foreign Relations 

Fund Foreign Expos to Increase Diplomatic Relationship: Increase Tourism, Off-shore Companies, and Bank Accounts.

Cabana Club 

Water System: Experiment with Activated Charcoal, Colloidal Oatmeal, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) 

DIAMONDS TRAFFICKING

Debswana Diamond Company Limited, or simply Debswana, is a mining company located in Botswana, and is the world's leading producer of diamonds by value. Debswana operates four diamond mines in the eastern and central parts of Botswana, as well as a coal mine. Debswana is a joint venture between the government of Botswana and the South African diamond company De Beers; each party owns 50 percent of the company.

World Federation of Diamond Bourses Executive & Promotion Committee

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) is an association of the world’s major diamond bourses and promotes the interests of the member bourses and their members. As the official organization of the international diamond trading sector, the WFDB creates a common set of trading practices in rough and polished diamonds.

Founded in 1947, the WFDB currently has 29 affiliated bourse members located in major diamond centers throughout the world. The WFDB encourages the establishment of new diamond bourses, and aids and supports bourses in their early stages. The organization also invites members of related diamond sectors – such as finance, retail, shipping and more – to join as associate members.

The WFDB Executive Committee: The Executive Committee directs and enforces the policies of the WFDB according to resolutions passed by Congresses and Presidents’ Meetings and has the authority to give them proper effect.

The WFDB Promotion Committee: The Promotion Committee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee in order to enhance the promotion of the WFDB on various levels, such as via social media, the website and more.

The WFDB Judicial Committee: The Judicial Committee is responsible for all legal matters relating to the WFDB, such as international arbitration issues. The Committee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee and the affiliated bourses to amend the WFDB Laws and Inner Rules.

The WFDB Trade And Business Committee: The Trade and Business committee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee concerning industry relations with financial institutions worldwide, lab-grown diamonds, Know Your Customer and the System of Warranties.

The WFDB Trade And Business Committee

The Trade and Business committee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee concerning industry relations with financial institutions worldwide, lab-grown diamonds, Know Your Customer and the System of Warranties.

Ideas: Luxury Goods Encrusted Items Investment Service and Auction; Example, Hermès Bag Investment System, Masterworks Underwriting Auction System Information Catwalks with models then bidding in a separate room with Video Replay for YouTube 

Industries to attach to: Offshore Banking, Insurance, Collateral

ABC Exchange (Alumina, Beryllium, Carbon): There are four types of precious stones: diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Each type has its own specific chemical and physical properties. Diamonds are made from carbon, rubies, and sapphires from alumina, and emeralds from beryllium.

THE DIAMOND STANDARD

Interest Rate Pegging, Environmental alternative to gold, Surplus item during Quantitative Easing, Low Interest Rates lead to spending and loans for investment which means buying and trading diamonds will balloon 

Mine Pairs: What Is a Currency Pair? A currency pair is the quotation of two different currencies, with the value of one currency being quoted against the other. The first listed currency of a currency pair is called the base currency, and the second currency is called the quote currency.

Diamond Mine Investment Group: Mines can create private Investment Groups. Items within Group, Diamond Retail, Panic Buttons, Time Opening Buzzer Entrance, Shatterproof Display Cases, Time Opening Safes, 2 Floor Stores System 

Diamond Trading: Industrial diamond manufacturing sectors, Capital Gains Taxing, Create Offshore revenue through trading. Blockchain is a volatile market for good liquidity, Vehicle Currency Low-Interest Rates mean the currency will be traded against other currencies, Shorting own currency to get foreign currency and exchanging returns for domestic currency stabilize the exchange rate and Currency Basket 

TUNNEL STRATEGY (OFFSHORE BANKING)

Purpose: Permanent Residence Card or Citizenship By Investment

$200k Deposit

$125k: 60/40 portfolio, 60% Fixed Income & REITs and 40% Blue Chip Stocks 

$50k: Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) and Term Deposits are secured investments. This means that you get back the amount you invest at the end of your term. The key difference between a GIC and a term deposit is the length of the term. Term deposits generally have shorter terms than GICs.

$25k: Spending Cash 

BNP PARIBAS FORTIS EQUITY FINANCING

Tax Deductible Charity: Ecological Preservation Real Estate & Natural Resources Development (Coffee and Tobacco)

Art Gallery/Diamonds Accessoires OTC Underwriting-Auction and Graffiti Cinematography

CONGOLESE SYSTEMATIC CALISTHENICS

Pyramid Sets with Systematic Calisthenics

CONGOLESE CONTRAST TRAINING

Isometric Hold, Dynamic Effort Method Lifting, Plyometric, 60 Meter Sprint or Vertical Jump, Intra-Set Stretching 

CONGOLESE CORE PYRAMID TRAINING

Isometric Hold-Isotonic Contraction-Cobra Pose (10 Seconds Hollow Hold/15 Bicycle/Cobra Pose, 15 Seconds Hollow Hold/7 Bicycle-Cobra Pose)

CONGOLESE PYRAMID MUSCLE ACTIVATION WARM UP

Ido Portal's Isometric-Mobility Squat Routine

Contrast Dynamic Hollow Hold

Wall Sit-Weighted Jump Rope

CONGOLESE RESISTANCE TRAINING EQUIPMENT

Pull-up Bands

Gymnastic Rings

Weighted Jump Rope

Weighted Vest (Rucking Specialization)

CONGOLESE SUPPLEMENTATION

Resveratrol/Soy Isoflavones (Hormones)

Leucine/L-Carnitine/Creatine (Stacked Muscle Growth)

Keto BHB (Fat Loss)

CONGOLESE WAVES

Bleached, Level 2 Temple Drop Fade, ≠ Head and Eyebrow Part, Pencil Mustache

Waves Products: Pomade, Wave Butter, Wave Shampoo, Sea Salt Spray

Shower Brush Method: Detangle Hair with Comb, Soak Hair for a Couple Minutes, Scramble Wash, Create Thick Lather and Shower Brush #1 Training Pattern, Create Thick Lather and Shower Brush #2 Training Pattern, Lather and Lay Down Pattern, Put on Durag and Rinse

When hair is dry use Wave Butter, Pomade and Sea Salt Spray

CONGOLESE HIGH SCHOOL CAREER

Lifeguard-Butcher-Pastry Chef Job Trio (Dōrifutoshīn Gran Turismo Trafficking, Streaming, and Sports Book)

Fougère Cultivateur

Law and Parenting Students

CONGOLESE GROCERY COFFEE CULTURE

Cold Brew

Java Tobacco

Coffee Flavoured Chocolate

Coffee Pastry Frosting

Coffee Breakfast Whipped Cream

Coffee Liqueur (Candles)

CONGOLESE WARRIOR FASTING

Doubled Up Meal Replacement Smoothies (Oatmeal, Spinach, Chia Seeds, Flaxseeds)

4 Hour Window (Pork, Seafood, Duck, and Polysaccharides)

7 Pm Workout for Sleep and Morning Recovery

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE MAIN INSURANCE INCOMES

Hotel Vertical Integration Ghost Kitchen Clientele Grocery Stores

French Socioeconomic Status Development Immigration Multilingual Sensory Play Cooking Channel

Bape Art Corporate Education Curriculum (No Audition Course)

The pioneer was Société Générale de Belgique, the ancestor of BNP Paribas Fortis, which was founded in Brussels in 1822. It invented the hybrid bank, combining deposit management and corporate sponsorship, with Crédit Mobilier (founded by the Pereire brothers) soon following suit.

SONY DISTRIBUTION: Gran Turismo, Cyberpunk 2077, Ghost of Tsushima, Gundam Wing, Zoids, Sonic The Hedgehog, FIFA Trafficking and Re-sale Market

Jupiler Rugby Pro Union and Pro League

Barber Salons

As of 2023, the global chocolate industry is worth $127.9 billion USD.

Madagascar Vanille: The global vanilla extract market size was valued at USD 5.26 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 4.94 billion in 2022 to USD 6.29 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.52% during the forecast period.

According to the report, the global cheese market was valued at over 83.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, and is forecast to reach at over 120.2 billion by 2028.

The global rabbit meat market revenue amounted to $6.4 billion in 2017, picking up by 12% against the previous year. This is according to market research firm IndexBox, which also stated that the market value increased an average annual rate of +4.0% from 2007 to 2017.

However you serve them, duck eggs are an excellent source of nutrition. Their dark yellow yolk indicates that they hold more antioxidants, more omega-3 fatty acids, and 50% more vitamin A than chicken eggs.

Sephora is a leader in global prestige retail, teaching and inspiring clients to play in a world of beauty. Owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's leading luxury goods group, Sephora has earned its reputation as a beauty trailblazer with its expertise, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. At Sephora, beauty is in our DNA. Our revolutionary beauty-retail concept, founded in France by Dominique Mandonnaud in 1970, is defined by its unique, open-sell environment with an ever-increasing assortment of products from carefully curated brands, featuring indie darlings, emerging favorites, trusted classics, and Sephora’s own, SEPHORA COLLECTION. Today, Sephora is not only the leading retailer of perfume and cosmetics stores in France, but also a powerful beauty presence in countries around the world thanks to its unparalleled assortment of prestige products in every category, unbiased service from experts, interactive shopping environment, and innovation.

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE DJ RECUITMENT

Bassline Genre

Energy Drink

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE HUMAN SPIRITS

Samuel de Champlain/Jean-Jacques Dessalines/Marcus Garvey (Samuel de Champlain Spirit Type Oversoul)

Alexander the Great

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE MINK MILE WOMEN

Sephora Girls

Art Curators

Ballerines

KINSHASA CAPITAL STRATEGY

Primate State European Architecture Metropolitan Capitals

The Belgian banking system has long been known to be a sophisticated and liberal banking system. Standardized customer account numbers for all financial intermediaries are widely used, and internet and phone banking are well developed. There are no restrictions on the free movement of capital and regulatory requirements are minimal. There is a particularly wide and flexible range of loan products offered to companies, with no discrimination as to the nationality of the investor. There are also many options available when it comes to raising risk capital. Thanks to an efficient branch network, there is a large number of Belgian and foreign banks servicing the country. Due to the sheer volume of international business carried out in Belgium, more than half of all banking transactions are international financial transactions. The majority of Belgian banks also have an extensive international network based on strategically located branches in the main financial markets around the world. A number of the 106 banks located in Belgium feature prominently in the top 100 international banks. The combined assets of the three main banks (Fortis, ING and KB Group) amount to $370 billion. All credit institutions (banks and savings banks) operate under the same legal framework and are monitored by the same supervisory authorities. The Banking, Finance and Insurance Commission (BFAC) supervises the activities of financial institutions, including banks, investment funds, stock brokers, finance companies and holding companies. As a result of the deregulation of the banking sector in 1993, credit institutions have been able to offer all financial services, as defined by European legislation. The BFAC supervises the financial sector in close coordination with the National Bank of Belgium (Belgium’s central bank). The main bankcard used in Belgium is the Mister Cash-Bancontact debit card, issued along with a PIN number upon opening a bank account in Belgium. In order to open an account, proof of identity, such as a passport, is required. The Bancontact card can be used to withdraw cash at ATMs, and to pay for almost anything in Belgium, from a newspaper, parking meter, gasoline, or a loaf of bread from the bakery. Credit options are also available on application. All bank ATMs in Belgium accept the Bancontact card; some accept MasterCard, Visa and other credit and debit cards. The major credit cards are generally accepted in stores, restaurants, and hotels.

AgBank and Options Exchange: Since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, ABC has been formed and abolished several times. On July 10, 1951, two banks of the Republic of China, Farmers Bank of China and Cooperation Bank, merged to form the Agricultural Cooperation Bank, which ABC regards as its ancestor. However, the bank was merged into People's Bank of China, the central bank in 1952. The first bank bearing the name Agricultural Bank of China was founded in 1955, but it was merged into the central bank in 1957. In 1963 the Chinese government formed another agricultural bank which was also merged into the central bank two years later. Today's Agricultural Bank of China was founded in February 1979. As the People's Bank of China began spinning off its commercial banking functions after 1978, ABC's focus on providing farmers with financial services increased.[10]: 225  ABC was restructured to form a holding company called Agricultural Bank of China Limited.[11] It was listed on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges in July 2010.[12] Founded in 1973, the CBOE Options Exchange is the world's largest options exchange with contracts focusing on individual equities, indexes, and interest rates.

Bishop's College School or BCS is an English-language non-profit independent boarding prep school in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada for students in Grades 7 to 12.[2][3][4][5] Founded in 1836, BCS is the fifth oldest private school in Canada.[6][2][7] BCS has the highest endowment per student of any independent school in Canada.[8][9] Seven BCS people have been named Rhodes Scholars.[10][11] A royal charter was granted in 1853 from Queen Victoria for Bishop's College when BCS was the constituent junior division. The school was recognized as the "Eton of Canada" initially by the first Governor General of Canada, Lord Monck on a visit in 1864.[12][13][5] It locates at the heart the historic Eastern Townships and near New England. The school is recognized as a Quebec cultural heritage site in the Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec.[14][15]

Grey collar – Workforce that is not classified in blue collar nor white collar. It is occasionally used to describe elderly individuals working beyond the age of retirement, as well as those occupations incorporating elements of both blue- and white-collar.

Gold collar – Refers to children of wealthy parents working jobs they normally would not be qualified for. Alternatively refers to highly-skilled professionals in high-demand fields such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and scientists.

JAVA ANGELINA FRANC (Central African Franc CFA): Petrodollars are crude oil export revenues denominated in U.S. dollars. The term gained currency in the mid-1970s when soaring oil prices generated large trade and current account surpluses for oil exporting countries. A currency peg is a policy in which a national government or central bank sets a fixed exchange rate for its currency with a foreign currency or a basket of currencies and stabilizes the exchange rate between countries. The global coffee industry is worth $495.50 billion as of 2023. The United States contributes $95.58 billion to this total, which is more than any other country in the world.

Athletics Training: The force-velocity curve is a physical representation of the inverse relationship between force and velocity. Understanding the interaction between force and velocity and their influences on exercise selection is vital for any strength and conditioning professional. For example, it is essential that a strength and conditioning coach understands the physiological and biomechanical differences between prescribing a one-repetition maximum (1RM) deadlift and five-repetition maximum (5RM) jump squats – as one will produce higher forces and lower velocities than the other. Failure to understand the relationship and its importance will likely lead to less than optimal training prescription.

Opportunity Costs represent the potential benefits that an individual, investor, or business misses out on when choosing one alternative over another. Because opportunity costs are unseen by definition, they can be easily overlooked.

Game Theory has a wide range of applications, including psychology, evolutionary biology, war, politics, economics, and business. Despite its many advances, game theory is still a young and developing science.

Meat Source: Wild game is surprisingly leaner, relatively higher in Omega-3 fatty acids, lower in cholesterol (due to the low saturated fat content), as well as devoid of steroids, antibiotics and other additives because of their natural origin and active ways of life. When compared to domestic animals such as cows and chickens, game meats have an average of 4.3% fat while their domesticated competitors typically have a fat content of 25-30%. Not just any fat either. We’re talking a lot less saturated fat (aka the bad fat) and a much higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (aka the good fat). Additionally, the protein, vitamin, and mineral composition of wild game stands to compete with its domesticated competitors, especially when it comes to zinc and iron. This is due to their natural diet of wild vegetation as opposed to grain and corn. (Wild Turkey, Deer, Duck, and Jackrabbit)

Alkaline D-Aspartic Acid Gastronomy: D-Aspartic Acid is an amino acid that is used to make proteins in the body and is a part of several metabolic reactions. One systematic review found that there was evidence of D-Aspartic Acid boosting testosterone levels in male animals. Some foods that are high in D-Aspartic Acid include: Poultry, Meat, Eggs, Dairy, Rice, Oats & Barley Donut Flour, Peaches, Dried Apricots, Nectarines, Cherries, Plums, and Bananas. The alkaline diet is based on the idea that replacing acid-forming foods with alkaline foods can improve your health.

Spinach: Specifically, researchers led by Maria Parr — a professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at the Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany — examined the effect of ecdysterone on athletic performance and muscle strength. EcdysteroneTrusted Source is the main compound in spinach extract. It is a phytosteroid — that is, a steroid that occurs naturally in plants and belongs to a class called phytosterols, which are “structurally similar to cholesterol.” Previous studiesTrusted Source in mammals have shown that ecdysteroids have a wide range of beneficial effects. In the 1980s, researchers dubbed ecdysterone the “Russian secret,” following suspicions that Russian Olympic athletes were using it as a performance boosting supplement.

Salmon as Unsaturated Fat Protein: The fatty-acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are a family of transport proteins for fatty acids and other lipophilic substances such as eicosanoids and retinoids.[1][2] These proteins are thought to facilitate the transfer of fatty acids between extra- and intracellular membranes.[3] Some family members are also believed to transport lipophilic molecules from outer cell membrane to certain intracellular receptors such as PPAR.[4] The FABPs are intracellular carriers that “solubilize” the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), transporting AEA to the breakdown by FAAH, and compounds that bind to FABPs block AEA breakdown, raising its level. The cannabinoids (THC and CBD) are also discovered to bind human FABPs (1, 3, 5, and 7) that function as intracellular carriers, as THC and CBD inhibit the cellular uptake and catabolism of AEA by targeting FABPs.[5] Competition for FABPs may in part or wholly explain the increased circulating levels of endocannabinoids reported after consumption of cannabinoids.[6] Levels of fatty-acid-binding protein have been shown to decline with ageing in the mouse brain, possibly contributing to age-associated decline in synaptic activity.

Cathedral Basilica Tax Deductible Charity

BNP Paribas Fortis Offshore Mariculture Division (Cote d'Ivoire, Seychelles, and Madagascar)

Sports Performance Centers (Sports Biomathematics and Intrapreneurship Joint Ventures)

Aether is an award-winning climate tech startup based in New York City's fabled Diamond District. Aether transforms air pollution into valuable goods and materials. From pollution to solution, nothing to something. By pushing the boundaries of product design, manufacturing technologies, and craftsmanship, the company is paving the way for a more beautiful and enduring future for both people and planet. Founded in 2018, Aether has raised over $21M in funding to date and is growing quickly.

Drug Slang: “Chocolate” is used as a euphemism for cannabis in the song: “And my car smells like chocolate”, as well as the line: “Now you’re never gunna quit it / If you don’t stop smoking it / That’s what she said” — 1975

JEWISH HABIT BUILDING FOR KIDS

Extinction is the learned inhibition of retrieval of previously acquired responses. Fear extinction is a significant component of exposure therapy in the treatment of fear memories such as those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can be used for experience.

Money Lessons

Money Jars: Give $100 for every 5 book reports, then divide among jars. $10 Tithe (opened at the end of the month), $10 Giving and Offering (opened on Sundays), $10 Saving (opened on special occasions), $20 Investing (only opened when full), $50 Spending.

This teaches multiple personal finance skills, Motivates independent reading, Teaches oral and presentation skills, Build the habit of gathering information when they are young, and Builds a Corporate Executive mindset; Instead of having this system with chores which creates an employee mindset this teaches kids to be in control of the information they use to get money

After the first trial runs this should be viewed as passive income for your Children.

While balancing school and at-home book reports; this simulates and exposes them to the similarities of having a job and starting their own company

VŒUX DE CHAMPAGNE DŌRIFUTOSHĪN TRADEMARK

Grey with White Logo Tires

Gold Chrome Rims

WELFARE FRENCH GASTRONOMY (PANTRY & RATIONS GROCERY SHOPPING)

Crème Fraîche Tomato-Peanut Soup (Sautée Veggies-Broth Layering) with Challah Bread & Pan Fried Salmon

Skin On Pomme Puree & Pan Fried Salmon

Haitian Macaroni au Gratin (Sunday Meal)

Congolese French Toast Roll Up (Turkey and Cheese with Jam)

Mason Jar Overnight Oatmeal

French Vanille Blueberry Meal Replacement Smoothies 

Eggs, Sausage, and Hash Browns Breakfast

French Vanille Extract-Cinnimon Crème Fraîche Chocolat Chaud Angelina

Gâteau au rhum

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolat Oatmeal Cookies

Salmon

Tomato Soup

Yukon Potatoes

Challah Bread

3 Block Cheese

4 Boxes of Conchiglie

Milk

Butter

French Vanille Creamer

Heavy Cream

Buttermilk

Flour

Roasted Garlic Chicken Broth

Olive Oil

Celery

Carrots

Sweet Onion

Basil

Roasted Herb and Garlic

Mint

Equipment: Mason Jar, Saucepan, Toaster Oven, Panini Griddles, Slow Cooker, Pot, Fruit Ninja Blender, Cup Cake Pan, Frying Pan, Baking Pan, Cutting Board, Colander Bowl, Whisk, Tongs, and Spatula

CONGOLESE SENSUAL VIRGINITY

De Coelesti Hierarchia Raves, Planetary Intelligence, Parking Ticket Free Brabus Dealerships (Angel Status), Pool Access Lifeguard Summer Competitions, Ecstasy, Synth Drum and Bass, Graffiti Cinematography, Undergarments Shopping, Oral Sex, Masturbation, Dirty Dancing, Sexting

MANDELA PRISON SYSTEM

Gastronomy Course (Crème Fraîche Chocolat Chaud Angelina; Panini Challah Turkey and Cheese French Toast; Crème Fraîche Tomato-Peanut Soup)

Lifeguard Training

Barber Landlords Course

BLITZ GRIGORI COVENANT

Slogan

J'Cartier, Je cours après les vœux de champagne

Subjective

Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions

Bleu et Gris Sprezzatura Gastronomie 

Precarious Balance

Precariously: If something is happening or positioned precariously, it's in danger. A glass could be precariously balanced on the edge of a table. If something is on the verge of danger, then the word precariously fits.

Grey & Decentralized Markets

Semblance

Semblance is generally used to suggest a contrast between outward appearance and inner reality.

High Socioeconomic Status & Tattoos

Phantasmagorical

Having a fantastic or deceptive appearance; adjective. having a fantastic or deceptive appearance, as something in a dream or created by the imagination. having the appearance of an optical illusion, especially one produced by a magic lantern.

Socioeconomic Status Development Immigration Multilingual Sensory Play 

Law of Polarity in Relationships

In any successful relationship that has an intimate connection and sexual attraction, there is polarity. What does this mean exactly? Polarity in relationships is the spark that occurs between two opposing energies: masculine and feminine. Gender does not affect whether you have masculine or feminine energy.

Second Reflection

Burden Aesthetics with Intentions; The Second Reflection lays hold of the Technical Procedures

Tattoos

PARDICÉ MINUIT

[ashprince-of-bel-air]

Blackstaff Academy

A/N: You are a professor of Blackstaff Academy, your life there will change once a certain wizard turns up to teach.

Being a professor at Blackstaff Academy had been the highlight of your career for now. You had only worked there for just over 2 years but you had won awards for your teaching of magic and the high grades your students achieved under your tuition. This was all you had ever craved, in your life at home you had always felt second best to your sister who was inherently better at magic than you, yet she did not have the knowledge that you worked so hard on. It is one thing to be born gifted, which itself is impressive, you would not deny that. But to be born and work hard to be as talented as you were, that takes dedication and skill. Your family never celebrated your awards as much as you would like but that did not matter, you knew how they were, what mattered is how you felt and how your colleagues celebrated you with open arms praising you for your work. They were your chosen family, and that meant a lot to you to feel accepted by them.

The summer break breezed by, you enjoyed your time away from teaching by travelling revelling in the glorious weather. Your yearly trip to Baldur’s Gate was a fruitful one, spending your time pouring through new tomes in the city, finding new spells to practice, it was like heaven for you. It was not very often that you could relax like this so you enjoyed yourself whilst you could, drinking cheap wine in the Taverns and eating exotic fruit you had never heard of in the local markets. You wanted to write to your family about it all but it would have only hurt you when you would inevitably not get a response.

A few days before the new academic year yourself and all the current professors would gather at the academy and discuss the upcoming term, it was normally the same spiel each year according to your colleagues, discussing how they standards of teaching in the school were increasing and how select they had to be with the students again this year. You thought it would be much of the same again when you arrived at the meeting, yet you could feel a tension in the air, something was not right.

“What’s going on, Khalazza?” you whispered to your potion master, knowing she was the hub if gossip amongst the faculty.

Khalazza’s eyes lit up as she leant towards you, whispering excitedly. “Well, Tav. You know me I’m not a gossip.” Her hands animated as she spoke. You nodded softly and agreed, knowing full well she was the biggest gossip here, but you wanted information so kept your mouth shut and hummed along to her words in agreement.

“Apparently we are getting some famous wizard to join our faculty!” Her eyes lit up and sparkled with excitement whilst your eyes rolled. You had no time for celebrity wizards who pretended to know more than what they actually did.

“No! It’s true!” Khalazza insisted. “I heard it from the Dean himself! Apparently he helped the Hero of Baldurs Gate!” She was now getting too excitable for your liking, you put some distance between the two of you and chuckled under your breath, why on earth would someone who helped “the hero of Baldur’s Gate” come here? Surely they could get a job wherever they wanted. You could still see Khalazza practically bouncing with excitement out of the corner of your eye, you chuckled at her animated reaction, she was a lovely woman, just a tad excitable at times.

The rest of the faculty meeting was filled with hushed murmurs that you tried to ignore, you did not need this distraction on your first day back, in fact, it took almost an hour until the Dean of the school told you all to quieten down before he introduced the new member of staff. It seemed to be a serious matter for once. You pushed yourself towards the front of the crowd of staff to see who would be joining you. As you stood at the front you noticed a familiar looking man, although you could not place him. He was handsome, his stubble was tidy and the long brown hair tied back in a half up bun intrigued you, wondering what field he would be teaching. Your school of teaching was purely on the weave, you felt an intrinsic link to it since the day you were born, you could have easily taken up any subject of magic, but this was your passion, and you revelled in the teaching of it.

The Dean was a kind man, he had not ever left Waterdeep but that did not stop his from accepting and nurturing those who came from across the continent, in fact he encouraged it, hoping students would create clubs and groups so that they could bond together as they studied. Dean Darrin was the best thing to happen to this academy for decades, once he took over 50 years ago he changed things, making it a prestige academy where students would need to work for their place, yet also offering scholarships for prodigies in magic. If a person went to study at Waterdeep then you could almost guarantee they would go on to greatness.

You stood watching Dean Darrin introduce the new faculty member that was to join you “Gale of Waterdeep” his voice shouted, before he was interrupted by the brown-haired man “Apologies Dean, Gale Dekarious, if you please” his voice anxious as you heard the rumours circulating around you.

“Ahem, Apologies, Gale Dekarios!” The Dean flustered slightly as he had to reintroduce him. Gale Bowed before you all politely, a smile on his face knowing that he was back where he belonged on Waterdeep.

 According to the rumours you were hearing he was a child prodigy in magic, he was trained by the great Elminster, he helped liberate Baldur’s Gate this past spring and that he used to be Mystra’s lover.

The rumours were trivial, you did not want to entertain the workplace gossip, you wanted to attend your classes without drama. Your first class of the day was an introductory lesson into the Weave, the students here were all very capable of tapping into it but you liked to cover it as a first lesson, in your experience some students were more chaotic with it. The weave needs calm and balance, that is what you were here to teach. Gale sat at the back of the classroom for this lesson, gauging what you were teaching the students. His hand would raise often, trying to contradict what you said, giving advice of what to do or teach, you accepted his “assistance” with a smile during class, your patience slowly draining as he raised his hand for what seemed to be every comment you made. It grew to be tiring very quickly but you remained composed as the lesson went on, answering and rebuffing Gale’s comments each time he made one.

After what felt like an age, the lesson ended, leaving you and Gale alone in the room, you were tidying your desk as you could see him from the corner of you eye approach you, no doubt with a myriad of questions or criticisms.

“Yes Gale?” your voice was curt, not hiding the tone of annoyance that you had felt towards him for the last hour.

“Well Tav, I just had a few thoughts on how you could improve your lessons, engage the students and whatnot. We would not want future prodigies to drop out now would we?” He spoke with a smile, not understanding the insult that he had just dished out to his new colleague.

“Excuse me? My lessons have been fine for the past 2 years so if you don’t mind, I would like you to leave. I was kind enough to let you observe my lessons so please don’t try to drag me down.” Your voice was stern yet polite, you did not take kindly to Gales “constructive criticism” and would not entertain him further, gathering your things and leaving before he could reply. You did not want him to see the tears threatening to spill on your face, you would not give him that satisfaction.

As you arrived back home you contemplated your current situation, you knew you were too stubborn to leave Blackstaff on account of a jumped up wizard with an ego, in your opinion. Yet you did not know how you could be nice to him after the way he spoke to you today. You had decided to stick it out for the remainder of the term, hoping you had both got off on the wrong foot for now.

[niallsgoldhoop]

Chapter One

Niall

I’ve always loved the smell of fresh cut grass.

When I was a teenager it usually meant that someone was about to hand me some cash for taking care of their lawn.

Now?

Now it reminds me of how lucky I am to spend my days at my favorite place on earth and call it work.

To call it mine.

Standing with a steaming cup of coffee in my hand, I can’t help but smile as my eyes look out over the perfectly manicured rolling green hills.

“Ready for another day?”

Rory Barnes steps up next to me with his own cup of coffee. When we met years ago, neither one of us expected that one day we would get to work side by side. Hiring him as a general manager has remained one of the best business decisions that I’ve ever made.

“You know I’m always ready.” I laugh. “Anything interesting going on today?”

Rory blows out a breath, the steam from his coffee disappearing. “Not that I know of. I’ve got a few final interviews so that we can hire a new marketing executive since Rhonda retired.”

“Rhonda will be missed. How many people are you down to?” Turning to face him, I drain the rest of my coffee and cross my arms over my chest.

“There’s four.” Keeping his gaze over the vast expanse before us, he smiles. “I think I know who would be the best fit, but I wanted to give everyone the same amount of interviews to try and steal my attention like they have.”

“Whoever you think is best works for me.” My watch vibrates on my wrist with a reminder of a meeting in ten minutes. “I’ve got to get to my office, but just let me know how it goes, okay?”

Lifting his coffee cup in my direction, he smiles. “Have fun with that.”

Laughter mixes between the two of us as I walk away, headed through the oversized glass doors and through the open floor plan of the clubhouse. It’s been four years and every single day that I get to walk on this property it still blows my mind.

As soon as I step into my office, my eyes travel across the awards and trophies and all the way up to the framed green jacket hanging above from my desk.

My office is a highlight of the career that I once had— the one that felt like it was cut short after a few too many surgeries, but also the career that gave me everything that I have now.

Sitting down in the plush chair and reaching for the tortoise shell glasses that sit on my desk, they rest on the bridge of my nose as I pull up the reports and grab a notebook and a pen from the ‘best boss’ mug that one of my employees bought me.

Meetings always seem to be one of my least favorite places to be, but when you own and run a prestigious business it only comes with the territory. So I put on a smile as the screen on my computer fills with other faces, thankful that this is one meeting I don’t have to travel for.

Not that I don’t like to travel, but sometimes it’s nice to be where you are.

It’s nice to be home.

————

If there’s one thing I hate, it’s the grocery store.

At least after work.

Everyone rushes around trying to grab things without paying any attention to their surroundings.

It feels like an actual nightmare every single time.

Usually I make a point to come early on a Sunday morning or just have my groceries delivered, but sometimes there is something I need that just isn’t already in my pantry.

Like ice cream.

That’s the real reason that brought me here yet the basket hanging from my arm is full of other odds and ends.

Mostly things that I definitely don’t need.

Muscle memory takes me closer to the frozen foods, specifically the ice cream I’m desperate for, only when I turn to go down the aisle my body collides with another sending the basket in my arm and theirs crashing to the ground.

In a matter of seconds, the lighter tan color of my pants seems unrecognizable as dark soda explodes at my feet and covers the fabric along with the pickle juice from a broken glass jar.

So not only do I have soda dripping down into my shoes, I now smell like I’ve showered in pickle juice.

“Oh my fucking god, I am so sorry!” The dark haired woman drops to her knees to start trying to pick up the pieces of glass that she can. “I can pay you for new pants— Or to have those cleaned.”

Taking a deep breath through my nose, I crouch down and reach for her hand before pulling it away from the broken glass so that she doesn’t cut herself, an odd sensation zipping through me at the touch. “Don’t worry about it. Accidents happen.”

“No, really.” Rich, chocolate brown hair falls down into her face only for her to push it back behind her ear. “I’m sorry. It was stupid of me to not pay attention to where I was going because I was in a hurry.”

She lists off the exact reason why I didn’t want to come to the grocery store tonight, yet for whatever reason, I can’t find it in me to be annoyed.

Quite the opposite actually.

“It’s not the end of the world, I promise.” Grabbing the things from my basket and placing them back inside, I stay crouched in front of her. “Are you alright? Hurt anywhere?”

“No, everything is fine.” With a small smile, she follows my actions by placing her things in her basket minus the broken pickle jar and the soda that has soaked into my pants. “I’m not hurt. Well, besides my pride at least.”

“You sure?” I ask as we both stand up. “I’d hate for you to be hurt.”

Looking from her left to her right, she takes a step back from me with a tight smile on her full pink lips. “Yeah, I’m sure. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine.” I smile. “Besides my pants.”

“Really, I can pay for—“

Waving my hand in front of my face, I give her another smile of my own. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Okay.” Her dark chocolate gaze drops down to her basket full of snacks and a couple pints of ice cream. “Have a good night.”

With that she turns on her heel and makes her way out of the aisle faster than I may have seen anyone move before, leaving me standing alone at the scene of the crime.

Alone and covered in soda.

And smelling like pickles.

————

THE FIRST CHAPTER!!!!

let me know what you think!!

-Alex 🍀

ps i know this is SO SHORT but i’m gonna update the other chapters too!!

[lunarlianna]

Jupiter transit

Jupiter enters the fixed sign Taurus on 16 of May and will remain there until 25 May 2024 when it will make its movement into Gemini. Jupiter is the planet of luck, expansion, optimism and spirituality. Taurus is a fixed earth sign that represent stability, steady growth, fertility and like to experience the world through the 5 senses. With Jupiter here we can expect embracing a slower pace in our everyday life, realizing that we need to take care of ourself and our bodies. Since Taurus it’s related to finances we can expect growth on the financial market, especially in June when Jupiter will join Uranus, on the negative note a rise in inflation and taxes is also possible. The shadow side of Jupiter in Taurus it’s insatiable desires, overindulging and greed. We need to practice grounding and mindfulness in order to don’t fall on the shadow side of this transit.

Quite beneficial this transit will be to all Taurus personal placements and happy Jupiter return for those that have a natal Jupiter in Taurus, this year will be very abundant.

Right after it’s movement in Taurus, Jupiter will make a square with Pluto on the 17 of May and on 22 of may a square with Mars but more on this on the following days. This is how each rising sign can receive blessings from Jupiter in the following year.  

 Aries rising: with Jupiter transiting your 2nd house of wealth, material possession and self-worth, you can have a confidence boost and financial gains for the following year. Some of you may receive a raise or a promotion. Be careful on overspending and put some money away for the rainy days.

Taurus rising: this transit will happen in your 1st house of self, you’ll receive a boost in your optimism, self-confidence and you may start to be more generous with those around you. You may have the opportunity to relive events that happen in 2011-2012. Some of you may have the tendency to overindulge in food, be mindful about it.

Gemini rising: 12th house of spirituality and hidden things it’s activated with this transit, you may have the tendency to be a bit more introverted and you’ll discover any spiritual gifts that you have. For most of you it’s a good time to let go of any type of addiction that you may have. Meditation, yoga and other spiritual practices and highlighted during this time. Listen to your intuition during this time because it’ll help you overcome anything.

Cancer rising: this transit will highlight your 11th house of friendships and community, during this time you may notice a social growth. Most of you will meet with the right people at the right time which will help you in your future endeavours. You can start being less worried about the future and more hopeful about your dreams. Some of you may volunteer more and come up with new ways on how you can help the community.

Leo rising: your 10th house of public image and career it’s activated during this time, some of you may receive awards, recognition and even fame during this time. Most of you will experience professional growth, higher level of productivity and a better relationship with your colleagues and managers. It’s best to don’t shy away from the public eye and practice gratitude every day. A career changes it’s also possible especially when Jupiter will conj Uranus later on this transit.

Virgo rising: this transit will take place in your 9th house of higher learning, philosophy and travel, during this time you’ll see an expansion on opportunities to travel, settle legal issues or embark towards a spiritual journey. For some of you it’s a good time to return to school for either to finish a degree or start a new one.  Along your travels you may meet people that can help you rediscover the creativity that lies within you. Some of you may publish papers, books or articles and receive very good feedback.

Libra rising: 8th house of intimacy, transformation occult and shared resource gets activated during this transit. Some of you may start a healing journey of deep psychological issues and intimacy related problems that you may have. Others may see an increase in wealth from passive incomes or partner income. An interest in the occult will be quite high during this transit and a deep need for profound transformation.

Scorpio rising: this transit will activate your 7th house of relationships and partnerships. During this time, you may wish to deep the bond that you have with a current partner or meet a new one that can be a soulmate connection. Engagements, marriages and proposals are very likely. Business partnerships are also possible. It’s a time to understand who you are through someone else’s eyes and honour you. It’s best to don’t compromise and be truth to yourself.

Sagittarius rising: 6th house of health, pets and every day routine it’s activated during this time. You may be prone to start a new workout routine and eat healthier. If you had difficulties with an illness or with your health, during this time recovery and healing it’s easier to happen. Some of you may want to adopt a new pet, others may see an improvement on your current work or a change of job it’s also possible.

Capricorn rising: during this transit 5th house of creativity, romance and pleasures it’s activated make you want to have more fun and explore your creative side. You can benefit immensely if you follow your heart. Some of you may conceive a child or it’s easier to get pregnant during this time. Your imagination will be expanded and you may wish to take a new hobby. Some of you may get lucky in gambling games.

Aquarius rising: 4th house of family and home it’s activated during this time and with Uranus there, a change of homes it’s quite likely to happen or a change of countries as well. You may understand how your roots and family helped shape the person that you are today, some of you may reconnect with family member or heal the bonds that you have. For those that want to buy a new home or sell this it’s a very auspicious time.

Pisces rising: with Jupiter in your 3rd house of communication and siblings you can expect an increase optimism in matters related to short travel, education and relationship with the siblings. Some of you may be more chatty than usual and may wish to learn a new skill. Buying or selling vehicles it’s very auspicious during this transit. It’s a good time to start a podcast, write a book or simply just share your ideas and hopes with others.

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