#Typical Amsterdam food

[micheltaanman-blog]

Amsterdam cycle route along typical Dutch food and drinks

[le-chevalier-au-lion]

the maid of amsterdam: dovquez [g]

@dovquezdecember + charcoal

The mermaid in the fish tank has a perfectly pleasant expression despite it being a remarkably shitty fish tank—except for his eyes, charcoal black and charcoal dull, huge, unblinking.

A shark’s eyes. And a shark isn't trying to be malicious when it bites, it just wants to figure out if you’re food.

Andrea swallows. “Ah, good afternoon. You’re Marc, right?”

Marc, estimated to be 11 ft long, still unweighted as all approach attempts have culminated in conflict, found off the coast of Castelldefels by Rossi and his crew God knows when and God knows why.

The mermaids nods once. He appraises Andrea cooly, with the artful boredom of executives and government officials when presented with his research pitches. It should go into his notes—enough understanding of human interaction to regulate emotional response.

Christ, alright. Very comforting.

“I’m Andrea Dovizioso,” he says. The next words stick to his throat like algae—does a mermaid know the ISPRA? Should he explain it? Tell him he’s a protected species these days?

Andrea sighs, rubbing his face. The mermaid—Marc—raises his eyebrows, snorts, bubbles spilling from his pink, almost harmless mouth. He has to reckon with the fact that he’s being made fun of by a creature he isn’t sure knows anything about comedic timing.

Typical Valentino—making trouble and shoving them on his hands.

“I’m here to help you,” is what he settles on.

Marc’s tail swishes, an odd jolt of movement. It’s too cramped in his tank for it to wave and ripple, so it ends up trapped tight against the glass, its tip dangling out. Like this, Andrea can see his scales, pearly white and orange, over five feet of them. They’ve grown dull, loose in some spots.

He smooths out a frown before it can carve itself on his face, chews on the insides of his cheeks instead. Is Marc sick?

But he manages to surge up anyway, until his torso is out and his tail is in. His gills flutter, and he finally, finally blinks.

“You are.”

Marc speaks in clumps, the syllables strained—like he’s reading out words in a language he doesn’t recognize. It isn’t a question, not quite, but he tilts his head to the side, exaggerated, too low, expectant. His overgrown curls flopping over his forehead are disarming.

Andrea taps his fingers against his thigh, one-two-three, one-two-three, one-two-three. Marc keeps staring at him with those eyes, bottomless, flinty. The stark letters of his files flash black in his mind—ambush hunter, mesocarnivore. Opportunistic, clever, cruel, whatever else Valentino wrote on him.

“Yes, we’re trying to get you back home,” he speaks carefully, slowly. Marc mouths along the words, frowns. “Not now, but soon. I hope.”

“Soon,” Marc echoes.

His mouth wobbles, and his whole expression spasms. It isn’t a flinch, goes over quicker than one. Andrea spots the misery in the sudden weight on his shoulders, how he hunches over himself. Still, he can’t get a hand around it. Marc’s expression becomes smooth like sea glass again—remarkably, immaculately empty. It might as well not have happened.

The humanity of that face—the sudden wide-eyed hope—settles on his stomach like lead. Makes Andrea feel like he should be back on ethics classes, bent over a Philosophy book.

It makes him way too aware of how many generations of species ago humans abandoned the sea.

Andrea huffs. Makes himself focus on the problem at hand—the small security tank, and the wildlife trafficking charges Valentino will face, and the reputation of his new charge.

“Are you going to try and bite my arm off?” He raises a single, pointed eyebrow. Marc shrugs, opaque. “Break my legs? Drown me?”

Only Valentino could get close to him—his pool, or his tank. Only Valentino, until one day Marc wrapped his tail around his waist and dragged him under. It took four minutes and thirty-two seconds for people to wrench him from that hold. Wet, incoherent, trying to cough out his lungs.

Andrea saw the video. They were talking before, Valentino very close to the pool’s edge, Marc swishing and almost writhing, kicking up waves. The pixelated security cams couldn’t get more than that, and the blur of white and orange that followed.

Marc makes a face at him. Then said tail snaps up.

Andrea watches its lazy arc in fucking disbelief and doesn’t even flinch when something hits his shoes. The water is lukewarm, thick with brine. His socks are drenched.

He’ll have to do laundry again tonight. Great.

“Right,” he deadpans, “it’ll be nice working with you.”

Marc smiles—tries to, at least. Andrea isn’t sure if he can or wants to or knows how to. It’s more a show of teeth than sincere, each of them white and wicked. If he pushed, he could cut his fingers on their fine points.

“I wanted to get your face.”

[in-daddy-price-we-trust]

All I Wanted - Part 2

summary: when you are kidnapped discovered by TF141 they can't help but fall in love.

pairing: 141 x fem!teen!reader (platonic)

warnings: mentions of child abuse, drugs, canon typical violence, kidnapping

Part 1 Part 3

AN: Here it is! The Long awaited part two !!

Hope you enjoy this just as much as part one !!

Price POV

This was not what they needed right now. When 141 first heard of a potential weapons trade for El Sin Nombre going down in Amsterdam, they couldn't wait to get on the field.

The suspense was killing them as they waited for the right moment. They knew at this point that trying to stop the deal would be more hassle than worth. So the plan of waiting for their food to come to them was a better solution.

Price stalled however when he saw her step out. No way this was who they were after. No one in a cartel would go about wearing over-pink clothes. It was stupid. Even more so when she started shooting back, with a pistol as well.

"Ghost, move in," the static of the radio crackled before a grumbled copy sounded back. Price watched as Ghost snuck up behind her, his feet silent as he kicked her knees in and knocked her out.

"Well done Ghosty," The Scotsman, Soap, cheered over the comms, making his way down to the evac truck they scheduled.

She sat in-between him and Ghost. "No way she's with Nombre," Gaz announced after a few minutes of silence, "She's a child!" A hum left Soap's throat. 

"That's why we integrate her, Nombre or not, we can still use her to our advantage," Price concluded, sending the group back into quiet before she awoke.

-

Gaz was right. She was a child, barely reaching 16. Guilt hung heavy in his heart as he thought back to her crying. Cheeks red with tears and eyes puffy. 

He dragged a hand down his face, muttering a 'Jesus Christ' under his breath at the discovery. Eyes flicked across the room, every single soldier in that room seemed to suffocate in the amount of tension.

With a heavy sigh, Price spoke again. "How about we make a deal?" her head shot up at the words, a mix of emotions slathered across her features. From here he could tell she was picking apart his words.

"You, stay with us and get a place to stay," Price's eyes drifted to his team behind her.

"But - you have to help us catch our guy," The words cemented in her brain, slowly nodding along to them. It couldn't be worse to what she was used to, can it? Worse case scenario, she runs away again.

"Okay," it was final, "But I need to get my gear first."

-

The drive was quiet. The radio played some random pop song that she muttered the lyrics too, fingers drumming on her thighs. 

The boys seemed glad she accepted the deal. Although it may be the fact she was a minor and by the sounds of it, partaking in crime activity. Of course, this wouldn't be as different but at least all expenses were paid for by the government.

The car lulled to a stop, pulling up in front of the hotel. The door slammed shut before Price even registered her unclicking her seat belt leaving him to race after her.

A smile graced her lips as she greeted the lady at the front desk, who then proceeded to side eye Price. He would too if he saw a teenager going up to a hotel room with a 40-something-year-old man.

The pair continued to be silent in each other's presence, even when her fingers slipped together pressing and pulling on each one as a sort of fidget. The lift dinged at the second floor, Price hot on her heels to the hotel room. She muttered the number continuously under her breath, 105. 

Number splayed in gold, she struggles to get the keycard from wherever she managed to store the thing, like seriously, where did she put things? 

The door pushed open to the room. The white linen sheets still a mess from when she woke up this morning. What caught his eye was the absurdly bright duffle bag that sat on the middle of the hardwood floors, from where he stood he could make out the top of a pink sniper. 

'Jesus the girl knew how to stick to a theme, that's for sure..'

Diligently she picked up the weapons she managed to slide into nooks and crannies. Picking up stray plushies along the way. Price tried to help, but whenever he tried to pick up a cuddly brown bear he'd get holes burnt unto his head. So he eventually dropped it, opting to stand near the door.

Before long she came up to him, bag over her shoulder and a determined look in her eyes. The trip back to reception was awkward. The same tense atmosphere seemed to follow like a shadow. The lift dinged again, the robotic voice announcing their arrival.

She marched over to the receptionist, explaining she was checking out early (even though there was still two weeks left) and saying if anyone needed it to let them have the room for free. The soft spoken words melted the workers heart, promising to do as told.

-

Your POV

Price was awkward. Maybe the commanding aura around him clashed with yours of innocence. But - you both knew yours was fake. To some extent at least.

"Why did you make a deal? - with me?" It was a genuine question. The want of appreciation and validation flooding through your veins.

His eyes flicked down to you, noticing you already looking him in the face. He huffed a laugh at it. Soft, warm. "Well - I'm not just going to toss a kid out on the street, am I?" It was the truth. Voice of honey and liquid gold washing over you. Clouding your brain.

"Thank you, Price."

-

"Doll, wake up for me yeah?" a hum fell past your lips as you stirred awake, rubbing your eyes.

"Are we back already?" voice hoarse and scratchy, a yawn coming from you mid sentence.

Price chuckled at you. 'Glad someone finds this amusing.' 

"C'mon love - I'll show you to your new room and you can have a kip in there, kay?" His voice was soft, almost like the words would make you shatter and crumble like glass. Though it worked, pushing you out of the passenger seat of the car and onto the (now) familiar gravel plaza. Pink mary janes dragged behind you, sleep seeping into your bones.

That was soon rushed out of you when Mohawk appeared in front of you and Price. "Hi lassie, names Sargent John Mactavish but Soap is fine!" He beamed, pearly whites flashing down as you appeared wide eyed at him, stunned at the sudden (and quite frankly, loud) appearance. He threw a hand over his shoulder, pointing at the other figure you completely missed, "And that's Gaz." It was the shorty of the group, giving you a sheepish wave and a sympathetic smile at the loud Scot.

Price placed a hand on your shoulder, a slight apology maybe? You found yourself staring up at him before speaking, "Uhm.. thank- thank you Soap-?" cursing yourself for stumbling over your words. The nicknames getting caught on your tongue at its strangeness. "What kind of name is 'Soap' anyways?" He laughed at that, full belly laughed. Sort of high like a bell, although pleasant.

"M' Afraid I can't tell ya that, confidential," It was spoken with a wicked grin plastered across his face. The smile contagious and making the pink bands of your braces show. "Why don't Gaz and I show you to your new room?" A glance to Price and his nudge of the head allowed you to accept the offer, Soap instantly grabbing the bag from off your shoulder and pulling you along, going on to ramble about his hometown in Scotland.

-

taglist: @urfavsunkissedleo @greenkiki @daryldixonh0e @elijahssuit @theunknownartistsworld @rafaelacallinybbay @cycy-nicole @romanticizedillness @thedeluded @blueoorchid @guiltyconfessions @r3dc4ndy @unnoticed-human @crazyfandomist @jaymum @chb-7 @chromslover @connierk690 @lilpothoscuttings @darkfaethedestroyer @cptg00s3 @elvyshiarieko @8-29pm @howlerwolfmax @minkyungseokie @tapioca-marzipan @cinnamoroll-things @kittythebloodykiller @thicc-plum @phoenixmistycal @marytvirgin @eddiesbitch83 @dwkfan

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Reference: Names for Santa Claus

Sinterklaas (The Netherlands)

The original story of Santa starts with the monk St. Nicholas. He lived in the late 200s in what is today Turkey, and he built a reputation for helping others by giving away his inherited money. After he was canonized by the Catholic church as a saint, people idolized him as the protector of children and sailors. They celebrated his life every year on December 6, which was the day of his death.

The Dutch, who called Saint Nicholas Sinterklaas, were one of the cultures that celebrated. In the late 1700s, the Dutch had a strong connection to New York City—a city first known as New Amsterdam. 

New York newspapers reported that Dutch families were holding Sinterklaas gatherings on December 6 in 1773 and 1774.

Sinterklaas is the shorter version of the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas: Sint Nikolaas. This Dutch depiction passes on the flying reindeer for a land-bound white horse and has a red bishop’s hat rather than a floppy triangular hat with a tuft of white fur on the tip.

Today, the Sinterklaas feast is celebrated annually with the giving of gifts on St. Nicholas' Eve (5 December) in the Netherlands and on the morning of Saint Nicholas Day (6 December) in Belgium, Luxembourg, western Germany, and northern France (French Flanders, Lorraine, Alsace and Artois). The tradition is also celebrated in some territories of the former Dutch Empire, including Aruba.

Der Weihnachtsmann, Heilige Nikolaus, and Christkind (Germany)

Much of Germany knows Santa Claus as Der Weihnachtsmann. The depiction is similar to Saint Nick in the US, and he has similar present-giving tendencies.

Der Weihnachtsmann isn’t the only Santa Claus-like figure in Germany, however. There’s also Heilige Nikolaus (heilige translates to "saint"). This depiction is closer to the Catholic association with Saint Nicholas, and he comes every year around the original saint’s death day of December 6. Heilige Nikolaus wields a staff and looks like a bishop. He also travels with Krampus, a scary looking character who handles the children who’ve been bad.

Then there’s the gift-giving character who is divorced from Catholic saints that came about during the lifetime of Protestant leader Martin Luther in the 1500s. Rather than basing the deliverer of presents on a Catholic saint, that honor was given to Christkind, an angelic figure. Today, Christkind is depicted by a crowned woman in white and gold who drops gifts under the tree on Christmas Eve.

Père Noël (France)

The name Père Noël literally translates to "Father Christmas." The original version of Père Noël has a robe and wicker basket, and he wanders with his donkey, Gui (which translates to "mistletoe"). Kids leave out their shoes with food (carrots and other vegetables) for Gui, and Père Noël replaces the donkey food with presents.

In some parts of France, this friendly depiction of Santa Claus is accompanied by Pére Fouettard, which translates to “Father Whipper.” The name refers to the old legend that he would whip those on the naughty list.

Dedt Moroz (Russia)

Dedt Moroz is the gift bearer around the winter holidays in Russia. The name translates loosely to "Father Ice" or "Grandfather Frost." Legend has it that Dedt Moroz traveled around on a sleigh and one day saw a girl who was thrown out by her stepmother. 

Dedt Moroz gave her diamonds for her kindness and turned her evil stepsister into ice. The figure is somewhat like a New Year’s Santa, as he typically arrives with presents six days after Christmas.

Noel Baba (Turkey)

Turkey, the home of the original Saint Nicholas, calls Santa Claus Noel Baba, which translates to "Christmas Father."

The original legend of Saint Nicholas lives on with celebrations on and around December 6.

Father Christmas (England)

England’s version of Santa, Father Christmas, opts for a green robe with a hood rather than the red clothes, and he has a staff and a wreath of holly. The name dates back to 1650—60.

For people familiar with Charles Dickens’ book A Christmas Carol, Father Christmas closely resembles the Ghost of Christmas Present.

Babbo Natale and La Befana (Italy)

The closest modern version of an Italian Santa Claus is Babbo Natale and he does travel with reindeer (with names like Freccia, Saltarello, and Donato), but there’s a Santa-like figure that goes back even further.

Since the 700s, an Italian witch named La Befana has flown around the region on a broom giving treats to good children and coal to the bad. She did her work on Epiphany on January 6, which is the final day of the Christmas season that is designated as the day the three Wise Men made it to Mary and Joseph’s manger.

La Befana hosted the Wise Men while they were on their way to Bethlehem, so the story goes, but she couldn’t join them on their journey. She changed her mind after they left and tried to follow with a basket of gifts but never made it. Her lonely search for Jesus continues on the night before Epiphany, and she drops off candy for the good kids she finds in those homes.

Święty Mikołaj (Poland)

Like the German Heilige Nikolaus, this version of "Saint Nicholas" dresses in a bishop's robe and delivers gifts on December 6, the day of the saint's feast.

Children do write letters to Święty Mikołaj, and they might receive such traditional Polish desserts, such as chocolate-covered pierniczki (a type of gingerbread cookie), in return.

サンタさん or Santa-san (Japan)

Over time, Santa has grown in popularity all around the globe.

In Japan, Christmas has been embraced as a Western tradition, with Santa-san appearing in department stores during the holidays or at a charity event known as the SantaCon festival.

Santa Claus (United States)

The Dutch Sinterklaas was transformed bit by bit into the Americana version of Santa Claus (Anglicized name and all) that people recognize today.

The writer Washington Irving called Saint Nicholas the patron saint of New York in The History of New York, and the minister Clement Clarke Moore described Santa as a “right jolly old elf” in his 1822 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (though perhaps you know it better as “'Twas The Night Before Christmas”).

In 1881, a Harper’s Weekly cartoon of the poem put a face to the man complete with the belly, beard, and sack of toys.

Kriss Kringle (United States)

Even in the United States, Santa goes by several names.

For example, Kriss Kringle comes from the German Christkindl or "Christ child." The original 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street uses this particular name for Santa.

Shaka Santa (Hawaii)

Shaka Santa is depicted as throwing the hang loose sign (or "shaka sign"), and travels with his wife, Tūtū Mel.

They dress in typical vacation garb when they arrive in Honolulu each year. 

Source ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[canmom]

more on art production ~under capitalism~

reading Who Owns This Sentence?, a very engaging and fiercely critical history of the concept of copyright, and it's pretty fire. there's all sorts of fascinating intricacies in the way the notion of IP formed around the world (albeit so far the narrative has mainly focused on Europe, and to a limited extent China), and the different ideologies that justified the types of monopolies that it granted. the last chapter i read skewers the idea that the ability to exploit copyright and patents is what motivates the writing of books and research/invention, and I'll try and pull out the shape of the argument tomorrow. so far I'm only up to the 18th century; I'm looking forward to the rest of their story of how copyright grew from the limited forms of that period into the monster it is today.

it's on libgen if you wanna read it! i feel like the authors would be hypocrites to object :p

it is making me think about the differences between the making of books and other media, from (since this has been rattling around my head lately) an economic angle...

writing books, at least in the case of fiction is usually done on a prospective, spec-work kind of basis (you write your novel with no guarantee it will get published unless you're already an established author under contract). admittedly, a lot of us probably read books by authors who managed to 'make it' as professional authors and write full time - but this is not a lucrative thing to do and to make it work you need truly exceptional luck to get a major hit, or to be extremely prolific in things people want to read.

the films and games of the types most of us play are, by contrast, generally made by teams of salaried people - and thus do rarely get made without the belief it will be profitable. if you went on about your 'monetisation model' when writing a book, people would look at you funny and rightly so, but it's one of the first questions that gets asked when pitching a game.

open source software is a notable comparison here. a lot of it is done for its own sake without any expectation of profit, taking untold hours, but large free software projects tend to sprout foundations, which take donations (typically from companies that use the software) to pay for full time developers. mozilla, notably, gets a huge part of its funding from google paying for their search engine to be the default in Firefox; this in turn drives development of not just Firefox itself but also the Rust programming language (as discussed in this very enlightening talk by Evan Czaplicki). Blender is rightly celebrated as one of the best open source projects for its incredibly fast development, but they do have an office in amsterdam and a number of full time devs.

what money buys in regards to creative works is not motivation, but time - time to work on a project, iterate and polish and all that. in societies where you have to buy food etc. to survive, your options for existence are basically:

work at a job

own capital

rely on someone else (e.g. a parent or partner)

rely on state benefits if you can get them

beg

steal

if you're working at a job, this takes up a lot of your time and energy. you can definitely make art anyway, loads of people do, but you're much more limited in how you can work at it compared to someone who doesn't have to work another job.

so again, what money buys in art is the means of subsistence for someone, freeing them to work fully on realising a project.

where does the money come from that lets people work full time on art? a few places.

one is selling copies of the work itself. what's remarkable is that, when nearly everything can be pirated without a great deal of effort, it is still possible to do this to some degree - though in many ways the ease of digital copying (or at least the fear if it) has forced new models for purely digital creations, which either trade on convenience (streaming services) or in the case of games, find some way to enforce scarcity like requiring connection to a central server and including 'in-app purchases', where you pay to have the software display that you are the nebulous owner of an imaginary thing, and display this to other players. anyway, whichever exact model, the idea is that you turn the IP into capital which you then use to manufacture a product like 'legal copies', 'subscriptions' or 'accounts with a rare skin unlocked'.

the second is using the work to promote some other, more profitable thing - merchandising, an original work, etc. this is the main way that something like anime makes money (for the production committee, if not the studio) - the anime is, economics-wise, effectively an ad for its own source manga, figurines, shirts etc. the reason why there is so much pro media chasing the tastes of otaku is partly because otaku spend a lot on merch. (though it's also because the doujin scene kind of feeds into 'pro' production)

the third is some kind of patronage relationship, notably government grants, but also academic funding bodies, or selling commissions, or subscriptions on a streaming platform/patreon etc.

grants are how most European animated films are funded, and they often open with the logos of a huge list of arts organisations in different countries. the more places you can get involved, the more funds you can pull on. now, instead of working out how to sell your creation to customers who might buy a copy, under this model you need to convince funding bodies that it fits their remit. requesting grants involves its own specialised language.

in general the issue with the audience patronage model is that it only really pays enough to live on if you're working on a pretty huge scale. a minority make a fortune; the vast majority get a pittance at most, and if they do 'make it', it takes years of persistence.

the fourth is, for physical media, to sell an original. this only works if you can accumulate enough prestige, and the idea is to operate on extreme scarcity. the brief fad of NFTs attempted to abstract the idea of 'owning' an original from the legal right to control the physical object to something completely nebulous. in practice this largely ended up just being a speculative bubble - but then again, a lot of the reason fine art is bought and sold for such eye watering sums is pretty much the same, it's an arbitrary holder of an investment.

the fifth is artworks which are kind of intrinsically scarce, like live performances. you can only fit so many people in the house. and in many cases people will pay to see something that can be copied in unique circumstances, like seeing a film at a cinema or festival - though this is a special case of selling copies.

the sixth is to sell advertising: turn your audience into the product, and your artwork into the bait on the hook.

the alternative to all of these options is unpaid volunteer work, like a collab project. the participants are limited to the time and energy they have left after taking care of survival. this can still lead to great things, but it tends to be more unstable by its nature. so many of these projects will lose steam or participants will flake and they'll not get finished - and that's fine! still, huge huge amounts of things already get created on this kind of hobby/indie/doujin basis, generally (tho not always) with no expectation of making enough money to sustain someone.

in every single one of these cases, the economic forces shape the types of artwork that will get made. different media are more or less demanding of labour, and that in turn shapes what types of projects are viable.

books can be written solo, and usually are - collaborations are not the norm there. the same goes for illustrations. on the other hand, if you want to make a hefty CRPG or an action game or a feature length movie, and you're trying to fit that project around your day job... i won't say it's impossible, I can think of some exceptional examples, but it won't be easy, and for many people it just won't be possible.

so, that's a survey of possibilities under the current regime. how vital is copyright really to this whole affair?

one thing that is strange to me is that there aren't a lot of open source games. there are some - i have memories of seeing Tux Racer, but a more recent example would be Barotrauma (which is open source but not free, and does not take contributions from outside the company). could it work? could you pay the salaries of, say, 10 devs on a 'pay what you can' model?

it feels like the only solution to all of this in the long run is some kind of UBI type of thing - that or a very generous art grants regime. if people were free to work on what they wanted and didn't need to be paid, you wouldn't have any reason for copyright. the creations could be publicly archived. but then the question i have is, what types of artwork would thrive in that kind of ecosystem?

I've barely talked about the book that inspired this, but i think it was worth the trouble to get the contours of this kind of analysis down outside my head...

[urfellowrabbitkid]

hehehe hiiii this is my list of lyric changes in live performances of michael (all gathered from concert recordings on youtube), there are almost definitely even more changes that i havent seen yet but these are the ones ive found from my phase of watching over 30 live performances of michael on youtube

lines like ‘im sexy’ replaced with ‘you’re sexy’ , other ‘i’ statements replaced with ‘you’ sometimes

‘sticky hips’ part of chorus skipped over sometimes idk why tbh

‘it’s close now’ sometimes replaced with ‘you’re close now’

at pinkpop performance ‘it’s close now’ was replaced with ‘so pink now’ .

typically in the second ‘so come and dance with me’ section, the last ‘so come and dance with me’ is replaced with ‘so come all over me’ . sometimes this does not happen, and sometimes it also happens in the first ‘so come and dance with me’ section. less common tho

in their first US show performance of micheal, the final ‘so come and dance with me’s of each section are replaced with ‘so break a [unintelligible] with me’. might say hall or wall?

sometimes says ‘micheal you’re dancing, you’re a beautiful dance-whore’ instead of ‘micheal you’re dancing like a beautiful dance-whore’

music for life 2017 performance of micheal he says “this is what i am, your favourite man” instead of “i am a man” in the bit right before the main chorus bit (he said “i am a man” earlier however). TRNSMT festival 2018 he says your favourite man also, says it first time and fhen second time says “spectacular man” im thinking these lyric changes are common in the more recent performances of it?

earliest recorded performance of it it is quite literally not possible to tell if there are any lyric changes however it’s possible the come and dance with me change was included

2022 just like heaven fest performance he says either “this is what i am / yes, such a fine man” or “this is what i am / you’re such a fine man” in the first chorus. in the second chorus he sings “this is what i am / i’m an ice cream man”

rock n heim 2013 says ‘because’ in beginning of main chorus (‘because you’re all that i see [etc.]’)

spancirfest 2023 he says “this is what i am / banana (?) toast man”. seems to be part of a general trend in more recent performances where he says a food instead of just ‘a man’.

2010 mexico performance he sings “stubble on my sticky hips”, possibly deliberate, possibly just a mispeak. may happen in other performances too?

2018 kyiv performance sings ‘flamboyant man’. also sings “you’re all i need” first verse instead of “you’re all i see”

according to alex’s twitter, he makes up new lyrics each performance.

YOU'RE A SAINT FOR THIS AND ALEX KNOWS WHAT HE'S DOING

we've been blessed by this list thank you

i'm going to check later what he did at paradiso amsterdam live cause i have it on cd but i remember that there were some changes

so come all over me change is my favourite thing ever fr😭😭😭

[lezarasss]

The house that built I (G). part 2/2

You can read the first part here

Jost enjoys breakfast, especially when he is offered such a filling dish. Falafel seems like a light snack, but after five or six balls you already feel full.

- Sometimes, I am amazed that you don't eat meat - says Joost, finishing the last ball of his portion. They look at each other. With some incomprehension.

- What?

- I mean... I was very surprised when you said that you don't eat meat

- Well, I wouldn't say that. I can eat meat. But I would have to be either delirious or drunk as hell to chew it with difficulty and then eat it

- Is it somehow connected with you or...

- No. I just don't eat meat - Joost was not given the chance to finish and was happily interrupted, not letting him finish his assumptions.

They sit in silence again. Different sounds come from the open window: the noise of passers-by, the rustling of trees, the hum of passing cars - all this fills the room. They only occasionally exchanged glances, not knowing what they could talk about and whether it was worth doing at all. Enjoying each other's company, the taste of food and the silence that surrounded them.

- Listen - Aggu began his speech casually, after he finished his portion. His gaze was fixed directly on the interlocutor, who was sitting on the other side of the table opposite him - I saw how you drew something in that book

- And?

- I tried to see what you were doing, but I never succeeded

- Do you want to see?

- Yes, if possible - Joost was even a little flattered that August was interested in what he was doing in his sketchbook. After all, he could easily ignore it. More precisely, just glance out of the corner of his eye and forget, go about his business without even remembering about it during the day. But it seems that this very book has warmed up a genuine interest in him

After the morning meal, sitting on a mattress in the living room, Joost carefully hands August his sketchbook. Of course, he was not shy about sharing his work with anyone. After all, he was a media personality and demonstrating his own work was an integral part of the Dutchman's life and image. But drawings are more personal, so innocent and intimate, you are even afraid to show them to someone you value and trust. Diederich turns the pages with the same care. He carefully studies his drawings, paying special attention to each line and each image. The lines were clear, even and very thick in their thickness. He stops in the middle of the sketchbook. On the left side of the book spread, Aggu pays attention to the last drawing. It seems that it was it, the drawing that he saw in the morning. This house looked very unusual and had an abstract shape. Part of the building reminded him of the typical architecture of Dutch houses, which can often be seen when walking along the embankment in Amsterdam or other cities. Such houses have high roofs, bright facades and traditional decorative elements. Like this house. Another part of it was an extension of other houses and rooms. They did not fit together in any way. It was as if Joost was trying to fit all this into one overall picture. From the roof of the garage there is a small staircase that leads to another part of the house. On the right, he notices a mill. It is located on a fragile, as it seemed to him, platform. It carefully held a small mill. A place of quiet solitude, so much stands out against the background of all these structures and buildings. Above all this rises a multi-story building. Something reminiscent of an apartment building or a metropolis.

- That...what is this?

- This is a house - the Dutchman's answer was simple and laconic. For Joost, this is a masterpiece of surrealism. He put his efforts into this drawing. Into these lines. August is still trying to understand something in this drawing, to find meaning in it. Looking at it even more.

- Seriously, dude, this is not like anything I've seen before. It looks so weird, but at the same time so...

- What?

- It's immediately obvious that you did it. It's very...in your style

- Hah. I'm flattered that you paid attention to the style

- Well, it seems to me that everything has its own style and approach to many things. - Aggu is silent, looks at the drawing again, again turning to Klein sitting next to him:

- And did you draw this from your head or did you actually see such a house somewhere?

- This house is a part of me. I put into it what I saw, how I lived and live. Do you see the mill on the frame? I wanted to reflect a part of my culture in it. There are many windmills in Friesland, and I would like them to always be with me. And here, in this small room, I would like to see my nursery. So that a part of my childhood would always be with me. Imagine, after a hard day, you could just sit in it, lie on the bed and look at the ceiling, enjoying this atmosphere, remembering those years when you were innocent and happy, full of strength and energy, without thinking about problems. And this ... - Joost falls silent. He looks at the entrance to the house, remembering his childhood for a minute. About family, about home. All this brings back pleasant, such tender memories in him, but all this collapses against the cruel reality. Who he became and what he came to. How much he had to gain and lose at different moments in life. It can no longer be returned. It is only a memory, only fleeting moments that are imprinted in the head, like one small picture that you can’t look at in real life. Only imagine. And then, a lot is forgotten and mixed up. Which makes the soul heavy.

August captures this silence, this sadness that Klein captured in the moment of his reflections. In the moment of his memories.

- This is really impressive. I was very touched that you take your drawing so seriously. Each element has its own meaning.

- Maybe I just dream a lot.

- Is that bad?

- Isn't it? The more you dream, the more you forget about your real problems and affairs. It becomes more frightening when you live in your own imaginary world, trying to solve all the tasks and problems set before you in your head. Can you say... mentally living a second life?

- I think this is also not bad. But as you noted, the main thing is not to get carried away by this - the German, although he seems pessimistic and indifferent to some things, in fact tried to find something positive even in the bad or just relieve the tense atmosphere.

- Do you think so?

- Of course. How could you imagine your house? You could imagine how it would look in real life?

- Yes, but I'm not sure I could build one like that. It would be difficult and would involve a lot of expenses. Both financial and material

- Even if you succeeded?

- If it worked out... hm - Jost fell silent, distracted from the discussion. His gaze was directed downwards, straight at the floor. He was not interested in either the floor covering or its texture. Looking into the void, he plunged into thought, imagining a picture that appeared in his mind - I think I would be able to spend more time alone with myself. To arrange. So that home comfort would blow from everywhere.

- What about the other rooms?

- I think they will have their own aesthetic purpose. Just to be there. Although they would find a purpose too. I would invite you to my place

- Yeah? - Aggu is slightly surprised by such a statement from his interlocutor. Their conversation was so naive and childish. With serious faces and reasoning, they talked about what children usually talk about. Sometimes you want to be a child for a while, not think about problems and all these adult concerns. Just have meaningless discussions, enjoying each other's company.

- You bet! - exclaimed Jost - I can just imagine how we could run from one room to another, just go crazy, like the most-most naughty boys. Spend all day at the console. You can think of a lot of things to do. Or here: how about just lying on that platform with the mill all day? Enjoying the big structure nearby, sitting there and looking at the clouds or how other people's lives go. And at the same time, you don't notice how quickly our time is slipping away.

- Idleness isn't always bad

- It seems like everything is fine for you. Even the stupidest or most useless waste of time brings you pleasure - Klein is distracted from his thoughts, completely perplexed by such an answer. It seemed as if August was trying to agree with him out of politeness, or he was just a fool.

- And I never said that I like to spend time stupidly. Sometimes I just want to, as you say, come and sit in such a place. Just enjoy the moment. That I am, that I could just be in such a house, in a damn mill. Even in the company of someone. With you, for example. And so. We lie there, each thinking about his own and...

-Would you like to?

- Yes, probably. Even though I don't understand you sometimes. I don't understand your words, your thoughts, your state, but there is something that we could do together without interference or any other hassles. This is probably the best option - silence. This sudden moment of revelation with each other makes both guys think. Each about their own.

Jost again turns his attention to his drawing. It was with it that it all began. Since the very morning, after their conversation, Jost, as usual, draws this picture in his head. These thoughts make him feel better. It is so nice to think about how one could spend time in a house that does not exist, never existed and never will exist. But it does exist. It is in his head, on the right page of the book spread, it is in his soul and thoughts. A place where he could dream without stopping. Continuing to continue dreaming and enjoying this comfort with someone. To create, to think, to dream and just to live. It is useless to waste time. With someone who was not indifferent to his ideas.

- I think I'll work on it a little more and I'll be happy to show it to you again when I come here again. I promise. - said Jost. But, to tell the truth, he had no idea when they would be able to meet again in the near future.

[disneyprincemuke]

I have a few!

top 5 video games

top 5 foods from your culture

top 5 f1 tracks/races

top 5 places to visit

I LOVE THESE QUESTIONS OK LETS FUCKIN GOOOO DAWG

icl i mostly play valorant, but i also typically play overwatch 2, i used to play animal crossing and sometimes roblox is fun when i reach my wits end playing valorant,, and that's actually all

I LOVE THIS QUESTION HELLO I LITERALLY EAT FILIPINO FOOD ALL DAY EVERY DAY sinigang, adobo, filipino style beef steak, lechon kawali and tinola and as a bonus, bibingka <3

of course my top will always be singapore (it's the only one i can attend and the concert lineups always SLAP bro, japan, melbourne bc sumn always happening there fr, zandvoort and miami

WORD,,,,, manila, amsterdam, and i quite liked london when i went, new york, and indonesia

[msclaritea]

Five Guys was founded in 1986 by Janie and Jerry Murrell. Jerry and the couple's sons Jim, Matt, Chad, and Ben were the original "Five Guys". The Murrells had a fifth son, Tyler, two years later. Today, all five sons, the current "Five Guys", are involved in the business: Matt and Jim travel the United States visiting stores, Chad oversees training, Ben selects the franchisees, and Tyler runs the bakery.

The first Five Guys was in Arlington's Westmont Shopping Center. Buns were baked in the same center by Brenner's Bakery. This location closed, in favor of another in Alexandria, Virginia, at the intersection of King and North Beauregard Streets, which closed on September 21, 2013.

More followed in Old Town Alexandria and Springfield, Virginia, making five locations open by 2001. Their success encouraged the Murrells to franchise their concept the following year, engaging Fransmart, a franchise sales organization. Former American football player Mark Moseley, who had gone to work for Fransmart after his football career, played a key role in Five Guys' expansion and went on to become the company's director of franchise development after it ended its business relationship with Fransmart. In early 2003, the chain began franchising, opening the doors to rapid expansion which caught the attention of national restaurant trade organizations and the national press. The expansion started in Virginia and Maryland, and by the end of 2004, over 300 units were in development through the Northeast. Over the next few years, the chain rapidly expanded across the entire United States and into Canada, reaching over 1,000 locations by 2012.[needs update][citation needed]

The first location outside North America opened in the United Kingdom in July 2013, in London on Long Acre in Covent Garden. The chain now has more than 150 restaurants in the UK. Five Guys also has locations in the Middle East and has continued to expand in Europe. In late 2017, Five Guys opened its first restaurants in Germany, with a branch in Frankfurt and another in Essen.

Five Guys, one of the top three burgers in the U.S., opened its first Korean store in Gangnam, Seoul, at 11 a.m. on June 26, 2023 with a countdown shout. As of 2024, there are a total of four branches in Seoul.

Five Guys Enterprises has several affiliated companies that are not part of a consolidated group, but are under common ownership. Five Guys Operations was founded in 2012, Five Guys Holdings was founded in 2007. Five Guys Foods UK Limited was incorporated on March 12, 2013. FGE International, FGO International BV, and FG Coöperatief U.A. are based in Amsterdam. FGH International C.V. is located in Bermuda.

Five Guys had a 39,900 square feet (3,710 m2) headquarters in Lorton, Virginia, overlooking the Occoquan and Potomac Rivers, that was specially designed to convey the corporate brand. According to the architect, "The lobby mimics the typical Five Guys restaurant with red and white tile, tall tables, Freestyle Coke machine and signature peanut boxes." In 2023, they moved their headquarters to a new location in Alexandria, Virginia.

On September 24, 2020, the first Five Guys location with a drive-through window opened in Surfside Beach, South Carolina. The franchisee retained it from the former business in the building in light of COVID-19 pandemic safe practices.

In September 2021, Five Guys opened their first location in Australia. The chain also has plans to expand into New Zealand. In November 2022, Five Guys announced the relocation of their headquarters to the Carlyle neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia.

Five Guys has received numerous awards in D.C. area publications, including "Number 1 Burger" by Washingtonian Magazine for seven years.[citation needed] The former US President Barack Obama is reportedly a fan, buying lunch for himself and his colleagues at the Washington Five Guys branch in 2011.

[wild-penguin]

My apologies if I recall incorrectly, but are you Dutch? Or live in the Netherlands? I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind suggesting some delicacies, dishes, street food, little bits and things like that, that are a must to have and try while there, if you don’t mind.

You are correct!

My favorite is something called kibbeling with ravigotte sauce. Its fried pieces of fish, literal heaven.

Other things you should try are stuff like Bossche Bol, Zeeuwse Bolus and Tompoes. Those are some popular pastries. Jan de Groot is like a whole thing, people will travel to Den Bosch from wherever in Holland to get a Bossche Bol there.

Cheese obviously haha. Old Amsterdam maybe. Edam or Gouda.

Poffertjes = mini pancakes.

Oliebollen is deep fried dough we usually eat at new years.

Personally I hate these but its very Dutch: bitterballen and haring. Raw salty fish and like deep fried balls filled with liquidy flowery meat.

Typical Dutch dinners: hachee, stamppot and snert. Hearty dinners for the winters mostly.

For sweets and cookies Stroopwafels, drop and hopjes.

There's also so many great chocolateries for bon bons. But the ones I know are only local which im not going to disclose ofc 🫴 but keep an eye out for those

Furthermore, Heineken? I hate Heineken but there's loads great beer places esp around the South or Belgium. And ofc coffees are superb most times anywhere in Holland.

Im not sure if im missing anything ⚘️

[micheltaanman-blog]

Amsterdam - Typical Dutch - Haring eten

[rabbitcruiser]

National Windmill Day

Drive out to windmill country, or read up about the history of windmills and how they can provide clean, sustainable energy by harnessing Earth’s natural power.

Most people love them because there’s something absolutely bucolic about their squat structures and the gentle creak of their fins as these wooden structures spin in the natural wind currents. Of course, that describes the old fashioned kind of windmill. The newer, modern versions take on some different characteristics, of course.

Windmills have been around for a very long time, since the time when people first realized it was possible to harness the power of the wind to perform work and provide energy. Ever since new innovations have been made with the ability to utilize the never-ending source of power that windmills capture.

National Windmill Day commemorates the origins of the windmill as well as how it has helped to shape technology and industry from the past and into the future. It’s time to learn about and celebrate National Windmill Day!

History of National Windmill Day

The idea of capturing the power of the wind to perform work isn’t new and, in fact, it goes back far further into history than most people would suspect. Since then, its use has sprung up in multiple cultures throughout the world.

Heron of Alexandria, who lived in the first century AD, was the earliest person known to have harnessed the energy of moving air to perform work, using a very primitive device to power, of all things, a musical instrument: the organ. The people of Persia also developed more traditional windmills, though they had a different orientation than the ones most people typically think of when hearing the word ‘windmill’.

Some historians think that the Persian models were the inspiration for the vertical models that were developed later on in the middle ages. The evidence of one of the oldest windmills that remains today can be found in Weedley, Yorkshire, England and is said to have been built in 1185. As is commonly depicted in media, these machines were used primarily to grind grain, and have been for many centuries since that time.

Recently though, at least in the last 150 years or so, there’s been a growing movement to use windmills in another fashion entirely. The power of the wind can be harnessed to turn giant wind turbines which in turn generate clean, and virtually unlimited, renewable energy.

Windmills have been around for a long long time, and while they may seem like primitive tech, they’ve moved into the world as hope for a clean future. Along with solar, bio-fuel, and fuel cells, windmills are working to save the environment.

National Windmill Day Timeline

644 AD First reference to windmills

Beginning as horizontal mills with woven reed blades that radiate from a vertical axis, these first windmills are built in Persia.

11th Century AD Windmills are used for food production

In the Middle East, windmills are used to help produce food and the ideas are then taken to Europe by merchants and crusaders.

1300s Windmills are used to drain water

The Dutch people of the Netherlands realize that the water from their low-lying areas can be drained using windmills.

1600s Windmills are introduced to the New World

When the Dutch colonize New Amsterdam (now called New York City), they bring their windmill designs with them

1887 First large scale power generating wind turbine

Charles F. Brush builds a huge 60-foot windmill with a whopping 144 blades in Cleveland, Ohio.

How to Celebrate National Windmill Day

Learn More About Windmills

Well perhaps to first thing to do is start by reading up on the topic of windmills. One of the best things that can be done to celebrate the day is to get more educated on the history of windmills, to begin learning how they’re helping us today, and even to share that information with others. As one of the fastest growing sources of energy in the world, it’s worth learning more about!

Here are some interesting facts about windmills:

The first modern version of the wind turbine was built in Vermont, USA in the 1940s. Its success was not long lived due to war shortages and the next time a windmill would rival it in size would be in 1979.

Hawaii, USA hosts the world’s largest wind turbine, which is the height of a 20 story building and its blades are the length of a football field.

Offshore wind is particularly effective. In Europe, one offshore wind turbine (located in the water) can power more than 1500 homes.

Read Don Quixote

Famous (or perhaps, infamous) for his mistake in thinking that windmills are giant monsters, Don Quixote bravely rides toward them to do battle and, of course, eventually gets knocked off his horse. This is just one of the many beloved and memorable scenes in this classic novel by Spanish author, Miquel de Cervantes, published in 1606.

Visit Holland for National Windmill Day

While not necessarily the first place to house windmills, Holland (now known as The Netherlands) has a long history with them as they were the first place to use them to move water from low lying lands. In fact, the second Saturday and Sunday in May (because one day just isn’t enough!) are celebrated in Holland as “National Mill Day”, which is called Molendag in Dutch. This is a day when 950 windmills and watermills will open their doors to the public for visitors to see their inner workings first hand and learn more about them. Plus, many of them will also host fun events for the local community and tourists alike.

Whether in Amsterdam or throughout the rest of this country filled with canals and waterways, the windmills are stunning. It’s even possible to go on a bike tour of the mills to visit some of the most beautiful, iconic and picturesque mills in the world!

Those who find other countries in Europe to be more accessible can celebrate National Windmill Day in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland and other countries, where it is often referred to as National Mills Day.

Watch Some Windmills

For those who happen to live in an area that has a single windmill or a whole windmill farm, it might be fun and interesting to go out and watch them turn, turn, turn… (Are we the only one hearing that song now?) More and more communities are dotting them about the landscape as a sustainable source of power. As you gaze upon and contemplate just how important these are to a bright, pollution-free future for our children, enjoy watching their soothing motion and consider their history too.

National Windmill Day FAQs

How do windmills work?

Wind turbines use their large blades to collect kinetic energy as the wind flows over the blades to create “lift”.

Do windmills make noise?

Windmills do emit a characteristic noise, mainly generated by the movement of the blades, but the noise is generally weak.

Are windmills renewable energy?

Wind is an emissions-free source of energy that has fewer effects on the environment than many other energy sources.

Do windmills create electricity?

Yes! Wind turns the propellers of the windmill around a rotor that, in turn, spins a generator to create electricity.

How much do windmills cost?

The standard windmill costs around $2-4 million with another $40-50,000 in per year in operation and maintenance.

Source

[in-daddy-price-we-trust]

All I Wanted - Part 1

summary: when you are kidnapped discovered by TF141 they can't help but fall in love.

pairing: 141 x fem!teen!reader (platonic)

warnings: mentions of child abuse, drugs, canon typical violence

Part 2

A/N: this is like my first fanfic in a while, and first on tumblr (yay!) any tips and tricks would be so helpful!

this also plans to be a series but posting might and will be inconsistent, thank you in advance!

You always had a difficult life. Being abused by your parents up until you ran away at 13. After you ran away, you got in with the wrong type of people, promises of hope and money, food and validation was all they needed to say to get you hooked in their business of organised crime. Some good came out of it however, they gave you a home and how to defend yourself. They taught you how to shoot a gun and the best place to make someone bleed. They taught you nothing else mattered except them, they became your new family.

You were 15 when you were tasked with transporting a couple crates of weaponry and drugs. The organisation you joined knew you well enough and practically raised you to be the strongest you were. So one cargo ship to Amsterdam later, you find yourself in a rotting, metal warehouse, wearing pink apparel, pink puffy skirt and a white hello-kitty shirt. A baby pink cardigan is draped over your shoulders and over-the-knee white knitted socks. A chrome covered knife strapped to your thigh.

“Zus, how much for it all?” he stood across from you, a cigarette lit between his lips taking a long drag as you assessed his question. His black, slicked back hair elongated his face and the three piece suit almost made this deal professional.

“How much are you offering?” was all you said as a small smile graced your lips, ‘the higher the offer, the better’ you remember being told before you left. They weren’t the best weapons but they were definitely worth at least a couple K.

“25”

a grimace, “80”

a growl, “40”

a hum, “55”

“65. Final offer,” his teeth were bared, almost like he was sweating already.

A sinister, sweet smile stretched across your face, “Wonderful, and how are you wanting to transfer that?” out of seemingly nowhere you pulled out a notepad and pen, writing down the bank details before you gave him a pointed look, “You have one week to transfer the money, or I will have your head.”

His face paled, almost embarrassingly so. For how innocent you appeared to be, you knew how to handle yourself in these situations. You turned to walk away, the sound of baby pink mary janes clacking against the concrete as you bounced towards the rusted metal doors, sliding them open as you looked back at the man one final time, “It was a pleasure doing business with you,” and leaving.

You were good at your job. It was easy, for the most part. Gather intel, pass forward that intel. Transfer somewhat illegal items from one holder to another. So it comes to you as a bit of a surprise when you exit through the dusty doors when a bullet wizzes past your face, luckily just missing you. Swiftly pulling out the hand-gun out your waistband and shooting in their direction. You wish you had your sniper, but it was left in the hotel room you managed to stay at.

As you shot in the direction of the fire, you failed to notice someone sneaking out behind you, kicking your knees in. Dirt caked your socks as the grip on your gun became loose. Acting as quick as possible, you flipped onto your back, retching the knife from its holster. Before you could act, black invaded your vision as you felt pain shoot from your head. Shit.

-

White light invaded your vision, a grumbled swear leaving your dry lips at the pounding in your head. "Jesus Christ," your wrists hurt, rubbed raw by the shitty metal handcuffs they strapped you in, "Whose bedroom did you get these out of? Couldn't even afford good quality cuffs?" fell out of your mouth before you could think to stop it. No one reacted.

It was a van, you could tell that much. The interior white with small wooden benches lining it. Two men sat on either side of you whilst the other two sat across. From what you could make out, another pair sat at the front, driving to this unknown destination.

Maybe you should have been more scared. More begging for them not to hurt you. Four big, burly military men could definitely kill you much easier than you kill them.

They studied you like you studied them. The one on your left was most likely the oldest, a fisherman's hat upon his head and mutton chops-moustache combo was the dead give away. He had his eyes closed and arms crossed across his chest, legs spread wide.

You couldn't make out the one on your right quite as well. A black balaclava with painted white skeletal teeth paired well with the upper half of the skull mask he wore. He seemed to be in a similar position as grandpa, although he had an ankle resting on his knee instead, head tilted back against the cool metal of the van.

The two across from you seemed younger. One had a darker complexion, his eyebrows furrowed in a thoughtful expression. He was smaller than the rest but no doubtfully as strong.

Lastly was the man with a mohawk. His eyes bore into you the most, not so angry and more trying to figure out who you were. Breaking you apart and putting you back together with his eyes. Childishly, you stuck your tongue out at him. His face morphed into one of slight surprise before rolling his eyes and looking towards the front.

It was quiet. The hum from the light ticking like a clock in your ear. Trying to gauge where you were and how much time had passed, your foot started tapping on the floor.

"Stop," A gruff voice said suddenly making you jump before mumbling a sorry at the skull-faced man. It was quiet again. It numbed your senses, sending shivers down your spine. Gravel sounded under the tires before voices outside sounded, signalling your arrival.

The doors pulled open, sunlight shining in. As mohawk and shorty left, skully pulled your arm to tug you along out with him, a short yelp escaping past your lips at the action.

You tripped over your feet, pins and needles shooting up your legs from sitting for so long. "Can you be gentle?" you spoke as you found your footing, "Please?" it was tacked on at the end for at least the tiniest bit of sympathy.

Skully looked down at you as he continued to drag you towards what you hoped was a five-star hotel with bed and breakfast. At least your death would be a quick one.

The halls blurred together until you were sitting in a leather chair in someone's office, back to the door, although you felt the looming presence of the men behind you. Mutters were heard outside before the door clicked opened, footsteps and a click again.

Gramps stood in front of you, leaning over the dark stained oak table. He had a file in his hand, putting it on the desk before sliding it over to you. "What do you know of El Sin Nombre?" it wasn't as much of a question than you'd like but an order for information.

Your mouth was so dry it felt like you swallowed cotton. As much as you wished to answer him, you look at him with furrowed brows and a confused expression. It took you a couple minutes before words formed in your throat, "Who?".

He didn't enjoy that answer. One of his hands slapping on the desk as he seethed, repeating the question again as if that would change your answer.

"I don't know who that is! I can't help you," you felt that burning sensation under your eyes as you desperately tried to convey your emotions. Tears meant weakness, and that's the one thing you didn't want to show to your captors right now.

Pairs of eyes hammered into your head. You felt like a child again, staring down at your toes being told off for not doing the dishes or not being quick enough to grab a beer. You braced for the hits, the punches to your ribs as you made promises that fell on the deaf ears of your mother and father.

"Price," A voice sounded behind you, soft and comforting. An accent coated the words that flowed through the air you didn't pick up on. The more time passed the more your eyes stung, tears slipping past your defences. Shoulders shaking as you try to curl into yourself, strings of "I don't know" and "I'm sorry" being nothing more than mumbles.

The room grew cold and quiet as you sobbed. Footsteps couldn't be heard over your own cries, so when an arm wrapped around your shoulders, you jolted. Expecting this is where you get hit. Bracing for the impact and sting they usually brought with them.

Instead, the arm pulled you into their chest, hugging you close and stroking your hair, along with shushing you softly. It only made you sob harder. When was the last time someone hugged you like this? Sure, you got the occasional pat on the back for a job well done, but never an embrace like this.

Time passed through your fingers like sand, not knowing how long you sat there for before you calmed down. The arms didn't pull away until you did, cringing at the wet patch you left on the man's shirt. Speaking of, you looked up to see mohawk looking down at you, eyes soft and an equally soft smile. "Y're alright now lass?" his accent leaked into the words, a curt nod allowing him to pull away and stand up again.

A heavy sigh sounded above you as you dragged your eyes up to meet who you presumed was this 'Price' figure. "What’s your name?"

Gears turned over the question in your head, thinking of an answer. Technically, you lost your name when you left home, gaining a couple new names at the gang.

Your silence was taken for an answer. "What are you doing in Amsterdam?" this you could answer.

"A business exchange. I'm just the messenger, I don't know any of the customers - I promise! - I just get the money and dip. I promise I can't help you-" you were hyperventilating at this point.

"It's alright sweetheart, deep breaths, calm down for me, yeah?" Price's voice was gentle now, seemingly not wanting the same thing to happen.

"Can you tell us where you're from? Who you work for?" He asked once he saw you calm down.

"Uhm- I'm from England. And I don't really work for them but I'm a doberman. They're some organisation that took me in," you weren't really interested in going into full depths of your life with these complete strangers.

Although, you felt the gazes lift off you and onto Price, his own eyes looking back at his men, a million silent conversations happening right above your head. Price inhaled sharply before he asked his last question, "How old are?"

"15." The air knocked out of his lungs.

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

107 of 2025

What was the last gift you received?

Some chocolate from a coworker last Friday.

Ten years ago, who was your best friend? Are you still best friends now?

Nielsje and yes.

What are some of your comfort foods?

Rice with vegetables.

What’s something that’s very popular, that you have no interest in?

K-pop, anime, video games, movies, vocaloid, dubstep, and the list goes on.

What’s something that many people would consider to be lame, but you don’t?

Tattoo chokers.

Have you ever lost your house key?

Yeah. Thankfully it was inside the house.

How would you describe your clothing style?

Mix of metalhead and hip hop with a goth twist.

The last time you were in a line, what were you waiting for?

Self-scanning counter in the shop.

What’s your favorite city in your own country?

Veurne and Kortrijk.

What’s your favorite city in another country?

Berlin, Amsterdam, Slupsk and Ustka.

Are there any very common foods/drinks that you pretty much never consume?

Mac and cheese and carbonara - I hate them. Coffee and Coca Cola - I can't drink them anymore.

What kind of device are you taking this survey on?

My laptop, as always.

What’s the most expensive thing you own?

Also my laptop.

When was the last time you had a package delivered, and what was it?

Last week and it was a hoodie.

Do you typically respond to text messages right away?

Nope, unless it's my dad or my husband. I tend to ignore texts, sadly.

What has been the highlight of this past month?

My dad finally got the date of the appointment set. He's going to the oncologist next Thursday, but we already knew it in January.

Has anyone ever assumed you were flirting with them, when you weren’t?

Yea. And then she was bombarding me with messages. Ew.

What types of stores do you enjoy browsing?

I browse when I need something.

Did your parents spoil you when you were a kid?

Lol no. Quite the opposite.

Would you rather watch a movie in the theater, or at home?

I don't watch movies.

What were you doing one hour ago?

Cooking a soup.

Have you ever used public transportation to get to work?

Many times, and I will have to do it next week as well.

What do you miss the most from before Covid times?

These times are over, everyone here has forgotten already.

What has been the best thing to happen to you in the past year?

I came back to work.

Who do you have listed as emergency contacts in your phone?

My husband.

Are you prone to jealousy?

Not at all. I'm not the jealous type.

How did you get through the lowest point in your life?

I had hope for the better.

Have you ever been someone’s first love?

I don't think so. Maybe I was the first true love to Nielsje.

Have you ever played frisbee golf?

Never heard of it.

What is your favorite silly, feel-good movie?

I don't watch movies.

How old were you when you got your first gaming console, and what kind was it?

We has Atari 2600 when I was, like, 2 years old.

Who in your family has the coolest job?

Me :P also my sister, and my dad, but he's already retired.

Is cereal technically a soup?

Depends on how you see it.

Have you found your first gray hairs yet.

Nope. Probably won't find them for long.

What is something that drains your energy really quickly?

Mean people.

Did you parents teach you how to make a budget before you moved out on your own?

My dad did. He also taught me to respect hard work.

What is your favorite food to put gravy on?

Mashed potatoes are the only thing.

Do you know anyone from Canada?

A lot of people, but all of them online and none of them in person.

What’s your opinion on astrology?

I don't believe in it.

Do you use TikTok?

Nope. I wish it didn't exist.

What do you have going on the rest of the day?

Beng lazy because Sunday.

[shopcanabiseu]

Buy THC Oil in Amsterdam Online: A Comprehensive Guide to Enjoying Cannabis Oil

Amsterdam has long been a global hub for cannabis culture, attracting tourists and locals alike who are eager to experience the city’s relaxed attitude toward cannabis. While many associate Amsterdam with its famous coffeeshops where cannabis can be smoked in a social setting, the city offers a variety of other cannabis products for consumers looking for different consumption methods. One such product gaining popularity is THC oil, a potent and versatile option for cannabis users seeking a more discreet and convenient way to enjoy the effects of cannabis.Buy THC oil Amsterdam online

THC oil, which is made from the active compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), provides a powerful and concentrated form of cannabis that can be used in various ways, from sublingual drops to vaping or even adding to food and beverages. With the growing demand for THC oil, buying cannabis products online has become a convenient and efficient way for consumers to access these high-quality oils. In this blog post, we’ll explore why you should consider buying THC oil online in Amsterdam, the benefits of using THC oil, where to buy it, and how to make safe and informed choices when purchasing online.

What is THC Oil? THC oil is an extract of cannabis that contains a high concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Unlike CBD oil, which contains cannabidiol and is non-psychoactive, THC oil delivers the intoxicating effects associated with cannabis consumption, including euphoria, relaxation, and heightened sensory experiences. THC oil is typically used for recreational purposes, but it also has therapeutic applications, particularly for managing pain, nausea, and anxiety.Buy THC oil Amsterdam online

THC oil is available in various forms, including tinctures, capsules, vape cartridges, and concentrates, each offering different methods of consumption. Depending on your preferences and desired effects, THC oil can be a discreet, fast-acting, and potent way to experience cannabis.

Why Choose THC Oil? There are several reasons why THC oil has become a popular choice for cannabis consumers, especially those looking for an alternative to smoking or vaping flower. Here are some key benefits of using THC oil:

Discreet Consumption One of the primary advantages of THC oil is its discreet nature. Unlike smoking cannabis, which produces an obvious odor and requires a lighter or pipe, THC oil can be consumed quietly and without attracting attention. Whether you're using a tincture or vape pen, THC oil is a clean and subtle option for those who want to enjoy cannabis without drawing attention.

Convenience and Ease of Use THC oil is easy to dose and convenient to use. Tinctures, for example, can be placed under the tongue for fast absorption, allowing users to quickly feel the effects. Vape pens and cartridges are also user-friendly, providing an easy way to inhale THC oil without the need for complicated equipment. Additionally, THC oil can be added to edibles or beverages, giving users even more flexibility in how they consume cannabis.

Precision Dosing One of the key benefits of THC oil is the ability to precisely control the dosage. With tinctures, capsules, and vape cartridges, you can measure and regulate the amount of THC you consume, making it easier to avoid overconsumption or undesirable side effects. This is especially useful for both new users and experienced cannabis consumers who want to tailor their experience.

Potent Effects THC oil is highly concentrated, meaning that a small dose can provide a strong effect. This makes it ideal for users seeking potent relief from conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, or nausea, as well as those looking for a more intense recreational experience. THC oil is also faster-acting than edibles, as it is absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly, providing a quicker onset of effects.

Variety of Consumption Methods THC oil can be consumed in multiple ways, allowing users to find the method that works best for them. Whether you prefer sublingual tinctures, vaping, or infusing your favorite foods with cannabis oil, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Why Buy THC Oil Online in Amsterdam? Amsterdam has a robust and well-established cannabis industry, and with the rise of e-commerce, buying THC oil online has become an increasingly popular option for both locals and tourists. Here are some reasons why buying THC oil online in Amsterdam makes sense:

Convenience and Accessibility Online dispensaries allow you to browse a wide selection of THC oil products from the comfort of your own home or hotel room. You can explore different brands, products, and potencies, and easily compare options before making a purchase. Shopping online saves you the time and effort of visiting multiple stores, and many online retailers offer delivery straight to your door.

Wider Product Selection While physical dispensaries and coffeeshops in Amsterdam may have a limited selection of THC oil products, online dispensaries often offer a much broader range. You’ll have access to various brands, product types (tinctures, vape pens, capsules, etc.), and strains, allowing you to find the exact product that meets your needs. Additionally, many online shops carry hard-to-find or specialty items that you may not easily find in-store.

Better Prices and Discounts Online dispensaries often offer competitive pricing, as they have fewer overhead costs than brick-and-mortar shops. Additionally, many online cannabis retailers offer special promotions, sales, and discounts that can help you save money on your THC oil purchase. Some even offer loyalty programs or bundles, allowing you to purchase more for less.

Discreet and Secure Shopping Purchasing THC oil online offers greater privacy and discretion compared to shopping in a physical store. Many online dispensaries take extra precautions to ensure your information is protected, and their packaging is often discreet, so you don’t have to worry about your cannabis purchase being obvious. Additionally, many online retailers provide secure payment options and encryption to safeguard your personal and financial details.

Access to Product Information and Reviews Shopping online gives you the opportunity to read product descriptions, ingredients, and customer reviews. This helps you make informed decisions and ensures that you’re purchasing a high-quality product that fits your needs. You can also verify that the THC oil is lab-tested and compliant with local regulations, which is crucial for ensuring safety and quality.

How to Buy THC Oil Online in Amsterdam Safely While buying THC oil online in Amsterdam is convenient, it’s important to approach it with caution to ensure that you're purchasing from a reputable and trustworthy source. Here are some tips for buying THC oil safely online:

Choose a Licensed and Reputable Dispensary Always buy from licensed and established dispensaries that comply with Dutch cannabis regulations. Look for online retailers with a solid reputation, and read customer reviews to gauge the quality of their service and products. Established dispensaries often carry a wide range of lab-tested products and have a customer service team that can answer any questions you may have.

Check Product Lab Testing and Quality A reputable dispensary will provide lab testing results for their THC oil products, ensuring that they are free from harmful contaminants like pesticides or mold. Look for THC oil that has been tested for potency and purity, so you can be confident in the quality of the product you’re purchasing. The THC concentration should also be clearly listed on the product description, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Secure Payment and Shipping Ensure that the online dispensary offers secure payment methods, such as credit cards or trusted payment processors. Avoid sharing sensitive financial information unless the website uses encryption (look for “https” in the URL). Additionally, confirm that the dispensary offers reliable shipping methods with tracking options, so you can monitor your order’s progress.

Verify Shipping and Delivery Options Make sure that the online dispensary ships to your location in Amsterdam, and check for any additional shipping fees or delivery timeframes. Many online cannabis retailers offer free or low-cost shipping within the city, but it’s always a good idea to verify before placing an order.

Buying THC oil online in Amsterdam is a convenient, discreet, and efficient way to access high-quality cannabis products. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist visiting the city, shopping online gives you the opportunity to explore a wide selection of THC oils, compare different products, and make an informed purchase from the comfort of your home. With its variety of consumption methods, potency, and fast-acting effects, THC oil is an excellent choice for both recreational and medicinal users looking for a concentrated form of cannabis. Just be sure to purchase from reputable dispensaries, check product quality, and follow safe online shopping practices to ensure a positive experience. Enjoy the convenience and benefits of THC oil while discovering the best Amsterdam has to offer in the cannabis world.

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10 Enchanting Magical Gems to Discover in the Netherlands

Thus, for the citizens of UAE, the process of applying for the Netherlands Visa from Dubai is the first key to reveal the secrets of the country. People with Schengen visa can visit the Netherlands and other European countries without any problem, which makes it the ideal stop for everyone who wishes to explore the core of Europe. To apply for a visa is easy when equipped with the right documents, meaning that your European experience is off to a good start.

In this blog post, we will guide you through 10 amazing and fairy-tale like places to visit in the Netherlands. From the flower gardens at Keukenhof and the windmills of Kinderdijk to the picturesque village of Giethoorn and the colorful streets of Amsterdam, these places are among the best that the country has to offer. Prepare to be motivated and start your Dutch adventure after getting your Netherlands visa for UAE residents and learning more about the beauty of this country.

Here are 10 top attractions in Netherlands that will take your breath away!

1. Amsterdam's Canals: A UNESCO World Heritage

Another major attraction of the country’s capital – Amsterdam – is undoubtedly its canals. These are remnants of the 17th century and are ideal for a boat cruise or a pleasant walk around the water. It is lined with beautiful old buildings and quaint bridges and has a real feel of the old Dutch world.

2. Keukenhof Gardens: A Blooming Paradise

Also known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is one of the most extensive flower gardens on the planet. This park is in Lisse, near Amsterdam and is a colorful park of tulips, daffodils and other spring flowers. Keukenhof is a place for nature enthusiasts, and the best time for a photo shoot is also a great idea.

3. Zaanse Schans: A Glimpse of Dutch Traditions

Next, you should travel back in time and go to the Zaanse Schans – an open air museum located near Amsterdam. This beautiful village will give you an idea on how the Netherlands was like with its windmills, wooden houses and old factories. You can also shop for cheese and wooden shoes, which are the typical representations of Dutch culture.

4. Giethoorn: The Venice of the North

It is nicknamed the Venice of the North, and this is a beautiful village where most people use boats to move from one place to the other. The main attractions of Giethoorn include canals, thatched roof cottages and beautiful walking trails which makes the town a perfect place to relax and get away from the noise of the city. This is such a quiet and picturesque village that every tourist should consider visiting.

5. The Hague: Culture and Royalty Combined

The Hague is the political capital of the Netherlands and is famous for the monarchic history and art sights. Take a tour of the Binnenhof, the Dutch political complex, or marvel at the masterpieces in the Mauritshuis Museum including Vermeer’s masterpiece: Girl with a Pearl Earring. The royal look of the city is ideal for tourists with interest in history and arts.

6. Kinderdijk Windmills: A UNESCO Masterpiece

One cannot imagine a tour of the Netherlands without seeing the famous windmills of Kinderdijk. This site found in North Brabant province near Rotterdam is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and comprises nineteen windmills established to regulate water and prevent floods. This is one of the most typical Dutch views – when you look at the huge houses rising high above the flat land.

7. Modern Architectures of Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of the most progressive cities of Europe, which is famous for its modern architecture. Rotterdam has seen significant destruction in the Second World War and most of the city was reconstructed after the war and the city represents modern architecture. Head to the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) and the incredible Markthal, not only a very special building but also offering great food.

8. Texel Island: Nature’s Haven

If you prefer quiet and calm, the largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands will be perfect for you – Texel. Texel is one of the most preserved and natural islands, with beautiful sandy beaches and many animals and birds which make it ideal to practice activities like cycling, walking and bird watching. It is a perfect place for a vacation and get to know the calm side of this country – the Netherlands.

9. Utrecht: The Netherlands’ Best Kept Secret

Utrecht is one of those cities that tourists rarely pay attention to, but it is rather lovely. Utrecht looks more ancient with its Gothic and brick buildings, beautiful canals, and numerous cafes – it is less tourist-oriented than Amsterdam. Visit the Dom Tower, the highest church tower of the Netherlands and enjoy the beautiful view of the city and surroundings.

10. Hoge Veluwe National Park: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

The Hoge Veluwe National Park is a huge park in the middle of the Netherlands where one can hike through the woods, heath and dunes. The park also features a Kröller-Müller Museum, where art lovers can view works of art including many paintings by Van Gogh.

Applying for a Netherlands Visa from Dubai

For many of the UAE residents who would love to visit these wonders in Netherlands, there is Netherlands visa for UAE residents. It is easy to apply for a job when you know how to go about it. Here's a quick guide:

Determine the Type of Visa: If your stay is going to be for tourism, commercial, etc., then you will have to apply for the Schengen visa or the short stay visa.

Gather Necessary Documents: These are a valid passport, travel insurance, flight bookings, accommodation bookings, and proof of financial means for the intended stay.

Submit Your Application: You can apply at the Netherlands Visa Application Center (VAC) either in Dubai or in Abu Dhabi. It is recommended that you submit your application early enough in order to avoid unnecessary rush.

Attend the Interview: Sometimes you may be required to undergo an interview during your application for a certain position. This is not an exception, but a standard practice when applying for the Schengen visa.

Wait for Processing: After that your application will be considered and evaluated. You will normally get a reply in 15 calendar days.

By following these steps and getting your Netherlands visa from Dubai you will be ready to embrace the beauty of the Netherlands. Whether it is the cities, the geography, or the monuments, this country is home to numerous wonders that are yet to be unveiled.

Conclusion

The Netherlands is a paradise for tourists as every place in this country is fascinating and has something special to offer for the guests of the country. From the beautiful city of Amsterdam with its canals to the quiet island of Texel, there is something to discover at every corner. Whether you like old towns’ atmosphere, silence of the nature or nightlife of large cities, you will fall in love with the Netherlands.

For the people of UAE, getting a Netherland visa for UAE residents is the key to this mesmerizing country as well as many other European destinations. As you can see, it’s really easy to get the necessary documents for further travelling and a little preparation can turn your dream of visiting the Netherlands into reality. Therefore, let the packing begin and let the adventure of a lifetime begin through one of Europe’s most enchanting locales.

It is high time to start – the wonderful pearls of the Netherlands are still waiting for you. Begin your journey now and have the memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life.