#alli harvard

[hacksawwhore]

she's exactly who I wanna be

[cadencewishes]

[lovedlikeahummingbird]

"Scaredy Cat" portrait of Alli Harvard by Franz Szony

Don’t be scared, it’s just fashion

[acitybythelightunited]

Mmmmmk… then do something about it instead of complaining about it on the internet accomplishing nothing but making clickbait companies rich over it trending. I’m getting really tired of this Hamas/Palestine spam from pornbots. Stop getting rich off people’s suffering and donate every fucking penny of that to aid the refugees over there you scumbag fucks. The only thing worse than wars are the soulless money bags that brand #blueandyellow everywhere for a year then leave the Ukraine in the dust when they find a new cash cow to exploit. A place that has been in 7 wars since the Holocaust that will never cease to stop fighting over religious territory and revenue over a super natural being they can’t even prove exists that murders and rapes children with their cultish buildings all over the planet. How about you stop fighting over a God that doesn’t even exist. We’re all just scientific matter no one understands the origin of. But God sure as Hell wouldn’t let priests molest and bury 6,000 children alive along Canada’s border if he even existed so shut the fuck up and just start being decent human beings. Start with that. And fuck billionaires. You greedy motherfuckers suck up all the world’s economic systems and then wonder where all your consumers went when they die of financial constraint YOU created for the whole globe with your greed. We don’t need a pissing contest to a trillion dollars, we need affordable living and vacations with the money you’re ciphoning up by inflating cost of living higher than minimum wage increase so that it changes nothing but poor people’s financial leashes and not your continual profits. Ban increasing cost of living and that will solve like 80% of the world’s problems. The point of raising wages to create comfortable living for ordinary citizens. We don’t care if you can’t afford 15 exotic cars instead of 12 while the working class ends up on the street over one missed paycheck. Fuck off. 🖕🏽

"Murdering 14,000 children is not 'Self-Defense'"

Poster spotted in Boston, Massachusetts

[entriprises]

tag dump # 4 !

[masculinerose]

A study just came out from Harvard about how gender affirming surgeries are more commonly performed on "cisgender men/boys" than transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people.

But these men/boys have gynecomastia which, if they were born with it (and the study doesn't specify), they're not just "cisgender".

They're intersex.

How many times now have intersex people told us perisex (non-intersex) people to stop using the statistics of their surgeries just as trans talking points, while erasing intersex people on the whole?

We have no idea how many of those surgeries were forced, or coerced, onto these intersex people. Either from doctors, parents, or even societal pressure.

Perisex trans people need to do better. We have to be better allies to intersex people than this. It disgusts me just how much we have failed our own community, time and time again.

UPDATE

The study actually specifically excluded intersex people.

"Importantly, all surgical procedures among patients with indications of differences in sex development or patients with other medical indications for surgery (eg, cancer, injury) were excluded..."

I'm happy to see this particular study has taken care to exclude intersex people, since surgeries done on them cannot be compared to transgender surgeries, but please bear in mind that this is still just one study.

The horrible truth is that medical abuse against our intersex siblings is still heavily normalized within the medical industry. From using terms like DSD, to forcing kids and even BABIES into sexual binaries with non or dubiously consensual surgeries or HRT, these horrors that intersex people have to go through are all too normal for them. That's unacceptable.

If you have reblogged this post without this update, I urge you to delete that reblog and reblog this version instead. We can fight for intersex rights and (if you're also perisex) show our solidarity without spreading misinformation.

[matan4il]

Daily update post:

Today, people in Israel are really loving Germany. If you're wondering why, it's related to SA's lawsuit against Israel at the ICJ. While the US, the UK and Canada all said that SA's accusation against Israel is baseless, Germany is actually putting its money where its mouth is. Instead of just saying the accusation is not rooted in reality, Germany has asked to join the lawsuit as a third party on Israel's side, protesting the misuse of the convention for the prevention and punishment of genocide. For the record, in the wake of the Holocaust, Israel was one of the countries pushing for the adoption of this convention, and one of the first to sign it. It's unbelievable poetic justice, that it's the Germans now coming to the defence of the Jewish state.

Yesterday, an independent Palestinian terrorist attack was carried out, one Israeli was injured, 3 terrorists were eliminated as they were breaking into a Jewish community. The man who was injured had identifies the cuts in the barbed wire fence, was hit by bullets, but was able to alert Israeli security forces, who stopped the attack. Two of the terrorists were 16 years old, the third was 19 years old. Firearms, knives and an axe were found on them. Here's CCTV footage of them while they were breaking into the community:

As the international coalition's forces have moved from defensive to offensive measures against the Houthis (the Iranian funded terrorists from Yemen), Israel is preparing for possible retribution carried out against our people, especially the southern city of Eilat.

The Israeli hostages in Gaza have not had their medications for 99 days. The Red Cross has refused to take these meds from the families, saying that while Hamas doesn't allow it, they can't pass anything to the hostages anyway. Now there's talk about Qatar possibly forcing Hamas to allow it, maybe as a part of some deal. We'll see. There's a lot of cases where reports from Qatar say Hamas have agreed to this or that (mostly in terms of agreeing to a new hostage deal), and then it turns out it was just the Qataris' suggestions to Hamas, being reported as if Hamas had accepted them. Against this backdrop, the Palestinian Red Crescent has reported it continues to provide ambulatory, mobile medical services to Palestinians who can't make it to hospitals, including giving them their meds.

Meanwhile, SA is proving once more that anti-Zionism is the new antisemitism, because it is being used to hurt Jews worldwide, by removing the Jewish captain, David Teeger, from the national cricket team under the excuse that there are anti-Israel protests against him.

Blinken says that Saudi Arabia is still interested in normalization (meaning, a peace agreement) with Israel. I'm going to be honest, I don't think it's a coincidence that it took the Saudis this long to say it. If Israel had folded, and stopped its war against Hamas, I suspect the Saudis would have taken this to mean that Israel is not strong enough to be an ally against Iran. The fact that the war continues, despite international pressure to stop (and effectively surrender to Iranian-funded Hamas), gives moderate Arab states hope that an alliance with Israel against Iran won't fail them and crumble at the first sign of trouble. I believe that's something that hasn't been talked about enough, how moderate Arab countries have been watching this war with Hamas, and how destructive it would be, if Hamas would have won. And any scenario where Hamas still exists and rules Gaza, even in a limited capacity, would be understood as their victory.

Jewish students at Harvard are suing the university for its longstanding failure to fight antisemitism, including in allowing antisemitic material to be taught in class. This is a reminder that the issue was never Claudine Gay specifically, there's a much bigger problem at hand in Harvard and other western universities, and her resignation is just the first step. I'm glad Jewish students are taking this initiative, to force Harvard to take more steps.

The Israeli Air Force has drawn this imitation of the yellow ribbon, worn as a part of the call to release the Israeli hostages, in the skies of Gaza (pic taken from inside southern Israel):

This is 71 years old Uri ben Tzvi.

I got to watch an interview with him. Uri survived the Hamas massacre on Oct 7 at kibbutz Be'eri, he and his wife hid together for hours, including 3.5 hours during which terrorists were rampaging through their home. Two hours later, they were saved thanks to their son, an IDF officer in an elite unit, who managed to make it out of his own home, and join security forces. But Uri recounted how almost any noise makes him jump now, and how almost all of his age group was wiped out. When he goes to the dining hall (kibbutzim are communal, everyone eats meals together), his friends that he used to sit with are no longer there. He insisted that Oct 7 was a kind of Holocaust, as Jewish kids were once again hiding in closets, terrified for their lives.

(for all of my updates and ask replies regarding Israel, click here)

[batboyblog]

Do you think there is any benefit to the idea that Biden should just not bother with these TV debates anymore? With how the media is so strongly stacked against him, that it might be more beneficial to focus on things where he excels at like town halls and meeting people in person?

I think he agreed to do it, so backing out would look worse and be more damaging than any benefits from sticking to events that play to his strengths. Indeed the media attacked him pretty heavily for being over choreographed in events and interviews (sounds like Hillary being "over prepared") I do think Biden should, and if you look at the last few weeks he has, do more events with the people, and if he can wrangle a televised town hall that'd be great.

but on debate, we shouldn't think Biden is some historically bad debater. In 2012 Obama BOMBED his first debate with Romney, people were writing the death notices for his re-election (much closer to E-Day then July!) and it was Biden who swung into action at the Vice-Presidential debate, laughing in Paul Ryan's face and mocking him easily showing Ryan up as unlikeable and trying to destroy social security. Biden is good at being the every man reacting to "Malarkey!"

I think what went wrong in the first debate is two fold. First of all when you're President and you care to do the job, there's never ever gonna be enough time, there will always be one more call, one more meeting, one more thing that needs your attention. Biden mentioned aids adding things to the schedule. If you're a President like Biden who is good at the job and likes it, I can see how it becomes hard to say "no" because we're talking huge things. So Biden had been working too much, too hard, for too long. That week he went to Europe, did the G7 meetings lots of meetings lots of work, flew back to the US to California to do a fundraiser with Obama and George Clooney, flew back to Atlanta to do the debate. Along the way the guy gets a cold, so what we all saw was a guy who was tired from months of working too hard, jet-lagged, and sick. Trump did nothing that week, he golfed and hung out with friends showed up rested and not having a head cold.

The other thing is the prepped for the wrong debate. One team Biden pushed for rules that ultimately helped Trump. The rule of mics being off when the other is speaking, people hate when Trump interrupts, he's at his worse when he does that, you made sure he couldn't do that. Second no crowd, all politicians feed off crowds, read their energy. crowds cause Trump to lean into his worst instincts always reaching for the next big reaction, but also Biden feeds off people's reactions, in a way that is much better for him than it is for Trump.

outside the rules, clearly Biden and his team gamed out the debate assuming the moderators would do the heavy lifting of fact checking Trump and calling him on his lies and Biden's job was to look like the smart normal politician and spit out facts and figures. As a life long stutterer being able to recall and recite exact numbers and data points in just the way they were written down is not and never been a strength of Biden's, he's NOT dumb, but I can say you carry the baggage of people thinking you're an idiot from when you were a disabled kid your whole life, and I've read a lot of stories that some times in a room full of Harvard and Yale people he can get rattled. And I think that happened they pushed him to try to memorize their talking points their data sets and he got in his head. And when the debate turned out to not at all be what he planned for, when the moderators showed no interest in pushing back on Trump, Biden was caught off guard, a not sick, not jet-lagged, not tired Biden would have turned it around more quickly. We saw later in the debate Biden figure out what debate he was in and how to act and start to ditch trying to remember data sets and just throw out quips and lines "morals of an ally cat!", had he been feeling better, he'd have gotten there much faster.

So I think if Biden takes better care of himself, is strict about not adding more to his work load, takes time off to relax and rest before a debate (work on his tan like JFK did before the Nixon Kennedy debate) and also focuses on being himself, he's not Obama or Bill Clinton who are great masters of explaining complex issues with facts and figures that makes you feel like you're in school with a favorite teacher. That's not Joe, he knows the stuff, he does, but his skill his being everyone's favorite uncle telling it like it is, let him do that and he'll be fine.

[thelostdreamsthings]

Donald Trump won.

So, Trump will not only big but will be the first Republican President to win the popular vote in 20 years.

Plus, the Senate will have Reublican majority as well.

Don’t get too excited.

Wars will continue: on China, Iran, and Russia.

The U.S. is run by banks, military contractors, and corporate elites who select the politicians.

{Genocide Joe, Holocaust Harris, and Butcher Blinken

Their legacy?

A pointless proxy war in Ukraine that failed to defeat Russia🇷🇺, hundreds of thousands dead in a completely avoidable war that could have been ended with the deal at Istanbul

A genocide in Gaza perpetrated by Israel using US weaponry, the mass infanticide of children, and modern-day lebensraum-style ethnic cleansing. All under the banner of Blinken’s ‘rules-based order’

A Middle East and global south revolted, disgusted, and furious at the genocide in Gaza, which has shown the world the consequences for daring to resist the oppression of the US and its allies

The rise and strengthening of BRICS, as developing global south countries flock to BRICS+ to escape Washington’s dictatorship under the current global financial system

The coming together of the US’🇺🇸 official enemies; Russia🇷🇺, China🇨🇳, Iran🇮🇷, and North Korea🇰🇵 deepen their ties as the threat from Washington and its vassal states in Europe grows

4 years of genocidal, warmongering tyranny.}

5 things that sunk the Democratic boat:

🔹COVID tyranny

🔹Inflation

🔹Wars in Ukraine and Gaza

🔹Illegal immigration

🔹Kamala Harris, an empty shell ⬇️

RESPECT TO JILL STEIN could have had a comfortable career as a Harvard-trained doctor. Instead she's devoted her life to facing down the powerful, corrupt forces of the system, at immense personal risk.

History will be kind to her. ⬇️

America rejected:

Beyonce

Lady Gaga

Katy Perry

Megan Thee Stallion

John Legend

Oprah Winfrey

Barack Obama

Michelle Obama

Bill Clinton

Hillary Clinton

Usher

Taylor Swift

George Clooney

Ariana Grande

Jamie Lee Curtis

Bono

Mick Jagger

Bruce Springsteen

Robert De Niro

....

The era of the celebrity endorsement is DEAD.

[daphnefisherofficial]

bugna: TAKIPSILIM | destiny's twilight

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

Pairing: MCU Moon Knight System (Marc/Steven/Jake) x Avatar Fem!Reader

masterlist | previous | next chapter

(A/N: This update took a lot longer than expected, because I really wanted to flesh out Darius Carter's character here. As we discovered in the latest chapter, he is the avatar of Anubis and the past life of our moon boys (Marc, Steven and Jake). I can't wait for you to finally meet him and discover how he first met our beloved Mira (you) and became an avatar. Sooooooo, I will no longer keep you waiting. Enjoy!)

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE - LIEUTENANT DARIUS CARTER

The year was 1914, and the world was on the brink of an inferno. The scent of gunpowder and the sound of marching boots echoed through the continent, war slowly rising on the precipice as the entirety of mankind braced itself for a conflict of an unprecedented scale. As the avatar of Mayari, the goddess of the moon, your immortality has not shielded you from countless conflicts that you have witnessed over centuries. But something about this one felt different.

As the majority of Europe has been set ablaze with the flames of war, you found yourself walking on foreign soil, far from the shores of your own homeland. Leaving the tranquil halls of Harvard University where you had just earned your medical degree being a pensionada, you have answered the call of duty in the first world war as you were dispatched to the epicenter of battle.

Not as a warrior, but as a healer.

It was a time of uncertainty, and your only duty was to save lives and alleviate the suffering caused by the horrors of war. It was a daunting task, but you were determined to do your part.

It was in a military outpost in France where you crossed paths for the first time. The air in the barracks was thick with anticipation and a hint of apprehension as fresh soldier recruits started to fill the encampment, their faces a mix of youthful enthusiasm and the dawning realization of what lay ahead. 

You stood among the medical personnel sent by the American Red Cross, observing the nervous yet determined faces of your comrades as you were being introduced to one another and your regiment officer. Your crisp, white medical uniform felt heavy with responsibility, yet you bore it with the quiet strength of someone who had seen far more than her youthful appearance suggested.

It was here that you saw him for the first time.

His towering stature caught your eyes immediately, standing tall and proud among your peers as his striking hazel brown eyes seemed to pierce through the haze of bodies and chatter. He stood out, not just for his imposing presence but for the way he carried himself—confident, yet with an air of humility.

His olive brown skin was littered with nervous sweat as he saluted, his military uniform crisp and new.

"Lieutenant Darius Carter, reporting for duty," he said, his voice steady and confident.

“At ease, Lieutenant”, the regiment officer said, patting the young soldier’s back encouragingly before his eyes fell on you and your colleagues. “You will be in charge of this unit, together with our friends and allies from the American Red Cross. Why don’t you introduce yourselves?”

It was there, amidst the sea of young, eager faces, that your eyes met for the first time. Darius found himself tongue tied as you stepped forward, his heart pounding loudly in his chest as he witnessed you raising your right hand to salute before introducing yourself to your superiors and your fellow army recruits altogether. 

“Myrna Katigbak, reporting for duty,” you spoke, managing a polite smile despite yourself as you felt a hundred pairs of eyes on you. And yet, Darius's gaze stood out from the rest of your comrades, his eyes sparkling with bold admiration as he felt a strong connection in that moment, an inexplicable pull towards you that he couldn’t possibly ignore. 

Something about your enigmatic presence drew him in. Having grown up in a family with a deep connection to Egyptology, you were like an undiscovered pharaoh’s tomb to the young lieutenant waiting to be unravelled. And like any archaeologist and Egyptologists he has known his whole life, he has made it his first mission to seek you out and fulfill his quiet curiosity.

The next time you saw Darius Carter, it was in the makeshift soup kitchen. The scent of broth and bread filled the air as you ladled portions into bowls, your hands moving with practiced efficiency. Your fellow medics and soldiers, both weary and hungry after their intensive training, lined up at the long table with gratitude etched on their faces as you started to distribute lunch.

The young lieutenant was but a few steps away from the long table as the line progressed, almost chickening out as he neared. As he slowly approached, you looked up and met his gaze fully for the first time. Handing him his bowl of soup and a half loaf of bread, you noticed him trying to linger, his eyes bright with a mixture of hope and shyness as he struggled to find the words to speak.

“You can come back for seconds later, Lieutenant Carter”, you smiled, amused by his poor attempt at small talk which you find endearing.

“Right, thank you, Miss Katigbak”, he stammered as he ended up butchering the last name of your latest alias.

“You can just call me Myrna”, you corrected with an amused smile, bidding him goodbye as your attention shifted to the next man in need of sustenance. “I don’t expect everyone to get my last name right”

Darius internally groaned as he mildly shook his head, managing a soft chuckle despite himself as he continued moving forward and out of the lunch line. He found himself sitting at a nearby table, still gazing longingly at the long table where you were as he started to eat. As the hours slowly progressed and the early afternoon finally made its way, the number of people in the soup kitchen slowly dwindled until the only ones left were him and you.

This time around, Darius no longer allowed his nerves to get the best of him. With careful steps, he approached you once again, his eyes emanating the same spark from when he first laid eyes on you. 

“Excuse me, Miss Katigbak”, he asked, finally pronouncing your last name correctly with his rich, baritone voice that resonated pleasantly in the empty vicinity. “May I help you with anything?”

“You got it right this time,” you nodded in his direction as you started preparing your workspace for your upcoming chore. “And yes, you can help by carrying those empty bowls from the lunch tables and I’ll wash them here.”

He eagerly obliged, his movements careful as he balanced multiple trays of empty bowls on his hands. As soon as they piled up, he worked alongside you and shared your dishwashing workload. It was a mundane task for a soldier like him, but it didn’t matter as he had you to keep him company.

Besides, observing you from afar was becoming his favorite pastime. Your smooth and flawless skin was the first thing he noticed, a warm, sun-kissed brown with golden undertones that radiated health and vitality. Your hair, ebony-black and rich, fell in long, soft waves around your shoulders, framing your face perfectly. Your facade possessed a delicate heart-shaped contour that added a touch of youthful charm, along with high cheekbones and small, slightly upturned nose that accentuated your femininity. Your lips, full and naturally mauve, curved into a smile that reflected the warmth of your spirit, a genuine expression that made him feel at ease.

But it was your eyes that truly captivated him. Almond-shaped and chestnut brown, they glistened with warmth and mystery, capable of conveying joy, sorrow, and strength in a single glance. Framed by long, thick lashes, your gaze had an intensity that made those who met it feel uniquely seen. Your naturally arched brows added depth to your expression, giving you a look of quiet confidence.

“You never did go back for seconds, Lieutenant Carter” you spoke out loud, slightly startling Darius from his own reverie.

“I’m sorry, what?” he asked, his voice warm and earnest as you ended up laughing at his amusing response. 

“I meant you could go back in line earlier after finishing your meal to get a second serving of soup and bread”, you ended up explaining in which Darius sighed with pure relief. “I was waiting for you”

“Oh, right”, he seemed to relax at your friendly tone. “I’m too shy, unfortunately, so I will most likely die of hunger before I ask you for seconds, Miss Katigbak”

“You can just call me Myrna”, your amusement grew as you observed his quiet awkwardness which you find endearing. “Miss Katigbak is too formal and besides, it’s only the two of us here”

“Myrna it is”, Darius nodded, testing your name in his lips. “And please call me Darius, Lieutenant Carter is also too formal”

“Sure, Darius”, you obliged, prompting a warm smile from the lieutenant. “And now that introductions and our collective nerves are out of the way, care to tell me why you’re really here?”

"Well, to be honest, I was hoping to engage you in a conversation since we’ve first met”, Darius scratched the back of his head, his gaze locked onto yours. “I've heard that you're a medical graduate, and I thought I might pick your brain about a few things."

"I'm happy to help, but I have to warn you that I'm not the most exciting conversationalist”, you laughed softly. “I spend most of my time tending to wounds and doling out soup."

“That’s quite all right”, Darius's eyes sparkled with interest. "In fact, I have a penchant for Egyptology. Did you know that the ancient Egyptians were pioneers in the field of medicine?"

“Egyptology, you say?” you couldn't hide your surprise. "That's an unexpected interest for a soldier. But I must admit, it's a topic I find intriguing as well."

“I could spend all day talking about it if you’re interested”, Darius started, his positive energy overflowing at finding an outlet to share his interests. “I came from a family of archaeologists and Egyptologist, hence my knowledge”

As he started going on about his recent discoveries in the history of Egyptian medicine, you slowly fulfilled his curiosity by answering his questions in correlation to your current expertise, marking your longer interactions with the young lieutenant. He didn’t keep the conversation one-sided and challenged your insights, asking about your journey from America, your studies at Harvard, and your impressions of the war. You answered every question with polite brevity, finding his earnestness both charming and amusing as the two of you find companionship amidst the harsh reality of the ongoing war.

Your paths crossed once again in the crucible of battle. The frontlines were chaotic and brutal, the air filled with the deafening sounds of gunfire and explosions, serving as a constant backdrop to your work as a medic. You and Darius found yourselves deployed and stationed together with him as the commanding officer of your sector. As a medic, you worked tirelessly to fulfill your duty to save as many lives as possible and tended to the wounded from your unit, often under fire. 

It was during one of these intense battles that you truly began to see the depth of his character.

Darius was brave, almost to the point of recklessness, always throwing himself into the fray to protect his comrades. It was after one such skirmish that he found himself injured, and you were the one to tend to his wounds. As you worked, he watched you with a mixture of pain and admiration.

"You have a steady hand," he remarked, his voice strained but appreciative.

"Years of practice," you replied, focused on your task. "Hold still, this might hurt."

He winced but remained silent as you cleaned and bandaged his wounds. When you were finished, he looked at you with gratitude. "Thank you, Myrna. I don't know what I'd do without you here."

You smiled softly. "It's my duty, Darius. Just as it's yours to fight."

In the days that followed, your interactions grew more frequent and meaningful. You shared stories, hopes, and fears, finding solace in each other's company amidst the horrors of war. Your connection deepened, and it became clear that Darius's feelings for you were more than just admiration.

One fateful day, your barracks were under siege, almost overrun by enemy forces. The chaos was overwhelming as German soldiers started to storm the base. Recognizing the dire situation, Darius Carter ordered your unit as its commanding officer to evacuate.

“Myrna, take the others and head to the trucks”, he said, handing you a slip of paper with coordinates. “You and the rest of the surviving sector will be taken to the rendezvous point.”

“Understood, Lieutenant”, you nodded, saluting Darius as you started to help your fellow medics and other soldiers escape first, ensuring they reached the safety of the military trucks stationed on the outskirts. As the alarm sounded, signaling the order to retreat, you urged the remaining few of your comrades to make haste, barking orders left and right as you refused to leave anyone behind.

“Darius, you need to go”, you shouted amidst the chaos around you, seeing the lieutenant fought bravely as he clutched his rifle close, firing shot after shot at the advancing German soldiers merely a few feet away.

“I’m not going anywhere without you, Myrna”, he declared, his voice firm with resolve.

“I’ll be right behind you”, you insisted and started to push him away to safety, but he held his ground unwavering. 

“No, I’m not leaving you!” he shouted, his eyes locking onto yours with pure determination as his tone left for no argument. “We’re in this together”

You sighed in defeat, allowing him to stay by your side knowing there was no time to debate. The situation grew more perilous by the minute as it became clearer that the enemy was closing in on the barracks. But you and Darius continued to stand your ground, determined to aid your fellow comrades and guide them to safety.

Together, you fought your way through the turmoil as the chaos and destruction intensified, dodging bullets and explosions while glancing left and right to ensure each other’s safety. The moment of truth came when the last of the military trucks departed, and the two of you finally decided to make your escape. 

The barracks were in shambles, and you could hear the sounds of enemy soldiers drawing nearer. The two of you made a run for it, racing toward the outskirts where an abandoned motorbike was stationed.

But fate had other plans. Just as you were about to reach the vehicle, a group of German soldiers appeared on the scene, hot on your heels. They spotted your position, and before the two of you could react, shots rang out followed by a sharp crack that rang out. Darius staggered as he cried out in pain, clutching his shoulder where a bullet had struck. You watched in horror as he fell to the ground, the world seeming to slow down around you.

Panic coursed through you as you knelt beside him, trying to assess the situation. The German soldiers closed in, their weapons trained on you both. Your heart pounded wildly in your chest as you let your own instinct take over. There’s no way in hell that you will let him die on your watch.

Without hesitation, you drew upon the ancient powers bestowed on you by your patron goddess Mayari, summoning her very essence that lay dormant within you all these long years until this precise moment. In a blinding flash, your form shifted as the ceremonial armor slowly materialized in a shimmer of moonlight, replacing the former medical uniform enveloping your body.

You, Myrna Katigbak, a simple medic, began to change before Darius’s wide eyes. The initial shock and disbelief he felt witnessing your transformation slowly turned into awe, marking the beginning of your intertwined fates being woven together.

END OF CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

masterlist | previous | next chapter

[lionheartapothecaryx]

BIBLIOMANCY: THE PSALMS 📖🔮🕯️


During the many centuries of American history, Black African Americans had contact with various different religions and ethnic cultures ie; multiple Indigenous Tribes, Jews, Appalachians, Dutch, Swedes, Caribbeans, Haitian Kreyols and many more, through the Chattel Transatlantic Trade an land migration. These pivotal interactions are introduced the assimilation of many ritual practices. Hoodoo is a multiculturally mixed practice, with many nuances and intersections. It reflects the attitude and practices of many different generations, cultivated, passed down and preserved. While purists believe in keeping Hoodoo strictly traditional, the realist and preservationists, see Hoodoo as a constantly evolving and cunning art form, always adaptable to the times. Throughout the 1600 - 1900s, multiple different denominations of the Abrahamic faiths were wide spread through the United States influencing Black American folk magic and way of life. 
Bibliomancy was already a common folk practice at and slowly making into the consciousness of Black American folk Magick. 

The first book printed in North America to contain the psalms was The Bay Psalm Book, published in 1640 in Cambridge, Massachusetts by Minister an Planation Owner, Joseph Glover, who was well known for being the pioneer of printing in the English colonies and was one of the co-founders of Harvard University. Without sufficient historical evidence we can only speculate that this is the it’s one possible origins of the usage of the psalms in Black American Folk Magick. Glover was a Rector aka a parish priest for the Church of England and was decently educated. It is highly likely during his studies in England he had access to Jewish Psalm Prayer Books which inspired him to publish one of his own, when he came to America. There were also a small afro-jewish populations and various intersectional social connections with the black community, with the Jewish, Catholic and other various Christian religious denominations that were also clear influences.


The Church was a place of indoctrination but also social relief, community and emotional escapism for Black Americans during these times. Throughout the centuries the Indoctrination of the Church became the only source of solace and safety for Black American mental health & society during ever shifty and dangerous social climates. Deeply imbedding itself into consciousness of the black community, subconsciously and consciously, which we can still see in modern times. 
As the ability to read and write increased within the black community, in addition to the growth of printing more books access to reading the Bible and the Psalms became easier and easier. Now the Psalms were seen as a powerful book of spells in African American folk magick, with a multitude of different uses. Psalms could be scratched in the mud, written on doorways, or just simply spoken or prayed over folks, tools, plant allies, talismans, mojo bags, roots, other items, water, candles and more. The intent could be love, justice, abundance, peace and even hexing. Eventually, this belief trickled down to usage of other verses, from other Bible, an influenced African American communities, all over the country. Each community like their own little tribes, some with similar or different practices and rituals, regionally. 
In practice, The power of the psalms was unmatched, people swore by it by its success rate and still do to this day, which is why the practice has stuck in modern times.

The Psalms were a vehicle of rejuvenation and life, these scriptures were considered living words of power. I’ll go into the sacred mythos behind that, for members of my Patreon, later on this month.


For some Black Americans it’s easy to overlook and even discard the power of bibliomancy especially when they have deep religious trauma when it comes to any Abrahamic faith (Baptist, Catholic, Christian, Cogic etc) which is understandable. These feelings are valid & practicing Hoodoo, means understanding the many intricate nuances of the intersection and history of this folk culture. Others also see the value in Bibliomancy and continue this ancestral practice in modern times, knowing two things can be true at once. There is a great deal of duality in Hoodoo, which is something many of us have come to accept and honor at the same time. Respecting this balance demands a deep sense of self and cultural respect, a discerning eye and great deal of empathy, whether practitioners like it or not.

Using the Psalms is a powerfully easy way to reconnect and heal with ancestral Black American practices and medicine. It’s not a requirement of course, but it’s fun to encourage other black Americans to practice and discover all of its hidden powers. Many African folk practices, were hidden out of survival, requiring a level of covert cunning. Bibliomancy was a clever way hide in plain sight without attracting too much attention. Think of our ancestors as secret agents of truth, justice with a covert strategic mentality that still has important place in modern times. Some magick requires a keen mind, good sense, without calling any attention to itself, teaching us the practice of self control and discipline. This is why the practice of bibliomancy is important, allowing you to tap into this energy and honor your ancestors and yourself.

Examples of Bibliomancy


Psalms 54 - Help In Times Of Need. Mastering Negative Thoughts, Revenge Against Enemies. 
Psalms 60 - Put The Past Behind You. 
Psalms 41 - Help With Money Troubles 
Psalms 23 - Protection, Abundance, Stability & Healing

HAPPY HOODOO HERITAGE MONTH ✨

🕯️🕯️🕯️

[cadencewishes]

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

By Eli Lake and Danielle Shapiro

Since the October 7 massacre, a small “charity” based in Canada has been ubiquitous on elite college campuses, celebrating the bloodbath at public rallies and seminars. The group is called Samidoun, and it claims to be an NGO advocating on behalf of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.

On Tuesday, the U.S. and Canadian governments put an end to that charade. 

Samidoun is not a charity at all. Rather, it’s a group “that serves as an international fundraiser for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist organization,” according to a press release issued Tuesday by the Treasury Department. The government describes it as a “sham.”

For anyone who has followed the history of Palestinian terrorism, PFLP is a name you’re no doubt familiar with. It was founded in 1967 as a Marxist revolutionary group, and was supported during the Cold War by China and the Soviet Union. In 1976, the PFLP teamed up with West Germany’s Baader-Meinhof group to hijack a flight from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Entebbe, Uganda, separating Jewish and non-Jewish passenger hostages. Eventually, Israeli commandos freed the hostages. The episode was turned into the movie 7 Days in Entebbe.

For most of the 1990s and 2000s, PFLP was largely an afterthought for both Israelis and Palestinians (though it did murder an Israeli tourism minister in 2001). That began to change in 2019, when the PFLP killed a 17-year-old girl in the West Bank with a roadside bomb that also injured her father and brother. Since then, the government of Israel has pressed its allies to designate Samidoun as a terrorist front for the PFLP. The designations from Canada and the U.S. on Tuesday are the culmination of that effort. 

One place where that designation will have an effect is elite campuses, where Samidoun has long established itself as a partner—and funder—for anti-Israel student initiatives. Just in the past year, Samidoun has co-sponsored a divestment rally at Princeton, taught an “Abolish Imperialism” lecture at Harvard Law School and, most infamously, led a “Palestinian Resistance 101” teach-in at Columbia University that resulted in the suspension of multiple student organizers who used the event to “promote the use of terror or violence.” 

As far back as 2017, Princeton’s Palestine club shared links from Samidoun’s media page and encouraged students to work with the group on initiatives to free a Palestinian activist who had assaulted an Israeli soldier. In 2022, Princeton’s Palestine club again partnered with Samidoun to lead a “Palestinian Prisoner Letter-Writing Session” on campus. This long and close relationship between Princeton students and faculty and Samidoun has been replicated at top universities across the country.

Matthew Levitt, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a former FBI analyst and deputy assistant secretary of the Treasury Department, told The Free Press that the U.S. and Canadian governments have debated over the last year about designating Samidoun a terrorist group. Their reservation was due to the fact that Western governments do not sanction organizations based just on violent and hateful speech. “They have been saying horrible and nasty things,” Levitt said. “We don’t designate people for saying nasty things.” 

What turned the tide, according to Levitt, was that Israel had accumulated mounds of evidence that Samidoun was, in effect, a fundraising arm for the PFLP. Some of this information has been available for some time. For example, Israel’s Ministry of Strategic Affairs and Public Diplomacy released a report in 2019 that detailed Samidoun’s role in raising money for the PFLP. That report claims that PFLP operatives transferred money from Lebanon to a man named Khaled Barakat when he was living in Europe. On Tuesday, Barakat was also designated as a foreign terrorist financier. His wife, Charlotte Kates, is Samidoun’s “international coordinator.” 

In 2022, the Netherlands barred Kates and Barakat from entering the country where they had planned to land and then drive to a pro-Palestine march in Belgium. More recently, Germany designated Samidoun as a terrorist organization in November 2023. 

Even though PFLP has not captured the headlines of better-known groups like Hamas or Hezbollah, it remains deadly. Although it was not involved in the original planning for October 7, the terrorist group joined the massacre once it was underway. NGO Monitor has published PFLP statements and Telegram posts that show its participation in the 2023 attack, joining after the first wave of Hamas operatives.

[nicole-timey-wimey-stuff]

It still isn’t over!

Young Daryl Dixon x Fem Reader

Synopsis - A short story based on The Notebook,

I watched the film again recently and this idea came into my head! Daryl is in place of Noah and the reader in place of Allie. I haven’t specified the time period, but I haven’t added technology so you can place it whenever you want.

Warnings- Some Angst , love, fluff! All the fluff, reader is well off, Daryl is less privileged, talks of abuse, fem reader, falling in love, readers parents are controlling, cuss words, my terrible writing. Let me know if I have forgotten anything.

Word count - 3.7K

It was the last day of your senior year of high school, the beginning of the summer holidays mere hours away, this would be your last before you’d start college. The sky was crystal cerulean and there was a light breeze, although the Georgian sweltering heat was starting to seep in.

This afternoon you would be moving with your parents into your country summer home, a beautiful plantation your fathers family have owned for thirteen generations now. You’ve spent every summer there since you were born, and this one would be no exception. You yearn for it every year, a chance to get away from the bustling life of the city, to be able to relax, stick your feet in the cool lake and see all your summer friends again.

Your family was from old money, they owned the cotton plantation, where you’re spending your summer, which had always done well. Your father was a doctor and your mother had inherited a large amount from her father, who had invested heavily in businesses, ones your mother now runs. You were a part of country clubs, you never had to want for anything and you had a one way ticket to Harvard.

Life was good, today you would finish school with the highest grades, you’d have a wonderful summer in the country, before leaving for Harvard in the fall. Your life was foolproof, everything was all mapped out for you with a neat little bow and absolutely nothing could change that ………… could it?

Evening had hit by the time you reached the plantation, sunset had just passed and the sky was a wonderful array of purples and pinks. As your parents Bentley rolled to a stop you took in the house that would be your home for the next twelve weeks, oh how you’d missed this place. The main house was three stories high, there were six large pillars at the front of the house, a huge wrap around porch with a dainty staircase leading up to it. The grounds were breathtaking too, large trees, perfectly manicured lawns and gorgeous old barns.

As you exited the car your bags were already being taken into the house, your Butler Charlie informed your parents that dinner was ready waiting for you, “Miss y/l/n it’s so good to see you again, we’ve set you up in your old room, you let us know if there’s anything you need dear” Penny your main housekeeper announced. “Thank you Pen, I’ve really missed this place” you gushed. “Well you have a whole summer ahead of you here now, any plans?” She asks, “Yeah some, I am meeting my friends tomorrow for luncheon, and I have a few activity’s planned out for the upcoming weeks. I think we are all going to the fair tomorrow evening too, while it’s in town.” you answer.

“Well that sounds exciting” Penny exclaims, you give her a gentle nod and hum in agreement as you enter the house, “Well I’m going to get cleaned up for dinner, it’s great to see you again Pen” you admit “You too Miss”.

“It’s still just y/n” you laugh as you correct her.

You’d always been fond of her, she’d been with your family 16 years now. You were just a toddler when you first met. She had instantly taken to you, and you felt bonded to the women now, who felt more of a surrogate aunt than a house keeper.

________________________________________

You’d just arrived home from lunch out with your girlfriends, it was so lovely to see them all again and catch up but you’d forgotten how exhausting it can be too. They’d all had twenty questions for you,

‘Where are you going to college?’

‘Are you staying the whole summer?’

‘Are you seeing anyone?’,

As they fired them at you you’d done your best to answer them all, but now your social battery was on zero. You gathered a peaceful nap and a long bath would be needed before the fair this evening. Throwing yourself down on the plush mattress you closed your eyes, letting sleep take you.

After some much needed rest you were hastily getting ready for your evening out, pulling out various outfits that you deemed suitable for a fair. You deliberated for a while, changing several times and checking your reflection in the mirror. Can’t wear a skirt someone could possibly see up it during rides, jeans would be too casual to be seen out in (or so your parents would say). So you settled on an off the shoulder black top, tucked into some wide legged beige trousers. You gave yourself a natural makeup look, curled your hair, before pinning the side up slightly. There that would do, smart casual.

You raced down the impressive staircase, grabbing your purse and giving your parents a chaste kiss on their cheeks. “I’m off out with Kimberly, Samantha and Danielle to the fair mama” you announce. “Ok have fun, but don’t be out too late, Charlie will be up to let you in” she replied sternly, all while affectionately removing a strand of hair from you face. “Ok Mama” you nod.

Arriving at the vibrant fair you took in the bright colours and the ambient glow of the golden lights. The smell of hot sugar and salty popcorn filled the air, and there was a range of happy shrieks coming from rides. “Come on y/n! What do you want to do first?” Exclaims Kim excitedly. Before you can answer Samantha’s pulling you over to the bumper carts, “Let’s ride these! While our mother’s aren’t around to tell us how improper it is!” Samantha teased. Laughing you agree quickly, she’s right of course, you should all have as much fun as you could possibly muster, while parents aren’t around.

Off in your own little world of intense fun and laughter, you don’t notice a young man’s eyes on you watching you enjoy yourself, you’re throwing your head back in giggles with no care in the world. Daryl Dixon is watching you with a fond crooked smile, before turning to his best friend Callum. “Who’s tha? The pretty gurl with Kim’s group?” He asks his friend quizzically, Callum turns following Daryl’s line of sight “That’s y/n y/l/n, she’s here for the summer with her folks, they own the Alban plantation” he answers with a knowing smirk.

“Y/n?” Daryl repeats with a smile, “I’d like ta meet her” he trailed off, watching the young woman again. “I’d forget it if I were you man, she’s clearly off limits. Rich country club girl with snobby parents, who already have her whole life mapped out for her. She probably already knows who she’s marrying” Callum expressed. “Nah I’m still gonna meet her” Daryl argued before jumping the fence as the ride was coming to a stop, standing in front of your cart, he leans on it stopping the small vehicle from moving. You let out shocked gasp, your eyes shooting up to meet his. “What are you doin’!!” You exclaim, “Well I noticed ya here, and I thought I’d say hi” Daryl stated, cheeky twinkle in his eyes. You were baffled by the audacity of this boy!

“You thought you’d say hi?” You mimicked, Daryl nods enthusiastically “And you didn’t think that could wait until I got off the ride!” You ask confused, “Nah I couldn’ wait tha long” he drawls smile still evident.

“Oh you think your so smooth huh?” You question, brow quirked. “Nah not really, but I thought I’d take ma chance” Daryl explained trying to keep the fear of rejection hidden. “Huh” you ponder “You gonna let me out of the cart then?” You continue, holding his gaze sternly, he’s cute you take note, messy dark blonde hair and bright blue eyes. You’d probably of given him a second look if he hadn’t of annoyed you so evidently. He shakes his head no “Not until ya agree to go out with me” he requests,

“Go out with…… are you kidding me? No I will not go out with you, now let me out of the cart!” You exclaim.

“Wha can I do ta change ur mind?” He urged, you just look at him pointedly.

Looking around other people were filling the carts, your friends watching from behind the barriers, signalling the next turn was about to take place. “How abou’ I jus lay here in tha middle of the floor, anyone cud run me over” he adds, before laying himself flat on the rides floor. “No don’t do that! Get up!” You exclaim watching as carts start moving. Then you start to really panic! “Get up now!” You scream, Callum joins in now “Daryl you’ll get yourself killed! Get up man!”, “Nah not until she goes out with me!” Daryl states. Callum watched in shock, he doesn’t know what the hells got into his usually quiet, shy friend.

“Fine!!” You yell! “I’ll go out with you!” You answer, “Dun do me any favours” Daryl teases, “No I want to go out with you, I do!” You reply still in terror as carts edge closer to him,

“Sorry I cudnt’ quite hear ya?” Daryl mocks, “I want to go out with you!!” You shout.

He jumps up just before a cart crashes into him, huge grin on his face “Alrigh’ alrigh’ I’ll go out with you” he smirks offering you his hand to exit the cart. But you jump up and storm past him, incredibly frustrated with his antics. “I’ll pick ya up tomorrow at 2pm then?” He calls after you.

“That boy is THE most infuriating man I’ve ever met” you hissed. Your friends all nodded in agreement, until Kim piped up with “Although I’ve never seen him like that before, he’s usually very quiet even a little shy” she explains. You look at her in shock “Him! Shy??” You gasp, not believing her for a second, “It’s true, he works at the metal works with Callum, he usually keeps to himself” Samantha shared. You’re confused then, because that boy was anything but shy today. You turn to Kim with furrowed brows, “I don’t get it then” you ponder, “I think he likes you?” Samantha hums, “Yeah really likes you!” Danielle teases, “Who would have thought he had it in him” Kim giggles, as they all walk forward you turn to take a quick Look at him again, he’s shrugging while talking to Callum bashful smile on his face.

You try not to think too heavily on it tonight, your here to have fun with your friends, so that’s what you plan to do!

________________________________________

The next morning you roll out of bed late, sun high in the sky illuminating your room. Squinting you pull yourself up and into the shower, the steaming water washing away the smell of the fair and the lack of sleep. As the water cascades over your face you contemplate the events of last night, ‘Daryl’ the boy who almost flattened himself to get a date with you, no one had ever gone to such a length to spend time with you before.

Wait he wasn’t going to actually turn up at 2pm today was he? Oh god he might, if his insistence last night was anything to go by. What would your parents say, a strange boy coming to pick you up! No you’d have to tell them you were going out for a walk, then meet him outside the gates. No! Why are you going out of your way for this boy, you didn’t actually want the date, did you? God dammit you didn’t know, there was something about him, and like you thought no one had gone to those lengths before.

You rubbed your hands over your face in frustration, you’d have to go so he didn’t show up at your house, maybe he wouldn’t come? You can take a book outside the gates, read on the lawn while you wait for a bit.

That’s how you got here now, sitting just past the gates, blue tea dress pulled over your knees as you curl your feet under yourself. Nose buried soo deep in your book you didn’t hear the truck approach you, not until the horn sounds making you jump up in surprise, your eyes shoot up shocked clocking Daryl’s amused grin “Are you tryin’ to give me a heart attack! Jesus” you shout, “Sorry I jus couldn’t resist” Daryl laughs, you huff in annoyance “Asshole” you mutter under your breath, as you stand brushing yourself off.

You make your way over to what can only be described as a death truck, and hop into the passenger seat. “Will this thing actually make it down the road?” You grumble, “Well it’s survived this long, so I’d say we’re fine” Daryl replies amused tone still set in his voice, he’s watching you now smile on his face, teasing his bottom lip with his teeth trying to hide his grin. He really didn’t think you’d be here, he thought he’d come to your house and you’d feign ignorance, that you didn’t know him. But here you were sat outside waiting for him, in this cute blue dress gosh you looked beautiful, he thinks to himself.

Putting the truck into drive he sets off down the street, “So where are we going?” You ask, “It’s a surprise” he answered, looking at you with a small smile. “Ok, well am I dressed ok for this surprise?” You respond, “Yah, I’d say so… you look lovely by tha way” Daryl admits still smiling at you. “Umm thanks” you reply bashfully, turning to look out the window hoping his missed the way your cheeks flushed.

“So where abouts in town do you live?” You ask, wanting to get to know this mysterious boy a little more, “I live tha other side on tha outskirts, it’s a small house on tha edge of a farm, I live with ma uncle there, jus tha two of us” he answers. “Oh you live with your uncle?” You ask confused, “Yah my old man was an abusive asshole, ma uncle saw and took me in, n’ ma mum passed when I wer a kid…..he’s great tho ma uncle, been more of a dad to me than ma old man ever was.” he affirms, and your shocked he’s admitted so much to you when he barely knows you, but thankful at the same time, as it helps you build more of a picture of the person he is.

“I’m sorry to hear that, sounds like you’ve been through a lot.” You respond, feeling sad at the thought of someone going through so much. “It’s ok, things are much better now” Daryl admits, you give him a small nod and a comforting smile.

Daryl pulls the truck up into a field

“We’re here!” He announces.

“Where is here?” You ask,

He just grins at you “Don’t ask so many questions, come on, you’ll love it I promise ya” he assured you.

“Ok ok” you surrender, jumping out the truck.

Daryl walks you through the field too a small woodland, once you’ve passed a few rows of trees you come to a pretty lake. Golden reeds blow in the breeze at the waters edge, and there’s a scent of pine and fresh grass in the air.

At the right of the lake there’s a small wooden jutty, with a white boat tied against it. “Wow it’s beautiful here!” You gasp, he smiles at you proudly, he’s so relieved you like it, “It gets better” he replies.

He takes you over to the white row boat, helping you into the far side, before setting into the boat himself, untying the ropes he grabs the two paddles and sets off down the lake. You both weave in and out of trees that stand tall in the middle of the lake, green moss climbing up the bark. Eventually you reach a clearing filled with lily pads most of which are currently flowering, and above Spanish moss trees curved over the lake, the white floral leaves hanging over the water.

“Wow Daryl this is amazing, how did you find this place?” You ask astounded by the beauty, “I came across it one day last year while explorin’, I come here now ta think I guess.” He replies, nervously rubbing the back of this neck. “You bring people here often?” “Nah yer the first ever, so yer shud feel honoured” he laughs. “Well in that case I am honoured, thank you for bringing me here Daryl, I love it” you admit. He nods before responding with “It’s no big deal, I’m glad yer like it”.

The rest of the ‘Date’ went great too, he eventually brings you back on land for snacks and lemonade he’s brought with him. You both talk about everything and anything until the sun starts to set, which you watch together, admiring the sky changing from blue to orange to pinks and purples.

When he brings you home in time for dinner, he drops you back off at the gate, “Thanks again Daryl I had a lovely time” you admit, “Yer welcome, wud yer like to go out again sometime soon?” He asks nervously, “Yeah I’d love too!” You respond giving him a small peck on the cheek, “How about we meet in town tomorrow for a milkshake?” You voice, “Yah ok, 3pm good?” He asks, “Perfect, I’ll meet you outside the diner at 3”, “Ok, bye y/n” “Bye Daryl” and you walk back to the house with the biggest smile on your face.

Daryl bashfully watches you walk in, face warm as his hand gently presses to his cheek almost as if he can still feel your lips there. Maybe just maybe he has an actual chance to steal your heart.

________________________________________

The next morning you try to dodge your parents questions over breakfast, “Where were you yesterday?” Your mum enquires, “I was out with friends, I'm meeting them again today for milkshakes.” Looking at your watch you mention “Is that the time already, I really should go get ready”before jumping from your seat and rushing upstairs. You hoped your parents don’t find out who you were with, they wouldn’t like the idea of you meeting with a boy, let alone one with no ‘Prospects’ as they would say. You role your eyes to yourself and sigh at the thought, no they wouldn’t ever understand.

You decided on a swing skirt and a light jumper today, a little makeup and some cute black kitten heels. Once you were happy with your appearance you went to find Charlie, hoping to get a lift into town. “Hey Charlie I was hoping I could either take the car, or someone could give me a lift to the diner? I’m meeting friends there.” You ask politely.

“Of course miss y/l/n I was heading to town to collect some wines, so I’ll take you myself” he responds. “Thank you Charlie”.

Arriving at the diner you spot Daryl already seated, you give him a grin as you approach him, “You're here early?” You mention, “Yeah well I had nothin’ much ta do today” he replies “Ya look lovely as always” he adds admiring you, “Thanks” you mumble bashfully, eyes focusing on your shoes to hide the blush that must be flooding your cheeks.

You spend the afternoon laughing so much your eyes water, he’s great company. Milkshakes long forgotten as he explains animatedly, how his friend Callum fell off his bike face first in front of the girl he likes. His eyes shining with amusement as he retells the story, and all you can think is how fond your growing of this boy, and you never thought that would be the case.

Walking down the street that evening you gaze up at the stars, “It’s a beautiful clear night” you mention, he gazes up “Yeah” he agrees “Beautiful” but you don’t realise his gaze has now fallen on you. “Do ya want to dance?” He asks hand outstretched towards you, “But there’s no music?” You question, “Dun need no music” he offers taking your hand and spinning you inwards to him, giggling you allow him to lead you into a lovely albeit clumsy dance, right there in the middle of the road.

You rest your head on his chest, taking in his woodsy scent. As you look up at him he slowly moves a piece of hair from your face, before gently cupping your cheek. He bites his bottom lip almost as if he’s contemplating something, which he was, he was wondering if it would be too soon to kiss you. Lord knows he’s wants too, has ever since he first glanced your way that night at the fair.

A loud honk of a horn spoils the moment and splits you apart, in a frenzy to get out of the trucks way you jump up the curb, both roaring with laughter! “That was so close!” You giggle, “Yeah, nearly had us” Daryl affirms still laughing himself.

Once you’d both calmed down you grinned at him “So same time tomorrow?” You offer, “Yeah sure” he agrees. You take his hand in yours as you begin walking down the street, smiles still on your faces.

After that night everything moves forward at such a fast pace, that you could get whiplash, you begin spending every single day together.

You meet him from work throwing yourself into his arms, pulling him in for a passionate kisses, while Callum and the rest of his work friends smile at you both. You go swimming together, driving the windy country roads together, your feet on his dash while his hand rests on your thigh, he brings you over to meet his uncle, who invites you over for dinner and Daryl is made up when the two of you get on so well.

And after four short weeks the inevitable happens, you both fall in love.

________________________________________

[lesbianchemicalplant]

Harvard University students and over 30 organisations that signed a statement holding Israel “entirely responsible” for “all unfolding violence” in Israel and Palestine are facing a wave of criticism. On 8 October, the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee and Harvard Graduate Students for Palestine published a statement emphasising the role of Israeli “colonial occupation in creating these conditions of violence”. They wrote, “We hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence. Today’s events did not occur in a vacuum. For the last two decades, millions of Palestinians in Gaza have been forced to live in an open-air prison. "Palestinians in Gaza have no shelter for refuge and nowhere to escape. In the coming days, Palestinians will be forced to bear the full brunt of Israel’s violence.” They called on the Harvard community to take action to “stop the ongoing annihilation of Palestinians”. The statement originally included a list of 30 organisations at Harvard that had signed on, but the names were later removed to protect the safety of the students.  On Wednesday, billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman called on Harvard to release the names of the students who signed the statement so that he and other CEOs don’t “inadvertently hire any of their members”, Fortune reported. He said he is 100 percent in favour of free speech but he objects to “students putting out a statement holding Israel ‘entirely responsible’ for terrorists’ heinous and despicable acts, but doing so anonymously under a corporate veil while leveraging the Harvard brand”.

Ackman emphasised that people should be ready to defend their beliefs and take responsibility for them. He said that while there is nothing wrong with criticising Israel, students shouldn’t hide behind “a Harvard-branded corporation while doing so anonymously”. On 10 October, Harvard president Claudine Gay put out a statement saying that she condemns the “terrorist atrocities perpetrated by Hamas”. “Let me also state, on this matter as on others, that while our students have the right to speak for themselves, no student group - not even 30 student groups- speaks for Harvard University or its leadership.”

Students challenge leadership On Wednesday, the Harvard Club of Israel issued a statement addressed to the Harvard leadership in response to the “back-pedalling statement issued [by Gay]”. “In the face of evil, Harvard must proclaim that pro-terrorism statements like those published by the student groups on Sunday have no place in civil discourse at Harvard or elsewhere,” the statement said. “If Harvard wishes to be a moral leader for the world, its administration must speak out immediately and forcefully. Anything less than full support for Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens and unequivocal denunciation of this terrorism is unacceptable and is wholly inadequate for an institution of Harvard’s caliber.” Students across college campuses in the US have been speaking out in support of Palestine. On Tuesday, an NYU Law School student’s job offer with an international law firm was rescinded after they published a pro-Palestine message in the Student Bar Association newsletter.  At Columbia University, the Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine contended that the blame for the conflict and resulting casualties squarely rests with the Israeli government and their western allies. Columbia’s president, Minouche Shafik, said she “was devastated by the horrific attack on Israel this weekend and the ensuing violence that is affecting so many people. Unfortunately, at this moment, little is certain except that the fighting and human suffering are not likely to end soon.” On Tuesday, Students for Justice in Palestine at Stanford University penned an opinion piece asserting the legal entitlement of Palestinians to resist occupation. 

Numerous California branches of the pro-Palestinian organisation endorsed a declaration characterising Hamas' assault as a pivotal event in modern Palestinian defiance, Politico reported. Students for Justice in Palestine groups at multiple City University of New York campuses will hold rallies for Palestine on Thursday and Friday. 

(11 October 2023)

unfortunately this is nothing new for colleges (especially in the US). e.g. Hillel, the world's largest “Jewish campus organization”, is a Zionist org that routinely harasses Palestinians and their supporters

or the entire existence of the Canary Mission, a project specifically to stalk and doxx students and professors who are Palestinian or anti-Zionist

[darkmagyk]

So, Legally Blonde is a super fun movie, but man...something about the framing has always frustrated me.

Elle Wood's got a 4.0 at an extremely competitive school. She got a 179 on her SAT. She is the president of a major Sorority. That means she probably handles tens of thousands, at least, dollars of fundraising a year, plus all the other administration. It is a giant organizational and and financial operation and she's in charge of it. And to get to be president, she probably held at least two other offices the previous two years that she was also very successful in.

She's beautiful, smart, rich, and white. What about her isn't going to be absolutely Harvard material. I understand why her parents and Warren don't think it's a good fit. But her advisor? The admissions people (the rich, white, genius from a top tier school is their diversity pick?) The people who she's meeting in that scene after she gets there, when they are comparing backgrounds? The work she's done with Delta Nu is 100% on par with the other people.

It doesn't feel real, it feels like the movie has to keep making people discredit her, mostly arbitrarily, so it can say "yeah, she likes fashion, but also, she works hard." "Yeah, she likes fashion, but she knows random facts about fashion and hair care that allow her to bamboozle people on the witness stand."

The movie seem to just...want to minimize all her accomplishments until she decides to get into Harvard. They dismiss her 4.0. They dismiss her sorority as a silly group of friends, not a major administrative endeavor.

Ironically, the sequel actually does a much better job at showing how Elle's background made her a formidable player beyond knowing random facts about haircare. It understands that sororities are basically giant networking events, and Elle uses that, and all those social skills she picked up doing her administratively heavy job, to get shit done in Washington. She uses her Delta Nu connections to find political allies and to swell up ground support. She uses her social connections to learn how the world works from unusual sources. It shows that she was actually built for the world she's inhabiting, once she learns the rules. And the world also...invites her in. She says to a connection "I want to get on your staff" and then she just...does it. She has to learn the ropes once there (again, something she does via her networking and organizational skills), but all that history isn't a waste of time.

I just...I really wish I could watch that movie and not think about how it doesn't know what the fuck its talking about.