#and AP Paris might still have stuff?

[strawberryteabunny]

I got the Dress-Up Berry socks and headdress! 🍓 so so happy to have something with crochet strawberries on it ໒꒰ྀི∗ɞ̴̶̷ ·̮ ɞ̴̶̷∗꒱ྀིა ⑅˚˖ ♥︎ anyone else planning to get something from this release?

[prettylittlebutterflie]

It All Started With A Break

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/31840603

Okay, so I have fallen down the rabbit hole known as MariBat and I just can't stop all the ideas I have because of this and decided that enough is enough and I am doing it.

This is my very first fanfic - or any fic actually - but I hope you guys like it and be WARNED that some of you may find some part of this story that's similar with another and that may've been because I really liked the idea when I read it and wanna have a kinda similar thing here and the same goes with some trope of this fanfic in the future, but I'll do my best to keep it unique. I am also new to the DCU, but I'm doing research and planning to binge watch stuff and if you could please help this poor soul find a way to navigate and somehow get an idea on how that universe work (especially abt the batfam), I'll be forever grateful to thy savior.

This fic is canon until S4 Ep 1&2 (Truth & Lie) of MLU and as for the rest, I'll let you guys know.

So yeah, that's all. Enjoy and hope you guys like it. (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧

P.S. Sorry I kinda ranted, this is my first time actually posting smth so bear with me people

SYNOPSIS

It’s been four years ever since Hawkmoth, who now goes by the name Shadow Moth, began his reign of terror in Paris. Four years worth of akumas that have brought pain and suffering. Four years of no rest in controlling their emotions, afraid of what may come if they were controlled.

After four long years, the Miraculous Team can finally see a ray of light. Everything they have sacrificed for that one goal they all share is finally going to be repaid… Not.

Locating Hawkmoth was easier said than done, and the frustration is finally getting to them. With that, it was decided that they need a break from their hero lives — ok, maybe not. After all, Shadow Moth is proving himself to be a workaholic (like dude, don’t you have anything better to do than destroy everyone’s schedule?) — but anyways, it was clear. THEY. NEED. A. BREAK. Away from Paris. Away from Hawkmoth. Away from the frickin akumas.

So yeah, that’s how it was decided (more like forced) that they are going to America to relax, let loose, and have some fun. After all, who knows, maybe a break is all they need to get things to start getting better — or worse.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

PROLOGUE

“Alright. So, we are going to take a break—”

“For two months.”

“For two months. And because it’s supposed to be a break, that means—”

“No thinking of anything Moth related.”

“No thinking of anything Moth rela— Moth related?”

“You know, Hawkmoth, Red Moth, Shadow Moth, those Moths.”

“Right. Moths. Aside from Moths, it also means—’

“No thinking of akumas.”

“No thinking of akumas. For this entire break, we’re not going to think about—”

“Anything Miraculous related.”

“Anything Miraculous related. Alya, do you really need to do that every time I’m about to say it?”

“It’s because she knows you. We know you. It’s ridiculous, utterly ridiculous, how you always promise not to worry about something, especially anything Miraculous related, just to break it the moment anything related to it comes up. So, yes. She needs to say it and repeat it as much as possible for it to go through that head of yours.”

“Guys, I swear, I’m really going to follow through with this plan. I did agree that we need to unwind ourselves since we’re getting way too stressed and that won’t help us focus on our job.”

“Only after we bugged you about it. Get it? Bugged. Pfft—”

“Hey! Puns are my thing. And you shouldn’t be saying it like that. You’re making it ape-solutely obvious and that makes it not punny anymore”

“Dude, do you really have to do that? That’s so not paw-some. Pfft—”

“All puns aside, it is true that we had to convince you, Mari-hime, to agree on taking a break. Although I rarely take a break from fencing, my Mother and I are aware of the importance of having one and may I also remind you that you were the one who taught us that.”

“And that’s why I told you guys to go have one.”

“But you plus the kitty are the ones who need it the most. Remember what future-me said? About you two always leading us and how she— or rather I am the last one called upon? That means you guys are always gonna work while the rest of us may or may not be needed in some fights.”

“There is a 97.6% probability of you two showing up in fights.”

“Because we have to. It’s our responsibility as the one leading our team.”

“M’lady’s right. Besides, there were only the two of us in the beginning and with all the akumas, we just got used to it.”

“But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to rest. The music I’m hearing from both of you is filled with the stress you guys have and it doesn’t sound nice. Maybe you two unwinding will help make it more beautiful and even more powerful than before.”

“Fine. We’re all taking a break—”

“Especially you and Adrien.”

“Especially Adrien and I, for a month. Now, does anyone have any ideas on how we're gonna do that?”

“Ooh! Me, me! I have a competition coming up this summer break so I can’t really go anywhere too far since I have some training to do.”

“I’m sticking with the ape. Gotta keep an eye on him if I don’t want him messing up with the timeline. Plus, it’ll be pretty fun beating him up every time he asks for a challenge.”

“Hey!”

“The same goes for me. Someone has to make sure the correct time is recorded with not a single millisecond of it missed. Kwami knows how many times he messes it up whenever he does the recording himself.”

“Okay. So Kim, Alix, and Max will be staying in Paris. Are you guys sure that you’ll be able to take a break even if you’re in the city?”

“Yeah, we're fine. And I am totally beating you next time, little bunny.”

“Whatever. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming, y’know.”

“Anything else?”

“Oh, I have an internship in America this coming summer. The one at the Daily Planet. I just got the email and I was finally given an invite!”

“Really? Cool! Told you you’ll get it, babe!”

“Yeah! That’s really awesome, Alya! So I’m assuming you'll be accepting that?”

“You got it, girl! I mean, this is the Daily Planet we’re talkin’ about. I’ll learn so much about writing and journalism there, I’ve just got to take it.”

“So Alya’s going to America. Anyone else with plans outside of the country?”

“There will be an upcoming world-class fencing competition this summer and Mother and I have discussed my participation in it. It will be held in the States as well, specifically Gotham, two weeks before the end of the summer break. Maybe you should participate in it as well, Adrien. That way, you’ll have an excuse for your father to leave the country. I’m sure Mother will be happy to convince him as well to let you participate in it. That way, at the very least, I’ll have someone I know who’ll be an actual challenge.”

“Really? That actually sounds great! I’m sure Father would agree if your mother’s the one who suggested it. Thanks Kagami!”

“Okay. Kagami and hopefully Adrien will have a fencing competition in America too.”

“My Dad is having a tour in America right now. He’ll be having the last one at Metropolis during the summer break. He actually wants me to go with him, but I declined. It’ll be great if we all could go there and see it.”

“Dude, that’s so cool! Maybe you’ll even get to perform with your dad on stage. You did make that song with him that reached the record chart’s top. I’ve even made a playlist based on it.”

“Okay then, that makes Alya, Kagami, Adrien, and Luka going to the States. Chloe, do you also have plans to go there this summer? Maman said your mother was thinking of inviting you to be one of the models in an upcoming fashion show there.”

“She did mention something like that, but I wasn’t really paying attention to details once I found out that it’ll be outside of Paris. I’ll discuss it with her again then I can have my much needed vacation in the States.”

“So now that makes five of you going to America. Nino?”

“Well, I don’t really have any plans this summer. Just chill out and relax, y’know, make some playlist, listen to some music.”

“Ooh! How about you come with us, babe? That’ll be so cool and not all of us will be doing something most of the time while we’re there. You can just chill and relax there and maybe you could even study the kind of music they listen to and make a playlist out of it.”

“I would love to go, but I don’t think I really got the money for it. ‘Sides, my parents might not allow me to go out of the country.”

“You’re already 18 and if your parents ever say no, just tell them that you want to really relax, without keeping your emotions in check and have the freedom to let it out. I’m sure they’ll understand and unlike my Father, they actually listen to you.”

“As for the money, I have some savings and if you want I can lend you some-”

“But-”

“Lend. I’m not just giving it to you. You will have to pay me back, alright? And if you try to say no again, I’m going to insist that you don’t pay me anymore.”

“You sure? You're the best! Thanks, Minette.”

“No problem. So now that makes six of them—”

“Seven.”

“What?”

“Seven. We’re including you.”

“Me? But Alya, I already got plans this summer.”

“Plans? What plans?”

“I was planning on working on my commissions this summer an— Guys, can you all stop rolling your eyes on me and no, Chloe. I don’t need you doing it again.”

“Girl! We all agreed that we’re going to take a break this summer. How does doing your commissions sound like a break to you?”

“You all got your own thing to do this summer and mine just happens to be those. Also, the break was for anything Miraculous related. My commissions don't exactly fall under that.”

“Nope. We actually all agreed that for you, commissions should be added to the list of things you get to take a break from.”

“Adrien! I thought you’re supposed to be my partner? So much for the two of us against the world.”

“He is still your partner alright. But also, as someone who truly cares about you, he decided that you really needed a break. And besides girl, this could be your chance!”

“Chance? What chance?”

“Your pen pal! Doesn’t he live in Gotham? You could go and finally meet him. Who knows? Maybe something might happen.”

“Ooh, he’s from there? That’s awesome! You should totally go meet him. Maybe you could even go on a date or two-”

“A date?! Kim, he’s just a frie-”

“You stop right there, Dupain-Cheng! It’s ridiculous, utterly ridiculous! All of us already had enough with Adrikins always calling you ‘just a friend’ when it’s pretty obvious how totally untrue that statement was. We don’t need you ending up just like him, thank you very much.”

“But he really is-”

“Yeah right. If he really is just a friend, then why do you guys stay up all night talking to each other? You always immediately check your phone whenever a notif comes up and you smile like a love-sick fool whenever you read his messages for you. And don’t get me started on the way you gush about him non-stop.”

“There is something beautiful in your music whenever you talk or even think about him.”

“Your smiles are much brighter compared to before the two of you got to know each other.”

“Markov and I also have a record of your heartbeat and we have observed your heart beating faster whenever we talk about this certain topic.”

“And it's been more than a year since you two have become pen pals. The two of you are now so close that it’s a wonder why you guys still haven’t video-called each other just because you insist for your first time seeing each other to be in person.”

“I think it’s rather romantic. They’ll look into each other’s eyes for the first time then BAM! They’re finally together. But I still plan on giving him a shovel talk the first chance I get. Can’t have him break my twin’s heart without him knowing I have the god of destruction on my side.”

“What do you mean shovel talk- I mean, what even gives you the idea that he thinks of me that way for you guys to assume that we’ll end up in… in that kind of relationship?”

“He’d be an idiot if he still hasn’t fallen in love with you.”

“Literally almost everyone I know had a crush on you or have you forgotten already that my boyfriend’s one of those people?”

“I know for a fact that that’s true since I’ve already admitted that one of my reasons why I began bullying you back then was because I had a crush on you.”

“I must admit, I think I also had the same feeling towards you at the beginning of our friendship until I really got to know Luka and you helped us get together.”

“Oh! There’s also that. Do you actually know just how many people you’ve helped get together, buginette? Alya’s even written an article about it at the Ladyblog of how you are also known as Paris’s own cupid and how all of the couples you’ve paired ended up living a happy life together.”

“Everyone’s been saying how Ladybug’s the next best person they can go to if they ever want to find love after Andre.”

“And yet every time you try to pair yourself with someone, the magic just doesn’t seem to work.”

“So we all decided that we’ll be Ladybug’s cupid and pair her up with the boy she just can’t seem to get off of her head.”

“Now, you coming or what? I won’t be taking the money you’ll be lending me if you say no. I’m only going with these dudes if you also come or else I’ll just end up getting bored when there’s no one who can go around the city with me.”

“...”

“““...”””

“Fine. You guys win—”

“““YES!”””

“So here’s the final plan for the break. Kim, Alix, and Max will be staying in Paris for Kim’s competition, while the rest of us will be going to America doing our own stuff—”

“With you finally meeting your pen pal.”

“Yes. Alright. I’ll go and meet my pen pal. And during the break, no thinking about anything miraculous related. If ever there’s an akuma, only those who’ll be needed will go. Max will bring us to the akuma’s location and if there is anything going on that we can’t be excused of or if the fight goes longer than expected, Alix will bring us back in time making it look like we just went to the toilets, the usuals. Any questions?”

“““Non.”””

“Good. Operation: Taking a Break is good to go.”

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Yay! Finally got to post it. So comments? What do you guys think and who do you think who is saying what? I know there will be new holders in S4, but I decided I’ll either make them a temp or they still don’t know the other’s identities bc of stuff, so yeah. Still thinking abt it. Adios (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/31840603

[ultrahpfan5blog]

Rewatching the Bourne series

Just recently rewatched this series. In my opinion, one of the best action-thriller franchises around. I caught onto the Bourne movies fairly late. In fact I think Ultimatum was the first movie I saw in theaters. But I caught up with Bourne Identity and Bourne Supremacy before watching Ultimatum. The initial trilogy in particular is pretty superb trilogy of movies. While I know there are people who don’t like The Bourne Legacy and Jason Bourne, I still find them enjoyable to varying degrees. 

The Bourne Identity is my second favorite film in the franchise behind Ultimatum. In context of the series, you can tell this one is made by a different director since the action scenes look different. The film is a bit more of a mystery because we are basically finding out about what is going on as Bourne does, which can be tricky because, if not executed correctly, without knowing who the character is, you can find it hard to feel attached to the character. That’s where I think Liman did a great job in making Bourne seem like an underdog but still making him a complete badass. The relationship with Marie is key here. Unlike in many spy films where romance seems extraneous to the story, here it works to ground Bourne to some sort of normalcy which he craves and which is why he doesn’t want to continue being a killer. The CIA stuff is also compelling because actors like Cooper and Cox are able to deliver exposition in a compelling way. The pacing is key, which is key to the entire franchise. All 4 movies with Damon clock in under two hours and not a minute of the movie is wasted. The action is excellent but the highlight action piece is definitely the car chase, which is superbly coordinated. Also surprisingly affecting in a very short role is Clive Owen. His death scene is exceptionally well executed and his performance in that scene is really well done. What he says in that scenes comes back later in Ultimatum. Matt Damon was all fresh faced around the time this movie came out and it really was a casting against what he had done prior to this and that works big time. He has a casual, unassuming presence but he just turns on the badass in an epic way. The role suits him perfectly and he’s excellent in it. Franka Potente is also great as Marie. A 8.5/10

The Bourne Supremacy is my third favorite film of the series, just a smidge behind Identity. Its still excellent. Its the shortest film of the series and it does feel it at times. It just hurtles along. I was initially a little annoyed at how they killed off Marie to give Bourne a motivation, but I also understand that practically, its impossible for Marie to keep up with Bourne as he shuttles all the way across the world. The scope of this movie is significantly increased. Whereas the first movie was set in interconnected Europe, largely in Paris, this film goes from India, to Naples, to Berlin, to Moscow. The film also gradually expands Bourne’s past as we gradually start learning about the things he’s done. The film acts as part revenge thriller and part mystery as Bourne tries to figure out his memories. There is a bit of narrative convenience here, that Bourne is remembering details of that assassination just as the CIA is digging into the Neski files. But the film flows so well that you can forgive minor narrative conveniences like that. The film introduces Pam Landy and the CIA side of things is given a bit more of a stronger narrative. Whereas in Identity, the CIA guys were the clear antagonists to Bourne, here Pam Landy is also posed as a figure who is trying to do the right thing. Cox and Stiles are back as Abbott and Pasrons respectively. Julia Stiles didn’t have much to do in Identity other than follow orders but you start to see her role get expanded. Cox takes the role of the primary CIA antagonist. Karl Urban as the Russian assassin was a welcome presence, but in the end the film is carried by Damon. He’s a bit angrier and bit more emotional and he’s excellent throughout. The film introduces Greengrass’ now infamous shaky cam action. For me, while I normally don’t like it, Greengrass is one of the few directors who knows how to do it well. Admittedly, the fight scene between Bourne and Jarda is not the best filmed one, so his technique was still a work in progress, but the rest of the action is top class. Again, the car chase sequence in the finale is top notch and thrilling. Also, it has probably the coolest ending of the series. A 8/10

The Bourne Ultimatum was the first Bourne film I watched in theaters and its my favorite. I think the film is near perfect across the board. I think this film makes the best use of all the cast and Greengrass gives us some terrific action sequences throughout the movie. And because this Bourne tracing back his origin, its perhaps the most compelling mystery of the series as he tries to find out how he became who he is. Firstly, the action is the best it is in the series. The Bourne vs Desh fight is the highwater mark when it comes to individual fight scenes in the series. Its compelling, brutal, and you feel every punch. All the chase sequences, be it foot chases or car chases are incredibly intense. I think the CIA part of the movie is the most compelling it has ever been with David Strathairn is excellent as Vosen, who plays the new CIA antagonist, and Joan Allen continues to be terrific as Pam Landy. Them playing counterparts to each other makes it fascinating to watch even the non Bourne scenes. Then Julia Stiles get an even more expanded role as Nicky Parsons. The Bourne and Nicky dynamic is interestingly played with a touch history and one sided romantic tension which is never directly addressed. But it does make it compelling. Albert Finney shows up as the Dr. Frankenstein of the Treadstone/Blackbriar operation and he’s enigmatic as hell. The climax between Bourne and Hirsch is terrifically acted by both parties. We also see a mirror of the scene from Identity where Bourne repeats the same dialogue to Edgar Ramirez’s assassin that Owen’s character had said to him. Damon is superb as always. Completely natural in the action and perfectly balancing stoicism with vulnerability when required. The film ends on a note that would have been perfect if they had chosen to end the series here. A 9/10.

The Bourne Legacy is kind of the step child of this series. The only movie which doesn’t have Damon/Bourne in the series. Intended to start a spinoff series but didn’t quite have the commercial success to do so. I admit that when I first saw the film in theaters, I didn’t like it. Over time, I have grown to appreciate it more although its still well below the original trilogy of films for me. Firstly, what’s good. Jeremy Renner is an excellent protagonist. Being compared to Damon is a thankless job but he managed to forge a different character in Aaron Cross. Rachel Weisz also does a strong job as Dr. Shearing and Renner and Wesiz have decent chemistry. The film doesn’t try and ape the previous Bourne films and it goes for a different angle. Its more a survival film for the protagonists than a mystery. The characters aren’t trying to bring down the program, not trying to find out something, just trying to escape the clutches of the Defense Department. The action scenes are good. However, the film is the longest of the series and it feels like it. The film also royally wastes an actor of the caliber of Edward Norton. He does fine with what he has but he’s literally just there barking orders in front of monitors. He shares one short flashback scene with Renner, but otherwise is disconnected from the other two leads, Whereas in the previous Bourne films and even in Jason Bourne, there were always at least two main characters who had interactions with each in the rooms of the CIA, allowing for some interplay, this time Norton is all on his own which makes the search for Cross and Marta a lot less interesting. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the idea of chems, but I have grown to accept it. The film also doesn’t have any major hand to hand fighting sequences. They hype up the Larx assassin but he ends up dying because Marta pushes hum while he was riding a bike. Pretty underwhelming after all the build up. What I especially didn’t like is how the film tries to undo Ultimatum’s ending. I don’t know who thought that was a good idea but it pissed me off. In the end, its a decently entertaining movie but its disappointing within the context of the franchise. A 5.5-6/10

Jason Bourne is a bit of a polarizing movie. Everyone was really excited when this movie was coming out and a bunch of them were disappointed. While I do think this is not as good as the initial trilogy of movies, I still do enjoy it. My issue with the movie lies on two fronts. The film is essentially divided into 3 sections. The main part is Jason Bourne continuing to track into his past as he finds out that there might be more to his recruitments than he thought. That part works perfectly and its very compelling. There is the CIA backroom drama between Dewey and Lee and the Asset, which is also solid. What doesn’t work is the third angle about the new blackops program connected with Deep Dream. It feels like the writers and the director stretching to try and be very timely and addressing issues of privacy without making it fit very organically to the story. I mean, Bourne isn’t even really connected to that part of the story and whenever that portion of the movie takes focus, its less interesting. In addition, the film doesn’t make it clear exactly how Dewey is connected to Bourne’s past. The film indicates that Bourne knows Dewey but the how isn’t explained. But everything directly connected to Bourne works well and I did like that the Asset is given a more direct personal connection to Bourne, which makes their individual fight be more personal. I think Matt Damon is excellent in this movie. He plays Bourne more broken and on the edge than he’s ever been in this movie. There are several scenes, such as his climactic scene with TLJ, where you feel him teetering. Julia Stiles shows back up as Nicky who starts Bourne on her journey. Like with Marie, I was disappointed she was killed off but I also get that Bourne needs to be alone in order to be able to move as fast he does from one place to another. TLJ is an old pro at roles like these and it shows. He does it with ease. Alicia Vikander is good as Heather Lee but I feel as the role needed someone a little bit older to be believable as someone as high up as her in the agency. But I suppose her being a young ambitious upstart is part of the point. When it comes to the action, I think its all top notch. I know not everyone likes shaky cam but Greengrass uses it well. The Greece sequence, the car chase in the climax, and the hand to hand fight sequence in the end, is all well done. I am also glad thiat it does seem to indicate that not everything that Bourne exposed in Ultimatum was covered up and Blackbriar was exposed, unlike what Legacy indicated. The film doesn’t address Legacy at all apart from listing Outcome and Larx in the list of Blackops programs. Overall still a good movie. A 7/10 for me.

I do think the series should be ended. There is a feeling of the films becoming formulaic setting in at this point and Bourne has taken down everyone who had to do with him becoming who he was and has no figured how he became who he was. So I don’t think there is anything more to explore. I don’t see The Cross series continuing since it underperformed at the BO and its been a long time since that movie came out now.

[gabriel-agreste-has-no-rights]

Rating:  T

Summary:  Chat Noir isn't allowed to cry over his father. But even when he's just Adrien, Ladybug won't abandon him.  Hawkmoth reveal hurt/comfort + Ladrien

Word Count:  4720

Notes:  For the APS server birthday and as a gift to @leviaana, inspired by her art!  Also Marinette and Adrien are 17-18 here, about old enough to move out

XXX

It was wrong how pristine his designer suit looked when the crackle of magic wore off.  The leather of his transformation hadn’t crumpled the jacket or crisply ironed pants beneath.  His breathing came hard and haggard as if he’d run for kilometers—he had—yet not a spot of sweat dotted the white button-up.  

He wished he could tear the expensive clothes off.  He settled for shrugging out of the suit jacket and collapsing on the roof of Montparnasse Tower.

“Adrien?”  Plagg asked, his voice as soft and brittle as it had been moments before Adrien called claws out and trapped him in the ring.  “Please, kid, say something.”

He squeezed his eyes shut, warding off tears that shouldn’t couldn’t wouldn’t come.  He was a superhero.  Tonight was—was a success, even if the bile rising in his throat said otherwise.  He’d finally found the secret that he and Ladybug had been searching for these three years.

Hawkmoth’s identity.

“Shouldn’t have�� eaten so many pastries,” he said through a grimace.

“Kid, now isn’t the time for jokes!  I saw what you did.  Your dad is—”

“Not my dad.”  He clenched his teeth.  Not now, not ever.  Just not.  “And I… wasn’t joking.”

He really shouldn’t have snuck so many pastries at the party.  Maybe then his stomach wouldn’t be threatening to empty itself all over the roof every time he moved.

It was a weak excuse, but easier than facing the panic that pulsed hotter with each breath.

“Adrien…”

“You should hide,” he whispered.  “Ladybug will be here any minute.”

Plagg crossed his arms.  “No way.  I’m staying out here where I can spot any butterflies before they fly into that thick skull of yours.”

Normally Adrien would’ve laughed, but he was pretty sure if he tried, he’d end up either crying or vomiting.  He might do both anyway.

“He only had one.  In his cane.”  

He swallowed, trying to stop the flash of purple light from echoing against his eyelids, the way it had reflected on the hall’s polished hardwood.  

“You don’t know that.  There’s no telling what your—what Hawkmoth has up his sleeves.”

Plagg was right.  There was too much he didn’t know about Hawkmoth.  Too much he didn’t know about the man he used to call Father.

He wouldn’t akumatize me, he wanted to believe.  Even if he has another butterfly, he wouldn’t.  He told Nathalie to keep me safe.

“Are you going to tell her?”  Plagg asked.  “Shouldn’t you suit up again?  I snuck enough cheese cubes at the party.  I’m good for another round.”

Things were really bad if Plagg wasn’t demanding Camembert before transforming again.  It was the biggest proof Adrien had that he wasn’t overreacting.

“No.  I told her that Adrien wanted to talk to her when I called.”

Plagg’s eyes widened.  “What?  Why?”

But then red streaked across the indigo haze, and the kwami darted into his abandoned suit jacket.

“Adrien!”  Ladybug effortlessly transitioned from her swing into a run, then to kneeling at his side.  “What’s wrong?  Chat told me you needed to see me as soon as possible—”

And then he was crumbling into her arms, barely holding back the saltwater behind his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, because they weren’t friends.  They weren’t anything. Right now he was just a civilian, and she was the hero of Paris. Sure, she’d saved Adrien a time or two (or three, or seventeen; he’d journaled about each occasion in excruciating detail).  But that didn’t give him the right to just hold her, or be held by her.

Plagg had asked why.  This was the pathetic truth.  Adrien was nobody to her, while Chat Noir was supposed to be her support against Hawkmoth.

Chat Noir wasn’t allowed to cry over his father.

“What happened?  Are you hurt?  Was there an akuma?”  Ladybug’s questions came rapid-fire as she shifted him into a more comfortable position, his head cradled in the crook of her neck.  “Why did Chat Noir leave you here alone?”

All he could do was shake silently, a few tears breaking free of their dam and spilling down the groove of her spine.  Pathetic.  He was pathetic, and overemotional, and everything Father had accused him of, and—

“Father is Hawkmoth,” he choked out.  

There.  At least he’d given her the information she needed.  He’d been useful for something.

Ladybug jerked back, and for a moment he thought she’d release him, treat him as if he was as tainted as his father.  But she only pulled back far enough to meet his wet eyes.  It was hard not to flinch under her searching gaze.

“Did he hurt you?  Oh my gosh, he didn’t try to akumatize you, did he?”

“I… no.  Not me.”  He bit his lip.  “One of the designers at the party, I think.  He—he was insulting her designs, and then he left and…”

Purple light.

“Nooroo, dark wings rise!”

His enemy standing at the end of the deserted hallway, his back to Adrien.

“Keep my son away from the battle, Nathalie.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ladybug’s arms enfolding him.  Rocking him gently back and forth, her hand stroking up and down his spine, warm through the thin dress shirt.

“It’s going to be okay, Adrien.  Chat Noir and I, we’ll… well.  We’ll have to take him down,” she whispered.  “I’m sorry.”

“What for?”  He gave a shaky laugh.

He wouldn’t count on Chat Noir being too useful in this fight.  What if he hesitated?  What if he wasn’t strong enough to fight back against the man who had taken his freedom for so long?

“Because he’s your dad,” she said as if that was obvious.  “I’ve never liked the way he treats you, but still… you’ve already lost so much.”

“You—you know?”  Not only did she know, but she cared.  About Adrien.

It was almost enough to push out the thick panic lining his lungs.

“Er—forget I said that,” she mumbled.  “Do you have somewhere to stay, if… what am I saying! I can’t do this to you.”

He felt a few drops of water soak through his sleeve.  At first he thought it was rain, before he heard Ladybug’s sniffle.

“Ladybug, I-I’m sorry.”

He pulled back, wishing he could kiss away the tears from the lip of her mask, the curve of her cheeks.

“You have nothing to apologize for, Adrien.”  She wiped the offending water away with the back of her hand.  “I just wish there was some way to stop Hawkmoth without taking away the last family you have left.”

That was what she was worried about?  He thought she might be frightened at the thought of finally facing Hawkmoth, but he should’ve known better.  She was made of firmer stuff than that.

“He’s not,” he said firmly.

“W-what?”

“He’s not my family.  Not anymore.  Not after what he’s done to Paris, to my friends, to—to you.”  His voice barely stumbled over those last words.

Her lips parted in surprise, and despite everything else that had happened tonight, he still wished he could kiss her.  Maybe some of her courage would rub off on him, diffuse into his lungs.

“He’s never really been much of a father to me, anyway,” he mumbled before she could catch the blush staining his cheeks.  “I kept hoping, and hoping, and sometimes he’d do something that would surprise me, like let me watch mom’s movie or duet with me, but then he’d—he’d just shut me out, and I told myself it was just because he missed mom, that he’d get better, but he—”

His shoulders shook in a silent sob.  Why was he saying all this?  Just because he’d always wanted to confide in Ladybug didn’t mean she’d want to hear it.  He’d just told her Hawkmoth’s identity; she’d want to make a plan with Chat Noir.

He couldn’t be Chat Noir.  Not now.  Not until he could bury his hurt and anger and grief so far down that Hawkmoth would never find it.

Because Hawkmoth might not akumatize Adrien Agreste, but he would have no problem taking advantage of Chat Noir.

“You deserve so much better than him, Adrien.”  She kept up the soothing motion on his back, and he tried to time his inhales with each stroke up, exhales with each stroke down.  “You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met.  You’re so kind, and forgiving, and just… good.  And you’ve been living with him.”

“I’m not, though.”  He shook his head, accidentally shaking off her embrace.  He fell back onto his heels, arms wrapping around his knees.  “I’m not forgiving.  I don’t know that I can ever forgive him for…”

For pretending to care about me.

Gabriel didn’t care.  For all that he said “Keep my son away from the battle,” he could care less whether anyone else got hurt.  All he wanted was to lock Adrien in a glass care where he could be seen but never touched, like an enchanted rose in a fairy tale.

“You don’t have to, you know,” she murmured and placed a hand on his knee.

He squeezed his eyes shut.  “I know.  I think.  I don’t…”

A pathetic whimper escaped him.  If his father—if Hawkmoth had another butterfly, Adrien would be a prime akuma target, family or not.  

It was just too much.

“You don’t have to know.  Just breathe for now.  Breathe with me.”

He’d lost the rhythm when he broke their embrace.  Now like a plant seeking the sun, he folded back into her arms.

Breathe.  Breathe.  He wasn’t alone.  His Lady wouldn’t leave him alone.

“Thank you, my—Ladybug.”

“Of course, Adrien.  I’ll always be here to protect you.”

Warmth flooded his veins at her words, but guilt quickly mixed with it.

“I was supposed to protect you,” he whispered.

“What?”

“N-nothing.”  His face heated.  He pressed his cheek to her shoulder, where she wouldn’t see.  “Do you have a plan?”  He asked to change the subject.

“Not yet.  I’m kind of too mad at your dad to think straight right now.”  She laughed shakily.  Even broken as the sound was, it was hard not to join in.

“Join the club.”

A jolt ran through him as he realized what he’d said.

He was mad at his father.  He was allowed to be mad at his father.  No more excuses for his behavior, no more hoping next time would be different.

His father was Hawkmoth, and Adrien was angry enough to fight him.

“I should call Chat Noir.  He’s pretty good at coming up with plans when he wants to.  I also want his explanation for why he left you alone on this roof.”

He winced at that.  “I’m sure he had a good reason.”

She frowned.  “I can’t think of anything more important than keeping you safe.  Did you tell him that Gabriel is Hawkmoth?  I hope he didn’t do anything reckless...”

“Er… technically, no.  I didn’t tell him, I mean.���

Her eyes widened.  “Was he with you when you found out?”

“...Something like that.”  His pulse raced at the thought of her connecting the dots.  For so long he’d wanted her to know her identity, but now?  She would never be able to trust him to help take down Hawkmoth.

He wanted to bring the terrorist to justice.  He of all people deserved to.

The anger pumping in his veins was still unfamiliar, still mixed with fear and guilt and grief.  But he wouldn’t back down, wouldn’t hesitate.  His Lady would be depending on him to be strong when the time came.

“Do you want to talk about what happened?”  She asked quietly. He barely heard her over the whistling breeze.

Yes.  No.  I don’t know.

“I think… if we could just stay like this for a while… that would be nice.”

She held him tighter.  “Of course.”

He could feel her heartbeat.  Or maybe it was his.  It was hard to tell while he clung to her like she was his raft in the center of a storm.  He would be strong, later.  But for now, he allowed himself this.

He wasn’t sure how much time passed before the arms around him loosened, letting the cold back in.  It still wasn’t long enough.  He guessed it never would be.

“Adrien?”  Ladybug’s bottom lip was trapped between her teeth.

“Yeah?”  He asked, suddenly worried that he’d asked too much of her.  

“I was going to offer to take you home, but… will you be safe there?  Do you need somewhere else to stay?”

It was a question he had to confront, but he’d hoped to put off a little longer.  Gabriel would notice if he was gone.  At least, Nathalie would, and she would tell him.  It would be even more obvious if he never returned to the party.

But could he really go back?

“I’ll… I’ll find somewhere,” he said, fear barely giving way to resolve.  Or maybe it was just a different kind of fear.  He couldn’t go back.  Returning would be the smart thing—it would keep suspicion off of him, and it would give him a chance to spy on Hawkmoth.  But the thought made him more sick than the half-dozen pastries he’d eaten.

How often did he see Gabriel at home, anyway?

“I’m not leaving until I know you’re safe,” Ladybug said firmly.  “Where do you want me to take you?”

Where?  Who would take him in on no notice, wouldn’t ask questions, wouldn’t send him back to Gabriel?

“Nino,” he realized near instantly.  “I think… I know I’ll be safe with him.”

Ladybug’s smile lit up the whole rooftop.  “Then if you’re ready, I’ll be your personal chauffeur tonight.”

She held her arm out and bowed, like she was trying to imitate Chat Noir.  He was sure he’d made that exact motion before.  Had she realized who he was?  Or was she just borrowing her partner’s humor to try to cheer him up?

It worked, of course.  The fact that he had an excuse to cling to her as they swung across the rooftops didn’t hurt, either.  For a moment he could pretend they were just doing this for fun, that she was escorting him to a normal slumber party instead of helping him escape his terrorist father.

Too soon they were landing in the alley on the side of Nino’s apartment building.

“I can come with you inside, if you want.  Or—at least make sure Nino’s home.  I won't leave you alone.  I mean—I will leave you alone, if you don’t want me bothering you, but not alone alone—I won’t leave you by yourself.  That’s all.”

He smiled to put her at ease.  “Don’t worry.  He gave me a spare key, just in case anything happened.”  

Nino had probably meant it in case Gabriel ever grew too controlling to handle.  He couldn’t have predicted this.

“Alright, then, um… is there anything else you need?  You don’t have any clothes, or—or a toothbrush!  What are you going to do without a toothbrush?  You might get cavities, and your teeth would fall out, and then you’d have to get dentures, and—”

“Whoa, my Lady, my teeth are made of stronger stuff than that.”  He grinned.  She was so cute when she got flustered like that.  He’d never seen it before, yet it felt strangely familiar.  “But if it would make you feel better, there are a few things I’d like from my room.”  

“Of course.  Just tell me what and I’ll bring it.”

Adrien smiled.  What had he done to deserve Ladybug going out of her way for him?  She sounded more worried for him than about taking down Hawkmoth.  Could she know his identity?  No, that was just Ladybug; she’d do this for anyone.  Right?

“I don’t want to ask for too much,” he said, suddenly embarrassed.  There were a few things he could use, but didn’t want Ladybug to see.  Namely, his underwear (Ladybug boxers) and the Ladybug doll he’d commissioned from Marinette.

“Don’t worry about it, really.  I just want you to be as comfortable as you can through all this.”  

She looked at him with those soft eyes, ones he wished he didn’t have to share with the rest of Paris.  Standing in the shadowed alley, he could pretend that look was reserved just for him.

“Thank you, Ladybug.”  His cheeks warmed, but he dug a napkin and pen out of his pocket, jotting down a short list against the brick wall.

“Thank you, Adrien.”  She smiled as she accepted the scrap.  “Go ahead and go inside.  I’ll be back before you know it.”

She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, but before he could melt into a puddle of goo, she was swinging off again.  

His fingers brushed the still-warm skin.  “Plagg, did that really just happen?”

No reply.  Right.  Plagg had been in his jacket, still at the top of Montparnasse Tower.  Adrien didn’t know how long it would take the kwami to fly all the way to Nino’s apartment, but hopefully Ladybug wouldn’t need Chat Noir before then.

He turned his keys over in his pocket, but suddenly felt daunted at the thought of going inside.  Ladybug’s presence had cheered him up, but if he had to explain everything about Hawkmoth to Nino… he wasn’t ready to talk about it again.  Soon, but not now.

Besides, Ladybug would be back before he knew it.

XXX

Marinette wouldn’t be distracted by Adrien’s desk, Adrien’s scent, Adrien’s bed. She wasn’t here because of her crush.  She was just here for him.

Besides, this might as well not be his room anymore.  He’d only be keeping the items she could fit in his satchel.

She pushed aside her deep sadness at the thought.  Adrien’s father—Gabriel Agreste—was Hawkmoth.  She’d had that theory a couple years ago, but she’d never wanted to be proven right.

Best not to dwell on that now though.  Who knew when Gabriel would come back from the fashion gala?  Hopefully he would be delayed looking for Adrien.  If Gabriel even cared he was missing.

She pushed down half-baked plots of strangling the man and got to work.  A few things were already in his satchel, like his tablet and homework.  Most other items were easy to find—Adrien’s flash drive, his journal (she didn’t peek), a phone charger, his wallet, the Stationation record that once belonged to his mom.  That took her back.  Joining the Hardy Camp dance at his party two years ago was still one of her favorite memories, even if she’d had to dress up as “Marino” for it.

The hardest find was actually the lucky charm she’d given him the day they first played Ultimate Mecha Strike together.  It was tucked under his pillow, the red string just barely poking out.  She tried not to think of what it might mean.

That still left plenty of space in the satchel.  He hadn’t written down underwear, but Marinette figured he’d appreciate not having to borrow Nino’s.  Ignoring her embarrassment, she opened drawers until she found one with… oh.  

Her cheeks heated at the sight of his neatly folded Ladybug boxers.

“Maybe he just likes polka dots,” she muttered, shaking her head and stuffing them at the bottom of the bag.

That theory seemed pretty flimsy after finding his Ladybug pajamas.  She packed those too, for good measure.  What else might he need that he hadn’t thought of?  He probably didn’t want any Gabriel-brand clothes, so she threw in a few newer pants, shirts, and socks that didn’t bear his father’s logo.

She threw the bag over her shoulder and scanned the napkin, making sure she’d honored all of his requests.  Her brow furrowed when she noticed a word that had been written on a folded corner.

“Cheese?”  That was weird.  She’d never known Adrien to enjoy cheese; if anything he’d wrinkled his nose at it.  He used to like passionfruit flavored desserts and quiche, but maybe his taste had changed over the years?

She shrugged and searched the room until she found a minifridge by his desk.  She pulled the door open and— 

“Ack!”  

She slammed the door on the big black rat she glimpsed inside.  But Adrien needed this cheese, for some reason.  Should she summon a Lucky Charm to deal with the rodent?

“Woah, pigtails, don’t freak out.”  The black creature phased through the door and— 

Oh.  Oh.  That wasn’t a rat, obviously.  But what was Plagg doing here, unless— 

“Oh my gosh.”  She slapped her hands to her cheeks.  This couldn’t be Plagg’s cheese.  Not in Adrien’s room.  Could it?

“Oh swiss, you’re freaking out.  Why did you have to look in the cheese fridge?”  Plagg threw his tiny arms in the air.

“You… what are you doing here?”  She asked.  He’d gone all the way to her school before just to eat cheese.  Maybe he’d done the same thing here.  She couldn’t jump to conclusions.

Plagg laughed awkwardly.  “Nothing!  Just eating some Camembert.  You know that’s my favorite cheese.  Nothing weird about that.”

She bent down, eyes narrowing as she stared into the fridge.  “Except for the fact that Adrien has a whole refrigerator of it.”

“Technically it’s just a minifridge.”

She glared at Plagg, who grinned nervously.  She didn’t have the heart to be mad at him though, not after everything else that had already happened tonight.  She could hardly be surprised either.

It was only fitting that her partner would be the most wonderful boy in the world, but have the worst luck.

“It’s him, isn’t it,” she murmured, her throat tightening. “Adrien.  He’s Chat Noir.”

“...Yeah.  Yeah, he’s my kid.  The best kid I could hope for.”  Plagg’s smile felt older than he normally let on.  He was thousands of years old; he must have had plenty of holders before.  His voice sounded genuine though, if tinged with sadness.

“And you never realized he was living with Hawkmoth?”  She couldn’t help asking.  “Couldn’t you—I don’t know, feel Nooroo or something?”

Couldn’t you have saved him?  Her heart cracked.  Chat Noir occasionally dropped hints about his lonely home life, much more than he had as Adrien.  Probably because Chat’s anonymous father didn’t have a reputation to tarnish.  

Couldn’t I have saved him?

Guilt threatened to weigh her down, but she tried to shake it off.  Adrien’s situation was no one’s fault but Gabriel’s—but Hawkmoth’s.

At least when she took down Hawkmoth, she’d get to punch the two people she hated most.

“Believe me, Pigtails, I wish I had,” Plagg murmured.  “I’ve wanted an excuse to Cataclysm his dad for ages.”

Well, at least they were on the same page there.

“Sorry.  I know it’s not your fault.”  She shook her head.  “I just never thought—”

Plagg’s ears twitched, his whiskers jolting up.  

“What?”

“Shh,” he hissed, flying up to press a paw to her lips.  

She went cross-eyed looking at him, but did as she was told.

Footsteps.  Definitely footsteps.

“That irresponsible boy is always running off!  And you were supposed to be keeping an eye on him!”

Gabriel’s furious voice, getting closer.

“Come on, move it!”  Plagg whispered, tossing a wheel of cheese into Adrien’s satchel.

Marinette threw it over her shoulder and was out the window before the footsteps could arrive.

XXX

Adrien paced back and forth beside the apartment building, trying not to worry.  Ladybug hadn’t been gone that long.  She might have had trouble finding his lucky charm; he couldn’t remember if he’d written down the right place to look.  Had he left it under his pillow again?  That was always dangerous in case the cleaning staff came in and bundled it with his sheets.

Of course, it was dangerous to have it left it behind in the first place.  Maybe if he’d had it on him… but no, no amount of luck would have stopped Gabriel from being Hawkmoth.  Rolling the beads between his fingers might have soothed his rapid heartbeat, though.

He felt naked without Plagg.  With just his own thoughts boiling inside his head.  He should really go inside, or at least call Nino, or… anything.  He felt like an NPC trapped in a predetermined loop.  Five paces forward, turn, five paces back.  The rhythm was the only thing keeping him from cracking again.

It was easier to be strong when Ladybug was here.  But he wouldn’t let his resolve waver.  One, two, three, four, five.  Turn.  One, two, three, four, five.  Don’t think.  One, two, three— 

“Adrien!”  Ladybug’s voice called, and then she was swinging down into the alley.  His school bag hung from her shoulder; it looked too big for her.  “What are you still doing out here?  I thought you were going inside.  You didn’t get locked out, did you?  Is Nino not home?”

“I—I don’t know,” he admitted, shrinking under the rapid questions.  “I was… too much of a coward to go in yet.”

Ladybug’s eyes widened.  “Adrien.  You could never be a coward.”

She stepped forward, and his pulse quickened as she reached for his hand.

“You’re the bravest person I know...”

She lifted his hand to her lips, which brushed the skin of his knuckle just above his ring.  He shivered, his eyes held captive by hers.

“...my Kitty.”

Everything in him turned to slush.  How did she find out?  Why did she have to find out now?  He registered that she didn’t look angry, or disappointed—if anything, her soft smirk was exactly the expression he always longed to see.

“My Lady…” His voice shook.  She still hadn’t let go of his hand. “How can you say that?  I couldn’t even talk to you as your partner.  I should’ve been supporting you so we can defeat Hawkmoth, and instead I…”

Tears welled in his eyes.  Pathetic.  Too overly dramatic… Why wouldn’t Father’s—Gabriel’s words leave him alone?

“Instead you left the only family you had.  You risked everything by telling me his identity.  You’ve done so much.  So just let me take care of you for a minute, okay?”

A shuddering breath escaped him.  His hand tightened around hers, as if she’d disappear at any moment.

But she wouldn’t.  She knew who he was, and she was here.

“O-okay.  Just—you’ll still let me fight him, won’t you?”  He hadn’t meant to ask that yet, but he needed to know.  She wouldn’t replace him right after telling him how brave he was, right?

“Like I’d let her take me away from you, kid.”  Plagg flew out of his satchel, phasing directly through the flap.

Adrien jumped in surprise, but it made sense.  It was probably Plagg who’d given away his identity, if not the lifetime supply of Camembert.  Putting cheese on the list had been unavoidable though.  He could probably only make one last withdrawal with his debit card before Gabriel froze his accounts, and tracking expensive cheese purchases would be too easy.

“I wouldn’t force you to fight him, but I’d never make you stay away, either.”  Ladybug smiled, her thumb running soothingly over the back of his hand.  “To be honest, I’m relieved you still want to though.  I don’t know that I’d stand a chance without you.”

He laughed quietly.  “Somehow I doubt that.”

She gave him the Look.  The Look was usually reserved for when he made a pun at an incredibly inopportune moment, or when he flirted with her just a little too much, or (on very rare occasions) when he flirted with someone other than her.  He hadn’t done any of those things this time.

“Stop that, Chat.  You know you’re irreplaceable.  Or… I want you to know you are.  I don’t tell you enough.”

“Thank you, my Lady,” he whispered reverently.  “I won’t let you down.  I promise.”

Her smile could have lit the Eiffel Tower.  “I know you won’t.  You never have.”

A wave of calm washed over him.  His Lady would never lie.

“You and me against the world, one more time?”  He would have held his fist out for a bump, but his hand was still wrapped in hers.  That suited him just fine.

She pulled him into a tight hug, her words tickling the shell of his ear.

“You and me against the world, always.”

[magicalhideoutengineer]

How heartbreaking was it for you to read the script?

Alison Sudol: It was painful. It was definitely painful. When you care about characters so much and you see something like this happen, it's like (crying sounds). But we really dug into it. I dug in with David Yates, and then David to Jo, to make sure that we could do all that we could to give the story as much depth and clarity as to why our characters would go on these roads, why Queenie would make the choices that she did. There's very little time because there's obviously a lot of story to tell. So we had very little time to establish quite large milestones. I hope that it is there in the performance that you have somebody who just deeply wants to love the person that they love and be able to be with them. The system they're in prevents them from that. It seems to be the thing causing the biggest rift. She really just wants to be normal and have a normal life. She also has this gift, and that's also a problem. It's a gift that nobody around her sees her or wants. It's just kind of annoying everyone. The gift is sort of turning against her as well. So if you look at it that way, you can kind of see why these certain things happen in this storyline. It's not that she's suddenly bad or someone different , she's just going on a crazy journey.

Were you surprised or did you know anything about the story before you got the script?

Alison: I knew the arc. I knew what was going to happen at the end. And I knew the events that sparked it. And I was told that quite awhile before I got the script. So I spent months going, "How? How does this happen? How am I gonna go there?" I was just so stressed out about it. Even when I read the script, I was still shocked.

There's loads of Harry Potter connections in this film. Did you geek out? What do you think the fans will love?

Alison: I actually researched more about legilimancy on YouTube through the fans, "Oh, Snape had it too, but she's much more powerful than I knew." So there's something really cool and exciting about – kind of like Christmas when you gave somebody a really good gift and you're like, "Oh, you guys are gonna like that." That's pretty fun.

SnitchSeeker: So obviously Queenie is a very good judge of character of the people around her because of her abilities. With some of the new characters she's become involved with in this movie, do you think she has any ideas about things their thinking they might not be aware that she knows?

Alison: You know, yes, she is a good judge of character, but she has a very tricky character flaw herself in her gift, which is that she's not good with accents – and languages, forget about it. So, she's in Paris. So it's like, imagine, that you just rely on your eyesight – because that's what you do – and then one day somebody tapes a blindfold onto your eyes. You don't have any other skill sets. You've used that so much and suddenly you have to make your way around. You have to discover how to go in the world that way. That's sort of what it is. It's almost like more disorienting than if she hadn't had that gift.

Dan: I feel like she also reads heart shockers. If your intention is pure, then it confuses her. Even if you're an evil bastard, if you're intention is pure, she's like, "Oh, this person means well."

Alison: It's true, there's a purity … because her gift hasn't been something that she has been taught to use. She hasn't been mentored. It is literally, "Queenie, stop reading my mind." She could be one of the great witches of her all time with this gift, but it's seen as a nuisance. So, if you don't have mentorship, and you're taught that something about you is wrong – and you aren't developing it, it's only just happening to you – then the discernment between a pure intention and a pure intention of harm, you know, is quite confusing if it muddles the senses. That's what we encounter in this with her.

SnitchSeeker: Is there anything you can say about her developing that more?

Alison: Well, you know, we have five movies. So I hope that throughout the development of these movies that we'll see a growing integration of her as a human being, integrating her gift and becoming more self-aware, and growing up and owning who she is more. Who knows what that journey is gonna look like? But I have high hopes for her.

How has your character being involved in this magical world helped you do deal with your health?

Alison: You know it's interesting because in preparing for this film, there were certain things that brought up such a deep emotional reaction in me that I was like, "Oh, this is not about this film. This is like some person stuff that this is bringing up, that's quite heavy." So I had to do a lot of personal work to open up that period of time. And honestly, that period of time was when I was first making music, around when my first record came out. I forced myself to listen to my first record, which I would not listen to for ten years. And like, I watched YouTubes of myself, which was gut-wrenching because of what state I was in at that time, but it opened doors to healing that I had really firmly shut and I couldn't face before. But because of Queenie, how much I love the character, I didn't want to bring my crap into it to affect the performance. Because of her, I actually healed quite a lot. I've just gone back to music. I've just released my brand new AP. I just performed live for the first time last week. I just feel like that is the gift of this that is actual magic.

[newstfionline]

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Democracy in the dumps (Foreign Policy) Young people are more disillusioned and less satisfied with democracy than at any point in the past 100 years, according to a study by the University of Cambridge. The study—which assembled data from 4.8 million respondents in 160 countries collected between 1973 and 2020—pointed to income inequality and the high rate of youth unemployment as the driving reasons behind the disillusionment.

Pandemic air travel milestone; 1 million passengers screened (AP) The number of passengers screened in a single day for flights in the U.S. topped one million for the first time since COVID-19 infections began to spike last March. The notable milestone, reached Sunday, signifies both the progress made since the darkest days of pandemic for the devastated U.S. airline industry, when fewer than 100,000 people were screened per day in April, and how far it still has to go. The million plus passengers screened Sunday compares with 2.6 million on the same day last year, or roughly 60% fewer, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

Presidential Candidates’ Microphones to Be Muted in Parts of Final Debate (WSJ) The presidential candidates’ microphones will be muted during parts of their final debate Thursday as organizers seek to limit the interruptions and crosstalk that marked their previous meeting. The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates on Monday announced a plan for the debate, which will be divided into six segments, each with a different topic. President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden will be silenced while their opponent gives a two-minute opening statement at the start of each question.

Already facing grueling year, National Guard revs up for election and aftermath (Washington Post) The National Guard, already facing one of its busiest years, is prepping for election-related missions that include cybersecurity for local electoral authorities, ballot counting in at least one state and backup for police or if unrest erupts after the vote. The preparations come as the United States heads into one of its most contentious presidential elections, which is taking place in the middle of a global pandemic and amid persistent suggestions by President Trump that he may dispute the results if he loses. Parts of the country have also been experiencing racial justice protests and environmental threats ranging from wildfires to hurricanes, which have further stretched a Guard already on the front lines responding to the pandemic. The Guard’s domestic deployments this year under state authorities reached a peak of 86,367 forces in June, according to a spokeswoman for the National Guard, far larger than the approximately 50,000 guardsmen who deployed domestically to respond to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. There are about 450,000 members of the National Guard across the country. Federal law prohibits the deployment of armed troops to polling places during elections, but National Guard units can do certain missions on Election Day if they are deployed by governors using state funds, which means they would also be unarmed, according to Guard officials. During primaries earlier this year, for example, some states used their Guard units, in civilian attire, to help local election authorities struggling with a shortage of volunteers at the polls because of the pandemic.

Evo Morales Is Out. His Socialist Project Lives On. (NYT) In a presidential election that was widely viewed as a referendum on the legacy of Evo Morales, Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, voters appear to have spoken clearly: They want his socialist project to go on. On Monday, exit polls in Bolivia showed Mr. Morales’s handpicked candidate, Luis Arce, with such a wide lead that his main opponent, Carlos Mesa, conceded the election, and Mr. Arce’s supporters began celebrating in the streets—despite the fact that official results may not be available for days. Mr. Arce is the chosen successor of Mr. Morales, a transformative figure in a nation where power was traditionally concentrated in the hands of a wealthy, white elite. During his 14 years in office, Mr. Morales slashed poverty, built roads and schools, and nationalized the oil and gas industry. But he fled the country last year after his run for a fourth term ended in accusations that he had committed election fraud, deadly protests and a call by the military for him to step down. He called his ouster a coup. He sat out this year’s vote in neighboring Argentina.

Argentina passes 1 million cases USHUAIA, Argentina (AP)—At the edge of Argentina in a city known as “The End of the World,” many thought they might be spared from the worst of the coronavirus pandemic. Sitting far from the South American nation’s bustling capital, health workers in Ushuaia were initially able to contain a small outbreak among foreigners hoping to catch boats to the Antarctic at the start of the crisis. But as Argentina passed 1 million virus cases Monday, it is now smaller cities like Ushuaia that are seeing some of the most notable upticks. The trajectory is showing that the pandemic is likely to leave no corner of Latin America unscathed.

Wealth inequality in Brazil (Globo) Rafaela Dutra was working in Rio de Janeiro’s tourism industry and studying to become a nurse when the coronavirus arrived. A resident of the sprawling low-income favelas in the city’s Zona Norte, she had worked in one of Copacabana’s shiny, high-rise hotels, earning up to twice the region’s minimum monthly wage of 1,200 reais ($220). But after six years on the job, Dutra told Brazilian daily O Globo, she was laid off in April after the city had dried up of tourists. The only work she could find was selling clothes on the street at a time when most people started working from home or had also lost their jobs. “Some days I sell less than 50 reais ($8.80) worth of stuff,” she said. Dutra’s story is a case in point: poverty and inequality are on the rise in Brazil, a country of 210 million people, where a massive wealth divide has long plagued society. With COVID-19, the economy has begun to unravel and policymakers are warning of a backslide into entrenched poverty of dangerous proportions after temporary government support winds down. Not long ago, Brazil was hailed as an economic miracle for the rate at which it was lifting its people out of poverty. Now, the pandemic risks jeopardizing the progress the country made.

Narcosubmarines in the Atlantic? (WSJ) Narcosubmarines, which ferried cocaine from Colombia to Central America since at least the 1990s and have become a convenient way to ship large quantities of coke amid rising enforcement along traditional shipping lanes, have now been found crossing the Atlantic. Built for around $1 million apiece in the jungles of South America, the low-tech submersibles are an expensive but critical link in smuggling drugs out of their manufacture sites to Europe and North America. For a while, they were more of a “get the drugs out of the country to a depot site in Central America” leg of the adventure, but last year authorities nabbed a narcosubmarine flush with 152 bales of cocaine off the coast of Spain, so either that was one incredibly lost drug smuggler or they’re now using the DIY-vessels to make the 4,000-mile journey by sea rather than dice it on a container ship.

Ireland to go back into lockdown as Europe battles second wave (Euronews) Ireland became the first European country to announce a return to a full lockdown, with the entire population to be reconfined for six weeks. Prime Minister Michael Martin made the announcement on Monday evening, with the lockdown coming into force on Wednesday at midnight. Schools, he said, would remain open. A raft of new restrictions came into force in Italy on Monday, after being announced on Sunday by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, with the country dealing with daily highs of infections. Wales has announced a strict, 17-day “firebreak” lockdown on Monday, starting on Friday. This is essentially a full lockdown, with only critical workers and those that cannot work from home allowed to travel to work. Everybody else will be expected to stay indoors, while all non-essential retail shops, leisure services, restaurants, pubs and cafes will be closed. Bars, cafes and restaurants are shut in Belgium from Monday for a month. There is also a curfew in place, between midnight and 5 am, with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo highlighting the “exponential” growth of the pandemic. The chancellor of Austria, Sebastian Kurz, announced on Monday that from Friday private gatherings will be limited to six people indoors and 12 people outdoors. In Paris and eight other cities in France, restaurants, bars, cinemas and other establishments were being forced to close no later than 9pm to try to reduce contact among people. The country is deploying 12,000 extra police officers to enforce the new rules.

After Teacher’s Decapitation, France Unleashes a Broad Crackdown on ‘the Enemy Within’ (NYT) France on Monday unleashed a broad crackdown on Muslims accused of extremism, carrying out dozens of raids, vowing to shut down aid groups and threatening to expel foreigners as anger swept the country following the decapitation of a high school teacher for showing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in class. Many of those swept up in raids were already in police files for showing “signals” of potential radicalization, like preaching radicalized sermons or sharing hate messages on social networks, government officials said. More than 200 others—the bulk already in prison—were threatened with a rare mass expulsion. But other groups targeted in the raids included Muslim associations previously given government subsidies for their work promoting better civic relations, and only 15 of the people arrested had any connection to the gruesome attack on Friday. The scope of the response was a measure of how the killing of Samuel Paty, a teacher in a suburb north of Paris, had reopened old wounds in France. The nation remains traumatized by terrorist attacks by Muslim extremists that killed scores in 2015, starting with the editorial offices of the satirical Charlie Hebdo magazine—whose cartoons the teacher had shown. As much as the Charlie Hebdo killings, the beheading of Mr. Paty has struck deep inside the French psyche as an assault on a principal pillar of the French republic—the secular public school system—as well as the nation’s devotion to freedom of speech. Thousands of people took to the streets in cities around France over the weekend to demonstrate their horror at the killing on Friday. And politicians, especially on the right, jostled to sound the alarm against “the enemy within,” as the hard-line interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, put it in a radio interview, referring to so-called radicalized Muslims.

Chinese military beefs up coastal forces as it prepares for possible invasion of Taiwan (SCMP) Beijing is stepping up the militarisation of its southeast coast as it prepares for a possible invasion of Taiwan, military observers and sources have said. The People’s Liberation Army has been upgrading its missile bases, and one Beijing-based military source said it has deployed its most advanced hypersonic missile the DF-17 to the area. Beijing regards Taiwan as a breakaway province which it has vowed to take back, by force if necessary. Relations between Beijing and Taipei have deteriorated since Tsai Ing-wen from the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was elected as president in 2016 and refused to accept the one-China principle. Ties have come under further strain this year as Taipei moved closer to the United States and signed a series of arms deals, including for Patriot missiles and an upgrade to its F-16 Viper jets. Satellite images show that both the Marine Corps and Rocket Force bases in Fujian and Guangdong provinces have expanded in recent years, according to Andrei Chang, editor-in-chief of the Canada-based Kanwa Defence Review. “The size of some of the missile bases in the Eastern and Southern theatre commands have even doubled in recent years, showing the PLA is stepping up preparations for a war targeting Taiwan.”

Chinese and Taiwanese officials clash in Fiji amid rise of ‘wolf warrior diplomacy’ (Washington Post) As a junior diplomat posted to Fiji in the 1990s, Chen Yonglin and the rest of his embassy colleagues fixated on the most sensitive issue in all of Chinese diplomacy: Taiwan. He tracked Taiwan’s pharmaceutical and agricultural aid to the remote Pacific archipelago. He monitored Taiwanese officials’ interactions with the local Chinese community. He tried to dissuade Fijian officials from attending Taiwan’s National Day celebration every October and local hotel managers from hosting it. When that failed, he sat in a coffee shop across the street to observe—discreetly—who attended. “At most, a braver colleague would wander over and peek inside,” said Chen, who was a third secretary in Fiji from 1994 to 1998 and defected in 2005 while serving in Sydney. “But gate-crash? Never. That was a different time.” The difference was laid bare this week after Fiji media reported that Chinese officials barged into the annual Taiwanese celebration, sparking a physical scuffle that left a Taiwanese official hospitalized. The basic contours of the incident were not refuted by either government and it was the latest aggressive turn by Chinese diplomats, who are quickly shedding their traditional image as one of China’s more polished, less muscular, arms of government. The behavior of the Chinese diplomats underscores the political pressure inside the bureaucracy to publicly defend China’s position on international issues, particularly over Hong Kong and Taiwan. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu condemned China’s “uncivilized wolf warriors,” a term used in China and abroad referring to the new breed of more muscular Chinese diplomacy. “As a sovereign state, we’ll celebrate Taiwan National Day everywhere, every year.”

Thailand admits first foreign tourists in 7 months (AP) Thailand’s tourist industry on Tuesday took a modest step toward reviving its coronavirus-battered fortunes by welcoming 39 visitors who flew in from Shanghai, the first such arrivals since regular travelers were banned from entry almost seven months ago. The visitors who arrived at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport are pioneers in a “Special Tourist Visa” program devised by Thai authorities to restore step-by-step a sector of the economy that welcomed almost 40 million foreign visitors last year and by some estimates accounts for more than 10% of the country’s GDP. Bringing in tourists from China was a natural choice. Thailand was one of the top overseas destinations for Chinese tourists in 2019, when they accounted for by far the largest number of visitors to Thailand by nationality. Just as crucial is China’s ability to keep new coronavirus infections in check, a sharp contrast to most other parts of the globe that send visitors to Thailand.

The protest playbook (Washington Post) This past weekend, Lalisa could not look away from her smartphone. Clicking between Twitter, Instagram and secure messaging app Telegram, the 27-year-old who lives a comfortable, middle-class life in Bangkok was joining newly established Telegram groups, telling her what to pack and where to assemble for yet another mass protest in defiance of Thailand’s military-linked government and monarchy. Most of the posts were from protesting guides of last year’s demonstrations in Hong Kong translated into Thai. Young, digitally savvy Thai protesters like Lalisa are at the forefront of a swelling anti-government movement that has broken the mold in Thailand—both by shattering the long-held taboo against criticizing the powerful monarchy, and by revolutionizing mass protests and dissent in the country. Shedding the old strategy of occupying streets, which made them an easy target for police, demonstrators today have borrowed from their Hong Kong counterparts, subscribing to the “be water” strategy of fluid gatherings. The result so far has been harder for police to control, even in the context of Thailand’s long history of crackdowns on political movements. In recent days, police officers have privately admitted to being outmaneuvered, unable to arrest demonstrators en masse or prepare their crowd-control weapons ahead of time. Police have “never experienced this before,” said a 21-year-old officer deployed to Bangkok, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the protests. “The protesters disappear even before we arrive; we cannot tackle the protests by using our old methods.”

Nigeria Erupts As Lagos Comes to A Standstill (Foreign Policy) Two weeks of demonstrations in Nigeria came to a head yesterday as protesters effectively shut down Lagos, the country’s largest city. As part of the mass demonstrations, the city’s airport was blockaded by protesters along with the country’s main highway, the Ibadan expressway. Over the past two weeks, the protests have grown from a movement focused on disbanding the country’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)—accused of extortion and committing extra-judicial killings—to encompass anti-corruption and governance issues. Like recent protests in Hong Kong and Thailand, the protests have no central leader but are undoubtedly youth led, with the hashtag #EndSARS becoming shorthand for the movement. The national government has indicated it will soon take a harder line against the protests, during which at least 15 people have been killed so far. According to Amnesty International, police have already used excessive force in at least six Nigerian cities. The threat of violence has become so genuine that some groups have crowd-funded private security guards to protect them against attacks. Meanwhile, the country’s armed forces, who have threatened to intervene in the protests, are conducting a nationwide military exercise, Operation Crocodile Smile. “The biggest strength of the protests has also become its biggest liability, which is total absence of centralized leadership,” David Huneydin, a local journalist, told the Wall Street Journal. “A military intervention is now highly likely.”

[draconian-overlord]

Do all of the asks. All of them.

YOU TRASH BAG UGH FINE I’LL DO ALL OF THEM.

chocolate: when was your first kiss?

It does not exist and may never

french vanilla:

how old are you?

My existence exceeds the age of the universe

cotton candy:

three places you want to travel to?

Paris, Alaska, and Japan

strawberry:

a language you wish you could speak?

Sign language

coffee:

favorite cosmetic brands?

KVD, Urban Decay, and Shiro Cosmetics

mint chocolate chip:

indoors or outdoors?

Although I love the outdoors, the indoors has fewer ants

cookie dough:

do you play any instruments?

I play classical piano, and know one guitar riff

rocky road:

favorite songs at the moment?

Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos

butter pecan:

favorite songs for life?

Um, the same?

cheesecake:

what’s your zodiac sign?

VIRGO

toasted coconut:

the beach or the pool?

The beach because my dog loves to play in the sand

chocolate chip:

what’s your most popular post?

IDK THERE’S TOO MANY

bubblegum:

books or movies?

Mostly books, but movies can be great too

pistachio:

manga or anime?

Both are great- stories with more action work really well with anime since they are more exhilarating to see, but more complex stories are better told in manga because of their ongoing nature

salted caramel:

favorite movies?

UGHH I HATE QUESTIONS LIKE THESE. I literally remember nothing that I watch; if I have a favorite, it is somewhere deep within the void that is my mind. I know I loved the Falsettos movie, though!

birthday cake:

favorite books?

ANOTHER ONE. Okay, well, I love series, especially fantasy series. So my favorites are the Riordan books (there are too many to list), the Harry Potter books, and the LOTR books. I also like the Sisters of Versailles series (warning, they’re SIN), and probably many more I can’t remember at the moment.

moose tracks: (wtf is this a real ice cream flavor???????)

favorites for manga?

OKAY THIS I KNOW BECAUSE I HAVE A LIST-- I should do that for other stuff. Anyway, I love Black Butler, Yona of the Dawn, Princess Jellyfish, and Abide in the Wind (although that’s a manhwa, but oh well).

orange sherbet:

favorites for anime?

One Punch Man, Shiki, Orange, From the New World, Psycho Pass, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Nana, Boys over Flowers, and Sailor Moon

peanut butter:

favorite academic subject?

AP Biology is the most wonderful subject to ever exist, I looovved it

black raspberry:

do you have any pets?

A DOGGO WHO I LOVE MORE THAN THIS PLANE OF EXISTENCE

mango:

when and why did you start your blog?

When: July 2016

Why: Literally a whim after you told me to, Maia

mocha:

ideal weather conditions?

THUNDERSTORMS ARE HELLA FUN

black cherry:

four words that describe you?

Spontaneous, sensitive, small, and sordid

neapolitan:

things that stress you out?

Everything I get stressed when people tell me I need to fix something, when I’m separated from people I care about, when I’m in a room with strangers, when a room is really cold and has harsh lighting, when I’m walking down a narrow bright hallway, when I suddenly feel detached from my surroundings for absolutely no reason, when I lie awake in bed for hours trying to sleep but being distracted by thoughts, and when my shoes don’t fit properly.

raspberry truffle:

favorite kind of music?

I love Chopin’s Nocturnes, they awaken my inner witch, but I also love ACDC and assorted rock bands, as well as Tori Amos-esque pop, so my taste is kind of all over the place

chocolate marshmallow:

favorite brands of candy?

I love Cadbury chocolate since it’s literally all milk & sugar. Lindt truffles are universally acknowledged as heavenly, and Kit-Kats are pretty great. I’m not really a fan of hard candy, but blue raspberry Jolly Ranchers are cool.

toffee:

a card game that you’re good at?

Um. None of them? Maybe those memory games, I guess.

lemon custard:

do you eat breakfast?

I do! I’m usually STARVING in the morning, so I’ll have a bowl of cereal or toast, nothing too heavy. If I’m not hungry that early, I might have a fancier brunch later, like waffles or pancakes.

dark chocolate:

turn ons?

Oh my god. Um. Long, luxurious curls are pretty hot. As well as nice lips. Uhh, I like pretty clothes too?

fudge:

turn offs?

A lack of hygiene, definitely. Also, being nasty and a just plain awful person are clearly turn offs.

peach:

how do you relax?

Two words: I don’t. But, I do try to drink tea and take long baths, they sort of help.

praline:

a popular book you haven’t read yet?

The rest of the TMI series. I read book one, was severely put off by the incest, the blehhh writing, and the annoying protagonist, and never picked up another one.

superman:

do you like sweaters?

OH MY GOD I LOVE SWEATERS SO MUCH YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND ONE OF THE REASONS I HATE SUMMER SO MUCH IS BECAUSE I CAN’T WEAR SWEATERS.

cherry:

do you drink tea or coffee?

Both! But I prefer tea for the taste. If I’m really tired, though, I might have coffee.

dulce de leche:

an instrument you wish you could play?

I really want to learn how to play the violin! It sounds so beautiful, and it’s an instrument I can actually bring with me places. Pianos are a little difficult to carry around.

blackberry:

have you ever laughed so hard you cried?

SO MANY TIMES!! I laugh all the time, at anything, and then end up laughing so hard I cry ;v;. It’s really a problem when I’m wearing mascara!

ginger:

a new feature you wish tumblr could have?

Hmm, I think that NOT MESSING UP YOUR PLACE ON A BLOG WHEN YOU TRY TO REBLOG SOMETHING WOULD BE A GREAT FEATURE, NO???

blueberry lemon:

favorite blogs?

I GUESS that I’ll have to go with @lareinedelapoubelle (this is coercion i did not add her in of my own will i swear it), @a-million-stories, @space-rocks-trash-bin, @dracos-at-pigfarts, @astrae, @thebootydiaries, @pjoisboss, @writing-prompt-s, @zephyrine-gale, @norindraws, @astrorhea, @normal-horoscopes, @qiu-jin, @mysticmessengerincorrectquotes, @anyway-i-love-vanderwood, @lizard-is-writing, @missthingmessenger, @promiscuous-jalapeno, @cuipid, @artcemis, @myetie, @aquariumprincess23, @caffeinewitchcraft, and @jintii (I LOVE ALL OF YOU YOU’RE SO WONDERFUL ❤❤❤)

almond:

favorite mean girls quote?

WE SHOULD TOTALLY JUST STAB CAESAR!!!

butterscotch:

what color are your nails right now?

They are currently a sienna-reddish-brown.

cinnamon:

have you ever been confessed to?

Nope.

blue moon:

have you ever had a crush on someone?

Yep.

cappuccino crunch:

do you take naps?

Nahh, I can never sleep during the day even when I need it.

mint:

the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done?

I once tripped going up the stairs at a family friend’s house, and found myself rolling sideways from the top of the staircase I had just walked all the way back down. Unfortunately, I have still not lived that down.

brownie batter:

do you like sushi?

Yeah, it’s pretty great!

key lime:

where do you want to be right now?

In a tangled affair with a balding French Canadian waiter named Lemon. He kisses my hand, and we run away across the seas into eternal darkness.

red velvet:

do you wear prescription glasses?

I wear prescription colored contacts, so technically, I guess.

green tea:

favorite flavors of ice cream?

Cookie dough is love, cookie dough is life. I also love vanilla fudge swirl and birthday cake.

[batterymonster2021]

The Science of Flirting: Being a H.O.T. A.P.E. | Jean Smith | TEDxLSHTM

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/the-science-of-flirting-being-a-h-o-t-a-p-e-jean-smith-tedxlshtm/

The Science of Flirting: Being a H.O.T. A.P.E. | Jean Smith | TEDxLSHTM

Translator: Queenie Lee Reviewer: Ivana Korom Let me ask you whatever. Have you ever ever been in a hindrance where you’ve gotten asked your self the next question: is that this individual, is this character flirting with me? Snapshot the scene: you are at a buddy’s social gathering. You sashay into the kitchen due to the fact we all know that’s where the enjoyable is. And also you see an attractive stranger getting a drink fill up from a field of wine. Your buddy’s a student. And so that you get a drink refill, and you say anything hilarious to the appealing stranger. Attractive stranger laughs. Just right for you. And then for the following few minutes there may be some eye contact, extra speakme. However then after a few minutes you start considering, ‘is that this character flirting with me?’ Sound familiar, any one? See the character sitting subsequent to you, it is happened to them.The man or woman in entrance of you, it’s occurred to them. You see this is a universal conundrum. However no extra! When you consider that within the next ten minutes i’ll let you know the signs of flirting and under no circumstances again will you marvel: is that this character flirting with me? I am Jean Smith. I am a social anthropologist who reports flirting, a flirtologist, if you will. Now, as a flirtologist, I do study, I write books, I supply talks. And that i work with customers each personal and corporate, all with the purpose of helping people to come to be higher flirts. So i will be able to see a few of you sitting there, you are thinking, ‘particularly!? Is that this critical? I mean instructing men and women how one can flirt?’ yes. (Laughter) yes, it is. I have been doing this for over a decade.And if the question – is this person flirting with me – was once preferred then, it is now all people-desires- to-take-it-to-promenade fashionable for the reason that over the last decade the way in which that we flirt has transformed dramatically. Persons are relying increasingly on digital approaches of speaking. However let’s face it, an emoji with its tongue protruding, it is best going to get you so far.At some point, you’re going to must meet in person. Unless of course, you’re a eastern male, and in that case, you could go on to marry your video game lady friend: Rinko. In order part of my quest to aid men and women become better flirts, I did research. I went to the cities of London, new york, Paris and Stockholm, and i researched the flirting behaviour of its inhabitants.And i located there have been six things that they all had in customary. Six approaches that they could sign they were flirting and understood when any individual was once flirting with them. And i teach this as H.O.T.-A.P.E. (Laughter) it can be the six indicators – it’s an acronym for the six indicators of flirting. So what if I have been to assert to you: ‘You must be a parking ticket considering the fact that you have got received "nice" written far and wide you.’ Would you snort? Good, ‘H’ is for humour.Carry your hand in the event you suggestion my funny story used to be humorous. Go ahead, don’t be shy. Good enough, everyone with their hands up, i might entirely date you. (Laughter) good, if my husband weren’t this sort of manipulate freak. But anyway, should you didn’t carry your hands, it can be not a just right healthy. It’s just now not going to work between us. But it’s me, not you. However it is a just right factor given that HOTAPE-ing individuals – it takes time. Does any one right here like studying a excellent novel, looking at an exciting TED talk? Does anybody right here like scan cricket? These things additionally take time, certainly experiment cricket, five days? And that is where humans most of the time get it unsuitable due to the fact they want to attract everybody.However no, you just wish to entice these persons who fit with you. And that is why humour, primarily a shared experience of humour, is rather most important for serving to you to distinguish between your competencies scorching-APEs and squirrel monkeys. I imply, yeah, they may be cute. I’m sure they’ve a first-class persona. However at the finish of the day it can be a squirrel monkey. It’s no sizzling-APE. So ‘O’ is for open body language. Three things to don’t forget. Quantity one, don’t do that. I do know some of you’re guilty of this.I’ve heard it all earlier than, oh, however i’m bloodless, or, this is cozy. Good enough, whiny voice apart, wherein illustration do you wish to have to sizzling-APE me more? Like this? Or like this, right? Not scorching-APE. Sizzling-APE. Number two: be certain your shoulders are dealing with the individual. So now not scorching-APE, not scorching-APE, still no longer hot-APE. Hot-APE. No longer scorching-APE. Hot-APE. Now, the third, that is the important, and i am handiest telling you guys. This is a fairly excellent one. To look if any individual’s , appear on the direction wherein their toes are pointing. So if their toes are pointing at you, a just right sign. If they are sort of out to the part, it means they are planning their escape route. The further away our limbs are from our brain, the harder it is for us to manage them. So, Shakira, i do know you say: the hips do not lie, but the flirtologist is here to say the toes don’t lie. ‘T’ is for touch. Like humour, touch also has a positive physiological response on our body.Now as a general rule, shoulder – it can be a reliable situation to contact. But as you go down the arm in the direction of the fingers, the touch will get extra intimate. That is why I advocate everybody will have to form of faucet the hand and say whatever like: ‘Oh, you’re so funny’, folks look to like that stuff. Oh, another situation that would be excellent to contact can be just right here on the top of the back between the shoulder blades, probably if you are passing via, you could supply a light touch. Now, of the entire flirting signs, humans seem to be wariest about making use of contact. As one in every of my clients stated, ‘well, the opposite signs that you may get away with. However in relation to touch, you are culpable.’ however contact can get you out of the friend zone, and it will probably also show any one that you’re interested. And as long as you don’t forget, i love experiment cricket, it lasts five days, I should not have time to sizzling-APE with every person, then if the man or woman does not respond positively, you can try any one else.’A’ is for awareness. This one might appear apparent. The more concentration any individual is paying you, the extra they like you. However the trouble is as soon as you might be within the interaction, it can be particularly hard to be purpose. Which is why in anthropology, we’ve got a methodology, it’s referred to as participant commentary. And i consider this could be a rather useful instrument for you to use in flirting. It means that you’re collaborating, you are in the interplay, however you’re no longer so in it that you simply can’t detect.So should you had been to, for example, touch and say whatever and see the other individual blushed, it signifies that you are no longer so self-conscious that you just can not realize the result that you’re having on the opposite individual. And that my buddies is when the flirting gets really fun. ‘P’ is for proximity. Now proximity was used in two ways. The primary, if you see any person across the room after which all of the sudden they’re subsequent to your part, this isn’t a coincidence. It way they like what they see they usually must explore additional. The other way proximity used to be used is when you are surely in the interplay, they’re standing nearer than usual. So if you are attracted, excellent. If you are now not, they’re in your space. So the last of the flirting indicators is the principal. Can anyone guess what it’s? Thanks. It’s eye contact. This was the number a method that humans might fully grasp anyone who’s flirting with them and the change between pleasant and flirting.So in flirting eye-contact the gaze occurred more typically. It was once held for an extended period of time, and it used to be extra extreme. So making use of these indicators: humour, open physique language, touch, awareness, proximity, eye contact, that you can appreciate when anybody is flirting with you. And as a general rule, the extra indicators the easier. Now my favourite story of scorching-APE being used within the area was relayed to me via considered one of my customers. She had shared sizzling-APE with all of her pals. And one night time, they went out HOTAPE-ing guys. One in all her friends was once making eye contact with a man at the bar, and she went over and spoke with him. She came again a couple of minutes later, bit dejected, my consumer mentioned, ‘What occurred? What occurred?’ and she’s like, ‘Oh nothing.’ ‘well, did you sizzling-APE him?’ She’s like, ‘Yeah, yeah.’ after which they began going by means of the perimeters: ‘Did you employ humour?’ She’s like ‘Yeah, yeah.’ ‘What about open body language? You didn’t do that such as you frequently do?’ ‘No, no.’ ‘What about touch? Did you touch him? Again, hand.’ ‘Uh, God, I didn’t use touch.’ and then they began laughing, like, ‘good, no marvel.’ And what traditionally might have been a obstacle of dejection or, you understand, feeling bad, it just turned into a enjoyable recreation.And this is the vigor of HOTAPE since it turns flirting into what it will have to be. It’s some thing fun, easy, it’s now not a significant deal. And when we feel about flirting like this, it utterly alterations our paradigm of rejection. And in instances where we’re generally feeling self-mindful or a little nervous, we’ve scientific tools to aid us recollect what to do. And finally, it makes it can be now not about us, it’s a guidelines; it’s a undertaking. It is matters to do as an alternative than how we frequently see flirting which is a stranger’s analysis of our worth. So now you understand the indicators of flirting, and i inspire you to now not simply recognize however be proactive, when you consider that these indicators additionally use so that you can specific interest. And that is my task to you: put out of your mind in regards to the sport, put out of your mind in regards to the principles, be genuine. Take action and go HOTAPE any one. Thank you. (Applause) thanks. .

[heckyeahlolitafashion]

Hi, everyone! As promised, here’s the roundup of questions and comments you all sent in. Thank you very much for celebrating HYLF’s anniversabirthday and making it a very fun one!

Anonymous said to heckyeahlolitafashion:           have you ever tasted sand I don't like sand... It's coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere. @calimorea​ said to heckyeahlolitafashion:           Hello! Thank you for your dedication to the blog! What would you say is the safest site to buy from? Hmm. Well I guess the “safest” would be brand shops like Baby, AP, Meta, etc. I’ve never heard of anyone running into troubles buying straight from the brands. Taobao brands area also pretty reliable, since the site rates shops using user feedback. (Infanta used as an example. The crowns are a good thing.)

Similarly Lace Market has a feedback system that lets a buyer know whether a seller is trustworthy. (User picked off the front page at random.)

Anonymous said to heckyeahlolitafashion:          hey im a mean anon just kidding!!! i love you Haha hello mean anon, thank you!

@mrs-cheese said to heckyeahlolitafashion:           I really love your blog, have been following you for quite a while now. Thanks for running it <3

Thank you for supporting it! @tomanynames​ said to heckyeahlolitafashion:           Happy birthday!! I really love your blog as it helps me keep up to date on what's going on with new brand stuff; what's your fav accessory?

Thank you! My favourite kind of accessory is probably boater hats. They go great with sweet, classic, country, sailor, really tons of styles, and they give off a spring/summer vibe while still being practical. And of course they’re completely adorable! (Pictured: Alice and the Pirates' Rose Lace Boater Hat)

Anonymous said to heckyeahlolitafashion:           happy birthday! and for a question, what made you decide to run a Lolita blog? and what's your fave style of Lolita?

Thank you! Honestly my motivation was pretty simple. I kept seeing lolita fashion posts I wanted to reblog, but my main is pretty much personal and fandom stuff, so I didn’t want it to be overrun with pretty clothes. I decided to make a sideblog to which I could post and reblog lolita to my heart’s content, and four years later I’m pretty much doing the same thing! As for my favourite style, the boater hats may have tipped you off, but I really like country lolita! I love gingham and twintails and straw handbags, plus the whole look just says “spring is here!” Canadian winters can be pretty rough, and seeing gingham pop up in brand shops is like the lolita equivalent of the first robin of spring.

@naminesfriend​ said to heckyeahlolitafashion:           Do you trust dresslily for shopping? Have you ever purchased from there before?

Heck no. When you’re not sure if a shop is reliable, try googling “is [shop name] reliable? In the case of Dresslily, this brings up a Facebook group called “People Scammed By Dress Lily“ and a BBB rating of 1.2. If it sounds like it’s too good to be true, chances are, it is! Stay safe, friends.

Anonymous said to heckyeahlolitafashion:           Hey!! I've been really nervous to start wearing lolita fashion since I'm plus size and more masculine aligned but this blog has motivated me to start to try and sew my own clothing!! I've been really excited since I have some really nice frilly ideas that might look really nice!! I just really wanted to thank you (and the lolita fashion community) for motivating me to be more confident in myself!!! I hope you have a lovely day! 💖💖💖

That’s great, I’m so happy for you! I love when lolita fashion can help people find confidence and look the way they want to look. Lots of luck in your fashionable ventures!

Anonymous said to heckyeahlolitafashion:           What's your personal favorite type/style of lolita fashion? Do you have a favorite brand or favorite line?

Like I mentioned, my favourite style is country, but I also love sailor lolita! Sailor collars are adorable, plus I love how it celebrates the inherent cuteness of sailor uniforms, without getting skeezy like sexy schoolgirl costumes... I hate those, let schoolgirls live. I also love seeing how brands find a new way to approach the substyle every year, with stripes or chiffon or whatever else they can think of. (Pictured: Angelic Pretty's Fairy Marine OP 2014 rerelease)

As for favourite brands, I don’t know if it counts, but I have fond memories of looking through Baby’s shop when I was in high school and didn’t know much about lolita but knew those dresses were beautiful. I loved (and still love) looking at all the details -- the prints, the buttons, the lace... it’s probably what made me fall in love with lolita fashion in the first place! Plus I have to give them props for creating my dream dress!  (Pictured: Baby, the Stars Shine Bright's Paris Window Print JSK II)

Anonymous said to heckyeahlolitafashion:           Not really a question but my sister and I expressed our love of Lolita fashion and she basically said if we ever try to wear it we will be Hurt by guys and slut shamed us saying "only sluts would ever want to wear such cutesy babydoll clothes because even innocent clothes are fetishized and we should know better than that" and it just made me really sad bc we love Lolita and she seems to find something sexual about the most innocent of things :(

This breaks my heart because there is an unfortunate kernel of true in it: No matter what girls and women wear, there will always be someone who assumes we do it for male attention. The only advice I can offer is to hold your head high and feel secure in the knowledge that they are wrong, and quite possibly projecting their own insecurities onto you, which is their problem, not yours. That can be a scary first step, so you may want to start out by wearing lolita to places where it won’t stand out so much, such as meetups and conventions. If you and your sister wear lolita together, it can be an opportunity for you to give each other confidence. If you end up deciding that it’s more trouble than it’s worth, that’s okay too; don’t let anyone shame you for choosing your battles. But I hope that you and your sister can find the confidence to embrace your love of lolita fashion and dress how you want. Good luck! (Pictured: Momiji from Cat Street)

[tatemarkhams]

code of kin

AO3

Summary: “You’re not thinking of tying your blankets together and climbing down your window, are you? Because I can save you some time and tell you now that that’s not gonna work.”

At the sound of Chloe’s voice, Adrien finally turned around. “It looked cool in the movies.” He shrugged, grinning like normal, like he hadn’t gone missing for more than 25 hours and had only been found less than an hour ago. “You’re supposed to be in school.”

And you were supposed to stay at home and not run away but we all do things we shouldn’t, don’t we?

(in which a mother is lost and a promise is made)

Chloé Bourgeois kept a list of all that she had lost in her life. Being the darling daughter of Paris meant that she had more than most people her age had – money, fame, the whole package of a glamorous life – but the amount of things she didn’t have outweighed it all. The recent addition to that open ended list was an unforeseen blow that landed on the wrong side of her metaphorical scales.

  Her mother.

Her father’s attention.

Her endless queue of convenient (friends) acquaintances.

And now, Madame Agreste.

 Even at the age of fourteen, Chloé had the art of suffering down to perfection – like everything she did (and because no less was expected of her). She would throw hissy fits and scream bloody murder over mismatched gold, but discovering that she was being used as a pawn for another one of his father’s political games warranted nothing from her but tight-lipped silence and steely gazes.

 She was used to it.

 But Adrien wasn’t. And Chloé wouldn’t ever want him to get used to it.

 “The young master is not allowed to see visitors today.” A bulky, ape-like man that Chloé had never seen before barred the entrance to Adrien’s bedroom. His size alone was daunting enough, but the no-nonsense expression he wore made him almost threatening. Almost.

 “I’m not a visitor. I’m Adrikins’ best friend. I practically grew up in this house.” Chloé rolled her eyes at him. She was definitely not in the mood for this, not now.

 “I was instructed not to let anyone through.” The man rumbled, the muscles in his face barely moving. At this point, Chloé was wishing she had worn her rings so she could punch the daylights out of him and bolt through the door.

 “I am not just anyone. Don’t you know who I am? You should learn it if you want to keep your job or maybe I should call Papa and make sure you never –“

 “Mademoiselle Bourgeois,” Nathalie appeared at the end of the hallway, tucking that ever-present tablet under her arm as she approached them. “I would appreciate it if you didn’t harass our newly hired staff.”

 Chloé frowned. She could probably count with one hand the number of people who were immune to her intimidation tactics and it just so happened that Nathalie Sancoeur was one of them. Unsurprisingly, Chloé didn’t like her very much and the feeling was mutual. “Tell him to let me in before I punch him in the face then.”

 “Chloé,” Nathalie sighed, regarding her with an uncharacteristically worn-out and pleading look.  “You were informed of Adrien’s safe return so you didn’t have to keep calling the mansion every hour. It wasn’t  so you could come marching down here as soon as you were noted of his arrival.”

 “Oh well, I’m sorry for thinking that Adrikins could use the company of someone who actually cared about him.” She allowed a bit of venom to seep into her words and saw something flicker behind Nathalie’s eyes. There were times she thought that Gabriel Agreste’s assistant may not be as heartless as she seemed.

 “He wishes to be left alone.”

 “He wants you to leave him alone. I’m sure if he knew that his concerned and loving best friend was here, he’d want to see me. ”

 Nathalie said nothing. She only stared at Chloé as if she could will her to go away with her cold gaze.Too bad Chloé was just as good at giving death glares.

  “We both know I’m not leaving until I see him so you might as well let me through this goddamn door before I start breaking something here.” Chloé took a step towards Nathalie who was still staring her down, calculating if it was worth the trouble and the possible damage to have a kicking and screaming teenager escorted out of the premises.

 “Very well then.” Nathalie sighed in defeat, motioning for the ape-man to step away from the door. “He’s still not allowed to go outside his room. Monsieur Agreste’s orders.”

 “Monsieur Agreste’s orders.” Chloé muttered under her breath as she stepped through the door. “What, is he running a prison around here?”

 Adrien had his back to her, standing by the windows with his shoulders slouched as he stared at god-knows-what. He made no movement as the door shut behind Chloé, not even as she made her way across the room and plopped herself on his couch.

 “You’re not thinking of tying your blankets together and climbing down your window, are you? Because I can save you some time and tell you now that that’s not gonna work.”

 At the sound of Chloé’s voice, Adrien finally turned around. “It looked cool in the movies.” He shrugged, grinning like normal, like he hadn’t gone missing for more than 25 hours and had only been found less than an hour ago. “You’re supposed to be in school.”

  And you were supposed to stay at home and not run away but we all do things we shouldn’t, don’t we?

 She swallowed the bitter remark and propped her chin on her hands, batting her eyelashes at him instead. “Oh, Adrikins, I told you I’m the school’s sweetheart. Of course, they’d let me have a little break if I asked.” If asking meant disrupting an ongoing class by causing a scene and engaging her teacher in a screaming match until they let her go, then yes, she did ask. “By the way, since when was the gorilla part of your staff?”

 “ Gorilla ?”

 “The huge man by the door that looks like a gorilla? Tried to keep me from entering until I taught him a lesson and showed him just who he’s dealing with here.”

 Adrien frowned at this. “Oh. He was part of the team Father hired to search for me. He’s also my bodyguard now that Father’s keeping a tighter leash on me so I won’t ever go that far again. Not like I’d want to, anyway.”

 “I haven’t heard the exact details yet.” Chloé tilted her head up to look at him with curiosity. “How far did you go?”

 “Compiègne, I think. The Gorilla found me sitting on some random park bench there.” Adrien dropped on the couch beside her, and Chloé was just a little pleased that he stuck with the nickname she gave her bodyguard. “I got there on foot from here. Father almost gasped when he heard. Aren’t you impressed?”

 “Impressed? Annoyed is more like it.” Chloé scoffed, swinging her legs and resting them on Adrien’s lap as she stretched over the couch. “I’m getting tired just from listening to you talk about how much you walked. Seriously, Adrikins, what were you thinking?”

 Any last bit of pretend amusement that Adrien held suddenly fell, replaced by a look of so much yearning and vulnerability that it was like a punch to Chloé’s gut. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I just…I really miss her.”

 She knew this, of course. Chloé had never known the love of her mother but she had known the warmth of Adrien’s. She had dressed Chloé in pretty dresses and told her and Adrien stories of enchanted creatures and superheroes. It was Madame Agreste who cared for her when Chloé was only a child and her father was too busy building his political career to raise her himself.

 More than her own mother’s (who Chloé only knew from her father’s stories), Madame Agreste’s disappearance had made it harder to keep up appearances and carry on like nothing was wrong with her. But she managed.

 When she didn’t say a word, Adrien took a deep breath and met her eyes. “It’s been a week, Chloé. And I just couldn’t sit here like Father and do nothing. I didn’t know where to find her, I didn’t even know where to begin. All I knew was that I hated feeling useless here.”

 “So your solution was to leave without a trace and disappear just like she did?”

 Adrien flinched at her words but Chloé didn’t have it in her to feel regretful. “I-I didn’t think of it like that. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry any of you and cause trouble.” Then the look on his face was heartbreaking, and it was so wrong, so unjust of the world because Adrien, who was always nice and good, didn’t deserve to look like that now or ever.

 Chloé exhaled. “Oh well, since I am so very kind, I suppose I can forgive you.” She kicked her leg up, nearly hitting Adrien square in the nose as she tried to sit up. Leaning on Adrien’s side, Chloé clung to his arm and looked up at him sweetly. “But only if you agree to a sleepover.”

 “What? Right now?” Adrien blinked at her.

 “Mhm.” Chloé hummed, reaching for the phone in her pocket. “I’ll call my butler and have my things sent over here. We can watch anime and you can do my hair and paint the nails on my right hand. It’ll be just like the old times.”

 Adrien suddenly looked like he was miles away. “Just like the old times, huh?”

 Neither of them mentioned the fact that the old times also consisted of Adrien’s mother assisting them on their pranks on Gabriel, building blanket forts with them, and tucking them both to bed. The knowledge of it already hung too heavy in the air without needing to be spoken of.

 “Alright.” Bumping her knee with his, a smile formed on Adrien’s face – the first real one Chloé has seen since she arrived.

 “Alright, then.”

 In less than thirty minutes, every corner of Adrien’s room was cluttered with Chloé’s stuff – her pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and a surprising amount of clothes for a one-night sleepover. It didn’t take much to convince Gabriel Agreste to let her stay overnight although he had never been much of a fan of hers. Chloé presumed there was some comfort in knowing his son  at least wouldn’t try and run away again at night when he had a guest to entertain.

 They watched anime, like she said. Some kind of magical girl show that Adrien absolutely adored and Chloé found silly. Then again it had always been her role to mock the absurdity and make loud commentary while Adrien shushed her and defended his shows.

  “Why did I suggest this again? This is so dumb. Why would there be an egg inside their hearts?”

  “Because you love me. And shush, Chloé, it’s their hopes and dreams!”

  “They look the same with or without their costumes! How come no one ever recognizes them?”

  “Don’t question it. It’s magic, Chlo. Magic.”

  “It’s stupid is what it is.”

 They sat together on the floor with their backs against the foot of the couch as Chloé tried to achieve some sense of normalcy by throwing a handful of popcorn at the TV during the cheesiest parts like she always did.

 It was a good distraction. Even if it only lasted for a little while.

 Much later, Chloé found herself taking advantage of Adrien’s indulgent mood by painting his nails the gaudiest color of nail polish she had – neon green so bright that they almost glowed in the dark. She was halfway through Adrien’s second hand when he wondered out loud, “Why do you think she left?”

 She paused for a moment, seriously considering the question before going back to the task at hand. “My best guess? She realized how horrible your father’s hair was and ran for the hills before it contaminated her.”

 “Chloé.” Adrien whined, wiggling the hand Chloé was painting. “I’m being serious.”

 Glaring at him, Chloé smacked his hand to stay still. “So am I. You’re so lucky you have her hair. You’ll never have to look like you have the butt of a duck sticking out of your empty head.

 That made Adrien laugh, at least. Then he went quiet again, going back to that dangerous train of thought and Chloé contemplated if breaking his fingers would make him stop thinking for a moment.“I guess I never thought she’d wake up one day and leave without so much as a goodbye. I always thought we were happy here, you know? Now I feel stupid for thinking that was going to last forever.”

 She couldn’t help the sudden flare of hatred she felt for Adrien’s mother for leaving. Because how could she. How could she do this to Adrien.

 It would have been fine if it was just her. She was aware of her own flaws – how selfish and cruel she could be to people. There was only so much she could get away with before the hand of the universe struck and punished her. And if her retribution was Madame Agreste leaving only her, she would have said nothing and suffered in silence.  Because she would have deserved it.

 But not Adrien. Because Adrien had a heart of gold and had been nothing but selfless and had only ever wanted to be with his family.

 “Of course, it wasn’t going to last forever, you idiot. Because we’re going to grow up and get married and live happily ever after. Can you imagine how beautiful our children are going to be?” Chloé sang as she finished the last of Adrien’s nails, looking appreciatively at her handiwork from a distance.

 “We’re fourteen!” Adrien exclaimed, taking his hand back to blow a breath on the wet nail polish. “And besides, you don’t even like me like that!”

 “So? What does that matter?”

 Adrien looked at her like she had just grown a second head. “It matters because you should marry someone you’re in love with.”

 Chloé made a face at him, bluntly reminded that Adrien lived and breathed the romance movies he liked to watch. “Blech, whatever. I’ll convince you someday.”

 With a drawn out sigh, Chloé collapsed beside him, taking one of the stuffed animals she brought and burying half of her face in it.

 “Adrien?” Chloé spoke quietly without looking at him. Her eyes were somber as they stared up at the ceiling, and Adrien knew that whatever she was about to say next was going to be  important. “Promise you won’t go looking for her on your own again. If you ever do plan on running away, I’ll go with you. But don’t leave me here alone, okay?”

 Adrien watched Chloé hardly move, so dead serious and so not Chloé-like that it was almost comical. “Only if you don’t spend the whole way complaining about what the humidity does to your hair.”

 “Please. You underestimate me.” Chloé huffed, waving a finger in his face and running her free hand down her hair to prove her point. “Not even the humidity can ruin my perfect hair.”

 “Yeah, right. Bet you wouldn’t make it an hour without calling your dad and asking him to take you home.”

 “Bet he wouldn’t even notice I was gone until I actually called for rescue.”

 There was a long pause after that. Because this was their reality now. They were a couple of spoiled, rich, and unhappy kids stuck in shitty and hopeless family issues.

 It was Adrien who broke the silence with one word. “Okay.”

 “Okay?” Chloé asked, observing him from her peripheral vision.

 “Yeah, I promise.” Adrien gave her an apologetic smile. “I promise I won’t run away again.” With that, Chloé felt the heavy weight lifted off of her chest because Adrien never ever broke his promises. And all she wanted from him was to not leave her like everyone else did.

 “Good.” Chloé said, lying on her side so she could look at him properly. “Because I can’t be the left here as the only remaining incredible person in Paris. That’s too much pressure even for someone as fantastic as me.”

 “I’m sure you wouldn’t be the only one. What about your friend from school, Sabrina?” Adrien raised his eyebrows at her.

 Chloé frowned. “Sabrina’s fine most of the time but all she does is agree with everything I say. That’s no fun.”

 Adrien laughed to himself. “Looks like I’ve got my work cut out for me, then. You can count on me to disagree with you all the time.”

 “Not all the time!” Chloé glared at Adrien, taking out her frustrations on a stuffed animal by throwing it so far across the room that it hit the windows. “Agh, Marinette already does that and it’s so annoying! We don’t need more than one of her in this world!”

 “Marinette?”

 As if the very mention of the name grated on her nerves, Chloé’s eyes narrowed into slits. “Yeah, that girl from class that’s always contradicting all my best ideas just because they’re so much better than hers!”

 “What best ideas?” Adrien was grinning cheekily at her.

 Her annoyance shifting from the girl in her class to Adrien, Chloé kicked him lightly in the shin which only made Adrien laugh harder. “Adrikins, you’re a darling but I’m going to kick you off your own bed.”

 “I’m kidding, I’m kidding.” Retreating to his side, Adrien turned over, mirroring the way  Chloé rested on the bed. “Tell me more. About school. What’s it like?”

 It was always something he asked her, but it used to be a question made in passing - just an idle wonderment for Adrien. It seemed much more now, the way he asked it with eagerness in his eyes like the experience was something he wanted to know firsthand.

 She both dreaded and awaited the day that Adrien would attend public school. There was no doubt in her mind that he would love it - meeting new people, making friends, and maybe even homework because he was an absolute nerd.

 But Chloé was selfish. She knew that the day Adrien started school could mean the possible end of their friendship, or at least the way there were now. It wasn’t only that she didn’t want to share him. It was that she knew she would drive him away because the way she was in school and the way the was when she was at the Agreste household were the worst and the best versions of Chloé Bourgeois respectively.

 For now, she fed his curiosity by telling him stories of how everyone in her class loved her, and how she had been class president for three consecutive years, and how many gifts she gets every year from her classmates on Valentine’s Day.

 Beside her, Adrien listened intently, hanging on to every word of her half-truths like it was his lifeline.

 It was then that Chloé decided that she would be keeping that list of all that she’s lost in her life for a long time. It wasn’t a big deal. She was used to it, after all.

  Her mother.

Her father’s attention.

Her endless queue of convenient acquaintances.

Madame Agreste.

 Her list was open-ended, always awaiting the next addition to the record. But Chloé would fight heaven and hell to make sure Adrien Agreste never ever became a part of it.

[ancientbooshartifacts]

Wasted Early Sunday Mornings

Author: Thymeth

Year: 2006

Rating: PG-13

Pairing: Julien/Noel, Spider/Rudi, Neon/Ultra, Chris/Sue/Dee, Naboo/Bollo, Rich/Matt, Howince, Naboo/Saboo

The toast fell from his hand and landed, buttered-side down, on the floor. "Fuck!" Julian shouted and stomped on the bread with all his might, "Fucking cunt! You bastard! I hate you, I hope you die and burn in hell, you son of a cunt!" "Julian!" Noel exclaimed and pinned Julian's arms to his side and pulled him away from the mess of dead crumbs and butter on the floor, "Come on, let's go back to bed. Today's not your day. Come on." Julian slumped against him and let Noel steer him back into the bedroom and under the sheets. Noel crawled in next to him and tried, unsuccessfully as always, not to smile at Julian's frown. "Oh, come here, you big baby," he said and pulled Julian closer so that his head rested on his shoulder. "You care too much," Julian mumbled misty-hot against Noel's neck, "It isn't healthy." "Yeah, I love you too, Ju," Noel smiled and gave Julian a kiss on the forehead. But Julian's words whispered in Noel's ears still. Could that be why his health was so fragile? Was it possible to care too much? * The toast fell from his hand and landed, buttered-side down, on the floor. "Pah! I hate this foreign food!" Spider exclaimed and bent down to pick up the mess, "Why we not eating proper food, eh?" "Because we are in another culture," Rudi answered, glancing distastefully at Spider who was munching on the toast, "We will embrace it completely." "Yeah, but Rudi, y'know," Spider said, "We're only here a week, why the big fuss, eh? Why can't we teach them about our culture? Old Spider Dijon will teach everyone Spider lovin' technique, eh?" "English ladies do not care for such base matters," Rudi said, wrinkling his nose at the tasteless tea, "They walk on moors and wear frocks and sip this tepid stuff, not prance about with wild men like you." He pushed the teacup away, the bitter taste still heavy in his mouth like stale alcohol. "England, bah!" Spider said and buttered another piece of toast, "They don't understand us, y'know. It's all Marillion and Led Zeppelin. No-one understand bongo-magic." Rudi opened his mouth to retaliate but was interrupted by a peel of bells ringing from just outside the window. "What in the name of Santana's balls is that?!" Spider exclaimed, clutching his ears, dropping his second piece of toast to the floor. "Church bells," Rudi said, remembering vague tales about foreign religions, "Come, Spider Dijon, Bongo Brothers are going to Church!" "Y'know, Rudi," Spider said as they left the church an hour or so later, "That Virgin Mary, she wouldn't be such a prude if she knew Bongo Brothers, eh?! Spider Dijon'll show her Spider lovin' any day!" * "The toast fell from his hand and landed, buttered-side down, on the floor," Neon said, "And because he thought I wasn't looking, he just picked it up and began eating it just like that without realising it was covered in dirt." Ultra couldn't breathe for giggling so hard. "That's priceless," she stuttered, wiping her eyes, "Too funny." But Neon was no longer smiling. Ultra glanced tentatively over to her lying there next to her in the bed. "Something wrong?" she asked. "You," Neon said quietly, her voice gripping Ultra's stomach painfully, "You're... I don't know. You're... too good to me." "And that's a bad thing...?" Ultra tried, unsure where this was going. "You never mind," Neon said, her face turned to the ceiling, refusing to meet Ultra's eyes, "No matter what I do, no matter who I do, you always welcome me back. You always forgive." "Shouldn't I...?" Despite the warm sheets, Ultra's skin was crawling with icy prickles, the hair at her neck standing on end against Neon's words. Neon turned suddenly to her. "It's as if you actually care, as if you actually like me." "That's because I do," Ultra said, not quite finding her voice, "I love you." "What do you know about love?" Neon scoffed, trying to hide a tiny smile from escaping. "I know nothing," Ultra answered, "Except this." And she pushed Neon back into the pillows and kissed her. * The toast fell from his hand and landed, buttered-side down, on the floor. "Merde!" Chris exclaimed and threw his arms in the air. "Chris..." Sue said with a sigh. "Mais," he said, turning to her, "Le pain est dans le... le..." "Le pain grillé est par terre," Dee said, not looking up from her cornflakes, "Speak properly or not at all." "Fauque oeuf," Chris answered with a sarcastic smile. "I'm sure there are eggs in the fridge," Dee answered, still not looking up, "You want maman Delia to cook you one, mon petit?" Chris gave her the finger and turned to tidy up his mess. "Why, exactly, is Chris speaking French?" Noel asked Sue. Brunch at the Corner/Denim residence was always an interesting affair, but today, when he understood less than half of the conversation, he couldn't help but feel a little left out. "We're going to France, he wants to talk French, I don't know," Sue answered. "I think it's kinda sweet," Dee said, again without looking up. "Yeah, but you don't have to live with it twenty-four seven," Sue answered, " 'Sue, ma chérie' is sweet, 'Sue, je veux mon petit déjeuner maintenant', not that sweet." "Yeah, but why?" Noel asked again, "Can't you get around with English?" "Je veux parle le Français... er... when... je suis en Paris," Chris said, now fiddling with a new piece of toast, "I want to blend in." The three at the table looked at each other quizzically a moment before speaking at the same time. "You'll never blend in," Dee said. "That's just silly," Sue said. "You don't want to blend in," Noel said. "I do," Chris said, "Je... je..." He turned pathetically to Dee. "Oh, get a fucking dictionary," she answered. * The toast fell from his hand and landed, buttered-side down, on the floor. "Pick that up for us, Bollo, would you?" Naboo said off-handedly as he reached up for a plate in the cupboard over the sink. But no heavy footsteps could be heard and no gruff grunt of mock-annoyance. Naboo turned and looked around the tiny kiosk. "Bollo? Bollo, where are you?" Well, he'd have to pick up his toast himself then! So much for having a familiar around. Naboo huffed as he sat down and ate his toast-and-marmalade. Where was Bollo? He was supposed to be here. Loitering around the lemur cage, no doubt, or eyeing up the pandas. Naboo had always suspected Bollo had a perverted side to him. Bollo had not yet turned up when Naboo finished off his tea, and Naboo was getting more and more annoyed with every second that passed. He dumped the dishes in the sink and marched out into the sunshine to find Bollo and give him a ruddy good piece of his mind! But Bollo was not by the lemur cage. Nor in the panda hutch. As a last resort, and angrier than ever, Naboo stomped over to Bollo's cage. And found Bollo sitting as if nothing was up on some hay in the corner. "Bollo!" Naboo snapped as he slammed the door behind him with a loud bang, "Do you know English?! Do you understand the meaning of the word 'familiar'?! You're supposed to be at my side, helping me, not sitting around here on your fat arse all day." "Bollo not talking to you," Bollo answered and crossed his arms and turned away. "Oh yes, you are," Naboo said, "I'll have no more nonsense out of you, you dust bunny. Come here and help me wash my floors." "Bollo not coming," Bollo said, "Bollo ill." "You're not ill, stop being stupid." "Bollo almost died." "You didn't." "Bollo did," Bollo said and turned, frowning, to Naboo, "And Naboo not even visit him. Naboo just smoke hookah with boyfriend." "I..." Naboo stuttered, "What?!" "Only Vince care for Bollo," Bollo said, his voice quieter now, "Vince look after Bollo, feed him grapes. Naboo just party-party. Bollo not want to be Naboo's familiar." If gorillas could cry, this was when Bollo would have been repressing tears, Naboo suddenly thought. He had never imagined that a noble creature like Bollo could look so pathetic, his whole body sagging with unhappiness. A stab of guilt ran through him and he forgot his anger instantly. "Look, Bollo, I'm sorry," he said, taking a step closer, putting his hand on Bollo's shoulder, "I didn't know you were that ill, I thought it was just a cold or something." "Gorillas not catch cold," Bollo answered sullenly, "We apes, not humans." "I'm sorry," Naboo said again, "I didn't know, Vince never told me how serious it was." "You not blame Vince!" Bollo interrupted fiercely, "Vince good nurse, Vince feed Bollo grapes." "No, no, of course I'm not blaming Vince," Naboo said, forcing himself not to back away, "It's my fault. And I'm sorry. Won't you stay on as my familiar? Please?" "Will Naboo give Bollo grapes?" Bollo asked gruffly. "Of course, all the grapes you want." "And Naboo not smoke hookah when Bollo in danger?" "No more hookah," Naboo said. He hated to give it up, but right now he needed Bollo back. As long as he didn't smoke it in Bollo's presence he didn't have to give it up completely, did he? "Naboo still smoke hookah," Bollo said, looking up, eyes twinkling, "Bollo not mind hookah; hookah make Naboo happy. When Naboo happy, Bollo happy." "So you'll stay on as my familiar, then?" Naboo asked tentatively. "Yes," Bollo said solemnly and Naboo couldn't help smiling down at him. "Oh, brilliant," he said, "Come on back to the kiosk and I'll see if I can't find you some grapes." They left Bollo's cage and wandered back towards Naboo's kiosk. "Oh," Naboo said without thinking as they entered the tiny building, "There's some butter and crumbs on the floor, could you be a doll and tidy it up?" How lucky for Naboo that he bent down to pick up something from under a chair just then or else he might have been hit by that saucepan Bollo somehow managed to drop all the way to the other side of the room. * " 'The toast fell from his hand and landed, buttered-side down, on the floor.' Why is this bit suddenly in past tense?" "Because I can't spell...?" "I can't see the comedy in toast falling to the floor." "It scurries away?" "This isn't 'The Young Ones', Noel; inanimate objects don't just suddenly come alive." "Strike it?" "Strike it." * The toast fell from his hand and landed, buttered-side down, on the floor. Overtaken, mind numb. Too hot. Too constricted. Too...gentle. Nails aching to scratch their pain into something. Scratch and dig further, every touch soothingly violent, wrists jerking, muscles itching to flex past breaking-point. "What the hell happened to you?" Matt said. Dirt-flowers blue and brown spread out like bullet wounds on a target. Blood-red bite marks fading in the harsh daylight. Ugly. Raw. Physical proof of unbridled lust turned sadistic. "What?" Rich asked, slug-slow as always. Silent screams. Pain limpens and excites: stealing the life from one, forcing it into the other. Overcome, uncontrollable, hateful. Clawing past life, into sinew and bone, never close enough. "That, you fool! Why are you all covered in bruises?" Arching, clasping, tightening. Dying. Breathless lungs fighting for stale air. Fingers twisting through skin, knees weak. Higher. Faster. Pain and pleasure tangled together inseparable, never-ending. The world a blur, nothing to do but hold on tight, never fall. Closer, closer. "Oh, that," Rich said and looked down his naked chest almost with a hint of pride, "That's just last night. You did that, remember?" * The toast fell from his hand and landed, buttered-side down, on the floor. Vince glanced over to Howard. Damn! He had seen. "You know," Vince said casually, "In Papua New Guinea they say that butter on the floor will bring good luck to everyone in the house..." "I don't care," Howard said, "Tidy it up." "Oh, Howard," Vince pouted, purposefully ignoring the mess on the floor, "Don't you love me?" "You're not going there, Juliet," Howard answered, "I'm not tidying it up for you, you can do that yourself." "I thought you loved me," Vince said and gingerly picked up the toast between thumb and forefinger, "You're horrid, Howard. I don't think you care for me one bit." Vince continued his low-key muttering as he threw the toast away and dug out an old rag to wash the floor with. And with every almost-inaudible syllable, Howard's heart sank a little bit further. Vince was on his hands-and-knees when Howard could take it no more. "Oh, give it here," he said, getting down on the floor next to Vince and taking the rag from him, "I'll do it, you parasite." "Oh cheers, Howard!" Vince beamed, watching as Howard cleaned up the butter and crumbs, "You do love me after all." "But I'm not doing it again," Howard said as he got up again, "That's the last time, ok?" "Ok, I promise," Vince said and threw his arms around Howard's neck and kissed him, "I love you, Howard!" And yet Howard couldn't help recalling how Vince had made that exact same promise just less than three days ago... * The toast fell from his hand and landed, buttered-side down, on the floor. Had this been any other occasion, Saboo would have just picked it up and brushed it off and served it. But not this morning. It would mean he would have to spend another few minutes in the kitchen. He didn't want to; he so longed to go back to the bedroom. But it couldn't be helped. Breakfast had to be perfect. He waited impatiently for the bread to darken in the toaster. He was a shaman of the highest order and yet he had to make toast the human way. Where was the sense in that?! How humans managed to stand around all day just waiting for toast to toast he couldn't understand. They must be thick as fuck, just accepting it all. Finally it was finished and Saboo buttered it and put it on the plate, careful not to drop it this time. He picked up the tray and made his way quietly towards the bedroom. But the closer he came, the stronger that terrible nagging sensation grew in his stomach. What if the bed was empty? What if he had been abandoned, again? What if all those sweet, sweet words last night had only been empty sounds. What if it had all been a dream, what if it was all just in his mind? Was he going crazy...? He reached the bedroom door and opened it slowly, ready for any scenario, prepared for the worst. But on the bed, spread-eagle on his stomach, dark hair slightly ruffled, lay a perfectly alive little shaman, still sleeping peacefully. Saboo put the tray down on the bed-side table and sat down on the bed, letting his fingers glide across soft skin. "Naboo," he whispered and watched as dark eyes opened and smiled up at him, "I made you breakfast."

[frontstreet1]

Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in Stanley, N.M. is shown Monday, July 8, 2019. Epstein is entangled in two legal fights that span the East Coast, challenging his underage sexual abuse victims in a Florida court hours after he was indicted on sex trafficking charges in a separate case in New York. (KRQE via AP)

FILE – In this July 30, 2008, file photo, Jeffrey Epstein, center, appears in court in West Palm Beach, Fla. The wealthy financier pleaded not guilty in federal court in New York on Monday, July 8, 2019, to sex trafficking charges following his arrest over the weekend. Epstein will have to remain behind bars until his bail hearing on July 15. (Uma Sanghvi/Palm Beach Post via AP, File)

In this Monday, July 8, 2019 photo, Michelle Licata, right, and Courtney Wild, left, leave federal court after wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein appeared for his arraignment in New York. Licata and Wild, two of Epstein’s accusers, say they feel empowered after he was charged with sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. Epstein pleaded not guilty to the charges and will remain jailed until at least July 15 when a bail hearing is set on the case. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

This March 28, 2017 image provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry shows Jeffrey Epstein. The wealthy financier pleaded not guilty in federal court in New York on Monday, July 8, 2019, to sex trafficking charges following his arrest over the weekend. Epstein will have to remain behind bars until his bail hearing on July 15. (New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP)

In this courtroom artist’s sketch, defendant Jeffrey Epstein, center, listens as Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Rossmiller, right, addresses the court during Epstein’s arraignment, Monday, July 8, 2019 in New York. Epstein pleaded not guilty to federal sex trafficking charges. The 66-year-old is accused of creating and maintaining a network that allowed him to sexually exploit and abuse dozens of underage girls from 2002 to 2005. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

This photo shows the Manhattan residence of Jeffrey Epstein, Monday July 8, 2019, in New York. Prosecutors said Monday, federal agents investigating wealthy sex offender Jeffrey Epstein found “nude photographs of what appeared to be underage girls” while searching his Manhattan mansion. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

This photo shows the Manhattan residence of Jeffrey Epstein, Monday July 8, 2019, in New York. Prosecutors said Monday, federal agents investigating wealthy sex offender Jeffrey Epstein found “nude photographs of what appeared to be underage girls” while searching his Manhattan mansion. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

NEW YORK — Financier Jeffrey Epstein pleaded not guilty this week to sex trafficking charges in a case brought a decade after he secretly cut a deal with prosecutors to dispose of nearly identical allegations.

Epstein is accused of paying underage girls hundreds of dollars in cash for massages and then molesting them at various locations, including homes in Palm Beach, Florida, and New York from 2002 through 2005.

WHO IS JEFFREY EPSTEIN?

Epstein, 66, is a hedge fund manager who came to prominence in 2002 after shuttling former President Bill Clinton and other notables to Africa on his private jet for an AIDS relief mission.

Epstein owns a private island in the Caribbean, homes in Paris and New York City, a New Mexico ranch, and a fleet of high-price cars. His friends have included Clinton and President Donald Trump, both of whom said this week that they haven’t seen Epstein in years and knew nothing of his alleged misconduct.

Under a 2008 non-prosecution agreement, Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges in Florida of soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution. That allowed him to avert a possible life sentence, instead serving 13 months in a work-release program. He was required to make payments to victims and register as a sex offender.

HOW IS THIS CASE DIFFERENT FROM 11 YEARS AGO?

The new case charges Epstein with the federal crimes of sex trafficking and conspiracy, and a conviction could put him in prison for 45 years. The case, which sets the stage for another #MeToo-era trial fraught with questions of wealth and influence, is being brought amid increasing scrutiny of Alexander Acosta, Trump’s labor secretary who oversaw Epstein’s deal while U.S. Attorney in Miami.

Federal prosecutors in New York acknowledged there is some overlap between the Florida and New York cases. It’s not clear how much of the case involves the same acts or accusers; none of the alleged victims were identified in Monday’s indictment.

WHAT IS A NON-PROSECUTION AGREEMENT?

A non-prosecution agreement is essentially a contract between prosecutors and a defendant in a criminal case. It typically entails a list of conditions a defendant must meet in exchange for a promise that he or she won’t be indicted. Unlike typical plea bargains, these agreements are not made public.

For most people, a parallel would be a diversion program for a relatively minor offense, such as misdemeanor marijuana possession. The charges are dropped as long as the defendant meets a series of conditions, such as no further arrests. In Epstein’s case, no federal charges were ever filed in Florida.

HOW DOES THAT AFFECT EPSTEIN’S CURRENT CASE?

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman says it doesn’t. He contends the agreement that spared Epstein from a lengthy sentence a decade ago is binding only on federal prosecutors in Florida, where the deal was made.

Epstein’s lawyers dispute that and call the allegations “ancient stuff.”

There are two parts of the agreement that are at issue.

The first states: “Epstein seeks to resolve globally his state and federal criminal liability….”

The U.S. is carved up into 94 federal judicial districts, each with its own separate federal prosecution office, known as a U.S. Attorney’s office.

In most cases, a non-prosecution agreement only applies to the federal district where a case is being brought, meaning a defendant could still face charges from another district or a wing of the Justice Department.

But Epstein’s lawyers argue that because of the use of the phrase “resolve globally,” the agreement covered all districts.

The second part of the agreement at issue states: ”… on authority of R. Alexander Acosta, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, prosecution in this District for these offenses shall be deferred in favor of prosecution by the State of Florida….”

Prosecutors in New York argue that means the agreement is limited to Florida’s southern district.

WHAT DOES “RESOLVE GLOBALLY” MEAN?

That depends on who’s interpreting it.

The phrase might make you think that the agreement resolves all matters pending or being contemplated anywhere, former federal prosecutor David Weinstein said.

But given the other language in the document, “globally” could be interpreted to mean that only federal prosecutors working for Southern District of Florida and the state of Florida were bound by the agreement.

Fordham law professor James Cohen said the phrasing “Epstein seeks to resolve globally” sounds aspirational and is tempered by the subsequent passage noting Acosta’s authority extended only to the Southern District of Florida.

Federal authorities in New York say they were years away from charging Epstein when the Florida deal was reached — and therefore weren’t contemplating charges at the time. Prosecutor Alex Rossmiller said Monday that the investigation in the new case “began in the Southern District of New York.”

William Sweeney, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York office, added that investigators were driven by facts uncovered through investigative reporting — a reference to the Miami Herald’s three-part series last November on the matter.

COULD THE NEW YORK CASE BE THROWN OUT ON DOUBLE JEOPARDY GROUNDS?

Weinstein said it’s unlikely because Epstein’s guilty plea involved only state crimes, while the current case involves alleged violations federal law.

The U.S. Supreme Court has long held that a defendant can be charged by both state and federal authorities for the same conduct.

WHAT OTHER LEGAL TROUBLE DOES EPSTEIN FACE?

Two of Epstein’s victims sued the federal government years ago claiming the Miami U.S. attorney’s office failed to consult them on his plea agreement, as required under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act.

A federal judge in Florida recently agreed there was a violation but did not rule on whether Epstein’s plea deal and non-prosecution agreement should be thrown out. Federal prosecutors say, essentially, a deal’s a deal and the agreement must stand.

Victims’ attorneys want it changed to at least make possible a new federal prosecution in Florida. That may be moot now that Epstein has been charged with sex trafficking in New York, but the victims’ rights case continues.

In addition, Epstein could lose one of the homes where he’s alleged to have abused the girls. Federal prosecutors in New York are seeking the forfeiture of Epstein’s Manhattan mansion, a seven-story, 21,000-square-foot (nearly 2,000 square-meter) townhouse less than a block from Central Park that’s been valued at about $77 million.

By MICHAEL R. SISAK, JIM MUSTIAN and CURT ANDERSON – July 9. 2019 – 7:25 PM ET

How Epstein’s Secret Deal Could Affect Sex Trafficking Case NEW YORK — Financier Jeffrey Epstein pleaded not guilty this week to sex trafficking charges in a case brought a decade after he secretly cut a deal with prosecutors to dispose of nearly identical allegations.

[bountyofbeads]

Wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein charged with molesting dozens of girls

https://apnews.com/f995d90cbfd943169f74a0dbb3b1eadc

Prosecutors said the evidence included a "vast trove" of hundreds or even thousands of lewd photographs of young women or girls, discovered in a search of his New York mansion.

"This is ancient stuff," Epstein attorney Reid Weingarten said in court, calling the case essentially a "redo" by the government. (TELL THAT TO HIS VICTIMS)

Wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein charged with molesting dozens of girls

By MICHAEL R. SISAK and JIM MUSTIAN | Published 4:15 PM ET | AP |

Posted July 8, 2019 |

NEW YORK (AP) — A decade after they were accused of letting Jeffrey Epstein off the hook, federal prosecutors made another run at putting the billionaire financier behind bars on sex allegations, charging him Monday with abusing dozens of underage girls as young as 14.

The 66-year-old hedge fund manager who once socialized with some of the world's most powerful people was charged in a newly unsealed indictment with sex trafficking and conspiracy and could get up to 45 years in prison.

Prosecutors said the evidence included a "vast trove" of hundreds or even thousands of lewd photographs of young women or girls, discovered in a search of his New York mansion.

Epstein, who was arrested over the weekend as he arrived in the U.S. from Paris aboard his private jet, was brought into court Monday in a blue jail uniform, his hair disheveled, and pleaded not guilty. His lawyers argued that the matter had been settled in 2008 with a plea agreement in Florida involving similar allegations.

"This is ancient stuff," Epstein attorney Reid Weingarten said in court, calling the case essentially a "redo" by the government.

The defendant was ordered jailed for a bail hearing next Monday, when prosecutors plan to argue that the rich world traveler might flee if released.

Epstein was accused of paying underage girls hundreds of dollars in cash for massages and then molesting them at his homes in Florida and New York from 2002 through 2005.

He "intentionally sought out minors and knew that many of his victims were in fact under the age of 18," prosecutors said. He also allegedly paid some of his victims to recruit additional girls.

"In this way, Epstein created a vast network of underage victims for him to sexually exploit in locations including New York and Palm Beach," prosecutors said.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman of New York said that the non-prosecution agreement that spared Epstein from a heavy prison sentence a decade ago is binding only on federal prosecutors in Florida, where the deal was made, not on authorities in New York.

"While the charged conduct is from a number of years ago, it is still profoundly important to the many alleged victims — now young women," Berman said. "They deserve their day in court. We are proud to be standing up for them by bringing this indictment."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Rossmiller said that while there is some overlap between the Florida and New York cases, one of the counts against Epstein is based entirely on New York victims.

Federal authorities said new accusers have come forward since Epstein's arrest, and they urged other possible victims to contact the FBI.

Some of Epstein's accusers welcomed the indictment.

"The news of my abuser's arrest today is a step in the right direction to finally hold Epstein accountable for his crimes and restore my faith that power and money can't triumph over justice," Sarah Ransome said through her lawyer.

Prosecutors in New York are seeking the forfeiture of Epstein's mansion, a seven-story, 21,000-square-foot townhouse less than a block from Central Park. The home, formerly a prep school, is across the street from a home owned by Bill Cosby and has been valued at approximately $77 million.

Epstein, who is unmarried and whose friends have included President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew, was arrested Saturday at an airport in New Jersey, just outside New York City. Prosecutors said they would oppose his release on bail.

"He has enormous wealth. The charges are very serious and carry with them a maximum sentence of 45 years, which to someone of Epstein's age is basically a life sentence," Berman said, "so we think he has every incentive to try and flee the jurisdiction."

Epstein's arrest came amid increased #MeToo-era scrutiny of the 2008 non-prosecution agreement that allowed Epstein to maintain his jet-set lifestyle that includes a Bentley and homes in Paris and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he owns an island.

Under the once-secret deal — overseen by Alexander Acosta, who was the U.S. attorney in Miami at the time and is now Trump's labor secretary — Epstein pleaded guilty to state charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution. He avoided a possible life sentence and served 13 months in jail, during which he was allowed out to go to his office during the day.

The deal also required that he reach financial settlements with dozens of his alleged victims and register as a sex offender.

Acosta has defended the agreement as appropriate, though the White House said in February that it was looking into his handling of the case.

The new charges were brought by the public corruption unit within the U.S. attorney's office in New York, which normally handles cases against politicians. Berman would not comment on why that was so and cautioned against reading anything into it.

Attorney General William Barr declined to comment on Epstein's case and would not say offer an opinion whether federal prosecutors mishandled it initially, saying he has recused himself from the matter.

According to court records in Florida, authorities say at least 40 underage girls were brought into Epstein's Palm Beach mansion for sexual encounters after being recruited around the world.

Some of Epstein's alleged victims have accused Prince Andrew and former Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz with taking part in Epstein's sex ring. Buckingham Palace has vehemently denied any involvement by Andrew, and Dershowitz has accused the victims of lying about him.

The non-prosecution agreement, examined in detail in a series of stories in The Miami Herald, is being challenged in federal court in Florida. A federal judge ruled earlier this year that Epstein's victims should have been consulted under the law about the agreement, and he is now weighing whether to invalidate it.

Federal prosecutors recently filed court papers in the Florida case contending the deal must stand.

"The past cannot be undone; the government committed itself to the NPA, and the parties have not disputed that Epstein complied with its provisions," prosecutors wrote.

___

This story has been corrected to show that the maximum penalty is 45 years in prison.

[kansascityhappenings]

NASA launches InSight spacecraft to Mars to dig down deep

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A robotic geologist armed with a hammer and quake monitor rocketed toward Mars on Saturday, aiming to land on the red planet and explore its mysterious insides.

In this photo privided by NASA, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas-V rocket is viewed with NASA’s InSight spacecraft onboard, Thursday, May 3, 2018, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. InSight, short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, is a Mars lander designed to study the “inner space” of Mars: its crust, mantle, and core (Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP)

In a twist, NASA launched the Mars InSight lander from California rather than Florida’s Cape Canaveral. It was the first interplanetary mission ever to depart from the West Coast, drawing pre-dawn crowds to fog-socked Vandenberg Air Force Base and rocket watchers down the California coast into Baja.

“This is a big day. We’re going back to Mars!” NASA’s new boss, Jim Bridenstine, said following liftoff. “This is an extraordinary mission with a whole host of firsts.”

The spacecraft will take more than six months to get to Mars and start its unprecedented geologic excavations, traveling 300 million miles (485 million kilometers) to get there.

InSight will dig deeper into Mars than ever before — nearly 16 feet, or 5 meters — to take the planet’s temperature. It will also attempt to make the first measurements of marsquakes, using a high-tech seismometer placed directly on the Martian surface.

“That’s the real payoff of this whole mission and that’s still lying ahead of us,” said the mission’s chief scientist, Bruce Banerdt of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

Although fog prevented Banerdt from seeing the liftoff of the $1 billion U.S.-European mission, he heard the roar of the rocket and all the blaring car alarms it set off.

“It was just an incredible moment,” Banerdt told The Associated Press by phone. Despite the challenges still ahead, “I think I can bask in a little bit of satisfaction and just feeling like we really accomplished something today.”

This illustration made available by NASA on March 29, 2018 shows the twin Mars Cube One (MarCO) spacecraft flying over Mars with Earth and the sun in the distance. The MarCOs will be the first CubeSats – a kind of modular, mini-satellite – flown into deep space. They’re designed to fly along behind NASA’s InSight lander on its cruise to Mars. (NASA/JPL-Caltech via AP)

Besides InSight, the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket gave a lift to a pair of mini test satellites, or CubeSats, that are trailing InSight to Mars to serve as a potential communication link. Nicknamed WALL-E and EVE from the 2008 animated movie, the twin briefcase-size spacecraft popped off the rocket’s upper stage in hot pursuit of InSight, as elated launch controllers applauded and shook hands following the morning’s success.

NASA hasn’t put a spacecraft down on Mars since the Curiosity rover in 2012. The U.S., in fact, is the only country to successfully land and operate a spacecraft at Mars. It’s tough, complicated stuff. Only about 40 percent of all missions to Mars from all countries — orbiters and landers alike — have proven successful over the decades.

If all goes well, the three-legged InSight will descend by parachute and engine firings onto a flat equatorial region of Mars — believed to be free of big, potentially dangerous rocks — on Nov. 26. Once down, it will stay put, using a mechanical arm to place the science instruments on the surface.

Banerdt said Mars is ideal for learning how the rocky planets of our solar system formed 4.5 billion years ago. Unlike our active Earth, Mars hasn’t been transformed by plate tectonics and other processes, he noted. InSight might also help explain why some planets — like ours — went on to develop life, while others did not.

Over the course of two Earth years — or one Martian year — NASA expects InSight’s three main experiments to provide a true 3-D image of the interior of Mars. Scientists know Mars has an iron core and a crust, but beyond that, the inside is “basically, completely unknown,” said Banerdt.

This illustration made available by NASA in 2018 shows the InSight lander drilling into Mars. InSight, short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Saturday, May 5, 2018, and land on Mars six months later. (NASA via AP)

The lander is equipped with a seismometer for measuring marsquakes, a self-hammering probe for burrowing beneath the surface, and a radio system for tracking the spacecraft’s position and planet’s wobbly rotation, thereby revealing the size and composition of Mars’ core.

“InSight, for seismologists, will really be a piece of history, a new page of history,” said the Paris Institute of Earth Physics’ Philippe Lognonne, lead scientist of the InSight seismometer.

Problems with the French-supplied seismometer kept InSight from launching two years ago. California was always part of the plan.

NASA normally launches from Cape Canaveral, but decided to switch to California for InSight to take advantage of a shorter flight backlog. This was the first U.S. interplanetary mission to launch from somewhere other than Cape Canaveral.

The fog ruined the view for those gathered at Vandenberg along the central California coast. But it was a marvelous sight farther south. The rocket’s bright orange flame was visible for some time as it arced upward across the dark sky west of greater Los Angeles.

In this undated photo made available by NASA on March 29, 2018, engineer Joel Steinkraus uses sunlight to test the solar arrays on one of the Mars Cube One (MarCO) spacecraft at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. The MarCOs will be the first CubeSats – a kind of modular, mini-satellite – flown into deep space. They’re designed to fly along behind NASA’s InSight lander on its cruise to Mars. (NASA/JPL-Caltech via AP)

Not even two weeks on the job, NASA’s new administrator, Bridenstine, observed the launch on monitors at space agency headquarters in Washington.

“I can’t think of a better way to start my day!” Bridenstine tweeted.

United Launch Alliance’s president, Tory Bruno, also took to Twitter to celebrate. “Next stop: Mars.”

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports http://fox4kc.com/2018/05/05/nasa-launches-insight-spacecraft-to-mars-to-dig-down-deep/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2018/05/05/nasa-launches-insight-spacecraft-to-mars-to-dig-down-deep/

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Did Princess Diana anticipate becoming a #styleicon?

By all accounts, she would have hated the negative feedback loops of Instagram and Twitter. But she certainly knew the power of clothing for personal branding, long before the Kardashians made a fortune from it.

Her meticulous utilization of fashion as messaging, in part, explains the enduring fascination with her style 20 years after her death.

“I suspect there are many aspects to Diana’s continuing iconic status, but a central issue has to be her apparent ability to communicate in personal terms across mass media,” says Jude Davies, a professor of American literature and culture at the University of Winchester, and author of Diana, A Cultural History.

The intensely personal messages coded in her clothing, particularly in tandem with her charitable work, set her apart from the modern-day Angelina Jolies and Madonnas of the world.

“Crucial to this was a sense of not only her own feelings but her own vulnerability,” he says, referencing her well-known insecurities and search for positive reinforcement. “Hence she didn’t come across as patronizing – rather as seeking a genuine positive contact with other human beings.”

Princess Diana’s fashion will be showcased in an exhibit at Kensington Palace. USA TODAY

While still Her Royal Highness, she famously ditched the customary gloves still favored by Queen Elizabeth II — a strategic move that, gasp, allowed skin-on-skin contact with the masses she met at hospitals and homeless shelters. That included people with AIDS during a time when many were treated as lepers.

“That a very fascinating young royal person would do this made, I would say, much more of a difference than a lot of well-intentioned propagandists,” says British author and management consultant Peter York.

Her work advocating for landmine removal further let her ditch the stuffy princess personae, and literally and symbolically roll up her sleeves.

“My favorite image of her, apart from the Mario Testino portraits, is her walking through a minefield in jeans in a white tee shirt. That was so brave, she was a brave person,” says Meredith Etherington-Smith, former creative director of Christie’s International who worked with Diana on the 1997 sale of her dresses at the auction house.

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Princess Diana: Style icon

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Princess Diana used clothing as a powerful communication tool, and 20 years after her death, she’s become an icon as much for her style as her charitable work. Here’s a look at some of her top fashion moments.  JOHN STILLWELL, Associated Press

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Princess Diana: Style icon

But, as Etherington-Smith notes, Diana wasn’t always so keenly dressed. In the early ’80s, she became the poster-child for Sloane Rangers – a portmanteau coined by York and his editor at Harpers & Queen magazine Ann Barr of Sloane Square in the posh Chelsea neighborhood of London and The Lone Ranger. It became short-hand for old money, well-connected types with an affinity for country life, mustard corduroys, lacy collars and general shabby-without-the-chic aesthetic.

“We got her wrong, self-servingly, we got her wrong,” York confesses, noting that he and Barr chose a photo of the princess for the cover of their book The Official Sloane Ranger Handbook. “We had taken it for granted that she would be a nice upper middle Sloane girl in her behavior and of course what she was was a wacky aristocrat with a very firm idea of her own value.”

As she grew into her public roll, and more evidently after her divorce, she was not the wilting English rose.

“She was clearly a lot of times happier with self-made gay entertainers than doing field sports and riding and going to the country,” York says. “And she became this international type.”

John Travolta dances with Princess Diana at a White House dinner in Washington. Her velvet, navy dress was later known as the Travolta Dress. (Photo: AP)

The most famous display of her international glamour came in the form of a blue velvet gown by Victor Edelstein which she wore when dancing with John Travolta at the White House. It sold for $222,500 in the 1997 Christie’s auction, breaking a previous record of $145,000 for a garment, ironically, that Travolta wore in Saturday Night Fever.

“It was like something that might have been made for Queen Alexandra, she just looked beautiful in it,” says Etherington-Smith.

But that personal messaging in her clothing could be calculated, with occasional digs at her ex-husband or the press. The originator of the “Revenge Dress” — Diana showed up to the annual Serpentine Gallery summer party in a short, figure-hugging Christina Stambolian frock on the day Prince Charles was to confess in an interview to having an affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, now the Duchess of Cornwall.

The “Revenge Dress,” by Christina Stambolian, which Princess Diana wore the day Prince Charles was to give an interview about his affair. (Photo: Princess Diana Archive, Getty Images)

“It was quite deliberate,” says Etherington-Smith. “She was very good at obliterating the press, Princess Diana, she was out for the hero shot.”

And the tactic played well to her audience, who loved the perceived slap back against Charles and the confines of the monarchy.

But Diana’s greatest fashion contribution was taking the industry and style seriously in an environment that treated it as frivolous. Though impeccably put together at all times, the royal family had been anti-fashion, implicitly putting it down as air-headed and for the nouveau riche — which Diana changed.

“She was saying this stuff matters, it’s interesting and it matters,” York says. “And that is more important than any single dress she wore.”

PRINCESS DIANA: HER LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACY5 of Princess Diana’s most inspiring quotes | 1:02

Twenty years after Princess Diana’s death, her words, like her legacy, have withstood the test of time. USA TODAY

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PRINCESS DIANA: HER LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACYPrincess Diana’s life behind palace doors | 2:09

Ahead of the broadcast of documentary “Diana: In Her Own Words,” Princess Diana’s former bodyguard Ken Wharfe gives insights into the late princess’ private life, recalling a confrontation with Camilla Parker Bowles. AP

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PRINCESS DIANA: HER LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACYPrincess Diana: A fashion icon for the people | 1:22

Among her many unforgettable qualities, Diana was known for her fabulous style. From ditching her gloves to speaking to the people through her clothing, Diana’s flawless style lives on. USA TODAY

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PRINCESS DIANA: HER LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACYNew Princess Diana photos posted on Twitter | 0:27

Prince Harry and Prince William posted pictures of them with their mother on the Kensington Palace Twitter page.

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PRINCESS DIANA: HER LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACYEarl Spencer says William and Harry didn’t want to walk behind coffin | 1:16

Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, says in a new Radio 4 interview, that Prince William and Harry did not want to walk behind their mom’s coffin. Buzz60

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PRINCESS DIANA: HER LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACYRoyal family to rededicate Princess Diana’s grave on her birthday | 0:28

Prince William, Prince Harry and Kate Middleton are honoring the late Princess Diana almost 20 years after her death. USA TODAY

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PRINCESS DIANA: HER LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACYHarry and Wills remember their mother, Princess Diana | 1:18

The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry spoke about Princess Diana as they presented awards at a ceremony set up in her honor. (May 19) AP

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PRINCESS DIANA: HER LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACYNew exhibition of Princess Diana’s dresses | 1:22

A new exhibition celebrating the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, will open at Kensington Palace in London on Friday, 20 years after her death in a Paris car crash at the age of 36. (Feb. 22) AP

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PRINCESS DIANA: HER LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACYPrincess Diana fashion exhibit | 0:28

Princess Diana’s fashion will be showcased in an exhibit at Kensington Palace. USA TODAY

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PRINCESS DIANA: HER LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACYPrince Harry follows in footsteps of Princess Diana | 1:28

Prince Harry takes up campaign against landmines championed by his late mother, Princess Diana. (April 5) AP

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PRINCESS DIANA: HER LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACY5 things to know about Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ relationship | 1:38

Princess Diana and Prince Charles marriage breakdown has made headlines for decades, but a new book claims that the two were at odds long before they publicly announced their separation. Time

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5 of Princess Diana’s most inspiring quotes

Princess Diana’s life behind palace doors

Princess Diana: A fashion icon for the people

New Princess Diana photos posted on Twitter

Earl Spencer says William and Harry didn’t want to walk behind coffin

Royal family to rededicate Princess Diana’s grave on her birthday

Harry and Wills remember their mother, Princess Diana

New exhibition of Princess Diana’s dresses

Princess Diana fashion exhibit

Prince Harry follows in footsteps of Princess Diana

5 things to know about Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ relationship

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20 years later, Princess Diana’s fashion still transmits messages Did Princess Diana anticipate becoming a #styleicon? By all accounts, she would have hated the negative feedback loops of Instagram and Twitter.

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News Nuggets from Around Disney World

With D23 and various other things (like a visit to Mighty Men of Mouse HQ), I’ve fallen a little behind on the News Nuggets. Now, with only 1 week left for The Great Movie Ride and Universe of Energy, it’s about time to unleash a mega helping of Nuggets before it’s too late. (In a nice move, Disney lifted Annual Passholder Blockout Dates so people could ride them one more time.)

Before we get started, one big item to point out is the expanion of mobile ordering at quick service restaurants that started at Animal Kingdom (yes, you could say it started at Be Our Guest, but that’s a very different process.) Mobile ordering has now rolled out at Magic Kingdom restaurants such as Columbia Harbor House, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, Pecos Bills, and Tomorrowland Terrace; Epcot at Electric Umbrella; Disney Springs at places like D-Luxe Burger; and should be coming to The Studios shortly. (WDW Info has a page they updated with the listings). Disney also announced that there will be no discounts (AP, etc…) during this “launch period”.

Okay, now on to the rest of the News Nuggets:

Disney Debuts Automated Souvenir Vending Machines at Resort Hotels, Offering Grab & Go Theme Park Items – I don’t get it. I guess, if you have to get some kind of trinket that can fit in this machine super late at night, now you can?

Reservations Open Today for Frozen Ever After Sparkling Dessert Party: A Cool New Way to View Fireworks at Epcot – Like with a lot of the “dessert party” offerings, the $79 is more than I’d value this experience. It’ll be interesting to see what people think of these food options, though.

Kungaloosh and Other Classic Pleasure Island Beverages Returning to Dockside Margaritas for Throwback Thursdays – Have a drink while you’re going through your #tbt feed. (Though, based on this easyWDW review, I think I’ll just stick with the Kungaloosh Ale at Nomad.)

Evening Extra Magic Hours at Animal Kingdom Extended Nightly Through August 19 – Not a real big surprise, here (though I wonder if it’ll get one more extension, or if this is it.) That said, I feel like the EMH in the morning worked better to actually get on Flight of Passage than the nightime EMHs. Though, Animal Kingdom also went back to, generally, opening at 9am and closing at 10pm (instead of 8am to 11pm).

Magic Kingdom Copies Disneyland and Adds Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs, But Are They Just As Good? – It sounds like Disney was still finalizing the process when WDW New Today did this review. It’ll be interesting to check back in a couples weeks to see how things are going. (Or, more importantly, get Elyssa’s opinion.)

Disney Files Patent for Virtual Reality Captain America Shield Throwing Experience – Okay, I’d do this.

Kessler Collection Likely to Open New Grand Bohemian Hotel Near Hollywood Studios, Site of Swan and Dolphin Tennis Courts – Interesting rumor. Kind of makes sense if Marriott owns the property. I’m still hoping they convert part of the Swan or Dolphin to Marriott’s time share stuff.

Typhoon Lagoon annual refurbishment dates for 2018 – January 7 through March 18 probably isn’t too much of a high demand season for Typhoon Lagoon anyway.

Dining Reservations Now Available during Holiday Parties at Magic Kingdom – Cool? I don’t know why anyone would pay to go to one of the parties and then spend 30+ minutes of it having a sit down meal.

Star Wars AT-AT Walkers now standing over Disney’s Hollywood Studios – I just re-watched Empire, so even these outer structures make me excited.

New Pirates Set to Join the Crew of Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Paris July 24 – The big takeaway, though, is that they are redoing the “auction” scene and “the redhead” will be a buyer of things, not a “wench” being sold.

Siemens Ending Disney Parks Sponsorship, Leaves Spaceship Earth & IllumiNations Future in Doubt – I think “future in doubt” is a little strong. I doubt Disney is going to just roll Spaceship Earth away because it’s time to find a new sponsor. It will interesting to see what happens, though.

Guests offered Disney gift cards in exchange for not having their rooms cleaned – Interesting. The big thing for me is the towel service, so how does the “on demand” towel service work? If they can replace all my towels within 10 minutes of me calling, I might consider this.

Magic Kingdom to Close at 6PM to Accommodate 2017 Christmas Party Events – I wouldn’t want to be the cast members on those days telling people that the party doesn’t start until 7:00pm, but they have to leave now.

Rey Joins ‘Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – I hope this paves the way for a Rey meet-and-greet over the next few months.

Construction Begins on Epcot Gondola Station at International Gateway – So it begins…

2017 Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages On Sale Today – It’s never too early to book your spot to see NPH at the Candlelight Processional.

UberX Now Allowed to Pick Up and Drop Off at Orlando International Airport – Lyft and UberX being able to pick up at MCO changes the cost calculation on a number of Disney vacation related charges (most notably, at the Swalphin.)

Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Reopens – Nothing Earth shattering here, but as someone who enjoys staying at Wilderness Lodge, it seems nice. Josh also has some pictures of the new Boulder Ridge pool area, which also looks pretty nice. Overall, I wouldn’t mind staying in one of the new villas..

Maui from Moana makes his first appearance in a Disney Park (but it’s in China) – Let’s bring Moana and Maui to Adventureland

Morning Yoga Now Available for Guests at the Boardwalk – I wonder if people will turn out for this, and, if they do, whether it’ll expand to other resorts.

New Nighttime Entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Celebrates Decades of Films From the Disney Family of Studios – It’s like a “Celebrate the Magic”-style appetizer before each evening’s Star Wars fireworks.

Must-Do PhotoPass Locations This Summer at Walt Disney World Resort – Elyssa and I really should have done the Tangled one.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Fourth of July Golf Cart Parade 2017 and Western Mickey & Minnie at Disney’s Pop Century Resort (Photos, Video) – Even though Denise has blocked me on Twitter (still not sure why), I’ll still link to Mouse Steps when she does something cool like this. I’m good like that.

Characters in Flight hot air balloon name changed to “Aerophile” following makeover for Walt Disney World attraction – Sure.

Phew. We’re about halfway done this double-sized helping of News Nuggets. Let’s take a quick break to watch this video on the making of Pandora:

Okay, now back to the News Nuggets:

Special Summer Menu Offer at Monsieur Paul for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders – Missing this offer by a week. Oh well.

Big Changes to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Dining Options at Walt Disney World Resort – Captain’s Grille is no more. Soon to be replaced by Ale & Compass. I have my fingers crossed that this will be the new “late morning breakfast” place for me to go to now that Trattoria is a character meal. (And, yes, I know that you can opt to get a “no character” version of the experience.)

Disney Restaurant Discounts During Orlando Magical Dining Month (PLUS MENUS!!) – Interesting to see Jiko and The Wave on this list. Elyssa and I used this to try STK last year (review HERE), and it was a nice way to try something we otherwise would not have.

Fried Chicken at Prince Eric’s Village Market in New Fantasyland – So much for a “healthy-only” food stop, I guess?

Yak and Yeti Counter Service Now Serves Breakfast Daily – With Pandora bringing more and more people to Animal Kingdom earlier in the day, it seems logical to provide additional food offerings. Thankfully, Josh has a review to make sure no one ever suffers through it.

‘DuckTales’ Star David Tennant Visits Scrooge McDuck at Disneyland Park – I don’t normally link to these, but Tennant is my favorite Doctor, sooo…

Star Wars Themed Shop Temporarily to Replace Marketplace Fun Finds at Disney Springs – Got to put that Star Wars Merchandise somewhere while they re-work the back of Once Upon a Toy. Blog Mickey has pictures.

New BaseLine Tap House Part of New Grand Avenue Area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – If the area is going to open up in the Fall, I wonder if they will put any holiday entertainment in the area this year. Blog Mickey has photos of the current construction

Rumors of “Lights of Winter Returning” to Epcot for Holidays Around the World – I like Christmas Light-based “attractions”. Let’s do this.

Up close look at Disney’s new Minnie Van car service – Depending on the time of day and where you’re going, it could be 2x to 3x more than Uber or Lyft. Also, getting dropped off at the Contemporary is not that much different than getting dropped off at the Magic Kingdom bus stop (which is the perk everyone seems to talk about).

Permits Filed for Rockwork in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – E-Ticket rock work on the way for Galaxy’s Edge. Believe it. (An end date of the project of September 29, 2019 seems to line-up with a late-summer opening for the WDW version of Galaxy’s Edge.)

The Disney Vacation Account Has Been Discontinued – I never used it this, but I know people who are really going to miss it.

JW Marriott Hotel Planned Near Epcot and Typhoon Lagoon – Being able to use Marriott points that close to “on property” makes me happy. (Yes, I know I can convert Marriott points to Starwood points and use them at the Dolphin. I’ve done that.) Also, this hotel looks very different from the other JW Marriott in the area.

Permits Filed for Coronado Springs Expansion Project – There is a lot of resort related construction going on at Disney World right now. It’ll be interesting to see how the various moderate resorts differentiate themselves when this is done.

The Secret Nachos Rio Grande Challenge at Pecos Bills – Elyssa doesn’t like nachos, so I guess I’ll need to make a few friends if I’m going to try this.

The Dress Shop [Returned] to Cherry Tree Lane in Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs on July 27 – I hope they can keep the dresses in stock this time.

Disney Park, Resort Employees See Hours Cut Starting Tomorrow – This is concerning. I’m hoping (?) it’s a response to lower projected crowd levels, so the impact on wait times won’t actually be that much. I guess we’ll see in a few weeks.

“Character Meet and Greets at Disney’s Animal Kingdom” – Looks like they’re replacing Tarzan with Timon.

Baby Tiger Cubs are Coming This August to Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Move over Stella. Someone is coming for your cuteness title.

Mission: SPACE ‘Relaunches’ Aug. 13 With Brand New Experiences – It’ll be interesting to see what the new films are like.

Endless Virtual Backgrounds Available at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs – I didn’t realize there were so many options.

Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members Now Get 30% Off At Select Table Service Restaurants – Maybe I should do Jiko on my birthday trip, then. Tables in Wonderland, too.

Jawas are leaving Hollywood Studios – Well, that’s a bummer.

Disney Food Blog Reports Lighthouse Sandwich Removed Columbia Harbour House Menu – Get the pitchforks and torches ready.

Polynesian Outsells Copper Creek 3-to-1 in June 2017 – Not a surprise. The dues for Copper Creek are insane.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! to return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the 2017 holiday season – Cool. Elyssa really liked it.

Coronado Springs Resort Preview Center with Scale Model and Concept Overview Video – It looks like it could be pretty nice.

Disney Springs’ Portobello restaurant will become Terralina Crafted Italian this fall – Hopefully, this takes things up to a BOATHOUSE / Homecomin’ level.

New Disney-Themed Refreshment Carts Serving Up Magic at Walt Disney World Resort Golf Courses – This probably shouldn’t be big enough news to make a news recap, but I think it’s cute.

Three New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – It’s going to be cheaper for Elyssa and I to stay at the Beach Club for a couple nights at that time of year then go to one of these.

The VOID’s New Hyper-Reality Experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire coming to Downtown Disney, Disney Springs – I’m not sure how I feel about this. It really puts a damper in my knocking of Uni for their lame VR attractions. Here’s Disney’s press release.

8 New Desserts for ‘Happily Ever After’ Dessert Party in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort – I guess we’ll see if there’s an upgrade in the quality of the items.

New Mission: Space Earth and Mars Signage Debuts at Epcot Giving a Glimpse of Things to Come – Should be interesting. I’m hoping the new “Earth” mission is cool.

See the Main Street Electrical Parade Before it Ends Limited-Time Disneyland Park Run August 20 – I feel like I heard Jim Hill say the parade would make one more stop at WDW before it’s retired….(Or, maybe I was just hoping for it.)

All in the Details: Slinky Dog Dash Track Completed in Toy Story Land – Toy Story land “on track” for next year? (What? Where are you going…)

News: $75 Satu’li Sampler Platter Now Available on Satu’li Canteen Menu – Is this really more food than buying $75 worth of bowls?

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs Now Offers Late Night Happy Hour – Now I know where Elyssa and I will go after we’re finished at Homecomin’ for the night.

Begin to Dream with Retro-Inspired Merchandise for 35th Anniversary of Epcot This Fall – I kind of like the shirt, but I imagine it’ll cost a little more than I’m willing to pay for it.

That’s it for this edition of the News Nuggets. If you’re like me and unable to get in one last ride on the The Great Movie Ride before it closes, check out this video from WDW News today that features an actual “walk through” of the attraction. See you next time:

The post News Nuggets from Around Disney World appeared first on Rope Drop [dot] Net.

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