#benefits of coe

[doctorwhoisadhd]

ATTACK DOG GWENNNNNNN

[kyliaquilor]

I mean, let’s not act like the House of Lords is remotely co-equal to the Commons anymore, guys.

[monzabee]

what you do to me – lh44 (+18)

masterlist

Summary: The one where Lewis returns home to you – the one thing he desperately wants, but won't let himself have completely.

Pairing: lewis hamilton x fwb!reader

Word Count: 3.4k

Warnings: angst, feelings, friends with benefits relationship, smut!, slight choking, unprotected sex (wrap your willy, don’t be silly!), slight manhandling?, pwp, minors dni!!

Author’s Note: hi, hey, hello!! my boyfriend forced me to watch hellraiser the other day, and there was this one scene that i could just not thinking about so i wanted to write something inspired by it, and who better to write it about than sir lewis hamilton?? also, i reaaaallly wanted to write a friends with benefits thing and it was so much fun, i honestly wasn’t expecting. the title of this fic is actually a john legend song that i love and i think it fits the vibes for this fic, so please feel free to give it a listen if you're interested! i hope you guys enjoy! good morning, noon or night wherever you are, xoxobee

Please also note that all of my works are protected under copyright, and not available for reposting on other platforms.

It’s a shame Lewis doesn’t spend more time in his Monte Carlo penthouse during the season because it’s a space he enjoys spending time in so much. He doesn’t mind being alone in his home – if anything, it’s refreshing after spending so much time being the focal point of so many cameras during the season. Also, technically, he is not alone he supposes; he has Roscoe to keep him company when he’s home, after all.

Coming home from a successful season is rewarding, he feels as if he’s deserved the rest he looks forward to. On the other hand, coming home from a not-so-successful season? Well he feels like shit – both mentally and physically. That is not to say that he doesn’t appreciate the time off, though, he is more than happy to not drive for weeks and just enjoy the winter break. Coming home is also always kind of bittersweet. He catches up with some of his friends he didn’t have time for during the season, his family who always support him through thick and thin, but most importantly he tries to make time for you and your… well, arrangement.

He knows something is wrong the minute you reply to his text about him being home. A simple okay is not a response he is used to getting from you. Alas, he shakes off the unease and chalks it up to a hectic day on your end. The pitter patter of Roscoe’s paws on the hardwood floors is enough to distract him from the situation, given the fact that the puppy is impatient for his dinner and is looking at the driver with pleading eyes.

“Okay ‘Coe,” he mumbles as he motions the kitchen with his head, “let’s go.”

The way Roscoe wobbles towards the kitchen brings a small smile to Lewis’ face even though he is still hung up on your answer. After he’s done feeding the puppy, he decides to grab a quick shower to ease the tiredness that comes from a long travel day. The hot water cascading down from the rainfall shower does a good job of taking care of his sore muscles, and he is more than happy to stay under the warm water if it means the soreness will go away. That is until he hears banging coming from his front door. He has every intention of just ignoring the person on the other side of the door; however, as the knocks get more and more persistent, he gets out of the shower with a groan. Wrapping a towel around his hips, he marches towards the front door, and looks through the peephole only to end up opening the door quicker than he would’ve liked.

His voice is confused as he mumbles out, “Lovey?” But you just straighten up from your position of leaning against the wall and throw your bag on the floor as you push your way through his apartment and wrapping your arms around his neck to pull him into a hug. He doesn’t miss the way your breath hitches as you attempt to hide yourself in the crook of his neck, and he is not sure what he’s supposed to do with his hands for a moment. “Hey,” he calls out softly, “what’s wrong?”

You pull back slightly to look into his worried eyes, “Just kiss me.” Your voice comes out somewhere between a whisper and a sob, and you can see the hesitation in Lewis’ eyes, but you just pull him towards you as you press a soft kiss on his lips, “Please.”

“What happened?” He tries once again to get an answer from you, but you shut down his attempt as you press your lips against his once more, more assertive this time. And who is he to deny you your wishes? So, like the perfect gentleman he is, he reciprocates your kiss with a one of his own as he wraps his arms around you to signal you to jump. Thankfully, you are so tuned with each other that you end up jumping up anyway, and he picks you up as you wrap your legs around his hips. Closing the door, he starts walking back towards his bedroom as your lips start moving more frantically against his own. “Slow down,” he warns, pulling back to give both of you a chance to breathe, “we have all night.”

Whining at the loss of contact from his lips, and you let your dissatisfaction known by attempting to roll your hips against his bare stomach, “Don’t wanna.” There’s still a lingering sob in your voice, but it is more reflective of the neediness you feel now that you have him between your arms – and legs. Lewis lets his hands roam down towards your ass to give you a warning squeeze – a one, maybe you would’ve been threatened by it if you weren’t so lost in him at the moment. You try your best to ignore the look he gives you, one filled with sternness; so instead, you move your lips downwards towards Lewis’ neck with another roll of your hips. “I missed you.”

He stills the movement of your hips as he simultaneously releases an appreciative groan at the way your lips feel on his skin. “I missed you too, lovey.” He is careful as he approaches his bed and sits down on the plush mattress with you still in his arms. Wrapping a hand around your hair to tilt your head back so he can look into your eyes again, he attempts to keep himself from becoming hard from the mere prospect of you wrapping your body around his. His eyes search yours for answers as to your sour mood, “Tell me what’s wrong, bad day?”

“Try bad month,” you scoff, letting your hands slide over his, somehow, still damp torso. “You weren’t here,” you explain as you free yourself from his hold on your hair and take off your sweatshirt, “don’t wan’ to talk about it.”

“Well, I’m here now.” A sudden realisation that you are not wearing anything under your top comes to Lewis, and he has to mentally restrain himself from doing something rash. “Not wearing a bra?” He asks, one of his eyebrows raised.

You let out a confirming hum, “Not wearing any underwear either.” Giving him an innocent smile at the groan he gets out, you shrug your shoulders nonchalantly, “Thought they’d get in the way.” His hands feel warm on your bare skin as he drags them up on your body to gently cup your exposed breasts, causing you to brace yourself by hanging onto his shoulder for support. Whining as you feel his thumb make contact with your sensitive nipple, you decide to pull him in for another kiss, mumbling a breathy, “Kiss me,” against his lips. 

He obliges your request, of course, but he doesn’t let you control the kiss like you would’ve liked to. Instead, he stops the kiss by gently biting down on your lip before you can deepen it. With a small pat to your hip, he mumbles, “Get up, let me see you.” The look he gives you is just so full of adoration that you have no other choice to get up from his lap with the slowest moves you can muster. His eyes never leave you when you take a step back so that he can see you, all of you, and with the small nod he gives you, you begin taking off your leggings and shoes. That’s the thing about Lewis – for someone who is in the spotlight most of their time, he loves watching. And it is not only limited to the bedroom, you realise, he watches you even when you are doing mundane things together, like grocery shopping or walking Roscoe, domestic things that couples do together. But you can’t think about that, no, because both of you agreed that this was only physical and nothing more. Shaking the thoughts away, you straighten up from your bent position only to find Lewis looking you with a much darker look in his eyes. He’s dangerous, when he looks like that, you realise, he could break you into pieces with just his words, and the worst part is that you’d absolutely let him. “Pretty girl,” he whispers into the distance between you, and you take the hand he extends towards you for him to pull you against himself. The feeling of his lips on your skin almost feel feverish, and you find yourself releasing a gasp. “You’re the prettiest girl ever, lovey.”

“Lewis,” you brokenly whisper, your voice would be bordering on whiny with all the neediness that comes with it, “please, I need you.” The pleading look you give him is vulnerable, if not desperate.

“I’ve got you,” he murmurs against your skin, his lips leaving another open-mouthed kiss, this time closer to your lower belly. His voice does a good job of soothing your erratic mind, his arms envelope you as he promises, “Whatever it is I’m here now, tell me what you want.”

He does a good job of putting you on the spot, you think, but unlike your usual self, you don’t have the patience for teasing tonight. “I want you to fuck me,” your voice comes off stronger than before, but it wavers as you also add, “please.” The last word brings a small smirk to Lewis’ face, and you let out a shriek as he quickly throws you onto the bed. “You almost scared me to death,” you complain, pushing out your lower lip in a pout.

“You’ll be fine,” he lets out a breathy laugh while quickly getting rid of the towel still, miraculously, hanging on his hips. The smirk on his face grows as he watches you shamelessly checking him out, but he never breaks his gaze from yours when your eyes meet as he wraps a hand around his cock to jerk himself for a few times. You spread your legs to accommodate his body as he leans over your lying figure by using his free arm as support. Rubbing the tip of his cock through your slick slit a few times, you can feel his breathy chuckle hit your skin while his lips run over your jaw to leave small kisses. “You’re so wet for me,” he mumbles, and the whimper that leaves your lips when he makes a point to rub his tip over your clit wins another chuckle, “you’re gonna be good for me?”

“Uh-huh,” you mumble as you nod frantically, “yes Lu, I’m gonna be good, I promise. Please, just fuck me.” You try to tempt him by wrapping your legs around his hips and pulling him closer – either you are successful and he gives in, or he is just as desperate to get inside you as you are desperate to feeling him because he complies with your movements as he nudges the tip of his cock into you in a slow push forward. The stretch is burning every single time, and usually he gives you enough time to accommodate his size before proceeding to fuck your brains out. But this time, he doesn’t waste any time as he pushes himself fully into you until he’s buried inside you to the hilt. The gasp you begin to let out turns into a silent scream as the feeling of being full consumes you, “Fuck, Lewis–”

“Shh, it’s okay,” he soothes you through the initial pain, “you’re alright, just breathe th for a bit.” And you do what he tells you to because… well, you know he won’t do anything to hurt you. He brings his free hand towards your face to cup your cheek, which you respond by turning your head towards the warmness. “Tell me when the pain goes away,” he whispers against your skin – he finds he absolutely loves the way your skin flushes every single time he fucks you, and the thought makes him freeze for a second. Love? That is not something he should be thinking about, not especially when he’s buried inside you, because you both agreed–

Deciding to respond wordlessly, you press a soft kiss in the middle of Lewis’ palm, whilst also attempting to roll your hips, but then whining because of the additional pressure, “Please, Lewis, please move.”

That must’ve done the job of breaking Lewis out of whatever trance he was in, because once he hears your whiny voice pleading him to move, he starts thrusting his hip in and out of you in a rhythm that simply leaves you breathless in mere seconds. It’s the stress of the season, you think to yourself, but Lewis’ movements just get faster and deeper until he hits that one spot inside you that makes your whines turn into a scream and has you arching into him. You can’t see his reaction with your eyes fluttered close, but he stills his movements for a few moments as he looks at you as if you’re the most precious thing in his life. He waits until your erratic breathing to get back to normal before he starts rolling his hips against yours again, but this time the tempo he adopts is much slower, sensual, and almost… too intimate for it to only be considered physical between the two of you.

Your eyes flutter open as you look at him with confusion, “Wha– What are you–?” But he only cuts you off by pressing his lips against you to swallow your question in a kiss. The slower tempo is surprisingly more pleasurable then his usual style that you’ve dubbed fast and furious, and every time his hips roll at a certain angle, he brushes your clit in a way that makes your feet curl in pleasure.

He is breathless when he pulls away from the kiss and rests his forehead against yours, but then again, so are you. The way he seems to gaze into your eyes make your breath hitch, and if you thought that was Lewis showing his emotions, he decides to put them into words. “So good for me, lovey,” he moans, yes moans because one thing you’ve learned from the start is that real men moan, “you were made for me, weren’t you?” His accent gets thicker, which is a tell that he’s getting there, but he won’t let himself come before he makes sure you’re taken care of. “Look at how you’re taking me, reckon I can feel myself if I place my hand on your belly?” It makes him laugh when you whine as you attempt to slither your hand towards your stomach to test his theory, but one deep stroke of his hips and your arms envelope them around his shoulders to use him as a support. “Perfect, you’re just perfect for me, hm? My perfect, pretty, little girl.”

“Please,” you whimper out, the tears that form in the corner of your eyes threatening to fall, “I’m so close.” It’s been such an emotional day, and a shitty month that all you wanted was to be consumed by him –  and now that you have him in your arms, acting like you are more than just two friends who use each other for something so trivial and human as urges, you don’t want to let him go. Especially not when he makes you feel like you could love him for the rest of your life. Even if just the thought of it is enough to make your heart race. Needless to say, the sob you let out is unexpected on both of your ends, and you know he’s about to stop when he slows down even more, but you give him a stern look through your tears, “Don’t you dare stop.” You moan, loud enough for his neighbours downstairs to hear, once he picks up the pace again, but it’s still slow enough for it to be considered love making and not fucking by both of your standards.

He knows you’re close when your walls start clenching around him, which makes it much harder for him to compose himself. So, being the perfect gentleman he is, he starts rubbing your clit with one of his hands, his fingers work hard to bring you even more pleasure. He watches in amazement as you trash around under his body and as your whimpers and moans get louder gradually – until you are coming undone around him, starting to sob because of the pressure gets released in your tummy, that is. His hips still continue their languid movements, just like the faster movement of his fingers, as he fucks you through your release, mumbling sweet nothings and encouragements into your ear. Lewis does his best to kiss the tears that escape from your eyes, his breath fanning over your feverish skin.

“So good,” your moans get softer as you get calmer after a while, though your voice is still scratchy, “wanna feel you more, Lu.” Sliding your hand between your bodies to take his hand away from your clit, the loss of his touch makes you whine softly and he watches you in confusion while still continuing his movements slowly, but you see the way his eyes light up with a dark look when you wrap his fingers around your throat, and thankfully he understands the message as he tightens his hold just the way you like it. “Yeah, just like that,” you moan, encouraging him to pick up the pace. This time, it’s your turn to whisper praises riddled with encouragement, and you know it gets to him, because every single stroke his hips deliver end up making him fill you more and more, as if that was possible. The sobs coming from your lips transform into ones of pleasure, bringing Lewis closer and closer to his release.

“Look at me,” his voice is sharp, and it makes you immediately fix your eyes on his. There is an immense sense of wanting to please him, or rather make him proud within you, and he rewards you with a burning kiss that leaves you panting and wanting more as he spills himself into you. As he pulls away to moan out your name, his thumb dragging down your bottom lip. You gently bite down on his thumb while you manage to get out a satisfied moan, eyes closing ever so slightly as you feel him spill into you, and he keeps pulling you even closer to himself when he lets his body fall next to yours.

You have no idea how he manages to still stay inside you, but you can feel his lips pressing gentle kisses across your hairline, and brushing away the sweaty strands. “You feel better now, lovey?” Smiling at the tiredness dripping from his voice, you hum airily, a satisfied smile on your face while you move your neck to look at him.  “Good,” his whisper brushes your lips as he nudges the tip of your nose with his, earning a giggle from you while he wipes away the dry tears on your cheeks.

“Do you have to leave?” There is a whiny undertone to your question, and it makes him give you a gentle smile.

“Not for a while,” he assures you, then he presses his lips softly on yours in a small kiss, “I promise.”

He grabs your hand to weave his fingers through yours, pressing gentle kisses to your knuckles as he keeps silent for a moment – because he knows at that moment, just because you asked, he’ll cancel every single plan he’s made, just to spend more time with you so that he can make you smile like that. “Until you get sick of me, that is.” Your tired laughter fills his ears until it is interrupted by a yawn. He carefully moves you so that he gently takes himself out of you, and rolls you sideways so he can wrap his arms around as he pulls you close to cuddle. “Go to sleep, lovey, we’ll talk in the morning,” he mumbles as he presses soft kisses to your bare shoulder. You close your eyes with a smile on your face, burying yourself into his chest as much as you can, and hear him mumble, “My lovey,” before promptly falling asleep.

You pretend you didn’t hear him in the morning because the arrangement the two of you made was about keeping things causal.

But you respond by squeezing his hand three times in return anyway.

And he responds.

[fangbangerghoul]

Fleeting Pleasures Masterpost

Tw: 18+, MDNI, violence, cursing, drug use, degradation, interrogation, murder

WC: 62,721

Chapter 1: Hemostasis

This timeline takes place somewhere in between the previous works: Settling with the Stars and Cellar Door. Our main character is learning to live a life where her past no longer has to burden them and what life means to them. They have to decide between a future with no limits or a future with stability. (Delgado, Sam Coe, MC love triangle)

Chapter 2: Hemostasis pt 2

Tensions increase as characters do not see eye to eye like they used to. Main character struggles to feel respected by her crewmates while some of them desperately just try to reconnect with MC.

Chapter 3: The Key pt 1

It has now been a couple of months since our main character has last seen or contacted her friends. What has life on the Key had in store for them? Tw: cannon violence, blood, drug and alcohol use, sexual suggestions

Chapter 4: The Key pt 2

The murder and mayhem of living on The Key can has its benefits and its disadvantages. What does this do to our main character? Tw: cannon violence, blood, drug and alcohol use, sexual suggestions

Chapter 5: Get 'Em Cowboy

It's been two months since the main character's crew members have seen her in person. What lengths will Sam and Andreja go to, to find their captain? What has Delgado found out about his Fleet members?

Chapter 6: Quien eres tu

Our main character is at her wits end and soon the jig is going to be up. This might be her end on The Key. TW: CNC, Smut, roughness, interrogation

Chapter 7: No Rest for the Wicked

Ghoul has confessed her sins to Delgado while Andreja and Sam finally have a real lead to bring themselves closer to their captain. Our characters stories are getting closer to tying back together once again and wow there are some misconceptions for both parties.

Chapter 8: Ascensionism

A whirlwind of emotions takes our characters to situations never imagined by any of them. Sam, Ghoul, Delgado. Tw: cannon violence, blood

Chapter 9: bad decisions

The aftermath of chapter 8 and how the characters are preparing themselves to move forward.

Chapter 10: Oops I Did It Again

Time is no longer linear for our characters and is moving at an alarming rate. The choices they make will decide the nearing end.

Chapter 11: Got Lost in the Game

The FINAL chapter of the Fleeting Pleasures series. It is the end of an era for Ghoul, Sam, and Delgado.

THANK YOU so much for all the readers who have subscribed, bookmarked, left kudos, commented, and stuck with this journey to the end! Your support has meant the world and I appreciate every lovely thing anyone has ever said about my story. I poured my heart, soul, and blood into this thing.

[commanderquinn]

pairing: sam coe/fem!dusty

rating: explicit

wc: (1/1) lil over 4k, unlike most of the textures in starfield

summary:

—

Sam frowns at her. "I've got nothing against being dominant, El. You know that." She's benefited from it more than a few times.

"I do." Her hands move down to the front of his jeans to pull on his belt, gaining his undivided attention. "Lucky for you, I'm more invested in being impatient, so giving you orders works out great for me."

—

its time for the smut wave to begin in the starfield fandom

[oraclecat]

Slow Horses S4 finale

Well, that hurt. So many emotional wallops in that episode.

Damn it, Marcus. 😭 Whyyyyyy?? I loved him and Shirley so much as a team. Coe telling her “He loved you and wanted you to love yourself.” That was a gut punch of a line. And then him killing Patrice!

David telling River “You promised you’d never do this to me” was so heartbreaking and real.

Lamb finding Sam’s body and grabbing the whiskey to go.

River getting postcards from his mother for his seventh, eighth, and ninth birthdays — and then they stopped. Ouch, that family.

Lamb making sure Marcus’ family got active duty benefits. And getting River bonus pay.

River didn’t get his sorely needed hug, but he did get to drink with Lamb.

I didn’t expect previews for next season, so that was a nice surprise!

“You just dropped a grenade in my hood, don’t fucking ‘Son’ me!”

But what happened to the “shoot to kill” order on River? It just sort of … disappeared. Did I miss something? Did Flyte just shout down that kill team and they got distracted by the grenade and chasing Harkness?

I guess Ghiti is OK and we can stop worrying about her now?

[silurisanguine]

OC mega Q&A

I did this many moons ago for my Deus Ex OC Zofie Orel from this user's posts. The original posts seem to have vanished but credit where credit is due. I've also added a section from this post as well. Now i'm going to do it for Seren Jones as it really does flesh out her character quite a bit, even more so that i've already done. It's also a good reference to show anyone who asks. I'll tag the Coemancer crew if you fancy doing it for yours and anyone else who wants to give it a go.

LONG post behind cut.

BASICS

What’s their full name? Seren, (Coe) Jones. She takes the Coe surname in her OG verse after marrying Sam, but drops it again whilst Starborn so as not to draw attention to herself. She plans to take it again should the stars align.

What does their name mean? Why were they named that? Seren is welsh for Star. She understands the irony. Her parents named her Seren after her mum saw her open her eyes for the first time and knew she'd want to explore the stars. Her father being a history professor with interested in the cultures their ancestors came from suggested the Welsh word for star.

Do they have any nicknames? Star, Ren. She also went by Dusty James when in the protective programme.

How old are they? 30 years old as of the start of her story.

When’s their birthday? 12 9th month 2300 Akila City

What’s their zodiac sign/element/birthstone/etc.? Do they believe that holds any significance? Earth astrology means nothing in space. She has no idea and doesn't care.

What’s their species/subspecies? Do they have any special/magical abilities? Starborn. All the powers that come with that. She is naturally empathic and can sense the emotions of others, which is both a benefit and hindrence. She now also has the ability to manipulate minds, thanks to Ryujin. She uses it as a tool should the need arise, but doesnt rely on it.

What “class” do they belong to (for fantasy characters)? If none, what weapon do they favor? They favour the Va’ruun Inflictor rifle, Hard Target sniper rifle and Magsheer. Occasionally using a Big Bang or Breach shotgun for close quarter’s ship fighting. Her specialities in her og verse were stealth, but since becoming starborn, she has developed more close quarters fighting skills that utilise her abilities. APPEARANCE

What do they look like? 5’5” athletic build woman. Original universe she had a silver coloured pixie haircut, Currently sporting a turquoise blue bixie cut. Has a few tiny scars on her face from mining, one on her forehead, the other on her jaw. She has a body encompassing tattoo of a trail of stars around her body. She now also has a band tattooe'd around her ring finger to symbolise the wedding ring she lost.

Do they have a face claim? Myself in my 30s but with full health and video game perfect.

What’s their style like? Clothes, hair, makeup? Her original universe she wore sleek modern dark clothing. Whether it be formwear or suits. Now she wears what ever is comfortable under her starborn suit which she mostly wears. She does prefer dark colours still and prefers formwear, cargos and long sleeve tops or settler wear in shades of black. She does like to wear makeup, sticking to smoky eyes and dark lipstick. Her hair is one of her signature things and the blue colour is because of a certain pendant someone once wore.

How do they carry themselves? What’s their default expression? Her Og verse, she carried herself with humour and a twinkle in her eye. Since becoming starborn, she’s become more reserved and there is a constant sadness in her eyes.

Do they have any physical ailments or disabilities? Not any more. Noel once called her the physically healthiest person she’s ever met- One benefit of becoming Starborn. Mentally though, she is traumatised and has higher functioning depression.

Any defining features to their character? Her accent isnt definable as she moved from Akila to New Atlantis a few times. She now doesnt really have an accent but can take on any and often does when in proximity to them, becoming more Akilan the longer she is there and same in New Atlantis.

PERSONALITY

What’s their alignment? Chaotic good. She is compassionate and believes in doing good, but she hates beurocracy and sees the corruption in both the UC and FC. But she loathes the Crimson Fleet, seeing them as nothing more than 'coloured coded Spacers'.

Which one of the 16 Personality Types do they fit into? She finds that whole thing very problematic and does not subscribe to it.

What are their hobbies and interests? Do they have any particular “favorites” (food, books, and so on)? Houseplant gardening, Music and reading. She also now loves customising her weapons. She secretly loves Chunks cheesecake and cherry Boompop! She can cook, but tends not to bother much by herself. Though she did learn to cook her grandpa's famous meatloaf after the recipe was passed to her. Favourite book is Bram Stoker's Dracula.

What are they bad at? Delegating. They have a perfectionist streak and feel they need to do everything themselves to make sure it's done right.

What kind of things do they dislike/hate? Cruelty, The Hunter, The Crimson Fleet in the OG verse, Corruption, Injustice and evil corporations.

Do they have any vices/addictions/mental illnesses? Her main ‘vice’ is always having bourbon or a Solomon beer on her person to toast the universe she leaves. She also has higher functioning depression.

What are their goals and motivations? To find a universe she can finally stop in and find a Sam she can be with again after losing the love of her life in her OG verse. To survive until then.

What are their manners like? Any habits? Her OG verse , she was polite at first until she got the measure of someone. Now she knows people, she behaves exactly as she needs to. Habits - saving every fishbowl, jellyfish tank and plant from ships. She also always toasts a universe before she leaves it.

What are they most afraid of? Never finding ‘home’. Finding a Sam she hates.

BACKGROUND

Where were they born? What was their childhood like? Akila City. But at 5 left and moved to NA with her parents. Start of war left NA and returned to Akila at 8. Stayed there until she was 16 when her dad got a new job in NA uni and moved back there again. She was a lone child and was bullied most of her childhood due to being Freestar in UC space, then an expat back in Akila. She was nerdy and kept to herself, a little baby goth that liked to read and learn things. She had few friends, most expats like her that stuck with each other until something better came along for them, often leaving her alone again. Wasn't until she went to university she started making friends that had similar interests to her.

What’s their family like? Her dad Michael is a university professor, occasional poker player and the one who showed her how vital a good education is. Her mum Anne mostly worked in the diplomatic sector, as an assistant to the consulate dealing with businesses. She taught Seren how to deal with both. Seren had a good relationship with her parents, though as a kid didnt fully understand why they had to keep moving. But it forced her to have a strong sense of independence that allowed her to survive her life now. She misses them dearly but hopes they are doing well with the vast amount of money she left them. She avoids meeting them in the new universes, especially ones where she doesnt know what happened to the Seren of that universe.

What factions or organizations are they a part of? What ranks and titles do they hold? She was born in Akila City, so is Freestar Collective. She believes in what they stand for, but doesnt ignore the corruption with the governors. She became a Ranger because of her sense of justice, though hates the black and white views of some of them and the corruption in others. In her OG verse she also joined the UC Vanguard as she realised very quickly there was a bigger story going on that would effect the whole settled systems. Same reason for joining Sysdef to take down the Crimson Fleet. Other accomplishments of her og verse were being a Ryujin operative that managed to prevent the Corp from releasing some dangerous tech. Of course her title now as Starborn brings it’s own complications and accomplishments in each universe she travels through.

How do they fit into their “story”? She was in protective custody under a cover name Dusty Jones, working as a miner. The day she was told the company she had become whistleblower to, was no more was the day she was asked to collect what ever was in that cave on Vectera. She became the lead explorer of Constellation due to her connection to the Artifacts and ended up becoming Starborn after losing everything that meant anything to her in her original universe.

Where do they currently live? What’s their place like? Now? On their ship: The Valkyrie. Before she builds that, her Guardian ship and sometimes the Lodge beds to rest. Before that in her OG verse- the Lodge, her home in Akila and her cabin aboard the Star Eagle. The Guardian of course is minimal. She adds a bed roll to one side and any cuddly toys she finds she places them around her cockpit seat as it amuses her. Same with fishbowls and jellyfish tanks that she puts by the main viewing window. Once she's built the Valkyrie, she sets it up with an infirmary as the first thing you enter upon, crew quarters one side should she chose to have some and her captain's quarters the other, which is always a Nova galactic hab as its cosy and has a built in galley. Upstairs is a workshop and small internal storage. Her priority is always have a cabot4 bridge so she can avoid ladders. Her home in Midtown, Akila in her og verse was cosy, mixing Akilan furniture with more modern New Atlantis stylings. One day she might rebuild it.

How do they eventually die? She’s ‘died’ many times already. Each time she enters the Unity her body dies and part of her being joins that universe, the rest being reborn again in a new verse. She hopes one day she’ll find her new home to stop in and die of old age with the one she loves…and maybe start all over again when they feel like it.

RELATIONSHIPS

Do they have any friends? Would they consider anyone to be their best friend? She was best friends with Sam. Also in her og verse she was great friends with Andreja and Barrett. To a far lesser extent Sarah until after she loses Sam, where Sarah is a great comfort. She found it easy to make friends with lots of people around the systems too. Now? She has become friends with her counterpart from one universe and the Sam they are married too. It always ends though, so she tries not to become too close to anyone.

What’s their friend group like? What role do they play in it? Before - like family. As an only child who was bullied growing up, she didn't really have friends. So to be with people who accept and get her was a wonderful feeling. She was part of Constellation and became almost the main go person thanks to being connected to the Artifacts the group were looking for. Now She is quite the self imposed loner. Sometimes guiding those she likes in a verse she comes across, helping them in some way. She sometimes takes crew aboard her Valkyrie so she isnt so alone, giving them her ship before she leaves that universe.

What’s their love life like? Do they have any kids? She was married to Sam Coe. They had an incredible relationship of best friends, soulmates and lovers. Passionate and full of fun. But he was killed by the Hunter in her Og verse and she has been in mourning since then. She became the closest thing to a real mother Cora Coe ever had considering how bad her birth mother was, but lost her when Sam died and Lillian took her. She will meet that Cora again some day though.

Who do they look up to? Who do they trust? She admires her parents for doing what ever they had to do to keep her safe and comfortable during the Colony War. She admires/d Sam for how he turned himself around and became such a wonderful father to Cora. So far, the Sams she's met, she would trust, even the one who was cold to her, because she understood his reasoning.

Who do they hate? Do they have any enemies? The Crimson Fleet. The Hunter, Lillian Hart and Jacob Coe. Benjamin Bayu, Vae Victis. They made plenty of enemies in her og verse, what was left of the Crimson Fleet for one and who ever Vae Victis was working with.

Do they have any pets? No. She always wanted a cat, but they were too expensive and being she is Starborn now, it isn't fair to have one (cats are seen in a movie poster so i think they exist, we just never see them). Perhaps when she finds ‘home’ she’ll get one for her final home. She does save all the fishtanks and jellyfish tanks though for her ship, who get to see space as she sets them in her cockpit.

Are they good with kids? Animals? She adores Cora like a mother. She never thought she’d feel that way, but Cora is special - also a teenager. She still doesnt go googly over babies. She has no intentions of more children and isn't even sure Starborn can have children. But adopting might be on the cards..maybe. She likes animals and prefers not harming wildlife, using creator's peace on agressive species. FACTS

Which tropes do they fit? Which archetypes? The Hero, The Chosen One, The Sage and Explorer all rolled into one.

Do they play any instruments? Sports? She likes to sing along to songs when she’s alone. She is naturally stupidly fit thanks to her new nature, but as an explorer keeps it that way.

What are some items they always carry? Her favoured weapons, medical packs, alien boba tea and Chunks cakes. Bourbon. Lots of credits.

Do they collect anything? Her ship Valkyrie. Fish and jellyfish tanks. Succulents.

What position do they sleep in? Side sleeper, curled up usually with a plushie for comfort.

Which emoji would they use the most? :cowboy:

What languages do they speak? Standard universal (Mix of British and US English). Akilan slang.

What’s their favorite expletive? Shit.

What’s their favorite candle scent? Amber and vanilla.

What songs remind you of them? Evanescence - Far from Heaven and Starset - Telescope

Which animal would you say represents them? A russian blue cat.

What stereotypical high school clique would they fit into? The weirdo.

What would their favorite ride at an amusement park be? Rollercoasters. She loves swooping around in her ship during combat.

Do they believe in aliens? Ghosts? Reincarnation or something else? She believes the Creators are something otherworldly and she still believes some planet has sentient aliens comparable to humans. But she’s seen plenty of alien creatures! Ghosts? yeah she believes in them after finding the Pale Lady. Re-incarnation? Does Unity count because she’s been reborn a few times now.

Do they follow any religions/gods? Do they celebrate holidays? Her parents are both Enlightened and she does agree with the philosophy, though doesn't practice. Even with becoming Starborn, she can't subscribe to the Universal view. She refuses to celebrate UC Foundation day, but does enjoy the Solomon festival in Akila. ( Earth equivelent US 4th July and UK Midsummer)

Which Deadly Sin do they most correspond to? Which Heavenly Virtue? Not catholic so closest might be wrath for her hatred of The Hunter. Virtue? Compassion.

If you had to choose one tarot card to represent them, which would it be? Strength: UPRIGHT: Strength, courage, persuasion, influence, compassion. REVERSED: Inner strength, self-doubt, low energy, raw emotion. Both aspects fit her. SOCIAL

How does your OC feel about their full name? They find it quite ironic their name means star, when they are in fact Starborn. But she loved when Sam called her his star, so she loves her name.

What do strangers notice about them first? Her eyes usually. they are very pale green and striking, usually accentuated with makeup to enhance them. next would be her hair colour, which is usually unnatural.

How does their social personality differ from how they act when they’re alone? In her OG verse she comes across as polite and professional to strangers but also empathetic due to her natural ability. As The Marshall once said, she could sell dirt to a dusty (aka miner.) She's quite chatty and enjoys company. Alone, she talks to herself whilst doing things and especially now as Starborn where she finds herself alone a lot she often sings to herself. (the Guardian ship has great acoustics she'd found.

How do they act around a crush? She was smitten the first moment she saw Sam and worked very hard to make sure he got her signals. But always behaved as a friend would to him, just now and then dropping hints that she was interested.

Do they have a “tell” for when they’re lying? No, she has a killer 'poker face'. If only she knew how to play poker. But It's how she was able to fool the Crimson Fleet when she went undercover in them, playing them whilst taking their support from them. She enjoyed being the Mantis in her OG verse, seeing as much like one of her favourite earth movies Atomic Blonde.

What do they smell like? In the OG verse, her signature scent was amber, Akilan bloodrose and vanilla. She's been told she now has a incense like scent they can't place. She wonders if all Starborn smell like that?

What is their hair texture like? Very straight, silky thick hair.

How much jewelry do they wear, and do they have a favorite or distinguishing piece? She wears two sets of little hoops in each ear, which she gets redone every universe. She once had a platinum wedding ring, made from metal she mined.

Do they have a word or phrase that they tend to overuse? My Sam.....

What is a weird quality that they have (ie their hands are always cold, they’re always hungry, they snort when they laugh, etc)? Apart from the fact they are a being beyond space and time now? ... They have a high tolerance for alcohol, it seems even more so now as Starborn.

What color do they look strikingly good in? Deep dark red or teal blue. But they look and feel great in black. Andreja would be proud.

How do they show affection to someone they love? Small touches of affection, making them a hot drink when they wake up, Finding them little gifts that mean something personal to them. Having a secret language that includes jokes only they get. Always having their back.

Do they make strong/frequent eye contact when they talk to someone? Yes. Their eyes often reflect the emotion of the person they are talking too.

What attributes do they have that are inherited from their parents or shared with their siblings/other relatives? Courage and stubborness, compassion and empathy (the latter from her mother. )

Are their greatest flaw and their greatest strength related and in what way? (ie very caring and helpful but a doormat, or very observant and shrewd but often paranoid) Being stubborn can be both an asset and a flaw!

How has their childhood affected the way they view an aspect of their life (people, education, society, themselves, etc)? She saw the two main factions of the Settled Systems as a child and how it treated a child, so as much as she is more a Freestar supporter she knows it isnt perfect. She was often alone and is cautious about making friends although she desperatly wants companionship.

[coeluvr]

I like to cackle in the face of those who struggle to pick which RO knowing I'll be doing so many playthroughs. Alternative timelines, my guys!

Nah the real struggle is deciding which of the 3 RO's (Vincent, Hunter and Helios because I like pain) will be in my custom short story (a short story, you dear followers, can have if you subscribe to Coe patreon, for 6 months consecutive if you subscribe to tier 3! 4 months if you subscribe to tier 4! Other great benefits include POV switches and short stories with your favorites (or not favorites)! Go check her Patreon asap you scoundrels. )

Guess I gotta stay for 12 months!

SOBS you're so sweet, Kiraa 😭💗

Technically you could pick all 3 of them 🫣 anything can happen in your custom story!

I will add more gifts as I get more patrons, I wish patreon hadn't removed the goals section because it's so useful. 😒

Thank you so much for your support, you make me happy which makes me write more angst in return! That doesn't make sense but you know. 🫶

[theliveleads]

VA Mortgage Transfer: Understanding the Process and Benefits

Transferring a VA mortgage can be a significant decision for both veterans and active service members. Whether you are moving to a new home or seeking better loan terms, understanding the VA mortgage transfer process can help you make informed choices. At Thelivelead, we aim to provide you with all the necessary information to navigate this process smoothly.

What is a VA Mortgage Transfer?

A VA mortgage transfer, also known as a VA loan assumption, allows a borrower to transfer their existing VA home loan to another eligible veteran or service member. This process can be beneficial for both the current homeowner and the new borrower. The original borrower is relieved of the mortgage obligation, while the new borrower benefits from the favorable terms of the existing VA loan.

Benefits of a VA Mortgage Transfer

1. No Down Payment for the New Borrower

One of the primary advantages of a VA loan assumption is that the new borrower can take over the loan without needing to make a down payment. This benefit makes homeownership more accessible for veterans and active-duty service members who may not have significant savings.

2. Lower Interest Rates

VA loans often come with lower interest rates compared to conventional mortgages. By assuming an existing VA loan, the new borrower can potentially secure a lower rate than what is currently available in the market, leading to significant savings over the life of the loan.

3. Simplified Qualification Process

The qualification process for a VA loan assumption can be less stringent than applying for a new mortgage. The new borrower may find it easier to qualify based on the original loan's terms and conditions, which can expedite the home-buying process.

4. Avoiding Closing Costs

In many cases, the closing costs associated with assuming a VA loan are lower than those for obtaining a new mortgage. This reduction in costs can make the transaction more affordable for the new borrower.

The VA Mortgage Transfer Process

1. Determine Eligibility

Before proceeding with a VA mortgage transfer, it's essential to determine if the new borrower is eligible for a VA loan. Eligibility is typically extended to veterans, active-duty service members, and certain members of the National Guard and Reserves. The new borrower must also obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

2. Contact the Lender

The current homeowner should contact their lender to discuss the possibility of a VA loan assumption. The lender will provide information on the specific requirements and documents needed for the process. It is crucial to ensure that the lender approves the assumption before proceeding.

3. Submit Required Documentation

The new borrower will need to submit various documents to the lender, including proof of income, credit history, and the COE. The lender will review these documents to assess the new borrower's ability to assume the loan.

4. Credit and Income Verification

The lender will perform a credit and income verification to ensure that the new borrower can meet the loan's obligations. This step is essential to protect both the lender and the borrower from potential financial difficulties.

5. Assumption Agreement

Once the lender approves the assumption, an assumption agreement is drafted. This legal document outlines the terms and conditions of the loan transfer. Both the current homeowner and the new borrower must sign this agreement to finalize the process.

6. Transfer of Property Title

The final step in the VA mortgage transfer process is the transfer of the property title. This step ensures that the new borrower becomes the legal owner of the property and is responsible for the mortgage payments moving forward.

Important Considerations

1. Remaining Entitlement

When a VA loan is assumed, the original borrower's VA loan entitlement may remain tied to the property unless the new borrower is a veteran and substitutes their entitlement. This situation can impact the original borrower's ability to obtain another VA loan in the future.

2. Due-on-Sale Clause

Some VA loans include a due-on-sale clause, which means the loan must be paid in full if the property is sold or transferred. It's crucial to review the original loan agreement and consult with the lender to understand any potential implications.

3. Negotiating Terms

The terms of the VA loan assumption, such as the interest rate and loan duration, may be negotiable. It's advisable for both parties to discuss and agree on these terms to ensure a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Conclusion

Transferring a VA mortgage can be an excellent option for both current homeowners and prospective buyers. With benefits like no down payment, lower interest rates, and a simplified qualification process, a VA loan assumption can make homeownership more accessible and affordable. At Thelivelead, we are committed to helping veterans and service members navigate the VA mortgage transfer process with ease. If you have any questions or need assistance, our team of experts is here to support you every step of the way.

[mariacallous]

Kosovo has taken a necessary step to ensuring membership of an important international organisation and the benefits will be manyfold – from joining multiple conventions to taking part in Eurovision.

It is unfair – but Kosovo’s citizens lack one fundamental tool to protect their own human rights from their own unfair, unwilling or uncareful institutions.

This useful tool is used by Europeans from the Balearic Islands to Baku, providing a final legal remedy when everything else fails for various reasons of a nefarious or negligent nature.

I speak of the European Court of Human Rights, ECHR, the final court instance available for European citizens whose countries are members of the Council of Europe.

Kosovo is not a member of the Council of Europe, CoE, and has no access to the ECHR, so its citizens are fundamentally “second class” compared to their peers in the Balkans and the wider continent.

Kosovo is also not party to a number of conventions regulated through membership of the CoE and cannot participate or vote in discussions concerning Kosovo in the CoE Parliamentary Assembly.

A popular Latin saying in Central and Eastern Europe, Nihil de nobis, sine nobis – “Nothing about us, without us” – has been Kosovo’s objective for decades when it pertains to discussions, resolutions and decisions made on Kosovo in key multilateral organisations, including the Council of Europe.

Consecutive Kosovo governments since the Declaration of Independence in 2008 have proclaimed the aim of joining the Council of Europe as a full and sovereign member.

In some respects, it is one of the “easier” organisations to join, as its bylaws require a two-thirds majority on all decisions, with no veto powers allowed for any existing members.

As more than two-thirds of its member states do recognise Kosovo as independent, and even some non-recognizers like Greece have in the past voiced support for Kosovo’s accession to multilateral bodies, Kosovo’s potential membership was a subject of serious deliberations for over 15 years, both internally as well in Kosovo’s diplomatic interactions with its allies.

Kosovo is already a member of the IMF, the World Bank, the EBRD, the International Olympic Committee and several regional initiatives.

Back in 2011, I led the efforts for Kosovo’s accession process to the CoE from the position of Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of coordinating membership processes to multilaterals. A number of position papers researched by eminent international and foreign affairs experts provided a clear mapping of benefits and the methodology of accession.

It was clear at that time, however, that Kosovo’s accession was not supported by key allies in these early days of Kosovo’s existence as an independent state.

One reason was that while consensus is not a requirement, it was still desirable and had always been used when the CoE agreed to accept new members.

Russia, Serbia and many other countries would have none of it. Some skeptical political parties even within recognizing countries also made a potential vote in the CoE Parliamentary Assembly not quite assured.

The second reason was to give some time to the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, which was focused on a “legally binding agreement of full normalization centered on mutual recognition”, which would unlock Kosovo’s memberships in a less polarized atmosphere.

This being said, Kosovo didn’t sit idly waiting for good omens from the dialogue. From 2011 to 2015, a plan was developed and agreed with allied countries to start a step-by-step process of increasing Kosovo’s interaction with the CoE: applying successfully for membership of specialized independent bodies within the CoE ecosystem such as the Venice Commission and the Council of Europe Development Bank; starting to incorporate unilaterally some of the key conventions on human rights, such as the Istanbul Convention; even opening a Consulate General in Strasbourg to facilitate better and quicker communication between Prishtina and the CoE.

Successful lobbying for Kosovo to become a member of two partial agreements with the CoE, the Venice Commission and CoE Development Bank, in 2014, tested the waters of support and enabled Kosovo to genuinely profit from these bodies.

Kosovo has since benefited from having the Venice Commission as a independent arbiter of the constitutionality of a number of important laws, while some important projects have been financed by the CoE Development Bank, such as a recent credit line dedicated to improving living conditions for vulnerable, marginalised, and low- to middle-income households across the country.

Kosovo’s accession to big international organisations is conditioned on full support by the recognising countries, led by the so-called Quint of the US, France, Germany, UK and Italy.

This support, on the other hand, is conditioned with Kosovo’s active participation in the dialogue with Serbia. Kosovo’s membership chances increased dramatically after the signing of Ohrid agreement in 2023. A key article in this agreement called for Kosovo to have unfettered ability to join international organisations. Russia’s departure from the CoE also improved Kosovo’s numbers in the voting process both at the Parliamentary Assembly and at Committee of Ministers.

Immediately after the Ohrid agreement was reached (though crucially – not signed), Kosovo’s membership got a boost when the CoE Committee of Ministers endorsed Kosovo’s application and processed it to the next formal step, consideration by the CoE Parliamentary Assembly.

The CoE Parliamentary Assembly appointed the former Greek minister Dora Bakoyanis as Rapporteur on Kosovo’s rule of law and other preconditions for its application to pass the final hurdle and a full vote at the PA.

This is where an old legal dispute between the Serbian Orthodox Church monastery in Deçan and the local authorities became extraordinarily important, a sine qua non for Kosovo’s membership perspective.

Since 2016, successive Kosovo governments refused to implement decisions by the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court awarding the monastery the right over 24 hectares of land. Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s party was adamant they will not relent on “giving the land to the monastery” and called the judges of the Constitutional Court as “enablers of [Slobodan] Milosevic‘s decisions”.

As late as 2022, both the Speaker of Parliament, Glauk Konjufca, as well as Minister of Environment, Liburn Aliu, rejected any notion of accepting the rulings of the courts.

Yet, enormous Western pressure combined with the realities of the working agenda of Council of Europe have made PM Kurti bite the bullet.

He has now basically ordered the Cadastral Agency of Kosovo to transfer the disputed land to the Monastery of Deçan. This happened on the margins of the three-day visit by US Envoy Gabriel Escobar. The issue of respecting the property rights of the Decani monks has been high on agenda of the US administration, even entering talking points of President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Blinken throughout the last eight years.

What happens next?

Special Rapporteur Bakoyannis will report to the Committee on Equality of the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe in coming days. A positive reaction may be expected. Another Committee on legal affairs already had a note that there are no legal hindrances for Kosovo to become a member of CoE.

If Committees don’t block the process, a full vote may be expected in the Parliamentary Assembly by mid-April. If two-thirds of the MPs represented there vote positively, the issue goes the highest executive body, the Committee of Ministers, who can vote on Kosovo’s accession already in mid-May at their annual meeting in Strasbourg. If there’s good will, Kosovo could become the newest member of CoE by this spring.

The only dilemma is whether two other notable elements in the Bakkoyanis report of February 2024 become hard conditions, namely the issue of the Association of Serbian Majority Municipalities as well as the issue of land expropriation in Serbian-populated municipalities. Neither are really legal criteria, but both have been points of contention between Western supporters of Kosovo and Kurti’s government.

Kosovo citizens will benefit enormously from CoE membership. Kosovo’s diplomacy is currently at its nadir due to a host of misunderstandings and miscommunications, and Kosovo’s government is currently under EU sanctions due to its perceived negative role in escalating the crisis in Kosovo.

Kosovo’s membership of the CoE will bring multiple benefits, from access to the top human rights court to joining dozens of international conventions. There will be one added benefit: the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision, is only open to members of Council of Europe. Kosovo’s accession to the CoE will open a path to membership of the EBU and potential participation by Kosovo musicians in the 2025 competition.

Considering the global reach of some of Kosovo-born music stars like Dua Lipa and Rita Ora, it is not far-fetched that Kosovo’s path to Eurivision glory may have been unlocked by the agricultural needs of some isolated monks in a medieval monastery of western Kosovo.

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Let's talk about the Order of the Companions of Honour by u/Extreme-Slight

Let's talk about the Order of the Companions of Honour The announcement yesterday that Catherine, Princess of Wales has been elevated to the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) would have sent shock waves through the Cali Sunshine for a number of reasonsTiming Usually honours are announced in June around the Monarch's Official Birthday / Tropping The Colour and New Year's Day. They can be announced at anytime but by singling C-PoW out, she gets a moment of glory to herself, it celebrates St George's Day (which gets tangled up with Nationalism etc) and what a sweet message to the Wales's children on how much their mum means to Grampa. TOW has a history of trying to eclipse Prince Louis's birthday and this would have knocked anything the said off the front pages.First among EqualsThe CH is limited in membership and (yeap we're Brits) hierarchical. Your position in the Order, therefore the order you walk in is strictly by date of elevation to the Order....... except...C-POW as the only member of the RF who is part of this Order has gone in at Number 1, it is effectively HER order now. And I can see a lovely tradition starting where they elevate George's future spouse to the Order in their 40th Birthday year.She stands alone without peer in this order (can we hear the screams yet)Networking There are already a couple of "lifestyle" gurus on the list, Delia Smith and Anna Wintour (Met Gala invites anyone?), UK acting, music and art royalty - Maggie Smith, Elton John, Ian McKellen, Margaret Atwood to name a few - Sport, Ecology and Science - Seb Coe, Mary Peters and David Attenborough. I hear that Mary Berry and Patrick Stewart on high on the list to fill the vacancies in June.Can you imagine the good that could be done if just one of these opened their black books to support ARO, Invictus or Archwell? But now it's the Earthshot Prize that will benefit by being seen with a fellow Companion.It's based now in the Commonwealth.More than any other of the UK Orders, this one is becoming Commonwealth based and I can see the order becoming much more diverse under C-POW's guiding hand.The Commonwealth and any Viceroy positions slipped away from TOS hands thanks to their negative comments but this really does, for me start to mark the end (again)More information about the Order rom Wikipedia here post link: https://ift.tt/A1OWEFP author: Extreme-Slight submitted: April 24, 2024 at 12:10PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[justforbooks]

It rained. Of course it did. It wouldn’t have been a proper coronation if it hadn’t. Brits wouldn’t have had it any other way. We were born to suffer. Keep calm and carry on.

The first guests had started arriving at Westminster Abbey from early in the morning. Among them the lucky MPs who had received an invitation. Though many Tories had been complaining it was all a stitch-up by Number 10. That Rishi Sunak had hand-picked favourites and those he wanted to get on side. Whatever. Let’s hope they had strong bladders. It was going to be a long morning.

As the cameras panned round the congregation, the BBC’s Huw Edwards desperately tried to pick out a few people he recognised. There was Ant and Dec. He didn’t know which was which but few do. Nick Cave. You can’t miss the jet-black hair. Stephen Fry behind a pillar somewhere. Jill Biden and her daughter near the back. The US president never attends these kinds of dos. President Macron wandering in, totally at home. He’s almost an honorary royal these days. In his own mind, at any rate.

Others started arriving. The lord speaker processing behind what looked like a large Toblerone. The seven former prime ministers. Boris Johnson and Liz Truss bringing up the rear. Johnson looking a right state as ever. There was no way he was going to make an effort even for this. Truss with the widest smile. She can’t believe her luck. Just 49 days in which she wrecked the country and she’s guaranteed a spot on every guest list for life. Living the dream.

Near the end, Prince Andrew and Harry. Andy was allowed a cape from the dressing-up box, Harry was in civvies. The message was clear: you can be accused of being a sexual predator. But don’t dare marry a black woman and spill the beans in your autobiography. Huw could barely bring himself to mention either of them.

Out in the Mall, Clare Balding was watching a horse walk sideways while the royal coach carrying King Charles and Camilla made its way to the Abbey. Balding pointed out all the flags of the Commonwealth countries, forgetting that many of them wanted to have their own heads of state. Then the cameras also forgot to broadcast the procession going through Trafalgar Square, where republican protesters were gathered. Nor did we get to hear Andrew being booed. This was too much lese-majesty for the occasion. Huw couldn’t have stood it.

Once the king and Camilla reached the abbey, a new procession made its way to the altar. Led by Sebastian Coe. What on earth was he doing here? He gets everywhere you don’t want him and even the royals haven’t found a way of keeping him out. Prince William, Kate and their children all looked as if they were extras from a remake of Cinderella. Then so did a lot of people. Brits like to think no other country does these occasions quite as well. Other countries may have a bit more self-worth. Still, the music was wonderful.

We’d been told that the king had wanted this to be a celebration of all faiths, but in reality this was a full-on Protestant extravaganza. Other faiths were restricted to either a one-line cameo or just a walk-on part. This was in all but name a sacred ritual, honouring Charles as the one true king and the Church of England as the one true religion.

And in truth, it quickly all began to drag a little. Justin Welby’s sermon was borderline unintelligible. Meaningless to most people. The two-hour service could have done with some editing down to 75 minutes. Still, at least it was an hour shorter than the late queen’s in 1953. Prince Louis went missing for large chunks. Lucky him. Perhaps he couldn’t be separated from his PlayStation.

“I am here to serve. Not to be served,” said Charles. Really? It didn’t look that way. The whole thing was being done for his benefit, after all. Though he did look strangely detached throughout. As if he didn’t really want to be there. As if it was all a bit much for him. He could take the trinkets but the obligations of kingship were too heavy a burden. Luckily, for once the pen with which he had to sign his name worked perfectly. Otherwise he might have snapped. The only time he looked vaguely cheerful was when the gospel choir sang.

Then we got to the real ceremony. First the anointing with holy oil that took place behind a screen because it was too sacred to be broadcast. A ritual we were told that went back to Solomon. Hmm. But Zadok the Priest always adds a touch of class. Then the Orb of Excellence, the Mace of Magnificence, the Spurs of the Surreal, the Gauntlet of Devotion, the Goblet of Fire. Or something.

Still, Penny Mordaunt was the breakout star with the Sword of Sincerity. Thank God, Truss got ousted. Otherwise we might have had Jacob Rees-Mogg doing it. The archbishop struggled to get the crown on, but eventually the king was crowned. Prince William swore allegiance and kissed his father. The one tender, personal moment of the entire ceremony. Even so, it was hard to escape the sense of the absurd. A modern 21st-century democracy reliving a medieval fantasy. It was like the royalty as scripted by Disney. Hard to take seriously. Maybe it would have made more sense in black and white.

At least Camilla looked as if she was enjoying herself. She smiled and struggled not to burst out into giggles as she was asked to hold a sceptre. She clearly thought the whole thing was ridiculous. Meanwhile the king carried on suffering in this piece of dadaist performance theatre. After more interminable faffing, the king and queen nipped round the back of the altar. Presumably Camilla needed a cigarette and a quick laugh to release the tension. Most of the rest of us were by now bored. Couldn’t wait for the thing to be over. Enough was enough.

Eventually they reappeared and headed for the exit while the audience sang God save the King. Charles stopped to thank the ministers from other faiths for being ignored throughout the service. Then into the golden carriage. Princess Anne, looking like Napoleon, leapt on to a horse. “She’s now the Gold Stick in Waiting,” Balding said excitedly. Only in Britain.

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at http://justforbooks.tumblr.com

[living400lbs]

Fad diets were dangerous in the 1920s, too:

"Indeed, the 1920s were probably the high point of food faddism in the United States. Dietary evangelists of one stripe or another touted the health benefits of fasting, mastication, vegetarianism, fruitarianism, raw foods, sour milk, drinking two quarts of milk daily, the grape cure, no breakfast, no protein, hot water, no water with meals, coffee with meals, liver as a miracle food, and on and on. Many of these programs were supposed to enhance not only internal well-being but external beauty as well. After centuries of judging the curvaceous form ideal, millions of American women suddenly decided that the slim, “sylphlike,” and boyish body type was now the goal. They embarked on all kinds of reducing regimens, including the canned pineapple and lamb chop diet, supposedly popular among movie stars: “For breakfast the order is one lamb chop and one slice of pineapple. For luncheon two lamb chops and one slice of pineapple. For dinner two lamb chops and two slices of pineapple.” That combination of meat and fruit was somehow supposed to melt the pounds away. In fact, so many women—and more than a few men—were experimenting with drastic diets, high colonics, patent medicines, therapeutic soaps, and other nostrums guaranteed to shed pounds that thousands were ending up in hospitals, victims of physical and mental collapse. Alarmed, in 1926 the American Medical Association convened an “Adult Weight Loss Conference” in New York with leading doctors as speakers. After the conference, they drafted a widely reprinted, sixteen-part series of articles exposing the dangers of reducing fads and recommending a gradual plan consisting of exercise and a balanced, low-calorie diet. Their efforts mainly fell on deaf ears. At the end of the decade arose the Hollywood Diet, featuring a menu of grapefruit and various proteins and guaranteed to help you lose eighteen pounds in as many days. Once again, hospitals saw a rise in “cases of acidosis, jaundice, anaemia and similar complaints arising from malnutrition from its adherents” and issued a new series of health warnings."

From A Square Meal by Jane Ziegelman and Andrew Coe

[burlveneer-music]

Kendo Nagasaki - Hurt, Decide, Conspire - out today, debut album from “drums/trombone/drums” noise trio. Say no more!

For their debut album, drums/trombone/drums noise trio KENDO NAGASAKI bring us 11 tracks of improvised industrial noise, scattered drums & distortion drenched trombone riffs - all recorded live. Kendo Nagasaki only ever record live. No overdubs. No pissing about. Just live, in the moment slabs of Class-A skronk. Kendo Nagasaki are two drummers and a deranged trombonist with a pedal board the size of a small provincial town - creating blistering and bedazzling motorik soundscapes and improvisations that spring to mind the sounds of Soft Machine, Lightning Bolt, Boredoms, Parts & Labor, Sonic Youth, Benefits and The Comet Is Coming via a Marshall stack turned up to 11. Previous releases have been with the Polytechnic Youth and Die Das Der labels, and they have been championed by Messrs Coe, Ravenscroft and Maconie. It's crazy, it's captivating and it's brilliant.

Mr Darleydale - Trombone Mr Measham - Drums Mr Droitwich – Drums

[sail-not-drift]

When you get this, please respond with five things that make you happy! Then it send to the last ten people in your notifications (anonymously). You never know who might benefit from spreading positivity.

❤️❤️❤️

Seeing myself in my new glasses. I actually feel pretty when I wear them.

The joy of finally having a mutual fandom with a friend after months of separation.

The food my grandma has been making since I was little: noodle pudding, matzoh ball soup, brisket…

That first moment of crawling into bed and pulling the heavy covers up over my shoulders, letting out a big sigh as I sink into the mattress.

Being in the mountains or around hills. Anywhere that the earth and sky feel like they’re dancing. Glen Coe, the Rock of Gibraltar. Some of the best places I’ve ever been.