#champions of health awards

[starry-bi-sky]

do yall ever think about bruce/batman!clone danny standing in front of his bathroom mirror after finding out he was a clone and silently tracing his face. The slope of his jaw and point of his chin. The high angle of his cheekbones and the shape of his eyes, the curve of his brow bones and the shape of his nose. The volume of his hair and the way it curls and gets fluffy when it gets too long.

His hair is black the same way a crow's wing is black. His dad's hair is black the same way a black bear's fur is black. His dad's eyes are blue like the ocean is blue. Danny's eyes are blue the same way a glacier is blue.

His dad has a square jaw and straight flat hair, and he tans and gets a face full of freckles when he's out in the sun for too long. Danny burns like a lobster and his face remains untouched. Danny has a sharp jaw and tall cheekbones, and Sam says when he's not smiling there's almost something regal about him. You would never call Jack Fenton "regal" when he's not smiling.

Sam says when he's not smiling he looks scary the same way a stone statue is. Jack Fenton when he's not smiling looks scary the same way that german shepherd staring at you across the street is.

Do you ever think he grew up wondering if he was adopted. Because of course, he has black hair and blue eyes like his dad. But having the same color doesn't make you someone's child.

Or, worse, things he's heard from the other kids and the other parents and even some of his teachers growing up; that he was the product of an affair. And that his dad was just too stupid to notice. And Danny would defend his parents until the day he died, because Jack Fenton wasn't an idiot and Maddie Fenton wasn't a cheater.

But doubt comes in with fickle tongue. his parents swear up and down that he is their child when he asks about either. That Danny just had his grandparents' features, but he was their son and they loved him.

But Danny doesn't look like either of his parents. His mom's eyes are blue like an aquamarine and Jazz's too. And they burn like lobsters in the sun too, but Jazz gets freckles on her face and so does Maddie. And as Danny grows up he doesn't bulk up or get stocky like his dad did, and when he hits puberty he doesn't shoot up like a tree like Jack Fenton did.

He stays small, and they say he's a late bloomer (and he is), or that he just has his mom's height. But he's fast and has good stamina, and some days it feels like he's built entirely different from his family. That the things they went through growing up just didn't apply to him. Jack and Maddie Fenton both had acne and breakouts when they hit puberty, and Jazz inherits it and he's seen the amount of skincare products she keeps on her side of the bathroom.

And then he hits puberty and breaks out maybe once or twice, but his skin stays clear for the most part and the problems and changes his dad went through just don't happen to him.

And the truth is worse than all of the lies.

How horrifying.

[great-and-small]

Speaking of breed standards, would you be able to give me some context on what the heck is up with the German Shepherd "stack"? I see a lot of GSD owners saying it's breed standard and therefore fine, but the slant looks so extreme in some dogs that I have some skepticism about it (and also because, of course, breed standards have nothing to do with animal health).

This is a pretty hot button issue and you’re right that there is a ton of bickering back and forth about it online. I’m happy to share my thoughts, but keep in mind that as a veterinarian I am biased towards function over form. I care way more about if a dog can do the things it wants/needs to do than how it looks. I won’t get into it here but I actually have real qualms with the distinction between “working line” and “show line” in some breeds.

My quick takeaway opinion- There are several orthopedic issues in the German Shepherd dog (specifically show lines) that have likely been exacerbated if not entirely caused by breeders striving for the classic “sloped back” look that is considered breed standard.

Now that being said, it is a fact that the three point stack (how a dog is positioned when standing) greatly exaggerates the angulation of the back and hind legs. You will often see comparison images like this one that show a dog in stack versus standing square and you can clearly see the top line looks more sloped when the dog is stacked. This image is from a GSD subreddit, a pretty dog here nicely demonstrating how the stance can change the appearance of the top line.

This phenomenon is what certain hardline GSD breed standard loyalists will point to when discussing this issue. They posit that the sloped back is essentially an optical illusion caused by aesthetic posing, and therefore a German Shepherd is no more prone to orthopedic problems than any other large breed dog. This is where I disagree.

You can easily find stark examples of a poorly put together dog in any breed or mixed breed out there, so when discussing my concerns with the GSD I will only use photos of titled dogs that are accomplished within the show ring. These are not random backyard bred shepherds, but champion dogs from acclaimed lines that will almost certainly be bred to pass on their genes. When breed clubs like the AKC award these dogs as exemplars of the breed, they tacitly endorse the conformation issues I’m about to discuss. So my beef is not with German shepherds or dog breeds in general, but specifically with breed clubs that refuse to examine whether their standard harms animals. An important disclaimer, not every breed club is like this and many take health concerns extremely seriously.

Dogs have a very different limb anatomy and gait to humans and a healthy dog is meant to walk on their paw pads. The “ankle” or hock should be upright and angled as you can see here in this nice-looking champion shepherd from 1902.

German shepherds can sometimes have a problem that is colloquially called “dropped hocks��� where that joint is abnormally loose and in more serious cases can even be touching the ground, which is completely abnormal and something I would consider a serious physical flaw. A dog having dropped hocks/tarsal hyperflexion like this is proven to cause medical issues for these dog, but unfortunately the sinking joints also help to give the dog that “classic” sloping look that breed clubs love.

This dog “Ch Kysarah's Pot of Gold” won best of breed at the National dog show in 2015. You can see his hock is literally flat on the ground even when not stacked

And it’s not just one dog. Here is another champion dog (Cruaghaire Catoria), who got some controversy for winning best of breed at Crufts in 2016 despite an extremely abnormal gait.

Perhaps we could excuse the low hocks when the dog is standing as being the result of the stack, but it is glaringly obvious when she moves that this is no trick of her positioning. Her entire tarsus rests on the floor as she runs and in close ups you can even see bald patches there to suggest this is a “normal” gait for her. In this video, the announcers agree that this is the ideal gait for a shepherd. If I saw this gait in a friend’s dog I’d politely express my concerns for long term mobility issues and recommend an orthopedic consultation. To see it win best of breed is galling to say the least.

And lest you think the problem has been solved, here’s another from the National Dog Show in 2023

None of these dogs could charge athletically into a field and effectively herd sheep. If we are prioritizing aesthetic over function to the degree that a dog cannot do what it was bred to do, or more importantly that it cannot do the simple things that dogs love to do, then we have veered unforgivably off course. Not to put too fine a point on it but what the fuck is the point of a breed standard if it impedes the dog’s function in any way? We have no right. German shepherds are an incredible breed of dog that have stood by us humans in some of our darkest moments; I think the breeders and kennel clubs who claim to love them the most should work harder to ensure the “champion” dogs they are producing can live long pain-free lives. If we have to adjust our notion of what the breed is “supposed” to look like then so fucking be it.

This is too long already so I’m not getting into hip dysplasia, DM, carpal laxity, elbow dysplasia or other conditions that exist in the breed. If German shepherd clubs want to distance themselves from the notion that their breed standard is causing problems with canine health then they will need to stop publicly lavishing awards on dogs with medically concerning gait issues and start focusing on breeding dogs that can run around a ring without causing even the most casual of onlookers to realize “something’s not right there”

[fruitbasketball]

sorry y’all. this is going to be a little emotional.

when i was 4 years old, i went to my first ever nba basketball game. i don’t remember it at all, honestly. i know kobe was playing, but all i have is a picture of me on my dad’s shoulders in a lakers hat and the definitive notion that i wanted to go back.

i fell in love with basketball that day. i’ve stayed in love ever since.

when i was 10, i heard about a team that had just gone back to back in the tournament, and on the women’s side. i decided i would watch a few games. i fell in love all over again.

when i was 12 years old, i watched the university of connecticut do the unthinkable. 4 straight championships, 2 perfect seasons, absolute dominance.

i thought to myself: in everything i do, for the rest of my life, that is what i am striving for: perfection.

that same year, i watched one of my idols, kobe bryant, retire.

when i was 15, i got concussed. it was a regular volleyball practice, and i didn’t expect it at all. but i had a sport i loved taken away from me, because the risk of damaging my academic future was just too great.

i fell out of love with sports, for a little bit. it sucked watching athletes do what i used to love doing; competing, being a teammate, winning.

later that year, i clicked on a youtube highlight reel. i don’t remember if it was overtime, or bleacher report, or house of hoops - and that’s honestly not important. but there was this blonde girl from minnesota, a couple years older than me, and she was hooping out of her fucking mind.

and just like that, i fell back in love.

i saw tidbits of all my favorite players - a midrange shot and mentality that resembled kobe’s, a cockiness that reminded me of dee, a 3 ball so smooth i could only think of steph, and a pass first mentality that made me feel like i was watching sue play.

slam said she was electrifying - that didn’t even begin to describe it.

i watched her commit to uconn.

kobe would die her freshman year. i would feel the loss like no other.

i watched this girl - saw her cry when she won national player of the year (the first freshman ever to do it), saw her lose in the final four, watched her get up in front of the entire country at 19 years old and tell them black women mattered.

and then i watched her get hurt.

and even though it wasn’t the same at all, it reminded me of my own injury. the player whose game i had fallen in love with - more and more with every play and every game - understood what i had felt on a fundamental level.

i watched her lose the championship that year. i wondered how someone could go through so much and God still couldn’t reward her.

when i was 18, i cried when i found out she had torn her acl.

my health went to shit that year. i was pushing myself too hard, striving for perfection. i landed myself in the er more than a few times. i was in and out of the hospital for months. i was sidelined from everything i loved.

i watched her talk about God and resilience and i was shocked at how it was possible to maintain so much positivity and faith when it feels like everything is against you. like life is happening to you and it feels like you’re just surviving instead of living.

i watched her come back from that injury, watched her struggle to carry a team that was far too depleted, watched someone i idolized struggle for another year.

i listened to her cite kobe, the man whose numbers i have tattooed on my back. the man who was everything to me growing up.

and it was the same for her. God. faith. determination.

so that’s what it was for me.

God. faith. determination.

yesterday, paige bueckers became a national champion with God, faith, and determination.

that means something to me.

it means something to a lot of fucking people - and that’s what makes her so great. it’s not the trophies or the awards or even the national championship net she won’t fucking take off. it’s her - it’s who she is as a person, who she’s always been, and who she’s grown to be.

i can’t think of a single person more deserving of God’s grace, not one person more resilient and faithful and not one person i look up to more.

thank you for a spectacular five years, paige.

thank you for being a role model to me when i needed it most.

thank you for bringing your talent to the game i fell in love with at 4 years old.

the rest of the legend is still waiting to be written.

i can’t wait to read it.

[halfmoonaria]

superstar

pairing: jenna ortega & reader

summary: you're a singer, and jenna thinks you're a superstar

word count: 1.6k

Jenna had always been adamant in interviews and podcasts that she wasn't looking for a partner.

The notion of opening herself up to someone, of sharing her most intimate and vulnerable sides, was terrifying to her.

She'd often say that the industry was already a whirlwind, and adding a relationship into the mix seemed like a recipe for disaster.

Her words resonated with a certain conviction, leaving fans and followers convinced that Jenna was dedicated solely to her career and personal growth.

Hence, when news broke that Jenna had met someone, the world was taken aback.

And her family, who had long accepted her stance on relationships, were particularly stunned.

What made it even more astonishing was that her partner was not just anyone but a singer. The very idea seemed to clash with everything Jenna had previously expressed.

If anyone had expected Jenna to find love, it would have been with someone far removed from the spotlight, someone who could offer a grounding presence amidst the chaos of fame.

Yet, there she was, completely enchanted by you, whose life was as much in the public eye as hers.

Your talent and passion had pierced through Jenna's carefully constructed walls, revealing a side of her that no one had ever seen.

It was an unexpected connection, but it was real, and it transformed Jenna in ways she had never imagined possible.

You were her age, having started singing at a tender age, your voice a gift that quickly became your solace.

From the early days of strumming a guitar in your bedroom to performing on small stages, your journey was one of both talent and resilience.

Your songs were deeply personal, often touching on themes of mental health, a reflection of your own struggles since your teenage years. The raw honesty in your lyrics resonated with many, turning your pain into a source of comfort for others.

Jenna admired you not just for your musical prowess but for your courage.

In a world where vulnerability was often masked, you stood as a beacon of authenticity. You spoke openly about your battles with anxiety and depression, both in your music and in interviews.

Your willingness to share your story in hopes of helping others, struck a chord with Jenna.

She saw in you a kindred spirit, someone who navigated the complexities of fame with a heart wide open, unafraid to show the scars that came with it.

The openness, the fearless confrontation of your inner demons, was what drew Jenna to you.

It was no surprise that the two of you had found each other, you were both well looking and had surprisingly more similarities than anybody would thought.

Your fame had skyrocketed over the years, just like hers had.

Sold-out arenas, chart-topping albums, and countless awards had become part of your daily reality.

You were recognized wherever you went, your face gracing the covers of magazines and your name trending on social media.

Just like Jenna; two of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry to end up together was something nobody had expected.

Despite your immense popularity, you remained grounded, always remembering the humble beginnings that shaped you.

The magnitude of your success was undeniable.

Fans across the globe found solace in your music, drawn to the sincerity of your lyrics and the powerful way you connected with your audience.

Your concerts were not just performances but communal experiences where people came together, united by the themes of your songs.

Interviews and talk shows frequently featured you, not only to discuss your latest projects but to delve into the deeper conversations about mental health that you championed.

Jenna couldn't help but be captivated by how you balanced the pressures of fame with an unwavering commitment.

It was this genuine openness, this ability to remain true to yourself amidst the chaos of fame, that drew Jenna to you like a magnet.

Despite your hectic schedules and the constant media attention, your relationship flourished in the quiet moments away from the spotlight.

There were times you often found yourself on set with her, quietly supporting her through long days of filming.

Whether it was bringing her coffee during early morning shoots or simply being there to listen during breaks, you made sure she knew you were always by her.

Likewise, Jenna joined you on tour, even if just few times. Those moments were rare but cherished, her presence bringing a sense of calm amidst the chaos of your busy life on the road.

She would watch from the wings as you performed, a proud smile on her face, supporting you in the way only she could.

At home, the connection between you two deepened in ways Jenna never had anticipated.

There were nights when she'd sit on the edge of the bed or curl up on the couch, watching you play your guitar and sing just for her.

The closeness of those moments, your voice soft and full of emotion, always sent a thrill through her.

More than once, she'd found herself unable to resist you, her desire building until she was straddling your lap, the vibrations of your music moving through her.

Which had ended up in her getting off on your thigh multiple times as you played, your voice serenading her into bliss.

Jenna loved you in a way she'd never loved anyone before. You were everything she didn't know she needed, the only person who truly understood her.

She often marveled at the thought that you were all hers, unable to fully grasp how someone as incredible as you had chosen her.

Whether you were strumming a guitar at home or belting out lyrics on stage, you captivated her completely.

You were the only one she wanted, the only one who made her feel this intensely.

When you performed was when all of those thoughts overflowed.

On stage, you were magnetic, your voice powerful and sultry, sending shivers down her spine. And when you danced, it was as if the music lived in your body, every movement fluid and mesmerizing.

Jenna couldn't take her eyes off you.

She adored the outfits you wore—revealing pieces that clung to your body, accentuating every curve.

She understood why you chose them; the heat from the lights and the crowd demanded something breathable, but there was no denying the allure they added to your presence.

She found your voice captivating, sexy almost, whether it was the soft croon she heard at home or the commanding, electrifying sound that filled arenas.

Each note you sang and every step you took drew her in deeper, reminding her that despite all the eyes on you, you were hers alone.

Jenna admired you fiercely. Every time she watched you perform, she fell a little more in love, unable to understand how she was lucky enough to have you.

The way you owned the stage, the way your voice and dancing wrapped around her heart, left her breathless.

She loved watching you perform. For reasons that went beyond the obvious.

It wasn't just for the music or the energy of the crowd. There was something deeper, more personal, in the way she observed you on stage.

How deeply you connected with your audience, but even more so by how much of yourself you gave in each performance.

She knew every movement, every note came from a place that only understood. And that knowledge made it all more thrilling.

But what really drove her wild was what came after.

The sex afterwards was incredible.

You'd come of stage, still pulsing with the energy of the performance, and she could feel the heat radiating off you.

The way you'd pull her close, your hands exploring as if you couldn't wait another second. Your touch demanding and urgent, made her knees weak.

Those nights, when you were still on fire from the adrenaline, were her favorite.

If something hadn't gone the way you wanted; a missed note, a technical glitch, or someone who'd pissed you off backstage — Jenna knew she was in for it.

You'd take that frustration and channel it directly into her, the way you'd push her against the wall, not wasting a second, your intensity making her shiver with anticipation.

She craved those moments, the way your hands would be rougher, your kisses hungrier. The way you'd take control, leaving her breathless and utterly consumed by you.

Jenna loved every second of it, the raw unapologetic need that you unleashed after a show.

It was the side of you that only she got to experience, and it was addictive.

After every show, after the adrenaline had faded and the passion between you two had cooled to a gentle warmth, it was the quiet moments that Jenna cherished the most.

Lying in bed together, your bodies tangled in the sheets, she would trace the lines of your face, marveling at how someone so fierce on stage could be so tender with her.

It was in those moments that she realized just how much she loved you—not just for the superstar the world saw, but for the person you were when it was just the two of you.

No matter how hectic your lives became, no matter the miles between sets and stages, the connection you shared remained unshakeable.

You both had your own worlds, your own battles to fight, but in each other, you found a refuge, a place where you could be completely yourselves.

And as she drifted off to sleep beside you, Jenna knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, nothing could change the way she felt.

You were a star, but more importantly, you were her star, and she wouldn't trade that for anything in the world.

[sapphicandgraphic]

Breathe — Chapter 1

Summary: Got my first Melissa fic request from a reader! Prompt: Reader has an asthma attack and Melissa comforts them.

Series Warnings: Detailed descriptions of asthma attack, medical drama, hurt/comfort

Chapter: 1/3

______________________

It was a crisp, early fall day at Abbott Elementary and hundreds of excited students were making their way to the gymnasium for a school-wide assembly.

You stood in the hallway, silver whistle perched idly between your lips, staring at a wrinkled piece of paper with some hastily scribbled bullet points.

A few of the younger kids said hello as they passed you, smiling shyly and waving.You were the newest faculty member at Abbott, but your friendly, easygoing nature had quickly endeared you to the students.

A trio of older girls rushed up, giggling as they each hugged you.

“Okayyyy,” one of them said, immediately clocking your more formal outfit. “She upgraded from coach to first class, fam.”

“Purr!” The others agreed, clapping their long acrylic nails in applause as you played along, posing and popping the collar of your black wool blazer.

You had indeed dressed up today, knowing that Ava was planning to drag you on stage at some point and introduce you to the whole school.

As Abbott’s first official athletic director, you were in charge of the entire fitness program. That included everything from after-school sports to health and gym classes. You loved your job and all the responsibility that came with it, but public speaking always made you a bit queasy.

You finally managed to shoo the girls away and went back to studying your remarks. You lifted the whistle to your mouth again, absently holding it between your teeth.

A familiar, raspy voice interrupted your nervous pacing.

“You warmin’ up, coach?”

Melissa was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, smiling crookedly. Her class was marching through the gym doors single file. Not for the first time, you admired how this woman managed to exude such a steady aura of control, to corral her kids so effortlessly.

You crumpled up the piece of paper and shoved it in your pocket, trying not to look as nervous as you felt.

“Ms. Schemmenti,” you said, smiling over the heads of the passing second graders. “Good morning.”

“So, are the rumors true?” She asked. “Are you going to star in today’s assembly?”

“The principal is insisting, for some reason,” you said, swiping a hand through your hair.

“She wants to show ya off,” Melissa said, her bright green gaze lingering long enough to make you blush.

“Why?” You asked, tone veering toward whiny.

The other woman rolled here eyes and did her best to ignore the surge of affection she felt in that moment.

When you first got hired, Melissa had expected you to be egotistical, arrogant, peacocking around for attention. You were a jock, after all, with a long list of awards and medals attached to your name. Instead you were disciplined, thoughtful, funny, great with the kids. And you had done nothing but consistently surprise her since the start of term.

She pushed off the wall, stalking toward you.

“Because you’re a catch,” she purred. “All them fancy private schools dying to snap ya up, and yet here you are, slumming with us at Abbott.”

As always, your heart rate spiked when the redhead fixed you with that bright, taunting smile. She was wicked hot and a little scary—just your type.

“You nervous?” Melissa was suddenly quite close. You swallowed, looking anywhere except down her shirt at the glorious expanse of creamy cleavage on display. Tits like that should be illegal.

“Kinda,” you admitted, glancing up at the ceiling.

She chuckled, brushing lint off the lapels of your coat. “Shouldn’t you be used to crowds? Big state champion and all.”

You looked down at her in surprise. “How did you know —“

“I have my sources,” she said, mysterious and vaguely threatening.

You chuckled, shaking your head.

“That’s different,” you said. “Besides, I’m a team player. Not used to being in the spotlight all by myself.

“Aww,” Melissa cooed, pinching your cheek softly. “You’ll do great, hon.”

You had a sudden, absurd desire to grab that teasing hand, to pull her off balance and silence her with a bruising kiss.

But then Barbara arrived with her class. One look at the scene before her—Melissa’s predatory smile, your flushed cheeks—told her all she needed to know.

“Melissa,” she scolded. “Leave that poor girl alone.”

In the short time you’d been at Abbott, Barbara Howard seemed to be the only one who could effectively muzzle Melissa. The redhead gave you one last appreciative look before stepping back and shrugging.

“What?” Melissa said. “I was just bein’ friendly.”

Jacob called your name, summoning you backstage and breaking the tension. Melissa watched you walk away until Barbara rolled her eyes, ushering her friend into the auditorium.

“Behave,” she warned, swatting her on the arm. Melissa made a noncommittal noise before wandering off to take her seat.

Ava intercepted you by the curtain.

“Hey, Madame Athletic Director,” she said. “Ready for your big debut?”

You laughed uncomfortably. “As I’ll ever be.”

Jacob appeared, wheeling a small black machine with several buttons and knobs on a metal cart.

“We like to start the year off with a bang,” Ava explained, pulling out her phone and connecting to the Bluetooth. “But per usual, the district didn’t give us any budget, so we had to get creative.”

Hype music started to play over the loudspeakers, to the clear delight of the entire student body.

“And now for the piece de resistance,” Jacob said.

He rubbed his palms together like a magician about to pull a rabbit out of his hat, then flicked a switch on the machine.

You didn’t have time to react before a wall of thick, white smoke billowed out. Ava jumped back.

“Is that s’posed to happen?” She asked.

“Hmm,” Jacob frowned. A smell like melting plastic permeated the backstage area.

“Ugh, turn that off!” Ava coughed, waving a hand in front of her face.

Jacob flipped another switch but the smoke kept coming, curling up toward the ceiling and giving the air a chemical haze.

“Help,” he moaned, hands hovering over the control panel uncertainly. “Help, help, help.”

You opened your mouth to make a suggestion and accidentally inhaled a few lungfuls of the stuff. Stepping forward, choking on the acrid smell, you unplugged the power cord from the wall outlet. Jacob shot you a grateful look.

“Thanks.”

With a disappointed hum, Ava put her phone away and waltzed out onto the stage to begin the assembly. You tried to focus on her words, but your eyes were watering and your chest felt tight. Uh-oh.

“Be right back,” you said, jogging down the steps. Jacob nodded, turning back in disappointment to the fog machine.

Melissa and Gregory, sitting in the front row with their classes, noticed your hasty exit out the side door.

“Isn’t she getting introduced soon?” Gregory asked.

The redhead narrowed her eyes. “Yeah.”

As soon as you were out of the gym you started coughing. Your throat and lungs burned, and you felt the telltale creep of inflammation as your airway constricted.

Your office was just around the corner from the gym, and you started to jog that way. It had been more than a year since your last asthma attack, and you’d gotten out of the habit of carrying your emergency inhaler on you. By the time you unlocked the door and stumbled inside, you were wheezing.

You made a beeline for the medical locker on the far wall, throwing open the metal door and rummaging in your first aid kit. Ace bandages, tubes of neosporin, packets of Advil—but no inhaler.

A ripple of panic slithered down your spine as your breathing grew more labored, each gasp shallower than the last.

It suddenly occurred to you that someone might have moved it. Black dots hovered at the edge of your vision.

“Fuck,” you murmured, realizing all at once how much trouble you were in. “Fuck.”

[trans-axolotl]

Bazelon Center (one of the few anti-institutionalization law centers that does Olmstead litigation) giving an award to a zionist politician (John Fetterman) is so fucking enraging and also really showcases how the nonprofit disability world is actually exploitative and dangerous in so many ways.

if you also feel pissed off that a "mental health law advocacy" group that supposedly cares about civil rights for disabled people is honoring a genocidal politician this Tuesday, feel free to comment on their instagram and also email communications@bazelon.org and let them know how you feel!

Sample email script:

"I am deeply disappointed/enraged/heartbroken/etc about your choice to honor Senator John Fetterman with the 2024 Congressional Champion award. Fetterman's has publicly refused to call for a ceasefire and continues to support the ongoing genocide, frequently making racist and inflammatory public comments. As an organization that claims to value civil rights and equality for all disabled people, it is shameful that you refuse to act in solidarity with disabled Palestinians, instead choosing to award a politician who is celebrating genocide. I demand that you retract the award from Fetterman and do not honor a genocidal politician this Tuesday."

If you can, changing up the wording to make it your own would be best.

Key points for commenting/emailing:

Express your rage/sadness that they are honoring John Fetterman.

Explain that Fetterman openly supports genocide.

Demand that they retract the award.

as mad/disabled/mentally ill people, we have a responsibility to call out our community organizations when they do bullshit like this and to actively act in solidarity!

please share, comment, and email!

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ WILLIAM'S YEAR IN REVIEW : 𝐌𝐀𝐘 ✧• ─

𝟏 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : The Prince of Wales received Mr. Simon Patterson (Vice Chairman, The Royal Foundation) at Windsor. William supported Fields in Trust's #BarkForOurPark Campaign. 𝟐 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : He attended the UEFA Conference League Semi-Final first leg match between Aston Villa & Olympiakos at Villa Park. 𝟕 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : William received the Lord Janvrin (Chairman, The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee) at Windsor Castle. He received the Lord Hague of Richmond (Chairman, The Royal Foundation) at Windsor Castle. 𝟖 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : William held an Investiture at Windsor Castle. 𝟗 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : The Duke of Cornwall started his two-day tour of the Duchy of Cornwall. He spent the day in Newquay and was received by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall (Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho) at the site of the new Nansledan Housing Project. Afterwards, he met lifeguards and volunteers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution at Fistral Beach. He met representatives of the Hollywell Bay & Newquay Surf Life Saving Clubs. Later, he arrived at St Agnes in the Isles of Scilly where he visted Troytown Farms & spent time with the community during a picnic. 𝟏𝟎 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : William spent the day in Isles of Scilly. He was received by Mrs. Jane Hartley (Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall) at the Quay, St. Mary's. He visited St. Mary's Harbour and met crew from the 2024 World Pilot Gig Championships. Later, he visited St. Mary's Hospital in Belmont. The Duke of Cornwall also privately took part in a nature walk with Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. 𝟏𝟏 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : He appeared in a video message during the Steve Irwin Gala. 𝟏𝟐 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : William appeared in a video message during BAFTA TV Awards. He sent out a tweet congratulating Manchester United WFC on their Vitality FA Cup Win. 𝟏𝟑 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : The Prince of Wales was officially appointed as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps by King Charles III. Subsequently, he visited the Army Air Corps at the Army Aviation Centre. Kensington Palace released two unseen photos from 1999 and 2008 featuring William to mark the occasion. 𝟏𝟓 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : William released a personal tweet congratulating Aston Villa for their Champions League qualification. 𝟏𝟔 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : William attended "World Together Solving the Antibiotic Emergency" Conference at the Royal Society and was received by Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London (Reverend Canon Dr. Flora Winfield). Later in the evening he hosted a Reception at St. James's Palace. William also appeared in a video message to mark the 10th anniversary of the Elephant Initiative. 𝟏𝟕 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : Kensington Palace marked Mental Health Awareness Week via social media. Additionally, the Duchy of Cornwall unveiled funding plans of the Duchy Mental Health Strategy providing their farmers with access to support. 𝟐𝟏 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : The Prince of Wales received Major General James Bowder (General Officer Commanding London District and Major General Household Division, Welsh Guards). In the afternoon, he hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace. 𝟐𝟐 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : William held an Investiture at Windsor Castle. 𝟐𝟓 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : William and Catherine released a personal tweet offering condolences on the passing of an RAF pilot at RAF Coningsby. William and George attended the Emirates FA Cup Final between Manchester City Football Club and Manchester United Football Club at Wembley Stadium. He also send out congratulations via a tweet. 𝟐𝟕 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : William and Catherine sent a letter to Tracey Morris offering condolences for her husband, Peter's death. 𝟐𝟖 𝐌𝐀𝐘 : William and Catherine were out shopping at a deli in Holt, Norfolk.

[kadextra]

IRONMOUSE INTRODUCTION POST!

Mouse is a Puerto Rican streamer & VTuber (like Jaiden!) who is fluent in Spanish, English, and speaks some Japanese and Korean!

Irl she has an immunodeficiency disorder called CVID which causes her to have pain and be bedridden. Before getting diagnosed she was training with goals of being an opera singer. Due to the isolation of her condition she turned to streaming as a career, and complications from this condition also caused her speaking voice to become higher-pitched. She is a champion for health and encourages donations to immunodeficiency foundations!

Despite her struggles she has very positive, fun-loving mindset. She is sweet, a talented creator, as I said before also a very skilled operatic singer, (her singing voice is very deep) ! and is a member of VTuber agency VShojo. This year she won “Best Vtuber” at the Streamer Awards too :D

She loves to diversify her content as a variety streamer and try doing different things. Her out-of-pocket sense of humor and kindness will mesh perfectly with the other members. She also enjoys making stories for her avatar character (a demon queen) and has been wanting to get into more voice acting lately, so expect her to do some cool lore in the server! :3

Now a clip of her singing :D and another

[scotianostra]

Happy Birthday Scotland’s most successful Olympian, Chris Hoy.

Born in Edinburgh on March 23rd 1975,the 1982 film E.T the Extra Terrestrial inspired Chris Hoy to cycle. He was then a mere six year old boy. Between the age of seven and fourteen, Chris Hoy raced for BMX and was ranked two in Britain, ninth in the World and seventh in Europe. He then received a scholarship from Kwik-Fit and Slazenger to compete in the United States and in Europe.

Chris Hoy was also into rowing and rugby as a student. The first cycling club that he ever joined was Dunedin Cycling Club in 1992. Chris then started focusing on only track cycling from the year 1994 joining the City of Edinburgh Racing Club, his main events included the Team Sprint and the one kilometre Time Trial. It was Team Sprint that brought him his very first World Championship medal. His team came second in 1999. The first World Title for his team came in the year 2002 at Copenhagen in the Ballerup Velodrome. He also won the one kilometre time trial that same very year beating Arnaud Tournant. He was World champion in the years 2004, 2006 and 2007.

Chris won his first Olympic gold medal in Athens 2004 in the Kilo – an event that was dropped from the programme for Beijing 2008. Chris took this in his stride and switched his focus to three other track sprint events – the Keirin, Sprint and Team Sprint. He went on to win a gold medal in all three at the Beijing Olympics, cementing his name in the history books.

Following his historic hat-trick of gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, Chris was voted 2008 BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He was also awarded a Knighthood in the 2009 New Year Honours list, capping an extraordinary year. At the 2012 Olympics in London, Chris won his fifth and sixth gold medals – in the Keirin and Team Sprint – becoming OUR most successful Olympic athlete of all time with six gold medals and one silver.

In all he won 11 Gold medals, 6 Silver and 6 Bronze in World Championships, 6 Golds and a Silver at Olympics, and 2 Gold and 2 Bronze at Commonwealth games.

Chris retired from competitive cycling in 2013 he was the first Briton since 1908 to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games, and one of the most successful Olympic cyclists of all time.

Following his retirement, Chris remains passionate about bikes and has successfully made the transition into the business world following the launch of his bike range HOY Bikes, cycling accessories and clothing. He has published a series of children’s books – Flying Fergus – and is currently working on a second series.

In June 2016, Chris added to his record list of achievements when he finished the world’s most demanding motorsport endurance race, the Le Mans 24 Hours, on his debut. Last year he had a miracle escape after crashing a racing car at more than 100mph at Silverstone race track.

Chris has become a polished public speaker and media presenter, and he was a key part of the BBC TV’s commentary and punditry team covering the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Hoy has been Ambassador for SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) since 2009. In that time he has devoted many hours to raising awareness of and funds for the mental health cause.In December 2016 and December 2017, Hoy supported the Scottish Social Enterprise Social Bite by sleeping out at their Sleep in the Park events to end homelessness in Scotland.

In September 2023, Hoy was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. In October last year, he made public the nature and severity of the disease, that it had spread to his bones and was now terminal. He said that he had been given between two and four years to live.

The cycling legend is determined to keep fighting with a leIn a personal reflection he talked about a significant change in mindset: "The biggest shift in my mentality in the last year and a half is learning to slow things down and still have the goals, still have the purpose, still have things to look forward to, but actually to appreciate the moment, suggesting there are still options on the table. Chris also said

"I still have plans to still have big exciting things and I have got plenty of those coming up in family holidays and having Tour De Four [his charity race] means I want to be fit and I want to go well .

"I want to train for it, so every time I go on the bike I think about that and the purpose behind it. But while I'm on the bike, I'm looking around me and I'm trying to take in, I look thinking 'this is beautiful' even if it's raining .

"I've got three or four friends who passed away very suddenly without any warning, without the chance to appreciate life, without the chance to say 'aren't we lucky?'".

"So, yeah, for me now, it is very much is about the present, but still looking forward to the future."

[follow-up-news]

President Joe Biden is zeroing in on the policy goals closest to his heart now that he’s no longer seeking a second term, visiting New Orleans on Tuesday to promote his administration’s “moonshot” initiative aiming to dramatically reduce cancer deaths. The president and first lady Jill Biden toured medical facilities that receive federal funding to investigate cancer treatments at Tulane University, where researchers demonstrated using a piece of raw meat how they are working to improve scanning technology to quickly distinguish between healthy and cancerous cells during surgeries. The pair then championed the announcement of $150 million in awards from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. Those will support eight teams of researchers around the country working on ways to help surgeons more successfully remove tumors from people with cancer. It brings the total amount awarded by the agency to develop breakthrough treatments for cancers to $400 million.

[leveloneandup]

California Women’s Law Center 2024 Pursuit of Justice Awards

The California Women’s Law Center will host our annual Pursuit of Justice Awards reception and dinner on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Hotel Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica. We hope you will join us in recognizing phenomenal leaders who are working to promote equal opportunity for women and girls around the world.

Christen Press and Tobin Heath are history-making soccer players, World Cup Champions, Olympic Gold Medalists, equal pay trailblazers, and co-founders of RE-INC, a company built to reimagine a more inclusive and equitable future for all. As beneficiaries and champions of Title IX, and two of the most skilled soccer players in the world, Christen and Tobin have used their platform to advocate for equity in sports and are inspiring leaders working to ensure future generations of players benefit from increased support and more opportunity.

CWLC will also be honoring our Angel City Football Club, the women-owned Los Angeles’s National Women’s Soccer League team entering their third full season. Dedicated to players’ well-being on and off the field, Angel City FC created The Player 22 Program which invests in athletes’ post-player careers and their entrepreneurial endeavors, supports the development of and push to get more women into the business of sports, and addresses gender discrepancies in athletics.

For more than 30 years, CWLC has worked to protect, secure, and advance the civil rights of women and girls. We have advocated for and achieved policy change on a comprehensive range of issues including gender equality, Title IX enforcement, women’s health and reproductive justice, economic security, and violence against women.

[adventuressclubamericas]

Adventuresses We Love - Shirley Chisholm Adventuress Shirley Chisholm could be neither bought nor bossed. The daughter of immigrants, Chisholm’s first foray into politics was a run to represent her Brooklyn district in the New York State Assembly. It was not an easy campaign, with many in the Democratic party establishment reluctant to back a woman candidate. By appealing directly to women voters, and not being afraid to step on some toes when needed, Chisholm was able to secure the Democratic nomination and, ultimately, win the seat. She served in the New York Assembly from 1965 – 68, championing civil rights, workers’ rights, and education.

In 1968, Chisholm was elected to the House of Representatives by a 2-to-1 margin over her opponent, and in so doing became the first Black woman elected to Congress. She was initially assigned to the agricultural committee, despite coming from a very urban congressional district. While less than happy about the assignment, she used that seat to help expand food assistance programs, including working with Bob Dole to help create WIC.

In 1971, she helped create the Congressional Black Caucus and National Women’s Political Caucus.

In 1972, Chisholm set her sights even higher with a Presidential run, becoming the first Black person to run for a major party’s nomination, the first woman to try for the Democratic nomination, the first woman to appear in a Presidential debate. Her campaign was underfunded, and she was largely ignored by the Party establishment and her male colleagues, yet she’d still go on to win 153 first-round delegates at the Democratic convention before ultimately losing to George McGovern. (McGovern would ultimately lose the general election to incumbent President Richard Nixon.)

Returning to Congress, Chisholm continued to work for civil rights, workers’ rights, and the expansion of education, health care, and other social services, while also fighting against the war in Vietnam and the draft. She also became a mentor for a new generation of women Representatives. Chisholm retired from Congress in January 1983.

After a series of strokes, Adventuress Shirley Chisholm died January 1, 2005, at the age of 80. She was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in November 2015, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2024.

[invisibleicewands]

Michael Sheen helps shine a spotlight on everyday heroes at Welsh Charity Awards

The Welsh Charity Awards 2024, took place Monday evening (25 November) at National Museum Cardiff, in the company of Michael Sheen – holding up a mirror to the challenges and solutions facing communities the length and breadth of Wales.

Coinciding with the first day of Welsh Charities Week, in a ceremony honouring a range of dedicated volunteers, groups and charities, the leading charity FareShare Cymru scooped the top prize, ‘Organisation of the Year’ for its innovative work in turning an environmental problem into a social solution, and successfully redistributing surplus food to over 260 community groups, providing 2.1 million meals per week to 28,295 people, saving the voluntary sector an estimated £2.6 million in Wales.

Named Fundraiser of the Year, was Beth Baldwin in partnership with Diabetes UK Cymru, who raised over £100,000 in memory of her son Peter, as part of the ‘Rewrite Peter’s Story’ Campaign, which provided vital Type 1 Diabetes resources to every GP in Wales, saving lives and driving lasting change.

Campaign

In an emotional speech during the evening, Beth said: “Next January will be 10 years since my son, Peter, died from undiagnosed Type 1 Diabetes unnecessarily.

“In the last 10 years, we’ve campaigned with the amazing support of Diabetes UK Cymru to ensure that this happens to no other family. We’ve managed to save 15 lives that we are aware of.”

Beth continued: “Nothing, nothing can bring Peter back, ever, and I have to live with that. But I can, while I’m here, make a difference; I can use my voice, I can mobilise my community, I can utilise the support of an amazing charity and you guys in the room today to make sure that the four Ts of the onset of Type 1 Diabetes are widely known. Toilet. Thirsty. Tired. Thinner.

“If ever you, or your child, displays these symptoms, in isolation or together, please see a GP as soon as you can for a blood glucose finger prick test. The majority of you will be sent away, no problem, no diabetes.

“However, time is so critical. And 24 hours earlier, we could have saved Peter’s life. And I don’t want that happening to anyone else. So, please, if you take anything away from this evening: the four Ts –Toilet. Thirsty. Tired. Thinner. Thank you so much.”

Tireless efforts

Introducing the awards, legendary Welsh actor and WCVA President, Michael Sheen, said: “The tireless efforts of the voluntary sector is something that never ceases to amaze me.

“It is a wonderful reminder of all the positive things about Wales. Here, in this room, we have individuals and groups who have made a real difference in people’s lives, in every corner of our country, and beyond.

“I cannot wait to hear more about all the phenomenal work that’s gone on over the past year […] You are changing lives every day, and Wales … and indeed the world is a better place because of you.”

On winning Organisation of the Year, Sarah Germain, Chief Executive of FareShare Cymru, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our team of staff and volunteers who go above and beyond to turn an environmental problem into a social solution.

“The award goes much further than celebrating the achievements of FareShare Cymru, but also honours the achievements of our partners, supporters, volunteers and the community groups and charities that we support with food. It recognises the huge difference that each of them makes every day, and which FareShare Cymru’s food in some way helps them to achieve.”

Empowerment

Coming to the fore as a key theme this year was women’s equality and empowerment with St Giles Cymru winning the Health and Wellbeing award for its ‘Aspiring Champions’ project, which supports vulnerable young mothers (14 to 24 years) in Rhyl.

Also honoured for their extraordinary work in female healthcare were Young Volunteer of the Year, Molly Fenton, for her ‘Love Your Period’ advocacy campaign and Most Influential Small Organisation, FTWW (Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales), for their work on the NHS Wales Women’s Health Plan.

Another outstanding woman, who picked up a prize for her impactful contribution to society was Carmen Soraya Kelly (known as Soraya), who was named Volunteer of the Year, for her work empowering disadvantaged young people in south Wales.

Diversity

In a hotly contested category, Mudiad Meithrin was named Diversity Champion for its vital work advancing equality and anti-racism in Welsh-medium early childhood services, while The Outdoor Partnership was honoured for its use of the Welsh Language, particularly in having increased Welsh-speaking outdoor activities instructors from 4% to 25%.

peaking at this year’s ceremony, at National Museum Cardiff, WCVA Chief Executive Lindsay Cordery-Bruce said: “The Welsh Charity Awards hold a mirror up to our society, reflecting both the deep challenges we face in Wales and the extraordinary solutions driven by our finalists tonight.

‘As we close the first day of Welsh Charities Week, it is fitting that we take a moment to celebrate their remarkable achievements and mark the outstanding contribution made by the voluntary sector in Wales. We are often the only lifeline available to the most vulnerable in our society and a true inspiration for all of us who are passionate about building a fairer, stronger Wales for tomorrow.”

Organised by WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action), the Welsh Charity Awards is the only dedicated awards ceremony to celebrate the entire voluntary sector in Wales, recognising and celebrating the fantastic contribution charities, community groups, not-for-profits and volunteers make to Wales by highlighting and championing the positive difference we can make to each other’s lives. [...]

[simslegacy5083]

Today's (10/30/2024) Episode: An Evening of Contests

After a morning spent gaming and learning indoors, Luigi’s family and their foundation friends were ready to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.

He’d prepared a fun and wholesome event to cap off the foundation livestream, gathering everyone on a nearby beach. Isra, who still worked at the Observe to Conserve foundation took point, explaining a bit of the conservation work they did, and also specifically how trash left on the beach by careless Sims could harm not just the beauty of the environment, but also the health of the native plants and animals living there.

Then she and Luigi showed off a collection of prizes. They divided the attendees into small groups and promised first choice of prizes to whichever group collected the most trash over the next hour or so.

The kids of various ages were excited to roam up and down the beach, picking up anything that didn’t belong and collecting inventories full of trash they hoped to exchange for priority access to one prize or another they had liked.

Some of them, especially the younger ones, were perhaps a bit more distracted exploring the pretty beach than cleaning it, but Isra had experience with this. As they got closer to the designated time she made regular announcements, and by the last 5 minutes everyone was clustered around the last few uncleaned feet of beach hunting for last minute “treasures”.

Yoshi collected great footage of it all, including Isra’s little awards ceremony and her final pitch for the kids to keep Sulani Beautiful as they left.

After the kids dispersed with their winnings, Luigi headed back to the gaming center where he had arranged to meetup with Professor Silva.

He wasn’t the only one looking forward to seeing his old faculty mentor.  A number of his old Foxbury E-Sports teammates came too, engaging in an impromptu mini-tourney. Much to the chagrin of the professional e-sports players there, Luigi’s college fling Jade won the day.

Yoshi was taking a charging break, but Skye captured several pictures of his father’s defeat, not that Lawbourne senior was too broken up about his loss. “Some of my fondest memories are playing games with you guys at the University commons, and this was a great walk down memory lane!”

“If you’re up for more reminiscing, the E-Sports team has their big game coming up in just a few hours” Professor Silva mentioned. “I’d love for you all to head back to campus with me and cheer on my current crew; maybe pick out your favorites for the Rainy Day internship program?”

Noemi and several others were only too happy to spin into their winter wear and teleport to the stadium at their old Alma Mater.

“Your mom and I made so many great memories here” Luigi told his son as they walked through campus. “When you’re old enough we should take the college tour so you can see everything Foxbury has to offer.” Skye nodded shyly, not wanting to disappoint his parents, but in truth the big, cold lot intimidated him. He wasn’t so sure about this whole “university” thing.

The game was well worth the price of admission. The two teams were neck and neck all evening, but in the end, for the first time in a long time, Foxbury won the day. “You did it – congrats man!” Luigi enthused to his old mentor as they were leaving the stadium.

 “Thank you for supporting the team,” Coach Silva replied, “I’ve got to get back to my champions, but your advice and help made a big difference.”

By the time the game ended it was quite late, but no one wanted to go to bed without ringing in the new year. To that end they made their way back to the gaming center to end the evening in style. 

“Shushubie… shushubie… Fleeba Zoob!” the large group of Luigi’s favorite sims cried as the New Year’s countdown ticked over to midnight.

A recharged Yoshi was cruising the crowd with the other streaming cameras, capturing the celebration as everyone thanked their viewers for contributing to the big fundraiser earlier in the day. With hugs all around, and a strange question from Skye about how long teeth took to digest (where, Luigi wondered, did kids get these ideas!?) the large happy family started the new year off right: with a dance party of course.

Luigi didn’t know how things would look a year from now, but it seemed unlikely he’d be able to top that day’s accomplishments.

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[starsurfacemortalkombat]

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Regressor Lord Raiden w/ CG Liu Kang & Kung Lao (Fic) Pt 1

"Liu, Lao, are you awake?" Raiden ask, peaking his head into the room.

"Lord Raiden? What are you doing up at this time?" Liu Kang panicked, knocking over his and Kung Lao's janga tower. "We weren't- Kung Lao and I-!"

". . . You were losing anyways," Kung Lao huffed, picking up their blocks.

Raiden didn't feel like lecturing the boys for being up past bedtime. Normally, he would.

But he couldn't.

Tonight, he just couldn't.

The tournament had been won, the danger was past. Johnny, Sonya, Jax, and all of the champions were staying with them for the time being, receiving awards for their bravery in a few days.

Raiden couldn't help but feel relieved. They had won, Liu Kang had won. There was no death, his almost sons were alive. His other friends were alive.

"Are you busy?" Raiden asked, fiddling with his robes.

"Not . . . really, just playing a bit of janga," Kung Lao said. "Is everything okay Lord Raiden?"

"How old are you, Rai?" Liu Kang asked, noticing Raiden's hair was down. Rarely was it ever out of his cap. Unless he was regressed, it was always hidden. But currently, it was pulled back into a simple ponytail, what he usually wore when he was small.

Raiden couldn't help it, he broke down on spot.

He hadn't meant to start crying, honestly!!

But it had been so long since he had regressed, pushing the feeling off for months and months and-

he didn't mean to, he really didn't. But with the tournament coming up, and everything he had to do to be prepared-

And Liu Kang needed his Dada!! involuntarily regressing very small for months because of the amount of stress and training it took to become the tournament's Champion.

And it had taken a toll on Kung Lao too. Working himself to the point of exhaustion to try to catch up to Liu Kang. Trying his best to also watch Liu Kang, and not regress himself.

Both boys needed their Dada, and Raiden couldn't deny them that. Not when he was asking them to risk their lives for the sake world.

The responsibility was so much to put onto the boy(s).

Don't get Raiden wrong, he adored watching after Liu Kang and Kung Lao. But he himself had pushed off his regression for so long, he couldn't do it anymore.

"Rai? Are you okay?" Liu Kang asked softly.

"He obviously isn't okay, Liu!" Kung Lao snapped, walking over and pulling Raiden into a hug. Although it was obvious he was just as concerned as Liu Kang was.

"There is no need to snap, Kung Lao," Liu Kang said, gently grabbing Raiden's hand. "Hey, can you tell us what's wrong?"

"Nuffings wrong," Raiden shook his head, trying to wipe his face. Liu Kang got him a tissue. Although instead of letting him dry his own tears, Liu Kang did it for him, going on his tippy toes as Raiden leaned down slightly. "Just reflieved."

"Relieved?" Kung Lao double-checked.

"Your otay," Raiden shrugged. "I sorry. Don't- Don't mean to cry!"

But as Raiden said that, his voice cracked, and more tears flowed.

"Oh no, no, sweetheart!" Liu Kang frowned, holding Raiden close. "You're okay, cry as much as you want."

"Yeah, the bad bad men are gone now. They can't hurt any of us," Kung Lao gently said. "We're too tough, remember? We beat them?"

Raiden nodded, feeling horrible and icky. The two men lead him to Liu Kang's bed, letting him sit down on the comfy mattress.

It was rare that Raiden ever fully regressed; he had always been more of an age dreamer.

But he slipped.

And he slipped hard.

He felt so scared, so terrified. 

But also so relieved and happy. 

He had been so stressed for months. So worried for his champion's health, for their lives! It felt like all emotions he had been holding in were all trying to leave his body.

He felt horrible for dumping all these emotions onto Liu Kang and Kung Lao.

Although, the two boys didn't mind one bit.

Raiden had always been there for them. Through thick and thin. Getting them out of trouble, helping improve their powers, watching them when they needed someone.

It took a good while for Raiden's tears to calm down into soft whimpers and hiccups. During this time, his thumb had made its way to his mouth.

Either Kung Lao or Liu Kang would have told him that's unsanitary, but neither wanted to upset the God once again.

"You okay there, kiddo?" Kung Lao asked, receiving a small nod. "Well I'm glad. Big feelings can be pretty tough to deal with sometimes, huh?"

Raiden nodded, "Mhm . . . 'M sorry for-"

"Now don't you even start that!" Liu Kang gently scolded him. "We're here for you Lor- Erm, Rai, no matter what. All you needed was a good cry and some comforting, right? How old are you feeling?"

Raiden shrugged, he was never good at knowing what age he was. Mortal ages confused him, 

Kung lao thought about it, "When was the last time you slipped?"

Raiden hiccuped, shaking his head as he rubbed his eyes. Kung Lao regretted his question, snatching one of Liu Kang's tissues and drying his eyes.

"Oh it's been a bit of time, hasn't it baby?" Kung Lao asked, receiving a shakey nod. "Well that won't do at all!! We've gotta make sure our little guy here feels completely loved and comforted, right Liu Kang?"

"Right! Little Guy over here's just feeling some big emotions, nothing to fuss about anymore," Liu Kang squeezed Raiden's shoulder. "We can get some crayons and a coloring book! You like animals, Rai?"

Raiden gave a small nod, sucking his thumb. Kung Lao would have replaced it with a paci, but thinking about it, Raiden didn't have any regression items like that. . . Oh! But he did have his favorite blanket!! A gift Fujin got him when Raiden first began regressing.

"Hey, how about I go over to your blankie?" Kung Lao offered. "I'm sure it'd be really comfy right now, wouldn't it?"

"Be back, right?" Raiden asked, seeming panicky as he suddenly grabbed Kung Lao's shirt tightly.

"Of course I'll come back," Kung lao forced a smile, kissing Raiden's forehead. "And you'll stay with Liu Liu until I come back, right?"

Raiden nodded again. Kung Lao kissed the top of his head before slowly leaving the room.

"Alright, I've got- Woah!" Liu Kang stumbled slightly as Raiden tackled him with a hug. "We got a cuddle bug on our hands?"

"Mhm," Raiden nodded, grabbing Liu Kang's shirt tightly. "Don't leave. Pease don't leave."

"I'm not going anywhere, Rai," Liu Kang said, sitting Raiden back onto his bed. He went to sit beside him, but Raiden pulled him onto his lap, snuggling Liu Kang as if the Champion was a teddy bear. "Oh! Alright, we can cuddle. How about we choose what page we wanna color?"

By the time Kung Lao came back with Raiden's favorite blankie, Liu Kang and Raiden were still trying to find a page.

Raiden didn't know what page he wanted!! It wasn't his coloring book, he really shouldn't be using it. There were a few he liked, but what if one of the other two liked them? He didn't wanna steal a page from them!

"Woah! Those are some pretty pictures, right Rai?" kung Lao asked, trying to get the boy to choose one. Kung Lao wrapped the blankie around Raiden's shoulders.

"Very pretty," Raiden agreed.

"Any you like?" Liu Kang asked. They had practically gone through the book twice by now.

Raiden hesitated on a page, but shook his head, "No."

"Liu go back a page. Here, I'll color this side, you color that side!" Kung Lao offered, noticing how nervous Raiden looked. "Would that be nice?"

Raiden liked that idea.

Kung Lao was an expert at coloring, even if he had to color upside down. The coloring book sat on Liu Kang's lap, mostly so Raiden could continue to use him as a teddy bear.

"Your lap sucks for coloring," Kung Lao complained.

"It is quite literally not my fault," Liu Kang rolled his eyes. "Right Rai? Lao's being silly."

"Very silly," Raiden agreed.

"Psh, backstabber," Kung Lao joked, poking Raiden's arm. "Don't agree with Liu, he's being a meanie."

"You started it," Liu Kang countered him.

". . . And a liar? Can you believe him Rai?"

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Pt 2

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have two "perfect" role models in the shape of two unlikely royals - who are themselves "spares to the spare."

The young royals, who could be considered the "spares" to future King, Prince George, the first born child of Prince Wiliam and Catherine, Princess of Wales, should look to Prince Edward, the new Duke of Edinburgh, and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, for how to go about their life as working royals.

Edward and Sophie have been hailed as the perfect role models for Charlotte and Louis due to their successful roles within the Royal Family.

The couple recently carried out a historic ceremony on behalf of King Charles III, marking 120 years of friendly relations between Britain and France.

Their rise to prominence has been a long time coming, according to former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond.

Jennie told OK!: "They thoroughly deserve the recognition they are now getting."

She added that despite their work often being overshadowed by other royals, they have remained devoted to their causes.

As they take on more prominent roles, they are proving themselves up to the task and serving as excellent examples to their great nephews and niece.

xxx

It is a position which has notoriously come with question marks attached as the Royal struggles to carve out a life for themselves in the shadow of the crown.

Jennie added:

"They [Edward and Sophie] have always been quietly devoted to their various causes, but their work has been overshadowed by other royals.

I suppose every cloud has a silver lining... and as the King calls on them to take a more prominent role, Edward and Sophie are showing they are very much up to the task.

"They are also serving as excellent role models to their great nephews and niece - showing that you can be a 'spare' or even a 'spare to the spare' and make a real success of working as a valued member of the Royal Family."

But among the many benefits of the Prince and Princess of Wales ' preference for gentle parenting directed by what Catherine has learned from her studies of early years education, it is clear that the couple will be striving to normalise their younger children's lives with the hope that they never feel like working as royals is their only option.

"William and Catherine must be acutely aware of the problems for a royal spare," Jennie explains.

"They have already shown that they have a different and modern attitude to bringing up royal children.

I'm sure they will do everything to make Charlotte and Louis feel every bit as special, loved and valued as George.

I imagine they will encourage Louis to explore life outside the royal fold... it could be the military, but it could also be working in the charity world or whatever he finds appealing after his education is finished.

I'm sure they will encourage him to go to University, which they both enjoyed and where, of course, they found love.

"And from there they will want him to find a life that is meaningful to him as well as appropriate for the son of a future King.

They will try to ensure that he feels he is living a life of value, irrespective of his place in the line of succession.

And that will probably involve service of some kind as they have emphasised from the start that they want their children to understand that having empathy with others is not only a kindness but is rewarding as well."

Edward and Sophie have seen their popularity and recognition within the Royal Family soar over the past 13 months, since being given new titles.

The pair are increasingly front and centre at crucial events, stepping in for the King while he prioritises his health recovery.

Prince Edward is a trusted supporter of the arts sector, taking up his late father's Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme mantle.

Meanwhile, Sophie champions gender equality tirelessly, raising critical awareness around issues like female genital mutilation (FGM) and avoidable blindness prevention.

Away from participating in Royal duties or representational roles on behalf of the King, Edward and Sophie, along with their two children — Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, 20 and 16 respectively — reside at Bagshot Park close to the Windsor Estate, whenever they're not away studying at university or school.

NOTE: Edited (xxx)