#cof compilation

[koushirouizumi]

2012 "The Beginning" Timeline Bonus!:

{Steve is still seen+Present, with Frigimon [Yukidarumon] in the background, amongst other Chosen Ones, from the New York Chosen group!!} (You can tell it's Steve because of the glasses and because of Yukidarumon's presence, even if the hair colors and tones have been slightly modified.) In this version, Steve's hair color appears a more dirty Blond or honey/more Brown, eyes might be closer to Hazel if not Brown/Black.

In 2012 Hanukkah began at sunset on Saturday, December 8, and ended at nightfall on Monday, December 17! Since "The Beginning" is taking place on February 29, 2012, There's a bit to go until Hanukkah/Xmas, but we can determine Steve would be celebrating Chanukah quite a bit before December 25th in the event Chosen Children reunited around the world!! Please remember these details if you are writing about the 02 Chosen Children + "Adventure" groups in general, including having them Interact with International and the New York/U.S. Chosen group, especially if it's during the same year as "2012"'s timeframe, and especially, if you want to portray Jewish American Chosen respectfully!!

For reference, in 2013, the following year, (Say you have the Chosen meet the next year in your story), Chanukah began on Wednesday, 27 November 2013 and ended on Thursday, 5 December 2013 . That's starting days away from December (and ending days away from Xmas) even then!! The next year it actually fell during December 25th (and not ending the night before, the 24th, like in 2015) was in 2017!!

Digimon Adventure 02 ~ {United States of America Chosen} ~ {Personal} Favorite Supporting Character{s} Steve & Frigimon {+Bonus New York Chosen Children Group} + Daisuke Motomiya + Mimi Tachikawa (+Satoe & Keisuke Tachikawa) & Michael (also technically a U.S. Chosen) "We couldn't have done it without you {Daisuke}." - Steve

"...That was on December 25th at 3 A.M., local time." (Narrator)

Notes: In the books released post-series production and 02's conclusion, Steve was revealed to be the very first confirmed Jewish American Chosen Child, a significant step forward for the Digimon franchise, as it acknowledged the Jewish community living in real-world America.

Because Steve is Jewish, Steve would have been personally celebrating Hanukkah that year, not Christmas (hence I left out the last subtitle referencing Christmas to prevent confusion).

Chanukah in 2002, when 02 officially takes place, however, was November 29th ~ December 7th, and these scenes took place closer to Dec. 25th (early 3 A.M.). But that doesn't mean Steve, as a Jewish American, wouldn’t have noted Hanukkah (or Chanukah) at all earlier that year, and it’s good to note that when we're discussing potentials of 02′s “real-world based” “timeline”!

(Basically, what Steve is doing here is joining in on, via being invited by being a Chosen Child who is able and willing to help, an Interfaith gathering of individuals that was originally meant to simply send corrupted by virus Digimon back into the Digital World, and was not actually a "holiday" focused gathering initially!) :) {If Steve joins them after the fact is unknown, but either way, Steve would have to be invited and it would have to be acknowledged that Steve as an individual does not celebrate Christmas religiously.}

In the scenes above, Steve is one of only two U.S. Chosen that are also given spoken lines to personally thank and acknowledge Daisuke Motomiya's help (along with the rest, but also specifying Daisuke). {Michael aside, as even Michael doesn't get to comment verbally.}

Gifs by @izzyizumi, {Do Not Repost or Reproduce without my Permission} {Do Not Remove Caption} (Please Ask to Use)

Image usage rules + original commentary under the ‘read more’! {Along with another, not Steve specific, but maybe significant "Kizuna spoiler"}

BONUS:

^ Though Steve can't be seen clearly in the shot, in the 'gathering' of Chosen Children including many International ones, a Frigimon can very clearly be seen on left. As other Chosen from the World Tour are included here, it is almost defintely Steve's Frigimon, and either Steve is somewhere in the background but off-screen, or Steve and Frigimon were somehow separated...

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[writingonthemoon]

We love it when you fail the pre-rec to a course and, thus, get pulled from it so now you just have two hours until your next lecture and must sit

Anyways off to yell at a computer for not recognizing a compiler I've downloaded a dozen times! Bye!!

[thesunshinebunny]

Hey !!!! how've you been? I hope you are taking care of yourself. I would like to order the dorm leaders reacting to MC / Yuu listening to Yagami Yato

I post it again because tumblr ate it and it doesn't show it to the number of people who deserve it

I'm going to be honest, I've never heard a single YY audio in my life and I had to do homework for this request ... and let's say ... I liked it ... quite a bit ... her patreon is for drooling. Which pet name is your favorite? And witch one do you thing the dorm leader will give us? I bet my ass Leona will continue call us Hervibores, but in a suave tone.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Riddle

Oh My God. Imagine our queen's red face as he hear the moans coming from your headphones.

He saw your red cheeks and your inability to focus on the notes in front of you and thought you were having a fever.

"Hey! You're good? Your cheeks are completely red and your face is boiling ”

He put his forehead against yours, causing the headphones to drop to your shoulders and the moans and * applause * to be heard clearly.

“I… I… ICANEXPLAINPLEASELETMEEXPLAIN !!!! RIDDLE! ”

It is not that Riddle ran away… but he left the room with a quick step.

Poor thing, give him a few days, maybe a week, and then try to look at him in the eyes again with what little dignity you have left.

Those sounds may have been imprinted on his mind when trying to fall asleep at night, imagining indecent scenes with you.

Leona

Try to picture his angry face when he heard moans coming out of your headphones.

He had gotten up from his usual nap in the botanic garden and noticed that you were sleeping next to him, with your arms around his waist. He removed the headphones from your ears when he saw that they caused a bad posture to your head and a moan escaped at the right time.

For a millisecond he thought that moan had come from you, perhaps some risque dream or that you were waking up, but when he heard more and more moans and they were not coming out of your mouth, his mind went blank.

More moans and applause came from your headphones, getting louder and more lewd. Leona went feral and turned your headphones into sand.

He shook you in a very abrupt way, even imposing his deep voice to wake you up at once. When you did, Leona's angry emerald eyes were the first thing you saw.

“What the fuck is this bullshit!?!?”

Your face turned fifty shades of red and it was difficult for you to reason and put into words an explanation.

"You can have the real thing and you go and listen to this ... I think I have to teach you a lesson of who owns your moans, your hornyness"

He pinned you down and approached your ear "The only moans and grunts you have to hear are mine"

Azul

Would you believe me if I told you that Azul found out about these audios thanks to a blunder that he himself committed?

He wanted to try the new speaker the twins got, and he couldn't think of a better idea than to borrow your cell phone.

“Can I play music from your cell phone to try this new speaker, little inky?” "Sure! No problem, try any audio "

Well… with putting any audio you didn't mean the first one that appeared in your gallery, in large letters *YAGAMI YATO SAMMICH COMPILATION*

But poor Azul, he's too innocent to know what Sammich means… Well, he’s about to find out.

As he press play, applause and moans * from Hawks, my daddy bird, cof * came out of the speaker and reverberated throughout the room.

"TURNITDOWNTURNITDOWNTURNITDOWN !!"

Make a deal to never talk about this moment again for the rest of your days.

The problem here is ... that the twins were present, except that behind the front door ... and they didn't make any deals with you two. So… get ready for an ashamed Azul for the rest of the academic year.

Kalim

Another baby who we need to protect… because when he’s listened to this lewds souns coming out of your headphones, lets say that you broke him.

He ran through the corridors, trying to find you and when he saw you sitting in the library his smile widened, until it went from ear to ear.

"Hey! Whatcha doing? Studing? ” his outstanding voice reverberated through the walls, achieving a lot of "shhh" back. You took a headset out of your ear and replied with a sweet smile that you were just resting.

Kalim sat next to you, too close with the perverted audio playing, and unconsciously you fell back, hoping to get this sunbeam away from that audio.

But… actually, it had the opposite result. He gave you some wet puppy eyes and his pot was to melt. He got closer and again unconsciously you went back, and he got closer and closer, until your back touched the wall.

Being so close at last, his smile returned to his lips and in an almost invisible movement to your eyes, he raised his hand towards your headphones with the intention of hearing the same as you.

"Eh..wait Kalim ... hold on a sec"

And with a headset on his ear, his smile disappeared again. You wanted to die. You REALLY wanted to die.

Leaving aside his amazement, which lasted a few days, Kalim is not the one to judge you by your tastes. If you want to listen to those audios, that's good for him… but, he said, if it could be more pleasant to listen to them with him.

Vil

Honey… you really didn't give a shit where you were or with whom, and this was the case with Vil in the common room of his dorm.

There you were, reading a book, with the cell phone aside, without headphones and an asmr in the playlist. You knew what was about to happen and you were going to enjoy it.

Vil came through the door and hearing the soft sound of the music (which was about to change) sat next to you, giving you a light kiss on the forehead.

"What are you reading, potato?" "Ah, just a book that Trein recommended me to understand your history a little more." He gave you a little hum and took out his pocket mirror to retouch his makeup. A small moment of tranquility that Vil appreciated, he could live from these moments.

Until a deep voice suddenly sounded, cutting the quiet music.

If you paid too much attention, a small rustle of glass was heard from Vil's side.

"Potato ... what is that?" "What is what?"

You gave him a serious look, your eyes didn’t take off for a second of his, waiting for a response.

For the first time in history, Vil Schoenheit, our beautiful queen, was speechless.

Idia

Bold of you to assume that Idia has never listened to some similar audios before.

Obviously he didn’t listen to Yagami Yato, but surely some fanservice of some favorite characters from his video games.

Either way, his flame turned red when he heard the distinctive applause when you connected the computer audio to the video call.

Smoke everywhere. You could hear the fire alarm go off and Ortho's small, quick footsteps approaching Idia's room.

"Don’t enter, don’t enter, DO NOT ENTER !!!"

Meanwhile, you were trying to unlink the perverted audio from the video call.

When the situation calmed down thanks to Ortho, you decided to dedicate a visit to his bedroom.

“Do you want to listen to these audios one night with me?”

Call Ortho again, the room is on fire.

Malleus

Honestly, Malleus had absolutely no idea what was going on, much less what he was hearing.

To his innocent ears, he was only hearing loud applause and one person as if was complaining, or going through a terrible fever.

By your side, with the headphones tangled in the horns of our beloved fairy and a face like a tomato, you wanted the earth to swallow you. As much as the situation was a little "tangled" you knew that anywhere Malleus was, Lilia, Silver and Zebek would be close ... very close.

It was Lilia himself who untangled you from the headphones and a few plants in the botanic garden. And it was also himself who had the great decency to explain to Malleus what he was hearing.

Gotta get out of here faaaaaaaaaaaast.

Give Malleus time to process the new information… and maybe you could enlighten him a little more about these * audios * that you love to listen to so much.

[vogels]

cof players: maybe if clove posts sleeping beauty art we can solve the puzzles

me: isaac 10 hour funny moment compilation

[chuhyas]

OMG YOU ARE ALSO A MIDORIMA STAN!!! This boy deserves so much love!! MIDORIMA AND TAKAO ARE THE BEST DUO *cof* couple *cof* EVER!!

I AM!!! Well I'm not in my peak stan moments anymore but if you had met me in 2013 (ʘᴗʘ✿) can I invite you to visit my MDTK virtual shrine tag ◉‿◉ I also compiled comics and doujinshis ◉‿◉

[gaygent37]

MeetMyOmega - JayDick

This was a story I was writing, but I don’t think I’ll finish because it’s all over the place, and I’m too lazy to fix it up, so I’m just throwing it on here.

3.7k words, Dick is a camboy, omegaverse, coffee shop AU, mediocre fluff

Warning: it may be exhausting and uncomfortable to read because the characterization is all over the fucking place :)

Jason always found himself sitting in front of his computer on Thursday and Sunday nights. He always had a box of tissues next to him. He always sat as comfortably as he could in his old computer chair. And his heart always sped up when the stream went live.

His name was Ricky.

And Jason was pretty much in love with him.

Ricky was a camboy on MeetMyOmega – a dating site that doubled as a porn site, if one paid the membership for it.

And Jason was not at all interested in any of the other camboys or girls on MeetMyOmega. Just Ricky.

Jason first saw Ricky in a 30 second clip in a compilation video on another porn site. Jason searched far and wide, asking all over for who the pretty omega was. Almost no one knew. Until Jason stumbled upon him again in another video, and someone finally provided Jason with an answer, leading him to that site.

And since that day, Jason has dutifully paid the monthly membership fee just to watch Ricky’s livestreams every Thursday and Sunday.

Ricky’s livestreams followed a pattern. When the stream started, Ricky would be sitting on his bed, usually dressed in an overly large t-shirt that covered just about everything.

He always waited five minutes for people who were joining in a little later. During that time, Ricky chatted with his audience while slowly prepping himself.

It was during those first five minutes that Jason had the hardest time holding back.

Ricky’s face was just so pretty, even over the pixilated stream. Jason loved the way Ricky would lean down towards the camera. Jason felt that he could reach out and caress Ricky’s head, pull him through the screen, and get those sinful lips around his cock.

“How am I doing today? I’m doing pretty well, thanks for asking! Woke up late, and barely made it to class on time, but it was overall pretty nice,” Ricky said.

Jason reached out with the hand not stroking himself and clumsily typed out a question.

“Aw, thank you, Hood! I just got back from the gym, so I’m not entirely sure how adorable gym hair looks, but thanks,” Ricky said, blushing slightly. “I major in criminal law, to answer your question. It’s fun.”

Ricky moaned softly as he inserted another finger into his ass, stretching himself further. He continued to read off the comments. “What am I doing today? That’s a surprise, now. Stay and watch the show.” Ricky sent a cheeky wink to the camera. “Oh, thank you so much for your donation! I- I haven’t even started yet, though.”

Ricky blushed harder at whatever compliment followed. It made Jason a little jealous.

Jason had never met Ricky in his life, and Ricky did not think of Jason as more than a viewer. But Jason wanted Ricky for himself. He dreamed about Ricky on a regular basis. When Jason jerked off in the mornings or late at night, it would be Ricky’s debauched face in his mind as he came.

Jason knew it probably was not a healthy obsession, but nothing about his situation was exactly healthy. He was a twenty-two-year-old, unmated alpha male (a virgin, nonetheless), and had been through ten ruts alone, and it was extremely frustrating. His body needed an omega, but his mind and his heart would not settle for just any omega.

Jason wanted Ricky to be his omega.

With his left hand, Jason quickly typed in an amount – twenty dollars, and sent it across the internet to wherever Ricky was.

You can sit there and talk all day, and I would still come and listen.

Jason hoped it was not too creepy, the message. He waited nervously for Ricky to see it.

“Ah! Hood, thank you so much for that generous donation! And, you’re so sweet. I couldn’t possibly sit there and just talk your ear off. You’ll get tired of me really quick.” Ricky laughed breathlessly, moaning quietly as well. He lifted his other hand to his lips and blew a kiss at the camera. Jason’s heart pounded loudly in his chest, and he knew he had a lovesick sweet smile on his face.

Ricky blew him a kiss. Specifically for him.

Jason came hard, his eyes seeing stars. When he opened them again, reaching for the tissues to clean up his mess, Ricky had taken off his shirt, showing off pretty blue panties. He had also turned around so that his ass faced the camera instead.

“So, I got a new toy this week,” Ricky was saying. “I’ve been kind of apprehensive about trying it out because… well, you guys’ll see.” Ricky reached off-screen and pulled something out of a box. He held it in front of the camera.

It was a thick dildo – dark red and orange, veiny, and thick. And on the end of it, there was a thick knot.

Ricky licked his lips, the only part of his face that was still in the frame.

“I’ve never taken something so thick before,” he said softly. “And it’ll be my first time taking anything with a semblance of a knot.”

Jason felt himself twitch at that thought. Ricky was a virgin. He had never been knotted by another alpha before. Could this omega get any more perfect?

“Hm? Why I haven’t taken a knot yet? I guess I’m just waiting for the right alpha to come sweep me off my feet,” Ricky laughed. He started lubing up the dildo. “God, the knot is as big as my fist. Maybe I’m biting off way more than I can chew,” he said with a nervous laugh.

Jason typed out a quick comment and donated another five dollars.

You’ll do amazing, whether you can take it or not. It’ll be good enough for me.

Ricky glanced at the screen where all his comments were showing up. “Aw, thank you. But… I want to do this. I want to be prepared for when I finally do this for real.”

Jason’s stomach twisted in jealousy at the thoughts of Ricky sitting on some random alpha’s knot. He jerked himself faster, imagining holding Ricky’s soft hips with his hands and pulling him down hard onto his own angry knot.

Ricky touched the tip of the dildo to his fluttering hole, gasping softly. Slowly, he started pushing it in, giving a play by play of what he was feeling.

“Oh… it’s so- it’s so thick,” he murmured, his voice almost muffled by the pillow in his face. “Fuck, it’s splitting me apart, but it feels so good!” His hips started gyrating in small circles. “Oh god,” he squealed when it touched his prostate. His small cock jumped at the sudden pleasure, and Ricky’s back arched.

Jason could feel himself growing close.

“Ah- Ah, it’s- it’s in me,” Ricky said, having taken the entire dildo aside from the knot. “It feels so good. I just- I just wish it were real.” He started pulling it out, then pushing it back in.

Jason watched with wide eyes as Ricky’s hole just sucked the thick dildo in and out of him. The muscle seemed to be stretched to its limit, so tight around the veiny cock. But Jason knew that male omegas had incredible elasticity with their holes. It took a lot to make them lose that.

Ricky’s breaths started growing shorter and shorter, his gasps getting more and more high-pitched as he sped up. His cock leaked copiously into his panties, and his precum was starting to drool through the fabric.

The sight was obscene, but Jason was determined to hold out until Ricky slammed that knot into himself.

He did not need to wait long.

Ricky was obviously getting close as well. His eyes were screwed shut, and he was moaning with no abandon. “Yes, yes, yes! Oh fuck! It feel so good! I- I want the knot, please- please give me your knot!” he begged to some invisible alpha.

Jason screwed his eyes shut and moved his hand faster, imagining that Ricky was talking to him. “You want it?” he asked under his breath. “You just wait, Ricky, I’m going to-“

“I’m coming!” Ricky gasped out, pushing the knot all the way into him as he did so. Jason came with a loud cry at the same time, his eyes flying open and watching as Ricky fell onto the bed, his ass clenching hard around the thick knot, trying to suck it into him more.

Jason grimaced as he reached for the tissues, wiping his cum off of the screen of his computer. He threw away the pile of tissues, and when he came back, Ricky had pulled the dildo out of his ass.

His hole was still clenching, and it was a lovely, rosy pink. Ricky slowly moved around, turning back to face the camera.

He removed his soaked panties, taking them to his mouth and sucking the cum out of the fabric.

“Thank you all for watching,” he said, giving the camera a little wave. “Thank you all for you generous donations that allow me to buy more toys for me to try for you guys. See you on Sunday! Mwah!” Ricky blew his audience a good-bye kiss, and then cut the stream.

~

“Hello! Welcome to Matcha Made in Heaven, what can I get for you today?” Jason asked cheerfully, looking up from the cups he had just finished restocking.

He froze, the smile on his face becoming unmoving. Jason could not move. He felt like he had been physically pinned in place by some unseen force.

“Umm…” the customer, who was Jason kidding, it was not any customer, it was Ricky, glanced at the menu and gave Jason a sheepish smile. “Sorry, I don’t drink coffee usually. I just… liked the name of the shop so I came in. What do you recommend?”

“M-Me?” Jason managed to stammer. “I- well, um-”

“Sorry, do I have something on my face?” Ricky asked, touching his cheek.

“N-No!” Jason said, feeling a flush rise up his face. He could feel his internal temperature rising with it. It was about to get really hot, really soon. “You’re- You’re beautiful! I mean, perfect! I mean- there’s- there’s nothing on your face.”

Suddenly, Jason was shoved to the side.

“Sorry,” Stephanie said. “Disregard my coworker. He’s got a stammering problem. What can I getcha?”

Ricky’s amused expression would haunt Jason forever. “Well, your friend was about to tell me his recommendation, I think?”

“Oh, Jason? Nah, he doesn’t drink coffee,” Stephanie snorted. “Don’t ask him. He’s a snooty tea person.”

“Oh? Do you have teas here?” Ricky asked, his eyes still on Jason, who just stared intently at the pile of cups he had just restocked. “What do you suggest for teas then, Jason?”

Jason’s soul nearly left his body when he heard his name leave Ricky’s lips.

“Uh- Um, try the- uh, raspberry rose hibiscus,” Jason managed to squeak out. God, he was making a fool of himself right now, but he could not pull it together. “It’s- It’s… the special…” he said, voice growing softer as he went.

“Alright, I’ll take the raspberry rose hibiscus then. Medium,” Ricky said with a laugh.

“Alright, $3.50, anything else?” Stephanie asked.

“Mm… how much would your friend’s phone number cost?” Ricky asked.

Jason was feeling faint now. He was swaying on his feet.

“You want this idiot’s number?” Stephanie snorted.

“I don’t know,” Ricky said. “He gave me a drink recommendation, so if he gave me his number, he’ll just have to give me something else to make it three. Three’s my lucky number.”

Jason took that wrong, wrong, so very wrong. He now had a raging hard erection under his apron and could not move away from the counter.

“Want to go start making that tea, Jay?” Stephanie asked.

Jason refused to move.

She huffed. “Fine, I’ll make it. You stay here and entertain the customer.”

She shoved it back in front of Ricky.

With robotic movements, Jason punched in Ricky’s order. “Th-That’s $3.50,” he mumbled.

Ricky handed him the money in cash, and Jason’s hand brushed his. Jason’s knees felt weak. Jason ripped Ricky’s receipt from the machine and slid it over.

“No number?” Ricky asked.

Jason’s head snapped up to look at Ricky. “You’re- You’re serious?” he asked.

Ricky nodded.

“I- Um, o-okay?” Jason said, grabbing a pen and scribbling his phone number on the back of Ricky’s receipt.

“Thanks. Jason, right?” Ricky asked, nodding at Jason’s nametag.

“Yeah,” Jason said.

Ricky held his hand out. “My name’s Dick. Richard, actually, but… Dick.”

Jason could barely breathe. He somehow lifted his hand and shook Dick’s hand. God, it was so soft. Jason wanted to kiss every single finger. How fucking creepy was that?

“Nice- Nice to meet you, Dick,” Jason said.

Just then, Stephanie pushed Dick’s tea across the counter. “Here ya go, mister! Enjoy!”

She waved as Dick left the store. Then, she rounded on Jason.

“What the fuck was that?!” she screeched. “You flat out lost it, didn’t you? Jason, what’s wrong with you?!”

“I… He’s…”

“Pretty, I know, but damn it, Jay! I’ve never seen you like this, and prettier people have walked in here before!”

Jason gave Stephanie a sad smile. “He’s different.”

~

Jason had nearly convinced himself that it had all been a dream. He told himself that he hallucinated all of it, and he pretty much believed it.

Until he got the text.

Hey, it’s Dick. You probably don’t remember me, but I came to your coffee shop a couple days ago, and weedled your number out of you? You probably don’t go on dates with strangers, but… would you go on a blind date with my friend? You’re exactly his type.

It was clear to say that Jason was pretty heartbroken.

But Jason, like the masochistic idiot he was, he agreed to the blind date. Dick’s friend was named Roy, and he was apparently a “sweet, fun beta”. Jason was dreading the date.

That Thursday, Jason watched Ricky’s stream for the first time completely clothed.

He was straining in his pants, but he refused to touch himself. In a way, Jason was punishing himself for acting so stupidly in front of Dick earlier that week. Jason knew it had been too good to be true.

~

Saturday, Jason found himself in front of a stranger’s house. Apparently, it was where Roy lived, and Jason had offered to go pick him up.

Jason walked up to the porch, and he rang the doorbell, waiting nervously.

A few moments later, the door was pulled open by none other than Dick.

“Oh, Jason!” Dick said, his eyes widening. “Oh…” he glanced behind him. “You didn’t get my text?”

“About…?”

Dick grimaced. “Roy’s sick. He can’t make it, sorry.”

“Oh,” Jason said, internally extremely relieved, but at the same time, crushed. What was Dick doing at Roy’s house, wearing nothing more than a bathrobe, and drying his hair like he had just stepped out of the shower? He quirked a fake smile. “It’s okay. See ya.” Jason gave Dick a half-hearted wave and started to go.

“Wait, Jason!” Dick called.

Jason paused, his heart skipping a beat when Dick called his name. He glanced over his shoulder. “Yeah?”

Dick smiled. “Are you willing to wait ten minutes while I get dressed? Roy’s been bitching at me all day, wanting me out of the house.”

“Um…”

“Please? I promise I won’t make you pay for my dinner. My treat, even.”

Jason winced a little. “You don’t have to do that, R- Dick. Seriously.”

Dick’s face fell. “Oh. I guess I did just invite myself, huh.”

Dick’s sad face was way worse than Dick’s smile. It was heart wrenching to see him so sad. Jason swallowed hard, not knowing how he was going to make it through the evening. “I’ll wait for you in my car?”

Dick gave him a shy smile. “Really?” He sucked his lower lip into his mouth, and Jason wanted to bite it. “Just- Just wait for me, Jason!”

Jason made his way to his car and sat down, leaning his head against the steering wheel. “What are you doing?” he groaned to himself.

Jason knew perfectly well how this was going to end. Dick was going to find out that he was some creep who was obsessed with him, be horrified and disgusted, reject Jason, and Jason would just be left heartbroken.

Just then, Dick came running out of his house, slamming the door shut behind him. He hopped into the passenger’s side, grinning brightly.

“So, did you have any place in mind?” Dick asked.

“Well, there’s this Italian place not too far from here?” Jason said. “Do you like Italian?”

“I love Italian,” Dick said.

Jason clenched and unclenched his sweaty hands on the steering wheel, took a deep breath, and started the car.

~

“Hey guys, how’s your week been? Oh, I’m fine, thank you… Do I seem kind of sad? Ah, I’m sorry,” Dick gave the camera a small smile. “Just had a lot of stuff happen recently, I guess.”

Jason was once again sitting in front of his laptop, watching the stream. It was so strange to see Dick’s face on the screen, seeing everyone call him ‘Ricky’, and knowing that in a few minutes, he would be stripping down and showing his body to the world.

And now that Jason had met Dick, he felt that he was invading Dick’s privacy like that.

“What happened? Well…” He paused for a second. “I met someone. He’s- He’s really nice, don’t get me wrong, but… I don’t actually think he likes me like that, so I’m a little bummed out, I guess.”

Dick scanned the comments. “No, I met him last week. At a coffee shop, as cliché as that might sound. He was acting so cute, and could barely get a word out at me, and he reminded me of my little brother, actually. So I asked for his number, and when I got home, I realized that it was probably a huge mistake. And… I was right. I wasn’t sure if he liked me that way, so I pretended to set him up with a friend of mine. Then, I told him my friend was sick, and I would accompany him instead. Nevertheless, the date was a disaster. He wouldn’t even look at me.”

Jason pulled his knees to his chest, sighing when he heard Dick’s side of the story.

He could see why Dick thought that. On the drive to the restaurant, Jason had been so wound up with the fact that Dick was sitting in his car next to him that he did not say a single word to Dick. Throughout dinner, it was near silent as well.

Jason did not trust himself to say anything. He did not need Dick to find out that he watched “Ricky’s” streams. And it had been true that Jason refused to look at Dick as well. He did not need to get hard in the middle of a crowded restaurant.

Dick also made no move to say anything, just giving Jason occasional glances. The only time they really exchanged words was at the end, when Jason insisted that he pay for their dinner.

Then, Jason drove Dick back to his house. Dick had given Jason a small smile, one that Jason had thought was forced and insincere, and said he had fun. Jason just nodded, his heart having jumped up to his throat. Then, he left.

Jason honestly had not known that Dick felt that way. And now that he did know, Jason just felt worse.

Dick’s soft laugh brought Jason back to reality. “He doesn’t deserve me? Thanks. You guys are all so kind. I don’t personally know any of you, but I’m happy you support me.”

Jason shook his head, and he slammed his laptop shut. He grabbed his phone and left his room. Out in the hallway, he waited, leaning against the wall, phone pressed to his ear.

Several long seconds went by before the call was answered.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Dick,” Jason breathed, trying to calm himself down. “I- uh, I wanted to apologize for last night. I acted like a complete asshole, and I did not mean to do that at all.”

“Oh, it’s okay,” Dick said. “I understand.”

“Look,” Jason said. “I- I think you’re a great guy, and I kind of fucked things up at first, mostly because I didn’t believe that there would be a chance in the world you would like me… but will you give me another chance?”

“R-Really?” Dick asked. Jason could almost hear his smile. It made Jason smile as well.

“If you’d like. I want to properly take you out on a date. That is… if your, uh, friend doesn’t mind?”

“Oh, no, he’s fine with it,” Dick said quickly. “And I… I would like that. A lot.”

“Great!” Jason said. “When would be a good time for you?”

“Wednesday night?”

“Sounds good,” Jason said. He paused before saying good-bye. “Hey, I just wanted to say sorry again. I’ve been I mess the couple times you’ve seen me, and… just- sorry about that.”

“N-No… it’s fine. So, um, see you Wednesday?”

“Yeah. Good night, Dick.”

“Night, Jason.”

~

They did not make it to Wednesday.

Tuesday morning, the door to Matcha Made in Heaven opened, and Dick breezed in, wearing a dark blue coat and a scarf.

His eyes lit up when he saw Jason. “Hi!”

Jason reminded himself to control himself. “Hey. What can I get you?”

“Any new recommendations? I really liked the tea last time.”

“Well, if you’re a fan of mint, I’m personally really fond of the peppermint tea.”

“Peppermint?” Dick asked. “Sure, I’ll- I’ll take that. And, can I get a couple of chocolate chip cookies to go with it?”

“Sure thing.”

“And… maybe in one of those… cups?” Dick used both hands to make a large circle.

Jason could not help but be amused. “You want tea in one of those large coffee mugs?”

“Oh, are those for coffee? I didn’t-”

“Not a problem,” Jason cut him off. He made the tea and pushed it over the counter to Dick, who blushed and took it. Jason placed two cookies on a plate and pushed it over the counter as well.

“Thanks,” Dick said, smiling at Jason.

[fuforthought]

This is well worth a read. City on Fire list off 40 great martial arts films we’ve seen this decade as well as 10 of their worst.

I don’t necessarily agree with the list (Master Z is certainly not one of the worst, for example) but, for the most part, it’s a solid compilation of movies all martial arts fans should see.

Anyone have a favourite martial arts movie of the decade?

[20dollarlolita]

Long skirt observations

I was concritting someone on CoF today about doing longer skirts in lolita, so here’s a bit of expansion on what I said.

Playing with what's commonly accepted is a lot of fun and it's how our fashion evolves. However, I've noticed a few things about the basic constructions of longer lolita skirts, so I'm going to concept barf them all at you now. If you're going to do a tea-length skirt, having both equal volume and the right drape are both really important. You don't want the bottom of the skirt to stick out flat, because it draws attention to the length of the hem. Instead, you'll need the hem to be big enough that it forms soft gathers (horrible diagram, left is a skirt without enough fullness, right is with enough, both depicted without a petticoat). It's really important that the shape of the skirt stays with consistent fullness, and doesn't drop off like a lampshade at the middle. To do this, you need a petticoat that's the same length as your dress. Even with the petticoat, you need the hem of your skirt to have enough volume for it to keep some soft folds at the hem, instead of it being flat like we do for shorter skirts. Generally, longer lolita skirts are also made of a more silky/draping material that makes lots of little soft folds, instead of crisper folds. The only other observation I have is that a print on a longer skirt, if it has one, needs to be visible from a distance and not get caught up in the small folds. This generally means a border print (visible horizontally around the whole bottom of the skirt) or something with vertical stripes (which can be loose stripes, like the print in Holy Lantern). If you're interested in long-skirt lolita, I definitely suggest you keep researching and looking into it, finding substyles that use it, and how people often coord them, as well as what's going on with the skirt itself. I think research and compiling mental lists of what does and doesn't work in terms of construction is really fun, but I don't know if everyone else does.

And here’s the mentioned graphic.

So, here’s a few shots that I grabbed off google of long-skirt lolita

If these are your coord or you know whose they are, please let me know if I can credit someone or if you want to be removed. These all popped up in a google images of “long skirt lolita ootd”. BTW, tacking “ootd” or “coord” on the bottom of a google search is a really easy way to weed out images of ebay stores and milanoo.

So, a few notes that I didn’t put in my original block of text because I didn’t post references:

First of all, note that all these skirts are holding the same pose. A good first test of skirt fullness is to strike this pose, and then make sure that you have the same shape as they do. If you pull your skirt like this, and it lampshades and develops horizontal drag lines, you need more fullness.

In patternmaking terms, you can make a knee-length skirt out of a rectangle, but you almost always want to make a below-knee or tea-length skirt out of a trapezoid or arc. You’ll still want to gather it at the waistband like a rectangle skirt, but because of the length, you’ll need the bottom hem to be a lot longer.

While we’re talking about waistlines, if you have a long skirt, you need to find a way to lengthen your torso and drop the waist point a little bit. One of the easiest successful ways to do this is to use an underbust corset

Here’s how that does its magic:

In lolita, we almost always want our waists to be at our waist. Generally, we do that by making the poof happen at the (natural) waist, and putting the seam between the bodice and the skirt at the waist. This makes it so that there’s a distinct change in texture at your natural waist.

Corsets make your waist happen at your waist by squishing your body in such a way that your waist becomes the smallest point of your body. This makes your visible waist right about where the ugly beige line is in this a+ diagram i farted out.

However, the textural change, the place where the color of the corset turns into the color of the skirt, happens lower, at the red line. This keeps your waist up at your waist, while letting you drop the textural change down lower. Dropping that texture change lower helps balance out the coord.

Diagram of that. Here’s a long skirt that has its gathered waistline at your natural waistline. The bottom of the coord is dominated with the color and texture of the skirt, since it makes up the majority of the figure.

When you lengthen your torso, the skirt doesn’t get any shorter, but it takes up less percentage of the total figure. This brings the balance of what percent of your body is used for what thing into more the range we’re used to in lolita.

Since that last sentence made no sense, here’s another graphic:

Here’s a shot of me (not because it’s a great coord, just because I had enough uncredited pics already in the intro), with colors laid over major parts of the outfit. There’s 22 green shirt squares and 37 blue skirt squares, or 1.6x as many skirt squares as shirt squares.

If I make the skirt longer, by adding more blue to the bottom, eyes that are familiar with looking at lolita coords will detect that there’s too much skirt and not enough shirt to back it up.

That’s a massive oversimplification of how it works, but that’s the concept.

So, say you don’t want to go the corset route. How else can you keep the lolita shape at the waist, but not have the skirt overtake the torso?

Bringing this pic back, let’s just break down what they did here.

First of all, you have the vertical break in the skirt, where the white inset is. This draws a distinct white vertical line that goes from the skirt to the torso (and is continued in the bodice via the lace on the top), and lengthens the torso by doing so.

Secondly, you have a distinct border on the skirt. This skirt uses that wide white border instead of dropping the waist. Instead, this skirt has a blue patch that’s the size of a normally-accepted knee-length skirt, and then adds a contrasting edge on it for length. You still get the long, but you still avoid having a large uninteresting patch of one color (or pattern or texture).

EDIT: Also, going all one color, like a single-color dress, can also work. Can’t have a lack of balance between top color and bottom color if they’re all the same color

<insert that gif of the dude tapping his temple>

.

The other thing worth paying attention to is your petticoats! If you’re going long, you need a long petticoat, or you’ll look like a lamp at Old Spaghetti Factory.

Specifically, the one on the far right. Good place to eat, not a good place to be a lamp.

You want your longest petticoat to be a minimum of 4″ shorter than your final skirt. You can get around this by making a couple of additional longer underskirts that you wear on top of your shorter petticoat, but you NEED need need NEED to have support of your skirt all the way down, or it won’t look polished or thought out or lolita.

.

Okay, so that was definitely boring and uninteresting and poorly explained and way too long, but there you go, have me dissecting how to make long skirts stay looking lolita. Just don’t forget to emphasize your shoes and socks if you go long! Make sure that long skirts doesn’t mean missing your feets!

[miky91ftw]

The Stravaganza Series: An attempt at in-universe timeline (2/3)

See part 1 and the general premises here: [X]

hey everyone! It took me a while, but I was finally able to re-read and annotate both City of Flowers and City of Secrets, thus compiling the second part of the Stravaganza series timeline. Although the death bell tolls like crazy in these two chapters (especially in CoF), luckily the space-time continuum is pretty much stable, and time flows at the same speed on both end of the gate, allowing us to trace a perfect one on one correspondence between the events in Talia and what is going on in London.

This said, let’s get started with the analysis without further ado:

CITY OF FLOWERS

General timespan: from early March 2005/1579 to late April 2005/1579 (approx. 2 months). To commence, let’s fix some points to orient ourselves: Easter in 1579 falls on April 19. The day Sky stravagates for the first time coincides with the last day of Carnevale in Talia, Martedì Grasso (Shrove Tuesday), which happens exactly 40 days before Easter. Thus, we can pinpoint March 10 as the day when the story starts to move (despite the wedding being in the works supposedly for a couple of months at least). 

After Easter, we know that the weddings, the Nucci massacre and the flooding of the Argento rivers all happen on the following Tuesday (April 21). These are the most important dates for the overall plot, but, taking into account that (aside from the short Devon holiday) Sky stravagates almost daily, we can deduce most of the dates for all the other notable events in the book, such as:

Sky performs his epic coup de theatre, calling Nick Falco and revealing his status as Stravagante the day right after his first Stravagation, on March 10*, 2005 (England Time)

On March 11 (Talian Time) Sky and Suien visit Colle Vernale, while everyone else is freaking out about the weddings.

On March 12 (TT) Niccolò gets poisoned, and Carlo kills Davide Nucci in retaliation.

Between March 13 and April 6 (the day after Alice stravagates) the events can be placed with absolute precision - this is mainly due to the fact that, while we know that on Easter (March 27, 2005) most of the Barnsbury kids are in Devon for the school break, there are not exact indication of the dates they leave and return to London. Yet, we know that the day after Alice stravagates is less than two weeks away from the wedding, so it should be at least April 7 (TT). This sort of makes sense since we know that all the preparation for the wedding stravagation, the talisman exchange and Alice’s involvement in the operation takes at least a week, at the beginning of which Colin (aka Rainbow Warrior, Sky’s dad) celebrates his birthday (which is stated to be on April 1). Meanwhile, people in Giglia are still freaking out about the weddings.

the Holy Week in Talia starts on April 13 (Monday). On Thursday (16) Jacopo and his family arrive in Giglia, while Alfonso & co. arrives only on Friday (17). Finally, the pope arrives on the day before the wedding (Monday, 20) as he had to stay in Remora to perform the Easter Mass there. On Monday, after the celebrations are over, Niccolò proposes to Arianna (ew.) 

In England, meanwhile, Loretta discovers about Sky’s existence only on April 17, and Rainbow Warrior meets his son on the following day (April 18).

After the bloody events of the wedding, the following week has the Nucci surrendering on Wednesday (April 22, TT), and the fateful duel between Niccolò and Luciano on the Friday (April 24, TT). With the death of the Duca  and the Bellezzan delegation departure, the day after the duel is also the one where Silvia and Rodolfo get married (April 25), thus concluding the main plot of the book.

Concerning the age of the characters during the book, here’s what we can infer from previously known information:

Luciano and Arianna are both 17, turning 18 the next fall. Georgia is 16, and will soon turn 17 (as briefly mentioned in chapter 4). Falco is 15, and will turn 16 in November per my previous headcanon.

As for Sky, we know that he’s in the same year as Georgia, but it is hinted in chapter 17 that he already urned 17. This most likely puts his birthday in the first part of the year, probably between January and February (as Capricorn and Aquarius both fits his character, astrologically speaking XD)

Now, if you think that packing all the action of City of Flowers in a timespan of less than 50 days may seem too intense, get ready for the next entry, aka

CITY OF SECRETS 

General timespan: apparently, people in Padavia run on caffeine 24/7**, as all the main events take place in less than a month, specifically from October 11 2005 (ET) to the night of the Manoush execution, November 4 1579 (TT). Padua is a crazy city, no matter the timeline. 

We can pinpoint the starting date by the fact that Matt’s first Stravagation happens on the night of his 17th birthday, and he arrived in Padavia on the day of Arianna’s 18th birthday (October 12). Since we can infer from the text that, when you stravagate, you arrive in Talia on the day after the one you were back in England, this means that Matt’s birthday is on October 11. This means that Matt was born in the same year as Georgia and Sky, but, since his birthday is after August 31, he is in the year behind them (a search on the web informed me that the threshold for school admission in the Uk is August 31. Can anyone confirm this? FYI, in Italy we go by solar year, aka all children that turn 6 by December 31 are in the same year).

The final date, November 4, marks the Manoush execution, the solar eclipse*** and the  great Padavia fire. We know his as soon as chapter 22, when the date for the execution is fixed two days after the Manoush’s capture, which happens in the night between November 2 and 3. 

Similarly to what happened to CoF, Matt is seen stravagting almost every night, so we can keep count of the passing days to date the main events in the story, mainly:

Rinaldo arrives to Padavia around October 14, and the laws are passed in the following days (most likely on October 16 - a Saturday - which, as stated by Constantin, is considered a working week just like the others in Talia).

Deathridge arrives to Padavia on Friday 15, where he holds his first lesson at the University. We know that the third lesson is the following Friday (October 22), so the second lesson must have taken place between these two days (I’d say either on Tuesday 19)

The aforementioned assumption are strengthened by the fact that the Monday after Matt’s arrival is a holiday, more specifically St. Luke’s day, falls on October 18.

The day after the third lesson (thus, Saturday 23 October) we are introduced to our favourite red-haired bastard prince, the problematic fave™️ of the saga, Ludovico Vivoide. 

Given that the day of St. Raphael falls too on a Monday in Talia (October 25), we can place on the day before (Oct. 24, ET) Ayesha’s encounter with Jago, followed the day after by Matt cursing his “rival” with the Evil Eye. The situation gets solved on the 27, with Lucian returning briefly in England and meeting his parents. After he returns to Talia, on October 28 he manages to do well at his lecture, eventually sealing his fate as far as Filippo di Chimichi is concerned.

Also, sometimes around the 25, our favourite spy Enrico gets captured by Lucian, who forces him to take a bath, despite his protest. One of the highest moment of the saga, tbh.

The day after the lecture (Friday, October 29) we are introduced to Doc. Angeli and we know about the public dissections held at University. Luciano will be saved from Angeli’s unknowing tolls the following Thursday, on November 4.

To conclude, the final arc of the story takes place between Halloween (October 31, in England) and the three days of the Manoush festival. While Matt falls asleep in his room and the party at Chrissie’s goes on, the boy is kidnapped and beaten up in Padua (November 1, day of the Dead). Filippo accidentally stravagates, is scared by Ayesha, and finally everything gets solved before morning (November 2) arrives. 

As said before, the Manoush are captured on the night of November 2, the trial takes place the morning after (Nov. 3) and the execution is set for the 4th.

The events in the epilogue stretched between November 4 and January 1st 1580, the day where Bino is born in Giglia. Although he is “a little ahead of his time” we can infere that he was conceived right after the wedding, no later than April****. 

Aside from that, the epilogue informs us that Barbara and Marco get married, Matt gets his driving licence and we can only hope that Luciano finally manages to study for more than two days without being interrupted. As i said, CoSe is a wild ride. Go read it.

ADDENDUM 1: By the end of the fourth book, the character’s ages are: Luciano and Arianna > 18 Matt and Georgia > 17 Sky > 17, possibly already 18 Nick > 16

ADDENDUM 2: FOOTNOTES

*: the reason why I believe that the arrival day in Talia is the one right after the starting day in England, as explained, can be inferred mostly by looking at the CoSe timeline. 

**: it IS a university city, after all.

***: look, the moon phase seems to be pretty much on pair between worlds, but there is no records of a partial moon eclipse on November 4, 1579 (none that I’m aware of, at least). We can, however, headcanon it as Doctor’s Deathridge illusionary magic extravaganza, as A) they needed a distraction/something to cause a sensation among the crowd and solve the situation B) he’s actually a proficient astronomer, and knows how this kind of phenomena looks like, and the effect they have on people C) he’s Rodolfo’s master, and heaven knows what sort fo great magic he is actually capable of D) the fact that he used a mass illusion without telling the others but knowing that Luciano and co. would still be able to use it as a tool to free the Manoush is objectively cool as heck. 

****: or, it could have been conceived before the wedding, who knows 👀

IN CONCLUSION: THAT’S ALL FOLKS SEE YOU FOR PART 3 IN [redacted] MONTHS!

[theramseyloft]

Band number for the lost OGO is 18 11 207. The 11 is sideways though so it might be an equal sign or something? Not sure. I’m in NJ if that helps.

18 means the bird hatched in 2018. 11 is the band size. That is number 207 of that size band from that year and that club. The size designation is printed on its side to distinguish that these are three different numbers, and not one seven-digit number: 1811207

But those don’t tell me where it comes from. 

The letters do.

For example, Luca’s Band number is NPA 18 9 COF 1554: National Pigeon Association 2018 hatch Band size 9 COF is the Classic Old Frill club initial. They wear the same size as Luscerne. 1554 is the actual serial number, meaning this was the 1,554th band made in the order from that organization, in that size, for that club.

The clubs sell the same band through out its country of origin, and breeders ship birds all over the US, so knowing the state it was found in doesn’t really help me trace where it came from.

The OGO club lost birds page has a pretty great compilation of the US band companies and how to contact them, in case of finding a lost bird.

http://www.ogoc.org/lost_birds.htm

[dr-ockham-blog]

Volatilia ad sibi similia conveniunt

Starter for @morteem thanks tumblr mobile for deleting the original now this one is infinitely shittier

The Aethervoid Pendulum girostated in the palm of his hand. Time was running out. Time was running out, yet, endlessly repeating, it was difficult to tell when, or why. Yet the Chirurgeon had an instict for these things. After oh so many millenia in travel, he could already tell when the time was running out.

And time was, indeed, running out. There had been so many things he had done in this realm, so many useful knowledges and doctrines all compiled within his psique. Yet he knew there was one thing left to do. And then onwards.

And the cycle would repeat itself.

Walking the streets, cobblestone and pebbles, the doctor wore all black with a feathered coat, long peckered mask and his head covered in a black gawn as well. 

Dim di dum.

Emptying his thoughts he would only just notice how crowded was the place, in broad daylight. People would usually step away from his great figure, but even in that stituation people struggled to keep distance with him and walk on the street. Cars and some horse drawn carriages had no mercy for those who crossed with false impunity.

And then, with a whisk of muse, he saw her. Or it, more like. It was the last thing, the last thing before going, he was sure of it.

Rushing to cross the street, the honk of cars that passed him barely without grazing his figure, and a horse-drawn cart that had to sway to the side to not run him over. He cared not for danger, or the anger of the coach driver who raised his fist in anger.

He had only eyes made of gold for the thing. The last thing.

Out of a crowd he pulled the girl out. Instantly, he would boom his voice out to everyone.

“ATTENTION! Please stay away from the infected! Doctor Honoris Causa, Chirurgeon and Physician here, the treatment first, payment later, what is it hm?”

The slender arm would be pulled closer to his beaked and masked face with an iron grip.

“Such an ailment... hm... yes-yes! Its like a fever but opposite!” he chirped in glee. “It is but the common Anti-fever, good townspeople! Fret not, for I shall heal it now and here” People, naturally startled, would push aside and create room for the two, though it couldnt be said whom they feared more, such a weird sounding illness or the Maddened Doctor.

Pulling up her skin even more, the Demiurge would examine it with gold tinted silver eyes wide open in fascination.

“Hm yes! My leeches will do!” coffing open the bag he carried at his hip, the doctor would start rustling inside of it, while not letting go of the girl. “My precious little babies work ever so hard, you know? They will ail you of all evil, child.”

[jennymanrique]

Essential but disposable: How California farmworkers battle COVID-19

Erika picks pluots in a field near Poplar, in the San Joaquin Valley, in a crew of Mexican immigrants. Most workers wear facemasks or bandannas as a protection against spreading the coronavirus. Photo ©2021 by David Bacon

Study reveals the high degree of exposure to the coronavirus in the fields and the profound impact on the economy and mental health of these families.

In addition to high risk exposure to COVID-19, farmworkers in California have borne the brunt of setbacks caused by the pandemic: loss of income and employment, sudden childcare costs due to school closings, problems with distance learning due to poor or zero Internet access, food shortages, housing insecurity and even mental health problems.

The dire diagnosis was compiled in the report “Always Essential, Perpetually Disposable: California Farm Workers and the COVID-19 Pandemic,” a research conducted by the California Institute for Rural Studies and several grassroots organizations.

“The study findings show that farmworkers and their families experience a lot of reality and a lot of fear,” said co-author Bonnie Bade, professor of anthropology at California State University in San Marcos, who spoke at a Feb. 3 video press conference.

“The reality is the job loss and loss of income, unsafe and high risk working conditions,, lack of health insurance and sick leave, housing insecurity, deportation and death,” she added.

“The fear is of being exposed at work and infecting their children, of not being able to put food on the table, of not having the technological resources to support distance learning … fear of eviction, fear of testing positive and being intubated in a hospital and dying alone.”

The report includes stories collected through 63 in-depth interviews as a follow-up to the statewide COVID-19 Farmworkers Survey (COFS) of 915 people last year, in response to the overwhelming number of indigenous and Latino people in the fields falling sick from COVID. Although the data shared is from California, the complete study tracks workers in the fields of Oregon and Washington.

“The mental health of farmworkers’ families emerges as a primary concern voiced by participants,” Bade said. “Working women sacrifice wages to stay home and navigate an unfamiliar world of computers to keep kids online, while isolated teens contemplate and commit suicide.”

Prevention practices against the coronavirus in the fields are almost nil and some bosses even refuse to give the workers basic resources such as masks, alcohol and soap. Although farmers try to keep physical distance, many should carpool with colleagues or live in shared houses with other families, increasing the risk of infection.

Federal or state aid provided during the pandemic is delayed or directly denied to this population, according to those interviewed.

“We asked them for masks and they (bosses) just laughed. And we asked for soap to wash our hands, and they (bosses) just laughed. Several of my coworkers and I called Cal OSHA (California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Administration), to ask for help before we could get infected. They told us that they were going to send letters and that they were going to talk to our boss but they never did anything.”

Eliseo’s testimony was shared by Erica Fernandez Zamora, a community organizer for the California Central Valley Environmental Justice Network, who interviewed residents in the San Joaquin Valley.

“Barriers for farmworkers to report COVID-19-related complaints should be eased, and they must be protected from retaliation,” Fernandez Zamora said. “Agencies like Cal OSHA should bolster health and safety enforcement for these workers.”

Another concern for the campesinos is that many belong to mixed-status families who were excluded from receiving financial relief in the first round of stimulus checks.. The incoming Biden administration has said that a social security number is not needed to access such relief going forward.

Community based organizations (CBOs) and migrant clinics have taken the state’s place in providing food and rent relief through the few donations they receive. They also distribute sombreros, working gloves and personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensure that information about COVID-19 is available not only in Spanish, but in indigenous and Asian languages.

“Many times public information is shared in academic Spanish format and even that can be inaccessible to Spanish-speaking communities,” said Paola Araceli Illescas, another researcher who works at the Vista community clinic that serves north county in San Diego. For this study, a total of 15 interviews were conducted in other languages than Spanish and English.

“CBOs are often trusted messengers for the community and can be key to dispelling any fears of misunderstandings caused by threats of public charge,” added Araceli, referring to the test to determine whether someone who is applying for permanent residency or some other immigration relief, may become dependent on federal public benefits in the future. This public charge, which Biden has vowed to eliminate, has resulted in farmers’ reluctance to even get tested for COVID-19 and increased vaccine hesitancy.

“I watched on the news that the hospitals are at full capacity and I am very scared because I don’t have health insurance and I feel that my life as an undocumented person is not as valuable as saving the life of a US citizen,” said Rodolfo, 46, one of those interviewed for the report.

“We’re exposing ourselves every day to this virus and we don’t have the good fortune to be able to work from home,” said Martin, concerned about the reduction in his salary. “You can’t harvest from a computer.”

The researchers emphasized the need for the California legislature to pass SB 562, the Healthy California Act, which guarantees access to health for all Californians regardless of their immigration status.

“It’s time to prioritize free access to COVID testing and vaccination for farmworkers and other essential undocumented workers,” said Deysi Merino-González of the Farmworker CARE coalition in San Diego.

“I hope that the next relief package will prioritize their legalization … Farmworkers are the backbone of the nation’s food system, the food they give us supports the immune system attacked by this pandemic,” added Merino González.

The report also includes other recommendations such as investing in broadband internet infrastructure in rural California and including farmworkers in developing response plans for future emergencies.

Originally published here

Want to read this story in Spanish? Click here 

[patricksilvrrozartistry]

Current Music Obsessions: August 17 - 31, 2017

Ho lordt. I have A LOT of obsessions to get through for these past two weeks of August! I listened to A LOT of stuff and purged my watch later playlist big time. So let's start out with the MANY honorable mentions.

Glass Idols - Thema Alwaid - Idle Riddles and Rhymes Alessia Cara - Scars to Your Beautiful Nyxx - Diabolical Arise - Sin Fin Temperance - At the Edge of Space (live) Thy Art is Murder - The Son of Misery Belly - Feed the Tree Accid Reign - In the Dark Mount Salem - Lucid Clouds - Nothing but a Name feat. Mihu Glare of the Sune - Groundwater AL1CE - Looking Glass Nostra Morte - Persefone White Skull - Will of the Strong Dreamspell - Твой Выход Rage of Light - Mechanicals Sirenia - Sister Nightfall Angie - Smoke Weed Eat Pussy Septicflesh - Enemy of Truth Lorn - Acid Rain Tacere - Voice in the Dark MaYaN - Enemies of Freedom MaYaN - Paladins of Deceit Sheer - My Wicked World In the Silence - Ever Closer Eihwaz - Delusion Beyon-D-Lusion - Sweet Surrender Veil of Delusions - Together for Glory Mechina - Creation Level Event Evanescence - Bring Me to Life (Synthesis) Zolita - Fight Like a Girl Orden Ogan - Come with Me to the Other Side feat. Liv Kristine Azathoth Circle - In My Mind

Now let's see those MANY real obsessions.

1) Season's End - Our Prayers Fall Back to Earth

It's been 12 years since these guys dropped any new material and they released this awesome track. It's so good and haunting. I always love it when music talks of the struggles of the real world, ESPECIALLY when it get political. It opens your mind to what is really going on outside.

2) A Sound of Thunder - Who Do You Think We Are?

These guys are amazing. This track is low key a diss track to people always trying to define metal bands and put them in small boxes. A metal band is still a metal band no matter what subgenre they fall under. I love their campy songs like this one. They're always so fun.

3) Serpent & Seraph - Tears of Naviane

I discovered these guys through a compilation video on YT one day and fell in love. There's something about this track that is so hypnotic and amazing. It goes from being extremely aggressive to being extremely beautiful rapidly and the transition practically non-existent, but that's what I love about it.

4) Garbage - No Horses

This is the second song I've heard from these guys and it is completely different from Magnetized. It has a bit of a 90's industrial kind of vibe to it and I love it. Another song that is charged by the evils of the world around us. More specifically: police brutality.

5) Micky Huijsmans - New Horizons (Textures cover)

This is one of my favorites off Phenotype, and Micky put such an epic spin on it with this cover. I never expected her to do growls and I hope she brings them to a future End of the Dream album. It really shows multiple dimensions to her voice that EotD doesn't show and is amazing.

6) Synkvervet - Aurora

Another song I discovered from a compilation video on YT, this is a blackened symphonic metal band. This song is so beautiful and lovely. The contrast between their female singer and their male vocalist are so epic. Also, their female singer looks STUNNING in this video. Definitely am gonna check out more from these guys.

7) Little Dead Bertha - Cry of Mankind (My Dying Bride cover)

This was a random discovery on the recommended videos on YT and I need to hear more from them. It has a blackened doom metal vibe to it and their female singer's voice is so lovely. Not only do I need to check out more from these guys, but I need to finally listen to My Dying Bride. I still haven't listened to them yet!

8) Cradle of Filth - You Will Know the Lion By His Claw

This is their best single they've released for their upcoming album and probably one of the best songs they've released in the past 10 years. It's like an evolved form of classic CoF and I fucking love it. The last two minutes are absolutely INSANE. Dani's low growl is everything. So hyped for the new album!

9) The Great Discord - Omen

Everything these guys have released in line with their new album has been amazing. This song is pretty and so cool. They've really stepped their game up with this album. Not saying that Duende wasn't a good album, it was amazing, but they're definitely putting their names out there with this one and I can't wait to see what amazing opportunities come their way from it.

10) Russkaja - Alive

Really weird, bizarre, amazing, glorious, cheesy ska fused with punk and rock. I've heard a few songs from them, but haven't really gotten that deep into their works. I really need to change that. I love bands that don't take themselves seriously. Also, that EDM breakdown was extremely unexpected and dope af.

11) Aly & AJ - Take Me

This is their first song (under their names) in 10 YEARS and it's wonderful. When I found out that they dropped a new single, I nearly screamed. These girls were my childhood. I'm so hyped for the upcoming album and to see what direction it's gonna go in, because this is a blend of indie rock and 80's styled synthpop and I love it.

12) Corvyx - I Got You (Bebe Rexha cover)

I never heard the original, but I am OBSESSED with this guy's cover of this song. I've been a big of this guy for a minute now and I think this one is on the same level of favorites as his cover as I Don't Wanna Live Forever. His voice is so lovely in this song and I love the slight distortion. This song is such a fun one to just blast while driving.

13) Kari Rueslatten - Spellbound

This song is so pretty. It's such a simple song, but it's so pretty that you get hooked on it instantly. Such a great song to put on and just chill to. I can't wait to get around to listening to her new album.

14) Tristania - Aphelion

I've been on a big Tristania kick lately and this has been one of the songs I've been obsessed with by them. I really need to listen to their full discography again, because I'm not familiar with Morten's era with them. This song is just so beautiful and intense. The last two minutes are probably my favorite. It just escalates so quickly and ends on such a beautiful note.

Crushed Dreams

After getting a copy of World of Glass, when this song came on, I knew I would be listening to it non-stop for a hot minute. The intro, the choirs and the exit are so amazing and beautiful. This is definitely my favorite album from Vibeke's era with the band. It's so beautiful, raw, haunting and in your face.

15) Qveen Herby - Busta Rhymes

Amy is definitely reinventing herself with this new project. Karmin dabbled with hip hop a little bit, but this project is pure trip hop/hip hop and I'm loving it. And homegirl goes IN on the second verse. I really need to listen to their debut EP.

16) The Naked and Famous - All of This

I can't remember how I came across this song, but nonetheless, I love it. It wasn't all that interesting to me at first, but then it grew on me and became an obsession. It's such a simple pop rock track, but it's so fun and catchy and has a bit of a punk-ish flare to it. Really digging it and am gonna check out more from them.

17) Crimfall - Until Falls the Rain

I discovered these guys through Helena (I'm a big fan of her old project Tacere), but have only listened to Wildfire Season. This song is so powerful and beautiful. I know how cheesy this sounds, but this song is amazing to listen to when it's raining/storming outside. Such a perfect blend of symphonic and folk metal. Can't wait to hear their new album.

18) End of the Dream - Who Do You Think You Are

Finally listened to their new album, Until You Break, and I really enjoyed it. This and the track below are ones that definitely stood out to me on the album. This song has such a hard and raw proggy vibe to it and is so in your face. I also love the vocal lines in the chorus.

I Am Nothing

This song is so beautiful. It starts out so simple and pretty, but then it starts to escalate and it gets so powerful and raw near the end. I haven't heard a song like this one in a very long time and am so pleased with it. It really shows off just how much this band has grown since their first release.

19) Exit Eden - Rhapsodies in Black

I couldn't pick a particular song that I was obsessing with from them, so I just put the whole damn album on here! This album is absolutely AMAZING and I listened to it non-stop for little over a week. My two favorites are their covers of Paparazzi by Lady Gaga and Frozen by Madonna which features Simone Simons of Epica. Paparazzi is so unexpectedly heavy and intense and Frozen is just as beautiful as the original, but with a symphonic metal flare to it and I love that they kept the original vibe of the song with this cover.

Those are all my obsessions for the last two weeks of August. I promise the next installment won't be as long!

[frangipanidownunder]

Family Fifteenth

Written for @lokisgame who asked: Mulder, Scully, William, if you could give them one talent, what would it be? (Not work or school related) (take it as a prompt if you feel like it ;) Fluffy AU family!fic. You have been warned. Scully watched as William grimaced, biting his lip and lowering his gaze. Ordinarily, he was the most placid boy, good-natured and accepting. But since Mulder had begun to organise his birthday celebrations, William had withdrawn.

           “You can’t do that, Dad.”

           “Why not?”

           “Because it’s so embarrassing.”

           “But we started this tradition with Emily and we’re going to continue it.”

           “Mom, can you tell him. Please?”

           “William, there’s no point in arguing. Once your father’s got an idea in his mind it’s impossible to get him to change it. I remember once, when were agents…”

           “Enough of the old school memories, Mom. You’ve told me all those stories like twenty times over. I just don’t want to do this stupid talent show thing. It’s my birthday. I should be able to choose.”

           “Mom, if he gets away with it, I’m going to be super mad at you,” Emily said as she swept into the kitchen and selected an apple from the fruit bowl.

           “He’s not getting away with anything, Emily.”

           “Good, he needs to experience the total and utter humiliation of Dad doing stand-up comedy, just like I did.”

           “Oh, he’s not doing that this time. He’s planning a whole new act. And so am I.”

           “What? Mom! That thing you did with your hands was okay. It only took a few seconds and everyone thought you were pretty cool. What are you going to do this time?”

           She tapped the side of her nose. Poor William. He was so shy, so susceptible to second-hand embarrassment, that she could feel him cringing already. Emily, on her fifteenth birthday, had been unaware of what was about to unfold so didn’t have time to get the pre-birthday jitters. But William had witnessed it and had spent the last few months trying desperately to get away without having a celebration. He’d even tried to convince his friend’s parents to book a camping holiday and take him with them. But Mulder had convinced that friend and his parents to spend the evening with them, at William’s birthday party, instead.

           “It’s a bit of fun, William. You need to be able to laugh at life. This is a great way to learn that lesson.”

           “Yes,” Mulder said, walking in to join them, “your mother took years to learn how to laugh at herself. And even now she sometimes has a few issues with that. Don’t’ you, Mrs Spooky?”

           “Yeah, but she laughs at you a lot, Mulder.” Emily bit into her apple and even William managed a giggle at that one.

           “I still don’t get why our fifteenth birthdays are the ones we need to do this stupid tradition for.”

           “William, firstly, it’s not stupid when it’s a family thing. You and Emily are the best things to ever happen to us and we cherish that. And secondly, I’ve told you before that the fifteenth birthday is the one that nobody really cares about. Your teen years are in full swing. You’re not a child anymore, but you’re not sweet sixteen either. You’re trapped in a…”

           “Strange mixed-up world of childhood and adulthood when you could be just as struck by a silly cartoon or playing sandcastles on the beach as you are by the injustice of child poverty or the hellish notion of paying tax.”

Emily recited Mulder’s words back him and he nodded with pride. “I’m impressed that you remember, Em.”

“How can I ever forget that lecture, Mulder? I was always suspicious that you were some kind of super nerd but that little speech sealed the deal. So, little brother, you are required to attend the strange celebration that is a Mulder-Scully family fifteenth, complete with crazy performances by Fox and Dana. And you might as well practise your performance because you are not going to get away with it.”

Scully laid out the salads and breads, while Mulder prodded the steaks. Skinner served as barman for the guests. The Gunmen had insisted on doing the music and had rigged up a system that blared out 70s rock loud enough and terrible enough to ward off the alien colonization that they still insisted would happen. Reyes kept turning it down and Doggett would sneak back and wind it back up to full blast again. William stayed close to his friends, and Emily looked frighteningly grown up in her new dress and heels. Scully took a mental photograph of the scene, smiling inwardly.

           The party rocked on after dinner and by ten o’clock it was time for the talent show. William turned a shade of green as Mulder announced he would go first. Always a light drinker, the beers had given him Dutch courage and Scully giggled with Monica as he tripped up walking through the back door to retrieve his props.

           “This is going to be so cute,” Monica said. “I heard he’s been practising for months.”

           Scully nodded. “Poor John got the rough end of the deal.”

William’s friends pushed him forward to front row and Mulder re-appeared with a dark grey fitted tee, a pair of dark blue jeans in that tighter cut Scully loved so much, a guitar strapped over his shoulder and pink woolly hat.

           “Since Emily’s fifteenth birthday, I have taught myself to read music and to play guitar. It’s been something I’ve always wanted to do, and I have no musical bones in my body – as Scully will attest to – but I am tenacious and I wanted to prove to Emily and to William that you don’t have to be brilliant at everything, you just have to be committed.”

           Scully swallowed back tears and as Mulder looked directly at her, she smiled back at him. Her precious dork.

           “I wrote a song. Just for you, William.”

           The crowd clapped and Mulder strummed the opening bars.

Mulder lapped up the applause and bowed several times. Scully dabbed the tears from her eyes and Emily and her friends whispered in their little group. William had his eyes wide open and his lips parted in surprise. He had turned green to white to red and back to a nice shade of pink. His friends smacked him on the back and fist-pumped. Scully knew he was impressed, he just didn’t know how to react yet. She really hoped her own performance would be just as well received.

           “Scully, it’s your turn to take to the stage,” Mulder said, theatrically waving her past him.

           She took a huge deep breath and untied the black robe she had over her costume. The crowd gasped as she stepped forward into the spotlight wearing a pink ballgown, glittered at the bodice with ruffled tulle skirt. She cleared her throat, launching into her Blanche Dubois monologue, complete with Southern twang and whiskey bottle. She got it word perfect and collapsed into a bow at the end, gasping for breath.

           Emily’s hands were clasped over her mouth and her friends were nodding appreciatively. The Gunmen gaped, Skinner clapped so loudly it sounded like firecrackers popping, Reyes put her fingers in her mouth a whistled, causing Doggett to laugh out loud. And Mulder, he simply blew her a kiss which she caught and placed on her mouth.

           “Mom, that was incredible,” Emily called from her position. “You spent too long chasing mutants and not enough time treading the boards.”

           “You do seem to have missed your calling, Scully,” Mulder whispered into her ear as he caught her around the waist and pulled her into a waltz. “You do keep me guessing.”

           “Yours was pretty spectacular, Mulder. It was a pretty tough act to follow.”

           “Well, now our son has to follow you.”

“Do you think we should let him off?”

           “No way, Scully. We follow through in this family.”

           “You’re stubborn, Fox Mulder.”

           “And you once told me that was why you fell in love with me.”

           “Well, that and the way you look in a red Speedo.”

William was pushed onto the makeshift stage by his cheering friends. Scully snuggled under Mulder’s arm, feeling the warmth of his body seep into her bones. They still fitted together like one.

           “My parents are pretty special,” William began.

           “You can say that again,” Langly yelled out.

           “And they are also very determined. Which has both benefits and drawbacks. I admit that I wasn’t looking forward to this party, because of this weird talent show tradition that we do on our fifteenth birthdays, but I just want to say, before I do my party piece, that my Dad and Mom are the best.”

           The guests whooped and clapped and raised their glasses. Scully sniffed back tears and Mulder hugged her tighter.

           “So, I spent a while thinking about something really short that I could do so that I wouldn’t be in the spotlight for too long, but in the end, I decided to embrace the challenge and try my hand at something I didn’t know anything about.”

           William nodded to the Gunmen, who moved with surprising speed to set up a huge monitor, connected to the sound system.

           “My parents told us lots of stories growing up, strange stories about monsters and aliens, conspiracies and victories. They told us about how Emily and I came to be. They have always told us how loved we are. I wrote it all down. Then I animated it. And this is how it turned out.”

The movie played, opening with a young red-haired woman shaking the hand of a bespectacled, spiky haired young man. It showed a compilation of cases, some with satisfying endings, some with frightening ones. There were bug-eyed little grey men, scary-ass mutants, Skinner with a really shiny head, the Gunmen as 1930s detectives, hospitals, autopsies, vampires and haunted houses. William’s animation was a cross between cartoonish and anime. Details and flourishes brought out gasps of appreciation from the crowd. His captions were witty and his occasional voice-overs were even funnier. His imitation of Mulder yelling ‘Scullllaaaay’ as their animated selves ran through a cornfield left the audience laughing out loud.

After a few minutes, the music switched from dramatic to romantic as a slideshow of baby photos of Emily and William played out. Finally, the music faded out as the screen filled with an image of Mulder kissing Scully on their wedding day.

The chink of bottles being launched into the recycling caused Mulder to flinch. He sipped his coffee and enjoyed the image of Scully bending over to retrieve yet another bottle left in the camellia bush.

           “How do you continue to look so good, Scully?”

           “Cleaning up after a family fifteenth is a great work out, Mulder. Feel free to join in.” She threw a cork at him and it caught him square on the forehead.

           “You always were a better shot than me.”

           She walked up the verandah steps to the chair where he was sitting. “And you always did like looking at my ass.”

           “You speak The Truth, Agent Scully, or is that Ms Dubois?”

           She sat on his lap and kissed him. “And you, Agent Mulder, sing pretty well for an aging FBI employee.”

           “Less of the aging - you’re not that far behind. But have we created the next Steven Spielberg or what?”

           “He was amazing, in fact, last night was amazing, Mulder. Thank you for insisting that we do that.”

           “We follow through, don’t we?” he said, nuzzling into the side of her neck and enjoying the hardness of her nipples as they pushed against his chest.

           “I’ll hold you to that later, Mulder.”

[medalan]

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[smartwebhostingblog]

Stocks To Watch: Time To Connect The Dots

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Stocks To Watch: Time To Connect The Dots

Welcome to Seeking Alpha’s Stocks to Watch – a preview of key events scheduled for the next week. Follow this account and turn the e-mail alert on to receive this article in your inbox every Saturday morning.

There are two monster meetings on the agenda next week that could shake things up for investors now officially stuck in a stock market correction. The Federal Reserve’s policy makers meet from December 18-19 in the U.S., while China’s leaders are expected to gather December 19-21 to hold their annual economic policy-setting meeting. The overwhelming consensus of economists is that the Fed is likely to raise its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point to a range of between 2.25% and 2.50% and that the closely-watched dot plot will indicate two rate hikes in 2019. If there is going to be any sort of drama out of the Fed event, it will probably occur during Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s last presser of the year. Meanwhile, the word from Beijing is that pro-growth measures will be fired off during the economic meeting and more signs of “opening up” markets will be showcased. It’s possible that the two events could cool off anxiety over global growth, interest rates and tariffs – but in a year of wildcards we’re not taking any bets. There is also the matter of that little government shutdown that could arrive next week, although it’s being categorized in large part as political theater more than an actionable trading event.

Notable earnings reports: Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) and Red Hat (NYSE:RHT) on December 17; Micron (NASDAQ:MU), Carnival (NYSE:CCL), Darden Restaurants (NYSE:DRI), FedEx (NYSE:FDX) and Navistar (NYSE:NAV) on December 18; General Mills (NYSE:GIS), Pier 1 Imports (NYSE:PIR), Paychex (NASDAQ:PAYX) and Winnebago (NYSE:WGO) on December 19; Nike (NYSE:NKE) and BlackBerry (NYSE:BB) on December 20; CarMax (NYSE:KMX) on December 21. See Seeking Alpha’s Earnings Calendar for the complete list of earnings reporters.

IPOs expected to begin trading: Aptorum on December 18.

IPO lockup expirations: Eidos Therapeutics (NASDAQ:EIDX) on December 17; I3 Verticals (NASDAQ:IIIV), Magenta Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MGTA), Avrobio (NASDAQ:AVRO), Essential Properties Realty Trust (NYSE:EPRT), Kezar Life Sciences (NASDAQ:KZR) and Xeris Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XERS)on December 18.

Analyst quiet period expirations: Taiwan Liposome (TLC), Tiziana Life Sciences (NASDAQ:TLSA) and TuanChe (NASDAQ:TC) on December 17.

Projected dividend changes (quarterly): Fifth Third (NASDAQ:FITB) to $ 0.22 from $ 0.18, Lamb Weston (NYSE:LW) to $ 0.195 from $ 0.1913, Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) to $ 0.36 from $ 0.34, ABM Industries (NYSE:ABM) to $ 0.180 from $ 0.175, Andersons (NASDAQ:ANDE) to $ 0.170 from $ 0.165, Cantel Medical (NYSE:CMD) to $ 0.10 from $ 0.085.

60 Minutes: CBS (NYSE:CBS) says the news show will broadcast a report on Sunday night about opioid makers, distributors and manufacturers. Keep an eye on McKesson (NYSE:MCK), AmerisourceBergen (NYSE:ABC), Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH), Mallinckrodt (NYSE:MNK), TEVA Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:TEVA), AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV), Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (NYSE:RDY), Insys Therapeutics (NASDAQ:INSY), Endo International (NASDAQ:ENDP), Reckitt Benckiser Group (OTCPK:RBGLY) among others if any sharp elbows are thrown.

Capitol Hill watch: An early test of Senate Republicans’ desire to talk about marijuana reform arrives next week when Senator Cory Gardner attempts to attach the States Act to the criminal justice reform bill. It’s possible some marijuana-related names such Cronos Group (NASDAQ:CRON), Canopy Growth (NYSE:CGC) and Tilray (NASDAQ:TLRY) could be active if the GOP senators tip their hands.

GM pressure cooker: While shares of General Motors (NYSE:GM) continue to sputter along on headline risk, analysts see upside down the road. There’s Deutsche Bank pointing to deep corporate restructuring and industry consolidation as potential GM catalysts, as well as Bank of America Merrill Lynch saying the current dividend is likely safe. If the automaker can turn around the political broadsides it’s taking on the focus could turn to long-term initiatives such as the autonomous EV fleet (Cruise Automation + Bolts), car sharing (Maven) and connectivity (OnStar).

M&A tidbits: First-round bids are due in on Campbell Soup’s (NYSE:CPB) Arnott’s business before Christmas. Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ:KHC), Mondelez International (NASDAQ:MDLZ) and Ferrero are reported to be interested in the biscuits brand. Shareholders at Enbridge Energy Partners (NYSE:EEP) and Enbridge Energy Management (NYSE:EEQ) will vote on the merger on December 17. The $ 2.1B acquisition of Endocyte (NASDAQ:ECYT) by Novartis (NYSE:NVS) goes to a vote on December 20. Medtronic’s (NYSE:MDT) acquisition of Mazor Robotics (NASDAQ:MZOR) is expected to close on December 21. Sprint (NYSE:S) and T-Mobile (NASDAQ:TMUS) expect to land U.S. security clearance approval next week for their planned combination.

Strategic update: Achillion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACHN) is hosting a live webcast and conference call on December 17. CEO Joseph Truitt and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Stephen Zelenkofske will present the company’s 2019 development plans along with interim data on Phase 2 clinical trials in PNH and C3G as well as initial Phase 1 data on Achillion’s next generation factor D inhibitors.

Guidance update: Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) has an investor community meeting set for December 19. The company will update its 2019 guidance expectations during the meeting. Shares of Eli Lilly are up 36% YTD.

FDA review deadlines: Pdufa dates arrive this week on Shire’s (SHPG, OTCPK:SHPGF) prucalopride NDA and Jazz Pharmaceutical’s (NASDAQ:JAZZ) solriamfetol NDA.

JV talk: Albemarle (NYSE:ALB) is scheduled to discuss its agreement to form the Wodgina Lithium joint venture in Western Australia during a webcast presentation on December 17.

Strategy talk: Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO) is scheduled to host an Enterprise Strategy conference call on December 17.

Banking updates: Credit card charge-offs and delinquencies reports are due in on December 17 from Alliance Data Systems (NYSE:ADS), American Express (NYSE:AXP), Bank of America (NYSE:BAC), Citigroup (NYSE:C), Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF), Discover Financial (NYSE:DFS), JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) and Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF).

Box office: Sony (NYSE:SNE)/Marvel feature Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is expected to dominate the weekend box with a projected haul of $ 40M, while Warner Brothers’ The Mule is forecast to bring in $ 17M. At the end of next week, the Christmas/New Year’s rush launches with Aquaman (Warner Bros.), Bumblebee (Paramount), Second Act (STX Entertainment), Welcome to Marwen (Universal) and Cold War (Amazon Studios) arriving in theaters. The U.S. box office is up 10.1% YTD through December 12.

Barron’s mentions: The publication compiles a list of its top ten stock picks for 2019. Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Bank of America (BAC), BlackRock (NYSE:BLK), Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT), Chevron (NYSE:CVX), Daimler (OTCPK:DDAIF), and Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL), Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET) and Toll Brothers (NYSE:TOL) all make the list. Other stocks singled out as potential market outperformers next year include PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL), Visa (NYSE:V), Mastercard (NYSE:MA), NextEra (NYSE:NEE) and Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT). Overall, the market strategists interviewed by Barron’s see a +10% return for the major stock indexes.

Stocks to Watch: Our publication is taking a short break for the holidays. We will be back on January 5 to help get you ready for the first full trading week of 2019. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions for our weekly preview of the market, please add them to the comment stream below or e-mail us at stockstowatch@seekingalpha.com.

Sources: Nasdaq, EDGAR, Bloomberg, CNBC

Editor’s Note: This article discusses one or more securities that do not trade on a major U.S. exchange. Please be aware of the risks associated with these stocks.

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