#high pontential

[whosmaggy]

lighting one up for my grandpa

recently watched an episode of crime patrol with my friend f. she thought the characters were gay and i thought she was. had taiwanese Doritos, they were very good. for a bit i thought of switching into a math program (love lin algebra) but idk. i think i have the obsession needed to maintain a passion for it, but i get bored so easily i would keep yoyoing between best mathmetician ever and cant even do subtraction.

had a dream where i had a penis but then it fell off. i felt immense sadness. my physics prof is incrdible kind. i had to buy a platform to do my assignments on (FOR 70 DOLLARS) i bought it a week ago and they still havent sent me my log in!! this week ive been eating soup and burritos. i wanna become a glass blower. they stars r so visible to me lately. i think they are telling me that the universe is ending.

been playing so much township (like hours everyday) cant wait til i let it. feeling deeply conected to adonis. hes just a young boy. keep deleting and then redownloading tiktok. business is not smth i stand on. got off calc 2 and orgo waitlist. wishing death upon people really does work.

during my chem lab i broke a capillary (a VERY thin glass straw) :(. a blood vessel in my eye burst so i just had the scariest looking eye for a few days. living in cities is for me. i love walking fast. slow walkers ihy please dont do this (make me walk slow) to me.

went to the club with friend s on saturday! it was very fun. i met a guy i was riffing with but idk his ig so he no longer exists and im convinced he was a joint hallucination. i smoked a cigarette with some girls while waiting for the bus. it reminded me of my grandpa. when i was younger i thought he was in my life for like 3 years but he died 6 months after i met him. i was 4 but i have so many memories of him. in the club bathroom a girl let me use her peach mango vape.

discovered how to do exponents on the samsung keyboard. climbed half the Eiffel tower (stair master). started watching high potential. love it. mentalist will always be my bb tho. im getting a new roommate. OBSESSED with talking ben!

goodnight!

love all the time,

Maggie 👁️

[myhighschooldiary]

Babe, is that jealousy I sense?

The bus driver gave us assigned seats today. I tried to bargain with him about my seat because my new seat was just behind my previous one. There wasn't anything wrong with the new seat (or so I thought) but I just preferred the old one. He wouldn't budge so I just quietly went to my new seat [Q]. As students were getting in and finding their assigned seats, this girl who was in my computer class before I switched out² got in behind my seat. Not yet actually. Her and her friend(s?) were conversing (I think? I had headphones on) and were skittering around. When she finally, truly got in the seat, she hit my head with her arm(elbow?). I exclaimed quite loudly "oh my gosh(God?) because it hurt (my head was still healing from when I bumped into my cabinet). Mind you that I was wearing headphones and blasting Doja Cat's songs but I heard her saying something about "why'd you say oh my gosh?" and crap. She probably thought I was pissed at her being noisy. Anyways, I took my headphone off and turn to her and said, "'cause you hit my head." And what she said made my blood boil. Like, she's down right outrageous. "Maybe you should move your big ass head [then?]."¹

What's embarrassing about this is that her friend (seatmate) apologized for her. I think she apologized a bit after but she was mumbling stuff so I just stopped giving her attention and turn my music back up.

The thing about this is, it's not a big deal. I wouldn't even make a fuss about it if she ignored the fact she "accidentally" hit me. But for her to blow her damn nose and say that �� ? Were you not raised right girl? Anyone ever taught you manners? I know this country does not give a damn about seniorities but girl, I know I am probably 2 years older than you. I may not look like it (Asian) because most of the girls here got their faces all caked up with makeup.

And I don't know if this is just a coincidence but girl, are you trying to pick on me? Because you fueled my want on switching out of my 5A/B (computer) class.

I thought you were nice at first. [Timeline: first 7 days of school I attended school] You helped me logged in my student account on the class' PC when I chose to sit beside you (not because of YOU). Then a few days of sitting there beside you, you told me to not sit there because [name] (I didn't catch it) was gonna sit there today and you said that person had always been sitting there. I didn't press on so I found a seat in the back. I saw you peaked at me. You whispered to your friend and laughed. Probably because you pressures me? Or was it because I was sitting besides a group of boys that barely make a peep in class and keeps to themselves. I don't know. But anyways. It didn't really matter but when I was being enticed by a teacher to join his AP Psychology class, I thought "someone clearly dislike me in this class so it'll be a big win to just switch."

I turned out really liking the Psychology class so yes, a win indeed. Though I ain't sure about the bus thing. I hope you won't give me further trouble because I am seeing a pattern. Not really. But if there's third incident, there's really would be a pattern in your behavior towards me.

But genuinely asking, are you mentally ill or something? How can someone be that rude? It truly boggles me. Especially since you're just a kid. But alas, My Chemical Romance band said teenagers scares the living shit out of them so.

God bless America indeed.

[ilivingonmyway]

The "Jay is Lloyd older brother Au" that I created, it's got three different versions but I gonna with the original one:

So, Jay is Lloyd's older brother, they have a difference of more or less 5 and a half years old and they are both adopted by Ed and Edna (Jay is the only one of the two who knows that the Walkers are not their biological parents).

Unlike Canon, Jay is not one of the ninjas (he still receives training but he never reached his True Pontential and no one but Master Wu knows that he "is" a ninja). He's been there at Spinjutzo Monastery since the beginning but not as a frontline hero, he "works" there for Master Wu as a kind of assistant and resident mechanical engineer (this is just a facade. Wu want to keep an eye on his nephew the Master of Lightning and Jay wants to practice his powers so he doesn't run the risk of hurting anyone or being discover) Nya has been in "his" place, being the fourth ninja on the team since she was rescued from Garmadon (she ends up unlocking her true potential much earlier in the story).

No one but Master Wu know's where's the Lightning Elemental is, Wu says that they have been "missing" since the previous Lightning Elemental, Libber, passed her powers.

And Lloyd is there, but not as the little boy from Darkleys who wants to follow in the footsteps of his dad a villain, but as a boy who wants to make his parents and older brother proud. So one day, as Jay is leaving his monthly visit to his parents, Lloyd follows Jay to the Monastery, intending to receive the same fighting lessons as the ninjas. And everyone's like "Who the hell is this kid? He broke into the Monastery and wants to play ninja." And Kai, being Kai, does the same thing as Canon: leaves Lloyd on the roof of someone's house, unaware that Lloyd is Jay's younger brother. As a result, Lloyd is angry as hell with the ninjas, and somehow does the same stupid thing as in canon, freeing the Serpentines.

Lloyd almost immediately realizes what a screw-up he's done and sets out to find Jay, but is captured and held hostage. Meanwhile, at the Monastery, Jay discovers that Lloyd was there but Kai left him on the roof of some house (??) and becomes furious with the fire ninja, to the point of yelling at him. Master Wu hears the commotion and learns that his nephew Jay's little brother was there and that he wanted to train to be a ninja, and being the "wise Master" that he is, Wu tells them to go after Lloyd and bring him to the Monastery he doesn't miss the angry look Jay gave him during this part.

And then they come across the whole Serpentine situation, with Lloyd as a hostage, they try to fight but fail due to being unprepared for battle. The Cobras end up escaping with Lloyd in tow, screaming desperately because he wants his older brother and Jay panics because he wants to help his little brother but he can't do something without ending up revealing his powers Jay has extremely high morals here, he had made a promise that he would never use his powers, much less be a ninja, due to his... Family situation.

They end up losing the fight and losing Lloyd.

Jay is completely devastated.

And then the whole shit starts.

Welcome to StaticEnergy Brothers AU.

Please says it looks so cool like I want to look.

(maybe I'll do other posts about the other two versions of this, but... It's just a "maybe")

[complicatcd]

NAME: henry james monroe.

NICKNAME(S): monroe, brick wall, hen, henny, tree.

BIRTHPLACE: south burlington, vermont.

OCCUPATION: retired hockey player, owner of the penalty box.

AGE & BIRTHDAY: thirty8. october 31.

ZODIAC: scorpio.

GENDER IDENTITY: cis man.

ROMANTIC / SEXUAL ORIENTATION: hetereoromantic, hetereosexual.

CURRENT NEIGHBORHOOD: lakeside.

TIME IN WOODSIDE: one year.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: infidelity.

henry monroe was the second born of franklin and allison monroe. his father was a mechanic and his mother was a school teacher. there was nothing overly exceptional about the family, other than their love and support.

growing up, each child took an interest in something different. his oldest sister had taken a love to little league baseball, while henry found comfort on ice. his father swears that the first time he stepped onto it, it was like henry was meant to be there, but that’s not what the old camcorder video show.

what was a hobby turned into something more when he was old enough to hold a stick without tipping over it. it didn’t take long for him to realize his talent had come from his father. according to the photo of the championship team hung up in the high school, his dad was somewhat of a local legend. it was a lot to live up to, but he did his best.

there was a time where everyone compared him to his father. the expectations were set high and while the pressure weighed down on him, he never caved. that dedication led him to being recruited by the university of minnesota. it was his time there that he fell in love with more than just a sport.

this relationship lasted well past his college career. in fact, he proposed on draft night after getting picked up by the philadelphia flyers. everything was perfect at first. the move was smooth, their worlds aligned perfectly. he was happy and in love, but things fell apart over time. the fame of the game began getting to him. he was no longer in a rush to get home and there were whispers of infidelity, but it was never true. he was a lot of things, but he wasn’t a cheater. however, his marriage ended when another woman answered his phone on a night out with the team. after that, his wife filed for divorce and he didn’t have the heart or courage to challenge it.

as if his things couldn’t have gotten worse, a couple of weeks later he was alerted that he would be a part of a trade agreement. he would be going to nashville. while there, he didn’t make any waves, but he lived up to the bachelor lifestyle up until he got yet another call. he would be traded once more to the detroit red wings.

this trade was different. it would be his last trade while in the league. he was a desired defenseman and the money was well worth the move to yet another state and team. it was in detroit where henry finished his career at the age of thirty-seven years old.

what few people know about him is that he's always loved to cook. in fact, it was a running team joke whenever "family" dinners were nothing more than henry putting a meal together for the whole team. it was during his second season with the red wings that he developed the idea for the penalty box, a sports bar and grill offering a variety of food and drink options. even before he retired, henry began putting together his plans.

it's his first season off the ice and the penalty box is still working out the kinks of being a new sports bar and grill within woodside heights. it's hockey themed and has weekly specials on rotation.

Pontential Connections:

bar patrons. pretty general! they could be a hockey fan, or maybe they're just coming by to check out the menu that henry puts on rotation, or the drink specials.

the og patron. this is someone that was present on opening night and pretty much drops in frequently. they've become good friends. henry knows what they like and all too often, slips them a drink on the house for being a supporter.

fan or not. hockey is an intense sport and after fifteen (plus a couple of years) in the league... he's bound to have made some fans and enemies out of people he's never met.

coffee mix up. simple, but fun! henry's guilty pleasure is an overly sugary coffee drink. on a packed morning, either he grabs your muse's drink or they grab his and needless to say, they're both a bit surprised. where they go from there is to be plotted!

[thedeafprophet]

people I know are already going crazy with the fabled meet your child again light fingers moment...

I'll believe it when i see it lmao. Maybe we will maybe we wont, i don't have high expectations. I would absolutely love to be proven wrong but as it is im not expecting more then the seeing it at a glance like during the starved war...

i will simply focus on 'hey airships seem cool' rather then pontential ambition tie ins that are often neglected lmao

[s0yfleur]

Abandoned Shack

A home like this is never really lived and loved in, only used and abused. Maybe one day a nice sim will come along and see the true pontential of this dirty old home.

Packs used: EP: Horse Ranch, High School Years, Eco Lifestyle, Discover University, Island Living, Get Famous, Cats & Dogs, City living, Get together

GP: Werewolves, Journey to Batuu , Strangerville, Jungle Adventure, Vampires, Outdoor retreat

SP: Laundry Stuff, Spooky Stuff

Kits: Basement Treasures, Courtyard Oasis, Industrial Loft, Happy little campers

Yall I put a lot of effort into this and I think it looks really cute!!

[clehame]

if you’ve been following me without understanding what i’ve been screaming about for the past like four months, one, i’m sorry, two, this is an EXCELLENT time to get into dimension 20!

dimension 20 is collegehumor’s dnd actualplay show thats hosted on their streaming service, dropout. the first episode of their fifth season (!!) is being streamed TONIGHT, wednesday 8/4/20 on youtube at 7 PM edt & 4 PM pdt! it’s called A Crown Of Candy (you may have seen me talk about it) and it’s like game of thrones, but set in candy land.

their first and most popular season, Fantasy High, is all available on youtube, and the live sequel to that season has just finished being streamed and it in the midst of being released on youtube! it’s about six teens at adventuring high school dealing with teenage life and coming of age and also stopping the world from ending. you know, typical teen stuff. as of the second season ending, we have a canon lesbian PC (her arc in s1 is partially about accepting her sexuality and leaving her shitty Fantasy Christian church), a canon sapphic PC, two other PCs who have a fair bit of discussion abt pontentially being asexual, and a ton of lgbt NPCs!

their second season is Escape From The Bloodkeep, their first sidequest, a shorter 6 episode season with guest players including matt mercer! season three is The Unsleeping City, back to the main cast of 6 players and is urban fantasy set in new york! it’s about the american dream, and also a sad rat gets a makeover. season 4 is Tiny Heist, a sidequest with all four mcelroys that’s basically the borrowers, but ocean’s 11.

[kylo-im-ren]

The Rise of the Fallen One & Reylo (excerpt)

Rey is not alone in the Dark!Rey scene.

This was first pointed out to me through this tweet from brehaorganas. Then @sillyrabbit36 did a lovely job of recoloring the footage to show it in greater detail in this post.

I went ahead and made some GIFs for visual aid.

In this shot (BOW DOWN TO YOUR QUEEN) it looks like there could be movement, or a figure before the screen pans over to Dark!Rey. That could also very well just be the way that the light and shadows move in the view of the camera.  The real evidence is in the following shot. The money shot.

(My ability to breathe? I don’t know her.)

I zoomed in for a better look, and I tried my best to brighten it without ruining the quality too much (fuzzy image below= proof I’m not a professional lol).

I’ve labled what I think it is that we are seeing. To me, in the bottom right it looks like dark/black clothing, maybe a cloak, or cape. Or maybe just dark pants. In the top right it looks like either a hand in dark, long sleeves, or a chin in a high turtleneck.  I’m leaning more towards it being a hand.

Now, let’s look at the movement of this mystery figure. It appears that whomever (or whatever) is there is backing away from Rey. And if we go with the hand theory, it looks like they are backing away with their hands up defensively. Below I’ve created an extremeley detailed and intricate artist rendition of what I believe happens here. I warn you, the artistic talent I posess has brought some to tears.

(As I was writing the final draft of this bit i came across this post by the amazing, ever talented @gwendy85 . The position of Ben and Rey in her art is so close to what I’m picturing! And a million times better than my stick people lol. Just wanted to give some quick promo to her. If you haven’t already, you guys should really check out her art and meta posts, you won’t be disappointed😊💜.)

So, who is this? Well, there are a few options. Let’s play one of my favorite games: The Process of Elimination.

Option 1: Palpatine Just the simple fact that the figure seems to be backing away from her tells me that it isn’t the Sheev man. If Rey does go dark, and this is real, and not a vision, I’m 99.9% sure that Palps will have something to do with it. So why would he be backing away from her? If anything, he’d be the one encouraging her. 

Option 2: Finn (my sweet boy) This is a more logical option, however, John is reported saying that he wasn’t there when Daisy wore her Dark!Rey fit. He said he was supposed to be there, but that was just for a visit, meaning his character was not invoved in the shooting of those scenes (I looked for the link for like 20 minutes and decided I’d rather get this out and edit the post later when I eventually find it.) Plus, the hand (or chin) doesn’t look like it’s been blessed with that melanin (teehee), so I’m thinking it’s pretty safe to assume not Finn. And without Finn being there, I don’t think any other resistance squad memeber would make sense. So I’m striking out Poe, Rose, or Jannah as options.

Option 3: Rey  Let me explain.This would fall in line with the theory that Dark!Rey is a vision that Rey has. (I go into further details about how this could go, and the pontential parallel between it and Lukes vision quest on Dagobah in the full meta.) This could be the moment where she is forced to literally face her inner demons. If this were the case though, the costume choice that makes the most sense, canonically and visually, would be for normal Rey to be in her normal clothes. Her pure white, flowing robes are a stark contrast to the dark figure we see backing away. 

“Maybe that’s just the shadows, it’s a dark room.”

That’s true. But if we go with the turtleneck or long sleeve idea, those are complete opposites to Rey’s v-neck and short sleeves. This makes me think that the mystery person is not Rey.

Option 4: An innocent It could be an innocent that she kills in her dark rage/possesion. Making this a scene to show how far gone she is. I highly HIGHLY doubt this option though.

Taking all of those out leaves me to believe that it can only be one person. One particular dark froce weilding, sad-boi, love-struck prince.

Option 5: Ben The clothes, if i’m picturing them correctly, match up perfectly with Ben’s attire at all times. Dark cloak/cape, maybe a black turtleneck (like we’ve seen in TFA), long dark sleeves. And, if this is Benny boy, what really intrigues me is that he is gloveless. The implications of that alone...

Sorry, I spaced out. I was fangirling.

ANnNywAy, let’s assume it is him. Now the question is:

Vision or Reality?

(I dive deeper into all of these theories in the full meta. I still can’t choose a side!)

While I still haven’t chosen a side (lol) at this point in time, I think I’ve narrowed my choices down to the Dark!Rey is real train or the Ben Vision Train.

If Dark!Rey is real, I feel that this could definitely be the moment where Ben goes to save her from Palpatine, and from herself. There have been several posts describing how this event could unfold.  If Dark!Rey is real, this could serve as a major catalyst for Bendemption. This tweet points out an amazing comparrison to this moment of Vader having a vision of Dark!Padme.

The most terrifying thing is seeing someone you love fall down the same dark path that you did, and having to watch them be consumed by it.

I think this feeling and reaction would be representitive of both real and vision Ben. If it’s real though, it could lead to a fight. The fight, however, would be completely onesided. He would refuse to strike her, talking to her the whole time, reasuring her of the people in her life that care for her, and that he cares for her. Telling her that she’s not alone anymore. She doesn’t have to do this, He knows this isn’t her. Pleading with her to come back to the light. To herself. To him.  He’d say he knows that there is still good in her, and that he believes in her. He tells her to use their bond to escape Palpatine’s control, or the firm hold of the Dark.

All of this sounding familiar? 

(I was so happy to see my fellow TFA Reylos were thinking the exact same thing I was with this.I love y’all. We all deserve a stiff drink and a foot rub 😭😂)

Now, if it’s a vision, I feel that the scene will be much shorter. I also believe that, again, if it is just a vision, It will be a reflection of what is already happening inside of Rey. She could actually go dark for awhile after this, just maybe not to the extent that we see in this scene. I don’t think that it is the same vision he saw in TLJ (although I definitely think that he saw something like this), I think this would be a new vision.

Something that caught my eye about the initial cut to Rey was the motion of the camera. 

The way that it swoops over to focus on her resembles someone whipping their head around in surprise.

You know what that reminds me of?

Rey even stumbles back after this. 

If vision is the way, I have a feeling it will be like the one Rey had in Maz’s castle in TFA when she touched the legacy saber. I actually think that this would be such a cool call back, and would be another amazing example of how these two characters mirror eachother. This vision could be brought on when he touches an object as well, or it could be in the form of a dream. Or it could be a vision brought on by Palpatine to tempt Ben. Or to scare him. Or-

Summary, there are so many ways that this can go. We have truly entered my favorite time over these past 4 years, The Hour of Speculation. And it’s the final hour! Everything wraps up after this...

 As much as that breaks my heart, I am so excited for the next few months. I can’t wait to ride this out with all of you, and to hear what amazing theories you freakin oracles come up with during the wait. Old and new Reylos, I LOVE YOU!

And may the force be with you always.💙❤️💜

And please share your own thoughts, I’d love to hear what you guys think!

@sushigirlali @jedisassafras @southsidestory @sanctuarytrin It’s not my full thoughts (not even close🤦🏽‍♀️😂), or a ficlet, but I promise all of those are coming soon! Hope you like my quick ramble, much love💙☺️

[discoversalone]

AFRICA THE NEW TOUR DESTINATION

Tourism is seen as a main instrument for development in Africa. The industry is important for the benefit it brings due to the role as a commercial activity that bring business growth for many industry. Tourism not only contribute towards economics activities but also create employment.

With pontential tourist opting for tranquility and a sense of discovery and rich cultural heritage, Africa has become more and more a ideal getaway destination for these tourist. Africa is rich in heritage, and yet untouched.

Sierra Leone is one of the country that has stepped up in the tourist industry with it 360 kilo meter costal white sand beach, the country has been blessed with peace for the past ten years after the civil war that live the country divistated. The country has eighteen natural heritage sits and it serves as home to free slaves.

The country is blessed with rang of mountains and island amoung which is the Bintumani mountain, Tiwai island, Bounce island and Gola forest reserve. Sierra Leonean are one of the most hospitable people in the world with a sense of tolerance for religious difference.

One major reason that makes Sierra Leone ideal getaway is because it's a six hours flight from major European countries. With the rapid infrastructure over the years there are more high class Hotel available for visitors within and out of the city.

Sierra Leone is not only a one stop shop for exploring but also a business destination that is home to few of the largest natural mines. Their large reserve make it suitable for agriculture. The improvement in technology has made it easier to trade overseas. The country is a true secret getaway!

[ijtsrd]

Pontential Germicidal Soap of Mangifera Indica Linn. Mango Fruit Peel Extract

by Raquel L. Crebello | Maria Judy M. Somoray "Pontential Germicidal Soap of Mangifera Indica Linn. (Mango) Fruit Peel Extract" 

Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-3 , April 2019, 

URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd22939.pdf

Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/other-scientific-research-area/other/22939/pontential-germicidal-soap-of-mangifera-indica-linn-mango-fruit-peel-extract/raquel-l-crebello

indexed journal, conference issue publication, high impact factor

The study focused mainly on the determination of the potential germicidal soap of Mangifera indica Mango fruit peel extract. It aimed to determine the physical properties in terms of color, melting point, odor, pH value, and solubility. Also, it sought to determine the acid value, iodine value of mango peel soap for its chemical properties. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was used for the determination on antimicrobial sensitivity test, the researcher concluded that the prepared soap doesn't have the capability to reduce the excrescency of the microorganisms. Therefore the researcher concluded that Mangifera indica peel can be made into germicidal soap but not comparable to commercially available germicidal soap. 

[infiredaf]

(gif not mine)

Coincidence: Chapter 3

Chapter 1   Chapter 2   Chapter 4  Chapter 5

Pairings: V (Taehyung) x reader

Gender: Female

Synopsis: Life for (Y/N) had been, for the most part, normal. She worked, went to college, went to parties, had friends, you know, the basics. However, all of this changed when she started seeing a mysterious, attractive, and most of all dangerous man everywhere after one fatal night that seemed to be just a coincidence.

Genre: Mafia AU

Warnings:Cursing/swearing

Word Count: 2,474

You stared at Jackson from across the table. After two weeks of planning, you two were finally able to go out on your date. Now was your chance to get the information you wanted. Yes, that sounded like you were just using Jackson, but you weren’t. He was an extremely nice man, so you wouldn’t mind him sticking around for a bit, at the very least.

The restaurant Jackson took you to was amazing. Everything looked so fancy and expensive, you would never be able to afford to eat at a place like this on your own. Even the table cloth seemed like it cost more than your whole family. How was Jackson able to afford to go here? This just raised your suspicions about him.

“So, (Y/N), tell me a little more about yourself,” Jackson said with a kind smile on his face.

“Oh! Ummmm, well, I’m in college… and… I don’t know, what do you want to know about me?” You said, fiddling with your hands.

“Well, let’s start with your college life then, what do you plan to do afterwards?”

“To be honest, I’m not completely sure, but I’m planning to become a doctor as of now.”

“Oh, a doctor, how interesting! I believe that you’ll become an amazing doctor, but are you really sure you’ll be cope to deal with all those years of studying?”

“That’s exactly why I don’t know if I’ll stay determined enough to finish my schooling. I also want to have the chance to start a family without any disruptions.”

“That is true. Is that why Jungkook is so desperate to get you a boyfriend?”

“That’s part of the reason.”

“What’s the other part?”

“The fact that he’s a little shit, and he loves to see me embarrassed.”

Jackson started laughing at your remark towards your “dear” friend. His laugh was amazing. It was extremely high pitched for a man, and it drew the attention of many people towards your table. You quickly looked down to your lap and waited for Jackson to calm down. All these rich people made you self conscious; they made you feel as if you didn’t belong.

“(Y/N), you are one of the funniest women I have ever met! You are never afraid to say what you think.”

You smiled at Jackson and took a sip of your drink. The night mostly consisted of you two having small talk and Jackson’s high pitched laugh. You were thoroughly enjoying yourself, Jackson was a very laid back man. It was a surprise he was the same man from that night. Unfortunately, you couldn’t find the perfect moment to ask him about it. Every time you would try to turn the conversation to his job he would always steer you two away from that conversation. That is, until after a particular “funny” comment from you, Jackson looked over your shoulder and completely froze, as if he had seen a ghost.

“What’s wrong?” You asked turning to look over your shoulder.

Suddenly, Jackson grabbed your face and pulled you closer to him. You were barely a centimeter apart, what was he trying to do? Who was back there?

“Don’t look back at all okay?” Jackson looked at you with complete seriousness. How is he able to change personalities so quickly?

“Okay, but can you at least tell me why I’m not allowed to look back?” You whispered.

“…Fine,” He said with a lot of hesitation.

“V is here,” he finally said after taking a deep breath.

V was here? Your heart immediately started beating faster, would he recognize you? Why here of all places? Questions ran through your mind a mile a minute, what were you going to do?

“Don’t worry, (Y/N), he’s not the type to murder someone in public. He likes to do his business in private, I don’t blame him, it’s easier that way,” Jackson said as if he had read your mind.

However, his comment just added to your worries. What exactly did Jackson mean by easier? Since when was murder a business? You were so confused, but who could blame you? You took a deep breath and took a long swig of your almost forgotten wine on the table.

“Woah, (Y/N), calm down! You do not want to get drunk, especially with V in the building!” Jackson yelled at you, taking the wine glass from your hand.

You just stared at Jackson and took a deep breath. You needed answers. The problem was that Jackson seemed like he was never going to give you them. You decided to keep quiet for now. If you continued causing trouble Jackson might cause a scene, and lord knows you don’t want that to happen. You looked back at Jackson. His eyebrows were furrowed; he genuinely looked worried about you. You gave him a small smile in reassurance.

“Jackson, can I tell you something?”

“Of course, you can tell me anything.”

“Promise you won’t get mad?”

“I promise.”

“I need to pee,” you said feeling your face heat as the laughter started. It’s not your fault! You just thought he should know so he could escort you, or something, so you wouldn’t get hurt!

“Are you serious?” He said between giggles. You nodded your head vigorously.

“Well, I think it’s safe enough for you go to the bathroom by yourself. Go ahead, I’ll be right here,” Jackson smiled at you, motioning for you to go.

You smiled thankfully and stood up. You quickly walked towards the bathroom. In truth, you didn’t really need to go, you just wanted to think over how you would force the answers you needed out of Jackson. You passed many tables, avoiding people’s stares, it seemed like not many people appreciated Jackson’s hyena like laughter. Unfortunately for you, you happened to miss a certain man’s stare as you walked in the bathroom.

Jackson took a sip of his wine and looked at his watch. It was getting late, he would have to escort (Y/N) home. No telling what V would do to her if she was alone. Suddenly, Jackson heard a chair screech and looked up, thinking (Y/N) was back.

“How cute, you’re on a date,” V taunted him taking a seat in (Y/N)’s chair.

“What do you want?” Jackson sneered at V.

“I want many things, Jackson, but the one thing I want the most is the money you owe me, remember that? Of course you don’t, don’t even bother answering that question, you were too busy fooling around with a girl,” V scowled at Jackson, who looked like he was ready to murder V in the middle of the restaurant.

“First of all, it’s not me who owes you money, it’s JB, he’s the leader after all. Secondly, I’m not ‘fooling around with a girl’. I’m just spending time getting to know her, that’s all.”

“Well, tell JB to give me the money he owes me, and you are fooling around, let’s face it. How could I blame you, though? She’s a sight for sore eyes, very different from the average hooker.”

That comment crossed the line for Jackson. He stood up from his chair and slammed his hands on the table. V just sat in the chair with a smirk on his face. He wanted Jackson to get mad, he wanted Jackson to get violent. After all, Jackson had to be one of the most tame members of his group, right next to Youngjae. V just wanted to see Jackson’s true pontential, and then find his weakness.

However, to V’s disappointment, Jackson just took a deep breath and sat back down, earning him a scowl from V.

“I wouldn’t want to cause a scene, V. You know how the cops are looking for you. I wouldn’t want your empire to crumble. I suggest you go back to your table.”

V opened his mouth to protest, but he happened to see (Y/N) making her way back to the table, oblivious to what is going on with Jackson and him. He looked back at Jackson, giving him one more scowl, and stood up leaving the table.

You walked back to Jackson, lost in thought. After much thought on how you would approach the situation, you decided to just be up front about it. You were going to demand answers from him, and you weren’t going to back down. You thought of the exact words you were going to say to Jackson on your way back. However, a deep voice cut you out of your thoughts.

“Excuse me, miss?”

You looked up and there he was, V. You gulped, there he was, the man that stayed in your mind weeks after “meeting” him. Did he remember you? Probably not, he, unlike Jackson, wasn’t able to get a good look at you since you spent the majority of the time running away from him.

“Yes?” You replied, your voice shaking.

“I suggest you stay away from Jackson, he’s not who you think he is.”

“And why would I trust you? I don’t even know who you are!” You glared at him, trying to act brave.

“You might be right about not trusting me, but you are absolutely wrong about not knowing me. You know who I am, and I know who you are, even though you didn’t even bother introducing yourself after you saved your little boyfriend, (Y/N).”

“He’s not my boyfriend. He’s just a friend, and you’re just a nobody.”

“Don’t be so sure of that, sweetheart. After all, I am not just a nobody, you’ll see, so watch your back,” he said, winking at you before walking towards his table.

You quickly walked back to Jackson, who seemed completely clueless as to what just happened. After that conversation with V, your determination for answers increased drastically. As you sat down Jackson smiled at you, though he looked a bit bothered by something.

“Jackson, I want answers,” You said sternly.

“About what?”

“About everything! Why is V so dangerous? What do you work as? Can you please just answer everything?”

“… fine, I’ll answer your questions,” Jackson said running his hand through his hair.

“But let’s go somewhere else, I don’t trust anyone here,” he said, waving down a waiter for the bill.

Afterwards, Jackson drove you back to your apartment, and you were beyond terrified. Why didn’t he want to give you answers at the restaurant? Was it because of V? Pushing your thoughts aside, you decided to mentally brace yourself for what Jackson was going to tell you.

You led Jackson to your living room and sat down, patting the spot next to you. Jackson sat down and took several deep breathes, until finally he spoke.

“If I tell you, just promise you’ll keep this a secret. Take it to your grave, (Y/N).”

“I will, I promise,” You said, your voice barely above a whisper.

“Okay, also promise you won’t freak out and stop talking to me.”

“I promise.”

“Okay, good, just making sure.”

“Just tell me already, Jackson!”

“Okay, okay! I’m in the mafia.”

“What?”

“I. Am. In. The. Mafia.”

“Wha- but, how? You don’t seem like that type of guy.”

“I’m not, believe me. I just ended up being friends with the wrong kind of people, and then somehow I got sucked into the mafia.”

“Don’t you ever want to leave?”

“At times, yes, but most of the time I’m content. I’m spending time with the people who care about me the most. I might leave one day though, if possible, once I start a family.”

“What about V?”

“V is part of a very successful mafia gang, called BTS. It’s a silly name really, but they are one of the strongest out there, they practically run the state! They have many people on their side, we call them ARMY, but there are only six men who really have the most power.”

“Who are those men?”

“We know most of their names, they are: V, Rap Monster, Jin, J-Hope, Jimin, and Suga. However the-”

“How come they all have such strange names?” You asked, interrupting him.

“To protect their identities, nobody wants to get caught. Now, as I was saying, there is one new addition to BTS. Normally, this wouldn’t matter, but it has been rumored that this new person has been given a high position in the gang. Adding one more to the list of powerful in BTS.”

“Do you know their name?”

“Unfortunately, no. This makes it even more dangerous, they could be literally anyone, and we wouldn’t know.”

“What gang are you a part of?”

“I’m part of a gang called GOT7, and I have one of the high positions,” Jackson said semi-proudly.

“Can you tell me their names?”

“Hmm… sure, I guess. The leader of our gang is called JB, then there’s me, Mark, Jinyoung, Bambam, Younjae, and Yugyeom.”

“Oh, is your gang strong?”

“I’m pretty sure we are. We’re at least as strong as BTS.”

“Oh, well, I have one more question,” You said holding up one finger.

“Go ahead.”

“Why were you and V in the alley that night?”

“Well, BTS and GOT7 had a partial alliance.We would basically help each other out every now and then in exchange for never ratting our gangs out to the cops. However, one day we borrowed some money from BTS, and V wanted us to pay it back to him once we were able to. We sent the money, but, according to V, they never received it. So V called one of us to go meet and talk with him, and I was the lucky one who had to go. Soooooooo… You’re all caught up now,” Jackson said, smiling awkwardly.

“Wow, Jackson. Thank you so much for filling me in on everything,” You said holding his hands.

“I think it’s time that I go, it’s getting pretty late,” Jackson said, looking at the clock.

Jackson headed towards your door, however, he stopped before he could put his hand on the door knob.

“One more thing (Y/N), take care of yourself. V knows how you look like and he knows that you are somehow involved with the members of GOT7, and, believe me, that is enough reason for you to be murdered,” he turned back to the door and opened it before stopping again.

“I’m sorry to say it (Y/N), but you are now involved with the mafia, and you have little to no chance of ever being forgotten by any of us. Especially V.” 

(A/N): Sry for the long wait *cri* but I’m back and I am thinking about starting my first GOT7 fanfic

(and yes I know it is a different gif but work with me ok lol)

[rockeritapiink19]

Lately I have been seeing people saying that Dan was upset/tired of phannies for shipping him with Phil and all that because they're are not in a relationship and that phannies needed to understand that and i just wanted to say something I think and probably nobody cares but well (?

I think that, if he is tired of it, it can be not just because he isn't in a relationship with Phil, but also if he actually IS in a relationship with him.

I mean just think about it, being with someone and everybody looking for your relationship and expecting things about it, making theories about it, trying to be part of the relationship, writting about you having sex, making stereotypes about the relationship, stablizing a Top/Bottom, putting you as a person by a side to just care about the 'ship'... Something  that usually is intimate is now... public. People are expecting things about a relationship they are not part of (and that's why he said “and with I lived the way you wanted”, for me it can work in both ways, if they are dating and if they are not).

And if he isn't in a relationship with Phil well, I think obviously he's gonna be tired because he can't  name him without people freaking out (and I'm part of the people that freak outs tbh -even if I just scream in my bedroom and/or cry and reblog things to save them on my profile- so I'm not judging) and he can't (if he has) be with a pontential gf without being worried about people harassing her (also they have said a few times that there's things they wouldn't like to share bcause it's private, and that also can work with them being or not romantically together)

But I also understand shippers (not the ones that are agressive with them, or girls near them, or the ones that JUST want Phan to be real)! Because I'm one! And shipping them doesn't mean that if they are not together I'm not gonna follow them anymore, or I'm gonna hate their gfs (at first I would probably be sad but that's gonna be my problem, not theirs). It's not because they are two hot guys and gay gay gay, it's because I see something pure there, something happy, maybe it's the kind of relationship I would like to have with my boyfriend someday,i don't know. And, about the phanfictions, that's art too. Sometimes I think people forgets that writting IS art too. You're putting your soul in that thing, you put love on your story, you're disconnecting yourself from reality for a while, or expressing yourself with those words, and yeah, writting about Dan and Phil, because they inspire you to do it, because you want to write about them, just as people wants to draw them (and the draws of them are just So AMAZING I DONT KNOW HOW PEOPLECAN DRAW SO GOOD I LOVE PHANARTS SO MUCH) and.... yeah. I understand people disliking phanfiction, and “they are real people!!!” “why you write those things!!” but I also know the happy feeling when you write/draw something you are proud of, when people tell you that that thing you made is great, or beautiful, or it made them cry, or just enjoyed, AND also know the sad feeling when people say  “you disgust me” “you shouldn't write those things” “stop writting about real people”, because it's something you like to do, something you want to share with other phangirls, something you wanted to write for yourself and just thought it was so cute that you needed to post it online...

I don't know. I hope I didn't offend anyone, because if I did it absolutely wasn't my intention. I just try to understand everyone. And also I don't think Dan was being TOO serious about the shipping thing, and he said it because people didn't let him take out his flower's tattoo as if they have power over what he does (and.. well, he didn't take them off, so..(?) I just wanted to said that ^-^

And I'm also sorry about my English I swear I can express myself properly in Spanish, the only Engish I studied were 6 years on High School (and DnP helped a lot too) and I can't afford classes right now I'm so sorry and thank you if you read this whole thing :)

[fandomtrumpshate2017offerings]

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maitimiel Auction #1

Type of fanwork: fic Subtype(s): n/a Fandom(s): I have mostly written for Tolkien fandons, but i might be able to write for other fandons, such as the ones I have previously created for on my AO3 page, and others. If in doubt, ask me! Rating(s): G, Teen, Mature, Explicit Length/size: up to 5k words Especially interested in: They're lesbians, Harold :) I write for a variety of pairings, but femslash is probably my favorite. Also, I don't get discouraged by pontential ""extreme"" kinks, but also write fluff and things. Will not: A/B/O. Notes: Even if it is not among the things I listed here, I might be interested in writing your prompt :) just ask first.

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[deythbanger]

Comedy: Dick

By DeYtH Banger People are big assholes they are dicks… One guy was complaining that he was going to angry and threating women as piece of shit… YOU FUCKING BAG OF SHIT THE FUCKING REASON THAT SHE IS WOTH YOU IS BECAUSE OF THAT THAT YOU THREAT HER LIKE YOUR FRIENDS So fuck you and your problems… One of friends I was tellong that he was thinking about romance… Go brag around your mom vagina… When your father raped this piece of meat… He said in hus defense "She was begging for it…".. Definetly that guy knows how to clearly express himself and how to defend himself. I hope this guy walks around and a caveman comes around and start bashing him around his head THIS HERE IS FULL SPOT ON AND IT'S SO ROMANTIC. . ESCALATION PHYSICAL CONTACT AGRESSION ADRESS THROW FULL DEVELOPED SUDUCTION BASE OF ATTRACTION I get nerves when I read terms of pick up… It makes me alien… It makes me feel as fucking alienated as mom gets fucked once and again by the same dick. I like bondage guys.. how fucked up upbringing did you had? Your mom didn't love you? Your dad showed you the belt trick against the naked body? You uncle was aka… Rapeme.com? Such fucks are on the list of serious mental issues. Piercing.. tattoos... people shows to aliens THOSE DOWN IMITATING INTELLIGENCE ARE KILLING EACH OTHER ARE SELF-TORTURING HAVEN'T GROWN UP.. AND STILL BELIEVE IN FAIRY TALES AND LASTLY… THOSE DOWN… INJECTING INK UNDER THEIR SKIN Touching the bottom of the chin is pure way of showing that you are thinking in my opinion… GO GRAB A DICK.. DON'T GIVE A THOUGHT… THOUGHTLESS FUCK Here is how you build tension… you use chess for tension… you get few pussies and play chess make them crave for sex while you play the game… - "Sex" - "I like you" - "Fuck Me" - "I will finger you" Put hot… sexy thoughts in their skulls it's basic type if manipulation and that's one of the reasons… I was going put a rope around my neck until I heard that A DRUG ADDICT WAS EXPERICING DEPRESSION ALSO AND ONE ANOTHER ADDICT WAS CRAVING DRUGS OH GREAT THOSE FUCKS ARE WORTHLESS I GONNA COMPARE MY INTELIFENCE TO THE SO I WIN DIE YOU FUCKING DRUG ADDICT LOW POTENTION LOW CALIBRATED FUCK The guys who get blowjobs… have less braincells and their brain is melting so… I am not envious.. I FEEL GREAT… AT LEAST I DON'T HAVE THEM AS ENEMIES BECAUSE FROM PONTENTIAL HOOK POINT THEIR BRAIN IS LIKE 5-6 YEAR OLD Num the pain with alcohol… It's gteat most people who sleep less get drunk more often…, that's another good reason to kill yourself… and definetly it's a good read book… "Reasons To Kill Yourself"… some people don't like my games… Bulgarian language was created by ignorant… unimterested class… look how it sounds "Аз ще си ходя"… "Майка ми е вкъщи… аз ще се пораздвижа ще убия 50 боклука и ще махна тежестта"… sounds neutral, undifferent position. German languange is raw… rough language… "Adolf Hotler" "Meine Kampf" "Ich bin" Typical raw language… after all I am not as fucked up as the guy who has drank 24  Red Bulls… COME ON… HOW AWFUL IS YOUR LIFE GOING ON THAT YOU GOT SUCH A AGRESSIVE CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE My max number is 5 drinks… And I am dead… he is 24 drinks.. Who the hell is finaciating that guy over there? I have low budget… high incomes = more fucked up, screw persona… I woman is in jail because of killing rapist… SORRY GIRLS BUT WE ALL TRIED TO BE NICE YOU FILTER US UP… BY REMOVING IS FROM YOUR CIRCLE SO MOST OF US DIDN'T HAD ANY OTHER CHOICES.. SO THEY BECAME RAPIST AND ALPHA MALES He says "Hey Devil" Sorry… you got the wrong idea about my T-Shirt… okay we won't debate mainly because of miss carriage of your intelligence has happen while your father was drubk and injected pipe in the hole. I AM SO SORRY THAT YOU WEREN'T LUCKY WITH A SOBER DAD!

[clubofinfo]

Expert: Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. — Proverbs 19:4″ James “Mad Dog” Mattis spoke this week, at a pentagon press briefing, saying, among other things, that it was a time for all civilized nations to unite. The use of this trope ‘civilized’ echoes colonial sensibility. It is part of general shifting of meaning in the rhetoric of Empire over the last, say, 80 years. Never mind that the occasion of this speech, as seems increasingly the norm, was based on mostly propaganda. No evidence for a chemical attack was actually provided. Just as the evidence in the Skripal (attempted) murder (sic) is conspicuously lacking. This is a time when war criminals (unprosecuted, of course) can simply count on the utter amnesia of both the public and the quisling western press. So let’s go back and check a few boxes on Mattis. This is the man who oversaw the war crimes of Fallujah and then helped cover them up. One can read about it here… So how is it that Mattis can so confidently count on the silence and complicity of the corporate press? Mattis is no doubt sociopathic. He is a lizard eyed lisping sadist and yet he is fawned over and described as the ‘the most revered Marine in a generation’ by the same prostrate press. The adoration of the military in western media is at an all time high. And entertainment today is laden with the most jingoistic and nativist rhetoric imaginable. Hollywood today produces fiction that is uniform in its opinions and values. Watch this season of Designated Survivor. I know that is asking a lot, but do it anyway. Kiefer Sutherland is one of those actors who in middle age has begun to take on the tight lipped appearance of an aggrieved or constipated Quaker. The show is so stunningly reactionary that one finds some difficulty in arriving at the right words. But it is not an anomaly. Half of network prime time drama is military-based in theme. And today Hollywood staff writers can count on CIA or Pentagon “advisors” taking an active part in the creation of scripts. The blurring of fiction and Imperial fiction, as it were. There are ongoing themes in this Sutherland show about Russian interference in US democracy and most recently a story built around a tiny Asian nation with an insane dictatorial leader who wants nuclear weapons. The depictions of the Asian characters is only slightly less cartoon like than Charlie Chan. And always there are the requisite evil Muslim terrorist. But back to the disturbing figure of Jim Mattis. His call sign is “chaos”. He is reported to be worth in the neighborhood of five million dollars. This is an absurd low ball figure, but whatever. He is a graduate of Central Washington U. and something called the National Defense University. A quick iinternet search reveals this is a special educational institution on the grounds of Fort Leslie in DC and chartered by the Joint Chiefs. One does wonder what a typical class at NDU looks like. As for the “pacification” of Fallujah. Brett Wilkins wrote… According to witnesses and survivors of the assault, Marines indiscriminately killed men, women, children, the elderly and disabled alike. Civilians waving white flags of surrender were cut down by snipers, who also targeted ambulances carrying the wounded and dying to the few functioning clinics not destroyed by US bombs. “I see people carrying a white flag and yelling at us, saying, ‘We are here, just try to save us,’ but we could not save them because whenever we opened the ambulance door, the Americans would shoot at us,” Dr. Salam Ismael, head of Iraq’s young doctors association, told American investigative reporter Aaron Glantz, who covered the battle as an unembedded journalist. “We tried to carry food or water; the snipers shoot the containers of food. No civilizational norms violated there. Nope. Mattis also was the man who had all charges dropped against the soldiers that took part in the rampage at Haditha. Civilians shot point blank, often women and children, and the elderly — in their homes.  Callsign “Chaos”. Gary Kohls, MD, writing at Veterans Today…. Several of the PEOTUS’ cabinet appointees are high-ranking “lifer” military officers who have an innate disdain for democratic values (as would be expected for anybody whose career has been lived in the bubble of a hierarchical culture whose main junk values are 1) shoot first/ask questions later and 2) the use of dominative power over “enemies” via military violence. Kohls was primarily writing about Jim Mattis. But honestly, even a cursory examination of ANY four star General will yield similar biographical facts and similar personality disorders. You don’t rise through military ranks without a core ruthlessness, and an innate sadism. After the bombing of a wedding party in the Iraq desert, Mattis is quoted as saying… Ten miles from the Syrian border and 80 miles from the nearest city and a wedding party? Don’t be naïve. Plus they had 30 males of military age with them. How many people go to the middle of the desert to have a wedding party? The rank Orientalism of this comment, the arrogant indifference to the history and culture of Islam, to the Arab world in general, is also the hallmark of the successful military commander. Kill em all and let God sort it out. Of course, at the time of his nomination the NY Times published an op ed whose headline identified Mattis as a “pontential force for restraint”. That crazy old paper of record. And Mattis is routinely described as an intellectual, a ‘warrior monk’, and yet he doesn’t know anything of nomadic desert societies and culture. He didn’t even consider there might be a cultural gap here, or consider he might need to check alternative readings of the Muslim world, ones not provided for by that steller education at National Defense U. Mattis is not an intellectual, not even by the standards of that warped sub phylum of humanity that is the military. The media coverage of Syria, in the UK and US, is blatantly biased and pro intervention. The fact that FOX news reactionary Tucker Carlson is the sanest voice in mainstream media is very telling. Carlson hasn’t “woke”…. he just saw a niche demographic that might boost his ratings. Still…he was, in fact, correct. Danny Haiphong wrote… Tucker Carlson understands that he must appeal primarily to Republican voters weary of US interventions they see as products of Democratic Party-led wars even if establishment Republicans are no less hawkish than Democrats. Meanwhile, Goodman and her funders have subtly aligned with the Democrats as the new leaders of the War Party. War is the only tool at the disposal of imperialism, and there isn’t a single voice in Washington or the “liberal” media unwilling to use it. Under these conditions, infantile leftists and faux socialists in the Democratic Party camp have felt compelled to choose a side in the imperial madhouse. They claim that Democrats are “Presidential” while Putin and Assad are villains of humanity. No criticism is thrown at the Democratic Party, which sent a delegation led by Nancy Pelosi to Israel just days prior to the planned gun down of Palestinian resistance forces in Gaza. It doesn’t seem to matter how many Syrians or Palestinians are killed by the forces of imperialism when the so-called left is under the swoon of the CIA. So-called US leftists have caught anti-Putin fever at the expense of all other political questions. This includes the murder of Black people by the police in the US. Barely any attention was paid in the US to the murders of Stephon Clark and Saheed Vassell over the last few weeks. Only community members and the usual left organizations made any noise about these state-sanctioned murders. The same goes for Israel’s wonton massacre of participants in Gaza’s Great March for Return. In the absence of a mass movement, people in the US and West are becoming mere onlookers in a changing a world. This last few months has revealed as never before both the callous cruelty of the ruling class in the U.S. and UK, but also the degrading of education … for lack of a better description. At the UN, British envoy Karen Pierce, mistakenly thought Karl Marx was a Russian. In a prank phone call Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, thought there was a country called Binimo. And Trump himself noted something or other about an imaginary African country called Nambia. Boris Johnson began an extemporaneous recitation of a Kipling poem (Road to Mandalay) in a temple in Myanmar. And then was told it was inappropriate by an aid, trying to save him further embarrassment, and STILL Johnson didn’t understand. All of these examples are not mere gaffes, amusing mistakes, but rather a general indifference to the cultures of the world, in fact, an indifference to the world beyond their own small corner of it. Indifferent and hostile. Remember when George Bush, now in full rehabilitation mode by his media handlers, mocked Karla Faye Tucker, on death row, who was begging for her life. That is exactly the cruelty one sees across the board in the leaders of the West today. One wonders does Mattis or Bush or Bolton think the use of Agent Orange transgressed civilizational norms? Did Hiroshima? What strikes me most acutely, these last few months, is the extraordinary cultural chauvinism of the U.S., or rather mostly of white U.S., as well as an institutionalized orientalism. Most White Americans, as a general statement, think they are better than the rest of the world. And most Americans have scant knowledge about the rest of the world. So the belief in cultural (and moral) superiority is based on what? The answer is not simple, but as a general sort of response, this trust in “our” superiority is built on violence. On an ability to be effectively violent. Most British, too, think they are superior to those ‘wogs’ south of their emerald isle. But since the setting of the sun on Empire, ‘officially’, the British hold to both a sense of superiority and a deep panic inducing sense of inferiority — at least to their American cousins. They are still better than those fucking cheese eating frogs or the krauts or whoever, but they accept that the U.S. is the sort of heavyweight champ of the moment. Meanwhile, the tragic and criminal fire at Grenfell Towers in London elicited a public discourse that perfectly reflected the class inequality of the UK, but also reflected, again, the colonialist mentality of the ruling party and their constituency. Stephen Brenner wrote of the fire and the government response to it.. There is Sir Martin Moore-Bick,** the former High Court Judge, who has been appointed by May to head a board of inquiry. Fears of a protracted inquiry producing an anodyne report were aroused when Moore-Bick went out of his way to declare that the scope of the investigation would be severely limited to determining the immediate cause of the fire and why it spread so rapidly. Answers to both questions already are known. The Sir Inquisitor-to-be has given the game away in adding that “I do not expect everyone to be pleased by the conclusion of the inquiry” – yet to begin. Moore-Bick’s unprompted utterance shows just how pervasive is the Americanization of British political culture. Unnecessary, embarrassing ejaculations like this have become impulsive – defying the dictates of prudent restraint. No one is confused as to who the “everyone” he has in mind refers to. An impression reinforced by the denial of the residents’ right to ask questions in person as to the scope and form of the inquiry. The only open question is the exact tint that the whitewash will take (stitch-up in British dialect). The first testimony will not be heard until mid-September when panel members, as yet unnamed, get back from their holidays. Graham Peebles adds… Grenfell Tower forms part of the Lancaster Road West Estate in Notting Hill Gate. An area that, like many other parts of the capital, has been subjected to a gentrification assault accompanied by systematic social cleansing that goes back decades and has intensified over the last 10 –15 years. In addition, the Grenfell affair demonstrates that the United States is not alone in its tolerance for actions that should be a national disgrace but are slighted by a political class incapable of feeling shame. The callous, off-hand treatment given the Grenfell victims is reminiscent of how colonial administrators dealt with expendable natives. If a proper criminal process were undertaken, a reasonable verdict would be Involuntary Manslaughter. But that is exactly it. The colonial template is one etched in acid in the collective imagination of the West. At least the English speaking West. Expendable natives…which is what Jim Mattis sees everywhere that he dumps depleted Unranium and Willy Pete. It is what Madelaine Albright saw in Iraq or Hillary Clinton in Libya or Barack Obama in Sudan, Yemen, and…well… four or five other countries. It is what most U.S. police departments see in neighborhoods ravaged by poverty. As in those old Tarzan films, when the sound of drums is heard, the pith helmeted white man notes…”the natives are restless tonight”. When one discusses Syria, the most acute topic this week, remember that for Mad Dog and Boss Trump, or for the loopy John Bolton, these are just natives in need of pacification. Giving money to ISIS or Daesh, or whoever, as a cynical expression of colonial real politik, is nothing out of the ordinary. It is what the UK and US have done for a long while. It’s Ramar of Jungle handing out beads to the *natives*. Domestically, take the example of Flint, Michigan. At the drinking water. When the unelected state appointed emergency manager switched from the Detroit River to the Flint River to supply water to the residents of Flint, the result was a spike in all diseases of insanitation. Everyone knew this was going to happen. The General Motors plant had stopped using Flint River water because it was corrosive to the auto parts they were manufacturing. But poor black kids, who cares. The U.S. has a long history of such stuff, from Love Canal, New York, to the chemical dump in the Elk River in West Virginia. You will notice a theme here. It is class. You don’t find ash spills like what happened near the Emery River in Tennessee occurring in Mill Valley or Scarsdale or Bel Air. Inflicting suffering on the poor is perfectly acceptable to the ruling class. To them, privilege is a sign of superiority. And the less deserving are only there to serve. The problem with the current wave of propaganda from western sources is that very little, if any, evidence is given. The term ‘very likely’ is much in vogue, probably because it leaves such a huge ‘walk it back’ escape route. Except there is less and less effort to even bother. In one sense the solidification of class power came out of neoliberal policies in the 1970s. The top 1% (really, the top half of one percent) increased their wealth dramatically, with the same occurring in the UK. Clinton pushed these principles even further and then Bush and Blair further still. We are now living the dream of the Washington Consensus economists. And it worth noting the founding statement of Hayak’s Mt. Pelerin Society, in 1947. For Hayak was the godfather of neoliberalism and Milton Freidman his heir. The central values of civilization are in danger. Over large stretches of the earth’s surface the essential conditions of human dignity and freedom have already disappeared. There is that word again. Of course, this was really only justification for the 1% to expand the reach of Western capital. To exploit labor and extract resources. And when recalcitrant countries did not submit quickly enough, the CIA was always available (ask Iran, or Chile, or Angola. The latter more of a symbolic lesson for those uppity nations even thinking about not following orders. It also marked open U.S. cooperation with apartheid South Africa. And in opposition to the troops Castro sent to assist the MPLA opposition to the ruthless US supported Jonas Savimbi). This restoration of ruling class power, though, was and is always looking over its shoulder. For the reality is that such profound inequality means life becomes unsustainable, even for the top 0.1% is repressed. And such repression takes effort. And that effort is giving birth to the madness one sees today. From Grenfell Tower to Flint Michigan, to Gaza or Libya or Syria — the principles driving the violence are the same. And it matters not if the urbane and articulate Obama is President, or if the troglodyte Trump, if it is Blair or May, for they are only reciting from a small financial Catechism of financial laws, and these laws are breaking down in the face of environmental degradation and an inequality so extreme that its almost impervious to calculation. They are only the voice of their class. This idea of civilized man has come to be an almost code-word for class hierarchy. The violence against Palestinians is simply inseparable from the violence that killed Stephon Clark. The violence that makes children sick in Michigan is the same one that causes oil spills or disasters such as the Lac-Mégantic train crash near Quebec, Canada. And, it is the same bigoted smug confidence of bourgeoise identity political thinking. The one that demands Islam rid itself of veils, or that ridicules ANY thinking or practice divergent from Western norms. You cannot expect the system to produce change if the system is based on punishing change. The status quo must be protected. For the ownership class world poverty is mostly the fault of the poor. The admission that neoliberalism has failed in terms of its announced goals has forced its proponents to a tactical retreat—defending the broad thrust of the neoliberal policy agenda under cover of “reform.” The result is an augmented Washington Consensus that blames client states and not international institutions or transnational capital for the failures of neoliberalism. It is the poor who are expected to make still further adjustments along neoliberal lines. From this point of view, what comes after neoliberalism must be more neoliberalism. — William K. Tabb, “After Neoliberalism“, Monthly Review, June 1, 2003. This idea of civilizational norms is connected to a deeply rooted assumption about the virtue of Democracy. Israel is described as Democratic but Cuba is not, for example. The reality, of course, is that the CIA and US ruling class spend most of their energy in deterring democracy (to quote Chomsky). Any real discussion of democracy needs to be extended beyond the undemocratic nature of the global economic institutions to a larger discussion of democracy, one that goes beyond whether votes are counted fairly, opposition candidates allowed to participate on an equal basis, and the voices of ordinary people heard by their elected leaders. Democracy needs finally to be discussed in relation to class rule in capitalist societies. — William T. Kabb, “After Neoliberalism“, Monthly Review, June 1, 2003. As Samir Amin pointed out, the “international community” (the G7 plus that bastion of democracy, Saudi Arabia) is utterly unconcerned with the opinions of 85% of the world’s population. So, both on a political/economic level, and on a cultural level, the Imperialist U.S. sees it as an innate right to decide the policies of the global south. It is anti democratic. The ruling class sees the right to enforce inequality as something of a Natural law. The anti Russian propaganda was born when Putin refused to sign off on the Nazi putsch in Ukraine. The US/Japan/NATO alliance is one that demands both economic submission and increasingly a cultural submission as well. And any rejection of this means a military forced submission. Democracy has come to be a shorthand for submission to neo-liberal economic policy dictated by Washington. Freedom is what happens after *we* destroy your country. That Mattis or May or various other servants of Empire can talk of civilzational norms with a straight face is actually pretty remarkable. The list of crimes is so extensive that one barely knows where to begin. We could ask about Gary Webb and cocaine and the CIA. Or about the School of the Americas, or My Lai or the siege at Waco. Or….but I feel this stuff really should be well known by now. I am more concerned in a sense with the small cultural appropriations and the gestures of an Orientalist sensibility that I see almost daily in western media. And the growing anti-semitism which one finds even on the left. And the seemingly intractable racism of white America. I just stop having the ability to keep track of it all. How can the white bourgeoisie demand adherence to their values with such tenacity? Do they really see themselves as somehow representative of some ideal? Tolerance means only adherence to their worldview. To their values. It is this nattering about ecological issues while never questioning the US military machine. But these refrains seem to stick in the collective consciousness of the west…”gas your own people” is one. As if gassing someone else were less objectionable. It is a media universe of entrenched meaningless slogans. It always reminds me of the outcry about steroid abuse. Maybe ask why big Pharma manufacture so many steroids. The medical uses for which are very limited. But no, it is easier to punish this or that athlete who in their desperation is looking for an edge, a way to reach that economic pinnacle so few reach. But question Eli Lilly? Never. The ruling class has always made money, always been ruthless, but again, the 1970s marked the solidification of systematic plunder, a cohesive and seamless river of money upwards. And enforced by the CIA. One should not forget that the CIA was founded by rich white ruling class scions of banking and finance. Allan Dullus, straight out of Wall Street, William Simon, Richard Mellon Scaife, Frank Shakespeare, and Bill Donovan. I mean the CIA calls itself “the Company”…bit of a tip off, that. If one struggles to grasp foreign policy decisions, always look at US business interests in the region. Remember these are ruthless people (MK ULTRA, Operation Mockingbird, etc). And the media was always part of this. The Graham family of Washington Post fame were directly linked to the CIA. William Paley, Henry Luce, Arthur Hays Sulzberger, and hundreds other are all intimate with the CIA. And it is no different now. It was the Clinton cartel that spent inordinate energy and time infiltrating Hollywood. The result is House of Cards, Homeland, Designated Survivor, and all the countless rest. Uniformity of message. Uniformity of values. I do wonder at times the role of Evangelical Christianity as it runs smack into the Catholic stake-outs in the corridors of power. Perhaps they cooperate, I don’t know. Religion is second to money, anyway. And then there is the role of Israel, that anti democratic neo colonial apartheid state in the Middle East. The ascension of the settler fanatic mirrors the ascension of Dominionists in the current US government. Fanatical zealots. Intolerant and profoundly ignorant of most things outside of their narrow set of concerns. And again, anti democratic. Israel serves the U.S. ruling class, not the other way round. There is no global Jewish plot as I keep reading in social media. The feeding of this bit of classic antisemitism is probably sourced by Israel itself. Nothing serves their PR better than spikes in antisemitism. But Israel is, for sure, more powerful than ever before. More influential. There is, best case scenario, a new Cold War in place. Worst case scenario, well, doesn’t matter. The real danger is the generalized ignorance now on display. Ruthless and sadistic one can predict, but irrational zealotry and stupidity…that is harder to deal with. And this is for certain the Age of Stupid. As for civilization, I’m coming to think we might well do fine without it. http://clubof.info/

[trilotechcorp]

New Post has been published on PBA-Live

New Post has been published on http://pba-live.com/basketball-pba-jason-ballesteros-an-unlikely-hero-as-meralco-stuns-ginebra-to-keep-hopes-alive/

Basketball PBA Jason Ballesteros an unlikely hero as Meralco stuns Ginebra to keep hopes alive

BOCAUE – Meralco’s frontcourt may be outnumbered, but it couldn’t be outdone on Sunday night.

Jason Ballesteros scored the game-winning putback then preserved the result with a solid defensive play as the Bolts survived Ginebra, 84-82, to keep their flickering quarterfinal hopes alive in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The Bolts registered their second straight win and fourth in 10 games to claim a piece of ninth spot, preventing the Gin Kings from clinching a playoff berth after dropping to 5-5 following their Governors’ Cup Finals rematch.

“It was just a great effort from the guys considering the circumstances,” Bolts coach Norman Black said. “We had nothing to lose – we had a game to lose, but nobody expected us to win.”

Garvo Lanete typified the Bolts’ pressure-free play, sustaining his hot shooting by pouring in all his team-high 19 points in the last three quarters.

The third-year gunner conspired with Anjo Caram, who also continued his efficient play with 16 points, three boards, and one steal while playing solid defense on LA Tenorio in 30 minutes as he repaid Black’s faith in a rare start.

But it was Ballesteros who anchored the middle for a Bolts team that was missing Cliff Hodge, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Jared Dilinger. Re-acquired from the free-agent market, Ballesteros emerged the unlikely hero as he hauled down 17 rebounds, including the one that led to the go-ahead basket, and added seven points, before challenging Japeth Aguilar’s pontential game-winning three-point attempt.

Aguilar paced the Gin Kings with 20 points, seven boards, and three assists, while Scottie Thompson added 17 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists that went to waste.

The scores:

MERALCO 84 — Lanete 19, Caram 16, Hugnatan 12, Newsome 12, Ballesteros 7, Salva 5, Amer 4, Bono 4, Canaleta 3, Faundo 2, Sedurifa 0, Tolomia 0

GINEBRA 82 — Aguilar 20, Thompson 17, Slaughter 12, Mercado 10, Caguioa 6, Cruz 5, Tenorio 5, Devance 4, Mariano 3, Ferrer 0, Manuel 0

Quarters: 15-20, 45-38, 67-64, 84-82

Source: https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/jason-ballesteros-an-unlikely-hero-as-meralco-stuns-ginebra-to-keep-hopes-alive#62UbA74URJbWL6tG.99