#i heard Dadee say it

[morganstark-official]

@the-capsicle

Uncle Steve, what's fuck?

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

my patreon-picked romance of the month is Spoiler Alert (Olivia Dade) and I don't say this lightly but this book was maybe cooked in a lab to make me insane. I keep wanting to post something about one of the countless red flags but there are too many of them to even know where to start. this book is so much more unhinged than the blurb made it sound. I've never seen characters in their 30s and 40s infantilized like this. why would you move in together after three dates. surely people aren't actually THAT horny about the idea of actors from their favorite TV shows secretly writing fanfic about the shows they're on. why is the entire book about fandom and yet written so awkwardly it feels like the author has only heard of fandom described in an academic text. I'm in hell there are acid holes forming in my brain.

[phantom-margaritas]

It wasn't supposed to be like this; it was supposed to be a simple dinner with the DeChagny family, yet here she was, standing in the grand mansion's living room, staring at her father's vinyl record, displayed like a delicate china plate upon the mantle. “Gustave Dade was one of our best sellers, his vinyl more than deserves a place on our mantle,” a honeyed voice said, accompanied by the weight of a manicured hand upon her shoulder. Turning around, Christine's stricken eyes met Mrs. DeChagny's. “I knew there couldn't be two Daae families in the same city,” Mrs. DeChagny smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. “You must be his daughter, Christine?” Next to the two women, Raoul looked on in increasing alarm.

From across the living room, Lisette spared an indifferent glance at her mother, younger brother, and future sister-in-law. Combing her fingers through hair so blonde it was almost white, she returned her attention to her phone and continued typing. Christine swallowed and, looking away, nodded her head in agreement. “Yes.” What was she to do in this situation? She remembered the years following her father's passing, the numerous attempts at keeping her father's lifelong work thwarted by those who "knew better," the despair of not being able to fulfill her father's dying wish, and the hours spent crying in the empty apartment. Yet here it was, the most beautiful music she fought so hard to keep, silenced and reduced to a decorative piece in a wealthy family's house.

What was she to do?

———

The dinner was a somber affair. Philippe, who had been nice enough when she met him all those years ago, was away on business. And while Raoul, sweet, dear Raoul, tried his best to facilitate the conversation, Christine was too troubled by her thoughts to form any proper response.

After dinner, Raoul took her on a brief tour around the mansion, but was called away halfway through, leaving Christine to wander through the halls alone. “I didn't know about the record, I swear,” Raoul had said before his departure, his hands wrapped protectively around hers, “I'll try my best to find out what's going on. Wait for me.” Afterward, as she traversed through the maze-like building, she turned her attention towards the sounds around her, and was perplexed by the sound of two people conversing in a room just slightly down the hall.

“…for once, you're doing something good for the family business,” a woman said, “I support this engagement, if anything, I'm ecstatic that she's marrying into our family. Do you know how big that is for Chagny Records? She's in the entertainment industry, specifically the theatre industry, which is a wonderful sector for us to expand into. Besides, once she marries you, we won't have to ever worry about her father's asset, since it would technically be hers at that point. I thought you’d be happy about me supporting your engagement.”

“Lisette, please,” Raoul pleaded, voice tinged with frustration, “can you for once consider how other people might feel about record labels taking ownership of their family members' hard work? I seriously can't believe you'd say something like that—”

Raoul's voice grew louder as he approached the door, and by the time Christine realized his proximity, it was already too late. The door swung open, and Christine came face to face with her fiancé, who stared wide-eyed at her. Behind Raoul, Lisette leaned and looked over his shoulder at Christine, and her blue eyes, the same shade as Raoul's, somehow looked colder as she gazed upon Christine. Stepping around her younger brother, she smiled at Christine's horrified expression. “Hello, Christine. I'm sure you heard our full conversation, but I just wanted to say that you have my blessing—”

Whatever Lisette said after that, Christine would never know, for she was already running down the hall, desperate to escape the spacious yet suffocating mansion.

What was she to do?

[da-bestest-writer]

Unnamed Baki Next gen au. part 1

The main character is Tomoe Hanma

she's Baki and Kozue's daughter, Obviously considering her name and the kind of au this is.

She would probably start the 'series' at around 12-14, and sheltered from the fighting world by her parents. as far as she knows initially is that her father was an amateur martial artist who didn't get to go professional since her mom thought it'd be dangerous.

she knows of her grandfather to a degree, Mostly that her mother doesn't like him very much, While her dad's relationship with him is very comploicated, She's a clever enough girl to realize it was abusive but not to what extent.

Eventually Yujirou comes for a surprise visit for her birthday. And initially seems to be a /mostly/ normal grandfather, Sure he lacks social graces, and he gets really intense about things,, And he speaks like a character from her favorite fighting manga But he's not scary in the slightest.

Baki and Kozue decide to humor Yujiro, and the day goes on as normal, Until Tomoe overhears her father and grandfather talking. "Ya know baki, I was real dissapointed when i heard your woman gave birth to a girl, Even more so when the idiot doctors she trusted so much more or less made her infertile. " Yujiro spoke, Making Tomoe's heart sink a little, Was she a disappointment?"But, She's still my blood, And yours too... I shouldn't be disappointment in her lack of potential, Because as a hanma it's certainly there, But i am pretty pissed at you for not helping her to bring it out."

"c'mon dad, " Her own father starts to speak "It's not like she has to follow the same path we did, She's just a kid. If she wants to pick up fighting she'll do it on her own time, When she's an adult." Tomoe listened intently. "I'm not interested in being the strongest in the world, And i don't need my child to be either. She's Tomoe hanma and she's her own person."

Yujiro leaves it alone at that, The conversation shifts to more normal family stuff, Almost as if they knew she was listening in... \

Later on, When its time to open gifts, Yujiro steps forward with a pair of tickets. "Here kid" Yujiro says with a smirk that would almost be mistaken as dangerous if he weren't her granpa "Two tickets to Androv Dade's title defense match,Tonite at 7:30"

Kozue has none of it, She looks ready to throw hands with her father in law then and there. Fighting is dangerous, And barbaric, she's not letting her kid see such things...

Baki puts his hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "Aw, C'mon now, It's not like she'd be getting in the ring. It's juist a way for her to spend time with her grandpa, Nothing more." Though Tomoe can hear some distrusting tension in her father's voice, The subject is left alone for the time being.

Later that night, Yujiro and Tomoe go to the Tokyo dome to watch the fight. And Androv Dade winds up winning the match very quickly.

The arrogant romanian begins taunting the crowd, Saying he has pleanty of gas in the tank and he'd take on any man there. Taking that as an invitation, Yujiro steps into the ring.

"Is this really the world's greatest welterweight? Even the world class punching bags of my day had more talent in their left pinky than you've got! A little girl without a day of training in her life could take you out!"

Dade questions who Yujiro is to say such things, Only for the old, but No less powerfully built man to reveal the dreaded demon back, Flexing hard enough for his shirt to disintegrate. "They used to call me the ogre, When i was a young man. You should be honored to even be standing here with me... I can see the excitement in your eyes. But i'm not the one challenging you. "

He leaps back to the stands, and with ease picked up Tomoe with his hands on her shoulders. "Meet my granddaughter! "

[satanfemme]

an excerpt from "Observations: Persecution of Minorities", in Transvestia magazine, Vol. 15 No. 91

written in 1977 by Virginia Prince:

"By this time I imagine everyone has heard all about the Dade County Florida election and the way Anita Bryant and her reaction­ary backers managed to win an election whose purpose was to revoke a municipal ordinance guaranteeing nondiscrimination against gays in housing and unemployment. Now right off the top probably there are a lot of you who are very strongly anti-homosexual and are saying 'bravo' to Anita Bryant. I hope by this time you will all know that I'm neither personally gay nor am I a promoter of that way of life. However, I think the circumstances warrant making some comments about the Miami event that some of the less thoughtful among you might take as indication of a pro-gay slant on my part. But that is a chance I will have to take. It is important to all FPs [Femmiphiles] to understand what is going on in this matter. As you are all aware, we have been living in a more and more open and permissive society. There are those, particularly the fundamentalist religious sects, who would like to push society back to Victorian times if they could. There is a wave of reaction under way in this country today and you ought to be aware of it. Anita and her activities in Florida are only a small aspect of it. There may be a lot of things about a more permissive world that you don't care for or support—that goes for me, too. But I want to point out to you all that FPs enjoy a much more tolerant climate today than they did when I started [Transvestia] 17 years ago. Neither freedom nor repression are very selective — they tend to be all or none kinds of things. Thus if the anti-gay rights movement is successful, you can expect a lot less freedom for yourself, too. Remember that as far as society is concerned, FPs are the same as gays. Society in its ignorance does not make the distinction. Thus if the gays are suppressed and dis­criminated against, it will be discrimination against you and other FPs, too, and don't forget it. When reaction gets under way, it doesn't stop with the suppression or elimination of just one minority. When what is considered the worst is out of the way the previously next-worst becomes THE worst and it in turn becomes the victim."

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

David Fitzsimmons, Arizona Daily Star

* * * * *

Across Florida, spontaneous demonstrations against Ron DeSantis' gutting of public education. This summer, Iris Mogul – a junior at a Miami high school – found out that she wouldn’t be able to take an AP African American history course that she had planned for the coming semester because it had been blocked by the state’s department of education.

“As presented, the content of this course is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value,” the department said in a statement. “It felt so far away when I first heard about all of this,” says Mogul, who only had a passing knowledge of book challenges and changes to school curriculum previously. “But that is really when it hit me – when it started to affect me directly.”

Now, Mogul is prominent among the growing number of students and parents in Miami-Dade county and across Florida who are speaking out in opposition to book challenges, the capture of Florida school boards by conservative activists and this summer’s latest policy changes, which includes the expansion of DeSantis’s Parental Rights in Education Act.

[‘Reading is resistance’: students and parents take on DeSantis’s book bans]

[achy-boo]

Obsidian Dade

"A mysterious man of Fontaine which nobody but very few know him. His eyes remains close at all time."

Name: Obsidian Dade

Title: Fontaine’s Grim Reaper

Age: 25

Gender: Male

Rating: 5 star

Element: Electro

Weapon: Polearm(it is more like a double edge scythe)

Hometown: Sumeru

Now: Fontaine

Information

Character Details: Fontaine’s Grim Reaper is a man with many mysteries and secrets hidden within. Only few close friends can know it and vow to never say a word about them as long as he wants

Character Story 1: Obsidian is the fourth son out of a family of seven in Sumeru, however due to his..appearance, he was often outcast from any family gatherings. But there is two person who always include him in the family activities in secrecy, his little twin sisters

Character Story 2: He was a black sheep who never really asked for his family’s love and affections as he did not see the need to. His little twin sisters though..he always give them the love and affection they needs since they are too young to know the sins of the world

Character Story 3: He never gets along with one of his older brothers due to the brother’s entitlement and hypocritical ways. Obsidian always avoids him and leads his twin little siblings away because of this as he believes that innocence shall be cherished at all times.That is what his family found out, forcing Obsidian to join the family life but he refuses it every chance he gets.

Character Story 4: In his closed eyes, his younger twin sisters are his world and he will do anything to protect them even making himself the villain in Sumeru. He loved his little twin siblings to death as he wanted them to grow up to be happy and respectful women but..that dream was later crushed.

Character Story 5: The news of his little siblings' disappearance was heard from Sumeru, Obsidian was devastated. He searched high and low for them with zero luck. But when he came home, he saw his older brother with a lot of mora with his other siblings. He asked that brother politely where he got the money..he was horrified that the family sold his twin siblings for a lot of money. Everything went black and he woke to see all his older siblings tied up and beaten up to a pulp…he disappeared before the matra arrived and he was never heard or seen of again.

(Due to how his eyes glow when he opens it, he has them close shut 24/7.) 

Vision 

Obsidian got his vision after protecting his little siblings to the day of the incident. To this day, he never reveals how he got this vision nor what he did to earn it.

Voice Lines~

Hello:Hello my dear. My name is Obsidian Dade..a pleasure to meet you 

Chat: Eyes closed: Even if my eyes are closed, I can still feel everything through vibrations 

Chat: Reading: Knowledge is power right? But it can be deadly~

Chat: Skulls: Oh dear. Make sure you did not look at a specific skull. The skull is not too keen on people looking at it.

When it Rains: Oh dear. Here let me give you an umbrella. You must not stand in the rain. I do not want you to get sick now would we?

When Thunder Strikes: Hmph. Thunder..I never had thunderstorms where..anyways let us find shelter immediately

When the Sun is Out: The sun is out…I miss the rain already…

When it Snows: Ahh. Snow~! I wonder if I can commit some..’business’ here. Hehe..just kidding~

Good Morning: Good morning, lovely. I have made breakfast for us to start the day 

Good Afternoon: It’s Afternoon, do you want to do something?

Good Evening: Ahh..The sun is about to have its daily rest

Good Night: Good Night~ I will make sure that you will have a peaceful sleep

About  Obsidian: Warnings: You have been hearing warnings about me when I am angry? Ah..the haunting melody and my eyes are open~ Well..they are not wrong in fact: There is a good reason why those warnings are there~! I will let you find that out yourself.

About Obsidian: Sweets: You saw me eating sweets with Furina and Neuvillette? Now who told you about our whereabouts..ugh.. nevermind that. Yes I have a sweet tooth and no..I am not willing to share my stash of sweets with you..I want to eat them in peace.. 

About the Vision: Visions..I had no opinion on them..It is not something I am partially interest in

Something to Share: Fun Fact..Do not tell Neuvillette this but I saw him cuddling the Melusines and the cute otters near an ocean and took a picture of it~ My darling Furina was surprised that Neuvillette still has not noticed it~! HAH! Ahhh..what a cutie-pie Neuvillette is~

Interesting Things: Sometimes whenever I have a well deserved day off, I babysit children. Hm? You never think that I have that much of a soft spot towards children despite my..Say that again and I will make sure that you are seeing Wriothesley all gagged up and tied up PERSONALLY!

About Us: I: Hmph. Even though you can from the stars..I..respect you. No sane person can go through hell and back like you..

About Us: II: You are really that famous huh? Hm? Nah, I ain’t jealous..Just amazed that all

About Us: III: How Teyvat is treating you? I know this world is..something else..just focus on your journey..do not worry about me..I will be alright..

About (Furina): Ah, Miss Furina. The beautiful queen who has a love for cakes. I always admire her yet I understand her like those who have gained my trust. Oh, how I wish to dance with her underneath the night starry skies, dancing in such grace and elegance and just- pfft why are you looking at me like that~?

About (Neuvillette): Ah Monsieur Neuvillette. Chief Justice of Fontaine. He is such a fine man indeed. Though..don’t tell him but I had Melodina make some cute art of him, the melsuines and the otters in the water together. Hehe~ It is so cute! No you are not having it..

About (Melodina): Melodina is my best friend and right hand person. They are always reliable yet they are very resourceful. They are usually the one on the high places, spying on people and reporting crime to me so I rely on the information back to Neuvi. Oh Melodina’s pronouns are she/they by the way. They will hit you if you misgender them..they never like the she/her pronouns. It does not suit her as she had hoped..

More About Obsidian: I: Fontaine is more beautiful and fun. It's..better than my hometown

More About Obsidian: II: I used to bake and cook a lot for my little twin sisters but for now I bake for my friends and those cute children in Fontaine, Hm? Do you want some? Okay, say a dessert and I will make it for you darling~.

More About Obsidian: III: A good reading is always a must have in my life though there is my job as Fontaine’s grim reaper and my busy busy schedule but when I have my day off, I use it to my advantage. Say would you like to join me to date? Ahah! Don’t be so red in the face or else you will look like a tomato

Obidsain’s Hobbies: reading a book in the library in utter silence is a pleasant thing. 

Obsidian's Troubles: People who expect more from me or try to change who I am..They all had an unpleasant surprise afterwards~

Favorite Food: I do not have a favorite food. I will eat whatever you give me

Least Favorite Food: Hm..It has to be Fish and Chips..I do not hate it..I just..prefer to avoid it

Birthday: Happy Birthday my dear. You have been walking around so much. Here let me take care of you and I am not taking no as an answer~

—-------------------------------------------------

Low HP I: Oh dear..

Low HP II: Tsk..too strong

Low HP III: Back me up!

Ally Low HP I: Go rest. I got this

Ally Low HP II: It's gonna pissed me off, Leave them alone!!

Fallen I: I..failed..

Fallen II: No! I..can’t break that promise.. 

Fallen III: My loved ones..I'm sorry..

Light Hit I: Hm?

Light Hit II: Is that what you got?! Pathetic..

Heavy Hit I: AHAH! Good..

Heavy Hit II: That’s more like it~!

Join Party I: You want me to join you?

Join Party II: I wonder what the journey leads

Join Party III: Do not fret..I will be keeping an keen eye on you~

—-------------------------------------------------

Sprint Start: I: You wanna catch me?

Sprint Start: II: Oh~ too slow~

Sprint End: I: Woo. What a run~

Spring End: II: Looks like you have been eating the dust

Deploying Wind Glider: I: Oh so pretty~

Deploying Wind Glider: II: No wonder the view is so gorgeous up here~

Opening Treasure Chest: I: Hm, this looks good

Opening Treasure Chest: II: Aha, nice find dear

Opening Treasure Chest: III: Oh~ This is very precious. Let us share.

—-------------------------------------------------

Elemental Skill I: Don’t get cut~

Elemental Skill II: Let the skulls laugh~!

Elemental Skill III: Skulls, get those scums!

Elemental Burst I: Face The Grim Reaper’s Wrath!

Elemental Burst II: Join the afterlife

Elemental Burst III: Sayonara~ AHAHA!!

—-------------------------------------------------

Feelings About Ascension: Intro: Ooh, this feels delightful~! Keep it up sweetie~

Feelings About Ascension: Building Up: Now now, I can not allow this but..I accept this

Feelings About Ascension: Climax: The skulls are pleased with your willing effort. 

Feelings About Ascension: Conclusion: The skulls and the grim reaper are pleased.! But you work so hard on everything..I am here to give you a vow..whenever you are in danger or you need someone to talk to. Come to me..I will be your weapon and your comfort. It is the least I can do for making me feel..myself. 

"People who see passed my walls..is the ones I trust my secrets with"-Obsidian Dade

[ausetkmt]

A Texas House committee on Wednesday heard explosive new testimony from lawyers investigating Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, including that he appeared to provide a friend with confidential FBI documents and committed other potentially impeachable crimes in an effort to help him retaliate against adversaries and federal officials.

Many of the details have been outlined in a whistleblower suit that accuses Paxton of firing four top aides as retaliation after they reported the alleged misconduct to federal authorities.

BACKGROUND: Donor in Ken Paxton bribery case loses appeal as he seeks to avoid jail time for contempt of court

But Wednesday’s testimony painted the fullest picture yet of the ways in which Paxton allegedly leveraged the resources of his office to help the friend and campaign donor, Nate Paul. It also created a new and immediate threat for Paxton, who has denied all wrongdoing, since the House General Investigating Committee could recommend that the chamber censure him or begin impeachment proceedings.

“Would it be fair to say the OAG’s office was effectively hijacked for an investigation by Nate Paul through the attorney general?” asked Houston state Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston.

“That would be my opinion,” said investigator Erin Epley, a former Harris County prosecutor.

The investigators listed a number of laws that Paxton may have violated, including abuse of official capacity and misuse of official information, both of which are felony offenses. The FBI is reportedly investigating the allegations, though no charges have been filed.

The revelations come as tensions are boiling over between Paxton and House Republican leaders in the final days of the legislative session. On Tuesday, the attorney general called for House Speaker Dade Phelan to resign after claiming he presided over the House while drunk, alluding to a video that appeared to show him slurring his speech. He also slammed Phelan for not passing enough conservative priorities.

A spokeswoman for Phelan said Tuesday that Paxton’s statement was “a last-ditch effort to save face” in anticipation of Wednesday’s hearing. Phelan has publicly opposed a request from Paxton that the Legislature use taxpayer dollars to settle the whistleblower suit.

Paxton has survived repeated scandals, including a federal securities fraud case that has stalled for nearly eight years. On Wednesday, he accused Phelan, a fellow Republican, of trying to "disenfranchise Texas voters and sabotage my work."

"The false testimony of highly partisan Democrat lawyers with the goal of manipulating and misleading the public is reprehensible," he said in a statement. "Every allegation is easily disproved, and I look forward to continuing my fight for conservative values." 

LATEST: AG Ken Paxton calls for House Speaker Dade Phelan to resign over slurred speech

The House investigators, a group of attorneys with experience in public integrity law and white collar crime, said they reviewed hundreds of pages of documents, including emails, contracts and criminal complaints, and interviewed 15 people since March. All but one of those interviewed said they had “grave concerns” about Paxton retaliating against them for their participation.

The investigators said Paxton’s involvement with Paul set off a chain of departures at the agency that has since gutted it of experienced senior staff. Because of that, they said, Paxton has had to increasingly rely on outside counsel for casework – at a big expense to taxpayers.

“At this stage, the office of the attorney general spends approximately $40 million on outside counsel in an office that previously was well-funded and had a deep roster,” Epley said. 

Paxton signed a tentative settlement with the whistleblowers in February for $3.3 million, but the deal is effectively dead because the Legislature has declined to fund it, which whistleblowers have said was a condition of the agreement. The session ends on Monday. 

“The state must honor its solemn promise to compensate them for their lost wages and other demands,” attorneys for the four whistleblowers said in a statement, adding: “No public employees, especially those left at the AG’s office, are going to report this kind of public corruption in the future if the Legislature leaves our clients hung out to dry.”

The investigators also touched on the criminal securities fraud allegations against Paxton and suggested that he may illegally hold more than one homestead exemption — a type of tax break that applies to a person’s primary home. They did not provide additional details.

State Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, the committee chair, said it was “alarming” and “very serious” that taxpayers are being asked to foot the bill for Paxton and others’ wrongdoings.

“That’s something we have to grapple with,” he said. “That’s challenging.”

ALSO READ: Corruption investigation into Texas AG Ken Paxton's shifting to Washington

Paxton allegedly ignored staff to step in for Paul

Over three hours of testimony, investigators described a pattern in which Paxton would bypass staff and ignore their recommendations, aggressively pushing for actions that benefited Paul.

Terese Buess, longtime former Harris County prosecutor who headed the public integrity division, said Paxton violated the state’s open records law to help Paul obtain information about the FBI’s activities involving his case, including a raid it had executed against his home and business office.

Paul, who is in the middle of multiple bankruptcies proceedings and financial litigation, had wanted the attorney general’s office to uncover details about the federal investigation into him and his businesses, the investigators said. Paul donated $25,000 to Paxton’s re-election campaign in 2018.

The attorney general’s office, which is charged with determining whether information needs to be released, had issued a “no-opinion” ruling on the matter – the first time it had done so in decades. The office receives about 30,000 requests per year.

Buess said Paul should have been denied the documents, since the open records law has a clear exception for law enforcement matters, yet Paxton pushed for its release. 

Paxton told staff he did not want to use his office “to help the feds” or the state Department of Public Safety, Buess said.

According to Buess, Paxton obtained his own copy of the documents and then directed an aide to hand-deliver a manila envelope to Paul at his business. After that, she said, Paul's attorneys stopped asking for the FBI records. Investigators don’t know whether the documents were in the envelope.

Another former Harris County prosecutor, Mark Donnelly, told the committee that an attorney of Paul’s had recommended that Paxton’s office hire a young and inexperienced lawyer named Brandon Cammack as outside counsel to help Paxton investigate the federal officials looking into Paul. It was a conflict, since Paul had requested the investigation in the first place.

Donnelly did not name the attorney who referred Cammack, but Hearst Newspapers has reported on the relationship between Cammack and an attorney who represented Paul, Michael Wynne, both from Houston.

Paxton hired Cammack as a “special prosecutor” against the advice of his staff, according to the investigators. They suggested that Cammack was able to use the unredacted FBI report from Paxton to pinpoint the targets of 39 subpoenas, which went to Paul’s business interests and law enforcement officials.

Backing up another claim from the whistleblower suit, the investigators said Paxton pressured his office to issue a legal finding during the pandemic that foreclosure sales had to stop because of public health restrictions – a ruling that went against the advice of his staff.

Such opinions can take up to six months to publish, but Paxton pushed for it to be finalized in two days. Donnelly said the only logical explanation for that was he wanted it “complete before the foreclosure sale of certain properties related to Nate Paul entities” coming up the next week.

Paul’s attorneys went on to cite the attorney general opinion in about a dozen foreclosure sales involving his properties, Donnelly said.

Investigators also found that Paxton pressured his office to intervene in a lawsuit filed by the Roy F. & Joann Cole Mitte Foundation, an Austin-based nonprofit, against Paul alleging fraud. Again, Paxton’s staff had disagreed with his efforts.

The attorney general’s office withdrew from the suit in October 2020, immediately before the whistleblower letter went out reporting Paxton to federal law enforcement.

[empyreanwritings]

January Book Review

Every month I will be doing a minor review of all the books I have read so far in 2023. I'll always include the title, author, and overall rating! I hope you all find a gem on this list the way I have ❤️

Good Girl Complex - Elle Kennedy: First impression is DEAR GOD PLEASE WHY DOES THERE HAVE TO BE A BET. I was thrown back to circa 2012 when After was all the rage and questioned everything about my purchase. And while this book was a little cliche, I really enjoyed that, unlike After, the characters are actually loveable and there's so much more charm to it outside of the bet & it delves much deeper than just bad boy meets good college girl. I was hooked and read the whole thing in 5 hours because I needed to know how it was going to go. Overall rating: 8/10

Ship Wrecked - Olivia Dade: My first impression is a refreshing one bc thank god I'm reading a book where both leads are plus-size. Media is so hellbent on only one person in the relationship being plus-sized that I actually was surprised to see them on the cover and know they'd still get the hot romance, smutty treatment other leads do. The overall story and smut were fantastic. I did enjoy seeing them grow and confess things they were afraid of as the story went on. That being said, the timing was weird. There were a lot of time skips, and in between each chapter, there were texts/interviews/fanfics that didn't coincide with the time of the story. So I was lost a lot, esp when they did a random 6-year skip without saying there was a skip at the beginning. Overall rating: 8.5/10

The Demon's Bargain - Katee Robert: If you didn't know by now, Katee Robert has me by the throat. I love all of her books sm so I was super excited for this one. It's a lot shorter than her other books in the A Deal with a Demon series - only about 120 pages, so I finished it in a few hours. There's not much plot development bc the story is focused on just a three day span then the epilogue shows what happened years later. This book has everything - revenge on shitty exes, non-binary demons, pegging, and a whole lotta bloody sex. If you want an in-depth, profound story then this one may not be for you. This is clearly just for demon-fuckers, and while I wished I could have had more of Lenora and Ramanu bc I really enjoyed them, I know we'll see them in other books so I'm okay with it. Overall rating: 10/10 bc I'm a simple horny bitch.

To Marry and To Meddle - Martha Waters: Martha Waters is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I loved To Have and To Hoax & To Love and To Loathe, so I looked forward to this one a lot. Emily and Julian were a really interesting story bc they weren't enemies to lovers, they weren't constantly quarreling over things to rekindle their love - they were just two people attracted to each other that entered into a marriage of convenience. Their conflict lied within the fact they weren't supposed to fall in love, and they were only supposed to help each other with their respective problems. I'm also a huge sucker for a rake with a soft center, who just wants to be loved and accepted by people; and that's who Julian is. It was spicy and funny and so tender at moments that I read it within a day. Overall rating: 12/10

Sense & Sensibility - Jane Austen: I will be honest and say I did not pick up this book because of personal preference. I am currently in a class that has a focus on Jane Austen, so this was the first book I read, and honestly, I loved it. It took me a few days to really get into it, but MAN the drama??? Jane Austen was the OG scandal writer in my eyes idc. I was listening to the audiobook and when I heard someone say that Edward was engaged I went "WHO?" out loud. I felt like I was listening to a reality tv show in that moment. Marianne is my fave character, but I did not want to see her end up with who she ended up with. Nor did I want Elinor to end with her husband because he made her seem like a second choice. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters. Overall rating: 9/10

Book Lovers - Emily Henry: The first Emily Henry book I read was The People We Meet on Vacation, and while I liked it, it wasn't something that made me go "WOW, I'd reread that!" But Book Lovers?? I absolutely would - and WILL - reread it. There was so much to unpack with the main character, Nora, and I absolutely loved that she did not have to change or lose herself at the end of the book because she found someone who understood her. If you are someone who roots for the woman that always gets left behind for the wholesome farm girl in cheesy Hallmark movies then this book is for you. Overall rating: 10/10

Pride & Prejudice - Jane Austen: I don't know if Jane Austen was the first to really write enemies to lovers, but she sure wrote the kind I thoroughly enjoy. There's not much I can say about this book that hasn't been said by others. It was good--dragged on a bit longer than I anticipated at some points--but its a classic for a reason. Ngl tho I think I enjoyed Pride & Prejudice & Zombies a lot more. Scandalous, I know. Overall Rating: 9.5/10

[georgette-mademoiselle]

Georgette and sekido part 9

The masquerade

Ah the masquerade thanks to merihems domain having a haunted ballroom with the dead of his previous victims georgette was basked in its glory whenever a mission was a success she grew to love the aesthetics of such etheral class such as the dresses and of course the dancing.

So naturally she would take sekido with her to a ballroom that was completely abandoned years ago

It may not be the same vibes as the red deaths but it will do. She held sekido to position himself closed moving his hand to held on her back while the other held hers.

" ready?" How shes waited for this moment.

"...i guess so." With a sudden pull sekido was swayed around in a circle having no chance to memorize the footsteps.

" WOMAN!" he said with a commanding voice. " Now try and watch my steps now dont blink or youll miss." He grumbled, how dare she say to watch her steps when he was trying to do that in the first place he thought.

" thats what i was trying to do!" She laughed

" well then...if your as fast as lightning as you are then watch where my next step is about to move" there was a slight tease in that manner. He watched carefully, she put her left foot foward signaling to put his footing back then moving it to the right side both in sync " very good sparky you are fast" another chuckle escaped. " Dont tease me woman!" Still looking down to focus on the next step "can you blame me? Your reaction when i do is just to cute my darling" she brought her foot together to the side then stepped back to the same position they had started from the beginning then transferred her weight to her side which would now set up to start from the beginning again.

" same steps got it love?" It seemed simple enough to him " so just the same repetitive steps?" She nods " yes" he looked down repeating his memory to get the picture and once he finally got an idea he followed her footings front, side, back, side. He was impressed with himself " so this is what couples do i see..." Still focused to the dance. " Youve never danced before have you sekido?" She said with curiosity. " No...but i was always fascinated by this culture of dancing." He loved to learn things that was outside of his culture. Something about the European music and there dances always captivated him. Hes heard about ballrooms but never thought hed see the day he would ever be in one.

That was until now. " Oh are you know? " That look...the witch was plotting something his instinct told him " what is with that look now? D-dont you dade try something!" She grinned then to sekidos electrical senses her turned to the sudden sound of music playing a piano yet this tune felt haunting not music note of romantic symphony but of ghosts and the ambiance of the dead almost." I know its not the usual music to play in these partys...but considering where in an old abandoned cathedral like ball with potential ghosts looming i just had to!" The macabre glee in her voice was cute yet made sekido shiver down his spine " you brought a spirit to play for us! Do you want me to die of a heart attack!" Another laugh. " Please love youll be fine hes friendly plus your with me dont pay no mind" turns his face to focus on her "now lets truly experience a haunted ball my nosferatu~" despite how macabre she could be she always looked adorable doing so that sekido couldnt help but escape a small snort" alright, lead again my crimsoness of death".

The floors ehoed the empty chambers as the music mixed with the haunting ambience of ruffled torn curtains and air whistling through the broken windows. Torn paintings watch as they spin watching the red haired rose be twirled her dress flowing in rhythm as the stern demon looked fierce and confident within himself bieng pleased how he learned to dance with such intimacy that his lover never took her eyes of him. How even the spirits of the place didnt dare to interrupt them for they knee doing so would be a great shame to make this date night end.

The theme song of this fic

Dividers by @/elryisia

[kinetic-elaboration]

February 9: Hackers

Finally watched Hackers for the first time and aaaaaaah it is so good. I had heard it was good but I wasn’t really sure otherwise what to expect, and honestly my immediate reason to watch it was to see the outfits and Matthew Lillard (in his Outfits) being deranged. But it really drew me in just about every respect.

It did feel a little long to me but not necessarily in a bad way, more in a ‘there is a lot going on here.’ It didn’t drag but it had a lot of story. Also, I started watching kind of late and my stream of it was a little wonky so I had to pause it with some frequency to get it to stop skipping, which made it longer. My only other sort of complaint is they really just abandoned Phreak in jail, huh? I mean presumably he was let out at the end but we never see that happen, and he also presumably was not out on bail (…racism?), which meant he wasn’t even allowed to be part of the big climactic scene. That felt sort of sad because he had been a significant character before then.

But—these are quibbles honestly! I really, really loved it. So well cast, such great costumes. I loved Dade’s mom and his relationship with her. I don’t know what I was expecting necessarily but definitely not that, not for her to be both so supportive and so funny. You love to see it. And I also really liked Dade, how he was clearly very talented but he wasn’t the MOST talented, he wasn’t like the savior or the main genius among all geniuses. He was significant to the final hack but he wasn’t the one to bring it all home. He clearly did have next level skills but there also wasn’t any indication he’d actually broken parole, which is to say he’d been out of the game for years. That’s smart story telling because it allows him to be an audience surrogate to learn things (not vocab per se—that’s Margo) but the NYC Hacker scene, but I also think it would be tempting to still have him be magically, inherently, naturally, heroically better than the rest despite his disadvantages. To have it both ways in a sense. Like I really thought he would win the contest against Burn if for no other reason than to get them on a date, and maybe also to make it clear that, you know, she’s good, but she’s no Male Protagonist. I would say that it was really a tie, though. She says he was declared the winner at the end but before the contest was really even over she was changing the game: not betting the date but betting the dress code. (He should have been wearing a dress in the last scene though.)

He was also just generally really sympathetic, I thought. Maybe I was expecting too much Mr. Robot lol (and there were parts that reminded me of Mr. Robot, especially when all the hackers got together) but he was… a pretty normal kid, and his weaknesses were the intensely relatable ‘new kid in school can’t find the office’ and ‘teenage boy thinks teenage girl is pretty.’ He wasn’t nerdy but he wasn’t cool; he fit in with this subculture pretty easily, but he didn’t dominate within it.

 And it was so 90s… but not in a dated way, honestly. I kind of was expecting it to be in some sort of inevitable way, not just because it was made in the mid-90s but because it was about something so cutting edge at the time, but it was totally immersive. I wasn’t thinking ‘oh how 90s’ very often and never in a bad way. It’s aesthetically over its time but I like things like that, that don’t try to be timeless because that generally means generic. Also generic things can become dated too and then it’s all that work to be bland for nothing. I was pretty young when this movie came out so I don’t personally remember computers of this era very well—we did have one in ’95 but it wasn’t a laptop and I, personally, a first grader (?) was not exactly the one using it. But I remember, you know, more of that more general era than Kids These Days would for sure. So it was sort of a weird combination of familiar but old-school tech, like the floppy disks, and before-my-time tech like the laptops and a lot of the interface. I used dialup for a long time but I guess I’ve blacked that all out because it took me a sadly long time to figure out why they were always congregating around pay phones—duh, because they needed the phone lines lol.

I liked the balance between the Big Storyline, which was fun and decently suspenseful and had a satisfying conclusion, and the more lowkey, let’s fuck around and hang out with these kids and explore their specific subculture. It was good at combining the two also, like the content to annoy the Secret Service agent: that’s part of the larger story line in a tangential way and it’s important for the character development/romance of Crash and Burn, but it was also pretty clearly just an excuse for some fun hacking mini-adventures.

Anyway, I loved it a lot. I could see myself watching it repeatedly for sure.

[melsdreamweaving]

Banyan trees (A creative nonfictional look at the tree in front of my house)

A banyan tree, stood in front of my childhood home. After Andrew, Cabrera felled it with some kind of poison.

"Nada te cresca alli jamas Maria" (Nothing will ever grow there again Maria)

Gus pointed out that we would have less hornets. I hated hornets because they hurt the cute bees and their bumble buts. Being allergic, I was aware of them and respected their presence.

Alexander asked me one day while we were reading comics.

"Will you be a wasp, a whorenet, or a bee?" He had an issue of spiderman and I said:

"I'm going to be everything! I'm going to see the whole world and write about it like a photo journalist!"

His green eyes leveled on me and he said nothing.

The banyan tree before it was taken down, had a tire swing. Cabrera put it there after I got really sick.

"Asi puedes jugar, pero no hables con la gentes estranos" (That way you can play, but please do not talk with strangers)

Strangers were everywhere. One time I climbed up the banyan tree. A man called for me to come down, but I wouldn't because I didn't know him.

"No thanks, I don't know you!" I yelled.

A week later he knocked on our door and I hid behind the couch. He wouldn't stop till uncle Gus came home and chased him away.

The tree and I had this special relationship. I could talk to it by putting my hand on it. Didn't have to say anything...

Grandmother always told me that if you hurt a plant you're hurting a reincarnated soul. Someone who did terrible things in their past life that now has to make up for it by being a tree. Then she would at the next yard over and say,

"Cabrera really likes to garden. He is a wonderful compassionate man. Too bad his wife is a whorediot..."

"Abuela!" I'd chastise.

Earning a stern look as a warning.

"People down here will one day try to frame you as a slut too if you don't shut up!"

I shed a tear as that afternoon I said nothing and played forever on the tire swing. Missing a time when I didn't have to know about te world and its dangers... My mind drifting in and out of the conversations that our family matriarch nemesis would say.

"You are my little cub, and I want you strong in a real way. A balance of beauty, intelligence, and wonder. To many bitter sows will try to spoil you. I really don't like some of your friends, but I know you'll make the right descicion in the end... I made you that way."

"Can everyone come over and play?" I'd respond and receive silence.

One day when I was half listening, she told me the story about the Buddha and Bodhi tree. How it was very important to remain humble in everything I said and did from then on.

I loved the Buddha as a kid because I heard he was a great teacher, and as far as I knew everything that was spiritual was meant to be taken with a grain of salt. The next day the pastor from my middle school took my crystal quartz one day. The one my mom gave to me in a tiny box...

"Witchcraft!" he spat out.

"You're stupid!" I yelled back. Earning yet another detention. My grandmother was always furious and told me to keep only one crystal with me hidden in my shirt.

Going into high school the tree was gone. My best friend, taken away for who knew what... But I felt that way about so many things. The computer, as well felt like a friend. I could write for hours and it would always welcome me home. Alexander had my grandmother to let me learn programming when he saw how much stuff i learned from just a few rouge programmers from Dade.

"She really likes the machine more than people."

And thus I did. Wishing I could take my friend with me everywhere, so that I didn't have to socialize with anyone. After all what was the point of it? She had made it abundantly clear that no matter what we do, it's recorded.

Maybe that's what Halo was about? A group of people protecting a tower that records humanity's sins? But maybe the concept of sin itself is a tool in of itself to keep empowered platforms sterile and "distraction free''. In college I wrote a paper about how if our society began to stop labeling each other and themselves like tupperware, we'd be just fine.

When we're young we really want to change and save the world. I heard so many say this and they either fall between the cracks or go on to be successful people. To be fair the best people that I know have always just done themselves without the need to exploit or pull others into their problems.

My heart goes out to some of my old bestie's but I recalled a time when one of my elder Cubana sisters said:

Sometimes love is not enough. You'll learn that soon enough.

I did... Also learn this as those who were once my "friends," couldn't wait for me. I yelled at them to go away. Leave me alone because...

I couldn't leave my grandmother to die alone in that house.

I had sooooooo many chances. But Loyalty? Right? I know I could have had it easier if I just submitted but my sisters were ultimately right in the end.

"You are a cute little cinnamon roll. Please run from the crazy roided out gym men that chase skirts down here in florida..."

"Ok... I will but can I stay healthy without going to a gym?"

Needless to say I loved walking and biking. I used to keep a folding bike in the back of the care until my uncle Gus sat on it and turned it into a motorcycle...

Years later, I was given Bodhi seeds... Silently I was grateful as the person in front of me excitedly explained to me everything they were just now discovering. She reminded me of my own mother the day I received a silver ribbon for singing in the county fair.

"Aren't you excited?"

"Not really, that was just for participating mom..."

She frowned and told me to lighten up.

Funny enough that same person was my ex girlfriend the bank breaker of the London Square shopping center...

"Your problem is that you're too compassionate."

I was left with this message after our breakup. My grandmother was dying... and now I had a few months left to say goodbye.

Thankfully my hubby came back into my life and i found a job down the street with Instacart. I loved being able to do my favorite thing, Walk around and get things for other people. And then lo and behold the pandemic started. The world was ending and a few kids and I had to shop for our lives. Funny enough that at some point we were called heroes lol.

I laughed because the real heroes are the medical professionals and workers that keep society running while everyone lost their collective minds. But I was grateful for the compliment all the same. At the time I was trying to establish myself as a crafty witch as a passion project while going to school. To be fair the way I was brought up the tiny microaggressions you enact in spell work were supposed to help you feel better. Especially against bullies, you just sent them the spiritual chancla and just moved on... But what is a group of people who were never meant to learn this practice took it too far and started using it as a form to marginalize others even further than ever?

Hmm... well that's some fuckery. Anyways it's nice to talk about my favorite tree. if anyone has a favorite tree please by all means talk about it below.

[jrhartauthor]

Okay, so, I feel like sharing my entire TBR is way too overwhelming since it's hundreds of books, but I thought I'd share my current shortlist of books and what I'm super excited about in each of them.

First, though, how cute is my Bargello tissue box cover? I got the pattern from Hello Bargello (not a sponsor? Is that what people say? I don't know. Lol). Honestly, it's one of my favorite crafts I did last year.

Right. Anyway. Actual books. That's what you're here for. Popping my thoughts below the cut so this doesn't get impossibly long.

(All buy links are Amazon affiliate links).

Fit by Rebekah Weatherspoon Looking forward to: D/s dynamic, part of a series, a nice quick read, plus size MC, perfect for that January "ready for a diet" season. Not loving: casual fatphobia in the chapter I've read so far.

Buy it here.

Cups of You by Karmen Lee Looking forward to: Coffee Shop vibes, opposites attract, seems super cozy, "back in town from the big city" trope, first in a series, an author I like. You might love: It's in Kindle Unlimited.

Buy it here.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney Looking forward to: I've heard it's a page-turner, character with face blindness, marriage on the rocks, it's a domestic thriller.

Buy it here.

Newsletter Ninja by Tammi Labrecque Looking forward to: Learning how to start a newsletter because that is not my skillset, it came highly recommended by authors I trust, it's my current non-fiction read, I love growing my business, part of a series.

Buy it here.

The following two books on my list are books that I purchased before the HarperCollins Union Strike began. The Union has asked that authors not be boycotted, so I am going ahead and sharing these books, but please keep in mind that both of them do come from HarperCollins imprints.

I will be donating money to the HarperCollins Union Solidarity Fund in the amount of the list price of these titles. If you're so inclined, you can also donate to the Solidarity Fund here.

"The major asks from the union are, one, stronger union protections, two, more support for diverse employees and three, higher wages, particularly for folks at the bottom tier who the union wants to see get paid at least 50,000 a year." -NPR

Road Out of Winter by Alison Stine Looking forward to: Apocalyptic thriller, illegal marijuana growing as a plot point, a violent cult, chilly winter vibes, Rep'd by Eric Smith (trust his taste very much).

Buy it here.

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade Looking forward to: Fanfiction references, nerd appeal, celeb x normal person pairing, plus-size MC, secret dating, there's a sequel.

Buy it here.

What are you reading right now? Anything good on your TBR?

[skullgrind]

SUMMONING DEATH: Starting off the mix this week with creeped out DEATH METAL from Mexico. This is Finnish/Swedish death worship but with it's own level of vile vibes. Cover art by Raul Gonzalez Serrano. Check out their cover of Darkday by EDGE OF SANITY if you like this track.

HADIT: Headed over to Italy for a bit of the cosmic horror DEATH METAL next. This is the first of two releases by I, Voidhanger Records in this mix and I am always impressed by the stuff they put out there. A lot of diverse examples of what DEATH METAL can be. Cover art of the cosmic black hole with pony by Raffaele Salzillo.

ENDLESS LOSS: Heard you like a bit of the "bestial" BLACK METAL eh? Well here you go we got that coming right up next out of Australia. If you like the sounds of TEITANBLOOD or DEMONCY this should be right at home in your ear holes. Spooky underground death crypt and mausoleum cover art sets the tone nicely.

VENOMOUS ECHOES: Alright here's that other release by I, Voidhanger Recrods I mentioned and it's a unique one. Take a bit of MORBID ANGEL and throw it in a cosmic horror blender with PORTAL and you're on the right track for this BLACK/DEATH METAL. All of this racket is made by just one musician! Fantastic cover art by 0ndes fits like a glove with the audio assault on the senses.

SHITSTORM: For a weekly mix called THE GRIND this damn thing hasn't had enough GRIND in it as of late. Here's some that I was "late to the party" on from Miami, Florida. Plenty of shit to be pissed off about and make songs under 1 min to yell out your frustrations. This is just a taste of the first two tracks but the rest is just as solid. Recommended.

CREEPING DEATH: Next up we got DEATH METAL out of Texas. I'm sure I must have put this band in a mix before but I can't recall. This is the title track from their release last year. Heavy sounds, riffs, bit of a groove, what else do you need?

CRAWL: Here we have that crusty Swedish DEATH METAL the kids crave. You might have heard this band's stuff on a split with FERAL but this it an upcoming full length. As I write this there are only 3 tracks to preview ahead of the release but they all crush heads. If you like BLACK BREATH or BLOODBATH you will enjoy this here. Spooky cover art by Sam D Larsson.

OBRIJ (Обрій): And closing out the mix this week is some strange doomy DEATH METAL from Ukraine. I know nothing about this band but when I heard this track I immediately replayed it again so that's all I can say about it. Really like the cover art here too. The title translates to "The Yellow Prince" so maybe it's some kind of cosmic horror thing too? We got a lot of those this week. We'll call it a theme then.

THAT'S ALL FOR THIS WEEK. ENJOY THE DEATH AND COME BACK NEXT WEEK FOR MORE!!

THE GRIND - 3/29/24 MIX (COSMIC CREEPS)

FRIDAY at 8pm EST you know the drill. PLAY IT LOUD

[teamconductors]

Dude I love the idea of wevile Dade busting In and sneasler is just like dad no you're embarrassing me go home I'm at work

And then he says "but I heard my sons need help!" and then Sneasler officially gives up on trying to convince everything that the twins are not her brothers

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Monday 4.. June 1832

8 ¾

1 10

restless for an hour or two after getting into bed last night - fine morning F62° at 8 ¾ - thunder and lightning storm about 3 this morning - breakfast at 10 ¼ - the coroner Mr Edmund Dade Conyers from Duffield took the inquest on poor George between 10 and 11 - the jury sat at Strangeway’s, the Norcliffe arms, in the village - verdict accidentally shot - but the keeper ought to have been more careful and the verdict had near been brought in manslaughter - George’s father and sister arrived between 10 and 11 - both much affected, but had heard of the fatal termination at Birdsall, as they walked along, about 16 miles across the country from Londesborough - the father had no objection to the head being opened. Mr Cobb and his son Charles came about 1 - wanted 2 of the men - I objected to this - thought it would not do - it would make too much talk - Burnett would be better and I would be present with her - she behaved very well, till feeling sick, I got her away gave her a little brandy and water in my room, she recovered herself and went down to the servants as if nothing had happened, I returned.

SH:7/ML/E/15/0077

Mr Charles Cobb had sawn and prized off the upper hemisphere of the cranium and laid open the brain in ¼ hour - the whole surface except a little bit over the right eye covered with coagulated blood, and the ventricules [ventricles] full of liquid blood - Mr Cobb thought 6oz at least coagulated and liquid in the ventricles - could not find the shot - it had made a large opening thro’ the orbit, and must be hid deep in the drain - impossible to have saved life in such a case - of this I was quite satisfied - the cap of skull was then replaced and the skin so neatly sewn over it, that all looked as if nothing had been disturbed. Burnett returned satisfied to see all so much as it was before again, and CN- too saw, and said she could not have guessed that any operation had been performed - all was kept quiet and the poor father never having missed anyone of the servants was probably hardly aware that the examination had taken place - saw him by and by - said everything I could most comforting (no hint at the examination) - mentioned that ¾ year’s wages would be due on the 19th gave him £5 for the present and his watch and all that poor George had here, and promised that all the clothes he had at Shibden should be sent, and the money remitted that should be due - did not pay him more now not knowing whether George might have left any debts behind him - hoped that the poor old man (72, respectable and shewed much good feeling) would have £10 more to receive - would send him an account - Fisher and the child little Hugh Robinson arrived this morning between 12 and 1 - came up to my room between 2 and 3. Had Burnett about the coffin plate - wrote for it ‘George Playforth died on the 1st of June 1832 aged 31’ from 3 to 4 wrote rather 3 hurried pages to my aunt mentioning that I had hardly sent off my letter yesterday before the change in poor George was so decided that he died without a sigh at 6 5 having never had one moment’s consciousness from the 1st - asked my aunt to ask Marian to sent off the clothes per waggon directed to Miss Button as the poor old man desired saying that ‘Miss Lister of H-x’ would know all about it and begged  Cordingley to send me, thro’ my aunt, an  account of all she knew about poor George’s money matters, and then I would remit the money due to George to his father - and wrote 2 pages hurried to M- mentioning the death and that my thoughts and plans were all so upset, I had given up my visit to the Duffins (couple of days offered) and should go back (tho’ not knowing yet when) after leaving here to Shibden to think what to do - begged her to write and wrote 2 hurried pages to Mr and Mrs Duffin saying that in consequence of this melancholy event and their going to Acomb (tomorrow week) being so near, I feared I must give up my intended visit for the present - gave a short account of the poor fellow’s death saying (tho’ without more directly mentioning the examination) that Mr Cobb said there were at least 6oz. blood suffered on the brain - sent off at 4 10 my letters to my aunt ‘Shibden Hall Halifax’ and to M- ‘Lawton Hall, Lawton, Cheshire’ and to ‘William Duffin Esquire Micklegate York’ I had in the course of the morning written about 2 pages of ½ sheet note papers to Lady Stuart - dressed - dinner at 4 1/2 Fisher dined with us - saw poor George in his oaken coffin - very neatly shrouded with greens and laurels round his head - this struck me more than all I had seen of him before - poor fellow! it was for the last time - CN, too, saw him - coffee – tea – Mrs N- and Fisher left us at 10 ½ - we sat up talking (latterly of M-) till 11 ½ when came to my room and till 12 ½ wrote all the above of today - did not explain about π- but alluded to my disappointment and spoke as if I cared less about it which poor Charlotte would not allow – fine day – F63° at 11 ½ pm my cousin came very gently just after getting up this morning