#international flights resume news

[zegrasdrysdale]

I have a request could you do where the reader is dating Jack Hughes and she is a singer and she is on tour and the whole Hughes family pull up to her concert and Trevor and Cole come too and he just can;t stop smiling up at her and after the consent they have a Taylor and Travis moment where he is everyone is waiting for her and she runs up to Jack to hug him

[ the alchemy ] j. hughes

➾ paring : Jack Hughes x famous!fem!reader

➾ summary : after boyfriend Jack, his family and a couple of his friends, reader runs up to him after and confirming the rumors surrounding their relationship

➾ warning(s) : a pov switch, an occasional use of “y/n” in Jack’s pov

➾ author’s note : been wantinggg to write something like this so ty anon for sending this in. also, i’m just using the alchemy as an original song for our reader in this fic. literally no other taylor song will be used lmaooo

༺═──────────────═༻

⦗Jack’s POV ⦘

He hasn’t been back to Jersey since before the shoulder surgery that took him out for the last handful of games of the season. There's a sense of déjà vu when his flight from Michigan lands. Jack feels good though, unlike the last time he was in Jersey, and has been medically cleared to resume light activity.

Light activity means attending his girlfriend’s first show of three at MetLife without his sling on. He has yet to see her play on this insane tour she’s been on for the past few months because of the surgery and watching the Canucks in the playoffs.

Jack’s been good and has been following his doctor’s orders so he feels like this would be a good way to celebrate.

After reaching out to his girlfriend’s security team, Jack got his family and a couple of friends permission to be in the VIP tent for one show. He has full access to the tent being her boyfriend, but he has to get permission to bring friends or family that aren’t her friends or family that is already on the list. He asked for his request to be kept between them since he’s trying to surprise her.

Will she find out anyway? Probably. He’s a big name in the hockey world, especially in New Jersey. Jack’s pretty sure the news will spread when he shows up before her set with his family. Especially with all the rumors surrounding their relationship.

Trevor and Cole even fly into Jersey after Jack told them that they could come to the show if they wanted. He picks them up from Newark International that morning. He goes to Luke’s apartment instead of the apartment he shares with (Y/N) since the two of them might want some privacy after the show. Quinn and his parents are already there when he walks in with his friends.

His mom sits with Quinn and Luke on his couch when he walks in with his friends. Trevor and Cole greet the oldest and youngest Hughes while Jack collapses on the couch beside his mom.

“Does your shoulder hurt?” Ellen questions. “Because I brought your medicine with us-”

“It’s okay,” Jack tells his mom. “I brought some with me and took one before I picked up Trevor and Cole. It feels good right now.”

She nods while Trevor and Cole put their things away in Luke’s only extra bedroom.

Jack has no idea what their sleeping arrangements are going to be tonight but he knows that their parents got a hotel room nearby while Quinn, Trevor, and Cole all stay at Luke’s. He offered them the extra bedrooms in the apartment he shares with his girlfriend but they told him that they weren’t interested in hearing what happens when they get home after the show. He wasn’t going to press on the issue so he dropped it.

Around three, Jack leaves Luke’s apartment with Trevor and Cole. The trio head to his shared apartment because he knows that (Y/N) has left to go to the arena. Jack is very much aware of when she leaves for shows. She likes to get there early to soundcheck, costume try ons, do a little rehearsal backstage, and decompress before a show. Especially one this big.

He changes out of his casual t-shirt and loose sport shorts into something more presentable. He throws on a dark blue button up and a pair of jeans. He puts on a hat and a pair of white sneakers to complete the look.

Of course, his friends tease him about his outfit.

“You could go without the hat,” Trevor says. “I mean, you’re seeing your girlfriend for the first time in how long and you’re wearing a hat? She likes your matted hair for whatever reason.”

He rolls his eyes. “My hair is not matted,” he retorts. “Sometimes a little greasy from sweating and being trapped under a helmet but not matted.”

Cole laughs and Jack grabs his keys from the little table by the door. “Just saying,” Trevor replies. “Just looking out for you, Jacky. All eyes are going to be on you until your girl comes on stage tonight.”

He nearly shuts and locks them in his apartment for the night after that.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

⦗ reader’s POV ⦘

Another show, another city. She loves touring and love interacting with the people that gave her this opportunity, but it takes a toll on her after a while. She’s exhausted and she hasn’t even made it to the European leg of the tour yet.

Plus, it’s hard being away from family and friends for weeks and months at time. She hasn’t seen her parents since before she left to tour and FaceTime has become her best friend when she wants to talk to any of her friends or her boyfriend. Especially her boyfriend.

There are no words to express how much she misses Jack and being able to be with him.

She misses their movie nights where they'd fall asleep on the couch with a bowl of popcorn on one of their laps and the next morning it would be all over the floor. She misses the late night cuddles and morning kisses. She even misses when Jack would be late for bed after coming home from a game and he'd just watch film from said game. She loves to join him and he just talks her through every play. It's how she learned more than just the hockey basics that she already knew from watching with her dad when she was younger.

While she's in her dressing room after rehearsals and soundcheck, she pulls out her phone and text Jack since he's been on her mind for a little bit.

hughesy ♡ - 3:04 pm miss you. wish you were here tn

hughesy ♡ - 3:06 pm wish i was there too. you're gonna kill it like you always do (i've been living on tiktok since tour started so i can watch videos people post)

hughesy ♡ - 3:10 pm still. wish you could be here tn. i'd like to see you in the crowd at least once before i leave for the european part of the tour :((

hughesy ♡ - 3:13 pm you will. pinky promise

hughesy ♡ - 3:14 pm can't break a pinky promise, jack

hughesy ♡ - 3:16 pm you know i don't. i love you. see you soon 🤍

With a light sigh at Jack's promise to see her on tour, she puts down her phone and leans back where she sits on the loveseat. Her eyes close for a second and she imagines Jack being in the crowd for one of her shows. Especially after she debuts her new song tonight that she wrote with Jack in mind.

She should probably tell him that she wrote a song about him that will basically confirm their entire relationship. She wrote it to sound like sports in general but everyone will know that it's about Jack. They've all but publicly confirmed their relationship at this point so everyone will absolutely know that the song is about Jack.

The next few hours fly by as she begins to get into her first costume of the night -- a sparkly silver bodysuit made with thin fabric and a pair of matching heeled ankle boots. Hair and makeup come in as soon as she's dressed to get her ready for the several hour show she's about to put on in the hot New Jersey air since it's the dead of summer.

By eight, she's itching to get on stage in front of her hometown crowd. She's underneath the stage with a microphone waiting for her cue to go up.

Her music begins to play and the lights go out. The crowd screams as her platform begins to rise. She pops up right before the lights go on and she opens the show with one of the first songs she ever released when she was literally a 16-year-old out of New York. No one had ever heard her before and a record label took a risk on her after a couple of YouTube covers that got maybe 100 views each.

After her first song, she glances at the VIP tent to see who decided to come. She sees a handful of her Hollywood friends that live in New York City, one or two of her friends that she's made in Jersey over the past few years.

Then she sees Trevor Zegras. Cole Caufield stands in front of him. Luke and Quinn come into view next. Jack is right behind his brothers. Ellen and Jim are with them as well. She can't help but smile when she sees Jack.

The crowd around the tent turns and looks to see what she's smiling at. They lose it and she hears shouts of "Jack Hughes" from that area of the crowd.

Her band begins to play the next song and she jumps right back into the show. Jack being at the show is on the back of her mind. She forgot how good he looks without his arm in a sling. He looks really good, and she can't do anything about it right now.

The surprise portion of the night comes too quickly, but she's excited now that she knows that Jack is in the crowd for her debuting song.

She stands in front of her microphone stand and glances toward the tent where Jack stands. The crowd talks amongst themselves while she prepares herself for the next few minutes.

Everything is going to change in about five minutes.

"I have been debating giving you guys this song since I wrote it a few months ago," she begins to say into her mic. "It's one of my favorite songs that I have ever written, and you will understand why soon. This song is very much unreleased and this is the first time it has ever seen daylight so please be gentle with her. This is my gift to you for everything you have given me over the last few years. This is called 'The Alchemy'."

The crowd absolutely loses their minds when she's done talking. The beginning chords begin to play and she begins to sing these words live for the very first time.

This happens once every few lifetimes These chemicals hit me like white wine

What if I told you I'm back? The hospital was a drag Worst sleep that I ever had I circled you on a map I haven't come around in so long But I'm coming back so strong

Every so often, she turns her head toward the tent like she's singing the song to Jack. It's really to check on his reaction to the song. She spots the huge smile on her boyfriend's face and she mirrors it as she sings.

Flashlights are in the air as she sings since the crowd doesn't know the words. This is what she means by the connection she has with her audience. They always find a way to participate in the show, and she loves them for it. They are what makes this fun.

So when I touch down Call the amateurs and Cut 'em from the team Ditch the clowns, get the crown Baby I'm the one to beat Cause the sign on your heart Said it's still reserved for me Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?

The crowd loses their minds when they hear the sports reference. She grins before she begins the second verse, once again glancing over at Jack. Trevor is saying something to him, but Jack's eyes are on her. He nods at whatever Trevor is saying without even looking at him.

Her smile grows as she begins her favorite part of the song. She turns her head and looks directly at Jack in the tent.

Shirts off, and your friends lift you up over their heads Beer sticking to the floor Cheers chanted, cause they said There was no chance, trying to be The greatest in the league Where's the trophy? He just comes running over to me

As soon as the last line leaves her mouth, the crowd is deafening. She smiles as she's met with such a positive reaction to the song. The crowd gets even louder when the song actually ends. She takes a step back and takes in this moment because it's going to live with her for a very long time.

The crowd keeps the same kind of intensity for the rest of the show, which is about another hour at least. She may have pushed it a little longer as a thank you to the crowd for being so kind to her.

A part of her can't wait to get off stage to greet her boyfriend for the first time in months. She told security to go get him, his family, and his friends from the tent during the last song because she can't wait any longer to hug him, kiss him, and tell him how much she loves and missed him.

She doesn't care how many eyes will be on her when she goes running to him backstage. She just confirmed their entire relationship to millions of people, maybe even billions of people. The last thing she's worried about is how many pairs of eyes are on her when she sees Jack for the first time since his surgery.

The platform she's standing on at the end of the show goes down under the stages once she's done thanking the crowd, her band, her dancers, and her backup singers. She scrambles off of it before it stops moving and is off running to find Jack.

Her heels click as she runs under the stage. She's blinded by the stadium lights when she emerges backstage. Some of the crowd that can see her cheers for her when they see her. It happens at all of her shows. Her eyes scan the entire area before they land on Jack talking with younger brother Luke outside the tent that leads back into the stadium and the dressing room areas. She takes off sprinting.

Jack glances in her direction and smiles when he sees her. The crowd notices him and gets even louder when they realize who is waiting for her.

When she gets to him, she throws herself around him. Suddenly, it becomes just the two of them alone in the world. She buries her face in the crook of his neck and closes her eyes. Jack wraps his arms around her, one of his hands cradling the back of her neck.

"Told you I never break my pinky promises," Jack mumbles into her ear through her hair.

She pulls back and cups his jaw in her hands. Jack dries the tears that she didn't even know began to roll down her cheeks. "You're really here," she says, her voice shaky and hoarse from the show. "I can't believe you're really here."

He grins and nods. "I'm here, and I'd really like it if you would kiss me because I have been waiting months to kiss you," he tells her.

She captures his lips in a long kiss with no hesitation. The remaining crowd loses their minds above her and she smiles as Jack reciprocates the kiss. It's a kiss that's on the quicker side but it feels like an eternity.

"Are you ready for all this?" she questions, motioning around her as she asks the question. "You've always been watching behind the curtain but are you ready for all the eyes to be on you?"

"It's not much different than the eyes I already have on me," he admits. "I already have a ton of eyes on me so yes, I'm ready to share this entire life with you. Now that I've seen you on stage, I don't think I'll be able to stop watching you. You looked stunning up there."

The biggest grin forms on her face. "I missed you, Jack," she tells him. "So much."

"You're not going months without seeing me again," he promises. "I'll make sure of it."

And she believes every single word.

༺═──────────────═༻

MASTERLIST

have a request ? check out the guidelines !!

wanna be added to the taglist ? fill out this form !!

taglist : @dasiysthings @axaslee @ithinkimokeei @equallyshaw @dancerbailey3 @goldihocksrocks @love4lando @stony1386 @mangoluver @prettyinsatiable @ivy-34 @bunbunbl0gs @marie7366 @aaliyah40606-blog @naughty-box @memandi @this-ass-is-eikonic @alwaysclassyeagle @auriesphantom @thestarrynightslover @hoppyhockey

[impala-dreamer]

Tell me a story about reader trying to hide something from Spencer Reid (fluffish)

A Not-So-Secret Secret

Spencer Reid x F!Reader

Fluff and Secrets and Pregnancy Revelations

Impala-Dreamer’s Masterlist  ~  Patreon  ~ Published Works

It was like trying to play tag with God. You took a step, and he followed. You turned a corner, and he was there waiting. It was fucking impossible. He seemed to be everywhere at the same time; his light brown eyes forever following you around, detailing and documenting every odd move and every evasive answer. It almost made you feel sorry for the serial killers he interviewed and every suspect he’d been in contact with.  

Almost. 

While you were becoming increasingly infuriated with his passive observational skills, you were still determined to keep it all a secret. Soon, you would make your little announcement, apologize for being so moody the last few weeks, and give an excuse for all the seemingly random running out of rooms you’d been doing in the early mornings. Soon, you’d sit him down and spill the beans; pray that he’d be OK with it all. Soon. But trekking through the damp woods of Vermont while looking for an UnSub was neither the time nor the place. 

Even though he was a few yards ahead, you could somehow still feel him watching you. It was as if he had eyes behind his head, or, at the very least, a bit of ESP that transcended the physical limitations of the human body and let him watch you no matter where he was. The internal workings of his mind were surely a sight to see. Maybe someday, you mused, you’d put him in an MRI machine and map his genius in real-time. 

Fallen branches snapped under your boots and the fog chilled your bones. The FBI windbreaker you’d grabbed instead of your usual wool coat was not enough to stave off the dampness. Pausing for a moment, you cupped your hands and breathed into them, hoping to take the frozen sting off of your fingertips.

Spencer heard your footsteps stop and spun around instantly. 

“Are you OK?” His voice was low but his concern carried easily through the trees.

A deep breath squared your shoulders and you prepared to resume your hike. “Absolutely,” you replied with a wink and a smile. 

He knew you were lying. He always knew. What he didn’t know, you hoped, was why. 

To your left, the heavy flapping of wings caught your ear, and you turned to see a large black bird taking flight. You followed it upwards, watching its impressive wingspan darken the sky as it ascended. As it faded into the gray sky, a line of smoke appeared about half a mile away. A chimney. The scent of burning logs floated by on a cold breeze and the smell turned your stomach. Quickly, you dropped your face into your hand, desperate to hide your gag. 

Spencer was a foot away when you straightened back up. His eyes were narrowed, his lips drawn into a tight pink line. He let his hand hover over your shoulder, unsure if you’d allow it to land. 

“Y/N-” 

Clearing your throat, you brushed him off with a reassuring but fake smile. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not.” 

Damnit. “Spencer, if I say I’m fine, I’m fine.” You crossed your arms and tried to stand your ground but another wave of nausea struck you. The wretch clicked in the back of your throat and you swallowed it down, hard. “Let’s go,” you insisted. “I’m freezing.” 

He sighed. “I told you to wear a sweater.” His hand fell lovingly on your shoulder. “You know, the weather in this area this time of year can-”

You cut him off harshly. “I do not need a lesson on the weather patterns of New England, Spencer!” 

He flinched at your tone and slowly curled his fingers as he lifted his hand away. He frowned and nodded thoughtfully. “Sorry.” 

Your heart sank and you cursed every wayward hormone and chemical in your body. “No.” You shook your head and sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m just…” Moody and terrified. Starving yet nauseated; freezing yet sweating… “I’m cold and I wanna get back to the hotel. This is getting us nowhere.” Did I mention I’m gonna throw up if I have to keep smelling that fire? “Let’s just hurry up and do what we came to do so I can go home. OK?” Also, my feet hurt and I’m a little dizzy.

He studied your face for a long moment and then nodded. “Let’s just go. We’re only a mile from the car and I doubt we’ll get much further before you pass out.” 

His words flowed in one ear and out the other before spinning around and slapping you in the face. You jolted. 

“Uh, what?” 

“You’re shaking and you’ve gone a little pale.” His hand returned to your shoulder. The weight was reassuring but his words had you on edge. 

Do you know? You stared up at him, eyes narrowed in suspicion. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I said I’m fine.”

His other hand pressed gently against your cheek and you melted into the comforting warmth. “You should probably eat something too. I have saltines and water in the car. It’ll settle your stomach.” 

Son of a bitch. “Not hungry,” you fibbed, “but thanks.” 

A gurgle from your stomach told otherwise and you gave up. Tiny tears welled in your eyes and you sank into yourself a bit. Busted. Found out. Betrayed by your own gut. 

Spencer smiled sweetly. “You know I know, right?” 

You rolled your eyes. “Well, I do now.” 

He pulled you close and kissed the top of your head. Wrapping your arms around him, you settled your head over his heart. 

“When were you going to tell me?” he asked. 

“I don’t know, when my water broke?”

He laughed. It vibrated through him. “Why were you afraid to tell me?” 

With a sigh, you pushed away to look up at him. He was handsome and messy and you wanted to punch him in his stupid perfect face for being so smart. “I wasn’t afraid, I just… wanted to… I don’t know, I mean, we never talked about kids or anything but-” 

He stopped your ramble with a kiss and held your face gently in his hands. “It’s a good surprise,” he whispered. “We’ll figure it out, OK?” 

His smile was honest and you relaxed. “OK.” 

“Good.” 

“But seriously, I need to eat something or I’m going to puke all over you.” 

The walk back to the car was somehow easier. Perhaps it was the relief of not having to hide anymore, or maybe the prospect of crackers ahead. Either way, it felt as if you were floating over the dead leaves. 

“I did hide it pretty well though, didn’t I?” 

He laughed under his breath at your query. “Yeah. Pretty good.” 

Who’s lying now?

“When did you figure it out?” 

Spencer pushed his glasses up a bit and looked off towards the big black SUV waiting at the edge of the forest. 

“Few weeks ago,” he admitted. 

“Really?”

“Yeah.” He smiled. “You left the pregnancy test on the sink.” 

Son of a bitch…

[eretzyisrael]

Good News From Israel

In the 4th Feb 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:

Kibbutz Be’eri re-opened its printing press 3 days after the Hamas attack.

Thanks to Israeli tech, a totally paralyzed woman is “virtually” cured.

The first Arab Israeli delegation to visit Auschwitz.

Lab-cultivated coffee cuts water used in production by 98%.

An Israeli startup delivers the world’s first fully electronic truck.

Israelis win international gold medals in ice hockey and fencing.

An embassy for indigenous people is to open in Jerusalem.

Read More: Good News From Israel

Israel’s resilience in the wake of the Oct 7 onslaught has astounded many of its overseas supporters and opponents alike. Israel is making an astonishing comeback, as this week’s positive newsletter highlights.   On the Jewish New Year for trees, JNF-USA volunteers planted thousands of trees at the site of the devastated NOVA music festival. Israel’s largest printing press resumed operation 3 days after Hamas overran the kibbutz. The IDF brought back a tractor stolen by Hamas on Oct 7 from Gaza to its kibbutz owners. Wounded IDF soldiers are being brought back to health thanks to heroic rescues, surgeons using hi-tech medical technology, and empathic volunteers providing rehabilitation, respite, and emotional support.   Aside from the war, Israeli medical technology brought back the ability to communicate to a paralyzed Israeli woman. And an Israeli startup won an international award for regrowing human bone tissue. Meanwhile, two initiatives are restoring trust between Israeli Jews and Arabs.   Israelis are helping the USA bring its aging power grid back to life; and an Israeli startup is recycling waste into fashion products. Israel’s economy is certainly coming back, and a new Resilience fund is helping war-impacted startups make a comeback. Meanwhile El Al is increasing its flights to bring back tourists and to encourage international business.   The warm winter and welcome rains have brought back color into Jerusalem’s streets; Israel’s ice hockey team came back from being banned from a tournament, to winning all its 5 games; and Israel just celebrated the 20th anniversary of its greatest ecological comeback – the rehabilitation of the Hula Valley.   Finally, "they will all come to Jerusalem" – as the world gradually recognizes that the Jewish People have come back to their ancestral homeland, the Indigenous peoples of the world have opened an embassy in Jerusalem. The photo is of the Netanya offices of Elbit Systems, which has helped Israel make a fighting comeback.

[bugmomwrites]

Strangeness and Charm

(A Leorio x Fem!Autistic!Reader College AU)

Leorio is thrilled to be returning to college in the fall after a trip with his friends to York New, and pleasantly surprised to meet a new pretty face in his classes. Unfortunately for him, you also exist.

Or, it's a wonderful day on the campus, and you are a horrible student.

A/N: This is how I'm coping with chemistry class guys. A neat little story by an autistic girlie for the autistic girlies. It's pretty bare bones and it started as a joke with @bwabys-scenarios. Worth noting I was zooted out of my mind when I began composing the earliest draft, so if you were hoping for the next Odyessy, look elsewhere because I'm writing solely for my own enjoyment and nothing is sacred. If you want to be added to the tag list please let me know, it will give me an extra dopamine molecule to survive the day.

That said, enjoy the ride.

Chapter I: Water & Oil

‘401, 402, 403- Here it is. Why am I just finding out this morning they moved the class to the fourth floor?’

Leorio sighed, glancing at his schedule one last time to confirm that he was, in fact, in the correct place before carefully pushing the door open and marching into his Advanced Chemistry class. It was bad enough showing up about ten minutes late after having missed syllabus week due to a trip, but now it was going to be even more difficult to find a seat. He groaned internally at this, realizing that with the new fall semester the place would be fuller than usual, especially with fresh high school graduates.

‘Of course the place is crawling with freshmen’, he thought to himself. Giving a polite wave to the professor who nodded stiffly before returning to introductions, he turned his attention back to the lecture hall seating, his eyes desperately roving over the sea of people on the risers. There were a few empty ones in front, but when he went to set his books down he was met with a few stinkeyes and a passive aggressive “pack it up Buddy the elf!” Putting his hands up in surrender, Leorio picked up his briefcase again and resumed his search. 

Trying to make one’s way up a flight of bleachers at a game is hard enough, but add in being well over six feet tall, noisy, horrendously awkward, and the last one to show up, of course hundreds of eyes would be burning into you. Leorio wasn’t a stranger to attracting attention when he went out, but damn it can’t a guy just exist in peace?!

Not wanting to be any more disruptive than he already had been, Leorio made his way up, gingerly stepping over limbs and muttering apologies as he found two seats close to the back, opting for the one with more legroom. Finally able to sit after nearly missing his bus, arriving at the wrong building, and sprinting over here only to cause a scene, he felt his blood pressure drop back to normal. Sure, he could feel sweat on his back, but his suit jacket was dark enough to hide what could have been an embarrassing patch.

He must not have been as composed as he tried to convince himself he was, because he was still in a daze when one of the many freshman dug into her bag and held up a metal water bottle as big as his head. He had always heard that eye contact was good when meeting a new person, but was it possible for a person to maintain too much of it? Baggy eyes with thick lashes and circles to match stared into him, as if studying him under a microscope, and he felt himself shrinking into himself despite towering over her. Another moment of loaded silence fell over them before she shook the bottle, the subdued clattering of ice inside bringing him back to earth. He hesitantly thanks her, carefully lifting the heavy object with both hands before unscrewing the top to take a grateful swig.

‘Maybe they’re not all bad. Sure, they’re a little arrogant, but they haven’t been adults for very long either. Besides, I’m only 19, it’s not like I’m much b-’

His eyes shot wide open when he finally registered the familiar burn of a stiff drink on his tongue. And not just some flimsy cocktail either- this was some prohibition-level strength in that bottle! 

Trying frantically to spit it back into the strawless mouth of the lid, he coughed up as much as he possibly could. The girl looked up from the chicken scratch on her binder when he set the bottle back down on the table between them with a dull thud. She had the audacity to raise an eyebrow at him, seemingly indifferent to his plight before shrugging and chugging an alarming amount of booze and backwash at 9am.

Leorio looked on, horrified and making a mental note to avoid her like the plague this coming semester. He had already made enough of a scene today, so he sat uncomfortably in her proximity as the professor droned on about the syllabus, covering the last page of information that was missed on Friday due to time constraints. Nothing seemed to change from last year except for the location, and a few other topics that he had already grown familiar with in the standard level class last semester. As the talking faded into white noise he found himself thinking of how to give this girl a piece of his mind as soon as the bell rung.

“And I hope you’re all comfortable where you are now, because the people at your table will be your lab partner for this week’s assignment! Now that everyone knows what’s to be expected in this class, let’s take some time now to get to know our seatmates better.”

His head swivled around like a deer in the headlights, eyes darting to the professor, to Moonshine Girl, to just behind Moonshine Girl where another woman sat eating some fruit from a tupperware bowl. She appeared to be a little bit older, taller, and much more composed than her slovenly counterpart. Manicured nails pushed a lock of platinum blonde hair out of her face as she gave Leorio a blinding smile, and everything about her screamed perfection. To her left, in between the two of them, Moonshine Girl was currently squeezing a ziploc baggie of soggy fruity pebbles out of a snipped corner and into her gaping maw.

“Sooo my name is Emily, I’m looking forward to working with y”-

“What the hell did you just give me?! I know it wasn’t water in that bottle! You have a lot of explaining to do missy. I don’t know what possessed you to think bringing that was o”-

“Hey, HEY dude calm down. It was an honest mistake.” Moonshine Girl sat up in her chair after leaning back on the legs a little. She shamefully took the bottle out, unscrewing the entire lid and showing them the contents. It was moonshine, all right- and there were little plastic stars filled with water. Reusable ice cubes.

“It was a Labor Day weekend project, I have a few of these giant bottles. I probably should have labeled them better instead of just throwing everything on my countertop.” Well, if Leorio was angry before, he was furious now. He opened his mouth, about to go on a tirade when Emily quietly asked to hold it. Moonshine Girl obliged, passing the container over. Hoping Emily would take it and dump it on the way out of class, Leorio leaned back into his seat when Emily took a sip herself, setting it down with a thumbs up.

“Oh yeah, no that’s definitely not water. It’s not too bad though, maybe you can show me how to make it at some point?”

Leorio watches the exchange, flabbergasted. Moonshine Girl nods excitedly, twisting the lid back on and tucking it back in her bag. “That sounds fun! Oh, right, my name is (name).”

Leorio files the information in his brain away for later, deciding to play nice until the end of class when he could quietly report the incident.

---

“Alright, if we’re going to be seeing a lot more of each other this semester, maybe we should exchange contact info?”, (name) suggested, opening up the contacts app on her phone. Emily's face lit up, popping her phone number in, and then asked (name) to follow up with a quick text to make sure it worked. Sure enough, her phone pinged and Emily sent a little message back.

‘Hey! It’s Emily from chem <3’

Satisfied with the result, Emily goes to put her phone away when Leorio stops her. “Hey wait a minute why can’t I get a pretty girl’s number?!” 

Emily’s smile fades a little, cringing at the blatant flirting attempt before reluctantly punching in her digits. “Don’t forget (name)”, she reminds him, and he sighs. A few taps later, he hits the create contact button and slides the phone across the table when (name) pipes up.

“Wait hang on, I need to test it.” Fuck.

(Name) composes a little message, and almost immediately is greeted with an automated text message reading ‘Thank you for signing up for dinosaur facts! To hear our fact of the day, send YES. To unsubscribe, send STOP.’

Emily looks up at the man, disappointed. It was a good thing (name) made a habit of testing numbers before labeling the contacts, or she might not have caught it. “Come on man, really?” (Name) grimaced a little awkwardly, trying to lighten things up.

“Hey, it’s not so bad, I happen to like dinosaurs thank you very much.”

“That’s not the point- oh my god. Leorio, give her your real number. (name), I have it if he gives you another fake.” And with that, Emily pulls the contact screen up, the numbers mocking Leorio. He can’t lie his way out of it either- not with the blurry peace sign selfie he set as his photo ID. He grumbles, popping it in and sending a text from there before pulling out his own phone with a new message notification on the home screen.

“There you go. Happy? And quit daydrinking, college is no place for people who aren’t serious about their education.”

He walks out, (name) fuming a little as he picks up his jacket off the chair- the heat from running must have gotten too unbearable- and swinging it over his shoulder with one hand, briefcase in the other. The sweat stain that he thought disappeared was very much still there as he padded towards the door unceremoniously. Emily snapped a quick pic, and texted it to (name).

“There's a fitting contact photo”, (name) glanced at the screen hearing Emily’s words, and chuckled. The massive dark patch on his white shirt was blurry, but still visible to the naked eye. Typing into the first name section of her contacts and adding the photo, she flipped the screen around to show Emily her handiwork.

‘PANGEA’

“Ha! Yeah it does kind of look like the supercontinent.” Emily chuckled to herself, smiling as the two of them left the class. “And he looks to be as old as it too.” While (name) was thrilled to have finally made a friend in college, she prayed to every deity that there was more to this Leorio guy beneath the surface, otherwise, it would be a very long year.

---

Taglist:

@bwabys-scenarios

[t0r1b34r]

Life Update

Ok guys!! So I’ve gotten lots of questions!! About whether or not I’m planning to update First Light and when and how I’m doing, etc. etc.

So here’s a life update!!

Tori! Where are you now? We miss you!

I’m currently in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan! It’s insane. When I was younger, I’d always dreamed of coming to Japan and walking through Torii gates, wearing a kimono, and exploring the beauty of Japan’s natural forests. And guess what? I’ve done it!! Thanks to a study abroad program through my university, I’m currently spending a semester studying political science abroad. Incredible!!

I arrived on March 22nd, and will return home on August 15th. Every day has been spent exploring the beauty of Japan, making new friends, and studying hard to learn Japanese. たのしいですよ！！

But because I’ve been so busy I haven’t been able to update as much as I’ve wanted to. Date I say a part of me even lost inspiration in being distracted with so many other things…!!!!!

So when are you going to update?

Great question. Recently, I finished binge rereading First Light and getting reacquainted with Audie and Gale. It’s been a while, after all! And oh, how it filled me with so much happiness to read everything they’ve done and been through. All of the happy and excited feelings I felt when I first wrote the fic came back to me. And it’s inspired me on what I’m going to write next, believe me.

I cannot give an exact date on when the next update is gonna be. I can only say that it’ll be sometime before next week ends, if I’m lucky. Here’s the things I need to catch up on right now:

My Japanese class (I’m like 4 topics behind guys don’t skip class)

My international law class (seriously guys)

My peace, humanity, democracy class (don’t FUCKING skip class!!!)

Planning my flight back home

Planning my goodbye trip before I go home

I have hope! And inspiration! And so much excitement!!! And so much LOVE!!!

Can we get some pictures of all you’ve done in Japan!?

That would be AWESOME however I’m not the most keen on posting pictures of myself online just yet. I do want to go into politics after all— not that having a massive and popular fic under my resume is a downside LOL

But here’s some non-face pics from my recent trip to Osaka :)

I’ve made so many amazing and incredibly friends from all over the world. I never thought I’d be able to travel like this, much less to the place of my dreams.

If any of you are in the Kyushu/Oita area and wanna hang out, let me know. I’d absolutely love to!

But in the meantime, stay tuned for more Nobleweave coming real soon.

Love you!!!!

[usafphantom2]

The MiG-25 Foxbat

In the late 1960s, the USSR revealed the existence of the aircraft that appeared to be the world’s deadliest fighter, the MiG-25 (NATO reporting name “Foxbat”). This aircraft could outrun any fighter in the air, and indeed any military aircraft other than the SR-71 Blackbird.

SR-71 T-Shirts

CLICK HERE to see The Aviation Geek Club contributor Linda Sheffield’s T-shirt designs! Linda has a personal relationship with the SR-71 because her father Butch Sheffield flew the Blackbird from test flight in 1965 until 1973. Butch’s Granddaughter’s Lisa Burroughs and Susan Miller are graphic designers. They designed most of the merchandise that is for sale on Threadless. A percentage of the profits go to Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base. This nonprofit charity is personal to the Sheffield family because they are raising money to house SR-71, #955. This was the first Blackbird that Butch Sheffield flew on Oct. 4, 1965.

Loaded with two R-40 missiles (NATO reporting name AA-6 ‘Acrid’), the Foxbat could reach 78,000 feet, but with its full complement of four missiles, it was limited to 68,900 feet. By contrast the Habu flew at cruise speeds above Mach 3 at over 80,000 feet.

Nevertheless, once an SR-71 Blackbird flown by Col. Darrel Cobb was fired on by a MiG-25, as Cobb himself recalls in this interview given to his son Chris;

The “holy grail” of the soviet air defense system: shooting down an SR-71 Blackbird

Col. Cobb’s SR-71 Blackbird fired on by a MiG-25.

‘Operational missions.

‘First let me assure you; we never broke President Eisenhower’s promise to cease overflying the Soviet Union. We remained over international water – 12 mi offshore.

‘All of my operational flying was from Kadena, Okinawa. Area of interest was Vietnam; Korea; Vladivostok, USSR; China. Later, we flew transatlantic & return from Seymour Johnson, NC supporting the Israel Arab war. After I left the program, the SR flew from Mildenhall, England & Bodo, Norway.

‘We already touched on missions against Vietnam & the only night mission.

‘Today let’s cover “north missions.”

SR-71 print

This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. SR-71A Blackbird 61-7972 “Skunkworks”

‘Take off, refuel & head into the Sea of Japan; between Japan & south Korea. Accelerated to operational speed – 3.20. Head directly at Vladivostok. headquarters of USSR air defense; and test/r & d of new radar & intercept development. 2200 mph guaranteed to light up all the radar & intercept systems they had.

‘A MiG-25 interceptor squadron was based just outside of Vladivostok. The “holy grail” of the soviet air defense system was to shoot down an SR-71.

‘Turn north up the Sea of Japan & make a U-turn back down the USSR coast (12 mi offshore) with ELINT & SIGINT recorders going full bore. Photo cameras looking oblique into the USSR, updating the interceptor air order of battle. Head south east till past Vladivostok then turn slightly left then right to cross Korea at the DMZ. Photo cameras updating N. Korea force readiness to resume hostilities against S. Korea.

SR-71 Blackbird fired on by a MiG-25

‘Continue down the yellow sea coast of China. All sensors evaluating China’s threat to Taiwan. Turn left- decel & land at Kadena. I flew this profile several times during the 4 years I flew ops missions. One of these got very, very thrilling. Southbound, passing Vladivostok, Reg (my RSO) announced;

‘”We’ve got a fighter locked on – it’s gotta be a MiG-25″

‘”Our DEF [Defensive Electronic Gear, DEF. It Provided ground-to-air and air-to-air missile protection. Still Classified. Def systems were labeled DEF A,B,C,E and G. Later modifications to the DEF Systems resulted in DEF A2, C2, H and M systems. Nearing retirement of the SR-71, a programmable DEF labeled A2C could defeat all known threats to the Blackbirds] is blanketing all beautifully.”

Fedotov MiG-25RB altitude world record

‘”Oops – he just fired – – we’ve got a missile locked on”

‘”Our def has shifted to its missile magic”

‘”There – lock’s broken. Missile’s back in search”

‘”That’s weird – sounds like the missile’s locked on – but not locked on us”

‘”He’s gone – coming up on the “s” turn to the DMZ.”’

Fast forward to late 1976 Col. Cobb retired from the Air Force.

MiG-25 at risk of being shot down by its own missile

Cobb continues;

‘I’m retired! Learning that retirement means no days off; no vacation; no holidays; big pay cut.

‘I find the aircraft TV channel & history channel. Lots & lots of SR-71 films. I avidly watch at every opportunity. In my den, glued to the TV & today’s SR-71 show, & who do I see comparing the MiG-25 with the SR-71??

SR-71 pilot recalls that time his Blackbird flew so fast that he and his RSO landed at Kadena AB two hours before they took off from Beale AFB beating the sun

‘You’re right – – Lt Victor Belenko!

‘He was totally gobsmacked; his MiG-25 burned up the engines getting to Mach 3 yet the SR’s cruise speed was greater than 3.0.

‘Belenko is the one who said that the Holy Grail of soviet air defense was to shoot down an SR.

‘He told of how they would pre-position ahead of the SR’s radar track and had to zoom up to get a lock on & fire their missile.

‘Belenko stressed how quickly & precisely they had to perform because the window of opportunity was so very short.

‘Their target was traveling at 3600 ft/sec. Faster than a speeding bullet.

‘He described in detail how precise the post firing breakaway had to be executed to avoid getting shot down by their own missile; talking as though they found this out the “hard way.”’

Cobb Concludes;

‘Man talk about intense attention – – I’m quickly mentally replaying that tape from the inter-phone – –

‘”We’ve got a fighter locked on – it’s gotta be a Mig-25″

MiG-25

‘”Our DEF is blanketing all beautifully.”

‘”Oops – he just fired – – we’ve got a missile locked on”

‘”Our def has shifted to its missile magic”

‘”There – lock’s broken. Missile’s back in search.

‘”That’s weird – sounds like the missile’s locked on – but not locked on us.”’

What happened to the missile fired by the MiG-25 Foxbat at the SR-71 Blackbird?

What happened to the missile fired by the MiG-25? Could it have locked onto the Foxbat itself? Could the SR-71 DEF have deceived it? We’ll never know.

However, we can assume that given that SR-71 had a cruise speed faster than the top speed of the MiG-25’s Acrid missiles, the Blackbird simply outran the AA-6. There was no chance a Foxbat could conduct a tail-chase interception of an SR-71 (the MiG-25 couldn’t carry out a head-on intercept of a Blackbird too: in fact, the Foxbat’s radar and fire control system was not sophisticated enough to solve the problems of a head-on intercept at closing speeds that would exceed Mach 5).

Be sure to check out Linda Sheffield Miller (Col Richard (Butch) Sheffield’s daughter, Col. Sheffield was an SR-71 Reconnaissance Systems Officer) Twitter X Page Habubrats SR-71 and Facebook Page Born into the Wilde Blue Yonder for awesome Blackbird’s photos and stories.

This model is available in multiple sizes from AirModels – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS.

Photo credit: Dmitriy Pichugin via Wikimedia and U.S. Air Force

@Habubrats71 via X

Linda Sheffield Miller

Grew up at Beale Air Force Base, California. I am a Habubrat. Graduated from North Dakota State University. Former Public School Substitute Teacher, (all subjects all grades). Member of the DAR (Daughters of the Revolutionary War). I am interested in History, especially the history of SR-71. Married, Mother of three wonderful daughters and four extremely handsome grandsons. I live near Washington, DC.

PREVIOUS « The story of when Clint Eastwood almost drowned after crashing in a US Navy Skyraider off the coast of Northern California

Leave a Comment

SHARE

PUBLISHED BY

Linda Sheffield Miller

TAGS:

AA-6 AcridLockheed SR-71 BlackbirdMiG-25MiG-25 FoxbatSoviet Air ForceSR-71U.S. Air Force

10 HOURS AGO

RELATED POST

The exercise where French Mystere IV and Super Mystere B2 fighters outmaneuvered and outclassed US Navy F-4 Phantom IIs

The exercise where French Mystere IV and Super Mystere B2 fighters outmaneuvered and outclassed US Navy F-4 Phantom IIs

Czech Air Force buys 24 F-35 Lightning II strike fighters to replace the JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets currently used by the service

Czech Air Force buys 24 F-35 Lightning II strike fighters to replace the JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets currently used by the service

RECENT POSTS

MILITARY AVIATION

The story of when Clint Eastwood almost drowned after crashing in a US Navy Skyraider off the coast of Northern California

The AD Skyraider The airplane that became the AD (later redesignated A-1) Skyraider evolved from… Read More

10 hours ago

AVIATION HISTORY

“Things don’t look rosy for our big cities:” Here’s what the Luftwaffe’s leadership thought of the B-17 after their first encounter with a captured Flying Fortress

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress design emphasized high altitude flight,… Read More

1 day ago

COLD WAR ERA

The Story of the Soviet Pilot who defected to Turkey flying a MiG-29 Fulcrum

The Soviet Pilot who defected to Turkey flying a MiG-29 Fulcrum The interesting clip in… Read More

1 day ago

COLD WAR ERA

The exercise where French Mystere IV and Super Mystere B2 fighters outmaneuvered and outclassed US Navy F-4 Phantom IIs

Roger Ball! He was the second of two children and born on 25 January 1940… Read More

2 days ago

AVIATION HISTORY

When Soviets tested the Tsar Bomba its shockwave was not only felt worldwide but also irradiated a USAF JKC-135A monitoring its detonation

Tsar Bomba On Oct. 30, 1961, the Soviet Union conducted a live test of the… Read More

2 days ago

F-14 TOMCAT

Capt Dale Snodgrass Wingman recalls when Snort F-14 Tomcat had a Close Call with an Iraqi SAM during Operation Desert Storm

Dale “Snort” Snodgrass’ After achieving his B.S. in Biology and successfully completing ROTC training, legendary… Read More

[airsllides]

airsLLide No. 19735: PP-SOU, Boeing 737-3L9, VASP, Sâo Paulo-Congonhas, December 3, 2000.

Displaying a prominent sticker to celebrate the (controversial) 500th anniversary of the "discovery" of Brasil by Portuguese explorers on April 22, 1500, one of the remaining Boeing 737 of VASP (an acronym for Viação Aérea São Paulo) takes-off for a domestic flight.

The once proud second largest carrier of Brasil, founded in 1933 and backed by the local government of the State of São Paulo, had already come under financial pressure in the mid 1990s, following a costly expansion of its international network in direct competition to Varig, as well as due to the entry into the market of successful new competitors such as TAM Brasil.

VASP attempted to grow beyond its home market with the acquisition of a 50%-stake in LAB Lloyd Aereo Boliviano in 1995 which it sold again to investors in Bolivia six years later. At this time, VASP tried to return to profitability by means of a reorganisation (a.k.a. shrinking), however its financial crisis worsened even more through the year 2004. In January 2005, the civil aviation authorities revoked its scheduled operators certificate, only allowing the carrier to operate charter services until April of the same year. Although a reorganisation plan was developed and approved during 2006, the airline failed to resume flying and finally filed for bankruptcy in 2008.

[beardedmrbean]

Today is Thursday, Oct. 31, the 305th day of 2024 with 61 to follow.

This is Halloween.

The moon is waning. Morning stars are Jupiter, Mars, Neptune, Saturn and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

On this date in history:

In 1517, Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation by nailing a proclamation -- the 95 theses -- to the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany.

In 1864, Nevada was admitted to the United States as the 36th state.

In 1931, with the Great Depression in full swing, the U.S. Treasury Department announced that 827 banks had failed during the previous two months.

In 1941, more than a month before the United States entered World War II, a German submarine torpedoed and sunk a U.S. destroyer, the USS Reuben James.

In 1941, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota -- consisting of the sculpted heads of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt -- was completed.

In 1968, U.S. President Lyndon Johnson announced a halt to the bombing of North Vietnam.

In 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated outside her home in a volley of gunfire by Sikh members of her own security force. Her son, Rajiv, succeeded her.

In 1985, salvage divers located the remains of the booty-laden pirate ship Whydah, which sank Feb. 17, 1717, off Cape Cod, Mass.

In 1993, actor River Phoenix died of a drug overdose outside of a West Hollywood, Calif., nightclub, The Viper Room. He starred in Stand By Me and My Own Private Idaho.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed the California Desert Protection Act, establishing Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks.

In 2004, Iranian lawmakers chanted, "Death to America!" after a unanimous vote to allow their government to resume uranium enrichment activities.

In 2008, U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus took over as head of the Central Command, in charge of military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Iran and other countries.

In 2010, Brazilians elected Dilma Rousseff as their first female president. The former energy minister and choice of outgoing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defeated Jose Serra in a runoff with 56 percent of the vote. Rousseff won a second term Oct. 26, 2014.

In 2011, a U.N. report said the world's population had topped the 7 billion mark, doubling the total of 1968. The U.N. Population Fund predicted 8 billion people by 2025.

In 2014, SpaceShipTwo, Virgin Galactic's effort in spaceflight for tourists, crashed during a test flight in the Mojave Desert, killing one of the pilots and seriously injuring the other.

In 2015, Russian airliner Metrojet Flight 9268 crashed after taking off from Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport in Egypt, killing all 224 on board. Investigators suspected a bomb on the plane caused the crash.

In 2017, a man drove a rented truck onto a bike path in New York City, killing eight people and injuring 11 others. The alleged attacker's trial on terror charges began in October 2022 after multiple delays.

In 2019, the Islamic State named Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi as its new leader after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

A thought for the day: "Variety is the soul of pleasure." -- English writer Aphra Behn

[scotianostra]

William Daniel “Dan” McCafferty was born 14th October 1946 in Dunfermline.

The gritty vocalist McCafferty, gained early experience as a member of the Shadettes, a mid-60s beat group based in Dunfermline, by 1968, the act had evolved into Nazareth, which grew from provincial origins into a leading international attraction.

McCafferty’s throaty rasp was an integral part of the unit’s best-known hits, notably ‘Broken Down Angel’ and ‘This Flight Tonight’ both 1973, Dan undertook a concurrent solo project in 1975 his only inkling of success was ‘Out Of Time’, which broached the UK Top 50 as a single. Dan then resumed his commitment to Nazereth, but again re-embarked on an independent career in 1987 with Into The Ring. He has appeared on every Nazereth album up to 2013 when he announced his retirement. McCaffety denied suffering a stroke but admitted his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had worsened.

In an interview the singer also revealed that he could record more new music, either with Nazareth or as a solo artist. He clarified: “To go into a studio and sing isn’t like doing a gig. I could always make another record, but getting up to do an hour and three-quarters, and get people to pay money to come and see me — I can’t do that.” McCafferty expressed his appreciation to his fans near the end of the interview by saying: “Let everyone know I appreciate they’ve been there for all these years.”

One of Dan’s biggest fans is the Rocker Axl Rose in 1988 he said; "If it wasn't for Dan McCafferty and Nazareth I wouldn't be singing" Rose asked Dan McCafferty to sing Love Hurts at his 1990 wedding to Don Everly's daughter, Erin. McCafferty turned him down, correctly assuming that the marriage wouldn’t last much longer than the song , the marriage was annulled in January 1991.

McCafferty suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and died on 8 th November 2022, at the age of 76, ributes were paid by rock musicians Brian Johnson and Axl Rose.

The video for Home is where the Heart is was shot mainly around Fife, shots with Dan are from Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline Glen, I love the Scottish feel to the song.

[tocitynews]

A Widespread Microsoft Outage Disrupted Flights, Banks, Media Outlets And Companies Around The World On Friday And Highlighted Dependence On Software From A Handful Of Providers – New York City reporting

The issue affected Microsoft 365 apps and services, and escalating disruptions continued hours after the technology company said it was gradually fixing it.

Microsoft 365 posted on X that the company was “working on rerouting the impacted traffic to alternate systems to alleviate impact in a more expedient fashion” and that they were “observing a positive trend in service availability.”

Major disruptions reported by airlines and airports grew. Flight tracking website Flightaware reports more nearly 1,000 flights canceled and over 12,000 more are delayed. Chicago O'Hare, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Newark , La Guardia and Boston Logan International Airport lead Flightaware's "misery map" with the most delays and cancellations.

In the U.S., the FAA said the airlines United, Delta and Allegiant had all been grounded. American Airlines lifted its ground stop just after 5 a.m ET, saying they were able to "safely re-establish operations."

An earlier ground stop for Frontier Airlines was lifted just after midnight, and the carrier said they had resumed normal operations, for now.

Travelers at Los Angeles International Airport slept on a jetway floor, using backpacks and other luggage for pillows, due to a delayed United flight to Dulles International Airport early on Friday.

Across the pond, Edinburgh Airport said the system outage meant waiting times were longer than usual. London’s Stansted Airport said some airline check-in services were being completed manually, but flights were still operating.

The budget airline Ryanair said they are "experiencing disruption across the network due to a global third party IT outage which is out of our control. We advise all passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time.”

Widespread problems were reported at Australian airports, where lines grew and some passengers were stranded as online check-in services and self-service booths were disabled. Passengers in Melbourne queued for more than an hour to check in, although flights were still operating. Airlines Virgin Australia and Qantas were severely affected by the outage.

News outlets in Australia — including the ABC and Sky News — were unable to broadcast on their TV and radio channels, and reported sudden shutdowns of Windows-based computers. Some news anchors broadcast live online from dark offices, in front of computers showing “blue screens of death.” Telecommunications providers, banks and media broadcasters were also disrupted as they lost access to computer systems. Outages reported on the site DownDetector included the banks NAB, Commonwealth and Bendigo, as well as internet and phone providers such as Telstra. The New Zealand banks ASB and Kiwibank said their services were down.

Television stations in the United Kingdom were being disrupted by the computer issues.

Hospitals in Britain and Germany also reported problems.

Israel’s Cyber Directorate said that it was among the places affected by the global outages, attributing them to a problem with the cybersecurity platform Crowdstrike. The outage also hit the country’s post offices and hospitals, according to the ministries of communication and health.

In South Africa, at least one major bank said it was experiencing “nationwide service disruptions” as customers reported they were unable to make payments using their bank cards at grocery stores and gas stations.

Numerous European airlines are using manual check-in.

[sand-lily]

I JUST GOT MY CoE!!!

(like just now now)

they still didn't tell me when my training date is, where my hotel is, when i can check in to the hotel, or APPARENTLY how long I'll be staying

(my contract says 1 year, but the CoE says 3years,, so idk what to put on the application , if they dont answer by Friday I'll just put 3years, then i wont get in trouble if i do renew the contract but it wont be an issue if i only stay 1 year)

im NOT buying another hotel if i can help it, SO i do wanna know when i can check into the training hotel so i can buy my plane ticket for that day and put that as the arrival date on the application, according to maps and reddit the shinkansen is only a few hours to the city i need to be in from the airport, so im taking that instead of doing a layover in japan,,

so i need to know WHEN i can check in so i can do the math to know WHAT flight to take, and since im technically losing a day across time zones, thats going to be hard for me since normal time math is ALREADY hard for me

i already have the passport photos, i already have the envelopes, i already made the shipping labels (just gotta print them), i already signed the disclaimer (gotta print), I already filled out the application minus those 2 things im not sure about (and gotta print),,

so my plan is to go to the library and print all the stuff at once, and sign it at the library, then go from there to the post office to drop it off, and then from there back home (shit has to be planned when you don't have a car and public transit only comes once every 2hrs)

the CoE is valid for 3 months from tonight, so im HOPING they want me there the last week of june or mid july so i can pack up my apartment, call my bank, get an esim card for my phone company (this is the only phone number I had my WHOLE LIFE and I don't wanna lose it so i MIGHT pay for international data to keep it), take care of my pets, break my lease unfortunately, get a transit card (apparently you can buy them online BEFORE going to Japan and have it shipped to you),

and quit my new job i JUST started last week unfortunately,, ive only done training so i dont even think i can put it on my resume, HOWEVER, i did pass CPR + baby CPR so i can put that on my resume if they have the certificate on file (idk if they filed it yet)...but if i have another month, I'll be able to have childcare IN A SCHOOL experience (asst teaching)

ig i WONT be able to save up to pay off my credit card, or get my hair braided, and i WONT be able to afford business class like i wanted,, i just hope i get a window seat, i WILL NOT sit in the middle if i can avoid it, i also dont want an isle seat just in case i sit next to somebody who doesn't speak English and they feel nervous about asking me to move so they can use the toilet... i really dont wanna talk to ppl like that

i also also need to look for headphones with a type c connector, because i heard those exist,, my Bluetooth headphones dont work very well on airplanes and i MISS wired headphones severely (i WILL NOT take them out of the box until im at the airport tho, i WILL NOT risk losing them before the flight, as i tend to do)

i also also also need to go through my music library and delete the songs i always skip and add in the new ones ive been playing on repeat via YouTube, im NOT paying for plane wifi , i also x3 need to figure out how to download Libby books like PDFs since i cant use libby outside of America and i want to keep reading books on the flight

ig im un-makeovering my apt tomorrow, time to put doors back on hinges and remove contact paper and fill in nail holes and everything,, it took me like 3days to do everything up and i did it with a butter knife instead of a screwdriver, so it should take less time to undo it with my new electric screwdriver ,, i think my sister is going to try and steal my bedframe, shes already laid dibs on the couch

they BETTER NOT charge me ANY fees considering i paid a TRIPLE deposit to move in here without a cosigner and thats the whole point of a deposit

anyways i got a lot to do tomorrow, so i gotta go to bed at a REASONABLE HOUR, NOT 2AM

and if anybody wants to help me pay off my $1400 credit card bill (ive been using it to pay rent and buy groceries since nobody wants to hire me, unemployment is only enough to pay the minimum + my phone bill so i dont get late fees)

here are my PayPal and cashapp,, im not good at art AT ALL, but if yall want commissions for something so that i can earn the money (i can only do traditional art), I'll do that too,, or i can proofread something? creative writing is actually my forte believe it or not

anyways

cashapp: https://cash.app/$firellily

(the pfp is a pic of my cat)

[personalcareexpo]

Visa-free! 🎉Entry policy relaxed!🎉 Visa waiver added!🤝 Relax visa requirements for foreigners!😆

🐼Relaxing visa conditions for foreigners， More convenient for overseas visitors✈️ To visit exhibitions in China for business cooperation💼🥂 ! ! !

In 2023, the transit policy and visa process will be optimized, international flights will resume and increase at a faster pace, and multiple entry favorable policies will further facilitate international business exchanges. China's door to the world will open wider and wider!🐼💖🤗

01✨

Shanghai port issued a new visa-free transit reminder📣 The National Immigration Bureau issued a new visa-free transit policy in November, 23📣

At present, the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy is implemented at 31 ports in 23 cities in 18 provinces for people from 54 countries. Namely Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other countries, totaling 54 countries with valid international travel documents and confirmed dates and seats within a limited time. Persons from 54 countries who transit from China to a third country (region), with valid international travel documents, and connecting passenger tickets with fixed dates and seats within a limited time, may apply for transit visa exemption to the port entry inspection authorities of the cities that implement the transit visa exemption policy, and the exit border inspection authorities will handle the temporary entry formalities for them. The duration of visa-free stay starts from 00:00 on the next day of entry.

❤️[Please see the table at the bottom for details of Shanghai ports]👇👇

02✨

📢New news on visa-free policy released in November 📢China’s new visa-free policy promotes high-level opening-up

On November 24, 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that China has decided to try to expand the scope of unilateral visa-free countries and implement a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from six countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. From December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from the above countries who come to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days can enter China without a visa.

03✨

New news on convenient foreign personnel coming to China released in January📣 The National Immigration Administration has officially implemented five measures to facilitate foreign nationals to come to China📣

Another good news has come recently. Starting from January 11, the National Immigration Administration has officially implemented five measures to facilitate foreigners coming to China, which mainly include:

Relax the conditions for foreigners coming to China to apply for port visas. For foreigners who urgently need to come to China to engage in non-diplomatic and official activities such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, and handling private affairs, and who do not have time to apply for a visa abroad, they can apply for a port visa entry to the port visa authority with relevant proof materials such as invitation letters.

For foreigners, 24-hour direct transit passengers at nine international airports including Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Xiamen Gaoqi, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao'an, Chengdu Tianfu, and Xi'an Xianyang are exempted from border inspection procedures.

Foreigners in China can apply for visa extension, replacement and reissue at their nearest location.

Foreigners in China who need to enter and exit multiple times can apply for a re-entry visa.

Simplify the application materials for visa documents for foreigners in China.

04✨

📢Starting from February 9, China and Singapore will exempt each other from visas

On January 25, representatives from the government of the People's Republic of China and the government of the Republic of Singapore signed the 'Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on Mutual Visa Exemption for Ordinary Passport Holders' in Beijing. The agreement will officially enter into force on February 9, 2024 (Lunar New Year’s Eve). By then, people from both sides holding ordinary passports can enter the other country without a visa to engage in tourism, family visits, business and other private affairs, and their stay shall not exceed 30 days. If you enter the other country to engage in activities that require prior approval, such as work or news reporting, or plan to stay in the other country for more than 30 days, you must obtain the corresponding visa before entering the other country.

As of January 25, China has concluded mutual visa exemption agreements covering different passport types with 157 countries, and has reached agreements or arrangements with 44 countries to simplify visa procedures. Comprehensive mutual visa exemption has been achieved with 22 countries including Singapore, Maldives and Kazakhstan. In addition, more than 60 countries and regions offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival convenience to Chinese citizens. The convenience for Chinese citizens to leave the country has been greatly improved, and the 'gold content' of Chinese passports will become increasingly valuable. (Source: CCTV News)

05✨

Starting from March 1, China and Thailand will exempt each other from visas📣

On January 28, the government of the People's Republic of China and the Royal Government of Thailand held a signing ceremony in Bangkok for an agreement on mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders. The agreement will take effect from March 1, 2024.

After the news was released, data from a travel platform showed that the search popularity of Thailand-related keywords on the platform increased by more than 7 times compared with the previous day. Among them, air tickets and hotels increased by more than 6 times compared with the previous day. (Source: CCTV News)

In addition, recently, China has stated that it will grant unilateral visa-free treatment to Sweden and Ireland. This is the second time that China has granted visa-free treatment to European countries after France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy.

#visa #China #chinesevisa #visafree #entrypolicy #visawaiver #businessinchina #transitpolicy #internationalflights #internationalbusinessexchanges #business #Shanghaiport #transitvisaexemption #tourism #visitrelatives #visitfriends

[visitafghanistan]

Ariana Afghan Airlines McDonnell Douglas DC-10 On the eve of British withdrawal “west of Suez” in the late 1950s, several nations that previously relied on British airline services began setting up their own flag carriers. The kingdom of Afghanistan was no different, and in January 1955, Aryana Airlines was established, with the government of Afghanistan owning a controlling interest. Operations began shortly thereafter with a fleet of three Douglas DC-3s. In 1957, Pan American Airways bought a 49% share in Aryana, which was subsequently renamed Ariana Afghan Airlines as it began expanding its routes with the help of Pan American. To further expand its fleet, Ariana was given $1.1 million in US aid. In 1967, the Afghani government split off Ariana’s domestic routes to a new airline, Bakhtar Alwatana. Ariana then relied on three Boeing 727s and a McDonnell Douglas DC-10 for international routes. The Soviet-Afghan War (1980-1988) hurt Ariana, but it was able to continue its international routes, though it was forced to sell the DC-10 under Soviet pressure to buy Tupolev Tu-154s. Bakhtar took over Ariana in 1985, but this was short-lived; once the Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan in 1988, Bakhtar ceased operations and became Ariana Afghan once more.  The collapse of the civil order in Afghanistan after the takeover of the Taliban had a similar effect on Ariana. UN sanctions reduced Ariana to domestic operations in Afghanistan and flights to Pakistan and Dubai; making matters worse was Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda terrorist network using Ariana as essentially a courier and transportation service. Al-Qaeda terrorists, using false Ariana employment papers, were able to gain access to several nations to commit terrorist acts, including the 1999 Kenya and Tanzania embassy bombings. Following the September 11 attacks and the United States’ subsequent invasion of Afghanistan, most of Ariana’s surviving fleet was destroyed in October 2001 by airstrikes on Kabul airport.   With the Taliban removed from power, UN restrictions on Ariana Afghan were lifted, and Air India donated three Airbus A300s for international operations; Ariana relied on its surviving 727s for domestic operations, and later acquired A310s as well. Ariana resumed international flights in 2002. However, in 2006, the EU banned Ariana from flying to Europe, citing maintenance and security concerns. As of this writing, the ban has yet to be lifted, and with Afghanistan’s continued political turmoil, Ariana’s future remains in doubt.  YA-LAS was delivered to Ariana in 1979 and flew with them until 1985, when it was sold to British Caledonian. It was converted to a cargo aircraft and started a new career with Centurion Air Cargo from 2004 to 2010, was retired, and was last known to be in storage at Opa-Locka Airport in 2016.

[antixs]

Hello

I graduated 1 month ago and I do not know what I am doing. I have this “plan” to travel but with no real plan. I felt so confident while living in my apartment before graduation about my plans to travel and now that I am back at home, I feel stuck and misguided. I felt this enormous to get a “big girl” job and join the LinkedIn bullshit workforce. I don't want this life. I would sell myself short and be a copout if I did. I have so much potential for other things and I am the ripe age of 23 and ready to figure these things out. I’ve been doing what I “should” be by updating my resume, applying for jobs, going on interviews, and I am miserable. I am so lonely living at home. I feel myself regressing. I know that God only gives their toughest battles to their strongest soldiers, but damn I want out. It’s been rough living at home, without a job, without school, without a purpose. I feel like I do not have any meaning and there is this deep urge to bring meaning to my life. I want to travel abroad. I have never left North America and I am so jealous of all those people out exploring and living their dreams. I guess my fears are being lonely...getting kidnapped...getting raped....and getting robbed. I can take being lonely and getting robbed. However, the other two I don't know about. I mean I’ve already been raped and I am still here thriving so, they can't take that away from me. I guess getting kidnapped or murdered, wouldn't be ideal, but what’s the likelihood that actually happens if im being smart. I think I need to trust myself and just do it. I will never feel ready and I also would regret bringing someone. I need to do this by myself and I need to prove to myself I can. I am so smart and capable. I think the fear holding me back is ... im realizing right now the fears I have are just excuses. I can navigate places I have never been, I can navigate public transpiration and flights, I can talk to people, I can rely on my gut intuition, I can be aware of my surroundings, I can use google translate, I can do this! The only thing holding me back is me ! I feel like im in a limbo stage with multiple directions my life could go. I think I want to go global !!! I would regret it forever if I didn't prove to myself that I can travel the world by myself. I am so friendly and kind and I think it would be a really good way to make friends, meet new people, learn new cultures and languages, experience new things, and make ever lasting memories. I’ve always hated the Orange County bubble and I refuse to stay in this bitch forever. I will be an international woman and I refuse to let anyone, including myself, hold me back. I need to plan. I need to purchase and pack. I need to earn some money. I need to handle my ticket in Utah. It would be irresponsible to base this decision before I attend court. I really hope everything works out the way it's meant to and I learn a lot from these experiences and my future. Today I am no longer going to sit still and be moody. I want to workout again and chase my passions. I want to work at another ski resort this winter. I want to chase powder. I want to work in a national forest. I want to travel the world. I want to give back. I am feeling very inspired by the YesTheory on Youtube. I wish I was friends with these guys and they would just invite me to Europe lol. I think life is about having fun, loving others, giving back, and doing what makes you happy. I refuse to let others expectations of me get in the way of what I really want to do. I think I should start a YouTube too. Ive been saying I want to start a YouTube channel since I was 12 years old. I always think it's too late or too embarrassing but fuck that! I just need to start. It's for me. I want to share with the world my experiences and my hobbies and my dreams. I dream of visiting every country and meeting all types of people, and experiencing all kinds of new experiences. I dream of touching the people I meet and I hope they touch me as well. I dream of personal growth and transformation. I dream of community and friendship. I dream of opportunities. I dream of nature and exploring the vast majority of it. I love this Earth and all the people on it. I want to see it for myself. I have lived my entire life in a bubble judging from the outside. I will not let fear stop me. I want to see how other people live, what other people eat, and how other people experience life! This rant feels amazing and I feel so inspired. I have neglected my spirituality since I moved home and it feels so nice to dive back into it! Thank you! I love you! and you will hear from me soon with adventure updates! This page will no longer be posted on just when I am sad but when I am happy, when I am inspired, when I am excited! 

[usafphantom2]

IMAGES: French fighters intercept Russian aircraft off the coast of Estonia 🇪🇪

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 02/22/2024 - 15:00 in Interceptions, Military

On the morning of February 21, 2024, two French Mirage 2000-5 took off from Siauliai Air Base under NATO orders to perform a visual identification of a Russian Il-78 flying over international waters on the coast of the Estonian Baltic Sea.

NATO air controllers observed the trajectory of the Russian air-to-air refueling quad-engine plane flying out of the Kaliningrad enclave heading north and ordered the French Mirage 2000-5 fighters to launch and conduct the identification to establish the facts of the flight.

French fighter pilots boarded the Russian aircraft according to standard procedures, performed a routine identification and escorted it before returning to the NATO Air Police base in Siauliai.

NATO and the Allies collectively protect airspace above all member nations. Alert outbreaks and interceptions like this are regularly conducted under the Baltic Air Policing and demonstrate permanent situational awareness and readiness to deter and, if necessary, defend every inch of NATO territory.

In Siauliai, French fighter pilots, along with their Belgian colleagues, currently provide Baltic Air Policing over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The Allied detachments have perfectly carried out the lasting defensive mission for the last 20 years, underlining NATO's cohesion and solidarity.

Tags: Armée de l'air - French Air Force/French Air ForceMilitary AviationInterceptionsMirage 2000NATO - Air Police MissionRussia

Sharing

tweet

Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

Related news

MILITARY

QinetiQ GmbH delivers new air combat training module to Slovenia

22/02/2024 - 14:00

ARMAMENTS

KAI and Diehl expand integration of IRIS-T missiles on FA-50 and KF-21 aircraft

22/02/2024 - 13:00

MILITARY

Thai Air Force decides between the F-16 and the Gripen to replace the old fleet

22/02/2024 - 09:15

MILITARY

IMAGES: Russia resumes production of modernized Tu-160 bombers

22/02/2024 - 08:17

MILITARY

US released the F-16 to Ankara and F-35 to Athens, but with some conditions

21/02/2024 - 23:09

MILITARY

B-52 flies with Filipino fighters over the South China Sea

21/02/2024 - 22:24

[abhishek-gupta]

How to Become a Flight Attendant: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Off

A career as a flight attendant offers the opportunity to travel the world, experience diverse cultures, and provide excellent service. It’s a dynamic, rewarding job that blends customer service with safety expertise. But how does one become a flight attendant? This guide will take you through the steps, requirements, and key skills that can help you succeed in this career.

Understand the Role of a Flight Attendant

Flight attendants play a vital role in the aviation industry. They are responsible for passenger safety, comfort, and overall satisfaction. Beyond serving food and beverages, flight attendants conduct safety checks, manage emergency situations, and ensure that passengers have a comfortable and positive experience. Their duties include:

Greeting passengers and assisting with boarding.

Conducting safety demonstrations and briefings.

Handling in-flight emergencies and offering first aid if necessary.

Ensuring compliance with airline policies and safety regulations.

It’s a challenging job that requires quick thinking, empathy, and resilience. Successful flight attendants love working with people and have a natural inclination toward service.

Gain Relevant Experience

Airlines often look for candidates with a background in customer service. Experience in fields such as hospitality, retail, or healthcare can demonstrate your ability to handle diverse people and high-pressure situations. Volunteering, part-time jobs, or internships in service-oriented roles can also build a solid foundation for a flight attendant career.

Research and Apply to Airlines

Once you’re confident you meet the requirements and have developed the necessary skills, start researching airlines. Each airline has its own application process, requirements, and unique culture, so it’s wise to explore different options. Some factors to consider when choosing an airline to apply to include:

Type of Routes: Domestic airlines may have different requirements than international carriers.

Pay and Benefits: Compensation varies widely among airlines. Check for additional benefits such as travel discounts, health insurance, and retirement plans.

Career Advancement: Look into potential for advancement, such as becoming a senior flight attendant or moving into training and management roles.

When applying, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Airlines receive numerous applications, so standing out with a polished and professional application is essential.

Prepare for Interviews and Assessments

The hiring process for flight attendants can be rigorous. Once your application is accepted, airlines may invite you for a multi-step interview process that often includes:

One-on-One Interviews: These interviews typically focus on your customer service experience, communication skills, and ability to handle challenging situations. Be ready to discuss why you want to be a flight attendant and how you handle high-pressure situations.

Group Interviews: Airlines may conduct group interviews to observe how candidates interact with others. This is an opportunity to showcase your teamwork and communication skills.

Situational Judgement Tests: Some airlines require candidates to complete assessments that test decision-making and situational judgement. You may be asked to respond to hypothetical situations, such as dealing with an unruly passenger or managing an in-flight emergency.

Physical Fitness Tests: Some airlines include fitness tests to ensure candidates can meet the physical demands of the job.

Preparing thoroughly for these assessments can help you stand out. Practice answering questions confidently, stay positive, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.

Complete Flight Attendant Training

Once hired, new flight attendants must complete a rigorous training program before they can start working. Airline training programs typically last several weeks and cover:

Safety Procedures: You’ll learn how to handle various emergencies, including fires, medical emergencies, and evacuations.

Customer Service: Training includes techniques for handling customer requests, complaints, and conflicts professionally.

Aircraft Familiarization: Flight attendants must understand the layout, equipment, and emergency features of different aircraft.

First Aid and CPR: Being trained in first aid and CPR is essential for handling medical emergencies in-flight.

Flight attendants are required to pass exams on each topic. Airlines expect high standards in these assessments, and failure to pass may require additional training or, in some cases, dismissal.

Begin Your Career as a Flight Attendant

After passing the training program, you’ll officially begin your career as a flight attendant. Most new attendants start with a probationary period where they are assessed on their performance. During this time, expect to work a variety of shifts and routes, including weekends and holidays.

As you gain experience, you may have opportunities to choose preferred routes, move up to a senior flight attendant position, or explore other career paths within the airline industry.

What to Expect in Flight Attendant Life

Flight attendant life is unique and fast-paced. Here’s what you can expect:

Travel Perks: Most airlines offer free or discounted flights, making it easy for attendants to explore the world during their off days.

Flexible Scheduling: Shifts vary widely, and attendants often have extended time off between flights.

Meeting New People: Flight attendants work with diverse passengers and crew members, creating a stimulating social environment.

Physical and Mental Challenges: The job can be physically demanding, with long hours on your feet and quick turnarounds. Dealing with jet lag and adjusting to different time zones can also be challenging.

Career Growth: With experience, flight attendants can pursue specialized roles, such as trainer or recruiter, or move up to senior positions within the airline.

Conclusion

Becoming a flight attendant is a journey filled with excitement, new experiences, and challenges. This career is ideal for those who are passionate about travel, enjoy working with people, and have the resilience to handle a dynamic work environment. While it requires dedication and hard work, the rewards of seeing the world and making a positive impact on passengers’ lives make it worth every effort.