#it’s the same for Mexican restaurants and Italian restaurants

[jewishbarbies]

“that’s not real chinese food, it’s in america” “that’s not american food, it’s from china” my friend in hashem have you ever heard of immigration

[the-average-procrastinator]

catch me scarfing down overpriced airport bao after spending 10 days in a teeny town with hardly any decent food and the one okay restaurant is just burgers/pizzas/sandwiches

[wekillitwithfire]

jenny nicholson understands me and my love for theme parks and themed restaurants and themed hotels and essentially any heavily themed experience

[imaginealpha]

Please think about why you don’t consider BAME British people or immigrants to be ‘really’ British, and why I might have included those food cultures on purpose.

Hey, I didn't mean to imply that they're not British. I am Indian myself, and I always believed that that the food had Indian roots, not European roots. The whole "thin ice" comment was mainly a joke based on my surprise, but I'm sorry if it offended anyone.

[claritys-silly-things]

It’s that time again yall

Headcanons! It’s a long one this time

Emetophobia tw

- (I think I can classify this as modern) Rip sodapop curtis you would’ve loved saying “I’m just a girl 🎀”

- Soda never liked haircuts. When he was a small feral child his long hair would get tangled a lot, but he’s tender headed as FUCK so he would scream and cry when his momma brought the brush out. Darry put sodas hair into braids sometimes just for fun and soda didn’t mind bc it kept his hair from getting tangled, and then it didn’t hurt to brush. He’s always had really soft hair and it grows super fast.

- Jealous little soda asksjks (this was about soda being jealous over pony getting attention as a baby but I don’t wanna edit the original ramble I wrote down)

- When ponyboy was born he just kind of STARED. No crying or anything just 👁️👁️. Even Darry cried when he was born. Soda cried a lot.

- Adding on, Darry and pony were pretty quiet babies. They still cried for food and stuff sometimes but not a lot. Soda was a LOUDDD crier, and a frequent one too. It was the type of crying that sounds like it hurts the baby’s throat cause they’re shrieking their head off. Also soda would cry for, like, the first year of his life if he was ever handed to his dad.

- If Johnny survived the fire and got a wheelchair, he’d be running over people’s feet. Constantly. Just because. Or bc they asked for it. Either way, the moment he gets a hang of that wheelchair it is OVER for yall. And probably before that too.

- Ponyboy gets the same. Goddamn. Thing. At EVERY restaurant. Partly because it scares him to order anything else, partly because he’s picky asf. He makes sure it’s there on the menu and has his order memorized by now. “Chicken tenders, fries, and a Pepsi please.” He’s tried to ask for other things in the past like eggs, cuz he likes those, but the moment they asked him “how would you like them done” he just stared at Darry because he didn’t know what all the different types of eggs were, and now he’s scared bc he’s taking longer, and the server is still there, so he just got sunny side up eggs and they were slimy and he wanted to go home and cry (based on a true story sadly)

- Basically pony has anxiety and probably autism (so me)

- Ponyboy likes avocado. That’s it that’s the headcanon. It’s like one of the only healthy-ish things he’ll eat.

- Soda gets suuuper nauseous really easily, and pony gets carsick on occasion. So the first time pony went to a theme park, his family was scared that he would throw up like soda. They go on a ride and he’s like “yall im fine dawg.” Soda is jealous bc pony can go on rides unaffected (soda will still go on rides anyways, he just throws up afterwards)

- Pony is the most PALE ASS BITCH you’ve ever seen. He burns soo easily. His face gets red really quickly, no matter what’s going on. The only time he gets the slightest bit darker is when he burns and tans. Two-bit has been like “you ain’t white you translucent” multiple times because in the right lighting you can see pony’s veins. It’s even worse because soda and Darry tan so wonderfully, and pony looks like he had an allergic reaction if he doesn’t reapply his sunscreen when he’s supposed to. I feel like Mrs Curtis is the reason for this, she didn’t tan. Mr Curtis did tho.

- Pony has mild (severe) ocd

- Marcia’s last name is smith she is white-Hispanic on one side and Native American on the other thank you for coming to my TED talk

- Marcia is Cuban and Native American

- Marcia’s full name is Marcia smith that’s it that’s the end

It’s funny cuz I listed these things like three times and just forgot about the other two

- Twobit is Brazilian end headcanon

- Mr Curtis had autism and Mrs Curtis had inattentive adhd

- Mr Curtis was half Mexican on his mom’s side and half Irish on his dad’s side. Mrs Curtis was full Italian-American.

- Darrys the typa guy to make pony and soda turn off a show or movie if it talks about possession or like demonic stuff/soul stealing stuff

- (Modern au) Darry will get a text from ponyboy about something, like “can I go in your room rq” and he sees it but doesn’t actually open the text message until later and like, two hours later he’ll just respond “no” and thinks it’s the funniest shit ever

[madameaug]

BTS w/ Short Reader

Pairing: BTS x Black Fem Reader

Synopsis: Different moments with BTS having a short girlfriend

Request: @lelewright1234

A/N: Not edited just wanted to get it out. Will clean up later :)

Seokjin: Going to Dinner

One of the major perks of living in the city was being close to many diverse food cuisines. There was an Italian restaurant two blocks from your apartment, authentic Mexican food on the same block, and your favorite restaurant just ten minutes' walking distance away.

That was what you and Jin were currently doing. The fall breeze felt nice as you all engaged in small talk. The restaurant was a casual establishment. Not necessarily a hole in the wall, but it didn't require reservations either. Even during peak hours.

"I'm starving," you said dramatically. Your work was insane, and time just got away from you. Not even able to pick up something quickly from the nearby gas station. It was that type of day.

"Well, I just got paid, so feel free to splurge. I'm craving a juicy steak." Jin, equally enthused, rubbed his hands together. Jin had been working hard to put himself in the best position for a promotion. The industry was lucrative, but it was a dog-eat-dog world. He didn't have many 'friends' at his job. He did not see the need when he had his girlfriend, his best friend, anyway.

Taking a seat at the resteraunt, it was long before a friendly waiter greeted you all.

"Hi, welcome to Cheesecake Factory. I'm Ryan and I'll be your sever for the evening."

The waitor placed down the menus. "Can I get you started with something to drink?"

He tilted his head. "Oh my apologizes let me get you a kids menu." He rubbed the back of his head. He collected the menu in front of you so fast, you didn't have a chance to even correct him. Jin watched as you fixed your lip to correct the waiter. But he quickly shook his head no.

The waitor was moving amile a minute, and turned around going to go get a kids menu.

"I don't know if I should be offended or take it as a compliment." You jokingly posed the question.

"Take it as a compliment. Plus it's cheaper." Jin shrugged.

When the waiter came back, Jin accepted the miniature kid-sized menu.

"Okay, sorry about that. What can I get you to drink?"

Yoongi: Driving

"Good morning lovie." You cooed into the phone.

Yoongi groaned in response. Your warm greeting reminded that he agreed to pick you up from the airport. You traveled back home to your home country for a couple of weeks in the summer.

"I'm getting ready to get on my flight. I'll see you soon." You blew a kiss into the phone before hanging up. Yoongi was so delirious that he didn't even recall you hanging up. The eight-hour time difference was messing with him. He was already recovering from a long night before. He was one of those sleepers, where if you interrupted him, he couldn't go back to sleep after that.

But the warmth of the bed was working its magic. Yoongi, in one huff, flipped his pillow over. His body physically relaxed at the coolness. The satin pillowcases were a nice little touch that you added to the bedroom. They protected your natural hair in the event that your scarf slid off at night.

Soaking in the couple more hours of sleep that he got. Yoongi rolled out of bed, grabbing his keys. He shuffled slowly to his car. He slid one foot in the car, and groaned in pain as he hit his knee on the steering wheel.

Amid the pain and waking up, Yoongi looked at the driver seat.

"Why is it so far up?" He leaned down, sliding the chair at an appropriate distance for his legs. Finally getting in the car, he saw that all the car settings were off. His side mirrors turned in a lot more, and his rear view mirror was practically looking down into the back seat.

He smacked his lips, realizing the only person capable of adjusting his car settings was you, his girlfriend. You did some last-minute shopping before flying out all those weeks ago. You must have taken Yoongi's car.

He checked your location and saw that you were now twenty miles from the airport. Starting the car, hearing the engine purr. Yoongi felt his seat moving closer and closer to the steering wheel. Despite pressing the button, the car kept moving up the previous location. Yoongi's knees were damn near on top of the steering wheel.

Instead of responding grumpily, he laughed. "Shorty."

Hoseok: Clubbing

Finally, you and Hoseok reached the front of the club. Star Lounge had recently opened. You loved hitting the scene. Always being in the know. Hosoek your boyfriend was accompanying you. Thinking of your safety, a woman going to the club by herself- wasn't gonna happen on his watch. So he got dressed and met you at the line.

So after waiting nearly forty minutes in line you were rightfully upset when the security guard told you 'no.'

"What do you mean no."

"Read the sign lady." His head nodded to the sign in bold print beside him.

21+ club

"Yeah, I'm older than 21. Look at my ID." You did your best to keep calm. You are used to people thinking you are younger due to your age. Usually, a flick of your driver's license clears everything up.

The security guard was too involved in the other clubgoers to even look at the driver's license you had in your hand.

"If you hand me a fake, I'm putting you on the blacklist." He threatened.

Hoseok stepped in. Taking your license.

"We're not here to cause trouble or to hold up the line. Look at the driver's license. It's real."

With an attitude he looked at your ID. He even brought out the UV light. Flipping the card multiple times, trying to find any signs of fraud. But to be expected he couldn't find any.

"You can go in." He handed you the license, not making any eye contact. But make sure to add something smart to say. Hoseok ushered you in, taking you straight to the bar, to get the night started.

Namjoon: Pictures

You were taking yearly anniversary pictures with your fiancee Namjoon. The theme of the photoshoot was Midnight Kiss, fitting as Namjoon asked you to be his girlfriend on December 31st, mere seconds before the start of the new year. You were wearing a strappy four-inch heel that wrapped up your calf. Your dress was black with a sequence trailing the mesh sides. It cinched in your waist.

Namjoon wore a classic three-piece suit. He was handsome as ever and rocked the new low cut. The photographer was an energetic man who walked you both into placements. Complimenting on how photogenic you both were.

"Would you all like to do cute kiss pose?"

You nodded. Taking Namjoon's hands and placing them on your hips. As the taller individual natural Namjoon craned down to reach your lips. Right before your lips could touch, the photographer spoke up.

"Uh maybe we should find a new pose for Namjoon."

Slightly flustered, you looked to your fiancee. He too also looked confused.

"With the major height difference, Namjoon just looks... awkward."

"Oh-" Namjoon spoke. His slender fingers coming up to cover his mouth. You could see a smile creeping up.

"It just looked painful. Maybe let's try it sitting down." Pulling out a prop from the studio, Namjoon takes a seat first. You sit on his lap.

"Much better." The photographer crouches snapping the pose in different angles and lighting.

"I didn't think I was this short with the heels." You spoke between the kiss.

Namjoon chuckled. "I am six-foot, babe."

Jimin: Awardshow

You were at the Grammy's sitting beside your best friend, who accompanied you as your plus one to the event. The ceremony was dragging, and it was only forty minutes into the evening. The jokes were tiresome and the performances were frankly too loud. Overstimulated wasn't the word.

During one of the commercial breaks, you were getting ready to sneak a snack into your mouth when you heard your name called. Stuffing the snack into your purse, you smiled, turning your head.

Humbly coming up to you it was Jimin from BTS. You were well aware of who the singer was, as you both chatted privately from time to time. This was the first time you too were meeting in person.

"Yn. Hi!" Jimin bowed. He looked ethereal in his suit. His brown was a sandy brown hair. A middle part that looked perfect for him.

"May I hug you?" He spoke lowly taking note of your friend.

"Yes, of course. It's so good to see you." Standing up, you gave Jimin a warm hug, mindlessly rubbing his back. Jimin was glad to experience being in your arms. However, he didn't realize how short you were.

You only had a view moments before it was now time, for the show to continue. You waved Jimin goodbye as he walked back to his seat. It wouldn't be until after the award show that you would catch up with Jimin and his members. He was speaking informally about his encounter.

"I didn't realize how short Y/n was til I met her. She looks taller in her pictures."

Taehyung laughed hearing the retelling. Taehyung watched as you slinked up behind Jimin. In a more comfortable attire for the afterparty.

You wrapped you arm around Jimin's waist. Snuggling up to his side.

"I'm short eh." You feigned attitude.

Jimin looked down. Smiling seeing your face.

"You are it kinda caught me off guard."

"You're lucky my heels were hurting my feet." You laughed.

Taehyung: Sharing Clothes

It was a lazy Sunday at your apartment. Taehyung, your boyfriend was crashing at your place for the weekend. You all had an eventful day exploring new sites in the city. You all went rock climbing, ate lunch, and binged the newest season of Love is Blind.

Now you stood in the kitchen blending a fruit smoothie for yourself and Tae. The summer heat was seeping into your house, getting to the point where you had to take off your pants.

Taehyung just waking up stepped out from the corner. His wispy strands slightly sticking up on top of his head.

"Morning sleepy head." You greeted.

"Morning." Taehyung responded. He sat at the kitchen island. He sipped on the smoothie. Loving the pineapple and strawberry combination.

"Thank you."

"No problem baby." You smiled. You walked by Taehyung going to sit on the couch. Starting back up the season of Love is Blind you left off on last night. Taehyung followed your body as you propped your feet up.

"Yn?"

"Yeah?" You paused wanting to hear the conversation on the tv. Taehyung walked out the corner of your eye standing in front of you. He looked you up and down.

"Are you wearing pants?"

"Yeah." You pulled down the basketball shorts.

"I thought you were naked underneath."

"You sound disappointed." You teased back. Raising an eyebrow slightly.

"Mmm maybe." He spun back around sipping on his homemade smoothie.

Jungkook: High Shelf

The summer heat was nothing to mess with. It was increasing in temperature each passing summer. Jungkook's skin was slightly pink as he slid open the screen door from the backyard. He had a couple of friends over, and they were sitting outside sipping lemonade in the shade, doing everything in their power to avoid the scorching heat.

" Don't tell that story Jaehyun." Jungkook closed the door behind him.

Jungkook's heart nearly dropped watching you climb up in the chair. With wobbly knees you stood up on the chair.

Sturding the chair, Jungkook whisper scolded you.

"Jungkook. You scared me!" You placed a hand over your heart. "Don't come up behind me like that."

"You scared me stepping up on this chair. What are you trying to reach anyway?"

"I'm tryna reach some seasonings at the top of the cabinet." Jungkook motioned for you to step down off the chair. He slid it out of his way, stepping on his tiptoes to reach up and get the spices you pointed out for him.

"Just tell me next time okay." He lifted the chair placing it back. You laughed watching him slip back outside to converse with his friends.

[hunterofartemis7]

*bat family going out for dinner and inviting Raven*

Bruce: so where does everyone want to go?

Jason: let’s go to a Steak House!

Damian: you always say that!

Jason: and we never go cause you’re vegetarian!

Damian: find a steak place with vegetarian options and I’ll go!

Bruce: boys! Behave

Tim: why don’t we go to the Mexican place on Main?

Dick: no way! My insides still haven’t recovered!

Jason: not our fault you can’t handle spice

Duke: isn’t there a new restaurant down town

Selina: absolutely not. I just went with Ive and Harley and I am not subjecting my kids to that trash

Steph: what about Chinese?

Damian: Cass is allergic

Steph: shit i forgot! Sorry cass!

Cass: *signs* it’s okay

Bruce: *looks at Raven through the review mirror* Raven? You have any preference or some where specific you’d like to go?

Raven: *shakes head* I’m fine with anything really, I’m not picky

Jason: what about sea food!? There’s a place across from Di’Angelos and they have vegetarian options

Bruce: sounds good to me

Duke: me too

Dick: me three

Cass/steph/dami/tim/; works for me

Raven: *fidgeting with her hands*

Selina: Raven sugar, you okay?

Raven: yes, I’m fine..

Selina: okay

*pulls up to the restaurant*

Jason: finally! I can’t remember the last time I have sea food!

Damian: *opens the door for raven*

Raven: thank you, Dami. *gets out*

Damian: *notices she has an epi pen* what’s that

Raven:..my epi pen..

Bruce: why do you have an epi pen?

Raven: just in case…I go into anaphylaxis..

Jason: why would you go into anaphylaxis?

Raven:…*looks down*

Selina: wait are you allergic to sea food?!

Raven:….*nods*

Dami: what!? Habibti why didn’t you say something!?

Raven: because I didn’t want to be a bother…..since yall invited me out with you..

Bruce: raven speaking up about an allergy is not being a bother! That’s your health and that should always come first.

Tim: how bad is your allergy?

Raven:……

Tim: how bad?

Raven:..I’m already feeling sick and I’m not even in the building yet..

Jason: okay we’re leaving.

Dick: yeah we can go anywhere else. Heck there is an Italian place across the street.

Raven: y’all don’t have to do that.

Dami: Beloved your health is more important than some fucking fish

Steph: agreed.

Dick: And are you okay rn? Do you need some water or anything? You said you felt sick

Raven: no..no I’m okay

Dami: you sure? Cause we can get you some if your not feeling good

Raven: I’m okay..really.

Dick: if you say so..

Steph: Btw, do you do this often?

Raven: do what?

Steph: put your health last instead of speaking up?

Raven:……

Steph: I’ll take that as a yes

*everyone gets back in the car*

Dick: wait if you’re allergic to sea food, than what do you do when there’s a crab boil at the tower?

Raven: lock myself in my room and try not to vomit..or pretend to eat and keep my epi pen close..

Bruce: does Kori not know about this?

Raven:..no

Selina: why not?

Raven: cause I didn’t want to bother anyone with it..

Selina: *sighs* I’m calling her later

Raven: I’m sorry..

Dami: beloved you have nothing to apologize for. It’s okay

Raven: but everyone seemed so happy about sea food and I ruined it

Jason: girl no you didn’t. It’s okay

Raven: but—

Tim: no buts. Hey we can’t eat Chinese when Cass is around, and we keep it away from her at all times. we have no issues with that. And We have no problem doing the same for you.

Cass: *signs* yeah, your family now. We take care of each other

Raven:..🥹

Dami: *kisses her cheek* your stuck with us Beloved.

Jason: yeah. Now, let’s get some pizza!

[lotstradamus]

inspired by the manchester anon haha but do you have any tips and suggestions for visiting leeds? 🩷

I've lived here for 2 years now (!!!) but somehow I still don't really know my way around and just go to the same 5 places and use google maps to get anywhere else. it's sad. but here's some shit I love:

Grindhouse - cheap drinks, loads and loads of seats, never too full, music a reasonable volume, and they project 80s movies on the back wall. we once sat in here for 2 hours cos Stand By Me was on. one time we watched the bar staff earnestly tell a group of women on a hen do that the bar was closed and they weren't serving any more drinks, at 7:45pm. 10/10.

Rudy's - only 9 cities* in this fair nation have a Rudy's, so I'm going to keep reccing it for everyone else. perfect Neapolitan pizza. *Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham, Nottingham, Durham, London, York, Liverpool - if you live in one of these places and haven't been to Rudy's yet, sort it out.

Neon Cactus - go here on a Wednesday and order wings, and you'll get half price margs. lots of great Mexican scran. don't take anyone too picky or over 50, because the price for the great food and vibes is that at least one thing you order will be incorrect. but roll with it. half price margs, man.

Empire Cafe - book in advance if you want to sample the delights of Empire Cafe, cos there's like 6 tables max. everything is seasonal, changes on the daily, and is insanely delicious. if you want to experience heaven, order the steak and chips with salsa verde. there is NOTHING like it.

Stuzzi - another seasonal, small plate sort of place, but Italian. amazing food and a gorgeous restaurant. go with a big group and order one of everything.

Eat Your Greens - ANOTHER seasonal restaurant! this one is farm-to-fork and organic. I can’t speak to the quality as I haven’t actually been, but I am a frequenter of their GREENGROCER, which is MEGA. last time I think I left with natty wine, pâté, some insane tinned fish, a jar of harissa and a bag of sunset potatoes. if you like food, go here.

SARTO - fresh, handmade pasta and picky bits. another great place to go with a group and order all the starters. I had a celeriac pasta there last year that I think about on a fairly regular basis; I picked it cos it was the weirdest sounding thing on the menu and it was fucking mouthwatering. good quality and good people! and it's next door to The Wardrobe, so perfect for a pre-gig tea.

Santiago Bar - like Grindhouse (alternative, casual) but the music is louder and you'll find yourself doing tequila shots at 1am and screaming along to, like, Don Broco. it's the best.

Blue Collar Boys - as a rule I hate 'vintage' clothes shops (overpriced, ugly, everything is XXS), but this place seems to specialise solely in American t-shirts and sweatshirts from the 90s in exactly my size, and everything is £10. this is amazing and a huge bargain if you find something like vintage Wranglers and a Playboy bomber jacket (£20, my wife) but not so amazing or a bargain if you find 3 t-shirts with holes in (£30, me). we've never been without finding shit we love. they only open on random weekends, and they always seem to have more stuff than they could possibly ever sell. it's a freaky vintage alternate universe.

The Corn Exchange - a big gorgeous ol' building full of little businesses. vintage, handmade, tattoos, coffee, jewellery, independent brands, yarn, shoes, a barbers, a bookshop, they've got it all. very easy to spend £100 and 6 hours. every so often they have a market on the bottom floor. perfect tiny representation of Leeds: quirky, independent, delicious, cool.

Silver's Deli - this is a 9-minute train ride away in Bramley (my ends!) but has become THEE buzzy foodie spot recently. go on a sunny saturday morning (cos you will probably have to sit outside) and order the everything sandwich. thank me later. if they have scotch eggs or sausage rolls on, I beseech you, order both. and if you want the sunday special prepare to get there at 11 and fight.

Against the Grain - if you've come to Bramley for Silver's, you may as well trundle 10 minutes up the road and visit the best bar in Leeds. cosy, casual, full of locals, hidden in Swinnow Mills. it's a sit-around-and-chat-to-people sort of place, with bonus charcuterie boards AND a pizza van on weekends. we are here A LOT, because Gray's Salon and Rose and Thorn Tattoo are both in the Mill, and we give them all our money. oh! and dog friendly. sooo many dogs.

Project House/Galleria - if you've gotten the train out to Bramley for Silver's and ATG, jump on the 72 back to town and get off at Project House to eat MORE food. Galleria is a great place to get breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Project House has EVERYTHING (depending on the day). yoga! gigs! vintage fairs! a bi-annual tattoo convention meets makers market with food vendors called Hand of Glory! check what's on and head on down to support local!

Kirkstall Bridge Inn - another one local(ish) to me, but worth travelling out of town for; a PROPER pub (i.e. no tv, no sports, no shite) that does roasts upstairs and lets dogs in downstairs. outdoor seating right by the canal, and every so often they put something on and the car park turns into a tiny festival. Kirkstallpalooza is a highlight. great place to finish a nice canal walk (who am I?!).

tl;dr sorry that this is obnoxiously long, I love Leeds

[lol-jackles]

I understand producers wanting a no risk lead and Jared earned that credibility and reputation. I don’t disagree with everything you said about Jared.

But I’m still surprised that Jensen didn’t earn the same reputation being co-lead and surprised he has not been given the opportunity to lead or co- lead again on another show. He seemed to have built a strong reputation with directors and producers and execs in the industry so shouldn’t he be on that same short list? I just don’t get what jensen is missing that jared or max theriot, Tom Ellis or Justin Hartley seems to have. What is that “x” factor?

The work he did on Smallville, Spn, Big Sky and The Boys, why didn’t that earn him points to have studio execs ensure he stays employed and part of a show?

Even in an industry that 97% are unemployed, Jensen seems to be a standout actor that gets constantly overlooked. Why?

Jensen was going to be a lead in Greg Bertlanti's unnamed project, but then Zaslav happened. But you ask a very good question on why the networks' bean counters don't have him on a Short List.

First, my wild guess is while Jensen's scene stealing talent improves the episode he's in, it's not the same as having screen presence to create a story, which is a must for lead actors to carry a show. For example, Jared's two-minute screentime in "The End" was not scene stealing, he became Lucifer for the sake of the story and left a memorable impact on the viewers' impression.

Think of every time spin-offs were created to capitalize on the scene stealers’ popularity, only for the scene stealers “special-ness” to evaporate into the ether when they have to carry the show by themselves.  Rebel Wilson had her own tv show called Super Fun Night. but it failed because fans expected to see the whacky side kick persona, but instead got a Rebel Wilson playing a normal woman who is sometimes socially awkward.

Second, Jensen has a bit of a branding problem.  If an actor doesn't understand what their brand is, then how do you expect casting directors to see it as well?  

Actors make the mistake of trying to please every customer by changing who they are and not understanding that getting hired starts with choosing a brand for themselves and sticking to it.  Say you own an Italian restaurant and I come in and say, “Oh, gosh! You know what? I want Mexican food.” And then you say, Okay, we’re cooking Mexican food now.”   This is what a lot of actors do.

I used to joke that Jensen was like an active from the show The Dollhouse. Actives are neutral human husks until they're downloaded a personality to carry out a specific mission.  You don't know what the true nature of an active unless you're willing to watch several episodes to look for clue crumbs to their innate personalities.  

I tell young aspiring actors on how to discover their brand by pretending to write a profile for an online dating site.  People usually don't write descriptive sentences but use adjectives: funny, athletic, intense, quirky, great smile, etc.  To help them along, ask their trusted friends and family members to make a list of 5 qualities that pop into their heads.  Then use the impression that appear over and over again because now you know that is you, your essence.

Too many times actors wait for an agent or manager to show up and tell them who they are. Or they ask me, “what do you think I am?". Actors have to decide for themselves and figure out their acting “singularity”  -- that exclusive combination of attitudes and behaviors that make them an original even when they're typecasted. Some people describe Jensen as a version of Dean-lite, but that doesn't make Jensen an original then.

Third, Jensen is not a natural born-leader. Most of us aren't, but like acting, you can constantly work on the craft. Leaders are supposed to protect their team, but Jensen was still soft-bashing Jessica Alba twenty years later. I don't care if Jessicca was a bitch, a real man is not supposed to betray a woman’s confidence. He can still talk about the difficulties of working with Jessica while respecting the position she was in and up against. In contrast, Jared immediately defended his female co-stars when it was popular to dunk of them: the Olsen twins, Paris Hilton, and Snookie.

[hollowtones]

I've been dying to try making new food but I'm usually too paranoid to go outside of my comfort zone of Mexican or Italian, what's something you'd suggest to someone that would be a gateway to making other types of food?

Do you like "beans with a bunch of spices / other seasonings on 'em" kind of meals. Mexican & Italian both got meals like this. Put a can of chickpeas in a pan with some oil and some garlic, add whatever spices you like that you're familiar with, and fry 'em until they're golden and a little crisp on the outside. I like to eat it with rice or flatbread, and a simple salad, and sometimes a bit of feta or cotija or similar texture cheese. If you eat this and think "oh that's good" go look up & try chana masala. Then open your world to other Indian food and / or other curries.

There's a decent amount of overlap between Italian and Greek flavour profiles and ingredients.

You probably already like pasta or rice dishes. Good news: there's noodle and rice dishes all over the world. (Spaghetti's usually cooked to a different level of doneness than other noodles in other dishes, so the texture's not going to be exactly one-to-one here, but it's still an awesome wet long bread.) You don't even gotta make anything complex. Fried rice can be as simple as "day-or-two old white rice, an egg, soy sauce, and whatever veggies I have lying around".

Sometimes just forcing yourself out of your comfort zone at a restaurant is the move. Go to a place you don't normally go or get a thing you don't normally get. And then if you like it you can look into how to make it yourself, or try to look up things similar to it.

There's a million other things you can do, and these aren't the End All Be All of how to make and eat food (frankly that'd just be "make and eat food"), but I could be here all day and throw too many ideas out and it'd probably be overwhelming. So here's a few. Maybe they work out for you or maybe they don't. I wish you success in finding other cool meals to try all the same.

[thealogie]

happy new year's, dying to know your top LA restaurants of the year

Happy new year and thank you SO much for this question Maddie. I’ve been training for this one the whole year

-northern Thai food club (also shows up as amphai northern Thai food on Google sometimes). This place has like 4 tables total, very cheap and serves the best Thai street food I’ve had outside of Thailand.

-saffy’s (fun but lowkey) and bavel (slightly more trendy and definitely more expensive) are sister restaurants by the same husband and wife pair serving some creative but authentic twists on middle eastern food. I had some of the best kebab of my life at saffy's and as a middle eastern person i don't say that lightly

-sonoratown: everyone in LA knows this casual mexican spot but it truly lives up to the hype. do not do takeout, these tacos/carmelos/burritos must be enjoyed hot at the source

-gjusta: classic deli food but make it a california brunch spot.

-girl & goat: just a classic california brunch spot

-my two fave special occasion/splurge spots ive been to are republique (classic french) and osteria mozza (classic italian)

[starthelostboys]

tlb characters’ favorite meals:

michael: scrambled eggs with bacon and hash browns. michael is definitely a breakfast food fan, and this is his favorite breakfast meal. he prefers to make it himself, so he can cook the bacon the way he likes or put hot sauce on the eggs, but if he’s ever at a breakfast restaurant he’ll always order this there.

star: broccoli and cheddar soup. i don’t think star had a good relationship with her parents at all (in fact i hc that she ran away from home at 18) but her dad used to make this for her on special occasions and she’s never been able to find something that replaces it as her favorite food. every once and a while she’ll feel horribly homesick and get some of the campbell’s canned broccoli and cheddar soup.

david: tuna salad sandwich. he eats this like twice a month and when he does it’s the gross sandwiches that come in vending machines or the refrigerated shelf at gas stations. he truly and genuinely thinks it’s the best and most satisfying meal in the world will usually eat it alongside a can of diet coke.

dwayne: a reuben with salt and vinegar chips. he’s very picky when it comes to this specific thing. the bread on the sandwich can’t be toasted and the potato chips have to be kettle cooked or he isn’t satisfied. he hasn’t eaten this in years because there’s no restaurants in santa carla or the surrounding area that meet his high standards.

marko: bbq burger. specifically the one at a restaurant just outside of santa carla that closed down in the mid 1970s. he mourns the lose every day and has never found a bbq burger that hits quite the same.

paul: lasagna. his all time favorite is the one at this italian place in the town where he grew up, but he’s happy with any and all types of lasgna, including the shitty frozen meal ones.

laddie: spaghettios with hot dogs cut up in it. most of what he eats is fast food or from whatever quick service restaurants are on the boardwalk, so it’s not like he gets a lot of home cooked meals and he sees this as a sometimes treat that star or one of the boys will make for him every once in a while.

sam: grilled chicken tacos. he takes his tacos with cilantro and sour cream only, and as little spice as possible because he can’t handle it at all. he hasn’t eaten this at all since moving to santa carla cause his favorite version of it is at a mexican restaurant that the emersons used to go to semi regularly when they lived in arizona. if he ate any different chicken tacos it would just make him a little homesick and sad he can’t have the ones he likes.

edgar: blueberry pancakes with a side of onion rings. edgar seems like a diner food kind of guy to me (i haven’t forgotten the scene in the thirst where he and zoe get pancakes together), and he’s definitely a creature of habit so this is what he always orders. he refuses to put any sort of syrup on the pancakes and never gets any breakfast sides to go with them, it’s only ever onion rings.

alan: peanut butter and banana sandwich. i think that he and edgar were kind of left to their own devices a lot growing up (and it’s only gotten worse now that they’re teenagers), so they had to make their own meals and peanut butter and banana sandwiches are something they’d eat multiple times a week when they were kids. no matter how often he eats them he never gets tired of them.

lucy: chicken and dumplings. she makes this at least once a month, and every time michael or sam have ever gotten sick she makes it for them. she still uses her mom’s recipe from when she was a kid.

[druidx]

Her Countenance was Light - Chapter 27

CW: Alcohol, Past trauma. Notes: For the incident Elo is remembering, see this story on AO3.AO3 ; Chapters: 01. 10. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Tag list (ask for +/-): @aquadestinyswriting, @hannah-heartstrings, @jacqueswriteblrlibrary, @babyblueetbaemonster @mr-orion

Elo knocks on the door and pushes it open. "Hey, Brek!" "Hi, Bug," Farren calls from the kitchen. Elo kicks her shoes off and shucks her coat, indicating that Storri do the same. Then she points to the end of the living room, speaking over her shoulder to the ubiquitous black suit who's followed them in, "Window's over there." Farren's condo is modest – a bedroom, a bathroom, and the living room separated from the kitchen only by a breakfast bar and the trellis where the coats go. But the picture window gives a gorgeous view of the city, and it's just him so it doesn't need to be big or fancy. And anyway, Elo likes it because it's cosy. "Man, something smells good," Elo says as she comes around the trellis screen. "What's for dinner?" "Monday didn't give me your message until late, so it's kinda cobbled–" Farren's voice cuts off as he looks up to see King Storri standing next to her. Storri sheepishly puts two bottles of wine, a white and a red, on the breakfast bar. "Good evening, Detective." Farren turns down the hob burner and, in a strangled voice, says, "Bug. A word?" He gives her no option as he catches her arm and hustles her towards the bedroom.

"Yes?" she asks. "When you said you were bringing company, I thought you meant one of your brothers, not the fucking King of Iceland!" "You wanted to have dinner. I'm supposed to be showing him the city. What else was I gonna do with him?" Farren scrunches his eyes closed and gives an exasperated huff. "It would have been nice to know. I could've made something fancy." "He doesn't care." "Bug–" "Listen," Elo takes his hands and speaks low and rapid. "As long as you don't give him food poisoning, it doesn't matter. He's not here for fancy. He can have fancy any time he wants. He's after different. Unique. You know, the first night he was here, he asked me to take him to the Scholar. Not exactly haute couture." Farren frowns. "That's clothes." Elo waves a hand. "Whatever, you know what I mean. We went to this proper restaurant for lunch, and he barely touched his food. At the Scholar, he inhaled two plates of those shitty barbeque wings. I promise – whatever you're making, he will devour it like a starved man. And, y'know, he wants to meet you." "What, why? What did I do?" Elo gives a nonplussed shake of her head. "You're important to me. I was important to Auntie 'Lex, and Alexis was important to him. He's just following the chain, I guess." "Pardon me, Detective Beakwood," Storri calls, "but your onions are starting to burn." "Fuck," Farren hisses.

They leave the bedroom to see Storri stirring the pan lifted away from the heat. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I've got it," Farren says, hustling over, and Storri retreats from the kitchen with a gruff nod. Elo rolls her eyes and goes to the fridge. "What beer does anyone want? We've got Crap, Rubbish and Dear Gods Why Do You Drink This Stuff?" "You are a philistine," Farren says, adding something to the pan. "Give me a Dear Gods." Storri chuckles from where he's leaning against the breakfast bar. "I'll take a Rubbish." "Lousy choice," Elo says, grinning, as she selects a bottle for herself. She pops the caps and passes the bottles as requested. "So what is for dinner?" she asks. "I need to know which wine to open." "The red. I'm thinking of calling it Conquistadors's Revenge. A bolognese meat sauce with Mexican spice because I didn't have any Italian herbs. Corn, black-eyed peas, water chestnuts and bean sprouts, with wild rice." "Conquistadors are Spanish, Brek," Elo says as she struggles to open the bottle. Storri gently takes it from her and finishes the job, adding, "I don't believe bean sprouts are traditionally associated with either cuisine." Farren shrugs from where he's cooking. "I made do with what I had. We only serve unique experiences here at Chez Breakwood." Farren turns and winks at Storri, whose eyes dance with delight, and Elo feels some knot of worry leave her.

Farren breaks away from his cooking to retrieve the wine. "Huh, this looks fancier than normal. Thanks, Bug," he says as he carries it back to the hob and proceeds to splash a good measure into the food. "What are you doing?" the King asks, horrified. "Beef mince is always better with a dash of what you're drinking." "Uh, it's not the usual plonk-de-plonk I get. His Nibs bought it," Elo says. "Don't ask how much it cost." Farren looks again at the bottle and places it down against the splashguard where it can warm up. Elo sees his Adam's apple bob. "Right." Storri looks away from the kitchen then, casting his eye around the small room. "Detective Breakwood, do you mind if I…" he gestures to the room. "Go ahead. And, y'know, this is gonna be a long evening if we stick to formalities. Call me Farren." Storri looks back and tilts his head thoughtfully. "Very well. For this one night only, you may address me as Storri." The two men share a look that Elo doesn't understand. "Alright," Farren says. Storri gives another of his gruff nods and begins to wander Farren's living room.

It's not a large room, but Farren has filled it with things that Elo thinks are quintessentially him. A big forest green sofa dominates the space, in front of a chunky TV which sits against one wall on a console decorated with a kid's craft projects. On the wall to one side of the TV, there's a series of family pictures featuring a woman and a girl, and on the other is a movie poster for some pulp horror flick. Behind the sofa is a low sideboard filled with trophies, and on the wall above hangs a fight poster, Micky Stanford vs Kaleb Cain. The sideboard contains a few books, and next to it is an armchair of that same forest green with a standard lamp glowing behind it. Elo is in the process of setting the table when Storri asks, "Do you wrestle?" "Boxing," Farren corrects. "An interesting sport. Though perhaps not unsurprising for someone in your career to take up?" Elo freezes, a bundle of cutlery and napkins in her hands. The pot burbles in the sudden silence. From where she stands at the end of the breakfast bar, Elo watches Farren turn down the burner and reach for his baccy pouch. "I didn't get much of a choice," Farren says. He leans back against the other counter so he can see Storri and starts to roll himself a cigarette. "I'd done some fight training. Enough that when higher-ups came looking, everyone pointed at me. They needed someone to go undercover, see. They told me this guy called Ragmar was running cage matches, using them to launder money. They didn't have the proof, so I went and got it for 'em. But it meant I had to get real good at kicking the shit of the other guy. Ragmar, he coached me himself. Said he saw my potential. So boxing became my bag." "You must have been extremely adept to have accumulated so many trophies. Though, the poster… Did you know one of these men?" Elo's heart is hammering in her chest. Farren pauses where he's tamping the tobacco into shape and barks out a laugh. "Yeah, you could say. See, I didn't just get the proof to shut down their operation. I got myself a title too." He pulls a wry smile, lifts his hands apart. "You are looking at regional lightweight champion Micky Stanford." He goes back to rolling his cigarette. "So you know, I get myself a title and pull out of the competitive side of things. Ragmar goes away, so the money laundering stopped. But the cage fights didn't. And, I didn't need to, but I kept going back." Farren leans over to light his roll-up from the burner. "And, damned if I didn't need some help to stop." Elo grips the cutlery tighter to stop it rattling in her shaking hands. Storri says, "You speak as if it were a type of addiction." "It was, of a kind." Farren takes a deep drag of his cigarette. "I lost my family during the Greydown incident." "My condolences," Storri murmurs. "I was using the fights as a crutch." Farren is looking directly at her. "Took someone who cared, who had clarity, to make me see reason. Was almost too late, and all." Elo is viscerally thrown back in time. Hears her own voice screaming at some two-bit thug with delusions of grandeur as he digs a knife into her partner's throat. That had been a solid eight on the scale. "Got a broken rib for my trouble. But you know, I count myself lucky that was all I got." Farren takes another long drag. Storri says nothing. Elo releases the cutlery and it clatters on the counter. Over by the window, the black suit's head whips around. She holds up a hand. "Are you well, Elowyn?" Storri asks. "Just hungry," she replies. Farren stubs out his cigarette and returns to the bubbling pot. "Almost ready."

Talk over dinner is much more relaxed. With the ice rather spectacularly broken and the excellent wine, the two men act like old friends – or maybe that's just Farren's natural affability coming through. Either way, Elo contributes little. With the ubiquitous black suit here in the room, many more scattered throughout the building, and Merri in a mobile command centre somewhere below, Elo allows herself to relax into the wine's velvet embrace and forget what perils exist outside this room. They chat a little longer as the food, delicious despite its strangeness, digests. Then Elo hauls herself up and starts collecting plates. "Come on, Storri," Elo says. "You wash, and I'll dry and put away." The King blinks. "I beg your pardon?" "Farren cooked, it's only fair we wash up." "I see," Storri says, with a thoughtful frown as he rises to take the stack of plates from her. "You never had to do your own dishes?" Farren asks, lounging back. "Not even as a punishment?" "My father had specific opinions on what a young prince was and was not to do. Plus, his punishments were…" He purses his lips. "Fitted to the misbehaviour." Farren raises an eyebrow, catching Elo's eye. Elo clicks her tongue, then gins. "Well. Sixty years old and never done your own dishes. 'Bout time you learnt then." "I am not that old," he grumbles, following her.

Dishes devolve into antics, but they get done and nothing gets broken. Soon enough, they're lazing on the couch, a bucket of ice cream passed back and forth and some sport on the TV. Elo's cuddled into Farren's side. The rumble of the commentators' voices, full belly, booze, Storri's laughter and Farren's warmth have her eyes fluttering closed. Farren nudges her awake, and Elo grumbles, snuggling closer. He moves to put a hand on her forehead and checks her pulse. "Gerroff. I'm tired, not dead." "Just checking. You gonna be okay to drive home?" Elo grunts. "We came in His Nibs' ride. I'm sure if I ask nice they'll drop me home." Elo can feel the look they're giving each other over her head. "I believe Agent Ironforge would prefer that to Elowyn making her own way home. Who has been seeing to your dressings?" This last is aimed at Elo, so with a sigh, she says, "Mrs Higgins." "The Landlady," Farren clarifies for Storri's sake. "She'll be asleep by now. I've got some supplies. We can do it here." "I know how to do my own dressings," Elo says. "Where is your kit?" Storri asks, rising. "Bottom drawer next to the fridge," Farren replies. To Elo, he says, "Alright, shirt off." "And you wonder why you don't have a girlfriend," Elo says as she unbuttons her blouse. "Let's have a look at your waist then." "Don't forget about the bullet wound," Storri calls from the kitchen. Farren freezes. "What bullet wound? You didn't tell me anything about getting shot." Elo's mouth works. "I forgot." "How do you forget getting shot!" "I don't know, there was a lot going on." "You told me this was a six. Getting shot pushes that up dramatically." Elo's fists are clenched. "He had a sword, Brek! Fucking three-foot long cavalry sabre." Her shoulders are shaking. "So, excuse me for being a bit distracted!" Then Farren's arms are around her, and she's sobbing into his shirt, and he's murmuring nothings into her hair and stroking her back as her wails are muffled by his shoulder.

By the time Elo comes back to herself, the first aid supplies are neatly laid out on the end of the sofa, and the King and his black suit are nowhere to be seen. "They just stepped out to give you some privacy," Farren says to her wild head-turning. "After I've fixed you up, it's probably best you go home. Unless you want to spend the night here?" "Thanks," Elo says with a watery smile, "But my bed is comfier than your sofa." "Alright." The smile he gives her is affable enough, but there's still worry in his eyes.

So he changes the dressings, and Elo's dropped home by the King's driver. The paper bag with Snotgrut's clothes is empty, and the Dvasia is nowhere to be seen. So she tucks the revolver under her pillow and falls into an exhausted, deep, and dreamless sleep.

[fiction-justanotherstateofmind]

Here I'll write the comments as I watch the new Teen Wolf movie, so SPOILERS!!

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1) WTF! Why would you keep a evil spirit IN A RESTAURANT?! Easily accessible to anyone. And what if you open the wrong jar while cooking?!

Unbelievable.

2) All the Scott's first scene... kinda cringe

3) I'm not gonna lie, I missed the intro song 🎶

4) I've never heard Deaton speak so much (and for my Italian friends: lo vedo un po' sciupato)

5) Derek, my beautiful love! And hello, Stiles and Derek's son (called like Stiles' grandfather, Elias. iykyk)

6) Why do they talk about the Nemeton like they don't know it?

7) I love Derek as a dad. My heart is melting.

8) Parrish and Malia don't make any sense.

Update from the end of the movie. Ok, I kinda like them, but they still don't make any sense.

9) Apparently Deaton can fight now. Plus every time I see the nogitsune all I can see is this:

10) For a moment I thought I was watching the Winx... I guess some things never change. I surely didn't miss the bad special effects.

And why does everyone needs to be naked??

11) OMG!!! VICTORIAAA. This woman scares me even now

12) I've always dislike Allison, now even more: my poor poor Derek! 😭

Ok no, false alarm, but I don't change my opinion.

I really love Dad Derek btw.

13) I missed Peter and Chirs together. My other ship

14) Scott to Eli: "Find your dad". What if instead you tell him where his dad is too, since you do know Derek is at home but Eli doesn't *facepalm pt.2*

15) The parallel between Dark Allison and Scott and Dark Allison and her killing spree against my precious Erica and Boyd. YOU SEE WHY I DON'T LIKE HER?! (She didn't even say sorry for that btw)

16) The Sheriff killing Oni while sitting on the couch is on another level

17) Derek dies pt.2 (my heart can't take it anymore)

18) What?! Why, tell me why did you run against theirs swords. You literally killed yourself, Eli. *facepalm pt.3*

19) Peter, that was cringe af. And Chris wdym with 8 hours at most when we know from the show that it takes about 24h before the death?? Omg I can't with this movie

20) And now why do they care about the game? Hello, your father's going to die, Eli!!

21) Oh, she's really doing it. I didn't expect it (Allison shooting at Scott)

22) Ouch, that must hurt (Nogitsune with a new hole in the middle of his forehead)

23) I missed Chris and Peter's duo, but please give me back Peter's old hair style, this one is a death crime

24) Jackson my beautiful little lizard. I've always loved you ♡

25) How disgusting! It's like Rufus (from Kim Possible) became the Darach:

Do you se the resemblance too? Unfortunately I don't have a photo of the nogitsune unmummified.

26) The scene is kinda cheap but gods if I missed them

27) Why are Derek's eyes blue?? They were yellow again after the the Mexican fountain of youth

Update: nevermind. They reminded me that after Derek evolves his eyes go back to blue.

28) Can anyone stay dead in this city?? Harris too, come on!

29) You're giving your son TO SCOTT?? Are you serious, Derek?? It's like a big child, he can't take care of Eli. If Stiles was there, he would tell you the same (but if Stiles was there, Eli would be with his other dad -Stiles- so Scott wouldn't be even an option but I stand for my objection)

30) HIS EYES!! HIS EYES TURNED RED LIKE A TRUE ALPHA (btw, Derek, you've always been the alpha to me)

31) They've vanished. No corpse no death. And even then, we're in Beacon Hills so what is one more resurrection, right? Right??

32) SCOTT, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!! YOU'RE IN YOUR 30s, ALLISON IS STILL 16/17!

And why are you kissing anyway! Derek's dead*! (*to them, 'cause in reality Derek's alive, safe and sound. I know it)

33) Excuse me, can I see at least one tear for Derek Sourwolf Hale, please? Are y'all being serious? Scott is almost smiling!!

Also, they had a funeral for Derek but didn't invite Cora, his sisters... they didn't even tell Isaac that Allison is alive (you know, Allison, your boyfriend. I know you kinda forgot him even when you were dying but if you remember everything then Isaac is supposed to be in that everything too). They didn't even call Stiles!

35) Why does it seem that when the Sheriff was talking about the jeep he was actually talking about Stiles and Derek (or sterek as a ship/concept). No matter what, we sterek shipper will stand. Always and forever.

Final thoughts

I thought worse but at the same time it felt rush. I wanted to see more Eli and Malia bonding. Also the way the Sheriff cares about Eli it seems more like a grandfather to a grandson (if you know what I mean) but we couldn't really see that. And can we talk about Derek and Noah (John for the friends)'s partnership? Or how Derek speaks about Stiles with Noah as he's still in touch with him??

And where is Eli come from anyway?! Are we finally normalize mpreg?

Final final thoughts

I didn't like this movie. It was like a big bad Scallison fanfiction found on wattpad (ao3 is better). A lot of things were forgotten and other changed.

BUT

There's always a but (as in the Derek's "death" *wink wink*).

This movie gave us a lot of sterek material.

I'm afraid of what Jeff Davis' mind could possibly come with for another movie, probably more about Eli's past which means a mother for sure (unfortunately the world isn't ready for mpreg yet I'm afraid) and less sterek material. But at the same time I want to see Derek alive again, I want to see how they would manage with two true alpha and how Derek and Eli's relationship would evolve.

I want a lot of things to see but I'm afraid they won't give me any of them, so I can't decide either I want another movie or not.

What do you think?

[pussyluvr2000]

Little things about italy that i have loved:

> affordable produce

> healthcare more affordable (thankfully haven't had to use but very apparent during EU elections)

> cheap, GOOD wine

> always standing on some medieval landmark or looking at legitimately insane feats of art and architecture

> bones in the churches

> walkability

> fun looking trees especially umbrella pines

> very well labeled, affordable, easily-accessible gluten free food. Italy has been much better for me as a celiac when grocery shopping

> seafood is high quality and common

> lax work culture (this has its pros and cons as someone who is accustomed to american convenience, but overall i think it is a healthier way to live)

> i still think about the nonna who helped me at the rome airport when we were both tweaking about our flight to florence. My italian is very weak and her english was non-existent, but we both made it. Like any other country, I've had a mixed grab-bag of human interactions, but she was the first italian citizen i had a "conversation" with and overall gave me a good impression of everyone here.

> TRAINSSSS so many trains i love the train i love sitting on a train and looking outside

Things USA does a bit better (to me)

> higher availability of drip coffee? Lol. Italy is very espresso based. Which is certainly nice, but as a caffeine addict it often doesn't cut it.

> roads are better labeled, gridded cities (obv a result of not having medieval layout)

> in general, people are friendlier in the midwest than in europe (with the exception of nonna)

> more variety in grocery stores. With more resources I'd probably not have had this problem, but as i am only in Italy for 3 weeks i wasn't truly able to purchase spices or bulk ingredients, thus ended up eating mostly pasta variants for the better part of a month. In the US, you can have mexican, japanese, cajun, german, italian, etc all in one block generally. Bigger cities in Italy have some multicultural establishments like a few asian markets or "irish" pubs, and even mexican restaurants, but pale in comparison to whatever US immigrants are cooking up lmfaooo

> p e r s o n a l s p a c e. Due to italy being the size of California, someone is always up ya gooch. And not even on purpose. This is mostly a metro issue though and probably would have the same problem in NYC.

[xtruss]

I Lost White Friends When I Finally Spoke Out

— Leron L. Barton | Wednesday July 26, 2023

LeRon L. Barton (Pictured) tells Newsweek about the racist experiences he has had with his white friends over the years. Courtesy: LeRon L. Barton

Having friendships with different types of people is a wonderful concept. To learn, trade ideas, have great experiences, and grow with folks from all kinds of backgrounds is a goal that I have always wanted to achieve.

As someone who loves gaining knowledge and immersing myself in various customs, it's essential for me to expand my social circle. I have friends who are Black like myself, Chinese, Filipino, Mexican, Italian, Salvadoran, Irish, Indigenous, and Arab. We discuss politics, food, sports, music, traveling, film, and life. I love having a wealth of friends that will bring different perspectives in life, and that I can impart wisdom to as well.

However, race and racism have always been difficult to discuss with white people due to the possibility that they may deflect, or be in denial—which is why the subject of race has been the hardest to broach.

Remembering back as a young kid, my family did not have a lot of white friends. It is not because they didn't like them; my cousin married a white woman. It's just that in Kansas City, Missouri, our social circles did not cross.

My grandparents, mother, and father instilled a lot of Black pride in us. We were taught that everyone is the same, but also that Black is beautiful. For me, that was necessary living in a time that told you that you were the opposite.

My brother and I went to a predominately white school and mostly played with Black kids. Still, like many African-Americans, we welcomed white people and held no malice toward them.

I did not make any white friends until my junior year in high school. We all played sports together, listened to hip-hop, and ate the same food. Plenty of friend groups were integrated, including mine. We had Black, white, Asian, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Indigenous folks in our clique.

It was dope to be able to learn, build, and enjoy other cultures. However, I always noticed there was a difference in how people of color interacted with each other and how my white friends did. There was a warmth in how we hung out. My family welcomed them and vice versa.

But when it came to my white friends, I felt there was a ceiling, a stopping point. A lot of the interactions were surface-level and not deep.

I was always race conscious; being in Kansas City does that to you. It was, and continues to be, a very segregated city. Still, I would try to laugh off racist jokes I heard at work and amongst people in social situations.

I can recall during an offsite lunch event, police entered the restaurant and a coworker joked: "Oh they must be looking for you LeRon." They all laughed, and me being the only Black person at the table, brushed it off and tried to laugh along with it.

My white friends and associates would ask me things like: "Do you play basketball? Do you know anyone that sells drugs? Have you ever been in a gang?"

And they even asked if it was okay for them to say the N-word in a rap song.

These were my day-to-day interactions with white people. I am not trying to paint them all as being harmful and bad, but I have to be honest.

Things began to change for me in 2012. Trayvon Martin was murdered and there was this national conversation about race. Many people had been arguing both sides of the incident.

When I would talk to my white friends about the shooting, the protests, and the uprisings that followed, they would say things like: "What was he doing out there that late? Do we know for sure if he attacked Zimmerman? Why protest and destroy property?"

It was almost as if the rose-colored glasses I had were flung off. When unarmed Black men such as Mike Brown and Alton Sterling were killed by the police, I would see negative comments on social media from friends.

Someone that I had known for years had complained about the protests destroying their quiet neighborhood. Other folks would say "All Lives Matter" or "What about Black-on-Black crime?"

These were the same people that loved Michael Jordan, listened to Snoop Dogg, and cheered Ray Lewis as they watched the Super Bowl. It was as if they only consumed Blackness as entertainment, not as people.

Soon after, I began to write about being Black in America. I would call out racism white explicitly and highlight the inequities of police arrests and shootings, employment, health disparities, and home ownership.

Some white friends noticed my shift in tone and faded away. My televised interviews and podcast appearances became too much for some. I was known as "militant" to a few folks and angry to others.

One friend in particular could not understand why I was so mad. I explained to him it was because as a Black man, if I scare a white woman or make a white law enforcement officer nervous, that could be my life.

He then said: "I don't see you as Black, just as a man." I replied: "That is the problem, you don't want to acknowledge the issue here, racism." He and I stopped talking shortly after.

I was the cool guy when we were going drinking, clubbing, and talking about non-serious things, but when I discuss "The Talk", a conversation that Black parents have with their children on how to survive when they reach a certain age, I am too serious or divisive.

I realized the ceiling I have with many white people and have accepted it.

I've met other Black people that do not have white friends. While I do not subscribe to nor agree with that thought, I do not judge them. Being Black, or being any racialized person in a world that tells you you are less than, is hard. Having to justify your existence every day to people you are close to is even harder.

I think back to this quote I read from Stud Terkel's masterful book Race. Terkel is interviewing a young African-American man who does not have white friends. He asks the guy: "Why do you only hang out with Black people?" The young man laughs and says: "I don't have to worry about them being racist." I think about that sometimes.

Today, I have a few white friends that are "grandfathered" in. Seriously, they are people, such as one of my best friends "Frosty," that I can have serious discussions about racism and how we can change the system. New friends are "vetted."

Writing and discussing race is a very important part of my life. If I have to argue with you about why we are upset when another unarmed Black man is shot by the police, this is not going to work. If I have to explain to you why saying the "N-word" is wrong, cultural appropriation is bad, something innocuous as the slogan "Black Lives Matter" is a positive thing, or why Malcolm X is my personal hero, then this friendship will not work out. I am not teaching "Intro to Blackness 101."

Some reading this may say: "Well LeRon, what if people don't know? We have to teach them."

To that, I say no.

I believe that Black people live in a country that constantly tries to strangle every bit of self-respect, pride, individuality, love, and life out of them. It is an everyday challenge for us to maintain our mental health.

I ask white people who are well-meaning to practice self-reflection. Interrogate your racist blind spots. Educate yourselves. Fight against the system that oppresses us and others.

Black people do not have enough time in the day to survive and help you become not racist. Being a friend is about accountability and work.

— LeRon L. Barton is a Writer, Author, and Speaker.